www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, July 20, 2023
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IN THIS ISSUE
Nine Navy Exchanges named “Best of the Best” The Navy Exchange Service Command named nine of its NEX locations as Bingham Award winners. Established in 1979, the Bingham Award recognizes outstanding performance in operations, customer service and community support. Page A2 VOL. 31, NO. 24, Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com
July 20-July 26, 2023
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (July, 11, 2023) – Hampton Roads area military dependents attended an NFL ProCamps hosted by Washington Commanders linebacker Jamin Davis July 11. During the twoday camp, the children participated in hands-on instruction, including contests, lectures, and football fundamental skill stations in a fun and energetic environment. (OFFICIAL NAVY PHOTOS BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS MICHAEL BOTTS/RELEASED)
NFL linebacker Jamin Davis hosts youth football camp on NAS Oceana By MC2 Megan Wollam Washington Commanders linebacker Jamin Davis visited Naval Air Station Oceana to host an NFL ProCamps event, July 11-12. The Navy Exchange and the Defense Commissary Agency partnered to host the sports camp on the installation for military children. NFL ProCamps gives military-connected children the unforgettable opportunity to practice football skills and receive hands-on instruction from professional athletes. The camps are open to first through eighth grade family members of active-duty military, reservists, retirees, and DOD civilian employees. Davis, who was born in Honolulu, Hawaii to an Army family, is no stranger to the military lifestyle. He has lived through the unique challenges that military children face, from family separation due to deployments, to moving to a new duty station every few years. “A lot of people might not understand what these kids go through on a daily basis,” Davis said. “I was in their shoes once, so any chance I get to give back and say ‘thank you,’
I take it.” Davis also credits his military upbringing for helping him succeed as an athlete. “A lot of my core values came from the military, especially discipline,” said Davis. “I just want to show them that if you work hard and stay grounded, anything is possible.” The sports camps have allowed hundreds of kids to come together to share a positive and memorable experience. “This is a terrific way to say ‘thank you’ to our service members and their families,” said NAS Oceana Commanding Officer Capt. Steve Djunaedi. “As a dad of three boys, I can tell you with absolute conviction that our military children are resilient. We ask a lot of them. That’s why events like this are so important, to give back to our kids who give us so much love and support.” Although it is a football camp, it is also a place for military children to connect with others who share and face the same hardships as them. “My favorite part about today was meeting new people and making new friends,” said Hayden Smith, a student at Butts Road Intermediate School.
USS James E. Williams returns from NATO deployment By Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet NORFOLK, Va. — Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) returned to Naval Station Norfolk from a seven-month NATO deployment, July 14. James E. Williams served as the flagship for Standing NATO Maritime Group (SNMG) 2, commanded by Rear Adm. Scott Sciretta. James E. Williams deployed in December 2022 and relieved Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) as SNMG 2 flagship. As the flagship, James E. Williams led a multinational maritime group in joint operations through the Mediterranean Sea, providing forward presence, ensuring stability in the region, and supporting deterrence and defense of NATO territory. The James E. Williams crew traveled more than 36,000 nautical miles, conducted more than 45 sea and anchor evolutions, transited 20 straight, logged more than 600 hours of flight operations, and conducted 22 replenishments-at-sea. Turn to USS James E. Williams, Page 7 NORFOLK, Va. - The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) returns to Naval Station Norfolk following a seven-month NATO deployment, July 14, 2023. James E. Williams served as the flagship for Standing NATO Maritime Group (SNMG) 2. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 1ST CLASS JACOB T. WALDROP)
Four-legged heroes at NAS Oceana www.flagshipnews.com
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Military working dogs, like Pprudence, are an essential part of the military’s security forces. The dogs undergo rigorous training to learn how to perform specific duties such as patrolling, identifying explosives, detecting drugs, and attacking when necessary. Page A3
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