Navy Commander Provides Statement on F-18 Crash

From a Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic News Release

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.  – A senior Navy officer expressed his concern for the community and thanked emergency responders following today’s crash here of a two-seater F/A-18D Hornet aircraft assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 106.

Both aircrew safely ejected from the aircraft, officials said. The crew’s squadron is based at nearby Naval Air Station Oceana.

The Navy is coordinating with local authorities, officials said.

"My thoughts and prayers are with our citizens and families who have been impacted by the tragic crash today in Virginia Beach by an aircraft from NAS Oceana,” Navy Adm. John C. Harvey Jr., commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command based at Norfolk, Va., said in a statement issued today.

"I deeply regret that some in our community have lost their homes, and I, like many, pray for the well-being of all,” Harvey added.

Initial reports indicate that at approximately 12:05 p.m., the jet crashed just after takeoff at a location just off of the base. News reports also say the stricken jet struck some apartment buildings located near the base. Reports say several civilians were being treated at a local medical center.

In his statement, Harvey expressed his gratitude to the citizens of Virginia Beach and the Mayfair Mews Apartments, as well as Virginia Beach's first responders “for their immediate and heroic response to take care of our aircrew after they ejected and all at the scene of the mishap.”

Harvey said all resources “are being made available to the City of Virginia Beach as we all deal with the impacts and recovery from this terrible mishap.”

"We will continue to work directly with the City of Virginia Beach and continue to provide all possible assistance,” the admiral added.

Harvey said a complete investigation into the cause of the crash will be made. He also pledged to “share all information we have as soon as we are able to do so."

VFA-106 serves as the East Coast Fleet Replacement Squadron. The unit’s mission is to train Navy and Marine Corps F/A-18 replacement pilots and weapon systems officers to support fleet commitments.

Fort McHenry Sailors Get out to the Ballpark

By Ens. Laura Price, USS Fort McHenry Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- A USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) Color Guard rendered honors April 4 before an exhibition baseball game between the Baltimore Orioles and their AAA affiliate, the Norfolk Tides.

Electronics Technician 1st Class Salvador Perez, Seaman Sheunqua Williams, Seaman Danino Lauder, Culinary Specialist Seaman Janet Garcia, and Logistics Specialist Seaman Christopher Doran made up the color guard. The team, who has traditionally performed at smaller ceremonies for the ship, marched out to center field to proudly display the flags during the national anthem, just minutes before the first pitch.

After their performance, the group got a rousing ovation from the many fans on hand to see their baseball team take the field.

"That was my first time performing in front of a big audience; it was a lot of fun," said Williams. "It was exciting to see everyone standing up for us. There was a lot of energy from the crowd."

"It was exhilarating," said Perez. "With the smell of hot dogs and funnel cakes, there's really nothing like the charged atmosphere of an opening day."

By working with the Baltimore Orioles, Fort McHenry Sailors continue to build ties with the city of Baltimore, where the historic Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine is located.

"Since Fort McHenry is in Baltimore, we are representing the fort, our ship, and the city," Williams explained.

Fort McHenry will be one of several Navy ships heading up to Baltimore in June for "Sailabration," an event to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. While up there, the crew hopes to once again get the chance to work with the Baltimore Orioles.

"It is exciting for our young Sailors to get involved with the community, especially getting ready for the War of 1812 commemoration," said Perez. The color guard is highly motivated to get the chance to do something again with the Orioles when we are up in Baltimore."

"I love the Navy, so color guard is a way to show the honor, courage, commitment and everything we do and stand for in the Navy," said Williams. "We get to travel and meet new people. It is exciting to be part of this team."

Truman Sailors Participate in Command PT

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David R. Finley Jr., USS Harry S. Truman Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) attended the ship's command physical training (PT) at Naval Station (NS) Norfolk April 4.

Truman command fitness leaders (CFL) worked alongside Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Waterfront Fitness to train a group of more than 1,000 Truman Sailors.

"The purpose of the PT session was to build morale and serve as a team-building exercise for Truman," said Chief Legalman (AW/SW) Kristine Skupnik, Truman's CFL. "PT builds camaraderie and is a good way to start the day."

Skupnik said the event was important because it allowed Sailors the chance to work out built-up energy in a positive way.

"Truman really rocked it today," said Susan Lowry, NS Norfolk MWR fitness director. "I enjoyed the enthusiasm and participation that the Sailors displayed out there."

The PT session was the first of its kind aboard Truman. The event featured cardio-kickboxing and strength training exercises.

"I always enjoy leading these classes for Sailors," said Lowry. "I have a Sailor at home, and I like to give back to the Navy anyway I can."

According to Sailors who attended, the session was a great way to prepare for the upcoming physical fitness assessment (PFA) cycle.

"I take my role as a CFL seriously," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class (AW) Stephanie Rodriguez, air department CFL. "I like to help Sailors prepare for the PFA, and I want everyone to pass and do their very best."

The PT session gave Sailors a chance to have a good time, said Rodriguez.

"It was a real morale booster," said Rodriguez. "PT brings us closer together as a crew and prepares us to work together as a team."

Truman is undergoing a docking planned incremental availability at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Va.

Fitness is one of the key elements of the 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative which consolidates a set of objectives and policies, new and existing, to maximize Sailor and Marine personal readiness, build resiliency and hone the most combat-effective force in the history of the Department of the Navy.

Navy Jet Crashes in Virginia Beach

From a Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic News Release

NORFOLK, Va., April 6, 2012 – An F/A-18D Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 106 at Naval Air Station Oceana crashed today in Virginia Beach, Va.

Initial reports indicate that the jet crashed just off the base shortly after takeoff at about 12:05 p.m. EDT.

Both crew members safely ejected from the aircraft.

Strike Fighter Squadron 106 serves as the Navy’s East Coast fleet replacement squadron. Its mission is to train Navy and Marine Corps F/A-18 replacement pilots and weapon systems officers to support fleet commitments.

The Navy is coordinating with local authorities.

2012 Navy Military Child of the Year Awarded at Gala

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Shannon Burns, Defense Media Activity - Navy

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- During the Fourth Annual Military Child of the Year Awards Gala the five recipients of this year's Military Child of the Year Awards were presented with their awards by senior leadership of each branch of service at the Ritz Carlton in Washington D.C. April 5.

Keynote speakers during the ceremony included Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey and Medal of Honor recipient Sammy Davis.

"I think that our military kids are who they are because of the hardships, the moves, and their adaptability," said Dempsey. "One of the things that sets us apart is that our kids become who they are because of what we ask them to do and because of what they see us do."

Jim Knotts, President and CEO of Operation Homefront said that these children are honored because of their contributions to their communities.

"The sons and daughters of America's service members learn what patriotism is at a very young age," said Knotts. "Children in military families demonstrate leadership within their families and within their communities. This is what the Military Child of the Year Award honors."

Each year one child from each branch of service is chosen as the military child of the year. This year's Military Child of the Year for the Navy, 9 year old James "Nate" Richards, was presented with his award by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert.

"I am so proud of our military kids for their resilience, strength of character, and unselfish service to our nation," said Greenert. "Nate's father and three brothers all serve on active duty as a part of our Navy-Marine Corps team. He and his family are special people and we are so fortunate to have them on our team."

Richards was chosen from a pool of 1,000 nominees by a committee made up of active duty military personnel, Family Readiness Support Assistants, teachers, military mothers, and community members.

At one time Richards' three brothers and his father were deployed simultaneously. To help him deal with the difficulty of their absence he started a blog entitled "natethegreatamilitarybrat" (http://natethegreatamilitarybrat.wordpress.com/) where he shared his wisdom about being a child in a military family.

"It was hard because my brothers took care of me when my dad was gone, and then everyone was gone," said Richards. "I wrote the blog so my friends could see what it was like."

Richards said that being chosen as this year's Navy Military Child of the Year has been a cool experience.

"This has been awesome," said Richards. "My favorite part was coming up on stage and receiving my award and also hearing Mr. [Sammy] Davis [Sgt. 1st Class (Ret.)] play the harmonica."

Richards had some advice for other military children who may have family members deployed.

"Think about something else," said Richards. "Read a book or a book series and try not to listen to the news about where your person is deployed to."

He also had a message for his father and his brothers.

"I want to tell my brothers and my dad that I love and miss them and hope they come back soon," he said.

Operation Homefront provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of our service members and wounded warriors. A national nonprofit, Operation Homefront leads more than 4,500 volunteers across 23 chapters and has met more than 590,000 needs since 2002. A four-star rated charity by watchdog Charity Navigator, nationally, 94 percent of total revenue donated goes directly to support service members and their families.