www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, April 6, 2023
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IN THIS ISSUE
Medal of Honor recipient remembered - NCTAMS LANT names headquarters the Reeves Communication Center
The building is named in honor of WWII veteran Chief Radioman Thomas J. Reeves, the only Radioman in Naval history to receive the Medal of Honor. Page A2 VOL. 30, NO. 12, Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com
April 6-April 12, 2023
U.S. Navy Sailors assigned to the Mid-Atlantic region, stack shelves in the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore in Norfolk, Virginia, March 30, 2023. The volunteer event, organized by members of Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic’s First Class Petty Officer Association, is just one of the many events where Sailors, stationed in the region, contribute to the surrounding community. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MC2 LEO KATSAREAS)
Mid-Atlantic Sailors volunteer at local foodbank By MC2 Leo Katsareas
Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic
NORFOLK, Va. — Sailors from the Mid-Atlantic region volunteered their time at the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore in Norfolk, March 30. Throughout the day, Sailors restocked shelves with food items from giant boxes on pallets in the foodbank’s marketplace, where their partner agencies shop for items to be stocked in their food pantries. “I personally volunteer regularly at the foodbank,” said Legalman 1st Class Latorri White, organizer of the Navy volunteers. “So,
when it was brought up at our FCPOA (First Class Petty Officer’s Association) meeting that they were trying to find an idea, I suggested the foodbank.” Staff at the foodbank spoke of the importance of volunteers to achieving their mission. “Simply put, we could not do what we do without volunteers,” said David Brandt, senior director of communications at the foodbank. “We have about 5,081 of them and they stay busy. This year, we are on track to distribute approximately 20 million pounds of food. Given the sheer scope of our operation, and with our nearly 4,800 square mile
service area, we could not do that with our staff of roughly 68 people. Volunteers touch nearly every aspect of our operation, and they are valued beyond words.” The foodbank obtains the food items to stock their shelves through a variety of sources. “Donations from food drives, food manufacturers like Perdue Farms and Smithfield Foods, Feeding America, the USDA, and grocery store chains,” said Brandt. “We also purchase about $5 million worth of food every year with the financial contributions we receive. Many of those purchases center on fresh fruits and vegetables.”
White spoke about the importance of servicemembers volunteering within the community. “I think volunteering in the community,” said White. “As a servicemember is vital in continuing to build the relationship between the military and our community. Additionally, I think it just shows them we are regular people too.” You can help the Foodbank by donating your time as a volunteer, collecting food, or by making a financial contribution by visiting their website — foodbankonline.org
CNRMA celebrates 130th CPO birthday By MC3 Jordan Grimes
Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic
NORFOLK, Va. — Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (CNRMA) held a celebration in honor of the 130th Chief Petty Officer birthday March 31. The celebration included a ceremony which highlighted the history of the rank of Chief Petty Officer, as well as experiences from Chiefs past and present and the reading of the Chief Petty Officer Creed. Chief Religious Program Specialist Samantha Greenley, the master of ceremonies for the celebration, said in her speech how Chiefs play an important role within the Navy community. “Chiefs are recognized for exemplary technical expertise within their rating, superior administrative skills and strong leadership ability,” said Greenley. “Most importantly, Chiefs bridge the gap between officers and enlisted personnel, acting as supervisors as well as advocates for their Sailors.” After a brief telling of the history of the
Chief Petty Officer Creed, Greenley turned the stand over to CNRMA Command Master Chief Asa Worcester for the reading of the Creed which discussed the challenges Chiefs face when they promote. “Your entire way of life is changed,” recited Worcester. “More will be expected of you; more will be demanded of you. Not because you are an E-7, but because you are now a Chief Petty Officer. You have not merely been promoted a paygrade, you have joined an exclusive fellowship and, as in all fellowships, you have a special responsibility to your comrades, even as they have a special responsibility to you. This is why we in the United States Navy may maintain with pride our feelings of accomplishment once we have attained the position of Chief Petty Officer.” The ceremony was concluded with a cake cutting presented by Worcester, the most senior Chief Petty Officer present, and Chief Master-at-Arms Emmanuel Ubiera, the most junior.
NORFOLK, Va. (March 31, 2023) Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Command Master Chief Asa Worcester and Chief Master-at-Arms Emmanuel Ubiera, the most senior and junior Chiefs at the command respectively, make the first cut in a cake together in celebration of the 130th Chief Petty Officer Birthday. The rank of Chief Petty Officer was established April 1, 1893, and was expanded to include Senior Chief and Master Chief in 1958. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MC3 JORDAN GRIMES)
Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group Completes COMPTUEX www.flagshipnews.com
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The Sailors, ships, squadrons and staffs of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) successfully completed composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX), April 2, 2023. Page A6
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