USS Nimitzarrives to final homeport of NavalStation Norfolk
2ND FLEET
NORFOLK,Va.—Nearly3,000Sailors of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USSNimitz (CVN 68) arrived at Naval Station Norfolk following ahistoric and successfulfour-monthdeploymenttothe U.S. Southern Command areas of operations,and participationinFleet Exercise (FLEETEX)250 and the International NavalReview(INR)250,July9.
“Nimitz and its crew performed outstandinglyastheydemonstratedunity sharedvalues,andcommitmenttoglobal maritime securityalongside our nation’s partnersandallies,”saidRearAdm.Forrest Young,commander of Carrier Strike Group 8. “I am proud to have them join the Carrier StrikeGroup 8team and to welcomethemhome.”
TheNimitzdeployedinsupportofpartnership building,homeland defense,and hemisphericsecurity. Nimitz also partic-
ipated in Fleet Exercise (FLEETEX) 2026 with allied and partner nations in theAtlantic,andproudlyrepresentedthe nationandtheNavyatInternationalNaval Review(INR)250. “I am profoundly proud of theway NimitzSailorsprofessionallyrepresented ourNavyandourNationduringthismilestonedeployment,”saidCapt. Joseph Furco, commanding officer of Nimitz. “These extraordinarymen andwomen trulyembodiedtheNimitzmotto,‘Teamwork, ATradition,’aswehelped build America’sglobalmaritimeteamthroughout Southern Seas 2026,Fleet Exercise 250,and finally,International Naval Review 250.All of us onboardare also extremelythankfultotheCityofNorfolk for welcoming us back to this ship’s first andfinalhomeport.”
Nimitz visitedports in Panama,Chile, Brazil, and Jamaica during the deploy-
NORFOLK,Va. (July 9, 2026) MachinistMate 1stClass Michael Gipson,assigned to Nimitz-class aircraftcarrier USSNimitz (CVN 68) ,embraces his children on the pier at NavalStation Norfolk,July 9, 2026 (U.S.NAVY PHOTO BYMASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST2ND CLASS OSCAR PICHARDO) See USS NIMITZ on Page A2
CarrierStrikeGroup 8holds change of command
Courtesy Story USSHARRY STRUMAN
NORFOLK,Va.—RearAdm.ForrestYoung wasrelievedbyRearAdm.MatthewJ.Kawas as commander,Carrier Strike Group(CSG) 8, duringa change of command ceremony at AirborneCommand &ControlSquadron (VAW)126,July15,2026
The ceremonymarkedthe formal transfer of responsibility for astrikegroup built on warfighting readiness,disciplined standards and the Sailors who deliver CSG-8’s combatpower.
“WhenItookcommandofthestrikegroup lastsummer,Iasked our teams to focus on teamwork,readiness,safety,stewardshipand resiliency,” said Young.“As Ireflect on our time together,Iremain impressed by how everyteamrespondedtothatchallenge.”
Young assumed command of CSG-8in June 2025 after serving as director of operations and plans,N3, at theOffice of the Chief of NavalOperations.During histime incommand,heguidedtheHarryS.Truman Carrier StrikeGroup throughademanding sustainment and readiness cycle,oversaw USSHarry S. Truman’stransition toward
RefuelingandComplexOverhaul,andledthe strikegroupthroughhigh-visibilitynational andinternationalevents
Under Young’sleadership,CSG-8 sustainedcombatreadinessacrossassigned ships,aircraftsquadronsandstaffs.Thestrike groupsupported operations in theU.S.4th Fleet area of responsibility,helped advance CarrierAirWingONEtacticalreadiness,and contributedtomultinationalmaritimecoordinationduringeventsdemonstratingallied interoperabilityandnavalstrength
Acareernavalaviatorandgraduateofthe Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN), Youngcompletedninecarrierdeployments supportingOperationsSouthernWatch,Iraqi FreedomandEnduringFreedom,flewmore than 80 combat missions, andaccumulated morethan3,800flighthoursandmorethan 1,100 arrested landingsaboard10aircraft carriers
Kawasreported to CSG-8 afterserving as deputy commander,U.S.Naval Forces CentralCommandanddeputycommander, U.S. 5thFleet.Anuclear-trained surface warfareofficer,his previous assignments
See CSG 8onPage A3
NORFOLK, Va.(July15, 2026)RearAdm. ForrestYoung,outgoingcommander,Carrier StrikeGroup (CSG)8,salutes as sideboysrender honorsfollowinga change of command ceremonyatAirborne Command&Control Squadron(VAW) 126.RearAdm. MatthewJ KawasrelievedYoung as commander of CSG8duringthe ceremony. (U.S.NAVYPHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALISTSEAMAN MADELYN CUEVAS)
NATO allies, U.S. Navy strengthen transatlantic bond inmassive Fleet Exercise 250
Courtesy Story COMMANDER,U.S. 2ND FLEET
NORFOLK,Va. —A powerfuldisplay ofalliance capability and commitment concludedofftheU.S.EastCoastasU.S.Navy and NATOforces completed Fleet Exercise (FLEETEX)250,apremiermaritimeexercise designedtostrengthentransatlanticsecurity andinteroperability
The at-sea portion of theexercise,which ranfromJune 22 to June 29, involved a complexcommand-and-control structure that seamlessly integrated multinational forces,including numerous NATO forces, underU.S.2nd Fleet (C2F).A keyhighlight oftheexercisewastheleadershiproleofthe Spanish Navy,which commanded amajor task force responsiblefor security in the Atlantic.
“FLEETEX250 is apowerful demonstration of the Alliance’s enduringcommitmenttothe NorthAtlantic,”saidViceAdm. Doug Perry,commander of U.S. 2nd Fleet andNATO’sJoint Forces Command Norfolk (JFCNF). “When ourallieslead major combat-credible task forces,it sends aclearmessageofunityandcapability.Spain’s commandoftheAtlantictaskforce,coupled withtheseamlessintegrationofforcesfrom acrosstheAlliance,provesthatourcollective strength is our greatestasset in ensuringa safe,stable,andsecureAtlantic.”
Theexercisewasdividedintotwoprimary task forces simulating arobust response to acomplex security scenario.One task force wasled by the U.S. Navy’s Expeditionary StrikeGroup 2(ESG-2) and the second was ledbyaSpanishExpeditionaryStrikeGroup, centeredontheSpanishNavy’sflagship,the LHDJuanCarlosI.
CTF-ATL is responsible forleadingthe alliance’shigh-end maritime operations acrosstheAtlanticOceanandworksincollaborationwithCTF-North,itsU.S.-ledcounterpart. FLEETEX250 served as an excellent opportunityfortacticalunitssupportingboth CTFstooperate collaboratively beforeactivationslaterthisyear
“Tolead is an honor; to leadanAlliance forceisaprofoundresponsibility,”saidVice Adm. Juan Bautista PerezPuig, Spanish commanderofTaskForce-Atlantic.“Oursailors have proventheir readiness and professionalism, operatingside-by-side with our AmericanandNATOcounterparts.ThisexercisereaffirmsthatthesecurityoftheAtlantic is ashared duty,and Spain is proudtobea leaderinupholdingthatcommitment.”
Forthisoccasion,andaspartofthecurrent deploymentonitsreturntoEuropefromthe U.S. EastCoast, in addition to SPMARFOR aboard thecommand ship “Castilla,” Spain
will makethe Strategic Projection Vessel “JuanCarlos I” available to theAlliance, withtheCommanderoftheFleetProjection Group,theDeputyCommanderoftheTercio Armada,andtheLandingForceonboard;the frigate“BlasdeLezo,”withtheCommander of the 31stSurface Squadron on board; the frigate“ReinaSofía”;andthecombatsupply ship(BAC)“Patiño.”
Also integrated into the exercise was StandingNATOMaritimeGroup1(SNMG1),one of NATO’s standing navalforces on continuousactiveduty.UndertheCommand ofRoyalNavyCommodoreMarylaIngham, aboardthe Germanflagship FGSSachsen, themultinationalgroupincludesshipsfrom Germany, Norway,Turkeyand theNetherlands
“Our strength lies in our interoperability—ourabilitytocommunicate,manoeuvre ,andfightasone,”saidCommodoreIngham. “FLEETEX250 challenged every aspect of ourmaritimeskill,andthesailorsofSNMG1 performedmagnificently.Wearemorethan allies;weareasingle,integratedteam.”
AstheoperationalfleetforU.S.Northern Command, U.S. 2ndFleet’s role in theexercise highlights thecritical link betweenthe UnitedStatesandtheNATOAllianceforthe defence of North America and the vital sea lanesoftheAtlantic
With the exercise complete,manyofthe participating ships,including those from SNMG-1,are sailing forNew York City to takepart in theInternational NavalReview (INR)250.This historic event,part of the UnitedStates’ 250thanniversary celebrations,willbringtogethermaritimepartners fromaroundtheworldinaglobalsalutetosea powerandpartnership.LaterinJuly,NATO willactivateCTF-ATLtocommandnumerousalliedvessels as these units maketheir returnjourneyacrosstheAtlantic.InAugust NATOwillactivateCTF-NorthunderESG-2 leadershipforsupportExerciseNORTHERN VIKING
NORFOLK, Va.(June 29,2026)Vice Adm. Doug Perry,commander,U.S. 2nd Fleet, and CommodoreMarylaIngham, commander,standing NATO Maritime Group 1, pose fora photo,during avisitto German navy Sachsen-class air-defense frigateFGS Sachsen (F 219),atNaval Station Norfolk,June 29,2026.Fleet Exercise (FLEETEX) 250 represents the United States’commitment to layerdefense of the homeland through forward-deployedforcesand reinforces interoperabilitywith alliesand partners through collectivemaritime security. (U.S. NAVYPHOTOBYMASSCOMMUNICATION SPECIALIST2ND CLASS PIERCE LUCK)
NORFOLK, Va.(July 9, 2026)Sailorsman therails on the
9, 2026.Nimitz arrived at NSN, followinga
(INR) 250 (U.S.NAVYPHOTO BYMASS
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ment.Nimitz will be permanently homeported in NavalStationNorfolk, training NavalAviation’s next generation of warfighters,while standing ready to answer the Nation’scallasithasforthepast51years Notable visitors to theNimitzincluded CommanderoftheU.S.SouthernCommand, Gen.FrancisL.Donovan;Commanderofthe U.S.FourthFleet,RearAdm.CarlosA.Sardiello,andnumerousforeignmilitaryandcivilianleaders,includingsixheadsofstate U.S. 2nd Fleet, reestablished in 2018 in response to thechanging global security environment,develops and employs maritime ready forces to fight across multiple domains in the Atlantic and Arctic in order toensureaccess,deteraggressionanddefend
U.S.,allied,andpartnerinterests. 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.
U.S. Navy identifies missing sailor as HSC-5 Commanding Officer
Courtesy Story COMMANDER, NAVAL AIR FORCE ATLANTIC
NORFOLK,Va TheU.S.NavyidentifiesCmdr Gabriel Edwards, commanding officer of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron(HSC)5,asthemissingSailorfollowingahelicopter’semergencylandingintheArabianSea,July1.
“ThethoughtsandprayersofeverymemberoftheCarrier StrikeGroup10teamarewiththeEdwardsfamily Whilewe arefarfromhome,ourheartfeltsupportremainsatyourside,” said Rear Adm. Todd Cimicata, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 “Gabe’s legacy as a husband, father, friend andfearlessleaderwillneverbeforgotten Wearethankfulto eachwhocarryauniqueandindeliblepartofGabe’smemory withusaswecontinuethisimportantmission.”
After more than 102 hours of continuous search and rescue efforts covering over 14,000 square miles, the U.S. NavysuspendedsearcheffortsintheArabianSeaonJuly5.
The extensive search involved ships and aircraft from two carrierstrikegroups,twoPatrolandReconnaissanceSquadrons(VP)flyingP-8APoseidonaircraftandmultipleU.S.Air Forceaircraft.
“Commander Gabe Edwards was the epitome of selfless leadership whodedicatedhimselftoserviceandsacrificefor thelast20years,”saidCapt.MatthewLewis,commanderof CarrierAirWing(CVW)7.“Ourdeepestgratitudeandsympathy go out to his family, who should know that Gabe led his squadron,theHSC-5“Nightdippers,”withintegrityandfortitude buildingacohesiveorganizationthatwillcontinueto embodytheexceptionalstandardshesetwhileincommand andthroughouthisnavalcareer.”
Gabriel Edwards, a native of Oakland, Oregon, graduated in 2006 from Norfolk State University with a BachelorofSciencedegreeinphysicsandcommissionedthrough the Naval ROTC He earned his aviator “Wings of Gold” in 2008asahelicopterpilotandservedwithHSC-22,the“Sea Knights;”HSC-84 the“RedWolves;”NavalSpecialWarfare Group(NSWG)4astheair-to-groundfiresofficeandJoint TerminalAttackController;HSC-85,the“Firehawks;”and assumedcommandofHSC-5,theNightdippers,inJuly2025 Edwardsissurvivedbyhiswife,Rebecca,twochildren,a large extended family and brothers and sisters in the naval aviation community who will forever carry his memory in
CSG 8
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theirhearts
“We are profoundly grateful to every Sailor, aviator, and Airmanwhodevotedcountlesshours extraordinaryskill,and unwaveringdeterminationintheefforttobringGabehome,” saidRebeccaEdwards.“Gabehasdedicatedhislifetoserving his country with honor, courage, and commitment. He ledwithhumility,integrity,andcompassion,alwaysputting his people before himself. To those who served alongside him, he was a respected leader and mentor To our family,
included command of USS Fort Worth (LCS 3), USS Freedom (LCS 1) and Destroyer Squadron 2. As commodore, he led five destroyers and servedastheAtlanticFleettheateranti-submarinewarfaretaskgroup commanderandseacombatcommanderforFordCarrierStrikeGroup
“Asthechiefofnavaloperationshassaid,strategicadvantagedoesnot begin with platforms or weapons alone It begins with people leaders who can think clearly under pressure, assess risk, make decisions andfighteffectivelyinuncertainty,”saidKawas.“Iamhonoredtoserve alongsidethoseleadersandtheprofessionalsofCarrierStrikeGroup8.”
CSG-8’smissionistodelivercombat-readywarfightingassetsbuilton discipline,highstandardsandleadership,readytosupportanycombatantcommanderinanyassignedtheaterandmakeanimmediateimpact inanybattlespace
Carrier Strike Group 8 includes USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), CarrierAirWing(CVW)1andassignedsurfacecombatants Thestrike group provides operational command and control for assigned forces andsupportstheNavy’smissiontodeteraggression,maintainmaritime securityandprojectpowerfromthesea.
he is the love of my life, an extraordinary father to his children, and the foundation of our home His greatest joy was alwayshisfamily.”
TheEdwardsfamilyexpressedtheirappreciationforthe outpouring of prayers, messages, and support from their family, friends, the HSC-5 Nightdippers, the naval aviation community,andpeoplearoundtheworld.
“Aswebegintofacethedifficultroadahead,werespectfully ask for privacy as we grieve together as a family,” said Rebecca Edwards “We find comfort in knowing that Gabe livedalifeofextraordinarypurpose devotedtohiscountry, hissquadron,andaboveall,thefamilyhelovedsocompletely.” EdwardsassumedcommandastheCommandingOfficer ofHSC-5inJuly2025andwasselectedforpromotiontoCapt bytheFiscalYear2027O-6LineOfficerPromotionBoard. Edwardsaccumulatedmorethan2,000flighthoursinthe SH-60F, HH-60H, and MH-60S helicopter airframes His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal,NavyandMarineCorpsCommendationMedal(three awards),NavyandMarineCorpsAchievementMedal(two awards),andvariousunitandcampaignawards HSC-5iscurrentlydeployedintheMiddleEastembarked on the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN77)aspartofCVW-7 Mentalhealthprofessionalsand counselors,chaplaincy,andreligiousprogramsupportadvocatesareactivelysupportingthesquadronandship’screw ThesearchinvolvedUSSGeorgeH.W.Bush’sHSC-5and HelicopterMaritimeStrikeSquadron(HSM)46,fixedwing aircraftfromCVW-7and9,Nimitz-classaircraftcarrierUSS AbrahamLincoln’s(CVN72)helicoptersquadronsHSC-14 andHSM-71,ArleighBurke-classguided-missiledestroyers USSRoss(DDG71),USSDonaldCook(DDG75),USSHiggins (DDG76),USSMason(DDG87),andUSSJohnFinn(DDG 113)withHSM-51,twoVPsquadrons andmultipleU.S.Air Forceaircraft.
The cause of the incident remains under investigation Thereisnoindicationtheemergencywascausedbyhostile action.
Forquestionsrelatedtothisreleaseoradditionalphotos of Edwards, please contact Naval Air Force Atlantic Public Affairsat[CNAL_PAO@us.navy.mil](mailto:CNAL_PAO@ us.navy.mil).
Cmdr Gabe Edwards. (COURTESYPHOTO)
Norfolk Naval Shipyard welcomes USS Gerald R. Ford for its first Planned Incremental Availability
By Michael D Brayshaw NORFOLK NAVAL SHIPYARD
Ushering in a new era of aircraft carrier maintenanceatAmerica’sShipyard Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) welcomed USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) July 7 in advance ofitsPlannedIncrementalAvailability(PIA)
Following the carrier’s historic 326-day deployment, including operations in the Mediterranean,Caribbean,andRedSeas,this marksGeraldR.Ford’sfirstregularlyscheduled availability at a public shipyard as well as the first time a Ford-class aircraft carrier hasbeenservicedatNNSY
APIAisascheduledperiodforanaircraft carrier to undergo extensive maintenance, repairs and modernization to meet future operationaldemands,spanningawidearray ofoverhaulsandinspections Additionally,a concurrentavailabilitywillbeconductedto restorespacesdamagedduringafireaboard thethen-deployedcarrierinMarch2026.
Gerald R. Ford’s availability plays an important role in the Navy’s integration of operationsandoverhaulsintoamaintenance continuum using smaller, more frequent availabilities to accomplish needed work while also increasing operational availability Gettingcarriersdeliveredbacktothefleet on time is critical to improving warfighting readiness
This continuum has already supported the shipyard team to accomplish advance work on the carrier while at Naval Station Norfolk including early testing, preparationsfortemporaryserviceinstallation,and jetblastdeflectoroverhaul.Thecontinuum also provides an opportunity to resolve any additionalworkfollowingcompletionofthe availability
“Theteamisheavilyleveragingthelessons of the new maintenance continuum,” said Project Superintendent George “BJ” Baker. “Specifically, we are utilizing pre- and post-Window of Opportunity (WOO) periodstomanagenewworkbudgets Iflate-stage newworkposesarisktoourcompletiondate, wehavetheframeworktoworkthoseitems post-availability CapitalizingontheseWOO periods is the single most important key to returning carriers to their strict [maintenance]timelines.”
To further support timely completion, Baker said the team has been undergoing “rigorous and highly collaborative” prepa-
rationsconductingquarterlyprojectplanning reviews,undergoingspecializedtrainingon thenewcarrierclassatNewportNewsShipbuilding’s (NNS) Virginia Advanced ShipbuildingandCarrierIntegrationCenterand engaginginpeerreviewswiththePCUJohn F.Kennedy(CVN79)teamasthenextcarrier inclasscompletesconstructionatNNS.
To drive a pressing timeline while overhauling a new type of carrier, the project team will incorporate NNSY’s Focus and Finish initiative by starting availability jobs andurgentlyworkingthemtocompletionto minimizeinterruptionsanddelays
“We are actively implementing the Focus and Finish execution model to mini-
mize multitasking, drive scheduling discipline, and rapidly close out work areas,” said Baker. “Every single shift matters Our leadership team is focused on ensuring the entire shipyard and ship’s force community are completely bought into this ‘every day counts’mindset.”
Gerald R. Ford’s arrival at NNSY follows the early PIA completions for Nimitz-class aircraftcarriersUSSDwightD.Eisenhower (CVN69)inApril2026,andUSSGeorgeH.W. Bush(CVN77)inNovember2024
“USS Gerald R. Ford is positioned to becomethethirdconsecutiveearlyfinishof an aircraft carrier availability at America’s Shipyard,” said Shipyard Commander Rear
Adm.KavonHakimzadeh.“Ourprojectteam is answering the call, and I look forward to many great successes over the next several months as we drive to completing the availabilityandmaximizingGeraldR.Ford’sabilitytomeetitscriticalmission.”
Gerald R. Ford is the lead ship in the first newlydesignedaircraftcarrierclassinmore than40years,beginningthephasedreplacement of Nimitz-class carriers As one of the largest, most historic and multifaceted shipyards in the nation NNSY’s mission is to repair, modernize and inactivate Navy warshipsandtrainingplatformstomaximize readinessandavailabilityforfleettasking
Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) in Portsmouth, Virginia
A legacy of care: Navy Captain retires as daughter commissions into Nurse Corps
By Petty Officer 2nd Class
Sasha Ambrose
OF MEDICINE AND
BUREAU
U.S. NAVY
SURGERY
FALLSCHURCH,Va July10markeda rareandsymbolicchangingoftheguardfor theUnitedStatesNavyNurseCorps Onthe samedaythatCapt.LonnieHoseaconcluded adistinguishedthree-decademilitarycareer, his daughter Ensign Jenna Hosea Baker, raisedherrighthandtobeginherown.
In a ceremony that bridged two generationsofNavyMedicine,Capt Hoseaadministered the oath of office to his daughter, officially commissioning her as an officer in theU.S.NavyNurseCorps
“I feel like it’s really symbolic, because as he’s going out, I’m coming in,” said Hosea Baker of sharing the day with her father “I feellikeitdoesn’thappeneveryday.Ifeellike I’mcarryingsomethingon.”
As a native of Rayville, Louisiana, Capt Hosea’s military journey began in 1994 as an enlisted hospital corpsman in the Navy Reserves before commissioning into the NurseCorpsin1996 Overthenext30years, hiscareerspannedtheglobeandthefullspectrumofmilitarymedicine Heservedasacriticalcarenurse,deployedaboardMercy-class hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) to support Hurricane Katrina recovery operations in 2005, and served as the lead U.S. intensive care nurse at the British Camp Bastion Role 3 Hospital in Afghanistan’s HelmandProvincein2009
Capt. Hosea’s leadership ultimately took him to the highest levels of Navy Medicine, serving as the commanding officer of Navy MedicineReadinessandTrainingCommand Quantico in Virginia, and concluded his career as a senior health policy analyst for theDefenseHealthAgency
Despite growing up surrounded by her father’s Navy career, Ensign Hosea Baker’s decisiontojointheservicewasnotsomething herfatheranticipated.
“Thiswasasurprise,”Capt Hoseaadmitted. “I knew she wanted to be a nurse when shestartedcollege butitwasasurprisetome whenshecametome,aftershewasaccepted to nursing school, that she wanted to know whatitwouldtakeforhertobecomeaNavy nurse Shedidn’tconsideranyotherservice. Shesaid,‘IwanttobeaNavynurse.’”
RaisedasaNavybrat,EnsignHoseaBaker spentherchildhoodmovingfromTexasand Virginia to Okinawa and South Carolina
These formative experiences cultivated adaptability and a deep appreciation for serviceduringhighschoolwhileworkingas a veterinary assistant. She went on to excel at the James Madison University School of Nursing, graduating with her Bachelor of ScienceinNursinginMay2026
“I want to make an impact, and I want to serveonalargerscale,”EnsignHoseaBaker explained.“Iwanttobenefitothers,andIfelt likeIwascalledtodothis.”
Herfather’sexampleplayedapivotalrole inthecallingtomilitarymedicine.
“He has been a really big role model and somebodyI’velookedupto,”shesaid. Heis verycommitted,andIcouldtellthathehad adriveandapassionforit Thatshowedme
thatyoucan’tjustbehalfwayinthis;youhave toputyourwholeheartin.
Beforeadministeringtheoath,Capt.Hosea madesurehisdaughterunderstoodthegravityofhernewdualprofession.
“I said, ‘If you want to do this, just know what it means,’ Capt Hosea recalled. “We’vediscussedhowyou’reanofficerfirst, and you’re a nurse second. And leadership is real, and it’s about devoting yourself and goinginwitheyeswideopenintothislifeof servicethatyou’rechoosing It’snotjustlike anyotherjob.”
Followinganintensiveemergencydepartment internship at INOVA Mount Vernon Hospital, Hosea Baker discovered a love fortraumanursingandhassethersightson
becominganEmergencyNursePractitioner
“I love science and I love anatomy, and I think it’s an incredibly interesting field,” Ensign Hosea Baker said adding that her interest in emergency nursing comes naturally. “I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie, so I haveapassionforit,forsure.”
As Capt. Hosea steps into retirement, his legacy continues in the fleet. Following her completionofOfficerDevelopmentSchoolin Newport,RhodeIsland,EnsignHoseaBaker willreporttoWalterReedNationalMilitary MedicalCenterinBethesda,Maryland. Navy Medicine’s 44,000+ talented and ready forces optimize health readiness, deliverqualityhealthcare,andprovideglobal expeditionarymedicalsupporttowarfighters
Joint exercise sharpens emergency response at NAS Oceana
By Katie Hewett NAVAL AIR STATION OCEANA
Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana, alongside multiple local agencies, executed a large-scale, multi-scenario exercise July 14 to validate joint emergencyresponseplansaheadofthe2026NAS OceanaAirShow.
The annual training event, which included more than 200 volunteers across several agencies, confronted base personnel with a series of complex, simulated emergencies The scenarios included an aircraft mishap on the flight line, an explosion, and a simulated emergency airlift executed by Sentara Health’s Nightingale RegionalAirAmbulance
The drill tested the critical interoperability between military first responders and City of Virginia Beach emergency services, highlighting the integration required to manage unpredictablecrises
“Our relationship with the City of Virginia Beach is the cornerstone of our installation’s securityandemergencyresponse,”saidCapt.Jeff Creighan, the executive officer of NAS Oceana “It’s all about being proactive and establishing strongcommunicationwithourpartnersbefore acrisisoccurs.”
Within minutes of the simulated emergencies personnelfromNASOceanaandtheCityof Virginia Beach established a Unified Command Post, pooling resources and personnel to solve problems and save lives According to NAS Oceana Fire Chief Cedric Patterson, putting response plans into action provides an operational perspective that cannot be replicated by reviewingamanual.
“We have emergency response plans in place but executing them on an annual basis gives us the opportunity to bring the Navy and our local partnerstogethertovalidateplansunderrealistic conditions,” Patterson said. Organizing an exercise of this magnitude requires significant coordination.Plannersdesignedthedrilltochallenge on-base assets, prompting emergency responderstosynchronizewithmutual-aidpartnersand leverageregionalresources
“Thecomplexandrealisticscenarioswethrew atourteamswerethevehicletotesthowwellwe communicate amongst ourselves, but also with ourcounterpartsandcommunitypartners,”said CharlesJolly,NASOceana’sinstallationtraining officer “Our real success today was seeing Navy and city personnel seamlessly operating as one unit.” Tomaximizethetrainingvalue plannersdeliberatelyintroducedchaoticvariablestochallenge personneltomakecriticaldecisionsunderpressure.
“Real-world emergencies do not happen in a vacuum,” Jolly said. “We design this controlled environmenttostretchourresources Intraining, if a team struggles, we have the luxury to pause, showthemwhatrightlookslike,andrestart.But inareal-worldevent,thereisnopausebutton.”
Because real-world crises allow no room for hesitation, Jolly emphasized that pushing personnel past their everyday comfort zones during training is the only way to build reliable preparedness
“We fight like we train, because in an emergency,wefalltoourlowestlevelofcomfort,”Jolly said.“Theseexercisesaredesignedtobeuncomfortableuntiltheyarenolonger sothatourteams havethemusclememorytoreactandsavelives.
FALLS CHURCH, Va From left to right, U.S. Navy Capt. Lonnie S. Hosea, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery senior health policy advisor, and his daughter Ensign Jenna Hosea Baker, a nurse assigned to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, cut his retirement cake as part of a joint ceremony featuring the retirement of Hosea and the commissioning of Baker at Defense Health Headquarters in Falls Church,
Virginia,July 10, 2026 The ceremony highlighted a continuing legacy of service for Navy Medicine as Hosea closed out a 30-year career and Baker took her first steps into the Nurse Corps. (U.S.NAVYPHOTO BYKEVIN RAYJ.SALVADOR)
USS Fort Lauderdale completes maiden deployment with Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group
NORFOLK Va The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) returned to its homeport of Norfolk, Virginia on July 16, following an 11-month deployment to the U.S. Fourth Fleet area of operations USS Fort Lauderdale departed Naval Station Norfolk alongsideIwoJimaAmphibiousReadyGroup(IWOARG) ships; comprising of the flagship Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) and USS San Antonio (LPD 17); August 14, 2025 in support of the U.S. Southern Commandmissions,DepartmentofWar-directedoperations, andthePresident’sprioritiestodisruptillicitdrugtrafficking andprotectthehomeland.
“I could not be prouder of Fort Lauderdale’s Sailors and their relentless drive to execute our nation’s tasking,” said Capt. Jiwan Mack, Fort Lauderdale commanding officer “Theircommitmenttothemissionwasessentialtothesafeguarding of America’s national security interests close and abroad while maintaining the U.S. Navy’s maritime domi-
nanceintheCaribbeanSea.”
During its 334-day deployment, Sailors and Marines
aboard Fort Lauderdale operated seamlessly with joint services and naval assets in the region to accomplish 3,194 sorties, 792 hours of flight operations, and transiting more than51,093nauticalmiles
“Defending ‘The Fort’ throughout this maiden deploymenthasbeenoneofthegreatesthonorsofmycareer,”said CommandMasterChiefSteven“Junior”Roberts “OurSailors integratedseamlesslywiththe22ndMarineExpeditionary Unit,LittoralCombatForce-24andjointentities,demonstratingthestrengthandadaptabilityofourcombinedforces.”
While in the Caribbean Sea, Fort Lauderdale and its embarked22ndMEU(SOC)partneredwithJointTaskForce (JTF)Bravotoprovideforeignhumanitarianassistanceand disasterreliefeffortsinJamaicaintheaftermathofHurricane Melissa. Fort Lauderdale’s team delivered packages from Mayport,FloridatoPuertoRicoforfollow-onmovementto Jamaica.IntandemwithIWOARG’swhole-of-forceefforts, thesecarepackagesandsupplieswereairliftedtosomeofthe mosthighlyaffectedareasofJamaica
Inresponsetoacatastrophic7.5-magnitudeearthquakein
Venezuela,USSFortLauderdale(LPD28)supportedDepartmentofState-ledU.S.governmentreliefoperationsinVenezuela. Arriving pierside in La Guaira on June 28, 2026, at therequestoftheVenezuelangovernment,FortLauderdale served as a primary coordination hub for relief operations Beyonddeliveringlife-savingsupplies,theshipleveragedits advancedmedicalfacilities,heavy-liftcapabilities,androbust command-and-controlinfrastructuretoseamlesslyintegrate efforts between U.S. Southern Command, the Department ofState,andlocalVenezuelanauthoritiestodirectaidacross themostaffectedareas
“As we return to homeport, we carry immense pride in representing the city of Fort Lauderdale and honoring the ship that bears its name,” said Roberts. “Most importantly, we come home to our families in Norfolk whose unwavering support made every mile of this deployment possible Ourwarfightingteamexecutedtheirdutieswithprideand professionalism;ourteamdiditforDale!” FormoreinformationaboutFortLauderdalevisit:https:// www.facebook.com/FORTLAUDERDALELPD28/
NAVELSG Sailors support Fleet Week New York, showcase expeditionary logistics during America 250 celebration
By Chief Petty OfficerJose Hernandez NAVY EXPEDITIONARY
LOGISTICS
SUPPORT GROUP
NEW YORK Sailors assigned to the NavyExpeditionaryLogisticsSupportGroup (NAVELSG)supportedthe250thanniversary oftheUnitedStatesduringFleetWeekNew Yorkbyengagingwiththousandsofvisitors and demonstrating the Navy Expeditionary CombatCommand’s(NECC)expeditionary logisticscapabilities
Throughouttheweek,NAVELSGSailors represented both NAVELSG and NECC at interactivedisplays,speakingwithmembers of the public about the command’s role in enablingnavaloperationsaroundtheglobe.
Theteamhighlightedexpeditionarycargo handling,logistics-over-the-shoreoperations, portopeningcapabilitiesandthespecialized mission sets that allow the Navy to rearm, refuel and resupply forces in contested and austereenvironments
FleetWeekNewYorkprovidesanopportunityforSailors,MarinesandCoastGuardsmen to connect with the American public while strengthening awareness of the sea servicesandtheirmissions
As part of the nationwide America 250 commemoration, the event also recognized 250 years of naval service and the enduring relationshipbetweentheNavyandthenation itserves
“Fleet Week gives us the opportunity to showAmericansasideoftheNavytheymay notnormallysee,”saidInformationSystems Technician Chief Breonn Stephens, leading chiefpettyofficerforNAVELSG’sN6 “Every conversationisachancetoexplainhowexpeditionarylogisticiansmakeitpossibleforthe fleettooperateanywhereintheworld.Representing NAVELSG and NECC during this historiccelebrationisanhonorforourteam.”
During the event, NAVELSG Sailors
answered questions about expeditionary logistics, cargo handling operations and career opportunities while sharing how NAVELSG supports combatant commandersbydeliveringexpeditionarylogisticscapabilitieswherevertheyareneeded.
Theirengagementgavevisitorsanopportunitytobetterunderstandhowexpeditionarylogisticiansenablethefleetbyproviding criticalrearmament,refuelingandresupply capabilities in support of naval operations worldwide
“Fleet Week is an investment in the relationship between our Navy and the Americanpeople,”saidLt MattCanon,NAVELSG N41 finance officer “Supporting events like FleetWeekallowsourSailorstoshowcasethe capabilitiesthatNAVELSGandNavyExpeditionaryCombatCommandbringtothefleet while strengthening public understanding of the expeditionary logistics mission. It’s rewarding to see our team represent the commandwithsuchprofessionalism.”
NAVELSG’sparticipationhighlightedthe critical role expeditionary logistics plays in supportingdistributedmaritimeoperations and ensuring naval forces remain supplied, sustainedandmissionreadyacrosstheglobe Throughdirectinteractionwiththepublic, SailorshelpeddemonstratehowNAVELSG and NECC deliver expeditionary logistics capabilities that enable the fleet to operate anytime,anywhere.
NAVELSG provides expeditionary logistics capabilities for maritime forces ashore, including expeditionary cargo handling for surface, air and terminal operations, tactical fueling, ordnance handling and reporting,andsupporttomaritimeprepositioning andjointlogisticsover-the-shoreoperations NAVELSGsupportsNavy,joint,interagency andcombinedforcesworldwide FormorenewsfromNavyExpeditionary LogisticsSupportGroup visitwww.navy.mil
Old Ironsides navigates the future: NSWCPD outfits USS Constitution for ‘America 250’
By Steven Infanti NAVAL SURFACE
WARFARE CENTER
PHILADELPHIA DIVISION
Formorethantwocenturies,USSConstitution has relied on the stars the sea, and traditional paper charts to navigate. But as the historic vessel prepares for nine ‘America250’fleeteventsin2026,OldIronsidesis receivingacriticaldigitalupgradecourtesyof NavalSurfaceWarfareCenter Philadelphia Division(NSWCPD).
“NSWCPD delivers solutions that keep ships at sea and Sailors mission-ready whetherthatshipwascommissionedin1797 or2026,”saidNSWCPDCommandingOfficer Capt. Ashley (Ash) Wright. “USS ConstitutionisalivingsymbolofourNavy’sheritage, andthisprojectshowshowourengineerscan tailormoderncapabilitytomeetaone-of-akind mission while preserving a national treasure.”
The transition marks a significant milestone for both the ship and the Navy In December 2024, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) officiallysunsetthedistributionofpapercharts makingelectronicchartingthestandardfor modern maritime navigation Today, every commissionedsurfaceandsubsurfacevessel intheU.S.NavyfleetreliesonacertifiedElectronicChartDisplayandInformationSystem (ECDIS).
NSWCPDShipNavigationSystem,NavigationCriticalDistributionSystem(NCDS) &NavyECDISControlBranchservesasthe In-Service Engineering Agent (ISEA) for ECDIS across both the surface and, more recently, the subsurface fleets The system provides electronic charting and navigation information that helps ship operators maintain awareness of the vessel’s position and movement. It represents a significant advancementfromthemanualplottingand chart-updatingprocessestraditionallyassociatedwithpapercharts
When USS Constitution recently transitioned to become a Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic (COMNAVSURFLANT) asset, the Type Commander (TYCOM) required the historic ship to be equippedwithECDIStoensurenavigational safety during the highly anticipated 250th birthday cruise events However, outfitting an18th-centurywooden-hulledfrigatewith 21st-centurytechnologypresentedaunique engineeringchallenge
A traditional surface-ship ECDIS installation is designed for modern naval vessels with complex operational requirements, established shipboard configurations, and multiplelayersofsystemresiliency ForUSS Constitution,thattypeofinstallationwould have exceeded the ship’s unique mission
needs and presented challenges because of thevessel’shistoricdesign,limitedspace,and preservationrequirements
To meet the requirement without alteringtheship’shistoricintegrity,theNSWCPD team developed a streamlined solution. Leveraging the flexibility of the Systems EngineeringProcess(SEP),theteamoutfitted USS Constitution with an Emergency NavigationalLaptop
“We didn’t need to reinvent the wheel. We needed to apply existing fleet technologyinasmartway,”NSWCPDShipNavigation System, NCDS & Navy ECDIS Control TechnicalSpecialistJamesVaitessaid.“The EmergencyNavigationalLaptopweprovided toConstitutionusesthesamehardwareand software carried as a critical backup across themodernsurfacefleet.ForOldIronsides it gave us the real-time charting capability
weneededinacompact,portableformatthat fittheship’suniquemissionrequirements.” TheEmergencyNavigationalLaptopisthe sametechnologyprovidedtoeveryshipinthe surfacefleetasabackuptoitsprimaryECDIS intheeventofanoperationalorpowerfailure.
For USS Constitution, however, it serves as theidealprimarytool deliveringthenecessary real-time charting and safety data in a compact, unclassified, and highly portable format. Bythinkingbeyondthetraditionalinstallation model, the NSWCPD team successfully met COMNAVSURFLANT’s safety requirements, equipping the Navy’s oldest commissionedwarshipafloatwithitsnewest navigationalstandardandgettingherunderwayontimefortheNation’ssemiquincentennialcelebrations The effort highlights NSWCPD’s role in
supportingbothcurrentfleetreadinessand the Navy’s historic legacy As USS Constitutionpreparedto represent the Navy, Old Ironsidesdidsowiththehelpofmodernnavigationtechnologyadaptedforoneofthemost uniqueshipsinthefleet
NSWCPD employs about 2,700 civilian engineers, scientists, technicians, and support staff The team focuses on research and development, testing and evaluation, acquisitionsupport,andin-serviceandlogisticsengineeringfornon-nuclearmachinery, ship machinery systems, and related equipment and materials for Navy surface ships andsubmarines NSWCPDalsoservesasthe mainorganizationresponsibleforproviding cybersecurityforallshipsystems
Expeditionary Strike Group 2 changes command
By Lt.Cmdr Charity Edgar
EXPEDITIONARY STRIKE GROUP 2
JOINTEXPEDITIONARYBASELITTLE
CREEK-FORT STORY Rear Adm.
Craig “Bo” Sicola relieved Rear Adm. Neil Koprowski as Commander, Expeditionary StrikeGroupTwo(ESG-2)duringaceremony inthehangarbayofAssaultCraftUnitFour (ACU4),July16
ViceAdm.JohnGumbleton,Commander Task Force 80, presided over the event and served as the guest speaker Gumbleton presentedKoprowskiwithaDefenseSuperiorServiceMedalinrecognitionofhistime incommandofESG-2andsupportingJoint TaskForce(JTF)SouthernSpear “As commander of ESG-2 and deputy commander of the JTF you did something unconventional but profound, best shepherdingthemenandwomeninyourcharge throughoutunconventionaldeploymentsof theirown,”saidGumbleton.“Youreffortsat theoperationallevelofwarwhilesupporting the needs of the force was a key component tooursuccess.”
As deputy commander of a newly establishedJointTaskForcereportingdirectlyto U.S.SouthernCommand,Koprowskioversaw complexmaritimeinterdictionoperationsin theWesternHemisphere,ensuringenhanced regional security throughout U.S. Southern Command’sareaofresponsibility
AsESG-2commander,Koprowskiguided ESG-2’sMaritimeCommandElementcertificationthroughextensiveintegratedtraining withamphibiouswarfareleaders.Thecertificationrecognizesaunit’sabilitytooperate globally with streamlined command and controlandfurtherenhanceESG-2’sability to plan and direct amphibious operations throughoutthefleet.
Koprowskioversawthedeploymentofthe
U.S.
maritime security and defense of the nation. (U.S NAVYPHOTO BYMASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALISTSEAMAN SAVANNAH LUJAN)
Iwo Jima
Amphibious Ready Group - 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, amphibious force participation in UNITAS, the world’s longest-runningannualmultinationalmaritime exercise and multiple engagements duringAmerica’s250thbirthdaycelebration, includingtheInternationalNavalReview,the largest international maritime event in U.S. history
HeacknowledgedtheSailorsandMarines acrosstheeastcoastamphibiousforce,recog-
nizing the crew of the USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD28)astheyreturnedfroman11-month deploymentthatsameday.
“Thefull-rangeofamphibiouscapabilities thatareamongthemostuniqueandversatile in the Navy were on full display during this deployment,” said Koprowski. “It was truly a combined effort, with the interoperability ofthisspecializedteamonfulldisplayatsea, onland,andintheair.”
He closed out his remarks by addressing
theESG-2staff
“I want to thank Expeditionary Strike Group Two Sailors, Marines, NCOs, Chiefs, andOfficersforexemplifyingwhatmakesthe amphibiousforcesuchanintegratedpower housewithastoriedhistory,”saidKoprowski. “Americaisamaritimenation.For250years, the Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom. I am honored to have spent one of thoseyearsservingalongsideeachofyou.” Koprowski’s next assignment is Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Budget/ Director,FiscalManagementDivision,Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, in Washington,DC Inhispartingremarks Koprowskistatedhe washonoredtopassthetorchtoSicola,who previouslycommandedUSSNimitz(CVN68), USSBlueRidge(LCC19)andthe“Stingers”of StrikeFighterSquadron(VFA)113
SicolarecognizedKoprowskiforhisleadership,andforbuildingafoundationofexcellence during ESG-2’s transition from force generationtoemployment.
He addressed the Sailors and Marines of ESG-2, acknowledging the commitment and professionalism demonstrated under Koprowski’scommand,andlaidouthisvision forthefuture.
“I have one message: our mission comes first. Everything we do—every inspection, every maintenance action, every watch, everyevolution,everytrainingevent—must contributetocombatreadiness,”saidSicola. “Every day, our actions contribute to the security of our nation and the success of those operating forward. That responsibilitydemandsourverybest.”
TheU.S.Navy’seastcoastleadforamphibiousoperationsandexpertise,ESG-2provides timely,operational,amphibiousexpertisein support of national tasking to sustain maritimesecurityanddefenseofthenation.
ForadditionalinformationaboutNAVFAC MIDLANTonsocialmedia,followouractivities on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ navfacmidatlantic and on Instagram @ navfacmidatlantic. NAVFAC
NORFOLK, Va Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Mid-Atlantic (NAVFAC MIDLANT) awarded Bamforth Engineers+SurveyorsInc.,Norfolk,Virginia, afirm-fixed-price,indefinite-delivery,indefinite-quantity contract with a maximum
amount of $90 million for architect-engineer services for Navy and Marine Corps installations. The term of the contract is not to exceed 60 months with an anticipated completion dateofJuly2031. Fiscalyear(FY)2026operationsandmaintenancefunds(Navy)intheamountof$5,000 are obligated on this award and will expire attheendofthecurrentFY Thefirst$5,000
taskorderisawardedtofulfilltheminimum guarantee
Thiscontractwascompetitivelyprocured via the SAM.gov website, with seven offers received.
NAVFAC MIDLANT is the contracting activity(N40085-26-D-0036).
NAVFACMIDLANTdeliverscomprehensivefacilitiesengineering,publicworks,and environmental services across a broad area of responsibility from South Carolina to Maine, extending west to Illinois and south toIndiana.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va (July 16, 2026) Rear Adm. Craig“Bo”Sicola renders a salute during the arrival of the official party at the Expeditionary Strike Group Two (ESG-2) change of command ceremony aboard Assault Craft Unit Four (ACU-4),Joint Expeditionary Base Creek-Fort Story July 16 2026 The U.S. Navy’s east coast lead for amphibious operations and expertise, ESG-2 provides timely operational amphibious expertise in support of national tasking to sustain maritime security and defense of the nation. (U.S.NAVYPHOTO BYMASS
SAVANNAH LUJAN)
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va (July 16 2026) Rear Adm. Neil Koprowski speaks during the Expeditionary Strike Group Two (ESG-2) change of command ceremony aboard Assault Craft Unit Four (ACU-4),Joint Expeditionary Base Creek-Fort Story July 16 2026. The
Navy’s east coast lead for amphibious operations and expertise, ESG-2 provides timely operational, amphibious expertise in support of national tasking to sustain
FALLSCHURCH, Va.(July 1, 2026)Anoil paintingofU.S.NavyViceAdm.James
1991, hangsinthe
medical support to
By André B. Sobocinski, Historian
U.S. NAVY BUREAUOFMEDICINE AND SURGERY
Prominently displayed inthe executive conference room at the U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED)headquarters in Falls Church,Virginia, is aportrait of Vice Adm. James Zimble,the Navy Surgeon Generalfrom1987to1991.Atfirstglance,you maynotseeanythingunusualintheoilpainting.Evenifyoureyesbrushpastit,thepeculiar objectfloatingontheleftsidemaynotregister Butonceyouseeitandacceptthatwhatyou arelookingatisreallythere,youcannotunsee therubberchicken.So,whyhasthisclassicgag propbeenimmortalizednexttotheadmiral?
While Zimble wasa visionary leader who helpedspearheadthereactivationofBUMED in1989andguidedNavyMedicinethroughthe PersianGulfWar,healsowasnotedforhaving aquirkysenseofhumor.Andthroughouthis tenureasNavySurgeon General, arubber chickenwasneverfarfromhisside.
“Whenhewas thesurgeon general, he kept the rubber chicken inthe lower, righthanddrawerofhisdesk,”relatedretiredCapt. GeorgeHarris,aformeraidetoZimble,inan oralhistoryin2014.“We’dbeinameeting,and if somebody gottoo full of themselves,you’d see him lean over to his right;the next thing that wascoming wasthe chicken. He would takethechickenoutandthrowitatwhoever wasexpoundingabout something.That was justhiswayofdeflatingpeople.Andhewould
laughaboutit,andeverybodyelsewouldtoo Itwasawayofsaying,‘Takeitdownanotch You’refullofyourself.’
The flying rubber poultry wasalways deployed in good fun, typically with briefers he alreadyknewwell; servingasa sudden, hilarious reality checktobring people back to earth. So,whenitcametimetosit forhis officialportrait,Zimblespecificallyrequested artistMingQintoincludethepropasapermanenttestamenttohisleadershipphilosophy: nevertakeyourselftooseriously
Nowthe chickenisnot the only easter egg in the portrait. Acloser look at Zimble’s watch dial youwill see the hospital ships USNS Mercy(T-AH 19)and USNS Comfort (T-AH20).Whenhewasthesurgeongeneral theseshipsdeployedtothePersianGulfsailingtogetherforthefirsttimeintheirhistory, onhiswatch.
ForViceAdm.Zimble,leadershiprequired keeping thingsreal. While he carried the weight of Navy Medicine on hisshoulders, his portrait stands as alasting reminder that sometimes all it takesisarubber chicken to keepusgrounded.
Vice Adm. Zimble (1933-2011)grewup in Little Rock, Arkansas andPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania. He wascommissioned in the Navy in 1955.During his career,heserved as commanding officer, NavalRegionalMedicalCenterOrlando,Florida(1978-1981);The Medical Officer of the Marines Corps(19811983); Fleet Surgeon, U.S. Atlantic Fleet / CommandSurgeon,U.S.AtlanticCommand/
FALLSCHURCH, Va.(July1,2026) Adetailofa watchfroman oil painting of U.S. Navy ViceAdm.James Zimble, who wasthe 30thNavySurgeon General from 1987-1991.Zimblesaw both USNS Mercy (T-AH19) andUSNS Comfort(T-AH 20)deployto the Persian Gulf togetherfor the first time in their history,and requested that artistMing Qin paintthe detail of both hospital ships into his officialportrait. (U.S.NAVYPHOTOBYMASS
Mid-Atlantic Fleet and Family SupportCenters(FFSC) programs andservices are designedtohelp youmake the mostofyour military experience, andthey’re all available to youatnocost.
medicaladvisortoSupremeAlliedCommand, Atlantic (1983-1986); the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defensefor StrategicPlanning and Medical Program Management (19861987); and from 1987 to 1991, the Surgeon General of the U.S. Navy.Inthislatterrole, Zimblepresidedoverthe disestablishment oftheNavalMedicalCommandandthereactivationofBUMEDandmanagedthedeploymentofthehospitalshipsMercyandComfort, theFleetHospitals,andMedicalDepartment personnelfor theGulf War. He wasresponsiblefor developing andestablishing overallNaval health carepoliciesand priorities, contingency andwartime planning, and program development. This wasinsupport of morethan 2.8million Navy andMarine Corps active duty and retired beneficiaries andtheirfamilies.Uponhisretirementfrom theNavyin1991,Zimble served as president of the Uniformed ServicesUniversity of the HealthSciences(USUHS)inBethesda,Maryland(1991-2004).
Navy Medicine’s44,000+talented and readyforcesoptimizehealthreadiness,deliver qualityhealthcare,andprovideglobalexpeditionarymedicalsupporttowarfighters
Sources:Harris,George,CAPT,MSC,USN. Oral history conducted by A.B. Sobocinski, May14, 2014. Zimble, James.Official Navy Biography. Accessed from: https://www history.navy.mil/research/library/biographical-files/modern-biographical-files-ndl/ modern-bios-z/zimble-james-a.html
FALLSCHURCH, Va.(July 1, 2026)Anoil painting of U.S. Navy ViceAdm.James Zimble, who wasthe 30th Navy Surgeon Generalfrom1987-1991, hangsinthe executiveconference room at U.S. Navy BureauofMedicineand Surgery (BUMED) headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia (U.S.NAVYPHOTO BYMASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST2ND CLASS SASHAAMBROSE)
New PS Personnel Qualification Standards have arrived!
ByJessica Nilsson CENTER FOR SERVICE SUPPORT
EverymissiondependsonSailorswhoare trained,qualifiedandreadytoperform.That readinessextendsbeyondthewaterfrontto the Personnel Specialists (PS) who manage theNavy’smostvaluableresource-itspeople
On June 1-5, 2026 Fleet experts convened in Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, DamNeckAnnex,Virginia,toupdatethePS Personnel Qualification Standards (PQS), ensuringfuturePSSailorsdeveloptheknowledge and skills needed to handle today’s complexpersonnelsystemsandsupportthe Fleet regardlessoftheirplatform.
For years PSs serving in non-traditional roles, like the Fleet Marine Force (FMF) or remotecommands,faceduniquechallenges that standard training didn’t always cover.
To fix this, the Center for Service Support facilitatedaweeklongworkshopfullof18PS expertstohashoutexactlywhatSailorsneed toknowonthedeckplatestoday.
“Prior to arrival, my expectation was to impart operational knowledge and advocate for non-traditional platforms, such as FMF and remote commands,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Crystal T. Clarke, attached to OPNAV-N10 “However I walked away with a more profound respect for the Rate TrainingManuals(RTMs)anddeeperknowledge of our rate This collaboration ensures wecanbuildaPQSthateffectivelyservesall PSs across the fleet regardless of their platform.
This wasn’t just a paperwork drill. It was aboutsolvingrealproblems PettyOfficer1st ClassMateoRedmondfromRSCGreatLakes summeditupperfectly:“Whenevertherewas a problem or some confusion amongst the group,wewereabletocometogetherandfind thesolution.I’mconfidentthattherevisions onthePQSandRTMwillbebeneficialtoour futurePSs.”
Beyondthecurriculum,theworkinggroup wasachancetobuildastrongercommunity PettyOfficer1stClassJamesJacksonpointed outthatnetworkingwithseniorexpertswho haveawillingnesstohelpjuniorSailorswas his favorite part of the process adding that the instructors made the updates clear and engaging If you’re currently working on your PS qualifications, find out how these PQS revisions affect your timeline Don’t wait until youaresittingatyourboardtoask.
Andifyou’reaseniorPS,getfamiliarwith the changes immediately Junior Sailors are going to lean on you to explain the new requirements
AstheU.S.Navycontinuestoevolve,CSS ismakingsureFleetPSsstaysharp,because everySailor’scareerdependsonit.
Head to MyNavy Portal (https://www mnp.navy.mil/group/training-education-qualifications/personnel-qualifications standards)todownloadthenewPQStoday! On June 1-5, 2026
USS Harry S. Truman opens APL-61 mess decks with grand opening brunch
Courtesy Story USS HARRY S TRUMAN
NORFOLK, Va USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) marked the grand opening of the APL-61messdecksJuly8withafullbrunch forSailorsastheshipcontinuesitstransition from shipboard operations to barge-based operations in preparation for Refueling and ComplexOverhaul.
The opening marks an important milestone in Truman’s move to APL-61 ensuringSailorscontinuetoreceivequalitymeals andsupportwhileadaptingtoanewoperat-
ingenvironment.
“Our grand opening today represents months of planning and coordination, said Chief Warrant Officer 3 David Souchon, Truman’s food service officer. “As we transitioned from at-sea operations to in-port operationsandnowtobargeoperations our culinaryspecialistsworkedtirelesslytomake theprocessassmoothaspossible Theirfocus has been making sure Sailors continue to receivequalitymealsanddependableservice throughoutthemove.”
Thegrandopeningbrunchfeaturedafull menupreparedbyTruman’sculinaryspecial-
istsandgaveSailorsanopportunitytogather, enjoyamealandcelebratetheofficialopening ofthebarge’sdiningfacility “Good food does more than fill a plate; it helps keep Sailors motivated,” said Senior Chief Culinary Specialist Ronald Sampson, Truman’sleadingchiefpettyofficerforfood service “Working in an industrial environment can be demanding, and a quality meal gives our crew a chance to recharge No matter the environment, we’re here to take careofourSailorsandmakelifebetterevery day.
The opening of the APL-61 mess decks
supports Truman’s ongoing transition to bargeoperationsandreflectsthecommand’s continuedcommitmenttomaintainingquality-of-life services while preparing for the workahead.
USS Harry S. Truman is in port at Naval Station Norfolk preparing for its Refueling andComplexOverhaul,aonce-in-a-lifetime modernization period that will extend the carrier’soperationallifeandenhanceitsabilitytomeetfuturefleetrequirements
SIMA Norfolk performs critical SLAD replacement aboard USS Stout (DDG
By Oscar Pope
Shore Intermediate Maintenance Activity (SIMA) Norfolk Sailors and civilians completed the replacement of a Slewing ArmDavit(SLAD)systemaboardtheArleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stout (DDG 55) at Naval Station Norfolk, July8.
Thereplacementandsubsequentweight test allowed for a more assured path to success prior to Stout’s participation in a training exercise Additionally the critical hardwareinstallationensurestheshipmaintainsitsvitalsearchandrescue(SAR)capabilities, enabling the safe launch, recovery, and operation of rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) during emergency crew recovery operationsatsea.
The process required highly technical precisionandextensivecalculationstointegratethesystemwiththedestroyer’sexisting deckconfiguration.
MachinistMate2ndClassWilliamMims,a technicianassignedtoSIMANorfolk’sRepair Department,said,“Ilikethefactthatwecan do installs like this when necessary and get thevaluabletrainingrepetitionsatthesame time Ittakesprecisemeasurementstoensure properfitment,soweworkedwithourcivilianexpertstogetitdone Ourcivilianpartners wereacrucialpartofmakingthisinstallation
asuccess.”
Theevolutionservedasaprimereal-world trainingenvironmentforboththeship’screw and intermediate-level maintenance teams ontheSIMANorfolkwaterfront.
“The work SIMA does extends beyond the walls of our building The ships on the waterfront are an extension of our facilities wherewecanprovidecriticaltroubleshooting, assessments, training and repairs,” said Capt. Megan Thomas, commanding officer of SIMA Norfolk.
“By combining targeted training with hands-on production maintenance like the SLAD replacement, we build thefleet’sself-sufficiencysotheseSailorscan confidently handle any casualty when they returntosea.”
Thecollaborativeeffortminimizedmaintenancedowntime,returningtheshiptofull operational readiness ahead of upcoming missionrequirements
Stout is homeported at Naval Station Norfolk and operates under Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic, and is part of the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Strike Group,operatingunderCarrierStrikeGroup (CSG)8.
The U.S. Navy reestablished SIMA commandsinNorfolkandSanDiegoinJune
The reestablishment directly supports the Navy’s vision of utilizing a responsive, Sailor-led force to optimize materiel readiness while building Sailors’ technical expertise andfleetself-sufficiency
experts convened at Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, Dam Neck Annex, Virginia to update the Personnel Specialist Personnel Qualification Standards (PQS) ensuring future PS Sailors develop the knowledge and skills needed to handle today’s complex personnel systems and support the Fleet – regardless of their platform. (PHOTO BYJESSICANILSSON)
2025 Dooling Award winners redefine
Navy Medicine IT excellence
By Petty Officer 2nd Class Sasha Ambrose
U.S.
NAVY BUREAU OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY
FALLS CHURCH, Va During the Persian Gulf War, U.S. Navy Capt. M. Joan Dooling recognized that medical readiness required rapid, reliable data. She bypassed theredtapetoimplementemailacrossNavy Medicine, forever changing how it communicatedinacrisis Today,thebattlegroundofmilitarymedicinehasevolved,andemailsarepartofeveryday life but the mandate remains the same: deliver uninterrupted care and guarantee force preservation, no matter the environment.
The recipients of the 2025 Captain Joan DoolingAwardforInformationProfessional Excellence have proven that Information Technology (IT) is a critical warfighting capability By leveraging cutting-edge technologylikeLowEarthOrbit(LEO)satellites, pioneeringdigitalreadinesstools,andachieving flawless cybersecurity standards, these honorees are actively driving the Surgeon General’s Lines of Effort and keeping the Navy and the Marine Corps ready for the fight.
Forovertwoyears NavyMedicineReadiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Twenty Palms and its branch clinics were crippled by frequent network outages. Lt Cmdr EmmanuelDadzie,thechiefinformationofficer ledacollaborativeeffortwiththe DefenseHealthAgency(DHA)andDefense InformationSystemsAgency(DISA)toengineer a solution, resulting in a near-perfect 99%reductioninoutages
Dadziedidn’tstopatfixingexistingproblems Looking to the future, he advocated for Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Unit (NMRTU) Bridgeport to pilot the cuttingedgeStarShieldLEOsatellitecommunicationsystem.AsthefirstcontinentalU.S. (CONUS) medical community of interest (MEDCOI)sitetotestthistechnology,Dadzie established a blueprint for enterprise-wide network suitability He also dismantled a decade-old records bottleneck by securing real-timeportalaccesswithacivilianhospitalpartner,reducingadministrativeburdens by 80%, returning hundreds of man-hours toprovidingdirectpatientcare.Hisaccomplishmentswererecognizedthisyearasthe InformationProfessionalOfficeroftheYear awardee At NMRTU Hawaii, IT specialist Ron Harrisdistinguishedhimselfasaforcetobe reckonedwithintechnicalinnovation,earning himself the title of Information Professional Civilian Member of the Year When a critical enterprise licensing barrier threatenedclinicalsustainmentfor15,000Navyand MarineCorpspersonnel,Harrisfoundasolutionthatnotonlyrestoredseamlessaccessbut alsosavedtheenterprise$6millionannually. Directlyaligningwithstrategicprioritiesfor force preservation, Harris pioneered a digital Operational Suitability Screening (OSS) tool.Byautomatingahistoricallybacklogged administrativeprocess,hedramaticallyaccelerated a critical timeline from weeks down tominutes
Covering a complex area of responsibility that includes Sigonella, Souda Bay, and Bahrain, the information management department at NMRTC Sigonella delivered transformative solutions that enhanced mission assurance and distinguished themselvesastheInformationProfessionalTeam of the Year.In a display of cybersecurity mastery, the team achieved a flawless 100% rating at Maturity Level 4 during the DHA CyberHealthReadinessInspectionProgram (CHRIP) afeatmadeallthemoreremarkable because the team operated without an informationsystemssecuritymanagerduring theinspection. Beyondcybersecurity,theteamprovedto be the ultimate safeguard for patient data Following a flawed system migration, the teamidentifiedover10,500historicalradiology exams that had been left unarchived.
Workingagainsttheclockbeforethelegacy serverwasdecommissioned theymanually moved the data, preventing a catastrophic lossofmedicalrecords
For25years,MiguelRamirezhasbeenthe cornerstoneofITatNavalMedicalResearch Unit (NAMRU) South in Peru. Under his leadership, the IT department has enabled two decades of scientific breakthroughs in infectiousdiseaseresearch,leadinghimtobe awardedthe2025DoolingLifetimeAchievement award. Ramirez’s leadership was put to the test during the COVID-19 pandemic Within 24 hours of a country-wide lockdown, he orchestrated the deployment of a telework infrastructure that returned 68% ofthecommandtofullproductivityinunder two weeks This ensured NAMRU South’s vitalresearchandconnectivitywiththeCDC continuedwithoutinterruption.
HealsoledNAMRUSouthtobecomethe onlyOCONUSresearchanddevelopmentlab to self-manage its risk management framework authority to operate, maintaining a world-class cybersecurity posture while supporting over 21 critical research protocolsannually From space-based networks to frontline digitaltools,the2025Doolingawardwinners embodythevisionoftheaward’snamesake. Theyprovethatinmilitarymedicine,theability to fight, survive and heal is intrinsically tiedtothenetworks,systemsandprofessionals that keep the data flowing from seabed tospace Navy Medicine’s 44,000+ talented and ready forces optimize health readiness deliverqualityhealthcare,andprovideglobal expeditionary medical support to warfighters
NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic awards nearly $118M contract for specialized aviation facilities onboard Naval Station Norfolk
Courtesy Story NAVAL FACILITIES ENGINEERING SYSTEMS COMMAND MID-ATLANTIC
NORFOLK, Va Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Mid-Atlantic (NAVFAC MIDLANT) awarded Grunley ConstructionCo Inc.,Rockville Maryland a $117,755,087 firm-fixed-price contract for aviationconstructionservicesonboardNaval
StationNorfolkinNorfolk,Virginia.
Theprojectinvolvessitepreparation,and developingspecializedhangars utilityrelocations,andinfrastructureinsupportoftheU.S. Navy Work will be performed onboard the installationandisanticipatedtobecompleted byApril2029.
This contract is incrementally funded. Fiscal year (FY) 2024 and 2026 military construction (Navy) funds in the amount of
$65,817,578forthefirstincrementwillbeobligated at the time of the award and will not expireattheendoftheFY Futureincrements willbefundedinfutureFYs.
Thiscontractwascompetitivelyprocured via the SAM.gov website, with four offers received.
NAVFAC MIDLANT is the contracting activity(N40085-26-C-0017).
NAVFACMIDLANTdeliverscomprehen-
sivefacilitiesengineering,publicworks,and environmental services across a broad area of responsibility from South Carolina to Maine, extending west to Illinois and south toIndiana.
ForadditionalinformationaboutNAVFAC MIDLANTonsocialmedia,followouractivities on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ navfacmidatlantic and on Instagram @ navfacmidatlantic.
U.S. Navy announces Award of Vessel Construction Manager Contract to accelerate Medium Landing Ship acquisition
By Staff Sgt. Kathryn Lynch
PORTFOLIO ACQUISITION EXECUTIVE MARITIME
WASHINGTON The U.S. Navy has awarded a $2.2 billion contract to TOTE Services LLC for Vessel Construction Management to oversee the acquisition of thenewMediumLandingShips(LSM).This contractwillmaximizecommercialpractices toacceleratedelivery,improvecostdiscipline, and expand the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base ThefirstLSMisanticipatedfordelivery infallof2029 For the initial production of up to eight LSMs, the Navy will direct the VCM to execute and manage subcontracts with Bollinger Shipyards for the construction of oneLSMandFincantieriMarinetteMarine fortheconstructionoffourLSMs.TheVCM
willhavetheflexibilitytodeterminethebest award strategy for up to three additional vessels
“The VCM strategy is an innovative shift in Navy shipbuilding We are changing the waywedobusiness andleveragingcommercialbestpracticestoimprovecost,schedule, and performance,” said Mr Will Mahan, performing the duties of assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition. “With a five-month duration between RFP release and contract award, weachievedanearly50%reductiontotraditionalcontractingtimelines
This reflects the immediate impact our PortfolioAcquisitionExecutivesarehavingto accelerateshipbuilding.”TheVCMwillhold theprimecontractwiththeNavy;therefore, it will hold direct contractual responsibility
forissuingandmanagingshipbuildersubcontracts to construct and deliver LSM vessels ThisprimecontractplacestheVCMindirect contractualcontrolofshipyardperformance andleveragescommercialpracticesandflexibilities that, together with a proven design, are expected to reduce cost and schedule risks
“We’re taking a proven design and leveragingcongressionalauthoritiestomovewith urgency and approach shipbuilding differently, saidMr ChristopherMiller,portfolio acquisition executive for Maritime “TOTE Services will be an important partner and we’reexcitedtoworkwiththemtocontinue the momentum on this program and begin bendingsteel.”
The LSM will fill the capability gap between smaller short-range landing craft
and the Navy’s long-duration, multi-purpose amphibious warfare ships. It is essential for the maneuver and sustainment of Marine forces, providing the critical littoral mobilityrequiredincontestedenvironments Theprogramwilldelivera35-shipfleetthat enhancesexpeditionaryagilityandsupports the Marine Corps’ concept of distributed maneuverandlogistics
ThePortfolioAcquisitionExecutive(PAE) for Maritimeis the single accountable organization for delivering surface ships for the U.S. Navy This new centralized organizational construct will empower leaders with broaderscopeandgreaterauthoritytoacceleratedeliveryofcombatcapabilityandensure acquisition speed and discipline are driven by what the warfighter needs—when they needit.
From sketch pad to launch pad: U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s Space Robotics Revolution
By Emily Winget U.S. NAVAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
Over two decades ago, a group of U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) scientists, engineers, and researchers put pen to paper brainstormingwhatwouldeventually become the first enduring robotic satellite servicingmission.
FundedbytheDefenseAdvancedResearch Projects Agency (DARPA), NRL designed and developed the Robotic Servicing of GeosynchronousSatellites(RSGS)payload.
In late 2024, DARPA delivered the payload to SpaceLogistics, a Northrop Grumman company,whointegrateditwiththeirspacecraft bus to become the Mission Robotic Vehicle(MRV),whichisscheduledtolaunch attheendofthismonth
NRL’sspacecapabilitiesfocusonsecuring anddefendingnationalsecurityandpushing theboundariesofspacesciencefornavaland DepartmentofWar(DoW)applications
NRL’sNavalCenterforSpaceTechnology (NCST)supportsthefullscopeofspaceoperations—from ground systems to the launch padandbeyond.
“To put it simply, NRL goes everywhere in space,” said Bernard Kelm, Acting Director of NCST “This journey to the launch pad represents the culmination of a multipledecades-longendeavorofvision,risk,and relentlessengineering.”
A$2MillionGambleandtheBirthofaLab
In the late 1990s, many experts considered executingautonomousrendezvousanddocking between two uncrewed spacecraft to be pure science fiction Yet, forward-thinking researchersatNRLenvisionedafuturewhere the Department of Defense [now known as the Department of War] would need an orbitalservicingvehiclenotonlytosupport satellite maintenance and upgrade capabilitiesbuttoalsoenableanewparadigmwith evengreaterin-spacecapabilitiesthanwould otherwisebepossible
Convinced of this future, NRL Branch Head Sam Hollander (ret.) and NRL leadership authorized a $2 million Capital Improvement Program investment to build a space robotics rendezvous and proximity operations research laboratory The risky investment functioned as a loan against NCST’s future The stateof-the-art robotics facility completed construction in 2001 and was initially used forinternallyfundedprojects involving the deployment of largetrussstructures That initial bet paid off, enablingabroadspectrumof scientificresearchanddevelopment(R&D)andattracting many times its initial investmentinexternalfunding By 2002,thefacilitycapturedthe attentionofDARPAprogram manager Gordon Roesler (ret.). He funded NRL to execute a small-scale study called RescueSat, exploring how to save billion-dollar satellites stuck in the wrong orbit. This study quickly evolved into the SUMO (Spacecraft for the Universal Modification of Orbits) programtobeginmaturation ofthecriticaltechnologiesfor suchamission.
The SUMO Challenge & The “Make or Break” Demo“TheSUMOmandate was daunting,” said Glen Henshaw, Ph.D NRL Lead Space Roboticist for RSGS “DARPA challenged us to design a robot that could dock withanysatelliteinspace.”
cameras and sensors in the museum’s dark hangar,suspendingthemaroundandabove theTrackingandDataRelaySatellite(TDRS) displayed over the Space Shuttle Discovery This “Night at the Museum” yielded critical data on how robotic sensors perceive complex structures in the harsh lighting of space Particularly with the Smithsonian’s TDRS having spacecraft authentic componentsfortheteamtoimage hardwarethat wasnotreadilyavailableelsewhere. Forging the Future with RSGS In 2015 DARPAdecidedtomoveforwardwithwhat isnowknownastheRSGSpayload.Thedecisionestablishedthecoremissionareasforthe RSGSprogram:ultra-closeinspection,orbital “towtruck”relocation,mechanicalanomaly repair,andupgradingsatellitesnotoriginally designedtobeupgraded.
In 2019 DARPA executed a competitive procurementforacommercialpartnertojoin theteamandprovideanenduringservicing capability. They selected SpaceLogistics, a Northrop Grumman company, to join the public-private partnership combining the government-funded RSGS payload and SpaceLogisticscommerciallyfundedspacecraft, known as the MRV. Once the vehicle clears the launchpad, DARPA will transfer ownership of the furnished payload to NorthropGrumman.Followingthecompletionofinitialin-orbitcapabilitydemonstrations DARPA intends to transfer the U.S. governmentssupportoftheRSGSprogramto theU.S.SpaceForcetosupportitsServicing, Mobility,andLogisticsportfoliothroughout theMRV’sexpected10+yearoperationallife Operating 22,000 miles above Earth, geosynchronous orbit (GEO) is what Kelm calls the “Boardwalk and Park Place of Space.” It is highly valuable real estate criticalfornationalsecuritymonitoring,military communications,andcountlesscommercial operations However, it is also becoming crowded with decommissioned unmanned spacecraft.
“Currently,industrydesignssatellitestobe completelyreliable,withzeroroomforerror orunexpectedfailure,overtheirentirelifespan,”Henshawsaid.“Thinkofitlikeacar If you had to build a vehicle to drive 1 million mileswithoutasinglebreakdown,itwouldcostanastronomicalfortune Butwedon’t dothatbecausewecaneasily take our cars to a mechanic. Becausethatsafetynetexists, our vehicles don’t need to be over-engineered to last forever
Because satellites are custom-built without universal design standards, the team of engineersfirstruledoutnets,harpoonsand tractorbeams
“Wethenrealizedauniversaltruth—every satellitegottospaceonarocket!”hecontinued. “By targeting the sturdy ‘launch vehicle interface plane’—the structural ring or explosive bolt holes that attach a spacecraft toarocketforlaunch—wedeterminedthata roboticarmcouldsafelygrapplealmostany spacecraftwithoutdamagingdelicateinstruments.”
NRL procured laboratory-grade equipment and launched into testing The team encounteredmanytechnicalchallenges:the lightinginspaceiseitherblindinglybrightor pitchblack,andcomputervisionalgorithms struggled to read the wrinkled features of thermal blankets The NRL team met this challengehead-onbyengineeringlaboratory testenvironmentstosimulate,asfaithfullyas possible in-spaceconditions,includingharsh orbitallighting
DARPA laid down a clear goal for NRL: successfullygrappleamockupontwotypes ofsatellitesandprovereliability.Withfundingdwindlingandtheprogram’sfutureonthe line,theteamworkedtirelessly Thesystem teetered on the edge of success, with their autonomousroboticcontrolalgorithmsacing two out of every three attempts Knowing they might get only one shot to prove their concept, the engineers meticulously filmed every test On the day of the sponsor’s visit andofficialdemonstration,theirpersistence paid off Their demonstration combining prototype robotics and software worked all threetimes
The successful demonstration video was taken straight to the DARPA director, who greenlitthenextphaseofscientificR&D. “Theprogramishalf-invisible,”Kelmsaid. “Theflightsoftwareandroboticcontrolalgorithms are often overlooked but are just as important and just complex as the robotics hardware. NRL’s in-house expertise developed the enabling algorithms and software thatledtotheautonomyofRSGS.” FREND,MarsRovers,andtheHuman-Ro-
bot Teaming “Under the SUMO program, we proved that the mission was entirely doable,”Henshawsaid.“Butwealsolearned importantlessonsabouthowroboticcontrol algorithms perform in space Real flight microprocessorsarebuiltforextremedurability—much slower than the processor on an everyday laptop Running the software under those realistic, restricted conditions forcedustogobacktothedrawingboardand redesignouralgorithmstobefasterandmore efficient.”
By2005 theprogramevolvedintoFREND (Front End Robotics Enabling Near-term Demonstration) With funding in place, FREND aimed to build actual spaceflight roboticarmswhileadvancingtheflightsoftware and other supporting technologies Next,theteammovedtosecurevendorscapableofmanufacturingthesearms NRL and DARPA embarked on a whirlwindprocurementtour,visitingfiveserious bidders across North America in a single week,ultimatelyselectingAllianceSpacesystems—the same team that built the robotic arms for NASA’s Mars Curiosity Rover. The companydeliveredanEngineeringDevelopmentUnit,whichisstillinuseinNRL’sSpace RoboticsLaboratory andaFlightPrototype Unit.In2008,NRLsuccessfullysubjectedthe protypetospaceflightenvironmentaltesting
Despite these breakthroughs, finding a sustainablebusinesscaseforthetechnology proved challenging In response the team shifted their focus to detailed application studiesandcontinuedlowleveldevelopment ofcriticaltechnologies
The largest application study was the MannedGEOServicingstudy ajointNASADARPA effort directed by the presidential administrationtoadvancecivilandnational securitycollaboration,withagoaltoexplore human-robot-servicing of satellites in very high-altitudeorbits Withanall-starteamof defense and civilian space leaders, including NASA astronaut Piers Sellers and International Space Station flight controllers, the study solidified the value proposition of autonomousrobotics In2012DARPAtransitioned the technology back into research and hardware maturation via a spaceflight conceptprogramcalledPhoenix. SystemsEngineering,Myth-Busting,and
a“NightattheMuseum”Throughoutdevelopment, skeptics claimed robotic servicing wasimpossible Criticsarguedthatsatellites mighttumbletoofast,theymightfloataway atfirstcontact,thatprocessingpowerwastoo weak, or that static discharge between two approaching spacecraft would cause catastrophicelectricalfailures
NRL’s systems engineer systematically dismantled these myths through rigorous testing
To test the theory that static discharge would cause catastrophic failures NRL’s Plasma Physics Division simulated the orbital environment. Simultaneously, the team conducted extensive air bearing and ElectromagneticInterference(EMI)chambertests Thesetrialsprovedtheroboticarms couldsafelysecureaclientsatellitewithout causingittodriftordisruptingitsantennas Ultimately the experiments demonstrated that the system thrived in zero-gravity and thatanystaticdischargeremainednegligible andeasilycontrolled.
“This testing was a substantial portion of the work NRL did under the FREND program, Henshaw said. “In 2007 and 2008,theimprovedalgorithmstackandthe FREND arms came together for a series of demos for DARPA. Those demos proved to be the single leading milestone on our path to spaceflight, paving the way to the kickoff oftheRSGSprogram.” NRL engineers also solved incredibly complexsoftware-hardwareinteractions.For instance, as a robotic arm moves, the lights andcamerasmountedonitmoveaswell.This causesshadowsonthetargetsatellitetoshift, requiring the machine vision to constantly updateinreal-time Furthermore,thephysicalmovementoftheroboticarmcaninduce motion in the satellite’s solar arrays, so the team developed flight software that could autonomously correct for motion in a satellite’ssolararrayscausedbythemovementof theroboticarm. Totestrelativenavigationsensorsagainst large,fine-meshsatellitereflectors,theteam secured exclusive after-hours access to the Smithsonian’s Udvar-Hazy Center For two consecutive nights, from 5:00 PM to 5:00 AM, NRL engineers rigged and operated millions of dollars in advanced spaceflight
Satellites are so expensive because they lack that safety net; they must be built to survive that grueling ‘1-million-mile’ journey alone But if we had a mechanicinspace,wecould build satellites much more affordably withouttheneed for such extreme, hyper-exquisiteengineering.”
This public-private partnershipbetweenDARPAand SpaceLogistics intends to makeroutineon-orbitintervention a reality The MRV, equipped with dexterous robotic arms, can perform tasks once thought impossible It is designed to safely capture and repair older satellites never designed to be handled. It can perform orbital adjustments, latching onto a client satellite to installapropulsion“jetpack”, developedbySpaceLogistics astheMissionExtensionPods,toextendits life Withtheabilitytocarryinterchangeable toolsforin-flightresupply itisbuilttoresolve unforeseenmechanicalanomaliesonthefly The RSGS system is built for long-term endurance;itisdesignedtoberesuppliedin orbit via specialized cargo pods that deliver newtoolsandhardwareasneeded.Thiscapability allows the robot to adapt to customer servicing missions not yet conceived. This adaptiveapproachiscrucialbecauseservicing legacy satellites, those of which were never designed to be touched by robotic hands,presentsthemostcomplexandchallengingphaseofon-orbitservicing
By enabling these operations the RSGS system not only enhances the resilience of currentU.S.spaceinfrastructurebutservesas aprecursortofuturerevolutionarycapabilities,suchasbuildinglargestructuresdirectly inorbit.Assatelliteservicingbecomesmore routine, future space vehicles will likely be designed with upgrades and servicing in mind, enabling unprecedented operational flexibilityandcostsavings
FromasketchpadtoalaunchpadatCape Canaveral,NRLhaspioneeredthenextstep in revolutionizing the space industry The RSGSpayloadonMRVdeliversanunprecedentedandcontinuouslyevolvingcapability, limitedonlybytheimaginationofitsusers AbouttheU.S.NavalResearchLaboratory NRLisascientificandengineeringcommand dedicatedtoresearchthatdrivesinnovative advancesfortheU.S.NavyandMarineCorps from the seafloor to space and in the information domain. NRL is located in Washington,D.C.withmajorfieldsitesinStennis SpaceCenter Mississippi;KeyWest Florida; Monterey,California. NRLoffersseveralmechanismsforcollaborating with the broader scientific community, within and outside of the Federal government. These include Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs), LP-CRADAs, Educational Partnership Agreements agreements under the authority of 10 USC 4892, licensing agreements, FAR contracts, and other applicable agreements Formoreinformation,contactNRLCorporateCommunicationsatmailto:NRLPAO@ us.navy.mil.
First draft sketch of RescueSat by U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Mike Brown, Sept 12 2002 from original concept proposal to Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) This sketch represents one of the earliest visions of what ultimately became the Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS) payload. (U.S.NAVYHISTORICAL DOCUMENT)
The Space Physics Simulation chamber A large vacuum chamber that can recreate plasma conditions in space to study basic plasma physics phenomena and test hardware operation in a simulated environment before flight (U.S.NAVYPHOTO)
Press Release
NORFOLK, Va The Virginia Zoo is excitedtowelcometwonewresidentstotheir African Safari Trail, cheetahs Walnut and Cashew! These three-year-old male cheetahs are brothers and come to the Zoo from aprivateAZAfacility Thetwoareabonded pairthathavebeentogethersincebirth.
Unlike female cheetahs who remain solitary in the wild, male cheetahs become bondedforlifewiththeirbrothersandform groups called coalitions. A coalition usually consists of two to three littermates and is a verytight-knitgroup
Walnut and Cashew were not visible to the public at their previous facility, so they mighttakesometimetoslowlyadjusttothis newspaceandseeingunfamiliarpeople The boys may be a little shy, so please be patient as they get comfortable in their new home TheVirginiaZoocan’twaitforyoualltomeet themduringyournextadventureontheZoo’s AfricanSafariTrail!
ABOUT CHEETAHS
Cheetahs are the world’s fastest land mammal. With their slender build, special pawpads,andsemi-retractableclaws,these catsarebuiltforspeed.Theiraveragelifespan
inthewildrangesfrom8-10years.Overthe past50years,cheetahshavebecomeextinct inatleast13countriesacrossAfricaandparts of Asia. Cheetahs are listed as “Vulnerable” on the International Union for the ConservationofNature’sRedListofspeciesthatare threatenedbyextinction
ABOUTTHE VIRGINIA ZOO
The Virginia Zoo, located in Norfolk, Virginia is home to more than 700 animals representing over 175 species. Founded in 1901 and residing on 53 beautifully landscaped acres, for 125 years the Virginia Zoo has demonstrated a commitment to saving
andprotectingtheworld’swildlifebyinspiringapassionfornatureandtakingconservation action at home and around the world. TheVirginiaZooisanaccreditedmemberof theAssociationofZoosandAquariumsand isrecognizedasagloballeaderineducation, recreation,science,wildlifeconservation,and animal care and wellbeing For more than a century,theZoohasconnectedadults,families, and school children with the natural worldbyhonoringitsmissionofcommitment toengagingourcommunityintakingactionto savetheworld’swildlifeandtheirecosystems Tolearnmore,visitvirginiazoo.org
The Virginia Zoo is excited to welcome two new residents to their African Safari Trail, cheetahs Walnut (left) and Cashew (right)!
bonded pair that have been together since birth (PHOTO
Virginia Zoo welcomes cheetahs Cashew & Walnut. (PHOTO
VCW returns to Portsmouth Pavilion for 19th annual Liberty Lottery
By Sam Saunders
On July 19, 2025, Virginia Championship Wrestling(VCW)presenteditsbiggestevent oftheyear,theLibertyLotteryfromthelargest venue in the company’s 30-year history, the6,500-capacityPortsmouthPavilion.One yearlateronSaturday,July25,VCWreturns tothePortsmouthPavilionforthe19thannual LibertyLottery
Front row and ringside seats are sold out, but general admission tickets are available online at Ticketmaster.com Doors open at 6 p.m. with bell time at 7:30 p.m. The PortsmouthPavilionislocatedat16CrawfordCir Portsmouth,VA23704
The advertised card includes the VCW debutofformerWWEwrestlerShotziBlackheart,aninterviewwithformerWWEIntercontinentalChampionMarcMero aVirginia Heavyweight Championship match and the 20-manLibertyLotterymatch.
TheLibertyLotterymatchisa20-person eliminationcontest.Twowrestlersbeginwith competitors entering every 90 seconds and entrants are eliminated upon going over the topropewithbothfeettouchingthefloor The lastwrestlerstandingearnsachampionship matchoftheirchoosingforuptooneyear
Last year’s winner, “Greek God” Papadon enteredfromtheNo 20positionandlasteliminatedMyronMalone
Malonehastheopportunitytoavengehis loss from last year, but after losing a Liberty Lottery advantage match to VCW Liberty ChampionCommanderKinginJune,Malone mustbeginthematchasthefirstentrant.King willenterthematchasthefinalentrant.
OtherentrantsannouncedfortheLiberty LotteryareL.D.J.,ChrisSlade,formerVirginia Heavyweight Champion Joseph Keys Ken Dixon, Chase Emery, Piero Tenorio, Julian Powell-Riddick, Tyler Root, De’zaun Vivant andRyanZukko.
After winning the 2025 Liberty Lottery, Papadonrefusedtorevealhowhewoulduse his guaranteed title match. In the following months, he formed a partnership with Mr PantasanddefeatedBrandonScotttoassume controlofScott’sVCWcontract.
In April, Papadon finally used his title opportunitytowintheVCWTagTeamChampionship from Nice & Smooth. “Too Nice” Trace Parker and “Smooth” Tom Mitchell did not know who Papadon’s partner would bebeforethematch,puttingthematadisadvantage when Papadon revealed his partner tobeanunwillingBrandonScott.
AtLibertyLottery Nice&Smoothgettheir rematchfortheVCWTagTeamChampionshipwhentheychallengePapadonandScott withMr Pantas
JoiyaBlakehaspositionedherselfasoneof thetopwrestlersinVCWwithwinsoverrivals like Hyena Hera and Adrianna. However, Blake’s greatest challenge comes at Liberty Lotteryinaone-on-onematchagainstShotzi Blackheart.
The current Major League Wrestling (MLW) World Women’s Featherweight Champion wrestled in WWE for over six years withnotablemilestonesincludingone NXTWomen’sTagTeamChampionshipreign andaWarGameswinalongsidemultiple-time WWEWorldChampionsBiancaBelair,Becky LynchandCharlotteFlair
A victory over someone with the success andexperienceonanationallevellikeBlackheart could establish Blake as the face of VCW’swomen’sdivision.
Blackheart is not the only former WWE wrestler that will appear at Liberty Lottery asWTKR’sChandlerNunnallywillinterview “Marvelous”MarcMero
Mero also known as Johnny B. Badd in WCW, held the WCW Television Championship three times between 1994 and 1996 Mero also won the WWE Intercontinental titlein1996
MerowillbeavailableforaMeetandGreet beforebelltimeandduringintermission.
At Tidings of Destruction in December, Formerly Known As Hallstars (FKAHS) ambushed the Golden Pinky Society The attack caused Benjamin Banks and “Diamond” Victor Griff to miss months of action.
WhiletheGoldenPinkySocietywereaway FKAHSand“TheDirector”JerryStephanitsis gloatedabouttheattack.Thegloatingended whenBanksandGriffreturned,attackingthe threemen.
The first tag team match between the Golden Pinky Society and FKAHS has been madeforLibertyLotterywithanaddedstipulation:Stephanitsiswillserveasthespecial guestreferee CanBanksandGriffovercome FKAHSandabiasedreferee?
Another grudge match will be held at Liberty Lottery as The Boar meets Tiberius Asante with Tim Loulies. Loulies spent severalmonthsinVCWtryingtorecruitThe Boarforateam,butwhenTheBoarrejected Loulies’ proposal, Loulies sent Asante to attack the former Virginia Heavyweight Champion. TheBoarandAsantehavetormentedeach othersincetheinitialattack,includingabrawl that cost The Boar a tag title match in June Bothmenlooktoendtheirrivalrywithawin atthePortsmouthPavilion.
Rex Lawless ended “The Hoss of All Hosses” Devantes’ Virginia Heavyweight Championship reign in a Three-Way match inthemaineventofthe2025LibertyLottery Sincewinningthetitle,Lawlesshasdefended thetopprizeofVCWagainstnearlyallchallengers with one exception: Lawless has neverdefendedhistitleagainstDevantes.
One year after losing it, Devantes finally getshisrematchfortheVirginiaHeavyweight ChampionshipwhenhechallengesLawless attheLibertyLottery For more information about Liberty Lottery,visitvcwprowrestling.com.
The Boar basks in the crowd’s cheers after saving Alex Divine from Tiberius Asante on Saturday June 6, 2026 at the Norfolk Masonic Temple in Norfolk, Va (JONATHAN MCLARTY/FREELANCE)
Nutrient-packed kiwifruit deliver taste and nutrition
By Feature Impact
Busyfamiliesarelookingforsnacksthatdomorethan simplysatisfyhunger theywantfoodsthatdelivergreat tastealongwithmeaningfulnutrition.That’sonereason kiwifruithasbecomeoneofthefastest-growingfruitsin theproducedepartmentwithmoreshoppersdiscovering itssweettasteandimpressivenutritionalbenefits
With its vibrant golden flesh, smooth skin and juicy tropical-sweetflavor,anoptionlikeZespriSunGoldKiwifruit makes it easy to enjoy a snack that’s as delicious as itisnourishing Whetherpackedintolunchboxes,sliced overbreakfastorenjoyedstraightfromthefruitbowl,it’s asimplewaytoaddmorenutritiontoeverydayroutines.
WHY EVERY BITE MATTERS
Kiwifruitisoneofthemostnutrient-densefruitsavailable making it an ideal choice for busy families looking to maximize nutrition with minimal effort. When time istight,choosingfoodsthatdeliverwholefoodnutrition becomesessential.
Naturally packed with vitamins and minerals, Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit provides 100% of your daily vitamin Cneedsinjustonefruit.Theyalsoprovidepotassiumto supportnormalmuscleandnervefunction,vitaminEto help protect cells from everyday damage and folate to supporthealthycellgrowthanddevelopment
SWEET FLAVOR, ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES
Theversatilityofsweetkiwifruitallowsittopairbeautifullywitheverythingfromsmoothiesandyogurtbowls tosalads,dessertsandsavorydishes
For a fresh twist on breakfast, brunch or an afternoon snack, try this Kiwi and Whipped Feta Toast. Creamy whippedfeta,ripeavocadoandslicesofsweetkiwicome togetherforadeliciousbalanceofvitamins,mineralsand vibrantflavorthat’sasnourishingasitissatisfying
Discovermoredeliciouswaystogetmorenutritionfrom everybite includingrecipes atZespri.com
KiwiandWhippedFetaToast
3/4cupcrumbledfetacheese
1/4cupplainGreekyogurt
8smallrusticbreadslices 3/4-inchthick,toasted
2ZespriSunGoldKiwifruit,peeledandthinlysliced
1firmbutripeavocado,peeled,pittedandsliced
extra-virginoliveoil
freshbasil
Insmallfoodprocessor,processcrumbledfetacheese andGreekyogurtuntilsmooth.
Spread equal amounts onto bread slices and top with alternatingslicesofkiwiandavocado Drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with basil beforeserving Optional:Add1tablespoontahinisaucetofetaforricher flavor.
Variation:Omitavocadoandusethreekiwis Sprinkle lightlywithchoppedKalamataolives Drizzlewithextra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with snipped fresh oregano andcrushedredpepperflakes
Easy, restaurant-worthy meals for busy days
By Feature Impact
When life gets busy, your home should be a place of reprieve, not extra stress and that includes your kitchen.Ifyou’rejugglingwork,chores,errands,hobbies, studies asociallife caretakingortheothermillion-andonethingskeepingyourschedulefullrightnow,theidea of spending an hour putting together a home-cooked mealmightsoundexhaustingordownrightimpossible.
In seasons like this, rather than waiting for a table at your favorite restaurant or standing in line for takeout, turntoquick,easyrecipesthatoffernutritionalbalance anddon’tskimponflavor.Byusingpre-seasonedMinute Rice Cups like the new, crave-worthy Garlic Parmesan to satisfy comfort cravings and Veggie Stir-Fry that lets you enjoy the flavor of takeout without the wait you can have a flavorful base for your meals ready in 1 minute You won’t even have to pull out the rice cooker orgoscrounginginthespicecabinet.
Ifyou’recravingasavory,cheesydinner,thishigh-protein Garlic Parmesan Rice and Shrimp Skillet, ready in only 6 minutes, is an ideal choice for busy home chefs searching for that elusive balance between simple and sophisticated Plus, the recipe can easily be adapted to your household’s tastes; try tossing some spinach or chickpeas into the skillet or swapping the shrimp for chickenortofu.
To enjoy takeout flavors without the trip, opt for this restaurant-inspiredEggRollinaBowlrecipe.Savorthe umami notes of soy sauce and enjoy the convenience of tender onions, carrots and peas mixed into the stir-fry rice cup that forms the base of your meal. The toppings arewhatgivethisrecipeitsdeconstructedeggrollvibe: flavorful sauteed cabbage joins crunchy wonton strips and a protein of choice for a bowl that comes together injust20minutes
For more meal ideas to keep you going when life is movingquickly,visitMinuteRice.com.
GarlicParmesanRiceandShrimpSkillet
Prep time: 1 minute | Cook time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1-2
1MinuteGarlicParmesanRiceCup
1tablespoonoliveoil
8ounceslargeshrimp,peeledanddeveined
1tablespoonlemonjuice
1/4teaspoonredpepperflakes
1tablespoonfreshparsley,chopped lemonwedges,forgarnish(optional)
Heatriceaccordingtopackagedirections
Inmediumskillet,heatoliveoilovermediumheat.Add shrimp to skillet and cook until pink, about 3 minutes Removeshrimpfromskilletandsetaside.
In same skillet, add rice, lemon juice and red pepper
flakes Stirtocombineandheatthrough,1minute Return shrimpandstirtocombine Garnish with parsley Squeeze lemon wedge over top, ifdesired,andserve.
Substitution: Use sauteed mushrooms or crispy tofu tomakevegetarian.
EggRollinaBowl
Prep time: 2 minutes | Cook time: 18 minutes
Servings: 2
1MinuteVeggieStir-FryRiceCup
1/2poundgroundturkeyorpork
1cupcoleslawmix
1garlicclove,minced
2tablespoonssoysauce
1teaspoonginger,freshlygrated
1/2teaspoonsesameoil
1/2cupfriedwontonstrips
2tablespoonssweetandsoursauce
Heatriceaccordingtopackagedirections
Inlargepan,cookmeatovermediumheat10minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease Add coleslaw, garlic, soy sauce, ginger and sesame oil topan.Cook8minutes,oruntilcoleslawissoftened.Add riceduringfinal4minutes.
Top with wonton strips drizzle sweet and sour sauce andserve.
Tip: To add more vegetables, try mushrooms, bell peppers snappeasorgreenonions Forextraspice drizzleonsrirachaorhotsauceofchoice
HowTRICARE
By TRICARE Communications
FALLSCHURCH,Va.—Turning65means it’s time for Medicare. If you’re eligible for Medicareand TRICAREFor Life, and also haveemployer-sponsoredcoverage,thereare someimportantdecisionstomake.
“TRICARE ForLife works alongside Medicarecoverage, but thereare some rulesbeneficiariesshouldknow,”saidAnne Breslin, Program Manager, TRICARE For Life,TRICARE Health Plan, at the Defense Health Agency.“It’s crucial to understand youroptions,especiallyifyouhaveemployer-sponsoredinsurance.”
What to know aboutTFL andMedicare enrollment
Everyone hasa seven-month Medicare Initial EnrollmentPeriod thatstarts three or four months beforethe month theyturn 65.Medicareletspeoplewithemployer-sponsored coverage from their current job delay theirPartBenrollment.Theycansignuplater duringaSpecialEnrollmentPeriodwithout lateenrollmentpremiumpenalty
TheSpecialEnrollmentPeriodforMedicarePartBlastsaslongasyouoryourspouse is workingand coveredbyemployer-sponsoredinsurance,orforthefirsteightmonths afteremploymentoremployercoverageends, whicheverisfirst.Whetheryoudelayenrollmentornot,it’simportanttounderstandthe Medicareenrollment periods.Sign upfor Medicarebenefits on time to avoida break incoverageandlate-enrollmentpenalties
IfyouchoosetodelaysigningupforMedicarePart B, you’ll use your employer-sponsored coverage.You won’tbeeligible for TRICAREduringthattime.SignupforPart Bbeforeyou retireorlose employer-sponsoredcoverage.Thatway,yourTFLcoverage willstartrightafteryouremployerplanends If youhavecoveragethrough the Federal EmployeeHealthBenefits Plan, youcan suspend your coverage and use TFL. Suspending your FEHBPwill let youenroll inanFEHBPlaterifyouchoose.Cancelling yourFEHBPmeansthatyouwon’tbeableto re-enrolllater.TosuspendFEHBPcoverage, fillout asuspension form fromthe Office of PersonnelManagementorcall888-767-6738. Remember,onceyou’reeligibleforMedicarePart A, you’ll needtosign up forMedicarePartBtobeeligibleforTRICARE.You’re responsibleforMedicarePartBpremiums.
Understandingyour options
If you’returning65and haveemployer-sponsoredhealthinsurance,youcan:
1. Keepyouremployer-sponsoredcoverage,andenrollonlyinMedicarePartA.In this case,you won’thaveTRICAREcoverage.TFL takes effect on the firstdate that your Medicare Part Aand Part Bcoverage areeffective.
2. Keepyouremployer-sponsoredcoverageandalsoenrollinMedicarePartsAand B.TFLiseffectivethefirstdatethatbothyour MedicarePartsAandBtakeeffect.TRICARE is thelastpayer afteryouremployer coverageandMedicarehavepaidtheirportionof theclaim.
3. EnrollinMedicarePartsAandBonly TFL is effectivethe first datethatboth your MedicarePartsAandBtakeeffect.Medicare will be the firstpayer and TRICARE pays after TFL is justfor military retirees andtheir eligible familymembers who qualify for Medicare. AnyTRICAREenrollments for familymemberswhoaren’teligibleforMedicarestaythesame. Howcoverageworks together
TFLisMedicare“wraparound”coverage
This means that it pays your out-of-pocket costs for TRICARE coveredservices after Medicare pays theirpartofa claim. TFL coverage begins on thefirstday youhave both Medicare Part Aand Part Bcoverage (See Table1).
Employer-sponsoredhealth plans may coverproviders,services,oritems that MedicareorTRICAREdon’t.Compareyour employergrouphealthplanbenefitsandcosts toyourMedicareandTRICAREbenefitsand coststofindwhat’sbestforyou.
Forlargeremployer-sponsored health plans, that healthplanpaysfirst,Medicare pays second, and TRICARE pays last.For plans with fewerthan 20 employees,Medicarepaysfirst,theemployerplansecond,and TRICAREpayslast. (See Table2).
You’ll need MedicarePartB coverage to get or keep TFLcoverage, as describedin the TRICARE ForLife Handbook. If you turndownMedicarePartBwhenyou’refirst eligible,and youdon’t qualifyfor aSpecial Enrollment Period, youcan stillsignupfor MedicarePart Bduringits GeneralEnrollmentPeriodofJan.1throughMarch31each year.MedicarePartBtakeseffectthemonth
afteryousignup.IfyousignupforMedicare PartBwithoutaSpecialEnrollmentPeriod, youmay have alate enrollment premium penalty.ThePartBlateenrollmentpremium penalty is an added 10% for each 12-month period that youcould sign up forMedicare PartBbutdidn’t Important: COBRAisalaw thatlets you keepyouremployergrouphealthplancoverageforalimitedtimeafteryourjobends.Your MedicarePartB8-monthSpecialEnrollment Periodbeginsafteryoustopworkingorlose your healthinsurance.COBRA coverage doesn’tcount. Sign up for MedicarePartB during that Special Enrollment Period to avoidpenalties. Communicationiskey
Insurance plans need to know about any other coverage youhavesotheycan avoid paymentproblems.Tohelp,youshould:
Keep your information up to date in Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System,notingwhenyou become Medicare-eligible
Tell your TRICARE contractors and doctorswhen youhaveotherhealth insurance
Filloutandsendanotherhealthinsurance formtoyourcontractor.
If TRICAREpaysfirstand then finds outthat youhad other health insurance, TRICAREwilltakebackanypaymentsmade TRICAREwillonlyreprocess your claim afteryourotherhealthinsurancedoes. Wheretolookfor help
Formoreinformation, check out the TRICAREand Medicare TurningAge 65 Brochure(onlineathttps://tricare.mil/Publications/Brochures/medicare_turning_65) andtheTRICAREForLifeHandbook(online
at https://tricare.mil/Publications/Handbooks/tricare_for_life).Onceyou’reeligible for Medicare, contact your TRICARE contractorforhelp:
In the U.S. andU.S.territories: WPS GovernmentServices
Overseas:InternationalSOSGovernment Services,LLC
ForTRICARE pharmacy benefit and prescription questions,contact Express Scripts Sixty-fiveisamajormilestone.TRICARE isheretohelpyoumakeinformeddecisions aboutyourhealthcarecoverageoptions Wouldyou likethe latestTRICARE news sent to youbyemail? Visit TRICARE Subscriptionstoget benefit updates, news, andmore.
Sixty-five is amajor milestone.TRICARE is here to helpyou make informeddecisionsabout your healthcarecoverageoptions.
