www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 0 | Thursday, May 30, 2024
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IN THIS ISSUE
2024 Military Spouse Awards
Heroes at Home
This year we honor Military Spouses who support each other while working hard to make their communities better. SPECIAL SECTION PAGES C1 - C12 VOL. 32, NO. 20, Norfolk, Va. | flagshipnews.com
May 30-June 5, 2024
NAS Oceana Executive Officer Capt. Josh Appezzato goes down a water slide at the Aeropalms Water Park reopening. (PHOTO BY BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS MEGAN WOLLAM)
NAS Oceana Aeropalms Water Park reopens for the summer
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Megan Wollam Naval Air Station Oceana’s Aeropalms Water Park reopened on Friday after a nearly five-year closure due to Covid-19. NAS Oceana’s Public Works and Morale, Welfare and Recreation departments worked to restore the facility and its equipment. “We realize how much it means to Sailors and their families to have this facility for them to enjoy summer,” said Lisa Sibelius, NAS Oceana’s MWR Fitness Director. “It’s important for us to know that we are improving the quality of life for our community.” Aeropalms will be open every weekend until Saturday, June 15. Then it will be open six days a week, closed Tuesdays for cleaning and maintenance. Along with a variety of water slides for all ages, the water park also offers a snack bar, cabana rentals, and birthday party packages. Daily entry to the water park is $10 for active duty, reservists and retirees, and $12 for DoD civilians and guests. This July also marks the 20-year anniversary of Aeropalms, so be on the lookout for a special event to celebrate this milestone. “The MWR Aquatics Team is excited to bring the water park back to life,” Sibelius said. “We are looking forward to a great summer!” NAS Oceana leadership, MWR, PWD, and contractors pose for a photo at the Aeropalms reopening. (PHOTO BY BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS MEGAN WOLLAM)
Fleet Forces Commander cuts ribbon on Hefti LVC Operation Center By Chief Petty Officer Matthew Jackson
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (May 14, 2024) Family members of the late U.S. Navy Captain John“Bag”Hefti are joined by Adm. Daryl Caudle, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, and The Honorable Jen Kiggans, United States Representative for Virginia’s 2nd congressional district, during the ribbon cutting for the Hefti Global Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) Operations Center at the Dam Neck Annex. Hefti Global LVC Operations Center is named after Capt. John“Bag” Hefti, who was tragically killed in an auto accident in 2021. Capt. Hefti led Sailors and operations in the Joint & Fleet Training Department for U.S. Fleet Forces. Caudle officially named the Global LVC Operations Center after Capt. Hefti to honor his life and service.
Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — More than 250 friends, family, guests, military and local leaders were in attendance during a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Hefti Global Virtual, Live, Constructive (VLC) Operations Center (GLOC), May 14, 2024. U.S. Fleet Forces band members entertained attendees by performing several songs to open the ceremony, followed by a formation flyover by F/A-18 Hornets and F/A-18E/F Super Hornets from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106. Adm. Daryl Caudle, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, and the Honorable Jen Kiggans, United States Representative for Virginia’s 2nd congressional district, delivered remarks at the new facility, located on Naval Air Station Oceana Dam Neck Annex. “I am deeply impressed to be in the presence of so many loved ones,” said Adm. Caudle. “Family,
(U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY CHIEF MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST MATTHEW N. JACKSON/RELEASED)
Turn to Hefti LVC Operation Center, Page 2
NAVFAC Atlantic Champions Chesapeake Bay Preservation at Lafayette River Annex Cleanup
Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Atlantic once again demonstrated its commitment to environmental stewardship by participating in the annual Clean the Bay Day event at the Lafayette River Annex. PAGE A6
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