www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, February 23, 2023
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IN THIS ISSUE
Norfolk business placed off-limits again to all service members
This week, Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic returned Carafello’s Auto Sales, LLC to the off-limits list for all Hampton Roads service members due to unscrupulous business practices. Also, see a list of other off-limits businesses. Page A2 VOL. 30, NO. 7, Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com
February 23-March 1, 2023
NAVAL STATION NORFOLK (Feb. 8, 2023) Sailors and civilians assigned to Naval Station Norfolk conduct an active shooter drill during Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain 2023, Feb. 8. Citadel ShieldSolid Curtain is an annual two-week long security training exercise that takes place on naval bases throughout the continental United States. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS EMILY CASAVANT/ RELEASED)
Naval Station Norfolk conducts Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain 2023
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Emily Casavant
NORFOLK, Va. — Naval Station Norfolk participated in the annual two-part force protection exercise Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain 2023 (CSSC23), Feb. 6-17. Conducted by Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFFC) and Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC), CSSC23 uses realistic drills and scenarios to enhance the readiness of Navy security forces and ensures seamless interoperability among the commands, other services and agency partners. “Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain reinforces our ability to respond to threats to the base and the more than 300 tenant commands we support,” said Capt. Janet Days, NAVSTA Norfolk’s commanding officer. “The more we drill as a team, the more prepared we are to respond to any threat we may encounter. We have a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of our personnel and assets, so it is crucial we have confidence in our response and training.” Citadel Shield, which occurred during the first week, focused on installation-level training and all scenarios occurred within the installation’s fence line. Scenarios included an active shooter, hostage situation,
Norfolk, VA (Feb. 16, 2023) Sailors, assigned to gate security for the USS Wasp (LHD-1), inspect the underside of a truck on board Naval Station Norfolk, Feb. 16, 2023. The security details actions are on show as part NAVSTA Norfolk’s Operation Citadel Shield Solid Curtain Exercise. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS JOSEPH T MILLER)
gate runner, unmanned aerial surveillance, protesters at the gate and suspicious package. During the Citadel Shield portion, NAVSTA Norfolk’s installation training team conducted an active shooter drill that evalu-
ated information dissemination, individual response plans, security force response and the ability to coordinate with local emergency responders and the community. A simulated active shooter took place at building LP-1,
which serves as the distinguished visitors terminal for the installation. Naval Security Forces responded to and neutralized simulated threats in the terminal. Subsequently, NAVSTA Norfolk’s Fire & Emergency Services simulated triaging victims. “Our number one asset in the United States military is our people,” said Cmdr. Robert Collett, NAVSTA Norfolk’s security officer. “There’s a saying: ‘Mission first, Sailors always.’ ” The Solid Curtain portion of the exercise, which took place during the second week was a national-level exercise centered on command, control and communications Navy-wide where different incidents happen at installations throughout the U.S., which can impact the force protection levels for other installations. “The overall goal with Citadel ShieldSolid Curtain is to train like we fight so that if an incident did happen we would achieve optimal results - meaning no loss of life and no impact to mission,” said Collett. “In short, the good guys win and the bad guys do not.” The two-part approach of the exercise is designed to enhance the readiness of U.S. Navy security forces and ensure seamless interoperability among the commands, other services and agency partners in order to protect life, equipment and facilities.
From boxcars to the battlefield: The story of Ensign Jesse L. Brown By MC3 Jordan Grimes CNRMA Public Affairs
NORFOLK, Va. — “As the first of our graduates to attend a predominantly white university, you are our hero.” These words were memorialized in a letter to Ensign Jesse L. Brown from his high school principal in 1944. Brown was on his way from Mississippi to start his education at Ohio State University. Little did he know, this would not be the last time he would inspire change for Black citizens in America.
Ensign Jesse Brown was the first African American to complete U.S. Navy flight training and the first African American naval aviator to be killed in combat. He flew with Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32) from USS Leyte (CV-32) during the Korean War. For his heroism, Brown was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Brown had worked the midnight shift loading boxcars for the Pennsylvania Railroad to fund his education, and made the decision to join the Navy Reserve to further ensure he could afford his college degree. Brown saw a poster advertising a new naval aviation program and was immediately interested in applying. Brown was continuously discouraged from applying for the program, but he stayed persistent and was eventually allowed to take the
(WWW.HISTORY. NAVY.MIL)
Turn to Jesse L. Brown, Page 7
NNSY breaks ground on $300 million renovation of its carrier drydock, adjacent berths www.flagshipnews.com
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NNSY broke ground for the renovation of its historic Dry Dock 8 and adjacent berths Feb. 15. The renovation will support NNSY’s ability to continue serving the Navy decades into the future accommodating the Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) carrier class. Page A3
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