www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, October 3, 2024 1
IN THIS ISSUE
Best in the Fleet: USS Gerald R. Ford Wins the 2024 Battenberg Cup The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) was named the best all-around ship in the Atlantic Fleet based on accumulation of achievements, Sept. 30. Page A4 VOL. 32, NO. 36, Norfolk, Va. | flagshipnews.com
October 3-October 9, 2024
Naval Information Forces (NAVIFOR), Naval Network Warfare Command (NNWC), and U.S. Fleet Cyber Command (FCC) chiefs mess welcomes the newest chief petty officers to their ranks with a group photo to commemorate the occasion. Friends, family, and shipmates gathered to witness the milestone as these sailors donned their anchors, symbolizing their transition into the ranks of Navy leadership on Sept. 27, 2024 during a pinning ceremony held at the Hall of Heroes auditorium. (PHOTO BY JASON RODMAN, NAVAL INFORMATION FORCES)
Navy’s newest Chiefs are leading the future of information warfare By Joshua Rodriguez Naval Information Forces
In a time-honored tradition, Navy Information Warfare commands in Suffolk, Va. welcomed its newest Chief Petty Officers (CPOs) during a pinning ceremony Sept. 27, 2024. Friends, family, and shipmates gathered to witness the milestone as 11 Sailors from Naval Information Forces (NAVIFOR), Naval Network Warfare Command (NNWC) and U.S. Fleet Cyber Command / U.S. Tenth Fleet (FCC/C10F) donned their anchors, symbolizing their transition into the ranks of Navy leadership. The Navy’s newest CPOs include: Chief Information Systems Technician (IW/SW/AW) Roneshia Davis, NNWC Chief Intelligence Specialist (IW/EXW)
Tiara Lee, NAVIFOR Chief Information Systems Technician (IW/SW/EXW) Frank Logan, NNWC Chief Construction Electrician (IW/ SCW/EXW) Elliot McFeely, NAVIFOR Chief Information Systems Technician (IW/SW/AW/EXW) Rahiem Penn, NNWC Chief Information Systems Technician (IW/SW/AW) Bethany Plaskett, NNWC Chief Information Systems Technician (IW/SW) Warren Rogers III, FCC/C10F Chief Personnel Specialist (SW/AW) Chelsea Russ, NAVIFOR Chief Information Systems Technician (IW/SW) Kenneth Tooker, NNWC Chief Information Systems Technician (IW/SW) Zachary Wilson, NNWC Chief Information Systems Technician (IW/SW) Donald Wood Jr., NAVIFOR
The ceremony featured retired Command Master Chief Thomas “Keith” Hayden, who inspired the newly pinned Chiefs with words of wisdom, reflecting on the enduring role of the CPO community as “the real superheroes” of the Navy. “Chiefs know how to transfer knowledge to the next generation of superheroes,” said Hayden. “We love to lead our junior Sailors and see them flourish in their careers. In fact, nothing makes us prouder than seeing a Sailor we taught, teaching other Sailors.” As Hayden emphasized, the achievement of becoming a Chief Petty Officer is not just a personal milestone but a profound responsibility. With the wearing of the fouled anchors comes an expectation to lead by example, shaping the future of the Navy through mentorship and steadfast guidance. This moment is about more than the
visible symbols of rank; it’s a commitment to uphold the high standards that define the role of Chief — all while leading with empathy and humility. “Chiefs understand the pain, heartache, and struggle that their Sailors and Shipmates face because they have been there and likely suffered through the same situations,” noted Hayden. “Chiefs must have empathy and respect for the human beings that they are charged to care for and mold into the next generation. The things we say, the actions we take, the emotions we show will make or break a Sailor’s willingness to ever trust you and ask for help when the need goes deeper than their career.” Among the newly pinned Chiefs was NAVIFOR’s Chief Construction ElectriTurn to Chiefs, Page 2
Fleet Fest returning to Naval Station Norfolk
By Kelly Wirfel
Naval Station Norfolk Public Affairs Officer
NORFOLK, Va. — Naval Station (NAVSTA) Norfolk is proud to announce Fleet Fest 2024 will take place on Oct. 19. Two U.S. Navy ships will participate in Fleet Fest and will be providing tours throughout the day. Participating ships include USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) and USS Gonzalez (DDG 66). In addition to the Navy ships, United States Coast Guard Fast Response Cutters Nathan Bruckenthal and Vigorous will be open for tours. “Fleet Fest is a prime opportunity for us to open the gates to the Hampton Roads community, guests from throughout the United States and all over the globe to see the world’s largest and most operational naval station, Naval Station Norfolk,” said Capt. Matt Schlarmann, NAVSTA Norfolk Commanding Officer. “For us, it’s all about accessibility. We want to provide access, so the guests have an opportunity to see what our Sailors and civilians do each and every day in defense of our country.” In addition to public visitation of participating ships, the event will feature a free carnival with rides and games, live music by United States Fleet Forces Rock Band and The Deloreans, a car show, chili cook-off, food trucks, kid’s area, live demonstrations and much more that highlight the mission of Naval Station Turn to Fleet Fest, Page 2
NORFOLK, Va (Oct. 21, 2023) A child explores the inside of a V-22 Osprey from VMM-774 during last year’s Fleet Fest. This year’s event is scheduled for Oct. 19 and will feature tours onboard two Navy Warships, USS Iwo Jima and USS Gonzalez along with United States Coast Guard Cutters, Nathan Bruckenthal and Vigorous. In addition to public visitation of participating ships, the event will feature a free carnival with rides and games, live music by United States Fleet Forces Rock Band and The Deloreans, a car show, chili cook-off, food trucks, kid’s area, live demonstrations and much more that highlight the mission of Naval Station Norfolk and our local military units. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS JOSEPH MILLER)
New Self-Help Training Clinic offers maintenance solutions for JEB Little Creek-Fort Story tenant commands Seabees from NAVFAC MIDLANT, stationed onboard JEBLCFS, held a new training clinic recently at the Little Creek Self-Help Center designed to provide hands-on instruction for completing minor repairs at installation tenant command facilities. PAGE A3
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