The Flagship 12.11.2025

Vice Chief of NavalOperations visitsIKE

CourtesyStory

USSDwight D. Eisenhower(CVN69)

ViceChiefofNavalOperationsAdm.Jim KilbyvisitedNorfolkNavalShipyardonDec 2,2025toreviewtheongoingPlannedIncremental Availability and meet with sailors and leaders aboardUSS Dwight D. Eisenhower(CVN69).

Eisenhowerstarted its availabilityin January as part of planned maintenance and modernization initiatives. Kilby’svisit offered the opportunitytoassess thestatus of theproject and to speakwithcommand leadership and Sailors supporting theshipyardeffort.

“I don’tsee the demand on our ships or aircraft diminishing anytimesoon.”said Kilbyinanaddresstoship’scompany.“It’s alot of pressurefor theNavyinanunprecedented manner that Ihaven’t seeninmy career.Sothe work you’re doing isimportant, it’s appreciated, and that’s whyI’m here.”

Kilbytoured the flight deck with command leadership and reviewed major

maintenance items,including NATO Sea SparrowMountsand JetBlast Deflectors

During this tour Kilbytook time to individuallyrecognizeSailorsfromaroundIKEfor theircontributionsduringtheavailability.

“Itwas pretty surprising.” said Personnel Specialist3rd Class,ChristianBognot. “Ididn’treallyknowwhatitwasforwhenI got called earlier.Itjustfeels very fulfilling thatmyworkisn’tgoingunnoticed.

Followingtheflightdecktour,theAdmiral wasescortedtoaberthingthathadrecently undergonearefittingtoshowcasehabitabilityandqualityoflifeconditions “Maintenanceisa missionarea. We are making process improvements aimed at improving combatsurge readiness,”said Kilby.“TheNavyandourshipyardpartners around theworld areworking tirelessly to getshipsoutoftheyardsontime,onbudget, andbackinthefight.”

Priortodeparting IKE, VCNO and the Eisenhowerleadership team met individuallytodiscussupcomingmaintenancemilestonesandIKE’sreturntooperationalstatus atNavalStationNorfolk.

CourtesyStory NavalInformation WarfareCenterAtlantic

NORFOLK,Va. –The TacticalNetworks (TACNET) Deployment Team, part ofNaval Information WarfareCenter (NIWC)Atlantic based out of Norfolk, Virginia,has developeda newwaytopreloadshipboardsystemsincluding the Consolidated AfloatNetworks and Enterprise Services (CANES).The team’smotivation andgoalsweretobeabletoachievefasterinstallations,whichwouldmeanashortenedmaintenancecycleandthereforeafasterwaytogetthe shipreturnedtooperationalreadiness Thenewlydevelopedprocesseswerecentered aroundrelocatingthesystemloadingandconfiguration from the shipyard to the Network Integrationand EngineeringFacility(NIEF)in Norfolk.Thislocationtransferprovidedseveral benefits including saving costs and time due tothe increased technicalasset availability,

TheTactical Networks(TACNET) DeploymentTeam,part ofNavalInformation WarfareCenter(NIWC)Atlantic basedout ofNorfolk,Virginia,hasdeveloped anewway to preloadshipboardsystems including the ConsolidatedAfloatNetworksand Enterprise Services (CANES).The team’smotivation and goalswere to be able to achieve faster installations,whichwould mean ashortened maintenancecycle and thereforea faster waytoget the shipreturnedtooperational readiness.The newlydevelopedprocesses were centered around relocating the system loading and configuration

gatherinformationonhealth,dental,andvisionplans.(PHOTOBYDANIELDEANGELIS,NORFOLKNAVALSHIPYARD)

Norfolk NavalShipyardhosts Health and Wellness Fair to kick off Open Season

BySusanneGreene Norfolk NavalShipyard

Norfolk NavalShipyard held itsfirst Health and Wellness Fair since COVID on Thursday,Nov.7,2025,and hadmorethan 500attendees Personnel were able to meetwith plan advisorsandgatherinformationonhealth, dental, and vision plans.They were able to determinewhich plan would bestmeet their individual or family needs. Many employees learned that they didnot need the high-cost coverage and were ableto save money.

“The greatestbenefit forthe employees in attending the healthfair wastoget the information from thevendors directly,” said NNSY Administrative Management SpecialistSupervisor Melanie Prescott. “Throughout the year,the employees are directed to OPM.gov[Office of Personnel Management website] to gain theknowl-

expanded bandwidthcapacity andease of access to other subject matter experts (SMEs)

The TACNET Deployment team wanted to ensurethat the change in operations would not negatively affectthe fleet and welcomed theopportunity to test out theirnew processes alongside Information Systems Technician 1stClass Daniel CruzfromUSSOscarAustin(DDG79).The collaboration with IT1 Cruz provided him withexposuretoapartofthesystemlifecyclethathewouldnormallynotexperience

The CANES Lab,located in theNIEF, allowedCruztheabilitytoalsoconnectwith thetechnicalteaminauniqueenvironment

edge neededbefore making one of the biggest decisions on theirhealthcare.

Prescott continued, “the face-to-face conversations with the insurance representativeshelpedthemget thefactsand maketheir decisions easier.”

AsNNSY’sfirstHealthandWellnessFair inseveralyears,theeventwasverysuccessful and agreat opportunityfor NNSY personneltoattain helpfulinformation in advance of the 2025 Federal Employees HealthBenefitsOpenSeasonongoingnow throughDec 8, 2025

Morethan 500 NorfolkNavalShipyard employees metwithvendorsatthe Health andWellness FaironThursday, Nov.7,2025,and learnedwhich medical, dental,andvision plans best mettheir needs.(PHOTOBYDANIELDEANGELIS, NORFOLKNAVALSHIPYARD)

forlearningandproblem-solving.

“Asa Navy IT,seeing thisside of the network at its very beginning has been a greatopportunity,” Cruz said.“To be workingon thenetworkand allthe rackswithin seeingdistanceissomethingyouwon’thave on aship,asthey aretucked away throughout the ship’scompartments.This makes things easiertotroubleshoot.The CANES Labisagamechangerinthesoftware-install processmovingforward.”

Cruz’stimespentwiththeteam,alsogave him the increased knowledge and understanding to share with his shipmates when hereturnedtoDDG-79inRota,Spain.

MasonHoutwed,partofthePre-installation,Testand CheckOut (PITCO)support team,highlightedthebroaderimpactofthe effortstating,“Completing these efforts at theNIEFgreatlyexpandsourcapabilitiesto

identifyissuesinthefleet.Byusingexisting relationshipswiththe CANES engineering team, we can troubleshoot and testresolutionswithouttheneedtogo‘bootsondeck. We also have increased capabilities to test thelatestpatches andfeaturesinaclean environment,withoutimpactingoperations onboard.”

TheTACNETDeployment team continues to build on the success they hadfrom their initial collaboration with IT1 Cruz and have begun the streamlined-loading processes for asecond forward-deployed ship,the USSPaul Ignatius (DDG 117) also inRota,Spain. All speed-to-capability efforts arein direct support of advancingthe toolsand resourcesthat the warfighter needs.David Spangler,the NIEF Logistics andLifecycle Engineering Lead for NIWC Atlantic,

firmly believesthis newstreamlined-loadingapproach“alignstoDepartmentofNavy prioritiesbyimprovingreadiness,providing increased capacityofexisting availabilities, andmakingsureshipsarereadytogetback intothefightfaster.”

AboutNIWCAtlantic:NIWCAtlantic,as part of NavalInformation WarfareSystems Command, provides systems engineering andacquisition to deliver information warfarecapabilities to thenaval, joint, and nationalwarfighter.Itaccomplishes this throughtheacquisition,development,integration, production, test,deployment, and sustainment of interoperable command, control, communications, computer,intelligence,surveillance,reconnaissance,cyber, andinformationtechnologycapabilities.

Commander,NavyRegionMid-Atlantic(CNRMA): RearAdm.Stephen Barnett

RegionalprogrammanagerforNavyRegion Mid-Atlantic(NRMA): PublicAffairs Director |BethBaker PublicAffairs Deputy Director |LeonMoore

BySusanneGreene Norfolk Naval Shipyard

Retail therapy, Carolina Panthers football, the U.S. Navy and contributing to the mission success of Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY)bringjoytoCode109Information TechnologyandCybersecurityDepartment CustomerServiceBranchManagerTajuana “Renee” Martin. She was also recently ActingDivisionHeadforCode109.4Waterfront Support.

MartinisaretiredChiefWarrantOfficer andhascontributedtothesuccessofNNSY sinceFebruary2021andfindshercareerat the shipyard to be very rewarding

Recently, Martin was recognized with a Patriot Award presented by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) recognizingleadersforoutstandingsupport of Guard and Reserve members and their families Martinearnedthishonorforgoing “above and beyond” assisting a Code 109 member preparing for deployment.

“As a veteran herself, Mrs. Martin uniquelyunderstandsthechallengesofthe military,” said NNSY IT Specialist Shenay Graham.“Throughoutmydeployment,her consistent encouragement and genuine check-ins meant the world to me.” Graham continued, “What truly sets her apart, however, was her willingness to look after my family while I was deployed. KnowingIwasconcernedaboutmyelderly grandparents, she personally offered to check in on them and ensure they were doing well.”

Martin’s genuine commitment to her team is evident in how she leads.

“I

find two things most rewarding about myjob.First it’sthepeople—workingwith and mentoring my team, building strong relationships, and watching them grow professionally is incredibly fulfilling,” said Martin. “Second, it’s knowing that we are actively fulfilling the Department of War mission by supporting our warfighters.”

Martin continued, “It gives me a deep senseofpurpose.Ialwaysremindmyteam thatwearepartofsomethingmuchbigger.

While our individual contributions may seem small at times together we make a meaningful impact.

She finds the most challenging aspect of her job is providing Tier 1 support, which is designated as the first level of help to resolve problems without requiring technical expertise

“We’re often the first point of contact, which means when support is delayed

or something goes wrong—regardless of where the issue originated—our team is typically the one held accountable, said Martin “Our visibility puts us in a unique position to build trust, drive solutions, and ensure that the warfighters and shipyard personnelhavewhattheyneedtosucceed.”

Martin believes that good communication, teamwork, and staying mission-focused are all keys to successfully overcoming any challenge

“I prioritize open dialogue within my teamandwithotherstakeholderstoquickly identifyrootcausesandworktowardeffectivesolutions,”saidMartin “Ialsoremembernottobringyesterday’schallengesinto today, which helps me, and my team maintain a fresh perspective and stay resilient.”

Martin draws on her experience as a warfighter; she stays calm under pressure

and works hard to motivate her team and keep them focused on their goals

She believes a good leader provides a supportive environment in which each team member feels appreciated.

“I think a good leader inspires trust and confidencebyleadingwithintegrity,empathy,andaccountability,”saidMartin.“They communicate clearly, listen actively, and understand the strengths and challenges of their team members.”

Martin praises her best friend, Purple Heart recipient, Chief Warrant Officer CottieAllen,forcontributingtohersuccess as a leader

“Cottietoldme,everytaskmatters,especiallywhensupportingourmilitaryandthe largerdefensemission,”saidMartin “This advicehaskeptmemotivatedandhelpsme lead by example, reminding my team that

our work is about something greater than ourselves.”

Martin continued, “Additionally, it’s essential to hold yourself accountable, learnfromyourmistakes,andcontinuously improve—that’showyougrowintoastronger professional and leader.”

Graham also shared that Martin’s committedsupportforhermilitaryservice went far above and beyond on her recent deployment. She praised Martin for being an outstanding leader and advocate for veterans “Martin’s dedication to her employees, bothprofessionallyandpersonally,iswhat makeshersuchanexceptionalsupervisor,” said Graham. When she’s not at work, Martin is an ardent Carolina Panthers football fan and enjoys a little retail therapy.

Suffolk Sailors bring holiday cheer with Toys for Tots

ByRobertFluegel Naval Information Forces

SUFFOLK,Va SailorsfromNavalInformationForces(NAVIFOR)andFleetCyber Command’s (FCC) First Class Petty Officer Association (FCPOA) are helping to make the holidays a little brighter this year by collectingtoysforchildreninneedthrough theToysforTotsprogram.

“The Toys for Tots program is very importantbecauseit’smorethanjustcollecting toys It’s making a difference in a young child’slife havinganimpactandpositively affecting our communities,” said InformationSystemsTechnician1stClass(IW/AW) TommySantiago,FCPOAPresident.

The program has survived for decades andstilldonatesacountlessnumberoftoys every year to give to kids on Christmas A simple toy can mean the world to a young

The Toys for Tots program was founded bytheMarineCorps,butisopenforanyone, civilian or military, to volunteer, collecting toys using their easily recognizable, classic whitecardboardbins

boyorgirl.

“After the boxes went up, we sent out the message about the drive to everyone workingatNAVIFORandFCC,”saidSantiago “It makes me feel good knowing I can rely on myfellowSailorsandNavycivilianstohelp megivebacktothelessfortunatefamilies.”

“Showing the community what the Navy is about is what makes this job fun, said Santiago “We show that the Navy is a good place and that we don’t only do what we need to keep this country safe but also give backtothelocalcommunity.”

The mission behind the Toys for Tots Foundation is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible productive, and patrioticcitizens “Thisprogramonlyworksbecausepeople realize there is a need, and they are willing tostepforwardandmakeadifference They are bringing the joy of Christmas and sending the message of hope to a less fortunate child,”Santiagoconcluded.

NAVIFOR closes submissions for 2026 ‘Big Ideas Challenge’, advances to Phase I Judging

CourtesyStory

Naval Information Forces

SUFFOLK, Va Naval Information Forces Command (NAVIFOR) closed its submissions for the 2026 Big Ideas Challenge,acompetitiondesignedtotapintothe ingenuityofitsSailorsandgovernmentcivilians and provide a direct pathway to push forwardinnovativeconcepts whetherbig orsmall directlytotheNavy’sIBoss

The second iteration of the Big Ideas Challenge launched on July 7, 2025, and closed Nov. 21, 2025 This challenge seeks groundbreaking solutions to areas within information warfare to enhance the Navy’s warfightingcapabilitiesinanevolvingglobal landscape This year 86 submissions were received from IW Sailors and government civiliansthroughouttheNavy

The NAVIFOR N5 department, which coordinated the annual challenge, utilized lessons learned from the previous year and expanded the use of Power App to streamline both the submission and the judging processes “The biggest thing that the Power App is doingisprovidingfeedbackfromthejudges to the submitters,” said Lt Hunter Lampp, NAVIFOR N5 staff who coordinated the annual challenge “There will be opportunities for the judges to provide feedback automatically to the submitters along with submittingtheirvotes.”

Additionally, judges can provide comments to other judges who have questions about the IW community. The Navy’s 60,000+IWprofessionalsremaintheforce’s asymmetricadvantageandthisannualchallenge provides an opportunity to harness

how IW Warriors think, act, and operate differentlytofindandimplementsolutions

Thetopsubmissionsfromthefirstround of judging or, Phase I, will commence in December When completed, Phase II will includeareviewbyFlagofficersandSenior Executive Service civilians in January The final, or Phase III, portion of the challenge will include lightning round pitches to a

panel including IBoss who will decide the winners Thewinnerswillbeannouncedin April2026

Thisyear’sChallengefocusedonthreekey areascriticaltotheNavy’sfuture:IWReadiness, IW Alignment and Integration, and IWCapabilities

The category of IW Readiness identifies innovative solutions that holistically

enhance the readiness and preparedness of Navy IW personnel and units including training, well-being, equipment, and overall support systems necessary to effectively executetheirmission.

The category of IW Alignment and Integration identifies innovations that streamline, optimize, and integrate IW functions andprocesseswithintheNavy Thiscategory includesideasthatimprovecommunication, collaboration andresourceallocationacross differentIWdisciplinesandorganizations ThecategoryofIWcapabilitiesidentifies andfostersinnovativesolutionsthatdirectly enhancetheNavy’sIWcapabilitiesinoperationalenvironments Thiscategoryincludes ideas that develop, improve, or adapt IW tools, tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) to provide a decisive advantage in conflict.

Last year’s inaugural challenge saw remarkable success, according to Hunter, with more than 50% of submitters being connected with subject matter experts and organizationstofurtherdevelopandimplementtheirproposals

NAVIFOR’s mission is to generate, directly and through our leadership of the IW Enterprise agile and technically superior manned, trained, equipped, and certified combat-ready IW forces to ensure our Navy will decisively DETER, COMPETE, andWIN FormoreinformationonNAVIFOR,visit the command Facebook page at https:// www.facebook.com/NavalInformationForces/ or the public web page at [https:// www.navifor.usff.navy.mil](https://www navifor.usff.navy.mil/).

Stennis holds change of command ceremony

BySeniorChiefPettyOfficer

ChristopherLenart

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74)

NEWPORTNEWS,Va Thecrewofthe Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis(CVN74)heldachangeofcommand ceremony, Nov. 7, in Newport News, Virginia, where Capt J. Patrick Thompson was relieved by Capt. Matthew J. Kiser as commandingofficer Thompson assumed command in May 2023, guiding Stennis through critical phases of its Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) at Huntington Ingalls Industries NewportNewsShipbuilding.During

histenure,theshipadvancedthroughmajor modernization and restoration milestones essential to returning the carrier to operationalstatus

Reflecting on his time at the command, Thompson remarked on how fast his time onboardwentby “Forthoseofyouthatwere here two and a half years ago, you rememberthatwewerestillindrydock,withmost spaces in various states of rework and the installedequipmentoffinawarehouse.”

Thompson also emphasized the innovative work accomplished by the crew. “We developed an innovative testing process designed to return our ship to the fleet sooner, and brought the ship to the verge of

testing one of the two propulsion plants— the start of the final lap before this ship goestosea,”hesaid “WhenIsay‘we, thisis everyonehere.It’sateamsport. Kiser,anativeofBedford,Texasandgraduate of Texas A&M University, now leads Stennis through the remaining phases of RCOH,outlinedthemissionahead.

“Our mission is clear: get this aircraft carrier back to sea,” Kiser said. “This will notbeeasy It’sgoingtotakeprecision,teamwork,andprideineverydetail. Heunderscoredtheimportanceofconsistentprogress

“Every watch stood, every valve opened, every circuit breaker closed, every inspec-

tion, and every piece of gear we take back getsusonestepclosertoourgoal.

Stennis the seventh carrier in her class entered RCOH in May 2021, a once-in-acareer, multi-year process that includes refueling the ship’s two nuclear reactors, modernizing major systems, overhauling equipment, and updating the ship’s warfighting capabilities Upon completion, the ship and her crew’s mission will be to provide sustained, combat-ready naval forces protectnationalinterests,andensure securityandstabilityaroundtheworld.

Trees for Troops docks at NWS Yorktown & JEB

ByMaxLonzanida Naval Weapons Station Yorktown

YORKTOWN Va A joyful and triumphant event to harkintheChristmasspiritdocksatNavalWeaponsStation (NWS)YorktownandJointExpeditionaryBase(JEB)Little Creek-Fort Story Both of the installations, situated in the HamptonRoads,Virginiaregionwillgiveawayfreefreshly cut Christmas Trees for service members as part of the annualTreesforTroopsprogram

NWS Yorktown’s Trees for Troops giveaway takes place onFriday,December5,2025from1800to2000atTheDepot Recreation Center The Depot is located at 2006 Shupper Road, Newport News VA 23603. Freshly cut trees will be available on a first come-first serve basis The Christmas trees are available to active duty military ID card holders and there is a limit of one tree per family, home, household or sponsor This year’s event also coincides with the installation’s annual Polar Express-themed Winter Wonderland also taking place at The Depot. There will be Santa, cookie decorating,crafts,foodforpurchase,aholidaymovie,games, and more! This year’s event is coordinated by NWS Yorktown’sMWRCommunityRecreation Formoreinformation, call(757)887-7395

TreesforTroopsalsodocksatJEBLittleCreek-FortStory on Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 0900 to 1100 at their Tennis Courts located at 720 New Guinea Road, Virginia Beach,VA23459 AswithNWSYorktown’sTreesforTroops, FreshcutChristmastreesareavailabletoactivedutymilitary ID card holders, and there is a limit of one tree per family, home, household or sponsor Event organizers ask that attendeesbringtheirownhelpandsuppliestosecuretheir treeinorontheirvehicle Directquestionsaboutthisevent toJEBLittleCreek-FortStory’sOneStopat(757)422-7600

According to the Christmas Spirit Foundation and Trees forTroops,over325,000fresh,farmgrownChristmasTrees havebeendonatedtoservicemembersandmilitaryfamilies sincetheprogramstarted20yearsago In2025,theprogram expectstocollectabout16,000donatedChristmastreesand pickthemupfrommorethan50locationsacrosstheUnited States Trees are supplied by more than 300 family-owned Christmastreefarmsinmorethan25states.

As was the case in years past FedEX Freight will deliver over15,000farm-grownChristmastreestoservicemembers and military families at installation across the country NWS YorktownandJEBLittleCreek-FortStoryrepresentthetwo U.S.NavyinstallationsselectedintheHamptonRoads,Virginia region for the annual Trees for Troops giveaway Additional information, including additional Trees for Troops locations can be found via the Christmas Spirit Foundation website at www.christmasspiritfoundation.org/trees-for-troops.

Yorktown,Va (December8, 2023) Service members and theirfamilies assigned to various commands onboard NavalWeapons Station Yorktown select and receive free Christmas trees at the installation’s second annual Trees forTroops event This year’s eventwas coordinated byYorktown’s Morale,Welfare and Recreation staffand supported byvarious tenant commands onboard the installation.NWSYorktown andJEB Little Creek-Fort Story represent the two U.S.Navy installations officiallyselected in the Hampton Roads,Virginia region forthe annualTrees forTroops giveaway.Since 2005,theTrees forTroops program,as part ofthe larger Christmas SPIRITfoundation, has delivered over277,000 free trees to servicemembers ofall branches.(U.S.NAVYPHOTOS BYMAXLONZANIDA/RELEASED)

At University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), youcan get college credit for the stripes you’veearned.Eligible enlisted servicemembers and previously enlisted veterans maybeable to receiveupto12credits for select undergraduate courses basedon their rank and up to 90 credits in total for prior learning, military experience and training. UMGC offers

•Online &hybrid courses from an accredited state university

•No-cost digital materials in place of textbooks for most courses

•Reduced tuition for eligible servicemembers &their families

CLASSESSTARTSOON 757-231-5666 | UMGC.EDU/RANK

USS McFaul departs Naval Station Norfolk for scheduled deployment

CourtesyStory Commander U.S. 2nd Fleet

NORFOLK, Va Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74) willdepartNavalStationNorfolkforaregularly scheduleddeploymentNov.25,2025

The ship’s departure comes after months of training, maintenance, and certification events, which ultimately prepared the ship for a multitudeofoperations

“USS McFaul is a combat-ready warship and our Sailors have trained hard and are well-prepared to go over the horizon in support of our nation’s tasking,” said Cmdr Adam Samson, commanding officer of USS McFaul. “McFaul represents the strength and readiness our Fleet bringstoournation.”

USSMcFaulisamulti-missionguided-missile destroyercapableofairwarfare(AW),anti-submarinewarfare(ASW),navalsurfacefiresupport (NSFS), and surface warfare (SUW). The ship carriesapproximately300Sailors CommissionedonApril25,1998,USSMcFaul isnamedinhonorofChiefPettyOfficerDonald

L.McFaul,whogavehislifeforhiscomradesand was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for servicewithSealTeamFOUR.

“McFaulisahighlycapableandlethalwarship thatweproudlydelivertoFleetandComponent Commanders for global force employment,” said Capt. Bryan Carmichael, commodore of CommanderNavalSurfaceGroupMiddleAtlantic.“TheMcFaulcrewhasundergoneextensive training to be ready on arrival, fully prepared to ensuremaritimesecurity,protectnationalinterests and project power across the Atlantic and aroundtheworld.

U.S. 2nd Fleet, reestablished in 2018 in response to the changing global security environment,developsandemploysmaritimeready forces to fight across multiple domains in the Atlantic and Arctic in order to ensure access, deteraggressionanddefendU.S.,allied,andpartnerinterests FormoreU.S.2ndFleetnewsandphotos visit facebook.com/US2ndFleet, https://www.c2f usff.navy.mil/, X - @US2ndFleet, and https:// www.linkedin.com/company/commander-us-2nd-fleet.

gories ranging from innovation and teamwork to safety and leadership, the awards team works to ensure the contribution is acknowledged.

“The ultimate goal is to get that vessel delivered back to the fleet on time,” said McPherson.“Ireallyfeelthevariousawards boostmoraletomakesurethathappens.”

Theenthusiasmtheseteammembershave for their work is infectious They believe that recognizing those who excel at NNSY enhances overall morale, making work feel lesslikeajobandmorelikeafamilyaffair.

Code 1102.7 processes approximately 40 Civilian Service Meritorious Awards 50 CivilianServiceCommendationAwards 50

CivilianServiceAchievementAwards 2,200 time in service awards, 2,600 cash awards, 110QualityStepIncreaseAwards,100qualification awards, 1,100 time off awards, and over2,000C.O.R.E.StoreAwardsinayear’s timeframe

C.O.R.E. Store for the first time They’re so excited. They say, ‘This is my first time earningaC.O.R.E.Award,soIaminterested in seeing everything you have here.’ They take a little longer because it’s their first time; therefore, we try to keep everything ondisplay,butseeingthelookontheirfaces when they pick out something they like, well, that’s something to be proud of being partoftheC.O.R.E.Store.”

“Our

thatdriveourshipyard’ssuccesseveryday.” TheAwardsDivisionoverseesavarietyof awardsprograms includingCivilianService Meritorious Awards Civilian Service Commendation Awards Civilian Service AchievementAwards,QualityStepIncrease Awards, C.O.R.E. Awards, time in service awards, time-off awards, cash awards and qualification awards With numerous cate-

TheC.O.R.E.Storeiswhereawardeescan literally wear their accolades From t-shirts topoloshirts ballcapstojackets,toavariety of other items the C.O.R.E Store merchandise is a way for employees to proudly displaytheirrecognition.“Ithinkit’sagreat incentiveforpeopletostrivetodoevenmore thanwhat’saskedofthem,”saidProduction ResourcesDepartment(Code900)Production Resource Manager (Code 900R) and C.O.R.E.AwardrecipientRobinStevens “It’s the thing that helps you take responsibility forthejobyoudoandawayofshowingthat you’reappreciated.

Code 1102.7 Supply Technician Rhonda Griffin added, “One of the main reasons I enjoy my job as much as I do is seeing the C.O.R.E Award recipients come into the

The C.O.R.E. Store has two locations C.O.R.E. Award recipients can go to pick out the merchandise they would like. The main branch is in Bldg 15, Room 105 and thesecondlocationisinsidetheControlled Industrial Area (CIA) Bldg 163 Personnel Office The C.O.R.E. Stores hours are: for Bldg 15 (Room 105), Tuesdays through Thursdays from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. and 2:004:00p.m.;andforBldg 163PersonnelOffice, Tuesdays through Thursdays from 8:00 to 10:00a.m.and1:00to2:00p.m.Toviewthe C.O.R.E. Store catalog, go to https://flankspeed.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/NAVSEA\_ NSY\_NORFOLK/Lists/Information/ DispForm.aspx?ID=1&e=X3XFu6

“Due to the limited space available at CIA Bldg 163 location, we are unable to keep on hand all sizes and color options for each product, as we do at the main C.O.R.E. Store,”saidMcPherson.“However,ifsomeone wants a size or color, and the CIA Bldg 163 C.O.R.E. Store does not have it on hand, we can usually have it transferred from the main C.O.R.E Store within the same day or the very next day. This courtesy makes the Bldg 163C.O.R.E.Storeaconvenientoption forthosewhoworkonthewaterfront.” Processing awards isn’t the only thing they do “For each First-Line Supervisor

(1LS) training, we tell the attendees what their options are to award their people, but also we show the attendees how to fill the formsoutandhowtosubmitallawardtypes properly,” said Code 1102.7’s AdministrativeManagementSpecialistBrianaDarden “This ensures first-time quality and timely processingoftheaward.

Duringtheclass,Code1102.7alsotakesan in-depthlookattheNNSYIncentiveAward Program Instruction, to make the attendees aware of all rules, restrictions, limits, departmentalyearlyallocations,andexplain how the award process is continued to Fleet Human Resources Office (FLTHRO) Department of the Navy Office of Civilian Human Resources (OCHR) and Defense FinanceandAccountingService(DFAS). “We also ensure all the tables and chairs neededforeachblooddrivethatNNSYhosts are set up and in place for the blood drive personnelcangetrighttoworkandnothave to worry about finding chairs and tables to dotheirprocessingwith,”saidGriffin. Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s Code 1102.7 Awards Division is more than just an administrative unit; it is a vital part of the shipyard’s ecosystem that propels motivation, unity, and recognition of excellence Astheycontinuetocelebrateindividualand collectiveachievements,theyhelptofostera strongbondbetweenNNSYanditsemployees,andhelpingbuildacultureofdedication thatisessentialfortheshipyard’scontinued success FortheAwardsDivision,recognizingthecontributionsofAmerica’sShipyard workforce

NAVALSTATION NORFOLK,Va (Nov.25,2025) – Sailors standbyas theArleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyerUSS McFaul (DDG 74) departs Naval Station Norfolkfora regularlyscheduled deployment Nov.25,2025.(U.S.Navyphoto byMass Communication Specialist 1st ClassAndersonW.BRANCH)

uarterdeck

Eye On Innovation: Rapid Prototype Center’s Jet Blast Deflector Conveyor Tool brings huge savings to America’s Shipyard and the Navy PageB4

Our Yard History: The Foundry, Building 172

ByMarcusRobbins Norfolk Naval Shipyard

Over the past few months, we have exploredthelocationswheretheworkgets done here at America’s Shipyard or as I like to say our “big box stores” and that specific facility focus continues on. As an aside, this ismyclosingsubmissionpriortomy48-year career ending as I finally enter retirement. Forthismonth,Iwantedtolookatournow ex-Foundry Building172

Castingandworkingwithmoltenmetalat GosportfirstcanbetracedtotheBlacksmith Shop, Building 9 in the north end during the 19th century as we constructed and repairedwoodenwarships Astheshipyard continuedexpandingtothesouth,Building 22 then served the foundry function both prior to and after the Civil War. According to the June 30 1903 station map Building 22gainsacompanionstructureknownthen as the Pattern Shop, Building 72 A pattern is usually a wood replica of a desired shape thatisfirstplacedintoasandcastingbefore molten metal is poured into the negative of themoldafterthewoodenformisremoved.

As World War I raged in Europe, the recentlyobtainedyetundevelopedvastland expanse known as the Schmoele Tract of

273acreswasbeingplannedwithprecision according to the December 28 1917 station maptitledasthe“ProposedFinalLayoutFor Development. ThismapiswhatIoftensay becomes the birth certificate for how our shipyard appears today well over a century later A new Foundry and a new Pattern Shop are placed side by side and today we recognize these structures as Buildings 172 and 184 respectfully Now Norfolk can truly pattern, cast and then also machine large metal components as the Machine Shop, Building 171 is laid out for construction within this same timeframe Norfolk has now become an East Coast industrial giant and is in position to service every need of UncleSam’smodernsteelfleetofships

It is interesting to look at the early glass plate photos of our foundry being laid out in the wilderness circa 1917 and then in its initial short configuration as a completed structure when occupied in September of 1919 Alsoreflectbackasthislocationcould now cast its own roadway structures such as manhole or drain inlets as the Shipyard is improved Our mission then as it is now always had a focus about the ships and our

Page 2

ByAndréB.Sobocinski,Historian

U.S. Navy Bureau Of Medicine and Surgery

Tucked away in a display case located in the command suite at the Bureau of MedicineandSurgery(BUMED)inFallsChurch, Virginia, lies an unassuming relic: a small, beige book of instructions dated 1917 The casual visitor may walk past this humble relicwithoutthinkingtwiceaboutitssignificance but its familiar title—The Manual of the Medical Department (MANMED) offers a stark reminder that organizational policies and guidance have long been a part of Navy Medicine’s history In fact, the MANMEDhasbeenaconstantpresencefor almostaslongastherehasbeenaBUMED

The story of the MANMED begins over 180 years ago—in 1844—just months into the administration of BUMED’s new chief, Surgeon Thomas Harris and only two yearsafterthefoundingoftheNavybureau system—andwithittheBureauofMedicine andSurgery Although Navy Medicine’s beginnings date back to the appearance of shipboard surgeons and surgeon’s mates aboard the first naval warships the organization truly came to life with the establishment of BUMED on Aug. 31, 1842 As the administrative engine for Navy Medicine, BUMED unifiedallaspectsofnavalhealthcare—logistics,facilities,andpersonnel—underasingle command. Centralizing Navy Medicine underBUMEDnecessitatedthecreationof a definitive, uniform set of rules and guidelines On May 1, 1844 Surgeon Harris—ostensibly “at the request” of the Secretary of the Navy John Mason—convened a medical board to make recommendations for improving how Navy Medicine operated This3-personboardwascomprisedofthree seniorphysicians—SurgeonsJohnKearney,

WilliamS.W.Ruschenberger,andJ.Vaughan Smith.Inhislettertotheseselectees,Harris

wrote: “You have been called to Washington as a board of consultation and advice to aid in a more perfect organization of this Bureau. I therefore respectfully submit for your considerationandrevisionthevariousforms andscheduleswhichhavebeenandarestill

at present in use in the transaction of busi-

ness Some of them are well arranged and useful,andwillrequirelittleornoattention. Some of them may require new modelling altogether I submit entirely to your judgement. Besides the mere accounting businessofthisBureau,inwhichIhaverequired your advice, I should also be gratified with any suggestions which may be considered

morestrictlyspeakingprofessional.

Kearney,RuschenbergerandSmithwere among the most accomplished Navy physiciansoftheirday.

KearneyhadservedintheNavysince1809 and his career included a tour as surgeon’s mate aboard USS Constitution during its legendary engagements with the HMS CyaneandHMSLevantinFebruary1815 At the time of appointment, he was serving as thepresidentoftheBoardofNavalSurgeons where he oversaw the examination of civilian physicians seeking naval commissions as well as Navy assistant surgeons seeking promotiontosurgeon.

Ruschenberger’s Navy career dated back to 1826 Over the next 18 years he served on numerous deployments including a tour as fleet surgeon for the East Indies Squadron. He was also a prolific author having published several first-person accounts including Sketches in California, 1836, Narrative of a Voyage Round the World During the Years 1835, 36, and 37, and later a series of popular books about natural history At the time of his appointment, he wascommandingtheNavalHospitalBrooklyn,NewYork. And finally Smith, the most junior of the three obtainedhisnavalcommissionin1829 and soon after established a reputation for professionalismandskillonhisdeployments at sea. In the 1830s, he served in charge of thenavalhospitalinPortMahon,Minorca— which was at the time the U.S. Navy’s only overseashospital. Ofthesemedicalofficers,Ruschenberger had been the most outspoken in improving Navy Medicine and elevating the plight of its personnel. The BUMED letter books at the National Archives are full of Ruschenberger’s missives. In September 1842, after

Aphoto depicting the Foundry(Building 172) at NorfolkNaval Shipyard (COURTESYPHOTO

Aphoto depicting the Foundry(Building 172) at NorfolkNaval Shipyard Oct.1927 (COURTESY

PHOTO NORFOLKNAVALSHIPYARD)

waterfront today. I have said it often that during this period of time there was not anything that this Navy Yard could not accomplishormanufactureonitsown. AsevidencedwiththeOctober1927image to manufacture a complete anchor ready to ship out was a matter of craftsman pride. Working in this type of environment was not only hot and dirty but honorable for the worker Norfolk cast many anchors including one you can go touch today in Wilmington, North Carolina of the forward deck of thebattleshipUSSNorthCarolina(BB55)as shownbyaphotofromoneofourpriorNNSY Photographers BobCohen.Norfolkalsocast theanchorsforthemostoftheForrestaland

Aphoto depicting the plaque attached to the Foundry(Building 172) at NorfolkNaval Shipyard.(COURTESYPHOTO NORFOLKNAVAL

Nimitz-classaircraftcarriersoverthefollowingdecades In the mid-1990s as a result of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) commission hearings found the Navy with two

primary industrial Foundries on the East Coast yet the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard properwasslatedtoclose Itbecameabusiness decision to stand-up and make heavy capitalimprovementsfortheNavalFoundry and Propeller Center (NFPC) to become a modern manufacturing facility located on the Philadelphia Navy Yard Annex in Philadelphia, PA This facility is also organizationally attached to the Norfolk Naval Shipyard today. So what became of Norfolk’s foundry? Aftertheexcessingoffloorfurnaces amultitude of industrial equipment and filling in variouscastingpitswithinthestructuretoday Building172isusedforheavyindustrialstorage awaiting its eventual demolition as the shipyard begins planning to implement the Shipyard Infrastructure and Optimization Program(SIOP).Thisfootprintshallbereutilized as Norfolk looks to the future and yet honorsitspastbecause-“historymatters.”

ABOVE: Aphoto depicting the Foundry (Building 172) at Norfolk Naval Shipyard Aug.30 1917 (COURTESY PHOTO, NORFOLK NAVAL SHIPYARD)

LEFT:A photo depicting Foundry workers at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (COURTESY PHOTO NORFOLK NAVAL SHIPYARD)

Aphoto depicting the Foundry(Building 172) at NorfolkNaval Shipyard Dec.1920 (COURTESYPHOTO NORFOLKNAVALSHIPYARD)

Shipyard Spotlight: Myshalai Whalen, Code 950

Electrical/Optical Hull Fitting and MQJ Lab Supervisor

BySusanneGreene Norfolk Naval Shipyard

JustlikethecomplexLEGOsetsMyshalai Whalen likes to put together when she’s off duty,sheistheperfectfitasElectrical/Optical Hull Fitting and Measurement Quality Jumper (MQJ) Lab Supervisor for Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s (NNSY) Electrical/Electronics Department (Code 950) She has worked at the shipyard for more than six years starting as an Electrician Apprentice in February 2019 Currently, she is an Electrician Supervisor and tracks timekeeping, reviewstechnicaldocumentsandtrainsand mentors her team to achieve both quality andexcellenceintheirwork.

Whalen was nominated by both NNSY Fiber Optic Mechanic Haley Mustard and NNSY Marine Electrician Christopher Apple

“Ms.Whalenexemplifiesthequalityofan engaged leader and goes above and beyond inoursectioneveryday, saidMustard.“She is knowledgeable in the work and makes herself available to teach others and leads byexamplebyactivelylisteningtoherteam, providing clear direction, and fostering a positiveandproductiveworkenvironment.”

Mustard continued “Whalen empowers her team and celebrates successes and regularlyacknowledgesandappreciatesour team’s efforts and achievements Her leadership represents the values of NNSY and demonstratesintegritythroughoutherrole assupervisor.”

Whalen’s work supports the Code 950

ByStephanieAbdullah

The Ships’ Bunkers Easy Acquisition (SEA) Card® program, a Defense Logistics Agency Energy program that revolutionized how military and federal vessels acquire fuel worldwide marked its 20th anniversary Launched in October 2005, the initiative replaced a cumbersome paper-based system with a secure, internet-basedplatformforordering receiving and invoicing fuel.

The SEA Card® program, which began as a pilot with just 13 vessels and 20-30 merchants, aimed at making commercial fuel procurement more efficient for customers and merchants, has reduced manpower hours and time while mitigating fraud, waste, and abuse Four of the original launch employees are still working the Program there’s a lot of history here,accordingtoStephanieLewis-Vance, Program Manager, AIR and SEA Card® ProgramsattheDLAEnergyheadquarters at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia.

Administered by the DLA Energy Government Fuel Card Program Management Office the SEA Card® program provides round-the-clock support and allows customers to pay standard pricing instead of potentially higher market rates for bunker fuel. In fiscal year 2024, the SEA Card® program facilitated more than 1,500 transactions involving roughly 101.8 million gallons of fuel, valued at approximately $380.5 million. More than 140 vessels across ten branches of service including federal partners such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationandtheU.S.ArmyCorpsofEngineers,

mission of installing, connecting and operational testing of shipboard electrical and electronic systems and components and specificallyforthoseonsubmarinesundergoing overhaul at NNSY The Electrical/ Electronics Department overhauls componentsonLightWeightWideApertureArray (LWAA) which use fiber optic sensors on submarines used to detect and track other vessels The system enhances the capabili-

ties of submarines to gain a greater understanding of the sub’s environment. The Large Aperture Bow Array (LAB) Array provides enhanced detection of underwater targets and acoustic signal transfer, and the CHIN Array is a high frequency sonar systemusedalongshallowandnoisycoastal waters

“Her astonishing acts of valor led to the successful upgrade of LWAA, LAB Array

and CHIN Array systems on a submarine,” saidNNSYMarineElectricianChristopher Apple “Her efforts ensure our warfighting readiness, and she is an asset to NNSY, the UnitedStatesNavyandourNation.

ThemostrewardingpartofWhalen’sjob isworkingwithherteam.

“Ienjoywitnessingtheconfidence,excitement, and pride in my team when they achieve success on difficult projects,” said Whalen.

She overcomes challenges at work by reaching out to other team members for theirexpertiseandtruststhattheywillguide hertosuccess

“To be a good leader you must lead by example, be knowledgeable, accountable and available for your team,” said Whalen. “Innovation starts when you question the norm, leadership happens when you act on it.”

She believes that anyone interested in a career at NNSY must be open-minded, flexibleandeagertolearnasthatishowyou grow “The best career advice I received at NNSYistonottakeanyone’swordforsomething,”saidWhalen.“Thereissomuchliterature available to use, and it’s important to knowwherethatinformationcomesfrom.” Whalen continued, “Being proficient at utilizing process instructions has played a hugepartinmysuccess.”

Whenshewindsdownathomesheenjoys building complex LEGO sets, playing corn holeandenjoyingabonfirewithfamilyand friends

ByKristiRBritt Norfolk Naval Shipyard

On our naval aircraft carriers, as the jet enginesrevuptoliftofffromtheflightdeck, jet blast deflectors (JBD) are positioned to redirectthehighenergyexhausttoprevent injury and damage to those around it. The structure is built to be strong enough to withstand heat and high speed air streams and must be able to be raised and lowered when needed. As part of the shipboard repairs at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY), mechanics see to these repairs with each carrier project, yet often were faced with dilemmasduetotherequirementswiththe 2,000poundshaftwithintheJBD Through previous tooling and processes in order to properly lift the massive fixture to conduct thoserepairs theteamwouldhavetofollow extensive rigging requirements, setting up picks along the intended path and cutting outaccesspointstosupporttheliftingofthe shaft. An extensive process that took more than three days and would require additional welding, painting, fabrication and inspections, Shop 38 Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE) Supervisor BenaiahWadeknewtherehadtobeabetter waytogetthisdone

“I originally discussed with HII since we knewtheywereabletooverhaultheirJBDs without doing all these cuts We ended up landingontheneedforaconveyor,yetwhat wewereabletofindwasn’treachingthelow profile we needed for the job,” said Wade “We wanted a rolling device that you could control the height, weight, and motion of this object without it being destabilized or having it ram into something and causing damage We had an idea we just needed helpmakingitareality.”

Enter Code 100TO.32 Rapid Prototype Center (RPC), a division of Rapid Innovation, a one-stop shop for shipyard workers looking to have prototypes developed to fit their needs across the waterfront. “Wade and his work leader walked through the doorandsharedwithustheissuetheywere havingandwhattheywerelookingfor, said RPCEngineeringTechnicianJohnTate “If they could just have a device that didn’t fall into the major rigging requirements, somethingthatcouldlifttheshaftupthelittlebit neededtogetoutofthefixtureassemblyand motivateitsidewayssafelyandefficiently,it wouldsaveonalotoftimeandeffortforthe mechanics Together we worked through someideaswethoughtcouldworkandonce wehadavisioninmind,wegottowork.

With drawings developed of what they wanted to create and what materials they would be using, Code 263 Waterfront Lead for Hydraulics and Machinery Jonathan Schwalm began calculating the specs that would be required to achieve the lift they needed. “When it comes to handling large amountsofweight,wehavetohaveafactor ofsafetydefined,”heexplained.“Thiswasa new design and we didn’t have a full vector figured out for Code 263 [Surface Ship Auxiliary/HydraulicsBranch]toacceptthe process I took those preliminary sketches that were mocked up, built in all the data from the material, went through catalogues and I was able to make a 3-D model based on the materials specified to be used We confirmed everything was good for the weight to be handled and balanced on the tool and with that, we were able to have Code263’sblessingtoproceed.”

The RPC then teamed up with NNSY’s Mechanical Group (Code 930) and the Inside Machine Shop (Shop 31) Toolmakers to develop the prototype Toolmaker Apprentice Nino Perkins was the first to tackle the initial prototype And within 30 days of the request coming through the RPC’s door, the Outside Machine Shop (Shop 38) had something in hand to test shipboardonUSSGeorgeH.W.Bush(CVN 77).“Whenitwentthroughshipcheck,the teamwasveryexcitedtoseeitworksowell. Wetooksomefeedbackforwaystoimprove thedesignandwerealreadyontasktowork on additional kits,” said Code 100TO.32 RPC Program Analyst Kelly Carson. Four sets of six rollers have been completed so far thanks to the RPC, Perkins, and Toolmaker Troy Elmore These rollers have been used on various repairs for the JBDs onCVN77andUSSDwightD.Eisenhower (CVN 69). For a job that at its fastest used to take three 12-hour days to complete and require extensiveworkacrossvarioustrades could now be done in a fraction of the time “We canmovetheshaftnowfromonespottothe otherwiththeconveyorin45seconds,”said Wade “It’s less stress on the mechanics as wellastheboatitself.” Carson added, “This has made a significant difference and it’s a huge win for our shipyard Wewouldlovetosharethisdesign withanyonewhowantstoutilizeit!”

“This project has been a tremendous success and we’re looking at ways devices likethesecanbeutilizedacrossallourprojects, including submarines, or if there are otherwaystheRPCcanassistourmechanics on the waterfront,” said Code 930 Process Manager Chris Conley “With the RPC’s help seeing how efficient and knowledgeable they are making prototypes and being able to come up with something on the fly justfromaconversationandhaveapieceof equipmentinyourhandsthatyoucanshipcheckwithintwoweeksto30daysispretty insane Seeingtheirskillsfirsthand,Icango to the boat now and doing surveillances, I canaskthemechanicshowcanwehelp,how canwemakethisbetterforyou,Iknowthere are people behind me and around me that can do what we can to see improvement on thedeckplate.”

Tate noted that for a project like this, teamwork is what made it possible to achieve. “Everyone stepped up to the plate to help make this a reality and that’s some-

thing great about our shipyard family theyarereadyandwillingtodotheirpartto help their teammates,” he said. “With this job, we were able to generate work for our toolmakersandapprentices,getthemthose addedopportunitiestohonetheirskillsand develop something that could make a huge differencetoourmechanicsontheship We had Code 930 and Code 263 helping us test theproductandgettingittowhereitneeded to be so it was ready to be used shipboard. We also had our RPC teammates putting in theworktobringthisideatolifeandassemblingitsoitwasreadytogo.”

Tate continued, “Lots of ideas are out there, people just sometimes feel that they don’t have anywhere to go to share those ideasorthattherearenoresourcesinplace totryitoutandseehowitgoes.That’swhat the RPC is for We hear your ideas and see what we can do to make it a reality We’re here to help and are always ready to listen and see what we can create for you to make yourjobeasier.” Interested in working with the Code 100TO.32 Rapid Innovation Branch? Visit the NNSY SharePoint site at https://flankspeed.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/NAVSEA_

A bright day for a black box

ByPettyOfficer1stClass

BenjaminDavella Naval Safety Command

Most military aircraft contain non-deployablecrashhardeneddatarecordersand often require a recovery team and significant time to locate and extract from wreckage.TheF/A-18platformisuniqueinthatit is equipped with a Deployable Flight IncidentRecorderSet(DFIRS).Theserecorders are engineered with varying levels of crash survivability,withsomemodelsspecifically designed to deploy during ejection such as the F/A-18 Flight recorders a commonly knownas“blackboxes.”

Since their introduction with the F/A-18 platform, DFIRS have only been recovered by civilians on two occasions The first was in2011,whenasurferinHawaiidiscovered the DFIRS from an F/A-18F Super Hornet more than 4,000 miles away from where it hadgonedownsixyearsearlier

Thesecondoccurredmorerecentlywhen Mr Mark Maskell, a professional DJ traveling for work in North Carolina’s Outer Banks found the DFIRS from an F/A-18E SuperHornetafteramishapoffthecoastof VirginiainAugustof2025

The pilot safely ejected and was rescued, but the aircraft’s flight recorder was lost at sea. The DFIRS is normally recovered using military assets within 72 hours of a mishap According to Mr Robert “Louie” Stephenson, deputy director of Mishap Investigations at Naval Safety Command (NAVSAFECOM) and investigator for the downed aircraft, DFIRS locating efforts werehaltedduetopotentialsevereweather

The night before the wedding, Maskell decided to take a walk along the beach. He noted that he takes walks like this on a semi-regularbasis.Hesaid,“Ilovegoingfor walks on really empty, desolate beaches.” After several miles, twilight had set in and hebegantomakehiswayback.Inthedarkness and using his cell phone flashlight for guidance, he saw a glimmer reflecting from

ByTroyMiller Norfolk Naval Shipyard

Duringthe“AgeofSail,”roughlyspanning from the mid-16th to the mid-19th centuries, sail lofts played a vital role in maritime communities, serving as crucial components in shipbuilding and repair. Sail lofts werethehubofsail-making wheresailsfor ships were created from raw materials like canvas. Although U.S. Navy tall ships have since sailed off into naval history, Norfolk NavalShipyard’s(NNSY)SailLoftstillplays a crucial role for today’s Navy by protectingpersonnel,supportingnuclearworkand assistingtheworkforce

“NNSY’s Sail Loft is the Fabric Worker Shop (Shop 89), consisting of approximately 90 shipyard employees,” said Shop 89NuclearGeneralForemanDallasMabry “The Fabric Worker Shop specializes in the fabrication, installation, modification, removal, and repair of nuclear and non-nuclear containments, tents, safety nets, and re-certification of inflatable lifesaving rafts tosupportU.S.Navymissions.”

The Sail Loft consists of four sections TheLifeRaftFacilityrecertifiesandrepairs inflatable lifesaving rafts and ration bags

The Life Raft Facility is one of only three facilities worldwide that service inflatable lifesaving rafts for U.S. Navy warships The other two are located in Yokosuka, Japan, and San Diego, California. Recently, the Life Raft Facility re-certified 17 life rafts to support the deployment of the Arleigh Burke-classdestroyerUSSRoosevelt(DDG 80).

TheNon-NuclearFabricSectiondesigns, fabricates, installs, and removes non-nuclear containments, tents, weather covers, safety nets and other miscellaneous items Recently, Shop 89’s Non-nuclear Fabric Section, Fabric Worker Tammy Frandsen was recognized for outstanding contributions to safety for designing new carrying bags for gas-free detectors which allow certifiedshipyardpersonneltocarryequip-

an object partially embedded near the top of a five-foot-tall sand dune It was bright orange, about the size of a pizza box, and it carried a clear message “… please return to the nearest U.S. government agency to collectreward,”Maskellrecalled.

Maskell, self-described “aviation geek” and subscriber to a commercial aviation incidents publication, said he had a feeling he had found a flight recorder Recognizing its potential significance, he retrieved the device and contacted the number listed on theblackboxtoreporthisfindings

Afterwhathedescribedas“ragingfor24 hours” in his role as DJ Maskell received a callfromStephenson.“Itriedtopretendnot tobecompletelyasleep,when[Stephenson]

calledsaying,[‘You’vefoundsomethingvery importanttotheU.S.Navy,andwearehappy youcalled.Youfoundaflightdatarecorder, andweareveryinterestedincollectingitfor ourinvestigation’],”herecalled.Stephenson thendrovefromNorfolktotheOuterBanks andretrievedthedevice

Flight data recorders capture critical information for mishap investigations, including communications, aircraft performance data, error codes, pilot inputs, and more. The purpose behind collecting this data is not to assign blame, but to enable accurateeventre-creation.Thisinformation isthenusedtostrengthenpreventionefforts and develop mitigation steps to prevent reoccurrence

Maskelllaterreceivedacalltoarrangethe transfer of a reward of $500, but he views therewardassecondary Heexpressedthat he was simply glad to have played a part of something tied so closely to his personal interest in aviation and described the experienceasserendipitous. The returned flight recorder will aid NAVSAFECOM in advancing mishap prevention efforts, thereby strengthening warfighting readiness and capabilities As this story shows, sometimes even a simple walk on the beach can contribute to saving lives

mentandsuppliessafelyandsecurely

TheNuclearRefueling/DefuelingSection and the Nuclear Overhaul Section both design, fabricate, install, remove, modify and repair containments to support naval nuclear work The Nuclear Refueling/ Defueling Section completed fabrication, installationandremovaloftheM-140Facil-

ity

Kappa Lambda Chi military fraternity assists with Thanksgiving meals

ByMassCommunicationSpecialist

1stClassCodyBeam

NORFOLK, Va Kappa Lambda Chi AlphaChapterMilitaryFraternityprovided Thanksgiving assistance to sailors assigned toInformationWarfareTrainingCommand Norfolk by distributing gift cards to help support service members during the holidayseason.

Theinitiativeispartoftheorganization’s annual Thanksgiving Assistance Program which aims to offer support and holiday resources to military members and their families This year, the chapter distributed giftcardsvaluedat$75,helpingsailorsoffset thecostofmealsfortheholidays

“Our goal is to ensure that service members know they are supported, especially during the holidays when financial strain can be overwhelming,” said Chief WarrantOfficer4JamesGrayIII,vicepresident of Kappa Lambda Chi. “This is one of many ways our organization gives back to those who serve and we appreciate all that [servicemembers]do.”

RaymondWilkin,thepresidentofKappa Lambda Chi Alpha Chapter, spearheaded

the Thanksgiving assistance program and ensuredtheeventwasasuccess Commandleadershipexpressedgratitude for the organization’s continued support of themilitarycommunity

“This is amazing I am so blessed and thankful,”saidLogisticsspecialist2ndClass

Christopher Valoy, one of the recipients of the gift cards “The generosity of Kappa Lambda Chi helps ensure our Sailors can enjoytheholidays.”

Kappa Lambda Chi, founded in 2013, is the first military fraternity established to supportmaleservicemembersandveterans

Military Sealift Command Pilots CIVMAR Leadership Training

ByMollyBurgess

USN Military Sealift Command

Developing strong, adaptive leaders who embody Military Sealift Command’s (MSC’s) vision of “United We Sail” is the focus of newly developed training tailored forshipboardleaders

The Civilian Mariner Leadership Training is a 6-day pilot course co-created by MSC’s training development team and the U.S.MerchantMarineAcademy(USMMA) The curriculum explores concepts of leadingwithbothauthorityandempathy,while balancingamissionfocusand“people-first” mentality

“The course took two years to create and resulted in a 13-module leadership program curriculum, said Capt. George McCarthy, who serves as the MSC liaison to the USMMA “This course was built in collaborationwithourlongstandingpartner, the USMMA; and incorporates published leadership content from a large swath of sources.”

Held at the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel, Norfolk, Virginia, the course began Oct.31,withopeningremarksandaprogram overview by McCarthy, and showcased key speakers,presentations,groupcasestudies,

Navy Medicine

from Page 1

SurgeonWilliamP.C.Bartonwasappointed as the first chief of BUMED, he wrote to Ruschenberger to elicit his thoughts on the newbureau’spriorities Ruschenberger clearly had strong opinions on these matters and outlined numerous recommendations in a 15-page letter that included defining the roles of medical officers by duty station; establishing libraries (ashore and aboard ships) with access to current literature to ensure officers had up-to-date medical knowledge; encouraging publication of experiences in order to contributetogeneralmedicalknowledgeof civilianandmilitaryphysicians;demanding a strict auditing of accounts for medicine, equipmentandothersupplies;andrequiring all medical officers to keep detailed professional journals that would both document their experiences but also serve as lessons learned for more junior officers These recommendations would help set the stage for the work of the board and were again recommendedbyRuschenbergerin1844

By order of the Secretary of the Navy John Y. Mason, the “consultation board” was assigned to the Navy Department officeinWashington,D.C. thenlocatedina two-story brick building on the east side of 17th street, N.W., facing south towards the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal (later Constitution Avenue); the building also housed the (then)fiveNavybureaus,includingBUMED The board quickly got to work reviewing existingformsissuedtoNavyphysicianson requisitions, as well as forms designed to ensureaccountabilityandanaccuratemedical record, guidance on reporting medical andsurgicalcases BUMEDcirculars treatment of epidemic and endemic diseases, and anything that “may contribute to the advancement of science, or the elevation of thecharacterofthe[Medical]Corps.”

team building exercises and panel discussions with a multitude of team facilitators overthecourseoftheweek.

“Manyotherleadershipcoursesfocuson a method or style of leadership,” McCarthy said. “Our course was designed with a less traditional learning method and carefully structuredtobettereducateourstudentsfor morepracticalskillstoimplementincurrent andfutureworkforceenvironments.”

During the week, the class delved into corevaluesofpositiveleadershipwithtopics such as the difference between leadership and management, emotional intelligence, ethics, followership, toxic leadership, leading teams, leading change, leader development and more. The key student outcomes weretoincreaseself-awareness strengthen leadership capabilities, demonstrate peerto-peer leadership that will build trust and accountability, and cultivate healthy commandclimates

“Part of academics and learning is to encourage critical thinking, to be more confident in your reasoning and decision makinganddoawaywithsomeofthemyths of leadership—Specifically that command and control is the only way you can lead,” said Capt. Preston DeJean, United States MaritimeService,USMMA,adeveloperand

The board completed their review on May 14, 1844, and submitted their final proposalstoHarriswhichheadaptedintoa document he titled the Instructions for the Government of the Medical Officers of the Navy of the United States After approval by Secretary Mason, 400 copies were printed and distributed to Navy surgeons, line commanders, and federal agencies in August 1844 The Instructions contained guidanceonhowtokeepbooksandrecords, prepareformsforsubmissiontoBUMED as well as how to obtain, care for and dispose of supplies rules governing the duties and procedures of medical officers, allowance tables,contentsformedicinechests,nomenclatureofdiseases(i.e.diagnostics).

ThepublicationmarkedasignificantmilestoneinNavyMedicine,formallyinstitutionalizingtherolesandproceduresoftheNavy MedicalDepartment.Italsorepresentedthe first comprehensive—and centralized—set of instructions for Navy medical officers by BUMED

TheInstructionsestablishedaclearchain ofcommandanddetailedthedutiesofmedicalofficersregardingthecareofthesickand wounded aboard naval vessels and at shore installations Keyareasincluded:

„ Administrative and reporting duties

Medical officers were required to maintain detailedrecords specificallyajournalnoting all cases treatments and dietary prescriptions (e.g., “full, “half”). They were also responsible for keeping a record of their ownservice

„ Requisitions and supplies It established a “table of allowances” (Form A) as a guide for making requisitions for medical outfit andsupplies Strictruleswerelaiddownfor procuring fresh provisions and other articles of diet for the sick, requiring approval and discouraging “profuse expenditure. Requisitions,particularlyinsquadrons,had to be approved by the fleet surgeon and the commander-in-chiefofthesquadron.

„ Financial accountability Surgeons were

facilitatorofthecourse

Col. Patrick Keane III, a retired Marine andUSMMAfacultymemberforleadership and ethics, had the opportunity to not only assistinbuildingtheprogram,butfacilitate thecourseaswell.

OneofthetopicsKeanespokeonwasthe importance of authenticity in leaders and theimpactitcanhaveonthecommandand thecrew

“Beingauthenticandauthenticleadership is an important part of positive leadership becauseitcreatesaconsistency,”saidKeane “Youneedtohavealifetimeofpersonaland organizationalgrowthtoremainauthentic.”

ThecourseprovidedaspacewhereMSC shipboard leaders were able to collaborate exchange ideas during group discussions and hone approaches to scenarios during casestudies

“The course was beneficial in understanding various ways of being a compass to guide and mentor my crew to true north, instead of always directing The goal is to get them to understand the bigger picture,” saidCapt.AlexisCallahan,MasterofUSNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3). “Also beneficial was the collection of topics covered by the MSC Chaplain on ways to manage stress, nutrient, sleep and support for both myself

taskedwithpreparingquarterlybillsintriplicateforallprocuredsupplies,certifyingto their correctness and forwarding them to BUMEDforapprovalandpayment.

„ Official communication. All official communications from medical officers to the Navy Department were to be routed throughBUMED AstheNavyMedicalDepartmentcontinuedtoevolvetomeettheneedsofthefleetit became apparent that the Instructions also required updating Throughout its history a hallmark of this publication is that it’s a livingdocumentthatiscontinuallyupdated andadaptedtotheneedsoftheservice New editions were published every few years In 1867, it was published under a new title, Instructions for Medical Officers of the United States Navy And in 1914, it was first published—and thereafter be known —as theManualoftheMedicalDepartment,U.S. Navy(MANMED).

For much of its history a new edition of the MANMED was considered by some a “noteworthy event. In his report to the SecretaryoftheNavydated1906,RearAdm. Presley Rixey, the Navy Surgeon General, underscored its value by stating that: “. .it is a source of satisfaction to the Bureau [of Medicine and Surgery] to realize that its efforts to secure its publication of this important manual have been successful and that the book is in the hands of every medical officer. The uniformity of procedure in the discharge of medical duties therein prescribed will secure more accuraterecords,moreintelligentapprehension of service requirements, and more satisfactoryresultsintheperformanceofthespecial duties devolving upon the Medical Departmentinitssupervisionofthesanitaryinterestsoftheservice.”

This“uniformityofprocedure continues tothisday.

Today,MANMEDholdsthedistinctionas theoldestNavymedicaldocumentincontinuous publication. And after more than 30

andhowtoincorporateitintobetteringthe shipenvironment.”

ThecoursewascreatedfortopMSCleadership,buttheteamhopestobroadendevelopmentalopportunitiesoftheprogramtoa wideraudienceandonalargerscale “Thestretchgoalisthatitwilleventually go down to the rest of the officers and then possibly to the crew,” said McCarthy. “And furtherdowntheroad,thegoalistobecome amodelintheindustry.”

Upon concluding the week-long course, the16participantswerenotonlyawardeda certification of completion, but also are the plankownerstothefirstgraduatingclassof thepilotcourse

“Good leaders set the tone and climate for an institution and ultimately can pave the way for a successful command, Keane said. “We want every person at MSC to be successful, whether they are leading or following.”

MSC exists to support the joint warfighter across the full spectrum of military operations, with a workforce that includes approximately6,000CivilServiceMariners and 1,100 contract mariners supported by 1,500 shore staff and 1,400 active duty and reservemilitarypersonnel.

editionswithcountlesschanges,MANMED remains a vital part of Navy Medicine—a constantly revised document ensuring the operational readiness administrative accountability, and professional standards oftheentireNavyMedicineEnterprise For250years,NavyMedicine—currently represented by more than 44,000 highly-trained military and civilian health care professionalsaswellasexperiencedsupport staff—has delivered quality healthcare and enduring expeditionary medical support to the warfighter on, below, and above the sea andashore.

Sources: „ Annual Report of the Surgeon General, U.S. Navy, Chief of the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery to the Secretary of the Navy for the Fiscal Year 1906 Washington, D.C.: GovernmentPrintingOffice,1906 „ BUMED (1844). Instructions for the Government of the Medical Officers of the Navy of the United States Washington: AlexanderandBarnard,Printers „ Harris, T. to J. Kearney, W.S.W. Ruschenberger, and J.V. Smith, J.V., May 1, 1844 BUMEDLetterBooks,RecordGroup 52,NationalArchives,Washington,D.C. „ Harris, T. to J. Mason, W.S.W. Ruschenberger andJ.V.Smith,J.V. June21, 1844 BUMEDLetterBooks RecordGroup 52 NationalArchives Washington,D.C. „ Kearney, J., Ruschenberger, W.S.W., and Smith, J.V. to Thomas Harris, May 6, 1844 BUMED Letter Books, Record Group 52, NationalArchives,Washington,D.C. „ Ruschenberger, W.S.W. to Barton, W.P.C., September 23, 1842. W.S.W. Ruschenberger Papers.RareBookCollection.EastCarolina StateUniversity „ Smith,G.S.(1984).“AnUncertainPassage: The Bureaus Run the Navy 1842-1861. In PeaceandWar:InterpretationsofAmerican Naval History, 1775-1984 Westport, CT: GreenwoodPress.

Kappa Lambda ChiAlpha ChapterMilitaryFraternityprovidedThanksgiving assistance to sailors assigned to InformationWarfareTraining Command Norfolkbydistributing gift cards to help support service members during the holidayseason.(COURTESYPHOTO)

Iasked what kind of family Amina wanted. Shesaid, ‘A family like yours.’That’s when Iknew Ihad to adopt her.

Denise, adopted 17-year-old Amina

Navy Region Mid-Atlantic change of command

ByChiefPettyOfficerElizabethReisen

Navy Region Mid-Atlantic

RearAdm.CarlLahtiwasrelievedbyRear Adm. Stephen Barnett as Commander of NavyRegionMid-Atlantic(CNRMA)today, during a ceremony at Vista Point onboard NavalStationNorfolk,Virginia. Commander, Navy Installations Command, Vice Adm. Scott Gray was the presidingofficerfortheevent.Immediately following the change of command, Lahti retired from the Navy after serving more than36yearsofcommissionedservice LahtiassumedcommandinJulyof2024 Duringhistour,heprovidedafullspectrum of shore installation management, services tooperatingforcesandNavyfamilieswithin region’sareaofresponsibility Hefostereda workforce that energetically resolved the Navy’s most complex challenges to sustain thefleet,enablethefighter,andsupportthe family Barnett,anativeofColumbia,Tennessee, previously served as the Commander, Navy

Region Northwest and Commander Navy Region Southwest. His other assignments included Commanding Officer of Naval BaseCoronado,California,ChiefofStafffor Commander, Navy Region Southeast and Commander,NavyInstallationsCommand

He reported to CNRMA from his last assignment as Commander, Navy Region Hawaii/Commander, Navy Closure Task Force RedHill.

CNRMA is the regional coordinator for all shore-based naval personnel and shore activities in the Mid-Atlantic region, which encompasses 20 states, 13 installations, and numerous Navy reserve centers from MainetoVirginiaandasfarwestasIllinois Toreadmore,pleasecheckusoutonDVIDS at https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/NRMA, orfollowusonFacebook,X,andInstagram. This event was livestreamed on the CNRMA Facebook page and all content can be used for footage during newscasts https://www.facebook.com/CNRMA.PAO Photosfromtheceremonycanalsobefound athttps://www.dvidshub.net/unit/NRMA

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va Recently Commander NavyInstallationCommand’s (CNIC) announced Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Jakob Morrsion, assigned to Naval Auxiliary Landing Field (NALF) Fentress, as their Firefighter of the Year The award recognizes those who go above and beyond demonstrating leadership technical expertise and a commitment to training and mentoring others

“Winningthisawardisanhonor,”Morrison said. “It shows that hard work and dedication to the mission do not go unrecognized.” Morrison also acknowledged his recognition was a team effort.

“This award is a reflection of our entire team,” he said. “Without them, I do not thinkIwouldbeabletoaccomplishallthat I have This award is due in part to their efforts Firefighting is never a solo effort, and I’m grateful to work alongside some of the best.” Morrison attributed his career success

Sinklar, who he views as mentor ThosewhoworkalongsideMorrisonsaid theawardwasawell-deservedrecognition

Secretary of the Navy John Phelan visits PCU John F. Kennedy

CourtesyStory

PCU John F. Kennedy (CVN 79)

NEWPORT NEWS, Va (April 16, 2025)

The Secretary of the Navy John Phelan visited Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU)

John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) at Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS), a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), April 16, 2025

During the tour, the Secretary met with shipbuilders and Sailors assigned to PCU John F. Kennedy, observing first-hand the technological advancements and craftsmanship contributing to the construction of the second ship of the Gerald R. Ford-

ByLashawnSykes

USN Military Sealift Command

NORFOLK Va (May 5, 2025) Naval Station Norfolk welcomed the U.S. Navy’s newest vessel USNS Robert E. Simanek (T-ESB 7) to its new home on May 5, after completing its maiden voyage from San Diego, Calif The event was attended by friends and family, including his daughter, AnnSimanekClarkwhoservesastheship’s sponsor Simanek is named in honor of Private First-Class Robert Earnest Simanek, a decorated U.S. Marine who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Battle of Bunker Hill during the Korean War.

Simanek is the fifth expeditionary sea-base vessel, a variant of the Montford Point-class expeditionary transfer dock (ESD) platform, built for Military Sealift Command(MSC).ESBsarehighlyflexible platformsthatprovidelogisticsmovement fromseatoshore,supportingabroadrange of military operations

Simanek’s Executive Officer Lt Cmdr Michael J. Cullen said the crew is excited to welcome this new hull to the fleet “For most of our Sailors, this is their first time working on a hybrid manned ship “When Sailorsandcivilianmarinerscometogether with a common goal, the Navy can achieve greater operational efficiency, flexibility, and readiness all of which is of vital importance to its future.”

class aircraft carriers

“PCU John F. Kennedy is more than an aircraft carrier; it’s a symbol of American power,”saidPhelan.“Ihaveseentodaythat thispowerisn’tgivenbutratherbuiltbythe sweat and skill of American workers.”

The visit, coordinated by HII-NNS in partnershipwiththeU.S.Navy includedan overviewoftheconstructionoftheaircraft carrier and an engagement with the ship’s crew

“We are honored to welcome our Secretary of the Navy and showcase the tremendous efforts of our Sailors and our shipbuilding partners,” said Captain Doug Langenberg, commanding officer of PCU

John F. Kennedy

“We are working hard everydaytodeliveracombat-readyaircraft carrier with a trained and certified crew, readytomeeteverychallenge,readytofight and win.”

PCU John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) is the second aircraft carrier in the Ford Class, the first new class in more than 40 years

At 1,092 feet in length and 100,000 tons

CVN 79 represents dramatic advances in propulsion, power generation, ordnance handling, and aircraft launch systems. These innovations will support a higher sortie generation rate at significant cost savings when compared to Nimitz-class carriers TheGeraldR.Fordclassalsooffers

a considerable reduction—approximately $4billionpership—inlifecycleoperations and support costs compared to the earlier Nimitz class The new technology and warfighting capabilities that John F. Kennedy brings to the fleet will transform naval warfare, supporting a more capable and lethal forward-deployed U.S. naval presence In an emerging era of great power competition, CVN 79 will serve as the most agile and lethal combat platform globally, with improvedsystemsthatenhanceinteroperabilityamongotherplatformsinthecarrier strike group and with the naval forces of regional allies and partners

Thishybridcrewconcepthasbeenpreviously proven on commissioned warships such as USS Frank Cable (AS 40), USS Emory S. Land (AS 39), USS Mount Whitney(LLC20),USSPonce(AFSB(I)15),and USS Hershel “Woody Williams (ESB 4) WhilehomeportedinNorfolk,Simanek’s crew will be 100-plus strong, with a complement of U.S. Navy Sailors and officers, known as the blue and gold military crews, who alternate manning the vessel andallowingforcontinuousstrategicdeterrence patrols at sea, and civilian mariners who operate navigate and maintain the vessel. While today marks the end of Simanek’s maiden voyage, it is also a new beginning forourcrewastheycometogethertoforge newbonds,Cullensaid.“Beingabletobuild comradery helps to create a sense of trust among the men and women who serve aboard the vessel, enabling them to rely on eachother’sskillsandexpertise,regardless of rank or background.”

The784ft.-longvesselisdesignedaround four core capabilities: aviation facilities, berthing equipmentstaging andcommand andcontrolassets Itwillprimarilysupport a variety of aviation mine countermeasuresandspecialoperationsmissionsfreeing up amphibious warships and surface combatant ships to be reassigned for more demanding operational missions

With a 9,500 nautical mile range at a sustained speed of 15 knots, Simanek is approximately90,000tonsandhasabeam of 164 feet. Additionally, the ship’s size allows for 25,000 square feet of vehicle andequipmentstowagespaceand380,000 gallons of JP-5 fuel storage MSC operates approximately 125 non-combatant,civilian-crewedshipsthat replenishU.S.Navyships,conductspecializedmissions,andstrategicallypreposition combatcargoatseaaroundtheworldwhile movingmilitarycargoandsuppliesusedby

USS Gravely and U.S. Coast Guard conduct drug interdiction in Caribbean Sea

ByPettyOfficer1stClass

AndersonBranch Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet

The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyerUSSGravely(DDG107)seizedan estimated860poundsofillegaldrugsfroma vesselintheCaribbeanSea,May25

An MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74, the “Swamp Foxes, lifts off from the flight deck of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) to conduct a routine maritimeinterdictionoperationpatrolwhile underwayintheCaribbeanSea.

The interdiction by Gravely was conductedbytheship’sVisit Board,Search and Seizure (VBSS) team alongside a U.S. CoastGuardLawEnforcementDetachment (LEDET)assignedtotheship

“Iamincrediblyimpressedbytheprofessionalism and prompt action executed by the Sailors and Coast Guardsmen aboard Gravely! Seamless integration of U.S. Navy andU.S.CoastGuardmaritimeassetsisintegral to border protection this is an excellent example of that teamwork,” said Vice Adm. Doug Perry Commander U.S. 2nd Fleet. “Border security is national security. Gravely’s deployment highlights our dedication and the Nation’s dedication to maritimehomelanddefensepriorities.”

Gravely’s VBSS team boarded a vessel of interest. The team discovered and seized 19 bales of cocaine with an approximate weightof860poundsandanestimatedvalue of$13,650,000

Coast Guardsmen assigned to U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) 401, embarked on the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107), board the ship’s ridged hull inflatable boat to conduct maritime interdictionoperations(MIO),whileunderwayintheCaribbeanSea.

U.S. Navy forces are deployed under U.S. Northern Command’s maritime homeland defenseauthoritieswithaLEDETembarked to enable maritime interdiction missions to prevent the flow of illegal drugs and other illegalactivity.

SinceenteringtheGulfofAmericaMarch 15, Gravely has received support from P-8 aircraft assigned to Naval Air Station Jacksonville Fla., allowing for enhanced and

increased identification of illicit activity for the embarked Coast Guard LEDET in the Gulf of America and the U.S. 2nd Fleet and U.S.4thFleetareasofoperation.

Coast Guardsmen assigned to U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) 401, and Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107), prepare to transfer bails of cocaine seized during a maritime interdiction operation (MIO) whileunderwayintheCaribbeanSea.

Utilizing the Coast Guard’s jurisdiction, Gravely employs LEDET personnel to perform vessel boardings, searches, and seizures in U.S. and international waters, targeting drug trafficking illegal immigration, and transnational crime with a nexus at the U.S. southern border With the LEDET’stacticalexpertiseguidinginterdiction efforts, Gravely harnesses its advanced surveillance systems and mobility to locate and intercept suspect vessels, effectively extending Coast Guard authority through naval power to enhance maritime security operations This collaboration ensures a robust, legally empowered response to maritimethreats strengtheningU.S.border protectionefforts U.S. 2nd Fleet, reestablished in 2018 in response to the changing global security environment, develops and employs maritime forces ready to fight across multiple domainsintheAtlanticandArcticinorderto ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S. allied,andpartnerinterests

CARIBBEAN SEA(May25,2025) Coast Guardsmen assigned to U.S.Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) 401,and Sailors assigned to theArleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyerUSS Gravely(DDG 107), prepare to transferbails ofcocaine seized during a maritime interdiction operation (MIO)while underwayin the Caribbean Sea.U.S.Navyassets are deployed underU.S.Northern Command’s maritime homeland defense authoritieswith a U.S.Coast Guard LawEnforcement Detachment embarked to enable maritime interdiction missions to prevent the flowofillegal drugs and otherillegal activity.U.S.Northern Command isworking togetherwith the Department of Homeland Securityto provide additional military forces and capabilities at the southern border (U.S.NAVYPHOTOBYMASSCOMMUNICATION SPECIALIST1STCLASSRYANWILLIAMS)

Navy and Marine Corps commence Large Scale Exercise 2025

ByUnitedStatesFleetForces

Command

Commander

U.S. Fleet Forces Command

NORFOLK Va Sailors and Marines from across 22 time zones, six component commands,andsevenU.S.numberedFleets are now participating in Large Scale Exercise (LSE) 2025, as the Navy and Marine Corps officially kick off one of their largest globaltrainingevents,July30 LSE2025isaglobal,all-domainwarfighting exercise designed to simulate complex, real-world threats—from the piers of U.S. navalbasestoshipsatseaandheadquarters around the globe—creating a realistic environment that mirrors strategic competitor challenges

Using state-of-the-art technology, exercise planners have built real-time, dynamic scenarios that stress-test Navy and Marine Corps systems processes and decision-making—without physically wearing down our ships aircraft, and equipment. While the scenarios are virtual, the lessons learnedareveryreal,testingreadiness,flexibility, and resilience in ways never before imagined.

Building upon insights from previous exercises, LSE 2025 enables Sailors and Marines to plan, execute, and evaluate advanced warfighting concepts ensuring future readiness when facing a thinking capableadversary.

For the first time, LSE will include U.S. allies and partners—including Canada, Japan, and NATO—expanding the exercise’sreachandenhancingcoalitionintegration.Thislevelofinternationalcoordination strengthensinteroperability trust,andjoint effectiveness across the maritime force,

ensuring we can respond to future challenges with unityandprecision.

“This isn’t just about scale—it’s about integration, synchronization, and rehearsal for the full spectrum of conflict,” said Vice Adm. John Gumbleton, deputy commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command.

“LSE 2025 will test our ability to globally coordinateMaritime Operations Centers, execute contested logistics and mobilize our Reserve forces Large Scale Exercise2025ishow we prepare to fight andwin—anywhere, anytime.”

LSE2025istheonlyexercisewhereall10 FleetMaritimeOperationsCenters(MOCs) will operate simultaneously While many exercises focus on a single fleet or region LSE 2025 raises the bar—requiring coordinatedactionacrosstheglobeandproviding

critical experience at the operational level ofwar.

“This exercise provides an incredible opportunity to hone command and control acrossthemostlethalamphibioustaskforces intheworld,ensuringsealanesremainopen and global commerce flows freely, maintainingpeaceandstabilityworldwide,”said Lt Gen. Bobbi Shea, commander, Marine ForcesCommand.“LSEoffersaglimpseinto thefutureofwarfare,pushingtheboundaries of what’s possible and ensuring that our Navy-MarineCorpsteamremainsthemost advanced, agile and effective fighting force intheworld.

Large Scale Exercise 2025 represents a pivotal opportunity to test and refine the Navy and Marine Corps’ ability to operate in a globally contested environment. By integratingadvancedwarfightingconcepts, alliedcapabilities,andreal-timeoperational coordination,LSE2025reinforcesthemaritime services’ commitment to maintaining strategic advantage deterring aggression, and ensuring security and stability across theworld’soceans

USFFCisresponsibleformanning,training,equippingandemployingmorethan125 ships,1,000aircraft,and103,000active-duty service members and government employees, and providing combat-ready forces forward to numbered fleets and combatant commandersaroundtheglobeinsupportof U.S.nationalinterests

Above, Below, and Beyond: The Department of the Navy honors 250 years of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps this Veterans Day

CourtesyStory

ThisVeteransDay,theDepartmentofthe Navy commemorates 250 years of American seapower with “Above, Below, and Beyond,” a two-hour Presidential special airingSunday,Nov.9,2025,onFoxNation.

A once-in-a-generation broadcast, the special takes viewers behind the scenes of the world’s preeminent maritime force; revealing never-before-seen footage, rare access, and first-hand accounts from Sailors,Marines,andthefamilieswhostandthe watchwiththem.

Usingnever-before-seenfootage,viewers will see dynamic Navy and Marine Corps operations across air land, sea, space and cyber; a rare look at how our sea services deliverpeacethroughstrength.

Filmed across the nation and around the globe, the special moves from the decks of aircraft carriers to the depths of submarine commands, offering an inside view of the operations that keep the Navy—Marine Corpsteamthemostlethalandvitalforcein America’sarsenalsowhentheworldlooksto thesea,itseesourflag andbehinditateam thatisdisciplined lethal,anddominant. It also spotlights the men and women of American industry: the shipyard workers, welders,pipefitters,electricians,engineers, and suppliers, whose craftsmanship turns steelintoshipsandkeepstheFleetatsea.

Viewerswillwitnessseapoweratspeed— carrier strike groups executing blue-water powerprojection,amphibiousforcesdriving ship-to-shoreoperationsincontestedlittorals,andelitenavalaviatorsflyingprecision profilesinsidetheNavy’sTOPGUNtraining squadron.

The two-hour special shows the world that the United States Navy Marine CorpsTeamhasbeentheenduring forward deployed force that keeps danger far from our shores Across these two hours, the Navy—Marine Corps team will show why the United States commands the seas, securesglobaltrade,andsetsthecoursefor thefuture.

We show the world that ‘freedom isn’t free’isnotjustatagline

“In 1775 the Founders made a bet; that America’s future would be written at sea For 250 years, Sailors and Marines have writtenfreedom’sstoryfromthefrontlines of history,” said John C. Phelan, Secretary of the Navy “To be a superpower, you must be a seapower. In this tribute, we show the world and our adversaries that America’s Navy—Marine Corps team and their families is what makes America a superpower. This honors both those in uniform and the families who give them strength. The next century of American seapower won’t be definedbyasingleplatform,butbythecharacterofourpeople.”

Featuring participation from the President, Vice President, Secretary of War, SecretaryoftheNavyalongsideactive-duty service members and veterans, “Above, Below, and Beyond” spans every domain of modernseapower This special reminds the world that freedomisnotfree;it’sdefendedbythestrength of America’s Navy and Marine Corps team. We safeguard something infinitely greater than our might. Their resolve keeps the future open and ensures the blessings our Founders promised: life, liberty, and the pursuitofhappiness Viewers will see carrier strike groups protectingvitalsealanes;Marinesconducting expeditionary training alongside allies; andtheshipbuilders engineers logisticians and families whose quiet professionalism sustains the Fleet. It is a living portrait of American seapower: past, present, and the futurewearebuildingnow.

“For 250 years, America’s Navy and Marine Corps have stood the watch—bold, resilient, and always ready—protecting our Nation and defending the ideals of freedomacrosseverydomain,”saidAdm.Daryl Caudle Chief of Naval Operations “This tribute honors not only our history but the extraordinary Sailors and Marines who continue to shape our future with innovation, courage, and an unbreakable commitmenttoservice.”

“The Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary is a testament to our enduring legacy as the Nation’s expeditionary force, always ready to answer the Nation’s call,” said Gen. Eric Smith, Commandant of the Marine Corps “Aswecelebratethishistoricmilestone,we honor our past and those who have gone before us We reaffirm our commitment to ourculture,oneanother,ourCorps,andour Nation.

For more than two centuries, the Navy MarineCorpsteamhasensuredfreedomof navigation, safeguarded global commerce, and provided the Nation unmatched capability to deter aggression and respond to crisis With two-thirds of trade and 80% of goods moving by sea, the maritime security providedbyourNavy-MarineCorpsteamis thebackboneofprosperityanddeterrence Today, they continue to adapt—advancingshipbuilding,unmannedsystems,hypersonics, AI, and cyber defense so America’s maritime dominance endures into the two hundredandfiftyyearsandbeyond. Watch the teaser clip online at https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBUOdtc8KlY Check local listings for Fox Nation’s presentationof“Above Below,andBeyond: The Department of the Navy Honors 250 YearsoftheU.S.NavyandMarineCorps.”

SPECIAL SECTION: 2025 A YEAR IN REVIEW

VIRGINIABEACH,Va (Sept.20 2025)The U.S.NavyFlight Demonstration Squadron,the BlueAngels,perform an

Sept 20 Thisyear’s showcommemorated 250years ofAmerica’s Navy honoring its

CLASSKAITLINYOUNG)

NAS Oceana Air Show draws

a crowd of over 300,000 to celebrate 250 years of America’s

ByKatieHewett Naval Air Station Oceana

The2025NavalAirStation(NAS)Oceana Air Show welcomed more than 300,000 spectators Sept. 19—21 to experience thrilling flight demonstrations, cutting-edge static displays, and a celebration honoring 250yearsofAmerica’sNavy

The annual NAS Oceana Air Show is the Navy’swayofgivingbacktothecommunity by sharing the very best of naval aviation. Freeandopentothepublic,thisyear’sevent drew families from across the country and around the world to witness the power of naval aviation and be inspired by the skill professionalism, and teamwork of the men andwomenoftheU.S.military

“Thisyear’stheme,‘Celebrating250Years of America’s Navy,’ made the 2025 air show truly historic,” said Capt. Josh Appezzato, NAS Oceana’s commanding officer “It was an incredible opportunity to honor our Navy’spast,showcasethestrengthoftoday’s fleet,andinspirethenextgenerationtocarry usintothefuture.

The two-day show featured actionpacked aerial performances, including the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the F-35C Lightning II Demonstration Team, the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team, and an

Air Power Demonstration featuring local squadrons from Carrier Air Wing 1 (CVW1) which highlighted the speed, precision, andpowerofNavytacticalaviation.

Partnering with Virginia Beach City Public Schools and Chesapeake Public Schools,NASOceanatransformedtheflight line into a massive “STEM Laboratory, where more than 8,000 students engaged with more than 200 hands-on exhibits for theirSTEMEducationFieldTriponFriday, Sept.19

“Providing STEM-related engagement opportunities during this field trip and throughout the weekend is one of the most unique ways we can help ensure the next generation has the tools and inspiration to drive innovation forward, said Debbie Patch,NASOceana’sschoolliaison.

Intotal,over8,000students,teachers,and chaperonesexploredrobotics,3-Dprinting, underwaterremotevehicles,scienceexperiments,anddemonstrationsfrommorethan 200 local, regional, and national organizations including Dominion Energy Virginia DepartmentofTransportation,NavalExpeditionaryCombatCommand,VirgniaBeach Public Library, Old Dominion University, andTidewaterCommunityCollege

Though Friday’s STEM Laboratory was dedicated to Virginia Beach City Public

VIRGINIABEACH,Va (Sept.19 2025)The U.S.NavyBlueAngels perform at the 2025 Naval AirStation (NAS) OceanaAirShowaboard NAS Oceana,Sept 19 2025.(U.S.NAVYPHOTOBY MASSCOMMUNICATIONSPECIALISTSEAMANAPPRENTICEOLIVERMCCAINVIEIRA)

School and Chesapeake Public School fifth graders, hundreds of STEM exhibits were available for all to enjoy throughout the weekend.

ThecelebrationcontinuedSaturdaynight attheVirginiaBeachOceanfrontwithBeach Blast.Morethan12,000attendeesfilled31st StreetParktoenjoyafreeconcertbytheU.S. FleetForcesBand,aU.S.NavyF/A-18Super HornetandF-35CLightningIIafterburner flyover,aprecisionparachutedemonstration by Skydive Suffolk, and a special introductiontotheU.S.NavyBlueAngels

The show’s success was made possible byateamofnearly800militaryvolunteers municipal partners from Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Suffolk, Portsmouth, two regional school systems, and more than 40 localandveteran-ownedbusinesses

“TheNASOceanaAirShowwouldnotbe possiblewithoutthesupportofourcommunityandthehardworkofhundredsofdedicated people,” said Greg Courrier, NAS OceanaAirShowdirector.“Fromourworldclass performers to the volunteers and first respondersbehindthescenes,thiswastruly ateamefforttodeliveratop-notcheventto helpcelebrate250yearsoftheU.S.Navy.”

Emergency preparedness and public safety were also a joint effort. Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Fire and Emergency Services

Navy

partnered with over 100 regional fire, EMS and healthcare agencies, while more than 300 Navy Security Forces and local, state, and federal law enforcement specialists ensuredasafeexperienceforall.

For those who could not attend in person, the air show was once again livestreamed around the globe. Anchored by the Navy Exchange Service Command and Navy Morale, Welfare and Recreation, the two-day broadcast included cockpit footage, performer interviews, shout-outs, and vendor features The livestream reached audiencesin102countries,withover200K totalviewsandmorethan38hoursofwatch time Without the continued support from the localcommunity,freefamily-friendlyevents like the NAS Oceana Air Show and Beach Blastwouldnotbepossible “On behalf of Team Oceana, thank you to our neighbors, partners, and guests for making this year’s show such a resounding success,” said Appezzato. “Your support means the world to our sailors and their families, and together we’ve created a celebrationworthyofourNavy’s250thanniversary.”

VIRGINIABEACH,Va (Sept.20 2025) Skydive Suffolkperforms at the 2025 NavalAirStation (NAS) OceanaAirShowaboard NAS Oceana,Sept 20 2025.(U.S.NAVYPHOTOBYMASS COMMUNICATIONSPECIALISTSEAMANAPPRENTICEOLIVERMCCAINVIEIRA)

VIRGINIABEACH,Va (Sept.19 2025) Mike Goulian performs at the 2025 NavalAirStation (NAS) OceanaAirShow aboard NAS Oceana,Sept 19 2025.(U.S.NAVYPHOTO BYMASSCOMMUNICATION SPECIALISTSEAMAN APPRENTICEOLIVER MCCAINVIEIRA)

VIRGINIABEACH,Va (Sept.20,2025)Audience memberswatch a performance during the 2025 NavalAirStation (NAS) OceanaAirShow, Sept 20 (U.S.NAVYPHOTO BYMASSCOMMUNICATION SPECIALIST2NDCLASS KAITLINYOUNG)

SPECIAL SECTION: 2025 A YEAR IN REVIEW

Adm. Caudle conducts first All Hands

Call aboard USS Harry S. Truman as CNO

CourtesyStory

NORFOLK, Va Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Daryl Caudle held his first all-hands call as the Navy’s 34th CNO aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) at Naval Station Norfolk Aug. 28 addressing TrumanSailorsandcommandsfromacross thewaterfront

Sailors filled the hangar bay as Caudle outlinedhisprioritiesfortheNavy’sfuture— The Foundry, The Fleet, and The Way We Fight. Truman Commanding Officer Capt. DanielProchazkasaidhewasproudhisship waschosentohosttheCNO’sfirstvisit.

“Having Adm. Caudle choose Truman for his first all-hands call as CNO was a powerful moment for this crew and for the fleet,” said Prochazka. “Our Sailors came home from deployment combat-tested and proud, and that spirit was on full display as they welcomed him aboard. It was a meaningful start to his tenure and a reminder of

Norfolk’s central role in the strength of our Navy.”

While aboard, Caudle discussed the importanceoftakingcareofSailors,advancingreadiness,anddeliveringacombat-credibleFleet.

“Let there be no doubt that the single greatest and enduring competitive advantage against our adversaries is all of you— the Sailors,” Caudle said to the Sailors in attendance “You are the engine that brings our ships to life, ensures our equipment performs with maximum endurance and efficacy, and delivers the lethal ordnance to winincombat.”

Caudle emphasized the key elements of hisstrategicvision,emphasizingtheNavy’s focusonoperationalreadiness,forcegeneration,andwarfightingexcellence

“Our Navy must be resilient, agile, globally present, and combat credible—ready to fightandwindecisively today,tomorrow, and well into the future,” said Caudle “To achievethisvision,everythingwedowillbe

viewedthroughanoperationallensfocused on three priorities: the Foundry, the Fleet, andthewayweFight.”

Duringtheengagement,Caudleanswered questions from the crew, listened to their feedback, and personally recognized the achievementsofseveralSailors

“BeingrecognizedbytheCNOathisfirst fleet event is something I’m proud of, but it reallyreflectsthehardworkofmydivision,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Cory Juncker, whoreceivedachallengecoinfromCaudle

“We put a lot into keeping our gear ready, and this shows our effort makes a difference.”

“Having the CNO come here first shows hereallywantstoconnectwithSailors,”said SeamanElianaGilson,aSailorofthequarter aboard Truman. “For me, being early in my career,itmakestheNavyfeelalittlesmaller andmorepersonal.”

Before departing Truman, Caudle expressedhisconfidenceintheNavy’sability to meet future challenges and achieve

success through unity and relentless dedication.

“With battle-ready Sailors like you manning the helm, our Fleet delivers overwhelmingeffectslikenootherintheworld: mobility persistent presence and global reach—causing our adversaries to think twice,whilereassuringouralliesthatpeace isbestkeptthroughstrength, saidCaudle Caudle,anativeofWinston-Salem,North Carolina, has served nearly four decades in uniform. A career submariner and magna cumlaudegraduateofNorthCarolinaState University,hehascommandedateverylevel from submarine to fleet. He most recently led U.S. Fleet Forces Command before assumingdutiesasCNOearlierthismonth. USS Harry S. Truman, the flagship of the Harry S. Truman Strike Group, is a Nimitzclass aircraft carrier homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. Carrier Strike GroupsremainthecornerstoneoftheNavy’s forward presence through sea control and powerprojection.

ByKatieHewett

Naval Air Station Oceana

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va Secretary of War,PeteHegseth,visitedNavalAirStation (NAS) Oceana to administer the oath of enlistmenttonewU.S.militaryrecruitsand personally recognize NAS Oceana Sailors fortheirexceptionalleadership professionalism, and dedication to the Navy and the installation’s mission, during a ceremony held at Apollo Soucek Field, onboard NAS Oceana,Oct 7. Theenlistmentceremonymarkedtheofficial entry into military service of 60 young men and women from Richmond, Virginia’s Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS).Theenlistmentceremonyincluded remarks a formal swearing in, and a coin presentation by Hegseth to select MEPS personnelandNASOceanaSailors

MEPS facilities across the United States are where U.S. military recruits undergo medical screenings, aptitude tests, and other assessments in order to determine their eligibility for enlistment in the armed services

According to the Office of the Secretary ofWar,theeventdemonstratedtheDepartment of War’s support for joint operations andtheimportanceofastrong,well-trained force across all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces

HegsetharrivedbyplanetoApolloSoucek Field and was greeted by NAS Oceana CommandingOfficer,Capt.JoshAppezzato; Executive Officer Capt. Rob Littman; and CommandMasterChief RobBarber;along with U.S. Congresswoman, Jen Kiggans; Virginia Delegate, Anne Ferrell Tata; and VirginiaBeachMayor,BobbyDyer Priortotheenlistment,Hegsethaddressed attendees and announced the formation of a new barracks task force, reaffirming the Department’s focus on improving quality-of-lifeinitiativesforservicemembers

Secretary of War visits NAS Oceana, recognizes Sailors for exceptional service (VIRGINIABEACH,Va.) SecretaryofWarPete Hegseth speaks to newservice members following an enlistment ceremonyat NavalAirStation Oceana,Oct.7,2025.The event recognized the next generation ofmilitarypersonnel entering service and underscored the Department of Defense’s commitment to improving qualityoflife and readiness across the force.(USNAVYPHOTOBYMASSCOMMUNICATIONSPECIALIST SEAMANAPPRENTICEOLIVERMCCAINVIEIRA)

“Incrucialways bigandsmall theDepartment of War is going to have your back like neverbefore.Notjustinthefight,butalongsideyourfamily,alongsideyourwelfare.The basics, like barracks You deserve the best,” Hegsethsaid. Following the enlistment ceremony, Hegseth presented challenge coins to four NAS Oceana Sailors in recognition for their exceptionalperformanceandcontributions totheinstallation’smission: Air Traffic Controller 1st Class Timothy Cornell Recognizedforexceptionalleadershipanddedicationtotraining Cornellled 21fellowairtrafficcontrollersthroughmore than2,000hoursofinstruction.Asanassistant command fitness leader, he motivates Sailors in the prioritization of their fitness andhealth.

Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Kobe Norfleet Commended for his dedication to improving quality of life for warfighters - proactively resolving challenges that impacted more than 300 Marines and securingcriticalresourcestoenhanceliving conditionsacrosstheinstallation. Master-at-ArmsSeamanSamanthaCoakley HonoredasNASOceana’sBlueJacket of the Quarter for her quick thinking and courage, during multiple emergency situations

Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Giovanni Botarri Recognized for his vital role in the completion of key base-improvement projects,andhiscommitmenttoenhancing the quality of life for all who live and work aboardtheinstallation. NASOceana,theNavy’sEastCoastMaster Jet Base continues to set the standard for excellence in naval aviation and community partnership, showcasing the people and programs that keep the Navy’s foundationstrong

New U.S. Navy installation in Hampton Roads - Naval Support Activity Portsmouth

BySusanneGreene Norfolk Naval Shipyard

PORTSMOUTH,Va

AsofOct.1,Naval Support Activity—Portsmouth (NSAP) is now an established installation. Formerly a part of Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY), NSAP is now in alignment with other similar installations under Commander, Naval Installations Command and ensures NNSY leadership can more effectively focus on supportingfleetneeds

A look back at CNRMA’s celebration of the U.S. Navy’s250th birthday

NORFOLK, Va Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic has proudly marked the 250th birthday of the United States Navy with a series of celebrations across our region. Joint Expeditionary Base Little CreekFort Story kicked off our celebration with a spirited concert that brought Sailors, Marines, their families and the community together In Philadelphia, the birthplace of the Navy and the United States Marine Corps, wehostedaweekofcommemorativeactivities including ship tours fly-overs and a parade Naval Air Station Oceana hosted a spectacular air show that brought the history and power of Naval aviation front and center How are you celebrating 250 years of service,sacrificeandmaritimeexcellence?

As the Navy’s newest installation in HamptonRoads,NSAPortsmouthprovides Base Operating Support (BOS) infrastructure for all tenant commands to include those at Norfolk Naval Shipyard St Juliens CreekAnnex,ScottCenterAnnex,St Helena Annex, and residents at New Gosport, and StanleyCourtPublicPrivateVenturehousingareas Services previously managed by NNSY thatarenowunderNSAPortsmouthinclude port operations; emergency management services; fire and emergency services; force protection;explosivesafety;environmental compliance; utilities; unaccompanied and family housing; child and youth programs; andMorale WelfareandRecreation(MWR) functions amongothers NSA Portsmouth’s mission is to provide quality customer service while ensuring all regional fleet, fighter, and family readiness objectives are met. NSAP executes the Navy’s mission to provide efficient and cost-effective shore installation manage-

hauling, repairing, conducting

refueling/defueling, and drydocking for all typesofNavyships