www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, July 11, 2024 1
IN THIS ISSUE
$420M contracts awarded to address F/A-18 readiness gaps These contracts cover the acquisition of both spares and repairs of essential parts within the Naval Aviation Enterprise, ensuring the delivery of FCS to the fleet through fiscal year 2028 and setting the stage for a long-term contract that provides both financial and readiness stability. Page A7 VOL. 32, NO. 26, Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com
July 11-July 17, 2024
NORFOLK, Va. (July 3, 2024) Harbor patrol unit training supervisors practice pier approaches on a V-shaped MetalCraft harbor security boat (HSB) July 3 during training held on Naval Station Norfolk. These boats are part of a phased replacement plan throughout the region and training was given by Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Port Operations on how to operate the new HSBs. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY ELIZABETH REISEN)
Ready at the Helm: NRMA Harbor Patrol units receive new boats and training By Elizabeth Reisen
NORFOLK, Va. — On land and at sea, installations work tirelessly to ensure military assets located on Navy Region Mid-Atlantic bases remain secure from threats. A drive onto base is met with tall fence lines and manned gates but across each shoreline, these water “fence lines” and “gateways” are patrolled by skilled harbor security forces who must rely on continuous training and their harbor security boats (HSBs) to keep Navy warships safe while
in port. Over the course of the next two years, harbor patrol units (HPUs) at coastal installations throughout the region will receive new, V-shaped hull MetalCraft HSBs and tailored hands-on training led by NRMA Port Operations. These boats are part of a phased replacement program to upgrade and standardize the type of HSBs used for harbor security. The last time this happened was in 2010. Naval Station Norfolk was the first installation to receive the new vessels and
seven master-at- arms training supervisors attended this boat familiarization July 3 to learn technical boat details so patrols are not halted by basic mechanical issues or accidents that could be avoided. According to NRMA Port Operations Training Specialist John Garcia, the goal of this class is to instill specific boat operations measures that he described as the “rules of the road.” “That’s my big thing right there is I want all these Sailors to know the rules of the road,” said Garcia. “Training on these boats
is very, very important. To save lives, to save money, [not] losing your asset.” As each of the seven bases selected for the phased replacement receive their new boats, Garcia will travel to each location to get coxswains ready behind the helm. Part of the training held on NS Norfolk, incorporated requirements from a new Commander Navy Installations Command instruction with standardized start up, shut down and operational procedures that secuTurn to Harbor Security, Page 5
Rear Adm. Lahti assumes command of CNRMA By CNRMA Public Affairs
NORFOLK, Va. — Rear Adm. Carl A. Lahti, commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (CNRMA), assumed command of CNRMA during a ceremony held at the Pennsylvania House, aboard Naval Station Norfolk, July 3. During the ceremony, Lahti spoke about CNRMA’s important role in supporting the Chief of Naval Operations’ priorities. “As we look at the CNO’s priorities of warfighting, warfighters, and the foundation that supports them — we, at CNRMA, are a vital part of each priority by ensuring our bases are ready to deliver healthy, well-prepared warfighters to the fleet on a daily basis.” Lahti also stressed the importance of maintaining readiness and continuing to hire talented staff to support the Mid-Atlantic region’s mission. “Remain prepared, at all times, to refuel, rearm, repair, resupply and revive our Navy forces,” Lahti emphasized. “We must align what we do ashore with the warfighting needs of our Atlantic Fleet to continue being successful at the mission.” As the Commander overseeing 13 installation Commanding Officers (COs), Lahti made it a point to speak about the importance of sound leadership. “I will empower leaders at every level to take initiative and act with confidence,” said Lahti. “Our CNO has charged us to deter aggression and defend our national security interests — that starts with each of us taking hold of a winning mindset and maintaining the highest levels of integrity as we meet the mission requirements each day.” CNRMA is the regional coordinator for all shore-based naval personnel and shore activities in the Mid-Atlantic region, which encompasses 20 states, 13 installations, and numerous Navy reserve centers from Maine to Virginia and as far west as Illinois.
NORFOLK, Va. (July 3, 2024) – Rear Adm. Carl A. Lahti, commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (CNRMA), salutes Commander, Navy Installations Command, Vice Adm. Scott Gray, to assume command of CNRMA from Rear Adm. Wesley“Wes”McCall during a ceremony held at the Pennsylvania House, aboard Naval Station Norfolk, July 3. CNRMA is the regional coordinator for all shore-based naval personnel and shore activities in the Mid-Atlantic region, which encompasses 20 states, 13 installations, and numerous Navy reserve centers from Maine to Virginia and as far west as Illinois. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 1ST CLASS MADDELIN HAMM)
Pensacola Blue Wahoos to wear ‘call sign’ jerseys In what’s becoming a tradition, members of the Blue Wahoos baseball team will wear call signs on the back of their jerseys for their July 3 Salute to Service game, this year against the Montgomery Biscuits. PAGE A2
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