IN THIS ISSUE
CSG-2 hosts change of command CSG-2 conducted a change of command ceremony aboard the flagship USS Dwight D. Eisenhower on June 15. Rear Adm. P. Scott Miller relieved Rear Adm. Dusty Rhodes after serving in the role since May of 2025. Page A2
NORFOLK, Va. (June 17, 2026) From left, Vice Adm. Doug Perry, commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet; Spanish Vice Adm. Perez Puig, commander, Spanish Maritime Forces Headquarters; Adm. Karl Thomas, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command; and Capt. Rick Haley, commanding officer of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), participate in a ceremonial cake cutting during a Fleet Exercise (FLEETEX) 250 welcome reception aboard Iwo Jima, June 16, 2026. FLEETEX 250 represents the United States’ commitment to layer defense of the homeland through forward-deployed forces and reinforces interoperability with allies and partners through collective maritime security. (MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 1ST CLASS RYAN SEELBACH)
U.S. 2nd Fleet and international partners commence Fleet Exercise 250 Courtesy Story COMMANDER, U.S. 2ND FLEET
NORFOLK, Va. (June 15, 2026) — Vice Adm. Doug Perry, commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, presents a ceremonial plaque to Commodore Maryla Ingham, commander standing NATO Maritime Group 1, during a visit to German navy Sachsenclass air-defense frigate FGS Sachsen (F 219) after its arrival at Naval Station Norfolk for Fleet Exercise (FLEETEX) 250. FLEETEX 250 represents the United States’ commitment to layer defense of the homeland through forward-deployed forces and reinforces interoperability with allies and partners through collective maritime security. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO
NORFOLK, Va. — Ships from 17 allied and partner nations arrived to Naval Station Norfolk in preparation for Fleet Exercise (FLEETEX) 250, June 14-15. Beginning on June 16, the multi-national maritime exercise will commence for the first time in Hampton Roads and in the Atlantic Ocean. A special reception aboard Waspclass amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) will serve as a welcome event for FLEETEX 250. The large-scale exercise is designed to enhance interoperability and test the integrated forces in a dynamic, multi-domain training environment. FLEETEX 250 will bring together 31 warships, multi-national aircraft, and their crews to conduct a series of structured training events at-sea. The exercise will focus on a full spectrum of naval warfare, including anti-air (AAW), anti-submarine (ASW), and amphibious operations, culminating in a scenario-driven free-play event against a dynamic adversary. The primary goal is to
BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS ALISHA GLEASON)
See FLEETEX on Page A2
NAVELSG holds change of command By Chief Petty Officer Jose Hernandez NAVY EXPEDITIONARY LOGISTICS SUPPORT GROUP
WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group held a change of command ceremony aboard Cheatham Annex on June 12, 2026, where Rear Adm. Kevin M. Corcoran assumed responsibility from Rear Adm. Charles P. Kirol as Commander, Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group (NAVELSG). Rear Adm. Bradley J. Andros, commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, presided over the ceremony and spoke to Sailors, civilians, families and guests about the
significance of the Navy’s change of command tradition. “This is an important and time-honored Navy tradition, one that goes back centuries, where we formally mark the passing of responsibility, authority and accountability from one commander to another,” said Andros. “It’s also a time to reflect on the achievements of the command, honor those who have led it and look forward to the challenges ahead.” During Kirol’s tenure, NAVELSG provided expeditionary logistics capabilities across the globe, supporting maritime prepositioning, joint logistics over-the-shore operations, expeditionary cargo handling, tactical fuel-
ing, ordnance handling and other critical logistics functions in support of Navy, joint and combined forces. The command also executed a force redesign aimed at making NAVELSG agile, scalable and ready to support distributed maritime operations. Andros commended Kirol for leading the command through a period of significant transformation while maintaining operational readiness. “You’ve led this unit with exceptional skill and foresight during a time of unparalleled transformation,” said Andros. “Over the past two years, you have led this group with a clear vision, navigating a complex force-wide reorganization while simultaneously meeting
a high operational tempo. You’ve left this command stronger, sharper and more ready for the future fight.” Andros also addressed Corcoran, charging him with leading NAVELSG through the next phase of its evolution. “As you assume command of NAVELSG, I charge you with continuing this legacy and shaping its next chapter,” said Andros. “You take the helm of a command with a rich heritage and a critical mission. Your task now is to lead with purpose, discipline and good order. From this day forward, I look to you to set the standards of a combat-ready unit. I expect your Sailors, teams and commands to meet those standards every single day.” Following Andros’ remarks, Kirol addressed the command and thanked See NAVELSG on Page A2
Taking pride in our place: NAS Oceana revitalizes historic aviation museum PAGE C6
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