®
Celebrating 20 years of serving the Hampton Roads Navy family
Vol. 21, No. 16 Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com | 04.25-05.01.13
MARINES, SAILORS, COALITION PARTNERS BEGIN BOLD ALLIGATOR 2013 ■ exercise Marines, Sailors and coalition partners gather for a rehearsal of concept drill to go through the landing plan and follow-on operations of a Marine Expeditionary Brigadesized operation during Bold Alligator 2013 at Camp Allen, Norfolk on April 19.
The exercise is designed to train staffs to strengthen their fundamental ability to integrate and execute large-scale operations from the sea.
U.S. Marine Corps photos by Lance Cpl. S.T. Stewart
In the far left photo, Lt. Col. Michael Reilly briefs the lay down of enemy forces.
By MC2 (SW/AW) Desiree Green USS Bataan Public Affairs
ancientdiscovery NORFOLK
Marines and Sailors with the 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB), Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2 and Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12 along with coalition partners began Exercise Bold Alligator 2013 aboard the USS Bataan, April 22. Bold Alligator 2013 is a synthetic, scenario-driven exercise designed to train staffs from each unit in an effort to continue revitalizing and improving their fundamental ability to integrate and execute large-scale operations from the sea. The Navy-Marine Corps team consistently puts their amphibious skills to the test at the Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) levels. However, exercises like Bold Alligator 2013 present opportunities to refine tactics, techniques and procedures at a much larger scale. “This exercise offers us a tremendous opportunity to increase our amphibious proficiency at a level beyond how our routinely deployed forces operate,” said U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. John K. Love, commanding general, 2d MEB. “We’re looking to increase overall knowledge of amphibious operations, across the Navy and Marine Corps, across all ranks.” Thirty commands, including seven ships, and approximately 3,500 personnel from 16 countries and Strike Force NATO are participating in the exercise. The scenario represents a fully operational MEB, ESG and CSG consisting of 17 amphibious ships and more than 16,000 Marines prepared to land as a crisis response force. The scale of this operation dwarfs a standard MEU-ARG team, which includes three amphibious assault ships with approximately 2,300 Marines and 2,000 Sailors embarked. “The Navy-Marine Corps team works phenomenally at the MEUARG level, but the ability to operate from a sea base at a level beyond remains critical and must be exercised to maintain amphibious proficiency and our ability to respond to crises,” said Love.
» see EXERCISE | A11 HONORING 20 YEARS OF TELLING THE NAVY STORY The key to getting out the story of today’s Navy is the job of more than 1,200 mass communication specialists (MC).They record still and video photography as well as generate both print and broadcast media.
Discovered whale bones are 7-9 million years old Construction Mechanic 2nd Class Evan Zumdick (right), assigned to Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group, and Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Jason Gray, assigned to Navy Cargo Handling Battalion 1, assist in hauling away part of a 7-9 million-year-old whale skeleton at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, Cheatham Annex through a joint effort between the base and volunteers from the College of William and Mary and the Virginia Museum of Natural History. The fossils were discovered by a civilian employee walking the beach in August of 2012.
MCSA Jesse A. Hyatt
Despite budget constraints, the Navy continues making great strides in protecting the environment.” - Rear Adm. Kevin Slates
online To learn more about Navy Earth Day, visit http:// greenfleet.dodlive. mil/environment/ earth-day.
» see A4
Sailors attached to Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic pull weeds, pick up trash and remove debris from around the buildings during a base-wide “Clean the Station” Day on Naval Station Norfolk.
Navy takes local actions for Earth Day Press Release Chief of Naval Operations, Energy & Environmental Readiness Division Public Affairs
WASHINGTON
Navy commands around the world have been participating in Earth Day events throughout the month of April in celebration of Earth Day, nationally recognized as April 22. Earth Day, which reminds people of their commitment to environmental protection and community engagement has been celebrated nationally since 1970. As a globally deployed force, the Navy has countless opportunities to interact with local communities in unique environments, whether in the tropics, in the desert, or along the
MC1 (AW/SW) Molly Burgess
coasts. This year’s theme, “Global Reach, Local Action” highlights how Navy Sailors, families and employees can act locally to demonstrate the Navy’s commitment to protecting the environment. “Earth Day reminds us that our worldwide presence creates both the ability and the responsibility to make a difference in our communities,” said Rear Adm. Kevin Slates, director of the Chief of Naval Operations Energy & Environmental Readiness
SECDEF HAGEL VISITS ISRAEL Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel toured Yad Vashem, Israel’s living memorial to the Holocaust as part of a six-day trip to the Middle East.
GET TATTOOED More than 900 bagpipers, drummers, military bands, dancers, singers, drill teams, color guards and performers will travel to Norfolk this weekend for the 2013 Virginia InternationalTattoo.
» see B1
» see C1
Division (OPNAV N45). “Despite budget constraints, the Navy continues making great strides in protecting the environment.” Examples of the Navy’s continued environmental commitments include: ■ Funding marine mammal research and working with science organizations to minimize the potential impacts of Navy activities on marine life.
» see EARTH DAY | A11
THE FLAGSHIP’S FREE HOME DELIVERY Get the convenience of your Navy newspaper delivered right to your door for free! Sign up today! Call 222-3990