® Vol. 20, No. 39 Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com | 09.27.12 Serving the Hampton Roads Navy Family NEPTUNE FESTIVAL The Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, beginning this weekend, is an ongoing celebration of the city’s seafaring heritage and the grand finale to summer. POW/MIA CEREMONIES HELD THROUGHOUT HAMPTON ROADS Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) Day was honored by commands throughout the Hampton Roads area. » see C1 » see A8 ABSENTEE VOTING WEEK Sept. 27 - Oct. 4 has been designated as absentee voting week. Every state should have mailed absentee ballots to voters by Sept. 22. Visit www.fvap.gov/request/request-va.html for details. By MCSN (SW) Jonathan L. Correa USS Iwo Jima Public Affairs USS IWO JIMA,AT SEA Sailors aboard multipurpose am- phibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) have learned how to Ask, Care and Treat (ACT) fellow ship- mates who may be exhibiting signs of suicide during September’s Sui- cide Prevention Awareness Month. “ACT is a way for Sailors to help one another,” said Master Chief Navy Counselor Martha E. Lara, a suicide prevention coordina- tor. “It encourages Sailors to help shipmates who are at risk. From a seaman on the deckplates to the commanding officer, it is every- one’s responsibility to take action where action is needed.” Lara believes that no Sailor is alone and that everyone is here to help one another if the need arises. “Deckplate leaders are the Navy’s first line of defense in suicide pre- vention,” explained Lara. “We work with these Sailors everyday and can notice any change in their behavior. Therefore, we must do what needs to be done and ACT.” ACT involves a three-step pro- cess. First, ASK a Sailor if they need help and if they are thinking of hurting themselves or others. Second, CARE by showing them that someone cares enough to listen and not be judgmental. Third, TREAT by finding help for them and connect them with the ship’s chaplain or medical personnel. Make sure the Sailor is aware that talking to someone, like a shipmate or a friend, can help. “Suicide is a complex issue that has come from a number of differ- ent reasons,” said Lt. JenniferAyers, an embarked clinical social worker and mental health provider. “Like with any physical injury, mental injuries require treatment. ACT is a simple, direct acronym Sailors can think of to help someone who shows signs of suicidal thoughts.” There are many stressors that can affect any Sailor’s work and home life, and ACT is an action a Sailor can use to assist a shipmate in identifying those stressors. “Elements like the death of a loved one, financial problems or stress at work can lead to alcohol- ism, drug abuse, and in turn, can lead to suicidal thoughts,” said Ayers. Ayers added that operational stress control is another big topic when discussing possible issues related to suicide or suicidal thoughts. The more a person is ex- posed to traumatic events and ex- periences, the more likely a person is to develop mental injuries such as post-traumatic stress, depres- sion, anxiety and suicidal ideation. Iwo Jima Sailors encouraged to ‘ACT’ in preventing suicide ■ more on suicide prevention See more about the ‘ACT’ initiative and suicide prevention on page B7. USS ENTERPRISE ADMINISTERS FINAL ADVANCEMENT EXAM By MC2 (SW) Robert Guerra Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs USS ENTERPRISE,AT SEA Sailors aboard aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) occu- pied the ship’s forward and aft mess decks, Sept. 20, as they took part in the final Navy-wide advancement exam administered aboard the “Big E.” As Enterprise continued its sup- port of Operation Enduring Free- dom in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, 473 eligible junior Sailors gathered in the early morn- ing hours to participate in the E-4 advancement exam, which was fa- cilitated by the ship’s Educational Services Office (ESO). “Preparation for the exam began months in advance,” said Chief Per- sonnel Specialist Jasper D. Mitch- ell, the ship’s educational services officer. “It takes between five and six months of preparation to admin- ister the exam.” As Enterprise steams toward the completion of its 25th and final de- ployment, the significance of the last advancement exam aboard the ship was not discounted by the Sail- ors taking the test. “To be one of the last Sailors to test for advancement aboard En- terprise is indeed an honor,” said Personnel Specialist Seaman Jarrid L. Boykin, exam participant. “If I advance in rank and become one of the many Sailors frocked in the last of Enterprise’s long line of frock- ing ceremonies, I will feel grateful ... grateful for the fact that the Navy has allowed me the opportunity to advance in the ranks and become part of naval history and heritage.” As Enterprise brings to a conclu- sion a name that has been a symbol of the great struggle to retain Amer- Last ‘Big E’ Sailors test for advancement » see ENTERPRISE | A10 MC3 Frank Pikul The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68) approaches the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Patuxent (T-AO-201). UNITAS multinational ships rehearse refueling at sea By Lt. Stephanie Homick U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command & U.S. 4th Fleet Public Affairs CARIBBEAN SEA Eleven multinational warships par- ticipating in a maritime exercise, hosted by U.S. 4th Fleet, practiced replenishing at sea with U.S. supply ship USNS Patuxent (T-AO 201) and Canadian supply ship HMCS Preserv- er (AR-8) in the Caribbean as part of UNITAS Atlantic, Sept. 23. The ships, from Brazil, Canada, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States were divided into two groups, five ships rehearsing with Patuxent and six with Preserver. MC3 Scott Pittman An EA-6B Prowler assigned to the Rooks of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137 flies past the super-struc- ture of the USS Enterprise (CVN 65). By MC3 (SW) Jonathan Sunderman Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/ 5th Fleet Public Affairs USS GUNSTON HALL,AT SEA Amphibious dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) is participating in the International Mine Countermea- sures Exercise 2012 (IMCMEX 12) while operating in the Gulf of Aden, Sept. 16 - 27. More than 30 international partners from Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and North America are involved in IMCMEX 12, making it the largest exer- cise of its kind in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. So far, Gunston Hall has hosted mem- bers of the Royal British, Royal Cana- dian, Djiboutian and Yemeni navies, among others. The Canadian naval officers are in charge of the exercise’s operations aboard Gunston Hall. Gunston Hall participates in IMCMEX 12 MC3 Jonathan Sunderman An MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 261 (Rein- forced) lifts off from the flight deck of the USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44). » see UNITAS | A10 » see GUNSTON HALL | A10 ■ about UNITAS UNITAS is the longest running and largest maritime exercise in this hemisphere. The 12-day exercise will entail a variety of operations intended to enhance interoperability between the partner nations. USS NEWPORT NEWS AWARDED FOR SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE Press Release Commander, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs NORFOLK The Los Angeles-class attack subma- rine USS Newport News (SSN 750) was named a recipient of the annual Marjorie Sterrett Battleship Award for the calendar year 2011, announced in NAVADMIN 279/12 released on Sept. 16. Along with the Newport News, USS Hampton (SSN 767) also received the award for its extraordinary level of combat readiness and excellence in every submarine mission and core competency throughout 2011. The Marjorie Sterrett Battleship Award is presented annually by the Chief of Naval Operations to one ship in the U.S. Atlantic Fleet, and one in the U.S. Pacific Fleet for their superior performance in intra-type battle efficiency. Selection of the award reflects professionalism and dedication of this command. “I am honored that our crew has been recognized with such a prestigious and » see AWARD | A10
Transcript
®
Vol. 20, No. 39 Norfolk, VA | f lagshipnews.com | 09.27.12Serving the Hampton Roads Navy Family
NEPTUNEFESTIVALThe Virginia BeachNeptune Festival,beginning this weekend,is an ongoing celebrationof the city’s seafaringheritage and the grandfinale to summer.
POW/MIACEREMONIES HELDTHROUGHOUTHAMPTON ROADSPrisoner of War/Missing inAction (POW/MIA) Day washonored by commandsthroughout the HamptonRoads area.
» see C1» see A8
ABSENTEEVOTING WEEK
Sept. 27 - Oct. 4 has been
designated as absentee voting
week. Every state should have
mailed absentee ballots to
voters by Sept. 22.
Visit www.fvap.gov/request/request-va.html for details.
By MCSN (SW) Jonathan L. CorreaUSS Iwo Jima Public Affairs
USS IWO JIMA, AT SEA
Sailors aboard multipurpose am-phibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima(LHD 7) have learned how to Ask,Care and Treat (ACT) fellow ship-mates who may be exhibiting signsof suicide during September’s Sui-cide Prevention Awareness Month.
“ACT is a way for Sailors to helpone another,” said Master ChiefNavy Counselor Martha E. Lara,a suicide prevention coordina-tor. “It encourages Sailors to helpshipmates who are at risk. Froma seaman on the deckplates to thecommanding officer, it is every-one’s responsibility to take actionwhere action is needed.”
Lara believes that no Sailor isalone and that everyone is here tohelp one another if the need arises.
“Deckplate leaders are the Navy’sfirst line of defense in suicide pre-vention,” explained Lara. “We workwith these Sailors everyday and cannotice any change in their behavior.Therefore, we must do what needsto be done and ACT.”
ACT involves a three-step pro-cess. First, ASK a Sailor if theyneed help and if they are thinkingof hurting themselves or others.Second, CARE by showing themthat someone cares enough to listenand not be judgmental. Third,TREAT by finding help for themand connect them with the ship’schaplain or medical personnel.Make sure the Sailor is aware thattalking to someone, like a shipmateor a friend, can help.
“Suicide is a complex issue thathas come from a number of differ-ent reasons,” said Lt. Jennifer Ayers,an embarked clinical social workerand mental health provider. “Likewith any physical injury, mentalinjuries require treatment. ACT isa simple, direct acronym Sailorscan think of to help someone whoshows signs of suicidal thoughts.”
There are many stressors thatcan affect any Sailor’s work andhome life, and ACT is an action aSailor can use to assist a shipmatein identifying those stressors.
“Elements like the death of aloved one, financial problems orstress at work can lead to alcohol-ism, drug abuse, and in turn, canlead to suicidal thoughts,” saidAyers.
Ayers added that operationalstress control is another big topicwhen discussing possible issuesrelated to suicide or suicidalthoughts. The more a person is ex-posed to traumatic events and ex-periences, the more likely a personis to develop mental injuries suchas post-traumatic stress, depres-sion, anxiety and suicidal ideation.
Iwo JimaSailorsencouragedto ‘ACT’ inpreventingsuicide■ more on suicidepreventionSee more about the ‘ACT’initiative and suicideprevention on page B7.
USS ENTERPRISEADMINISTERS FINALADVANCEMENT EXAM
By MC2 (SW) Robert GuerraEnterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs
USS ENTERPRISE, AT SEA
Sailors aboard aircraft carrierUSS Enterprise (CVN 65) occu-pied the ship’s forward and aft messdecks, Sept. 20, as they took part inthe final Navy-wide advancementexam administered aboard the “BigE.”
As Enterprise continued its sup-port of Operation Enduring Free-dom in the U.S. 5th Fleet area ofresponsibility, 473 eligible juniorSailors gathered in the early morn-ing hours to participate in the E-4advancement exam, which was fa-cilitated by the ship’s EducationalServices Office (ESO).
“Preparation for the exam beganmonths in advance,” said Chief Per-sonnel Specialist Jasper D. Mitch-ell, the ship’s educational servicesofficer. “It takes between five andsix months of preparation to admin-
ister the exam.”As Enterprise steams toward the
completion of its 25th and final de-ployment, the significance of thelast advancement exam aboard theship was not discounted by the Sail-ors taking the test.
“To be one of the last Sailors totest for advancement aboard En-terprise is indeed an honor,” saidPersonnel Specialist Seaman JarridL. Boykin, exam participant. “If Iadvance in rank and become one ofthe many Sailors frocked in the lastof Enterprise’s long line of frock-
ing ceremonies, I will feel grateful... grateful for the fact that the Navyhas allowed me the opportunity toadvance in the ranks and becomepart of naval history and heritage.”
As Enterprise brings to a conclu-sion a name that has been a symbolof the great struggle to retain Amer-
Last ‘Big E’ Sailorstest for advancement
» see ENTERPRISE | A10
MC3 Frank PikulThe Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG68) approaches the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishmentoiler USNS Patuxent (T-AO-201).
UNITAS multinational shipsrehearse refueling at sea
By Lt. Stephanie HomickU.S. Naval Forces Southern Command & U.S. 4th FleetPublic Affairs
CARIBBEAN SEA
Eleven multinational warships par-ticipating in a maritime exercise,hosted by U.S. 4th Fleet, practicedreplenishing at sea with U.S. supplyship USNS Patuxent (T-AO 201) andCanadian supply ship HMCS Preserv-er (AR-8) in the Caribbean as part ofUNITAS Atlantic, Sept. 23.
The ships, from Brazil, Canada,Colombia, the Dominican Republic,Mexico, the United Kingdom and theUnited States were divided into twogroups, five ships rehearsing withPatuxent and six with Preserver.
MC3 Scott PittmanAn EA-6B Prowler assigned to the
Rooks of Electronic Attack Squadron(VAQ) 137 flies past the super-struc-ture of the USS Enterprise (CVN 65).
By MC3 (SW) Jonathan SundermanCommander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet Public Affairs
USS GUNSTON HALL, AT SEA
Amphibious dock landing ship USSGunston Hall (LSD 44) is participatingin the International Mine Countermea-sures Exercise 2012 (IMCMEX 12)while operating in the Gulf of Aden,Sept. 16 - 27.
More than 30 international partnersfrom Asia-Pacific, Europe, the MiddleEast and North America are involved inIMCMEX 12, making it the largest exer-cise of its kind in the U.S. 5th Fleet areaof responsibility.
So far, Gunston Hall has hosted mem-bers of the Royal British, Royal Cana-dian, Djiboutian and Yemeni navies,among others.
The Canadian naval officers are incharge of the exercise’s operationsaboard Gunston Hall.
Gunston Hallparticipatesin IMCMEX 12
MC3 Jonathan SundermanAn MV-22B Osprey assigned to MarineMedium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 261 (Rein-forced) lifts off from the flight deck of the USSGunston Hall (LSD 44).
» see UNITAS | A10
» see GUNSTON HALL | A10
■ aboutUNITASUNITAS is thelongest runningand largestmaritimeexercise in thishemisphere.The 12-dayexercise willentail a varietyof operationsintended toenhanceinteroperabilitybetweenthe partnernations.
USS NEWPORT NEWS AWARDEDFOR SUPERIOR PERFORMANCEPress ReleaseCommander, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs
NORFOLK
The Los Angeles-class attack subma-rine USS Newport News (SSN 750) wasnamed a recipient of the annual MarjorieSterrett Battleship Award for the calendaryear 2011, announced in NAVADMIN279/12 released on Sept. 16.
Along with the Newport News, USSHampton (SSN 767) also received theaward for its extraordinary level ofcombat readiness and excellence in every
submarine mission and core competencythroughout 2011.
The Marjorie Sterrett Battleship Awardis presented annually by the Chief ofNaval Operations to one ship in the U.S.Atlantic Fleet, and one in the U.S. PacificFleet for their superior performance inintra-type battle efficiency. Selection ofthe award reflects professionalism anddedication of this command.
“I am honored that our crew has beenrecognized with such a prestigious and
» see AWARD | A10
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Press ReleaseCommander, Navy Installations Command Housing Program Public Affairs
WASHINGTON
As many service members and their families are aware, NavyHousing Service Centers (HSCs) are a resource to help them find onand off-base housing when they are moving to their next duty station.
HSCs offer issue resolution services to all Sailors and their fami-lies, whether they live on-base, in privatized military housing, orout in the community. All HSC services are provided free of charge.
In a recent blog by Vice Adm. Bill French, Commander, NavyInstallations Command (CNIC), he stated, “As a Navy leader – andsomeone who lives in Navy housing – I am committed to ensur-ing service members and their families have suitable, affordableand safe housing. Recent events pertaining to mold in Navy bar-racks, and government-owned and family privatized housing, indi-cate a need to more clearly communicate assistance available on allissues, but particularly when pertaining to health or safety issues.”
“This is a personal issue for me. I am determined to ensure weare providing the very best housing throughout the fleet, but I alsoneed your help. If you help me by reporting your housing issues,we can help ensure you maintain a house, or barracks room, thatyou can feel proud to say is your home,” French added.
“The HSC is prepared to serve as the Sailor’s advocate whenhousing maintenance, health or safety issues arise. For fami-lies living in family privatized housing, we can also assist as anindependent facilitator to help you and your landlord commu-nicate when there is an issue and assist with coming to a reso-lution on a dispute,” said Corky Vazquez, CNIC N93 HousingProgram Manager.
“Our Housing Service Center staff has professional relationshipswith both the privatization partners and many community land-lords,” he said. “We want to work with service members and theirfamilies to assist them in finding effective housing options wher-ever they choose to live.”
Service members and their families can contact Navy Housingand find information through our active social media sites: Face-book – www.facebook.com/NavyHousing, Twitter - www.twitter.com/NavyHousing, or YouTube - www.youtube.com/NavyHous-ing. Our website offers plenty of resources for Issue Resolutionservices that may be required: www.cnic.navy.mil/housing. Cus-tomers can find a listing of HSC contact information at www.cnic.navy.mil/housingquickreference.
Navy HousingService Centers offerfree issue resolutionto service members
Hampton Roads Navy HousingService Centers■ NSN, NSA HR & NNSY: 7924 14th St., Norfolk, Va.,23505 | For more info, contact 445-2832, or (800) 628-7510, [email protected], [email protected]
■ NWS Yorktown: 1970 Von Steuben Dr., NewportNews, Va., 23603 | For more info, contact 847-7806,or (800) 704-5488, [email protected]
■ NAS Oceana: E Ave. Bldg. 536, Virginia Beach,Va., 23460 | For more info, contact 433-3268/3368,[email protected]
■ JEBLCFS: 2600 Tarawa Ct., Bldg. 1602, Suite 105,Virginia Beach, Va. 23459 | For more info, call 462-8939/7069, [email protected]
Balfour Beatty Communities■ Balfour Beatty Communities at Fort Story | Mon.- Fri., 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. - 962-351 | Available 24 hours aday for all emergencies.
Hampton Roads Lincoln MilitaryHousing Offices■ Lincoln At Your Service (888) 578-4141, available24-hours a day for all emergencies. For standardmaintenance issues, visit www.lincolnservicetrack.com/ResidentPortal/Residents.asp?hProperty
■ JEB Little Creek | 2156 Wellings Ct., VirginiaBeach, Va. 23455 - 965-6285
Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (CNRMA):Rear Adm.Tim AlexanderRegional program manager for Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (NRMA):Public Affairs Director | Beth Baker
The Flagship® is produced by NRMA staff.The editorial content is prepared, editedand provided by the NRMA Public Affairs Office.
The Flagship® is an authorized publication for members of the military servicesand their families.The Flagship® is published by Flagship, Inc., a subsidiary ofTheVirginian-Pilot Media Companies, a private firm that is in no way connected with theDepartment of Defense (DoD), the U.S. Navy or the U.S. Marine Corps, under exclusivecontract with the U.S. Navy.
The contents, including advertising of theThe Flagship®, do not necessarily reflectthe official views of the DoD, the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Marine Corps, NRMA or Flagship,Inc., and do not imply endorsement thereof. Items advertised inThe Flagship® shall bemade available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion,gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation orany other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. If a violation or rejection ofthis equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher shall refuseto advertising from that source until the violation is resolved.
Stories may be submitted via email to [email protected] Flagship®is published everyThursday by Flagship, Inc., whose offices are located at 150 W.Brambleton Ave., Norfolk, Va. 23510. Minimum weekly circulation is 40,000.
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FLAGSHIPNEWS.COM | SEP 27, 2012 | THE FLAGSHIP | A3
By Ens. Joshua J. StewartUSS Carr (FFG 52) Public Affairs
PUNTARENAS, COSTA RICA
USS Carr (FFG 52) offloaded 4,134 pounds of marijua-na – worth $4 million dollars – recovered during Counter-ing Transnational Organized Crime (CTOC) operations inthe U.S. 4th Fleet (C4F) area of responsibility in supportof Operation Martillo, Sept. 17.
During a routine night patrol in the Western Caribbean,Carr’s embarked SH-60B helicopter spotted a small, fastmoving surface contact. After closing to investigate, Carr’shelicopter observed a 25-foot twin-engine vessel jettison-ing bales of drugs.
In a coordinated effort, Carr pursued the go-fast over 80miles until the vessel entered Costa Rican territorial waterswhere the crew was apprehended by authorities.
Carr and U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement detachmentpersonnel recovered contraband that was jettisoned fromthe go-fast. The estimated street value is in excess of $33million.
In addition, Carr supported Theater Security Coopera-tion (TSC) by hosting four members of Costa Rica’s Leg-islative Assembly along with members of the local media.
Recently, the Costa Rican legislative assembly enacteda bill that allows the United States Navy to conduct portvisits. Carr is the first U.S. Navy ship to make a port callin Costa Rica following the recent vote to authorize visitsfor ships taking part in joint maritime patrols. This voteenhances the ability of United States and Costa Rica topartner in the fight against transnational organized crime(TOC) networks, which affects both nations.
“Thanks to the National Assembly’s actions, we cannow quickly transfer any suspects or evidence detained atsea into the hands of Costa Rica’s legal system,” statedCmdr. Patrick Kulakowski, Carr’s Commanding Officer.“During our discussions, we all agreed that we must worktogether to successfully counter transnational organizedcrime. During our time in theater, we have had the oppor-tunity to work with several partners, including Colombia,Costa Rica and Panama to execute the mission.”
Carr is homeported in Norfolk and is currently deployedin support of Operation Martillo, under operational con-trol to U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/Commander4th Fleet (COMUSNAVSO/C4F) while conducting CTOCoperations in support of Joint Interagency Task Force -South, U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) andU.S. Coast Guard District 7.
Operation Martillo, Spanish for “hammer,” is a U.S.,European and Western Hemisphere partner nation efforttargeting illicit trafficking routes in coastal waters alongthe Central American isthmus.
USS Carr offloadsdrugs in CostaRica after seizurein the Caribbean
Wasp gets crew vaccinatedfor the upcoming flu seasonBy MCSN Markus CastanedaUSS Wasp Public Affairs
USSWASP, AT SEA
Approximately 800 Sailorsreceived their flu vaccine shots,Sept. 17, aboard the multi-pur-pose amphibious assault shipUSS Wasp (LHD 1) while she isunderway conducting routine op-erations in the Atlantic Ocean.
The medical department dedi-cated a whole day to get the ship’screw vaccinated for the upcomingflu season.
According to Cmdr. Nam T. Ly,Wasp’s senior medical officer, theflu season begins in October andthis is the best time to receive thevaccination.
“It’s probably the most effec-tive way because everybody isaboard the ship to receive the vac-cine, which is important,” said Ly.“I’d rather have them spend 10minutes of their time here to get
the flu shot than spend four daysin sick call and miss work whenthey catch the flu. It does not onlyprotect the work force, but it alsoprotects their family.”
Most people think that they willautomatically get sick after receiv-ing the vaccine, which is not thecase. According to Ly, they actu-ally catch the flu from a virus thatalready exists. The vaccine is sup-posed to reduce the risk of catch-ing the virus, but it takes time tofully affect one’s resistance.
“The vaccine only prevents andlightens the probability of influ-enza, but does not make a personimmune to it,” Ly explained. “Thebest thing they can do is maintaingood hygiene, wash hands fre-quently, and when they sneeze orcough, know how to cover so youdo not spread the virus to the nextperson.”
Chief Hospital CorpsmanJoseph J. Nicholls emphasized the
importance of good hygiene andits relevance to the ship’s missionreadiness.
“We are a world force, a mili-tary unit. We live in closed quar-ters and the probability of some-one getting sick or catching the fluis very high,” said Nicholls. “Thevaccine paired with good hygienereduces the severity of that. Whenpeople are not getting sick, that’swhen I feel like I’m actually doingmy job.”
The hospital corpsmen stayeddedicated during the entire dayproviding flu shot services toWasp Sailors by coordinating avaccination window time withtheir birth month.
“It’s part of the job so we don’thave problems, otherwise it wouldcompromise the mission,” saidHospital Corpsman 2nd Class Jef-frey N. Legaspi. “It also helps usbe medically ready for any mis-sion or situation.”
MCSN Markus CastanedaAviation Maintenance Administrationman Seaman Recruit Ana M. Vargas receives the flu vaccine shot from Hospitalman Nicholas C. Wohl-fiel aboard the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1).
■ thevaccineThe flu shotvaccine ismandatoryfleet-wide andis designed tomaintain Sailorshealth all overthe world.
The vaccineitself will notmake theperson immune.It must bepaired withgood hygienein order to keepeach and everySailor healthyand missionready.
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The deputy surgeon medi-cal officer from Command-er, Naval Surface ForceAtlantic (SURFLANT)received the 2012 LatinaStyle Distinguished ServiceAward at the Latina StyleMagazine 9th annual Na-tional Symposium in Wash-ington, D.C., Sept. 6.
The award is for person-nel who, through their ser-vice, have enhanced the roleof Latinas in their organiza-tion. One active duty servicemember from each branchand Department of Defenseemployees are recognizedfor their leadership, and dis-play of exceptional characterwhile representing the His-panic community with dig-nity and pride.
Lt. Cmdr. Danielle Villa-Lobos Hicks was selectedas the U.S. Navy’s awardeefor her service as the Assis-tant Patient AdministrationSpecialty Leader at NavalMedical Center Portsmouth(NMCP).
“Lt. Cmdr Hicks is a leaderamong all naval officers andis truly a remarkable advo-cate who has placed the pa-tient first,” said Capt. MaryJenkins, Hicks’ specialtyleader. “She has attained anunprecedented level of ex-pertise as a naval officer andas a Patient Administratorby dedicating herself in sup-port of our deployed Sailors
and the medical departmentsafloat.”
In 2012, Hicks initiatedinjured program at NMCPand assisted in the design ofa state-of-the-art WoundedWarrior Patriots’ Inn. Thisfacility provides transitionalliving areas consisting ofprivate, hotel-like rooms,rather than hospital rooms.These rooms allow servicemembers to heal in a relax-ing environment equippedwith handicapped accessibleshowers and personal com-puters, so service memberscan maintain contact withfriends and family members.The facility also has admin-istrative spaces that provide acentralized one-stop shop formembers.
The idea for the facil-ity started in 2010 during theheight of the conflict overseaswhen hospitals first began tobe overwhelmed by WoundedWarriors.
“We wanted to find a wayto bring patients closer tohome,” said Hicks. “Bymoving away from a tradi-tional hospital-style room,warriors are now healing in asoothing and family-centeredenvironment.”
Hicks’ father, a Navy chief,along with her desire to helpothers was what influencedher to join the Navy as a med-ical officer.
“My father instilled thevalues of service to our nationand cultural pride in me at anearly age,” she said. “Hisdedication shaped my under-
standing of military service.”Currently, Hicks serves
as the deputy surgeon forSURFLANT. She providesmedical support and over-sight to 84 operational sea-faring platforms projectingsea power and providingsecurity and stability acrossthe globe.
“My culture is the center ofmy personal and professionalsuccesses because it providesme a unique perspective onhow diverse and culturallycompetent organizations suc-ceed,” she said. “Those need-ing guidance benefit mostfrom leaders that understandand embrace culturally con-cordant, servant leadership. Iam proud to be one of thoseleaders.”
Hicks actively participatesin the Local Chapter of theAutism Society and volun-teers as a cheerleading coachat a local catholic school. Asa coach, Hicks teaches younggirls the importance of bodyimage, physical and spiritualfitness, and how to foster longlasting friendship.
“It feels good to win thisaward,” she said. “My heri-tage fills me with pride andensures that I remain ground-ed no matter what personaland professional success Iattain.”
SURFLANT medicalofficer awarded LatinaStyle DistinguishedService Award
U.S. Navy file photoAssistant Secretary of the NavyJuan M. Garcia posses for apicture with Lt. Cmdr. DanielleVilla-Lobos Hicks at the 9th an-nual National Latina Symposiumheld in Washington, D.C., Sept. 6.
Sailor follows family sub traditionFire Control Technician Taylor Keys was awardedhis Submarine Warfare Qualification pin on Sept.7. Keys has completed a very rigorous trainingprogram, reflecting the highest standards in thetradition of submarining.
Taking notice of Keys exceptional performance,Rear Adm. Richard P. Breckenridge, Commander,Submarine Group 2, took the opportunity toproudly welcome other young Sailors. Keys hon-ors his family heritage by carrying on the legacyof his grandfather, Robert Stump, a retired com-mand master chief. His grandfather served as thechief of the boat on both the USS Scranton and
the USS Norfolk.“I’ve always aspired to be like my grandfather,”said Keys. “Even though he’s passed away, Iknow that he would have been proud that I re-lieved him of his commitment to the Navy.”
In commemoration of his grandfather, Keysrequested that his grandmother, Marge Stump,attend his award ceremony. Cmdr. JasperHartsfield, Jr., Commanding Officer of the USSNewport News, placed the submarine Warfarepin on Keys. Breckenridge attached one back-ing pin, while his grandmother attached theother.
Courtesy photo
pinningceremony
Press ReleaseChief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
WASHINGTON
Carolyn Blashek, the founder of OperationGratitude, is the Navy’s 2011 Spirit of Hopewinner, officials announced, Sept. 17, in NAV-ADMIN 286/12.
Blashek founded Operation Gratitude in2003 as a non-profit, volunteer-based organi-zation to support deployed service members,their children and Wounded Warriors. Sinceits inception, Operation Gratitude has sentover 750,000 care packages addressed to indi-vidual Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen and Marinesin hostile regions, such as Afghanistan, theMiddle East and on military ships. The orga-nization has also sent thousands of “BattalionBuddy” packages with stuffed animals to thechildren of deploying troops.
Cmdr. Randolph Borges, Commanding Of-ficer of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 85,Air Station North Island, Calif. nominatedBlashek. In his nomination letter he said her“service to the spiritual, social, welfare, edu-cation and entertainment needs of the men andwomen in the Armed Services, and truly rep-resents the core values of the Navy.”
Blashek will be presented her award at ajoint ceremony honoring awardees from allservices at the Pentagon, Nov. 15.
Established in 1997, the Spirit of HopeAward is presented by the Wiegand Founda-tion in honor of the famed entertainer and sup-porter of military personnel, Bob Hope. Theaward is presented to individuals or organiza-tions that embody Hope’s commitment andservice to the men and women of the military.A Navy Sailor or civilian has been honoredwith this award every year since 2005.
NAVY ANNOUNCES 2011SPIRIT OF HOPE WINNER
SUNDAYSTEAK & LOBSTER
634 J. Clyde Morris Blvd.Newport News, Virginia 23601
FLAGSHIPNEWS.COM | SEP 27, 2012 | THE FLAGSHIP | A5
New CO takes helm of Abraham LincolnPress ReleaseUSS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs
NORFOLK
The leadership of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USSAbrahamLincoln (CVN 72) held a changeof command ceremony in theship’s hangar bay, Sept. 21.
At the ceremony, Capt. Karl O.Thomas relieved Capt. John D. Al-exander as Lincoln’s Command-ing Officer in front of the ship’screw, family members and friends.Participants included: Rear Adm.Ted Branch, Commander, NavalAir Force Atlantic; and Rear Adm.Mike Shoemaker, Commander,Carrier Strike Group Nine.
Alexander assumed commandof Lincoln in January 2010, whenhe relieved Capt. Patrick D. Hallat a ceremony in Everett, Wash.His next assignment will be asAssistant Commander for CareerManagement at the Navy Person-nel Command in Millington, Tenn.
Alexander said he will alwaysremember the Lincoln crew andtheir unmatched professionalismand dedication.
“This has been the most physi-cally and mentally demandingjob I have ever had, and withouta doubt, the most rewarding,” hesaid. “This crew and this strikegroup team have been enormouslysuccessful. It has been that way forone reason, and one reason alone,a collective selfless commitmentto excellence.”
Thomas said he is honored tofollow in Alexander’s footsteps.
“Capt. Alexander has built awinning culture and an extremelycohesive team aboard Abe,” saidThomas. “This crew has answeredthe call twice, in short succession,and they have answered it with
professionalism and zeal. Thatwinning culture and enthusiasmwill be extremely important as weenter the next phase ofABE’s life.”
He continued.“We have the opportunity to get
Abe back into the fight – right andon time or ahead of schedule –with more war fighting capability,ready for another 25 years of ser-vice to this country. We have theopportunity to show that we are upfor the challenge.”
Thomas’ most recent assign-ment was at the Office of the Sec-retary of Defense at the Pentagonin Washington, D.C.
Lincoln marks his first assign-ment commanding an aircraftcarrier.
Thomas received his commis-sion in 1986 after graduating
from the Rensselaer PolytechnicInstitute with a degree in manage-ment systems. Prior to command-ing Lincoln, Thomas served asthe Commanding Officer of theU.S. 6th Fleet command ship USSMount Whitney (LCC 17) andthe Executive Officer aboard theNimitz-class aircraft carriers USSDwight D. Eisenhower (CVN69) and USS George Washington(CVN 73).
During the past two years, Lin-coln has completed two deploy-ments, including an eight-monthchange of homeport deploymentthat brought her to Naval StationNorfolk from Naval Station Ever-ett, Wash., her home since January1997. Over the next four years, Lin-coln will undergo a refueling com-plex overhaul in Newport News.
MCSN Zachary A. Anderson
Capt. Karl O.Thomas, thenew Com-mandingOfficer of theNimitz-classaircraft carrierUSS AbrahamLincoln (CVN72), deliversa speech ata change ofcommandceremonyin the ship’shangar bay,Sept. 21.
During theceremony,ThomasrelievedCapt. JohnD. Alexanderas Lincoln’sskipper.
By MC1 Tom OuelletteExpeditionary Combat CameraAtlantic
NORFOLK
Sailors came out tosupport, learn and cel-ebrate Hispanic Heri-tage Month, Sept. 21,during a program heldby the Heritage Com-mittee on Naval Station(NAVSTA) Norfolk.
Hispanic Heritagemonth, running fromSept. 15 through Oct.15, is a time to observe,learn and recognize thecontributions HispanicAmericans have madethroughout the years.Sept. 15 was chosen as the starting pointof Hispanic Heritage month because itmarks the anniversary of independencefor five Latin American countries.
Held at the DeVary Hall C-9 Auditori-um, the event featured videos, theatricaland dance presentations, and a readingof the Hispanic Heritage month procla-mation by President Barrack Obama.
“Today we have the opportunity to sitback and look at the Hispanic heritage,which is certainly a very rich culture– a great part of our make up – and afiber of the American fabric,” said Capt.David A. Culler, Jr., Commanding Of-ficer, NAVSTA Norfolk.
“Fifty million Hispanics now livein the U.S. and make up 11 percent ofactive duty military, and 17 percentof recruits,” said Culler. “More than73,000 Hispanic Sailors, officers andDepartment of Navy personnel make upthe total Navy Force.”
Yeoman 3rd Class Hubert Angrin,who works at NAVSTA Norfolk build-ing N26, helped organize the eventand explained what Hispanic Heritagemonth means to him.
“Every time I’ve participated in theseevents, I’ve learned something newabout Hispanic culture,” he said. “I walkaway from the event truly appreciatingtheir heritage, history and impact theyhave to our country.”
■ thestatsHispanicscomprise16.3 percentof the totalUnitedStatespopulation,or 50.5millionpeople,forming ourcounty’slargestracial orethnicminority.
changeofcommand
Capt. Alexander has built a winning culture and anextremely cohesive team aboard Abe.” - Capt. Karl O. Thomas
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A6 | THE FLAGSHIP | SEP 27, 2012 | FLAGSHIPNEWS.COM
By MC2 Luke EastmanNavy Parachute Team Public Affairs
BUFFALO, NEWYORK
The U.S. Navy ParachuteDemonstration Team, theLeap Frogs, traveled to up-state New York for a series ofjumps in support of BuffaloNavy Week, Sept. 15 - 16.
The Navy week perfor-mances included: jumpsinto the Buffalo Naval Park,the Buffalo Zoo and RalphWilson Stadium.
The three jumpers flewAmerican, Navy and POW/MIA flags. Spectatorsclapped and cheered as theLeap Frogs made a precisionlanding on a small patch ofgrass at the Buffalo NavalPark.
“I thought it was abso-lutely incredible,” said JudyPerkowski, a Buffalo native.“I’ve never seen anything
like it.”Lynn Bridenbiker, a World
War II Navy veteran in at-tendance for the event, wasamazed by the performanceof the Leap Frogs.
“I’m overwhelmed,” saidBridenbiker. “I couldn’t be-lieve the speed they landed.It’s really terrific how they’recarrying on the tradition.”
During his time in the Navy,Bridenbiker had received aSilver Star for participationin multiple amphibious land-ings in the Pacific theater.
The team was available toanswer questions and pose forphotos with fans after eachjump. The team also handedout stickers and autographedteam photos to spectators.
The Leap Frogs performaerial parachute demonstra-tions in support of NavalSpecial Warfare and Navyrecruiting.
Leap Frogs perform atBuffalo Navy Week
By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer CraggCommander, SubmarineGroup 2 Public Affairs
PORTSMOUTH, N.H.
Seven Sailors from the LosAngeles-class attack subma-rines USS Pasadena (SSN752) and USS Miami (SSN755) conducted a joint com-munity relations project witha local marine conservationorganization around the Islesof Shoals, Sept. 15.
The Isles of Shoals con-sists of nine rocky islands, sixmiles off the New Hampshireand Maine coast.
The Sailors used theirdiving skills in assisting non-profit Blue Ocean Society
for Marine Conservation inthe New Hampshire CoastalCleanup, held in conjunctionwith the International CoastalCleanup.
“I think it is always good todo things for the community,”said Lt. David Beam, the nav-igator aboard Pasadena anda certified Navy diver since1998. “Any time I have anopportunity to use the skillsI have acquired in the mili-tary for a greater purpose inthe community means a greatdeal to me.”
In addition to the Sailorsfrom USS Pasadena and USSMiami, the diving organiza-tion, United Divers – based inNew Hampshire – also assist-
ed with the clean-up efforts,according to Jennifer Kenne-dy, who co-founded the BlueOceans Society with DiannaSchulte in 2002.
“I think whenever eventslike this come up, the morepeople who are involved toimprove the situation, youcreate more awareness,” saidBeam.
Blue Oceans Society,based in Portsmouth, N.H.,has a conservation missionof protecting marine life inthe Gulf of Maine. Kennedysaid the assistance providedby the Sailors and otherdivers doubled their conser-vation efforts in cleaning theharbor.
Portsmouth-assigned Sailors assist withdebris collection in the Isles of Shoals
Press ReleaseU.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs
MANAMA, BAHRAIN
The U.S. Navy’s first Afloat For-ward Staging Base (Interim) USSPonce (AFSB(I) 15), will showcaseits much anticipated capabilities inthe U.S. 5th Fleet area of respon-sibility (AOR) during InternationalMine Countermeasures Exercise2012 (IMCMEX 12), Sept. 16 - 27.
Designated as an amphibioustransport dock (LPD) more than 41years ago, Ponce was converted andreclassified as an AFSB(I) in Apriland arrived in Bahrain for duty,July 6, to fulfill a longstanding U.S.Central Command (CENTCOM)request.
“The hard work of this crew gets
just credit for providing CentralCommand options to maintain mari-time security in the region, and theflexibility to support a wide rangeof contingencies,” said Capt. JonRodgers, Commanding Officer ofUSS Ponce. “As the first dedicatedafloat forward staging base, we lookforward to integrating this new plat-form during IMCMEX 12 with allour coalition and regional partners.”
During the exercise, Ponce willdemonstrate its ability to stagepeople and equipment, and providesupport to surface ship and minecountermeasures operations. Addi-tionally, Ponce will embark, launchand recover helicopters, unmannedaerial vehicles and small craft.
“There is no script for this multi-lateral operation in Ponce, given
the various equipment and gearfrom our partners – just an out-standing crew with a firm grasp ofbasic seamanship and a ‘must do’attitude,” said Rodgers. “Ponce cel-ebrated her 41st birthday this year,yet with our team and the capablemachine and repair facilities, we
continue to provide great support toour ship and other naval assets inthe region.”
IMCMEX 12 brings togethermore than 30 international partners.The exercise will focus on minecountermeasure (MCM) opera-tions, but will also include: MCM
support activities; intelligence, sur-veillance and reconnaissance sup-port; maritime security operations;visit, board, search and seizureevents; maritime critical infrastruc-ture protection; explosive ordnancedisposal; maritime domain aware-ness and force protection.
PONCE SHOWCASESCAPABILITIESDURING IMCMEX 12
MC1 Lewis HunsakerJapan Maritime Self-Defense Force Sailors moor rigid-hull inflatable boats to the well deck of Afloat Forward Staging Base(Interim) USS Ponce (AFSB(I) 15), before the start of phase two of the International Mine Countermeasures Exercise.
“It’s great that they canall use their diving skillsto assist us,” said Ken-nedy. “Additionally, it is agreat partnership betweenthe Navy and community,which has enabled us toget twice the amount ofwork accomplished.”
During their clean-upefforts, the Sailors andother volunteers picked updebris from the harbor’sbasin using mesh divingbags. The volunteerspicked up approximately60 pounds of debris con-sisting of bottles, cans andvarious plastic materials.
The efforts by the Ports-mouth-assigned Sailorsand United Divers are partof a larger clean-up effortthe Blue Ocean Societyhas coordinated, said Ken-nedy. This year alone, inaddition to regular month-ly cleanups along the NewHampshire coastline, theyhave completed clean-upefforts on four of the nineislands that make-up theIsle of Shoals, picking upmore than 4,000 poundsof debris.
“The islands have es-sentially been used sincethe 1600s, and through thecenturies, have remained apopular place for boats, rec-reational and commercialfishermen,” said Kennedy.
In addition to underwa-ter clean-up of the harbor,nearly a dozen otherSailors assigned to USSPasadena and USS Miamipicked up 50 pounds oflitter on Peirce Island inPortsmouth, N.H. on Aug.13.
MC1 Elisandro T. DiazA member of the U.S. Navy parachute demonstration team, theLeap Frogs, lands at Ralph Wilson stadium in commemoration of theBicentennial of the War of 1812.
Use of DoD image does not constitute or imply DoD endorsement.
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A8 | THE FLAGSHIP | SEP 27, 2012 | FLAGSHIPNEWS.COM
NAVY REGION MID-ATLANTICBy David ToddThe Flagship Managing Editor
NORFOLK
Navy Region Mid-Atlantic(NRMA) held an emotional remem-brance ceremony to commemorateNational Prisoner of War/Missingin Action (POW/MIA) RecognitionDay, Sept. 21.
“National POW/MIA RecognitionDay is a national day of observancefor Americans to offer remembrance,honor and respect to those warriorswho were prisoners of war and thosewho remain missing as a result ofour nation’s conflicts,” said NRMACommand Master Chief DominickTorchia, who served as the master ofceremonies for the event. “It is alsoa day to remember the families whohave sacrificed and endured on behalfof their loved ones.”
It is estimated that of the fourbranches of Armed Services, morethan 82,574 POW/MIA’s remain un-accounted for. A bell was struck tohonor those fallen service membersas Torchia read the totals of eachbranch of service, which was imme-diately followed by a brief momentof silence.
The crescendo of the ceremony wasa presentation of the POW/MIA tablethat was displayed prominently in thecenter for all those in attendance towitness. Each portion of the table wasa direct tribute to POW/MIA’s andrepresented POW/MIA’s continuedabsence. Religious Program Special-ist 1st Class Maria S. Thompson, from
Navy Region Mid-Atlantic ChaplainsReligious Enrichment DevelopmentOperation (CREDO), displayed eachitem as they were announced.
The table was set for one, symbol-izing the frailty of one prisoner aloneagainst his or her suppressors; thetablecloth was white to represent thepurity of their intentions to respond totheir country’s call to arms; a singlered rose in the vase signified theblood that many have shed in sacri-fice to ensure the freedom of Amer-ica; a yellow ribbon on the vase rep-resented the yellow ribbons worn onmany lapels; a slice of lemon on theplate was there to remind us of theirbitter fate; salt was sprinkled on the
plate in remembrance of the countlessfallen tears of families as they wait; aglass was inverted because the POW/MIA could not be there to toast; thechair was empty because they arenot here; and finally, a single candlerepresented the light of hope whichlives in our hearts to illuminate theirway home. The table was left for allto observe for the rest of the day as aremembrance of POW/MIA sacrifice.
“Those who have served and thosecurrently serving are ever mindfulthat the sweetness of enduring peacehas always been tainted by the bit-terness of personal sacrifice,” saidSenior Chief Culinary Specialist Mi-chael Jay Sims. “We are compelled to
never forget that while we enjoy ourdaily pleasures, there are those whohave endured and may still be endur-ing the agonies of pain, deprivationand internment.”
In addition to the ceremony, asingle cloth rose with a white paperlabel was placed on each chair so thatthose in attendance could be a part ofthe ceremony and write the name ofa loved one who served, or honor thememory of our POW/MIA warriors.The roses were then placed in bas-kets beside the POW/MIA table. At aprivate ceremony, the labels were re-moved and placed into a glass vesseland cast off to sea in remembrance ofour warriors.
MCC (SW) Christina M. Shaw
Press ReleaseAmerican Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON
“As long as members ofour Armed Forces remainunaccounted for, Americawill bring our fullest re-sources to bear in findingthem and bringing themhome. It is a promise wemake not only to the fami-lies of our captured and ourmissing, but to all who haveworn the uniform,” Presi-dent Barack Obama said inhis proclamation declaringNational POW/MIA Recog-nition Day, Sept. 21.The proclamation reads:
“For more than two centu-ries, Americans have bravelyserved our nation as mem-bers of our Armed Forces.Many have made profoundsacrifices to uphold theideals we cherish, carryingwounds that may never fullyheal, and dark memoriesthat will never fade. Today,we pay solemn tribute toservice members who borewar’s tragic costs as prison-ers of war and those missingin action. We stand with thefamilies who have knownthe lingering ache of a lovedone’s uncertain fate. And asa nation, we reaffirm a mostsacred obligation – that wemust never forget the menand women who did notcome home, and that wemust never stop trying toreturn them to their familiesand the country they foughtto protect.
As long as members ofour Armed Forces remainunaccounted for, Americawill bring our fullest re-sources to bear in findingthem and bringing themhome. It is a promise wemake not only to the fami-lies of our captured andour missing, but to all whohave worn the uniform. Ournation continues to recoverthe remains of fallen heroeswe lost in the Vietnam War,the Korean War, World WarII and other conflicts. Andas these patriots are finallylaid to rest, we pray theirreturn brings closure and ameasure of peace to thosewho knew and loved them.During this day of recogni-tion, let us honor their sac-rifice once more by express-ing our deepest gratitude toour service members, ourveterans, our military fami-lies and all those who havegiven so much to keep ourcountry safe.
On September 21, thestark black and whitebanner symbolizing Amer-ica’s Missing in Actionand Prisoners of War willbe flown over the WhiteHouse; the United StatesCapitol; the Departments ofState, Defense, and VeteransAffairs; the Selective Ser-vice System Headquarters;the World War II Memo-rial; the Korean War Veter-ans Memorial; the VietnamVeterans Memorial; UnitedStates post offices; nationalcemeteries; and other loca-tions across our country. Weraise this flag as a solemnreminder of our obligationto always remember the sac-rifices made to defend ournation.
Now, therefore, I, BarackObama, President of theUnited States of America, byvirtue of the authority vestedin me by the Constitution andthe laws of the United States,do hereby proclaim Septem-ber 21, 2012, as NationalPOW/MIA Recognition Day.I urge all Americans to ob-serve this day of honor andremembrance with appropri-ate ceremonies and activi-ties.”
Religious ProgramSpecialist 1st ClassMaria S. Thompson(in white) from NavyRegion Mid-AtlanticChaplains ReligiousEnrichment Devel-opment Operation(CREDO) bowsher head in prayerduring a POW/MIAceremony, Sept. 21.
Sept. 21 is a day ofobservance for allAmericans to offerremembrance andhonor those whowere POW’s, andthose who remainmissing as a resultof our nation’s con-flicts.
of folks who have ‘worn thecloth of our nation’ extremelyproudly and [those] who arestill missing today,” he said.
During the ceremony, En-gineman 2nd Class (SW)David R. Jones told a storyof his grandfather, Private 1stClass Thurmand Maynard,United States Army, who wasfirst captured in 1951 and ulti-
mately escaped in 1956.“It’s important that we know
where they came from and thehardships they went through,”he said.
The audience fell silentwhile Jones recalled his grand-father’s actions in Korea.
“As you look at this flagbehind me, I want you to thinkof this. After [my grandfa-
ther’s] second escape, andbeing that he could neitherread or write, the only thing heand his fellow Soldiers werelooking for was the Americanflag,” he said, “and after sixmonths of wandering throughthe jungle, they finally foundit, a red, white and blue beaconof hope and the shining light ofsalvation.”
MCC Leah StilesSailors salute for “Taps” during a Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) ceremony.
By Cathy HeimerThe Jet Observer
VIRGINIA BEACH
Naval Air Station (NAS)Oceana and Dam Neck Annexpersonnel commemoratedPrisoner of War/Missing inAction (POW/MIA) Day witha ceremony at the Flame ofHope Memorial Park, Sept. 21.
The ceremony was part ofthe annual observance of Na-tional POW/MIA RecognitionDay. The 2012 theme is “UntilTheyAre Home,” emphasizingthe sacrifices made by familieswho have service members notyet accounted for.
“A year should not go bythat we don’t take some timeto honor and recognize ourprisoners of war and thosestill missing in action,” saidCapt. Bob Geis, Command-ing Officer, NAS Oceana. “Ithink it’s vitally importantthat we do so every day.”
Geis explained he wantedto keep the tribute simple anddignified as a way to honorall POW’s and MIA’s, includ-
ing 33,000 Navy Sailors stillunaccounted for since WorldWar II. He asked those at-tending to “remember thosefolks who bear that burden,the deployment that neverends.”
Geis noted the POW/MIAPark, located just off the baseon Oceana Blvd., is the mostfitting place in HamptonRoads to honor and recognizethe POW’s and MIA’s. Con-structed near the end of theVietnam War in 1972, the parkalso contains the Flame ofHope Monument, and the U.S.and black and white POW/MIA flags. Although extin-guished for nearly a decadefollowing the end of the Viet-nam War and the gas crisis inthe 1970s, the flame was relitin 1984 and has continued toburn since then.
Following Geis’ brief re-marks, Commander, StrikeFighter Wing Atlantic Capt.Paul Gronemeyer joined Geisin presenting a wreath at thebase of the stone monument.Members of the Patriot Guard
also presented a wreath againthis year.
Representatives of theVFW Post 392 Ladies Aux-iliary added a third wreath atthe base of the monument andmember Pam Myers also readthe names of 47 Virginianswho were held as POW’s orare MIA. Participation in theOceana ceremony was partof the auxiliary’s POW/MIARecognition Day that includ-ed a candlelight ceremony at8 p.m. at their Virginia Beachpost.
“It’s always our goal tohave somebody out here,” ex-plained Post Commander BillSowers, who brought along10 of their members to theOceana ceremony.
The ceremony at Oceanahas continued to expand overthe years as more commu-nity groups join active dutyand DoD civilians in honor-ing POW’s and MIA’s. Alsorecognized this year for theirparticipation were mem-bers of the Virginia BeachMayor’s Veterans Commit-
tee, Patriot Guard Riders andmembers of the HamptonRoads Squadron Associationof Naval Aviation.
Residents of the AtlanticShores retirement communityin Virginia Beach honoredone of their own, World WarII POW Al Cratch. Cratch,92, was unable to attend theceremony, but several otherresidents made it a point to
recognize his service duringthe Oceana ceremony with ahand-lettered sign.
Ray Zumpol, president ofthe local chapter of the Viet-nam Veterans of America,was very pleased at the turn-out for the ceremony.
“It’s an honor to see allthese people here,” he said.“We should never forget ourfallen and missing heroes.”
MC3 Antonio P. Turretto RamosWreaths were placed at the Flame of Hope Monument during theNAS Oceana POW/MIA Ceremony, Sept. 21.
NAVAL STATION NORFOLK
NAVAL AIR STATION OCEANA
Local commands honorprisoners of war, servicemembers missing in action
By MC1 (SCW)Jeffrey R. MilitzerNAVSTA Norfolk Public Affairs
NORFOLK
Naval Station (NAVSTA)Norfolk hosted a Prisoner ofWar/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) ceremony to commemo-rate those who remain unac-counted for or were killed inaction while engaged in allwars, past and present, Sept.21.
“Today, we take a momentto think about those who havegiven so much to their nation,”said Capt. David A. Culler,Jr., Commanding Officer,NAVSTA Norfolk.
Culler spoke about the dayCapt. John Consolvo, UnitedStates Marine Corps, wentmissing in Vietnam. Consolvois still MIA to this day.
“We have the opportunity[today] to share a few stories
FLAGSHIPNEWS.COM | SEP 27, 2012 | THE FLAGSHIP | A9
By Kevin CopelandCommander, Submarine Force AtlanticPublic Affairs
NORFOLK
Cmdr. Brian Sittlow, Com-manding Officer of the LosAngeles-class attack subma-rine USS Boise (SSN 764),was selected as the U.S. FleetForces Command winner ofthe 2012 Vice Adm. JamesBond Stockdale Leadershipaward, Sept. 17. Boise ishomeported at Naval Station(NAVSTA) Norfolk.
Sittlow’s recognition wasannounced via a Chief of NavalOperations Naval Administra-tion message released by ViceAdm. Scott R. Van Buskirk,Chief of Naval Personnel whoalso serves concurrently as theDeputy Chief of Naval Opera-tions (Manpower, Personnel,Training and Education) (N1).
“The 2012 winners werechosen from among 10 out-standing finalists in a reviewprocess that included screen-ing at the fleet commanderlevel and final selection by aboard of senior officers,” saidVan Buskirk. “Cmdr. Sittlow,as well as all of the nominees,should be justifiably proud ofhis achievements. He dem-onstrated the highest level ofleadership reflecting the legacyof Vice Adm. Stockdale.”
Vice Adm. Michael Connor,Commander, SubmarineForces (SUBFOR), echoedVan Buskirk’s sentiment.
“The most important char-acteristic of a great leader isone that unifies a diverse set ofskills and personalities into asingle cohesive unit,” he said.“I would say Cmdr. Sittlowdoes this every moment of theday. He is one who transformshimself to what is required fora mission and empowers hiscrew to perform as one.”
The Stockdale Leadershipis an annual award establishedby the Navy more than threedecades ago in honor of ViceAdm. James Bond Stockdale, aMedal of Honor recipient whoepitomized the very essence ofleadership during his nearlyeight years as a prisoner of warin North Vietnam. During thattime, Stockdale relied uponhis five, self-defined roles ofleadership – moralist, jurist,teacher, steward and philoso-pher – to help himself and agroup of about 11 others sur-vive the camp.
Stockdale’s distinguishednaval career symbolizes thehighest standards of excel-lence in both personal char-acter, example and leadership.The award is presented to twocommissioned officers, oneeach from the Atlantic and Pa-cific fleets, who are on activeduty below the grade of cap-tain who are in command ofa single ship, submarine, avia-tion squadron, or operationalwarfare unit, and who bestexemplifies the five criteria ofinspirational leadership.
A native of Roberts, Wis.,Sittlow became the Boise’sninth commanding officerwhen he assumed commandon Jan. 22, 2010. He graduatedfrom the U.S. Naval Academyin 1993, earning a Bachelor ofScience in Marine Engineer-ing. He earned a Master ofArts degree in National Secu-rity and Strategic Studies in2009 from the Naval War Col-lege in Newport, R.I.
Previous sea assignmentshave been aboard the Stur-geon-class attack submarineUSS Archerfish (SSN 678),homeported in Groton, Conn.,where he served in variousdivision officer positions incompleting two MediterraneanSea deployments and an ArcticOcean deployment. He servedas the Operations Officer forseveral military and civiliansponsored missions assignedfrom 1997 to 1999 aboard theDeep Submergence VesselNR-1, which was a uniqueU.S. Navy nuclear-poweredocean engineering and re-search submarine, homeportedin Groton, Conn. While as-signed on NR-1 he completeda North Atlantic deployment.
“[Cmdr. Sittlow] served
under me aboard SubmarineNR-1 – at the time the nation’sonly nuclear deep submer-gence asset,” said Capt. Wil-liam Merz, SUBFOR Chief ofStaff. “He ran the operationson the support ship and wasmy voice for all of the com-mand’s activities while I wason the sea floor – in essence, hewas often more the command-ing officer more than I was!His unflappable demeanor,tactical brilliance, combinedwith tremendous compassionfor his Sailors, epitomizedthe much sought after quali-ties of our most valued leaders– his men immediately rallyaround his leadership, his su-periors immediately listen tohis advice. Cmdr. Sittlow hasthese characteristics naturallyand I would have been sur-prised if he was not selected.He is, and has always been,one of our best and I could notbe more proud of his accom-plishments.”
After leaving NR-1, Sittlowreported to the Ohio-class bal-listic-missile submarine USSHenry M. Jackson (SSBN730) (Blue Crew), homeport-ed in Bangor, Wash., wherehe completed five strategicdeterrent patrols as the sub-marine’s Navigation Officer.In 2007, Sittlow became theexecutive officer aboard theVirginia-class attack subma-rine USS Virginia (SSN 774),homeported in Groton, Conn.,completing first-of-class op-erational and technical evalu-ations during his tour.
Before being assigned asthe operations officer at Com-mander, Submarine Develop-ment Squadron 12, homebasedin Groton, Conn, Sittlow wasthe first American to completethe Norwegian SubmarineCommand “Perisher” Coursein 2004.
“Cmdr. Sittlow is truly aleader in the mold of ViceAdm. James Stockdale,” saidCapt. Eugene P. Sievers, Com-mander, Submarine SquadronSix, and Sittlow’s ImmediateSuperior in Command (ISIC).“He has invested his team onUSS Boise and they have re-sponded with an impressiverecord of accomplishments,including a Squadron Battle“E,” the 2010 Battenburg Cupand two highly successful de-ployments to the EuropeanTheater. All are a testamentto his extraordinary leader-ship. He would give all creditto his men, but it has been hisvision and calm presence thathas been integral to their everysuccess.”
Candidates must be nomi-nated by their peers, whothemselves must be eligiblefor the award. Sittlow wasnominated by Cmdr. SethBurton, Commanding Offi-cer of the Los Angeles-classattack submarine USS Scran-ton (SSN 756), also home-ported in Norfolk.
“Cmdr. Sittlow embodiesall personal aspects for theStockdale Leadership Award,and USS Boise’s numerousaccomplishments and readi-ness to conduct deployed op-erations are a direct result ofhis dedicated leadership initia-tives,” said Burton in his nomi-nation letter. “I have observedhis calm but inspirational lead-ership and stalwart dedica-tion to constant improvementacross numerous lines of op-eration. His crew’s dedicationand achievements culminatedin selection of Boise as the2010 Commander, U.S. FleetForces Command BattenbergCup winner for the best ship inthe Atlantic Fleet. Cmdr. Sit-tlow’s leadership abilities andprofessional excellence are inperfect synchronization withthe motto of the ship he com-mands: ‘A One Ship Fleet!’”
During the past year, Boisehas successfully executedevery major ship’s inspec-tion and certified for overseasdeployment. Sittlow’s directapproach to the professionaldevelopment of his crew con-tributed to an unprecedentedadvancement of 51 first class,second class and third classpetty officers; promotion of
one master chief and his se-lection for command masterchief; the selection of threesenior chiefs and four chiefs;two qualifications for chief ofthe boat (COB); two qualifica-tions for Engineering Depart-ment Master Chief (EDMC);and one qualification for Sub-marine Command.
“Cmdr. Sittlow’s leader-ship approach can be summedup in three words, Focusedon People,” said Lt. Cmdr.Thomas Flaherty, who servedas the Boise Navigator andOperations Officer under Sit-tlow from January 2010 toFebruary 2011, and is cur-rently the SUBFOR flag aide.“Boise crew members, andespecially their families, werealways his number one prior-ity. Cmdr. Sittlow continu-
ously stressed the importanceof Boise’s Family ReadinessGroup and he relentlesslycommunicated with the groupon a regular basis.”
He continued.“As a result of his dedi-
cated focus on families,Boise completed a deploy-ment to the European theaterin 2010 with no lost time onstation due to HUMEVAC’s,MEDEVAC’s, or personnelissues. This is almost un-heard of nowadays. He hasan uncanny ability to sortthrough the chaff and pri-oritize the mission at hand.His mantra was to always‘keep the main thing themain thing.’ Cmdr. Sittlowwas completely dedicatedto training his young Sail-ors and officers. Above
and beyond the mission, healways stressed the impor-tance of building depth onthe ship and in the Subma-rine Force. He was laser fo-cused on providing his juniorofficers and Sailors the toolsnecessary to succeed at thenext level,” he said. “CmdrSittlow’s hands-on deckplateleadership and mentoring,combined with his strategicvision, are his greatest at-tributes. His confident, yethumble approach to leadingthe Boise crew helped eachSailor grow and feel empow-ered to make decisions andtake decisive action. Cmdr.Sittlow started each week bypreaching that ‘Submariningis the ultimate team sport.’Boise is an unbeatable teamand he is the ultimate coach.”
Submarine CO receives leadership award
■ his leadershipCmdr. Brian Sittlow’sdirect approach to theprofessional developmentof his crew contributedto an unprecedentedadvancement of 51 firstclass, second class andthird class petty officers;promotion of one masterchief and his selection forcommand master chief; andthe selection of three seniorchiefs and four chiefs.
A10 | THE FLAGSHIP | SEP 27, 2012 | FLAGSHIPNEWS.COM
Patuxent and Preserver started out infront of their respective group of ships,steaming at 13 knots. They then directed,via radio communications and flag hoists,each ship to come alongside in order to bepositioned to receive lines for fuel.
The supply ship “gives you a signal viaFLT TAC [Fleet Tactical], which is a like aradio or telephone signal,” said Ens. Clar-issa Carpio, Underwood’s junior officer ofthe deck and the ship’s 1st lieutenant re-sponsible for refueling evolutions such asthis one. “They give us a signal of wherethey want us stationed and then after thatpoint, we use the flag hoists. That will de-termine when we’ll go alongside and whenthe oiler is ready for us.”
The ships approached either Patuxent orPreserver at 25 knots. Once alongside, theymatched speeds at about 13 knots. Whenready to depart and break off, the shipswent flank speed ahead for 30 knots andturned away from the supply ship.
The ships did not actually receive fuelduring the event nor were any lines ex-changed between ships.
“We [U.S. Navy] do this quite often, butour partner nations do not,” said Chief War-rant Officer 3 Miguel Aponte, the officer ofthe deck during the evolution aboard USSUnderwood (FFG 36). “When you do a re-hearsal, you get to go through all the mo-tions of bringing the ship in close proxim-
ity to another ship without having to do allthe extra stuff, like rigging the span wire orsending the hoses across the deck, whichbrings along its own challenges. By doing adry rehearsal, we can practice approachingand breaking away from the refueling ship.”
In the two separate groups, the shipssailed in a two-line formation behind theirrespective supply ships, and when directedby the supply ship crew, came alongside totake station. After demonstrating proficien-cy in maintaining correct position, the shipspulled away and turned around to rejoin theback of their formation. This was repeatedfor the entire three-hour event.
“I think it [the evolution] went well,”said Carpio. “In our group of six ships, wehad two foreign [Mexican and Colombian]ships. They did well coming into stationand they understood all the signals.”
“The evolution went very smoothly,” saidAponte. “We ended up doing two approach-es – one on the starboard side and one onthe port side.”
Two actual refueling evolutions willoccur later this week and ships will be af-forded the opportunity to top off their tanksbefore the end of the exercise.
UNITAS is the longest running and larg-est maritime exercise in this hemisphereand is hosted by Rear Adm. Sinclair Harris,Commander, U.S. 4th Fleet. The 12-day ex-ercise will entail a variety of operations in-tended to enhance interoperability betweenthe partner nations.
ican liberty, justice and free-dom since the first days of theAmerican Revolutionary War,it offers one final chance for itsSailors to begin their success-ful journey up the ranks.
“The third class exam is thefirst step toward a goal thateveryone hopes to achieve,”said Mitchell. “Whether it is
senior enlisted or the officerranks, advancement is a step-ping stone that is excitingand that Sailors look forwardto.”
Enterprise has been a plat-form for many Sailors to de-velop their leadership andexcel professionally, through-out its 51 years of service.
“The time I spent aboardEnterprise has aided me in
preparation for my advance-ment exam in ways I neverwould have thought,” saidBoykin. “The saying is true,‘there is tough and then thereis Enterprise-tough.’ I am gladto say I chose the latter.”
“We are the eyes and ears of the report-ing network of the day-to-day operations forthe commander of the joint task group,” saidRoyal Canadian Navy Lt. David Botting,Gunston Hall’s IMCMEX 12 battle watch of-ficer.
The multilateral exercise focuses on minecountermeasures (MCM) operations, but alsoincludes MCM support activities such as in-telligence; surveillance and reconnaissance;maritime security operations; visit, board,search, and seizure events; maritime criticalinfrastructure protection; explosive ordnancedisposal; maritime domain awareness andforce protection.
“MCM work has got to be a continuousprogram and an evolving subject, so if we
should ever be called upon to go and do somesort of lane clearance, we are ready and capa-ble of doing it,” said Royal Navy Chief DiverAlan Knowles.
“It’s about international partners comingtogether and working toward a common goalof keeping the waterways secure and openfor all vessels,” said Lt. John Gray, GunstonHall’s operations officer. “It’s important be-cause when you share ideas and a collabo-ration of resources, you come up with new,efficient and better ways of doing things.”
Gunston Hall is part of the Iwo Jima Am-phibious Ready Group with the embarked24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. GunstonHall is currently deployed in support of mari-time security operations and theater securitycooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet areaof responsibility.
historically rich fleet award. Ihave never served with a teamthat shows a stronger mis-sion dedication and I am trulyprivileged to lead them,” saidCmdr. Jasper Hartsfield, Jr.,Commanding Officer, USSNewport News.
Hartsfield added that receiv-ing this accolade is largely dueto the caliber of Sailors andofficers assigned to NewportNews.
“Some of their best ideascome from smart, empow-
ered first-tour Sailors andofficers,” he said. “I believethe spirit of this award clearlyshows in how our people op-erate, maintain and covet thenational treasure we are eachentrusted with – our proudand capable ship, USS New-port News.”
Newport News was heavilyrelied upon during her mid-2011 deployment, delivering11 percent more mission timeto the Operational Commandthan originally envisioned,with a near-perfect missiongoal accomplishment.
“Their norm has been toconsistently innovate ways,despite odds or constraints, tosafely manage risk and over-whelmingly succeed at diffi-cult tasks, even when affordedvery little preparation time,”said Hartsfield.
The Marjorie Sterrett Bat-tleship Fund was establishedin 1917 by the Tribune Asso-ciation.
USS Newport News is the39th of 62 Los Angeles-classattack submarines. She wascommissioned June 3, 1989and is homeported in Norfolk.
MC3 Frank PikulThe Mk 45/5-inch lightweight gun is fired from the forecastle of the Ticonderoga-class guided-missilecruiser USS Anzio (CG 68) during a gunnery exercise for UNITAS Atlantic 2012.
Continued from front
Continued from front
Continued from front
Continued from front
ENTERPRISE | Ship has beenplatform for leadership building
GUNSTON HALL | Exercise focused on MCMs
AWARD | Fund nearly 100 years old
UNITAS | Ships did not receive fuel;lines were not exchanged between ships
■ 51 yearsEnterprise is scheduled toinactivate in a ceremonyDec. 1, after the ship’scurrent deployment,bringing to an end 51 yearsof distinguished service.
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The ship renowned worldwide for being the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the eighth in a long line of ships tocarry the name, is nearing its final return to homeport Norfolk.
To commemorate this monumental occasion, MilitaryNewspapers of Virginia and The Flagship want to reflect onthe ship’s years of history in a special supplement that will begiven out to family, friends and its biggest history buffs duringthe ships final Hooyah.
Email your very best sea story, memory, or photo with thesubject line ENTERPRISE DECOMMISSIONING by Oct. 8,2012 to [email protected], or mail it to: The Flagship| 1510 Gilbert Street | Norfolk, VA 23511-2737.
Don’t forget to include your rate, rank, name, and yearsserved aboard Enterprise. Please help us send off thishistorical legend with a Fair Winds and Following Seas!
USS Enterprise crew(past and present)
We want to hear your story!
Photos by Harry Gerwien
They have served our country and are still serving our region by making signifi cant contributions to the Hampton Roads community through their work, philanthropic and volunteer efforts. Help us
recognize our retired and veteran military by nominating them for the 2012 Still Serving Awards.
Honorees will be recognized at a reception on December 5th at the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel and highlighted in our Still Serving Special Section published on December 6th.
Nominations can me made online at www.fl agshipnews.com/stillserving
PRESENTED BY:
SPONSORED BY:
NOMINATE A DESERVING MILITARY RETIREE OR VETERAN
Photo provided by DOD Photo provided by DOD
FLAGSHIPNEWS.COM | SEP 27, 2012 | THE FLAGSHIP | A11
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SECTION B | FLAGSHIPNEWS.COM | 09.27.12
By Karen ParrishAmerican Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON
With less thaneight weeks remain-ing before electionday, American servicemembers and othercitizens overseas havemore tools than everavailable to help themregister and vote, theacting director of theFederal Voting As-sistance Program toldCongress, Sept. 13.
Pamela S. Mitchelltold the House ArmedServices Committee’smilitary personnelsubcommittee that herstaff is committed topromoting awarenessof upcoming electionsand removing anybarriers between Americans abroad andtheir right to cast a ballot.
“We provide voting assistance everyday and we’ve never done it better,” saidMitchell. “Voters seeking assistance willfind a myriad of resources available, in-cluding a professional call center, well-trained voting assistance officers and aninformation-rich web portal at fvap.gov.”
The program offers assistance to servicemembers and their relatives who are eli-gible to vote, as well as other Americanswho are overseas for work, school or otherreasons, she said.
The 2009 Military and Overseas VoterEmpowerment Act, known as the MOVEAct, established various programs to helpmilitary people, their families and otheroverseas citizen voters register and vote.
DoD overseasvoting assistance‘never better,’official said
Erin A. Kirk-CuomoSecretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta inspects the Guard of Honor in Auckland, New Zealand, Sept. 21.
By Karen ParrishAmerican Forces Press Service
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
The drawdown of U.S. surgeforces in Afghanistan is completeas scheduled, Defense SecretaryLeon E. Panetta announced onSept. 21 during a news confer-ence with New Zealand DefenseMinister Dr. Jonathan Coleman.
Panetta said the return of33,000 troops President BarackObama committed to the war inAfghanistan in 2009 is “an im-portant milestone.”
“As we reflect on this moment,it is an opportunity to recognizethat the surge accomplished its
objectives of reversing Talibanmomentum on the battlefield anddramatically increased the sizeand capability of the Afghan na-tional security forces,” he said.
The surge of forces allowedthe United States and its coalitionpartners in NATO’s InternationalSecurity Assistance Force (ISAF)to begin transitioning to Afghansecurity lead, he said, noting thatAfghan forces soon will be re-sponsible for leading their coun-try’s defense in areas of everyprovince and for more than 75percent of the Afghan population.
“At the same time, we havestruck enormous blows againstal-Qaeda’s leadership, consistent
with our core goal of disrupting,dismantling and defeating al-Qa-eda and denying it a safe haven,”the secretary said.
The 68,000 U.S. service mem-bers who remain in Afghanistancombine with other nation’sforces to make ISAF around100,000 troops strong, Panettasaid. Those forces will keepworking to reduce the level of
violence in Afghanistan, ensurethe Taliban do not regain any oftheir previously held areas andstrengthen the Afghan Army, headded.
Panetta said Marine CorpsGen. John R. Allen, Commanderof U.S. and ISAF forces in Af-ghanistan, is confident he can ac-complish his campaign with thecurrent force level.
“I have always had tremendousconfidence in Gen.l Allen’s abil-ity to say to me, ‘This is what Ineed in order to accomplish themission,’” the secretary said.“Right now, he is saying the forcehe has in place is sufficient to ac-complish that mission.”
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus an-nounced, Sept. 24, that the first Armstrong-class Auxiliary General OceanographicResearch (AGOR) ship will be named NeilArmstrong.
Mabus named the future R/V Neil Arm-strong (AGOR 27) to honor the memory ofNeil Armstrong, best known for being thefirst man to walk on the Moon. Armstrongwas an aeronautics pioneer and explorerfor the National Aeronautics and SpaceAdministration (NASA) serving as an en-gineer, test pilot, astronaut and administra-tor. Armstrong also served as a naval aviator
flying nearly 80 combat missions during theKorean War.
“Neil Armstrong rightly belongs to theages as the man who first walked on theMoon. While he was a true pioneer ofspace exploration and science, he was alsoa combat-proven naval aviator,” said Mabus.“Naming this class of ships and this vesselafter Neil Armstrong honors the memory ofan extraordinary individual, but more im-portantly, it reminds us all to embrace thechallenges of exploration and to never stopdiscovering.”
Armstrong’s widow, Carol, will serve asthe ship’s sponsor.
The Armstrong-class AGOR ship will be
■ asian tourPanetta is in New Zealand forthe final stop on his third Asiantour, which also included visitsto Japan and China.
MC1 Joan E. JenningsDr. Susan K. Avery, president and director of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, welds the keelat an authentication of the Keel Ocean-class Research Vessel AGOR 27 and dedication of the KeelOcean-class Research Vessel AGOR 28.
Navy announces researchvessel to be named inhonor of Neil Armstrong
By Brian WalshRecruit Training Command Public Affairs
GREAT LAKES, ILL.
Winning the United ServiceOrganization (USO) ShipmateAward was the icing on the cakefor Fireman Nana Asare, 27, origi-nally from Ghana, Africa, at Re-cruit Training Command’s (RTC)pass in review graduation ceremo-ny, Sept. 14.
At an awards reception follow-ing the graduation he, along withhis wife, Jacobina Darku, 28, were
eager to tell everyone of his journeyfrom Africa to taking the Oath ofNaturalization two weeks prior tograduation, culminating with wherehe is now – ready to start a newjourney as a Sailor in the Navy.
Asare graduated from the Uni-versity of Cape Coast, Ghana witha degree in education. He taughthigh school in Ghana for a numberof years. In July 2009, during atrip made by President BarackObama to Ghana, Asare decided
AWARD WINNING SAILOR’S DREAM TOJOIN NAVY STARTS NEW CHAPTER
» see DREAM | B4
By Regena KowitzNaval Hospital Beaufort Public Affairs
BEAUFORT, S.C
Naval Hospital Beaufortcommemorated NationalPrisoner of War/Missing inAction (POW/MIA) Rec-ognition Day by flying thePOW/MIA flag and holding aspecial ceremony at morningcolors, Sept. 21.
The POW/MIA flag isflown each year to recognizethe sacrifice of those servicemembers who have been
held prisoner, or who are stillmissing, and their families.
The guest speaker was re-tired Chief Hospital Corps-man Jeffrey Hughes whoserved as the leading chiefpetty officer for the Repatri-ated POW Program at whatis now the Navy MedicineOperational Training Center(NMOTC) in Pensacola, Fla.
The mission of NMOTC is toassist with the repatriation ofpast and future prisoners ofwar by fully understandingthe physical and mental ef-fects of captivity by studyingand evaluating former POW’s.
Hughes worked withformer POW’s, including
NavalHospitalBeaufortflies POW/MIA flag
Regena Kowitz
Naval Hospi-tal Beaufort’shonor guardprepares to flythe POW/MIAflag at morningcolors.
Staff gatheredto commemo-rate thoseservice mem-bers and theirfamilies whohave sacrificedso much fortheir nation.
» see BEAUFORT | B4
» see VOTING | B4
» see ARMSTRONG | B4
Even ifonly oneabsenteeservicemember oroverseascitizen hasa problem,we believeit is onetoo many.”
- Pamela S. Mitchell
Flu vaccine available atNMCP, branch clinicsStarting today, influenza vaccines are available at NavalMedical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) and its branch clinics forTRICARE beneficiaries. Since August, NMCP immunizationteams have vaccinated its medical staff againstseasonal flu. Now, flu vaccine is availablefor all other beneficiaries. Formore information, visiton.fb.me/qFtm0g.
You can catch Bianca Martinez anchoring the 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and11 p.m. newscasts with Kurt Williams, Barbara Ciara, and JulietBickford during the work week.You can also follow her laughter,stress and tears as a military wife in her blog, “Married to theMilitary,” weekly in the Flagship. Reach out to Bianca at [email protected].
In November of 2011, I wrote an article about gettingover ranks, status and years in. I had hoped it would sparka chain of support no matter what position our spouseholds. Unfortunately, I have heard too many stories againlately where those things are getting in the way of peoplesimply being kind and making new friends. When willfolks get that we can all learn from each other? It is get-ting really sad. That being said, why write it all overagain when the words and sentiment remains the same.Come on everyone, let’s get it together!
This is kind of a heartbreaking article this week. Ithas come to my attention that some people think thereis such a thing as a “fake military spouse.” I found outabout this from a comment on my blog on www.wtkr.com from Jennifer. Here is an excerpt:
Hi Bianca Martinez, I was just wondering what itis you think you know about being a real military wife.I’ll bet your husband is high ranking. Or he’s not inanymore. Some of my wive friends have tried to emailyou before ... we are real military wives and you neverresponded. You act like you’re better then us becauseyou are a TV personality. Get over yourself. Stop tryingto be a fake military wife. Because none of us care. Theyshould do the Married to the Military segment with realmilitary wives who know what it’s like for real. Youhigh-ranking people know nothing of what it’s like tobe a real military wife.
I responded to Jennifer and let her know where I amcoming from. My husband is the Navy and has been for14 and a half years ... I originally put 13, but my hus-band quickly corrected me! He enlisted one year out ofhigh school because he knew there was nothing else hewanted to do. We (high school sweethearts) were mar-ried at 21 after I graduated from Penn State and movedright to Hawaii. My first year there, he was home a totalof two months, only when you added the weekends anddays he was home. My husband is now a senior chiefand I have been with him through every step of the jour-ney that got him here. Furthermore, 14 years later hestill is never home. The only difference is, we are nowa military family with two children. I also told her itseems like a pretty “real” life when you are supportingfriends when their spouse has made the ultimate sac-rifice. Besides, if I was an officer’s wife, would thatreally make this life any easier? I would still have tosay goodbye to my husband and move forward day afterday as a military spouse.
It occurred to me that Jennifer, you may be youngand can’t imagine what life would be like past nextyear, or that anyone else has been in your shoes. Weall had to work to get to where we are and experiencedifferent aspects ... but we’ve been there. We have beenjust as frustrated as you are. I also respond to everyemail I receive if it has anything to do with military life,and I am sure I didn’t miss emails from your friends.I have even been there on a consistent basis for somespouses needing an extra boost. But that is neither herenor there.
This is the message that matters. There is no such thingas a fake military wife. It does not matter – high ranking,officer, enlisted – we all have felt that level of frustrationthat might lead us to send an email like that. We all sac-rifice. We have all had to say goodbye to our loved ones.We have all had to deal with delays in homecomings.We have all had to figure out how to make ends meeton military salaries. We have all had to stand up for ourspouses when someone belittles the jobs they do. Someof us have had to get the call that some of spouses team-mates have been wounded or killed, and some of us hadto comfort those left behind it those situations. It doesn’tget anymore real than that.
In a life that no one but our community can under-stand, there is no reason for a divide like this. We are alltrying to reach the same goal in being supportive mili-tary spouses and family leaders ... doing it with graceand pride. If for a moment you feel like putting down afellow spouse, take another moment to realize what youneed to be doing is supporting each other.
Marriedto the
Military
No such thing as a‘fake military wife’
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By Sue HoppinMilitary Spouse Contributor
Chances are good that betweenpersonal and professional inter-ests, you’ll have an opportunity(many opportunities) to attend aconference. Jump at the chancebecause conferences offer you theopportunity to meet and networkwith experts in your field, whileexpanding your knowledge base.After years of planning and at-tending dozens of different confer-ences, I’ve learned some differenttips that might help you maximizeyour conference attendance.
Some things to take into consid-eration before hitting the road:
■ Research and carefully choosethe conferences that you’ll attend.The majority of us are constrainedby time and financial consider-ations, so it’s worth the extra timeto ask around to see what confer-ences dovetail best with your per-sonal or professional goals. Feed-back from past attendees and theschedule of events can also helpyou decide.
■ If you’re attending a confer-ence for professional develop-ment, check with your employer tosee if they’d be willing to send you(i.e.: foot the bill).
■ Get your networking/busi-ness cards ready. If you don’t haveany, take some time to have somemade. You can get them cheaplythrough websites like Vistaprint.com if you have enough time.
Now, once you get there, youwill likely have a fair amount oftime and money invested, so makesure you take advantage of everylearning and networking opportu-nity.
■ Conference days can be longwith back-to-back sessions packedinto every day, but when else areyou going to have that kind of op-portunity to network with subject
Maximizing conference attendance
By Jacey EckhartMilitary Spouse Contributor
One of my many manly bosses sentout a note asking what military apps Iliked. He is making a list. So, I lookedat my phone.
Uh oh. I’m kinda skimpy in the mili-tary iPhone apps department. Where myhusband has military apps for DefenseNews and Navy PRT and West Point anda bunch of other military things that looklike video games to me, I’ve got apps forUSAA and NFCU.
What does that say about me anyway?That I don’t care about the military? Thatthe military doesn’t matter to my life?
Hardly. Instead, I think it says thatthe apps that make my military life rockcannot be contained by apps designed formilitary members. Instead, I need appsthat help me live better with my chal-lenges. So, here are the apps I use everyday and exactly what they say about me.What do your apps say about you?
This American Life: A collection ofIra Glass’s stories over the past 15 years.This app says that I do a lot of house-work all by myself and it bores me totears. With Ira in tow, I can empty thedishwasher and feel cheery.
The Weather Channel: This app saysthat the Navy keeps sending us placeswhere people say ‘If you don’t like the
weather, wait 15 minutes.’So, I wait 15 minutes andcheck it again. Dang!
ooVoo: This appoffers free video call-ing. It says that thepeople I love bestlive too far away toomuch of the time. Ilike to lay eyes onmy husband andbig kids on ooVooand tell them allto change theirshirts.
Facebook: Ilike to keep upwith our Spouse-Buzz readers on myphone. Not only do I enjoy the com-ments on the SpouseBuzz Facebookpage, I like all the pics of military mem-bers with their families I get from read-ers. This pretty much says that militarypeople make me feel really, really happy.
FlashCards: This app means that mil-itary life has a way of making me forgetwhy things are not quite as bad as theylook. FlashCards lets me keep track ofsmart things I read and hear. My favor-ite current card is military writer KristinHenderson reminding me that the stakesjust aren’t that high. Compared to prettymuch anything the military is doing
today, my life is completely in perspec-tive.
The Secret Garden: This app meansthat sometimes (read: often) I havetrouble turning off the hassles of theday, so I can be turning over and goingto sleep. When I listen to this Librivoxrecording of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s1910 children’s novel, I start with Maryjump roping on the paths and I am asleepbefore the daffodils pop up. Works likea charm.
Jacey Eckhart is a Navy wife andauthor of “I Married a Spartan?” Visither website at www.jaceyeckhart.com.
■ theNavy app
The “America’sNavy” app forthe iPhone andiPod Touch is
available for freethrough the iTunes
App Store.
matter experts in the field, as wellas peers from all over? Don’t missout on any of the sessions. You’llhave plenty of time to rest whenyou get home.
■ If your conference has multi-ple tracks, make sure you researchthe different sessions and speakersto craft a schedule that best suitsyour goals.
■ Now, once you’re in the ses-sions, stay open to the informationbeing presented. You’re there tolearn new concepts and informa-tion so don’t go into it assumingyou know everything.
■ Be inquisitive, but keep thequestions germane to the topicbeing discussed. Don’t use thespeaker’s time to proselytize or gooff on your own personal agenda.
■ Networking doesn’t end whenthe conference closes each day– some of the most productivenetworking occurs during the im-promptu get-togethers. Make sureyou get out with your fellow con-ference-goers. Set up coffees andlunches with interesting peopleyou meet over the course of theevent and take the opportunity todevelop and cement those relation-ships before the conference ends.
■ If you have a bit of down time,check out the exhibit hall. The or-ganizers have likely taken the timeto assemble organizations and in-dividuals with information target-ed to your interests, so it’s wortha quick look around for resourcesyou can use.
Maximizing conference atten-dance means that your to-do listdoesn’t end once you’re home.
■ Follow up with all your newcontacts. If you weren’t sendingfollow up emails every night, thentake some time to do so within thefirst 48 hours of getting home. Thelonger you wait, the less likely it’llget done at all.
■ If you really enjoyed the con-ference and think you have some
knowledge and talent to share, findout about becoming a speaker atthe event next year. Pull together aproposal and see if you can get onthe agenda!
Finally, if you can’t make it to acompelling conference in person,follow along utilizing their socialmedia sites.
■ Find the conference websiteand see if they’re streaming any ofthe sessions or offering podcasts ofthe sessions.
■ Some conferences will makethe speakers’ presentations avail-able for download, so you can atleast have access to the materials ifyou can’t be there in person.
■ Check out the event hashtagand follow the conversation onTwitter. It’s a great way to take partin the event. Sites such as Tweet-chat.com allow you to followalong quite easily. With our ownNational Military Spouse Network(NMSN) Military Spouse CareerSummit coming up in a few weeks,we’re taking great pains to pro-mote the hashtag #NMSNevents,so that our military spouses whocan’t make it to the East Coast forthe event will still be able to takepart in the conversation. We’ll bechecking the feed frequently forquestions and comments fromthose around the country. You’llfind that this is the norm ratherthan the exception these days.
Sue Hoppin is a nationallyrecognized expert on militaryspouse and family issues work-ing to bridge the cultural gapbetween government, private andpublic groups and military com-munities. She is an independentconsultant and the founder andpresident of the National MilitarySpouse Network, a professionaldevelopment and networking or-ganization supporting militaryspouses who must balance theirown dreams and ambitions withthe military lifestyle.
FLAGSHIPNEWS.COM | SEP 27, 2012 | THE FLAGSHIP | B3
By MC3 (SW) Tristan MillerDefense Media Activity - Navy
WASHINGTON
The U.S. Navy Memorialhonored four military veteransduring the 2012 Lone SailorAwards Dinner at the NationalBuilding Museum in Wash-ington, D.C., Sept. 18.
The Lone Sailor award ispresented to veterans whohave excelled in their respec-tive civilian careers whilecontinuing to exemplify mili-tary values.
“This is the capstone eventfor the Navy Memorial – theLone Sailor is the icon thatrepresents the Navy Memori-al,” said Chief of Naval Oper-ations (CNO) Adm. JonathanGreenert. “This is an oppor-tunity for the Navy Memorial– a terrific organization – torecognize somebody who hasserved both in uniform andout of uniform.”
Following the ceremony,Greenert discussed furtherhow very proud he was of theawardees and the excellencethey achieved following theirNavy service.
“Navy service was a foun-dation for the great thingsEverett Alvarez and JohnPaul DeJoria achieved,” saidGreenert. “Their service hasbeen a continuum in and outof uniform. I’m proud ofthese veterans we honoredand the Sailors they repre-sent.”
The honorees at the dinnerincluded: Everett Alvarez,Jr.; John Paul DeJoria; J.D.Power III; and Mark Russell.
“To be recognized by apeer on this scale is a tre-mendous honor for me,” said
Alvarez, who was recognizedas one of the longest heldPOW’s during the VietnamWar. “I feel very grateful andhumble. So many of these in-dividuals, who have chosenme, I have the highest respectfor what they have achieved.”
DeJoria was honored forhis Navy service and for hissuccess as co-founder of JohnPaul Mitchell Systems andthe Patron Spirit Company.
“It feels really special tohave gone into the UnitedStates Navy right out of highschool as an enlisted man,served at a very good time,and take lot of the traits andhabits I learned in the mili-tary to go into my regularcivilian life,” he said.
This was the 25th annualLone Sailor Award Dinner.The honorees join a groupof distinguished individualsincluding: Bill Cosby, BeauBridges, Eddie LeBaron andLanier Phillips.
NAVY MEMORIAL HOSTS 25TH ANNUALLONE SAILOR AWARDS DINNER
MC2 Kyle P. MalloyChief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert and Commandant of the Coast Guard Adm.Robert Papp recognize active duty service members and awardees at the United States Navy MemorialLone Sailor Awards Dinner.
Award given tovets for work incivilian careers
Their servicehas been acontinuum in andout of uniform.”
- Chief of Naval OperationsAdm. Jonathan Greenert
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he wanted to join the Navy.“When President Obama
came to Ghana, I saw a hugeship pull into port. Later, Ifound out it was an amphibi-ous assault ship,” said Asare.“Seeing that ship created apassion for me to somedayjoin the Navy.”
He and his wife applied fora Diversity Immigrant Visa,a congressionally mandatedprogram for persons who meetstrict eligibility requirementsfrom countries with low ratesof immigration to the UnitedStates in November 2009.
After an interview in April2010, visas were issued toAsare and his wife in Septem-ber of 2011. They flew to theUnited States and settled inQueens, New York.
“I was very nervous comingto America – it was my firsttime flying outside of Ghana,”saidAsare. “I inserted $10 intoa machine to get a luggage
cart at JFK (International)Airport and the machine gotstuck and didn’t give me mychange. When an employeesaid there was nothing I coulddo about it, I began to wonderwhat I got myself into.”
After only three months inthe United States, he decidedthat he would fulfill his dreamof joining the Navy. Asarewent to a recruiting office,only to find out that informa-tion on his Green Card wasincorrect. Not deterred by theobstacle, he quickly sent in hiscard to the U.S. Citizenshipand Immigration Services(USCIS) to be corrected.
“When everything wascorrected I went back to therecruiting office not caringwhat job was open to me,just as long as I was in theNavy,” he said. “I signed mycontract to be an Engine-man on March 6, 2012. I willalways remember that dateand took it as a good signbecause, March 6, is also
Ghana’s Independence Day.”Asare was concerned about
his age compared to those ofhis fellow recruits. Most of therecruits in his division were18 to 19 years old – the sameage of the students he taughtin Ghana. The teacher in himcaused him to strive to be thebest in his division so that hecould set an example for theyounger recruits. He also re-membered what his mother
used to say.“My mother always drove
me to be the best that I canbe,” he said. “She always toldme that I ‘should always bethat shining star.’”
He wants to make the Navya career and said his goal is tobe a master chief before he re-tires. He also wants to earn adoctoral degree while he is inthe Navy.
“I believe that anything
under the sky is achievable,”he said. “Those that followthe core values of the Navywill be successful. If you arehonorable, courageous andyou commit yourself, you canachieve anything.”
Since 2010, U.S. Citizen-ship and Immigration Ser-vices (USCIS), in partnershipwith RTC, has expedited citi-zenship of over 1,650 recruitsduring boot camp training. To
expedite citizenship Immigra-tion Services Officers fromthe Chicago field office travelto RTC on multiple days eachweek to process paper work,interview, do back groundchecks and perform oath cer-emonies for recruits applyingfor U.S. citizenship.
RTC trains over 37,000 vol-unteer civilian recruits annu-ally, transforming them intobasically trained Sailors.
The act required the militaryservices to have a voting as-sistance office on every instal-lation worldwide, except forthose in war zones.
Mitchell said those officesare open, and the voting as-sistance program offers arange of training tools for theinstallation office staffs andfor unit voting assistance of-ficers. She noted the programalso employs online and emailtools to help overseas militarymembers navigate the absen-tee voting process.
“We’re conducting a com-prehensive communications
and outreach campaign and weestablished a call center thatprovides support by phone,by email and by online chat,”she said. “The services are alsoactively engaged to increaseawareness of the election and[of] service members right tovote.”
The Federal Voting Assis-tance Program website haslogged more than eight millionvisits since November, Mitch-ell said, and the program’sstaff members have dispatched1.4 million emails, five sepa-rate times since January, withat least two more mass emailsscheduled to go out before theNovember election.
“As of June 30, the ser-vices reported that their in-stallation and unit voting as-sistance offices helped over550,000 [people],” she noted.
The program’s staff workscontinuously to increaseawareness among potentialoverseas voters, she said.
“I spent over 25 years inuniform and I wish I’d hadaccess to the tools that areout there today,” said Mitch-ell. “However, even if onlyone absentee service memberor overseas citizen has aproblem, we believe it is onetoo many – and there is noquestion that we still havework to do.”
VOTING | Training tools available
BEAUFORT | Flag serves asnation’s commitment to POW/MIAs
Continued from B1
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Armstrong-class AGORships will be 238 feet inlength, have a beam length of50 feet and operate at morethan 12 knots. AGOR 27 iscurrently under constructionby Dakota Creek Industries,Inc. in Anacortes, Wash.
U.S. Sen. John McCain and Cmdr. Ev-erett Alvarez (ret.), while at NMOTCand shared the impact of those expe-riences with Naval Hospital Beaufortstaff.
“Personally, I was truly humbled to beable to walk and talk with these giantsfrom the Vietnam War,” said Hughes.“They had been through so much for somany years and I was in awe of them. Ilearned a lot about military service andlife just being around them.”
One thing that Hughes learned isthat life is never as bad as you think.
“Did you wake up in leg irons andyour arms shackled behind your back?Have you spent the last 24 hours tiedup and hanging from the roof beams?If not, life is good,” he said.
Hughes said it’s important to re-member our POW’s and MIA’s.
“First and foremost, this is a partof our history,” he said. “We shouldnever forget the sacrifices made andthe family members that are still wait-ing to have some closure. We have alot we could learn from these servicemembers that would make us betterMarines and Sailors, not to mentionbetter people in general.”
The black and white flag was cre-ated by the National League of Fami-lies and serves as a symbol of our na-tion’s commitment to America’s POW/MIA’s to achieve the fullest possibleaccounting of all missing and unac-counted personnel.
Open since 1949, Naval HospitalBeaufort provides general medical,surgical and emergency services toall active duty personnel, as well asretired military and family membersresiding in the Beaufort area.
DREAM | Ghana-born Asare hopes toretire as master chiefContinued from B1
■ local POW/MIAceremoniesTo see coverage from POW/MIAceremonies from commands inHampton Roads, see page A8.
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FLAGSHIPNEWS.COM | SEP 27, 2012 | THE FLAGSHIP | B5
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B6 | THE FLAGSHIP | SEP 27, 2012 | FLAGSHIPNEWS.COM
Press ReleaseNavy Safe Harbor Public Affairs
WASHINGTON
Two Navy Wounded Warriorsserved as panelists at the 2012Warrior-Family Symposium inWashington, D.C., Sept. 13.
Hospital Corpsman 2nd ClassDerek McGinnis (ret.) and Con-struction Electrician 3rd ClassBenjamin Host (ret.) discussedtheir personal journeys of recoveryand subsequent retirement frommilitary service.
McGinnis is enrolled in NavySafe Harbor – which supports se-riously wounded, ill and injuredSailors and Coast Guardsmen –and Host also received assistancefrom the program.
The annual symposium washosted by the Military OfficersAssociation of America and theNational Defense Industrial As-sociation. Rep. Jeff Miller (Fla.),chairman of the House Com-mittee on Veterans Affairs (VA),addressed the audience – whichincluded military personnel, poli-cymakers, and government andcommunity leaders – at the kick-off of the event.
Marine Corps Maj. Justin Con-stantine, who served as the masterof ceremonies, highlighted thework of Navy Safe Harbor in hisremarks, noting, “all Navy SafeHarbor cares about is taking careof their [wounded, ill and injured]Sailors.”
Throughout the day, WoundedWarriors – as well as their familiesand caregivers – recounted theirexperiences since serious illness,or injury, first impacted their lives.Their testimony shed light on thegrowing and changing needs ofthe Wounded Warrior populationand provided helpful feedback tothe organizations and governmentprograms that assist them. Topics
of discussion included: medical-disability benefits, family andcaregiver support, and employ-ment and transition services.
McGinnis spoke on a panelentitled “The Early Years – HowWounded Warriors-Families areDoing Today.” McGinnis waswounded during combat opera-tions in Iraq in 2004, which result-ed in the amputation of his left leg,a traumatic brain injury and partialloss of vision. He is now medicallyretired and working at a VA com-munity-based outpatient clinic inStockton, Calif.
After becoming wounded, Mc-Ginnis “felt anger, hatred and frus-tration. I wondered, who is thisnew me, with cognitive defects,and can I accept this?”
“My hope is that people cantake our stories, our journeys andour experiences as a way to plantthe seeds of post-traumatic growthas they learn how to live their newlives,” he added. He said that hefeels blessed to have lived throughthe experience.
Host spoke on a panel entitled“Transitions & New Beginnings– Linking Alliances to Evolv-ing Needs.” Host was a Seabee
wounded in combat in 2004, andhe grapples with the effects post-traumatic stress disorder. He cur-rently is a student.
“I deal with things on a regularbasis that you don’t know about. Iseem normal to you, but I’m not,”he stated plainly while addressingthe audience.
He said he credits the VA in LosAngeles, Calif., which specializesin brain research, for much of hisprogress.
“I thank them for teaching me tohave the poise to present myself, tostop, think for a minute and thenreact,” he said.
Navy Safe Harbor Family pro-grams and Charitable ResourceCoordinator Dario Santana at-tended the conference, where hemet with Wounded Warriors andpotential community partners.
“We are incredibly fortunate thatthese service members, as well astheir families and caregivers, werewilling to share their personal sto-ries so publicly and candidly,” saidSantana. “Their testimony provid-ed incredible insight to those of uswho work on behalf of WoundedWarriors and it will help us im-prove the care we provide.”
Navy WoundedWarriors shareexperiences atnational conference
Press ReleaseDefense Media Activity - Navy
WASHINGTON
The Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mark Fergu-son testified before the House Armed Services Committee,Sept. 20, to discuss potential impacts of the SequestrationTransparency Act of 2012 to the U.S. Navy.
Ferguson joined the Under Secretary of Defense (Comp-troller), Robert F. Hale; Vice Chief of Staff of the Army,Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III; Vice Chief of Staff of the AirForce, Gen. Larry O. Spencer; and Assistant Commandantof the Marine Corps, Gen. Joseph F. Dunford in outliningwhat impacts sequestration would have on the Departmentof Defense (DoD).
Ferguson pulled from recent fleet engagements to illus-trate concern within the Navy.
“Last month I visited the Central Command region andhad the opportunity to visit both of our aircraft carriers, ourminesweepers, our patrol craft and other ships in the region.I talked to over 10,000 of our forward deployed Sailors,”he said. “At every forum, Sailors – from the most junior toour operational commanders – expressed concern regardingwhat sequestration will mean to our Navy and their service.The uncertainty of our fiscal future is increasingly on theminds of our force.”
As written, the sequestration legislation would be $1.2trillion in automatic government spending cuts if Congressdoesn’t identify the cuts through traditional budget process-es. The DoD and the Navy would absorb a portion of thosespending cuts.
Ferguson illustrated how sequestration would force theNavy to make difficult choices in the second half of fiscalyear 2013 across three broad categories: fleet operationsand maintenance, procurement and force structure.
“We will make every attempt to preserve quality of lifeand family support programs for our personnel,” he said.“However, we may be forced to make selective reduc-tions in base support services and infrastructure sustain-ment.”
Each of the testifying DoD leaders expressed concerns ofthe potential impact to the services, Ferguson pointed outthat sequestration implementation would potentially impactmission accomplishment for the Navy.
“With existing forces, we are already seeing longer de-ployments. Carriers are operating at about eight months,ballistic missile defense ships (operating at) nine months,with very rapid turnaround to go back on deployment,” hesaid. “We would not be able to sustain that going forwardunder sequestration. You would see less presence forward,and you would see less ability to surge.”
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FLAGSHIPNEWS.COM | SEP 27, 2012 | THE FLAGSHIP | B7
By Lisa DanielAmerican Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON
Defense Department civil-ians need to understand andrecognize the warning signsfor suicide just as their militarycounterparts are being trainedto do, the acting director of theDefense Suicide PreventionOffice said Sept. 21.
“We want to make sure ourcivilians are as comfortabletalking to our military mem-bers as their military leadersare,” said Jacqueline Garrick, alicensed clinical social workerand former Army captain,during an educational sessionabout suicide prevention at thePentagon conference center.
Garrick made the presen-tation as part of increasedoutreach during September’sNational Suicide PreventionAwareness and AwarenessMonth. She and others spoke tosmall groups of mostly mentalhealth professionals about howto manage crisis and increase
resilience.“Suicide affects us as a
nation,” she said, although cur-rently there are not comparablenumbers to compare the sui-cide rate in the military withthat in the civilian sector. TheCenters for Disease Controljust released its 2010 suicidefigures, while the DoD is aboutto release its 2012 statistics.Also, suicide often is not givenas the cause of death, but ratherasphyxiation or heart attack,she said.
But Garrick said the in-formation is clear enough toknow that suicides have beentrending up in both the militaryand civilian sectors for severalyears.
To combat military suicides,Garrick said, you also have tolook to civilians who not onlywork alongside and manageservice members, but “civil-ians also are our family mem-bers.”
Managers need to be at-tuned to those on their staffwho may be suicidal, she
said. Information gatheredby the department shows thatyoung, white men make upthe largest block of militarysuicides, usually at homewith their own firearm, shesaid. Half had never deployedand many joined the militarywith personal problems thatcan mount into emotional in-stability.
Managers have to under-stand that employees also aredealing with stress from theirpersonal lives – problems withspouses, kids, finances or legaltrouble.
“We know all of this comesinto the workplace constantly,”she said. “That’s just life. Itflows all over the place.”
The first step for managersis to be open to talking whenan employee approaches with aproblem. Garrick offered thesetips for effective communica-tion with employees:
■ If you can’t stop whatyou’re doing, make it clear thatyou want to talk to them andsoon. If it’s not an emergency,
ask if they can come back in 20minutes.
■ Go to a private place totalk.
■ Ensure that your tone andbody language show concernand a mentoring stance.
■ Sound sympathetic andempathetic without being con-descending.
■ Be a listener. Don’t talkmore than the person in crisis.
■ Don’t insert your ownissues into the conversation.
■ Don’t make judgments orassumptions.
■ Use phrases like, “Tell memore about that,” and “Howcan I help?”
■ Don’t feel like you have tohave all the answers.
“They really just need to
know that you’re listening andyou will try to help,” said Gar-rick. “You don’t need to solveit all in 15 minutes.”
People should listen foremotional red flags such as “Ijust can’t take it anymore,” shesaid.
If you think someone maybe contemplating suicide, Gar-rick said, ask them, “Are youconsidering hurting yourself?”and “Do you have the means todo it?”
The three main places forhelp with suicide preventionare:
■ The Military Crisis Line at
(800) 273-8255, then press theNo. 1
■ Military Family Lifecounselors
■ Military chaplainsIt is important for family
members also to reach out tothese resources if they thinktheir service member maybe suicidal, Garrick said. Allconversations are confidentialand seeking medical treatmentrarely affects a service mem-ber’s career or security clear-ances, she said.
“Getting help early is reallywhat will help your career,”she said.
CIVILIANS CAN HELP PREVENTMILITARY SUICIDES, OFFICIAL SAID
By Lt. Liza SwartRecruit Training Command Public Affairs
GREAT LAKES, ILL.
Suicide prevention awareness andtraining is discussed with every recruitentering Recruit Training CommandGreat Lakes, the Navy’s only boot camp,where 37,000 recruits are transformedinto Sailors each year.
From their first moments of arrival atboot camp, recruits are taught the impor-tance of being a shipmate and lessons ofsuicide prevention rely heavily on theprinciple of looking out for others, andspeaking up when necessary.
“Given the nature of their relation-ships with RDC’s [Recruit DivisionCommanders] and other recruits, if onlythe amount of time spent together, that’soften the first line of defense,” said Lt.j.g. Emily Rosenzweig, a Navy chaplainassigned to a ship, or recruit barracks,at RTC. “We treat every instance of sui-cidal ideation to ensure that each recruitreceives the highest levels of care.”
Part of that care is the Recruit Evalu-
ation Unit, or REU, where Dr. JulieRuddy serves on staff.
“Because we have the REU with atrained and experienced psychologist,”said Rosenzweig, “we are very fortunatethat we are able to refer recruits whomay be in crisis for proper care. I believethat every recruit has the knowledge andtools to seek help.”
Approaching the issue from multipleangles, recruits and staff receive instruc-tion on keys to understanding suicidefrom their first days of arrival at RTC ...from then, they hear about it often.
“Suicide is a tragic, highly complexhealth issue, and is usually the result of acombination of several risk factors,” saidRuddy. “Anyone may find themselves ina situation to prevent suicide. It is oftenco-workers and family who are exposedto various warning signs that someonemay be considering suicide.”
Staffs stationed onboard Great Lakesreceive suicide prevention trainingduring indoctrination to the commandand twice-yearly during safety stand-downs. During the training, warning
signs and potential triggers are rein-forced so that they are never ignored.
“Frequently cited warning signs ofsuicidal behavior are making statementsabout suicidal thoughts or plans, givingaway possessions, a decline in work per-formance, any legal or disciplinary trou-ble, excessive alcohol or drug use, lossof interest in activities, self-isolation, un-explainable mood or behavioral changes,and problems with impulsivity,” saidRuddy. “Other potential triggers include:divorce; separation or break-up; loss offinancial security; chronic medical prob-lems; significant personal losses, such asdeath of a loved one, being passed over forpromotion, unwanted PCS/deployment/other new job assignment and subsequentlack of a social support system.”
The Navy uses a suicide preventionacronym, “ACT,” which urges aware-ness in all Sailors and gives distinct ac-tions to be taken if someone is suspectedto be suicidal. A stands for ask, which issimply asking the affected person if theyare thinking about suicide. C is care, let-ting the person know you care about them.
Finally, T represents treat, which is to getthe person treatment as soon as possible.
Treatment could be at a facility likeRTC’s REU, or with a Navy chaplain,at the Fleet and Family Support Center,or even within the chain of command.Navy suicide prevention, which can befound at www.suicide.navy.mil, MilitaryOne Source (1-800-342-9647), and theNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK[8255]) all serve as ad-ditional resources. Ruddy recommendsprogramming key phone numbers intopersonal cell phones, including thoselisted here along with base emergencynumbers and key command numbers.Identification of warning signs andtaking immediate action is fundamentalto help minimize suicidal behavior. Pre-vention remains the ultimate goal.
“Part of that [prevention] is talkingto recruits about it,” said Ruddy. “Weteach honor, courage, commitment. Therecruits are the front lines. You have anobligation to tell that RDC to get thatshipmate help. Go to your chain, and letthem know you need help.”
■ ACTThe Navyuses a suicidepreventionacronym, “ACT.”
A stands forask – asking theaffected personif they arethinking aboutsuicide.
C is care –letting theperson know youcare about them.
T representstreat – which isto get the persontreatment assoon as possible.
Recruit Training Command emphasizes suicide prevention
We want to make sure ourcivilians are as comfortable talkingto our military members as theirmilitary leaders are.” - Jacqueline Garrick
suicideawareness
B8 | THE FLAGSHIP | SEP 27, 2012 | FLAGSHIPNEWS.COM
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INSIDE: Check out Flagship Values, your source for automobiles, employment, real estate and more! Pages C10-11
SECTION C | FLAGSHIPNEWS.COM | 09.27.12
SMITHFIELD,VA.
The 7th annual Smithfield Music’s Aiken& Friends Fest offers more than just greatmusic – the two-day event also offers fun andinformative workshops that benefit musiceducation in Isle of Wight County. Head-liners for the event on Sept. 28 - 29 includeFest founder Mike Aiken, David Olney withSergio Webb and Bonnie Bishop.
The festival kicks off with an intimatesongwriters in-the-round concert in theSmithfield Little Theatre on Friday. Themusic continues Saturday on two outdoorstages and includes performances by theMike Aiken Band, the Bonnie BishopBand, David Olney, the Muckrakes, SusanGreenbaum and Beaucoup Blue.
A much-touted feature, the annual edu-cational seminars offer a variety of topicchoices to those who wish to learn moreabout the various aspects of the music in-dustry.
This year’s program features:■ Songwriters’ workshop – Hosted by
singer/songwriters Mike Aiken, ElliotLurie and Bonnie Bishop. Format is oftengoverned by attendee questions, but thisyear writing for specific markets like filmand TV placement will be addressed.
■ Guitar seminar – Taught by masterguitarist Sam Dorsey, Chair of NorfolkState University’s Music Department and
member of the Tidewater Guitar Orchestra.Open to players of any age and skill level.
■ Music Promotion 101 – Insights fromNorthwind Records’ President Amy Aikenand Lurie. Topics cover how the indieartist can advance their career and song/artist promotion within film and TV.
All educational events are held on Sat-urday and the cost to participate is includ-ed in the general ticket purchase price
of $35. Special seminar-only tickets areavailable for $10.
“The Saturday kickoff concert consistsof musicians from our local schools,” saidJim Abicht of Smithfield Music. “Thisgives our audience a chance to see whattheir money is doing for our communitiesand a chance for our students to performbefore a non-biased audience. Both sideslearn something.
“(The education workshops) have donea great job of engaging the participants,no matter the level of expertise they bringto the table. From beginners to those whocould probably teach their own class, theleaders make sure everyone walks awaywith something that will advance theirknowledge of music.”
Now in its seventh year, Smithfield Mu-sic’s Aiken and Friends Fest benefits youthmusic education through its vibrant annualAmericana/roots festival. A “celebrationof songwriters,” this small-town Virginiaevent introduces music fans to national,regional and local artists in the rural splen-dor along the Pagan River. Smithfield’svery active music scene is due in part tothe efforts of Jim & Elaine Abicht whohead Smithfield Music.
For more information on the SmithfieldMusic’s Aiken & Friends Fest, visit www.aikenandfriendsfest.com.
VIRGINIA BEACH
The Virginia Beach Neptune Festival is an ongo-ing celebration of the city’s seafaring heritage and thegrand finale to summer. Heralded as the city of VirginiaBeach’s largest and oldest event, the Festival has beennamed as one of the Top-100 festivals in the nation andone of the Top-10 on the East Coast.
This year marks the 39th Anniversary of its many of-ferings highlighted by the North American Sandsculpt-ing Championship and beloved Boardwalk Weekend.From galas to golf, the Virginia Beach Neptune Festivalproduces a bevy of events to suit all ages.
Presided over by King Neptune and his royal court,festival activities culminate this weekend with theevent’s grand finale: Boardwalk Weekend. Stretchingmore than 35 blocks along the beautiful Virginia BeachOceanfront, the boardwalk comes alive with entertain-ment for the entire family.
Virginia Beach Neptune Festival Boardwalk Week-end is three fun-packed days and nights entertaininglocals, visitors and guests from across the Mid-Atlanticregion. Weekend highlights include: a continual series
of daily outdoor concerts along 35 blocks of the Board-walk with a variety of live music; over 300 artisansshowcasing their talent during the Neptune Art & CraftShow; a spectacular Saturday night fireworks displayover the Atlantic Ocean; volleyball tournament; surfingclassic; Atlantic Sailing Regatta; and 8K and 5K runs.Additionally, the Boardwalk Weekend Grand Paradefeatures more than 100 floats, military units, costumedcharacters and marching bands along the oceanfront.
Boardwalk Weekend’s signature event is the re-nowned North American Sandsculpting Champion-ship. Internationally-known as the largest sand sculpt-ing competition of its kind in the United States, thisevent has one of the richest prize purses in the countryand draws the world’s best professional “master” sandartists from around the globe. Here, they transform Vir-ginia Beach’s sandy shores into their finest masterpiec-es, while competing for more than $50,000 in prizes.
For more information on the Neptune Festival, callthe Festival office at (866) NEP-FEST, or visit www.neptunefestival.com.
SMITHFIELD FESTIVAL OFFERSMORE THAN JUST GREAT MUSIC
Courtesy photoSmithfield Music’s Aiken & Friends Fest founder Mike Aikenis a Virginia-based singer/songwriter known for his signatureblend of Americana, country and roots music.
■ music educationAmong the programs for this year’sAiken & Friends Fest are a songwriter’sworkshop, a guitar seminar and musicpromotion 101. All programs are includedin the $35 general ticket price, however,$10 seminar-only tickets are available.
The benefits to areachildren are enormous and weare humbled by the many folkswho continue to participate.”
- Mike Aiken on the Fest’s benefits to youth music education
Sandsculpting Championship takescenter stage as Neptune Festivalmarks the end of Summer season
■ neptune’s kingdom of sandA huge tent, almost as large as a football field, will house 22sculptures created by 12 solo and 10 doubles teams. Sculptorswill compete for the largest prize purse awarded in the country.Includes extended viewing time of 10 days, live music andentertainment exclusive to the sandsculpting tent, and teachingdemos and live “QuickSand” competitions. Hours are: Sept. 28and 29, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sept. 30, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Oct. 1 through5, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Oct. 6 and 7, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is $3,and children 12 and under are free while accompanied with adult.
The grand finale
Courtesy photos
■ when and whereSept. 30, 4 to 8 p.m.; East Beach Bay Front Clubhouse, 4550 EastBeach Dr., Norfolk.Will feature Eastern Shore oysters, BBQ, beverages, cornhole,a silent auction and music by Nate Sacks. Tickets are $50each, or two for $80, and include all food and beverages.For more information, call: 671-3200, ext. 116, or visit online atwww.anchorscholarship.com.
Oyster Roast for AnchorScholarship Foundation
C2 | THE FLAGSHIP | SEP 27, 2012 | FLAGSHIPNEWS.COM
Calendar
Back-to-School Program■ When: Sept. 27, 4 to 6 p.m.■ Where: Naval Station Norfolk Training Support Center, 1474 Gilbert St., BuildingN-30, Norfolk■ For more information, call: 322-2316
Receive valuable information to helpyour child this school year. Top-ics include: Virginia Public Schoolscurriculum, (SOL) test preparation,involvement in your child’s educa-tion, helping your child to be moreprepared, home schooling informationand programs that are available formilitary-connected students.
For a complete list of events in Hampton Roads, or tosubmit your own, visit www.flagshipnews.com/calendar
NSA Hampton Roads Fit Bowl■ When: Sept. 28, registration deadline;challenge runs from Oct. 1 to Dec. 16■ Where: NSA Hampton Roads, Bldg.NH-30■ For more information, call: 836-1810
Patrons pick a college team to representand points will be awarded for exerciseminutes at the NSA Gym. The conclusionis a tournament of the top competitors.Open to all eligible gym patrons.
Volleyball captain’s meeting■ When: Oct. 4, 4 p.m.■ Where: NSAHR (NMCP), RiverviewFitness Center■ For more information, call: 953-7108
Volleyball league is free. Play will beingon Oct. 8.
‘An Italian Affair’ fundraiser■ When: Oct. 1, 5 to 9 p.m.■ Where: Reginella’s Italian Restorante &Pizzeria, Loehmann’s Plaza, 4000 VirginiaBeach Blvd., Virginia Beach■ For more information, call: 668-7098,or email [email protected]
Cypress Point Circle of The King’sDaughters will be hosting its CHKD fund-raiser. There is no entry fee and 10 percentof all food sales will be donated to CHKD.There will be face painting and Jessee theMagician. Children will be given com-
plimentary homemade gelato. A 50/50chance drawing will be held.
12th annual Fleet Ride■ When: Oct. 6, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.■ Where: Bayside Harley-Davidson, 2211Frederick Blvd., Portsmouth■ For more information, call: 397-5550,or visit www.baysidehd.com
Fleet Ride is the largest motorcycle eventin honor of the Armed Forces. There willbe food, vendors and live music. Therewill also be a “Miss Fleet Ride” contest.Registration is from 9 to 11:30 a.m. anda parade departs at Noon. Registration is$10, active and retired military ride forfree. All proceeds to benefit the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Fund.
Health Fair for veterans■ When: Oct. 27, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.■ Where: Chesapeake Regional MedicalCenter, Lifestyle Building, 800 N. Battle-field Blvd., Chesapeake■ For more information, email:[email protected]
This ongoing health fair is sponsored byMontero Medical Missions. Veterans willreceive assistance with their healthcareneeds, including 10 screening stations:triage, dental care, mental health, hearing,prosthesis/orthosis, eye sight, women’shealth, social work, job placement andveterans claims representative.
WILMINGTON, N.C.
The Battleship North Carolina is launchingits newest custom adventure program, “Behindthe Hatch.” The ship continues to honor the menand women in service as a site for military cer-emonies and is pleased to offer a new program,PME, or professional military education. TheBattleship also offers citizens the opportunityto have flags flown from the ship’s foremast tohonor or memorialize loved ones or commemo-rate a special occasion.
Behind the Hatch is a private adventure thatallows you to explore the Battleship your way.Search through the hidden nooks and cranniesfrom the inner bottom all the way to the top ofthe fire control tower.
For individuals or groups up to eight people,work with the Museum Department to createyour dream tour of the Battleship. Spend hoursin one compartment, explore sections of inter-est to you or your group, or simply request thefour-hour Hidden Battleship tour, but for yourgroup only. Perfect for model builders, authorsand researchers seeking critical details, orloads of fun for a group of friends who enjoythe adventure of custom in-depth exploration.
Program fee is $125 per hour for up to eightpeople; additional participants at $15 per houreach for a maximum of 12 people total; feedoes not include ship admission. Participantsmust be at least 12 years old. Available Octo-
ber through May, and not on Sundays. Reser-vations required at least one month in advanceand dependent upon staff availability.
The new PME program offers interestedmilitary groups and NJROTC a three-hourprogram consisting of rotating small groupsthrough a series of presentations and ship-board exploration.
Presentations and tour include discussionswith knowledgeable guides and hands onexperience with .50 caliber, 20mm, 40mm,5-inch and 16-inch guns, climbing up thespectacular 10-story fire control tower for anunforgettable view of the Wilmington areaand behind-the-scenes inside the Combat In-formation Center.
Visit www.battleshipnc.com, or follow us onFacebook.com/ncbb55 and Twitter.com/battle-shipnc for more information.
HAMPTON
The Hampton University Proton Ther-apy Institute (HUPTI) will host its 2ndannual fundraising gala, The Gala of Hope,on Oct. 5, at 6:30 p.m. at the HamptonRoads Convention Center. This event isopen to the public.
HUPTI’s goal is to continue to have animpact on the fight against cancer with thisfun-filled, elegant event, designed to helpour community fight cancer, the second-leading cause of disease-related deathamong Americans. The Gala of Hope willaid in HUPTI’s efforts to assist with pa-tient services and cancer research.
“Proton therapy gave me a new lease on
life,” said David Burton, of Orangeburg,S.C. “I was able to run two miles a dayduring treatment and didn’t have any sideeffects whatsoever. I would not have beenable to receive proton therapy treatmentwithout the assistance from [HUPTI].”
Entertainment will be provided by R&Bsensation Eddie LeVert of The O’Jays,known for hits like, “Darlin’Darlin’Baby,”“Family Reunion” and “Give the PeopleWhat They Want.”
The Gala will feature a plated dinner,silent auction, dancing and entertainment.Tickets are $250 for individuals or $450for couples. Tables of 10 and sponsorshipsare also available. To register online visitwww.hamptonproton.org/galaofhope.
For sponsorship information, or to in-clude an item in the silent auction, con-tact Joy Jefferson at 727-5743. All fundsraised will directly support patient ser-vices.
NORFOLK
The Chesapeake Bay Art Associationinvites all students to take part in its 50thannual Ocean View Art Show, held everyyear in the Ocean View Beach Park in Nor-folk. This year’s show will take place Oct.13 - 14 at 100 W. Ocean View Ave.
The Chesapeake Bay Art Association isthe only art association that awards studentscholarships to worthy seniors every year.The Scholarships average between $1,500and $2,000 each year.
Each year in October, the associationholds its annual outdoor art show and in-vites area students to hang their workalongside the local and national profes-sional artists. They provide a student tentfor them and enlist students to volunteertheir time during the show to engage themand give the students a taste of what it islike to be in a judged art exhibition.
Student’s work will be viewed by a judgeand be awarded prizes as well. The experi-ence is always a positive one for all. Theapplication is free and open to anyone be-
tween the ages of 12 and 18. Adult super-vision will be provided at all times and theartwork is protected during the show withon-site security.
This year, students will be able to enrollonline on the CBAA website, which helpssupport the technology strategies of theSOL’s and the Virginia Curriculum guides.The students must bring their selected workand parent/teacher signatures with theirwork to the student tent the day of the show.All work must be ready to hang or display(3D) that day.
Guidelines and the student application areon the Chesapeake Bay Art Association’swebsite at http://chesapeakebayartassocia-tion.com and on the Ocean View Art Show’swebsite at http://oceanviewartshow.com.
Information may also be obtained for thestudents by emailing our Student Advisors,Sheila Nash at [email protected], or ValerieSpivey at [email protected].
Ocean View Art Show information canbe obtained by calling Dave Hinde at 461-7222, or emailing [email protected].
Eddie LeVert to headline Hampton UniversityProton Therapy Institute’s fundraising gala
■ evening of hopeThe Hampton University ProtonTherapy Institute’s Gala of Hope willfeature a plated dinner, silent auction,dancing and entertainment. Tickets tothe gala are $250 for individuals and$450 for couples.
Courtesy photoEddie LeVert was a member of the R&B group The O’Jays.
Ocean View Art Show seeksstudent artists to display work
Battleship North Carolinaoffers adventures, programs
■ about the shipThe Battleship North Carolina is self-supporting and relies primarily uponadmissions to tour the ship, sales in theship’s store, donations and investments.It is located at the junction of Highways17/74/76/421 on the Cape Fear River. Visitwww.battleshipnc.com for more information.
FLAGSHIPNEWS.COM | SEP 27, 2012 | THE FLAGSHIP | C3
automotivereview
2012 Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck
By Ken Chester, Jr.Motor News Media Corporation
Boasting outstanding room and awide range of model configurations,the Chevrolet Colorado pickup isavailable in three cab configura-tions: regular, extended and crew.The cargo box is six foot long forregular and extended cab modelsand five foot for the crew cab.
Enhancements and upgrades forthe 2012 model year include: Revisedrear-seat head restraints; Power Con-venience Package included on regularand extended cab 1LT; front bucketseats replace 60/40 split-bench seaton 2LT; automatic locking rear dif-ferential is now included on 2LT and3LT and 1LT 4x4 models; five-speedmanual gearbox is no longer offeredon LT and trailering equipment in-cluded on 1LT and 2LT 4x4 models,not available on 3LT models.
Power is generated for the mid-sizeChevrolet pickup truck via one oftwo strong engines: a 2.9L four-cyl-inder engine and a 3.7L five-cylinder.Both engines are equipped with vari-able valve timing. Extended and crewcab models can outfitted with a 5.3LV8 power plant with variable valvetiming (VVT). Torque is communi-
cated to the ground via the standardAisin MA5 five-speed manual gear-box, or the optional smooth-shiftingHydra-Matic 4L60 four-speed auto-matic transmission.
Offered exclusively with the 5.3LV8 engine, the optional ZQ8 sportsuspension was developed by GM’sPerformance Division. This specialengineering includes specific steeringand track-tuned suspension enhance-ments that stiffen the suspension byabout 30 percent. The steering systemwith the ZQ8 package receives a high-performance cooler while under hoodtemperatures and airflow are con-trolled with a unique sealing system.The ride height for the ZQ8 suspen-sion has also been lowered by approx-imately one inch and the truck is shodwith low-profile 18-inch sport tires.
Drivers that desire a more ruggedlook and performance can selectthe popular Z71 Off Road package.Available in both 2WD and 4WDmodels, the Z71 Off Road suspen-sion package offers a higher stance,with a larger wheel/tire combinationfor improved appearance and off-road maneuverability.
The Colorado’s solid road man-ners start with body-on-frame con-struction. A robust steel ladder-typeframe serves as a solid foundationfor the different suspension configu-rations. Cross members provide ex-cellent overall stiffness resulting in asmooth ride.
Chevrolet engineers created atastefully useful interior. The 60/40split front cloth seats are comfort-able, with a commanding view ofthe road. The center armrest doublesas storage space. The well-laid outdashboard features large, easy toread displays and user-friendly con-trols and switches.
Dual powerpoints are located inthe center of the dashboard, whiledual cupholders are built into thecenter of the front seat. The mappockets at the bottom of the doorsare designed to hold a can or bottleof a favorite beverage.
■ Regular Cab/AWD: Wheelbase: 111.3; overall length:192.4; width: 68.6; height: 67.6.■ Extended Cab/RWD: Wheelbase: 126.0; overalllength: 207.1; width: 67.6; height: 64.9.■ Extended Cab/AWD: Wheelbase: 126.0; overalllength: 207.1; width: 68.6; height: 67.6.■ Crew Cab/RWD: Wheelbase: 126.0; overall length:207.1; width: 67.6; height: 65.2.■ Crew Cab/AWD: Wheelbase: 126.0; overall length:207.1; width: 68.6; height: 67.9 (all vehicle measure-ments are in inches).■ Engine: 2.9L four-cylinder – 185 hp at 5,600 rpm and190 lbs.-ft. of torque at 2,800 rpm; 3.7L five-cylinder –242 hp at 5,600 rpm and 242 lbs.-ft. of torque at 4,600rpm; 5.3L V8 – 300 hp at 5,200 rpm and 320 lbs.-ft. oftorque at 4,000 rpm.■ Transmission: five-speed manual; four-speed elec-tronic automatic■ EPA Fuel Economy: 2.9L four-cylinder – 18 city/25hwy. (2WD), 18 city/24 (4WD/ manual), 17 city/23 hwy.(4WD/automatic); 3.7L five-cylinder – 17 city/23 hwy(automatic), 16 city/21 hwy. (4WD/automatic crew cab);5.3L V8 – 14 city/20 hwy (2WD), 14 city/19 hwy. (4WD).■ Payload capacity: 1,422 lbs.■ Towing capacity: 6,000 lbs.■ Safety features: Dual front airbags, front seat mount-ed side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impactairbags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, traction control,StabiliTrak vehicle stability control, battery run-downprotection, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, automat-ic headlamps, daytime running lights, fog lights, side-im-pact door beams, PASSLock theft deterrent system, On-Star communications system and tire monitoring system.LT adds automatic locking rear differential.■ Warranty: Basic – 3-year/36,000 mile; Powertrain –5-year/100,000 mile; Corrosion – 6-year/100,000 mile;Roadside Assistance – 5-year/100,000 mile.■ Pricing: The base Manufacturers Suggested RetailPrice (MSRP) for the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado pickuptruck starts from $20,370 for the regular cab 2WD up to$30,320 for the crew cab 4WD 3LT model. Destinationcharges add $810.
CHEVY PICKUP REMAINSA STEADY PERFORMER
■ under the hoodPower for the Chevrolet Coloradois generated via one of two strongengines: a 2.9L four-cylinder engineand a 3.7L five-cylinder. Both areequipped with variable valve timing.Extended and crew cab models canoutfitted with a 5.3L V8 power plantwith variable valve timing (VVT).
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Press ReleaseDefense Media Activity - Pentagon Bureau
ARLINGTON,VA.
The Navy’s top personnel professional held anall hands call at the Pentagon, Sept. 19, to dis-cuss the 21st Century Sailor and Marine initia-tive, and to give Sailors and Marines an updateon other important personnel issues.
Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpow-er and ReserveAffairs Juan M. Garcia explainedthe 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative. He
said it takes all the existing personnel supportprograms, along with a handful of new ones, andputs them all under the umbrella of 21st CenturySailor and Marine.
The initiative is based on five key areas: physi-cal fitness, inclusion, safety, readiness and con-tinuum of service.
The physical fitness umbrella covers nutri-tion and workout programs. Inclusion programsaim to increase diversity in the Navy. Safetyprograms are focused on things like motorcyclesafety and preventing sexual assaults. Some ofthe goals of the readiness programs are to pre-vent suicides and curb alcohol and drug abuse.The continuum of service programs offer differ-ent paths to serve the Department of the Navy(DoN) as an active duty Sailor, a reservist, or aDoN civilian.
Garcia also gave the audience an update onpersonnel issues, like enlisted retention boards(ERB), the relief of commanding officers, forcesize, tuition assistance and compensation.
Garcia said the Navy had to conduct ERB’sbecause record retention levels led to severelyover-manned rates. The secretary said the Chiefof Naval Operations decided take a look acrossall personnel in the 31 most-over-manned rates.The result was that about 2,900 Sailors wereasked to transition to careers outside of activeduty service.
“This was designed as a one-time evolutiononly,” said Garcia. “There won’t be another ERBthis year. There won’t be an ERB next year. Noplans for an ERB again.”
Looking at the early data, Garcia said it ap-pears as if the ERB’s have worked as planned.He said advancement rates are up and approvedPerform to Serve applications are up, too.
The secretary also addressed the number ofcommanding officers (CO) relieved of com-mand.
“CO reliefs. There’s been some attention onthis. There is a lot of blogosphere activity,” saidGarcia. “I just offer this: at any given time there[are] about 1,500 command pins across the fleet... and 98 percent of those folks will completethat command tour under the incredibly robustand demanding level of accountability we re-quire in this business. I’d put that number upagainst any business, any industry in the world.”
The assistant secretary put out some importantinformation about compensation and the possi-bility of a budget sequestration. He asked leader-ship to pass on the message that service memberpay and benefits are fenced off from the possiblesequestration budget cuts.
Garcia said the Navy is also looking at waysto change its retirement program, and it may oneday move to a 401(k)-style program. Regardlessof what the DoN decides to do about retirementpackages, Garcia said it won’t affect today’sSailors and Marines.
“If you’re in a uniform now, if you’re on activeduty now, if you stood on yellow footprints,you’re grandfathered into the existing militaryretirement system and will have access to it,” hesaid.
Healthcare changes have also been proposedfor working-age retirees. The details of thechanges are still being worked out, but Garciasaid those changes won’t affect the healthcarethat today’s uniformed personnel or their fami-lies receive.
For more information on the 21st CenturySailor and Marine initiative, visit www.21st cen-tury.navy.mil.
Health&Fitness
The Flagship | flagshipnews.com | 09.27.12 | C4
By Mark O. PiggottNaval Weapons Station Yorktown Public Affairs
YORKTOWN
Naval Weapons Station (WPNSTA) York-town hosted the 7th annual Red, White andBlue 5K run at WPNSTA Yorktown-CheathamAnnex, Sept. 15. The “Salute to the Military”event is sponsored by the Greater Williams-burg Chamber and Tourism Alliance, and manylocal businesses to honor military personnel.
“The Armed Forces Committee of the Wil-liamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliancesponsors this event annually to raise moneyto support our quarterly and annual awards toenlisted people designated by the major mili-tary installations in our area ... Naval WeaponsStation Yorktown, Joint Base Langley-Eustisand Coast Guard Training Center Yorktown,”said John Garay, chairman of the chamber’sArmed Services Committee and event orga-nizer. “The quarterly awards are recognizedduring ceremonies at the respective installa-tions and the annual Military Citizen of theYear from these commands will be honored
at our annual meeting.”Additionally, money from the Red, White
and Blue 5K provides funding for the Cham-ber’s annual scholarship for active duty, hon-orably discharged veterans and dependents.Last year, they awarded more than $3,000 inscholarships.
The Red, White and Blue 5K run is sanc-tioned by the Colonial Road Runners, a Wil-liamsburg running club dedicated to the pro-motion of running, walking, health and fitness.The run allows military and civilian runners tocome together and compete.
“The course is a certified 5K course andit’s fast and flat so the runners really enjoyit,” said Garay. “We had 255 runners finishthe race and several age group course recordswere broken this year.”
Active duty military compete for freethanks to the donations of sponsors. In ad-dition, the top military runners from eachbranch of the Armed Forces compete for theChamber’s Commanders Cup. The award ispresented to the military service with the bestoverall times. This year, the Navy took the
trophy home for the second time.“It’s great when you can host this event and
walk away with the trophy,” said Capt. LowellCrow, Commanding Officer, WPNSTA Yor-ktown. “This was a fantastic opportunity forthe military and the local community to cometogether like this. It really makes our servicemembers feel like a part of the community.”
Steve Chantry, 57, of Williamsburg wasthe overall winner of the race and the overallmen’s winner with a time of 17:15, comingfrom behind to pass 19-year-old Army Spe-cialist Joshua Edens, the military divisionwinner, with a time of 17:26.
Women’s winner Karen Terry, 23, of New-port News, ran a time of 18:25 to smash thecourse record of 19:00, set in the 2007 Red,White and Blue 5K. Jennifer Quarles, 40, ofWilliamsburg was runner-up in 19:09.
Plans are already in the works for nextyear’s Red, White and Blue 5K, however,next year’s race will be held in May insteadof September. WPNSTA Yorktown will con-tinue to work with the Williamsburg Chamberto continue to make this event a great success.
Naval Weapons Station Yorktown hostsannual Red, White and Blue 5K fundraiser
Mark O. PiggottBob Curtain, Jr., of Hampton, waves the “Starsand Stripes” as he finishes the 7th annual Red,White and Blue 5K at Naval Weapons StationYorktown-Cheatham Annex, Sept. 15.The annual“Salute to the Military” 5K is sponsored by theGreater Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alli-ance to help raise money for their military servicemember recognition programs and scholarships.
■ future planningAlthough the Navy islooking at ways to changeits retirement program,according to Juan M.Garcia, regardless of whatthe Department of theNavy decides to do aboutretirement packages,it won’t affect today’sSailors and Marines.
This was a fantastic opportunity for the military andthe local community to come together like this.”
Navy Personnel Boss talks pay, leadership,ERB, and 21st Century Sailor and Marine
allhandscall
MC1 Brett CoteAssistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower andReserve Affairs Juan M. Garcia speaks duringan all hands call at the Pentagon. Garcia gave anupdate on personnel issues and talked about the21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative.
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BELLATOR 74Sept. 28, 8 p.m., MTV2Featured bouts:Lyman Good vs. Jim WallheadAndrey Koreshkov vs. J. SmithMichail Tsarev vs. Tim WelchNordine Taleb vs. M. Zaromskis
UFC ON FUEL TV 5Sept. 29, 4 p.m., FUEL TVFeatured bouts:Stipe Miocic vs. Stefan StruveDan Hardy vs. Amir SadollahYves Jabouin vs. Brad PickettPaul Sass vs. Matt Wiman
UFC ON FX 5Oct. 5, 5 p.m., FUEL TV; 8 p.m., FXFeatured bouts:Travis Browne vs. Antonio SilvaJake Ellenberger vs. Jay HieronJohn Dodson vs. Jussier FormigaJosh Neer vs. Justin Edwards
BELLATOR 75Oct. 5, 8 p.m., MTV2Featured bouts:Eric Prindle vs. Thiago SantosBrett Rogers vs. Alexander VolkovRichard Hale vs. Mike WesselMark Holata vs. Vinicius Queiroz
UFC 153Oct. 13, 8 p.m., FX; 10 p.m., PPVFeatured bouts:Anderson Silva vs. Stephan BonnarFabio Maldonado vs. Glover TeixeiraD. Herman vs. A. Rodrigo NogueiraJon Fitch vs. Erick SilvaPhil Davis vs. Wagner PradoDemian Maia vs. Rick Story■ All cards subject to change.
mmaschedule
By Rick MinterUniversal Uclick
It’s a debate as old as the sport itself: AreNASCAR drivers really athletes? Of courseit’s usually those with no first-hand knowl-edge of the sport who ask that question. Thosewho have been around it know otherwise.
In the early days, NASCAR’s athletedrivers generally stayed in shape for drivingrace cars by driving race cars.
But in today’s world, most of the top driv-ers have personal trainers, strict workoutroutines and well-planned diets.
Still, there are a few throwbacks, likethree-time and defending Sprint Cup cham-pion Tony Stewart, who still considers him-self an athlete despite his old-fashioned ap-proach to fitness.
“I definitely think race drivers are athletes,”he said. “We’re not necessarily running, jump-ing or trying to knock people over, but we’rewrestling with a 3,400-pound car, with a fire-suit, helmet and gloves on, and you’re sittingin a hot area for three and a half or four hours.”
And he’s won 47 Sprint Cup races, insome of the toughest conditions, by prepar-ing for driving a race car by driving not onlyhis Sprint Cup cars, but winged sprint cars,dirt Late Models and various other short-track vehicles.
“To this day I don’t like working out,” hesaid. “I know there are benefits to it. I don’tmind being out on my property and working,but I’m not big on sitting in a gym. I proba-bly work out less than anybody in this garagearea, but I race two or three times more than
most of these guys do, too. That’s what keepsyou race-fit and gets you in the best shape.”
His Stewart-Haas Racing teammate RyanNewman takes a similar approach, stayingin shape by building fences and baling hayon his North Carolina farm.
But there are plenty of others who spendhours in the gym and eat special foods to max-imize their performance behind the wheel.
Jimmie Johnson and his Hendrick Motor-sports teammate Kasey Kahne participatedin a triathlon in Charleston, S.C. just hoursafter racing at Daytona in July.
The event consisted of a 600-yardswim,12-mile bike ride and 3.1-mile run.
Kahne finished fourth in his age group,while Johnson was seventh in his.
Johnson has often spoken of his fondnessfor ice cream, but his physique indicates thathe rarely indulges.
Instead, he’s into more healthy foods.“Breakfast burritos in the morning,
that’s a pretty regular deal for me,” hesaid. “Then it’s really just chicken, fish,a bunch of steamed vegetables throughoutthe day. Good carbs from brown rice tosweet potatoes, things like that. I’ve beenpretty focused on the diet side lately. IfI’m home and in control, that’s kind of thelineup. But on the road, it changes dra-matically.”
He said that when he can, he tries to eat asmall meal every three hours.
“If I’m on the run, a power bar,” he said.“Gatorade has these good bars to eat as well.Just focusing on lean protein five, six timesthroughout the day,” said Johnson.
Before and during races, Johnson and hisfellow drivers focus on hydration as muchas anything.
Johnson’s crew packs 80 ounces of Gato-rade into his in-car drinking system for eachrace, and he usually consumes it all in addi-tion to three or four bottles of water he takeson during pit stops.
Danica Patrick said she tries to eat healthyall the time and work out, too.
“It makes me feel better as well as makesit easier to do photo shoots and look theway I want to look,” she said. “I work out alot because I need to obviously stay fit andhave endurance for the car. For all those rea-sons, I eat egg whites and oatmeal, salads,sandwiches with good bread and things likethat.”
At the track, she eats salmon, brown rice,grilled peppers and grilled onions for dinnerthe first night. Then it’s chicken the nextnight, plus yogurt and cottage cheese duringthe day.
“Inside of the car I have a drink mix thatI put in my camelback that is a blend of car-bohydrate and protein that is recommendedby my trainer,” she said.
Carl Edwards, whose workout routine andgeneral fitness helped land him a spot on thePresident’s Council on Fitness, Sports andNutrition, isn’t keen on revealing the specificsof his diet or his pre-race preparation, but hedoes say that he puts a lot of emphasis on it.
“I’m not going to tell you what I do, but Ido prepare for it,” he said. “I feel at the endof these races that I usually feel like I couldstart the race again and go run.”
Strategies vary for keeping in top racing form
Photo courtesy NASCARThe 2012 Chase contenders (top row from left): Jeff Gordon, Brad Keselowski, Denny Hamlin, Martin Truex Jr., Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jimmie Johnson; (bot-tom row from left): Tony Stewart, Greg Biffle, Kevin Harvick, Kasey Kahne, Clint Bowyer and Matt Kenseth.
ATHLETIC DRIVE
Here are the Sprint Cup points standingsfollowing the Sylvania 300 at New Hamp-shire Motor Speedway, Sept. 23.
1. Jimmie Johnson 2,096 (finished second)The five-time champion took the points
lead after one week and said his team was“best in class” behind Denny Hamlin’s. Andhe pointed out that he’s off to a strong Chasestart. “To only leave seven points on the tablein two races is pretty good,” he said.
2. Brad Keselowski -1 (finished sixth)He remains in championship form a week
after winning the Chase opener. “We’d liketo be just a little bit faster than where wewere [at New Hampshire], but this is whata championship team does,” he said. “Theytake weekends where they’re not the best andthey make something out of it.”
3. Denny Hamlin -7 (finished first)He overcame a mistake in qualifying in
which his team used the wrong air pressuresand drove to the front from the 32nd startingspot to lead 193 laps.
4. Tony Stewart -10 (finished seventh)The defending series champion charged
from 10th to seventh in the final 22 laps, butsaid that’s not enough to win another title.
5. Kasey Kahne -15 (finished fifth)He’s off to a steady, but not spectacular,
start to the Chase after getting in through oneof the two wild card spots.
6. Clint Bowyer -15 (finished fourth)He was encouraged by another solid run in
the Chase. “We’re still in the thing, just gotto keep these solid finishes coming,” he said.“Really proud of our race team.”
7. Dale Earnhardt Jr. -26 (finished 13th)He improved by one position from his
starting spot, but that’s not enough to makea serious run to the title when all of the topseven finishers were Chase drivers.
8. Kevin Harvick -31 (finished 11th)His finish at New Hampshire was right in
line for the season. He’s finished 11th fourtimes and has an average finish of 11.9.
9. Greg Biffle -33 (finished 18th)The points leader at the end of the regular
season dropped another spot in the standings.10. Martin Truex Jr. -34 (finished 17th)After a lackluster run at New Hampshire,
he heads to Dover, where he got his first Cuppole and only Cup win in 2007.
11. Matt Kenseth -35 (finished 14th)He was the highest finishing Ford driver on
a day in which the Fusions all lacked speed.12. Jeff Gordon -45 (finished third)A strong run wasn’t enough to get him out
of the points hole that a stuck throttle at Chi-cagoland Speedway put him in.
insidenascar
Johnson takespoints lead inquest for No. 6
By Michael DiSantoUFC.com
TORONTO, CANADA
Jon Jones is such an amazingly gifted fighterthat he makes his job look easy. In five champion-ship fights, he has faced Mauricio Rua, QuintonJackson, Rashad Evans, Lyoto Machida and VitorBelfort. All five of those individuals are formerchampions. Jones dominated each one of them.
Read that list of names again. Are you start-ing to comprehend how impressive Jones hasbeen so far in his career?
For my money, the most impressive effortof the champion’s young career to date was atUFC 152 on Sept. 22. Shutting down Belfortwas something that most expected. Yet, nobodyexpected that Jones would have to survive un-believable adversity in order to win the fight.
The first-round armbar that Belfort slippedinto place was picture perfect. When Jones at-tempted to stand and pull out, it actually allowedBelfort to further crank the hold. The challengeracknowledged that he heard the ligaments andtendons in the elbow popping as it was torquedinto a grotesque position.
Jones was done for all intents and purposesat that moment. He should have been, at least,but he didn’t quit. He refused to tap, acceptingthat his arm was about to break, which wouldhave led to an instant stoppage. Still, he refusedto shortcut what seemed to be the inevitable. IfBelfort wanted his belt, the Brazilian had to ripJones’ arm off.
Jones eventually got out of the hold. Only timewill tell how much damage the armbar causedhim, so I’m not sure that hanging on like that wasnecessarily the smartest career decision. Never-theless, it answered one significant question thatJones had yet to be asked by an opponent in hiscareer: How will Jones react when he faces sig-nificant adversity in a fight?
The answer: Stay calm, remain patient and con-
tinue looking for a way to win. You can’t teachthat sort of heart and conviction to victory. Guyseither have it or they don’t. Jones has it.
What’s next for Jones?Despite only having four successful title de-
fenses under his belt, it already seems like Joneshas completely cleaned out the 205-pound divi-sion. His last five fights have been against a mur-derers row of opponents. Regardless, three namesare conspicuously absent from his conquered list:Dan Henderson, Alexander Gustafsson and mid-dleweight champion Anderson Silva.
No disrespect to Rua, Machida, Jackson or
Evans, but Jones annihilated each of those guys.None of them did anything to suggest that a re-match would turn out any differently.
Henderson is in the midst of a career rebirth,having won seven of his last eight fights. He ar-guably has the perfect style to score the upset.Henderson is a former Olympic wrestler, so itseems unlikely that Jones will be able to take himdown with the same ease that he has experiencedwith each of his other opponents. Henderson hasan iron chin, so he can take two or three strikesfrom Jones in order to give one back. And Hen-derson arguably has the single-most devastatingright hand in the history of the division. The bestpart about the potential matchup is the fact thatJones is already asking to fight him next. Thatmakes Hendo the most likely next opponent.
Gustafsson is an interesting choice. The25-year-old Swede is next in line after Jones interms of most potential in the division, in myopinion. He is in the midst of a five-fight win-ning streak, so he appears to be peaking for hisfirst title shot. This guy is tall, long and has ex-ceptional boxing skills. The problem with Gus-tafsson is his lack of wrestling. Yet, with Gus-tafsson’s boxing skills, anything can happen, ifJones opts to stand and strike with him.
Silva versus Jones. Need I say more? Thiswould be an enormous event, one that could po-tentially solidify Silva’s claim as the best ever,regardless of what he does in his career fromthat point forward (or if he retires). The prob-lem is that neither man seems overly interestedin fighting the other right now. Silva is focusedon welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre(GSP), assuming the pound-for-pound king getspast Stephan Bonnar next month and St-Pierredefeats Carlos Condit in November. It makessense for Silva to prefer St-Pierre in the shortterm because that is a much easier matchup forhim strictly based on their respective physicalsizes. But a win over GSP will instantly shine aspotlight on Silva-Jones.
Jones continues to make his ‘Bones’mixedmartialarts
Photo courtesy UFCUFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones (stand-ing) survived a tight first-round armbar attempt beforenotching a fourth-round submission victory over VitorBelfort at UFC 152 on Sept. 22.
Hotel TransylvaniaAnimated tale concerning a hotel
where monsters such as Dracula(Adam Sandler), the Invisible Man(David Spade), Frankenstein (KevinJames), and his bride (Fran Drescher),along with a host of others, head torelax from a world full of humans.When a young man (Andy Samberg)stumbles onto the resort and falls forDrac’s teenage daughter Mavis (SelenaGomez), comedy hijinks ensue.
Won’t Back DownTwo headstrong mothers (Maggie
Gyllenhaal and Viola Davis) wagea valiant struggle to save their chil-dren’s troubled inner-city school, butfind their forward-thinking effortshampered at every turn by apathyand systematic bureaucracy. Facinga powerful and entrenched bureau-cracy, they risk everything to make adifference in the education and futureof their children.
LooperTime travel has been invented, but
it will be illegal and only available onthe black market. When the mob wantsto get rid of someone, they send theirtarget 30 years into the past, where alooper – a hired gun, like Joe (JosephGordon-Levitt) – is waiting to mop up.Joe is getting rich and life is good untilthe day the mob decides to close theloop, sending back Joe’s future self(Bruce Willis) for assassination.
Arts&Entertainment
The Flagship | flagshipnews.com | 09.27.12 | C6
intheaters
videogames
JEB Little Creek,GatorTheater – 462-7534
Thursday, Sept. 277 p.m. –The Avengers (PG-13); Free MovieFriday, Sept. 286 p.m. –The Odd Life ofTimothy Green (PG)9 p.m. –The Bourne Legacy (PG-13)Saturday, Sept. 291 p.m. –The Odd Life ofTimothy Green (PG)4 p.m. –The Bourne Legacy (PG-13)7:30 p.m. –Total Recall (PG-13)Sunday, Sept. 301 p.m. –The Odd Life ofTimothy Green (PG)4 p.m. – Step Up Revolution (PG-13)7 p.m. –The Campaign (R)
TXT2CONNECT for up-to-date movie sched-ules, free sneak preview announcements and otherspecial events and offers. It’s easy! Just text JEBT-HEATER (for GatorTheater) or OCDNTHEATER (forAerotheater) to phone number 30364. Admissionto all movies is only $2 per person at Aerothe-ater and $3 per person GatorTheater. Childrenages two and younger are admitted free. Patrons 17years of age or younger must be accompanied bya paying adult to attend all R rated movies. Doorsopen approximately one hour before showtimes.Schedule is subject to change. Payment for movieadmission and concessions is by cash only.
“X-COM: Enemy Unknown,” is a highlyanticipated action-strategy game that is set tobe released this October. With equal emphasison deep strategy and intense tactical combat,X-COM: Enemy Unknown will place playersin control of a secret paramilitary organizationcalled X-COM. As the X-COM commander,players will defend against a terrifying globalalien invasion by managing resources, ad-vancing technologies, and overseeing combatstrategies and individual unit tactics.
Released in 1993, the original X-COM stillreigns as one of the best PC games of all timeand has been re-imagined as XCOM: EnemyUnknown by the strategy experts at FiraxisGames, one of the world’s premier game de-velopment studios. The game will expand onthe X-COM legacy with an entirely new story,enemies and technologies to fight hostile aliensand defend Earth.
“We’re looking forward to building uponthe core gameplay experiences that fans ofthe original X-COM love, while introducingthe franchise to a new generation,” said SarahAnderson, senior vice president of marketingfor 2K Games.
A special edition will be available at par-ticipating retail locations. This special editionwill contain a copy of the game for PC and anumber of unique X-COM items, including:an art book; fold-out poster of the X-COMheadquarters; X-COM insignia patch; and
a collection of digital bonus assets, such asdesktop wallpaper, soundtrack and more.
“It’s been a dream of ours to recreate X-COMwith our unique creative vision. We’re hugefans of the original game and it’s a once in alifetime opportunity to re-envision a game thatis as beloved as X-COM,” said Steve Martin,president of Firaxis Games. “We were carefulto keep X-COM: Enemy Unknown true to theelements that made X-COM such a reveredgame, while delivering an entirely new storyand gameplay experience for both die-hardX-COM fans and newcomers to the franchise.”
For more information about X-COM:Enemy Unknown, visit www.xcom.com.
Defend Earth against global alieninvasion in new X-COM release
■ game featuresStrategy Evolved: Couples tactical turn-based gameplay withincredible action sequences and on-the-ground combat.Strategic Base: Recruit, customize and grow unique soldiersand manage your personnel. Detect and intercept the alienthreat as you build and expand your headquarters.Tactical Combat: Direct soldier squads in turn-based groundbattles and deploy air units.Worldwide Threat: Combat spans the globe as the X-COMteam engages in over 70 unique missions, interacting andnegotiating with governments around the world.
X-COM: Enemy UnknownSystem: PC, PS3, Xbox 360Publisher: 2K GamesRelease Date: Oct. 9ESRB Rating: Mature (Blood and Gore,Strong Language, Violence)
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Celebrating the Bicentennial of the War of 1812
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FLAGSHIPNEWS.COM | SEP 27, 2012 | THE FLAGSHIP | C7
music
By Daryl AddisonGreat American Country | GACTV.com
After more than 35 years as a profes-sional musician, legendary bluegrassartist Ricky Skaggs is still driven to pushhis creative boundaries. The multipleCMA, ACM and Grammy-award win-ning singer, who was recently inductedinto the Gospel Music Association Hallof Fame, returns with a vibrant new col-lection that was released on Sept. 25.
Teaming to co-produce the recordwith Gordon Kennedy, Skaggs show-cases his timeless love for traditionalbluegrass on the project, but also a pas-sionate sense of adventure as he drawsfrom world music influences as well.
The 11-song set, “Music To MyEars,” is firmly rooted in traditionalsounds as it reaches from bluegrassto country to Southern gospel. Crispacoustic notes leap from the speakersas fiddle, banjo and his lyrical mando-lin power the tracks.
The lonesome, “Blue Night,” abouncing Appalachian song with slic-ing fiddle, jump starts the collectionas Skaggs’ vocal reaches high into thearching melodies. On “Things In Life,”
the pace is quick while he gives voiceto unanswerable questions. “I often sitand wonder why life has to be this way/ but after all is said and done I’m sureGod has his way,” he sings to the bassline before deftly moving through afluttering mandolin solo. Several of thesongs have a Christian focus, includingthe Southern gospel-influenced title-track that extols the virtues of the Lord,peace and children’s laughter. Songslike these and the instrumental gem“New Jerusalem,” full of bright melo-dies and tight musical hooks, deliver onthe classic sounds he has long champi-oned. However, several passages, in-cluding the subtly indigenous-soundingrefrain of “Music To My Ears,” drawsinspiration from other influences.
Music To My Ears is a complexalbum that ranges in sound and influ-ence while maintaining its traditionalcore. Whether it’s Barry Gibb of theBee Gees assisting on “Soldier’s Son,”or the Doc Watson tribute “TennesseeStud,” Skaggs incorporates differingsounds and inspiration into his ownunique style. The result is a project thatwill appeal to the staunchest traditional-ists and also push his vision forward.
By Sarah WylandGreat American Country | GACTV.com
Lady Antebellum (Lady A) will releasetheir Christmas album, “On This Winter’sNight” on Oct. 22. In a recent webisode on theband’s website, Lady A sat down to discussthe making of the project, including how theygot in the holiday spirit in the middle of July.They also shared behind the scenes footageof the snowy album cover shoot in Park City,Utah and revealed one of their favorite tracks.
“One of my favorite songs on this record,which is funny because its the most strippeddown record of all of them, is ‘First Noel,’”said Charles Kelley. “Separately, we’d come
in to this meeting to try and decide whatChristmas songs to do. I said ‘I really havethis idea of a beautiful, really simpler ver-sion of ‘First Noel’ and Dave [Haywood]goes ‘I was thinking the same thing!’”
With their Christmas album wrapped – nopun intended – Lady A is back on the roadfor a string of shows in Australia. They’vealso returned to the studio to begin work ontheir next studio album.
By Sarah WylandGreat American Country | GACTV.com
Scotty McCreery has been named one ofBillboard.com’s “21 Under 21.” McCre-ery comes in at No. 4 on the annual list,the same position he held last year. Thelist is made up of a young batch of starswho aren’t old enough to uncork a bottleof champagne, but who have hit records,millions of fans and success elder artistsdream of.
McCreery made the list thanks in partto having the best first-week sales tallyof 2011 in the country genre with the re-lease of his debut album, “Clear As Day.”He’s picked up an Academy of CountryMusic Award for New Artist of the Yearand has developed a large and loyal fanbase, thanks in part to his time on Ameri-can Idol. He’ll release his first Christmasalbum, “Christmas With Scotty McCre-ery,” on Oct. 16.
Other notable names on the list include:Victoria Justice, Demi Lovato and MileyCyrus. British boy band One Directioncame in at No. 2 and pop superstar JustinBieber topped the list.
Courtesy of UMG NashvilleScotty McCreery was No. 4 on this year’sBillboard.com “21 Under 21.” Other notablestars on the list include: Justin Bieber, VictoriaJustice, Demi Lovato and Miley Cyrus.
McCreery namedone of Billboard’s‘21 Under 21’
LADY ANTEBELLUM DISHESON NEW CHRISTMAS ALBUM
onlineTo watch the full webisode, visithttp://youtu.be/ymwAYbcMr2s.
Courtesy of courtesy of Capitol NashvilleLady Antebellum’s upcoming Christmas album, “OnThis Winter’s Night,” is scheduled to be released onOct. 22. It will be the trio’s fourth studio album sincethe band formed in 2006.
Skaggs’ new album ‘Music To My Ears’
Courtesy of Skaggs Family RecordsThe 11-song set, “Music To My Ears,” is firmly rooted intraditional sounds as it reaches from bluegrass to country toSouthern gospel.
■ sticking to his rootsThis year marks the 53rd year since Ricky Skaggsstruck his first chords on a mandolin, and this14-time Grammy-award winner continues to do hispart to lead the recent roots revival in music.
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Home&Garden
The Flagship | flagshipnews.com | 09.27.12 | C8
■ green tip – use natural lightWhen it comes to home energy costs, going green can help homeowners put a stop torunaway utility bills. And maximizing your home’s use of natural light is a great way to boostyour home’s energy efficiency. Two ways you can put Mother Nature to work, and use naturallight to lower your energy costs, are to minimize the use of artificial lighting by admittingnatural light into your home and reduce hot water costs with a solar water heating systems.
ARAcontent
No matter if the housing market is upor down, you always want to ensure homeremodeling projects are wise investments.Luckily, according to Remodeling maga-zine’s Cost vs. Value Report 2011-2012,there are several home improvement proj-ects that will provide significant enjoymentto you now and could recoup a majority ofyour dollars whenever you decide to sell.
Beautiful bathroomsAccording to the report, a mid-range bath-
room remodel ($16,000) can recoup up to62 percent of the investment when it’s timeto sell, and in the meantime, add significantenjoyment with a new, relaxing retreat.
To start, determine which updates mattermost and how much assistance you’ll needfor each. Complex projects, such as struc-tural, electrical or plumbing changes or in-stalling countertops or flooring, may be bestleft to the professionals. However, to stretchyour budget for the most impact, there aremany updates you can tackle yourself.
Painting is an easy and ideal do-it-your-self task that can make a large impact withminimal cost. Similarly, installing new fau-cets, accessories and showerheads can besimple, even for a novice.
Manufacturers, such as Moen, offer a va-riety of styles and full collections for com-plete coordination. For instance, the MoenBanbury suite offers timeless, traditionalstyling and is available in several finishesincluding: Chrome, Mediterranean Bronzeand Spot Resist Brushed Nickel – a uniquefinish that does just what it says, resist fin-gerprints and water spots. In addition, Moenoffers matching Banbury bath accessories,such as robe hooks, paper holders, towelbars and tank levers, and matching tub andshowering products for a completely coor-dinated and sophisticated look in your newbath.
Classy kitchenOnce you’ve updated your bath, the
kitchen is a rewarding home renovationthat, when done moderately ($19,000),can recoup up to 72 percent of your invest-ment. Upgrading countertops, which en-compass a large area of the kitchen, isan ideal place to start. Based on yourbudget, you’ll need to determinewhether to update with a lower-costlaminate or a higher-priced option,such as solid-surface marble orgranite, which can offer an upscalelook, added durability and func-tionality.
Next, lighting, while functional,also adds a significant style elementto a kitchen. Replacing fluorescentfixtures with recessed cans or pen-
dants will add ambiance and luxury to yourroom.
Similar to your bathroom remodel, out-source tougher projects to professionalsand utilize your DIY skills to add the finalaccents to your new kitchen. Update yourold appliances with Energy Star qualifiedenergy-efficient models in new stainlessfinishes. Add a splash of paint to the wallsand trim for a polished look. Finally, finishoff the counter area with a new high-endkitchen faucet. High-arc pulldown styles arethe fastest growing kitchen faucet category,and the new Haysfield and Benton fau-cets are some of the first to feature Moen’sReflex pulldown system, which offers high-
quality performance with secure retraction,exceptional range of motion and generousreach.
Envious entryIt’s the first thing that your guests – and
future home buyers – see when they ap-proach your home, so if your front door isn’tappealing or doesn’t have significant energyefficiency features, it’s time for an upgrade.A new entry door adds instant curb appeal,for a minimal price, and can recoup up to 60percent of your investment.
When choosing a new door, fiberglass op-tions, such as the Therma-Tru Classic-CraftCanvas Collection entry door system – BestBuy recipient from a leading consumermagazine – are an ideal choice. The mate-rial resists denting and scratching, is easyto maintain and can make your home moreenergy efficient. To lower your cost, Ther-ma-Tru offers installation guides to helpyou install the doors yourself, or for the lessadventurous, your local home improvementstore often offers installation.
Wonderful windowsSimilar to your front door, replacing your
existing windows with new vinyl windowswill give your whole home a new look andfeel – both inside and out – and payback ofup to 68 percent of your investment. As alarger-scale project, this is likely a projectleft for the professionals. Look to your localwindow distributor to refer you to a reputa-ble contractor to ensure your new windowsare installed properly.
When it comes to selecting windows, vinylis an all-around excellent choice. Unlikewood, vinyl windows resist rotting and don’trequire repainting. And unlike aluminum,vinyl windows will never pit or flake. Manu-facturers, such as Simonton Windows, offervinyl windows that are made from high-qual-ity vinyl and require almost no maintenance.Plus, you can enjoy a pay off immediatelywith increased comfort and lower util-ity bills, while potentially adding significantresale value to your home in the future.
When it’s time to think about home im-provement, don’t fear. There are many waysto stretch your remodeling dollars to ensureyou get the most bang for your buck, andenjoy your investment now and in the future.
ARAcontent
After spending the summer enjoying the out-doors, it can be a little bittersweet to get the deckand yard ready for the cooler days ahead. Thegood news is getting outdoor areas ready forwinter doesn’t have to be a time-consuming pro-cess.
A few simple steps can minimize extra workwhen warmer weather rolls around again. For eacharea of the yard, there are a few procedures that cansave you big headaches in the long run.
Start with the deckThe many homeowners that put a lot of time
and money into building a deck know the im-portance of preserving that investment. A wooddeck should be stained annually, however, manyhomeowners are turning to low-maintenancecomposite decking and railings, as compos-ite options by manufacturers like TimberTechoffer high-end aesthetics with low-maintenancequalities.
But that doesn’t mean that composite decks aremaintenance-free. TimberTech provides a 25-yearwarranty on all of its products, and with somesimple annual maintenance, they can be kept look-ing great for years to come. The company’s deckingexperts recommend the following tips for compos-ite deck care and cleaning:
■ Clear all debris to prohibit mold and mildewgrowth.
■ When using a cleaner, be sure to use one that’scompatible with your decking material and followthe instructions.
■ Using a pressure washer is a great way to geta deep clean, but it’s best not to exceed a pressuregreater than 1,500 psi.
Lawn care tipsIn addition to raking to keep the yard clear of
leaves, dethatching can prevent a buildup of above-ground roots that can be a detriment to soil health.Aerating in the fall can also help lawns recoverfrom a summer of heavy use, providing muchneeded oxygen for the turf’s roots.
After particularly dry summers, it doesn’t hurtto water trees with a soaker hose, or root irriga-tor, so they have some water to help them survivethe winter. Fall is also the time to clear out bothgarden and flower beds, as you’ll thank yourselfin the spring for doing the work before winter setsin. Be sure to get your fall-planting flower bulbs inbefore the ground freezes as well.
Around the houseClearing all gutters of debris should be an
annual fall task, as all the fallen leaves can easilyjam up downspouts, which can damage gutters orcause ice dams in colder climates. It’s also a goodidea to clear the areas around the foundation ofthe house, as pests like to make their homes therewhen the weather gets cold.
A little outdoormaintenance cango a long way
Stock photoEven composite decking can use annual maintenanceduring the fall season.
Four projects to help boost yourhome’s value now and at sale time
Stock photosBathrooms offer one of the best investment opportunities when it comes to renovating your home.A bathroom remodel can recoup up to 62 percent of the investment when it’s time to sell.
■ where to repairThe four main areas where you canadd value to your home with renovationsare bathrooms, kitchen, front entry wayand windows.
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FLAGSHIPNEWS.COM | SEP 27, 2012 | THE FLAGSHIP | C9
VIRGINIA BEACH
This month, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Sci-ence Center will take its award winning e-cyclingevent to the Virginia Beach Convention Center thelast weekend in September. Sponsored by Good-will and TFC recycling, the bi-annual e-cycle eventmarks the 7th hosted by the Virginia Aquarium andits first at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.
On Sept. 29, as part of the Hampton Roads Sus-tainable Living Expo, residents can drop off unwant-ed technology-oriented items and up to 50 poundsof shredding material from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at theVirginia Beach Convention Center’s west parkinglot. Eligible items include: desktops, laptops, print-ers, cell phones and all computer peripherals, evenpower cords. Donations will be promptly loadedonto Goodwill trucks for delivery to their local fa-cilities for safe and secure handling. Staff and vol-unteers will be on-hand to provide receipts for taxpurposes and information about how their contribu-tions help to protect our local environment.
For a complete listing of what to donate, individu-als can visit www.goodwillvirginia.org.
To keep electronic waste or “e-waste” out ofHampton Roads landfills, the Virginia Aquarium hashosted bi-annual e-cycling events since 2009. Theirevent earlier this year kept 62,000 pounds – or fivetractor trailer loads – of unwanted computers andrelated technology out of area landfills. The Virgin-ia Aquarium e-cycling program received the 2011Virginia Green Travel Star Most Innovative GreenProject Award. The program is consistent with theVirginia Aquarium’s mission which is to inspireconservation of the marine environment througheducation, research and sustainable practices.
Virginia Aquariumto host bi-annuale-cycling event
Courtesy photo
Press ReleaseSchool of Culinary Arts of ECPI University
VIRGINIA BEACH
Since opening in September 2006,more than 1,000 externships have beencompleted at ECPI University’s Schoolof Culinary Arts, Culinary Institute ofVirginia (CIV) in Norfolk. As an inte-gral part of the school’s curriculum, theexternship program provides studentswith real-world, hands-on working expe-rience in restaurants and other culinarybusinesses.
Unlike many culinary programs, CIV’sexternship program is based on a Euro-pean apprenticeship model where stu-dents spend time in the work place whileenrolled in classes at school. CIV stu-dents are also eligible to complete twoexternships, allowing them to exploredifferent aspects of the food service in-dustry, which contributes to their versa-tility as graduates.
Externship sites range from family-owned to corporate restaurants, uni-versity dining facilities, corporate foodservice, hospitality, catering companies,food media and other related businesses.
Rhys Lewis is an Executive Chef atthe Williamsburg Lodge, part of the Wil-liamsburg Colonial Foundation. He haspartnered with CIV for nearly five yearsand has had dozens of students do theirexternships at the lodge. Several justcompleted their programs.
“We rely on CIV to provide studentswith the right interests and talents tomatch our employment needs,” saidLewis. “Some of our best hires were ex-terns who are now on our staff. Schoolpersonnel assess our priorities and re-quirements. We attend their job fairs andstay in contact with the career advisors.CIV is a great recruiting resource for us.”
The school has four full-time career ad-visors, each with experience in the foodservice industry. Career advisors workone-on-one with each student on job ac-quisition skills and identifying potentialexternship sites. Advisors regularly visita broad range of employers to learn abouttheir current and future business needs.
“By knowing our students and prospec-tive employers, CIV career advisors takeon the role of matchmakers,” said AndyGladstein, Campus Provost at CIV. “Like
the work of any matchmaker, a successfulpairing of student and employer will leadto a long and happy relationship.”
Despite the challenging economy, CIVestimates that over 90 percent of eachgraduating class accepted positions inthe culinary field upon program comple-tion. Of CIV’s Class of 2011, 50 percentof students remained working at their ex-ternship site after program completion.
Josh Segal is currently doing an ex-ternship as a cook at the HomesteadResort in Hot Springs, Va.
“There’s nothing better than actualindustry experience to apply skills I’velearned in class” said Segal, 25, a New-port News native. “I wanted to work in alarge resort setting and the fit is just whatI was looking for.”
The Culinary Institute of Virginia islocated at 2428 Almeda Ave. in Norfolk.Visit them online at www.ChefVa.com.
Program helps students find careersto best match skills and interests
■ career trainingUnlike many culinary programs, theCulinary Institute of Virginia’s externshipprogram is based on a Europeanapprenticeship model where a studentspends time in the work place whileenrolled in classes at school.
CIV students are also eligible tocomplete two externships, allowing themto explore different aspects of the foodservice industry, which contributes totheir versatility as graduates. Externshipsites range from family-owned tocorporate restaurants, university diningfacilities, corporate food service,hospitality, catering companies, foodmedia and other related businesses.
Courtesy photosSince opening in September 2006, more than1,000 externships have been completed atECPI University’s School of Culinary Arts, Culi-nary Institute of Virginia (CIV) in Norfolk.
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After 20 years of service to her country,retired military veteran Carmella Murray stillwants to lead and serve. She chose RegentUniversity to finish her undergraduate degreefor its academic integrity, leadership focusand values-based approach. The former AirForce recruiter says Regent’s military-friendlybenefits, tuition discounts and textbookcredits make her exceptional educationpossible. Ready to join us?
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Norfolk - 3 Bdrm, 1.5 bath, good schools, close toI-264, quiet neighborhood, $1,100 per month, availOct 2012. 757-358-1700For Rent-House (All)Antiques & Collectibles
3 BR 2 baths Laundry room, large kitchen, avail.close to base, corner of 38 st. and Granby St.
Norfolk Please text 757-383-1052WWII Relics. Retired Vet seeks WWII helmets,medals, daggers, etc. 757-869-1739 VA BEACH: 3BR 2.5BA Near Lynhaven Mall,Immac-
ulate, Grt Location, Great Schools, All new flooring,Avail now $1126/mo. Must see Call(757)535-4884Brigadoon Pines,VB- 2 story, 4BR, 2.5BA, multiple
carport, f i replace, fenced, no pets al lowed,$1850/mo. + sec deposit. 757-467-9605 for appt.
Furniture-Household
stop smiling
Provided as a public service
Visit us at www.wish.org or call 800-722-WISH.
And share the power of a wish .Make-A-Wish Foundation® is a CFC participant
WISH KID MOLLY
This is the day I couldn’t stop smiling
For Rent-Va.Beach House******* AAAA*******
Euro Top Mattress Sets $89 & up6pc cherry Bedroom Sets $299!
6pc Microfiber Living Room Sets $499!Furnish Your Entire Home
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