Navy Public Affairs Command holds change of commandand retirementceremony NPAC held acombinedchangeofcommand and retirement ceremonyaboardNaval Station Norfolk,May28,marking the transfer ofleadershipfromCapt.Sarah Self-Kylerto Capt.Richlyn Iveyand celebrating Self-Kyler’s retirement after27years ofservice. PageA3
Courtesy Story COMMANDER,U.S. 2ND FLEET
NORFOLK,Va.—Wasp-classamphibious assaultshipUSSIwoJima(LHD7)returned to its homeport of Norfolk, Va.onJune6 following ahistoric 10-month deployment totheU.S.FourthFleetareaofoperations
IwoJima is the flagship of the IwoJima AmphibiousReadyGroup(IWOARG).IWO ARGisalsocomprisedofSanAntonio-class amphibious transport dock ships USSFort Lauderdale (LPD 28) and USSSan Antonio(LPD17).SanAntonioreturnedtoNaval StationNorfolkApril29,andFortLauderdale remainsdeployed. IWOARG wasthe first group of expeditionary navalassets called on to support OperationSouthern Spear*.* While on mission in theCaribbean, Sailors and Marines of the IWOARG and22nd MarineExpeditionaryUnit(MEU)-Special OperationsCapable(SOC)supportednational-leveltasking,which included enhanced counternarcoticsoperations
“The exceptional performance of every SailorandMarineisnothingshortofextraordinary,” said Capt. ChrisFarricker,commodore,AmphibiousSquadron8.“Throughout this deployment, our blue-green warriors provedtothe world what the nation’sNavy
and MarineCorps is capableofachieving while executinga broadarray of complex missions from embassy reinforcement and humanitarianassistance to joint operations designed to protect the homeland.I am immenselyproudofthisteam’sperformance
andeverythingthey’veaccomplished.Most importantly, as we return home,itisdeeply rewardingtowatchourSailorsandMarines reunitewith family, friends and lovedones whohaveprovidedunwavering support duringthisunprecedenteddeployment.”
Duringits296-daydeployment,the4,500 SailorsandMarinesoftheIWOARG-22nd MEUSOC operated seamlesslywith joint forcesandnavalassetsintheregiontoaccomplishDepartmentofWar-directedoperations andthepresident’spriorities.
In support of the mission, IWOARG completed approximately 6,200 sorties, accumulated1,850flighthours,andtransited morethan130,573combinednauticalmiles While in theater,IWO ARGintegrated with other U.S. Navy surface assets includingUSSGettysburg(CG64),USSLakeErie (CG70),USSTruxtun(DDG103),USSStockdale(DDG 106), USSGravely (DDG 107), USSJason Dunham (DDG 109), USSBillings(LCS15)andtheGeraldR.FordCarrier StrikeGroup.Together,thisformidableforce worked in tandemtodetect,disruptand dismantle DesignatedTerrorist Organizations’abilitytoreachtheU.S.homelandand penetrateitsborders In support of contingency operations, IWOARG —22ndMEU SOC partnered withJointTaskForce(JTF)Bravotoprovide foreignhumanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts in Jamaica in the aftermathofHurricaneMelissa.Awhole-of-force
By Seaman Apprentice
Nicole Schweigert
USSDWIGHT D. EISENHOWER(CVN69)
NORFOLK,Va. —Inthe Navy,a plankowner is amember of theoriginal crew of anewly commissioned ship.Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USSDwight D. Eisenhower (CVN69)wascommissionedonOctober18, 1977,and48yearslateronMay20,IKE’splankownerswalkedherdecksonceagain.
These plankownershavemanygood memoriesfromtheirtimeattached to IKE, and touring the warfighting vessel helped them relivethose memories while also witnessingtheupgradesthattookplaceafter theyleft.
“Being on boardhas all the memories flooding back to me,” saidformer Lt.Philip Whalen, an IKE plankowner.“It’s mainly aboutall the amazing peoplethatI got to workwith,wejusthadsuchacohesivecrew.”
While manyofthe plankowners relived memoriesandsharedtheirstories,theyalso experiencedshock withall of thechanges
madesincetheyleft
“Onthe bridge is whereInoticed many changes,” said former Hospital Corpsman 3rdClassBobLenn,anIKEplankowner.“We didn’thaveany of the equipmentupthere now,allwehadweremechanicalgauges.”
Notonlyhastheequipmentbeenupdated overtheyears,butsohavetheworkspaces
“It’svery nostalgic,”said Whalen. “For example, when Iwas stationedhere, allthe walls and thefloorsweregreen in medical, andnow they’re white. It lookssomuch betternowthanitdidthen.”
Beinga part of theoriginal crew to sail aboardIKE gives the plankowners asense of pride,and theywish to sharethatpride tothecurrentcrewwhohavecontinuedthe ship’slegacy
“I knowthat there’sgoing to be rough times,but one dayyou’ll look back at everythingandyou’regoingtocherishallthetime youspent here,”said Lenn. As IKE makes changestokeep up with themodernglobal security environment, plankownersare a livingreminderofwheretheshipstarted
agroup photoaboardNimitz-class aircraft carrierUSS DwightD.Eisenhower(CVN69) May20, 2026.Eisenhowerispierside at NavalStation Norfolk conducting routine operations. (U.S.NAVYPHOTO BYMASS
By Michael DBrayshaw NORFOLK NAVALSHIPYARD
Norfolk NavalShipyard (NNSY) held a groundbreaking May21for themodernizationofitshistoricDryDock3.
Frequentlyhometosubmarinesundergoingoverhaul,DryDock3willnowreceiveits owntop-to-bottomrefurbishmenttoinclude replacingthefloorandwalls;rebuildingcaisson seats with deep foundations to provide watertight integrity; installinga newpump wellsystem;replacingandreroutingutilities toimproveaccess;andreplacingsurrounding cranerailsystemssupportingdockservices.
As part of the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP)under Naval Facilities Engineering SystemsCommand (NAVFAC), this $442 million project will ensureNNSY’smaintenance capabilities and quality of service onVirginia-class submarines and futureplatforms. NAVFAC issupportingtheeffortthroughengineering, acquisition, contracting and construction management expertise,helpingdeliver the shoreinfrastructureimprovementsrequired tosupportNNSY’smaintenancemission.
“The Shipyard InfrastructureOptimizationProgramisaonce-in-a-generationeffort
from Page A1
effort, Sailorsand Marinesworkedby land, sea, andair to providewater,food, supplies and assistance intohighlyaffected areas wheredamagepreventedthelogisticalflow of aid. SanAntonioenabled itsembarked Marines from the 22nd MEU SOC to airlift aide and personnel directly into Jamaica to augmentJTFBravos’ongoingefforts.Additionally, Fort Lauderdale delivered food packages from Mayport, Florida to Puerto RicoforsupporttoJamaica,whileIwoJima transferred foodand medical supplies from PuertoRico
todeliverimprovedcapabilityandresilience to the shipyard team,”saidCaptain David Matvay,Program Manager forProgram ManagementOffice(PMO)-555.“TheNavy establishedSIOPbecausethefourU.S.naval shipyardswerebuiltduringtheageofsailand steambutarenowmaintainingandmodernizingnuclear-poweredvessels.Youallknow thatdoingthiscomplex,specializedworkin facilitiesthataverage85yearsold—including drydocksthataverage101-years-old—isnot ideal.Thisprojectwillcontributetoreducing delaysinavailabilities and increased operationaldaysatseaforsubmarines.”
“This is absolutely critical to howwe’re goingtobeabletokeepour fleet moving forward,”saidShipyardCommanderAdmiralKavon “Hak” Hakimzadeh. “Combined withourimprovedpushthatwe’vemadehere atNorfolkNavalShipyardtocontinuesending ships and submarinesbackout faster we justaccomplishedour thirdsuccess of getting USSDwightD.Eisenhower(CVN 69)outearly—ourshipyardcontinuesonan upwardtrajectory.Makenomistakeaboutit; Norfolk NavalShipyard is winning.Weare winningouthere,andwe’regoingtocontinue todoso.”
Pointingtothesignificanceofthisproject,
Hakimzadeh said, “A shipyard drydockon its ownisanational asset in high demand; ourworkspecifically in this dock will help guaranteethecapabilitiesandthelifespansof criticalvesselsservingournation.TheVirginia-classforms thebackboneofour Navy’s silentservicewithitsoperationalversatility andnuclear-poweredfastattackcapability.”
Originally opened in 1908, the history of Dry Dock 3mirrors theheritage and adaptabilityoftheshipyarditself.Thedock’sfirst ship wasthe armored cruiser USSNorth Carolina (ACR 12)which later served in WorldWar I. Dry Dock 3became ground zerofortheshipyard’sfirstnuclearworkwith theoverhaulofUSSSkate(SSN578)in1965 Thedockhasalsobeenhometohigh-profile emergentworksuchasrepairofthedestroyer USSArthurW.Radford(DD968)following itscollisionin1999 DryDock3hascontinuedtomakehistory in recent years,whereNNSYperformed the conversionsofUSS La Jolla (SSN 701) andUSS SanFrancisco(SSN711)into landbasedMoored Training Ships.Those ships arenow used for trainingSailors to become future fleet operators at the Nuclear Power TrainingUnitinCharleston,SouthCarolina. Most recently,Dry Dock 3welcomedUSS
NORFOLK,VA. (June 6, 2026) U.S. Navy
DamageControlman Fireman Emma Tripp greets her partner following a10-month deployment as part of the IwoJima Amphibious Ready Group (IWOARG) IwoJima, the flagshipofthe IWOARG deployedtothe Caribbean in supportof U.S. Southern Command, Department ofWar-directedoperations, and the president’sprioritiestodisruptillicit drug traffickingand protectthe homeland. (U.S NAVYPHOTO BYMASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST3RD CLASS GREGGORYFISHER)
John Warner (SSN 785) as the Navy’s first Virginia-classBlock III drydockingatany of thenation’sfour public shipyardsbefore itundockedthispastMarch. This marks NNSY’s thirdmajor dry dock projectunderSIOP,withthesubmarine-servicingDryDock4firstcompletingmodernizationinspring2023,andmodernizationof Dry Dock 8expectedtocompletenextyear ready to hostthe USSGeraldR.Ford-carrierclass.InadditiontoSIOPupgradingdry docks, Hakimzadeh notedother significant SIOP investments in shipyard facilities and equipment supporting theNNSYmission to repair,modernizeand inactivateNavy warshipsandtrainingplatforms “Thank youtoour NavalFacilities and contractingpartnersformakingthischange possible,”saidHakimzadeh.“Asstewardsof ashipyardmorethantwo-and-a-halfcenturies old, it takes great teamwork andtenacity to modernize one of thenation’slargest, mosthistoric and capableshipyardsfor its next250yearsofservice...wearecontinuing tolaythefoundationforthefutureofAmerica’sShipyard. This is wherecommitment meetsconcrete.”
MarinesvisitedSt.CroixandSt.Thomas,U.S VirginIslandswheretheyparticipatedinsix religiousministry engagements.Additionally,SailorsandMarinesconductedabeach cleanupwhilevisitingPonce,PuertoRico These community serviceprojects area cornerstone of every deployment and each opportunity allows Sailorsand Marines to connect with and giveback to the local communitywhilefosteringvitalrelationships with partners and allies acrossthe world as ambassadorsoftheUnitedStates
“Throughoutthisdeployment,theMarines and Sailors of the 22nd MEU SOCdemonstratedtheunmatchedvalueanARG-MEU provides to the Geographic Combatant Commander and to our nation by delivering decisive action acrossa wide rangeof missions,”saidCol.Tom“Banshee”Trimble commandingofficer,22ndMEUSOC.“From providing vital aid in Jamaica following HurricaneMelissa,tosharpeningourlethalitythroughmaritimeinterdictionoperations, to executing expeditionaryadvanced base operationsandcriticalsustainmenttraining in Puerto Rico—this team excelled at every turn.Theirperformancereflectsaforcethat is adaptable,disciplined,and readyfor any challenge.Icouldn’tbeprouderofthisteam andtheirunwaveringreadinesstowin.
IwoJimaalsoplayedacriticalsupportrole inOperationAbsoluteResolve. “IwoJima’sSailorsandembarkedMarines meteverychallengehead-onwhileexecuting herculean tasks,above and beyond the call
ofduty,everyday,”saidCapt.RichardHaley, commanding officer, USSIwo Jima. “This team representsthe very bestofAmerica’s warfighterswhodemonstratedtheabsolute gritanddeterminationrequiredtoprotectthe homelandandensurethesafetyofitspeople To sayI am proudofthis team is an understatement. Iamhumbled by the leadership andteamwork Iwitnessed—a trueembodiment of the ship’sethosUncommon Valor whichremainsourcommonvirtue. Central to mostdeployments,IWO ARG shipsalsomadeseveralportcalls.Sailorsand
IWOARG’soverallmissionsupportsglobal contingency operations to accomplishU.S strategicgoals,deteradversariesandensure thehighseasremainopenandfreeinaccordancewithinternationallaw.Embarked22nd MEUSOCprovidesaforward-deployed,flexiblesea-basedMarineAirGroundTaskForce (MAGTF) capable of conductingamphibious operations—to includeenabling the introduction of follow-on forces and designatedspecialoperationstomeetcombatant commander’srequirements
By Petty Officer 1st Class
Gibson
AFFAIRS
NORFOLK, Va Navy Public Affairs
Command(NPAC)heldacombinedchange of command and retirement ceremony aboardNavalStationNorfolk,May28,marking the transfer of leadership from Capt. Sarah Self-Kyler to Capt. Richlyn Ivey and celebrating Self-Kyler’s retirement after 27 yearsofnavalservice
RearAdm.JohnRobinson,ChiefofInformation, presided over the ceremony, which brought together sailors, civilians, family members and colleagues from across the Public Affairs community to honor both a change in command and a career dedicated toservice leadership andcommunication.
Duringtheceremony,Self-Kylerformally relinquishedcommandtoIvey,whoassumed responsibilityforleadingtheNavy’spremier Public Affairs command and its mission of traininganddeployingpublicaffairsprofessionalsaroundtheglobe
“NPAC is operational at its core,” said Robinson. “We don’t just document warfighting,wewageitintheinformationspace. That level of responsibility and demanded excellence requires exceptional leadership Capt Self-Kyler,thankyouforyouroutstandingleadershipandCapt.Ivey congratulations asyouassumecommand.”
With the assumption of command, Ivey bringsawealthofknowledgeandexperience tothejobhavingservedinvariousoperational andleadershiprolesincludingmostrecently as Director of Public Affairs and Outreach for U.S. Fleet Forces Command. In accepting command, Ivey expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to lead NPAC and build upon the strong foundation established by herpredecessor
“IamdeeplyhonoredtoleadtheoutstandingSailorsandciviliansofNavyPublicAffairs Command,”saidIvey “Tomeetthedemands of today’s dynamic information environment, my priority is to empower our teams andfostertheinnovationrequiredforfuture operations Wewillensureourpersonnelare fully trained and equipped to communicate theNavy’svitalmissionworldwidewithaccuracy,transparencyandpurpose.”
For Self-Kyler, the ceremony marked the culminationofacareerthatspannednearly three decades and included two tours at NPAC Afterpreviouslyservingasexecutive officer shereturnedtoleadtheorganization duringaperiodofsignificanttransformation andgrowthforthepublicaffairscommunity Underherleadership,thecommandtransitioned from Navy Public Affairs Support
Element to Navy Public Affairs Command, reflectinganexpandedmissionandbroader role in developing the Navy’s public affairs force Shealsoplayedakeyroleinestablishing two new command opportunities for Public Affairs Officers creating additional pathways for leadership and professional developmentwithinthecommunity Known throughout the fleet for her mentorship,strategicperspective,anddeter-
By Petty Officer 1st Class
Sean Gallagher PCU JOHN F. KENNEDY (CVN
79)
Inthebustling,industrialenvironment of a shipyard danger can strike without warning For the Sailors assigned to Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), preparing for the unexpectedisnotjustarequirement,but thestandardmaintainedthroughconsistenttraining
Toensurethecrewisreadytorespond tomedicalemergencies theship’sMedical Training Team (MTT) conducts routine “flopperdrills”acrosstheship scenarios where a MTT member “flops” a manikin on the deck for a Sailor to find and take first-responderaction.Theseunexpected scenariostestthecrew’sabilitytoprovide immediate,life-savingcareunderpressure.
Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Spencer Norman, a member of the MTT, said the drills evaluate how the crew performs in trauma-basedsituationsandhelpestablish abaselineofmedicalreadiness
“Wehavewhatwecallatrustedagent, someone who we identify as the [simulated] casualty, and we tell them what woundtheyaregoingtopresent,”Norman said. “They’ll come in with a simulated headlaceration,abrokenarmormassive hemorrhaging, for example, and they’ll fallontheground.Thepeoplearoundare expectedtorespondandsavethatperson’s life.”
Conducting the stand-alone drills weekly, as well as during all-hands generalquartersdrills,ensuresthatmedical response protocols become muscle memory In a shipyard environment filledwithheavymachineryandoverhead hazards,thislevelofstrictpreparednessis criticaltothecrew’ssafety.
“Thisisanindustrialenvironmentwith a lot of stuff moving around, Norman said. “We have forklifts going through thehangarbay,andthoseforkscaninjury someoneiftheyarenotcarefulandcause traumaticinjury.”
Duringaflopperdrill,oncetheimmediatethreattolifeismitigatedandthepatient isstabilized,Normanadvisesresponders toslowdownandadheretotheirtraining checklisttoavoidcriticalerrors
“The worst thing you can do is panic,” Normansaid “Peopletrytorushthrough and they miss things I always tell people thatoncetheyhavestabilizedapatientand moved them out of that dangerous environment, take a breath. Take a breath, breathe,andworkthroughit.”
Lt Cmdr StacyBourne theship’snurse noted that these foundational drills are vital for gauging the effectiveness of the crew’s Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC)Tier1qualifications.
“Thisiswherewearebuildingourfoundationforhowtheshipisgoingtoremain and train for its life cycle,” Bourne said. “How we start that foundation now will carry over into how it is on deployments, maintenanceperiodsandeverythingelse movingforward.”
BothNormanandBourneurgethecrew tocontinuouslypracticetheirskillsandask questions With training kits available in themedicaldepartment,maintainingthe standardisasharedresponsibilityacross thedeckplates
“Practice, practice, practice,” Norman said. “It’s a skill that can go away if you don’tuseit.”
Norman reminds JFK Sailors that if you see a casualty to always call Damage ControlCentralat2900andtoexpectflopper drills during medical training team environments
as commanding officer in February 2023. (U.S.NAVYPHOTOS BYMASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST1STCLASSAMBER GIBSON)
mination to solve complex problems Self-Kylerinvested heavily in developing sailors, officers, and civilian professionalswhilestrengtheningthecommand’s abilitytosupportNavyoperationsworldwide
“Over 27 years I have seen Sailors do extraordinary things under extraordinary pressure. The best part of leadership was nevertheposition…Itwasalwaysthepeople WatchingmySailorsandOfficersgrowinto leadersthemselveshasbeenoneofthegreatesthonorsofmylife,”saidSelf-Kyler
For many in attendance, the ceremony
wasbothacelebrationandafarewell.While itmarkedtheendofSelf-Kyler’snavalservice italsohighlightedalegacythatwillcontinue to shape the public affairs community for yearstocome
“At the end of the day, I do not think we arerememberedmostforwhatweachieved individually,”saidSelf-Kyler “Ithinkweare remembered for how we strengthened the people around us I hope I have done thattoday is not simply my retirement. It is a celebration of all the people who made this journeypossible.”
By Christy Trabun NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY PHILADELPHIA
Earlier this month, at the beginning of a Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command(NAVFAC)PublicWorksDepartment Pennsylvania (PWD-PA) safety day, Michael McVey, Michael Szostek, Keith Esbensen, and Nicholas Buccieri Jr were presented the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award for their life-saving actions duringamedicalemergencyatNavalSupport Activity Philadelphia Buccieri could not be presentfortheceremonybutwasrecognized beforehispeers
On Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in the midst of thecity’sfirstmajorsnoweventoftheseason, NAVFACcrewswereconductingsnow-clearing operations to ensure the installation wouldbesafeandmissionreadyforemployees arriving Monday morning when one of theirown,RussTaylor,experiencedasudden medicalemergency Whathappenednextwasimmediate.
Crewmembersrecognizedsomethingwas wrong and sprang into action without hesitation. One employee ran for an automated external defibrillator (AED) while others beganrenderingaid,calling911,andcoordinating emergency response efforts Workingtogetherunderpressure,theteamrotated throughCPRandchestcompressionswhile administeringshockswiththeAEDuntilfirst respondersarrivedonscene
According to the award citations, the employees’“rapidrecognitionofanunusual healthemergencyevent,immediateengagementandactivationofnecessaryresources” directlycontributedto“asuccessfuldischarge fromthehospital,andalifesaved.”
The citations also noted that the men’s actions reflected their “commitment to the health, safety, and well-being of our most valuableresources ourpeople.”
Though recovery has taken time, Taylor was back with his team May 6 at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, smiling as he personally presentedtheawardsalongsidePublicWorks
OfficerLt Cdr JamesJ.Kwasny
After embracing each recipient, Taylor toldthecrowd,“IfIhadbeenanywhereelse ontheplanetthiswouldn’thaveworked.I’m heretodaybecauseofallofyou.”
The ceremony served as both a recognitionofheroismandareminderoftheimportanceoftraining,teamwork,andlookingout
foroneanotherwhichrepresentvaluesthat remaincentraltotheNavyteambothonand offthejob
During the ceremony, several members of the workforce were also recognized for their years of federal service Resident Officer in Charge of Construction (ROICC) Lt Cdr. Jesse An presented Matthew McGov-
ernwitha15-yearserviceawardandKleisley Sime with a 10-year service award. Kwasny presented John Ciurlino and John Janda with15-yearserviceawards aswellasRobert PettinelliandDonaldWeidmanwith10-year serviceawards
Courtesy Story
WASHINGTON ViceAdm.ScottGray, Commander NavyInstallationsCommand (CNIC),attendedtheBoys&GirlsClubsof America(BGCA)BoardofGovernorsmeeting on June 3 in his capacity as the DepartmentofWar’smilitaryliaison.
His attendance reinforces the enduring partnership between the U.S. military and theBGCA,whichproudlycelebratesits35th anniversary this year For more than three decades,thecollaborationhasplayedavital roleinsupportingCNIC’smissiontocarefor servicemembersandtheirfamilies
“Our partnership with the Boys & Girls ClubsofAmericaisfundamentaltomission readiness,” Gray said. “BGCA provides not only financial support, but nationally proven programs, professional training, and a network of expertise that strengthensouryouthcentersworldwide Byproviding stability and positive development for our military children, these programs help reducestressonfamiliesandenableourSailorstofocusonthemission.Thispartnership isadirectinvestmentinourpeopleandtheir overallreadiness.”
ThepartnershipbeganduringthePersian Gulf crisis when BGCA clubs opened their doors to the children and families of deployed National Guard and Reserve members This initial act of support grew intotheformalpartnershipthatexiststoday witheverybranchofthemilitary
“ViceAdmiralGraybringsanexceptional perspectiveonsupportingservicemembers andtheirfamilies,”saidJimClark,president andchiefexecutiveofficerofBGCA “We’re honored to welcome him to our Board of Governors as the liaison for the military, strengthening our long-standing partnershipinsupportofmilitaryfamilies.”
Since 1997, Navy Child and Youth Programs (CYP), managed by CNIC, have beenofficialaffiliatemembersoftheBoys& Girls Clubs of America. Through this affiliation, Navy CYP gains access to nationally recognized, evidence-based youth devel-
opment programs; leadership and character-building curricula; staff professional development and certification pathways; and approximately $750,000 annually in grantfunding
BGCA also provides national platforms for military youth recognition, scholarships,andleadershipadvancementthrough initiativessuchasMilitaryYouthoftheYear Beyond funding, BGCA’s training, quality standards, and program innovation help ensure Navy youth centers deliver consistent,high-impactexperiencesworldwide
“The BGCA partnership is an incredible forcemultiplierforus,”saidBrentEdwards, Navy Child and Youth Programs coordinator “IncooperationwithBGCA,weensure that no matter where a Navy family serves, their children have access to consistent, high-quality programs that help them thrive.”
Commander, Navy Installations Command is responsible for worldwide U.S. Navy Shore installation management, designing and developing integrated solutions for sustainment and development of Navy shore infrastructure as well as qualityoflifeprograms CNICoversees10Navy regions 70 installations and more than 48,600employeeswhoarefocusedonwarfightingandmanning,trainingandequipping theShoretofightandwin.Navyinstallations arewarfightingplatformsessentialtoevery fleetoperation.
WASHINGTON (June 3, 2026) Jim Clark, left president and chief executive officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Scott Gray, commander, Navy Installations Command, pose for a photo in Washington,June 3, 2026 Gray attended the BGCA Board of Governors meeting to serve as the Department of War’s military liaison The meeting highlighted the 35year partnership between the U.S. military and the organization, which provides nationally proven youth development programs and support for military families worldwide (U.S.NAVYPHOTO)
By Petty Officer 1st Class Jacob Bergh COMMANDER, SUBMARINE FORCE ATLANTIC
NORFOLK, Va Cmdr M. Eric McCay relinquished command of the Los Angeles-classfast-attacksubmarineUSSNewport News (SSN 750) to Cmdr Carlos M. Iguina during a traditional change-of-command ceremonyheldpiersideinNorfolk,Virginia, June5,2026
Theceremonymarkedtheofficialtransfer of responsibility and authority for Newport NewsfromMcCaytoIguina.
McCay assumed command of Newport News in November 2023. During his tour he led the crew through a demanding operational schedule while maintaining the
submarine’s readiness to execute missions insupportofnationalsecurityobjectives
“NewportNewswasinaninterestingspot asitwasinitiallyscheduledtodecommission inOctoberof2023,”McCaysaid.“Whenour schedule was adjusted, to include a deployment, this incredible crew stepped up in dramaticfashionandgottheshipinthebest shape of its life, while also preparing for deployment, excelling through inspections, andtakingoneveryexerciseandmidshipmen cruisethrownourway.
McCay’s previous submarine assignments include USS Kentucky (SSBN 737), USS Olympia (SSN 717), and executive officeraboardUSSChicago(SSN721)
“This crew is proud, Cmdr Carlos M. Iguina said “This crew is motivated This
crewwantstosucceedandsupportnotonly theship,buttheentiresubmarineforce USS Newport News I am incredibly excited to workwitheachandeveryoneofyou. USSNewportNewsisthethirdU.S.Navy ship named for Newport News, Virginia, followingUSSNewportNews(CA-148),aDes Moines-class heavy cruiser in service from 1948to1978,andUSSNewportNews(AK-3), a former German cargo ship named OdenwaldacquiredbytheU.S.NavyduringWorld War I. The submarine Newport News has a crew of more than 135 personnel, is more than 361 feet long, and can displace nearly 6,000tons
The Los Angeles-class sometimes called theLA-classor688-class,isaclassofnuclear-poweredfast-attacksubmarinesthatforms
the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s submarine force Sixty-twosubmarinesofthisclasshave beencompleted,41arestillinactiveservice. Fast-attack submarines are multi-mission platforms enabling five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities of sea control, power projection, forward presence maritime security and deterrence Theyaredesignedtoexcelinanti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, strike warfare, specialoperations intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare, and minewarfare.Fast-attacksubmarinesproject powerashorewithspecialoperationsforces andTomahawkcruisemissilesinthepreventionorresponsetoregionalcrises
aquatic,wildlifeandhumanhealth.Inaddition,stormwaterpollutionimpactsourdrinkingwatersuppliesanduseofwaterwaysfor recreational activities such as swimming, fishingorboating
Runofffromourlawns,rooftops,anddrivewaysenterintothestormdrainsystem.This systemdischargesdirectlytonearbystreams, lakes and bays without receiving treatment Because of this, it is important for us topreventpollutantsfrombeingwashedinto thesestormdrainsfromouruseanddisposal ofhouseholdchemicals
When household chemicals are either accidentally washed into a storm drain or intentionally dumped outside and drain into the stormwater system, it is referred to as an “illicit discharge.” Common examples ofthematerialsthatleadtohouseholdillicit dischargesinclude:
Paintandpaintthinner
Motoroilandgasoline
Antifreeze
Fertilizer,herbicides,andpesticides
Bleach,solventsandcleaners
Swimmingpoolchemicalsandchlorinated water
Theeverydayproductsthatweusecanbe veryharmfulifnotstored,used,anddisposed ofproperly Theseproductscanbeclassified as: toxic (pest fumigants, ant traps, and old fire extinguishers), corrosive (drain cleaners,rustremoversandovercleaners),oxidizers(chlorinatedpoolchemicalsandvarious peroxides) andflammables(gasoline,kerosene, fuel oil, butane, oil-based paints and paintthinners).
If you have products that are no longer needed that contain hazardous materials, it is important to properly dispose of them Neverdisposeofthemoutside,allowingthem
toenterastormdrainbecausethestormwater
runoff is not treated before flowing into our nearby waterways. Many of these materials shouldalsonotbeplacedinthetrashbecause thiscouldleadtogroundwatercontamination asthematerialsleakfromalandfill.
Some tips and facts about household hazardous waste include:
As little as one quart of motor oil can contaminatemillionsofgallonsofwater Usedmotoroilcanbere-refinedintore-usablelubricatingoil.Reprocessingonegallon ofusedmotoroilandburningitasfuelgenerates enough electricity to power everything inyourhomeforaday.
Don’t rinse paint brushes outside where the rinse water can enter the stormwater system. Clean water-based paint brushes in thesinkandoil-basedpaintbrushesbyusing paint thinner If possible try to use water
basedpaints! Keeppaintsandsolventsinsealedcontainerswheretheycannotbecomepollutants
Recycle all unused paints at local HazardousWasteCollectionCenters Avoid over applying fertilizers and pesticides, or applying them immediately before itrains!
Forallhouseholdmaterialstrytopurchase andusenon-toxicalternativewhenpossible Allmaterialsshouldbeusedanddisposed ofinaccordancewithmanufacturerspecifications Thebestwaytodisposeofhousehold chemicals is to take them to a local hazardous waste recycling center or to participate inalocalwastecollectionevent.Visitwww AskHRGreen.org to learn about local waste recycling efforts here in Hampton Roads andmoreyoucandotopreventstormwater pollution.
By Will Russell
TheTallShips AreComing:History SailsIntothe EasternShore Historywillarriveonthe EasternShore by waterthisJuneinCape Charlesand will transportyou into atimewhere wind poweredtrade wasall theworld knew
“SailFestCapeCharles will provideanopportunity forall to soak in thehistory andculture of ourcoastal region aboard thesemajestic sailingvessels,” says PatsyHarris, whoisorganizingthisfreeevent “Everyoneonthe Shoreshouldcomeand celebratethisstoried past.”
Thecelebration runs from 12-6pm Saturday andSundayand will have activities forall ages includingfreetours of thetallships,revolutionary warre-enactors,historicpresentations andspeakers, vendor market, pettingzoo,face-painting, sailinglessons, concerts includingheadliner ThreeSheetsto theWind, anda fireworks displayonSaturdaynight
From June 19–21, four differenttallships will gather in Cape Charles, bringing together vesselsthatspancenturies of maritime history, from colonial explorationtowartime innovation andthe workingtraditions of theChesapeake.
At thecenterofthe fleet is theKalmarNyckel, ashipwhose history stretchesbacknearly400 years. Oftencalledthe “Swedish Mayflower,” shewas builtin1627inAmsterdamand laterpurchased by Sweden, whereshe served as both awarship andacolonialvessel. Locals know amoreaccuratenamewould be the“SwedishGodspeed” or “Swedish SusanConstant” butthose NewEnglandershavealwaysbeenbetter marketers.
In 1638,she carriedsettlersacrossthe Atlantic to establishFort Christinainpresent-day Wilmington,Delaware, launchingone of the earliest European settlementsinthe Delaware Valley. In an erawhen oceancrossings were perilous,KalmarNyckelmadeeight successful Atlantic voyages before ultimately beingsunkinbattlein1652. Joiningher is theschoonerLynx, avesselrootedinthe Warof1812. TheoriginalLynxwas aBaltimoreclipper schooner:fast, sleek, and builtfor speed. Shewas commissioned as a“letter of marque”vessel to disruptBritish shipping.Capturedbythe Britishnearthe mouthof theRappahannockRiver in 1813,her design wassoimpressiveitwas studiedand reused
ThemodernLynx, launched in 2001 usingthose original plans, now sailsasa floatingclassroom,givingvisitorsthe chance to experience life aboard afast-moving warschooner.
Also coming to Cape Charlesisthe A.J. Meerwald,a vessel that represents theworking heritage of theChesapeakeand Delaware Bay regions.
Builtin1928asanoysterdredgingschooner, theMeerwaldworked theshallow waters of theDelawareBay during theheightofthe oyster industry.She laterservedasa CoastGuard fireboatduringWorld War II before returningtocommercialservice
Restored in the1990s,she nowsails as NewJersey’sofficial tall ship, tellingthe storyofthe watermen andindustriesthatshapedcoastal life,traditionsdeeplyfamiliartothe EasternShore
Rounding outthe Cape CharlesfleetisLuna, asmaller vessel with a storythatmay resonate themost.
Oftencalledthe “LittleTallShipthatIs,”Lunarepresentsperseverance as much as history. Originally builtinthe 1970sinNovaScotia, the vessel eventually foundits waytoDeltaville, Virginia,where shewas rescuedand transformedbythe Colonial SeaportFoundationintoa workingrepresentationofan18th-centurycoastal tradingsloop What beganasa modest restorationeffortgrewintoa massive undertaking, with tens of thousandsofvolunteer hoursinvestedto rebuildthe vessel almost entirely from thegroundup. Today, Luna sails as atribute to apivotal transition in maritime history: from large square-riggedships to themoreefficientfore-and-aftriggedvessels that once dominatedcoastal trade.
Despiteher smallersize, Luna hasplayedanoutsizedroleinrecent historical commemorations,including events tied to thenation’s250th anniversary. Hercrew, ledbyCaptain John CollamoreIV, continuesto usethe vessel to connectmodernaudiences with ourCommonwealth’s maritime past
Together,these shipstella sweeping storyoflifeonthe water, astory we have in ourverybones
From thecolonialships that broughtsettlerstoa newworld, to thefast schoonersthatfoughtfor American independence,eachvesselreflects adifferent chapterofour maritime heritage
Andfor aplace wherethe waterhas always been centraltodaily life, theirarrival is more than just afestival. Seafaringpeoplehavealways been therulersofthe world. Thevisit of theseships is areminderthat theEastern Shorehas always been part of amuchlargerstory,one writtenonthe water. Youdon’t want to miss it
By Telly B. Myles
SUPERVISOR OF SHIPBUILDING
NEWPORT NEWS
NEWPORT NEWS Va The Navy’s annual “101 Critical Days of Summer” campaign traditionally focuses on off-duty recreational safety But for personnel at Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Newport News (SUPSHIPNN), summer brings unique hazardsdirectlytothedeckplate
As temperatures rise, the daily environment inside Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) changes dramatically From intense heatstresstoshiftingoperationalhoursand increasedshipyardtraffic,SUPSHIPemployees engaged in the design, construction, repair andmodernizationofsubmarinesand aircraftcarriersmustadapttotheseseasonal challengestomaintainmissionreadiness.
To ensure the workforce stays safe both onandofftheclock,theSUPSHIPNNSafety Department(Code140)hasprovidedtargeted guidancetonavigatetheshipyardsafelythis summer
COMBATING HEAT STRESS
Working in an industrial environment duringpeaksummerheattakesasignificant
physicaltoll Acclimatizationiskey;personnel should gradually increase their work time in the heat over 7 to 14 days However, themostcriticaldefenseagainstheatillness is proactive hydration. Safety Specialist Michael Mandara noted that hydration is a criticalcomponentofmissionendurance,and personnelmustprioritizephysicalreadiness tomitigateenvironmentalhazardseffectively
“Implement a proactive hydration cycle; fluidintaketodaydeterminesyourresilience fortomorrow,”Mandaraadvised,addingthat the utilization of NNS-provided cooling stations and supplemental water resources locatedthroughouttheyardishighlyrecommended.
Safety experts also advise wearing loose-fitting light-colored cotton clothing to allow air circulation, utilizing sunscreen, andstrictlyadheringtoestablishedwork-rest cyclesinshadedareas
“If possible, use the buddy system when performing inspections or walkthroughs on the shipyard,” added Stephen Holmsten, DeputyofEnvironmental,Safety&Health.
ADAPTING TO OPERATIONAL SHIFTS
Toprotectworkersduringthehottestparts of the day, NNS implements “Hot Weather
Hours,”typicallystartingmid-Junethrough August.Thisshiftimpactseveryoneinsidethe yard,includingSUPSHIPpersonnel.
SafetySpecialistRobertBuntingexplained that operational requirements may dictate adjustments to core working hours for specific personnel and SUPSHIP codes, contingentuponmissionurgencyanddepartmentalworkload Henotedthatwhilethese shiftsaresituational,theydonotdiminishthe needtoadheretosafetystandards “Safety protocols remain mandatory and unchanged regardless of shift timing,” Buntingsaid.“Maintainingmissionreadiness requiresdisciplineinpersonalprotectionand personnelaccountability.”
NAVIGATING YARD TRAFFIC: BIKES, PEDESTRIANS,AND VEHICLES
Partofthisaccountabilityincludesremaining highly cognizant of shifting “No Drive Times” within the yard, a policy Code 140 stronglyencouragesalldriverstomonitoras warmerweatherbringsmoreNNSemployeesoutonbicyclesandonfoot.Walkingand riding are primary modes of transportation in the shipyard, making it easy to become complacenttothehazardsofanactiveindustrialzone
Code140stressesthatdriversmustremain vigilantforpedestrians,givebicyclesplenty ofroom,andalwayshonkwhenpassing For pedestrians, the advice is equally stringent: always use designated walking paths make eyecontactwithdriversbeforecrossing,and neverassumeavehicleseesyou.
This leads directly into one of the most critical themes of the summer campaign: distracteddrivingandwalking Duringshift turnoversormealperiods,theyardbecomes highlycongested.Code140warnsthatwalkingthroughcrosswalkswhiletextingorlooking at cell phones is extremely dangerous behavior Drivers are urged to eliminate all distractions—puttingphonesawayandkeepingtheradioatareasonablevolume—while actively scanning blind spots and driving below the 15-mph speed limit and adhering topostedNNSdrivetimes.
Ultimately, safety in the shipyard during the 101 Critical Days of Summer requires a collectiveeffort.Itisasharedresponsibility thatdemandsconstantvigilance As the Code 140 team reminds the workforce: “Being careful costs you nothing Being careless may cost you your life Stay alert so you don’t get hurt.”
NAVFAC Atlantic awards $51.2 million crane modification for Portsmouth Naval
By Michael Morris
Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Atlantic awarded a $51,162,117 modificationtopreviouslyawardedcontract N62470-20-C-0002toKonecranesNuclear Equipment and Services LLC, New Berlin, Wisconsin, for construction of a 175-ton heavy-liftportalcranetobeinstalledatPortsmouthNavalShipyardinKittery,Maine Themodificationbringsthetotalcumulativefacevalueofthecontractto$348,501,960
The award exercises option contract line
itemsevenforthedesign,fabrication,assembly,shoptesting,delivery,installation,inspectionandfieldtestingofone175-tonheavy-lift portal crane. The crane will be a portal type witharotatingsuperstructure,luffingboom main hoist and auxiliary hoist designed to meetprojectspecifications
The modification supports the Navy’s missionbystrengtheningtheindustrialinfrastructure required to maintain, modernize and return critical naval assets to the fleet. Heavy-lift capability is essential to shipyard operations enablingthemovement,positioningandsupportofmajorcomponentsduring complex maintenance and modernization
work.
ForNAVFAC,projectssuchasthisdemonstrate how shore infrastructure directly enables fleet readiness and warfighter support. By delivering the facilities equipmentandconstructioncapabilitiesrequired attheNavy’spublicshipyards,NAVFAChelps ensureSailorshavetheoperationalplatforms andsupportsystemsneededtomeetmission demands
Work will be performed in New Berlin, Wisconsin,andisexpectedtobecompleted byNov.16 2029 Fiscal 2025 other procurement (Navy) funds totaling $51,162,117 are obligated for
this modification and will not expire at the endofthecurrentfiscalyear Theoriginalcontractwasawardedthrough a best-value source-selection process The contract included a base contract line item foronecraneatPugetSoundNavalShipyard and six separately priced option line items for additional cranes This option was evaluated as part of the initial competition and exercised in accordance with the terms of thecontract.
NAVFAC Atlantic, headquartered in Norfolk,Virginia,isthecontractingactivity
By Penny Buhler
CENTER FOR SERVICE SUPPORT
Sailors assigned to various NETC commands completed the Advanced Warrior Toughness Training Course at the Navy Service Support Advanced Training Command (NSSATC) Dam Neck, Va., on May 4—8, 2026 The five-day course focused on developing mental toughness, discipline stressinoculationandteamcohesionthroughclassroominstruction,practical applicationandguidedperformancetraining. Participantsstrengthenedskillsdesignedto improve operational effectiveness, sharpen decision-makingandsustainperformancein high-pressureenvironments
TheAdvancedWarriorToughnessTrainingCoursebuildsuponfoundationalwarrior mindsetconceptsandemphasizesthemental and physical habits required to perform under adversity Instructors led sessions on mental conditioning, emotional regulation goal setting energy management and effective communication while reinforcing accountability,leadershipandmissionfocus.
“Warrior Toughness equips Sailors with tools to perform decisively under pressure
while maintaining focus and discipline in demandingenvironments,”saidFCACS(SW) MikeTripa,coursesupervisor “Thistraining strengthensthemindsetandhabitsrequired tomeetthechallengesofoperationalservice.”
“When values and beliefs are not consistentlylivedout,trusterodesandthemission can be compromised,” said Chaplain Douglas Holmes, course instructor “This training challenges Sailors to align their actions with the standards and principles expected ofourforce.”
“Thiscoursegivesstudentspracticaltechniquestomanagestress,maintainfocusand improve performance during demanding situations,” said Capt. Ray Nairn, psychologistandseniorinstructor.“Butit’snotjusta course it’sacultureshift.”
NSSATC continues to integrate Warrior Toughness principles into its training pipeline to strengthen warfighting readiness, characterdevelopmentandsustainedoperational performance. For more information about NSSATC and Warrior Toughness visit: https://www.netc.navy.mil/NSSATC/ https://www.netc.navy.mil/Warrior-Toughness/
Led by Code 700 Lifting & Handling Department(Code740Operations),Norfolk NavalShipyard(NNSY)hasachievedamajor milestoneontheUSSMontpelieravailability undergoinganEngineeredOverhaul Setting anewstandardforefficiencyandteamwork inarecord-breakingevolutionfora688-class submarine, Code 700 and the project team safely and successfully installed the boat’s sonardome Throughflawlessexecution,thedomewas seatedperfectlyinplace,approximately200 boltswereinstalled,andtheliftingringwas removed in record time Most importantly thisacceleratedtimelinewasachievedwithout compromising the safety of the crew or thequalityofthework.
“This evolution is a perfect demonstration of our core mission: ‘Mission Delivery throughLiftingandHandlingExcellence, said Code 700 Director Joe Singer “The precision and speed shown by this team represents the high standard of support we strivetoprovidetotheshipyardandtheFleet everyday.”
“Executingthiscomplexliftsafelyandin record time is a testament to the teamwork between Code 700, Shop 11, and the project team,” added Deputy Director Kenny Minnard. “This outstanding effort directly sets us up to undock the Montpelier ahead ofschedule.”
Thisevolutionisamassive“shipyardwin” andservesasacriticalsteptowardtheoverarchinggoalofundockingMontpelierahead ofschedule
Bravo Zulu to the Code 700 Lifting & Handling Department (Code 740 Operations),theCode920StructuralDepartment (Shop11Shipfitters),andtheentireMontpelierProjectTeamfortheirexceptionalcoordination,technicalexpertise,anddedication tothemission.
Specialrecognitiongoesouttothefollowing individuals whose pivotal efforts made
thisrecord-breakinginstallationpossible:
LouisAndrews Code740Submarine Director
BrianMattera Code740General Foreman
RyanHuchins Shop72Supervisor
RyanStone
ChadSaeger
AaronVadala
AntoineBadger
MatthewMills
RobertWilkerson
JordanGiddens
BlakeBullock
GregoryStanfill-Shop72Backshift Supervisor
WayneHazel DanaMartin
GarryBarnett-Baker
MarcusRobinson
DelvinJoseph
SeanHorner
RogerTalbot
CameronGoodman
ArchieJohnson
Troy
By
Miller Norfolk Naval Shipyard
IntheblockbusterMarvelComicsmovies, billionaireTonyStarkdoesn’twastehistime running basic diagnostic checks, troubleshooting network errors, or resetting his own passwords He asks his artificial intelligence assistant, J.A.R.V.I.S., to handle the routinedigitaltaskssohecanfocushisenergy on building the Iron Man suit. At Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY), our shipbuilders, engineers,andsupportstaffhaveanequally monumentaltask:repairingandmodernizing theU.S.Navy’swarships Now,thankstothe rollout of the Navy Enterprise Service Desk (NESD), the NNSY workforce is getting its own AI-driven assistant to handle the IT basics “For shipyard employees, the Navy EnterpriseServiceDeskissimplyyournew ‘one-stopshop’forITsupport, ServiceDesk /AccountsManagement(Code109.44)Project Manager Janine Hernandez explained. She noted that the biggest pain point of the old system was fragmentation and limited hours that didn’t match NNSY’s 24-hour industrialcycle “Whetheryouprefertocall 1-833-NESD-NOW or use the web portal, youhaveonesingleentrypointforeveryIT request.” ThebiggestshiftforemployeesistheintroductionofAmelia,theNavy’svirtualAIagent Ameliaprovides24/7/365Self-Service(Tier0) and Initial Agent (Tier-1) support When anemployeecallstheNESDline,theywon’t hear “press 0 for an operator.” Instead, they will interact directly with Amelia. If the AI can provide a fix—like an automated password reset—the issue is resolved instantly without human intervention. If not, Amelia generates a ticket and routes it to the local NNSYITteam.
Because Amelia relies on voice and text recognition, Hernandez advised users to be asspecificaspossible “Insteadofsaying‘My computer is broken,’ say ‘I am receiving an InvalidCertificateerrorinMicrosoftEdge,’ shesuggested,addingthatemployeesshould alwayshavetheirassettag,buildingnumber, and10-digitDODIDnumberlocatedonthe backoftheirCACreadybeforecalling. While adjusting to an AI agent can be a culturalshift,thestrategicbenefittotheshipyard is massive. Customer Support Branch Manager Tajuana “Renee” Martin emphasizedthatoffloadingroutineticketsisessentialforfleetreadiness
“Weknowchangecanbefrustrating,and we know you valued the familiarity of the localhelpdesk, saidMartin.“Buttokeepup withthedemandsofmodernizingourfleet, we need an IT support system as robust as the ships we build and repair NESD is your rapid-response team for the basics, which empowers our local NNSY IT specialists to
be your elite, hands-on problem solvers on thewaterfront. Martinpraisedthemassivelogisticaland cultural orchestration Hernandez and her teamhavepulledoff “Janineisn’tjustinstalling a new IT system; she is fundamentally rewiringhowNorfolkNavalShipyardoperateswithouteverhittingthepausebuttonon shiprepairs,”Martinsaid. TheofficialtransitionhappensonMay28, 2026 Onthatdate,thelegacyC109ITService Portal will stop accepting new trouble tickets, and all new requests must go through NESD Employeeswillhavea90-day“readonly periodtoviewoldtickets,butNNSYIT willensureanyunresolvedlegacyticketsare transferredandhandledasneeded DespitethenewAIinterface,Hernandez wantstheworkforcetoknowthattheirlocal supportisn’tvanishing “If there is one thing we want the NNSY workforce to take away from this transition, it is this: Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s IT
Departmentisnotgoinganywhere,”Hernandezstressed.“NESDissimplychangingour ‘front door’—the way you make that initial contacttoreportanissue Butoncethatticket is generated and routed past the initial AI intake, your local Code 109 team is still the grouprollingupoursleevestofixyourhardware.” JustasTonyStarkreliedonhisAItokeep thearmorflying,NNSYisleveragingAmelia andtheNESDtomaintainahighoperational tempo.BylettingtheNavyEnterpriseService Desk handle the digital front door, America’s Shipyard can stay better focused on its ultimate mission: getting ships back to the fleetontime
It’s goingto be an epic summer festival weekend along the Norfolk waterfront with Sail250® Virginia, 50th Annual NorfolkHarborfest®& JuneteenthNorfolk Celebration
NORFOLK,Va.—NorfolkFestevents,Ltd. has announced the complete music lineup fortheJuneteenthNorfolkCelebration,50th Annual Norfolk Harborfest® Music,Food & Maritime Festival, and Sail250® Virginia, Norfolk, Host CityFestivalWeekend on Friday-Sunday, June 19-21, 2026, at Town Point Park along theDowntown Norfolk Waterfront. Headliningperformances for this year’s event includePatti LaBelle,Fitz andtheTantrums,andJJGrey&Mofro.
This year’s festivities includeperformancesonfourstagesalongtheDowntown Norfolk Waterfront, which spansapproximatelysixmilesandfeaturestheFrontStreet Piers &FestivalPark, Freemason Harbor TownPointPark,andTowneBankFountain Park.
America’s largest, longest-running,free maritimefestival,theiconicNorfolkHarborfest®,entersits50thyearin2026,coinciding withtheJuneteenthNorfolkCelebrationand Sail250®Virginia,Norfolk,HostCity.Onboth landandsea,thrillingactivitiesandlivemusic takecenterstage,includingtheannualParade ofSailfeaturinginternationaltallships,TWO of the largestfireworksshows on the East Coast,interactivefamilygamesandactivities, militaryexhibitsanddemonstrations,artisan foodsandbeverages,andmuchmore.Mark yourcalendarsforFriday-Sunday,June19-21, 2026,forahistoricmaritimecelebrationand oneofHamptonRoads’biggestsummertime events!PLUS,ThefestivalweekendisFREE &opentothe public.For more information visitFestEvents.org/events/2026/.
MUSICLINEUPBYSTAGE
MAINSTAGE (TOWNPOINT PARK): FRIDAY,JUNE19
4pm—RobertaLea(Country/Pop)
6pm—SisterSledgeft.Sledgendary (R&B/Disco/Pop/Soul)
8pm—PattiLaBelle(R&B)
9:30pm NEW!FreedomFireworks CelebrationpresentedbyWAVYTV10
SATURDAY,JUNE20
4pm—PaperAliens(PsychedelicSoul/ Funk/Rock)
6pm—TheLastBison(SouthernFolk Rock)
8:15pm—FitzandtheTantrums(Indie Pop/NeoSoul)
9:30pm—Sail250®Virginia/ Harborfest50thFireworks SpectacularpresentedbyCarnival CruiseLine&WAVYTV10
SUNDAY,JUNE21
2:30pm—HolyRoller(SouthernRock)
4:30pm—NoBS!Brass(Funk/Jazz)
6:30pm—JJGrey&Mofro(Rock/Soul/ Funk/Blues)
PressRelease
NORFOLK,Va.—HamptonRoadsTransit (HRT)todayannouncedplanstohelpmove thousandsofpeopleexpectedduringevents June 19-21that includeJuneteenth,Sail250 Virginia, Harborfestand thePortsmouth SeawallFestival. An unprecedented array of festivalsand specialeventscoincideswithaglobalgatheringoftallshipsandmilitaryvesselscelebratingthenation’s250thanniversary HRTwillofferfreetransitonallmodesof travelonFriday,June19,incommemoration of Juneteenth and in support of the Parade ofSailfeaturingmorethan60shipsfrom20 countries Then, on Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21, in partnershipwiththe City of Norfolk, free travel will be available on the Tide light rail andElizabeth RiverFerry forSail250Virginia, the 50th anniversary of Norfolk Harborfestand the47th annual SeawallFestivalinPortsmouth.
“AsaCommemorativePartner of VA250 —the VirginiaAmerican Revolution 250 Commission —HRT stands ready tomeet increased demand forone ofthe largest events on the EastCoast this summer,” said WilliamE.Harrell,President&CEO.“Public transportation isuniquely positioned to move people quickly,safely andefficiently acrosstheregionforhigh-profileeventsthat connectcommunitiesandcultures.Forthose who haven’ttriedtransit, thisisthe perfect opportunity to save on gas andavoid parkinghassles.”
FREE FARESFORJUNETEENTH
Riding HRTbuses,light rail, ferry,Paratransit and OnDemandridesharing will be
BOATHOUSESTAGE (TOWNEBANK FOUNTAIN PARK):
FRIDAY,JUNE19
3:15pm—SHANN(R&B/Soul)
4:30pm—Wilke$&Friends(R&B)
6:30pm—Fortresses(Funk/Jazz/Soul)
8:15pm—TheFuzzBand(Funk/Jazz/ Soul)
9:45pm—Littkeys(DJ)
SATURDAY,JUNE20
12:30pm—ThaFellaz(Soul)
2:45pm—TumbaoSalsero(Latin)
4:30pm—EmeraldBeach(Rock)
6:30pm—TheHookzDuo(Rock)
8:15pm—GratefulJed(TributeBand)
9:45pm—KillDevilDisco(DJ)
SUNDAY,JUNE21
12:30pm—VinceKornegayBand (Variety)
2:15pm—EricStaab(Reggae)
4:15pm—RaJazz(Jazz)
6:15pm—AnthonyRosano&the Conqueroos(Blues)
FRONT STREET STAGE(FRONT STREET
PIERS& FESTIVAL PARK):
FRIDAY,JUNE19
2:30pm—JuJuDrum(SteelDrums)
4:15pm—TheBandMonarch(Folk/ Rock)
6pm—HotGumboBrassBand(Brass Band)
8pm—GrupoRitmoSon(Latin)
SATURDAY,JUNE20
12:30pm—OneLoveSteelBand(Steel Drums)
2:30pm—2ndMarineAircraftWing Band(MarineCorpsMilitaryBand)
4:30pm—RedStaplerDuo(Rock/ Variety)
6:30pm—ThreeFourBand(R&B)
8:15pm—TumbaoSalsero(Latin)
SUNDAY,JUNE21
12:30pm—USNavyFourStarEdition
2:15pm—Sankofa:Roots,Rhythm Revolution
4:15pm—Wonderland(Variety)
6:15pm—MichaelClarkBand(Variety)
FREEMASONSTAGE (FREEMASON
HARBOR): FRIDAY,JUNE19
2:45pm—LiveSetsbyMusicTheory Studios(DJ)
3:45pm—PureLagosArts&Textiles Exhibit
5pm—ThreeFourDuo(R&B)
6:45pm—JesseChong(Reggae/Rock/ Funk)
SATURDAY,JUNE20
12:15pm&1:45pm—JuJuDrum(Steel Drums)
3:15pm—StellaHaile(Acoustic)
4:45pm—PCDuo(Acoustic)
6:30pm—Fox&theBear(Folk/ Acoustic)
SUNDAY,JUNE21
12:15pm—BrianSewell(Acoustic)
1:45pm—NateSacks(Acoustic)
3:15pm—BrandonBower(Acoustic)
4:45pm—VinceKornegayDuo (Acoustic)
6:30pm—JacobVanko(Acoustic) *Allschedules,performances,andactivitiesare subject to change
Visitbit.ly/JuneteenthNFK2026,https:// bit.ly/Harborfest50, andwww.sail250virginia.comfor more detailsonthe festival weekend. Formoreinformation on Norfolk Festeventsand the 2026 Season of Events,visit Festevents.org
SAIL250VIRGINIA NORFOLKHOSTCITY SCHEDULEOFEVENTS
Allschedules aresubject to change.Visit sail250virginia.comforthemostup-to-date information.
TUESDAY,JUNE16- THURSDAY,JUNE 18,2026
6am-5pm:TallShipFleetbeginstoarrive at theLynnhaven Anchorage,Chesapeake Bay, offering spectacular views by land and water
FRIDAY,JUNE19, 2026
AllDay:FIFAWorldCupviewingparties, WatersideDistrict 7:30am:ParadeofSailbeginsatLynnhaven Anchorage,ChesapeakeBay
12pm:Tall Ship Parade of Sail arrives in DowntownNorfolk
12pm:7pm-DiscoveryDeck,inthePavilion at Nauticus.Entertainment &interactive activitiesforlearnersofallages 12pm-11pm: Juneteenth celebrations,TownPoint Park
50thannualNorfolkHarborfestcelebration,TownPointPark
LiveMusic&SpecialtyEntertainment, Various locations along theDowntown NorfolkWaterfront
12pm -8pm:Family& Kids Activities, Various locations along the Downtown NorfolkWaterfront 3pm-6pm:TallShipandCharacterVessels open for Public Visitation, Downtown NorfolkWaterfront. Individualshipscheduleswillvary 9:30pm: Juneteenth/Sail250® Virginia FireworksExtravaganzaovertheElizabeth RiverontheDowntownNorfolkWaterfront
SATURDAY,JUNE20, 2026
AllDay:FIFAWorldCupviewingparties, WatersideDistrict
8am-8pm:Sail250®VirginiaInternational SoccerTournament, Capt.Slade Cutter AthleticPark 12pm-6pm:Tallshipandcharactervessels openforpublicvisitation,DowntownNorfolk Waterfront 12pm-7pm:DiscoveryDeck,inthePavilion at Nauticus.Entertainment &interactive activitiesforlearnersofallages
12pm-11pm: 50thannualNorfolkHarborfestcelebration,TownPointPark Livemusic &specialty entertainment, various locations along theDowntown NorfolkWaterfront
12pm-8pm:Family &kidsactivities, variouslocations alongthe Downtown Norfolk Waterfront
9:30pm: Sail250® Virginia/Harborfest 50thFireworksSpectacularpresentedby CarnivalCruise,displayedovertheElizabeth RiverontheDowntownNorfolkWaterfront.
SUNDAY,JUNE21, 2026
AllDay:FIFAWorldCupviewingparties, WatersideDistrict
8am-6pm:Sail250®VirginiaInternational SoccerTournament, Capt.Slade Cutter AthleticPark
11am -12pm: International Parade of Cadets,DowntownNorfolk 12pm-6pm:Tallshipandcharactervessels openforpublicvisitation,DowntownNorfolk Waterfront. Individual ship schedules will vary
12pm-7pm:DiscoveryDeck,inthePavilion at Nauticus.Entertainment &interactive activitiesforlearnersofallages
12pm—8pm: 50thannualNorfolkHarborfestcelebrations,TownPointPark Livemusic &specialty entertainment, various locations along theDowntown NorfolkWaterfront Family&kidsactivities,variouslocations alongtheDowntownNorfolkWaterfront
MONDAY,JUNE22, 2026
12pm-6pm:Tallshipandcharactervessels openforpublicvisitation,DowntownNorfolk Waterfront. Individual ship schedules will vary 6pm: Select tall ships begin departing, DowntownNorfolkWaterfront
TUESDAY,JUNE23, 2026
8am: Tallshipsdepart,DowntownNorfolk Waterfront
free on June 19 in commemoration ofJuneteenth.
There’snoneed to buy or showa ticket when you’reheading to the Juneteenth NorfolkCelebration, Parade of Sail or anywhereyou’regoing.While Juneteenth isaholiday,HRTbuseswillrunonweekday schedules. Light rail and ferry will operate on expanded serviceinsupport of Sail250 Virginia Juneteenthis one of four fare-free days offered by HRTthroughout the year.ElectionDayinNovember,TransitEquityDayin February andEarth Dayevery April arethe otherdaysthatHamptonRoadsresidentscan trytransitatnocost
FREE LIGHTRAILANDFERRY
HRTisofferingfreeservice on the Tide lightrailandElizabethRiverFerryonJune20 and21toaccommodatedemandforSail250 Virginia.Freeshuttlebuseswillbestagedin support of light rail operations if ridership exceedslight rail’s capacity in both directions. Regularbus routes on thesedayswill besubjecttofares
Thelightrailwilloperateasfollows:
Friday,June19
5:12a.m.to10a.m.(15-minuteservice)
10a.m.to12a.m.(10-minuteservice)
Saturday,June20
5:12a.m.to7p.m.(15-minuteservice)
7p.m.to12a.m.(10-minuteservice)
Sunday,June21
10:30a.m.to9:30p.m.(regular,15-minute service)
Extraservice will be providedasneeded ADDITIONAL FERRYSERVICE AND HOURS
TheElizabethRiverFerrywilloperateall weekendwithextraboats:
Friday, June 19: Continuous service between 5:35 a.m. and12:15a.m., with extra ferriesaddedat10:15a.m.and4p.m.through the fireworks show. Expectservice delays duringParadeofSail.
Saturday, June 20: Continuous service between10a.m.-11:30p.m.,withextraferries added at noon, 4p.m. and afterfireworks show.
Sunday, June 21: Continuous service between 10 a.m.-11:45p.m.,withadditional ferries between 11:40 a.m 7:30 p.m. and noon-6p.m. Times aresubject to change based on crowds
PARK FORFREE AT 4PARK-AND-RIDE
LOTS
Light rail customers can park for free at four park-and-ridelots at these stations to avoiddowntown vehicle congestion and limitedparking:
NewtownRoadStation(NewtownRoad andKempsvilleRoad)
MilitaryHighwayStation(CurlewDrive andCorporateBoulevard)
Ballentine/BroadCreek Station (BallentineBoulevardandI-264).
EVMC/FortNorfolkStation(Lot6and Lot19gateswillbeopenfrom6p.m.Friday, June19,throughmidnightSunday,June21).
GETTINGTODOWNTOWNNORFOLK FROM THE OCEANFRONT,NAVAL
STATION Visitors staying at the Oceanfrontin Virginia Beach have twooptions to get to downtownNorfolk: DrivetoNewtown Road Station,park forfreeandhopontheTidelightrailforfree.
TaketheRoute960fromParks&19th near the Virginia BeachConvention CenterforanexpressbustotheDowntown Norfolk Transit Center. The bus also stops atNewtownRoadStationtoconnecttolight railforadditionaldestinations.Busesarefree onJune19,butfaresapplyonJune20and21.
ThosetravelingbetweenNavalStation Norfolk and downtown can takeHRT’s Route2busbetweentheDowntownNorfolk Transit Center and the NavalExchange at Hammond&AdmiralTaussig
SCHEDULE AND FARES
Allfares arefreeonJune19for allmodes oftransit.Faresarefreeforlightrailandferry onlyonJune20and21. Forbus serviceonJune20and 21, it’s $2 oneway or $4.50 to ride all day, and youth arefreewith apaying adult.Planand payin advanceontheGoMobileapp.Eachfare-payingadultwillneedtheirownvirtualfarecard intheGoMobileapp
PlanyourtripwithHRT’sonlineroutemap athttps://gohrt.com/system-map/
TAKE YOUR BIKE ON TRANSIT
It’s easy to get around on your bikeall weekend. With bike-ready buses, light rail and ferry,HRT can get youwhere youwant togowithoutdriving HRTcustomers areencouragedtotake their bicycles on anymode of transit at no additionalcharge.EveryHRTbushasabike rack for twobicycles on thefront of thebus andriderscanstowtheirbikesbeforeboarding.Forlightrailandferry,justwalkonyour bikeandlookforbikestorageracks FORMORE INFORMATION ON TRANSIT SERVICES,VISIT GOHRT.COM.
