The Flagship 03.06.2025

Faces of RCOH: A mother’s salute

CourtesyStory

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74)

NEWPORT NEWS, Va A Sailor assignedtotheNimitz-classaircraftcarrier

USSJohnC.Stennis(CVN74),Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Apprentice Katrice Abujen’ s, decision to enlist in the U.S. Navy was anythingbutconventional.Inmanymilitary families, children follow in their parents’ footsteps, but for Abujen, it was the other way around. She was inspired by her son to serve. At 38 years-old, an age when many service members are years into their militarycareers,Abujenstoodatthestartofhers A single mother from Stockton California, shehadspentyearsraisingherchildrenand workingwarehouseandsecurityjobsbefore finallytakingtheoathtoservehercountry It

wasn’tthepathsheexpectedforherself,but whenhersonjoinedtheNavyat20yearsold, shefoundherselfreconsideringeverything

Her son, a Master-at-Arms 3rd Class stationed in Marysville, Washington, had firstbeendrawntomilitaryservicethrough the Sea Cadet program. Seeing his passion and determination lit a fire in Abujen, but self-doubt initially held her back. She worried about her age and the fact that she stillhadtwoyoungerchildrenathome

Then, her son provided the push she needed.

“I knew I couldn’t let him down after he told me, ‘Mom, I’ve seen you struggle your whole life, and I just want to see something goodforyou,’”Abujensaid. His words changed everything When he toldhertheNavyhadadjusteditsenlistment agerequirements,herexcusesnolongerheld

weight. She realized that the same courage and resilience she had shown in raising her familycouldcarryherthroughbootcamp Anditdid,butnotwithoutchallenges. Recruit Training Command (RTC) can bechallenging,butastheoldestinherdivision, Abujen stood out immediately Most of her fellow recruits were young enough to be her children, and her Recruit Division Commanders took notice, placing her in leadership roles The physical demands, the mental exhaustion, and the relentless pace pushed her, but every time she felt doubtcreepingin,sheheardherson’svoice inherhead.

“He always kept checking up on me, making sure I just kept on practicing my planks and push-ups,” she said. “He gave meaheads-uponwhattoexpect—fromthe firsttimeattheairporttogettingoffthebus

atbootcamp.”

DuringRTC’sfinalphysicalfitnessassessment, Abujen ran harder than ever, determined to make it to graduation. She had imagined the moment her son would be there, cheering her on, but he was on his ship and couldn’t attend Still, she felt an unbreakable bond with him, knowing they hadbothwalkedthesamepath

“Myrelationshipwithmysonhasalways been close, but I’m more proud of him than anything,andIknowhe’salwayslookingout forme,”shesaid. Now stationed aboard Stennis, which is undergoing its Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding Abujen is navigating the realities ofmilitarylife Thoughthecarrier’smainte-

CREDO program buildsresilience for Stennis Sailors during overhaul

ByPettyOfficer2ndClass

MaxBiesecker

USSJohn C. Stennis (CVN 74)

NEWPORTNEWS,Va.—AstheNimitzclass aircraft carrier USSJohn C. Stennis (CVN74)undergoesRefuelingandComplex Overhaul (RCOH), its Sailorsface unique challenges,likelongcommutesandanatypical work environment.Tohelp them navigate this demanding period,the Chaplains ReligiousEnrichmentDevelopmentOperation(CREDO)offersworkshopsandretreats designed to promote personalgrowth, strengthenrelationships,andenhanceleadershipskills

ALifeline During RCOH

CREDO,aninitiativeled by the Navy Chief of Chaplains,provides free programs aimed at fosteringresilience and professionaldevelopment.Theseincludemarriage enrichment workshops,single Sailor retreats, leadership training and suicide preventioncourses

“RCOH can feel likeanendless cycle, especially for youngerSailors whoenvisioned adifferent Navy experience,”said Cmdr.Matt Prince,Stennis’ chaplain. “CREDO gives them achance to takeastep back,reset, andgain new perspectives that helpthemendurethisphaseofshiplife.”

Formany, RCOH presents an unfamiliar reality—one without deploymentsortime at sea. Thelongwalks from parkingareas, multiple work locations,and theindustrial shipyardenvironmentcantakeatoll.“After sixmonthsofthis routine,Sailors can start tolosemotivation,”Princesaid.“Theyneed something to break up the monotony,to

reinvigorate themselves.CREDO provides that.

Programs That Strengthen Sailors andFamilies

CREDO workshops and retreatsfocus onkeyareasofhumandevelopment.These sessions,held at offsite locations likethe Westin Hotel and Great Wolf Lodge, allow Sailors and theirfamiliestostep away from theshipyardsetting

One of the most impactful programs is Arbinger Training,which teachesleaders theconceptofanoutwardmindset—encouraging them to see beyond their immediate frustrations.“Sailors can get so focused on theirownstrugglesthattheylosesightofthe biggerpicture,”Princeexplained.“Arbinger helps them reframe their thinking,which improves both their leadership and their overallwell-being.”

Suicide prevention is anothercrucial focusarea,withtwokeyprograms:

„ SafeTALK (Suicide Alertness for Everyone) is ahalf-day course that trains Sailors to recognizesignsofsuicidal thoughtsandconnectthoseatriskwiththe rightresources

„ ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention SkillsTraining)isamoreintensive,two-day program that equipsparticipantswith the skillstoengageindirectconversationswith someone in crisis and provide immediate care.

Marriageandrelationshipsupportisalso amajorpartofCREDO’sofferings:

„ MarriageEnrichmentWorkshopsprovide couples with tools to improve communicationanddeepentheirunderstandingofeach

other

„ WeekendMarriageRetreatsallowcouples to step away from thestressofmilitarylife andfocusonstrengtheningtheirbond. „ First Family Enrichment Retreatsare designedfor families, often hosted at locationslikeGreat Wolf Lodge, combining educationalsessionsforparentswithrecreationalactivitiesforchildren. According to Stennis SailorReligious ProgramsSpecialist2nd Class Elizabeth Burciaga,a former CREDOassistantat Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, theprogram’s marriageandrelationshipservicescanprove especially beneficialtoservice members returning from, or gearing up for,deployment.

“The Navy’s CREDO program provides Sailorswith essential tools to strengthen theirrelationships beforedeploymentand reintegratesmoothlywhentheyreturn,”said Burciaga.“Throughretreatsandworkshops, Sailorsandtheirfamiliescaneasethesedifficulttransitionperiods.”

ForSailorsattending solo,Personal Growth Retreatsoffer guidance on emotional resilience,self-care, and goal setting.“TheseretreatshelpSailorsinvestin themselves,”Princesaid.“It’saboutdevelopingthemental,emotional,andspiritualtools they need to succeed in both theircareers andpersonallives.”

APositive Impacton Morale

Many Sailors whoparticipate in CREDO programs return with renewedenergy and afreshperspective.“Iconstantlyhear,‘That wasreally good,I’m gladI went, Prince

said.“Whetherit’sthe qualitytraining, the chancetobeincivilianclothes,orsimplythe breakfromtheshipyard,theyappreciatethe experience.” Leadership on Stennis actively supports Sailorsattendingtheseprograms,andPrince encourages those interested to submit a requestthrough theirchain of command. “CREDO is designed to happenduring work hours,”heemphasized. “IfaSailor faces pushback, they should come to us at theCommandReligiousMinistriesDepartment—we’lladvocateforthem.”

One of the largestdraws for Sailors is all the programs offered arecompletely free,allowing forpersonalgrowthwithout puttingstrainonyourwallet.

Looking Ahead

AsStennisprogressesthroughRCOH,the goal is to seeevenmoreSailors takeadvantage of CREDO’s free resources. “This isn’t justabout making it through RCOH—it’s about setting Sailors up for success beyond this phase,”Princesaid. “These programs help them become stronger leaders,better partners,andmoreresilientindividuals.” Formoreinformation about upcoming CREDOevents,visit CREDO’swebsite or reachouttotheCommandReligiousMinistriesDepartmentonboardStennis

Empowering Sailors: Navigating the pathtofinancialstability

BySeamanSageVelarde

USSJohn C. Stennis(CVN 74)

NEWPORTNEWS, Va.— Finances can be as unpredictable as the ocean—calm one moment and stormythe next. Many factors,such as alack of education or social influences,can makemanaging personal financesa challenge. Fornew Sailors, the independenceandresponsibilityoffinancial well-beingcanfeellikenavigatinguncharted waters Chief Aviation Boatswain’sMate (Handling) Joshua Roderick, thelead commandfinancialspecialist(CFS) aboard theNimitz-classaircraftcarrierUSSJohnC. Stennis (CVN 74), understands the importance of charting acourse towardfinancial stability.AsaCFS,headvisescommandleadershipandthecrewonpoliciesandmatters related to personal financial management (PFM).

“The sooner they bring theirissuesto light,thesoonertheycanbefixed,”Roderick said.“Itdoesn’tmatterwhoitis,E-1toO-10.” AviationBoatswain’sMate(Handling)1st ClassDanielBeach,whohasworkedclosely withRoderickasafellowCFS,understands firsthandthestrugglesthatcomewithfinancialmismanagement

“When Ifirstjoined,I spent money likeI had an unlimited supply,”Beach admitted.

Faces of RCOH from Page 1

nanceperiodmeanssheisn’tfullyimmersed in her duties as aboatswain’smate justyet sheembracesevery challenge that comes herway. “Overall, thework on theship is easy, reallynottoobad.Istillhavestrugglesfind-

“I didn’t trackmyspending,didn’tbudget, and beforeIknewit, Iwas living paycheck topaycheck. Beach recalls atimewhen afinancial emergencynearlysankhisstability.

“Ihadacarbreakdownonme,andIdidn’t haveanysavings,”hesaid.“Ihadtotakeout ahigh-interestloanjusttoget it fixed, and that put me in an even deeper hole.Itwas a hardlesson,butitmademerealizeIneeded totakecontrolofmyfinances.”

To Roderick, CFSs aremorethan just financial counselors,they aretrusted navigators,helping Sailors steer through the complexities of PFM.Justasalighthouse guidesashipsafelytoshore,CFSsilluminate thepathtowardfinancialsecurity,ensuring Sailors can focus on theirmission without theweightoffinancialstressdraggingthem down.

“Ifyou come in asking about the Thrift Savings Planand theBlendedRetirement System (BRS), I’ll give youwhatI know,” Roderick said. “There’salso aclass on BRS, soI’llreferyouthereifneeded.”

Classes rangefromone-hoursessionsto week-long courses and covertopics such as retirement planning,debt management, and budgeting. Forpersonal counseling, CFSs help Sailorsnavigate the electronic Financial Planning Worksheet (eFPW), an Excel-based tool with algorithms and

ing my bullseyesand stuff,” she said with a laugh. “Other than that, it’s justlikenormal ship work, youknow, cleaning stations, zones,but pretty much, youjustgotta do whatyou’retold.”

Herjourneyhasn’tcomewithoutsacrifice With twoyounger children, ages 13 and10, stillbackhomeinCalifornia,beingstationed 3,000 miles away means missing important momentsintheir lives. Butfor Abujen,the

calculatorsthatcategorizespendinghabits

Roderick recommends that Sailors bring as muchfinancialinformationaspossiblefrom the past month to get the mostout of their session.

“Themoreyou bring,the more we can help,” Rodericksaid. “We’ll calculate your networth, what retirement plans you have,your paygrade,Roth and traditional contributions,andyearsofservice.We’llgo throughyourstatementofnetworth,checking andsavingsaccounts,investments,real estate,andallofyourassets.

Beach, having learned from hisearly mistakes,now emphasizes theimportance ofplanningahead “I wish Ihad known about theCFS program sooner,” Beach said.“Once Isat down with aspecialistand actuallylooked at wheremymoney wasgoing,itwas eye-opening.I cut back on unnecessary spending,started an emergency fund, and setupautomaticcontributionstomyTSP.”

Likelearning to navigate at sea, financial stability requires patience and consistency.Thereare no shortcuts, onlyasteady handonthehelmandawillingnesstoadjust coursewhen necessary.Roderick believes mostpeople couldbenefit from closely reviewing their bank accounts,calling the processbotheye-openingandhumbling. Beachagrees, emphasizingthateven

decisiontoservewasn’tjustaboutherself—it wasaboutsecuringabetterfutureforthem “Ididn’tthinkIwasevergoingtojointhe military,butit’sagreatexperience,”shesaid. “Ihaven’tbeenunderwayoronanydeployments yet, but I’m definitely learning new skills outsideofworkingina warehouse. Andit’sinvaluable knowingone of my kids canusemyGIBill.”

ForAbujen, the Navy representsmore

small financial mistakes can create lasting setbacks

“It’slikethe tide,” Beach said. “You don’t alwaysnotice it at first, but if you’renot paying attention, you’ll look up and realize it’spulledyouwayoffcourse.” Nowinamuch better financial position, Beach hopes his experience will encourage otherSailorstoseekhelpsoonerratherthan later “Youdon’thavetowaituntilyou’redrowningindebttoaskforhelp,”hesaid.“I’vebeen there,andIknowhowoverwhelmingitcan feel. Butifyou start making small changes today,you’llthankyourselfdowntheroad. “Ifit’sachangeyouwanttomake,putyour prideasideandaskforhelp,”Rodericksaid. “None of us areheretojudge.We’rehere toshowyoueverything,helpyoufigureout what’srealistic,andworkwithyoutocome upwithaplantoimproveyourfinancialsituation.

Reflectingonhisownexperiences,Roderick compares financial successtoawellplannedvoyage

“You wouldn’theadout to sea without knowing your destination,”hesaid. “Finances work the same way, youneed a plan, aheading, andthe discipline to stay oncourse.”

The CFS office is located on the FAF, Room248

than justacareer change.For her,it’sa second chance,anew beginning,and a powerfultestamenttotheideathatit’snever toolatetorewrite your story.Throughher service,she hasgained financialstability healthcare, and education benefits.She has forgedadeeperconnectionwithherson,one built not just on love,but on shared sacrificeandacommitmenttosomethinggreater thanthemselves.

Beaufort native leads the way at FRCE

SamanthaMorse Fleet Readiness Center East

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION

CHERRY POINT, N.C. From writing a report titled “The Sound of Freedom” in elementary school to later enlisting in the Army, Beaufort, North Carolina, native DavidRosehasalwaysbeendrivenbyadeep senseofdedicationtoservinghiscountry Today,astheFleetReadinessCenterEast (FRCE)executivedirector theseniorcivilianforacommandworkforcecomprisedof more than 4,000 civilian, contractor and military personnel Rose continues to embody that commitment, proving that his passionforservicehasonlygrownstronger withtime

Growing up in Eastern North Carolina, a regionwithstrongmilitaryties,Rosedeveloped an appreciation for the armed forces and a lifelong desire to pursue law enforcement.ThispassionledhimtojointheArmy in1996,whereheservedasamilitarypolice officerduringhisfive-yearenlistment Rose said several experiences throughout his youth inspired him to enlist, making it an obvious choice after graduating from East CarteretHighSchool.

“As a child, I was fixated on becoming a police officer, but I also knew I wanted to serve my country in some capacity,” said Rose “Mygrandfatheranduncleserved,so I felt inspired by them Back in high school, I did some ride alongs with deputy sheriffs andstatetrooperswhoweremostlyformer military They would tell me stories about their time in the military and I remember theiradvicewastojoin,sothatalsocontributedtomydecision.

“Not only that, just being surrounded by themilitarypresencehereinEasternNorth Carolina during my childhood was inspiring,”Rosecontinued.“Theairshows,going to the state port in Morehead City to be a part of the fanfare as the Marines sailors andsoldiersreturnedfromOperationDesert Storm,itallplayedapartinmydecision.So, whenIrealizedtheArmyofferedmychoice of military occupational specialty, it was a no-brainer.”

After separating from the Army with an honorabledischargein2001,Rosereturned to Eastern North Carolina for a brief stint withtheStateofNorthCarolinaDepartment of Public Safety Soon after hearing about all the opportunities going on at the Naval Aviation Depot (NADEP), Rose decided to makeacareerchangeandacceptedemploymentwithRaytheonAerospacesupporting NADEP,whichisnowknownasFRCE.

“I had recently married, and we had our first child,” said Rose “I decided it was a goodtimetoreevaluatemycareerpath.

“Having grown up in the area, I was well awareofthemanyfolksfromthecommunity thatservedinthiscommand,toincludesome familymembers,”hecontinued.“Becauseof that,Ialreadyknewaboutthedepotandits

mission, and I was really intrigued by the opportunitieshere.Notonlythat,butitalso allowedmetocontinuetoservemycountry inasimilarcapacity.”

In 2002, Rose accepted employment as a civil servant and started his career with FRCE as a pneudraulic systems worker for the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul Production Department, formerly known as the Production Floor Trades Department. He has since worked his way up the chain of command, gaining years of largescale experience in diversified logistics and industrialoperations,allofwhichledhimto hiscurrentroleofexecutivedirector

“I have been fortunate to be a part of the FRC East team for well over 20 years now and have grown very passionate for FRC East,itsworkforceandcapabilities, hesaid “ThepeopleemployedhereareproudAmericans and proud to supportthemission. It’snotjustajob It’s acareer,it’safamily, and I am incredibly grateful to be a part ofit.

As a military aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul depot, FRCE’s missionistoprovide the nation’s military with the highest quality aircraft, engines components and field services on time and at the best value to the American taxpayer Rose said this is why the work FRCEdoesissocritical.

“Seeing an engine with shrapnel or foreign object debris damage, or an aircraft riddled with holes from enemy fire holy moly, it really puts everything into perspective. You’re looking at the very evidence of what ournation’smilitarymembersaresubjected to as they defend our country It gives you a sense of humility and pride because our mission here at FRC East is to turn those battle-damaged aircraft into mission-ready andfullycombat-capablemachines.”

Sharing experiences like those with colleaguesatFRCEhasshownhimthatthe depot’sstrengthtrulyliesinitspeople

“During my time here, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most selfless skilledanddedicatedindividualsin the world, said Rose “I’ve witnessed firsthand the loyalty and dedication from many of the people who work here, and I can say with certainty that what makes FRC East truly special is its workforce

“Whatwedohere is absolutely vital to national security,” said Rose “As part of the Commander FleetReadinessCenters,theFRCEastteam plays a crucial role in ensuring our military aviators, crew members and teammates can carry out their missions safely and efficiently That’s why it’s imperative that we put forth our best efforts and diligence in producing high-quality products for the warfighter We want them to have dependableassetsforwhentheymusttakethefight totheenemy.”

Rose said his experiences within the greater Naval Aviation Enterprise have helpedhimunderstandtheroleandimpact the depot’s civilian workforce plays in supportingtheNavyandMarineCorpsfleet readiness aswellastheotherservices

“Back when I was an artisan on the shop floor, I remember the lasting impression of seeing aircraft and engines that were the result of the casualty of battle,” said Rose

It’s not just about gettingthejobdone it’sabouthowand when presented with a challenge, we always come together to support each other and ultimately rise to the challenge and solve theproblem.”

Having worked alongside many skilled and dedicatedpeopleduring his time at FRCE, Rose values both formalandinformal mentorship That’s why,inhisnewrole heplanstocontinue encour aging mentorship within thecommand.

“AsIsitherenow, Icanthinkofatleast20individualsfromour various occupations who have, through the courseofmycareer,pouredintometheguidanceandsupportIneededtogettowhereI am today,” he said. “I admit, I don’t have all the answers but I know within this organization,wehavethepeoplewho,collectively, havealltheanswers That’sthebeautyofthe FRCEastteamandmentorship Thereisno challenge that we can’t overcome or solve together.”

Justasmentorsguidetheirmentees,Rose saidheapproacheshisleadershiprolewith the intent to do the same, believing that if you take care of your people they will rise to any challenge As a servant leader, someonewhoprioritizestheneedsandgrowthof their team members above their own, Rose iscommittedtoleadingbyexample,willing torolluphissleevesanddoanythingheasks

ofhisemployees

“Iwon’teverdoanythingoraskanything of my folks that I wouldn’t do myself or haven’t already done myself,” said Rose “That was something that was engrained into me during my time in the military At FRC East we are the largest industrial employer, arguably east of interstate 95 It takes the entire team being laser focused, understanding that it takes everyone’s skill sets, experiences, and knowledge to make ourmissionhappen it’sallofus.”

RosedescribedFRCE’ssuccessasapuzzle withmanypiecesand,whileeachemployee at the facility represents a piece, not all the piecesliewithinthedepot’swalls Hesaida huge part of the puzzle is the support from thesurroundingcommunity

“We are very fortunate to have overwhelming support from our local and regionalarea,”saidRose “ThecityofHavelock,CravenCounty,andallofthesurrounding counties, within a 50-plus-mile radius, theStateofNorthCarolina,andlastbutnot least,MarineCorpsAirStationCherryPoint theyallsupportourmission.

“There’snothinglikethelocalcommunity here,” Rose continued. “They’re all rooting forustosucceed.I’mawareofothercommunities surrounding other military organizations across the nation that may not favor them, but everyone here knows the importance of what we do They advocate for us, andwearefortunatetohavetheirsupport.” In the end, Rose’s decision to join the FRCEworkforcein2002broughthimback tohisroots:advocatingforthemilitary just as he did in a book report he wrote in the early 1980s as a student at Smyrna elementaryschool.

“Back in the ‘80s, when I was in third or fourth grade, I wrote a book report I titled ‘The Sound of Freedom,’ ” Rose said. “It focused on the recent arrival of the AV-8B HarriertoMarineCorpsAirStationCherry Point and the importance of the military in the community I remember making the point that, even at that young age, I valued themilitarypresenceinEasternNorthCarolinaandhowitprovidesfreedomandsafety forallAmericancitizens

“That report was, and still is, a big deal to me because it inspired me to learn more about and defend the mission of MCAS Cherry Point and the depot,” he continued. “It all came full circle in the end. Fast forward to now, as the executive director of the same facility I wrote about in that reportasyoungchild…whowouldhaveever thought?”

FRCE is North Carolina’s largest maintenance, repair, overhaul and technical services provider, with more than 4,000 civilian, military and contract workers Its annualrevenueexceeds$1billion.Thedepot providesservicetothefleetwhilefunctioning as an integral part of the greater U.S. Navy; Naval Air Systems Command; and Commander,FleetReadinessCenters

Awards, recognition, promotion during Kearsarge

ByChiefPettyOfficerGabrielBevan

USS Kearsarge (LHD 3)

NORFOLK, Va The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) held its first all-hands call upon its return to Naval Station Norfolk attheconclusionofa23-monthextendedmaintenanceperiod,Feb.28,2025

All-hands in the Navy are opportunities for command leadership to speak face-to-face on significant milestones recognize hard work, and disseminate informationtotheentirecrewofawarship Thiseventencapsulatedeverything thatmadethisall-handssospecial.

Capt.SeanP.Knight,commandingofficer,USSKearsarge,addressedthecrew thankingthemforalloftheirhardworkoverthepasttwoyearstogettheship backtoNavalStationNorfolk.

“WelcomebacktoNavalStationNorfolk,”saidKnight.“Seeingthisshipback with the rest of the fleet here at naval station, is truly a testament to the entire crew,Sailors,andleadershipaboard.Youallaredoinggoodwork.”

Capt. Sean Neer assistant chief of staff for logistics Commander, Naval SurfaceForcesAtlantic recognizedKearsargeSupplyDepartmentatthestart oftheevent.Forthethirdyearinarow,thedepartmenthasbeentherecipient of the Logistics Readiness Excellence Award (LREA) for the large-deck class ofship TheLREArecognizessupplydepartmentsonperformancecriteria,including depot-levelrepairableitems,financialmanagement,theGovernmentPurchase CardProgram,shipinventoryhealth,andHAZMATmanagementthroughout theyear

“I appreciate everything the crew of this ship did to support the supply department. There was no doubt which ship was most excellent,” Said Neer “Thisistrulyanoutstandingcrew andwarshipwithanoutstandingsupplyand warfightingreputation.

TwoSailorswerepromotedtoPettyOfficer3rdClassduetotheirtimein-rate. AsofJuly1,2024,ratedE3Sailorsareautomaticallyadvancedtothepaygrade ofE-4oncetheyhaveserved30monthsintheNavy

With family and friends in attendance, Kearsarge also advanced four chief pettyofficerstotherankofseniorchiefduringtheall-hands Theranksofsenior chiefandmasterchiefwereestablishedin1958

Command Master Chief Charles ‘Chuck’ Horgan explained to the crew the significanceofthisachievement andhisexpectationswithintheChiefs’Mess

“Seniorchiefsguide mentor helpestablishpolicy,andmakerecommendationstocommandleadership,”saidHorgan.“Thankyoutoallofthefamilyand friendswhoareheretoday.Theywouldn’tbeheretodayifitwasn’tforyouall.

Horgan ended his speech with “Kearsarge is number one because you all arenumberone!”

The mission of Kearsarge is to support and deploy the Marine Landing Forceandsupplycombatreadyforcesatsea,ashore,andintheair Theshipis expectedtodeployin2027

LEFT: NORFOLK,Va (Feb 28 2025) ChiefLogistics Specialist Ermon Mcclarin,assigned to theWasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) is advanced to the paygrade ofSeniorChiefduring an all-hands call at Naval Station Norfolk,Feb.28 2025. Kearsarge conducted its first all-hands event since returning backto Naval Station Norfolk at the conclusion ofa 23-month extended maintenance period.(U.S.NAVYPHOTOBYMASS COMMUNICATIONSPECIALIST2NDCLASSRYANCLARK)

Military Sealift Command hosts SeaFarer Day in Hampton Roads

ByHendrickDickson

USN Military Sealift Command

Military Sealift Command hosted its SeaFarer Day in Norfolk, Virginia, Feb.1112 offering employment opportunities for hundredsofpotentialCivilServiceMariners (CIVMARs).

SeaFarerDayisajobfaireventheldannuallyinHamptonRoadsandinvariousother statesthroughouttheyear Individualswho are interested in joining MSC can attend to learn about MSC’s mission; how to become a CIVMAR and work as a federal employee aboardagovernmentship;andsubmitapplications

Morethan600peopleattendedtheevent, at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott, over the two days, and 361 of them were either fast tracked through the hiring process or submittedinitialapplications

“The first day we met with individuals who had basic eligibilities and applications already submitted, but they had not completed all their pre-employment activities such as fingerprinting and their medicalassessment,”saidMSCDeputyDirector, Total Force Management Frank Cunningham.“Wewereabletofasttracktheprocess for them with our security personnel and nurses, and they walked away with a start datefornewemployeeorientation.” Ondaytwo,wemetwithindividualswho wereinterestedinbecomingaCivilService Mariner Many of them had never heard of MSC or maybe wanted to come down and see what we had to offer Of those individuals, we were able to get many of them through the application process, provide tentativejoboffersandintoourpre-employmentpipeline,”headded.

In addition to security and medical personnel, the MSC team included recruiters from the contracted recruiting partner, MediaCross, human resource specialists, subjectmatterexpertsfromDeckandEngineeringdepartmentsandotherpersonnel.

“This is our Superbowl,” said MSC RecruitmentCoordinator,LanceBankhead. “The synergy, effort, focus, from everyone wasphenomenal,andtheMediaCrossstaff didandawesomejob Itwasacohesiveeffort intermsofhowweworkedtogethertomake suretheseindividualsweretakencareof.”

With a fleet of more than 140 ships, recruitingisvitaltomaintainingoperational readiness MSC is always looking for individualswhoarereadytoservetheircountry at sea. In addition to job fairs like this one, Bankhead said the command is accessible atthefingertipsofanyonewhoisinterested in joining either on a keyboard or their cellphone

“Ourelectronicfootprintishuge,”hesaid “For anyone who is interested, they can go on sealiftcommand.com to get all the information they need. We also have a CIVMAR

support center (877-JOBS-MSC) that is open24/7wheretheycancallandtalkwith someoneinperson.Thereisawholestaffof peoplewhoarereadytohelpthem.

Basic requirements to join MSC as a Civil Service Mariner includes:

„ Beatleast18yearsofage „ BeaUnitedStatescitizenwithavalidU.S. Tourist Passport with a minimum of seven monthsremainingpriortoexpiration.

„ Hold and maintain a Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC) and/

ABOVE:NorfolkVa (February12 2025) - MilitarySealift Command (MSC) personnel meetwith potential job seekers during Seafarers Dayhosted byMSC at theWaterside Marriott in NorfolkVa February12,2025.During the event,MSC personnel provided insights and shared careeropportunitieswith attendees, helping them explore potential careerpaths.(U.S.NAVYPHOTOSBYRYANCARTER)

LEFT: NorfolkVa (February12 2025) - Matt Schroder engineering competency managerwith MilitarySealift Command (MSC),left and RayColeman,assistant port engineersupervisorSUPwith MSC,Right,speakwith a job seekerduring Seafarers Dayhosted byMSC at theWaterside Marriott in NorfolkVa February 12 2025.During the event MSC personnel provided insights and shared career opportunitieswith attendees,helping them explore potential careerpaths (U.S. NAVYPHOTOSBYRYANCARTER)

orDepartmentofDefense(DOD)Common Access Card (CAC) with a minimum of ten monthsremainingpriortoexpiration.

„ Hold and maintain a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC), issued by the United States Coast Guard to mariners sailing aboard all U.S. Flagged Vessels with a minimum of ten months remaining before expiration „ Be capable of passing an MSC-administeredphysicalexamination.

“… to join you have to have three thingsa merchant mariner credential, a passport, and a TWIC card,” Bankhead said. “You start right there Once you’ve started that

process we will help you with every step of the process We will avail ourselves and do everything we can to ensure you can get employmentwithus.”

“If you desire steady employment, great pay, federal benefits and the opportunity to see the world while serving your country, consideracareerwithMSC,”Bankheadsaid. For more information about MSC and how to become a CIVMAR, visit: www sealiftcommand.com or call the CIVMAR Support Center (CSC) at 877-JOBS-MSC (562-7672).

ByLt JenniferBowman

USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7)

ARLINGTON, Va

“I fought like hell, recalledretiredMarineRaiderFrankWright of his experience during the Battle of Iwo Jimaeightdecadesago

The same fighting spirit resounded in the shared experiences of the 8 Iwo Jima veterans who sat side by side at the Hilton National Landing, Feb. 22 during a commemorativeeventforthe80thanniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima. Eighty years after one of the fiercest battles of World War II’s Pacific campaign, this small band of veterans who fought on the black-sand beachesreunitedtosharetheirstorieswith thenextgenerationofservicemembers

Sailors from the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7)—the second amphibious assault ship named for thebattle—attendedtheevent,hostedbythe IwoJimaAssociationofAmerica(IJAA)and learned firsthand what it was like for veteranswhofoughtonIwoJima.

After hearing the Japanese had bombed PearlHarbor,ayoungDelmarBeardimmediately enlisted in the Navy—as many teenaged boys did at the time Once out of boot camp he was assigned to the USS LST-715 in the Pacific theater—one of the first Tank LandingShipstoarriveonIwoJima’sGreen Beach, located just near Mount Suribachi. At18yearsold,andduetohisabilitytotype about50wordsperminute,Beardbecamea Yeoman2ndClass—apositiontypicallydedicatedtoadministrativework;buthe,likeso many others, bravely positioned himself in harm’swayonthefrontlines

“We were the first ship next to Mount Suribachi [and we had to] unload all the ammunition and high-octane gas and bulldozers They just had volcanic ash; you couldn’tevendriveajeeponit.”

As he emerged from the vessel, Beard— andhisfellowsailors—sawandexperienced unfathomablethings

“Wecouldseeeverythinggoingon;you’d see Japanese on fire coming out [of dug tunnels in the mountain] and rolling in the ash trying to put the fire out,” he said as he recalled how troops used flame throwers in attempts to ‘smoke’ the Japanese out of man-made tunnels inside Mount Suribachi.TheU.S.andJapanesedeathtollsonthe islandwerestaggering

“You saw a lot of Marines—I’m sorry to say—dead on the beach because they couldn’tgetthemoff[thelandingcraft]fast enough.”

Bearddescribedhowhenarrowlymissed being wounded by gunfire while unloading ammunition on the beach; not so for the marine who was passing him the boxes of rounds

“There was a lot going on that you didn’t realize,butyoucouldn’tletitgettoyou.

When the Marines raised the flag atop Mount Suribachi, that visual represented a sanguine moment for the embattled troops on the island, according to Beard’s fellow veteranMarineNilsMocker

“Theflagwasn’tvictory,itwashope,”said Mocker a combat intelligence scout during thebattle “Icouldlookuponasfarawayas youcouldgetandseethatintiny,tinyposter stamp[onMountSuribachi].

Hearingtherealitiesofthebattlemadean impressiononRetailServicesSpecialist2nd ClassOrlandoSanabria.

“The history we learned [and] hearing it from people that were actually in theater, vice reading it in a book, was one of my biggesttakeawaysfromtheevent, Sanabria said.

While capabilities on warships like Iwo Jimaarevastlymoresophisticatedthanthey were on an LST in 1945, Sanabria said one

thinghebelievesremainstrueforAmerica’s SailorsandMarines

“The global climate has become more complex, and we just have to be ready to fight.”

Sanabria’s fellow sailor Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class Christopher Diehl said he felt a renewed sense of dedication and worth in service after hearingfromtheveterans

“Comparatively what they experienced and went through 80 years ago is vastly different than what I have experienced but [Iwasremindedof]theimportanceofdoing yourjob—anddoingittherightway—while following the orders you are given contributestothebigpicturebeingsuccessful.”

Iwo Jima has a wide range of sea, air, and land capabilities that allow the platform to embark,transport andlandMarinesashore incontestedenvironments Thatcontinued tradition of Navy-Marine Corps partnership—forged in the sands of Iwo Jima— remains key to the United States’ ability to defend its national security interests; deter aggression; preserve its citizens way of life; andtosupportitsalliesandpartnersabroad.

Commemorating this battle also puts the once-fraught relationship between United StatesandJapan—nowstrongallies—onfull display.Today,thepartnershipbetweenthe twonationsismorevitalthanevertostabilityintheIndo-Pacificregion.

“The relationship between the U.S. Navy andtheJapanMaritimeSelf-DefenseForce isverystrong Weconductmanyjointexercises,”saidtheJapaneseEmbassy’sDefense andNavalAttachéRearAdm.TakaakiHayamizu,whospokeattheevent.

“One plus one equals more than two where our relationship with the U.S. is concerned,” he said noting the close nature ofthispartnershipisdirectlyresponsiblefor both adversarial deterrence and stability in theregion.

Sailors and Marines aboard amphibious shipslikeIwoJimanotonlyoperatetogether but also exercise jointly with the militaries of allied and partner nations For Aircrew SurvivalEquipmentmanMasterChiefRich Garrett assigned to Iwo Jima’s Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Department connecting sailors with naval history and culture is key to understanding the ship’s missiontodayandinthefuture

“This event really connected our sailors and ship with its namesake and the actual events that occurred on Iwo Jima as well asthepeoplewhowerethere,”saidGarrett. “Thedeedsofthosementakingthatisland— doing what they had to do with sometimes-limited support—underscores how muchtoday’sNavy-MarineCorpsstandson theshouldersofgiants.”

Eighty years after the first Marines climbed the steep slopes on Iwo Jima, the name still represents a living bridge from pasttopresent.

“WeasanIwoJimateamcanrisetomeet the expectations of [the veterans] now and intothefuture,”Garrettsaid.

As this generation of warfighters from WorldWarIIcontinuestofadeaway,retired MarineCorpsLt Col.RaulSifuentes,IJAA’s executivedirector,believesthemembersof today’s amphibious force have an important charge: to carry on the legacy of their leaders

“We can never, ever forget what these guysdidandwhattheywentthrough, said Sifuentes “Don’t forget your roots A good leader passes these things on, and a good leader prepares their subordinates to take theirplace.”

Uncommonvalorbecameasharedvirtue because the Greatest Generation deliberatelychosetolivebythatethos MassCommunicationSpecialist2ndClass Isaac Rodriguez plans to carry that same philosophywithhimashedepartsUSSIwo Jimaforhisnextcommand.

“Youcanalwayslearnfromoldergenerationsandpeoplewhohavemoreexperience thanyou.I’lltakewhatIlearnedfromthem into my future missions,” said Rodriguez. “Persevere nevergiveup.”

The USS Iwo Jima is the flagship of the IwoJimaAmphibiousReadyGroup,aforce uniquely positioned to deter aggression, project power through presence abroad, and execute contingency missions with its integrated Marine Corps team in Support ofU.S.strategicinterests

Surface Combat Systems Training Command conducts change of command

ByKimberlyLansdale

Surface Combat Systems Training Command

DAHLGREN, Va Capt. George A. Kessler,Jr wasrelievedbyCapt.RichEytel as commodore, Surface Combat Systems Training Command (SCSTC), during a time-honoredmilitarytradition,thechange ofcommand,onboardNavalSupportFacility Dahlgren,Virginia,Feb.19

TheSCSTCteamassembledtowish“Fair Winds and Following Seas” to Kessler and his family as he departed after more than threeyearsincommand KesslerandSCSTC will celebrate his 30 years of dedicated and faithful service at his retirement ceremony inlateMay.

A native of Albany, Missouri, and 1995 U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Kessler led a blended workforce of military, civilian, and contract personnel, as well as oversaw 15 global learning sites and detachments with 2,880personnelwhichtrainedover104,500 Sailors He also developed and implemented a domain-wide strategic plan, infusing the trainingmissionwithhigherlevelguidance

and incorporating internal, external, and internationalpartnerships

Always keeping the focus on the Fleet, KessleracceleratedthedeliveryofnewOfficer and Enlisted tactical courses of instructionandmodernizedtrainingsystemsatthe waterfront to improve Fleet lethality, meet theneedsofshipsandSailors,andstayahead ofouradversaries Additionally, he established and maintained critical relationships with allies and partners, delivering advanced capability trainingtoseveralinternationalnavies

During the ceremony, Kessler addressed theSCSTCteam.

“Three years ago, as we stood here, there were whispers and rumor of war,” he said. “Today,asIstandhere,weareengagedwith the adversary across the globe The actions overthepastyearandahalfofourshipsand SailorsintheRedSeaareatestamenttothe work that each of you have accomplished overtheyears.IcanthinkofnogreatertestamenttotheeffectivenessofSCSTC’straining thanthefactthatourshipmatesandsomeof youhavegoneintoharmsway,defeatedthe enemy,andreturnedhomesafely.”

Eytel joins the SCSTC team after serving as the operations officer for the staff of Commander NavalSurfaceForcesAtlantic His most recent sea tour was commanding officerforUSSStout(DDG55). AnativeofWestOrange,NewJersey,and 2003 Virginia Military Institute graduate, Eytel stated he was honored and humbled to assume command of such an incredible organization.Healsohighlightedtheimportance of surface combat systems training andhowSCSTCneedstocontinuetoadapt andimplementinnovativewaystotrainour futurewarfightingforce

“We are obviously living in a dynamic time,”hesaid.“Thefleetisdependingonour abilitytocontinuetolearnfromthecombat actions going on in the Red Sea and Eastern Mediterranean and constantly modify our courses of instruction to ensure that our Sailors and Officers possess the tactical and technical competence and proficiency needed to employ the most lethal combat systems in U.S. military inventory We must continue to learn, grow and improve at an increasingly faster pace Let’s continue to getafterit.”

Surface Combat Systems Training Command(SCSTC),headquarteredinDahlgren, Virginia, falls under the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), led by Rear Adm. Jeffrey Czerewko. SCSTC is a training organization that consists of 15 global learning sites and detachments Its mission is to provide the U.S. Navy and our allies with highly trained warfighters to maintain, operate, and tactically employ surface combat systems across the spectrumofoperations Annually SCSTCdelivers training to over 31,000 U.S. Navy Sailors aswellas1,000internationalSailorsfrom27 partnernations For information about Surface Combat Systems Training Command, visit https:// www.netc.navy.mil/SCSTC FollowSCSTCon https://www.facebook.com/SurfaceCombatSystemsTrainingCommand https://www.linkedin.com/company/ scstc/ https://www.instagram.com/scstc_hq/

Destroyer Squadron 2 holds change of command ceremony

ByChiefPettyOfficerMikeDimestico Carrier Strike Group 12

NAVAL STATION NORFOLK Capt

Mark Lawrence relieved Capt. James Von St Paulascommander,DestroyerSquadron (DESRON)2duringaceremonyaboardthe world’slargestaircraftcarrierUSSGeraldR. Ford(CVN78),February22 2025

The ceremony was held before military and civilian guests in the ship’s fo’c’sle to honor Von St Paul’s service and witness the transfer of authority and responsibility to Lawrence, the 80th commodore of the “Greyhounds”.

VonSt Paul,anativeofClark,NewJersey anda1999graduateofVirginiaPolytechnic and State University assumed command of DESRON-2 in February 2024 after serving as deputy commodore during the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group’s (GRFCSG) 8-month maiden deployment to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of responsibility, which was extended 76 days following the outbreakofconflictinIsraeltosupportIsrael’srighttoself-defense

“I am immensely proud and humbled to have served with such a talented group of officers, chiefs, and Sailors,” said Von St Paul. “Going forward, I have no doubt that you and our ships will continue to excel undertheleadershipofCapt.Lawrenceand Capt.Forch,andyoureffortswillensurethat DESRON2remainssecondtonone.” Lawrence,whowasraisedinLondonand NewYork,graduatedfromtheGeorgetown UniversitySchoolofForeignServicein2000 andholdsaMasterofArtsinSecurityStudies with Honors from Georgetown University He previously served as the commanding officerofUSSPaulHamilton(DDG60),and morerecentlyashore,asexecutiveassistant to Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe Africa and NATO’s Allied Joint Force Command Naples Lawrence assumed his duties as deputy commander of Destroyer Squadron2inMarch2024

“These Greyhounds assembled here today have taken a pause from urgent work to observe Navy tradition,” said Lawrence “They’re each with their teams cultivating a habit of championship, preparation, and efficient execution, and they possess the initiative, discipline, and trust to take our destroyers forward and bring them home safelywhenthemissioniscomplete.” DESRON-2consistsoftheArleighBurkeclassguided-missiledestroyersUSSMitscher (DDG 57), USS Mahan (DDG 72), USS McFaul(DDG74),USSBainbridge(DDG96), andUSSForrestSherman(DDG98).

Capt.MarkW.Lawrence (right),relieves Capt.JamesVon St Paul during a change ofcommand ceremonyaboard theworld’s

SUCCEED AGAIN

uarterdeck

Naval system-of-systems approach

The U.S.Naval Research Laboratoryand the U.S.ArmyCorps ofEngineers ERDC demonstrated the Marine Corps Surf ObservationTool forLittoral Expeditionary Operations. PageB6

partnerforCaribbean,Central and SouthAmerica

STEVENKHOR/RELEASED)

U.S. 4th Fleet conducts Maritime Staff Talks with Ecuador

CourtesyStory

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command / U.S. 4th Fleet

ST AUGUSTINE,Fla. RearAdm.CarlosSardiello, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S 4th Fleet, hosted a delegation from the Ecuadorian Navy (Armada del Ecuador) for Maritime Staff Talks (MST) Feb. 27-28. The talks took place at historic St Francis Barracks, Florida NationalGuardHeadquarters Sardiello, leading the U.S. delegation alongside representatives from the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Coast Guard, welcomed the Ecuadorian Navy GeneralInspector,RearAdm.LuisEduardoPiedra andhisdelegation.

“This meeting represents a valuable opportunity todeepenourcoordination,interoperability,mutual understanding directlycontributingtostrengthening U.S. and regional security and prosperity,” said RearAdm.Sardiello

RearAdm.Piedraechoedthesentimentofcollaboration, emphasizing the importance of building trustduringthetalks

“Without a doubt, the efforts made in this successful MST materialized in several action items which will contribute to making both of our countries stronger safer and more prosperous,”

said Rear Adm. Piedra.

Discussions focused on upcoming exercises, includingEcuador’sparticipationinUNITAS2025, whichwillserveasakeyeventcommemoratingthe upcoming 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Navy and MarineCorps Additionally, the Continuing Promise 2025 deployment was highlighted, with the USNS Comfort scheduled to make a stop in Ecuador as partofitssix-missionstophumanitarianeffort.

The U.S. delegation also provided updates on hybridfleetoperationsintheEasternPacific.

Ecuador delivered presentations and briefed the U.S. delegation on mission objectives and maritime domain operations conducted by their Navy, both domesticallyandregionally

The MST concluded with tour of the Castillo de SanMarcos,agiftexchange,andRearAdm.Sardiello and Rear Adm. Piedra signing minutes signifying agreement on key points and continued collaboration. Both leaders expressed a shared commitment to reinforcing the strong and enduring partnership betweentheUnitedStatesandEcuadorinthemaritimedomain.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S 4th FleetservesasatrustedmaritimepartnerforCaribbean,CentralandSouthAmericanmaritimeforces, promotingunity security andstabilityintheregion

ByAustenMcclain Naval Education and Training Command

For 2nd Lt Anthony Rosario, becoming a Marine Corps officer was never just about personal ambition—it was about service, sacrifice andseizinganopportunitytolead A first-generation American from Brooklyn,NewYork,Rosario’spathtotheMarine Corps was shaped by the values of hard work and dedication instilled in him by his parents, who immigrated from the DominicanRepublic.

“My parents made sure we always had what we needed, even if we didn’t always have everything we wanted,” Rosario explains “They taught me the value of perseverance and commitment to others— principlesthatshapedmycharacterandmy decisiontoserve.”

The tragic events of 9/11 left a profound impact on Rosario, solidifying his desire to join the military That moment, combined with the legacy of service from his grandfathers—oneintheArmy,oneintheNavy madetheMarineCorpsanaturalcalling

FromEnlistedtoOfficer

Before commissioning in 2023, Rosario served as an enlisted avionics technician, working on multiple aircraft, including the CH-46,MV-22,andKC-130J.Hisexperience gave him hands-on technical expertise and leadershipresponsibilities,servingasbotha StaffNon-CommissionedOfficerinCharge and a Collateral Duty Quality Assurance Representative. Transitioningfromenlistedtoofficerwas notjustacareermove—itwasatransformationinleadershipperspective.

cipleshehasgainedthroughexperienceand formaltraining LessonsinLeadership Reflecting on his journey, Rosario offers advice to those considering the military path.

“IfIcouldtellmyyoungerselfanything it wouldbetoembracepatienceandresilience earlyon, Rosariosays “Thechallengesyou face will be tough, but they shape you. Stay humble, stay hungry, and remember that leadership is about serving others as much asitisaboutleadingthem.”

Oneofthemostrewardingmomentsofhis career so far was serving as Color Sergeant forMarineAircraftGroup41,wherehehad thehonorofrepresentingtheMarineCorps athigh-profileevents includingprofessional sportingeventsandcharitableinitiatives

“Those moments reminded me why I wear this uniform,” Rosario says “It’s an honor to represent the Marine Corps and engage with the community on behalf of thosewhoserve.”

“Goingfromenlistedtoofficer,yourealize leadership isn’t about you anymore,” Rosario says “It’s about setting the standard, making sure your Marines have what they need, and holding yourself accountable so theycansucceed.” TrainingfortheNextMission

As Rosario continues his training he remains focused on his immediate goal: completinghisFleetMarineForcequalificationsandpreparingtoleadMarinesinoperationalenvironments Histrainingunderthe Naval Education and Training Command

(NETC) has equipped him with essential skillstoleadinhigh-pressuresituations “ThetrainingI’vereceivedhasenhanced myabilitytothinkcritically,workincomplex environments andbuildresilience,”Rosario explains “NETC ensures that officers like meunderstandhowtotakeaccountability not just for ourselves but for the Marines welead.”

Long term, Rosario aspires to command his own unit, applying the leadership prin-

ATestamenttoWorld-ClassTraining Rosario’s story is a testament to the impact of NETC’s world-class training which equips Sailors, Marines, and service membersacrossbrancheswiththeskillsand leadership needed to excel in their careers Hisjourney—fromenlistedavionicstechniciantoMarineCorpsofficer—demonstrates the dedication, discipline, and transformation that define the Street to Fleet mission, preparing warfighters to serve with excellenceintheFleetMarineForceandbeyond For more stories about how NETC prepares Marines and Sailors for success, follow@NETC_HQonInstagramandvisit https://www.netc.navy.mil/

SERMC Executive Director chosen as Jacksonville Business Journal Women of Influence 2025

ByScottCurtis Southeast Regional Maintenance Center

SoutheastRegionalMaintenanceCenter’s (SERMC)ExecutiveDirector,NadiaTepper, was selected as one of Jacksonville Business Journal’s “Women of Influence” for 2025 Tepper was selected from a large pool of nominees based on her professional success andimpactonthenortheastFloridaregion.

Tepper’s Navy career started at the Naval Academy and upon graduation she served two tours on USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) ultimately as the Main Propulsion Officer from 2003 2007 ShealsotaughtAdvancedMath at the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, Rhode Island before transferring to the Navy’s Engineering Duty Community andSERMC

“I was instantly drawn to the critical and complex mission we have here supporting the US Navy and the warfighters and ensuringourshipsarereadytomeettheirmission, wherever and whenever they are needed,” Teppersaid.

InJacksonville,shiprepairisahugeindustry and of critical strategic importance to the Navy and the country Tepper led critical initiatives such as the development and establishment of a Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) maintenance program, building a unique strategy for the new ship class from scratch.“IwasselectedasthefirstLCSClass Team Lead and tasked with developing the LCSMaintenanceConceptofOperationsfor Freedom-variantLCS

“The maintenance strategy on LCS is significantly different from other US Navy ships that we support. Over the course of two years I was able to build a robust maintenance program between many stakeholders to ensure the Navy could support LCS anywhereintheworld.”

After transitioning to a Department of the

ByElliottPage

SILVER SPRING, Md Naval Medical ResearchCommand(NMRC)participatedin Sargent Shriver Elementary School’s annual Career Day, held on Feb. 26, to engage with third, fourth and fifth graders on U.S. Navy careeropportunitiesinSTEM. NMRC, along with other representatives from different career fields, set up display exhibits inside the Shriver Elementary Schoolgymnasium.NMRC’sexhibitfeatured research equipment and a prop biocontainment unit filled with activities that students could perform through the unit’s built-in gloves, simulating the experience of a scientist handling biological samples. Students were able to get information from NMRC experts on the real-world applications of thesetools

“The kids always want to see the military come to career day,” said Nancy Teague schoolcounselorforSargentShriverElementary School. “It is important to show that thereareavarietyofjobsinthemilitary.”

NMRC routinely engages with the local community in Silver Spring and throughout Maryland. In addition to showcasing STEM careerfields,NMRCconnectedjuniorhospitalcorpsmentolocalstudentsspeakontheir Navyexperiences

“Studentsareconsistentlyinterestedinthe lives of our Sailors,” observed Sidney Hinds deputypublicaffairsofficerwithNMRC.“It’s greattoseethemwalkawayfromourexhibit talkingwiththeirfriendsaboutwhatthey’ve learnedabouttheNavy.”

Students carried a clipboard of different thought-provokingquestionstothepresenters that gave them more insight into the career fields. Questions like “What do you like most and least about your job” provided anengagingdiscussionamongthepresenters andstudents

“I get excited being able to talk to, influenceandinspirethenextgenerationofleaders,”saidHospitalCorpsman3rdClassKeiry

Navycivilian,Tepperquicklyadvancedtoher current position as the Executive Director (ED),thehighestrankingcivilianattheorganization,leadingmorethan1,200employees

One of the most notable achievements is her role leading SERMC’s approach to innovation and modernization. Tepper was hand-selected to assist in crafting the new DepartmentoftheNavyacquisitionstrategy for surface ship maintenance and repair By leveraging advanced technologies and data analytics Tepper streamlined maintenance operations,reduceddowntime,andimproved overallFleetperformance

“I prioritize clear communication about the organization’s goals and the rationale behind decisions, fostering trust and buy-in frommyteam,”Teppersaid.“Today,SERMC is positioned as a forward-thinking organization within the Department of the Navy because we are successful at integrating emerging technologies into our traditional maintenance frameworks These advancements have strengthened the Navy’s operationalreadinessandextendedtheservicelife ofcriticalassets,”Tepperadded.

Investing in people is another tenet of her leadership style “By understanding that people are the cornerstone of any successfulandforwardthinkingorganization itwas important to design and execute a robust human capital strategy focused on recruitment, workforce development, and retention,”Teppersaid.

In addition to establishing a precedence for direct hire authority for all positions at SERMCandtappingintounusedacquisition incentives for employee retention, Tepper then quickly established SERMC as an official industry provider in the Department of Defense SkillBridge program. “SkillBridge sources talent directly from transitioning active-dutyservicemembers,showcasingan innovative approach to workforce recruit-

mentthatcapitalizesonourJacksonvillearea veteranpopulation.

SERMChasbeenrecognizedbyNavalSea Systems Command as a best practice across naval shipyards and regional maintenance centers for influencing industry standards and shaping future recruitment strategies withthenewinitiatives

Mentoring is another important part of Tepper’s commitment to SERMC and the Navy and she is an active mentor to many coworkers and people inside and outside of theorganization.

“I played soccer at the US Naval Academy, and I am part of an alumni mentoring groupforNavyWomen’sSoccerplayers,”said Tepper “This is probably my most coveted mentorship role because these are our next generationofNavalOfficers Iampassionate about sharing my experiences and insights advocatingfortheadvancementofwomenin leadershiprolesacrossindustries.

Volunteering as a Blue and Gold Officer offers Tepper mentoring opportunities to high school students aspiring to attend the United States Naval Academy, guiding them on their journey to serve their country “My active engagement in the community reinforcesmybeliefinnurturingthenextgenerationofleaders,”Tepperadded.

Tepperhascontinuouslystriventoleadby example, setting high standards for herself and working every day to meet or exceed those standards. She actively encourages all who meet her to continuously seek opportunities to learn and grow, to never remain stagnantorgettoocomfortable “Westillhavealotofworktodotogetour Fleet ready to meet the global national securityrequirementsandprojectnavalstrength and dominance to deter our adversaries,” Tepperconcluded

Martinez-Ramos,anadvancedmedicallaboratory technician at NMRC. “The children really liked working inside the hood, understandinghowthepipettesworkandworking withdilution.”

This year’s STEM career day is the 3rd annualeventthatNRMChasparticipatedin Theexposureisintendedtoshowstudentsa variety of career paths that can spark interest and create influence through firsthand informationaboutthedifferentSTEMfields In support of the Navy, Marine Corps and joint U.S. warfighters, NMRC researchers study infectious diseases biological warfare detectionanddefense

USS McFaul visits Mobile to celebrate tradition, service, and community

CourtesyStory

Commander Naval Surface Force Atlantic

MOBILE, Ala. The guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul(DDG74)arrivedinMobile,Alabamaforascheduledportvisit,inconjunctionwiththecity’s2025Mardi Grascelebration,February28

AstheoldestorganizedMardiGrasintheUnitedStates, MobileprovidesauniqueopportunityforSailorsaboard

McFaul to engage with the local community and showcasetheprideandprofessionalismoftheU.S.Navy

Thevisitwillfeaturepublictours,communityoutreach events andopportunitiesforresidentstomeetandinteract with the Sailors of McFaul. Whether sharing sea stories, walking in the historic Mardi Gras parades, or welcomingvisitorsaboard,thecrewisproudtorepresent theNavyanddemonstratetheircommitmenttoservice.

Commissioned on January 18, 1997, USS McFaul is a Flight II Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, home to 296 highly skilled Sailors and commanded by Cmdr Brad Steidle. The ship’s crew is excited to connect with the people of Mobile sharing their mission, heritage and commitmenttoexcellencewhileparticipatinginthecity’s historicfestivities

McFaul carries a legacy of valor through its namesake,ChiefPettyOfficerDonaldL.McFaul,aNavySEAL whomadetheultimatesacrificeduringOperationJUST CAUSE in 1989 Awarded the Navy Cross and Purple Heartposthumously,ChiefMcFaul’scourage,honor,and sacrifice continue to inspire the ship’s crew His Navy Cross is carried aboard as a symbol of the fighting spirit anddedicationofthosewhoserve.

Moredetailsontourschedulesandcommunityengagement events will be announced as the visit approaches. The U.S. Navy invites the people of Mobile to join in this specialoccasionandexperiencefirsthandthededication andprofessionalismofAmerica’swarfighters

The mission of Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic (SURFLANT) is to deliver naval surface forces that are ready on arrival and prepared to fight and win. Morethan70shipsand34shorecommandsmakeupthe SURFLANTForce.

ByEnsignRachaelJones

Carrier Strike Group One

AT SEA The Nimitz-class nuclear powered aircraftcarrier,USSCarlVinson(CVN70),flagship for Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1, hosted Republic of Korea (ROK), U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) and Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea (CNFK) for a day-long embark to explore aircraft carrier operationsandpowerprojectioncapabilities,March1.

Gen. Xavier T. Brunson, Commander of United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, and U.S. Forces Korea, ROK Navy Rear Adm. Kim Jihoon, Deputy Commander of Republic of Korea Fleet,andotherguests,metwithRearAdm.Michael Wosje commander CSG-1 spoke to subject matter experts about carrier operations on the bridge and observedflightoperationsfromtheflightdeck

General Brunson emphasized the carrier strike group’s capabilities and shared his thoughts on the criticalroletheseforcesplayinmaintainingregional security and a free and open Indo-Pacific He also emphasized how they directly support USFK’s missionintheregion.

“The Carl Vinson’s carrier strike group operations demonstrate our commitment to bolster the defense of allies and partners and strengthen our ability to ‘fight tonight and win. This visit, especially when coupledwithrealisticalldomain,jointandcombinedtraining,increasesinteroperabilityandensureswebuildthereadinessposturetodeteraggressionandmaintainstabilityinthe RepublicofKoreaandtheregion,”Brunsonsaid.“TheCarl Vinson’spresenceherenotonlyunderscorestheimportance ofboththemaritimeandairdomainsbutalsoreaffirmsour commitmenttomaintainingafreeandopenIndo-Pacificby integratingtheseuniquecapabilitiesintoourcomprehensive all-domainapproach.

ATSEA(March 1,2025) Distinguishedvisitors from U.S.Forces Korea, Commander U.S.Naval Forces Korea,and the Republic ofKorea Navyjoin togetherwith leadership from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrierUSS CarlVinson (CVN 70),CarrierAirWing 2,and CarrierStrike Group 1 onVinson’s flight deck, March 1,2025.(U.S.NAVYPHOTOBYMASSCOMMUNICATIONSPECIALIST2ND CLASSISAIAHB.GOESSL)

The group observed flight operations and discussed howtoenhancecapabilitiesoffuturecombinedoperations between ROK and U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Kim’s visit aboard Carl Vinson highlighted the partnership and collaboration between the U.S. and ROK and demonstrated the U.S. commitmenttosecurityandstabilityintheregion.

“Deployment of the carrier strike group to the Korean peninsulaisevidencethatshowsthedeterminedwillingness andexecutiveabilityforarobustcombineddefenseposture oftheRepublicofKorea, saidRearAdm.Kim.

USFK’smissionistodeteraggression,andifnecessary,defendtheROKtomaintainstabilityinNortheastAsia.

“Bringing senior U.S. and ROK leadership out to Vinson is an opportunity to showcase the strength, capabilityandlethalityofacarrierstrikegroup,”said Rear Adm. Neil Koprowski, commander CNFK “This visit reinforces our ironclad commitment to theROK-U.S.alliance,supportingstabilityandsecurityintheregion.

CNFKistheU.S.Navy’srepresentativeintheROK. Itprovidesleadershipandexpertiseinnavalmatters that support the mission of USFK CNFK works closely with the ROK Navy to improve institutional and operational effectiveness and to strengthen collectivesecurityeffortsintheKoreanTheater

The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group consists of USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), embarked staffs of Carrier Strike Group ONE and Destroyer SquadronONE,CarrierAirWingTwo,Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59) and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Sterett (DDG 104) and USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110). Carrier Air Wing Two is composed of nine squadrons flying the F-35C Lightning II, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growler, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, CMV-22 Osprey and MH-60R/SSeahawks

The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preservingafreeandopenIndo-Pacificregion.

FormorenewsfromCSG-1andCarlVinsonvisit:https:// www.dvidshub.net/unit/CSG1,https://www.dvidshub.net/ unit/CVN70

TheChiefofNavalAirTraining(CNATRA) is

to announce the

tion of the

enclosures (APEs) over

sites known as ‘hot pits’ attwotrainingwingsintheNavalAirTraining Command(NATRACOM). The first installations of APEs over hot pits took place at Training Wing ONE (TW-1) at NavalAirStation(NAS)MeridianandTraining Wing TWO (TW-2) at NAS Kingsville TW-2 held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday February28tohighlighttheadvances. Ahotpitrefuelingiswhenanaircraftisrefueledimmediatelyafterlanding,whiletheaircraft keepsoneenginerunning.Thisformofrefueling reduces response time and keeps aircraft

mission ready. This technology enhances the operational efficiency and safety of our fleet while providing a modernized infrastructure fortrainingoperations.

The

and

directly benefitthefleet’sperformanceandpreparethenext generation of naval aviators for success. With thesuccessfulcompletionoftheprojectattwo

“We are absolutely thrilled to bring these new capabilities to these wings and to the rest oftheNavalAirTrainingCommand, saidRear Admiral Brophy Chief of Naval Air Training. “APEs over refueling pits are a game-changer in the way we conduct operations. Temperaturesinthesummerforunprotectedaircraftcan become excessive and the APEs will enhance overallsafetywhilewetrainthefutureofnaval aviation.” The new aircraft protection enclosures over therefuelingpitsensurethelongevityandsafety of

training wings, the project continues with the intenttocoverallhotpitsateverytrainingwing underCNATRA ThemissionofNavalAirTrainingCommand istotrain,mentor,anddeliverthehighestquality Naval Aviators that win in competition, crisis and conflict. Headquartered on board NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, CNATRA leads theNATRACOMcomposedoffivetrainingair wingslocatedonNavalAirStationsinFlorida

NUWC Division Newport will co-host New Bedford

Whaling Museum’s Navy Day on March 22

ByPublicAffairsOffice

Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport

NEWPORT R.I. The2025editionofNavy Day at the New Bedford Whaling Museum hostedinconjunctionwiththeNavalUndersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport, willbeheldMarch22,from10a.m.to3p.m.,at themuseumlocatedat18JohnnyCakeHillin NewBedford,Massachusetts.Themuseumwill beopenfrom9a.m.to4p.m.

Admission to the museum on Navy Day is freeforallvalidDepartmentofDefenseidentificationcardholders,veteransandtheirfamilies.

TheannualNavyDayoffersafullscheduleof funandeducationalopportunitiesforthepublic to experience the Navy’s role in environmental preservation marine mammal protection and underwater research, all while showcasing the museum’s extensive historical collection Visitors can explore whale ecology, learn from NUWC scientists and marvel at massive whaleskeletons.

Museum Chief Curator and Director of Learning Dr Naomi Slipp, and Division Newport leadership will provide opening remarksat9:45a.m.

“Skeletons of the Deep,” at 10:15 a.m., will offer a look at the whale skeletons with the museum’s Associate Curator of Science and ResearchRobertRocha.

Newthisyearwillbethepresenceofpersonnel from the Naval War College Museum which will have a display table and hands-on activity Therewillalsobetoursofthewhaling bark model Lagoda at 10 a.m and 12:30 p.m., knot-tying at 1 p.m., a scavenger hunt and a chancetostepinsidealife-sizedinflatablewhale from12:30to2p.m. A screening of “Turtle Odyssey 3D will be shownintheCookMemorialTheaterat10:30 a.m.,speakersfromDivisionNewportwillpresentseverallecturesandstaffwillbeavailableto answerquestionsonNUWC’scontributionsto exhibitsfeaturedatthemuseum.

Parkinginmeteredspotsonstreetssurroundingthemuseumisfreeonweekends Formoreinformationandacompleteagenda, visit whalingmuseum.org/program/navyday-2025.

NUWCNewportistheoldestwarfarecenter inthecountry,tracingitsheritagetotheNaval Torpedo Station established on Goat Island in Newport Harbor in 1869 Commanded by Capt ChadHennings,NUWCNewportmaintains major detachments in West Palm Beach, Florida,andAndrosIslandintheBahamas,as wellastestfacilitiesatSenecaLakeandFisher’s Island,NewYork,Leesburg,Florida,andDodge Pond,Connecticut.

NavyDayat the NewBedfordWhaling Museum,hostedwith the Naval UnderseaWarfare CenterDivision Newport,will be held on Saturday,March 22,2025,from 10 a.m.to 3 p.m. at the museum located at 18JohnnyCake Hill, NewBedford,Massachusetts.Admission to the museum on NavyDayis free forallvalid Department ofDefense identification card holders andveterans and theirfamilies.(PHOTOBYJESTYNFLORES)

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ByNicholasPasquini

U.S. Naval Research Laboratory

The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Engineering and Research Development Center (ERDC) demonstrated the Marine Corps Surf Observation (SUROB) Tool for Littoral Expeditionary Operations during the Office of Naval Research’s Technical Concept Experiment 24.2 (TCE 24.2) atCampPendletoninOceanside,Calif.,Aug. 20-23

The SUROB Tool fuses Navy and Army operational wave and current forecast modelswithtacticalsurfzoneobservations to generate real-time, updated forecasts of surf zone conditions including breaking wave heights and locations, water depths, littoral currents, surf zone width, and amphibious combat vehicle (ACV) wheel touchdown points, allowing Marines to make informed decision for littoral expeditionaryaccess

AspartoftheONR-GlobalTechSolutions project, the system integrates data from the NRL-developed LittoralLens, small unmannedaerialsystems,nearshoremodels and other sensor feeds The consolidated data is presented in an easily interpretable format tailored to existing Marine Corps training,tactics,techniques,andprocedures.

“Thistacticaldecisionaidunderscoresthe Department of the Navy’s commitment to providingourMarineswiththemostsophisticated tools to operate more efficiently in the littoral battlespace,” said NRL Ocean Sciences Division Superintendent Dr John Sample, SES “Accurate surf observations are crucial for Marines as they ensure safe and efficient landings during amphibious operations This technology reinforces our focus on innovation to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s mission and the importance ofJointForcepartnerships.”

Traditional surf observations are prolonged taking up to forty-five minutes. That time-consuming process is being assistedbyadvancedtechnologiesreducing thesurfobservationtoapproximatelyfifteen minutes. The Modern SUROB Tool, developedinajoint-forcesprojectbyNRLandthe U.S. Army ERDC combines several innovative systems, to streamline the process and provide real-time, precise data for amphibiousoperations

“TheLittoralLenssystemcoupledwithin the Modern SUROB system-of-systems represents the fusion of advanced technology and mission driven innovation, said NRL Ocean Sciences Division Principal Investigator and LittoralLens Co-Inventor Dr Blake Landry from the Stennis Space Center “Our goal is to provide Marines withtoolsthatnotonlymeetbutexceedthe demands of modern expeditionary operations and afford Marines the ability to shift priorities in challenging training and contestedenvironments.”

ThedemonstrationhighlightedthecapabilitiesoftheLittoralLenssystem,acompact imaging technology designed to estimate SUROB parameters and provide Modified Surf Index (MSI) values, a mission-critical parameter that characterizes the surf zone and serves as a go/no threshold for U.S. Marine Corps operational maneuvers from the sea (OMFTS). The system’s small form-factor enables onboard analysis on mobile platforms and is especially useful in covert operations due to its lack of active signature.

“It is imperative that we continue to promote close collaboration between the warfighter and DOD research community, which streamlines requirements from idea toprototypeinanunprecedentedtimeline,”

said U.S. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer3JosephLester MeteorologyandOceanography platoon commander, Battlespace

SurveillanceCompanywith1stIntelligence

Battalion

“TheMarineCorpsmustcontinue toincorporatewarfighterandFleetMarine Force involvement in the research and development process to inform the scientific community of end-user requirements at the tactical edge This warfighter-driven TechSolutionssuccessstoryshouldbecome thenorm,nottheexception.”

At the core of the Modern SUROB Tool is the collaboration between NRL, the U.S. Army ERDC, and the Marines, driven by real-worldneeds TheModernSUROBtool isatestamenttoNRL’scommitmenttoinnovationandturningideasintopracticaltools that enhance mission readiness and battlefieldperformance.

“End-users are a part of the development of systems like LittoralLens to ensure the system nests well within their concept of operations,” Lester said. “LittoralLens provides technological solutions to ensure surf-zone observation accuracy and will reduce commanders uncertainty while simultaneously increasing safety of operations in the littorals, including amphibious operations.”

Thishands-on,ONR-sponsoredtechnical conceptexperimentallowedMarines who originally requested this solution through the ONR-Global TechSolutions Program todirectlyassessthetechnology’simpacton theiroperations

“OneofthekeythingsthatIalwayspoint out to technical performers who are developing technologies is that I want them to fail early and maybe even often so that we identify the problems to learn from it now instead of the failure happening during the operation,” said Office of Naval Research Program Officer Dr Joong Kim and host of TCE24.2 “Thisisanopportunitytoimprove andsucceedinthefuture.”

TheONR-GlobalTechSolutionsProgram fosters innovation by engaging Sailors,

Marinesofallranks,andscienceadvisorsto identifyandaddresschallengesthatimprove missioneffectiveness

“By delivering real-time actionable data in a format that aligns with existing systems the forward-deployable SUROB tool enhances situational awareness and decision-making, affording Marines the advantage they need in dynamic coastal environments for manned and unmanned assets,” said NRL Ocean Sciences Division Coastal Engineer and Program Manager Dr Allison Penko from the Stennis Space Center This technology solution came about because a Marine asked for it. “TechSolutions exists so that any Sailor in the Fleet and Marine in the Corps can come to us withtheirproblemstheyareexperiencing,” said ONR-Global TechSolutions Program Director Mr Jason Payne “Dr. Kim made available the TCE venue to many performersandTechSolutionstookadvantageofthe TCE opportunity to demo the NRL/Army technologythere.MarinesandSailorsoften haveideasandareinneedofS&Texpertise toturnthoseideasintoaction.

About the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory: NRL is a scientific and engineering commanddedicatedtoresearchthatdrives innovative advances for the U.S. Navy and MarineCorpsfromtheseafloortospaceand in the information domain. NRL is located inWashington,D.C.withmajorfieldsitesin StennisSpaceCenter,Mississippi;KeyWest, Florida; Monterey, California, and employs approximately3,000civilianscientists,engineersandsupportpersonnel. For more information, contact NRL Corporate Communications at (202) 480-3746 or nrlpao@us.navy.mil. Please reference package number at top of press release

US, Lithuanian, German Special Ops enhance lethality

ByLt.j.g MartinCarey

Naval Special Warfare Group Two

KLAIPEDA, Lithuania Strengthening NATOalliances,U.S.EastCoast-basedNaval SpecialWarfareOperators(SEALs)andU.S. SpecialWarfareCombatCrewmen(SWCC) recently conducted a two-week training exercise with Lithuanian and German SpecialOperationsForces

The exercise, which took place in the Baltic region, aimed to increase warfighting readiness and allied lethality through a series of challenging maritime operations small boat tactics, and low-light weapons live-fire drills The training event was

designed to foster greater cooperation and interoperability between the participating nations, maintaining a strategic advantage intheregion.

“Exercises like this are crucial to ensuring we can operate seamlessly together to fightandwinwars,”saidCAPTV.ScottKing, CommodoreofNavalSpecialWarfareGroup TWO.“BytrainingalongsideourLithuanian and German counterparts, we’re not only enhancing our own warfighting readiness but also strengthening the bonds of friendshipandcooperationthatunderpinouralliance.”

Alliedtrainingexerciseslikethisarevital tobolsteringthecollectivedefensecapabil-

itiesofNATOnationsandbuildsastronger, morelethalalliancetoaddressthreatsinthe area. Throughout the exercise the units focused on developing and enhancing their skillsinmaritimespecialoperations,aswell asadvancedmarksmanshipandclosequarters combat techniques The special operations forces refined their ability to launch, operate and recover small raiding crafts fromthewelldecksoftheCombatantCraft Medium, one of Naval Special Warfare’s most versatile boats The event culminated withafull-missionprofile bringingtogether all aspects of the training into a real-world scenario that showcased the special oper-

ations forces’ readiness in the maritime domain.

“The training we conducted was both realistic and challenging,” said the senior NavalSpecialWarfareOperatoronsite “We wereabletolearnfromeachotherandshare best practices This type of cooperation is essentialtoachievingsharedgoalsandmaintainingelitelevelsoflethality.”

Naval Special Warfare Group TWO produces,supports,anddeploystheworld’s premiermaritimespecialoperationsforces to conduct full-spectrum operations and integrated deterrence in support of U.S. national objectives For more information, visithttps://www.nsw.navy.mil/

On iberty

InterviewByYiorgo

ABBA fans and Mamma Mia! fans rejoice Mamma Mia! the incredibly funny story, told through ABBA’s timeless, magical songs, of a mother, a daughter and three possible dads who came to a beautiful Greek island to give their daughter away at her wedding is playing now through SundayatChryslerHallinNorfolk,Va

Mamma Mia! first premiered in London in 1999 and then premiered on Broadway in 2001 It has been seen in 50productions,in16differentlanguagesandgrossedmore than$4billionattheboxoffice

Thisamazingmusicalhasbeenseenliveonstagebyover 65 million people across the world and turned into two record-breakingmovies MAMMAMIA!TheMoviethat became the highest grossing live action musical film of all timeuponitsreleasein2008andMAMMAMIA!HereWe GoAgain,whichopenedinJuly2018andisthemostsuccessfullivemusicalmoviesequelofalltime

Formoreinfo,tickets,timesanddates,gotohttps://www sevenvenues.com/events/detail/mamma-mia Yiorgo: With us today is our very own, local, national starandprofessionalperformerJustinSudderthwhoplays

Pepperandisintheensembleofthisincredibleproduction ofMammaMia!playingnowatChryslerHall.TellusJustin, why should people come to see Mamma Mia!? What will theysee,hearandexperience?

Justin Sudderth: First and foremost, they’re going to experience joy. They’re going to laugh. They’re going to feel just so many different emotions and they’re going to see bright colors They’re going to see wonderful talent. They’regoingtogetontheirfeetanddancealongwithusto themusicofABBA,whichsomanypeoplegrewupon.Soit’s sort of their moment to experience the joy and fun memories all over again. I am now comfortable enough being on stageandlookingoutintotheaudiencesandseeingsomany smilesandsomanypeoplehavingthebesttimeever It’sthe greatestthingtobeabletogettoseethateverynight

Y:Soforthosenotfamiliarwiththemusicalandwithout giving too much away can you tell us a little bit about what thismusicalisabout?

JS: The musical is about a mother and daughter duo of Donna Sheridan and Sophie Sheridan. It is the day before Sophie’s wedding She’s trying to figure out who her dad is and there’s three possible candidates. So without telling her mother she invites them to her wedding and basically

themusicalfollowsalongthenightbeforeasshe’stryingto figureoutwhoherfatherisunbeknownsttohermotherthat they’reallthereforthisreason Ittouchesonfriends,chosen family,loveandwomenempowerment.Andyes,everyoneis havingagreattime It’sjustthecraziestcircumstancesthat happenbeforeherwedding Y:TellusaboutyourroleasPepperandwhatdoesitmean tobeintheensembleas well?

JS: Pepper is one of the workers at Donna Sheridan’s Taverna. Pepper is lively, jumbling, youthful and energetic who falls for one of Donna’s friends, Tanya, who is considerablyolderthanhim,butthatdoesn’treallystophimfrom pursuingherandultimatelytryingtowinherover Wehavea numberinthesecondactcalled,“DoesYourMotherKnow,” whereyoukindofseethisplayoutinrealtimeofmetrying to woo her with my dance moves and my charm and I love that number I think that coupled with being in the ensemble,Igettododoubledutyoftellingthatstory Thereareothermomentsintheshowwheretheensemble is sort of filling up the world of Greece in this Taverna that

NORFOLK, Va Nederlander National Markets and SevenVenues are delighted to announce the lineup for the 2025-2026 Broadway in Norfolk season at Chrysler Hall featuringweeklongengagementsofsixhitmusicals includingfiveNorfolkdebuts

Season ticket packages are on sale now at BroadwayinNorfolk.com.Currentsubscriberscanrenewtheirseats,and new subscribers can purchase season tickets at this time On-sale dates for individual tickets will be announced as each performance approaches. Group sales opportunities areavailableforselectshows. The season kicks off in September with A BEAUTIFUL NOISE. Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL is the untold true story of a Brooklyn kid who became a chart-busting, show-stopping, award-winning Americanicon.DirectfromBroadway,THEWIZ,theTony Award®-winningBestMusicalthattooktheworldbystorm, is back and coming to Chrysler Hall in November This groundbreakingtwistonTheWizardofOzchangedtheface ofBroadway—fromitsiconicscorepackedwithsoul,gospel, rock,and70sfunktoitsstirringtaleofDorothy’sjourneyto find her place in a contemporary world. Broadway’s most

funhitmusical,&JULIET,closesouttheyearinDecember CreatedbytheEmmy®-winningwriterfrom“Schitt’sCreek,” thishilariousnewmusicalflipsthescriptonthegreatestlove storyevertold.&JULIETasks:whatwouldhappennextif Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Get whisked away on a fabulousjourneyassheditchesherfamousendingforafresh beginningandasecondchanceatlifeandlove—herway.The season continues into the new year with another Norfolk debut in February SHUCKED SHUCKED is the Tony Award®—winning musical comedy about an unlikely hero, alovableconman,andana-maize-ingbattlefortheheart& soil of Cob County MRS DOUBTFIRE makes its Norfolk debutinMarch.Everyone’sfavoriteScottishnannyisheaded toChryslerHallin“afeel-good,family-friendlycomedythat delivers”(TheHollywoodReporter).Basedonthebeloved film,it’s“thelovable,big-heartedmusicalcomedyweneed rightnow”(ChicagoTribune) onethatproveswe’rebetter together. More than 100 million people around the world haveexperiencedthephenomenonofDisney’sTHELION KING, and now you can, too, when Norfolk’s best-loved musicalreturnstoChryslerHallinApril.WinnerofsixTony Awards®, including Best Musical, this landmark musical event brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway Tony Award®-winning director Julie Taymorbringstolifeastoryfilledwithhopeandadventure

set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals. THE LION KING also features some of Broadway’s most recognizablemusic,craftedbyTonyAward®-winningartistsElton John and Tim Rice There is simply nothing else like THE LIONKING

Broadway In Norfolk 2025-2026 Season

Chrysler Hall Performance Dates

„ ABeautifulNoise:TheNeilDiamondMusical: September2-7,2025 8performances

„ TheWiz:November4-9,2025 8performances

„ &Juliet:December3-7,2025 8performances

„ Shucked:February3-8,2026 8performances

„ Mrs Doubtfire:March31-April5,2026 8performances

„ Disney’sTheLionKing:April30-May17,2026 23performances

Packagesstartaslowas$311forsixshows Foradditional packageinformation,visitBroadwayinNorfolk.com.Patrons cancontacttheBroadwayinNorfolkSeasonTicketOfficeat

Community

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS, NEWS AND PHOTOS

The Flagship welcomes submissions from ourreaders online. Pleasesubmiteventshere: www.militarynews.com/users/admin/calendar/event/ Pleasesubmitnewsandphotoshere: www.militarynews.com/norfolk-navy-flagship/submit_news/

Virginia Championship Wrestling returns to Hampton High School on March 15th, with special guest, the legendary “Russian Nightmare” Nikita Koloff who shares great wrestling stories

InterviewByYiorgo

VirginiaChampionshipWrestlingreturns to my alma mater, the great Hampton High SchoolinHampton,VirginiaonMarch15th for the annual fundraising event to benefit theHamptonCrabbers

Fanswillhavetheopportunitytomeetand take pictures with the special guest for the evening, the legendary JCP, NWA, WCW star,the“RussianNightmare”NikitaKoloff aswellasWCWstarGillberg.

It is an action packed card filled with excitement from beginning to end. In the main event, Rex Lawless challenges Devantes for the Virginia Heavyweight Championship The Director Jerry Stephanitsis continues his quest to get rid of “Mr. Xcellence” Brandon Scott by placing a blockbuster bounty on Brandon and Myles Hawkins is ready to collect it The Boar goes one-on-one against Saul Esparza (with his manager Neil Sharkey) as both men want to prove that their loss at the previous VCW show was a fluke. Ken Dixon takes on the “Greek God” Papadon as he looks to avenge his loss to Papadon at VCW’sTidingsofDestruction.VCWLiberty Champion Commander King and Cassius “Cash” Carter take on Myron Malone and the debuting TECHNO. Women’s professional wrestling returns to Hampton High asJoiyaBlakemakesherVCWdebutagainst Hyena Hera and in an eight-man tag team match theteamsofTheGoldenPinkySociety and the debuting team Nice & Smooth takeontheVCWTagTeamChampionsthe Delinquents,ChuloMontanaandYkies! Front Row has completely sold out with a few ringside seats remaining For more info, tickets and photo ops go to https:// www.simpletix.com/e/vcw-pro-wrestlingin-hampton-tickets-200649

Yiorgo: And now, my interview with my very dear friend, the legendary “Russian Nightmare”NikitaKoloff Sogreattotalkto youagainmybrotherinChrist,mybrotherin wrestlingandmostofallmyverydearfriend Fansaresoexcitedthatyouarecomingback totheHamptonRoads,JimCrockettPromotions, Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestlingareaaftersomanyyearsandthesiteof somanyofyourgreatmatches

NikitaKoloff:Yiorgomyverydearfriend, it’s always a blessing to talk with you. I am really looking forward to seeing all of my great fans at Virginia Championship Wrestling’s show at Hampton High School on March 15th. We can take pictures together and reminisce about the good old days. I enjoyhearingtheirmemories,talkingabout ourLordandSaviorJesusChristandsigning picturesandtheirmemorabilia.

Y: While in the city of Hampton you will alsodoyourTheManUpBreakfastonSaturday morning March 15th from 8:00-10:00 AMandthenonSundayMarch16thyouwill have a special worship service at 11:00 AM both at the Greater Discipleship Center at 1307 LaSalle Ave in Hampton, VA Tell us aboutthat.

NK:Yes,menofallages,youngandyoung at heart are invited to fellowship together andhearthewordofGodandhowwecould all be better men according to the Bible There is a nominal fee to cover breakfast. And then there is a wonderful opportunity to bring the whole family Sunday morning free of charge and we can all worship and rejoice in the Good Book together For any questions, contact Lance Bacon at (540) 429-5530

Editor’s Note: Below are excerpts from a previousinterviewwithNikitaandYiorgo

Y:Fromwrestlertominister,youhavehad quite a journey and have written a book to tellyourstory Tellusaboutit

NK:Inmybook,“NikitaAtaleoftheRing andRedemption”Isharemywholelifestory

The short version of that is as an athlete, I loved playing football until an opportunity opened up for professional wrestling in the 80’s through the early 90’s. I took advantage of that opportunity, and was blessed with a meteoric rise to stardom I walked awayundermyownterms,andabouteleven monthslater,October17th,1993tobeexact, I surrendered my life to Jesus and now 30 yearslater,thejourneyhasbeensurreal.

Y: As a wrestling fan myself I followed your career both booing and cheering for you. What have been some of your favorite highlights of your professional wrestling career?

NK: I appreciate that, Yiorgo Our wrestling fans are the lifeblood of the wrestling business Here are three of my personal favorites: At the first ever Great American Bash I wrestled against “Nature Boy” Ric Flair for my first opportunity for the World Heavyweight title With only 13 months into the business, I was already the world tag-team champion, the world six-men champion and wrestling Ric for the world titlewashuge I also had my Best of Seven series of matches for the U S Heavyweight title againstHamptonRoadsAreaownMagnum TA Thatseriesofmatchesareprobablythe mosttalkedaboutofallinmycareerwiththe fansandamajorhighlight

The third highlight was when I made the turn from a bad guy to a good guy and I came to the aid of the American Dream, Dusty Rhodes, and became the Superpow-

(COURTESYOFVIRGINIACHAMPIONSHIPWRESTLING)

ers That set us into an incredible series of matches with the Four Horsemen, along with the Road Warriors culminating in the firsteverWarGamesinAtlanta Georgia.

Y: What was it like learning under the learningtreesofIvanKoloffandDonKernodle?

NK: I credit much of my success to both Ivan and Don When I broke in, they were theWorldTag-TeamChampionsatthetime and they went well above the call of duty When I stepped into wrestling I had no experience no training no background of anykindofamatourorprofessional.Essentially I had on the job training with those two guys, the first two-three months of my career They were instrumental in my early rise to stardom, along with the other guys

thatwegotintheringwith.

We became good friends, and in fact, I was honored to speak at Ivan’s graveside service I also spoke at Don’s funeral with SargentSlaughterinthefrontrowandIsaid, had it not been for Sarge and Don, Nikita Koloff would have never been born. They approached Jim Crockett with the idea, he lovedit,andDonistheonewhoapproached Road Warrior Animal If he knew any big guys who wouldn’t mind saving their head. AnimalsaidIknowaguyrightnow,gaveme a call, I showed up and Don and Ivan, they ended up training me on the job So that’s thebackstory

Y: You and Road Warrior Animal (Joe Laurinaitis) God rest his soul have always beenverytight.Howdidyouoriginallymeet andbecamefriends?

NK: I recruited Joe out of Irondale High School in Brighton, Minnesota He was a standout high school football player and I recruited him to play college football with me I gave Joe, his mom Lorna and dad, Joe Sr a tour of the campus, we had an instant connection, and became like a prodigal son to his family We became best of friends, and so you might say, ironically I recruited him out of high school to play football. He dropped out of college I finished He got into wrestling He in turn recruited me out offootballtogetintowrestling

Y: I know the fans would love to hear a Dustystory

NK:OnceDustyandIpartneredup,oneof my favorite memories was traveling up and down the roads together, building a friendshipandaloveforoneanother.OneregretI haveisweforevertalkedaboutbuyingsome landtogetheroutinIdahoandMontanabut we never did it Actually, post wrestling, I called him up one day, said I’m coming to Atlanta and I want to take you to lunch. We went to lunch. Dusty said what else are you

doing here? I said nothing else I love you, I wrote my first book Breaking the Chains It’s a simple story of my life transformation ofhowIcametoChristandhowotherscan come to Christ. I wanted to personally give ittoyou,thankyouforeverythingthenIam goingbackhometoCharlotte Ipersonalized the book, gave it to him and left. A friend of mine who was in Dusty’s school at the time saidthatDustywentintohisofficeforabout two hours and shut the door and read the book. Y:Youwerenotverykindtomyverydear friend David Crockett back then and you actually gave David the Russian sickle Can youtellusaboutit?

NK:Firstandforemost,Iwanttosaythat IamforeverindebtedtotheCrockettfamily andforJimmyCrockett,givingmemybreak. I remember hearing David talking about takingmyRussiansickleonConradThompsonandTonySchiavone’s“WhatHappened When”podcastthatheknewitwascoming, butdidnotknowwhenitwascoming Tony said that he did not know anything about it andwhenithappened,TonywaslikeOhmy gosh.Davidsaidhelaidthereforaminuteto make sure everything was working In my youngmind,it’stelevision,ithastolookgood soIlaiditin.Itwasnothingpersonal.Iloved all the Crocketts including David. David described it as if he had run into a neighbor’s clothesline in the backyard at night. It was Dusty’s idea, David went along with it andhelivedtotalkaboutit.Thankyouvery muchDavid.

Yiorgo is an arts entertainment and sports writer A stage TV and movie actor he is also a sports entertainer educator motivational speaker, writer, storyteller and columnist.

we’reinandgivingitlifeandgivingitsortof asenseofcolor Specificallythere’sanumber inAct1called,“Money,Money,Money”that it’ssortofthisdreamsequenceinawayand theensemblekindoffillsoutthisworldina reallycoolandinterestingway.SoIthinkit’s really a blessing to be able to do my Pepper track as well as do these other moments throughouttheshow.

Y:Canyoutalkaboutyourinitialinvolvement with this show? How did you find out about the opening? What was the audition like?Findingoutyougotthepartandsoon?

JS: I got the initial email from my agent thattherewasadancecall.So basicallyyou goandtheyteachyouthedanceandyoudo it So, I did that and then I got a call back. I went and they gave you material, for me it wasforPepper Isang Ididsomeofthelines, and then I got another call back and it was sort of like a final call back where it was me andmaybefiveotherpeopleauditioningfor thispart.So Ididthat.Itwasmoredancing and then after that, I didn’t hear anything formaybeacoupleofmonths.Thiswaslast JuneandIdidn’thearanythinguntilAugust. But I was doing another show and I got a call from my agent basically saying that I booked Pepper I called my mom and that was the coolest thing ever, to be able to tell heraboutthat.Thatwastheauditionaspect ofit.AndthenIjoinedmyfirstnationaltour in October in Toronto Canada. I rehearsed andeventuallywenton.

Y: So now let’s talk about Mamma Mia! What is your favorite part or parts of the showthatyouarein,thatyougettodoevery night? And you can’t wait to play. And does thatpartchangefromtimetotime?

JS:Myfavoritepartis,“DoesYourMother Know?”Because,again,that’sjustsortofmy little dance break moment in there where I’m trying to woo Tanya. And that whole numberisjustsuchablastandtheaudience loves it. They’re having the best time ever I knowsometimesatonepoint,you’llseeIdo alittleacrobaticmomentinthenumber.And while doing it, I get to look out at the audience Idon’twanttospoilit ButIlookoutat theaudienceandjustseeingthemlaughing

and smiling and enjoying it is incredible So I definitely think that number is one of the bestmomentsforme

Another moment is the mega mix that’s like a concert. Everybody’s singing along At one point, people bring out their phone flashlights People are swinging along with us They’redancing,they’resinging,they’re having a good time So that’s definitely anotherhighlight.

Y: What is your favorite part of the show that you are not in, but you love to either watchfromthesidesorsingtoitintheback?

JS: Oh, there’s so many. The cast is just incredible But my favorite moment off stage is listening to the three moms in the bedroom scene Rosie, Tanya, and Donna, they’re like the three, the dynamos Donna and the Dynamos, they’re in the bedroom. And basically Tanya and Rosie are trying to cheer up Donna. And they’re just, Jalynn Steele who plays Tonya and Carly Sakolove who plays Rosie are just so funny. And just their voices are incredible and they are having a good time up there too Like they genuinely are enjoying themselves and we get to actually see the audiences react to it. Sothatisjustsogood.

hitmakerbecameastar,settothesongsthat definedhiscareer

TheWiz November 4 - 9, 2025

seasontickets@broadwayinnorfolk.com or byphoneat877-703-8144(Monday-Friday 10a.m.-6p.m.andSaturday,12p.m. 6p.m. EST).

Broadway In Norfolk 2025-2026 Season Show

Descriptions:

ABeautifulNoise:TheNeilDiamond

Musical September 2 - 7, 2025

Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, A BEAUTIFUL NOISE is the uplifting true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became a chart-busting, show-stopping American rock icon With 120millionalbumssold,acatalogueofclassicslike“America, “ForeverinBlueJeans,” and “Sweet Caroline,” an induction into the Songwriters and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame, a Grammy® Lifetime Achievement Award, and sold-out concerts around the world that made him bigger than Elvis, Neil Diamond’s story was made to shine on Broadway-and head out on the road across America.

Like Jersey Boys and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical before it A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND

MUSICAL is an inspiring, exhilarating, energy-filled musical memoir, that tells the untold true story of how America’s greatest

The Tony® Award-winning Best Musical thattooktheworldbystormisback.

THEWIZreturns“home”tostagesacross America in an all-new tour, direct from Broadway The Baltimore Sun raves “Powerhouse performances Stunning choreography. Visionary sets” and the Chicago Sun-Times proclaimsTHEWIZis“Aneye-poppingand high-intensityrevival!”

ThisgroundbreakingtwistonTheWizard of Oz changed the face of Broadway—from its iconic score packed with soul, gospel, rock,and70sfunktoitsstirringtaleofDorothy’s journey to find her place in a contemporaryworld. With direction by Schele Williams (The Notebook, revival of Disney’s Aida), choreographybyJaQuelKnight(Beyoncé’s“Single Ladies,”BlackIsKing)andadditionalmaterial by Tony-nominated and Emmy-nominatedwriterandTVhostAmberRuffin(The Amber Ruffin Show, Late Night with Seth Meyers), this dynamite infusion of ballet, jazz, and modern pop brings a whole new groove to easing on down the road Everybodyrejoice!

&Juliet December 3 - 7, 2025

Created by the Emmy®-winning writer from “Schitt’s Creek, this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told & Juliet asks: what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over

Y: What is it like working with some of the other actors, the staff in this particular production?

JS: It’s the best time ever I think as a cast, we really bond. And getting to tell this wonderful story every night on stage with people that you really vibe with and you enjoy being around is once again, it’s a blessing Every night, people do things that just leave me in awe. Like my jaw is on the floor That everyone’s just so professional and so talented. And that we do this eight shows a week. And so the consistency and the preparation and the way that everybodyjustshowsupandshowsoutis,it’sjust eye-opening And I think a good lesson for me,whetherthere’speopleolderthanmeor there’s people younger than me in the cast, regardless it’s just teaching me new things about how to make it in this industry, how tocontinuefocusingonlongevitywithinthe industry

Y:Nowlet’slearnaboutyou.Wherewere you born? Where did you grow up? And what made you fall in love with the music entertainmentbusiness?

JS: I was born in Norfolk and I grew up in Virginia Beach. I went to Salem High SchoolfortheirPerformingArts Visualand Performing Arts Academy. I was a theater andvisualartsmajor.SoIdidbothofthose The theater aspect was mostly street plays and a lot of acting classes So that was part of my education there. And then the other thing was the visual arts program. I also was involved in a lot of painting, ceramics, allkindsofvisualartsclassesaswell.

Y: You also got involved with the Hurrah Players, Virginia’s Leading Theatre Company.Tellusaboutthat.

JS: I started with the Hurrah Players before I went to high school around 13-14 years old. They were my dive into theatre asawholeandmusicaltheatremorespecifically I took their musical theatre dance jazz, hip hop and then eventually I auditioned for and got a part in their Christmas show Hurrah for the Holidays It was the first musical cabaret review show that I ever did.AndIthinkthatwaswheremylovefor theatre and singing and dancing and acting was sort of created for me I stuck with Hurrah for my entire high school experi-

Romeo? Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance atlifeandlove—herway.

Juliet’s new story bursts to life through a playlistofpopanthemsasiconicashername including “Since U Been Gone‚ “Roar,” “BabyOneMoreTime,”“LargerThanLife‚ “That’s The Way It Is,“ and “Can’t Stop the Feeling!”—all from the genius songwriter/ producerbehindmore#1hitsthananyother artistthiscentury Breakfreeofthebalcony sceneandgetintothisromanticcomedythat proves there’s life after Romeo. The only thingtragicwouldbemissingit.

Shucked February 3 - 8, 2026

SHUCKEDistheTonyAward®—winning musical comedy The Wall Street Journal calls “flat out hilarious!” And nobody knows funny like economists. Featuring a book by Tony Award winner Robert Horn (Tootsie), a score by the Grammy® Award— winning songwriting team of Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally (Kacey Musgraves’ “FollowYourArrow”)anddirectedbyTony AwardwinnerJackO’Brien(Hairspray),this corn-fed, corn-bred American musical is sure to satisfy your appetite for great musicaltheater

Mrs Doubtfire

March 31 - April 5, 2026

Everyone’s favorite Scottish nanny is headed to Norfolk in this internationally acclaimed hit musical critics call “wonderful, heart-warming, and laugh-out-loud funny” (Manchester Evening News) and “a feel-good, family-friendly comedy that

ence And I definitely credit them for just sortofcultivatingtheartisticfirewithinme And then eventually giving me the confidence to go and do it, to believe in myself enoughtosaythatIcanbeaperformer,Ican beanartist,andIcanmakealivingoffofthis IhadsomegreatteachersinHughCopeland, LisaWallaceandSharonCook.

Y: How about a wow, pinch-me moment or two that you can’t believe this little boy from Virginia Beach, VA got to experience inlife

JS: One will be performing this show at Chrysler Hall now. It was where I saw so many shows and now I am on the Chrysler Hall stage as one of the performers When we performed in Richmond, which obviously is a little bit of a ways but just being in the state and doing it was a pinch-me moment. I think another one in regards to this tour was going on for the first time as Pepper Prior to that, I was performing at theatres with maybe upwards of 800. So, that’s kind of what I was used to And then going on in Toronto as Pepper and walking out on the stage for the first time into a theatre that seats over 3,000 people And those seats were filled. There were 3,000 peopleinthataudience Thatwasjustridiculous I couldn’t look out at the audience There were so many people I just focused ontheactorsonstagebecauseIwouldfreak outifIkeptlookingoutthere Thatwasjust aninsanemoment.

Another pinch me moment is just telling people that I got this contract and thank them for everything. And it paid off My mom is getting to tell her her driving to rehearsals every day and picking me up and taking me to the shows and paying for classes and everything Getting to tell her that I got this contract and just that it paid off ThatI’mdoingthethingsthatIsetoutto doisaconstantpinchmemoment.

Y: You can follow Justin on Instagram at justinaaronsudderth and on Facebook at JustinSudderth

Yiorgo is an arts, entertainment and sports writer A stage, TV and movie actor, he is also a sports entertainer, educator, motivational speaker, writer, storyteller and columnist.

delivers”(TheHollywoodReporter).Based on the beloved film, MRS DOUBTFIRE tells the hysterical and heartfelt story of an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids It’s “the lovable big-hearted musical comedy we need right now,” raves the Chicago Tribune one that proves we’re bettertogether Disney’sTheLonKing April 30 - May 17, 2026 Giraffes strut. Birds swoop Gazelles leap The entire Serengeti comes to life as never before. And as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist. This is Disney’s THE LION KING, making its triumphantreturntoChryslerHall!

Morethan100millionpeoplearoundthe world have experienced the awe-inspiring visualartistry,theunforgettablemusic,and the uniquely theatrical storytelling of this Broadway spectacular one of the most breathtaking and beloved productions ever togracethestage Winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, THE LION KING brings togetheroneofthemostimaginativecreative teams on Broadway Tony Award®-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filledwithhopeandadventuresetagainstan amazingbackdropofstunningvisuals THE LIONKINGalsofeaturestheextraordinary work of Tony Award®-winning choreographer Garth Fagan and some of Broadway’s most recognizable music, crafted by Tony Award®-winningartistsEltonJohnandTim Rice There is simply nothing else like THE LIONKING.

Start the day by sharing a heartwarming breakfast

ByFamilyFeatures

Source: Nature’s Own

Acozymorningathomesharingadeliciousbreakfast -formanyfamilies,it’sapictureofperfection.Whether your brunch favorites include pastries and pancakes or fruits and French toast, enjoying a meal together is a heartwarmingwaytostarttheday.

Now, you can savor all your favorite flavors inspired by wish kids These Bananas Foster French Toast and PeanutButterandApplebreakfastrecipesaremadewith thefreshnessandirresistiblysofttextureofButterbread fromNature’sOwn,whichpartneredwithMake-A-Wish on a $500,000 donation to highlight and support wish kidsthrough2026

Since 1980, the global nonprofit has granted more than 375,000 wishes in the U.S. to children with critical illnesses, helping them build the strength and hope needed to fight their illnesses Granted wishes can be life-changing, bringing a sense of normalcy to families thatcanimpactentirecommunities

To celebrate the partnership the Slice of Hope Campaign was launched, introducing in-store displays aswellasadigital“WellWishWall”whereshopperscan submittheirwellwishesforkidstosee

Special-edition bread loaf packaging also highlights thecollaborationbysharinginspiringstoriesfromthree wishkids:Addison,whofulfilledherdreamofexperiencingthewondersofPearlHarbor;Aden,whoventuredout foranepicfishingtrip;andJoanna,bornwithanadventurous spirit that wouldn’t rest until she learned to surf thebreathtakingshoresofHawaii.

“We are truly honored to partner with Make-A-Wish on this meaningful two-year journey, committing to help grant life-changing wishes,” said Krystle Farlow, seniordirectorofbrandmanagementforNature’sOwn. “Together, we hope to continue to inspire and spread goodness,onewishatatime.”

To learn more about the campaign, visit naturesownbread.com/make-a-wish.

Bananas Foster French Toast

Total time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

FrenchToast:

„ 4eggs

„ 2cupshalf-and-half

„ 1teaspooncinnamon

„ ½cupsugar

„ 1tablespoonvanillaextract

„ ¼stickbutter

„ 1loafNature’sOwnButterbread

BananasFosterSauce:

½stickbutter

„

„ 1½cupsbrownsugar

„ 1teaspooncinnamon

„ 3bananas slicedlengthwiseandquartered

TomakeFrenchtoast:Inmixingbowl,combineeggs, half-and-half, cinnamon, sugar and vanilla Beat until wellblended.

On nonstick griddle or griddle pan on medium heat, meltbutter

Dipeachbreadsliceintoeggmixtureuntilfullycoated (two times each). Place on griddle and cook until each sideisslightlybrown.

Tomakebananasfostersauce:Meltbutterandbrown sugartogether;addcinnamon.Oncemeltedintocaramel, addslicedbananas Continuespooningsauceoverbananasinpan.

Plate French toast and spoon bananas with sauce on topofeachFrenchtoaststack.

Peanut Butter and Apple Toast

Total time: 10 minutes

Servings: 1

„ 2tablespoonspeanutbutter

„ 1sliceNature’sOwnButterbread

„ ½apple,thinlysliced

„ 1teaspoonhoney

Spreadpeanutbutterononesideofbread. Arrangeappleslicesontopofpeanutbutter Drizzlehoneyoverappleslices

Expand your menu with a versatile enchilada

ByFamilyFeatures

Source: Culinary.net

An easy recipe that can serve your family oracrowdisaperfectsolutionforanycookbook.LooknofurtherthanthisEasyEnchiladaCasserole anidealfitforfamilydinners or hosting a group when served as a dip. Visit Culinary.net to discover more versatilerecipeideastokeeponhand.

Easy Enchilada Casserole

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy” Servings: 6 (12 as appetizer)

„ 1poundgroundbeef

„ 1tablespoonmincedonion

„ 1tablespoongarlicpowder

„ 1cuprice

„ 1can(14½ounces)dicedtomatoes

„ 1can(10.7ounces)enchiladasauce

„ 1can(15ounces)rinsedblackbeans

„ 1can(15ounces)wholecorn

„ 1½cupsshreddedcheddarcheese divided

„ 2tablespoonsmesquiteseasoning

„ cilantro,fortopping(optional)

„ greenonions,fortopping(optional)

Heatovento350F. Inskillet,browngroundbeefwithminced onionandgarlicpowder Drainandsetaside. Cook rice according to package instructions In casserole dish, mix meat, tomatoes enchilada sauce, black beans, corn rice 1 cupcheddarcheeseandmesquiteseasoning Bake,covered,20minutes

Top with remaining cheese, cilantro and greenonions

Retiring in 2025? Take action to keep your TRICARE coverage

ByTRICARECommunications

FALLSCHURCH,Va Ifyou’regetting ready to retire from active duty or the NationalGuardorReserve,yourgoalislikely to make a smooth transition to civilian life. Part of this transition includes your health coverage,andTRICAREisheretohelp.

When you retire from active duty or the National Guard or Reserve, you’ll experience a TRICARE Qualifying Life Event. A QLE gives you 90 days in which to enroll in a TRICARE health plan You’ll still have accesstothesamecoverageunderyournew plan. Unlike during your military service though, you need to choose your plan in retirement.

“Service members shouldn’t wait to take action on their TRICARE coverage,” said Zelly Zim, health systems specialist, TRICARE Health Plan Policy & Programs Branch, at the Defense Health Agency.

“Don’t wait until your last day of service to start this process Begin reviewing your optionsandupdatingyourinformationinthe Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting Systemassoonasyouhaveyourretirement orders Thefirst90daysafterretirementare critical for maintaining continuous healthcarecoverageforyouandyourfamily.” Follow these key steps to maintain your TRICARE health coverage and avoid any gapsincare.

Step 1: Update DEERS

Your

first priority is updating your status inDEERS Youhavethreewaystodothis:

„ LogintomilConnect.

„ Call800-538-9552

„ Visit a Uniformed Services ID card office nearyou.

Step 2: Get new ID cards

Once your retirement paperwork is processed,you’llneedtogetnewUniformed Services ID cards for yourself and your family members Find an ID card office at ID Card Office Online Remember to bring thesecardstoallmedicalappointmentsand pharmacyvisits

Step 3: Choose your health plan

ReviewyourTRICAREoptionsbasedon yoursituation. AsmentionedintheRetiringfromActive DutyBrochure(onlineathttps://tricare.mil/ Publications/Brochures/retiring_active_ duty),ifretiringfromactivedutybeforeage 65 yourhealthplanoptionsare:

„ TRICARE Prime (if you live in a Prime ServiceArea)

„ TRICARESelect

„ US Family Health Plan (available in six U.S.locations) AsdescribedintheRetiringfromNational GuardandReserveBrochurehttps://tricare. mil/Publications/Brochures/retiring national_guard_reserve), if retiring from the National Guard or Reserve, your health planoptionsare: „ Before age 60: TRICARE Retired Reserve

„ Ages 60-64: Same options as retirees fromactiveduty

„ Age65andolder: TRICARE For Life (if

Important TRICARE Communication Update

ByTRICARECommunications

TRICAREismovingtoanewemailplatform.Inthecomingweeks,we’llstartsendingemailsfromtricare@news.dha.mil. Your existing TRICARE GovDelivery subscription maynottransfer automatically to the new platform. Here’s how to keep receiving important TRICAREnewsandinformationfromus: Add tricare@news.dha.mil to your addressbookorsafesenderlist. Resubscribethroughournewemailplatform.Alinktoresubscribewillbeavailable ontricare.mil/subscriptionssoon. Otherwaystostayuptodate: „ VisittheTRICARENewsroomtosee thelatestTRICAREnewsandbenefit information. „ YoucanalsofollowusonFacebookand Instagram.

Welookforwardtostayingintouchwith you!

you’reenrolledinMedicarePartAandPart B)

Step 4: Enroll in your new plan

You must enroll within 90 days of your retirement date to avoid a gap in coverage

Youcanenroll: „ OnlinethroughmilConnect

„ By phone with your TRICARE regional contractor

„ Bymailusinganenrollmentform

„ If you’re overseas: In person at a TRICAREAreaOffice

Step 5: Set up payment

Most retiree plans require enrollment fees or premiums For TRICARE Select or TRICARE Prime, you’ll pay yearly enrollmentfees Youmustsetuppaymentstokeep yourcoverageactive.

Consider setting up an allotment from yourretirementpaytocoveryourTRICARE enrollment fees automatically This convenient payment option deducts the fees directlyfromyourretirementcheck,saving youtime

Step 6: Consider dental and vision

When you retire, your active duty dental andvisioncoveragewillend Youcanchoose toenrollin:

„ Dental coverage through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance

Program

„ Vision coverage through FEDVIP (if you’reenrolledinaTRICAREhealthplan)

Pharmacy coverage

You’llhaveaccessto:

„ Militarypharmacies

„ TRICAREPharmacyHomeDelivery

„ Retailnetworkpharmacies

„ Non-networkpharmacies

You may need to fill certain maintenance medicationsthroughhomedelivery Contact Express Scripts to learn about prescription requirementsandcopayments

Going overseas?

If you plan to live overseas after retirement, your TRICARE options may differ Contact International SOS, the TRICARE OverseasProgramcontractor,tolearnabout available plans and coverage in your new location.

Plan ahead

If you’ll turn 65 after retirement, be sure to sign up for Medicare no later than two monthsbeforethemonthyouturn65 Read the TRICARE and Medicare Turning 65 Brochure for important details and deadlinesforsigningupforMedicarePartAand PartB.GetthefactstoensureasmoothtransitiontoTFL.

Retroactive enrollment

If you miss the 90-day enrollment window, and you’re not yet 65 years of age,

you may request retroactive enrollment up to 12 months from your retirement date

Remember: „ Claims can’t be paid until enrollment is complete

„ Coverage starts from your retirement date

„ You must pay applicable enrollment fees backtoyourretirementdate Untilyouenrollinaplan,you’reonlyeligible for care you receive at military hospitalsandclinics Thisisonlytrueofyourtime betweenthe90-dayenrollmentwindowand whenyousignupforaplan.

Changes to your coverage

Be aware that some TRICARE services endwhenyouretire.Theseinclude:

„ The Extended Care Health Option for familymemberswithspecialneeds „ Hearing aids and hearing aid services,

althoughyoumaybeabletogethearingaids throughtheDepartmentofVeteransAffairs ortheRetiree-At-CostHearingAidProgram

„ Chiropracticcarethroughmilitaryhospitalsorclinics

„ Routine eye exams (except with TRICAREPrimeorenrollmentinFEDVIP). Stay connected

KeepyourinformationcurrentinDEERS. Forquestions:

„ Contact your TRICARE regional contractor „ Visitwww.tricare.mil.

Want more information about your TRICAREoptionsinretirement?Download the TRICARE retirement brochures online atwww.tricare.mil/publications