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A2 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 4.30.2020

Sgt. Stormy Mende/ Cpl. Timothy Pennington, a rifleman with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Task Force New York, guides a vehicle while police officers with the Critical Response Command in the Counterterrorism Bureau of the New York City Police Department stand security for the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) in New York City, April 23.

United We Stand: the COVID-19 pandemic in NYC By Sgt. Stormy Mendez Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet

NEW YORK

As the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the world, New York City (NYC) took a hard hit. In need of relief, the city turned to the United States Military for support. Marines with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment (3/2), 2d Marine Division (2d MARDIV) arrived in NYC to support the U.S. Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) in Manhattan, New York, March 30, 2020. The Marines worked diligently to provide security for the hospital ship USNS Comfort, which originally deployed to treat New York City’s non-COVID-19 patients, but then adjusted its facilities to treat COVID-19 patients as more help was re-

Navy extends travel and PCS restrictions, authorizes leave accrual By Mark D. Faram

Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

WASHINGTON

The Department of Defense’s ongoing travel restrictions and Stop Movement order has been extended, meaning that, unless rescinded earlier, this update keeps all Navy permanent change of station moves and non-essential official travel on hold until June 30. The extension was announced in NAVADMIN 116/20, released April 21. The message replaces NAVADMIN 080/20, released March 21, and is an updated version of the “one-stop” roll-up of all the Navy’s personnel-related policies in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 throughout the force. The message also announced recently approved special leave accrual for military members on active duty, of up to 120-days because of COVID-19 travel restrictions. This authorization applies to leave earned between March 11 and Sept. 30 and Sailors

quested. With the added pressure of protecting COVID-19 patients while keeping the ship functioning, Lima Company partnered with the New York Police Department (NYPD) to deliver a joint relief effort. “Everyone is contributing in different ways,” said Cpl. Jose Palacios, an Atlanta, GA native and team leader with Lima Company, 3/2, 2d MARDIV. “The Navy is on ship doing the medical aspect and the police force and Marines are providing security for the ship. So, all of us are working in conjunction with each other to provide different jobs and it is helping things run more effectively.” The Marines aid in the security of the ship, guarding vehicle control points, screening personnel for access, temperature, and symptoms of COVID-19, ultimately safeguarding the ship, personnel,

will have until the end of fiscal-year 2023 to use or lose those days. “Our workforce is our first line of defense,” Vice Adm. John B. Nowell, the Navy’s Chief of Naval Personnel wrote in the message. “All hands must proactively take action to ensure the health of our force and to ensure we mitigate the spread of COVID-19, in order to maintain our readiness.” Navy personnel officials encourage Sailors and Navy civilians to read through the message carefully, in its entirety, as it also contains clarification for some policies already in place. Among those current policies is guidance for pregnant Sailors, those with expired Common Access Cards, information on leave accumulation, selection boards and COVID-19 entitlements among several others. “We recognize many of the policies in this NAVADMIN will place a strain on our force,” Nowell wrote, “but they are absolutely necessary to preserve our ability to conduct the mission.” Exemptions from the continued travel restrictions remain in place and were clarified in the message. Recruiting and training new Sailors for the fleet remains a priority, so movement for accessions, basic training, advanced individual training and follow-on travel to the first duty station will continue. As was announced previously, transfers for those retiring and separating are not affected by this order.

and patients aboard the Comfort from the increased risk of potential spread of COVID-19. The policemen provide force protection for the Marines, using armed guards and working dogs that sniff out potential explosive devices, limiting potential threats towards the ship and the personnel on board. Although the Marines and NYPD take on different supporting roles, they work very closely to keep a united front. “We’re facing a complex problem, and not one of us, whether you are a heavy weapons sergeant with NYPD or you are a doctor, is going to solve this on our own,” said Sgt. Matthew Woods, a heavy weapons sergeant with the Critical Response Command in the Counterterrorism Bureau of the NYPD. “We have to break the problem into smaller pieces and each one of us is doing their small part. We have to do this as a team to try to alleviate the problem.” With tensions high and spirits low among the local population, the men and women serving the USNS Comfort understand the effect their duty towards supporting ship has

on livelihood of NYC. Protecting the city from a global pandemic is not a small task to accomplish, but they prove day and night that they are ready to serve where needed. “We are all here for the same mission, and that is to help as many people as possible during this pandemic,” said Cpl. Palacios. “The morale and mentality is negative right now due the number of deaths but I think it is starting to look up. I think when people see us here and see the ship here, it symbolizes hope.” While the USNS Comfort plans their departure, the Marines of Lima Company and the NYPD continue the fight towards protecting society and civilization. “My condolences to who have lost family members, employees that they work with, a loving friend, my condolences go out to them,” said policeman John Etienne, a dog handler with the Critical Response Command K-9 in the Counterterrorism Bureau of the NYPD. “I’m hoping that we can heal from this and we can continue because I don’t want us to dwell in the negative, we have to look towards the future.”

MC3 Chad Swysgood Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Cameron Borders, assigned to MyNavy Career Center’s Pro to Pro cell, answers calls and emails from Sailors and their families.

Patients, as well as their authorized escorts and attendants, and medical providers are allowed to travel for the treatment of DoD personnel and their family members. Travel for deployments and redeployments – including U.S. Navy vessels, embarked units and personnel - is also authorized. Waivers for travel deemed mission-essential, necessary for humanitarian reasons or warranted due to extreme hardship will be considered on a case-by-case basis. “Local commanders will exercise prudent judgment when determining missionessential travel and granting waivers, and err on the side of conservatism,” Nowell

wrote. “This is not business as usual. The expectation is that these waivers are done on a case-by-case basis and that they are very limited in number.” As the Navy’s understanding of COVID-19 evolves and conditions change, Nowell wrote, all guidance will continue to be evaluated. Feedback from commanders is welcomed and is a critical part of revising current policies or issuing additional guidance. “It is virtually impossible to address all specific cases or situations,” Nowell wrote. “However, commanders have the latitude to adjust direction based upon their unique situation.”

Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (CNRMA): Rear Adm. Charles W. “Chip” Rock Regional program manager for Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (NRMA):

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A3 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 4.30.2020

Combating coronavirus: Navy provides protective gear to first responders By Warren Duffie Jr.

Office of Naval Research Public Affairs

ARLINGTON, VA.

To equip those on the front lines of coronavirus response, the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Keyport—in partnership with the U.S. Navy’s Tech Bridge program—manufactured over 500 face shields and personal protection equipment for first responders at two hospitals and naval commands in the state of Washington. The response reflects a larger effort by the Department of the Navy to 3D print medical face shields at multiple warfare centers and naval laboratories, in order to meet the increased demand for protective equipment during the pandemic. This push stems from a request of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help combat coronavirus—and was authorized in a recent memo by James F. Geurts, assistant secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition. “The naval workforce is playing an important role in the response to COVID-19,” said Richard Carlin, director of technology-acceleration programs at the Office of Naval Research (ONR). “It’s critical that we help bolster industry’s capabilities, in order for first responders to do their jobs safely and effectively.” A partnership between ONR, the Naval Expeditions Agility Office, the Navy’s Technology Transfer Program Office, and all naval systems commands, Tech Bridges are regional innovation hubs where warfare centers, government, academia and industry can team up and work together on technology research, evaluation and commercialization—as well as economic and

U.S. Navy photo Jose Ruiz, a mechanical engineer at Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division, Keyport, works on parts for face shield prototypes. NUWC Keyport is currently exploring ways to use its additive manufacturing capabilities to help the Washington State medical community, including the Naval Hospital, Bremerton, with personal protective equipment during the Coronavirus pandemic.

workforce development. When coronavirus reached pandemic stage recently, the state of Washington emerged as an early hotspot. Johannes Schonberg, director of the Northwest Tech Bridge at NUWC Keyport, was contacted by a local industry partner about ways to help the Washington State Health Care Response Team. Schonberg learned about a shortage of reliable face shields and personal protection equipment at Naval Hospital Bremerton and civilian facility CHI Franciscan. The equipment being used was old and in poor condition. Replacement parts were hard to find because they were obsolete or the companies that originally made them went out of business. Schonberg teamed with engineers in the rapid-prototyping shop at NUWC Keyport’s Maintenance, Engineering and In-

dustrial Operations Department—where they refurbished the protective equipment using traditional manufacturing methods as well as 3D printing. The work was sponsored by the Naval Innovative Science and Engineering program, which allows Department of Defense laboratories to develop cutting-edge scientific and technological solutions to respond to pressing problems. “We’re not competing with industry, but offering surge support and additional resources to meet emergency demand,” said Aaron Darnton, NUWC Keyport chief technology officer. “If industry is overwhelmed, we can leverage our capabilities as a warfare center to be a backfill of sorts.” The face shields and personal protection equipment received positive feedback from the hospitals. The project was so successful that ONR is sponsoring a simi-

lar collaboration among the Northwest Tech Bridge, NUWC Keyport and the University of Fairbanks in Alaska (a Tech Bridge academic partner). NUWC Keyport and the Northwest Tech Bridge are sharing best practices and successful manufacturing models with the university—providing it with a playbook to work with local industry to produce protective equipment for first responders at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital. The initiatives in Washington and Alaska are enabled by various partnership agreements brokered by the Navy’s Technology Transfer Program Office, located at ONR. “The coronavirus situation is changing daily,” said Schonberg. “An effort like this allows our naval workforce to be agile by making full use of our relationships with industry and academia.”

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Navy Reserve unit shows agility in crisis with first virtual drill From the Office of the Navy Chief of Information WASHINGTON

The Navy Reserve Chief of Information Headquarters (NR CHINFO HQ) convened its first ever virtual drill weekend on April 5. Joined by reservists from the Defense Media Activity (DMA), the all-hands drill was conducted entirely over video-teleconference with 41 participants from across the country. Videoconferencing enabled reservists to maintain readiness and come together as a team despite the social distancing and travel challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Within just a few weeks, the COVID-19 crisis has forced Americans from all walks of life to alter their normal patterns of behavior in order to stay healthy and contain the spread of the virus, and the U.S. Navy Reserve is leading the way. With many states issuing shelter-in-place orders and federal health agencies urging all Americans to telework and avoid travel when possible, Capt. Mike Dean, commanding officer of NR CHINFO HQ, sought a solution to keep the unit’s training on schedule. “Conducting our regularly scheduled April drill weekend would not have been in the best interest of the health and safety of our Sailors,” said Dean. “So we needed to pursue an alternative course of action.” There are limits to what can be accomplished remotely. “The goal of a drill weekend is to provide training to our Sailors,” Dean said. “Video will never take the place of in-person interaction, but under these challenging circumstances, we were able to use video teleconferencing to have face-toface conversations to build camaraderie and hold each other accountable.” Adherence to uniform standards was an important part of coming together as a unit. “Military bearing, especially for junior members, is something that can be quickly eroded,” Dean said. “We are part of the Armed Forces, we wear the uniform when we drill in person, and a virtual drill should be no different.” Capt. Anastasia Quanbeck, U.S. Navy

MCC Meagan Klein Chief Mass Communication Specialist Meagan Klein listens to remarks from Capt. Anastasia Quanbeck, the U.S. Navy's deputy chief of information, from her home office during Navy Reserve Chief of Information Headquarters' (NR CHINFO HQ) virtual drill weekend April 4. NR CHINFO HQ conducted a telework drill weekend using video conferencing software due to travel and social distancing restrictions in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Deputy Chief of Information, joined the virtual drill.“Sometimes the Reserve is ahead of the curve,“ she told those assembled. ”We often have had to work virtually to accomplish our mission, so this is our natural environment. You are setting the way ahead. A lot of people are going to have to figure this out.” She added that one of the biggest challenges is striking the balance between which activities need to be done on site and which can be done remotely. Quanbeck pointed out that while much of the world is shutting down, the work of the Navy’s public affairs officers has only become more demanding. “The need to communicate has been unrelenting, and it’s a constantly changing environment,” she said. Cmdr. Brenda Way, acting Commanding Officer, Navy Reserve Defense Media Activity, attended from the West Coast. “CHINFO and DMA work hand-in-hand on a regular basis, and this past drill weekend we stepped it up a notch with an entire telework drill,” she said. “Having the ability to complete an entire drill weekend in this manner was extremely valuable.” Chief Mass Communication Specialist Meagan Klein and Ensign Victoria Piccoli, two of NR CHINFO HQ’s newest members, developed the program and coordinated logistics to ensure a seamless experience for all involved. Members spent weeks planning and preparing for their various responsibilities, and an all-hands video conference the week before allowed

Sailors to familiarize themselves with a platform many had never used. “This pandemic is obviously a tragedy,” said Klein, “but many of the resulting pain points of social distancing and limited travel are forcing us to innovate, and we will ultimately come through this a stronger and more resilient force. I am extremely proud of how our Sailors performed this weekend. Ownership and teamwork were the two keys to making this teleworking weekend a success.” Even before maximum flexibility for telework was authorized, the unit was already designated for flex-drill with individual members authorized for telework. However, the unit had never attempted a remote formation on this scale. “One challenge we faced when planning and executing the drill was trying to ensure that all members would be actively engaged,” said Piccoli. “Working in a virtual space means focusing on more than just what’s on the computer screen. It involves thinking about how our unit members will interact with the content presented.” Officers and enlisted personnel developed nearly a dozen presentations, leveraging their civilian skills to build an agenda spanning topics related to COVID-19, public affairs and internal Navy Reserve matters. The unit’s Ombudsman provided an update on the services her office provides, and the Command Fitness Leader led a unit physical training session to demonstrate exercises that can be done at home.

Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kevin O’Brien, who has served in the Navy for 17 years on reserve and active duty, opened the virtual drill with a presentation on writing and editing photo captions. “I’ve seen time and again, when faced with immense challenges and obstacles, my shipmates will find new and creative ways of fulfilling the mission,” he said. “I feel this was perhaps the most productive drill weekend I’ve experienced. The live chat feature of video conferencing allowed our members, both enlisted and officers, to be engaged at all times and ask questions or provide insights while training was happening simultaneously.” “If I were going to give one piece of advice to other units planning a virtual drill, it would be to start planning earlier rather than later,” Dean said. “Getting everyone comfortable with the technology is often the biggest hurdle, and having several weeks lead time gave us an opportunity to take suggestions for potential topics and plan thoughtful sessions.” Social distancing and self-isolation have imposed new and unprecedented strains on our society, and everyone is eager for the day they can return to normal social interactions. In the meantime, activities like the virtual drill weekend demonstrate how an agile Navy Reserve force is adapting to the present crisis and establishing new procedures to ensure continuity of operations in future crises.

NEX customers can support NMCRS during COVID-19 crisis

chase is made online, customers will receive an email within 24 hours with a coupon code for 5 percent off their entire purchase along with an additional $5 off coupon. In addition, the Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM), in partnership with Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Navy Entertainment, has created a virtual concert series, “We Stand Together,” running in April to keep families entertained during the COVID-19 crisis. While watching, viewers can electronically donate to the NMCRS by clicking the

donate button during the performances. “Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society is honored to be supported by NEXCOM and their loyal customers again this year. Thank you to everyone who buys a benefit ticket, watches the virtual concert series, and supports our mission of being there for Sailors and Marines in financial crisis,” said retired Lt. Gen. Jack W. Klimp, U. S. Marine Corps, President, CEO of NMCRS. Since the benefit campaign’s inception in 2011, NEX customers have donated just under $2.5 million to NMCRS.

From Navy Exchange Service Command Public Affairs VIRGINIA BEACH

From now through May 10, NEX customers can support the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) by purchasing a $5 benefit ticket at NEX stores and online. Customers at select NEXs can purchase

a $5 benefit ticket that entitles them to $5 off as well as a 5 percent discount applied to a one-time purchase from May 7 – 10, 2020. The discounts are good on regular, sale and clearance merchandise. Customers can also purchase the benefit ticket online at https://www.mynavyexchange.com/navy-marine-corp-relief-society-donation-card/7213356. Once the pur-

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A4 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 4.30.2020

Navy Reserve unit shows agility in crisis with first virtual drill From the Office of the Navy Chief of Information WASHINGTON

NEX customers can support NMCRS during COVID-19 crisis

From Navy Exchange Service Command Public Affairs VIRGINIA BEACH

From now through May 10, NEX customers can support the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) by purchasing a $5 benefit ticket at NEX stores and online. Customers at select NEXs can purchase

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A5 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 4.30.2020

OS1 Linda D’Andrea Yeoman 2nd Class Zebulon Carson checks the temperature of Aviation Boatswain Equipment Mate 2nd Class Tashawna Artis at the quarterdeck of building N-26. Upon entering facilities, personnel will now fill out a questionnaire and have their temperature checked.

COVID-19 screening implemented at NAVSTA Norfolk From Naval Station Norfolk Public Affairs NORFOLK

Entering workspaces and buildings at Naval Station (NAVSTA) Norfolk and other installations around the globe now looks much different than it previously did.

Personnel will now undergo new screening procedures upon entering their workspaces. The screening involves four questions focused on their current health, recent travel and whether they have been in personal contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19. The last step of the screening it a

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temperature check with a no touch thermometer. “By doing personal screenings outside the workplace, we are trying to catch personnel that may have traveled through areas that may have exposed them to the COVID-19 virus or, may be exhibiting symptoms of the virus before they enter the workspace where they could potentially expose other personnel,” said Gene Lambert, NAVSTA Norfolk Emergency Manager. If the employee answers yes to any of the questions or has a temperature of 100% or higher the employee is not permitted to enter the facility and must notify their supervisor or Chain of Command. While screening will take place at all buildings, to avoid unnecessary spread of the virus, personnel are strongly encouraged to

perform a self-check prior to starting their commute to include a temperature scan. Identifying symptoms at home will help contain illnesses, including COVID-19, and protect screeners from unnecessary exposure. “All screening measures have been implemented with one objective, to ensure the safety of our military, civilian and contractor personnel,” said Capt. Vince Baker, NAVSTA Norfolk Commanding Officer. “We appreciate everyone’s ongoing support and flexibility as we work to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.” For more news regarding the Navy’s response to COVID-19 visit https:// www.navy.mil/. For updates regarding NAVSTA Norfolk’s response to COVID-19 visit https://www.facebook.com/NavalStationNorfolk

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A6 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 4.30.2020 Salvatore Spano, a local national employee of Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Sigonella, Detachment Naples, manufactures a shipping container in the carpentry shop of the supply building aboard Naval Support Activity, Naples, Jan. 16, 2019. NSA Naples is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where they are needed, when they are needed to ensure security and stability in Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia.

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Navy strengthens defense industrial base with new small business funding opportunity By Warren Duffie

Office of Naval Research Corporate Strategic Communications

ARLINGTON, VA.

To support the national response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Department of the Navy (DoN) must leverage and sustain its research-and-development industrial base – and attract new small business partners. The Navy and Marine Corps are doing so by harnessing the DoN’s agile Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs – both located at the Office of Naval Research (ONR). The programs announced today $30 million in rapid-funding opportunities through a new Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), which is a request for scientific or research proposals. The BAA can be viewed at https://www.navysbir.com/.

“During this national emergency, the Naval Research Enterprise must engage all activities to ensure we accomplish our current workload, make sure vital naval partners survive current economic conditions, and bring in new partners,” said DoN SBIR/ STTR Director Bob Smith. “I’m proud the DoN SBIR/STTR programs are taking bold steps to maintain the defense industrial base through accelerated funding awards.” The new BAA, titled DoN SBIR FY20.4, will close on May 28. It seeks proposals from innovative small businesses and startups for high-impact, scalable technologies that address both naval requirements and the needs of the commercial market. Areas of interest to the Navy and Marine Corps include:  Modernization and sustainment (maintenance and repair of military assets)  Digital logistics (security, analysis, man-

agement and flow of digital information and data)  Deployable manufacturability (rapid, on-demand manufacturing of deployable systems supporting diverse payloads and missions)  Resilient communications (expanded communications capabilities for fast, coordinated response during a global crisis) BAA FY20.4 is just one facet of a broader DoN SBIR/STTR effort to sustain the defense industrial base during the COVID-19 response, by awarding more than $250 million in funding over the next 90 days. SBIR provides the Navy and Marine Corps with innovative advances in technology created by small businesses – while STTR transitions products developed by both small businesses and research institutions.

NAVY SBIR/STTR AND NAVALX In addition to promoting BAAs like FY20.4, the DoN SBIR/STTR programs also look to strengthen new approaches, like serving as technology enablers for the Naval Expeditions (NavalX) Agility Office – created by the Hon. James Geurts, assistant secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition. NavalX gives Sailors, Marines and DoN civilians tools to put good ideas into action. This enables naval organizations like ONR and SBIR/STTR to better connect warfighters with experts and small businesses. SBIR/STTR also provides expertise at NavalX’s multiple Tech Bridge locations nationwide. A partnership between ONR, NavalX, the Navy’s Technology Transfer Program Office, and all naval systems commands, Tech Bridges are regional innovation hubs where warfare centers, government, academia and industry can team up and work together on technology research, evaluation and commercialization – as well as economic and workforce development.

A7 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 4.30.2020

YN2 Edmond R. Torrejas/ Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center (ECRC) greet Sailors from Coastal Riverine Squadron Ten (CRS-10) as they return to the United States to demobilize, June 26, 2018. ECRC provides processing, equipping, training, certification and proactive family support to ADSW Sailors, Individual Augmentees and provisional units throughout all deployment phases in support of combatant commanders requirements, contingency operations, or national crises.

USFF/NECC introduce new online resource for mobilizing Sailors From Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs VIRGINIA BEACH

Commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) and U.S. Fleet Forces Individual Augmentee (IA) Global Force Management team published an on-

line resource for mobilizing Sailors April 16. The site includes a message for IA Sailors, comments from the Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center (ECRC) commanding officer, pertinent instructions and NAVADMINs, IA frequently asked questions, useful links, and more. The webpage was developed to answer

questions and concerns regarding new guidance about travel restrictions, force health protection directives, training command operations, and more. The webpage will be updated regularly as guidance is released. IA Sailors are encouraged to visit https:// www.public.navy.mil/ia/Pages/CV19FAQ.aspx to learn more.

Expeditionary Combat Readiness coordinates and oversees all administrative processing, equipping, training, deployment and re-deployment of Sailors assigned as Individual Augmentees. NECC is responsible for organizing, manning, training, equipping, and sustaining the Navy Expeditionary Combat Force (NECF) to execute combat, combat support, and combat service support missions across the full spectrum of naval, joint, and combined operations which enable access from the sea and freedom of action throughout the sea-toshore and inland operating environments.

EXAM | Advancements

will be determined using a modification to the current scoring formula Continued from A1

E-5 and E-6 exams wonâ€™t pose a social distancing problem as the number of test takers is low. Of the roughly 70,000 petty officers eligible for the two tests, 65,000 completed them before the COVID-19 mitigation efforts went into effect. With only 5,000 make-up exams needed to be taken Navy-wide, leadership believes those remaining exams can be properly administered in small groups while adhering to FHPG measures and maintaining social distancing requirements. As a result, commands will have between May 21st and June 3 to proctor those remaining exams. In the Selected Reserve, Navy officials estimate that over 80 percent of eligible Sailors completed their exams in February. Their remaining make-up exams will be administered during drill weekends in July. Questions and concerns about this policy clarification can be answered by calling the MyNavy Career Center at 1-833-330-6622 or by email at AskMNCC@navy.mil. The latest DoD policies can be found at: https://www.defense.gov/explore/spotlight/coronavirus. For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, follow us on Facebook at https:// www.facebook.com/mynavyhr, Twitter at https://twitter.com/mynavyhr or visit https://www.navy.mil/cnp.

MC3 Andrew Taylor Sailors participate in the Navy-wide Advancement Exam on the mess decks aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) in Norfolk, March 5. The John C. Stennis is partnering with Newport News Shipbuilding to complete Refueling Complex Overhaul on schedule with a trained, resilient and cohesive crew.

SALUTE | Flyover

to recognize healthcare workers, first responders, military, essential workers Continued from A1 p.m. (EST) and last approximately 10 minutes. Flyovers in Philadelphia will start at 2 p.m. (EST) and last approximately 20 minutes. Residents in these areas will be able to see the flyover from the safety of their home- quarantine and should maintain all

Tech. Sgt. Ned T. Johnston

social distancing guidelines during this event. They should also refrain from traveling to landmarks, hospitals and gathering in large groups to view the flyover. A detailed flight route will be released on the day prior to the flyover. The teams welcome and encourage viewers to tag the flyover on social media with the hashtag #AmericaStrong. Thunderbird and Blue Angel Pilots will be available for in online video teleconference interviews on April 27 from 11:3012:30 a.m. (EST). Media interested can contact 850-452- 3710 or americastrong.media@gmail.com. For more information on the Blue Angels, visit www.blueangels.navy.mil. For more information on the Thunderbirds, visit www.afthunderbirds.com.

A8 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 4.30.2020

USS Minnesota recognized as the best ship in Atlantic Fleet The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Minnesota (SSN 783), homeported at Naval Submarine Base New London, was announced as the winner of the 2019 Battenberg Cup Award See B7

SECTION B | FLAGSHIPNEWS.COM | 4.30.2020

MC2 Raymond Maddocks Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Benjamin Bowers, from Colorado Springs, Colorado, signals the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Patuxent (T-AO 201) during a replenishment-at-sea aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98). Forrest Sherman is conducting operations in U.S. 6th Fleet to support maritime security operations in international waters alongside our allies and partners as a part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group.

SEA DUTY INCENTIVE PAY (SDIP) EXPANDS DURING TIME OF COVID-19 CRISIS From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs WASHINGTON

A growing number of Sailors are now eligible to extend their time on active duty and take advantage of a special incentive pay. The Navy has added 23 new ratings/paygrades to an already extensive list of those eligible to receive Sea Duty Incentive Pay (SDIP) for extending their current tour at sea or returning to sea early. The move was done to ensure the Navy continues to fill operational requirements for sea-going commands, particularly in this challenging time brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Depending on the rating, paygrade and Navy enlisted classification code, second class petty officers and below who qualify can receive SDIP at a rate of up to $750 per month for each additional month of sea time. For first class petty officers and above that rate is up to $1,000 per month. Sailors interested in extending on sea duty should contact their detailers and apply 14-16 months prior to their projected rotation date or at the end of their rating’s prescribed sea tour to take advantage of SDIP. Submissions inside of this timeline are waiverable and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Sailors who choose to take on more time can either

NWS Yorktown wins SECNAV Environmental Restoration Award By Susanne Greene

Naval Weapons Station Yorktown Public Affairs

YORKTOWN, VA.

Naval Weapons Station Yorktown was announced the winner of the 2020 Secretary of the Navy’s Environmental Restoration Installation Award April 20, 2020.

The award recognizes exceptional stewardship to protect human health and the environment by cleaning up identified Department of Defense sites in a timely, costefficient, and responsive manner. “The Naval Weapons Station Yorktown Restoration team efforts not only embody

continue serving in an SDIP billet at their current command or serve in an SDIP billet at a new command, known as SDIP back to back. Those Sailors must agree to serve 12-48 months for either option. Sailors who wish to cut short their shore duty and return to sea early should contact their detailers and apply at least 6-9 months prior to their desired detach date. Sailors who choose to leave shore early must make a commitment at least 6 months prior to their regular rotation to be eligible for the SDIP. Per NAVADMIN 089/20, enlisted Sailors with an approved separation or retirement date who are in billets eligible for SDIP may receive SDIP if approved for an extension of 6 to 12 months. See the NAVADMIN for details. Once the Sailor submits an SDIP request and it is approved, the Sailor will sign an SDIP contract and receive a lump sum SDIP payment upon reporting to their new SDIP assignment. Those who do not fulfill their SDIP commitment will pay back the unearned portion of their SDIP lump sum. Special pays such as this are vital to ensure the right people are in the right billets as part of the Sailor 2025 initiative. MyNavy HR is committed to using monetary and non-monetary incentives to manage the Navy’s diverse and high performing talent.

the environmental stewardship ethic, but also aid in fulfilling the Navy’s national security mission,” stated Jennifer Podbesek, Environmental Director of Naval Weapons Station Yorktown. “I applaud all who support our program for their tireless commitment to working towards restoring resources and bettering the environment.” Environmental Restoration at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown (NWSY) is challenging due to the installation’s mission, size, and environmental conditions. The NWSY Restoration team consists of representatives from Navy Facilities Engineering Command, United States Environmental Protection Agency and Virginia De-

partment of Environmental Quality. A contributing factor to the installation’s win is their involvement with the local community through semi-annual public Restoration Advisory Board meetings, two public websites, an information repository at the Yorktown Public Library, fact sheets, and announcements in the local newspaper. “The credit for this award truly lies with our Environmental Division”, stated Captain Jason J. Schneider, Commanding Officer of Naval Weapons Station Yorktown. “Their hard work and dedication ensured Naval Weapons Station Yorktown has the strongest restoration environmental program.”

HeroesatHome The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | 4.30.2020 | B2

College talk tips By Lisa Smith Molinari

Traditionally, May 1st is National Decision Day for high school seniors picking colleges. Covid-19 has delayed some universities’ schedules; however, parents will inevitably begin engaging in vaguely competitive “college talk.” Beware: These seemingly innocent conversation starters are an invitation into a quagmire of double entendre. For example: Parent #1: “What college will your son/ daughter attend in the fall?” Parent #2: “He/She will attend XYZ University.” Parent #1: “Oh, that’s swell.” Hidden beneath this rudimentary exchange is an underground strata of complex connotations and secret intent. How do I know this? Each of our three children experienced the college pick process between 2014 and 2018. I logged thousands of miles in our minivan to visit schools, go on tours, stay in lousy hotels, and eat complimentary cookies. Between the three kids, they took dozens of entrance exams, completed 28 applications, wrote countless essay revisions, and chewed scores of fingernails while waiting on acceptance letters. After the decisions were made, we were expected to report the news to our friends. For most of 2014 to 2018, we lived on base, and many of our friends were empty nesters about

to retire from active duty service like us. There is much to be learned by observing this unique breed of parent. They don’t collect twigs, preen their feathers, or engage in elaborate mating rituals. But, empty nesters have “been there, done that” when it comes to parenting. Interacting with these seasoned veterans around backyard fire pits and at the dog park taught me that those college pick talks are not what they seem. I learned the hard way that, when people ask, “What college did Little Suzie decide on?” they really want to know, “Did she get any rejection letters?” And when you answer, “She’s going to State," they are tabulating all prior conversations in an attempt to figure out the schools that gave Suzie the Heisman. In order to diffuse their natural curiosity, it’s best to be frank. Tell them which schools declined to accept your child’s application. However, do not be tempted to add, “We’re actually happy that Little Johnny didn’t get into Old Ivy, it just wasn’t the right fit for him.” The listener will only hear, “Little Johnny’s ‘Ds’ in Chemistry came back to bite him, and besides, those ivy leaguers are stuck up anyway.” Also, although it is considered gauche for civilian friends to discuss money matters, talking about personal finances is quite common in the military community. Thanks to clearly defined rank structures, we military folks

know each other’s pay grades. As soon as they find out that your child’s college costs upwards of fifty grand a year or more, they’ll wonder how you’re paying for it because they know your salary. You may wish to remain silent, and let them speculate that your child was offered a scholarship for some hidden talent like didgeridoo or curling. In a vacuum of information, your friends might think that you’ve got some long lost rich uncle who graced you with a trust fund, but this might be hard to believe if you drive a used minivan and buy buns from the day old rack at the commissary. Unless you tell your friends up front that you are paying for college with the GI Bill, loans, your Thrift Savings Plans, or your 529 plans; they’ll think that you’re planning to take the night shift at the local 7-Eleven and move the family into a cardboard box over a heating grate in order to afford the tuition bills. As long as you deliver the news of your child’s decision without pretense, you will be met with understanding. Honesty is clearly the best policy to stop wondering minds from wandering to the absurd. Our children? Hayden went to Rensselaer Polytechnic; we used the GI Bill to pay for it. Anna went to Syracuse University on a decent financial aid package. And Lilly spent a year at pricey Hobart before transferring to more affordable University of Rhode Island. All three kids took $5,000 annual federal loans to help us afford tuition bills. And yes, it’s been really swell. www.themeatandpotatoesoflife.com

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U.S. Navy photo by MCS Jonathan Berlier Lt. Cmdr. Danett Bishop tests respiratory samples in the biological safety lab of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6).

Early detection support for troops during COVID-19 By Armed Forces Health Surveillance Division

The quick spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 has caused many health organizations including the Defense Health Agency’s Armed Forces Health Surveillance Division to innovate, using resources readily available in their arsenal. One example of this innovation lies within AFHSD’s Global Emerging Infections Surveillance (GEIS) program. The team funded the production of Research Use Only testing kits and sent them to GEIS laboratory partners located across the globe; targeting countries with high totals of positive COVID-19 cases. Navy mobile laboratories embedded on military ships, such as the USS Theodore Roosevelt received these kits. Military commanders then used the kits as respiratory surveillance tools on their sailors and Marines. The Department of Defense funds the GEIS’s network of 16 medical research laboratories. This funding allowed the teams to quickly reach out to their partners and use their capabilities, such as the quick production of research assays, to support our forces. Assays are an investigative procedure in laboratory medicine that assess or measure the presence, amount, or activity of a military-relevant pathogen—in this case, the current coronavirus. This assay is similar to those created by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “By rapidly distributing the RUO assays to our global partners and to three Navy mobile laboratories on shipboard settings, we were able to provide a much needed testing capability for this emerging pathogen in an operational environment,” explained U.S. Public Health Service Cmdr. (Dr.) Mark Scheckel-

hoff, who leads the respiratory infections focus area for GEIS. This assay supports surveillance studies only and not the clinical management of cases. “The ability to procure and distribute the CDC RUO assay outside of a clinical laboratory setting provided a rapid and reliable source of COVID-19 testing and detection materials that were distributed to all of our network laboratories and allowed rapid implementation of testing activities,” said Scheckelhoff. “As the COVID-19 cases began to increase around the world, military commanders in an operational environment had these RUO resources to conduct respiratory surveillance for COVID-19 exposure,” said Sean Friendly, chief of administration & operations at the AFHSD. One recent example involved the Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island in South Carolina. "Our partner, the Naval Health Research Center laboratory was able to use their surveillance capabilities to provide the assistance to detect the first cases,” said Friendly. He recounts a report from Dr. Chris Myers at NHRC in San Diego, California; the lab collected samples from the recruit population of Parris Island. GEIS-funded respiratory surveillance projects at NHRC provided the capability and personnel to test the recruits and quickly identify COVID-19. GEIS has worked with the NHRC for several years and supported ongoing surveillance of respiratory diseases among recruits and trainees. This network of health partners continues to grow and evolve as GEIS coordinates with NHRC as well as other network partners. The network’s ability to integrate the priorities identified by the Combatant Commands into its

“

By rapidly distributing the RUO assays to our global partners and to three Navy mobile laboratories on shipboard settings, we were able to provide a much needed testing capability for this emerging pathogen in an operational environment.” Dr. Mark Scheckelhoff mission creates an agile organization ready to respond to needs as they occur. Since 1997, GEIS has funded key laboratory/ epidemiological work across the DoD. It has also coordinated crucial infectious disease surveillance projects that could impact military operations. GEIS uses key DoD medical research laboratories—such as the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute for Infectious Diseases, the Navy Medical Research Center, and the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research’s global lab enterprise in Maryland; and the Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine in Dayton, Ohio — to establish an integrated network that studies the impact of infectious diseases and respond to outbreaks and epidemics. “In lay terms, GEIS’s projects and activities have allowed DoD to maintain world-wide critical surveillance capabilities that continue to provide crucial support during events of public health concern like the COVID-19 pandemic,” stated Navy Capt. Guillermo Pimentel, GEIS chief.

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B3 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 4.30.2020

MC3 Nicholas Huynh The Royal Australian Navy guided-missile frigate HMAS Parramatta (FFH 154), left, is underway with the U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) and the Arleigh-Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52). The America Expeditionary Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Navy, Royal Australian Navy team up in South China Sea SOUTH CHINA SEA

The U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Navy came together for operations in the South China Sea starting April 13. HMAS Parramatta (FFG 154) began sailing with Ticonderoga-class guided missilecruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) then rendezvoused with amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) and Arleigh-Burke class guided missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) April 18. Their combined operations started with force integration training and maneuvering exercises between Parramatta and Bunker Hill. “It is great to be operating with the Australians again,” said Capt. Kurt Sellerberg, commanding officer of the USS Bunker Hill. “Ev-

ery time I have deployed to this region, and to the Middle East, I have had the good fortune to operate with the Royal Australian Navy.” Operations with USS America started with a precision maneuvers that included Barry in the South China Sea. “We look forward to every opportunity we get to work with our stalwart Australian allies at sea,” said Rear Adm. Fred Kacher, commander of the America Expeditionary Strike Group. “To bring this much combat capability together here in the South China Sea truly signals to our allies and partners in the region that we are deeply committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific.” Operations with Parramatta have included integrated live fire exercises, coordinated

helicopter operations, small boat force protection drills, command and control integration, and maneuvering interoperability. “San Diego [HM-60] ‘Romeo’ pilots have a long flying history with Australian pilots,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jacob “Shaky” Norgaard, “it’s a great opportunity to strengthen our relationship and practice joint tactics, techniques and procedures.” The events gave both navies the opportunity to integrate all warfare areas, and further strengthen the bond between both countries. "I was super pumped to participate in crossdeck operations with the Royal Australian Navy,” said Lt. Rachael “Janet” Davis. “We are stronger together, and this type of integration promotes our commitment to maritime

security as well as increases our presence here.” The U.S. and Australia share a long history of integrated military exercises. Over 3,000 U.S. Sailors and Marines had the opportunity to observe or participate in the combined exercise. “They have the same interest in ensuring freedom of navigation and observance of internationally accepted norms and customs pertaining to the law of the sea,” Sellerberg said. “The Aussies are true professionals in every sense of the word, and our current combined deployment exemplifies a shared commitment to our historically strong and enduring relationship.” U.S. 7th Fleet conducts forward-deployed naval operations in support of U.S. national interests in the Indo-Pacific area of operations. As the U.S. Navy’s largest numbered fleet, 7th Fleet interacts with 35 other maritime nations to build partnerships that foster maritime security, promote stability, and prevent conflict.

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B4 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 4.30.2020

MCSA Sawyer Connally Eric Knight, an engineer with Huntington Ingalls Industries-Newport News Shipbuilding Division grinds on advanced lower stage weapons elevator aboard the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), April 1. Gerald R. Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting carrier qualifications.

Fifth Advanced Weapons Elevator certified onboard USS Gerald R. Ford From Program Executive Office Aircraft Carriers Public Affairs WASHINGTON

Program Executive Office (PEO) Aircraft Carriers announced the certification of a fifth Advanced Weapons Elevator (AWE) aboard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) this week. The first-of-class aircraft carrier logged this important milestone at its homeport at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, just after completing a rigorous 32 days at sea, where the ship attained flight deck certification and conducted additional catapult launches and arrested landings, bringing the total number of aircraft launched to more than 2,300. “In just the last few weeks, we’ve seen an increase in the velocity of flight deck operations and new system certifications aboard Gerald R. Ford that’s beyond impressive,” said Rear Adm. James P. Downey, program executive officer for Aircraft Carriers. “Certifying Lower Stage Weapons Elevator 5 [LSWE 5] is extraordinarily significant, in that we now have the capability to move ordnance from the aft magazine complex deep in the ship through the carrier to the flight deck with a speed and agility that has never been seen before on any warship in any fleet.” Downey’s enthusiasm echoes that of Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition James “Hondo” Geurts, who announced April 16 that the ship was closing in on the mile-

stone. Certifying this key weapons platform enables CVN 78’s crew to elevate combat system and flight deck training to another level during the ship’s Post Delivery Test and Trials (PDT&T) phase of operations. The crew will operate this AWE at sea during its next underway period in May to ensure effective operations of the system in its operational environment, train additional crewmembers, and validate training and maintenance procedures. AWEs offer Gerald R. Ford-class carriers greater speed in moving ordnance and enhance carrying capability, while reducing manning, maintenance, and total ownership costs. The shipboard AWE construction process is unique in that it has provided a test bed for overcoming many of the incumbent developmental and production challenges associated with a first-of-class system. The ability to identify and to mitigate issues associated with each elevator’s unique operational tolerances has generated hands-on physical adjustments and software refinements, ensuring that future AWE operations are sustainable and reliable. “The elevators are operating as designed,” confirmed Capt. Ron Rutan, PMS 378 program manager for Gerald R. Ford. “In the past year, Newport News Shipbuilding has turned over four of the ship’s 11 AWEs to the crew, with the ship’s force cycling each elevator approximately 20 times per day to make sure every system stays in good working order and to docu-

ment sustained performance.” To date, AWEs aboard CVN 78 have logged more than 8,000 cycles, with Upper Stage Weapons Elevator 1 completing 3,079 cycles; Upper Stage 2: 629 cycles; Upper Stage 3: 3,110 cycles; and an additional utility elevator cycled 1,257 times. Additionally, Lower Stage Weapons Elevator 1, which facilitates moving ordnance from the forward magazine to the flight deck, is on track to be certified and turned over to the crew in the fourth quarter of fiscal year (FY) 2020. The remaining five elevators are on track to be certified by the time Gerald R. Ford undergoes Full Ship Shock Trials, scheduled for the third quarter of FY21. Now more than six months into her 18month PDT&T, Gerald R. Ford has completed aircraft compatibility testing, during which the crew launched and recovered more than 200 aircraft—testing five different airframes and employing state-of-theart flight deck systems. And during flight deck certification in March, the crew continued exercising the carrier’s flight deck; testing the installed combat systems; and certifying fuel and aircraft launch and recovery systems. This intense testing and trials period is crucial to ensuring the overall deployment readiness of Gerald R. Ford as well as improving upon the construction and ship trial process for follow-on carriers in the class: the future USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), Enterprise (CVN 80), and Doris Miller (CVN 81).

NAVWAR leads team in testing of 5G in San Diego, works to modernize Navy networks worldwide Story by Elisha Gamboa

Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR)

SAN DIEGO

Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR) established an integrated product team (IPT) to accelerate the adoption of fifth generation (5G) wireless technology across the Department of the Navy, modernizing fleet operations and increasing fleet readiness world-wide. Published by the White House in March 2020 the “National Strategy to Secure 5G of the United States,” states that “Fifth generation wireless technology, or 5G, will be a primary driver of our Nation’s prosperity and security in the 21st century”. Formed in October 2019, to support the Navy’s participation in the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering’s broad-based 5G initiative, NAVWAR’s 5G IPT partnered with commands and organizations across the San Diego Metro area to bring 5G experimentation and testing efforts to the fleet concentration area. The IPT is leading a smart warehouse and asset management project where they will outfit a Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) warehouse with 5G smart devices for automated, realtime visibility into operations and movement across the supply chain. “As threats mount and technology evolves,

so do the demands of our fleet,” said Pat Sullivan, NAVWAR executive director. “To ensure our warfighters have the upper hand in every conflict, we must work with our partners across industry to leverage new and existing technology, providing the warfighter with modernized, mobile and integrated capabilities like 5G. Testing of this new technology will allow NAVWAR to assist the Navy in establishing ways to outpace our adversaries in today’s increasingly competitive environment.” According to the project summary, the San Diego smart warehouse and asset management project will use 5G to support a warehouse management system to manage the order and inventory for overall warfighter logistics support. This includes optimizing warehouse operations and improving the efficiency, accuracy, security, and safety of supply management, storage, and distribution. “5G has the potential to increase transparency, improve scalability, and transaction speed for improved warehouse operations,” said Dan Green, NAVWAR 5G IPT lead. “It will enable fast turnaround times and augment current manual tasks, allowing Navy logistics personnel to address the most critical needs first, rather than using a first in/first out system.”

Throughout the project, NAVWAR is working closely with experts across the country, taking a whole-of-Navy approach, with NAVWAR Headquarters providing project oversight, Navy Region Southwest providing operational expertise and Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific providing technical expertise. The Fleet Logistics Center in San Diego supplied the initial test-site for the project and are now serving as the operational customer. “The race to 5G is on,” said Green. “In, November of 2019, China rolled out its first 5G network, making 5G services available for consumers in more than 50 Chinese cities. In December of 2019, AT&T, Sprint, Verizon and T-Mobile announced their first commercial 5G network offerings. To outpace our adversaries in this global competition for 5G, the Navy is stepping up and pushing the boundaries of what we think is possible so that we can compete and win for decades to come.” Currently vendors are competing for the opportunity to contribute to Navy’s smart warehouse three-year project through the National Spectrum Consortium. The Marine Corps has a parallel effort at the Albany Logistics Base in Georgia. Both projects are on track for awards in summer 2020 with initial experimentation starting immediately after-

In preparation for turning over LSWE 5 to the crew, Sailors from Gerald R. Ford’s Weapons Department will launch webbased instructor training on April 23, using the Carrier-Advanced Reconfigurable Training System (C-ARTS). This training brings high-velocity instruction to the Sailor’s point of need, teaching crew members the finer points of operating a more complex lower-stage elevator system that traverses more decks, has more doors, and features a host of additional control screen indicators, while in operation. Over the next few days, CVN 78 will send 12 Sailors to complete more than 16 hours of web-based training in the nearby C-ARTS facility, guided by an instructor working remotely from Huntington Ingalls Industries Newport News Shipbuilding Division. Ford Sailors will then return to the ship for follow-up, hands-on instruction in the elevator spaces. This web-based, CARTS training ensures Sailors maintain readiness for Ford’s next operational milestone, while exercising appropriate health precautions and protocols necessitated as part of the Navy’s COVID-19 response. According to Downey, CVN 78’s accomplishments are impressive, but not unexpected. “The fact that we certified the fifth elevator is a big deal. But it’s important to remember, we’ve kept to a demanding schedule since the beginning of the year— and persevered in spite of the social distancing and health-related challenges associated with COVID-19.” Downey added, “The Warship 78 team— everyone from shipyard workers to the elevator technical experts to ship’s crew, everybody—is meeting or exceeding their schedules. The U.S. Navy has made a commitment to make Gerald R. Ford ready. This team is delivering on that promise every day.”

“

5G has the potential to increase transparency, improve scalability, and transaction speed for improved warehouse operations. It will enable fast turnaround times and augment current manual tasks, allowing Navy logistics personnel to address the most critical needs first, rather than using a first in/first out system.” Dan Green ward. Moving forward, NAVWAR is developing the workforce, rapid acquisition procedures, operational use cases and security protocols to ensure 5G enhances and maintains the highest level of readiness for the fleet.

B5 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 4.30.2020

MCC Meranda Keller Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Massiel Collado Ortiz was selected as the Navy's 2017 American Correctional Association (ACA) Military Corrections Committee (MCC) Corrections Professional of the Year (CPOY), March 20, 2018. Collado Ortiz works as a Correctional Specialist, assigned to Navy Consolidated Brig Miramar Pearl Harbor Detachment (NCBM PH Det.), serving as the Brig Duty Officer and Training Chief at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. The CPOY award is granted to a Correctional Specialist E-6 and below stationed at any of the Navy Shore Brigs who strives for excellence in their duties.

Navy Corrections Specialists: Small in number, yet vital in importance By MCC Michael Russell

Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs

MILLINGTON, TENN.

Correctional, or brig duty is among the smallest specialties in the Navy, but the Sailors serving as Navy Corrections Specialists serve a vital role as the front-line subject-matter security experts regarding offender management, entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring the public safety and well-being of prisoners, brig facility staff, and visitors. “Unfortunately, in any society there is crime,” said Timothy Purcell, director of the Corrections and Programs Office (PERS 00D) at Navy Personnel Command (NPC). “The role of the correctional system is to ensure an offender’s presence for judicial actions (pretrial) and that the offender’s sentence is carried out, whether it’s time in jail or prison, probation, or community service (post-trial)”. While the number of Sailors assigned to Navy Corrections at any given time is approximately 500, the specialty isn’t large enough to support a viable career path for a rating. Aligned under Shore Special Programs, Navy Corrections Specialists come from a variety of ratings, unlike their Army and Marine Corps counterparts, who have a specific military occupational specialty for corrections, or the Air Force, which employs its security forces personnel in shortterm duty assignments. In the Navy, confinement capabilities are located both ashore as Military Correctional Facilities (MCF) and at sea as afloat brigs. Ashore, there are two pre-trial MCFs (Jacksonville, Florida, and Yokosuka, Japan) which align under the installations where they reside. Pretrial MCFs provide installation-centric pretrial and short-term post-trial (up to 30 days) confinement support. There are four (NPC) post-trial MCFs including Naval Consolidated Brig Charleston, South Carolina, and its detachment at Chesapeake, Virginia, and Naval Consolidated Brig Miramar, California, with its’ detachment at Pearl Harbor,

Hawaii. These facilities provide Department of Defense system-centric confinement capability. Shore confinement facilities comprise three levels, depending upon sentencing: Level I, up to one year; Level II, up to 10 years; and Level III, in excess of 10 years. There are 22 afloat brigs located aboard carriers and amphibious vessels that support a confinement capability. These primarily provide pre-trial and very short-term confinement (up to 30 days). Afloat, brig time is simple confinement and little else. “Generally, corrections duty ashore is a three-year assignment,” Purcell said. “As corrections duty for enlisted members is a Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) vice a rating, Sailors typically only see one such assignment within their career. Depending upon rating, like aster-at-arms, Sailors with the Corrections NEC could also see correctional duty aboard a ship’s brig.” No matter the sentence or facility, the Correctional Specialist maintains the dayto-day direct contact with and influence on offenders. Brig duty is open to women, at all facilities, both ashore and afloat, Purcell said, and the shore brigs at Jacksonville, Chesapeake, Miramar, and Pearl Harbor are authorized to confine women. Of the approximately 500 Navy personnel assigned to corrections, 8 to 12 percent are women, such as Personnel Specialist 1st Class Ashley Supall from Rancho Cucamonga, California, who is on her second year of corrections duty. “As a female staff member, I typically supervise the female prisoners,” she said. “The most challenging part of corrections in my opinion is knowing the crimes committed by some prisoners. As corrections specialists, we sometimes see the worst of people. Every day you have to remind yourself to remain impartial and do your job to the best of your ability.” While the prevailing perception of offenders might be that offenders are nothing more than criminals, and those chosen to oversee them as glorified babysitters, sev-

Eisenhower Strike Group participates in interoperability exercises with French Navy By Cmdr. Brian Wierzbicki

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) Public Affairs

ARABIAN SEA

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (CSG) and the French Navy conducted a bilateral, interoperability exercise in the North Arabian Sea April 25- 26. The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (IKE), guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and

FS Forbin (D620), operating under national tasking, participated in formation steaming, an air defense exercise and a surface gunnery exercise. “The French have outstanding naval capabilities,” said Capt. Edward Crossman, commanding officer, USS San Jacinto. “We look forward to any chance to work with them as an opportunity to learn and fine-tune our tactics and procedures. It’s an

eral corrections specialists say that’s an oversimplification. Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Mackenzie Lee of Lumberton, Texas, is on his second corrections tour, serving first at Navy Consolidated Brig Charleston and now with that facility’s detachment in Chesapeake. He said a senior leader changed his perception during initial corrections training. “(He) asked me if I knew the difference between myself and a prisoner,” Lee said. “I was quick to respond, ‘I’m not a criminal.’ He replied, ‘While yes, that is true, it is not the answer. The true difference is one bad day.’ While some crimes are egregious, some crimes you may have done yourself. While enforcing rules and regulations and working to rehabilitate, you need to be open-minded and somewhat empathic.” “Prisoners don’t get to leave and go home every day,” said Chief Fire Controlman (AEGIS) Erin Klus of Madison, New Jersey, who serves at Pearl Harbor. “I remind myself of this when a prisoner is agitated or frustrated. They are confined for a reason, but they are still human beings. If you treat someone with respect, are fair across the board, and firm with enforcing the rules, you can gain compliance from a challenging prisoner. It’s an exercise in patience and keeping control of your own emotions.” Sailors who perform this crucial duty of corrections specialist must be physically fit, able to exercise proper authority, use discretion, communicate effectively, and manage both routine and unexpected situations as they arise, said Purcell, who in a 27-year military career, served correctional assignments with all four service branches from an E-2 corrections specialist to a W-5 corrections officer. Following his active-duty service, he began a federal service career as a correctional administrator. “Correctional specialists should possess good judgment,” he said. “Correctional staff must use both their training and common sense to quickly determine the best course of action and to take necessary steps

to achieve a desired outcome. Interpersonal skills are critical.” “It’s important to remember that these service members are ‘here as punishment’ and ‘not for punishment,’” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 2nd Class Nikolas Miketinas of Dyer, Indiana. “They all took the same oath as we did and so maintain their military bearing ensuring that they are able to get ahold of their command where applicable is important to be maintained is something that is handled at all levels of the brig.” There are misconceptions about the duty, including the belief that correctional facilities are mirrors of those portrayed in movies and television, and others. “I think the movies gives them a complete unrealistic idea of some of the things that happens in the brig,” said Retail Service Specialist 1st Class Shivaughn Osborne of New York. “The brig has its challenges however, it’s a lot more organized and the prisoners are better behaved that what is portrayed in the movies or TV shows.” While duties and responsibilities span an array of activities including sanitation, security, key and tool control, responsiveness, training and teamwork, the primary mission of Navy Correctional Specialists is the supervision and care of offenders assigned to Navy MCFs. And the standards are high. Navy post-trial correctional facilities are accredited with and adhere to national standards of the American Correctional Association. Those selected for this duty who succeed become more valuable; not only to their parent commands, but also to any organization they join in the future. “Successful correctional specialists develop leadership traits that will take them far in nearly any profession,” Purcell said. “These include excellent communication skills, teamwork, practical problem solving, decisiveness, resilience, selflessness, open-mindedness, dedication and commitment.” There is always a need for personnel to fill both operation and support roles in the corrections community. Interested enlisted personnel should contact Shore Special Programs Branch at (901) 874-3872, or via email at Pers-4010d1_e3.fct@navy.mil. For more information, go to www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/enlisted/detailing/ shorespecialprograms/Pages/default2.aspx

absolute win for San Jacinto’s “gunslingers” to operate with our partners in Forbin. This training makes us stronger as an allied force, dedicated to maintaining regional stability and sustaining freedom of the seas.” Earlier this year, IKE and the French nuclear-powered aircraft carrier FS Charles de Gaulle (R91) and its escorts participated in cross-deck interoperability exercises in the Mediterranean Sea. The three ships have been at sea for extended periods of time. As a precautionary measure against the global pandemic coronavirus, no cross-deck of personnel between the ships occurred during the exercise. The close relationship between the U.S. and French navies and familiarity

with each other’s procedures supports execution of rapid integration exercises such as this. IKE Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations conducting maritime security operations in international waters alongside our allies and partners. The ships and aircraft of IKE strike group, commanded by Rear Adm. Paul Schlise and the Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 staff, include flagship USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), commanded by Capt. Kyle Higgins; the eight squadrons and staff of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, commanded by Capt. Trevor Estes, and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26, commanded by Capt. William Shafley.

B6 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 4.30.2020

MC1 Darren M. Moore An F/A-18E/F Super Hornet assigned to the “Dambusters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195 prepares to make an arrested landing on the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), June 20, 2018. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of its allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

Navy takes delivery of final Block II Super Hornet, looks ahead to Block III From Program Executive Office Tactical Aircraft Public Affairs NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, MD.

Since 2005, F/A-18 Super Hornet Block II aircraft have been rolling off Boeing’s production line and serving as the U.S. Navy’s multi-mission capable workhorse. The service took delivery of the final Block II Super Hornet, closing out a run of 322 one-seater F/A-18Es and 286 two-seated F/A-18Fs, on April 17. “Aircraft E322 will leave Boeing’s production line and head straight to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 34 based in [Naval Air Station] Oceana,” explained Cmdr. Tyler Tennille, of Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), who oversees Acceptance Testing. “When the Super Hornets first came online, they were a game changer,” he explained, pointing to the Block II’s Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar

as well as larger displays, upgraded sensors and avionics, and increased range and capability to employ an arsenal of precision weapons that delivered advanced lethality and mission flexibility for the service. The robust airframe was built with an open mission systems architecture, which has enabled easy integration of new weapons and technologies. The Block II Super Hornet serves as the Navy’s responsive aircraft, fully capable across the full mission spectrum which includes: air superiority, fighter escort, reconnaissance, aerial refueling, close air support, air defense suppression, and day/ night precision strike. This aircraft has stood strong as the backbone of the Navy’s carrier air wing, and has proven itself repeatedly during numerous operations where it has been the preeminent platform performing multiple missions, sometimes rapidly reconfiguring on the fly. Even though it is substantially larger – roughly 7,000 pounds heavier and a 50 per-

cent higher range, the Super Hornet delivered with fewer parts and lower maintenance demands than its predecessor, the Hornet. “Delivery of this last production Block II Super Hornet is hardly the end of an era, but rather a stepping stone along the path to continuously evolving our platforms to meet the Navy’s ever-evolving needs,” said Capt. Jason Denney, Program Manager of the F/A-18 and EA-18 Program Office (PMA-265). “Block III delivery is just steps behind and the production lines won’t miss a beat, with the first two U.S. Navy Block III test jets delivering in the next two months, followed by delivery of 24 E/F aircraft over the next year for our international customer, Kuwait,” Denney said. Following the delivery of these aircraft, Tennille said he expects the transition from Block IIs to Block IIIs to be seamless. The proven capabilities and successes of the Block II program were leveraged by the Navy in awarding a multi-year procurement

contract for Block III Super Hornets to Boeing in March 2019, totaling approximately $4 billion. The Navy will procure 72 Block III Super Hornet aircraft between fiscal years 2019 and 2021, while realizing more efficient production rates and providing the supporting industrial base with stability and advantages in production and spares planning. Boeing is expected to deliver the Block III test jets to the Navy as early as late spring, where subsequent testing will commence at both NAS Patuxent River and Naval Air Weapons System (NAWS) China Lake. This latest version of the Super Hornet includes an advanced cockpit system; advanced network infrastructure; reduced radar cross-section; and a 10,000-flight hour lifespan. “Though we’ve done tremendous work to meet readiness requirements, we know continual forward momentum is needed to sustain that readiness while maintaining our tactical advantage to be more lethal and survivable than our potential adversaries,” said Denney. “The solid partnership with Boeing for the Block III production and modification programs ensures the Super Hornet will remain not only relevant, but ready to fight in today’s dynamic global environment and well into the future.”

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Navy installations win top environmental awards By Coleen R. San Nicolas-Perez

Commander, Navy Installations Command Public Affairs

WASHINGTON

Navy installations continue to prove that national defense operations and readiness can be accomplished while maintaining environmental stewardship. The Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) and Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) recently recognized six Navy installations with this year’s environmental awards for executing environmental management programs and strategies that support the expansion of the Navy’s mission requirements and build trust with internal and external stakeholders while demonstrating innovation and cost-effectiveness. “Commander, Navy Installations Com-

mand is committed to supporting the fleet while remaining good stewards of the environment,” said Brock Durig, environmental program director for the Navy’s shore enterprise. “Our installations do a phenomenal job of ensuring that the Navy can complete its mission and maintain readiness while not adversely impacting our nation’s environment and by preserving our natural and cultural resources.”

WINNERS OF THE 2020 SECRETARY OF THE NAVY ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS OF INCLUDE:  Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach: Natural Resources Conservation - Small Installation category;  Naval Station Great Lakes: Natural Re-

sources Conservation - Individual/Team category;  Naval Air Station Whiting Field: Environmental Quality Non-Industrial Installation category;  Naval Base Kitsap: Sustainability - Industrial Installation category;  Naval Weapons Station Yorktown: Environmental Restoration – Installation category;  Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake: Cultural Resources Management – Large Installation category. The winners at the SECNAV competition went on to compete with other Services at the SECDEF level. Naval Base Kitsap and Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake won the 2020 SECDEF Environmental Awards in their respective categories. Naval Base Kitsap garnered the award for successfully reducing the amount of petroleum-based fuel in the installation’s fleet of non-military vehicles by using alternative fuels and electricity. Naval Air

Weapons Station China Lake won the award for completing earthquake damage assessment, recovery and renovation efforts of its curation facility, where over 80 percent of Navy Region Southwest’s historic artifacts are contained, following the largest earthquakes in California in the last 20 years. “The winning teams should be proud of not only winning these competitive and prestigious awards, but also for contributing to the preservation of our environment and conservation of our natural resources,” Durig said. “All CNIC installations work to achieve these same goals, and our sincere gratitude and thanks goes out to the military and civilian personnel of Team CNIC for a job well done." Commander, Navy Installations Command’s area of operations encompasses the globe, across 10 regions and 71 bases with more than 53,000 employees who sustain the fleet, enable the fighter, and support the family.

MC1 Steven Hoskins Sailors assigned to the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Minnesota (SSN 783) stand topside as they pull into their homeport at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., Dec 20, 2019, following a deployment. Minnesota deployed to execute the chief of naval operation’s maritime strategy in supporting national security interests and maritime security operations.

USS Minnesota recognized as “ the best ship in Atlantic Fleet By MC2 Alfred Coffield

Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic Public Affairs

GROTON, CONN.

The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Minnesota (SSN 783), homeported at Naval Submarine Base New London, was announced as the winner of the 2019 Battenberg Cup Award, April 23. The Battenberg Cup Award for the U.S. Atlantic Fleet Battle Efficiency “E” winner is presented annually to the ship, or submarine, selected by the Fleet Commander as the best all-around in the Atlantic fleet based on accumulation of crew achievements. Under the command of Cmdr. Thomas Flaherty, Minnesota’s crew achieved excellence in all aspects of submarine operations and was rewarded for their efforts. Adm. Christopher Grady, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, congratulated Minnesota in an official message. “I am pleased to announce USS Minnesota as the winner of the Battenberg Cup for 2019, and offer my congratulations to the crew,” Grady said. “Every Minnesota Sailor should be proud of their record of sustained excellence and superior teamwork.” As one of the highest performing submarines in the Atlantic Submarine Force, Minnesota sustained superior combat readiness throughout 2019 by rigorously and flawlessly executing deployed operations in the European Command Theater. The crew operated the boat in a manner that achieved unprecedented mission accomplishments

while conducting multiple operations vital to national and theater security. “The crew of USS Minnesota went above and beyond during their numerous operational commitments in 2019, and are incredibly deserving of this prestigious award,” said Vice Adm. Daryl Caudle, commander, Submarine Forces. “I am immensely proud of these warriors who have demonstrated sustained excellence in submarining, unbounded energy and professional enthusiasm. Thanks to their hard work and relentless dedication, Minnesota directly contributed to maintaining the undersea dominance of the Submarine Force.” During her numerous operations, Minnesota outperformed peers and amassed unmatched standings as the 2019 Submarine Squadron Four Battle “E” award winner by achieving first place marks in overall battle efficiency, engineering readiness, personnel metrics, weapons readiness and communication. Minnesota also won the 2019 Retention Excellence Award that recognizes superior command accomplishment in executing programs and policies that best enable Sailors to succeed in naval careers. “It is a proud moment for our Viking team, and we are honored to receive this award,” said Flaherty. “I am extremely proud of my crew’s accomplishments, including a very successful deployment to the European Theater. The Viking team demonstrated sustained excellence across multiple mission areas and continues to exercise tactical initiative and expertise.”

USS Mitscher (DDG 57) and USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) were also nominated as best all-around within their commands, and were congratulated for their performance. “Outstanding achievements by the crews of each command made the selection process extremely difficult,” Grady said. “All finalists distinguished themselves by their exceptional performance, and can be justifiably proud of their accomplishments.” Each year, the Battenberg Cup Award is presented to only one of the nearly 100 eligible surface ships, aircraft carriers and submarines, based on crew achievements. These include performance in competition for Atlantic Fleet Sportsmanship Award, Type Command Sailor of the Year Award, Golden Anchor Award, Ney Award and command excellence awards. Other information, such as operating schedules, commitments and unusual factors contributing to the nomination may also be considered. Fast-attack submarines like Minnesota are multi-mission platforms enabling five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities - sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence. They are designed to excel in antisubmarine warfare; anti-ship warfare; strike warfare; special operations; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare. Fast-attack submarines project power ashore with special operations forces and Tomahawk cruise missiles in the prevention or preparation of

“It is a proud moment for our Viking team, and we are honored to receive this award. I am extremely proud of my crew’s accomplishments, including a very successful deployment to the European Theater. The Viking team demonstrated sustained excellence across multiple mission areas and continues to exercise tactical initiative and expertise.” Cmdr. Thomas Flaherty

regional crises. Commissioned on Sept. 7, 2013, Minnesota is the 10th Virginia-class fast-attack submarine. It is the first submarine to bear the name Minnesota and the third U.S. Navy vessel to carry the name Minnesota. It is 377 feet long with a beam of 34 feet. Virginia-class fast attack submarines have a crew of approximately 149 made up of 18 officers and 131 enlisted Sailors.

B8 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 4.30.2020

Virginia Opera announces upcoming 2020-21 season Virginia Opera, The Official Opera Company of the Commonwealth of Virginia, is pleased to announce its four main stage opera productions of the 2020-21, “Love is a Battlefield” season.

See

ABA

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Submit YOUR events, news and photos The Flagship welcomes submissions from our readers online. Please submit events here: www.militarynews.com/users/admin/calendar/event/ Please submit news and photos here: www.militarynews.com/norfolk-navy-flagship/submit_news/

EDITIORIAL

Courtesy photo General Andre Lanata salutes during the 2019 Norfolk NATO Festival Parade Downtown Norfolk.

NATO’s ACT still wants to find ways to reach out to the local community By General Andre Lanata

In a different set of global circumstances, our community would be joining together at the Norfolk NATO Festival’s International Parade and International Village. For 66 years, this annual celebration of international friendship has bridged cultural experiences from around the world and connected the work of the most successful political-military Alliance in human history to the people of Hampton Roads; NATO’s only home in North America. That is indeed something to celebrate. However, earlier this year, the necessary decision was taken to cancel the 2020 Norfolk NATO Festival in order to help safeguard the health and well-being of the region against the COVID-19 pandemic. This year would have been the 67th Norfolk NATO Festival. History will remember the 2020 pandemic as a story about loss, economic hardship and anxiety. But, we know it is also a story about our resilience, about our ability to respond to challenges and about our will to defeat any enemy, including malicious viruses that spread around the

world. It’s a story of inspiration; for who can’t help but to be inspired by the selfless medical professionals who care for those of us who are sick? It’s a story about charity; for who doesn’t know one of the countless number of citizens who are making life a bit better through random, unselfish acts of heroism? It’s a story about the work of Allied national militaries to provide assistance to civil authorities. Last year, we were celebrating the 70th anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, an Alliance built as a symbol of a community of values that link together Nations on our two continents, the European and the North American. 70 years later, this Alliance remains a pillar of our security and an anchor of stability, unity, solidarity and friendship. Our human diversity and common experience remains today our most precious treasure. Every day, our soldiers from 30 Nations serve together on the battlefield and in multilateral integrated bodies, embracing a common goal: protect our citizens and defend our values, providing security to more than one billion people.

View the new 'Garden of Life' exhibit virtually online From Virginia Beach Art Center VIRGINIA BEACH

The Virginia Beach Art Center, home of The Artists Gallery, continues to encourage creativity during this challenging time with the opening of a new virtual exhibition and sale “Garden of Life” Starting May 1, you can view all artwork in the new exhibition on your phone or laptop, even show it in your large TV screen if you like, whenever you want. Just visit our web site www.artcentervb.org. In addition, we will offer a live video award ceremony at 7 p.m., May 1, on the Virginia Beach Art Center Facebook page. During the broadcast, you can tour the submitted entries individually, view the Judges Remarks, and even purchase artwork easily on your own time and have it delivered!! All without leaving the comfort and security of your home. “Garden of Life” celebrates plants, flowers and wildlife that fill gardens, and now enrich lives for so many who are staying at home. They are especially a joy to gardeners, photographers and artists, but fulfill a need for all of us. The exhibition was judged by Priscilla Long Whitlock, award-winning painter of landscapes and floral themes. The exhibition will be featured until May 31st. On our website, our previous show, “Waterways” remains available and “La Femme” exhibition paintings remain in the gallery. Artwork can be purchased online and visits can be arranged by appointment. The gallery is closed as required by government.

Since the signature of the Washington Treaty, the Alliance has had to face extremely diverse challenges, from the Cold War to 9/11 and the War in Afghanistan. NATO has always been able to adapt thanks to the core principle of strength through unity. “All for one and one for all” has continuously helped overcome the difficult and extraordinary times Nations have faced. Today, we face an unprecedented pandemic all around the world, which affect dramatically our populations and territories. Today, more than ever, the consequences of all these challenges ripple across our countries, ignoring our traditional physical borders. The militaries of your Alliance are providing essential support to care for those in need, including health professionals. From Spain to Poland, the Baltics to Romania, and Italy to Denmark, efforts include logistics and planning, field hospitals and hospital ships, transport for patients, repatriation of citizens abroad, disinfection of public areas, and additional security at border crossings. From Germany to Greece, Canada to the United Kingdom, and France to Portugal, we are all in this together. We continue to be innovative and to provide delivery mechanisms to NATO Members. NATO Allied Command Transformation is exceptionally proud of its bonds to this community and its history in the Hampton Roads. NATO has been a part of the fabric of this region since 1952, helping to pro-

mote the values we all hold dear and bridging the distance between North America and Europe. Hundreds of military personnel, civilians and their families from across the Alliance work and live here. They serve the Alliance to make our security a reality. Our resilience has always been one of our greatest attributes. The Alliance is a symbol of all that we hold dear: Freedom, Democracy, the Rule of Law and Individual Liberty. My personal belief is that our loyalty to these principles, the strength of our conviction in our common values, and the commitment to defend one another whenever and wherever there is a need, are the attributes that will bond us through tough times and guide us towards better days. All NATO personnel thank you for extending your friendship to us. Together, in a spirit of solidarity, we are committed to continue our important work to better international peace, security and stability. On this path, we are all equal. As we continue to face this crisis together, we must support those who have lost so much, including loved ones. Although we can’t gather together in person, the spirit of the Norfolk NATO Festival is very much alive. Take comfort in our continued blessings and ever vigilant in respecting the guidance of medical authorities. NATO, alongside our friends at the Virginia Arts Festival and on the Norfolk NATO Festival Committee, look forward to celebrating the Norfolk NATO Festival with you in 2021.

“Hanging with Buds” (Duet Series: White Orchids) detail. Acrylic painting by Vinnie Bumatay.

Virginia Beach Art Center

C2 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 4.30.2020

Community

EDITORIAL

Courtesy photo General Andre Lanata salutes during the 2019 Norfolk NATO Festival Parade Downtown Norfolk.

NATO’s ACT still wants to find ways to reach out to the local community By General Andre Lanata

View the new 'Garden of Life' exhibit virtually online From Virginia Beach Art Center VIRGINIA BEACH

“Hanging with Buds” (Duet Series: White Orchids) detail. Acrylic painting by Vinnie Bumatay.

Virginia Beach Art Center

C3 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 4.30.2020

TURN ON THE TAPS:VIRTUAL VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL TATTOO EXPERIENCE From Virginia Arts Festival

Virginia Arts Festival Executive Director Robert W. Cross has announced that since live performances have been postponed or canceled during the normal spring time frame, the Festival will make great performances available to audiences through other broadcast and digital means. “The need for social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic has changed our plans to present some of the world’s great artists in live performance this spring,” said Cross. “But we wanted to offer our audiences the opportunity to share some past performances in their homes as they shelter in place. In this time, we need the joy and hope and inspiration the arts provide." The Virginia Arts Festival website, vafest.org now includes a complete resource of these archived performances, including listings for broadcasts and links to experience the performances digitally. For even more content, fans can follow Virginia Arts Festival’s social media @VaArtsFest on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

TURN ON THE TAPS 2020: VIRTUAL VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL TATTOO EXPERIENCE Are you feeling a void in your life where the Virginia International Tattoo belongs? Starting April 25, enjoy a week-long virtual celebration of the Tattoo, including an Opening Night Watch Party April 30, a special WHRO TV broadcast of the 2016 Tattoo on May 1, a Virtual Salute to the Greatest Generation on May 2, and a Sunday sendoff. Through social media and public television, let’s spend the 2020 Virginia International Tattoo week together. Check @VaTatt Facebook and Instagram daily for new content and watch parties.

WHRO TV 15 WHRO TV 15 will broadcast a number of past Virginia Arts Festival events this April and May. WHRO Media President and CEO Bert Schmidt explained, “At WHRO we have been fortunate to partner with the Virginia Arts Festival for many years, and one of the great benefits of that partnership is the number of Festival performances and events that we have been able to record and broadcast. We are reaching into our archives to

Festival.” Past Festival artists are featured throughout these lists. If you’re yearning for classical music, find the playlist “A Kern Pianopalooza” or “Timeless Classical & Chamber,” or if you are more inclined to artists like Chris Thile or Rhiannon Giddens, find the “Folk, Roots & Americana” playlist. Virginia Arts Festival recordings are featured on the Spotify page as well. Over the years, a number Festival performances—including world premiere performances of commissioned works—have been recorded by major classical music labels. Critically acclaimed, these recordings showcase the impact that Virginia Arts Festival has had on the music scene for the past two decades.

VIRGINIA ARTS FESTIVAL 2020 SPECIALTY BEERS

Sarah Hauser

Turn on the Taps: Virtual Virginia International Tattoo Experience THURSDAY, APRIL 30 7:30 p.m. Watch Party on Facebook: Tune in on Facebook as we celebrate the WWII veterans Opening Night Celebration

FRIDAY, MAY 1  8:30 p.m.: 2016 Tattoo on TV Pre-show starting at 8:30 p.m.  9 p.m.: 2016 Tattoo on TV NOW – Tune in to WHRO 15 9PM. Check local listings. Watch Party on Facebook.

SATURDAY, MAY 2 10 p.m.: VIT Virtual Salute to the Greatest Generation: Watch Party on Facebook. Do not miss this event! The Tattoo will honor World War II veterans in spectacular fashion. Special appearance by Joe Galloway.

SUNDAY MAY 3 5 p.m. March Off: Watch Party on Facebook. Final words, The Parting Glass and the final march off.

bring back some great memories of the Festival and to share performances by extraordinary artists.” Broadcasts include the 2016 Virginia International Tattoo, an inspiring salute to Vietnam Veterans; Dancing on the Shoulders of Giants, a documentary put together with

94 cents of every dollar supports programs and services for local military families.

2019 Commemoration, American Evolution that dives into the creation of two new world premiere ballets commissioned by Virginia Arts Festival; Rappahannock County, a 2011 piece by award-winning composer Ricky Ian Gordon and librettist Mark Campbell, to commemorate the sesquicentennial of the Civil War; and WHRO’s Curate episode: Bernstein at 100, which documents the joyous and complex process of bringing celebration to the stage. Consult your local channel listings for WHRO TV 15 programming.

WHRO FM - RADIO PROGRAMMING Over its 24-year history, dozens of Virginia Arts Festival performances have been recorded for broadcast on WHRO radio. In April and May, WHRO FM will re-broadcast Festival performances by such acclaimed artists as JoAnn Falletta, Olga Kern, Jupiter String Quartet, as well some of the many Festival performances that have been captured in recordings by major classical music labels including Naxos. Tune into Sunday Classics, 4-7 pm on Sundays, A Local Touch 9pm-midnight on Wednesdays, and Evening Classics, Thursdays 9pm-midnight. For complete times and schedule go to vafest.org.

LISTEN TO VIRGINIA ARTS FESTIVAL ON SPOTIFY Stream the music of Virginia Arts Festival artists, right at home! The Festival has created several genre-based Spotify playlists for you to listen for free. Use the desktop or mobile app and search for "Virginia Arts

We have you covered for your virtual happy hours at home. Working in collaboration with some of our area’s local brewers, the beers listed below were created especially for this year’s events and performances. 1945 Salute - Toasted Wheat Lager

Brewed by Rip Rap Brewing Co., in collaboration with the Festival for this year’s Virginia International Tattoo honoring the 75th Anniversary of the end of WWII. “1945 Salute - Toasted Wheat Lager” features soft wheat and lightly toasted malt to add subtle depth to this classic style. Available in Crowlers and for growler fills. Hoist a glass to the Greatest Generation and the brave Americans that fought for our freedom. Bee-thoven - Honey Hefeweizen

Brewed in honor of our Beethoven Celebration concerts and Beethoven’s 250th birthday, and in collaboration with our friends at Wasserhund Brewing Company, the “Bee-thoven Honey Hefeweizen” is now available now in 4-packs. Back in February, some of our team, along with Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s Music Director, JoAnn Falletta, got to spend time with our amazing partners & learn a little about the brewing process. Order online through Wasserhund’s website, also available to-go or for delivery. Audace - Italian Grape Ale

Norfolk NATO Festival’s specialty beer this year “Audace” was brewed by The Bold Mariner Brewing Company. Fittingly, the name is Italian for “bold” and is an Italian grape ale. The beer is available for curbside pick-up while supplies last at The Bold Mariner Brewing Company.

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Food

An ooey, gooey, delicious start to the day By The Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen

Can you think of a more delicious start to the day than this Blueberry Sweet Rolls recipe? Nope, we can’t either. Sticky sweet rolls, a juicy, blueberry-cinnamon filling, and a lemony cream cheese frosting that you’ll be licking off the plate is the ultimate Saturday morning breakfast or Sunday brunch star. The 4-ingredient filling combines cinna-

mon sugar with fresh blueberries for a sweet-tart contrast. The plump berries burst a little bit in the oven, creating jammy, violet-hued juices that flavor each layer of flaky dough. And because the best blueberry cinnamon rolls (or any dessert, really!) boast a classic cream cheese frosting, we developed an easy, sticky spread to top off these fluffiest-ever rolls. Bonus: you can prep the sweet rolls a day ahead, keep them in the refrigera-

tor overnight, and bake them when you wake up for the easiest make-ahead breakfast treat. Good mmmorning!

HOW TO BAKE WITH YEAST Yes, this is a yeasted roll recipe, but we promise it’s easy as err … sweet rolls! Plus, once you nail the technique of this recipe, you’ll feel more confident working with other yeasted baking recipes. One thing will

always be guaranteed: the sweet reward at the end of your baking project. For this recipe, we mix the yeast right into the bowl with all of the other ingredients and knead everything together until just combined. First, you’ll let the dough rise for a few hours before rolling it out and forming the rolls. Then, you’ll let the rolls rise again until they’re ready for the oven. This double-rise is key to creating airy, perfectly puffed pastries that’ll make your breakfastin-bed wayyy better than going out to brunch.

Blueberry Sweet Rolls Yields: 8 Total time: 1 hour 20 mins

INGREDIENTS For Dough 6 tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into small pieces, at room temp 1 1/4 oz. pkg. (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast (not rapid-rise) 1/3 c. granulated sugar 3/4 c. whole milk, at room temp 2 large eggs, divided 3 1/2 c. all-purpose flour, divided, plus more for surface 1 tsp. poppy seeds 1 tsp. kosher salt 1/4 tsp. baking soda For Filling 4 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temp 1/2 c. packed light brown sugar 2 tsp. ground cinnamon 2 c. fresh blueberries For Frosting 4 oz. cream cheese, at room temp 1 c. confectioners’sugar 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract 1 tsp. finely grated lemon zest, plus 1 Tbsp juice poppy seeds, for sprinkling

DIRECTIONS Make Dough: In large bowl, place butter, yeast, granulated sugar, milk, and 1 egg. Add 3 1/4 cups flour, poppy seeds, salt, and baking soda. Using hands, bring ingredients together to form cohesive dough. Sprinkle some of remaining 1/4 cup flour on work surface and knead dough until soft but not sticky, adding a little extra flour if necessary. Transfer to clean bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate 2 hr. or up to 12 hr. Make Filling: In bowl, combine butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Make Frosting: In bowl, place cream cheese and sift confectioners’ sugar over top. Add vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice and mix to combine. Leave at room temp up to 3 hr. or refrigerate up to 12 hr. Lightly dust work surface with flour. Roll dough into 12- by 16-in. rectangle. Spread with cinnamon mixture and scatter blueberries on top. Starting from long end, roll dough into tight log. Cut log into 8 pieces and transfer to 9- by 13-in. baking dish; let rise at room temp until rolls touch and are puffed and no longer cool to the touch, 1 1/2 hr. Heat oven to 375°F. Lightly beat remaining egg and gently brush all over tops and sides of rolls. Bake until rolls are light golden brown inside, 30 to 35 min., covering with foil if outer parts begin to brown too quickly. Transfer to wire rack. Spread with cream cheese frosting and sprinkle with poppy seeds if desired.

Good Housekeeping

The lemon-herb sauce and cooling Greek yogurt make this winter starch summer-ready

Grilled Sweet Potatoes Yields: 6 servings Total time: 20 mins

INGREDIENTS 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped 2 tsp. grated lemon zest plus 1/4 cup juice 2 lb. sweet potatoes, well scrubbed and sliced into 1/4-in.-thick rounds 3 tbsp. olive oil, divided, plus more for serving Kosher salt and pepper 1 small fresno chile, seeded and finely chopped 2 tbsp. hemp seed (optional) 1/4 c. fresh mint, chopped Plain Greek yogurt, for serving

By The Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen

This grilled sweet potato recipe takes the winter staple on a warmweather vacay with a zesty topper and cooling Greek yogurt side. Turns out sweet potatoes aren’t just for marshmallow-topped casseroles, they also make a mouthwatering grilled side (or vegetarian main!) that wouldn’t be out of place among a summery spread. Our quick and easy grilling method, plus a fast and flavorful topping makes this grilled sweet potato recipe about as far away from a casserole — and any remaining winter weariness — as you can get.

DIRECTIONS

WHAT’S THE FASTEST WAY TO GRILL SWEET POTATOES?

1. Heat grill on medium. In small bowl, combine onion and lemon juice. Let sit, tossing occasionally.

Here’s the best part: You don’t have to boil or par-bake the sweet potatoes before grilling. You don’t even have to use any foil! And that’s not just because we love a one-pan meal. We cut the sweet potatoes into ¼-inch rounds so they cook in a flash. Just toss the slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and grill for a few minutes per side. Yep, it’s that quick!

2. In large bowl, toss sweet potatoes with 2 tablespoons oil and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Grill until slightly charred and tender, 4 to 5 minutes per side.

WHAT DO YOU SERVE WITH GRILLED SWEET POTATOES? A fiery, fragrant relish is the perfect topper to perk up these smoky grilled sweet potatoes. First, diced red onion soaks in lemon juice, which helps tone down the onion’s sharp bite. Lemon zest, fresno chili pepper, and fresh mint are added to the mixture next, along with a good drizzle of olive oil. For a bonus nutritional boost we stirred in a spoonful of hemp seeds. These add a rich, nutty taste (like a cross between a pine nut and a sunflower seed) that just so happens to be high in protein and omega-3s. To serve, swirl a generous dollop of creamy Greek yogurt on the plate first, followed by the smoky, caramelized sweet potatoes and a drizzle of that snappy sauce. Who are you calling a winter starch staple now?

3. Into bowl with onions, stir lemon zest, chile, hemp (if using), and remaining tablespoon oil, then stir in mint. Makes 1/2 cup relish. 4. Spread Greek yogurt (if using) onto a platter and drizzle with oil. Arrange sweet potatoes over yogurt and spoon mint relish on top. Good Housekeeping

C5 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 4.30.2020

Mirshak Artists Management courtesy of Virginia Opera Rigoletto

Virginia Opera announces 2020-21 season From Virginia Opera HAMPTON ROADS

Virginia Opera, The Official Opera Company of the Commonwealth of Virginia, is pleased to announce its four main stage opera productions of the 2020-2021, “Love is a Battlefield” season. Two stalwart operatic works of classical repertory bookend the season, beginning with Giuseppe Verdi’s Rigoletto — debuting October 2 — and concluding with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s, The Marriage of Figaro (Le nozze di Figaro) in March 2021. In between, the company will present the Gilbert and Sullivan crowd-pleaser, The Pirates of Penzance, in November 2020, as well as Jennifer Higdon and Gene Scheer’s contemporary operatic rumination on American Civil War-era longing and loss, Cold Mountain, which makes its VO debut in winter 2021. Performances will again be held at the Edythe C. and Stanley L. Harrison Opera House (Norfolk); and the Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center (Richmond); and George Mason University’s Center for the Arts (Fairfax). The full schedule, dates, descriptors, and variations for each Virginia 2020-2021 season opera production may be found below. 2020-2021 sees Virginia Opera Artistic Director Adam Turner return to the podium for his third season. As one of the nation’s most acclaimed young conductors, Maestro Turner will once again preside over the musical direction of each of the 2020-2021 VO productions and the symphony orchestras of both the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and The Richmond Symphony Orchestra. Mo. Turner is the recipient of the Julius Rudel/Kurt Weill Conducting Fellowship (2016–2017) and the “50 for 50 Arts Inspiration Award” for Emerging Artists, bestowed by the Virginia Commission for the Arts. Virginia Opera Artistic Director, Adam Turner: “As Virginia Opera Artistic Director I am thrilled to pre-sent this new season which appeals to longtime opera veterans, as well as new audiences across the state. The theme of this coming 2020–2021 season is, “Love is a Battlefield,” and in it we find love, and conflict, manifest as the dramatic, the tragic, the comedic, and the absurd. As always, it is my sincere hope audiences will join us once again to be moved, shaken, stirred and entertained by the greatest art form one can imagine.” VIRGINIA OPERA 2020-2021 PRODUCTION OVERVIEW

RIGOLETTO – GIUSEPPE VERDI Rigoletto is the relentlessly dark story of a wicked nobleman, a cunning court jester, and a naïve girl caught up in a shadowy world and a curse that haunts them all. A tangled tale of love with the threat of death at every turn, Rigoletto hurtles toward a conclusion that counts redemption its last concern, and, ultimately, its lost cause. Verdi’s classic explores the underbelly of a bygone underworld where corruption holds little punishment, and innocence no reward. Stephanie Havey makes her VO directorial debut, as the company welcomes back baritone Grant Youngblood (Rigoletto), bassbaritone Joseph Barron (Sparafucile), and former Herndon Foundation Emerging Artists, mezzo-soprano Leah Heater (Maddalena), and tenor Matthew Vickers (the

Kelly & Massa Photography for Opera Philadelphia courtesy of Virginia Opera/ Cold Mountain

Virginia Opera/ Marriage of Figaro

Duke) in his third VO main stage production. The VO also welcomes the debut of coloratura soprano Alisa Jordheim as Gilda. Sung in Italian with English supertitles and performed with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra.  Norfolk - Oct. 2, 4 and 6

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE – W.S. GILBERT AND ARTHUR SULLIVAN A young apprentice pirate with no stomach for a future of piracy is due to be released from his required service on his twenty-first birthday… Trouble is, fate might just intervene with the plan. With his newly found sweetheart, a long-winded but well-intentioned father, and a Pirate King boss with his own merry band of buccaneers, Pirates presents a timeless comedic romp. Hijinks and hilarity don’t miss a beat, and love works to win the day. Kyle Lang returns as director for his fifth production, along with tenor David Blalock (Frederic) and soprano Jeni Houser (Mabel)—both Herndon Foundation Emerging Artists Program alumni—and mezzo-soprano Margaret Gawrysiak, who has performed with the VO in both Orpheus in the Underworld (Public Opinion) and as Buttercup in the company’s 2014 production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore. Zachary James (Pirate King) returns from VO’s 2018 Street Scene, and Andrew Wilkowske (Major General) makes his debut with the company. Sung in English with English supertitles and performed with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra.  Norfolk - Nov. 13, 15 and 17

COLD MOUNTAIN – JENNIFER HIGDON AND GENE SCHEER The desperate tale of a wounded Confederate deserter’s struggle to reach his beloved home and wife after the battle of Petersburg,

Virginia, Cold Mountain is a tale of how strong the power of love and the longing for peace and home have within us, and a reminder that within every era and place lie the narratives that illuminate our own humanity. The second in the Virginia Opera’s multi-year, “From Screen to Stage” initiative and a VO debut, Cold Mountain is based on Charles Frazier’s novel and the 2003 movie of the same title starring Nicole Kidman, Jude Law, and Renée Zelwegger. Cold Mountain is directed by Keturah Stickann who directed The Seven Deadly Sins/Pagliacci in 2016, and welcomes back baritone Troy Cook in the lead role of W.P. Inman. Cook played Jupiter in the VO’s 2015-2016 main stage production of Orpheus in the Underworld. The production also sees the debuts of soprano Jessica E. Jones as Ada and mezzo-soprano Annie Rosen as Ruby, as well as tenor John Pickle as Teague. Sung in English with English supertitles.  Norfolk - Feb. 5, 7 and 9, 2021

back bass-baritone Richard Ollarsaba as Count Almaviva—Raimondo in the VO’s 2018 production of Lucia di Lammermoor. Making their VO mainstage debuts are Argentinian bass-baritone Federico De Michelis and Vanessa Becerra as Susanna. Sung in Italian with English Supertitles and performed with the Richmond Symphony Orchestra. Norfolk - MAR 12, 14 & 16, 2021 | Fairfax - MAR 20 & 21, 2021 | Richmond - MAR 26 & 28, 2021

THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO (LE NOZZE DI FIGARO) – W.A. MOZART

ABOUT VIRGINIA OPERA

Closing Virginia Opera’s 2020–2021 season is Mozart’s beloved comic opera The Marriage of Figaro —just the kind of mad and frantic bedroom farce of which guilty (and not-so-guilty) pleasures are made. Full of scheming and wooing, flirting and folly, Figaro’s joyful and absurd twists pile the truly outrageous on top of the joyfully scandalous to provide what we all wish for—the very happiest of endings. Driven by the music of Mozart at his most spirited in collaboration with his entrusted librettist, Lorenzo Da Ponte, Figaro promises captivating performances that will leave you walking on air. Figaro will welcome esteemed Stage Director Lawrence Edelson to the VO stage, just as the company welcomes

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Subscription tickets for all 4 productions are on sale now for performances in Norfolk and Richmond starting as low as $75. Subscriptions for performances at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts will go on sale later this spring. Subscription tickets and ticket information at:  The Edythe C. and Stanley L. Harrison Opera House, Norfolk, 866-673-7282, vaopera.org Virginia Opera Association, Inc., was founded in 1974, is known and respected nationwide for the identification and presentation of the finest young artists, for the musical and dramatic integrity of its productions, and for the ingenuity and variety of its education and outreach programs. Mainstage performances in three markets across the Commonwealth reach nearly 50,000 attendees annually. In March of 1994, by unanimous vote of the Virginia General Assembly, Virginia Opera was named “The Official Opera Company of the Commonwealth of Virginia” in recognition of the organization’s contribution to the state as well as to the world of opera. For tickets and information visit vaopera.org or call 866.673.7282.

C6 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 4.30.2020

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C8 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 4.30.2020