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Take pork chops and sweet potatoes to the next level! You’ll be the envy of your next summer BBQ with these recipes for Super Moist Boneless Pork Chops and Street Corn-Inspired Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Page 5
Petty Officer 3rd Class Auspicious Engow hops off the Base Express on Thursday, July 9, 2026. Base Express is the dedicated bus service for Naval Station Norfolk. (STEPHEN M. KATZ / THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT)
Naval Station Norfolk’s bus service blows past ridership goals – It’s free, and gets sailors where they need to go By Gavin Stone THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT STAFF WRITER
For the more than 70,000 service members and civilians who make the sprawling Naval Station Norfolk tick, the free Base Express bus service has become an essential part of navigating life since it launched in December 2022, far exceeding ridership expectations, according to the Navy and Hampton Roads Transit. Its initial goal was to serve 26,000 passengers in its first three years. It blew past that in less than a year.
As of May, Base Express had served more than 188,000 passengers, more than 4,500 riders per month, according to HRT data. It has averaged between 6,000 and 7,000 per month since March. Officials say the service has had a significant impact on morale and mission readiness. The primary goal was to support the thousands of junior sailors and those on shortterm deployments without personal vehicles — which leadership identified as a major need for years. But it’s also used regularly by students, civilian employees, contractors, reservists, visitors and others who frequent
the base, according to Kelly Wirfel, a spokesperson for Naval Station Norfolk. “Base Express supports quality of life by providing a free, dependable transportation option that connects personnel with workplaces, training facilities, services and amenities across the installation,” Wirfel said in an email. “Reliable transportation helps reduce stress associated with commuting and allows sailors and civilian employees to focus on accomplishing the mission.” Base Express is funded through a $2.3 million Transit Ridership Incentive Program multi-year grant from the Virginia Depart-
ment of Rail and Public Transportation, according to HRT spokesperson Thomas Becher. The Navy heavily promotes Base Express through command outreach, newcomer information, installation communications, and digital messaging, as well as through promotional events and rider engagement efforts, according to Wirfel. Caleb Smith, HRT’s military and government outreach liaison, said attracting new riders is “pretty easy” once they know how See BASE EXPRESS on Page A2
Broadway in Norfolk announces 2026-2027 season featuring Spamalot, The Bodyguard, Waitress, and Legally Blonde Press Release
Peter Marks of The Washington Post exclaims, “It’s UNFAIR to make me laugh this much! SPAMALOT is a tightly packed clown car speeding to musical theater nirvana! Exciting, thrilling, uplifting, moving — The Bodyguard is a truly exceptional show!” -Southern Daily Echo Waitress is a hit!” — The New York Times The New York Times has called Legally Blonde, “A high-energy... hymn to the glories of girlishness.”
NORFOLK, Va. — Nederlander National Markets and SevenVenues are delighted to announce the lineup for the 2026-2027 Broadway in Norfolk season at the Harrison Opera House, featuring weeklong engagements of four hit musicals, including a Norfolk debut. Season ticket packages are available now at BroadwayinNorfolk.com for renewal or first-time purchase. On-sale dates for individual tickets will be announced as each perforSee BROADWAY on Page A2
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