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More than 20 years of serving the Hampton Roads Navy family
Vol. 23, No. 13 Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com | 04.02-04.08.15
2015 Fleet Week New York dates announced Press release Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Public Affairs
NORFOLK
Navy hockey teams compete in NMCRS benefit game
By MCSN Rachel E. Rakoff USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Public Affairs
NORFOLK
Two command sponsored hockey teams, representing USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Group 2 competed in a game at Scope Arena in Norfolk, March 28, that benefited the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS). The event, which took more than a year’s worth of planning, is part
Caregiving resource to continue at reduced fee for military families By Terri Moon Cronk DOD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON
The Defense Department’s contract with the Sittercity Corporate Program for military families’ caregiver needs will expire July 31, but the service will remain available at a discounted military fee, Pentagon officials said March 26. DOD contracted with the database service in 2010 when service members were frequently deployed during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Then a free service for military families, the database offered caregiver options from babysitting services, nannies and senior-care providers to pet sitting and tutoring. “The Defense Department contracted with Sittercity when the operational tempo was very high,” said Rosemary Freitas Williams, deputy assistant secretary of
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defense for Military Community and Family Policy. “The program offered additional in-home care solutions and support to military families impacted by increased deployments and family separations. Over the past 18 months, with the reduction in combat deployments, that need is not as great.” Variety of Resources DOD’s commitment to service members and their families remains strong, Williams said. “While the funding to support families through this particular contract has expired, many other resources remain available,” she noted. Williams encourages service members and their families to contact a Military OneSource consultant at (800) 342-9647 for confidential help with any of the many
» see FAMILIES | A7
CPO BIRTHDAY EVENTS Check out this week’s Flagship for coverage on Hampton Roads events for the 122nd birthday of the rank of Chief Petty Officer.
» see A3, A6
of the NMCRS 2015 Active Duty Fund Drive. “Anytime two Navy sports teams that represent different commands can get together for friendly competition to raise awareness and funds for an organization as important as Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, everybody wins,” said Capt. Stephen T. Koehler, Eisenhower’s commanding officer. Peter Kern, a senior chief and the EOD’s team captain said when James Werner, a senior chief from
the Eisenhower team, approached him with the idea for the game that he was on board.
» see HOCKEY | A7 Top photo: Capt. Glenn R. Jamison, USS Eisenhower executive officer, and Rear Adm. Louis Cariello, Commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Atlantic, drop the ceremonial first puck before the start of the benefit hockey game at the Norfolk Scope Arena, March 28. Photo by MC2 Heather Brown.
Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Grace Deputy hugs her boyfriend, before the Arleigh Burkeclass guidedmissile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) departs for deployment to U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.
The Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard has announced dates for the 2015 Fleet Week New York. Fleet Week New York, now in its 27th year, is scheduled to take place May 20-26. The week-long celebration is the city’s time-honored celebration of the sea services, and an unparalleled opportunity for the citizens of New York and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today’s maritime services. Fleet Week New York has been held nearly every year since 1984, and it is anticipated that nearly 1,500 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen will participate this year. In addition to public visitation of participating ships and military band concerts, there will be numerous exhibits and aviation demonstrations throughout the week showcasing the latest technology of the maritime services and the skilled expertise of our dedicated service members. For up-to-date information on all Fleet Week events, visit the official Fleet Week New York website at www.fleetweeknewyork.com, “Like” FleetWeekNewYork on Facebook, or “Follow” @FleetWeekNYC on Twitter. Fleet Week New York photos can be viewed on Flickr at www.flickr. com/photos/fwnypao. Join the conversation on social media by using #FleetWeekNYC.
USS PORTER DEPARTS NAVAL STATION NORFOLK CNSL Public Affairs NORFOLK
The guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) departed Norfolk Naval Station for the last time, March 27, before being forward deployed to Rota, Spain. Porter’s crew of about 270 Sailors are scheduled to operate in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility prior to arrival in Rota. The ship will be the third of four Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers deployed to Spain
MC1 Rafael Martie
Active duty NMCRS fund drive extended
By JC Kreidel Naval Facilities Engineering Command Atlantic Public Affairs
NORFOLK
Navy Region Mid-Atlantic announced recently is extending its deadline to make a financial contribution to the active duty Navy
COMMANDS HONORED WITH AWARD Two commands received the Romanian Logistics Emblem of Honor Award honoring partnership between countries.
» see B1
Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) Fund Drive to April 10. Poor weather conditions at the start of the campaign contributed to the decision to extend as did the desire to reach the goal of 100 percent participation in the drive.
by the end of 2015. “The crew has worked very hard to get to this point and they are excited about the opportunity to work with our foreign partners as well as experience various cultures with our homeport shift,” said Cmdr. Blair Guy, Porter’s commanding officer. “This is a significant opportunity for the ship and the crew and we are ready to meet all mission requirements.”
» see PORTER | A7
“This affords all area commands the opportunity to really get the word out and make sure people know all that NMCRS does to help their Sailors and Marines,” says Kathy Nelson, NMCRS Norfolk Director.
» see NMCRS | A7
WARRIORS EXPERIENCE HARD-EARNED PEACE Learn how one instructor in Virginia Beach helps wounded warriors through yoga.
» see C1
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