www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, February 9, 2023
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IN THIS ISSUE
NSWCPD Hosts NAVSEA Joint Warfare Centers’ Martin Luther King Jr. Day Observance AAERG Vice Chair Thorpe introduced a powerful video featuring members from all 10 naval warfare centers reading specific quotes from Dr. King Jr. Page A2 VOL. 30, NO. 5, Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com
February 9-February 15, 2023
NAVAL STATION NORFOLK (Feb. 03, 2023) Capt. Janet Days is introduced for the first time as Commanding Officer Naval Station (NAVSTA) Norfolk during NAVSTA Norfolk’s change of command ceremony held inside Airborne Command Command & Control Squadro 24 (VAW-124)’s hangar bay, Feb. 03, 2023. During the ceremony, Capt. Days became NAVSTA Norfolk’s first black commanding officer. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS EMILY CASAVANT/ RELEASED)
Historic Change of Command at Naval Station Norfolk By Kelly Wirfel,
Naval Station Norfolk Public Affairs Officer
NORFOLK, Va. — Capt. Janet Days relieved Capt. David Dees as commanding officer of Naval Station Norfolk (NAVSTA) in a formal ceremony held at Airborne Command and Control Squadron 124 at Naval Station Norfolk Feb. 3. Hundreds of military, civilians and community members gathered to bid fair winds and following seas to Dees as he departed after serving as the installation’s executive officer and subsequently 50th commanding officer. During Dees tenure as commanding officer he led more than 4,500 personnel through the uncertainties of COVID-19, executed the first long-term activation of the Emergency Operations Center, spearheaded the base shuttle system to improve
quality of life for personnel living and working on the installation and initiated the C-9 rehabilitation project all while overseeing the thousands of ship, aircraft and passenger movements that take place at NAVSTA Norfolk on a daily basis. “It has been an amazing journey over the past three years - a journey that at times tested me in ways I never expected. Throughout it all I have been honored to lead the incredible men and women of the largest, most complex and best Naval Installation in the world,” said Dees. “My time in Norfolk as Executive Officer and Commanding Officer were eye opening regarding the complexities of Shore Installation Management and the multitude of diverse issues that we tackle each day.” Dees then went on to wish Days, who is NAVSTA’s first black, female commanding officer, the best as he turned over leadership.
“Let me say, Capt. Janet Days can handle these issues and is poised and ready for command of the world’s largest Naval Station…no doubt, she is up for the challenge,” said Dees. Following the official assumption of command, Days addressed the crowd and talked about the history that she made by becoming the first, black female commanding officer of NAVSTA Norfolk. “I wandered down the halls of N-26 headquarters where my office resides — and took note of the majestic pictures and leadership boards displaying the previous commanders of Naval Station Norfolk,” said Days. “As my eyes moved from name plate to name plate, it was painfully obvious that in 31 years from the day I entered the Navy, still not one person of color was displayed — and finally today that changes!” “I am here to say to all of those
who do not believe that hard work pays off — keep grinding — stay focused and from the words of General Colin Powell — “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work!” Days continued her remarks by addressing her friends, family and colleagues as well as the NAVSTA Norfolk team. “To the incredibly talented officers, civilians, Chief Petty Officers and extremely capable Sailors — team Naval Station Norfolk — I see one of my primary tasks to simply maintain the significant momentum you have built under Capt. Dees’ leadership,” said Days. “I fully expect you will see a Navy base and team aligned to support the operational fleet.” Dees will subsequently serve as the Chief of Staff for Navy Region Mid-Atlantic.
ABOVE LEFT: NAVAL STATION NORFOLK (Feb. 03, 2023) (Left to Right) Command Master Chief Naval Station (NAVSTA) Norfolk, Master Chief Angelo Rappa, Commander, Navy Region Mid Atlantic, rear Adm. Christopher Gray, and Commanding Officer Naval Station Norfolk (outgoing) Capt. David Dees congratulate incoming Commanding Officer Naval Station Norfolk, Capt. Janet Days during NAVSTA Norfolk’s change of command ceremony held inside Airborne Command Command & Control Squadron 24 (VAW-124)’s hangar bay, Feb. 03, 2023. ABOVE RIGHT: Sideboys and flag detail participate in Naval Station (NAVSTA) Norfolk’s change of command ceremony. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS EMILY CASAVANT/ RELEASED)
Stennis Supports Sailors During RCOH www.flagshipnews.com
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Leadership aboard U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) have implemented a variety of programs to support Sailors during the ship’s arduous Refueling Complex Overhaul (RCOH) maintenance period at the Newport News Shipyard. PAGE A7
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