Naval Station Norfolk MWR ignites fun with annual Color Run
By Boatswain Mate Petty Officer
3rd Class Jessica Nunes
NORFOLK, Va. — Naval Station (NAVSTA)
Norfolk’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) fitness team hosted its annual “Run for a Cause Color Run” 5K onboard NAVSTA Norfolk McClure Field, July 11. Sailors, civilians, and their families were encouraged to participate and run for their chosen cause.
The MWR hosts 5 to 7 runs each year, including events like memorializing the Battle of Midway, the annual chief season Run with the Chiefs, and the Color Run, aimed at boosting morale and building camaraderie. In 2017, Anthony Benning, NAVSTA Norfolk’s MWR fitness director, and his team started the “Run for a Cause Color Run” 5K series, letting participants choose a cause to support.
“In terms of planning, it takes a year in advance, and a week to set up for events like this. They are always a lot of fun,” said Maya Calhoun, an MWR liberty coordinator.
The race officially began at 9:30 a.m. As runners crossed the starting line, they were sprayed with vibrant colored powders by MWR staff. The route took participants down Moffett Avenue, through NAVSTA
Norfolk’s Admirals Row, along the piers, around Willoughby Bay passing Vista Point, and finished back at McClure Field stadium.
“We had around 30 volunteers and 240 participants in today’s event,” said Maya. “Additionally, we provided numerous resources and giveaways for participants following the race.”
As runners crossed the finish line, they were doused with a final burst of color. One of those participants was Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Jordan Hopkins, from Second Bravo Company.
“I liked how energetic and positive the staff and community were, which was very motivating,” said Hopkins. “It was my first time running in an event like this and it was a great experience.”
Following the race, MWR staff offered refreshments and designated areas for participants to rest and recover. Attendees also had access to informational materials from various sponsors, as well as details on MWR-sponsored activities, including amusement park tickets and organized excursions.
For further information on upcoming MWR events at NAVSTA Norfolk and nearby installations, please visit https://www.navylifema.com/events.
U.S. Navy, U.S. Marines Corps, Royal Netherlands Navy and Marines, and U.K. Commandos complete largest amphibious exercise in
Courtesy Story Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet
NORFOLK, Va. — Commander, U.S. Second Fleet (C2F) and 2nd Marine Division (2ndMARDIV), alongside Allies from the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, conducted Atlantic Alliance 2025 (AA25) from June 27 to July 15. AA25 is the premier naval integration exercise on the East Coast, involving 8,500 Sailors, Marines, and allied personnel conducting advanced training in amphibious operations, littoral warfare, and all-domain integration. The exercise enhanced operational readiness, strengthened Allied interoperability, and validated joint and coalition concepts in a contested maritime environment.
NORFOLK, Virginia (July 11, 2025) Participants run through colored chalk at the starting line of Naval Station (NAVSTA) Norfolk’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Annual Color Run at McClure Field onboard NAVSTA Norfolk, July
Training
ByKatieHewett Naval Air Station Oceana
NavalAirStation(NAS)Oceanapartnered withtheCityofVirginiaBeachandlocalfirst responders today to conduct a simulated aircraft mishap in preparation for the 2025 NASOceanaAirShow.
The mass casualty exercise tested the installation’s ability to effectively respond to a large-scale emergency and its ability to collaborate with community partners and firstresponders
“Preparing for an event of this scale doesn’t just require planning it requires excellent partnership,” said NAS Oceana Commanding Officer Capt. Josh Appezzato. “This exercise reflects why our relationship with our community is so crucial and demonstrates our shared commitment tosafetyandreadiness.”
Firstrespondersparticipatingintheexercise established a Unified Command Post to streamline and enhance coordination efforts between NAS Oceana and the City of Virginia Beach. This collaborative effort streamlined the ability to respond, triage, treat, transport, and track patients during thesimulatedaircraftmishap
“Thisexerciseisanimportantstepwetake toprepareforthisevent Everydetailcounts
“AA25wasarobust,integratedall-domain awareness exercise combining U.S., Dutch, Canadian and U.K. afloat and ashore forces into an Allied Atlantic security force,” said Vice Adm. Doug Perry Commander U.S. 2nd Fleet. “Thanks to this exercise we’ve strengthened our Allied interoperability by bringingtogetherinthemaritimeandlittoral battlespace some of our most advanced capabilities and concepts of operation. I can’t overstate how valuable it has been to exercise here in the Continental United States, shoulder to shoulder with our allies, fromtheseabedtospace Fromsmalltactical unit movements that employed our sailors andmarinesswimmingoffshorewithUUVs to composite Naval Maneuver in Anti-Submarine, amphibious and strike warfare, we demonstratedtheinteroperablewarfighting
when it comes to safety and preparedness,” said NAS Oceana Executive Officer, Capt Rob Littman. “By rehearsing these emergency scenarios alongside our community partners, we are continually improving our abilitytorespondtoemergencies.”
NASOceanawillhostitsannualairshow
Sept. 20 and 21 The show will feature the Navy’s elite flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, alongside a lineup of military andcivilianaviationperformances
The theme for this year’s air show is:
Celebrating 250 years of America’s Navy
The theme will highlight the Navy’s legacy of strength and innovation with unrivaled flight demonstrations and engaging STEM activitiesforallages
“TheNASOceanaAirShowisatreasured tradition in Virginia Beach, and this year’s celebration of the Navy’s 250th anniversary makes it even more meaningful,” said Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer “Events like this bring our community together and highlightthedeepconnectionbetweenour cityandtheNavy.”
Today’s exercise brought together over 100participantsfromacrosstheinstallation andtheCityofVirginiaBeach.
Formoreinformationaboutthe2025NAS OceanaAirShow,visitwww.oceanaairshow. com.
lethality essential to Euro-Atlantic security that we can scale to littoral environments around the globe, including the Western Pacific,theHighNorthandtheArctic.“
AA25 featured amphibious and air demonstrations, as well as naval maneuver exercises along the East Coast from North Carolina to Maine Training focused on force integration training bilateral reconnaissance training simulated naval strait transits, and expeditionary advanced base operations (EABO) training. Additionally, AA25enhancedcommand-and-controlrelationships with Marine Corps and coalition forces ashore and afloat, along with naval formationswithU.S.andAlliednations
“Thiswasthelargestamphibiousexercise in the Western Atlantic in over a decade,” saidCanadianRearAdmiralDavidPatchell, ViceCommander,U.S.2ndFleet.“AA25was an incredible opportunity to integrate U.S NavyandU.S.MarineCorpswithourAllies andpartnersintoonelethallittoralforce.”
Ships participating in AA25 included the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W.Bush(CVN77),Rotterdam-classlanding platform dock HNLMS Johan de Witt (L801),SanAntonio-classamphibioustransport dock USS New York (LPD 21), Halifax-classfrigateHMCSMontreal(FFH336), Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) Arleigh Burkeclassguided-missiledestroyersUSSMason (DDG 87), USS Ross (DDG 71), and USS Gonzalez(DDG66).
“Our Marines and Sailors forcefully demonstrated their ability to fight in the maritime domain and win,” said Major General Farrell Sullivan, Commanding General,2dMarineDivision.“Exerciseslike AA25 are important to build and maintain readinesswithournaval,jointandcoalition partners.”
During AA25, Marines embarked aboard amphibious ships and executed the full range of Marine Air-Ground Task Force
capabilities (MAGTF). As a combined joint force with Allied nations, Marine units executed a range of amphibious capabilitiesfromdeterrencetoseacontrol.
“AA25 has prepared us for future NATO exercises,” said Rear Admiral George Pastoor, Commander of the Netherlands MaritimeForces “OurintegrationwithU.S., U.K.andCanadianforcesensuresastronger maritimeresponseanddirectlyimpactsthe stabilityoftheentireAtlantic.
U.S. 2nd Fleet, reestablished in 2018 in response to the changing global security environment, develops and employs maritime ready forces to fight across multiple domainsintheAtlanticandArcticinorderto ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S. Ally andpartnerinterests.
FormoreU.S.2ndFleetnewsandphotos visit facebook.com/US2ndFleet https:// www.c2f.usff.navy.mil/, X - @US2ndFleet, and https://www.linkedin.com/company/ commander-u-s-2nd-fleet
Funeral honors Sailor named Junior Sailor of the Year at NSA Philadelphia
ByPettyOfficer2ndClass
DaleCornelison
Naval Support Activity Philadelphia
NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY PHILADELPHIA Pa Demonstrating exceptional growth dedication and leadership PettyOfficerSecondClassMargeauxOzone from El Paso, Texas, has been selected as Naval Support Activity Philadelphia and MechanicsburgJuniorSailoroftheYear
Serving in the Funeral Honors office, Ozone is the command’s sole Command Pay and Personnel Administrator (CPPA), handling vital administrative tasks for all
incoming and outgoing Sailors She also supportsthecoordinationandexecutionof over 900 funerals annually—placing her at theheartoftwocriticalmissions.
“BeforejoiningtheNavy Iwasveryquiet andshy,”saidOzone “Mysocialanxietywas always at its peak. Being in the Navy taught me that being silent isn’t going to get me anywhere, especially in times when I need help.”
Her journey hasn’t been without challenges Advancementcameonlyafterperseverance “The first two times I took the exam, I failed miserably The third time, I missed it by 1.5 points Finally fourth time
beingthecharm,Iexcelledandpassedby21 points,”sherecalled.“ItremindedmethatI should never give up, no matter how much theoddsmayseemagainstme.”
Ozone’sleadershipstylehasearnedpraise acrossthecommand.“BarkingordersatSailors and shutting them down when they are voicing their concerns isn’t going to make them trust or respect your leadership,” she said
Chief Machinist Mate Will Durham, Funeral Honors, Leading Chief Petty Officer, described her impact plainly, “Ozone keepsthewholeshipmoving Someonehas to make sure you’re getting paid correctly
make sure the right forms are filled at the right time, and sent to the right place, and shemakessureitgetsdone.”
Looking to the future, Ozone hopes to leave behind a legacy of dependability and determination.“Iwanttoberememberedas a reliable and inspiring Sailor who contributed to a strong, cohesive unit, she said. “Someone who consistently upheld the Navy’s core values of honor, courage, and commitment.”
Petty Officer Ozone’s recognition as JuniorSailoroftheYearisatestamenttoher resilience,growth,andunwaveringcommitmenttothemissionandhershipmates.
NSAMechanicsburg’s annual Salute to Summerevent drewhundreds to the installation’s Multipurpose FieldJune 28 foran evening ofgames,food trucks,a carshow,and fireworks—held in partnershipwith HampdenTownship
Salute to Summer shines under a shared sky
ByChristyTrabun Naval Support Activity Mechanicsburg
NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY
MECHANICSBURG, Pa The rain held off the sun stayed mild and aside from a little patience needed to wait for darkness, everything aligned for another successful Salute to Summer June 28 - this year with aspecialnodtotheNavy’s250thBirthday.
NSA Mechanicsburg’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) team welcomed hundreds of attendees to the Multipurpose Field on Saturday evening While waiting for the fireworks to begin, guests enjoyed a range of activities including field games inflatable attractions a dunk tank, a car
show,foodtrucks,andabeveragetent.
This year’s car show drew nearly 20 entries and was judged by NSA Mechanicsburg’s Commanding Officer, CAPT Geno Dawson He evaluated each vehicle’s age, interior engine and overall presentation. First place went to Tom Miller for his eye-catching cherry-red1964VolvoP1800S while runner-up was a fan-favorite, slateblue 1952 Ford F-1 pickup truck owned by WeldonThomas. The event is held each year in partnershipwithHampdenTownship,whosePark andPoolarea-justnorthoftheinstallation’s fenceline - hosts its own “Fun Food Fest.” With food trucks live music, and poolside fun communitymembersgatheredtoenjoy
thesummereveningandawaitthefireworks show.Thetownshipprovidesthefireworks, while the installation supports the launch operations, offering a safe staging area and oversight from the NSA Mechanicsburg Safety Office and Explosive Safety Officer, DanSchismenos Just before the show began CAPT Dawson met with Hampden Township CommissionerAlBienstockattheFunFood Fest and walked around the community’s event - symbolizing the strong, ongoing partnership between the base and its nearest neighbors The relationship is rooted in sharedpurposeandmutualsupport,reflecting the Navy’s enduring legacy as a trusted presenceinAmericanlifefor250years
The night’s grand finale kicked off at 9:15 p.m., just as the fireflies had nearly convincedthekidstheywerethemainevent A dazzling 20-minute fireworks display lit up the sky, culminating in an electrifying finalethatcouldbeheardandfeltacrossthe townshipandbase Special thanks go out to the MWR team fororganizingtheeventandcoordinatingall its moving parts Thanks also to Dan Schismenos for ensuring the fireworks launch was safe and successful. Most of all, thank youtoeveryonewhocameouttocelebratea summernightunderasharedsky-honoring both community fun and 250 years of Navy excellence
HSC-7 holds change of command
CourtesyStory Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic
Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7 held a change of command ceremony where Cmdr Patrick Dunn was relieved by Cmdr AmandaMcNally July11.
HSC-7’s mission has been the top priority for both Dunn and McNally During Dunn’s commanding officer tour, the “Dusty Dogs accomplishedmanyobjectivesontheirunprecedented2024deployment.
“Having command of HSC-7 has been the honorofmylife Watchingtheentiresquadron operate as a team throughout our time in the Red Sea, to our return home from deployment, andthroughallofourtrainingandworktokeep ourselvesreadytoanswerournation’scall,has shownthestrengthandcharacterofeveryDusty Dog,” Dunn said. “This team remains combat focusedandreadytorescue,protect,anddeliver because of the team of professionals that work here.TheyareingreathandswithCommander McNallyandCommanderEllwoodatthehelm and I will forever cherish the time I’ve been blessedtoleadthisgroupofwarriors.”
Originally from Littleton, Colorado Dunn enteredtheNavyin2009,aftergraduatingfrom theUnitedStatesNavalAcademyandcommissioningasanEnsign. Dunn wished McNally the best as he turned overthereinsofhissquadron.
HSC-7,alsoknownastheDustyDogs,isaU.S. Navy helicopter squadron based out of Naval StationNorfolk.Thecommandisadirectreport to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3. The primary missionsofHSC-7aremaritimeattack,combat logistics, personnel recovery, naval special warfaresupport,andsearchandrescue(SAR).
ABOVE: NAVALSTATION NORFOLK,Va - Cmdr Amanda “Duchess”McNally,incoming Commanding OfficerHelicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7,speaks to guests during HSC7’s change ofcommand ceremonyonboard Naval Station Norfolk,July11,2025.During the ceremony,McNallyrelieved Cmdr PatrickDunn as Commanding Officer,HSC-7.(U.S.NAVY PHOTOBYEMILYCASAVANT)
LEFT: NAVALSTATION NORFOLK,Va - Capt.James Huddleston,Commander AirWingThree presents Cmdr PatrickDunn,outgoing Commanding Officer HelicopterSea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7,with a Bronze StarMedal during HSC-7’s change ofcommand ceremonyonboard Naval Station Norfolk,July11,2025. During the ceremony,Cmdr Amanda McNallyrelieved Cmdr PatrickDunn as Commanding Officer,HSC-7. (U.S.NAVYPHOTOBYEMILY CASAVANT)
Naval Station Norfolk MWR Community Recreation Department highlights recreation opportunities
ByYeomanSeamanKyaRobinson
NORFOLK Va Naval Station (NAVSTA) Norfolk’s Morale Welfare, and Recreation(MWR)CommunityRecreation department is getting ready for a summer filled with programs and events designed to support the quality of life for service members,families,andauthorizedDepartmentofDefenseidentificationcardholders
Jasmine Winfree, NAVSTA Norfolk’s community recreation director, oversees a wide range of services including event programming recreational equipment support, outdoor gear the RV and storage lot, bowling center operations, auto skills, and the installation’s Tickets and Travel Office
“Our goal is to provide meaningful recreation opportunities that bring people together,” said Winfree “Whether you’re looking to explore a new hobby, attend a local event, or just enjoy time with your family we’reheretomakethataccessible.”
The department is currently preparing forseveralmajorevents OnJuly26,MWR will host a Car Show in partnership with the Navy Exchange (NEX) The event will take place in the NEX parking lot and is open to both spectators and participants interested in showcasing their vehicles In additiontoawidedisplayofcars theevent willfeaturebouncehouses,foodtrucks and boothshighlightingotherMWRprograms suchasAutoSkillsandRVandStorageLot services
“Registration for vehicle entries is currently open and will remain available until we reach capacity,” said Winfree. “Peoplecanregistertoshowofftheirvehicle, or they can simply bring their families and enjoy the festivities Events like this provide an outlet for those in the military community in a familiar environment, at littleornocost,andinawaythatwelcomes everyone.”
Following the car show, the department will host its annual Navy Camp Out, a two-day outdoor camping experience scheduled for August 9—10 Families will beabletopitchtents participateinevening activities and enjoy nature in a structured and safe environment.
AaliyahDaniels,acommunityrecreation programmer,emphasizedthedepartment’s commitment to inclusivity and family connection.
“We provide events for families, active duty, veterans, anyone who has base access,” said Daniels “Our events for the most part, are free and open to their entire family so it’s perfect for families to come together and have a good time It strengthens the bond of families.” Daniels,whohasworkedintheCommu-
nity Recreation department for four years, saidtheincreaseinparticipationovertime speaks volumes
“WhatIlovemostaboutmyjobisseeing people satisfied and grateful, she added. “The turnout we’ve seen over the years shows that people are truly interested in oureventsandthatwe’redoingagoodjob.”
August 2nd, the team will host a Backto-School Bash, held during Virginia’s tax-free weekend to help families prepare for the new academic year The event will take place at the Pierside Entertainment Center bowling facility and will include free bowling refreshments and back-toschool supplies for children at no cost to families
“This is a program we put together to help kids get excited about returning to school,” Winfree explained. “It’s also a way for us to support parents by providing supplies and a fun, stress-free environment.”
The event is open to all eligible patrons and will feature support from sponsors including USAA, Busch Gardens, Raising Cane’s, and OBX Waterpark, among others Familiescanregisteronlineatwww navylifensn.com.
Demetrius Buie, the MWR equipment rental manager, has supported program operations for eight years said the satisfaction of serving the military community is what motivates him most.
“Ilovethefactthatwetakeprideinserving military and their families,” said Buie “Watchingthesmilesonthekidsandadults makes it worth it all the blood, sweat, and tears it takes to set up these events.”
TheCommunityRecreationdepartment plays a vital role in supporting the Navy’s quality-of-life mission by ensuring service members and their families have access to enriching, affordable, and inclusive recreation.
For more information on upcoming community events or MWR services at Naval Station Norfolk, visit https://www navylifema.com or follow MWR Norfolk on social media.
NORFOLK,Virginia (June 27 2025) Naval Station NorfolkMorale,Welfare, and Recreation CommunityRecreation department team members; Demetrius Buie equipment rental manager;JasmineWinfree communityrecreation director; andAaliyah Daniels,communityrecreation programmer; pose fora photo inside Building C-9 aboard Naval Station Norfolk,June 25.The CommunityRecreation department supports the installation’s militarycommunitythrough inclusive events,equipment services and recreational programming (U.S.NAVYPHOTO BYYEOMANSEAMANKYAE.ROBINSON)
The new face of stand-in forces
ByCapt JohnFischer
Marine Rotational Force - Darwin
Since December 2024 the Marines and SailorsofMarineRotationalForce Darwin (MRF-D) 25.3 have charted a historic path validatingwhatitmeanstobeastand-inforce in the Pacific under the U.S. Marine Corps’ Force Design 2030 As the first MRF-D Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) to simultaneously deploy forces forward to Australia and within the First Island Chain (FIC), their presence in the Indo-Pacific has demonstrated America’s commitment to positioning combat-credible formations forwardalongsidealliesandpartners,whereverandwheneverneeded.
Whatarestand-inforces?“Stand-inforces deter the application of military power on thepartofadversariesbyestablishingforces designed to persist forward alongside allies andpartnerswithinacontestedarea,providing the fleet joint force, interagency, and alliesandpartnersmoreoptionsforcounteringanadversary’sstrategy,”accordingtothe MarineCorps’AConceptforStand-inForces published in December 2021. The MRF-D MAGTF’sfootprintthisyearpersonifiesthis thought in the positioning, capability, and durabilityofitsforces
From Exercise Steel Knight 24’s proving grounds in California and Arizona to the humid jungles of Palawan, the rugged training areas of Mount Bundey and the flight linesinDarwinandthePhilippinesthatnever sleep,MRF-D25.3personifiesforwardpresenceandcommandandcontrolatscale This deployment is more than the 14th iteration of the rotation; it is the face of what comes next for the Marine Corps: low-signature, combat-credible forces persistently positioned to decisively engage potential threats alongsidecombinedandjointforces
“We aren’t just showing up We’re proving to our partners and any potential adversarythatwecancommandandcontrollethal forces across thousands of miles of ocean, from dense jungle to open desert, and do it with precision, speed, and overwhelming force,” said Col. Jason Armas, commanding officer of the MRF-D 25 3 MAGTF “We are definingwhatitmeanstobeastand-inforce bylivingiteverysingleday,sidebysidewith our allies, ready to bring the fight wherever it’sneeded.
The journey began with Exercise Steel Knight in December 2024, where Marines and Sailors with the Ground and Logistics Combat Elements (GCE and LCE) of 2nd Battalion,1stMarineRegiment,andCombat LogisticsBattalion(CLB)1compositedunder the 1st Marines Command Element (CE) with augments enabling fires air control, and defensive cyber operations Together, with elements of 1st Marine Division and jointforcesfromtheU.S.Army,NavyandAir Force, this near-MAGTF executed a series of dynamically tasked rapid maneuvers to reinforce a simulated embassy and certify the formation’s ability to conduct crisis and contingencyresponseoperations Duringthis time theMAGTFcertifiedtheheartandsoul oftheMAGTF theMarinerifleman ina Marine Corps Combat Readiness Exercise (MCCRE) across miles of Camp Pendleton training grounds, while CLB-1 validated its abilitytoconductsustainmentoperationsin austere environments and set the stage for whattheirmedicalteamswouldaccomplish In March, the MRF-D MAGTF launched the operation that would define this deployment Instead of compositing all MAGTF forces in Darwin initially, MRF-D deployed elementsoftheGCEfromCaliforniadirectly to the Philippines to train with the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) in Marine Exercise 25 while also reuniting with Australian Defence Forces (ADF) in Darwin, signaling MRF-D’sfirstsurgeacrossthePacific.During this period, the MRF-D MAGTF controlled distributed maneuver forces in the FIC and integrated seamlessly with the ADF to prepareforupcomingtraining. Throughout this phase, GCE Marines exercisedbilateralpatrolling,junglewarfare training, and fires integration with PMC
units, reinforcing the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Archipelagic Coastal DefenseConceptwhileunderstandingwhat it takes to sustain and position forces thousandsofmilesacrossmaritimeterrain.
WithAprilcameMRF-D’sparticipationin Exercise Croix du Sud 25 in New Caledonia andWallisandFutuna,whereCLB-1demonstratedthemeaningofcombinedexpeditionarylogisticsandmedicalreadinessalongside the Armed Forces of New Caledonia and multinational allies and partners. Marines and Sailors rehearsed humanitarian assistanceoperationsthatstrengthenedcollective crisisresponsecapabilitieswithinajointand combinedconstruct,settingthestageforlater successesintheFIC
“Our Marines have built something out herethatdidn’texistayearago smallteams spreadthousandsofmilesapart,keepingthis MAGTFfed,fueled,supplied,andalive,”said Lt Col. Tara Patton, commanding officer of CLB-1, MRF-D 25.3 “They’ve proven that when it comes to sustaining stand-in forces innovation and adaptability are just part of whoweare.
As the 40th iteration of the AFP’s largest multinational exercise ramped up in mid-April,ExerciseBalikatan25,theMRF-D MAGTF sustained its forward presence by maneuvering forces from Cotabato, Philippines, and Darwin, Australia, to Palawan, Philippines leaningonjointairandlogistics assetstomakeitallpossible Duringtheexercise, the MRF-D MAGTF employed capabilities across major Combined and Joint All-DomainOperations(CJADO),showcased throughajointandcombinedcounter-landing live-fire (CLLF) evolution leveraging fires from the U.S. Army’s 1st Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF) High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) in concert with small arms crew-served weapons and artillery and Maritime Key Terrain Security Operations (MKTSO) in southern Palawan. Combined, these CJADOs stress-tested the MAGTF’s ability to maneuver in challenging terrain alongside Philippine and Australianalliesagainstasimulatedadversaryforce while nesting within the larger combined taskforcearchitecture.Thisalsomarkedthe first time Australia participated in Balikatan aswellastheMRF-DMAGTF’sparticipation alongside them. During this time, MRF-D’s Role II medical coordinated with Australian expeditionary medical facilities and personnel to work through casualty evacuationscenariosandproviderobustreal-world medical support in case of crisis or contingency, further enhancing regional health servicesupportinteroperability
“This deployment proves that medical capabilities and allied interoperability can and will enable operations,” said Lt Cmdr Jordan Lyons, the MRF-D 25.3 MAGTF Surgeon.“Everystepwe’vetakenhasensured our Marines and Sailors remain healthy, ready, and able to keep pushing forward, whether through predeployment health assessments or operational implementation of our medical providers I’m really proud of what medical has accomplished so far in garrison,AustraliaandtheFirstIslandChain. I’m looking forward to the training we have coming next, and how we can continue to helpourMarinesbefirsttofight.”
From May through early June, KAMANDAG 9 saw MRF-D MAGTF Marines and Sailors working side by side with Philippine Marines to build on the successes of Balikatan TheMRF-DMAGTF,withitscommand element commanding and controlling and coordinating with planning cells in Manila, rapidly executed CJADOs with the AFP, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and Republic of Korea Marine Corps. The CJADOsweredemonstratedthroughaseries ofMKTSOeventsinPalawanwithmaneuver enabledbyU.S.MarineCorpsMV-22Osprey tiltrotor aircraft and KC-130J tankers from Camp Pendleton, setting conditions for a multinational Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) training evolution and culminating CLLF against a simulated adversary force During the HADR, CLB-1 corpsmenexecutedcasualtyevacuationdrills
and trauma lanes, maintaining lifesaving proficiency amidst high-tempo operations alongsideJapaneseandKoreanmedicalcapabilities Attheepicenterofitall,theregimental-level MRF-D MAGTF Fires and Effects Coordination Center (FECC) commanded andcontrolledliveandvirtualfiresfromjoint and combined assets to support maneuver of allied forces across the Philippine archipelago, rehearsing the defense of key maritime terrain when it matters most This persistenceinthejunglesofPalawan,within the FIC, and using both organic, combined, andjointsustainmentdemonstratedthescalablelethalityandsurvivabilityofU.S.Marine CorpsformationsenvisionedbyForceDesign 2030whilealsosolidifyingMRF-D’sreputation as a combat-credible force That presence continues now during Archipelagic Coastal Defense 25.3, where a rifle company fromtheMAGTFGCEremainstotrainwith the PMC in the jungles of Palawan to hone theirinnerjunglewarfighter
“We’ve asked these Marines to do things that would take most units years to accomplish andtheydeliveredinspades,”Lt Col. TravisOnischuk,commandingofficerof2nd Bn., 1st Marines, MRF-D 25.3 “From jungle operations in the Philippines to live-fire maneuver in Australia, they’ve shown that wherever we go, we bring credible combat power with allies at our side, ready to close withanythreat.”
At the same time 3,000 miles from the Philippines in the Northern Territory and Queensland, Australia, MRF-D Marines participated in the Predator Series and Exercise Southern Jackaroo, executing combined arms live-fire ranges, maneuvering large-scale formations, and coordinating artillery fires with the Australian Army’s 1st and 3rd Brigades and the JGSDF These exercises served as the first major Australia-based training events with the ADF and laidthegroundworkTalismanSabre25 The Predator Series demonstrated the “crawlwalk-run” training model, progressing from simplesquadattackstolarge-scalecompany live-fire evolutions integrated with artillery in the signature flats, smoke, and dust of the Mount Bundey training area. In Townsville, Australia,theMRF-DMAGTF’sAirCombat Element (ACE), Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron(VMM)363or“LuckyRedLions,” tested their ability to respond to dynamic air tasking in support of combined training evolutions in the Townsville Field Training Area, rapidly maneuvering forces across an evolvingbattlespacewhilelogisticsMarines ensured uninterrupted sustainment and the GCEcontinuedgroundinteroperabilitywith ADFandJGSDFforces.
“Anytime a MAGTF comes together our focus is to give the commander as many optionsaspossible,”saidLt Col.JeffBlumenfeld, commanding officer of VMM 363, MRF-D 25.3 “For us as the ACE, that means flying these Ospreys anywhere taking Marines and their kit across vast distances at speed We’re connecting every part of this force whether through sustainment or maneuver to ensure the MAGTF can strike wherever it needs to That’s what stand-in forcesareabout.”
Striking deep into the jungles of East New Britain, Papua New Guinea, Marines and Sailors from MRF-D 25.3 participated in Operation Render Safe 25.1, a multinational explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) missionledbytheADFtosafelyremoveand dispose of unexploded ordnance remnants from World War II. Working alongside the U.S. and Australian Army and the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, MRF-D EOD technicians provided specialized support in locating,identifying,anddisposingofhazardous munitions to ensure the safety of local communities The operation not only mitigated enduring explosive threats but also strengthenedregionalpartnerships demonstrated combined EOD interoperability and highlighted the Marine Corps’ commitment toenhancingsecurityandstabilityacrossthe region.
NotonlydidtheMRF-DMAGTFexecute these OAIs with clear purpose, operational
precision, and a shared sense of unity, they immediately turned to another evaluation: a MAGTF integration check. Harkening back to Steel Knight 24 and with the ACE now fully integrated with the MAGTF, MRF-D validateditscrisisandcontingencyresponse capabilities through the execution of simulated embassy reinforcement operations withreal-worldU.S.DepartmentofStaterole players The scenario required Emergency CommandCenter(ECC)activationandafull NoncombatantEvacuationOperation(NEO) with the GCE and LCE. The exercise tested the MAGTF’s ability to rapidly respond to a deteriorating security situation, integrate with interagency partners, and safely evacuate civilians under realistic conditions It validated MRF-D’s readiness to protect U.S. personnel and citizens abroad, reinforcing the stand-in force’s capability to execute crisisresponsemissionsacrosstheIndo-Pacific. Whilemaintainingarelentlessoperational tempo MRF-D 25.3 has also demonstrated unwaveringcommitmenttothecommunities thatwelcomedthem.AcrossDarwin,regional Australia, and the Philippines, Marines and Sailors conducted 58 community relations events, volunteering nearly 2,000 hours. From local school visits and environmental clean-ups to sports days and medical outreach, their contributions generated an estimated $100,000 in community revenue while building relationships grounded in respectandservice
“Marines do these things because of people,” said Lt Cmdr Adam Bayer, the MRF-D25.3MAGTFChaplain.“Sometimes the people are the Marines to their left and right and sometimes the people are those they care about back home Engaging with thecommunitiesremindsus atleastinsome way,whywedowhatwedo.”
“I think back to visiting a foster home in Manila with some Marines from the PMC, said Lt Cmdr Bayer. “We wore different uniforms from each other, but in that moment, I saw more unity between our Marines and the Philippine Marines than manypeoplegettoexperience.”
As July progresses, the MAGTF sets its sights on Exercise Talisman Sabre 25 the largest military exercise the region has seen since World War II. Here, the MAGTF will integrate with the ADF, U.S. Army, and joint enablerstoexecutelarge-scale,multi-domain operationsdemonstratingthefullcapacityof firesinconcertwithstand-inforcesconcepts Plannedtacticalair-groundrefuelingdemonstrations,expeditionaryairfieldseizures,and integrated cyber-electromagnetic warfare operationswillreinforceMRF-D’sreputation as a scalable agile and lethal force prepared for tomorrow’s fight alongside the joint and combinedforce This rotation has seen and done it all. The MRF-DMAGTFcommandedandcontrolled distributed stand-in forces in the FIC from the Philippines to Australia, coordinated precision fires and effects with allies and partners across all domains and sustained combat-credible formations forward while employing 21st-century foraging where traditional logistics can and will fail. The MRF-D MAGTF integrated multinational medical,logistics,andfiresoperationsseamlessly while strengthening regional partnershipsthroughpresence,interoperability,and commitment.AsMRF-D25.3entersJuly,its legacyisundeniable Itsaccomplishmentsare unprecedented.
“WhattheseMarinesandSailorsdidhere willechoforyearstocome,”saidCol.Armas “They’veshownthatyoudon’tneedmassive footprints to be effective you need endurance, you need adaptability, and you need thewilltoclosewithanyproblemandcrush it alongside those who share your purpose This rotation has forged the blueprint for stand-inforcesintheIndo-Pacific,andevery milewe’vemarched,everyroundwe’vesent downrange, and every relationship we’ve builthascarvedourplaceinthefuturefight.”
NSASP conducts change of command
ByAndrewRevelos
Naval Support Activity South Potomac
DAHLGREN,Va NavalSupportActivity South Potomac conducted a change of commandJuly11attheNavalSupportFacility(NSF)DahlgrenTheater,whereCapt.Jon Townsend relinquished command to Capt John Nadder in a ceremony presided over by Rear Adm. David Faehnle commandant ofNavalDistrictWashington.
Townsend thanked Faehnle and other senior leaders in attendance, including Vice Adm. Brad Skillman, deputy chief of naval operations for integration of capabilities and resources N8, and David Steffee, deputydirectoroftheprogrammingdivision forchiefofnavaloperations
Then Townsend greeted long list of community supporters of the two bases managed by NSASP NSF Dahlgren, and NSF Indian Head, Md from town and county leadership, to local military affairs councils, to state and federal leaders of VirginiaandMaryland.
“To our community partners,” said Townsend, “let me tell you that managing two bases in two jurisdictions is exactly as challenging as it sounds we could not do whatwedowithout[your]support.”
Faehnle praised Townsend and highlighted the vital missions hosted at NSF Dahlgren and NSF Indian Head. “This is a greatceremony,amomentoftransitionand celebrationforoneofourNavy’smoststrategically-vitalshorecommands,”hesaid.
Both officers served together in the past as classmates at the Naval Academy and Naval War College “I knew when you took command here I wouldn’t have anything to worry about and that the bases would be in great hands, and you have proven me right,”FaehnletoldTownsend “We’rehere today to recognize the outstanding service of Admiral (Select) Townsend, who has led NSA South Potomac with dedication and distinction. And I welcome Captain John Nadder whowillshortlyassumecommand ofthisdynamic,essentialorganization.”
As the Navy celebrates 250 years of protecting democracy winning wars and keeping sea lanes open, Faehnle said the future of NSASP was promising. “It’s important to note that our Navy’s ability to deter and win in future combat starts right here, where we train the next generation of surface warriors, develop next-generation weapons, and continue to build the arsenal ofdemocracy.”
On behalf of the president, Faehnle presented Townsend with the Meritorious Service Medal, third award in lieu of gold start, for “exceptionally meritorious conduct,” according to the award citation read by NSASP Executive Officer Cmdr Bob Lusk Jr “Captain Townsend’s visionaryleadershipprovidedunparalleledlevels of tenant support and engagement while executing $125 million in construction, utilities recapitalization and environmentalprojects
“In charge of one of the oldest U.S. Navy bases, NSF Indian Head,” the citation continued, “he spearheaded the efforts to stand up a support program office focused on executing a $2.7 billion facility investmentprogram,directlysupportingNavalSea Systems Command’s Energetics ComprehensiveModernizationPlantorevitalizethe Navy’sarsenal.
The citation also recognized Townsend’s efforts to improve operations in Navy barracks, an effort he led from the front by livinginthebarracksduringtheworkweek, andregularlyinterfacingwithjuniorpersonnelandPublicWorks.
“By his dynamic leadership, keen judgement, and loyal devotion to duty Captain Townsendreflectedgreatcreditonhimself, and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Navy,” the award citation concluded
In Townsend’s final remarks to his command,heechoedFaehnle’sassessment of the critical capability NSF Dahlgren and NSF Indian Head bring to the Navy and nation He noted the unique capabilities of everymajortenantcommandateachinstal-
lation and the “world-moving” missions they undertake “I’ve worn this uniform for more than 30 years, and it doesn’t get more compellingthanthis,”hesaid.
He then asked members of his command staff to stand, noting how each and every member contributes to achieving those missions HealsothankedthePublicWorks Department,ledbyCmdr AngelAviles,and all Navy first responders in NSASP’s Security Forces and Fire Departments He also praised members of the NSASP Unaccompanied Housing staff who treated him like family
Townsend reserved special praise for his senior enlisted leader, Command Master ChiefAndyReyes-Velez,andLusk.
“CMC Reyes is one of the best senior enlisted leaders I’ve ever worked with,” he said. “This man’s knowledge of policies standardsandallthingsNavysetshimapart fromhispeers,buthismentorshipofSailors iswhatisreallynotable.”
Townsend’s extended that gratitude to all enlisted members of NSASP “You are a small, but mighty crew Each and every one of you, including your families, are a key componentofoursuccesshere.”
LasttobethankedamongtheNSASPstaff wasLusk.“Heisn’tjustanoutstandingXO,” said Townsend. “He’s a great naval officer andagreatAmerican,andit’sbeenanabsoluteblessingtohavehiminmylife.”
Turningtohisfamily,Townsendthanked them for their unwavering support during histouratNSASP,andthroughouthisNavy career He also welcomed Nadder and his family,andurgedthestafftosupporthimas heleadsNSASPintoitsnextchapter.
Turning to the flag next the podium, Townsend noted the different meaning of each color. “[But] the true strength of this flag, this symbol of freedom, is the individual threads,” he said. “I really appreciated mytimehere.” Townsend and Nadder then read their orders,andexchangedcommandasFaehnle presided.
Nadder thanked guests Faehnle and all
members of the NSASP staff who contributedtotheceremony.
“Beforespeakingaboutthefuture,Iwould first like to express the deep gratitude to Captain JT Townsend, whose leadership over the past year has re-strengthened this installation, fostered partnerships across NSFDahlgrenandIndianHeadandthelocal communities, and championed a culture of excellence,”Naddersaid.“Thankyouforthe steadyhand,vision,anddedicationyouhave broughttothiscommand.
Turning to his new staff and tenant command leaders at NSF Dahlgren and NSFIndianHead,Naddervowedbuildupon the installations’ collective successes. “You support cutting-edge science and technology, research and development, ordnance development, mission system training, and anarrayofoperationalandstrategiccapabilities that make a difference to the Navy our great nation, and across the globe,” he said. “Success here at South Potomac enables successoverseas.”
Like Townsend, Nadder credited his family for their support of his Navy career, thanking his parents, sisters, nephews, grandfather,wifeanddaughters Nadder concluded his remarks by noting someofthechallengesheexpectedtotackle during his tour including modernization of facilities and growing missions “The demandisevident,andcollectively,wemust meettherequirement,”hesaid.
“Together,wewillbuilduponthecurrent foundation and remain mission-ready and resilient,”Naddersaid “Wewillcontinueto strengthenthebondsbetweenthisinstallationandthecommunitiesthatsupportNSA SouthPotomacsofaithfully Itisanamazing opportunitytoleadthisextraordinaryteam, andlookforwardtoworkingwitheachand every one of you to ensure that NSA South Potomacisamodelofoperationalexcellence andcommunitypartnership.”
NAVFAC MIDLANT awards contract for road
repairs at Naval Computer & Telecommunications
Area Master Station, Cutler, ME
communications Area Master Station, Cutler,Maine WorkwillbeperformedonCutlerPerimeterRd inCutler,Maine andisscheduledto becompletedbyJanuary2027
Fiscal year (FY) 2025 operation and maintenance(Navy)fundsintheamountof $11,012,195 are obligated on the award and willexpireattheendofthecurrentFY Thiscontractwascompetitivelyprocured
via the www.sam.gov website, with four pricebidsreceived.
NAVFAC MIDLANT is the contracting activity(N40085-25-C-2513). NAVFAC MIDLANT delivers comprehensivefacilitiesengineering,publicworks, and environmental services across a broad areafromSouthCarolinatoMaine,extendingwesttoIllinoisandsouthtoIndiana.Asa keycomponentofCommander,NavyRegion
Mid-Atlantic,NAVFACMIDLANTprovides strategic leadership through the Regional Engineer organization, ensuring the efficient and effective management of regional infrastructureandfacilities. For additional information about NAVFACMIDLANTonsocialmedia,follow ouractivitiesonFacebookatwww.facebook. com/navfacmidatlanticandonInstagram@ navfacmidatlantic.
Staying in the know is easy. Each weekday,you’ll get the latest stories curated by our editors on your smart speaker or streaming service. Available on Amazon Echo, Apple Music, Google Home, Spotify and more. Start now at PlayOurNews.com
Undisputed Engine Room Supervisor uarterdeck
ByPettyOfficer1stClass
TheoplisStewartII
PCU John F. Kennedy (CVN 79)
Machinist’s Mate Nuclear 1st Class (MMN1) Michael Fitz, from New Jersey, leading petty officer (LPO) of the Reactor Mechanical (RM) Division aboard the pre-commissioningaircraftcarrierJOHNF. KENNEDY(CVN79),hasforgedanewdivisiontraditionthatfusesleadership training andamorale-boostinglegacy
A nuclear-trained machinist’s mate who advanced through the Navy’s rigorous technical pipeline, Fitz earned successive qualifications and was selected for the LPO role because he combines deep engineering knowledge with a commitment to mentorship IntheNavy anLPOistypically a first-class petty officer selected for their leadership and technical skills serving as the “go-to” person in a work center Fitz, who completed Nuclear Power School and prototype reactor training like all MMNs, says he actively pursued leadership roles to help junior Sailors navigate those same challenges Fitz emphasizes that balance of accountability and support in RM Division where heensuresSailorsstayontracktoearncriticalqualifications(quals)whilekeepingboth theteamandleadershipaligned.Hispathto division LPO mirrors the gradual responsibilitySailorsassumeinthenuclearcommunity His career has progressed in tandem with a Ford-class carrier preparing for its first operations Every qualification counts, andFitzhasfoundawaytomakeoneofthe mostsignificantqualsunforgettable
The Championship Belt Innovation
EarningtheEngineroomSupervisorqualification is a rite of passage in RM Division. It certifies a Sailor to supervise the ship’s propulsion systems and machinery during watch, granting an advanced level of trust and responsibility Fitz saw this moment as theperfectopportunitytomotivatehisteam. Insteadofapapercertificate,heintroduced alarge,custom-designedchampionshipbelt awarded to each Sailor who completes the qualification.WhiletheEngineroomSupervisorqualisalreadyamarkofpride,thebelt transformsitintoahigh-visibilitysymbolof
ByEbonyGay Defense Logistics Agency Energy
Defense Logistics Agency Energy celebrated its 80th birthday July 8 in the McNamara Headquarters Complex Auditorium.TheeventbroughttogethertheDLA Energy team from across the globe along with former DLA Energy commanders and DLAEnergyHallofFamemembers
ThemomentousoccasionrecountedDLA Energy’s decades of service to the Nation andcelebrateditsenduringlegacyofcollaboration among the DLA Energy workforce anditscustomers DLAEnergyCommander Navy Rear Adm. George Bresnihan emphasized DLA Energy’s story as one of vision, resilience, and service, dating back to its crucial role in supplying fuel during World WarII.
“Behind every gallon of fuel delivered, every runway built, every tank powered, werethededicatedindividualswhoworked tirelessly to ensure our forces had the resources they needed to defend freedom, Bresnihansaid. A video shown during the ceremony featured testimonials recounting the agency’s historical journey, celebrating milestones, and expressing employees’ pride in being part of the DLA Energy team. The video was followed by birthday shoutouts fromDLAEnergyregionalcommands
“From fueling the front lines to energizing global operations, your commitment to ensuring energy readiness has been the drivingforcebehindoursuccess,”Bresnihan toldthoseassembled.“Thismilestonecelebrates not just longevity, but legacy Happy 80thbirthdaytoDLAEnergy toourpast, present, and future Thank you, and here’s to many more years of delivering energy
excellence FitzexplainsthatasRMDivision ramps up for JOHN F. KENNEDY’s initial reactor tests, qualifications like this one become critical goals “Engineroom Supervisor”isthetopofthewatchstandingladder, andnow,itcomeswithitsownreward The belt ceremonies will be brief but meaningful.WhenaSailorqualifies,Fitzgathersthe division. The previous belt holder removes thestrapand amidcheersandapplause the new Engineroom Supervisor is presented with the award. The event is photographed and celebrated, turning a demanding qualification into a lasting memory Fitz says the goal is to create an aspirational culture: younger Sailors see the gleaming belt and “wanttobetheonewearingitnext.”Indoing so,thecrewreinforcesitscorevalues,honor, courage commitment, and renews their connectiontotheKennedylegacy
Design and Impact
The belt was inspired by professional wrestlingtitles FitzandagroupofRMpetty officers collaborated on the design, which features the words “Undisputed Engineroom Supervisor” and a small “Team Courage”emblem,echoingJOHNF.KENNEDY’s motto: Serve with Courage Reactor Officer Capt Michael A. Sammataro praised the initiative: “I think this sort of ownership, esprit de corps, and pride in their contribution to the ship’s mission is exemplary My hopeisthatitinspiresotherdivisionalleadership,inandoutofReactor,todothesame sortofstuff.”
Q&A: Fitz on Leadership and the Belt
Q: What inspired you to start the Engine Supervisorbelttradition?
Fitz: “I wanted to do something fun to recognize what’s normally a pretty tough milestone.I’veseenotherunitspassaround coins or knives but I’m a former amateur wrestler—so I thought, why not a championshipbelt?WhenaSailorfinishesthequal and walks away with that belt, you see how proud they are. They earned it by studying, standing watch, and doing the work. The whole division gets to see that It creates energy.”
Q:Whoorwhathasinfluencedyourleadershipstyle?
Team brings
Fitz: “I’ve been lucky to have great mentors—chiefs and senior first classes— who taught me what it means to lead. They didn’tjustgiveorders;theytaught.Ialsopull from my wrestling background: discipline, respect, and pushing your limits And I’ve
solutions whenever and wherever they’re needed.”
Duringtheceremony,DLADirector,Army Lt Gen.MarkSimerly,presentedBresnihan with a framed letter and an engraved gold plate commemorating the organization’s 80 years of service. The letter commended DLA Energy’s workforce for their steadfast dedication,innovativesolutions,supportof warfighters worldwide, and emphasized theircriticalroleinensuringglobalmilitary readiness
Simerly emphasized DLA Energy being a community of professionals bound by a shared purpose and an enduring devotion
toservice
“The DLA Energy workforce has stood as a pillar of reliability and resilience as all currentandformeremployeescelebratethis extraordinary organization,” said Simerly “Your unmatched dedication, innovation expertise andtirelesssupporttoournation’s warfighters have made the DLA Energy legacypossible.”
“Througheverychallenge contingency, expeditionarysupport,humanitarianassistance,globaloperations,andbeyond DLA Energy delivered energy solutions at the right time, to the right place, with the right amount Theagency’sunwaveringcommit-
haddivisionchiefswhochallengedmetobe bettereveryday.Thatleftamark.”
Q:HowdoyouseeyourroleasLPOinthe ReactorMechanicalDivision?
ment to ensuring the global readiness and operational capability of our military, through fuel management, infrastructure, modernization,andenergyresilienceinitiatives hasleftanenduringlegacyof80years ofexcellence,”hesaid.
Simerlyalsotookamomenttoaddressthe DLAEnergyworkforce
“Thank you, DLA Energy for powering themissionandthejointforce,”saidSimerly “I’mgratefultoRearAdmiralBresnihanand thisteamforwhatyoudoeveryday.It’salso greattoseeourseniorleaderswho’vecome backaftercontributingsomuchthroughout their careers You’re still valuable members ofthisteam.
The ceremony concluded with a cake cuttingwithSimerly,Bresnihan,thelongest serving DLA Energy employee, Pamela Albert-Chambers, a customer accounts specialistfortheCustomerOperationsDirectoratewhohasbeenwithDLAEnergysince June 1984 (a 41 year DLA Energy career), followed by the agency’s newest employee Ahmed Soliman, a real property officer for theArmy/AirForcedivisionundertheFacility Sustainment Directorate who joined the DLAEnergyteamfourweeksago
With roots dating back to World War II, DLA Energy was originally established as an entity of Department of Interior as the JointArmy-NavyPurchasingAgencyunder theWarDepartment,theorganizationnow known as DLA Energy has undergone severalnamechangesthroughoutitshistory ItbecametheDefenseFuelSupplyCenterin 1964,theDefenseEnergySupportCenterin 1998,andultimatelyDLAEnergyin2010 TheDLAEnergy80thbirthdayceremony canbeviewedathttps://dlaio.gcds.disa.mil/ index.html?id=HQAUD07082025 CAC accessisrequiredtoviewvideocontent.
PettyOfficer1st Class ChristopherHorrox(Courtesyphoto
ByChristyTrabun Naval Support Activity Mechanicsburg
Onhiswaytohisshiftsasagrocerystocker at a Walmart in McAllen, Texas, Petty Officer1stClassChristopherHorroxwoulddrive pastthelocalrecruitingstation Everytimehe passed,hetoldhimselftojustdoit—justgoin andtalktothem.
After graduating from Hazleton Area High School, Horrox had worked a series of dead-end jobs He had left his hometown of Brandonville, Pennsylvania, to live with his brother in Texas—a former Navy Seabee One day, he finally pulled into the recruiting station, and just two weeks later, he was off tobootcamp
“In my family, I was not the kid that was goingtogointothemilitaryinanyway,shape, or form. I didn’t like getting yelled at; I was a quiet, shy kid… I don’t think my family believed it until I was in boot camp,” Horrox said, recounting his unlikely entry into the armedforces
Regardlessofwhatheoncebelievedabout himself, Petty Officer 1st Class Horrox was recently named Sailor of the Year for Naval Support Activity Mechanicsburg and Philadelphia. He currently serves as the Leading Petty Officer (LPO) and Security Manager, overseeing both leadership and personnel matters for the Sailors at NSA Mechanicsburg. His duties range from managing shift and gate operations to processing visit requests, onboarding personnel, and help-
ingtoleadtheinstallation’soperationssecurity program. As part of his Sailor of the Year recognition he was awarded the Navy AchievementMedal.
Before arriving at NSA Mechanicsburg—a duty station he hoped for because it brought him closer to home—Horrox spent his first seven years in the Navy at Fort Gordon, Georgia He worked four of those years in a direct support billet, followed by three years at the National Security Agency After that, he went to the Fleet, joining the USS Mustin (DDG89)whileitwasbasedoutofYokosuka, Japan. About a year and a half into his tour theMustinshifteditshomeporttoSanDiego. Hisrate,CryptologicTechnicianTechnical (CTT), wasn’t his first choice, but he’s found it rewarding due to its variety and technical depth.AccordingtotheNavy’sCredentialing OpportunitiesOnlinewebsite,CTTsperform avarietyofspecializeddutiesassociatedwith the collection and processing of airborne shipborne andland-basedradarsignals They operateelectronicintelligencereceivingand direction finding systems, digital recording devices, analysis terminals, and associated computer equipment. Systems they operate produce high-power jamming signals used todeceiveelectronicsensorsanddefeatradar guidedweaponssystems Additionally,intelligencederivedfromcollectionandprocessing update national databases which are crucial totacticalandstrategicunitsthroughoutthe world.
In his role as LPO, Horrox strives to be a
steady,supportivepresenceforhisSailors “I just try to be there for people and be empatheticandnonjudgmental Itrytobesomeone that you can come talk to—you don’t have to be worried that I’m your LPO If we can talk aboutit,wecanfigureoutwhattodo.”
PettyOfficer2ndClassBrittanySopolosky, one of the Sailors under his leadership, said he lives up to that standard “He doesn’t act likeheforgotwhatit’sliketobealowerrank Heknowsit’snotallrainbowsandsunshine.” Sopolosky and Horrox have served together for nearly two years at NSA Mechanicsburg. “He’sbroughtthedivisionclosertogether—as a group, we are more friends than acquaintances.”
Outside of work, Horrox enjoys adventure-themed video games like Tomb Raider andResidentEvil Healsolikestakingcandid photosthatcaptureauthenticmomentswith people A roller coaster enthusiast, he often visits Hershey Park with his cousin, who is alsohisroommate
Being named Sailor of the Year stands out as one of the most meaningful accomplishments of his Navy career Still, when looking back over his more than 12 years of service, Horrox says graduating boot camp remains one of his proudest milestones “It was the first thing I ever finished It gave me pride andconfidence.”
HehopestocontinuehiscareerintheNavy and has his sights set on future duty stations inHawaiiorSpain.
USNCC selects Bismarck State College as new partner for cutting-edge artificial intelligence programs
ByShanessaJackson
U.S.
QUANTICO, Va On June 16, 2025, the United States Naval Community College (USNCC) entered into a new partnership with Bismarck State College (BSC) to offer online associate degree and certificate programs focused on artificial intelligence (AI).
ArecentDepartmentoftheNavyarticleon its Information Superiority Vision 2.0 notes that“progressinITiscontinuous,innovation is ongoing, and the relevance of data is escalating.”Thisisincreasinglyevidentacrossthe maritimeforces whereAIanddataanalytics are now enhancing numerous operations in realandtransformativeways
USNCC addresses these needs by working closely with accredited partner institutionsviaaconsortiumtodeliverworld-class, naval-relevant, and flexible education programstailoredtosupporttheprioritiesof theU.S.Navy,MarineCorps,andCoastGuard worldwide BSC was selected along with existing partners Arizona State University and the University of Maryland Global Campus for the newest of these initiatives, USNCC’s Computer and Data Science academic umbrellaprograms
“I am excited to welcome Bismarck State College, whose mission resonates tremendously with our own, as a consortium member Both of our institutions focus on flexible high-quality education designed for working adults and hold a deeply rooted commitment to military learners,” said USNCC President Randi Cosentino, Ed.D “Theirfocusonexperientialandonlinelearn-
Fitz: “My job is to set the pace and set the standard.ThatmeansmakingsureSailorsget qualified,helpingbuildthetrainingplans,and acting as a bridge between the crew and the khaki. We’re still in pre-commissioning, so a lot of what we’re doing is new—there’s testing shiftwork,andcontractorcoordination. Butthecoreofitisthesame:takecareofyour people andthey’lltakecareofthemission. Q: Why are traditions like this important toyou? Fitz: “Traditions build culture The Navy has a ton of customs, but we can make new
ing along with public-private partnerships aligns perfectly with our educational values Icanonlyimaginethepossibilitieswhentwo mission-drivenorganizationscometogether for such a compelling purpose: the good of thosewhoserve.”
Designed for enlisted service members interested in advancing the use of these technologies in maritime operations, the Computer and Data Science programs provide rigorous, transferable academic preparation for advanced study The programs build foundational expertise in areas like AI, machine learning, natural languageprocessing,dataanalytics,anduser interface design to meet emerging technologicalandwarfightingdemands
USNCC and BSC will offer the following newprogramsinSpring2026:anAssociateof AppliedScienceinArtificialIntelligenceand Machine Learning, an Artificial Intelligence andMachineLearningSpecialistCertificate, and a Foundations in Emerging Technology Certificate
Institutionleadersexpressedthatenlisted servicememberswhorelyonorengagewith AI systems can build skills relevant to their current roles through these new higher education programs Each program aims to producedegreeorcertificategraduateswho arereadytosupportandstrengthentechnology-drivenmaritimemissions
“This partnership supports Bismarck State’slong-standingcommitmenttoservice members through accessible high-quality education meant for their unique experiences, saidBSCInterimPresidentDanLeingang,Ph.D “Asapolytechnicinstitutionthat focusesonappliedsciences,engineering,and technology, BSC brings a solid foundation in
ones that reflect who we are right now. This belt does that It says ‘You did something great. We see you. We respect you. That creates pride, motivation, and ultimately, a strongerteam. Tradition and Mission Alignment
Fitz’sinitiativereflectsagrowingemphasis on culture-building as part of mission readiness. The belt ceremony reinforces those valuesthroughpeerrecognitionanddivision pride Each time a Sailor earns the EngineroomSupervisortitle,RMDivisionbecomes stronger Each time the belt is passed down,
real-world,technical,andskill-basededucationthat’srelevanttotheworkplace Welook forwardtosynergyandsuccesswithUSNCC, ultimatelyenhancingbothofourmissions.”
AboutUSNCC Founded in 2019 the United States Naval Community College provides education programs to the nation’s maritime services that enhance operational readiness, support warfightingadvantage,andempowerlifelong learning
USNCCiscurrentlyacceptingapplications for all available programs for the 2025-2026 academic year Active-duty enlisted Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen as well as Coast Guard Reservists are encouraged to filloutanonlineapplicationtoday. For more information and to apply, visit www.usncc.edu.
AboutBSC
Bismarck State College is North Dakota’s Polytechnic Institution, offering high-quality,affordableeducationwithmorethan100 career pathways, including two-year associatedegrees four-yearbachelor’sdegrees and short-termprogramcertificates.
Foundedin1939 BSCpreparesstudentsfor high-demand careers through comprehensive advising, flexible in-person and online course options, industry-driven curriculum, andcontinuingeducationopportunities BSC hasbeenaccreditedsince1966bytheHigher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. DepartmentofEducation. Learnmoreatwww.bismarckstate.edu.
it reaffirms the division’s identity as a team thatworkshard,trainsharder andcelebrates excellence Byblendingtechnicalexcellence with esprit de corps, Fitz’s story highlights Sailor development at its core. It shows how a division can raise each member’s sightlines by celebrating hard-won skills It also reinforces that even lighthearted traditions serve a serious purpose: ensuring RM Division stays sharp for reactor tests and future underway training In doing so Fitz exemplifies the Navy principle that strong leadershipandinnovationgohand-in-hand.Our Sailors are our most valuable resource and FitzismakingsureeachSailorfeelsthat,one championshipbeltatatime
NSA Mechanicsburg donors show
up big for Red Cross Blood Drive
ByChristyTrabun Naval Support Activity Mechanicsburg
“Within days of going live, we were completelybooked,”saidLogisticsSpecialistChiefJaneSantos,oneoftheorganizers of the Red Cross Blood Drive held aboard NSA Mechanicsburg on July 1.
The installation hadn’t hosted a blood driveinatleastfiveyears butthatchanged after a request appeared in the Commanding Officer’s Suggestion Box. Santos, who works at Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP)HeadquartersinTesting,Remediation, and Audit Support, was tapped to helprevivetheprogramthissummeralongsidePersonnelSpecialist1stClassGregory Zimmerman.
Summerisacriticaltimeforblooddonation, as supplies tend to drop during the warmer months The team initially set a goalofcollecting33pints-butbasepersonnelshowedup,with93%ofthosedonating coming from the civilian workforce The responsefarexceededexpectations,with51 pints collected from 54 participants Even more significant: 39 of the donors were giving blood for the very first time
According to the American Red Cross it supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood and blood components, all from volunteer donors Yet only about 3% of age-eligible people donate blood each year “Each new donor helps us meet patient needs,” the organization states Santosalsohelpedorganizetheeventon behalf of the Chief Petty Officers Association,whichhasbeenactivelyseekingmeaningful ways to support meaningful causes Fellow NAVSUP Chief’s Mess volunteers included Culinary Specialist Chief Joshua Kohmuench, Culinary Specialist Senior Chief Cody Sikes, and Logistics Specialist Chief Yichun Chang Theneedforbloodisconstant:everytwo seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood or platelets Just one donation can help save multiple lives and nearly 16 million bloodcomponentsaretransfusedeachyear nationwide NSA Mechanicsburg extends its gratitude to all who participated in the drive And for those who didn’t get a chancedon’tworry Organizersarealreadylooking atoptionstobringtheRedCrossbacksoon
NAVSUP WSS Transportation and Distribution creates innovative dashboards for deployed naval forces
ByBrianJones NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support
In an effort to provide relevant metrics on Customer Wait Time (CWT) trends and potential transportation bottlenecks for Navy customers globally, Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support (NAVSUP WSS) Transportation andDistributioncreatedseveralinteractive Tableau dashboards allowing customers to display performance metrics most relevant tothemandtheirmission.
The dashboards are hosted in the Navy DataPlatformandAdvana(publicsite)and are being shared with customers across the commandandtheFleet.
“By highlighting CWT trends, analysts gain the ability to measure performance, pinpoint the root causes of delays, set realistic expectations for customers, and empower data-driven decision-making,” said Marc Davis a Logistics Management Specialist with NAVSUP WSS TransportationandDistribution.
The customers’ ability to drill down into CWTdatadirectlyimpactsoperationalreadinessandsupplychainvisibility
“Theseeffortscanresultinreduceddowntime, improved maintenance and repair schedules, predictable logistics, and transportation cost savings,” said Davis. “It also helps ensure the right supplies and equipment are in the right place at the right time tosupportmissionreadiness.”
Inadditiontothedashboardhighlighting CWT, the Transportation and Distribution teamdevelopedadditionaldashboardproducts that provide information into known transportationbottlenecks
“Identifying bottlenecks can help reduce lead times, reduce transportation costs, increase throughput, and improve supply chain visibility,” according to Davis “A dashboard provides a centralized, visual interface for monitoring and analyzing key performance indicators and other critical
datapoints Itsupportscustomizableviews with drill-down capabilities and enables customerstoquicklyanalyzedataandidentifytrends.”
The CWT dashboard is displayed by Component Commander distribution segment,andmodeoftransportation,with numerousdrill-downoptionsavailablethat can easily be filtered to the desired parameters Priortotheimplementationofthedashboards pulling and cleaning data was done manually and the process was time
consuming “Before dashboards, analysts operated under a reactive ‘pull’ system, burdened by manual data requests and time-consuming report generation. This often resulted in delayedresponsestocustomers,”saidDavis “Now, with dashboards, users have instant access to curated data, enabling them to tailorinputsandoutputsonthefly,dramaticallyimprovingresponsetimesanddesired results.”
These new dashboards will not only aid supply professionals at NAVSUP WSS, but alsomissionpartnersaroundtheglobe “Thedataderivedfromthesedashboards can be easily shared with the Defense Logistics Agency, General Services Administration,AirMobilityCommand,U.S.Transportation Command and other partners to identify root causes driving cargo delays,” said Zachary Fittro, NAVSUP WSS Transportation and Distribution Optimization DepartmentHead. NAVSUP WSS provides the U.S. Navy MarineCorps andalliedforcestheprogram andsupplysupportfortheweaponsystems that keep naval forces mission ready With locations in Philadelphia; Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania;Norfolk,Virginia;andTucson, Arizona, NAVSUP WSS manages operational readiness for almost 300 deployable ships, 92 submarines, and 3,700 aircraft worldwide
NNSY Crane Maintenance Team brings YD 257 back into
ByMichaelDBrayshaw
Now, this is how you wage the “war on wait”infindingsolutionstosupportnonstop executionofwork!NorfolkNavalShipyard’s (NNSY)cranemaintenanceteambroughtits twofloatingbargecranebackintoservicesix weeksaheadofscheduleonJune17!
NNSYreliesontwofloatingbargecranes
whichenablemovingavarietyofcarrierand submarinecomponentsonandoff-hull,and havetheuniqueabilitytoreachtheoutboard side of vessels In addition to helping meet NNSY’smission,theyhavesupportedoperationsatNewportNewsShipbuilding,Naval StationNorfolk,LittleCreekNavalAmphibious Base and Yorktown Naval Weapons Station.
Typically one crane remains operational
whiletheotherundergoesscheduledmaintenance In early June, one of the cranes experienced an unexpected outage requiring extensive contractor repairs and leaving it outofserviceforseveralweeks.Inturn,that put the pressure on to expedite the return of the other crane, which was undergoing annual maintenance and not scheduled to returntoserviceuntillateJuly
Returning the crane from undergoing maintenanceearlywasmadepossiblethanks tothecombinedeffortsofNNSY’sCode700 Lifting and Handling Department—includingEngineering(Code710),Inspectionand Test(Code720),CraneMaintenance(Code 730), and Operations and Rigging (Code 740). This outstanding teamwork restored acriticalcapabilitytothefleet!
New USNCC AI and data analytics
ByShanessaJackson
U.S.
QUANTICO, Va On June 16, 2025, the United States Naval Community College (USNCC) built upon its existing partnershipswithArizonaStateUniversityandthe University of Maryland Global Campus to offer new online degree programs focused on data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) under its new Computer and Data Scienceacademicumbrella.
Designed for enlisted service members interestedinadvancingtheuseofthesetechnologies in maritime operations, the new programareaprovidesrigorous,transferable academic preparation for advanced study. The programs build foundational expertise in areas like machine learning, natural languageprocessing dataanalyticsanduser interfacedesignedtomeetemergingtechnologicalandwarfightingdemands
“Theroleofartificialintelligenceanddata analyticsinmodernwarfareisrapidlyevolving. Service leaders have expressed that an infrastructure based on AI is an appropri-
ate response to leverage operational effectiveness,” said USNCC’s Command Senior Enlisted Leader Command Master Chief Jordan Rosado “The goal of this partnership is to deliver the necessary education to equip our maritime warfighters with the knowledge and tools to properly utilize AI capabilities to increase their operational readinessandlethality.”
USNCC and its partners are now poised tounveilnewprogramsunderthisumbrella asfollows:
Arizona State University will offer an Associate of Science in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence with the Foundations of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligencecertificate
• The University of Maryland Global CampuswillofferanewAssociateofArtsin GeneralStudies(AI)withanArtificialIntelligenceFoundationsCertificateaswellasan Associate of Arts in General Studies (Data Analytics)withaDataAnalyticsCertificate
These online USNCC associate degrees and standalone certificates are currently slatedtobeofferedinupcomingterms,along
withinitiativeswithbrandnewinstitutional partnerBismarckStateCollege
“AI and data analytics are such game-changing elements of national defense, and we are so pleased to work with Arizona State University, Bismarck State College, and the University of Maryland Global Campus to bring these exciting new educational opportunities to our maritime service members,” said USNCC President Randi R. Cosentino Ed.D “From predictivemaintenanceandreal-timethreat detectiontofastercombatdecision-making, war-gaming, AI-powered intelligence and surveillance,andsomuchmore—thesetechnologiesareshapingthefuture.”
USNCC leaders expressed that expanding the education and technical skills of the enlisted force will be essential as the naval services adapt to rapid technological change particularly in this intensifying globallandscapeofemboldenedaggressors andadvancedwarfare. With hands-on training in topics such as Python, emerging technologies, and user interface integration, these academic
programs aim to equip students to effectivelyapplyAIacrossmaritimewarfighting operations Thedegreesandcertificatesare designed to also enable service members to interpretcomplexdatasets,becomeexperts with cutting-edge software, and embed analytic capabilities into mission support. Graduates of these programs will be ready tosupportdecision-makingacrossmaritime warfightingdomainsanddelivercapabilities essential to the nation’s lasting operational andtechnologicalsuperiority
Each associate degree also includes the USNCC Naval Studies Certificate, a fivecourse professional development program designed to foster pride in service and strengthenleadership
USNCC is currently accepting applicationsforallavailableprogramsforthe2025 - 2026 academic year Active-duty enlisted Sailors Marines and Coast Guardsmen as wellasCoastGuardReservistscanfilloutan applicationontheUSNCCwebsite For more information on attending USNCC,visitwww.usncc.edu.
Williams to lead Navy Medicine at Dahlgren, Indian Head
ByMariaScott Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River, Maryland
DAHLGREN, Va
Cmdr. Jennifer L Williams assumed leadership of Naval MedicalReadinessTrainingUnit(NMRTU) Dahlgren and Naval Medical Readiness Training Center (NMRTC) Detachment Indian Head during a change of charge ceremonyonFriday,July11,2025 Capt Ken Radford, commanding officer of NMRTC PatuxentRiver,presidedoverthetraditional event, which formally signifies the transfer ofauthorityandresponsibilityfromoneofficer in charge to another. Williams relieved Lt Cmdr Kristoffer Reyes, who is departing after a successful period of leadership at the command. Capt Teresita Alston the executive officer of NMRTC Patuxent River,servedastheguestspeakerandHospital Corpsman Chief Giecar Reyes was the masterofceremoniesfortheoccasion.
Lt Cmdr Reyes’sdeparturemarksasignificant chapter in his distinguished career as he moves on to support the Navy Medicine Inspector General (MEDIG) In this new assignment, Reyes will leverage his extensive experience to contribute to the critical oversightandoperationalexcellenceacross Navy Medicine, ensuring the highest standardsofreadinessandpatientcare.
Lt Cmdr Reyes, a San Diego native, enlistedin1997andwascommissionedasa healthcareadministratorin2010 Heearned national recognition as the U.S. Navy’s 2015 Comptroller of the Year and was instrumental in pioneering a global VA-Defense
Department Master Sharing Agreement duringhisVA-DoDFellowship.Capt Alston served with Reyes at the 3rd Dental Battalion, Okinawa, Japan, from 2019-2022. “I had the good fortune of serving with Lieutenant Commander Reyes during my tour in Okinawa while I was a clinic director and interim executive officer and he was thedirectorforadministration.Iappreciate the mentorship and guidance he provided, andithasbeenapleasuretoservewithhim again at NMRTC Patuxent River,” stated Capt.Alston. A Baltimore native, Williams enlisted in theU.S.Navyin1996asahospitalcorpsman. She was selected for the Seaman to Admiral-21 (STA-21) program in 2002 becoming one of the first Nurse Corps STA-21 selectees andgraduatedsummacumlaude from Hampton University in 2005 with a nursing degree Her distinguished career includes roles at the National Naval Medical Center Bethesda, earning a Master of Science in Nursing as a family nurse practitioner, and recently a Doctor of Nursing Practice Williams notably served on an advisoryboardintegratingfemalesailorson Virginia-classsubmarinesandmostrecently was director of clinical support services at NMRTCQuantico
NMRTC Patuxent River serves as the parent command for Navy Medical ReadinessTrainingUnit(NMRTU)Dahlgrenand Naval Medical Readiness Training Center (NMRTC) Detachment Indian Head. Williamsisnowtheofficerinchargeofboth branchlocations
Team building with a twist: DLA Energy’s Quality Technical Directorate incorporates a creative approach
ByEbonyGay Defense Logistics Agency Energy
to professional development
The Defense Logistics Agency Energy Quality Technical Directorate hosted its quarterly team building event at the DLA McNamara Headquarters Complex. The event was aimed at blending an entertaining learning opportunity with professional development to promote enhanced employee engagement and workforce productivity For DLA Energy’s Director Quality Technical Directorate, Patricia Wilkins, support for warfighters involves DLA teams creating and providing structured learning opportunities for employees to gain new skills and reinforce existing knowledge
“Team building events present an excellent means to facilitate skill-sharing sessions that encourage team members to disclose their expertise in a relaxed environment, said Wilkins ‘This could include informal lunch-and-learns or skill swaps, where team members can learn something new while enjoying each other’s company.”
Wilkins added that integrating continuous exchange of information via enjoyable team building into a team’s culture can create an environment where positive energy and professional development coexist, leading to improved employee satisfaction, retention, and overall performance
“The goal of our quality team building committee was to plan and conduct an enjoyable event that’ll unify us and foster comradery,” said DLA Energy Quality Technical Directorate Chemist Joseph Plair.” “With seven Pathways to Career Excellence Program personnel on the quality team, the committee strives to incorporate interactive training that’ll enable a greater understanding of the quality policies and procedure.”
“We transformed our team building session into a game setting based solely on the DoD Defense Standard MIL-STD-3004-1 Quality Assurance for Bulk Fuels, Lubricants, and Related Products,whichisusedbyDLArepresentatives and all the military branches It’s pretty muchlikeourbibleforeverythinginvolving fuelqualityassuranceandsurveillance.The manual tells us how to sample fuel, how to test it, and how to clean tanks,” he added. For 36-year DLA career veteran, DLA Energy Quality Technical Directorate Strategic Energy Program Manager Lindsey Hicks, the team building event was a fun refresher that contributes to keeping their skills sharp “The event brings our quality team
together allowing us to challenge each other, Hicks shared. “The Jeopardy game style of the team building added a lighthearted fun aspect to things. Having witnessed agency changes over the years to the work structure and the use of technology, taking advantage of different approaches to stay current in our line of work benefits and enhances the functionality of the workforce.”
“The mindset of “there’s always room for improvement is vital for nurturing a culture of growth and development, said DLA Energy Quality Technical Directorate, Deputy Director Keith Mills
“By actively seeking feedback, evaluating outcomes, and involving employees in planning processes, the DLA Energy Quality Technical Directorate can refine its team-building initiatives This commitment to continuous improvement will not only enhance employee engagement and development but also contribute to a more cohesive and productive work environment in the long term.”
Mills noted that creating and fostering a culture that values both camaraderie and skill enhancement is a strategic approach that benefits not just the employees but the organization. “By implementing these practices you can cultivate a thriving workplace that prioritizes growth, mentorship, and collaboration, ultimately driving better performance and success for everyone involved,” he expressed.
On iberty
PressRelease
NORFOLK,Va ProducersKristinCaskey,MikeIsaacson,BrianAnthonyMoreland,AmbassadorTheatreGroup, KandiBurruss,ToddTuckerandNETworksPresentations arethrilledtoannouncethatticketsfortheNorfolkengagementofTheWizgoonsaleat10:00a.m.Friday,July18 for eight performances from November 4 to November 9 at ChryslerHall. Tickets on sale now at The Scope Arena Box Office and Ticketmaster.com.TheScopeArenaboxofficeislocatedin theScopeparkinggarageat201E.BrambletonAve,Norfolk, VA23510 ItiscurrentlyopenMondaythroughFridayfrom 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information visit sevenvenues. com/eventsorcall757.664.6464 Everybodylookaround!TheTonyAward®-winningBest Musicalthattooktheworldbystormisbackandcomingto Norfolk.
THEWIZreturns“home”tostagesacrossAmericainan all-newBroadwaytour,thefirstonein40years Baltimore Sun raves “Powerhouse performances Stunning choreography Visionary sets” and Chicago Tribune proclaims THE WIZ is “An eye-popping and high-intensityrevival!
ThisgroundbreakingtwistonTheWizardofOzchanged thefaceofBroadway—fromitsiconicscorepackedwithsoul, gospel, rock, and 70s funk to its stirring tale of Dorothy’s journeytofindherplaceinacontemporaryworld.
PressRelease
VIRGINIABEACH,Va TheMilitaryAviationMuseum hasopeneditsnewest,andperhapsmostunexpected,exhibit tothepublic...intherestroom.Yes,youreadthatright.
The Museum recently underwent a complete restroom renovationatacostofnearly$200,000,andthestaffdecided to turn its newly upgraded facilities into more than just a place to “take a break.” The result? When Nature Calls: At 26,000 Feet. An exhibit based on firsthand accounts and historical analysis, that dives into the rarely discussed but universally relatable question: how did WWII pilots and crewhandlebathroombusinessduringlongmissions?
Theanswer,asyoumightimagine,isamixtureofamusing, terrifying and quite often disgusting! A trip to the airplane bathroom on the latest commercial airliner can easily be those things too, but conditions during the war were far worse!Someaircraftusedfearsomechemicaltoiletsknown as Elsans and others had an infamous contraption called a relieftube whichrarelyofferedrelief
“Learning is at the heart of everything we do here at the Museum,butsoisfindinguniquewaystoconnectourguests tothehumanexperiencesofthattimeperiod”saidMuseum Director and CEO Keegan Chetwynd, “It is actually one of the most common questions we get from guests, especially the younger ones deep down, everyone wants to knowhow do you use the bathroom on a long mission?” A little out-of-the-boxthinkingsuggestedthattherestroomswould betheperfectplacetoanswerthesequestions!
Designedwithhumorandhistoricalaccuracy,theexhibit usesfirsthandaccounts,archivalphotos,andcolorfulstorytelling to shed light on an often overlooked aspect of aerial combat. It’s informative, engaging, and yes, occasionally gross Butthat’spartofthecharm.
Guests who’ve previewed the installation describe it as “surprisingly fascinating” and “a hilarious, educational surprise.”Andtomakesurenoonemissesout,theexhibitis featuredinboththeMen’sandWomen’srestrooms SonexttimeyouHittheHeadattheMuseum,thereisno needtoreachforyourphonetoscrollawhile,becausethere
Featuring a book by William F. Brown and a Tony Award-winningscorebyCharlieSmalls(andothers),directorScheleWilliams(TheNotebook,revivalofDisney’sAida), award-winning choreographer JaQuel Knight (Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies,” Black is King), additional material by Tony-nominated and Emmy-nominated writer and TV hostAmberRuffin(“TheAmberRuffinShow,”“LateNight With Seth Meyers”), Joseph Joubert (music supervision orchestrations, & music arrangements), Allen René Louis (vocal arrangements, music arrangements), and Emmy Award®-winningmusicdirectorandGrammyAward®-winningwriter,AdamBlackstoneandTerenceVaughn(Dance MusicArrangers),andPaulByssaintheJr (MusicDirector), are conjuring up an Oz unlike anything ever seen before. A dynamiteinfusionofballet,jazz,andmodernpopwillbring awholenewgroovetoeasingondowntheroad
THE WIZ design team includes scenic design by Academy Award-winning Hannah Beachler (Black Panther, Beyoncé’sBlackisKingandLemonade),costumedesignby EmmyAward-winningandtwo-timeAcademyAward-nominated Sharen Davis (Ray, Dreamgirls), lighting design by Barrymore Award-winning Ryan J. O’Gara (Thoughts of a ColoredMan),sounddesignbyJonWeston(Parade),video andprojectiondesignbyDanielBrodie(MotowntheMusical), wig design by Charles LaPointe (MJ the Musical) and make-updesignbyKirkCambridge-DelPesche(ThePiano Lesson)andcastingbyTaraRubinCasting
The production also includes ‘Everybody Rejoice’ music
and lyrics by Luther Vandross, as well as the ‘Emerald City Ballet’withmusicbyTimothyGraphenreed. BasedonL.FrankBaum’schildren’sbook,“TheWonderful WizardofOz”,TheWiztakesoneoftheworld’smostenduring (and enduringly white) American fantasies, and transformsitintoanall-Blackmusicalextravaganzafortheages THE WIZ premiered on Broadway in 1975 and became an instant sensation, going on to win seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Featured Actor in a Musical (Ted Ross), Best Featured Actress in a Musical(DeeDeeBridgewater),BestChoreography(George Faison), and in a Broadway first, Best Direction of a Musical and Best Costume Design (Geoffrey Holder). “Ease on Down the Road” became the show’s break-out single, and “Home”hassincebecomeabonafideclassic.Thatoriginal productionranforfouryears(firstatTheMajesticTheatre and later at The Broadway Theatre) and 1,672 performances onBroadway A1978filmadaptationstarredDiana Ross,TedRoss,MabelKing,RichardPryorandLenaHorne, andmarkedQuincyJones’firstcollaborationwithMichael Jackson.
Additional information on tour cities, venues, performanceschedulesandsingleticketonsaledatesareavailable at WizMusical.com and follow THE WIZ on social media channels Follow @thewizbway on Twitter Instagram, and Facebook.
is some interesting reading to be done! The exhibit is now openandisincludedwithMuseumadmission(asyoumight expect, given that it is in the restrooms!) The Museum is open9am 5pmeverydaythissummer,sowhynotexplore history from an unexpected perspective, in an unexpected location!
Ifyouhaveanyquestions,pleasecall(757)721-7767orvisit https://militaryaviationmuseum.org/. The Military Aviation Museum is located at 1341 Princess Anne Rd Virginia Beach VA23457 About the Military Aviation Museum: A 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization, the Military Aviation Museum is home to one of the world’s largest collections of airworthy military aircraft from the first 50-years of flight. Truly a living museum, its aircraft are in restoration at facilities around the world. Besides the main Museum the Virginia Beachcomplexfeaturesadditionalexhibitionspaces,including a mid-1930s Luftwaffe hangar, originally from Cottbus, Germany,whichnowservestohousetheMuseum’scollection of WWII-vintage German aircraft. Additional structures include the WWI Hangar and the original control towerfromRAFGoxhillbuiltinEnglandin1942 Visitwww militaryaviationmuseum.org for more information or call 757-721-7767.
Kyle RamarFreeman as Lion Nichelle Lewis as DorothyPhillipJohnson Richardson asTinmanAveryWilson as Scarecrowin the NorthAmericanTourofTHEWIZ.(PHOTOBYJEREMYDANIEL©2023)
Community
SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS, NEWS AND PHOTOS
The Flagship welcomes submissions from ourreaders online. Pleasesubmiteventshere: www.militarynews.com/users/admin/calendar/event/ Pleasesubmitnewsandphotoshere: www.militarynews.com/norfolk-navy-flagship/submit_news/
WWE SmackDown returns to the Norfolk Scope on September 12th that will air live: Tickets on sale July 25th, Superstar LA Knight opens up about his life
InterviewByYiorgo
Afteratwoyearabsence,WorldWrestling
Entertainment is bringing WWE Friday Night SmackDown back to the Norfolk Scope Arena on September 12th with an amazing wrestling card that will air live all overtheworld.Theeventstartsat7:30PM
The advertised superstars scheduled to be there include: Cody Rhodes LA Knight, Randy Orton, Jacob Fatu, WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton, Bianca Belair Nia Jax and all your favorite Superstars Of course the card is always subject to change basedonsomanyvariables
TicketsgoonsalethisFriday,July25that 10a.m. For all the details, including WWE’s Clear Bag Policy, ticket prices, etc. go to https://www.sevenvenues.com/events/ detail/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-1. If youRSVPorjointheSevenVenuesemaillist, youcanaccessthevenue’spresaleonJuly23 athttps://bit.ly/SevenVenuesEnews.
Inothernews,WWE’ssignaturesummer event, SummerSlam is taking place Saturday, August 2nd and Sunday, August 3rd at MetLifeStadiuminNewJersey Inanexclusive from Deadline Hollywood, they are reporting that if fans can’t attend SummerSlam in person, they can see it live in select Regal Cinemas across the U.S. in a multievent collaboration between WWE and Fandango Will McIntosh, President, Fandango, said in a statement Monday, “WWE is one of the most electrifying global entertainment brands, and its events deserve to be experiencedonthebigscreen We’rethrilled to work with WWE and Regal Cinemas to bringtheaction-packedSummerSlam2025 cinemapresentationtofansnationwide.” TicketsforSummerSlamareonsalenow at Fandango for either a single night or a two-night ticket bundle that includes both screenings on Saturday and Sunday and an exclusiveSummerSlamt-shirt.
BrooksLeBoeuf,SeniorVicePresidentof US Content at Regal Cinemas, said, “We’re excitedtopartnerwithWWEandFandango to deliver this immersive, action-packed event in theaters —making fans feel like they’reringside,nomatterwheretheyare.
Two years ago, I had the opportunity to interview WWE Superstar LA Knight Below is that interview in its entirety LA Knight opened up about various aspects in hislifeandtalkedaboutsomeofhisgreatest wrestlingmomentsupuntilthattime Enjoy. Yiorgo:Thankyouforbeingwithus Why shouldfanscometoaliveWWEshow,when theycanseeitforfreeonTVandothersocial mediaoutlets?Whatwilltheyseeandexperience?
LA Knight: That’s a great question. The different reasons are these: To be there in thebuildingliveandtofeelwhatishappeninginthereisjustsodifferent.That’swhatI always enjoyed as a kid. When I was growing up watching the people in the building lookedliketheywerehavingsuchafuntime. TheylookedliketheyweresoinvestedthatI wantedtobethereandinthatenergy,tofeed offthatenergy,tobeapartofthatenergyand theshowessentially Alsoyouseethingsthat you might not see on TV Maybe something thathappensduringacommercialorsomethingthathappensbeforeoraftertheshow goesoffair TherearesomanyXfactorsthat go into that but the main thing for me is the energy and feeling of being a part of that actualshow.
Y: As a wrestling performer, what part of thebusinessdoyouenjoythemostandleast?
LK: The part I enjoy the most is getting out there and getting a chance of doing my thing When I get a chance to talk and have an open microphone there isn’t anything better than that. Also going out there and having a hell of a solid match, with a great opponent,youcan’tbeatthat Asfaraswhat Ihate,sometimesthepreparation,youknow, havingtohavebootsandgearmade Alotof times there is the business side of the businessthatcanbeveryfrustrating Itcanbethe worstpartorthebestpart,itreallydepends.
Y: Full disclosure, I am a big fan of yours Along with your great wrestling ability you alsohavethegiftof“talkingthefans”intothe building You are really great on the microphone
LK: Thank you. That has always been kind of my focus That has been the thing thatIbuildmyselfoninthesensethatthose werealwaystheguysthatIlikedandtriedto modelmyselfafterthem.
Y: What have been some of your favorite segments or moments that you are very proudofinyourcareer?
LK:Inthatcasethereisalot.Icangoback to“TheFactOfLife”asatalkshowthatIdid not have a lot of expectations to be honest whenitwasreallypitchedtomeanditended up being great because I put my all into it. I wantedtomakeitworkandIdid. On WWE there is all that stuff I did with Bray Wyatt. That one night that I came out, he apologized and I slapped him and I slapped him again. That was my big solid moment that I am the real deal in WWE. When you make that kind of noise and that kindofbigstep,IgottheirattentionandI’m buildingfromthere
Y:HowdidyougetyourLAKnightwork name?
LK: It’s a long story the short version is when I was coming in I was asked for some suggestions and the first suggestion I came up with was LA with a different last name Theydidnotwantthatlastname Itwasbasicallyaconglomerationofthemgivingmethe lastnameandmethefirstname Sowekind
ofmetinthemiddle
Y: Let’s learn a little bit more about you. Where were you born, what made you fall in love with wrestling and who did you like growingup?
LK:IwasborninHagerstown,Maryland Igrewuptherewatchingwrestlingwithmy dad. Ever since I was a real little kid, you’re talking about Hulk Hogan, The Iron Sheik, Nikoli Volkoff, Roddy Piper It was around WrestleManiaI,that’saroundthetimethat Icanfirstrememberreallygettingintoitand reallygettinginvestedasafan.
Y:Thenyougotintowrestling
LK: I lived in Hagerstown until I was 20 years old. Other than the year and a half that I went to West Virginia University in Morgantown,WestVirginia,Istartedwrestling in Cincinnati, Ohio I also lived and worked in LA for about 10 years, so I have beenallovertheplace
Y: In the wrestling promotion, Championship Wrestling From Hollywood, you had a chance to work and become friends withPercyPringleIII,alsoknownasWWE Superstar Paul Bearer What are some of yourfavoritememoriesworkingwithPercy?
LK: Dave Marquez put Percy and I together thankfully It was actually in a tag Team with me and Brian Cage Eventually they split Cage off and I stayed with Percy. Inallhonesty,Idon’thaveaspecificmemory withhimbecausewehadsomanytimesthat it was pretty much a lot of business We get there and do our thing. Although I will say there were a couple of times that we had conversationsviaphoneortextandIwould ask him some bit of advice and just how thankful he was for me asking him. Afterwards he would impart whatever words of wisdomtomeandthenwouldbeincredibly thankful for the fact that I asked him and I foundthatsuperendearing Usuallyyoufeel likeyouarebotheringsomebodyandtohim, he was thrilled to be given the opportunity to give me the advice That was not a point ofviewthatIconsidered.Tolookattheguy thatway,toexperiencetheguythatway,God Rest his soul, I miss him. It was an amazing experienceandbigthankstoDaveMarquez forputtingthattogether
Y: You are a perfect example of never giving up Your WWE relationship goes back to 2008 in a dark match. You signed withWWEin2013andreleasedin2014.You eventually resigned with WWE in 2021, on mybirthdayonFeb.14th.Canyoutalkalittle bit about that process and your willingness tohanginthereandnevergiveup?
LK: It’s two pronged. Part of it was that I never gave myself a Plan B. I burned all the shipssortofspeak,becauseIdidn’thaveany options to do anything else really Now I’m sure I could learn and do other things, but for me I knew that I had something to offer to this business I am not the most technical, greatest wrestler in the world, but as a professional wrestler in sports entertainment, I think I am up there with being one of the best in the world. I am the full package I hit all the things you need to succeed inthisbusiness For me to get into it and hit different bumps in the road, whether it be politics or meshootingmyselfinthefoot,morepolitics, there was never anything that would keep meoutbecauseIalwaysknewsomewhere,it wasgoingtohappen.I’llbehonest,summer of2020Iwaslike,Ithinkthisisit,I’mdone, pretty sure it was over and accept the fact that the window is closed, it’s done for me and that’s just what it is I decided a month or two after I had come to that conclusion tomakeonemoreovertureandprobablyfor thefirstorsecondtimeinmylife,Igotreally, reallygoodatsellingmyselfandwaskindof relentlessinthatpursuit.Wehadtheconversation,thingsturnedoutthewaytheywere and I showed up on NXT, on your birthday, likeyousaid.HappyBirthdaytoyou,bythe way. Y:CanIaskwhathappenedwithyouand NXTin2014?
LK: Here’s the thing I left with heat in 2014.Iwasnotreleasedbecauseofmytalent. That was made very clear to me There was
nothingthatIwaslackinginanyway.There wastensionbetweenmeandtheheadcoach at the time and they said in order for the stigma to go away I needed to go away Ok fine Ayearlater theyhadmadetheofferto bring me back. The problem was that the place where I was working at the time was offeringmemoremoneysoIstayed.Inhindsightitwasprobablyabadideabecauseeven though WWE was offering me less money, theywerekindofdoingittoseeifIwouldbe ateamplayer,andIfI’mhonest,theceilingin WWEwaswayhigherthanwhereIwasand I hit that ceiling really quickly at that place It was great to make that money that I had neverseenbefore,althoughatthesametime, thiscouldhavehappenedin2016hadImade the move but I chose at the time to take the money that worked for me, kind of getting my nest egg started I guess, getting myself inabetterfinancialposition. I have been broke all through my 20’s, barelygettingby gettingevictionnoticeson mydoor andwithgettingontheshow“The Hero in 2013 and getting hired in NXT, it was the first time I was making any kind of justlivablemoney Nowyou’retalkingabout I almost feel like I’m rich, the other place wants to give me real, real money so ok, I gotta take that. I ended up staying there for anotherthreeyears.Italwaysdrovemenuts becauseIfeltlikenobodywaswatchingbut at the same time I was always working and thought the WWE was watching because I felt that’s where I wanted to go, I needed to go and where I and my level of work belonged. Finally when the time was right andwho’stosaywhenthetimewasrightor
wrong, at some point, the stars aligned and wemadeithappen.
Y: SmackDown at WrestleMania 39 had to be an incredible moment for you. Those fanspoppedHUGEforyou.Andtheybooed bigtimewhenyoulostthatmatch.Whatwas thatmomentlikeforyou?
LK:SmackDowninLAwaswild.Thefans werefeelingit.Theywereonthetrain.They did not want to see me loose, including me There’s never been anything like it and it’s going to continue to grow from there That feelinginLA itwasruckus itwasravenous anditwasahellofatime
Y:Givemeawow pinchmemomentthat you can’t believe this little kid from Marylandgottoexperience
LK: The first one would be having Percy in my corner all that time I’m sure there havebeensomeotherssincethenlikewhen I became the Million Dollar Champion for instance Therehaveonlybeen5-6ofthose Between Ted DiBiase Steve Austin, that’s crazy and again looking at the Percy PringleDynasty,hemanaged:SteveAustin,Rick Rude, Undertaker, I’m in great company. Therearealotoftimesthatit’sprettycrazy of the people that I’m rubbing elbows with. At the same time, I aim to be above and beyond all of them so it’s one thing to rub elbowswiththemandallrespecttothembut asfarasI’mconcerned,I’mgoingtogoabove andbeyondwhatanyofthemdid.
Yiorgo is an arts, entertainment and sports writer A stage, TV and movie actor, he is also a sports entertainer, educator, motivational speaker, writer, storyteller and columnist.
LAKnight getting readyto slam Seth Rollins on the announcers table (ALLPHOTOCOURTESY:WWE)
Begin summer days with a satisfying breakfast
ByFamilyFeatures
Source: Florida Department of Citrus
Beforeheading out thedoor for pool days,bikerides, summercampsandotherfamily-favoriteactivities,there’s onekeycomponenttostartingyourdayontherightfoot: anutritiousbreakfast.Fillingmorningmealshelpyouand your lovedones powerthrough all summer has to offer, whether you’regetting activeonahikeorfamily walk or simplysoakinginthesun.
Pairedwithahealthylifestyle,an8-ounceglassof100% orange juice includes keynutrients suchasvitamin C, folate,thiaminandpotassium,aswellascalciumandvitamin D(in fortified juices), that help supportthe immune systemallyearlong.Summerisnoexception-particularly with its usual hectic schedules that includesports and otheroutdooractivities.Plus,it’sfat-free,cholesterol-free, sodium-free,hasnoaddedsugarandismadeupofalmost 90% water,which means it’s ahealthycomplement to your water hydration routine -another must during the hotsummermonths
Whiledeliciousandnutritiousonitsown,anoptionlike FloridaOrangeJuicecanalsobeenjoyedaspartofmorning favorite recipes likeFrench toast. As ameal that can satisfy the entirefamily, thisOrangeJuice French Toast with Infused WhippedCream offers atwist on abreakfastclassic.
Asadeliciousadditiontoanydiet,100%orangejuiceis aperfectwaytositdowntogetheratthetablebeforetacklingtheday’sadventures To find morenutrition-forward summerrecipe ideas visitfloridajuice.com.
OrangeJuiceFrenchToastwithInfused WhippedCream Recipe courtesyofthe Florida Department of Citrus
4eggs
½cupmilk
¾cup,plus¼cup,FloridaOrangeJuice,divided 10slicesmilkbread
1cupheavywhippingcream
neutraloil
maplesyrup,forserving
Inshallowdish,whiskeggs,milkand¾cuporangejuice. Dunkeachsliceofbreadineggmixture,lettingitsoakin While bread soaks, whipheavy cream untilit reaches stiff peaks,about 3minutes.Gently fold in remaining orangejuiceuntilwellcombined. On hot pan overmedium heat, in smallamountofoil frybothsidesofeachbreadslice.Removefromheatwhen goldenbrown. ServeFrench toastinstacks with dollop of whipped creamanddrizzleofmaplesyrup
Whipupaquickpastasaladwith ingredientsfreshfromthegarden Freshproduceisrefreshinganddelicious.Whetherit’s recently pluckedfruits or freshly harvested vegetables, thesefoodsboastaflavorandnutritionalprofileunlikeany
other.Comfortfoods might reign supreme during colder wintermonths,butcomespringandsummer,lighterfare can be justwhat people need to maintain their energy andavoidfeelingsluggishonwarmdaysandnights.This recipe for “Pasta Salad with Broad Beans,Tomatoes Peppers,and Herbs” courtesyofLines+Angles offersa middayenergyboostthatcan lightenyourculinaryload inthemonthstocome
PastaSaladwithBroadBeans,Tomatoes, Peppers,andHerbs
Makes 6to8servings
1lb.farfallepasta
4vinetomatoes,diced
8ouncesbroadbeans
1yellowpepper,diced
2tablespoonsfinelychoppedflat-leafparsley
1sprigchoppedthyme
1smallbunchchives,snipped
2tablespoonsoliveoil
1tablespoonlemonjuice
freshlygroundblackpeppercorns
salt
Cook thefarfalle in alarge saucepan of salted,boiling wateruntilaldente;8to10minutes
Drainandrefreshimmediatelyinicedwater
Once cool, drain againand toss in alarge mixing bowl withthevegetablesandchoppedherbs
Addthe oliveoil, lemon juice and seasoning,tossing againthoroughlybeforeserving.
Take dinner outdoors with grilledchickenskewers
ByFamilyFeatures
Source: Culinary.net
Keep the heat out of your kitchen this summerwith thesegrilledChickenSkewers.Enjoythemontheirown pair with rice,serveaschickentacosortoss in asalad for nearlyendless,deliciouspossibilities.VisitCulinary.netto findmoresummerflavorinspiration.
ChickenSkewers
Recipe courtesyof“Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings:4-6
1cupbrownsugar
1can(6ounces)tomatopaste
½cupapplecidervinegar
1tablespoonmustard
2teaspoonsonionpowder
1teaspoongarlicpowder
2teaspoonssmokedpaprika
2teaspoonsbarbecueseasoning
½cuphoney
¼cupteriyakisauce(optional)
2poundsbonelesschicken
rice,forserving(optional)
In saucepan over medium heat, cook brownsugar, tomatopaste,applecidervinegar,mustard,onionpowder, garlic powder,paprika, barbecueseasoning,honey and teriyakisauceuntilwellcombined Cubechickenand place in largebowl. Pour sauce over
chicken,savingsomeforbasting.Marinateatleast1hour. Heatgrilltomediumheat. Placemarinatedchickencubesonskewersandarrange onbakingsheet.Grilluntilchickenreaches165Finternal temperature,20-30minutes.Bastewithremainingsauce asneeded.Serveoverriceoruseforchickentacos
Substitution: Usehot honey instead of regular honey tospiceitup
Afruity sprinkle surprise
ByCulinary.net
Tokids,birthdaypartiesareabigdealandonlyhappen once ayear.Fromthe decorations to their friends and all thesweet, delicious treats to devour,itcan be an overwhelmingamountofexcitementandawe.
They receive gifts, gettohavefun with theirfriends and family, and gettosnack on treats they typically don’t have on aregular basis.This is part of what makes birthdayssofun.
Itcanbealotofpressureforparents,though.Youwant everythingtobeperfectandfallinlinewithexpectations especially whenitcomestothe food and treats served to everyonethatday.
At thenextpartyyou’rehosting,try this delightful Fruity Sprinkles Smoothie that fits the theme for nearly anycolorfulbirthdaybash.
It’s made with frozen blueberries,frozen strawberries andfrozenmangoforahealthieralternativetosugar-filled birthdaycake.Toppedwithfluffy,funwhippedcreamand minisprinkles,itstillprovidesasweet,festivetreat.Plus, this smoothie canbemade in amatterofminutes using onlyonekitchenapplianceforeasycleanup.
To makeit, blend frozenblueberries,frozen strawberries,frozenmango,milkandyogurtuntilwellcombined. Pourthemixtureintofoursmoothieglassesandgarnish eachwithwhippedcreamandsprinklestoaddsomeextra color It’s thateasy to make andevenbetter to enjoywhile watchingyourkidmakewonderfulmemorieswithfriends andfamily.
FindmorefuncelebrationrecipesatCulinary.net. Ifyoumadethisrecipeathome,use#MyCulinaryConnectiononyourfavoritesocialnetworktoshareyourwork FruitySprinklesSmoothie
Servings: 4
1cupfrozenblueberries
2cupsfrozenstrawberries
1cupfrozenmango
1½cupsmilk
1carton(6ounces)vanillayogurt
whippedcream
sprinkles
Inblender,blendblueberries,strawberries,mango,milk andyogurtuntilcombined.
Poursmoothieintofourglasses.Garnishwithwhipped creamandsprinkles.
FRUITY SPRINKLES SMOOTHIE
CHICKEN SKEWERS
Power snacking to stay mission ready
By:RobertHammer MHS Communications
Whodoesn’tlovesnacks?Smartsnacking can give you the extra boost during the day, fuelingyourmindandbody
Providing your body with the right amount of fuel at the right time might be the difference between success and failure on a mission, a training day or any time you need additional energy Snacking the right way during the day can also help keep your heart healthy and stay fueled for the fight Get to know your local food environment so you can build a snack that is both satisfyingandnutritious:Whatfoodoperationsare nearby? When are they open? What snack options do they have? Having a plan can make the difference between a snack that boostsandsustainsenergyinsteadofenergy thatcomesandgoesquickly
UniformedServicesUniversity’sConsortium for Health and Military Performance, otherwise known as CHAMP, provides resources,educationalinformation,andtips on fueling with food—whether on duty or in daily life—the right way to stay mission ready Theirwebsiteishttps://champ.usuhs edu/. CHAMP recommends balancing your snacks—pair protein with carbohydrates (such as whole grains fruits vegetables) to optimize your nutrition and keep you full. Nutritious snacks can support your energy levelsathome,work,oronthego
“Strategicsnackingprovidesessentialfuel between meals, helping to sustain energy levels and optimize performance throughout the day, especially for those with high physical and/or cognitive demands.” Jonathan Scott, registered dietitian and assistant professor, Department of Military and Emergency Medicine, Uniformed Services University
Try these snack ideas
Wholegrains:
Popcorn: According to the U.S. DepartmentofAgriculture,oneservingofpopcorn providesaboutone-thirdofthewholegrains mostAmericanadolescentsandadultsneed.
Plain oatmeal packets: Any easy way to incorporate oats into your diet is overnight oatmeal. See recipe from Nutrition.gove below.
Low-sugar,whole-graincerealcups:The USDA offers a guide for how to read nutritionalfactslabels(onlineathttps://fns-prod. azureedge.us/sites/default/files/resourcefiles/CACFP_choosebreakfastcereal.pdf).
Microwaveable cups of whole-grain quinoaorbrownrice:Getaguideforgrains
(PHOTOCOURTESY:WWW.FOODHERO
OREGONSTATEUNIVERSITYEXTENSION)
OvernightOatmeal
Prepare this recipe the night before, and enjoy as a grab-and-go breakfast or a mid-morningsnack.
Yield: 4 cups Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 6 hours
Total time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients
1cuprolledoats(uncooked,old fashioned)
1cupyogurt(low-fat)
1cupmilk(nonfator1%)
1cupberries(freshorfrozen)
1cupapple(chopped[about⅓ mediumapple 3”diameter])
Directions
Inamediumbowl,mixoats,yogurtand milk. Add the fruit now or add just before eating Cover and refrigerate oatmeal mixture for6-12hours Forgrab-and-gobreakfasts, placescoopsofmixtureinsmalldishesor spoonintosmallcontainerswithlids. Refrigerateleftoverswithin2hours
Notes:Tryotherfresh,frozen,orcanned fruits
Source: Oregon State University Extension
through MyPlate (online at https://www myplate.gov/eat-healthy/grains).
Fruitsandveggies:
Fruits: MyPlate offers a guide for how much fruit you need and the nutritional benefits
Dried fruits: Need something that will keepwithoutafridge?Driedfruitcountsas afruitserving
Protein:
Individual pouches of peanut or almond butter with your favorite fruit, veggie, or whole-graincracker
Individual pouches of tuna, salmon, or chicken:TheFoodandDrugAdministration offers advice for eating fish for those who might become or are pregnant online at https://www.fda.gov/media/102331/ download
(PHOTOCOURTESY:U.S.DEPARTMENTOF AGRICULTURE/UNIVERSITYOFILLINOIS EXTENSION)
CrunchyChickpeaSnack
Lightly toasted and crunchy, these savorychickpeasnacksareamust-have!
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
1canchickpeas(garbanzobeans,14-15 ouncecan)
1tablespoonvegetableoil
¼teaspoonsalt
½teaspooncumin
⅛teaspoonblackpepper
Directions
Preheatovento400degreesF. Washhandswithsoapandwater
Drain and rinse canned chickpeas Spread onto plate or cutting board. Pat drywithacleantowel.Addtosmallbowl. Addvegetableoil,salt,cumin,andblack pepper to bowl with chickpeas Mix until oilandspicesareevenlydistributed. Spray nonstick cooking spray onto a baking pan or cookie sheet Spread out chickpeasontopan.
Bakefor40-50minutes untilchickpeas arelightlytoasted.
Notes:Recipemakesapprox 1cupof roastedchickpeas.Eachservingis¼cup Store in an airtight container If storing longer than 1-2 days, refrigerate roasted chickpeas
Source: University of Illinois Extension
Nuts and seeds: The USDA breaks down the benefits of a variety of nuts online at https://www.ars.usda.gov/plains-area/gfnd/ gfhnrc/docs/news-articles/2013/go-nuts/. Hard-boiledegg:Eggsarehighinprotein andmakeforagreatsnack
Chickpeas:Tryacrunchychickpeasnack.
See recipe below from nutrition.gov.
Snack cups of hummus: You can also make your own with the recipe below from MyPlate
Balancedsnackcombos:
USDA’s MyPlate suggests these food group combinations to build satisfying snacks: yogurt and berries, apple with nut butter, or whole grain crackers with turkey andavocado
Fruit-and-nut trail mix: Try a do-it-yourselftrailmix.
Snack cups of guacamole: Or make it
(PHOTOCOURTESY:U.S.DEPARTMENTOF AGRICULTURE/OKLAHOMANUTRITION INFORMATIONANDEDUCATIONONIEPROJECT)
Hummus
Thisclassicgarbanzobeandipiseasyto make and a versatile dish. Serve hummus with fresh raw vegetables, on a piece of whole wheat pita bread or tortilla, on crackers,orasasandwichfilling
Makes: 8 Servings
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
2cupsgarbanzobeans,cooked(also knownaschickpeas)
2clovesgarlic(minced)
¼cuplemonjuice
1tablespoonsesametahini[sesame paste](orsubstitutepeanutbutterfora sweettaste)
2tablespoonsoliveoil
Directions
Washhandswithsoapandwater
Mash the garbanzo beans until smooth (if you have a blender, put the beans and lemonjuiceintoitandblend). Add the garlic, lemon juice, tahini and oil.Mixwell.
Source: Simple Healthy Recipes Oklahoma Nutrition Information and Education (ONIE) Project
homemade See recipe from Nutrition.gov below.Addguacamoletowhole-graincrackersorrawveggies
Additional resources
For more about optimizing mission performance and health through nutrition visit the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Consortium for Health and Military Performance online at https://www.hprc-online.org/. Here you can explore dozens of nutritional fitness tips,articles,andotherreferencesforbetter nutritiontoenhancereadiness.Totakeyour nutrition goals to the next level, contact yourlocalmilitaryhospital,clinicorhuman performance team and request a consultationwitharegistereddietitian.
(PHOTOCOURTESY:U.S.DEPARTMENTOF AGRICULTURE/UNIVERSITYOFILLINOIS EXTENSION)
HomemadeGuacamole
Are you an avocado fan? Bring homemade guacamole to your table with this recipe
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
3avocados(ripe)
1teaspoonlemonjuice
1tablespoonlimejuice
2romatomatoes(diced)
11⁄5cupsredonion(chopped)
½jalapenopepper(chopped[note: includeseedsifyouwantextraspice/ heat])
¼cupcilantro(fresh,chopped[or2tsp driedcilantro])
½teaspoonsalt
¼teaspoonblackpepper
Directions
Washhandswithsoapandwater
Gentlyrubproduceundercoolrunning water Cut avocados in half, remove pit, and scooppulpintoamediumbowl. Mashavocadopulpwithaforkandmix inremainingingredients
Stir to combine Serve with raw vegetablesticksorbakedtortillachips
Notes:Ifdesirelessspice/heat,remove jalapenofromrecipe
You can also use a food processor to mash avocado and mix ingredients together
Source: University of Illinois Extension
Snacking gives the extra boostwe need during the day.Choose healthysnacks to keepyou energized and ready
(USMARINECORPSPHOTOBY
LANCECPL KAYLALAMAR)
Crossword Sudoku
