NORFOLK, Va.(April 28,2026)– LEFT: ASailorgreetsfamily
April 28,2026,following an
Operations
Wells greets hisdaughterupon the
operations, and providedforeign
Asymbol of sacrifice: Honoring our Gold Star families this May
Eachyear,welosehundredsofmilitary memberstocombat,illness,accidents,and suicide.In2025 alone,theNavylost196 activedutySailors,leaving behind lovedoneswho now carrythe title ofaGold Starfamily PageA7
CourtesyStory COMMANDER,U.S. 2ND FLEET
NORFOLK,Va.—First-in-classSanAntonio-classamphibioustransportdockshipUSSSanAntonio(LPD17)returned toitshomeportinNorfolk,Virginia,April28,2026,aftereight andahalfmonthsatseasupportingtheIwoJimaAmphibious ReadyGroup(IWOARG)andthe22ndMarineExpeditionaryUnit(MEU)-SpecialOperationsCapable(SOC)mission intheU.S.4thFleetareaofoperations
SanAntonio,alongsideUSSIwoJima(LHD7)andUSS Fort Lauderdale(LPD 28), departedonAug.14, 2025.The three ships makeupthe IWO ARGand were amongthe firstexpeditionarynavalassetscalledtosupportOperation
SouthernSpear
WhileonmissionintheCaribbean,SanAntonio’sSailors andMarines worked seamlessly to supportnational-level tasking with joint services and navalassetsinthe region to accomplishDepartmentofWar-directedoperationsandthe President’s priorities, which included Enhanced Counter NarcoticsOperationsdesignedtoprotectthehomeland
“TheperformanceofourNavy-MarineCorpsteamduring OperationSouthernSpearwasnothingshortofexceptional,” saidCapt.TomUhl,SanAntonio’scommandingofficer
“Our deployment to the4th Fleet area of responsibility requiredimmensefocus,andIstandcontinuallyimpressed by this crew’s dedication to themission,”said Uhl. “From the momentweleftthe pier,they leveragedtheir rigorous
pre-deployment training to flawlessly execute enhanced counter-narcoticsoperationsandseamlesslyadapttoevery contingencytheyfacedintheregion.
While in theater,San Antonio’sSailors and Marines supportedtheU.S.SouthernCommandmission,Department ofWar-directedoperations,andthePresident’sprioritiesto disruptillicitdrugtraffickingandprotectthehomeland.The ship’sintegratedteamofSailorsandMarinesstoodreadyas thebackbone of support forMarines conductingembassy reinforcementintheregion.Theshipalsoexecutedcontingencyoperationsintheregion,includingdisasterresponse effortsinJamaicafromOct.31toNov.13,2025,intheafter-
Courtesy Story NAVALFACILITIESENGINEERING SYSTEMS COMMAND MID-ATLANTIC
NORFOLK,Va. —Capt. DeanAllen relieved Capt.RyanCareyascommandingofficerofNaval FacilitiesEngineeringSystemsCommandMid-Atlantic (NAVFACMIDLANT), May8,during a Change of Command ceremony heldatNaval StationNorfolk’sVistaPoint.
Rear Adm. JorgeCuadros, Commander, NAVFAC Atlantic,servedasthe presidingofficer and guestspeaker,joined by family,friends,and colleagues of both incoming and outgoingleadership
“Mychargetoyouissimple:leadthiscommand inthinking,actingandoperatingdifferently,which is the only waywewill continue to be relevant in meeting theFleetand Marine Corps mission, CuadrostoldAllenbeforeheassumedcommand.
“You areagifted leader, andyou have my utmost respect,trust,andconfidence.Thisisapivotaltime tocommandintheNavyandinNAVFAC.Ourorganization has changed tremendously over the last year,andmorechangesareahead.”
Cuadros also spokeabout keyareas that are needed to ensure future success in shorefacilities’growth.
“Our leaders,and the warfighters we support, need us to be better.Theyneed us tofocus on our construction,engineering,andcontractingmission whileinnovatingtodeliverthefacilitiesandengineeringsolutionsoursupportedcommandersneed, whentheyneedthem,”hesaid.“Thatistheessence of our Acceleration and Affordability Campaign
(April28, 2026)– ViceAdm.Doug
COMMANDER,U.S.
NORFOLK,Va. —U.S.and Canadian maritime leadership fromCommander, U.S. Second Fleet (C2F), Commander,U.S CoastGuardAtlanticArea, (LANTAREA), MaritimeForcesAtlantic&JointTaskForce Atlantic (RCN MCC and JTF-A COM), and FleetandMaritimeSecurityCanadianCoast Guard(CCG)convenedtoadvancetheAtlanticMaritimeSecurityCoalition(AMSC).The coalition, formerly known as the Tri-Party StaffTalks(TPST),bringstogetherkeymaritime forces to enhance collaboration and ensureinteroperabilitybetween U.S. and Canadianforces
AMSC is an enduring security partnershipbetweentheU.S.Navy,U.S.CoastGuard, RoyalCanadian Navy and the Canadian CoastGuard(CCG).Therecentdiscussions centered on joint operations, intelligence sharing,anddefensestrategy,withaprimary focus on the growing importance of Arctic operations.The name change to AMSC reflects the fully integrated natureofthe fourservicesinthisvitalsecurityeffortwith therecentadditionoftheCCGasastafftalks member
“OurparticipationintheAtlanticMaritime SecurityCoalitionreaffirmstheironcladpartnershipbetweenU.S.andCanadianmaritime forces,”saidAdm.DougPerry,Commander, U.S.2ndFleet.“Together,wearepreparedto protectNorthAmericaninterestsandaddress futuresecurity challenges in the dynamic environmentsoftheAtlanticandArctic.”
“AMSCenhancesourjointcapabilitiesas weconfrontemergingchallenges,including
math of Hurricane Melissa. SanAntonio’s Sailors and Marines partnered with Joint Task Force(JTF) Bravotoprovide foreign humanitarian assistancetothose greatly affectedbythehurricane
“The destruction wrought by Hurricane Melissawas devastating to see,” said Uhl.“Having justpulledinto St.Croix fora resupply opportunity,wequickly got back underwayinlessthan24hoursandmadebest speed toward Jamaica.” `A whole-of-force effort, SanAntonio’s Sailorsand Marines tookthe lead in the mission to provide— by sea,air,andland—water,food,supplies,and assistanceinto highly affected areas where damage prevented the logistical flow of aid. The careful mission planning aboardSan Antonio, in concert withJTF Bravoand the 22ndMEU(SOC),enabledmissionsuccess.
Using organic ARG-MEU air assets,San Antonio’screwenableditsembarkedMarines
NORFOLK, Va.(April 28,2026)– Vice Adm. Doug Perry,commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, alongside U.S. CoastGuard, RoyalCanadianNavy, andRoyal CanadianCoast Guardleaders signamaritime securityagreement during the AtlanticMaritimeSecurity Coalition (AMSC) final planning conferenceatVista PointonNaval Station Norfolk, April 28,2026. AMSCisanenduring partnership betweenU.S. 2ndFleet,U.S. CoastGuardAtlantic Area Canadian Joint Task ForceAtlantic, andthe Canadian CoastGuard focusedonenhancing collaboration and interoperabilityinthe North Atlanticand Arctic. (U.S.NAVYPHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST2ND CLASS DEREKCOLE)
the protection of vital undersea infrastructureandrisingglobalcompetition,”saidVice AdmiralJo-AnnF.Burdian,Commander,U.S CoastGuardAtlanticArea.“Bytrainingand operating as acohesiveforce,wesafeguard oursharedmaritimeenvironmentandensure itremainssafe,secure,andopen.”
AMSC enhancesthe U.S. andCanadian jointcapabilitiestosecuretheirsharedmaritimeenvironment.Throughexercisesunder
from the22ndMEU (SOC) to airlift aidand personnel directlyintoJamaica to augment JTF-Bravo’songoingefforts
“Byquickly surging to respond to this mission, ourSailors and Marines provided abeacon of hopefor thepeople whose lives wereupturnedbythestorm,”Uhlsaid.“Iam extremelyproud of this integrated team for meeting ourtasking head on to provideaid toourneighborsinneed.”
Centraltomostdeployments,SanAntonio alsomadeseveralportcalls,amongthemSt Croix,U.S.VirginIslands,St.KittsandNevis, andPonce,PuertoRico.SailorsandMarines participated in severaloutreachprojects acrossthecommunitywhileinport.
CommunityserviceprojectsareacornerstoneofeverydeploymentandallowSailors and Marines to connect with and giveback tothecommunity,whilefosteringvitalrelationshipswithpartnersandalliesacrossthe worldasambassadorsoftheUnitedStates
WhileinSt.KittsandNevis,SanAntonio’s Sailors and Marines had aunique opportunitytomeetwith leaders from the Carib-
theAMSCumbrella,suchasFrontierSentinel and Operation NANOOK,the forcesrefine joint responses to awide range of maritime contingencies,fromhumanitarianassistance tocooperativedefense.Theseexercisestest the ability of thecommands and tactical assets to work together, identify andsolve interoperability challenges,and operate in extremeArcticconditions
“TheAtlanticMaritimeSecurityCoalition
beanCommunityandengagewiththePrime MinisterofSt.KittsandNevis,Dr.Terrance Drew.ThevisithighlightedthestrongdiplomatictiesbetweenSt.KittsandNevisandthe UnitedStatesofAmerica
During the deployment, SanAntonio traveled nearly 49,000 nautical miles and conductedroughly453hoursofflightoperations. Thisdeploymentprovedthe wide rangeofcapabilities and flexibilitythatthe U.S.Navy-Marine Corpsteamprovidesthe Nation’sleaders
“Formorethan20years,USSSanAntonio has deployedacrossthe globeinsupport of U.S. strategicinterests,servingasa symbol of freedomand 250years of American sea power,”Uhlsaid.
WhileinportinNorfolk,thewarshipwill performpreviouslyplannedmaintenanceand preservation work to preparefor follow-on tasking.San Antonio’sSailors and Marines will also have the chance to reunite with familyduringthisin-portperiod.
“Themostimportant, keyenabler in the resilience andefficacy of ourforce is with-
is apartnershipofequals, built on mutual trustandrespectforsovereignty,”saidRAdm JoséeKurtz, Commander, Maritime Forces Atlantic &Joint Task ForceAtlantic. “By joining forces,our navies and coastguards enhance their joint capabilitytosecureour shared maritime interests,strengthening theenduring security partnership between CanadaandtheUnitedStates.”
“The Canadian CoastGuard’sintegrationinto AMSC reflects ourcollective commitmenttoa comprehensiveapproach to maritimesecurity,” saidMr. Neil O’Rourke,DirectorGeneral,Fleet andMaritime ServiceswithCanadianCoastGuard.“Weare proudtoworkalongsideourU.S.andCanadian ArmedForces partners to ensurethe safetyandsecurityoftheAtlanticandArctic regions.”
AMSCimprovesthecollectivereadinessof allfourservices,ensuringforcesareprepared torespondseamlesslytoemergingchallenges andprotectsharedinterestsacrosstheAtlantic
U.S. 2nd Fleet, reestablished in 2018 in response to thechanging global security environment, developsand employs maritime ready forces to fightacross multiple domains in the Atlanticand Arctic in order toensureaccess,deteraggressionanddefend U.S.,allied,andpartnerinterests.
FormoreU.S.2ndFleetnewsandphotos visit facebook.com/US2ndFleet, https:// www.c2f.usff.navy.mil/, X-@US2ndFleet, andhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/ commander-u-s-2nd-fleet.
outadoubttheNavyandMarineCorpsfamilieswho support us on thehomefront,”said Uhl. “Theyare our strongestmotivation to getthroughthehardestdays,andourgreatest sourceofexcitementtoreturnhome.”
NORFOLK Va.–The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS SanAntonio Returns to NavalStation Norfolk, Virginia, April 28,2026 (U.S. NAVYPHOTO BYMASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS DEREKCOLE)
By Lashawn Sykes
NORFOLK, Va Military Sealift CommandAtlantic(MSCAtlantic)welcomed a new leader today as U.S. Navy Capt ElizabethA.NelsontookcommandfromU.S.Navy Capt.JamesA.(Jamie)Murdockatachange of command ceremony held at Vista Point, NavalStationNorfolk,May1.
The ceremony presided over by MSC Commander Rear Adm. Benjamin R. Nicholson, maintained the tradition of ensuring seamlesscontinuityofleadership TheadmiralcommendedMurdockonanoutstanding tenure, highlighting his expertise in supervising a fleet of more than five dozen MSC vessels,rangingfromCombatLogisticsForce (CLF)shipstostrategicsealift. Murdockhasservedascommodoresince April2023 Underhiscommand,hedisplayed exceptionalleadershipandtacticalexcellence as the Immediate Superior in Command of 60MSCshipsontheEastCoast,overseeinga forcewhosecombinedtonnagerankedasthe second largest Navy in the world. As LogisticsTaskGroupCommanderforTaskForce 80,heoptimizedfleetreadinessduringcriticalcivilianmarinershortages DuringOperationSouthernSpear(OSS),heservedasTask Force Commander for U.S. Fourth Fleet, establishingnewlogisticsinfrastructureand directing six combat logistics force ships to ensure continuous, reliable replenishment atsea.Murdockexpertlydirectedextensive cargooperations,facilitatingthemovement of21.3millionsquarefeetofstrategicsealift cargo, 905 million pounds of ordnance, and two billion gallons of fuel, while providing pivotalsupportforthedeliveryofequipment toUkraineandmajorfleetexercises
Additionally Murdockistobecommended forhisexceptionalleadershipofourstaff,said MSC Atlantic Deputy Director Robert C. Jackson.“Bymentoringnewhiresandgiving hisbest,Murdockfosteredahigh-trustenvironment, acting as a leader everyone could counton.Hewillbesorelymissed.
After27yearsoffaithfulservicetotheU.S. Navy Murdock is saying goodbye to active duty to enjoy a well-deserved retirement. In this next season of life, he looks forward to spending more time with family and friends.Fairwindsandfollowingseas,Capt Murdock! Nelson assumes command with an ideal mix of skills to maximize MSC ships’ operationalreadiness:experttechnicalmanagement (Reactor Officer), tactical command
experience(LSD44),andstrategicplanning capability (Joint Staff J-5) She is uniquely qualifiedtoleada60-shipforceinproviding critical,unifiedlogisticssupportatsea.
ThepassingofleadershipisaformaltraditiondatingbacktotheAmericanRevolution.
Today is no different as we welcome Capt Nelson to the team, Jackson said. “She’s the right person to build on Capt. Murdock’s legacyanddriveourteamtonewheights.”
MSCAtlanticexecutestacticaloradministrativecontrolforallMSCshipsintheWesternAtlanticOceanandGulfofAmericaand in both the Southern Atlantic and Eastern PacificoceanssurroundingCentralandSouth
UponrelievingMurdock,Nelsonthanked him, noting that he is leaving behind big shoestofill.“Ipromisetoleadwiththesame commitment you have shown. Throughout theyears Ihavebeeninspiredbygreatleaders to serve my Nation and the Sailors who dedicatetheirblood,sweat,andtearstosuch service.Iamexcitedtobeabletoleadthisfine organization on the next adventure. I hope to inspire some of you to continue to serve aswell.
America. The command is responsible for developingschedulesandprovidingallCLFs, servicesupport,expeditionaryfasttransport, and special mission ships for Commanders Task Force 80 and 40 as well as strategic sealift ships for Combatant Commanders Additionally,MSCAtlantic/CTG80.3deploys CLFsupporttoU.S.5thand6thFleetsasindependentdeployersorindirectsupportforall carrierstrikegroupsdeployingfromCTF80 For more information about MSC, visit: https://sealiftcommand.com
By Telly B. Myles SUPERVISOR OF SHIPBUILDING NEWPORT NEWS
NEWPORTNEWS Va TheDepartment ofWar’stransitiontoafullyelectronicrecords management system is a strict compliance requirementfromtheNationalArchivesand Records Administration (NARA). But for SharonHicks aWorkforceDevelopmentand ManagementAnalystatSupervisorofShipbuilding, Newport News (SUPSHIPNN), it represents much more than a mandate It is acriticalstrategicadvantage.
“The ‘Paperless Pursuit’ ensures that our warfighters and decision-makers have instant, secure access to mission-critical information across the enterprise,” Hicks explained.
Hickspointedoutthatmanyemployeesare alltoofamiliarwiththefrustrationofdigging through mountains of folders for a specific routingslip orperformingthetedious“printsign-scan” dance just to get a signature on a PDF While NARA has mandated that all Federal agencies transition to electronic records,Hicksbelievestherealvictoryisfor thedailyworkforce Digitalfilesareinstantlysearchable,easier tosharesecurelyacrosstheIL5network,and savemassiveamountsofphysicalofficespace.
“Youcan’thit‘Ctrl+F’onafilingcabinet,” Hicks noted. “Paper gets lost, coffee gets spilled on it, and you can’t easily track who has looked at it. By shifting to a ‘born-digital’ mindset, we make our data work for us ensuringthatyouhavetherightinformation exactlywhenyouneedit,withoutthepaper cuts.”
Recognizing that old habits die hard, Hicks advises personnel to start by tweakingafeweverydayroutines First,sheurges the workforce to skip the printer entirely If a document originates on a computer she recommends keeping it there by using a Common Access Card (CAC) to digitally sign PDFs and routing them via email or SharePoint.
For those prone to printing “just in case” backupsfortheirdeskdrawers,Hicksrecommendstrustingthecommand’sapprovedIL5 shareddrives,whichareregularlybackedup, secure,andaccessiblefromanywhere When scanning legacy physical files is absolutely necessary,sheremindsuserstoutilizetheir scanner’s Optical Character Recognition (OCR) setting to ensure the resulting text is searchablelater Lastly,shepleadswithstaff tostopprintingemailsandtemporarymeet-
ingagendas,advisingthemtosimplyreadon theirscreensandsavetheink.
Addressing the “paper hoarders” in the office thosewhosedesksresemblerecycling centers fortified by walls of manila folders from2021,Hicksofferstargeteddigitalcures forcommonjustifications.
Forthe“ServerDoomsdayPrepper”who prints emails in case the network crashes Hicksemphasizestrustingthecloud,pointing out that physical binders are far more likely tobelost,spilledon,oraccidentallyshredded than enterprise-grade servers To the “Fake InkSkeptic”whofeelsdigitalsignatureslack
authority,HicksclarifiesthatCACsignatures are legally binding, fully NARA-compliant, and inherently more secure because they digitally track who signed a document and exactlywhen.
Hicks also encourages a “GRS Purge” for those holding onto “To-Read Towers” of obsoletepolicybriefs SheremindstheworkforcethatNARA’sGeneralRecordsSchedule (GRS) dictates the destruction of transitory drafts, freeing employees from the guilt of tossing old papers in the shredder Finally for personnel maintaining a “Frankenstein Drawer”thatmixesmissionlogswithlunch
By Thomas Kreidel NAVSUP FLC NORFOLK
Naval Supply Systems Command
(NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC)
Norfolk recently updated supply ordering procedures for its Navy Food Management Team (NFMT), marking the first success of “The Forge,” a new initiative designed to solicitandimplementemployeeideas
Capt.KellyHouse,FLCNorfolkcommandingofficer,describedTheForgeasanexternal “Shark Tank.” “It’s a platform that gives ourpeople theonesdoingtheworkevery day adirectlinetoleadershiptopitchand executeideasthatmakeusfaster,smarterand moreefficient,”Housesaid.
ThefirstForgeprojectimplementedcame from Dyamante Williams a purchase card holderintheBusinessSupportDepartment. Williams is responsible for purchasing the foodusedbytheNFMTtoprovidehands-on trainingforfleetculinaryspecialiststhroughouttheyear
Sheexplainedthattheprocesswasmanual and time-consuming, with card holders required to go to the commissary in person anddotheshoppingforeachorder,aprocess thatcouldtakehours
Herideawassimple:replacethein-person shoppingbyusingtheDefenseCommissary Agency’sdigitalplatform.
“I got the idea during a commissary run
While checking out, the cashier handed me asmallflyerthatmentionedonlineordering was now available,” Williams explained. “It ledmetoconsiderhowwecouldleveragethat existingoptiontostreamlinethepurchasing process and reduce the need for time-consuming in-persontrips.” Williamssaidthenewmethodhasbeena successsinceitsinceptioninMarch.
“Itreducestimeawayfromprimaryduties, improvesefficiencyandincreasescapacity allwithoutrequiringadditionalresourcesor policychanges,”shesaid.ChiefWarrantOfficerAleithiaCastro,NFMTdirector,agreed.
“Theshifttoanonlinecommissaryordering process has significantly improved efficiency, saving approximately one to two hours per shopping trip for NFMT seminars,” said Castro “By eliminating the need forin-storeselectionandreducingcoordination with the credit card holder for a shoppingtrip,theteamnowonlyneedstopickup pre-filledorders,streamliningoperationsand freeinguptimeforothermissionpriorities.”
House says he looks forward to future innovative ideas from the workforce The goalistoimplementcommercialefficiencies andprocessesintothecommand’soperations supportingthefleet.
“’The Forge’ isn’t a ‘feel-good’ initiative;
menus, Hicks warns that storing mixed physical records makes audits a nightmare. Digitizing these files allows for the instant separationofControlledUnclassifiedInformation(CUI)frompersonalitems Ultimately,thetransitiontoamodern,digitalworkspacerequiresashiftinperspective. “Letting go of paper is a trust exercise,” Hickssaid.“Thenexttimeyoureachforthe print button, take a deep breath, save it, and stepawayfromtheprinter.”
it drives hard metrics that deliver tangible results across the command,” he added “Theseareemployee-generatedwinsthatare directinvestmentstoimproveoperationsfor theworkforce.”
Plan, and why we will maximize our use of all available authorities and strategies to achieve speed of delivery Dean, you are the right leader to take command today, and to followonRyan’sefforts.”
Returning to the Commonwealth of Virginia for the fourth time in his naval career, Allen brings more than 25 years of distinguished service, technical expertise, andleadershipexperiencetothecommand. Hesharedwithgueststhattheworkforcehas alwaysbeenwhatdrawshimbacktothearea.
“Yourtalent,yourworkethic,yourprofessionalism,yourcommitmenttothemission, to the outcome and to each other that’s whatbringsmehereagain, hesaid,emphasizinghewillrequireandempowertheteam to speed up project delivery across military construction and centrally managed programs,butnotedtherapidlyshiftingstrategiesandbusinesspracticesmaybechallengingastheyadapttomeettheexpectationsof theNavy MarineCorps andotherpartners “I will lead you through this it will be my greatesthonor.”
Allen asked the workforce to embrace oneguidingprinciple:thatthemostimportantthingtheycanaccomplish whetherin routine or demanding circumstances is “enabling warfighters with the infrastructuretheywillneedtomorrow anythingelse issecondarytothatpriority.”
“NAVFAC MIDLANT, I am grateful to commandwhatIalreadyknowisanextraordinary team,” he said “I look forward to
leading you, watching you succeed, and performing the critical work that only you candofortheNavyandMarineCorpsteam. IpledgethatIwillalwaysgiveyoumybest itisanhonortoservealongsideyou.”
AllenwascommissionedatOfficerCandidate School in Pensacola, Florida, and is an alumnus of Arizona State University in Tempe Arizona HeholdsaMasterofBusiness Administration from the Naval Postgraduate School, and a Master of Science in Finance from Georgetown University He alsocompletedtheExecutiveDevelopment Program at The Wharton School and the StrategicLeadersProgramattheRossSchool ofBusiness
His expeditionary tours include: Seabee Engineer Reconnaissance Team Officerin-Charge and Assistant Operations Officer, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4; Aide to the Commander, First NavalConstructionDivision;ResidentOfficer-in-Charge of Construction (ROICC) Al Anbar Province, Army Corps of Engineers; Operations Officer, NMCB 133; CommandingOfficer,NMCB11;andCommander,30th NavalConstructionRegiment.
His shore assignments include: Disaster PreparednessOfficer,NavalSupportActivity Bahrain;ROICCVicenza,Italy;PublicWorks Officer,CommanderFleetActivitiesSasebo, Japan; Shore Readiness Budget Analyst, OfficeoftheAssistantSecretaryoftheNavy; andOperationsOfficer,NavalFacilitiesEngineeringSystemsCommandMid-Atlantic;and Commanding Officer, Naval Facilities EngineeringandExpeditionaryWarfareCenter
During Carey’s tenure as commanding officer, his exemplary leadership and stra-
tegic vision guided personnel in delivering world-classfacilitiessupportacross17Navy and Marine Corps installations He oversaw more than $6.1B in facilities, design, and construction services, steered the command through unprecedented organizational change, and drove record execution in support of critical quality-of-service programs
Additionally,Carey’seffortsstrengthened shorereadiness,advancedkeymodernization initiatives, including support to the Columbia-classdeliveryandshipyardrevitalization, andbalancedregionalprioritieswithastrong commitmenttoresiliencyandenvironmental stewardship His professionalism, initiative,anddevotiontodutybroughtgreatcredit upon himself and upheld the highest traditionsoftheU.S.navalservice
He received the Legion of Merit from Cuadros for his exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as commanding officer of NAVFAC MIDLANTfromAugust2024throughMay 2026
Careyreflectedontheaccomplishmentsof his NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic team noting the extraordinaryscaleandimpactoftheirwork overthepast21months
“It is impossible to sum up my journey with you in only a few minutes,” Carey said.
“When it comes to scale, you responded to more than 150,000 service calls, performed 134,000maintenanceactions,awarded$3.8 billioninconstructionandservicecontracts andyouwithourindustrypartners delivered872qualityfacilitiestoSailors,Marines, andtheirfamilies,representing$1.67billion ofwork-in-place.”
He said the figures alone do not capture thefullmeasureoftheteam’scontribution.
“Thosenumbers,thoughimpressive,don’t capture the marvel that you are each and every division, directorate, and field office workingtogether deliveringoutcomes anticipating problems, and solving almost all of them before anyone even notices,” he said. “Morethan3,400civilianandmilitaryteammatesworkingtogethertodeliver without manyaccoladesandwithoftundeservedcriticism long hours, late nights, in the rain, snow,andextremeheat.Intheplacesandat thetimeswherenooneelsewantstobe you are needed, and you show up, every time dayinanddayout.”
Carey will next report to Navy Region Mid-Atlantic,wherehewillserveastheN4 DirectorofFacilitiesandEnvironmental.
NAVFACMIDLANTservesastheNavy’s premier shore facilities and base operating support engineering systems command, delivering lifecycle and acquisition solutions aligned to Fleet and Marine Corps prioritiesacrossabroadareaofresponsibility fromSouthCarolinatoMaine,extending west to Illinois and south to Indiana Guidedbyitsmissiontoprovidethesesolutions in direct support of operational readiness, the command remains committed to itscorepurposeofensuringqualityfacilities and dependable shore support for Sailors Marines,andtheirfamilies. ForadditionalinformationaboutNAVFAC MIDLANTonsocialmedia followouractivities on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ navfacmidatlantic and on Instagram @ navfacmidatlantic.
ByJoshua Rodriguez
NAVAL INFORMATION FORCES
SUFFOLK,Va NavalInformationForces (NAVIFOR)recognizedtheNavy’stopInformationWarfare(IW)Sailorsduringthefiscal year2025TypeCommander(TYCOM)Sailor of the Year ceremony, held Friday, May 8, at theSuffolkFederalComplex,HallofHeroes
Theannualeventcelebratesthesustained superior performance, leadership and dedication of the top First-Class Petty Officers across the global Information Warfare domain.Candidatesareevaluatedonarigorous set of criteria, including operational impact, command climate contributions andtechnicalexpertise
Vice Adm. Mike Vernazza, Commander, NAVIFOR, served as the guest speaker for theevent,highlightingthecriticalrolethese SailorsplayintheNavy’sstrategicmission.
“Itisanabsoluteprivilegetobeheretoday torecognizesixphenomenalFirst-ClassPetty Officers who embody the very best of our Information Warfare Force. From Fleets, to traininggroups,toweatherandintelligence centers,youhaveprovenyourselvesnotjust as technical experts, but as transformative leaders. I am incredibly proud of what they haveaccomplished,andIamhonoredtoserve alongside you.” said Vernazza. “ Whether youareaCryptologicTechniciandelivering effectsincyberspace,anIntelligenceSpecialist providing adversary insight, an Aerographer’sMateforecastingthebattlespace,ora yeomanwhoseworkiscriticaltooperational readiness—you are the ones delivering that edge Youarethewarriorswhoenabledecision advantage, provide battlespace awareness, assured command and control, and deliverintegratedfires Youaretheoneswho ensurevictoryinanenvironmentwherethe Information Warfare fight precedes every otheraction.”
Thisyear’scompetitionfeaturedsixexceptional finalists, divided into Sea and Shore components, representing the very best of thecommandsthattheyserve.
The2025NAVIFORShoreSailorofthe Year finalists are: Yeoman 1st Class (IW/ SW)TailorHayes,U.S.FleetCyberCommand /U.S.TENTHFleetAerographer’sMate1st Class(IW/AW/EXW)JoshuaGonzalez,Fleet WeatherCenterNorfolk,DetachmentWashington, D.C. Intelligence Specialist 1st Class (IW/SW/AW) Andrew Picard, Naval InformationWarfareTrainingGroup-Norfolk
The 2025 NAVIFOR Sea Sailor of the Year finalists are: Intelligence Specialist 1st Class (IW/EXW/SW/AW) Andromeda Aravena Commander, Naval Information WarfareTrainingGroup-DetachmentWashington,D.C.CryptologicTechnician-Collection 1st Class (IW/SW/AW) Teresha Baker, NavyInformationOperationsDetachmentNIODGrotonIntelligenceSpecialist1stClass (IW/EXW) Hillary Powell, Brooks Center for Maritime Intelligence - Office of Naval Intelligence NAVIFORForceMasterChiefAugustine
C. Cooper spent the week leading up to the ceremony mentoring the candidates, overseeingthefinalselectionboards,andparticipatinginheritageeventsacrosstheHampton Roadsarea
“The journey to this stage is a testament toyourrelentlesspursuitofexcellence,your innovativespirit,andyourdeepcommitment toourcorevalues,”saidCooper
“When I look at these finalists I see the trailblazers who are guiding our Information Warfare domain today—from seabed to space I see the leaders who will guide us throughthechallengesoftomorrow,whowill innovateandadapt,andwhowillcontinually sharpenourwarfightingedge.”
The Sailors selected as the TYCOM Sea andShoreSailorsoftheYearwillgoontobe meritoriouslyadvancedtoChiefPettyOfficer AlthoughallsixSailorswereexceptional, only two could be named TYCOM Sea and ShoreSailorsoftheYear CryptologicTechnician-Collection1st Class(IW/SW/AW)TereshaBaker,Navy Information Operations Detachment -
NIODGroton,wasnamedthe2025NAVIFORSeaSailoroftheYear
“This award means my Sailors gave their all. My leadership helped develop me so I couldbethebestformyjuniorSailorsandmy peers,”saidBaker.“Weallmakeadifference, andweallstrivetobethebestwecanbe.”
Baker also thanked her family and command
“I want to thank my husband, my family myNIOC-Grotondetachmentfamilyandmy mentor,theyarethereasonIamheretoday,” shesaid.
Intelligence Specialist 1st Class (IW/ SW/AW)AndrewPicard,NavalInformation Warfare Training Group - Norfolk, wasnamedtheShoreSailoroftheYear
“It’s the culmination of ten years of hard workandatestamenttothemission.Itshows thevitalroleNIWTGplaysfortheFleetand the Force,” said Picard. “I wouldn’t have gottenherewithoutthesupportofmyleadershipandmySailorshardwork.”
Picard also gave a special thanks to those thathelpedhimtoearnSOYhonors
“First and foremost, I want to thank my wife, Christan, and my daughter, Arwen, fortheirunwaveringsupport.Ialsowantto express my gratitude to the NIWTG Triad, the N32 shop, and my mentor, ISC Jesica Murphy, along with everyone else who has had an impact on my career along the way” hesaid.
TheNavy’sSailoroftheYearprogramisa time-honoredtraditionestablishedin1972by then-Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Elmo Zumwalt and Master Chief Petty Officer of theNavyJohnWhittet.Itrecognizessuperior performancebyindividualSailorswhobest embodytheNavyCoreValues NAVIFOR’smissionistogenerate,directly andthroughourcommands,agileandtechnicallysuperiormanned,trained,equipped, and certified combat-ready Information WarfareforcestoensureourNavywilldecisivelyDETER,COMPETE,andWIN Follow NAVIFOR on Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/NavalInformationForces Or visit our public webpage: https:// www.navifor.usff.navy.mil
PORTSMOUTH, Va As operational requirements continue to expand across theFleetandjointforce theNavyMedicine Enterprise is facing an increasing need for medicallogisticsofficersaccordingtoCmdr RannieGibson,assistantspecialtyleaderfor Navy medical logisticians and assigned to Naval Medical Forces Atlantic’s N4 Directorate,duringthe2026NavyMedicineLogisticsSymposium,May6,2026
“Medical logisticians are the operational link between medicine and maneuver,” Gibson said during her presentation. “Your work ensures that when something goes wrong, care is already within reach not delayedorunavailable.”
The purpose of the symposium was to help synchronize Navy Medicine logistics efforts to ensure operational medical units are properly equipped, sustained and ready tosupporttheNavy’sglobalmission.During thesymposium,leadersemphasizedthecritical role medical logisticians play in distributedmaritimeoperationsandexpeditionary medicine Currently,NavyMedicinehasmoremedical logistics billets than available personnel tofillthem.ThisreflectstheNavy’sincreasingoperationalfocusandtheexpandingrole medicallogisticiansplayacrossmultipleenvironments
Because of this Gibson’s presentation focused career development opportunities, operationalassignmentsandinitiativesaimed atmodernizingthemedicallogisticscommunity Shealsoexplainedthattoday’smedical logisticians are expected to operate across multipleenvironments
“Our role is evolving,” she said. “Historically,ourfocuswasmilitarytreatmentfacilities Now we are increasingly involved in operational logistics planning expeditionarysupportandjointlogisticsintegration.
Examples shared during the symposium included medical logisticians supporting Expeditionary Medical Units aboard expeditionaryfasttransportplatforms,integrating logisticssupportwithMarineCorpsmedical operations and testing drone delivery capabilitiesformedicalsuppliesduringexercises. Gibson also highlighted the community’s growing involvement in operational logisticsplanningandjointmedicalsustainment efforts Tomeetthisgrowingdemand,NavyMedicine is seeking applicants for the Medical
ServiceCorpsfromboththeactive-dutyand civiliansectors Enlistedsailorsmaypursue commissions through the Medical Service Corps In-service Procurement Program, while active-duty officers in other communitiesmayapplyforlateraltransfersorredesignation. Qualifiedcivilianswithdegreesinhealthcare administration, supply chain management, or business are also eligible for direct commission opportunities Interested personnelcanfindspecificrequirementsand board deadlines through command career counselorsortheNavyMedicalServiceCorps portal. Toprepareforfutureassignments,Gibson
encouraged current officers to pursue advanced courses such as the Advanced ExpeditionaryLogisticsOperationsCourse, Joint Logistics Course and Joint Special OperationsMedicalLogisticsCourse “AsNavyMedicinemodernizesnewcapabilities, we must ensure we are investing in andmodernizingtheNavy’smedicallogisticians,” Gibson said “Every medical expeditionrequireslogisticsleaderswhocanreact quicklyindifferentsituations.” Gibson concluded by highlighting recent milestones across the medical logistics community, including the creation of new billets, increased participation in operational logistics training programs and the
promotion of officers throughout the force Shenotedthecommunityisalsoworkingto modernizecareerdevelopmentpathwaysand curriculum updates to better align training withoperationaldemands
“Be comfortable being uncomfortable,” Gibson said as she addressed medical logisticians “Remainflexible,remainconnected
By Destiny Sibert COMMANDER NAVY INSTALLATIONS COMMAND
Every day, service members make selfless sacrifices to defend our country, and their families stand proudly alongsidethem.Asanation,wethankthemfor theirservice butoursupportmustnotend whentheirservicedoes
Eachyear,welosehundredsofmilitary members to combat, illness, accidents, and suicide In 2025 alone, the Navy lost 196 active-duty Sailors leaving behind loved ones who now carry the title of a GoldStarfamily
MORE THAN A DAY OF REMEMBRANCE
While Memorial Day is a vital day of remembrance,theNavyGoldStarprogram dedicatestheentiremonthofMaytoGold Star Awareness The program works to educateourcommunitiesonwhatitmeans tobeaGoldStarSurvivor
Throughoutthemonth,itoffersopportunities for these families to connect, share their stories, and participate in events that pay tribute to their fallen heroes It’s a chance to build a network of support with others who understand theiruniquejourney
HOWYOU CAN SHOWYOUR SUPPORT
While no gesture can repay the debt we owe our fallen heroes we can recognizetheirservicebyhelpingtheirfamilies preservetheirmemories
Acknowledge the Pin: When you see someone wearing the Gold Star or Next-of-KinLapelPin,understandthatit represents an immeasurable sacrifice A simple, respectful acknowledgment can meantheworld.
Honor Their Legacy: Behind every pin is a story of a fallen service member and a strong Survivor carrying on their memory Let’s ensure those legacies are neverforgotten.
Let’sworktogethertohonortheservice ofthefallenbysupportingthefamilieswho carrytheirlightforward.
The Navy Gold Star Program is the official Navy program providing longterm support, resources, and community to surviving families of sailors who died while on active duty, regardless of locationormannerofdeath.Itoffersdedicated coordinatorsforpersonalizedassistance benefitscounseling,andoutreachtohonor thememoryofthefallenservicemember For more information, visit: http://www navygoldstar.comorhttp://www.facebook. com/navygoldstarorcall1-888-509-8759
WASHINGTON Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) has announced the winners of the 2025 InstallationNavySecurityForce(NSF)oftheYear awards,recognizingthetopinstallationsecuritydepartments
The awards program honors the security departments that have demonstrated the highest levels of operational excellence, professionalreadiness,anddedicationtothe missionofprotectingNavypersonnel,assets, andinstallationsworldwide
“In today’s complex global security environment,thecollectiveskillandvigilanceof ourinstallationsecurityteamsaremorecriticalthanever,”saidCapt.ChrisBreckenridge, CNIC’s director of force protection “The security departments at these award-winning installations have demonstrated an unmatched ability to innovate and execute the force protection mission at the highest level,directlycontributingtothesecurityand operationalreadinessofthefleet.”
Theselectionprocessisahighlycompetitiveevaluationofthesecuritydepartment’s overall performance including anti-terrorism programs, training, and overall mission execution.Theseniorenlistedleaderforthe programhighlightedthedepartmentalexpertiserequiredforthisrecognition.
“Winning Installation NSF of the Year is aboutsuperiorteamwork,whichisthefoundation for building and executing advanced technicalexpertise,”saidCommandMaster Chief Marc Jones, senior enlisted leader of CNIC’s force protection department “This award celebrates every single Sailor in the department their long hours on watch, their commitment to rigorous training and their ability to come together as a seamless unit to defend the installation. It’s their combined skill and dedication that makes a teamworthyofthisrecognition.”
THE 2025 INSTALLATION NAVY SECURITY FORCE OFTHE YEAR
AWARDEES ARE:
LargeInstallation:NavalStation GuantanamoBay
SmallInstallation:NavalSupportActivity SoudaBay
THE RUNNERS-UPARE:
Runner-Up,LargeInstallation:NavalAir StationWhidbeyIsland
Runner-Up,SmallInstallation:NavalAir StationWhitingField
Commander,NavyInstallationsCommand isresponsibleforworldwideU.S.NavyShore installation management, designing and developingintegratedsolutionsforsustainmentanddevelopmentofNavyshoreinfrastructure as well as quality of life programs CNIC oversees 10 Navy regions 70 installations,andmorethan48,600employeeswho are focused on warfighting and manning, training,
By Petty
cer 2nd Class Imani Navebloodsaw NAVY EXPEDITIONARY COMBAT COMMAND
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va The Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) andNavyExpeditionaryCombatCommand
Pacific (NECCPAC) concluded the 2025 Sailor of the Year competition with an awards ceremony recognizing the force’s topperformersattheDrexlerManorConferenceCenteraboardJointExpeditionaryBase LittleCreek-FortStory,April24,2026
Construction Electrician 1st Class ClaudiaMendez,IntelligenceSpecialist1stClass Grant Thomas and Engineman 1st Class Edgar Ardon were named the 2025 NECC Sea, Shore and Reserve Sailors of the Year, respectively, earning the distinction among acompetitivefieldofnomineesfromacross theNavyExpeditionaryCombatForce.
“Today is about recognizing Sailor of the Year,andthat’snotjustanotheraward,”said Rear Adm. Brad Andros, commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command “This program exists to identify the very best of ourenlistedforce-Sailorswhoconsistently perform at a high level, who led their peers andwhosetthestandardforwhatrightlooks likeacrossthecommand.”
NECC’s Force Master Chief Eric Neal
praisedtheSailorsandthosewhosupported themthroughouttheprocess
“CongratulationstoourSailoroftheYear winners and those who made it to the top level of the competition,” said Neal. “This isn’t about one board or one moment, it’s abouthowtheyperformeverydayinaforce that doesn’t have extra time or extra layers They’veearnedtrustthroughprovenexecutionandaccountability That’swhatsetsthem apart Theysetthestandardacrossthisforce.”
Mendez, NECC’s Sea Sailor of the Year, is a native of West Palm Beach Florida and is assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3. She is responsible for installing maintaining and repairing electrical power distribution systems, supportingexpeditionaryconstructionprojectsand ensuring safe and reliable power for facilities and operations in both homeport and deployedenvironments
“I’m grateful to be here with Navy Expeditionary Combat Command and the Navy ExpeditionaryCombatForce,”saidMendez.
“I’m grateful for all the Sailors, the families, thesupport,theleadershipandthementorship Eachandeveryoneofyou,past,present andfuture,madethispossible.”
TheNECCShoreSailoroftheYearemphasizedthecollectiveeffortsbehindtherecognition. Intelligence Specialist First Class Grant Thomas, a native of Atlanta, serves
astheLeadingIntelligencePettyOfficerfor Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training and EvaluationUnit(EODTEU)1. “It’sahugehonorandprivilegetoreceive this award,” said Grant “It represents the hardworkofmyleadershipandjuniorSailorsoverthepastyear It’sagroupeffortthat reflects their contributions more than just myown.
Ardon,anativeofSylmarCalifornia,highlightedtheimportanceofeffortandself-developmentamongSailorsandwasselectedas NECC’sReserveSailoroftheYear Assigned to Maritime Expeditionary Security Group (MESG)1,ArdonservesasLeadingPettyOfficer responsible for supervising the maintenance, repair, and safe operation of diesel engines, propulsion systems, and auxiliary machinery supporting maritime security craft. He leads a team of junior Sailors in conductingpreventiveandcorrectivemaintenance,ensuringallequipmentmeetsoperationalreadinessstandardsforexpeditionary missions
“Always work hard and put in the effort - your leadership will recognize you,” said Ardon.“Don’teverdoubtyourself,andifyou needhelp,askforit.Youcan’tdoeverything onyourown.”
The annual Sailor of the Year program recognizes Sailors who demonstrate superiorperformance,leadershipanddedication
tomissionaccomplishment,settingthestandardforexcellenceacrosstheNavyExpeditionaryCombatForce.
TheSOYprogramwasestablishedin1972 by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Elmo Zumwalt and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy John Whittet to recognize an individual Sailor who best represented the ever-growinggroupofdedicatedprofessional Sailorsateachcommandandultimatelythe Navy When the program began, only the AtlanticandPacificFleetSailorswererecognized.Within10years,theSOYprogramwas expandedtoincludetheshoreestablishment andNavyReserve.
NECC is the Navy’s single functional commandfor20,000active-dutyandreserve expeditionary forces, and is the central management for the readiness, resources, manning, training and equipping of those entities
ThecommandenablesNavyExpeditionaryCombatForcestoexecutecombat,combat supportandcombatservicesupportmissions across the full spectrum of naval, joint, and combined operations allowing access from theseaandfreedomofactionthroughoutthe littoralsandinlandoperatingenvironments Formoreinformationvisithttps://www.necc. usff.navy.mil/
COMMAND Navy Exchange Service Command has once again been recognized as a 5 Star EmployerbyVetsIndexes.Theawardrecognizes NEXCOM’s strong commitment to recruiting,hiring,retaining,developingand supporting veterans and the military-connectedcommunity
“Thismarksthesecondconsecutiveyear NEXCOM has been selected as a 5 Star Employer,” said Tonia Morgan, Director of Talent Acquisition at NEXCOM. “It means even more as it comes after one of the most challenging recruiting environments we’ve ever faced My team leaned in by launching the SkillBridge program, hosting in-person events and continuing to build meaningful connections with the military community.
This 5 Star Employer recognition is a direct reflectionofallthathardwork.” Nearly half of NEXCOM’s global workforceof13,000associateshaveamilitaryaffiliation Veteransandtheirfamilymemberscan befoundacrossallsixofNEXCOM’sbusiness lines whichincluderetail,services uniforms hospitalityandtelecommunications VetsIndexesanalyzesemployers’policies, practicesandoutcomesindetailinfivecate-
gories: Veteranjobcandidaterecruitingand hiring Veteranemployeedevelopmentand retention
Veteran-inclusivepoliciesandculture SupportformembersoftheNational GuardandReserves Militaryspouse/familysupport
The Team at NMRLCDetachment Fort Detrick traveled to Norfolk to collaboratedirectlywithMilitary SealiftCommand (MSC) medical subject matterexperts.Together,the team reviewed andoptimized over1,000 medical line itemsfor MSC(grey hull ships)shipboard medicaldepartments. Pictured from left to right: SteveDavis (MSC), Samantha Gray (MSC), SteveIto (DHA), LEUTJosephineHancock (Royal Australian Navy), HM1 KatlynSchrecengost(NMRLCDet FD), A.J. Mabile (MSC), HM1Emmanuel Dei(NMRLCDet FD), HM2 Juan Dada (SFIDC EPF Crew 3),AlexCopa(NMRLC DetFD) (PHOTO BYJULIUSEVANS)
CourtesyStory NAVALMEDICAL READINESS LOGISTICS COMMAND,WILLIAMSBURG, VA
The Military Sealift Command (MSC) servesasthevitallifelineoftheU.S.Navy.By deliveringessentialfuel,provisions,andlogistical support, MSC ensuresthat combatant shipsremainforward-deployedandmissionreadyacrosstheglobe
At the core of this relentless operational tempo arethe civilian mariners,dedicated professionals whoact as true force multipliers.Because theirability to sustain thefleet directlydictatestheNavy’soverallreadiness, ensuringtheirhealthandmedicalpreparednesswhileatseaisaparamountpriority
To support this critical workforce,our team recently traveled to Norfolk, Virginia to conducta comprehensiveAuthorized MedicalAllowanceList(AMAL)review.The AMAL serves as the foundational blueprint
forshipboardmedicaldepartments,dictating theexactpharmaceuticals,medicalsupplies, andequipmentrequiredtotreatpersonnelin isolated,underwayenvironments Collaborative Optimization with Subject Matter Experts Operating amedical departmentaboardanMSCvesselpresentsunique challengesthatdifferfromtraditionalshorebasedmilitarytreatmentfacilities.Toensure the new AMAL accurately reflectedthese operationalrealities,ourteamworkeddirectly alongsidemedicalsubjectmatterexpertsfrom MSC,DHA,andNMRLC.Together,thejoint teammeticulouslyexaminedover1,000individualline items.Every piece of equipment andconsumablemedicalsupplywasevaluated foritsutility,lifecycle,andnecessityintreating thecivilianmarinerpopulation Driving Readiness ThroughLogistical Efficiency The primary goalofany AMAL review is to ensure thatmedical providers haveexactlywhattheyneedtosavelivesand
maintain health. By aggressively streamlining the inventory, the joint review team identifiedoutdatedrequirementsand eliminated redundancies.Thisrigorousevaluation modernized the medical loadoutfor MSC vessels.Byright-sizing the inventory andremovingunnecessaryitems,thereview significantlyreducedtheadministrativeand storage burden on shipboard medical staff Thisoptimizationallowsmedicalprovidersto spendlesstimemanagingsuppliesandfocus entirelyonpatientcare.
TheU.S.Navycannotprojectpowerwithout the fuel and resupply provided by the Military Sealift Command, and MSC cannot executethatmissionwithouthealthycivilian mariners.ThroughthiscollaborativeAMAL reviewinNorfolk,ourteamhelpedguarantee thattheseessentialforcemultipliershavethe precise medicalsupport they need to stay in thefightandkeepthefleetready
By Ensign MiaMercer COMMANDER,NAVAL SURFACEFORCE ATLANTIC
NAVALSTATION NORFOLK,Va. —Lt.
Jonathan Shepherdwas recognized at a Commander,Naval SurfaceForce Atlantic (CNSL) awards ceremonyfor his development of LOOKOUTAI, anartificial intelligencesolutiondesignedtorevolutionizehow the surface fleet prioritizes shipboardmaintenance,April30
LargeLanguageModel(LLM)Operational ObjectiveKey-Risk Outputand Urgency Tracker Artificial Intelligence (LOOKOUT AI)streamlinesthereviewofCurrentShip’s Maintenance Projects (CSMPs)byapplying aclass-specific scoring rubric andrapidly prioritizingmaintenancejobswithintheWar DataPlatform(previouslyknownasAdvana) Shepherd’s invention wascreated in under six weeks using enterprise availabletools at no extracosttoorcontracts from the U.S. Government
“LOOKOUTAIisdesignedtoimproveour shipboardmaintenance process by making high-priority jobswithin theCSMP immediately visible and easiertomanage,”said Shepherd. “Commanders have so many responsibilities,sothistool allowsthem to easily see which jobs need moreattentionat anygiventime.”
PriortoLOOKOUTAI,maintenanceprioritization often requiredextensive manual review.This applicationisbuilt to provide acommon operating picturefor warships, supportedcommanders,andregionalmaintenancecenterstomoreefficientlyidentifyand addresscriticalmaterialrisks.Italsoreduces administrativeburdenonmaintenanceteams, allowingthemtofocuseffortsonrepairsand strategicplanning.The program currently resides at CNSL buthas thepotential to be deployedFleet-wide “LOOKOUTAIisn’t fullydeveloped yet, it’s already moreefficientand effectivethan astandardCSMPsortingprocess,”saidCapt. ToddZenner,CNSL’sSurfaceAnalyticsGroup (SAG)director.“It’s really agame-changing application.”During the ceremony,Shepherdwas awarded the Navy and Marine
Mid-Atlantic Fleet and Family SupportCenters(FFSC) programs andservices are designedtohelp youmake the mostofyour military experience, andthey’re all available to youatnocost.
NAVALSTATION
Corps Commendation Medal for his efforts
ThisrecognitionhighlightstheNavy’songoingpushtoleverageartificialintelligenceand data-driven solutionstomaintainmaritime superiority and the extraordinary talent of U.S.NavySailors “ForotherJuniorOfficersandSailorswho haveanideatosupportthefleet,thinkoutside theboxanddon’tstopatobstaclesthatpresent themselves,”Shepherdadded.“YourcontributionsandeffortsaresovaluabletotheNavy.” Shepherd,anativeofBrooklyn,NewYork, commissionedfromtheU.S.NavalAcademy in2014asaSurfaceWarfareOfficer.Heserved aboardUSS Warrior (MCM 10),USS Leyte Gulf(CG55),USSThomasHudner(DDG116) andUSS Nitze(DDG94),and obtained his
master’s degree in operations researchfrom the NavalPostgraduate School.Shepherdis currently embedded within CNSL’s SAGfor anintermediatestopbeforecontinuingtohis next billet at theOffice of theChief of Naval Operations’ AssessmentsDivision (OPNAV N81)inWashington,D.C. COMNAVSURFLANT mans,trains and equipsassignedsurfaceforcesandshoreactivities,ensuringacapableforceforconducting promptand sustained operations in support of United States national interests.The SURFLANT forceiscomposed of 77 ships and31shorecommands FormoreCOMNAVSURFLANTnewsand photos,visit Facebook.com/SURFLANT www.surflant.usff.navy.mil.
ByJennifer Goulart
NAVAL MEDICAL FORCES ATLANTIC
PORTSMOUTH, Va Navy Medicine
is modernizing expeditionary medical (EXMED)logisticstosupporttheFleetand Marine Corps in contested environments.
During the 2026 Navy Medicine Logistics Symposium, leaders focused on sustaining scalable,modularsystemsdesignedtohandle prolonged care and delayed patient movement.
“The operational environment is changing,andNavyMedicinehastomovewiththe speed,scaleandagilityoftheFleet,”saidDr MichaelMcGinnis,BureauofMedicineand Surgery(BUMED)executivedirector
“Distributed maritime operations, contested logistics and prolonged casualty care require us to think differently about howwegenerate,sustainandemployexpeditionary medical capability. What we’ve demonstrated over the last several years is that integrated, manned, trained, equipped and certified medical forces are no longer optional they are essential to warfighting readiness.”
Central to that effort is a fundamental evolution in how EXMED capabilities are designed and deployed. BUMED capability andrequirementsanalyst,Lt Cmdr Joseph Musmanno explained Navy Medicine is movingfromviewingEXMEDteamsasindividualsystemstoanintegratedframeworkof carethatspanseveryrole,frompointofinjury todefinitivetreatment.
“These are modular, scalable teams are designedtooperateacrossplatforms,andas the Fleet continues to employ them, we’re refining the equipment, manpower and designtoensuretheyperforminoperational environments,”hesaid
To sustain these modular systems, the EXMED Concept of Logistics Support (COLS) aligns supply chains and distribution directly with operational requirements AccordingtoCol.KristoferHagman, deputy director of logistics for Army MedicalLogisticsCommand,medicallogisticscan nolongeroperateasaseparatesystemfrom operationalsustainment
“In a contested environment, the ability to forecast demand, standardize medical supplydataandintegratewithjointlogistics networks is what ensures medical capability reaches the warfighter at the right place andtherighttime,”Hagmansaid.“Ifwecan’t communicateourrequirementsinawaythe larger sustainment enterprise understands, weriskcreatinggapsincarewhenforcesare forwardandunderpressure.”
Byachievingthisenterprise-widevisibilityandstrengtheningoperationalflexibility, commanders will ultimately reduce their reliance on fixed medical treatment facilitiesduringcrisisorconflict
Duringthesymposium,attendeestoured the Naval Medical Readiness Logistics Command (NMRLC) in Williamsburg, Virginia,toobservehowexpeditionarymedical systems are assembled, maintained, and stagedforrapiddeployment Thetourhighlighted modular tent systems, biomedical maintenance, RFID-enabled warehouse modernization,andintegratedlogisticsoverhauls AttendeesalsoviewedthespecificpackagingandstowagemethodsforExpeditionary
ResuscitativeSurgicalSystems(ERSS),Expeditionary Resuscitative Casualty Systems (ERCS),ForwardDeployedPreventiveMedicineUnits(FDPMU),andpandemicresponse kits—demonstratinghowNMRLCimproves visibility and deployment speed for austere environments
To ensure these capabilities are ready whenneeded,NavyMedicineconductsOperationalReadinessEvaluations(OREs)totest howexpeditionaryteamsreceivecasualties, stabilizepatients conductsurgery,andcoordinatemovementacrossdistributedenvironments
“We’re not just training units we’re validating the entire medical system’s abil-
Atsea,thatcapabilitycomestolifeaboard platforms like the expeditionary fast transport USNS Point Loma (T-EPF 15). During thesymposium,attendeestouredthevessel toseefirsthandhowitbringsmedicalcapabilityclosertothepointofneed
Capt. TJ Pekin, ship master of the EPF explained,“[PointLoma’s]speed,allowsusto operateinremoteandaustereenvironments, receive casualties by air, sea or ground, and quicklymovepatientsthroughthecontinuum of care,” he said. “That mobility is critical in distributedmaritimeoperationswheretime, accessandsurvivabilitymatter.”
Beyond its speed, the vessel supports multiple patient movement pathways
wearebuildingtherightcapabilitiesforthe future fight.” To secure those capabilities, leaders emphasized that medical planning cannothappeninavacuum.
Director of Enterprise Support for the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations David Menzen emphasized, “What we want are not just medical requirements we want Fleet requirements that have medical capabilitybuiltintothem.WhentheFleetdeploys, medical capability must deploy with it. The twoareinseparable.”
Menzen noted that to compete successfully within Navy resource and acquisition priorities medical supply and sustainment processesmustbeentirelyintegratedintothe
ity to operate together under realistic operational conditions,” said Capt Kevin Bailey commanding officer, Navy Expeditionary WarfighterDevelopmentCenter Bailey explained that these evaluations increasingly combine Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force medical assets into a single training environment to strengthen joint interoperability.Recentevolutionsfeatured integratedERSS ERCS andAirForcepatient movement teams executing casualty transfers from Role 2 facilities to air evacuation platforms Ultimately,thegoalistogenerate medicallyintegratedforcesfullycertifiedand ready to perform in competition, crisis and combat.
including receiving casualties from V-22 aircraft,11-meterboats andgroundvehicles— and provides scalable spaces for embarked EXMED teams during combat operations, disasterresponse orhumanitarianassistance missions
Across symposium sessions, leaders emphasized the growing demand for integrated medical logistics to support these high-endoperations
“We need leaders at every level to think strategically,generaterequirementsandpush solutionsforward,”McGinnistoldattendees “NavyMedicineheadquartersdoesnothave all the answers We need the expertise and feedbackfromtheoperationalforcetoensure
broaderFleetlogisticsarchitecture
Ultimately the symposium reinforced a clearmessage:readinessstartslongbeforea unitdeploys Robustmedicallogisticsarecriticaltoensuringwarfightersreceivethecare theyneed,whereverthemissiontakesthem For 250 years, Navy Medicine represented by more than 44,000 highly-trained military and
By Susanne Greene NORFOLK NAVAL SHIPYARD
Just like his favorite Kansas City Chiefs quarterbackPatrickMahomes,DexterSwain, NorfolkNavalShipyard(NNSY)Code900R.2 ProductionResourcesDepartmentProductionController,useshisexperiencetostrategizeandnavigatehisteammatesofessential skilledlaborerstomissionsuccess
“My primary responsibility is to orchestratethecreationandmaintenanceofTouch LaborContracts,”saidSwain.“Youcanthink ofmeasastrategicmatchmaker,connecting our ships with the essential skilled labor requiredtokeepthemsailing.”
Swain has been at NNSY for 13 years and started as a pipefitter Over the years, he advanced to become a Nuclear Supervisor beforebeingpromotedtohiscurrentposition asProductionController
“It’s been a fantastic journey from workingwiththepipestomanagingthepersonnel pipelines,”saidSwain.
Swain is as thoughtful as he is thorough whenitcomestohelpingothers
“Swain comes to work every day with a ‘what can I improve today?’ mindset”, said C900R.2ProductionResourceManagement OfficeBranchHeadJeffreyShunk.“Heisan incredible team member that helps lift the entireteam.”Hehasclearlymadeapositive impressiononhiscoworkers
“Mr.Swaingavemeinvaluableassistance when I started here as a new employee,”
said NNSY Code
900R.1 Data Analyst Lisa Perkins “He made sure that my monitors were attached, and he took me to several appointments in the shipyard to get everythingthatIneeded.”
“Whenever I had a computer problem, Mr Swainwaswillingtoassistme,andwitha goodattitude,”saidPerkins.“Hereallyhelped mytransitionintotheshipyardgosmoothly.”
ThemostsatisfyingaspectofSwain’sjobis matchingthepeoplewiththeproject.
“Without a doubt, the most rewarding aspect is successfully supplying our Navy’s shipswiththededicatedpersonneltheyneed to maintain their schedules,” said Swain.
Just like his favorite Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Dexter Swain, Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) Code 900R.2 Production ResourcesDepartment Production Controller, uses his experience to strategize and navigate his teammates of essential skilled laborers to mission success. (PHOTO BY DANIELDEANGELIS, NORFOLKNAVAL SHIPYARD)
“There’saprofoundsenseofaccomplishment in knowing my work directly contributes to keepingourfleetmissionready.”
Swain said one challenge in his job is makingimprovementstocurrentprocedures canbequitedifficultaspeopletendtoresist change
“The greatest challenge lies in updating and improving processes that have been entrenchedforquitesometime,”saidSwain.
“It’s like trying to convince a seasoned sea captainthatanewnavigationchartis,infact, betterthantheonethey’veusedfordecades.”
Swainhasatalentedteamtohelphimforge aheadinchallengingsituationsandmaintain
momentum.
“I leverage the incredible expertise and support of my teammates in 900R, said Swain. “When you run into a locked door, you just need the right key, and my team is like a master set of keys, each one is able to unlockadifferentkindofproblem.”
His philosophy on being a successful leaderisempoweringyourpeople
“A truly effective leader is one who cultivatesanenvironmentwhereeverymember of the team or group is empowered and equipped to achieve success,” said Swain. “They are the architects of opportunity, not justthecommandersoftasks.”
Swain believes establishing clear goals is thekeytoasuccessfulcareeratNNSY
“Mapoutnotjustyourstartingpoint,but alsothefuturepositionsyouaspiretoobtain,” said Swain. “A career without a goal is like a shipwithoutarudder.
“The most impactful advice I’ve ever receivedistoconsistentlynetworkwiththe people you encounter,” added Swain. “You never know when someone you meet will become the missing piece to the puzzle of yourownsuccess.”
Swain is a big Kansas City Chiefs football fan and very confident that they will be backtowintheSuperBowlnextyearHealso enjoys educating people outside of work, to strategize and create a solid foundation for theirfamiliesandtoprepareothersforlife’s challenges.
Petty Officer 1st Class George Bell
By
CHIEF OF NAVAL PERSONNEL
ARLINGTON,Va TheNavylauncheda newUniformElectronicGiftCardProgram to ensure eligible Sailors obtain required uniform items not received upon graduatingfromRecruitTrainingCommand(RTC) beginningJune1,2024
TheprogramprovidesActiveandReserve Sailorsadirectwaytoreceiveuniformitems through Navy Exchange uniform centers withoutincurringout-of-pocketcosts.Itwas established in response to supply chain and production challenges that, in some cases, leftrecruitswithoutafullseabagwhentransferring to training commands or the Fleet.
TheDefenseFinanceandAccountingService began notifying affected Sailors through SmartDocsonApril10
“Sailors should know that the Navy will live up to its responsibility to provide them theuniformspromisedandneededtoaccomplishtheirassigneddutiesintheFleet,”said RobertB.Carroll,branchhead,OPNAVN13X. Under the new process, eligible Sailors will receive an electronic voucher loaded with fundsforthespecificuniformitemstheyare owed. The program replaces a parcel shipment process that often proved inefficient whenSailorstransferredorshipmentswere returnedbecauseofoutdatedaddresses “TheprogramprovidesanavenueforeligibleSailorstoobtainoweduniformitemsfrom
the closest Navy Exchange Uniform Center without incurring out-of-pocket costs,” Carrollsaid.
To begin the process, eligible Sailors shouldemailrtcuniforms@nexweb.organd providetheir: fullname graduatingcompanyordivision graduationdate phonenumber andpersonalemailaddress(notamilitary emailaccount)
Once a Sailor’s information is validated, NavyExchangeServiceCommandwillsend instructions on how to accept and use the e-gift card, along with a list of outstanding uniformitems
EligibleSailorsshouldactearly Thee-gift cardmustbeusedtoobtainallrequireditems before it expires at the close of business on Sept.30,2026 The funds are not transferable and must be presented by the Sailor on a cell phone along with military identification. It cannot beprintedandusedinpaperform. Sailors who already purchased missing items out of pocket should first contact the NavyUniformMattersOfficeatumo_cmc@ navy.mil with details on the items owed and receipts showing the date and cost of purchasebeforerequestingane-giftcard. Atitscore,theprogramismeanttoensure Sailorsenterthefleetwiththeuniformsthey werepromisedandneedtodothejob
By Regina Adams NAVAL
Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command(NAVFAC)Washingtonsuccessfully executed Project NEXUS on April 20, 2026,acommand-wideartificialintelligence (AI) stand-down and immersive workshop initiative. Designed to move the workforce from AI awareness to functional competence,ProjectNEXUSintegratesadvancedAI capabilitiesintodailyoperationstoenhance missionreadinessandsupportforthewarfighter
The initiative originated from the “Get Real, Get Better” framework presented at the2025NAVFACWashingtonJuniorOfficersLeadershipSymposium.Movingbeyond traditional lecture models, Project NEXUS
utilizedaspecialized“TrackStrategy,”offeringtailoredhands-ontrainingforadministrative,engineering,contracting,andleadership roles
“Personnel spend a significant amount of time on repetitive administrative tasks to accomplish their mission, said Ensign ZacharyMeyer,constructionmanageratthe Naval Research Laboratory and the Project NEXUSGovernanceandComplianceLead “Thistrainingempowersourteamtoleverage AI tools to reduce that burden, accelerating workflows and standardizing high-quality outputsacrossthecommand.”
The project aligns directly with the 2025 NAVFAC Strategic Plan, which prioritizes increasing lethality, readiness, and resilience across shore infrastructure. By leveraging authorized tools like GenAI.mil and Microsoft Flank Speed, the command aims
toreduceProcurementAdministrativeLead Time(PALT)andenhanceprojectexecution efficiency
“Every efficiency gained through AI, whetherdraftingaperformanceworkstatementorautomatingcorrespondence mustbe directly traceable to enhancing our support of the warfighter,” said Lt Ibrahim Adedeji, supervisory general engineer at the Public WorksDepartmentattheWashingtonNavy YardandtheProjectNEXUSinnovationand technicallead.
“Astheconstructionandfacilitiespowerhouse of the Navy NAVFAC and NAVFAC Washington is positioning itself at the forefront of the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry’s technological shift”, said Lt Chibuzor Oziligbo, assistant public works officer, Naval Air Station PatuxentRiverandtheProjectNEXUSoper-
ationslead.”
“Theconstructionindustryhashistorically been relatively slower to adopt technologicaltransformations,”Oziligbocontinues.“AI providesastrategicopportunitytopivotour commandtowardthefutureofengineering allowingustoconductbusinessatapacethat matchesmodernwarfarerequirements.”
Consistent with the Department of Defensepolicy,thestand-downemphasized the responsible and ethical use of AI, maintaininga“human-in-the-loop”requirement forallcriticaldecision-making Followingthe event, NAVFAC Washington plans to officially launch its AI Community of Interest (COI) to ensure continued innovation and knowledgesharingacrosstheenterprise
By Brian Jones
NAVSUP WEAPON SYSTEMS SUPPORT
NavalSupplySystemsCommandWeapon SystemsSupport(NAVSUPWSS),inpartnership with the Headquarters Marine Corps Aviation Sustainment Branch, recently hosted a three-day roundtable in Philadelphia.TheeventequippedprospectiveMarine AviationSupplyOfficers(ASOs)withcritical leadershiptoolsandoperationalinsightsfor upcoming assignments at Marine Aviation LogisticsSquadrons(MALS) Within a Marine Aircraft Group, a single assignedMALSsupportsallflyingsquadrons ontheflightline Supplyingthepartsrequired tokeeptheseaircraftoperationalisamassive undertaking,makingtheASOoneofthemost criticalbilletsforaMarineMajor “InMarineCorpsSupply,themostimpactful and key billet that you have for a Marine MajortodefineyourcareerisasanAviation
Supply Officer at a MALS,” said Maj. JenniferEdgren,NAVSUPWSSAV-8B/F-5/F-16/ TrainerIntegratedWeaponsSupportTeam Director “That’swheretherubbermeetsthe road. They are a force multiplier across the flightline.Theysupplyallthepartsrequired to get all the aircraft up on the entire flightline.”
Toensureseamlessintegrationacrossthe commandstructure,theroundtablewasnot limited solely to incoming ASOs Current sittingASOsandseniorMarineCorpssupply officersattendedtoshareactionablelessons learned.
Crucially,theeventalsoincludedsubordinatesupplyprofessionals
“We had Aviation Supply Officers, but there were also the chief warrant officers andcaptainsthatsupportthesupplyofficer,” Edgrennoted.“It’sgoodforthemtohavethe sameinformationastheirfuturedepartment headsothateveryoneisonthesamepage.”
For officers preparing to take on this immense responsibility, the opportunity to learn directly from their predecessors is invaluable Maj. Anthony Rollins, who is slated to join MALS 39 at Camp Pendleton,California emphasizedtheoperational advantageofthisdirectknowledgetransfer “FornewASOsgettingreadytotaketheir first tour, this gives you an opportunity to hear from current, sitting ASOs,” Rollins explained.“Youcangettheirperspectiveon the things they’ve done in their time, their initiatives,andtheirthoughtsgettingintothe seatversusnowexiting.”
Rollinscomparedtheroundtable’simpact toatrackandfieldrelayrace wherethegoal istopassthebatonatmaximumvelocity
“We don’t have to slow down when we get there to learn all the same lessons and pitfalls the previous ASO experienced,” he said “We start at the same speed they’re at becausethey’veshareditwithus Nowwe’re
ready,uptospeed,andcantakethebatonand runwithit.” Ultimately theNAVSUPWSSASORoundtable serves as a critical investment in the futureofMarineCorpsaviation.Byfostering mentorship sharinginstitutionalknowledge and aligning command teams before they evenarriveattheirdutystations,theMarine Corpsensuresitssupplychainsremainrobust anditsaircraftremainmission-ready NAVSUP WSS provides the U.S. Navy MarineCorps,andalliedforcestheprogram and supply support for the weapon systems that keep naval forces mission ready With locationsinNorfolk,Philadelphia,Mechanicsburg,andTucson,NAVSUPWSSmanages operationalreadinessforalmost300deployableships,92submarines,and3,700aircraft worldwide
By Coleen San Nicolas-Perez COMMANDER, NAVY INSTALLATIONS COMMAND
WASHINGTON Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) proudly announces the Calendar Year 2025 Navy FireandEmergencyServices(F&ES)Award winners, recognizing the elite responders whosecurethefoundationoffleetreadiness. Byexecutinglife-savingmedicalresponses, structural fire suppression, aircraft rescue, andhazardousmaterialcontainment,F&ES teamsensurecontinuousoperationalreadinessacrosstheNavyShoreEnterprise They securetheshoresothefleetcansafelytrain, deploy,andfight.
“Our personnel are the cornerstone of baseresilience,”saidCapt.BillLane,deputy directorofCNICoperations.“Protectingour peopleandourtacticalassetsisessentialfor projectingpowerfromtheShoreEnterprise. Thesewinnersrepresentthebestofthebest in ensuring our mission remains uninterrupted.”
Fromthistalentpool,threestandoutNavy representatives advanced to win premier honors in the broader military competitionattheDepartmentofWar(DoW)level: NavalSupportActivityAnnapolis;Katsuhiro Watanabe with Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka; and Metro San Diego, which regionalized department that encompasses NavalBaseSanDiego NavalBaseCoronado, Naval Base Point Loma, Naval Air Station NorthIsland.
BELOW IS THE COMPLETE LIST OF CY2025 TOP PERFORMERS RECOGNIZED ACROSS THE NAVY SHORE ENTERPRISE:
Small Fire Department of the Year: NavalSupportActivityAnnapolis (DoW Winner). Runner-Up: Naval Submarine BaseKingsBay.
Medium Fire Department of the Year: NavalStationMayport Runner-Up:Joint RegionMarianas
LargeFireDepartmentoftheYear:Metro SanDiegoFES(DoWWinner).Runner-Up: NavyRegionNorthwest
FirePreventionProgramoftheYear:Joint RegionMarianas Runner-Up:NavyRegion
Jose Cardenas, Naval Station Mayport. Runner-Up: Jason Kinlaw, Naval Support ActivityNaples
BEYOND THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE PASTYEAR THE NAVY HONORS THE LEGACY BUILDERS OFTHE F&ES COMMUNITYWHO HAVE DEDICATED THEIR LIVES TO THE SHORE ENTERPRISE MISSION. NAVY F&ES HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES:
RubenPerez, Fire Chief (retired), Naval AirStationCorpusChristi
Edward Stillwell, Region Fire Chief (retired),NavalDistrictWashington
David Inman Fire Chief Navy Region Southwest
William Casey, Region Fire Chief (retired),NavyRegionSoutheastFES
Kenneth Snyder, Fire Chief (retired), NavyRegionMid-AtlanticDistrict3
Jack Woodard, Region Fire Chief (deceased),NavyRegionNorthwestFES.
NAVY LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENTAWARD
RECIPIENTS: Rodolfo Gonzales, Region Fire Chief (retired),NavyRegionSoutheast
William Killen Director Navy Fire and EmergencyServices(retired),NavalFacilities EngineeringCommand
ChristopherConnelly,RegionFireChief, NavyRegionSouthwest
DanielGaumont Senior Fire Protection Specialist (retired), Commander, Navy InstallationsCommand.
Mid-AtlanticDistrict3,NavalAirStation Oceana,JointExpeditionaryBaseLittle Creek-FortStory
Military Firefighter of the Year: ABH2 (AW) Kiara Robin, Naval Station Rota. Runner-Up:ABH2(AW/SW)JoshuaAcuna, Metro San Diego Naval Auxiliary Landing FieldSanClementeIsland.
CivilianFirefighteroftheYear:Katsuhiro Watanabe, Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (DoW Winner). Runner-Up: Ahmed Dakail Naval Support Activity Bahrain.
Military Fire Officer of the Year: ABH1(AW/SW) Leaundre Johnson, Naval Support Activity Naples Runner-Up: ABH1(AW/SW) Ivan Reyna Naval Air StationWhitingField.
Civilian Fire Officer of the Year: Eric Boggess,NavalStationMayport.Runner-Up: DanielRawson(deceased),NavalAirStation Rota.
FireServiceInstructoroftheYear:Hartsel Stewart, Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay. Runner-Up:LauraArrington NavyRegion Mid-AtlanticDistrict1,NavalStationNorfolk, NavalSupportActivityHamptonRoads
EMS Provider of the Year (Navy Only): Benny Castro, Joint Region Marianas Runner-Up: Jonathan Zink, Naval Support ActivityBethesda
Fire Inspector of the Year (Navy Only): VictorKirton,NavalSubmarineBaseKings Bay. Runner-Up: John Cruz, Naval Station Rota.
Fire Chief of the Year (Navy Only):
Commander,NavyInstallationsCommand isresponsibleforworldwideU.S.NavyShore installation management, designing and developingintegratedsolutionsforsustainmentanddevelopmentofNavyshoreinfrastructure as well as quality of life programs CNIC oversees 10 Navy regions, 70 installa-
Press Release
NORFOLK, Va Summer evenings are back at the HermitageMuseum&Gardenswiththereturnofourbeloved riversideconcertseries.
We’reexcitedtoannouncethisyear’slineup,featuringan incrediblemixofregionalfavoritesandcrowd-pleasingacts thatwillkeepyoudancingallsummerlong
Enjoy drinks from our outdoor bar, grab dinner from a rotatinglineupofregionalfoodtrucks andtakeinthesunset fromourwaterfrontlawn.Bringablanketorlawnchairand settleinforoneofNorfolk’sfavoritesummertraditions Gates openat5:30pm,musicstartsat6pm.
ADMISSION:
Membersandchildrenunder10attendfree!
Purchaseticketsonline:$15(*Onlineticketsalesendfour daysbeforetheperformance.)
Payatthegate:$20
Plus,youradmissionincludesaccesstothemuseum’scurrent exhibitions!
PERMITTED ITEMS
Guestsmaybringlawnchairsandblanketsandseating
Well-behaved pets are welcome, but must be kept on a leashatalltimes
Ballsportsandgamesarenotpermittedonthegrounds
Outside food is welcome, but no outside alcohol is permitted.
Pleaseexpecttohavebagsandcoolerscheckeduponentry
PARKING
Limited accessible spots are available on site and across fromthefrontgate,identifiedwithsignage.
Publicparkingisfreeonsite,butspacesareverylimited
Guests arriving after 6 pm should expect to walk from neighborhood parking, where ample street parking is available
When parking in the neighborhood, please be sure to observeallparkingsignage,parklegally,andensurethatyour vehicleisnotblockingdrivewaysandwalkways.
Weencourageyoutobiketotheevent.
The Hermitage Museum & Gardens is located at 7637 NorthShoreRoadNorfolk,VA23505Formoreinformation call757-423-2052orvisitTheHermitageMuseum.org.
2026 MUSIC LINEUP
THURSDAY,MAY14
SEAMLESS
R&B, Soul, Classics from the 70’s-90’s FoodTrucks:J&KStyleGrill,SaltyCactus Joysicles Raindate:Thursday,May21
THURSDAY,MAY28
TheGetdown
High-energy good time music from the 757 FoodTrucks:DeutscherImbiss, FlavorSavorBBQ,KonaIce Raindate:Thursday,June4
Interview By Yiorgo
THURSDAY,JUNE18
BigTorrinft FusionGroove Funk-inspired grooves
FoodTrucks:FlippinHangry,Yolee’sGDawgs,Joysicles Raindate:Thursday,June25
THURSDAY,JULY2 TheBillMilesBand Outlaw Country FoodTrucks:CastIronCatering SolanaStreetfood,KonaIce Raindate:Thursday,July9
THURSDAY,JULY23 Berries&Pearloid Alternative Rock FoodTrucks:MainStreetShawarma, MoonTideSundries Joysicles Raindate:Thursday,July30
THURSDAY,AUGUST6
TheBandMonarch 70’s inspired classic rock FoodTrucks:DeutscherImbiss,Locotos,KonaIce Raindate:Thursday,August13
THURSDAY,AUGUST20
LastFairDeal Grateful Dead Tribute Band FoodTrucks:J&KStyleGrill,PittsburghsBest,Joysicles Raindate:Thursday,August27
Local two-time Tony® Award winner Adrienne Warren will perform at the Harrison Opera House this Saturday May 16th
By Yiorgo
Virginia Arts Festival is very proud to present the return of our very own, Chesapeake,Virginiaborn,Two-timeTony®Award winnerfor “Shuffle Along” and “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical” Adrienne Warren, thisSaturday,May16attheHarrisonOpera House Itwillbeaneveningfullofsongsfrom Broadway,popandbeyond.
Forticketsandmoreinfo gotovafest.org, or call 757-282-2822, or go in person at the VirginiaArtsFestivalBoxOfficeat440Bank StreetinNorfolk.
ManhattanDigestsaiditbest.“Perfection! Warrenistherealdealandnoimitation;she’s smokeonwheels,luminous,unbridled,and herperformancegivesgoosebumps.”
Adrienne’s incredible God given talent as a singer, actress, and dancer makes her a Triple Threat in every way. Growing up rightherein HamptonRoads,Adriennewas very active in the local theatre community, performingwiththeHurrahPlayersasAnnie in“Annie”andasDorothyin“TheWiz”and inmultipleshowsatTheGovernor’sSchool fortheArts
Adrienne moved to New York and went ontoappearonstagein“TheWiz”(Encores! City Center) and “Dreamgirls” (NAACP Theatre Award nomination - The Apollo) and made her Broadway debut in 2012 in “BringItOn:TheMusical.”
Adrienne earned a Tony nomination for her performance as ‘Gertrude Saunders/ Florence Mills’ in the Broadway production of “Shuffle Along” opposite Audra McDonald and she was also nominated for aChitaRiveraAward(formerlyFred&AdeleAstaireAward). AnothercrowningmomentinAdrienne’scareerwaswhen shemadeherCarnegieHalldebutin2017withtheNewYork Pops
Adrienne’s Tony Award-winning performance as Tina TurnerinBroadway’s“Tina:TheTinaTurnerMusical”was groundbreakingandadefiningmomentinhercareer After doing numerous workshops of the show, working together with Tina Turner herself, Adrienne went on in 2018 in London, England to originate the role of a lifetime as Tina Turner,thathasdefinedhercareersofar.
In that West End production, of “Tina: The Tina Turner
Musical”, Adrienne earned the 2019 Olivier, Evening Standard,andJoeAllenAwardnominations.Adrienne’sperformanceintheBroadwayrunofthemusicalhasbeenheralded as“extraordinary”(TheHollywoodReporter),“electrifying” (Rolling Stone) and “star-making (The New York Times). For her hard working performances, Adrienne went on to win the Tony Award and she also received a Chita Rivera nominationandtheDramaDesk,Antonyo,andOuterCriticsCircleAwards AdriennethenappearedinthehistoricalTriStarPictures epic film, “The Woman King”, inspired by true events that took place in the Kingdom of Dahomey, one of the most
powerful states in Africa in the 18th and 19th centuries. The film is directed by Gina Prince-BythewoodandalsostarsViolaDavis, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, and John Boyega. From there, Adrienne starred as Mamie Till-Mobley, who devoted her life to seeking justice for her son Emmett Till. It was a six-episode limited series for ABC entitled “Women of the Movement.” The series, created/written by Marissa Jo Cerar and produced by Jay-Z, Will Smith, and Aaron Kaplan,premieredonJanuary6,2022 In2023,shewasfeaturedonPBS’sannual “ACapitolFourth”performinganelectrifyingtributetothelateTinaTurner HerTelevisionandfilmcreditsinclude“Paws&Fury: The Legend of Hank”, “Helpsters,” “Quantico,”“BlackBox,”“BlueBloods”and“Orange istheNewBlack.”
Adrienne can currently be seen starring as‘Benny’intheHulu’sseries“BlackCake” basedonthebest-sellingbookbyCharmaine Wilkerson and as Claudia Taylor’, in the featurefilm“Rustin”streamingonNetflix. AdriennewillstarandserveasExecutive Producer on the new series, “Dreamland”, comingtoPeacock,thatexplorestheworld ofBlackWallStreet,setin1915atthelegendary African-American business district in Tulsa, Oklahoma’s segregated Greenwood community
Adrienne’svoicecanalsobeheardasthe iconicspokespersonforMaybellineCosmetics Warrenisalsoaco-founderoftheBroadwayAdvocacyCoalition(BAC),whichunites artists, experts, students, and community leaders to use storytelling and artistry to combat systemic racism: https://www.bwayadvocacycoalition.org/. BAC receivedaspecialTonyAwardin2021.
With such an iconic career so far the sky is the limit for ourlocal,internationalstarofthescreenandstage Youare guaranteedtohaveafantastictimethisSaturdayMay16that theHarrisonOperaHouseasAdrienneperformsherheart outforyou,herfamilyandfriends Don’tyoudaremissit! Yiorgoisanarts,entertainmentandsportswriter Astage,TV andmovieactor,heisalsoasportsentertainer,educator,motivational speaker writer storyteller and columnist.
Wrestling(WCW).AbdullahtheButcherwasoneofmyall timefavorites YouwrestledwithandagainstAbdullah.Can youshareanAbdullahtheButcherstory?
draws23,000-25,000thousandfans
Someofthisweekend’sspecialguestsinclude:BillyZane, Henry Thomas, Steven Webber, WWE Superstars Mick FolleyandSgtSlaughter VirginiaChampionshipWrestling and Cosplay star Benjamin Banks, Michael Rooker, Ashley Eckstein,MattLanterandsomanymore.Passesareonsale now and kids 10 and under get in free with paying adults Forticketsandinfoonallthespecialguestsandmore,goto https://www.tidewatercomicon.com/
Whatfollowsbelowareexcerptsfromoneofmyprevious interviewswiththe“HardcoreLegend”himselfandWWE HallofFamerMickFoley
Yiorgo:Wrestlingissuchaphysicalsport,didyouwrestle inhighschool?Howdidyougetintoprowrestling?
MickFoley:ItallstartedwhenIwasakid.Foronething, I liked to get reactions from people and to entertain them. Honestly IhadnoideahowphysicalitwasuntilIgotinthere andIsawhowmucheverythinghurt Second,Ihadthecouragetojointhewrestlingteamatmyschool,thesameonethat KevinJames,theactorfromtheTVshow“KingofQueens” wason.Hewrestledasaheavyweight.Hewasgreattowork with We would practice everyday for an hour in our basement.
Y:Intheearly1990s,youworkedforWorldChampionship
MF: On my wall at home growing up, I had a picture of Abdullahandwhenpeopleaskedmewhoisthatguy,Isaid he was my dad. I told it for so long that the people believed it.ItwasironicthatheandIbecamequiteaformidableteam in1991.HewasveryflatteredwhenItoldhimthatstory.He actuallyhasnarcolepsyandhecan’tdrivelongdistancesso Iwoulddrivehimeverywhere.BecauseIhadAbdullahwith me no one asked questions about receipts and we drove in thebigCadillacoftheday.WhenIgottoWWEin’96itwas theFordFiesta Lol
Y:Youhadareputationofbeingfrugalwithyourmoney, isthattrueeventoday?
MF:Insomeways yes.TothisdayItreatmyselftoaChevy Impala. I am not as frugal as legend has it, but if I can drive theworstpossiblecarIwould.Ithelpstokeepmegrounded.
Y:Why do you think you and Terry Funk bonded as well asyoudid?
MF: Oh man, I don’t know. Terry was a great teacher I mentioned this at the Cauliflower Club a few years ago but thereweresomepeoplewhowerediametricallyopposedto mywrestlingstylebuthesensedthatIreallywantedtolearn, andhadgreatrespectforthetraditionsbeforeme Terrysaw in me a kindred spirit, almost like his son. He liked the way I wrestled, of being aggressive. That by the way was really hard for me to do, to turn on that wild man, that type of a
wrestler, because I was not an aggressive person by nature Terry worked with me on that and now that I look back, I thinkIhadthatentirepackagetomakemycharacterspretty believableandIoweallthattoTerryFunk.
Y:GettingthecalltoworkinWWF/WWEiseverywrestler’s dream and goal. Can you tell us about that moment of yougettingtheactualcalltogotoWWF/WWE?
MF: When I got the call from WWF/WWE, it came as a completesurprisebecauseIdidnothavethelookofaWWF/ WWEguy WhenevermycontractwasupwithWCWIwould callthemandtherewasNEVERanyinterest.WhatIdidnot knowatthetimewasthatJimRoss(JR)waswagingabattle onmybehalftogetMr McMahon(theowneratthattime)to takeachanceonme Asamatteroffact,theMankindmask came about because Mr McMahon did not want to show my face on TV He did not think I looked like a star That drawingforthemaskwasactuallyfortheUndertaker,soMr McMahon was like, “Alright lets give him a try but we will coveruphisface”.Iwasveryopposedtotheideabutitwas mywifewhotriedtohelpmetoseethebrightside,thatthe potential was there to try something entirely new and put myownstamponit.
Y:Andtherest,astheysay,ishistory Yiorgoisanarts,entertainmentandsportswriter Astage,TV andmovieactor heisalsoasportsentertainer educator motivational speaker, writer, storyteller and columnist.
Relax on apicnic blanketand sip on asweet,cool beverage
By FeatureImpact
SOURCE: CULINARY.NET
Saltysnacksand savory sandwiches mayfill youupat your next springtime picnic, butnofamily trip to thepark is complete without asweet, refreshing drink to wash it all down. Stay cooland keep the fungoing withalightsip that showcasesthetasteoftheseason.
This PicnicCherry Limeadeis easy to make from the comfortofhomebeforebeing transported(in anon-spill container,ofcourse)tothepicnictableorblanket.Justdon’t forgetthecupsandice
FindmorerefreshingbeverageideasbyvisitingCulinary net.
PicnicCherryLimeade
Recipe adapted from “SouthernLiving”
Total time: 5minutes
Servings: 10
1jar(10ounces)wholeredmaraschinocherries,chilled
6limes,divided
1bottle(2liters)lemon-limesoda,chilled
1/2cuptartcherryjuice,chilled
Drain maraschino cherries,reserving syrup.Set whole cherriesaside
Juicefourlimestoyield1/2cupjuice;thinlysliceremaininglimes.
Inlargepitcher,stircherrysyrup,limejuice,sodaandtart cherryjuice.Addlimeslices
Transfer to container with tight-fitting lid for transport Serveovericeandgarnishwithreservedwholecherries
Theres asweet supriseinthis elevatedchicken salad
By U.S. DepartmentofAgriculture
SOURCE: USDA MY PLATE
Dont serveboring, every-daychicken saladatyournext picnicorgettogether.Elevateyourchickensaladsandwich withtheadditionofsweetpeaches&apples!
ChickenSaladwithPeaches&Apples
Yield: 2sandwiches
Prep time: 10 minutes
4sliceswholewheatbread
1/2cupchicken(diced,cooked)
1/2cuppeach(slices,drainedanddiced)
1stalkcelery(diced)
1/2cupapple(diced)
1smallonion(diced)
11/2tablespoonsmayonnaise(nonfat)
1tablespoonwalnut(chopped)
Mixtogetherthechicken,apples,peaches,celery,onion, walnuts,andmayonnaiseinasmallbowl. Spoonmixtureonto2slicesofthebread.
This tasty,colorful side dish will be the star of your picnic
By U.S. Department ofAgriculture
SOURCE:USDAMYPLATE
You’veheardthesaying“eattherainbow.”Well,thiscolorfuldishwillbringallsmilesatyourpicnic.Simplycombine avocados,corn and tomoatoes withfresh cilantroand lime tocreatethissavoryside
AvocadoandCornSalsa
Yield: 5
1largeavocados(diced)
3/4cupcorn(frozen,thawed)
1/2cuptomato(grape,quartered)
1tablespooncilantro(fresh)
2teaspoonslimejuice
1/4teaspoonsalt
Tossavocado,corn,tomatoes,cilantro,limejuice,andsalt inamediumbowl. Chillonehourandthenserve.
The bestpasta salad to round outspringpicnic spreads
By FeatureImpact
SOURCE:CULINARY.NET
Ifclearskiesandbrightsunshinehaveyoudreamingofa freshmealoutdoors,apicnicmaybejustthesolution.Rounding out your spread of sandwichesand cold refreshments doesn’thavetobeatrick—instead,treatyourselftoalight, simplesidelikethisPicnicPastaSalad.
Cookedrotiniismixedwithfreshveggies,tossedwithItaliandressingandtoppedwithcrumbledfetacheeseforazesty complementtoyourfavoritealfrescomeals VisitCulinary.nettofindmorewaystoroundoutaperfect picniclunch.
PicnicPastaSalad
Recipe adapted from “Budget Bytes”
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 8minutes
Servings: 10
1poundrotinipasta
1Englishcucumber
2bellpeppers
10ouncesgrapetomatoes
1/2redonion
2tablespoonsfreshchoppedparsley
1/4cupcrumbledfetacheese
1bottle(16ounces)Italiandressing
1/4teaspoonsalt
1/4teaspoonfreshlycrackedblackpepper
Cook pasta according to package instructions.Drain in colanderandrinsewithcoolwater;drainwell. Slicecucumberintohalf-moons,chopbellpeppers,halve tomatoes,thinlysliceredonionandchopparsley.Setvegetablesandparsleyaside.
Transferdrainedpastatolargebowl.Addchoppedvegetables,parsleyandfetacheese Pourdressingoverpastasaladandtossuntilevenlycoated. Addsaltandpepperthenrefrigerateuntilreadytoeat
By Feature Impact
SOURCE: AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
Making health-conscious decisions with your at-home menu doesn’t have to be complicated,butitdoesrequirecommitment andalittlemoreforesightatthegrocerystore. Simpleadjustmentstooveralleatingpatterns, like building your plate around produce, powerful proteins and whole grains, can encouragebetterhealth.
Nutritious meal-planning can be easy affordable and delicious and it all starts with a little balance Consider this advice from the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good initiative, nationally sponsored by the Egg Nutrition Center, to adequatelyroundoutahealthyplate.
Fill Half Your Plate with Fruits and Veggies
Loaded with nutrients, fresh produce is a perfect place to start each plate. Fill about halfyourplatewithcombinationsofbananas strawberries, blueberries, sweet potatoes, peas, carrots and more of your favorites To boost variety with each meal, look for fruit and veggie blends or step out of your usual routineandtrysomethingnew Grocerytip:Frozenfruitsandveggiesare often cheaper and just as delicious as their freshcounterparts It’sfrozenrightafterit’s picked,lockinginfreshnessforalongershelf life Justbesuretoavoidproductswithadded saltorsugar
Carve Out a Quarter of the Plate for Powerful Proteins
Healthy food isn’t just fuel It should be easyandnourishyou,too Lookforversatile solutionsthatprovideaproteinpower-uplike skinlesschickenbreast no-salt-addedbeans, low-sodiumtuna,tofuoreggs High-quality protein from foods, along with a balanced diet and regular exercise, can help support the muscles in your body. Eggsareanexample,alongwithleananimal protein and some plant-based proteins
According to the American Heart Association’sguidelines healthypeoplecaninclude uptoonewholeeggdaily,anduptosevenper week,aspartofaheart-healthydiet.Forolder adultswithnormalcholesterol,twoeggsper dayisacceptable Eggs deliver both protein and choline nutrients that help support growing brains and bodies, especially early in life In fact, many Americans don’t get enough choline, acriticalnutrientforsupportingbraindevelopment,memoryandmood.
Grocery tip: Stock up on proteins that offerbothversatilityandaffordability,helpingyoucookmultiplemealsperweekwithout putting a dent in your wallet. Eggs are a perfect example as they can be used at any meal,notjustbreakfast trytheminwraps or omelets in the morning, hard-boil them to go with a lunchtime salad or add to a frittataatdinner
Save a Corner for Whole Grains
Finally, fill that last quarter of the plate with ready-to-go whole grains, many of which provide dietary fiber that can support a healthy heart and healthy digestion.Conversely mostrefinedgrainscontain littleornofiber
Examplesofwholegrainsincludebarley, brownrice corn oatmeal,rolledorsteel-cut oats,popcorn,quinoa,sorghumandwildrice, alongwithproductslabeled“wholegrain”or “wholewheat”likebreadorpasta
Grocerytip:Lookforwholegrainsthatcan makemealtimeacinch.Corntortillas,instant oats and even popcorn can help you create nutritious plates and better-for-you snacks with the snap of your fingers Try keeping packets of pre-cooked brown rice on hand to bulk up favorite dishes or toss with leftoverstoroundoutahealthyplate VisitHeart.orgtodiscovermorenutrition guidanceforheart-healthymeals
3 Tips to Complement a Healthy, Balanced Plate
Nutrition isn’t just about what’s on your plate it’s also about what’s next to it and howmuchisonit.Pairabalancedmealwith thisadvicetohelptakehealthyeatingtothe nextlevel.
STAY HYDRATED
WATCH PORTION SIZES
If it’s not already a habit, add a glass of water to each meal. Staying hydrated helps your heart pump blood throughout the body, get rid of waste and regulate body temperature.Whilewateristhebestsource ofhydration,water-richfoodslikefruitsand vegetablescanalsoplayarole
yourmealwithafriendorpartner.
AvoideatingwhilewatchingTVoratyour computer It may be harder to control how much you’re eating if you’re not paying full attention.
people eat comes from packaged, prepared and restaurant foods due to salt added for flavoring stabilizing preservingandreducingbacterialrisk,accordingtotheAmerican HeartAssociation.
Pay attention to suggested servings from yourfavoritefoodgroups.Forexample one slice of whole-grain bread, 1/2 cup of cooked pasta and two ounces of cheese (about the size of a domino) are the suggested serving sizesforthesepopularfoods Youcanserveandeatsmallerportionsby: When cooking at home, offer the proper servingsizetoeachfamilymemberthenput extrafoodawayforleftovers Whendiningout,skipappetizersandsplit
Mindfullymeasureoutyoursnacks even fruitsandveggies intoappropriateportions before serving instead of helping yourself directlyfromthebagorbox.
LIMIT
Whilesodiumsupportsvitalfunctionslike controllingyourbody’sfluidbalance excess sodiuminyourbloodstreampullswaterinto the blood vessels, increasing the amount of bloodinsidethemandthusincreasingblood pressure. More than 70% of the sodium
Cutting back on sodium can help reduce theriseinbloodpressurethatoccursasyou age evenifyoudon’thavehighbloodpressure now.Itmayalsohelpreducetheriskofheart attack,heartfailure,kidneydiseaseandmore Try cooking more meals at home where youcancontrolsodiumintake,flavoringfoods withherbsandspicesinsteadoftablesaltand rinsingcannedbeansandvegetablestowash awayexcesssodium.
