www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, March 7, 2024 1
IN THIS ISSUE Navy pins first Robotics Warfare Specialist The Chief of Naval Personnel, Vice Adm. Rick Cheeseman, and the Navy’s Personnel Plans and Policy Division (N13) Director, Rear Adm. Jim Waters, pinned Master Chief Christopher Rambert as the Navy’s first Robotics Warfare Specialist during an office call at Naval Support Facility Arlington, Virginia, Feb. 27, 2024. PAGE A4 VOL. 32, NO. 9, Norfolk, Va. | flagshipnews.com
March 7-March 13, 2024
ABOVE: Glynco, Ga. (left to right) Sonia Liverpool, Kursten Clark, and Teddy Smith. Kursten holding her certificate at FLETC’s graduation. BELOW: Glynco, Ga. Kursten Clark going through tactical training at FLETC. (PHOTOS BY DAVID TUCKER, FLETC VISUAL INFORMATION SPECIALIST)
Hampton, Va. (March 4, 2024) Officer Kursten Clarke, a Department of Navy Civilian Police Officer assigned to the Security Department at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown speaks to students enrolled at the New Horizons Center for Apprenticeship & Adult Training in Hampton, Virginia. Officer Clarke recently graduated from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in South Carolina, and holds the distinction of being the youngest female FLETC graduate thus far. She also graduated in 2023 as part of the Criminal Justice cohort at the New Horizons Center for Apprenticeship & Adult Training in Hampton, Virginia. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MAX LONZANIDA/RELEASED)
Breaking barriers: The inspiring journey of Navy Region Mid-Atlantic’s First 18-year-old federal police officer Ninoshka Basantes
Public Affairs Specialist, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic
& Max Lonzanida,
Public Affairs Officer, Naval Weapons Station Yorktown
A young woman has shattered age barriers to become the first 18-year-old federal police officer for Navy Region Mid-Atlantic. Meet the resilient and determined Kursten Clark, a recent high school graduate hailing from Hampton, Virginia. Her journey from the halls of New Horizon Educational Center to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glynco, Georgia, is not only a testament to her tenacity, Clark is also a beacon of inspiration for aspiring law enforcement professionals.
Discovering the Dream Clark’s journey began when she attended a presentation at New Horizon Educational Center, where she learned about the opportunity to join the federal police force. The decision to embark on this path is a testament to her courage, also a reflection of her commitment to serving her country. The seed of aspiration planted in those educational halls would soon blossom into a groundbreaking career as a Department of Defense uniformed police officer assigned to Naval Weapons Station Yorktown. “I knew from when I was a kid, and even
my parents told me I wanted to become a police officer,” said Clark. “I never knew where exactly, but I knew I wanted to do it, I love helping others out and once I saw and heard the presentation, it sealed the deal.”
Nervous Beginnings The transition from high school to a federal law enforcement career was not without its challenges. As Clark set foot in FLETC in Glynco, Georgia, for her training, she faced the daunting prospect of being away from home for the first time. The nerves were palpable, but Clark’s determination and resilience proved to be her guiding lights. “I was kind of nervous leaving home, but I was also excited to experience new things,” said Clark. “It was my first time on a plane, and it was honestly one of the coolest things I’ve done.”
A Crucible of Learning FLETC is renowned for shaping future law enforcement professionals in the country. Clark embraced the rigorous training with enthusiasm, demonstrating her commitment to mastering the skills required for her new role. From physical fitness to tactical training, she met each challenge head-on. “Being at FLETC is surprisingly cool.
Shooting guns was fun. The PT stuff is okay, but I liked when we learned how to use handcuffs,” said Clark. “I really like that the program is hands on, I learn better that way.” Clark also mentioned that her favorite part was learning to drive the vehicles and that she was surprise how well she did.
Homegrown Talent Clarks’ story is not just one of personal triumph but also a celebration of homegrown talent breaking barriers. Hailing from Hampton, Virginia, she brings a local touch to the federal police force, embodying the spirit of service and dedication that characterizes her community. Clark is the first to be hired at the age of 18, but also a female. “I never thought I would be a trailblazer for anything in my life, I am honored to path the road for future young females,” said Clark. “I do have to add, it is always nice to see people’s reaction when they hear my age,” Clark added.
Ready for Duty As Clark completes her training at FLETC, she stands at the precipice of a groundbreaking career. Her journey from a high school graduate to a federal police officer is an inspiration to those who dare to dream big and pursue their passions with unwavering determination.
“I want to tell other girls, ‘Keep your head high, no matter what anyone tells you, you know your truth, and you know what you’re capable of. If you have goals and dreams, chase them, don’t give up on yourself, you’re capable of anything and everything’,” said Clark. NWS Yorktown’s Security Officer, Ensign Patrick Moore echoed her enthusiasm and commended her groundbreaking role at the youngest civilian police officer within the installation’s security department. “Officer Clarke is an integral part of our Navy Security Force. Her motivation to join one of the finest and uniquely capable law enforcement agencies in the region always impresses me. She has done superbly in every respect, and we are proud and fortunate to have her on the force here,” said Ensign Moore. In the annals of Navy Region Mid-Atlantic’s history, Clark’s story will be etched as a milestone—a testament to the power of dreams and the resilience of youth. As she takes her place among the federal police officers, we celebrate not just an individual achievement, but also a symbol of potential, breaking barriers, and embracing opportunities. Clark’s journey reminds us that with courage and determination, anyone can rise to new heights. The future of law enforcement is bright, thanks to trailblazers like Kursten Clark, who paved the way for others to follow in her footsteps.
America’s shipyard in ACTION — Norfolk Naval Shipyard launches two video series to highlight workforce By Kristi R Britt
Norfolk Naval Shipyard
Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) has more than 10,000 employees across our waterfront, each one playing a vital role in the service to our Nation’s Fleet. From welding, to pipefitting, to engineering, and so much more — our shipyard family has an immense talent and is always ready to meet the mission no matter what. In 2024, we wanted to find new ways to highlight the amazing work being done by our teammates — and this culminated in two new video series, Focus Forward and C.O.R.E. Moments. “These series are all about our most vital assets of our shipyard — our workforce who put in the time and effort to repair, modernize and inactivate our Nation’s fleet,” said Shipyard Commander Capt. Jip Mosman. “We have such a diverse workforce filled with talent and knowledge working daily to maintain our Nation’s Fleet and we want to highlight the amazing work everyone is
doing and share some important topics of discussion that benefit our teammates.” Focus Forward is aimed at spotlighting the individuals, shops, codes, or even project teams getting the job done, celebrating their hard work and dedication as well as shedding light on how what they do is integral to the Navy’s mission. Our first episode featured Code 990’s Temporary Service Department in Shop 99, where one of the consumable hubs has been stood up to aid our workforce in ensuring our teammates have the material and tools they need at the ready. Turn to NNSY Video Series, Page 2
Norfolk Naval Shipyard Commander Capt. Jip Mosman speaks with Inventory Management Specialist Michael Cornette during the filming of Focus Forward Episode One - Consumable Hubs while videographer Ryan Hill captures the moment. (PHOTO BY SHELBY WEST, NORFOLK NAVAL SHIPYARD)
MOD Pizza opens first military location at Norfolk Navy Exchange With the cutting of a ribbon, the Norfolk Navy Exchange welcomed its newest food partner and made history by being the first military installation to open a MOD Pizza, Feb. 27. PAGE A2
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