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Celebrating 20 years of serving the Hampton Roads Navy family
Vol. 21, No. 42 Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com | 10.24-10.30.13
USS Helena returns home from deployment By Kevin Copeland Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic Public Affairs
NORFOLK
The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Helena (SSN 725) returned to its homeport at Naval Station Norfolk from a regularly scheduled deployment, Oct. 15. Under the command of Cmdr. Jeffrey E. Lamphear, the submarine returned from the European Command, Central Command and Pacific Command Areas of Responsibility, where it executed the Chief of Naval Operation’s Maritime Strategy in supporting national security interests and Maritime Security Operations. “Congratulations to the fine crew of USS Helena for an exceptional deployment,” said Vice Adm. Michael Connor, Com-
mander, Submarine Forces. “I could not be more pleased with Helena’s superb execution of missions vital to national security in the Central Command and other areas of operation. Cmdr. Lamphear’s crew demonstrated outstanding determination, agility and resiliency. Helena’s unflinching ability to respond to all tasking was a true test of a well-prepared high performance warship. Welcome back home to well-deserved reunion with family and friends. A grateful nation is thankful for the sacrifices made by the Helena crew. You set the example for the fleet – well done!” Lamphear expanded on the submarine’s mission accomplishment during the deployment.
■ ship’s mission USS Helena deployed to the European Command, Central Command and Pacific Command Areas of Responsibility in mid-April supporting national security interests and maritime Security Operations.
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Local church members bake 7,000 cupcakes in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
MCC(SW/AW) Sabrina Parker Family and friends wait as the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Helena (SSN 725) arrives at Pier 3 at Naval Station Norfolk as it returns from a regularly scheduled six-month deployment.
USSSanJacinto
Sailors take a moment for suicide victims
Press Release
online View more photos at VIRGINIA BEACH www.flagshipnews.com. Doctors, patients, family members and employees of cancer specialist centers, nearly a thousand. cancer ward’s mammograThe women gathered the phy clinics, OBGYN offices next day to package, handand oncology offices in the write tags and distribute the Hampton Roads were sur- cupcakes to cancer specialprised with pink iced cupcakes ist centers throughout the accented with hand written Hampton Roads. notes from the Women of Among hospitality events, the church also reaches out to Wave Church Oct. 16th, Pastor Sharon Kelly of its military community by ofWave Church asked fellow fering military Cell Groups, church women members to counseling for military famipartner with her in the of lies, send church resources to baking 6,000 cupcakes in deployed military personnel honor of breast cancer aware- and devotes two Sunday serness month in which resulted vices a year with a military in almost 7,000 cupcakes, emphasis to honor the milisurpassing their goal by tary and much more.
Sailors aboard the guidedmissile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56) pray for suicide victims before releasing origami cranes into the water during a suicide prevention and awareness event called “Walk out of Darkness.” The crane was chosen to represent the walk and is an international symbol of healing, hope and peace.
MC3 Preston Paglinawan
CARING FOR THE CAREGIVERS USO, local military members join for Caregivers Conference Press Release United Service Organization
VIRGINIA BEACH
Courtesy photo Hundreds of local women baked close to 7,000 cupcakes to give to cancer and mammography centers around Hampton Roads.
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OPERATION JINGLE BEGINS All local active duty service members are invited to participate in the 21st Annual Operation Jingle which helps family members visit stationed troops.
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Caregivers of wounded, ill or injured service members gathered together during the USO Caregivers Conference at the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Oct. 18. The USO Caregivers Conference is a biannual conference to bring together
MILITARY FAMILY FESTIVAL The 2013 Military Family Festival includes dozens of games and activities for children as well as entertainment throughout the day.
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local caregivers, as well as caregivers from the surrounding areas like Camp Lejeune, N.C. and the Washington D.C. area, to help tackle unique issues when caring for Wounded Warriors. The conference allows for caregivers to connect with fellow caregivers as well as national experts and to provide resources and tools for coping with the challenges of caring for the wounded. The day kicked-off with laughter and a morale boosting ice breaker led by Steve Shenbaum of game on Nation. Shenbaum, a motivational speaker who works with top athletes, encouraged the caregivers to do something they may not be used to doing;
Courtesy photo Steve Shenbaum of game on Nation, interacts with the audience during the USO Caregivers Conference at the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Oct. 18.
be selfish, take some time for yourself and have fun doing it. The interactive session challenged the caregivers to be empowered in their role, demonstrating confidence and challenging them to embrace laughter and to put self first.
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HALLOWEEN IN HAMPTON ROADS Check out this week’s C section for Halloween info, events, safety tips, and alternatives for traditional Halloween candy. » see C1
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