Flagship 01.25.2024

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, January 25, 2024 1

IN THIS ISSUE

Mine Mission: Marine Corps Looks to Boost Mine Countermeasure Capabilities As rolling waves pounded the beach, the operator deftly maneuvered joysticks on a handheld controller, causing the uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) a few feet away to ascend and arc gracefully over the Pacific Ocean. PAGE A4

VOL. 32, NO. 3, Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com

January 25-January 31, 2024

Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group returns from historic deployment

(COURTESY PHOTOS)

By Petty Officer 1st Class Brian Glunt

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN78)

NORFOLK, Va. — USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) returned to its homeport of Naval Station Norfolk, January 17, 2024, following an 8-month deployment.

Gerald R. Ford is the flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12 and deployed to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations.

“I am incredibly proud of every member of the strike group, especially the triads who led their teams of exceptionally talented sailors with professionalism and perseverance,” said Rear Adm. Erik Eslich, commander of CSG 12. “Due to our collective efforts, we excelled during a very challenging deployment, demonstrating the capabilities of a U.S. Navy carrier strike group, assuring our partners and allies, and deterring our adversaries with our operations in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations.”

While in the Mediterranean, the carrier strike group participated in and supported numerous multinational exercises and vigilance activities to increase NATO capability and deter aggression in the region. The carrier visited ports in Croatia, Greece, Italy, Norway and Türkiye. Other ships in the strike group visited Belgium, Cyprus, Montenegro, Spain, and Sweden.

The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) was extended 76 days following the outbreak of conflict in Israel and operated in the Mediterranean Sea to deter further escalation and support Israel in its right to self-defense. Two of the strike

group’s ships, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS McFaul (DDG 74) and USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security objectives.

In total, the GRFCSG worked with 17 nations throughout its deployment during exercises Baltic Operations, Air Defender, Bomber Task Force Viking Trident, Neptune Strike, and Sage Wolverine. The strike group operated with Standing NATO Maritime Groups 1 and 2, conducted dual-carrier operations with USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), and exercised with navies from France, Greece, Norway, Türkiye and the United Kingdom.

In 239 days underway, the ship’s crew conducted 43 underway replenishments, logged more than 17,826 flight hours and 10,396 sorties, sailed more than 83,476 nautical miles, and safely transferred 20.7 million gallons of fuel with zero mishaps.

The Ford crew conducted 33,444 flight deck moves, 3,124 hangar bay aircraft moves, 2,883 aircraft elevator moves, 16,351 aircraft fueling evolutions, and transferred 8,850 pallets of cargo and mail. The Gerald R. Ford culinary team prepared and served 3.1 million meals, which included approximately 48,000 dozen eggs, 24,000 gallons of milk, 131,000 hamburgers, 367,000 pounds of chicken, and Gerald R. Ford’s favorite, 79,000 chocolate chip cookies.

“The Gerald R. Ford is everything our Turn to Gerald R. Ford CSG, Page 2

Welcome Home, CVW-8!

Virginia Beach, Va. (Jan. 15, 2024) An aviator assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 37,“Ragin Bulls,” hugs a family member during a homecoming celebration. VFA-37 returned to Naval Air Station Oceana on Jan. 15, 2024 following a scheduled deployment with Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12, Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa areas of operations.

By MC1 Michael Botts

NAS Oceana Public Affairs Office

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — In a joyous and tearful reunion of friends, families, and loved ones, Naval Air Station Oceana welcomed home four squadrons from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 during a fly-in Monday, Jan. 15.

Aviators from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 37, the “Ragin Bulls,” VFA-213, the “Blacklions,” VFA-87, the “Golden Warriors,” and VFA-31, the “Tomcatters,” returned home following a more than eight-month long deployment with Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12, Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa areas of operations. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group successfully completed its first combat deployment, which began in May 2023, in support of requirements in the European theater.

“It feels amazing to be back,” said Commander Mike Tremel, the commanding officer of VFA-37, the “Ragin’ Bulls.” “Everyone was very excited in our formation, we finally saw Virginia Beach and we are just so excited to be home.”

During their deployment, CVW-8 accumulated more than 17,826 flight hours, flew more than 10,396 sorties, and completed 8,730 aircraft launches and recoveries using the Ford’s electromagnetic launch and advanced gear systems.

(U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS MEGAN WOLLAM)

Bigfoot sighted onboard Naval Station Norfolk www.flagshipnews.com

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The mysterious cryptid Bigfoot has been sighted by Sailors and civilians on the Turtle Park trail onboard Naval Station (NAVSTA) Norfolk since 2006. The beast is said to be 8-9 ft. tall, covered in dark brown hair and has glowing eyes. PAGE A5

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The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, January 25, 2024

US Naval Community College updates partnership with Western Governors University with competency-based education program

By Senior Chief Petty Officer Alexander Gamble U.S. Naval Community College

QUANTICO, Va. — The U.S. Naval Community College updated its contract with Western Governors University to offer competency-based education associate degree programs January 9, 2023.

This new agreement provides active duty enlisted Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen an opportunity to earn a naval-relevant associate degree through a self-paced CBE model.

The enhanced agreement allows students to take four or more courses in a six-month period. This means that students who demonstrate mastery of a subject can move to the next course and earn their degree in a manner that aligns with their industry knowledge and time allowance.

“We are excited to provide a CBE model that gives our enlisted service members the flexibility needed to complete their naval-relevant degree in a way that allows them to demonstrate competency in subjects they have already mastered, and proceed with further learning at their own pace,” said President Randi Cosentino, Ed.D., of USNCC. “No two students are the same, so it makes sense to provide a program tailored to the demands of the students. This will make our Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard even more efficient and performance-focused — ultimately improving missions and achieving results for the nation.”.”

Those students in the current WGU Associate of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance or the Associate of Science in Data Analytics, will be transitioned to the new agreement starting February 1, 2024.

Previously accepted applicants who have not yet started with WGU will begin their new courses February 1, 2024, or later.

As USNCC expands its portfolio of available degree programs, the new agreement will enable the introduction of additional CBE associate degrees in the future.

“This change allows our USNCC students to leverage WGU’s revolutionary self-paced education model to accelerate their goal of earning their associate degree,” said retired Rear Adm. Jeffrey Harley, Ph.D., senior director for Military Engagement at WGU. “This benefits not only the students but also their respective services by better preparing them to defend our nation,” WGU is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. As USNCC completes its own accreditation process that typically takes two to three years, WGU will be the primary degree grantor for these associate degree programs, ensuring the service members who graduate from this program receive a transferable degree from an accredited institution.

The United States Naval Community College is the official community college for the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. To get more information about the USNCC, go to www.usncc.edu.

The United States Naval Community College is the official community college for the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. To get more information about the USNCC, go to www. usncc.edu. (GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY SENIOR CHIEF MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST XANDER GAMBLE)

ACCLOGWING Chaplain introduces mindfulness training

By Jennifer Cragg

Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic

NORFOLK, Va. — It’s the start of the New Year where people are triggered to think, plan, and act toward accomplishing goals to better themselves. For one Norfolk-based Navy chaplain, one of his New Year’s resolutions is to continue offering a short, but regular dosage of mindfulness training to benefit and support mental, physical and spiritual health of his Sailors.

Lt. Cmdr. Scot Sroka, Airborne Command & Control and Logistics Wing (ACCLOGWING) detachment chaplain assigned in Norfolk, started the training in May 2023 to provide preventative, proactive, and responsive/reactive training resources for Sailors assigned to the detachment.

“Training to and practicing mindfulness can lead to a variety of benefits that include improved emotion and stress regulation; better sleep; increased ability to handle life’s situations and get left of crisis; improved overall mental, physical, and spiritual health;

Gerald R. Ford CSG from Page 1

nation hoped it would be, and more. I am so proud of the crew, who breathed life into the world’s most technologically advanced warship and stood the watch in defense of our national interests,” said Capt. Rick Burgess, Gerald R. Ford’s commanding officer. “Though extended, we were the right ship at the right time to answer the call, and our Sailors performed admirably. Ford Sailors honored our namesake’s legacies of hard work, integrity, and courage.”

Sailors and resiliency were at the forefront of Gerald R. Ford’s first combat deployment. The ship offered an array of services, including chaplain support, a deployed resiliency counselor and educator, a shipboard Wolverine TV program and daily Wolverine newspaper — an homage to President Ford’s alma mater — and command associations

and enhanced warfighting readiness to reach mission accomplishment,” Sroka said, who added the mindfulness training is offered twice weekly at the Norfolk detachment.

ACCLOGWING is home to operational and shore-based units, including the Fleet Replacement Squadron which is a training command. In addition to operational stressors, there are pockets of personnel who are on limited duty for various reasons to include those who are pregnant, have physical injuries, or who have mental health concerns.

Sroka said the decision to offer mindfulness practice was part of an overall desire to bring clinical level care and skills-based programming to the flight line to address the variety of personal and professional stressors. While he had heard about mindfulness earlier in his career, it was Sroka’s participation in the VA’s Mental Health Integration for Chaplain Services (MHICS) program that highlighted its benefits and applicability.

“The research is compelling,” Sroka said.

“The positive impact of mindfulness tech-

niques on brain function and stress regulation demand serious consideration.”

When looking to adopt New Year’s resolutions in 2024, Sroka suggests to understand the fundamental importance of mindfulness to stay better tuned into your body, mind and spirit.

“Mindfulness is fundamentally about fostering awareness in the present moment without evaluation or judgment. It is about noticing what is going on in body, mind, and spirit to include thoughts, emotions, and sensations in the present moment,” Sroka said. “Fostering present moment awareness is the fundamental skill in mindfulness practices.”

Sroka also notes that in addition to specific meditative exercises, routine daily activities can be done in a mindful way. This includes eating, walking, and even taking short breaks at our desks to notice our surroundings.

He added that humans can spend much of their time worrying about their futures or ruminating about the past. Humans are also naturally triggered when our minds perceive

a threat, which engages the sympathetic nervous system and results in fight, flight, or freeze reactions.

“When people are under constant high-demand stress it can lead toward the depletion of internal resources to deal with and recover from stress,” Sroka said.

To cope with these stressors, Sroka said that people can adopt easy mindfulness exercises to respond to a triggering episode.

“Deep or box breathing, for example, is an effective practice to engage the parasympathetic nervous system and calm down,” Sroka said. “The other level is through ongoing, regular practice, which improves working memory capacity in the brain, which then is directly related to improving emotion and stress regulation even in highstress situations.”

Mindfulness can also improve one’s immune system functionality and sleep.

Therefore, while considering New Year’s resolutions to apply in 2024, adopting mindfulness might be a practice to add to the list.

and clubs. The Gerald R. Ford deployment also introduced the first military facility working dog to deploy with a U.S. Navy ship, pioneering a pilot program meant to address operational stress and promote morale and resiliency.

Notable visitors to the Gerald R. Ford included U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, commanders of Naval Forces Europe-Africa, U.S. 6th Fleet, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, the director of exercises and assessments and advisor on reserve component affairs for U.S. European Command, crown prince of the Kingdom of Norway, chief of the Norwegian fleet, and commander in chief of the Italian Navy.

In addition to the carrier, the GRFCSG consists of CSG 12 staff, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2 staff and units, and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60). In total, the GRFCSG deploys with more

than 5,000 Sailors across all platforms ready to respond globally to combatant commander’s tasking.

The ships of DESRON 2 are the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS McFaul (DDG 74) and USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116).

ThesquadronsofCVW-8embarkedaboard Gerald R. Ford are the “Tridents” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9, the “Bear Aces” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 124, and the “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 located in Norfolk, Va.; the “Ragin’ Bulls” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 37, the “Blacklions” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213, the “Golden Warriors” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87, and the “Tomcatters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 31 located in Virginia Beach, Va.; the “Gray Wolves” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142 based in Whidbey Island, Wa.; and the “Spartans” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM)

70 from Mayport, Fla. Gerald R. Ford is the U.S. Navy’s newest, largest, and most advanced aircraft carrier.

As first in its class, the ship represents a generational leap in the U.S. Navy’s capacity to project power on a global scale.

Ford-class aircraft carriers introduce 23 new technologies, including Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), Advanced Arresting Gear and Advanced Weapons Elevators. The new systems on Ford-class ships are designed to generate a higher sortie rate with a 20% smaller crew than a Nimitz-class carrier, paving the way for future naval aviation.

For more information about the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), visit https://www. airlant.usff.navy.mil/cvn78/ and follow along on Facebook: @USSGeraldRFord, Instagram: @cvn78_grford, Twitter: @Warship_78, DVIDS www.dvids.net/CVN78 and LinkedIn at USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78).

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Virginia Beach, Va. (Jan. 15, 2024) Aviators assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213, “Blacklions,” walk on the flightline after their homecoming flight to Naval Air Station Oceana, Jan. 15, 2024. VFA-213 returned to NAS Oceana following a scheduled deployment with Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12, Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa areas of operations. (U.S. NAVY PHOTOS BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS MEGAN WOLLAM)

Virginia Beach, Va. (Jan. 15, 2024) Family members wait for the return of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213, “Blacklions,” during their homecoming flight to Naval Air Station Oceana, Jan. 15, 2024. VFA-213 returned to NAS Oceana following a scheduled deployment with Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12, Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, to the U.S. Naval Forces EuropeU.S. Naval Forces Africa areas of operations. (U.S. NAVY PHOTOS BY MASS COMMUNICATION

Virginia Beach, Va. (Jan. 15, 2024) An aviator assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213, “Blacklions,” reunites with his family during a homecoming celebration onboard Naval Air Station Oceana, Jan. 15, 2024. VFA-213 returned to NAS Oceana following a scheduled deployment with Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12, Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa areas of operations. (U.S. NAVY PHOTOS BY MASS

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4 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, January 25, 2024

Uncrewed (also known as unmanned) aerial vehicles equipped with specialized software and sensors fly during the Technical Concept Experiment (TCE) 23.2, held at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. TCE 23.2 showcased multiple systems designed to enhance the Marine Corps’ capability in carrying out amphibious operations — including explosive hazard defeat/mine countermeasures as well as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. (U.S. NAVY PHOTOS BY MICHAEL WALLS)

Mine Mission: Marine Corps looks to boost mine countermeasure capabilities

By Warren Duffie

Office of Naval Research

As rolling waves pounded the beach, the operator deftly maneuvered joysticks on a handheld controller, causing the uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) a few feet away to ascend and arc gracefully over the Pacific Ocean.

While airborne, the specially designed UAV used sophisticated sensors and software to spot obstacles and potential hazards under the water and sand — all of which appeared on a tablet carried by a second operator standing on the beach.

For the next phase of its performance, the UAV descended to just above the water’s surface and slowly submerged its entire body, gathering even more detailed information about the surf zone before rising again and flying to a designated landing site nearby. It was an impressive display of the use of emergent technologies to gain greater knowledge of the surf zone environment to support Marine Corps amphibious operations.

The UAV was one of multiple technological systems showcased at the recent Technical Concept Experiment (TCE) 23.2, held at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California.

Sponsored by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), in partnership with I Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), the event demonstrated ONR-funded technologies designed to enhance the Marine Corps’ capability in carrying out amphibious operations — including explosive hazard defeat (EHD)/mine countermeasures (MCM) as well as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

“Since their inception, the Marines have been known for their ability to come ashore and establish a beachhead and move inland,” said Dr. Tom Drake, head of ONR’s Ocean Battlespace Sensing Department. “Present and future Marines still need to carry out such missions. Our goal is to give them the best possible tools to do that quickly, safely and effectively.”

Bringing together military partners such as Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division, the Naval Research Laboratory Stennis detachment and Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific — as well as representatives from government, industry and academia — TCE 23.2 aligned with the

Attendees at the Technical Concept Experiment (TCE) 23.2, held at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, discuss a system tested during the event.

emerging naval concept known as Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO), which involves deploying small but highly mobile units to isolated locations. EABO has the potential of quickly getting forces into a strategically vital area, and potentially in an adversary’s weapons engagement zone, in response to an evolving threat when no other U.S. military assets are available.

A key element of EABO is explosive hazard detection and defeat, from the deep water through the beach zone to the inland objective, to enable naval maneuvering. This involves EHD/MCM, obstacle detection, and the use of sensors and software to determine routes for safe passage around hazards.

Approximately 10 technologies developed through ONR funding were demonstrated at TCE 23.2. They involved ground-penetrating radar, magnetic-anomaly detectors, electro-optical and infrared cameras, and software for data processing and crunching artificial intelligence- and machine learning-enabled algorithms. Much of the tech-

nology shown during the exercise consisted of advanced sensor-and-software systems encased in commercially available uncrewed (also known as unmanned) platforms like UAVs. “An event like TCE benefits warfighters by enabling rapid maturation of new technologies,” said Brian Visser, ONR Global science advisor to I MEF. “Some of these technologies have only been in the lab or in very sterile conditions. But here we’re testing them in the field with the clouds, saltwater, dust and Marine operators, in order to shake out the bugs and rapidly iterate and make corrections.

“By enabling autonomous platforms and robotics to perform missions like mine countermeasures, Marines will be safer, faster and more accurate in their detection and defeat of explosive hazards,” he continued.

Dr. Joong Kim, a program officer in ONR’s Ocean Battlespace Sensing Department, said one of the most valuable aspects of TCE 23.2 was getting both early-development technologies and already fielded systems into the

hands of Marines for testing and feedback.

“Through these interactions with Marines, we’re talking directly to various generations who are accustomed to seeing a lot of technology development rapidly changing,” he said. “They were excited to see this new technology, instead of the typical old gear, to see what’s on the horizon [for mine detection and defeat].”

Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Maria Peurach agreed: “Right now, when searching for explosive hazards, we’re pretty much limited to mine detectors and probing sticks.

The technology shown here could greatly increase our capability to do that. We could do it from farther away, potentially fly drones from ships, vehicles or disparate locations, in order to do that first sweep before Marines come in for the final push. “ Watch a video about TCE 23.2 at https:// youtu.be/h38k6RuCObc. Warren Duffie Jr. is a contractor for ONR Corporate Strategic Communications.

Secretary of the Navy visits USS Gerald R. Ford

By Chief Petty Officer Mike Dimestico USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)

ATLANTIC OCEAN — The 78th U.S. Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Carlos Del Toro visited the world’s largest aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), Jan.15, 2024 to thank and congratulate its crew on the completion of an eight-month scheduled deployment.

Secretary Del Toro made a dramatic entrance to an all-hands call as he was lowered to the hangar bay on an aircraft elevator and was greeted by fog machines and a DJ who switched from dance music to Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York,” an homage to the Secretary’s home state.

The Secretary made his way through the crowd flanked by civilian and Gerald R.

Ford ship media shaking the hands of crew members. On stage, Del Toro addressed the Sailors, expressing his gratitude, and emphasized the importance of the mission and the professionalism with which it was undertaken.

“I am here today to tell each and every one of you how proud I am of you and how proud every American is of what you have done for our Nation,” said Secretary Del Toro.

“So many people across the United States, in our shipyards, and in our Navy should be filled with pride as this ship pulls back into Norfolk, after an eight-month deployment where you have protected our national security interests in the Mediterranean, Baltic, and the Atlantic. And you have performed superbly on every level.”

Del Toro also presented the Gerald R.

Ford’s Sailors of the Quarter with their awards, challenge coins to Sailors nominated by their departments for exceptional performance, and answered questions from the crew before posing for selfies with audience members. He later met with Ford leadership and members of the civilian press in the captain’s in-port cabin.

His visit marked the successful completion of Gerald R. Ford’s maiden deployment, which was extended three times in response to the October 7th terrorist attacks on Israel and the nation’s military retaliation against Hamas.

The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) completed a scheduled deployment in U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations, demonstrating the commitment and power

projection capability of the Navy’s globally deployed force. The GRFCSG provides an inherently flexible naval force capable of deploying across combatant commands to meet emerging missions, deter potential adversaries, reassure allies and partners, enhance security and guarantee the free flow of global commerce. In total, the GRFCSG is deployed with more than 5,000 Sailors across all platforms ready to respond globally to combatant commander tasking.

For more information about the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), visit https://www. airlant.usff.navy.mil/cvn78/ and follow along on Facebook: @USSGeraldRFord, Instagram: @cvn78_grford, Twitter: @ Warship_78, DVIDS www.dvids.net/CVN78 and LinkedIn at USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78).

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www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, January 25, 2024

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NORFOLK, VA (Dec. 17, 2022) A Bigfoot walking by some Christmas lights onboard Naval Station (NAVSTA) Norfolk, Dec. 17, 2022. This Bigfoot has been sighted near the Turtle Trail Park onboard NAVSTA Norfolk since 2006. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS JOSEPH MILLER)

Bigfoot sighted onboard Naval Station Norfolk

By MC2 Joseph T. Miller NORFOLK, Va. — The mysterious cryptid Bigfoot has been sighted by Sailors and civilians on the Turtle Park trail onboard Naval Station (NAVSTA) Norfolk since 2006.

The beast is said to be 8-9 ft. tall, covered in dark brown hair and has glowing eyes.

Bigfoot, also known as Sasquatch, is described as a 6-10 ft. tall ape-like bipedal creature that is covered in shaggy dark colored hair. Sightings of the elusive beast in North America stretch back post-ice age period to modern day and the creatures are seen as a “wild man” or “hairy man” and are touted for their aggressive nature and cleverness. The term Sasquatch comes from the Halq’emeylem, a language spoken various First Nations peoples of the British Columbia Coast, word ‘sasq’ets,’ which roughly translates, to “hairy man.”

The term Bigfoot originated in 1958 when members of a logging company, in Humbolt County, Calif., discovered a 16-inch humanlike footprint in mud at the Six Rivers National Forest. From then on, sightings increased exponentially, either being tracks or actual encounters with the beast, with famous examples including the Patter-

son-Gimlin film.

So was this creature really sighted by Sailors onboard NAVSTA Norfolk? Is there really a giant ape-man lurking in the wooded areas on base?

While there is a Bigfoot on base, the one here is immobile and made of wood, foam and chicken wire. The Bigfoot statue, along with the trail system it is on, is the brainchild of Dale Hastings, the Air Operations Department Communications Branch Head, and Joseph “Joe” Crider, Air Operations Department Work Center Leader, who both work onboard NAVSTA Norfolk, and it has a history just as interesting as the real thing.

“It was my idea,” said Hastings. “When I first got here there were no real trails and I used to walk in the woods a bunch. I told Joe one day ‘Hey it would be kind of neat if we put a Bigfoot and just hid it back in the woods.’ It came about and said ‘Joe, I’ll make the head and you made the body.’ ” After they had the idea put together, Hastings and Crider would pool their personal resources to build the beast.

The original statue was built and brought to the installation in 2006 by the duo and placed on the original Turtle Park trail.

The trail was originally a small walking

path consisting of cleared area and a metal bridge built to keep people off the road when crossing parts of the base, however the duo expanded it to a 400-meter trail.

“Originally we were going to put him across the water from the trail,” said Hastings “I brought in my hip-waders and I took one step and sunk up to my waist. I was like ‘Whelp, it’s not going there,’ so we ended up putting it somewhere else on the trail.”

It sat on the trail for several years, but during that time, Crider cleared more areas of trail to make it easier to hike back toward the statue. However, tragedy struck the original statue as termites consumed its body.

Taking the remaining head, the duo created a new body for the creature.

After a decade of work, the Turtle Park Trail, also informally now known as the “Bigfoot Trail,” encompasses two miles of paths and keeps clear of debris through the volunteer work of Crider.

“I’d call it the Joe Crider Trails, if I could,” said Hastings. “Joe comes out here every weekend to take care of things. He keeps the brush and leaves off the trails. It’s really thanks to him that the miles of trail exist back there now.”

In addition to Bigfoot, the duo added

many other colorful critters to the trails menagerie. These beasts can be found along the trail, and include a Chupacabra, a Woodpecker, a Giant Gopher, a Troll and a swamp creature. However, among these, Bigfoot remains the most popular “People get shocked at the size of it and ask where it had come from,” said Hastings.

The Bigfoot is an unofficial mascot of the air operations Christmas celebrations and is decorated for the season with help from the department’s Sailors.

“Everybody in the division helped pull him out of the woods and decorated him,” said Crider. “People get excited when we have it out for Christmas. That’s usually the first thing people go to get pictures of when they drive by.”

The duo of Crider and Hasting continue to upkeep and expand their creation and they are always looking to expand it in fun new ways. The two also hope more people will come out to hike the trails and catch a glimpse of their elusive monster.

For more news from Naval Station Norfolk, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/ nsn/.

Dale Hastings, Air Operations Department Communications Branch Head, and Joseph “Joe” Crider, Air Operations Department Work Center Leader, stand next to their statue of Bigfoot on the Turtle Park Trail onboard Naval Station Norfolk, Dec. 20, 2023. Hasting and Crider have been maintaining both the Bigfoot statue and Turtle Park Trail system since 2006. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS JOSEPH MILLER)

Navy Exchange Service Command leader named Top Retail Expert for 2024 Courtesy Story

Navy Exchange Service Command

For the third year in a row, Richard Honiball, Executive Vice President, Global Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer for the Navy Exchange Service Command has been named a 2024 Top Retail Expert

by RETHINK Retail. Formerly titled the Top Retail Influencer award, RETHINK Retail presents the award to professionals in several categories including Academia, Analysts, Associations, Consultants, Finance, Media, Real Estate, Specialists and Technologists.

“I’m honored that RETHINK Retail has

included me as part of its 2024 Top Retail Experts Award honorees,” said Honiball.

“This feeling is even more profound when I think about the group of visionary leaders, innovators and experts who work tirelessly to ‘rethink’ our industry. To do so as part of the Navy Exchange Service Command team, serving the most deserving patrons

in the world, makes it even that much more special.”

According to RETHINK Retail, the Top Retail Experts were chosen from a field of 800 nominees based on their industry contributions, thought leadership publications, and a significant presence in speaking engagements and social media.

6 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, January 25, 2024

Lt. Elizabeth Flanary served at McMurdo Station Antarctica. (PHOTO BY NATASHA WALDRON ANTHONY, NAVAL FACILITIES ENGINEERING SYSTEMS COMMAND WASHINGTON)

NAVFAC Washington’s Lt. Flanary cops SAME D.C. Post Military Branch Service Award

By Natasha Waldron Anthony Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Washington

Dr. Martin Luther King famously stated, “The time is always right to do the right thing.” Lucky for us, for our very own Lt. Elizabeth Flanary, the “right thing” was to join the Navy. Lt. Elizabeth Flanary is the construction manager at the Public Works Department (PWD) at Naval Air Station Patuxent River (NAS PAX), Maryland. The exceptional work on that journey to support the Navy’s flight research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) efforts has earned her the 2024 Society of Military Engineers (SAME) D.C. Post recognition. She was nominated and selected to receive the Post Military Branch Service Award for the U.S. Navy.

“I am very flattered and honored to be receiving this award and am grateful for Lt. Elizabeth Flanary Official Military Photo. all the support my family has provided my (PHOTO BY REGINA ADAMS) entire life, as well as the exceptional examples of leadership I have seen from Civil Engineer Corps officers in my career to date,” Flanary said.

She always wanted to serve in the military, but it was not until later in her life that she pursued that dream. She worked for several years in the private sector in computer software and environmental engineering. In 2017, she applied to and attended the Navy’s Officer Candidate School at Naval Station Newport in Rhode Island. “I wanted to join the military since I was young. My grandfather, Richard Scanlan, served in the Navy during World War II, and he was a big influence on me,” Flanary said.

Scanlan’s influence led to her graduation and first tour with the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Five (NMCB-5) in Port Hueneme, California as a platoon commander to Okinawa, Japan and to Guam on a detail as an officer in charge in 2019. “My following tour was serving as the engineering officer and later the logistics officer for Navy Cargo Handling Battalion One (NCHB-1) in Williamsburg, Virginia. With NCHB-1, I conducted many shipboard cargo operations involving travel nationwide, Albania and Antarctica,” Flanary said.

While she appreciates being on shore tour, Flanary faced many challenges that included transitioning from civilian roles in the private sector and adjusting to the military culture. “It has also been a challenge to stay connected to my family, who lived across various time Lt. Elizabeth zones and being apart from them for many months,” she explained.

Flanary with her As the NAS PAX construction manager with PWD, Flanary supports pet, Shadow. maintenance and repair of runways, taxiways, parking aprons and (PHOTO BY hangars. However, when she is not strengthening the RDT&E process, NATASHA she is cooking. Her culinary fancy these days is quiche — a French WALDRON tart that consists of pastry crust filled with savory custard and pieces ANTHONY of cheese, meat, seafood or vegetables. Flanary, an avid reader, loves NAVAL Betty Smiths’ A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. She also enjoys walks and FACILITIES hikes with her German Shepherd, Shadow.

ENGINEERING Flanary will receive her award during SAME’s 28th Annual Post and SYSTEMS Military Branch Service Awards ceremony on Jan. 30 at the National COMMAND Press Club, Washington, D.C. WASHINGTON)

Dahlgren civilian employee retires after 42 years of service

By Kimberly Lansdale

Surface Combat Systems Training Command

DAHLGREN, Va. — A Surface Combat Systems Training Command (SCSTC) AEGIS Training and Readiness Center (ATRC) civilian employee recently retired after a remarkable career spanning over 42 years of government service.

SCSTC ATRC staff wished Ms. Bonnie Vicks, management assistant to the training and facilities readiness directorate, “Fair Winds and Following Seas” and recognized her accomplishments during a ceremony onboard Naval Support Facility Dahlgren, Dec. 15, 2023.

“Forty-two years of dedicated service to our Navy and great nation is truly notable,” said SCSTC ATRC’s Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Jonathan Schermerhorn. “Ms. Vicks

has been a tremendous asset for SCSTC ATRC and employees like her leave a hole in an organization when they depart. Bonnie, thank you for your commitment and taking great care of our Aegis warfighters.”

Vicks began her career for the Department of the U.S. Navy in June 1981 as a clerk typist at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS) in Bremerton, Washington. From 1983 to 1995, she worked as a nuclear engineering technician for PSNS’s nuclear engineering department and in February 1995, she was detailed for temporary assignment as a software tester for a Navy shipyard-wide planning tool being developed at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. In September 1996, Vicks joined the ATRC team and assumed her current management assistant position.

Mrs. Amanda Blackman, SCSTC ATRC’s director of training and facilities readiness,

says Vicks is an indispensable member of the team.

“As the primary assistant and advisor to me, Ms. Vicks performs numerous administrative duties,” she explained. “One of her most significant responsibilities is serving as the primary Government Purchase Card holder facilitating procurement of supplies, equipment, and services support for our large schoolhouse. She also advises division heads and department personnel on office policies and procedures. Furthermore, she conducts editorial reviews, timekeeping for civilians, and tracks important training requirements. Bonnie ensues our team is effective and efficient in our daily operations so that we can provide the fleet and our allies with highly trained surface warfighters to maintain, operate and employ the Aegis weapon system.”

Vicks says she is honored to have worked with such a great team for over 27 years.

“I am truly grateful to work for an organization that cares deeply about our Sailors and civilians,” she said. “Thank you all for your kind words and praises.”

Vicks plans on taking various fitness classes, perfecting her recipe for frittatas and french toast, visiting friends around the country, and relaxing with her fur baby.

“I’ll miss my Aegis family, but I am looking forward to my next adventure.”

For information about the Surface Combat Systems Training Command (SCSTC) AEGIS Training and Readiness Center (ATRC), visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/ SCSTC-ATRC/ Visit SCSTC ATRC on Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/AEGISTrainingReadinessCenter/

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, January 25, 2024 7

8 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, January 25, 2024

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www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, January 25, 2024 1

uarterdeck

New Marine radios cement electromagnetic spectrum superiority

Marine Corps Systems Command is on track to upgrade 50,000 legacy radios with stateof-the-art multi-channel, crypto-compliant models in Fiscal Year 2024. Page B6

Captain Kertreck V. Brooks, Branch Head Transformation Integration, MY Navy HR Enterprise Support, presents his brother Seaman Recruit Adrian Brooks the Navy ball cap at the Capping Ceremony during Battle Stations in the USS Iowa, Great Lakes, Illinois. More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navy’s only boot camp. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS CHRISTOPHER M. O’GRADY)

Brothers by blood become brother in arms

By Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Ogrady

U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command

GREAT LAKES, Ill. — The USS Trayer (BST-21) sits quietly as Recruits step off the brow onto the simulated pier. In the dark, stale air, the temperament is felt by all. Seaman Recruit Adrian Brooks files into formation with his division as the moment he’s waited for over the past eight weeks draws closer. His capping ceremony, the final event he will have with the title of Recruit.

“I was sleepy like everyone else,” said Seaman Recruit Adrian Brooks. “A lot of people were sleepy before and after, but as soon as we got out on the pier, I was wide awake. I remember thinking and feeling, ‘I’m going to see my brother.’ ” Adrian fights the urge to close his eyes and give into his weary state, when suddenly his moment arrives. As the lights on the pier begin to dim, loud thunderous drums begin to break through from the Trayer. Posters of the Navy Core values Honor, Courage, and Commitment drape over the Trayer.

The master of ceremonies walks to the end of the brow congratulating the divisions on the challenge they all underwent

and completed mere minutes before, for this ceremony is the official transformation of Recruit into Sailor.

The Navy ball caps have been placed in front of each division, just out of reach of the Recruits, for their Recruit Division Commanders (RDC) to hand to each of them. The lights on the pier light up, as the RDC’s begin to walk through each row to hand out the ball caps.

Seaman Recruit Brooks, however, is not receiving his ball cap by his RDC like the rest of his division. A familiar face walks down his row with his ball cap, Captain Kertreck V. Brooks, former commanding officer of Recruit Training Command, his brother.

“I was expecting it was, but it was still just crazy just to see my brother,” said Seaman Recruit Brooks. “I was just really excited; my smile was from ear to ear. “ The moment shared between the two brothers, though brief, is a moment they’ll never forget.

“I’ve been to hundreds of capping ceremonies as both the former executive officer and commanding officer of Recruit Training Command (RTC),” said Captain Brooks.

“Being able to surprise my brother and present him his Navy ball cap upon successful completion of Battle Stations-21 was a

special moment we’ll both cherish for the rest of our lives.”

As the lights fade into darkness on the pier and shine brightly back onto the USS Trayer, the master of ceremonies stands silent on the edge of the brow. The silence stretches out through the divisions into anticipation.

Recruits awaiting the final command as a Recruit.

The master of ceremonies breaks the silence with the command, “Cover! Two!” The newest Sailors to the United States Navy begin to congratulate each other as the lights come up and Ray Charles “America the Beautiful” is played. Captain Brooks walks through congratulating Recruits to get to his brother.

Adrian’s entire journey to and through bootcamp was accompanied by his brother.

“I had just transferred from Great Lakes to DC two days prior to Adrian calling me on July 24th as I was touring an apartment community in DC,” said Captain Brooks. “I didn’t take his call right away since I was on a tour. Shortly thereafter, his mother sent me a text letting me know Adrian wanted to talk to me and that he was planning to join the military. As soon as I completed the tour, I called him.”

Captain Brooks logged onto the “Every

Sailor a Recruiter” website so that he could get him in contact with the nearest recruiter.

“Knowing that he wanted to be a mechanic,” said Captain Brooks. “I shared information with him about the following Navy ratings: Aviation Structural Mechanic, Aviation Machinist’s Mate, Construction Mechanic, Equipment Operator, Engineman, and Gas Turbine Systems Technician.”

Adrian chose the rate Aviation Structural Mechanic and was ready to ship out for RTC. “We exchanged a lot of text messages and phone calls from July until he shipped on October 24, 2023,” said Captain Brooks. “I shared the physical fitness requirements for an 18-year old and encouraged him to work on improving his run time since I saw a lot of recruits struggle with the run when I was the commanding officer of RTC. I also provided him all of the names in his chain of command from the President down to the Military Training Department leading chief petty officer and encouraged him to learn them along with the information in the START Guide his recruiter provided him.”

Throughout the long days and hard weeks Adrian was enduring for the title of U.S. Navy Sailor, his brother wrote him 11 Turn to Brothers, Page 2

NUWC Division Newport employees guide STEM learning by judging science fairs

By Public Affairs Office

Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport

NEWPORT, R.I, — Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport scientists, engineers and other employees helped judge two recent science fairs at Rhode Island high schools. The student projects touched on many scientific areas at Portsmouth High School on Jan. 10 and at South Kingstown High School on Jan. 11, and the best of these entries will advance to a statewide competition in March.

At Portsmouth High School, there were 59 projects — all completed by freshman students — on display inside the school’s old gymnasium. Each Division Newport employee was given three to four entries to judge, said Haley Abbott, a biology and biotechnology teacher and organizer of the Portsmouth High School science fair.

“I love all of the help we get from NUWC, because there are so many different, diverse backgrounds that come judge,” Abbott said.

“I love that they can offer their expertise to our students.”

One of Division Newport’s judges was Dr. Lynn Antonelli, an electrical engineer and technical project manager in the Sensors and Sonar Systems Department. She has been volunteering at these events for two decades and has rated projects at the local and statewide levels for both high school and middle school students.

“I like to see the evolution of ideas,” Antonelli said. “You can typically tell when you judge a project how much the student has done, as opposed to how much a parent has helped. I’m OK with a parent helping, as long as you can tell the student enjoyed it, Turn to Science Fair, Page 2

Kelsey Dugan (from right), an ocean engineer in the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport’s Undersea Warfare Platforms and Payload Integration Department, and Isabel Whaling, a scientist in the Undersea Warfare Weapons, Vehicles and Defensive Systems Department, who both volunteered as judges at the South Kingstown High School science fair on Jan. 11, 2024, ask students Jonathan Hand (from left) and Jack Sullivan, about their project on making and testing surfboard wax. Division Newport scientists and engineers assist with STEM events in the community as part of the command’s Educational Outreach program. (PHOTO BY NEIL NACHBAR, NAVAL UNDERSEA WARFARE CENTER DIVISION NEWPORT)

2

The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, January 25, 2024

Brothers from Page 1

letters, including words of encouragement and motivation that helped push Adrian to the finish line.

“One fact that he told me before and during bootcamp, was RTC graduates30,000 recruits every year,” said Seaman Recruit Brooks.

“That kind of got me through it. Just knowing that, I’m not the only one going through this stuff. Knowing there’s other people going through what I’m going through. If they can get through it, I can get through it.”

After 10 weeks of demanding training, Adrian’s division marches past the dias in Midway Ceremonial drill hall where Adrian’s family cheers him on. As the rest of the graduating divisions march to their places in the drill hall, the official party walks into the ceremony. Captain Brooks being the special guest.

Science Fair from Page 1

had fun and learned.”

Stephen Marold, a computer scientist in the Undersea Warfare (USW) Combat Systems Department, is a Portsmouth High School graduate with the Class of 2005, so judging this science fair marked a return to his old stomping ground. A “late bloomer” when it came to science, he said he never participated in this event when he was a student.

“I thought it was a good chance to come back and help out,” Marold said. “I saw the opportunity to volunteer and, being a scientist, I wanted to see how a younger generation looks at science and gets excited about science and asks the right questions.”

One project that stood out to Marold involved a student dyeing different types of fabric and how the dye was absorbed over set periods of time. That student, Marold said, has a great penchant for fashion and design.

“Seeing somebody take something that they’re already passionate about and turning it into science is a key to getting people interested,” he said. “She did a great job with that.”

Like Marold, Monica DeAngelis, a marine mammal biologist in the Corporate Operations Department, has a connection to Portsmouth High School through her daughter, who is a junior. DeAngelis said she wanted to judge the contest because she brings a unique perspective as one of the few people in her field at Division Newport.

“I’m surprised at how well the students articulate the concepts,” DeAngelis said.

“They spontaneously answered questions and they were all very pleasant. They recognized if their hypothesis didn’t work out, or if it did work out, or what they want to do next.

Everyone I talked to said they had fun doing it and want to do more.”

DeAngelis highlighted a “super creative” project in which a student with dry skin compared moisturizer brands to determine which had the highest moisture content.

The student tested the products at various temperatures and humidity levels and learned the least expensive one proved most effective.

“We had a sidebar conversation about how advertising really influences what people think, regardless of what the results were,” DeAngelis said.

Dr. Jason Ralph, a member of the Human Systems Integration team in the USW Combat Systems Department, said he participated in a science fair when he was a high school student and that these types of events are crucial to creating the next generation of thinkers.

“It’s important that kids understand the scientific method and why it’s important and how they can build it into a career later on,” Ralph said.

‘I enjoy outreach very much’

“This is my 170th boot camp graduation since I previously served at RTC as both the executive officer and commanding officer,” said Captain Brooks. “While serving at RTC, graduations never got old to me because we had new Sailors graduating and their families super excited to see them every week.

It always reminded me of the importance of what we do in training these young men and women for service in the Fleet. Adrian’s graduation will obviously be special to me because he’s my brother, but I’m just as excited for all of the other 881 Sailors graduating in his training group.”

As the graduation comes to a close and the Brooks family is gathered in the reception area, Adrian hugs his family and enjoys his company.

“I just never thought I’d be in this moment,” says Seaman Recruit Brooks. “I’m just feeling good. Having a brother being special guest at my graduation is still crazy to me.”

Though the moment and the feeling of

boot camp graduation will come and go, the one thing that will remain, is Captain Brooks support of his brother.

“I’m excited for the opportunities that are ahead of him,” said Captain Brooks. “There’s so many opportunities in the Navy, I’m looking forward to mentoring him and helping him on his Navy journey.”

Boot camp is approximately 10 weeks and all enlistees in the U.S. Navy begin their careers at the command. Training includes five warfighting competencies of firefighting, damage control, seamanship, watch standing, and small arms handling and marksmanship along with physical fitness and lessons in Navy heritage and core values, Warrior Toughness, Life Skills, teamwork, and discipline. More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navy’s only boot camp. For more news from Recruit Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/rtc

At South Kingstown High School, about a dozen Division Newport employees attended the science fair to judge 120 projects that were developed and presented by 153 students, most of whom were sophomores.

The judges scored the projects on creativity, engineering, thoroughness, skill level and clarity. Points also were awarded based on how knowledgeable the students were about the subject matter and how well they presented their entry.

Kelsey Dugan, an ocean engineer in the USW Platforms and Payload Integration Department, was impressed by the students.

“I loved asking the students why they chose their topic,” Dugan said. “I learned, in many cases, how their interests outside of school inspired their projects.”

Dugan, who earned a bachelor’s degree in ocean engineering from the University of Rhode Island in 2020, started judging science competitions for Division Newport’s Educational Outreach program last year.

“In early 2023, I explored what NUWC offered outside of my code and how I can become more involved in the community,” Dugan said. “I read that NUWC’s Educational Outreach program was looking for judges, so I volunteered to judge science fairs and FIRST Robotics competitions.”

While Dugan is a new volunteer, John “Jack” Terlisner, an ordnance equipment specialist in the USW Weapons, Vehicles and Defensive Systems Department, has been judging or refereeing events for Division Newport for about 25 years.

“I started helping with the NUWC robotics program, then the state robotics competitions,” Terlisner said. “As the STEM and education outreach programs grew, so did other programs and events. It can be fun, entertaining and sometimes educational.”

A project that caught Terlisner’s attention was a solar boat demonstration.

“Two boys were trying to determine if it’s practical and economical for solar power to be used in the boating industry,” Terlisner said. “Their responses to my questions were spontaneous and enthusiastic. It was clear that they did a lot of work to find improvements and learn more. Prior to their project, they were interested in studying sports therapy or education in college, but now they’re considering a career in engineering.”

Ethan “Dexter” Hoag, a systems engineer in the USW Platforms and Payload Integration Department, has been judging science fairs since joining Division Newport 10 years ago, but his interest in science and science competitions began many years earlier.

“My father was an electrical engineer who developed industrial lasers,” Hoag said. “I visited his labs occasionally from elementary school through high school.”

Hoag attended high school at Boston Latin School in Boston, Massachusetts, where all students in science classes were required to complete a school science fair project each

year. Hoag, who graduated in 1992, advanced to the state science fair several times and was awarded a trip to Argonne National Laboratory, a federally funded research and development center in Lemont, Illinois, to study with other high school students.

“My time competing in science fairs was one of the high points of my high school career,” Hoag said. “I want to help today’s students have the same experiences.”

Dr. Kristina Kamensky, who works in the Sensors and Sonar Systems Department as an engineer and manages Division Newport’s Bio-Inspired Research and Development Lab, never competed in science fairs, but science was by far her favorite subject in school.

“I was a straight-A student and I had an insatiable appetite for facts,” Kamensky said.

“I was, and still am, obsessed with animal facts.”

This was Kamensky’s first time representing Division Newport at a science fair.

“I enjoy outreach very much,” Kamensky said. “Being a science fair judge was a unique opportunity. I look forward to volunteering again.”

A project that captured Kamensky’s attention, while it wasn’t one she was assigned to judge, centered on a wind turbine.

“My older brother is a wind turbine engineer. The student and I had a great discussion about wind turbines, how awesome they are, and why she picked the project,” Kamensky said. “When I asked what her plans were after graduation, I was giddy that she said marine biology. That is what I considered when I was her age. When she told me she loves sharks, I was over the moon. I told her that I have several co-workers, including my boss, who are marine biologists.”

NUWC Newport is the oldest warfare center in the country, tracing its heritage to the Naval Torpedo Station established on Goat Island in Newport Harbor in 1869.

Commanded by Capt. Chad Hennings, NUWC Newport maintains major detachments in West Palm Beach, Florida, and Andros Island in the Bahamas, as well as test facilities at Seneca Lake and Fisher’s Island, New York, Leesburg, Florida, and Dodge Pond, Connecticut.

Join our team! NUWC Division Newport, one of the 20 largest employers in Rhode Island, employs a diverse, highly trained, educated, and skilled workforce. We are continuously looking for engineers, scientists, and other STEM professionals, as well as talented business, finance, logistics and other support experts who wish to be at the forefront of undersea research and development. Please connect with NUWC Division Newport Recruiting at this site- https://www. navsea.navy.mil/Home/Warfare-Centers/ NUWC-Newport/Career-Opportunities/ and follow us on LinkedIn @NUWC-Newport and on Facebook @NUWCNewport.

Q: What types of family housing are available?

A: There are three types of housing available to families: Public/Private Venture (PPV) Housing is also referred to as privatized housing in the Navy.

The Navy partnered with different private management companies to provide housing to Service Members. These companies are responsible for the construction, renovation, maintenance and day-to-day management of the housing. PPV housing may be located on or off government property and in most cases will be former military housing.

Government Owned (also known as Military Housing or Navy Managed Housing is what was formerly called on-base housing.

While only available in limited quantities CONUS, Government Owned Housing is still widely available OCONUS. Community Housing is any housing that a Service Member may choose that is not PPV or government operated. This is housing outside of the base that is privately owned and operated.

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Monica DeAngelis, a marine mammal biologist in the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport’s Corporate Operations Department, who volunteered as a Portsmouth High School science fair judge, listens to freshman Margaret Burnett about her project, which compared the effectiveness of various moisturizer brands, during the fair held on Jan. 10, 2024. Division Newport scientists and engineers assist with STEM events in the community as part of the command’s Educational Outreach program. (PHOTO BY SCOTT BARRETT, NAVAL UNDERSEA WARFARE CENTER DIVISION NEWPORT)

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www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, January 25, 2024 3

Rear Adm. Jeffrey Czerewko, commander, Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), made his first official visit to the Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT) to discuss CIWT’s new Curriculum Development Branch on Jan. 16, 2024. (PHOTO BY PETTY OFFICER 2ND CLASS LINDSAY LAIR)

NETC Commander visits CIWT to discuss Curriculum Development Branch

By Kurt Van Slooten

Center For Information Warfare Training

PENSACOLA, Fla. — Rear Adm. Jeffrey Czerewko, commander, Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), made his first official visit to the Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT) on Jan. 16, to discuss CIWT’s new Curriculum Development Branch (CDB).

Capt. Chris Bryant, commanding officer of CIWT, explained that CIWT had determined under the current curriculum development process there are several deficiencies including the cost, time require-

ment, and lack of agility to address emerging requirements that do not meet fleet needs.

The command’s findings led to the creation of CIWT’s in-house CDB. Under the CDB, continued Bryant, once fully staffed, all course design and project management tasks will be completed by CIWT. The initial proof of concept for the CDB occurred during the recent revision of the Cryptologic Warfare Officer Basic Course, resulting in a 50 percent reduction in development time with close to a 40 percent cost savings.

Czerewko said that he sees CIWT’s CDB initiative being aligned to the goal of correct-

ing training development deficiencies to make a more “lethal and survivable” force.

Czerewko affirmed his committment to being CIWT’s biggest advocate on its CDB initiative, stating that he sees the efficiencies in time saved as being a “competitive advantage”.

Czerewko emphasized that the training development process should be a closed loop, conditions-based system driving constant curriculum development and continuous improvement and recognized that the CDB supports that vision. “You don’t have something for the IW community, you have something for the Navy,” said

Czerewko.

With four schoolhouse commands, two detachments, and training sites throughout the United States and Japan, CIWT trains more than 26,000 students every year, delivering trained information warfare professionals to the Navy and joint services. CIWT also offers more than 200 courses for cryptologic technicians, cyber warfare technicians, intelligence specialists, information systems technicians, electronics technicians, and officers in the information warfare community.

Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal hosts Arctic training exercise Snow Crab Ex

By Lt. Chelsea Cannaday

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group Two

LITTLE FALLS, Minn. — U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Group 2 commenced Snow Crab Exercise (Snow Crab Ex) 24-1 Jan. 22, 2024 following the arrival of Navy EOD Mobile Units (EODMU) and Navy Divers at Camp Ripley in Little Falls, Minn.

Snow Crab Ex 24-1 is a two week exercise designed to test and evaluate U.S. Navy EOD capabilities in a simulated Arctic environment and, ultimately, improve Navy EOD’s combat effectiveness.

“We have a responsibility and a duty to be able to respond globally to explosive threats to peer adversaries and competitors. Navy EOD and Navy Diving forces aggressively pursue opportunities to further develop a more agile and flexible force to support the Fleet commander,” said Capt. Joseph Haywood, commander, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 2. “Snow Crab Ex allows Navy EOD and Navy Diving forces to build capability and readiness in an Arctic environment, so we are better equipped to fight for sea control in the Arctic environment.”

During Snow Crab Ex, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 12 and Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2 will exercise tactical control over Navy EOD technicians from EODMU 12 and EODMU 2, as well as MDSU 2.

“Our EOD technicians and divers have a highly unique skill set, strong mindsets, and an unbreakable bond that allows them to commit to and accomplish seemingly impossible tasks, and that is what we are training toward during Snow Crab Ex 24-1,” said Cmdr. David Scherr, commander, EODMU 12. “It is important that we are able to efficiently operate wherever we are called, and we’ll be honing our tactics, techniques, and procedures in a challenging Arctic environment to ensure we are ready for the challenge.”

Units participating in Snow Crab Ex 24-1 include: EODGRU 2, EODMU 2, EODMU 12, MDSU 2, EOD Expeditionary Support Unit (EODESU) 2, Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 4, Expeditionary Exploitation Unit One, and Navy Expeditionary Intelligence Command (NEIC).

Navy EOD will clear simulated unexploded ordnance, secure critical infrastructure, and effectively communicate between

units who will be distributed and operating simultaneously in a training environment, while also maintaining command and control (C2) during the exercise.

Navy Divers will also complete ice dive training, to include underwater location and identification of ordnance, to ensure they can complete dive and salvage operations in Arctic waters.

The Minnesota National Guard will provide air support for portions of the exercise. Camp Ripley provides ideal conditions and training ranges to simulate an Arctic environment for ice and cold weather dive training, where Navy divers can train in a subzero temperature and arduous conditions at training ranges.

“Camp Ripley provides us an opportunity to train in an environment that mimics the Arctic region, without the exceptional cost of traveling to remote areas,” said Capt.

Haywood. “The Minnesota National Guard and Camp Ripley provide us modern facilities and the logistical and administrative support needed. They have been exceptional partners training with us as we train and prepare to be able to respond to any situation in any environment.”

The U.S. Navy routinely patrols on, above,

below and around Arctic waters to ensure the security of commerce and demonstrate freedom of navigation. Exercises like Snow Crab Ex 24-1 allow our teams to assess their readiness, increase their experience in the region, test new technologies, and advance our understanding of the Arctic environment.

Navy Expeditionary Combat Command units participating in Snow Crab Ex 24-1 include: EODGRU 2, EODMU 2, EODMU 12, MDSU 2, EOD Expeditionary Support Unit (EODESU) 2, Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 4, Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group (NAVELSG), and Navy Expeditionary Intelligence Command (NEIC). All units are headquartered at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story with the exception of NEIC, headquartered on Naval Air Station Oceana Dam Neck Annex, and NAVELSG, headquartered on Naval Weapons Station Yorktown.

For more news about U.S. Navy EOD and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group Two, visit https://www.necc.usff.navy.mil/ Organization/Operational-Forces/EOD/ EOD-Group-Two/ and https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/EODG-2.

Bataan ARG, 26th MEU(SOC) arrive in Souda Bay for Port Visit

By Chief Petty Officer Eva-Marie Ramsaran

Amphibious Squadron (Phibron) 8

The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), comprised of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) and San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), along with the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)) arrived in Souda Bay, Crete, Jan. 20, 2024, for a regularly scheduled port visit following the completion of a large scale MEU(SOC) exercise Odyssey Encore in Greece alongside the 32nd Hellenic Marine Brigade.

While in port, the Bataan ARG and 26th MEU(SOC) team will conduct routine maintenance following several months of distributed operations and activities within the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operations since July 2023.

“The last six months has showcased the value, utility, and operational flexibility a forward-deployed ARG and MEU(SOC) provide in terms of campaigning and crisis response,” said Col. Dennis “Dolf” Sampson, commanding officer of the 26th MEU(SOC).

“Our recent MEU(SOC) Exercise “Odyssey Encore” and the integrated training with the Hellenic 32nd Marine Brigade and Hellenic SOF was essential to sustaining our operational capabilities and readiness across the MEU(SOC) Marine Air-Ground Task Force.

This port visit will provide an opportunity to conduct normal required maintenance and inspections of our vehicles and equipment prior to getting underway for the next phase in our deployment. More so, it will provide the Marines and Sailors with some quality, well-earned liberty and an opportunity to enjoy the local culture in Crete.”

Souda Bay marks the second port visit for majority of the Sailors and Marines of the Bataan ARG and 26th MEU(SOC) to the U.S. Naval Force Europe-Africa (NAVEURNAVAF) area of responsibility following their re-aggregation in the Mediterranean, Dec. 28. During this visit they will have the opportunity to explore Souda Bay, participate in community relations projects and cultural excursions hosted by each ship’s

Morale, Welfare and Recreation committees.

“This is my last port visit as I depart the Bataan after six years, and I am looking forward to seeing historical places from 1,000 years ago,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuel) 2nd Class Gerald Labtis. “I will cherish and treasure every bit of it.”

Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEURNAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command areas of responsibility. U.S. 6th Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEURNAVAF and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.

For more information, please contact Amphibious Squadron 8 Public Affairs Team, CPR8PAO@lhd5.navy.mil.

4 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, January 25, 2024

Ecuador joins Combined Maritime Forces in Middle East as 40th member

By NAVCENT Public Affairs

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet

MANAMA, Bahrain — On Jan. 11, the Combined Maritime Forces welcomed Ecuador as the 40th member of the world’s largest maritime security partnership.

“Ecuador joining CMF only makes us stronger,” said Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, CMF commander. “This growing international naval coalition benefits mightily from having Ecuadorians standing shoulder-to-shoulder with other CMF nations, dedicated to maritime security and stability in the Middle East region, and protecting some of the world’s most important waterways. I look forward to being ‘Ready Together’ with such maritime professionals.”

CMF is comprised of a headquarters staff and five combined task forces focusing on defeating terrorism, preventing piracy, encouraging regional cooperation, and promoting a safe maritime environment.

The naval partnership upholds the international rules-based order by supporting security and stability across 3.2 million square miles of water encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.

(GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY U.S. NAVAL FORCES CENTRAL COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS)

Navy updates pregnancy policy to help Sailors balance personal and professional goals From Petty Officer 2nd Class Dallas Snider MILLINGTON, Tenn. — The Navy updated its policy to better assign Sailors who become pregnant during sea duty to critical shore duty billets that align with their career path.

NAVADMIN 006⁄24 announced that Sailors who become pregnant during sea duty will be reassigned to shore duty where they can receive necessary medical care while maintaining their career progression.

“This policy is about taking care of our people,” said Commander, Navy Personnel Command Rear Adm. Wayne Baze.

“Our Sailors get the care they need, while continuing to serve and employ their skill-

sets in meaningful jobs — this is a win-win for our Sailors and the Navy.”

Under the new policy, shore duty Sailors who become pregnant within 13 months of their projected rotation date may be extended in their current assignment or moved locally to fill a valid manpower requirement.

When a sea duty command is notified of a Sailor’s pregnancy, they must submit a reassignment due to pregnancy and post-partum availability report via Navy Standard Integrated Personnel System for enlisted Sailors and to the community detailer for officers. The report includes the date of the 20th week of pregnancy, the estimated date of delivery, and any factors or limitations required for consideration in the assignment

process. Orders will be written to detach the Sailor within approximately 30 days of the availability report.

The update also ensures that Sailors are afforded non-chargeable convalescent leave, with guidance from their health care provider in accordance with medical practice standards, to recover in the event they suffer a perinatal loss (miscarriage or stillbirth).

A pregnant Sailor can request an operational deferment waiver to remain onboard their operational command throughout their pregnancy and post-partum period.

The waiver must include endorsements from the service member, the commanding officer or officer in charge, and the health care provider. The waiver request will be

submitted via Sales Force for enlisted and to the community detailer for officers. Individual detailers will have final approval.

If a shore command desires, for mission or industrial hygiene reasons, to apply for an exemption, they must submit their request fully explaining the situation via endorsement through their immediate superior in command, type commander or budget submitting office and fleet readiness integrator to Navy Personnel Command’s Career Management Department (PERS-4) for review and final disposition.

For more information, read NAVADMIN 006⁄24 at www.MyNavyHR.navy.mil.

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www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, January 25, 2024

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6 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, January 25, 2024

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro has extended retired Vice Adm. Ann E. Rondeau, 49th president of the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), for another five years. (COURTESY PHOTO)

SECNAV Del Toro extends Naval Postgraduate School President Courtesy Story

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro has extended retired Vice Adm. Ann E. Rondeau, 49th president of the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), for another five years.

“Dr. Rondeau’s steady leadership and military and academic achievement is what NPS needs in our current dynamic maritime environment,” said Secretary Del Toro.

“Naval education is foundational to our ability to deter conflict and succeed in war. I look forward to Dr. Rondeau’s leadership in continuing our efforts to modernize our naval education to meet our Nation’s security needs.”

Innovation driven, NPS develops warfighters and warfighting solutions. By provid-

ing relevant and unique advanced education and research programs, NPS increases the combat effectiveness of commissioned officers of the naval service to enhance maritime advantage, joint warfighting and the security of the United States.

“For the past five years, it has been the greatest honor of my career to lead the Naval Postgraduate School and the community of extraordinary people who dedicate their talent and time to the development of our naval and national security leaders,” said Rondeau. “I am deeply humbled and privileged to continue in this role and will serve with renewed commitment to the vital mission of NPS and strengthening the institution to meet the challenges ahead.”

NPS is part of the Naval University

System (NUS), the Department of the Navy’s primary path to deliver naval-unique education to the force. Other DON academic degree-granting institutions include the United States Naval Academy, Marine Corps University, the Naval War College, and the United States Naval Community College.

NPS and NUS are integral parts of Secretary Del Toro’s Naval Education Strategy (NES), which provides guidance to modernize naval education to meet our Nation’s security needs. Secretary Del Toro’s longterm vision also includes the development of a Naval Innovation Center at NPS to serve as a premier military education facility tailored to innovation and experimentation, serving as a technology resource for Navy and Marine Corps warfighting development

commands, as well as a go-to partner of the defense industrial base, the technology sector, and academia.

Through a program of advanced education with academic theses, applied research and technology innovation opportunities, NPS students solve real-world operational problems guided by defense-expert faculty to support the needs of our naval forces, international partners and the Department of Defense.

In January 2019, Rondeau relieved retired Vice Adm. Ronald A. Route as NPS president during a change of charge and investiture ceremony.

New Marine radios cement electromagnetic spectrum superiority

By Johannes Schmidt

Marine Corps Systems Command

In a decisive move meant to ensure dominance over the electromagnetic spectrum, Marine Corps Systems Command is on track to upgrade 50,000 legacy radios with stateof-the-art multi-channel, crypto-compliant models in Fiscal Year 2024.

In line with Force Design’s call for rapid force modernization, MARCORSYSCOM’s Program Manager for Communications Systems, or PM CS, team has moved quickly— fielding more than 4,000 radios across the fleet since October 2023.

In recent years, experts have warned that stagnation in U.S. electromagnetic spectrum operations— the strategic and tactical management of electromagnetic frequencies for military communications, intelligence, and combat operations— has enabled our adversaries to significantly challenge American dominance in this crucial domain.

Recognizing this urgent need for change, the 2018 National Defense Strategy laid the foundation for the Department of Defense’s 2020 Electromagnetic Spectrum, or EMS, Superiority Strategy—a document that emphasizes the EMS as a critical battleground where invisible waves and frequencies become pivotal in modern warfare.

With this new strategic reality in mind, PM CS has worked tirelessly to update the fleet’s radio capabilities, ensuring that the fleet has the communications capabilities required to fight and win— no matter the clime, place, or electromagnetic environment.

“We began fielding in October, focusing on a specific domain while being mindful of the capabilities of multi-channel radios,” explained Richard Sessions, program manager for Communications Systems. “In addition to their enhanced functionality, our priority was to transition to radios that meet cryptographic compliance standards mandated by the NSA. This compliance allows us to operate securely across various frequencies and within a secure environment. Our deadline for achieving this compliance is set for December 31, 2024.”

The new multi-channel radios provide the warfighter with a versatile, software-defined system that emphasizes modularity and flexibility to allow rapid integration of new waveforms and cryptographic standards.

This enhances Marines’ ability to operate securely and effectively in the dynamically evolving electromagnetic environment.

“The closest analogy to our current transition in radio technology is akin to moving from the era of flip phones to the advanced world of smartphones,” said Sessions. “In the past, we were limited to purchasing radios with fixed capabilities and had to replace them with newer models as tech-

An AN/PRC-117G Adaptive Networking Wideband Waveform operates during a communications set up practical application on an MV-22 Osprey aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., on March 23, 2016. This practical application was apart of Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course (WTI 2-16), a seven week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) cadre. MAWTS-1 provides standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine Aviation Training and Readiness and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics. (U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO TAKEN BY CPL. SUMMER S. DOWDING, MAWTS-1 COMCAM/ RELEASED)

nology evolved. Now, we’re shifting towards acquiring highly adaptable hardware radios that are not just modular but also capable of supporting new waveforms, marking a significant milestone in our communication capabilities.”

As the Corps prepares to fight and win on the future battlefield, these fieldings prove crucial as superiority in the electromagnetic spectrum directly influences communication, intelligence, and combat effectiveness—safeguarding the warfighter’s strategic advantage ahead of the future fight.

In order to address challenges in transitioning from hardware-centric management to waveform and software configuration management, the PM CS team maintains regular contact with NSA partners. This ensures alignment and approvals for the necessary waveforms and configurations.

However, the team noted that communication with the fleet is also critical, underscoring the importance of Marine feedback

throughout the acquisition process.

According to Stephenie Dodge, product manager at PM CS, “Our team has conducted extensive testing and field user evaluations involving Marine units to ensure that our systems meet their needs. In every aspect of our work, we actively involve Marines from the fleet. We provide them with the equipment, offer quick training sessions, and then seek their input on how they would use it, what improvements are needed, and what aspects need fixing.”

Ultimately, this effort is critical within the context of Force Design’s ambitious modernization goals. As Sessions highlighted, Tactical Communications Modernization bolsters our operational capabilities, securing robust communication and efficient data flow.

“In today’s Marine Corps operations, where combat often unfolds within the electromagnetic spectrum, our success relies heavily on maintaining effective communi-

cation across the fleet and with joint forces,” said Sessions. “Controlling this space is critical, as it directly impacts our physical deployment capabilities. A key focus in our communication systems’ rollout is minimizing detection and interception risks. We’re dedicated to making our systems challenging for the enemy to locate and disrupt, thereby enhancing the operational security and effectiveness of our units in this digital battlespace.”

Despite the logistical challenges associated with the modernization of the fleet’s radio capability, the PM CS team is on track for a successful fielding. In a transformative move for Marine communications, the planned deployment of 30,000 multi-channel radios by December 31, 2024, is poised to significantly enhance the communication capabilities of Marines in the field, marking a crucial advancement in military communications technology.

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, January 25, 2024 7

Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict, Christopher Maier meets with Marines, Sailors, and civilians from Marine Forces Special Operations Command on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 16, 2024. During his visit, Maier had the opportunity to learn about MARSOC’s current and future operations as well as the programs they use to keep Marine Raiders in the fight. (U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTOS BY CPL. HENRY RODRIGUEZ)

Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict visits MARSOC

By Cpl. Henry Rodriguez II

Marine Forces, Special Operations Command

Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict, Christopher Maier recently visited Marine Forces Special Operations Command at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 17, 2024.

Maier, who provides civilian oversight of the special operations forces enterprise, took time to meet with MARSOC’s senior leaders and Marine Raiders throughout the command.

The goal of Maier’s visit was to learn more about MARSOC’s organization, current efforts, modernization, and command programs. He also had the opportunity to meet and speak with members of a recently deployed Marine Special Operations Team.

“We are grateful for our opportunity to host the Honorable Mr. Maier,” said Maj. Gen. Matthew Trollinger, commander, Marine Forces Special Operations Command. “We discussed our command’s evolution from a counterterrorism focused force to one now more appropriately aligned and centered on supporting integrated deterrence, particularly in the littorals, while maintaining strong ties to the Marine Corps and our Raider Legacy.”

MARSOC’s mission is to recruit, train, sustain, and deploy scalable, expeditionary forces worldwide to accomplish special operations missions assigned by U.S. Special Operations Command. To accomplish that, MARSOC equips and trains Marines to succeed in austere conditions against a wide range of adversaries in competition through conflict.

Marine Raiders execute complex, distributed operations globally in uncertain environments, achieving silent success and strategic impact.

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8 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, January 25, 2024

On iberty

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, January 25, 2024

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Give comfort food classics an authentic Mexican twist If winter evenings have you stuck in a dinner rut, heat up the kitchen with family favorites everyone can look forward to like Smoky Chorizo and Chicken Pozole and Mexican Loaded Mashed Potatoes. Page C4

Mary Badham as Mrs. Dubose and Jacqueline Williams as Calpurnia. (PHOTO BY JULIETA CERVANTES)

Broadway’s To Kill a Mockingbird, comes to Chrysler Hall January 30th-February 4th, Mary Badham tells us all about it Interview By Yiorgo

Thanks to SevenVenues Broadway in Norfolk Series, we are indeed fortunate to see Academy Award® winner Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterwork To Kill a Mockingbird (TKAM) January 30th-February 4th at Chrysler Hall.

Critics’ rave reviews are abundant. 60 minutes calls TKAM, “The most successful American play in Broadway history.”

Not to be outdone, Rolling Stone gives it 5 stars, calling it “an emotionally shattering landmark production of an American classic,” and New York Magazine calls it “a real phenomenon. Majestic and incandescent, it’s filled with breath and nuance and soul.”

Directed by Tony Award® winner Bartlett Sher, Chicago Tribune says it is, “the greatest novel of all time” and NPR proclaims it “one of the greatest plays in history.”

TKAM is recommended for ages 12 and up due to racially explicit language and costuming, with references of sexual abuse, and brief gunfire audio.

Yiorgo: With us today is Mary Badham who originally played Scout, the daughter of Atticus Finch in the 1962 movie To Kill a Mockingbird with Gregory Peck as Atticus. Tell us Mary, why should people come see TKAM? What will they see and learn from it?

Mary Badham: It is so relevant to today.

We are still dealing with all these issues that Mockingbird brings up. Racial issues, bigotry, single parent parenting, physician prescribed addiction, mental illness. It’s a little tiny book but it has an awful lot to say.

There are whole families who have modeled themselves after this book. Fathers who wanted to be role models like Atticus and who have become lawyers because of Atticus and their daughters have become lawyers so

they can make a difference and help people.

With this play, Erin Sorkin who adapted Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird for the Broadway stage, has done an incredible job by giving it a modern twist. And I think the most fun thing is that there is a lot of laughter, a lot of humor in this play and that is great. It makes for a very fun evening. There are also very serious topics here. Tom and Calpurnia get voices in this play. That’s really great because we get to hear their thoughts.

I am so honored to be a part of this play. We have some incredible actors and we are very pro education on this, and that is why a lot of us are involved.

Y: Like so many, I read the book in high school and I absolutely loved it. Without giving too much away can you tell us what the story is about?

MB: It is about a man who lost his wife and is trying to raise two children with his housekeeper Calpurnia, who does not live

there but has been instrumental in this family’s life. They live in a very small southern town. The father is a lawyer, and he takes on a very dangerous case of an African American man who is accused of raping a white woman and he is so obviously innocent but due to the thoughts of the time, he is convicted. An African American at that time had very few options. Racism and bigotry are learned and we have to get away from that and understand each other. People need to know what bigotry and racism really mean.

Y: How close is this play to the book and the movie?

MB: Well, when you take a book and you turn it into a movie you lose a lot. When you take that movie and turn it into a play, you lose even more. So yes, there will be a lot of differences. The essence of what we are trying to say and what Erin has done Turn to To Kill a Mockingbird, Page 2

The newly renovated Goode Family Visual Arts School at the Hermitage Museum & Gardens (PHOTOS COURTESY HERMITAGE MUSEUM & GARDENS)

New Year, New Space! The Hermitage’s newly renovated Goode Family Visual Arts School is now open Press Release

We are thrilled to announce the return of classes and programs to the newly renovated Goode Family Visual Arts School!

The VAS offers an ongoing schedule of art courses and workshops throughout the year to fit all interests, ages, schedules, and skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist looking to hone your talents, the VAS and its knowledgeable instructors will provide a relaxing and comfortable environment for creative expression.

You’re invited to register for our winter season, including beloved offerings like our 8-week ceramics, drawing, and paint-

ing classes along with new workshops like Creativity for Mental Health, Digital Basics Bootcamp, and the return of ARTful Play classes for kids! Plus, we’re introducing three new programs, Meditation for the New Year, Introduction to Improv, and PechaKucha—we hope you’ll join us for these exciting additions. Members save between $3 and $25 on each registration!

Formerly the horse and cow stables, the Visual Arts School is located at 7701 North Shore Rd, Norfolk, VA 23505. Courses are offered to both adults and children throughout the year. For more information on the Visual Arts School contact Carrie Spencer at 757-901-4083 or cspencer@thehermit-

agemuseum.org.

The winter 2024 season of classes + programs is now open for registration: Pottery: Introduction to WheelThrowing and Handbuilding, beginning Jan. 19 Pottery: Intermediate Wheel-Throwing, beginning Jan. 13 Introduction and Intermediate Painting, beginning Jan. 18 Introduction to Drawing, beginning Jan. 18 Introduction to Digital Photography, beginning Jan. 31 Digital Camera Basics Bootcamp,

beginning March 16 Basketweaving: Random Weave Basket workshops beginning Jan. 18 & Jan. 23 Basketweaving: Twill Basket workshops beginning Feb. 6 and Feb. 8 Driftwood Living Arrangements, Jan. 28 Living Wreath, March 2 Creativity for Mental Health, beginning Feb. 7 Artful Play (14mos to 3 years), beginning Feb. 3 Introduction to Clay (8 to 12 years), beginning Feb. 6 Introduction to Improv, Feb. 24 PechaKucha, March 30

INSIDE: Check out Flagship Values, your source for automobiles, employment, real estate and more! Pages C6-7

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The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, January 25, 2024

Community SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS, NEWS AND PHOTOS

The Flagship welcomes submissions from our readers online.

Please submit events here: www.militarynews.com/users/admin/calendar/event/ Please submit news and photos here: www.militarynews.com/norfolk-navy-flagship/submit_news/

757 Sober Rides for Super Bowl Sunday 2024 Press Release HAMPTON ROADS, Va. — Who will you be rooting for during Super Bowl LVIII? Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl viewing party or attending one, everyone has an important job to do: Help keep drunk drivers off the road so we can all make it home safely on game night. If you plan to drink alcohol, plan ahead for a safe and sober ride home.

If you’re hosting a party, take care of your guests. If you are in the Hampton Roads area, free or reduced Lyft ride-shares are being offered by Drive Safe HR to alcohol-impaired drivers throughout Hampton Roads on Super Bowl Sunday. www.DriveSafeHR.org/757sober-ride Drive Safe Hampton Roads (DSHR) is sponsoring 757 Sober Ride for Super Bowl Sunday from 7 p.m. on Sunday, February 11th until 1:00 a.m. on Monday, February 12th. During the six-hour period, area residents age 21 and older celebrating with alcohol may download the Lyft app to their phones, then enter the 757 Sober Ride code in the app’s “Payment” tab (under the “Add Lyft Pass” option) to receive their no-cost (up to $15) safe transportation home. The code will only work if used during the above-stated period for rides originating from or having a destination within Hampton Roads. DSHR’s Super Bowl Sunday 757 Sober Ride promo code will be posted at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 11, at www.DriveSafeHR.org/757-sober-ride. Valid while supplies last. Subject to Lyft’s Terms of Service.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2021, one person was killed every 39 minutes in a drunk-driving crash and there were 13,384 alcohol impaired fatalities. In an effort to reduce injuries and fatalities in Hampton Roads, DSHR promotes the 757 Sober Ride campaign for rides originating and/or for destinations in Hampton Roads. Supporters of the 2024 757 Sober Ride campaign include the Christopher King Foundation and the Virginia DMV. “It is critical that anyone heading out to a bar or party to plan for a sober driver to see them home safely,” said Jonathan Turner, 757 Sober Ride Chairperson. “If you have a bowl party on your calendar, make smart choices and plan out how you’re going to get home safely once the celebration ends. Driving drunk is deadly, and no one should ever take that risk.”

Keri Douglas, President, Drive Safe Hampton Roads recommends, “If you are the designated driver, commit to 100% sobriety to keep you and your friends safe. If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact local law enforcement immediately. Doing so could save your life, your passengers, and others on the road. And, if you have a friend who is about to drive impaired, take away their keys and help them make arrangements to get them home safely—it will be the greatest gift you ever give them. We want everyone to enjoy the fun, no matter which team you root for!”

Drive Safe Hampton Roads (DSHR) is a non-profit regional coalition whose mission is to improve highway safety, and reduce injuries and deaths from vehicle crashes. For over 35 years, Drive Safe Hampton Roads has promoted citizen involvement and community awareness as we strive toward zero deaths on our region’s roadways. #757Sober_Ride #DriveSafeHR *Source: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles TREDS Report

To Kill a Mockingbird from Page 1

so exquisitely is to put a modern twist to it, even including the sets because I think he is trying to say something with what is still happening today so we can see the comparisons to today. The question we have to ask ourselves is, do we want to go back to these times because there are people in our everyday lives that want to take us back to those times and we have to show them what that means.

Y: In the movie you played six year old Scout, the daughter of Atticus Finch, played by the great Gregory Peck. How did that opportunity come up and how was Mr. Peck to work with?

MB: My mother was from England, very popular in the thespian community in Alabama. James Hatcher had offered his theatre as a place for the filmmakers to come and do interviews and auditions and Mr. Hatcher asked my mother to bring me in to audition since I was about the right age and a possibility for me to get the part.

My mother of course said that I was not an actress nor did I know anything about acting. She asked my father who said no and my mother convinced him to let me do it as a fun thing to do for the afternoon since what are the chances that I would get the part.

Well we see where it all went.

Y: I read you stayed in touch with Mr. Peck through the years and referred to him by his character name as Mr. Atticus and he referred to you as Scout. Is any of that true?

MB: Yes, most definitely we stayed in touch. Atticus did not call me Scout. He called me kiddo and Mary and I always called him Atticus because it just fit. I got to go home with him to his family at his home on the weekends and play with his kids. It was nothing for me to call him on the phone. I lost my parents very early and the Pecks really helped to fill that gap. He was a great role model and so was Brock Peters (Ed. note: Brock Peters played the wrongfully convicted Tom Robison who Atticus defended.) They were wonderful human beings, very intelligent and very involved with education. That helped me a lot because my mom died three weeks after I graduated high school and my dad died two years after I got married. They were there for me and really helped me.

He had so many dear friends that I got to meet that would come to their house for dinner or to parties there. I think Friday was poker night. It was lovely seeing Audery Hepburn, Lauren Becall. So many different people that I met through the Pecks that were so dear and wonderful.

Y: How did the opportunity come up for you to be in The National Tour of To Kill a Mockingbird?

FREE PUZZLES & GAMES

Actress Mary Badham (PHOTO COURTESY OF TKAM)

MB: I had been invited by the company to come up to New York and see the play.

I did, I met the cast, they were lovely, I left and I thought that would be it. What I did not know and I did not find out until later, was that I had friends who were in contact with the producers and wanted me to be a part of this production. They spoke to them and I got a phone call asking me to play Mrs. Dubose. I was totally blown away by that.

Y: Tell us about the character you play, Mrs. Dubose.

I play Mrs. Dubose and my role highlights some of the problems we are having with the medical community of physicians prescribing pain killers that are addictive and how careful we have to be with that. I really had to debate long and hard whether or not I could do this because it’s a hard piece and she says things out of her mouth that I would never say like the “N” word. She is very cold hearted and I was not sure I could do it. I called some of my African American friends and talked to them about it and they all said, you must do this and make her as mean as you can, so that’s what I’ve done.

People have to see how it was and unfortunately still is. Erin liked it and wanted me to join the company and here I am two and a half years later.

Y: We know with live theatre anything can happen. Can you share any fun anecdotes?

MB: Yes indeed. We’ve had illnesses and injuries, people have had to come and go. So many kids have had to jump into costume and get into a role literally mid-show and go from playing one role to playing something else. We’ve had sets that moved and that could be very dangerous. The other day we had the far curtain coming up and it got stuck. We were all sitting there with baited breath, oh my God, is this going to go up? Each theatre is different and has its own challenges. You never know what’s going to happen. It has been so much fun.

Y: Can you share a wow, pinch me moment

Mary Badham as Mrs. DUBOSE (PHOTO BY JULIETA CERVANTES)

or two?

MB: Most definitely. Going to the White House for the screening of the movie. They invited the Pecks, there were a lot of people there from the American Film Institute, and meeting President Barack Obama was absolutely incredible and a blow me away emotional moment for me.

They really have been so many. My whole life has been pretty much centered around this book and this film and now the play. I got to go to Russia with the State Department to

Play online every day at PlayJumble.com Jumble Daily | Jumble Crossword Daily | Jumble Sunday Sudoku | Mahjong | Bubble Shooter Pro | Plus many more

screen To Kill A Mockingbird. It was incredible and I got to travel around some of the schools and libraries there.

Y: Any final thoughts?

MB: I always tell my audience that I speak to, that ignorance is the root of all evil and education is the key to freedom.

Yiorgo is an arts, entertainment and sports writer. A stage, TV and movie actor, he is also a sports entertainer, educator, motivational speaker, writer, storyteller and columnist.

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, January 25, 2024

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The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, January 25, 2024

Food

Give comfort food classics an authentic Mexican twist

By Family Features

Smoky Chorizo and Chicken Pozole

Mexican Loaded Mashed Potatoes

If winter evenings have you stuck in a dinner rut, heat up the kitchen with family favorites everyone can look forward to. Shaking off the chill can start with a cozy blanket and comforting food that warms you from the inside out.

Soup is a wintertime staple thanks to its simplicity, and you can put a delicious spin on your next winter warmup with Mexican-inspired ingredients. Giving soup night a twist starts with Cacique Foods, one of the country’s top authentic Mexican food brands, that invites friends and family to share real moments while savoring authentic flavors.

This Smoky Chorizo and Chicken Pozole relies on the bold, hearty, spicy taste of Cacique’s Pork Chorizo combined with handcrafted Homestyle Salsa. Queso Fresco’s crumbly, creamy texture and milky, fresh flavor adds the perfect finishing touch, making this soup a perfect way to warm up weeknights with just the right amount of heat.

For a flavorful side that complements a variety of main courses while adding Mexican flair, consider Mexican Loaded Mashed Potatoes. This recipe is a familiar favorite with the unique twist of bacon and Pork Chorizo for a meat-infused recipe that will become a menu mainstay.

Plus, for an extra creamy texture, it calls for Cacique Crema Mexicana - an everyday table cream with a neutral, fresh-tasting flavor ideal for balancing out spice - and Oaxaca, a semisoft cheese with a mellow, buttery flavor.

Find more comforting recipes at caciquefoods.com.

Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Servings: 6-8

Prep time: 35 minutes Cook time: 40 minutes Servings: 10

2 tablespoons olive oil 1 large white or yellow onion, finely chopped 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional, to taste (optional) 1 package (9 oz.) Cacique Pork Chorizo 2 teaspoons smoked paprika 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano 1 container (16 oz.) Cacique Medium Homestyle Salsa 1quart chicken stock 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, trimmed of excess fat and diced 1 can (25 oz.) white hominy, drained and rinsed 1 lime, cut into wedges 3/4 cup crumbled Cacique Ranchero Queso Fresco 1/2 cup chopped cilantro

3 pounds russet potatoes (about 9 medium potatoes), peeled and cubed water 6 bacon strips, chopped 1 package Cacique Pork Chorizo 12 ounces Cacique Crema Mexicana 1/2 cup butter, cubed 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1 cup Cacique Oaxaca or Queso Quesadilla, shredded 1/2 cup Cacique Crema Mexicana Agria, for topping 3 green onions, chopped

In large, heavy pot over medium heat, heat oil. Reserve 1/4 cup onion for garnish; add remaining onion to pot and season with salt. Saute until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Increase heat to medium-high; add pork chorizo and break it apart with spoon. Cook chorizo undisturbed until deeply browned and cooked through, 3-5 minutes. Add smoked paprika and oregano; cook 30 seconds, or until fragrant.

Pour in salsa and scrape up browned bits from bottom of pan. Bring to simmer 1-2 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly then add stock and bring to simmer.

Stir in diced chicken and hominy. Decrease heat to medium and cook 8-10 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Taste and season with more salt, if necessary.

Remove from heat.

Serve bowls of pozole with reserved onion, lime wedges, crumbled queso fresco and chopped cilantro.

In Dutch over, add potatoes and cover with water. Bring to boil. Reduce heat; cook, uncovered, 10-15 minutes, or until tender.

In skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp.

Drain on paper towels, chop into small pieces and set aside.

Remove bacon grease from skillet and cook chorizo over medium-high heat, 6-8 minutes.

Drain potatoes; add to pan. Mash potatoes, gradually adding crema Mexicana, butter, onion powder, salt, garlic powder and pepper. Transfer to greased 13-by-9-inch baking dish; sprinkle with cheese, chorizo and bacon. Refrigerate, covered, up to 1 day.

Preheat oven to 350 F. Remove potatoes from refrigerator and let stand while oven heats. Bake, covered, about 30 minutes. Uncover; bake 10 minutes, or until heated through.

Drizzle with crema Mexicana agria and chopped green onions.

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, January 25, 2024

5

Health

Ready to quit tobacco? TRICARE has you covered

By TRICARE Communications FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Although quitting tobacco can be difficult, saying good-bye to cigarettes and chewing tobacco has many health benefits. If you’ve decided to kick the habit, TRICARE covers products and services to help you become tobacco-free.

“Quitting tobacco lowers your risk for serious diseases, including lung, mouth and throat cancers, heart disease, and chronic lung illnesses,” said Stacy Usher, DNP, lead nurse consultant of Clinical Oversight and Integration for the TRICARE Health Plan.

“If you smoke, secondhand smoke puts others at risk too. By quitting smoking, people who smoke and the people around them can all benefit.”

Quitting smoking is beneficial to your health at any age, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. After you smoke your last cigarette, your body will begin a series of positive changes that will continue for years.

Are you ready to quit tobacco? TRICARE covers services and products that can help.

Read on to learn what support is available to you.

Q: What products and services does TRICARE cover to help me quit tobacco?

A: TRICARE covers these tobacco cessation products and services: Prescription drugs Over-the-counter (OTC) nicotine replacement products, including nicotine nasal sprays, inhalers, patches, gums, and lozenges Tobacco cessation counseling TRICARE covers prescription and OTC tobacco cessation products at no cost to you if you use TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery or a military pharmacy. TRICARE doesn’t cover these products if you get them at a retail network or non-network pharmacy. A TRICARE-authorized provider must write the prescription. Keep in mind, you must have a prescription for OTC tobacco cessation products.

You can search the TRICARE Formulary to learn more about covered tobacco cessation products.

Q: Who is eligible for TRICARE covered tobacco cessation products?

A: In the United States, you can get TRICARE covered tobacco cessation products if you’re age 18 or older and you aren’t eligible for Medicare.

Overseas (including U.S. territories), TRICARE covers these products for: Active duty service members Active duty family members ages 18 and older enrolled in TRICARE Prime Overseas To learn more, check out the TRICARE Tobacco Cessation Program Fact Sheet (online at https://tricare.mil/Publications/

Naval Hospital Bremerton’s annual Turkey Trot 5K run/walk was held in conjunction with the Great American Smokeout, Nov. 16, 2023. The event helped raise awareness on the hidden dangers associated with using tobacco products. (OFFICIAL NAVY PHOTO BY DOUGLAS H STUTZ, NHB/ NMRTC BREMERTON PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER)

Fact-Sheets/tobacco_cessation).

For Life or you’re eligible for Medicare.

Q: Does TRICARE cover counseling to help me quit tobacco?

A: TRICARE covers tobacco cessation counseling if you’re age 18 or older and you live in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia. You must use a TRICARE-authorized provider.

However, you must use Medicare for counseling services if you have TRICARE

Q: Where can I find more resources for quitting tobacco?

A: The Department of Defense YouCanQuit2 program offers coaching, online tools, and in-person support locators to help you quit tobacco. You can also call your local military hospital or clinic to see if they offer tobacco cessation programs. For more on YouCanQuit2 program, visit https://www.

ycq2.org/.

When you’re ready to quit tobacco, it’s helpful to make a quit plan. By making a plan that fits your needs, quitting tobacco is within reach.

Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit TRICARE Subscriptions, and create your personalized profile to get benefit updates, news, and more.

Take Control of Your Blood Pressure: 7 changes to help manage your health

By Family Features & American Heart Association

What you eat and drink, as well as your activity level and habits, affect your heart and brain health and are essential for managing blood pressure, cholesterol and more.

High blood pressure (readings consistently higher than 130/80 mm Hg) is a leading cause and controllable risk factor for heart disease and stroke as well as other issues such as kidney failure, vision loss and sexual problems.

In fact, nearly half of all American adults have high blood pressure, or hypertension, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but many may not even realize they have it unless they experience other complications. What’s more, ethnicity can also play a role in your risk factors.

For example, Hispanic adults have some of the highest prevalence of poorly controlled blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association, which is one of the major risk factors for heart disease. Due to longstanding systemic barriers, such as a historic lack of access to health care and nutritious foods, the Hispanic and Latino community is disproportionately affected by heart disease and related health issues.

Additionally, Black women of childbearing age are more than twice as likely to have uncontrolled blood pressure than their white counterparts, according to research published in a special Go Red for Women issue of the “Journal of the American Heart Association.” Food insecurity, or lack of access to adequate healthy food options, is also higher among Hispanic and Black women compared to white women, and one of the social factors that may impact high blood pressure risk.

To help maintain blood pressure below 120/80 mm Hg and manage risk factors, the American Heart Association with national support from Elevance Health Foundation recommends these lifestyle changes.

Maintain a healthy weight. If you’re overweight or obese, you’re at increased risk of high blood pressure. Losing as few as 10 pounds (or 3-5% of your body weight) can provide health benefits, including lowering or preventing high blood pressure. Talk to your health care provider about a healthy

FREE

(PHOTO COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES)

approach to weight loss, including caloric intake and activities that may help both lose and maintain weight.

Eat healthier. Eating fruits and vegetables, such as mangos, avocados and blueberries, can lower blood pressure over time.

Other smart choices include nuts and seeds, whole grains, low-fat dairy, lean proteins and fish. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, or DASH, eating plan is geared toward reducing blood pressure and helps create a heart-healthy eating style.

Reduce sodium. Americans consume up to 75% of their sodium from processed foods like soups, tomato sauce, condiments and canned goods. To help cut back, read labels

PUZZLES & GAMES

when shopping and choose lower-sodium versions of your favorite foods, skip the table salt and consider spices and herbs as seasoning alternatives.

Manage stress. Stress is known to contribute to risk factors for high blood pressure like poor diet and excessive alcohol consumption. Practicing relaxation techniques, such as yoga or deep breathing, practicing gratitude and doing things you enjoy can help reduce stress.

Get active. Physical activity not only helps control high blood pressure, it also aids in weight management, strengthens your heart and lowers stress levels. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150

minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking.

Limit alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure. If you drink, limit consumption to no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.

Quit smoking. Every time you smoke, it causes a temporary increase in blood pressure. Both smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke also increase the risk for plaque buildup inside the arteries, a process high blood pressure is known to accelerate.

Find more advice for managing your blood pressure at Heart.org/highbloodpressure.

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6 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, January 25, 2024

Staying in the know is easy.

Estate Sales Estate Sales ESTATE TAG SALE Entire Contents of 3,651 Sq. Ft. Waterfront Home Home Ordered Sold By Attorneys 2321 Santa Fe Dr., Va. Beach Thurs., Jan. 25, Fri., Jan. 26 & Sat., Jan. 27 9:30 AM-3 PM Each Day This house is packed wall-to-wall with quality furniture, antique furniture, Hi-Boy, din rm furniture, living rm furniture, works of art, Orientalia, pottery, costume jewelry, oak furniture, too much to list. Large selection of quality women’s clothing, many with tags still on, linens, gourmet kitchen, garage with tools, etc., etc.

Pics & info on Estatesales.net. No Consignments added to this sale.

Info, Kenny Keeter 757-718-2464.

House is alarmed.

Autos for Sale

CHEVROLET 1999 TAHOE

TIME TO PICK ONE OF US FOR VALENTINES DAY. CALL/TX 252 333 7554 $700.00

HONDA 2013 ODYSSEY

GOLDENDOODLES Born Dec 5 ready Jan 27/28. Mom and dad on site. Mom is AKC golden retriever, dad is black F1B golden doodle. 3 blonde females, 3 blonde males, 1 black female, 2 black males.

Located on Northern Neck. $2500.

Call or text Eric 571-242-8385.

CELESTIAL BLUE ODYSSEY EX, SUNROOF, LEATHER SEATS, DUAL TEMP CONTROL, AUTOMATIC SIDE DOORS/ HATCH, FOLD DOWN REAR SEATS, 10+ CUP HLDRS, WELL MAINTAINED, 173K MILES, $9300 757-229-1895

CARDS, COMICS, RECORDS Etc., Cash Paid Today.

Please Call 757-636-5466 Thanks!

SIBERIAN HUSKY

WANTED OLD COMICS AND COLLECTIBLES Cash paid for old comics and collectibles. No collection too large or too small. Rick 804-241-3732 WE BUY MUSIC RECORDS $$ Jazz, R & B, Rock, albums & 45’s from the ’60’s, ‘70’s & ‘80s. Call Howard 757-717-8945 We’ll come to you 24/7!

BLUE 1999 CHEVROLET TAHOE LS W/ TINTED WINDOWS, LIKE NEW TIRES, NEW FRONT BRAKES AND ROTORS, CD/CASSETTE PLAYER, VERY RELIABLE, 2 OWNERS, 5.7L V8 FWD, SUV 4D, 230K MILES, EXPERIAN AUTO REPORT, $6K OBO 727-560-2791

GOLDEN RETRIEVER PUPPIES $1300 AKC light and dark puppies available to go home early February. Parents on premises vet checked first shots given and wormed. See our Facebook page Golden Glory of Windsor.

For further information contact (757) 617-7508

Akc yellow lab puppies. Shots and dewormed. Males and females. $600 434-425-3605

COLLECTIBLES

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our editors on your smart speaker or streaming service.

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JEEP 2000 CHEROKEE

Sport. Virginia Valid Inspection. Clean.

Great Condition. $12,400 O.B.O. Call 757-949-1923.

TOYOTA 2010 COROLLA

Type-S, 4DR, drives perfect, automatic, $700 stereo. $6900 *VADLR* 757-439-8017 Looking for a Loving/Caring forever home for our two puppies. Litter of 5. 1 female and 1 male left. They are 9 weeks old. Shots up to date. $800.

757-642-1327.

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Save big! Sunday (and every day).

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Autos. We will purchase your collectible, classic, late model autos, we will come to you.

Call 757-675-0288 Wanted Automotive

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Call 757-446-9000 or go to PilotOnline.com

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placeanad.pilotonline.com 757.622.1455 | placeanad.pilotonline.com Handyman Services HANDYMAN Small jobs, repairs, honey-do-lists Call Joe at 757-478-7507

Hauling / Moving

Fencing ACTION ONE FENCE & DECK Custom wood, aluminum, chain link, vinyl.

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(A) FAMILY TRASH MAN-HOUSEHOLD, Demo inside & out, construction sites, dumpster drop off, backhoe work. We haul it all! 20 yrs. exp., lic & ins. 485-1414

B & J MOVING Reasonable Rates, Licensed & Insured. bandjmoving.com 757-576-1290

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www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, January 25, 2024 7

YOUR PERFECT

HIRE IS WAITING

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LAST WEEKS CRYPTOQUIP ANSWER: If a drill sergeant commands soldiers to rise to their feet, I’d call that a standing order.

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Religious Serivices For your installation’s religious service times visit www.flagshipnews.com⁄ base_information⁄ religious_services

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The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, January 25, 2024