www.ďŹagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, July 7, 2022 1
IN THIS ISSUE
Giving Back to the Community
On June 30, NAS Oceanaâs Religious Ministries Department coordinated the pick-up and delivery of the donated good from the NAS Oceana Commissary to local food banks in the Virginia Beach area. PAGE A2 VOL. 29, NO. 26, Norfolk, VA | ďŹagshipnews.com
July 7-July 13, 2022
Commander, Navy Region Mid Atlantic held a change of command ceremony onboard Naval Station Norfolk, June 30. Rear Adm. CharlesâChipâRock (left) was relieved by Rear Adm. Christopher âScottyâGray (right). (MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS MICHAEL BOTTS)
Fair Winds and Following Seas, Rear Adm. Rock; Welcome Home, Rear Adm. Gray By Katie Hewett
Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Public Affairs Specialist
NORFOLK, Va. (NRMA) â Rear Adm. Christopher âScottyâ Gray relieved Rear Adm. Charles W. âChipâ Rock, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (NRMA) in a ceremony outside of Naval Station Norfolk Pennsylvania House June 30. Rock assumed command of the Navyâs Mid-Atlantic region on July 20, 2018. During his tour, he provided a full spectrum of shore installation management, services to operating forces and Navy families within Navy Region Mid-Atlanticâs area of responsibility. He fostered a workforce that energetically resolved the Navyâs most complex challenges to sustain the Fleet, enable the Fighter, and support the Family. Rock will retire from
the Navy after serving nearly 35 years. At the start of the ceremony, Rock was greeted with thunderous applause from the standing-room-only crowd of friends, family and colleagues. From that moment forward, it was clear that this was not going to be your typical change of command ceremony. âI am absolutely humbled to have you all here today. In full disclosure this is not your typical change of command ceremony.â Rock said. Rather than sticking to traditional script, Rock introduced the ceremonyâs guest speaker, Ashley OâBrien, his daughter, by reading a heartfelt letter she wrote to him six years ago in advance of another change of command ceremony. In her letter, OâBrien emphasized how change of command ceremonies arenât
just about one single person, but about all the people Rock has lead throughout his successful 35 years in the Navy. âItâs about what the country needs. Itâs about all the people who need someone like you in their life,â OâBrien wrote, âIf Iâm half the leader and person you are in my future life and career, Iâd be the luckiest person the world.â âThe author of that letter is right,â Rock said, âToday is about you. Iâm grateful you are all here so I can honor you and welcome Rear Adm. Gray and his family.â During her remarks, OâBrien touched on her fatherâs undeniable fortitude, loyalty and leadership. âItâs not about the never-ending list awards and medals, or the number of stars on your shoulder,â OâBrien said, âReal leadership is measured by the
Commander, Navy Region MidAtlantic Holds Frocking Ceremony From Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Public Affairs Office NORFOLK, Va. â Legalman 1 st Class LaTorri White is advanced, or âfrockedâ by Rear Adm. Charles W. âChipâ Rock, commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic and Command Master Chief Asa T. Worcester during a frocking ceremony, June 29. The frocking ceremony marked Rockâs final act of advancing Sailors to their next rank before being relieved of command and retiring from the U.S. Navy after nearly 35 years of service. Frocking ceremonies are held multiple times a year throughout the U.S. Navy as Sailors are promoted, or advanced, to the next rank. The U.S. Navy is unique in service, compared to the other U.S. military branches, as they authorize Sailors to wear the insignia and assume the responsibility of the next rank prior to being paid.
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success of those around you and the impact you have on them. Bosses care about awards, leaders care about how they can best serve their people.â Rock then addressed special guests, Sailors and civilian employees of the Region, the regionâs overall accomplishments, and welcomed the incoming commander and his family. âKnow that I am extremely proud of all of you. Thank you for your commitment and dedication, for your integrity, and for respecting each other and those we serve. Your work is what makes the Region Mid-Atlantic organization successful. You should be proud; I certainly am.â âAs I depart, I know I am turning over the reins to an incredibly talented leader Turn to Welcome Home, Page 7
Naval Station Norfolk Fire and Emergency Services Hosts Camp Fury By Kelly Wirfel
Naval Station Norfolk Public Affairs Officer
NAVAL STATION NORFOLK â Naval Station (NAVSTA) Norfolkâs Fire and Emergency Services hosted ten Girl Scouts of America members as part of Camp Fury, June 28. Camp Fury is a hands-on camp that gives young girls the opportunity to experience various careers in fire, police and military jobs. Capt. Janet Days, NAVSTA Norfolkâs Executive Officer kicked the event off at (TRAVIS KUYKENDALL)
Turn to Camp Fury, Page 7
George H. W. Bush
Training
Pier Construction
The Sailors, ships, squadrons and staffs of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group successfully completed the ďŹnal deployment certiďŹcation exercise, June 30. PAGE A6
The NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Norfolk Navy Cash Fleet Support Group (NCFSG) provides training and assistance for Navy Cash and disbursing operations for ships in the Atlantic Fleet. PAGE A4
Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Mid-Atlantic (MIDLANT) recently awarded a nearly $300 million, ďŹrm-ďŹxed-price contract to California-based RQMagann Joint Venture for the replacement of Submarine Pier 3 at Naval Station (NS) Norfolk. PAGE A3
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