www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, January 9, 2025 1
IN THIS ISSUE
Sexual Assault Prevention and Response drill at NSA Hampton Roads This training exercise aimed to ensure that sexual assault victims have access to vital support services and that the installation’s personnel are well-prepared to respond effectively to such critical incidents. Page A4 VOL. 33, NO. 1, Norfolk, Va. | flagshipnews.com
January 9-January 15, 2025
The first completed new tunnel (left) and the second tunnel under construction (right) are key milestones in the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) Expansion Project, which aims to double tunnel capacity and enhance regional transportation connectivity. (PHOTO COURTESY NAVAL FACILITIES ENGINEERING SYSTEMS COMMAND ATLANTIC)
NAVFAC Atlantic Wardroom gains insights from HRBT Expansion Project tour By Michael Morris
Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Atlantic
On Dec. 13, members of the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Atlantic (NAVFAC Atlantic) Wardroom toured the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) Expansion Project. This transformative infrastructure initiative is designed to double tunnel capacity between Norfolk and Hampton, Virginia, addressing regional transportation demands. The HRBT Expansion Project, with a budget exceeding $3.8 billion, will expand the current fourlane capacity to eight lanes, supporting both vehicle and maritime traffic during its construction. The Wardroom began their visit at the HRBT Welcome Center, located at 9401 4th View St., where they were greeted by the project team. The visit included a briefing on the project’s scope, budget, funding, impacts, timelines, challenges, and the specialized machinery driving the initiative. Key elements of the project include a cement plant, “Katherine,” the slurry treatment plant, and “Mary,” the tunnel boring machine (TBM), which are integral to its success. Mary, a 46-foot-diameter, fully electric, hydraulically propelled machine, is named
after NASA pioneer Mary Jackson, the first Black female engineer at NASA, honoring her significant contributions to aeronautics and space programs. Katherine, the slurry treatment plant, is named after NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson, who played a pivotal role in calculating trajectories for space missions, including John Glenn’s orbital flight in 1962. Operating 24/7 with a 50-person crew, Mary and Katherine work together to advance the project’s progress The Wardroom’s tour began with a visit to Katherine, where they learned how slurry—a watery mixture of mined soil, sand, and silt—is transported from the tunnel to the surface for processing. The slurry treatment facility separates materials, producing dirt “cakes” as a byproduct. To date, tunneling operations have removed more than 1.5 million cubic yards of material, equivalent to 100,000 truckloads. Next, the group toured the North Island project site, where they viewed the completed first tunnel and explored the second tunnel under construction. Inside the tunnel, the Wardroom observed Mary in action and engaged with her crew, who provided insights into daily operations and the intricacies of Turn to HRBT Expansion Project, Page 2
Members of the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Atlantic Wardroom stand inside the tunnel currently under construction, with“Mary,” the 46foot Tunnel Boring Machine, visible in the background during their visit to the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) Expansion Project on Dec. 13, 2024. (PHOTO COURTESY NAVAL FACILITIES ENGINEERING SYSTEMS COMMAND ATLANTIC)
I called the right wrong number By JC Kreidel
Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Atlantic
Have you ever asked yourself, would it really matter if I was here? You might admit you’ve had some form of an exasperated moment on the job, where you just don’t see what impact you have— particularly while slogging through paperwork. We muddle through as we can, working on a deadline, rushing to get to the bottom of the to-do list, but few get quite the “It’s a Wonderful Life” validation as Steve Anderson, NAVFAC Atlantic security manager had this year. As a part of his many duties, Steve routinely approves overseas travel requests
for employees which requires exhaustive paperwork. Running through his checklist on one such recent request, he found some missing information and dialed the applicant’s phone number hoping to quickly knock out the task and be on to the next. Instead, he dialed one number off, and an elderly woman several states away picks up. “I typically never do that, but for some I reversed two of the numbers and called the wrong person,” says Steve. “I’m really good at writing the number down before I dial it. Painstakingly making sure I get it right.” What could have been easily dismissed as crossed wires between strangers, Steve sensed something bigger was at play than his to-do list. Rather than re-dialing to get to his intended party, he’s talking with Belle Cherry. She’s alone, afraid, and in need of
medical attention and Steve will soon prove to be what she calls her guardian angel. Perhaps most stunning of all: none of this would have happened if not for the help Steve received after his near-fatal heart attack a year prior. Without his colleagues’ swift actions, Steve wouldn’t have been there for Belle. Luck, fate, whatever you call it, a day of paperwork became much more. “I got the right wrong number,” says Steve. The first time he calls, he can hear it in her voice. Her voice is weak and troubled. “She tells me, ‘I’m not who you called, but I need help because I fell and I’m injured and I can only use one arm,’ recalls Steve. Thinking like a son who cares for a father Turn to Right Wrong Number, Page 2
Steve Anderson, NAVFAC Atlantic security manager, recently swung into action helping get medical attention for a woman several states away as a result of a misdialed phone call. (PHOTO BY MICHAEL MORRIS)
USS Cole returns from deployment to Fifth & Sixth Fleets The USS Cole returned to Naval Station Norfolk, Dec. 23, after being deployed for more than seven months to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe — Africa and U.S. Naval Forces Central Command areas of operation. Page A6
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