www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, February 2, 2023
1
IN THIS ISSUE Navy launches CL1P to optimize fleet readiness Leaders gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony January 24, 2023, aboard USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5) to celebrate the occasion. Page A2 VOL. 30, NO. 4, Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com
February 2-February 8, 2023
Navy aircraft to fly over Super Bowl LVII By Ensign Bryan Blair
Commander, Naval Air Forces
SAN DIEGO — Three U.S. Navy tactical aircraft squadrons will conduct an integrated flyover at the conclusion of the National Anthem during Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Feb. 12. The flyover formation will include two F/A-18F Super Hornets from the “Flying Eagles” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122, an F-35C Lightning II from the “Argonauts” of VFA-147, and an EA-18G Growler from the “Vikings” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129. These aircraft represent the strike and electronic attack capability of the “Carrier Air Wing of the Future,” providing advanced technology and enhanced flexibility to our military combatant commanders. VFA-122 and VFA-147 are based at Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore, Calif.; VAQ-129 is based at NAS Whidbey Island, Wash. The squadrons will stage and depart from nearby Luke Air Force Base. The flyover also commemorates 50 years of women flying in the U.S. Navy. In 1973 the first eight women began flight school in Pensacola, Fla., and one year later six of those eight women, titled “The First Six,” earned their Wings of Gold. Since then, women have served, operated and led at every level of Naval Aviation. Lt. Katie Martinez, a Naval Flight Officer assigned to VFA-122, looks forward to representing Naval Aviation at one of the world’s most-watched events. “It’s not a feeling I can even put into words,” said Martinez. “It doesn’t get bigger than the Super Bowl, and I am humbled and honored to be able to participate with my friends and fellow Naval Aviators as part of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” The fifth-generation strike fighter F-35C Lightning II integrates advanced stealth technology into a highly agile, supersonic aircraft that provides unprecedented battlespace awareness, versatility and survivability. The F-35C, which is the Navy variant of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, sets new standards in weapon system integration, maintainability, combat radius and payload that bring formidable multimission power projection capability from the sea. Entering fleet service in 1999, The F/A-18 Super Hornet, has earned a reputation as the backbone of the Navy’s carrier air wing and a workhorse within the fleet, continuing its key strike fighter role against the advanced threats of the 21st century. Designed to meet current Navy fighter escort and interdiction mission requirements, the Super Hornet maintains fleet air defense and close air support roles, as well as an increasing range of missions, including in-air refueling. The EA-18G Growler is a variant in the F/A-18 family of aircraft that combines
(PHOTO BY PETTY OFFICER 1ST CLASS EMILINE SENN)
the proven Super Hornet platform with a sophisticated electronic warfare suite that performs a variety of functions including communications jamming and countermeasures.
Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF) is the type commander for Naval Aviation that oversees the Navy’s aircraft wings, squadrons, aircraft carriers, support facilities and training commands. Based at Naval
Air Station North Island, Calif., CNAF is responsible for manning, training and equipping deployable, combat-ready Naval Aviation forces to compete and win in any environment.
NAVSAFECOM announces fleet-facing public affairs campaign By Stephanie Slater Naval Safety Command
Naval Safety Command (NAVSAFECOM) seeks Sailors and Marines to feature in safety campaigns and promotions such as the “101 Critical Days of Summer,” “Fall and Winter Safety” and other off-duty activities. To support this goal, the command is launching a Fleet-facing Public Affairs Campaign to solicit safety-related videos created by, and featuring, Sailors and Marines across the enterprise. First, second and third-place winners will be recognized by Commander, NAVSAFECOM. Sailors and Marines are encouraged to develop and produce videos highlighting and reinforcing a safety message. Ideal submissions will be tailored for social media, engaging and easy to follow. Videos should be between 12 and 60 seconds in duration. The submission window is Feb. 1 through Oct. 31, 2023. Each video will be promoted across all NAVSAFECOM social media platforms and evaluated on the effectiveness of its engagement after 30 days from the date it is first posted. The NAVSAFECOM command master chief and public affairs office staff are available to assist and to answer your questions. NAVSAFECOM’s goal is to promote behaviors of self-awareness, self-assessment, self-correction and continual learning to enable an effective defense-in-depth that ensures the naval enterprise is Safe to Operate and Operating Safely through proper risk identification, communication and accountability at the appropriate level. For contest guidelines and additional information, visit 2023 NAVSAFECOM Fleet-Facing Public Affairs Campaign under the Resources tab at navalsafetycommand.navy.mil, or reach out via email to the NAVSAFECOM public affairs office at SAFE-PAO@navy.mil.
(GRAPHIC BY STEPHANIE SLATER)
San Jacinto Hosts 35th Commissioning Anniversary Celebration www.flagshipnews.com
www.facebook.com/ The.Flagship
www.twitter.com/ the_flagship
The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56) hosted former crew members and family as part of the ship’s 35th commissioning anniversary celebration, Jan. 23. PAGE A7
THE FLAGSHIP’S FREE HOME DELIVERY South Hampton Roads: Get the convenience of your Navy newspaper delivered right to your door for free!
Signup today! Call 757222-3900