www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, December 12, 2024
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Take a look back at the years biggest news SPECIAL SECTION PAGES C1 - C5 VOL. 32, NO. 44, Norfolk, Va. | flagshipnews.com
December 12-December 18, 2024
JEBLCFS Commanding Officer Capt. David Gray (second from left) Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Installations and Facilities) Brenda Turner-Johnson (fourth from left) toured new housing construction with members of the JEBLCFS family housing department and Liberty Military Housing. (U.S. NAVY PHOTOS BY APRIL PHILLIPS)
New luxury homes available for Little Creek families By April Phillips
JEBLCFS Public Affairs
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Leadership from across Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story (JEBLCFS) recently had an opportunity to tour the installation’s newest family housing units. The new construction was enabled through the partnership between the Navy and Liberty Military Housing (LMH) to provide high quality public/private venture housing for families. These luxury, three-story units are part of the Navy’s commitment to quality of life improvements for Sailors and their families. “This shows our commitment to making incremental improvements,” said Jeff Guild, military affairs
director with LMH. “Getting it done and doing it here at Little Creek is fantastic.” The new construction features three-story, three and four bedroom units in the Sandpiper Crescent neighborhood, with square footage ranging from about 2,600 to 3,000 square feet. There are several luxury touches, including quartz countertops, white, soft-close cabinets, a gas range and state-of-the-art vinyl plank flooring. The phased plan is to build 224 units over five years. Funding for the first 80 units has already been approved. Yeoman 1st Class Hyletta Floyd, who works in the JEBLCFS administration department, was one of the
Turn to New homes, Page 2
Yeoman 1st Class Hyletta Floyd (right) and her wife Amber (left) pose with their children and niece in front of their new four bedroom home in the Sandpiper Crescent neighborhood. The family moved in about three weeks ago and say they love having more space and amenities.
Last of the Sea Dragons to qualify on the MH-53E By Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic Public Affairs NORFOLK, Va. — The last two naval aviators to qualify to operate the MH-53E Sea Dragon are completing the final phases of their training while assigned to training squadron Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 12 in Norfolk. Lt. Keven Humphreys, one of the last two naval aviators to qualify to operate the MH-53E Sea Dragon, stands by an aircraft. Humphreys and Lt. Jack Griffin are completing the final phases of their training while assigned to training squadron Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 12 in Norfolk. Lt. Jack Griffin and Lt. Keven Humphreys, are set to close the chapter on the aircraft’s 42-year history of qualifying pilots to operate the storied MH-53E Sea Dragon. This specialized helicopter, renowned for its Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM) capabilities, is drawing close to the end of its operational life with a sunset ceremony planned for March 2025. The MH-53E, introduced to the U.S. Navy in 1982, has long served as a critical asset in mine hunting, sweeping, and neutralization, as well as a heavy-lift aircraft transporting troops and equipment. Since 1986, HM-12 has qualified over 580 naval aviators to operate the MH-53E spanning nearly five generations. As the Navy phases out this iconic aircraft, Griffin and Humphreys will be the last pilots to master its unique skill set while the last two remaining squadrons — HM-12 and HM-15 — prepare for the sundown of this aircraft type model series. Both men originally set their sights on serving as naval officers but did not initially envision becoming
naval aviators. Humphreys credits his inspiration to join the aviation community from experiences a close friend of his brothers shared after joining the U.S. Marine Corps to serve as a fighter pilot. “Growing up, I looked up to my best friend’s brother,” Humphreys recalled. “I knew I wanted to serve and become a leader in the military, but becoming a pilot wasn’t initially part of my plan. Seeing him as a leader and a pilot was pretty cool, though.” Griffin emphasized what he likes best about serving in the MH-53E community. “The MH-53E community is extremely tight-knit,” Griffin said. “There is a close relationship between pilots and aircrewmen. Everyone is down-to-earth and focused on the mission. I really appreciate how well the crews work together to get the job done.” As the MH-53E nears its retirement, Griffin and Humphreys are still preparing for their final missions and upcoming overseas deployment and will continue to enhance their proficiency with the aircraft. Turn to Sea Dragons, Page 2 Lt. Keven Humphreys, one of the last two naval aviators to qualify to operate the MH-53E Sea Dragon, stands next to an aircraft. Humphreys and Lt. Jack Griffin are completing the final phases of their training while assigned to training squadron Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 12 in Norfolk. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO)
NAVSTA Norfolk celebrates 22 years of Arbor Day
Capt. Ray Glenn, executive officer, Naval Station Norfolk and Command Master Chief Ian Thompson accepted the“Tree City USA”award on behalf of NAVSTA Norfolk during the annual Arbor Day observation at Arbor Park on NAVSTA Norfolk, Dec. 4, 2024. Page A5
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