The Flagship

On the bow of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), the sun settled over the ship and the Norfolk Waterfront as the crowd of Sailors gathered for a special visitor Aug. 15, 2026. Abel Ortega Jr., carried it tight in his arms, as he navigated the foreign p-ways of its name-sake ship.

WASHINGTON — Rear Adm. David J. Faehnle was relieved by Rear Adm. Suzanne M. Bailey as commandant, Naval District Washington (NDW) during a change of command ceremony at Washington Navy Yard’s Leutze Park, Aug. 12, 2026. “When I assumed command two years ago, I looked at the calendar, and I was excited about the opportunities,” said Faehnle.

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) John Perryman led the inaugural Enlisted Readiness Council (ERC) Aug. 10-12, bringing together 30 senior enlisted leaders to identify systemic barriers to readiness and develop actionable recommendations for Navy leadership. Established by Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Daryl Caudle, the ERC creates a direct connection between senior enlisted leaders across the Fleet and the Navy’s highest levels of decision-making.

NEWPORT, R.I. — The Honorable Hung Cao, Acting Secretary of the Navy, delivered keynote remarks as the U.S. Naval War College (NWC) began its 2026-2027 academic year with two ceremonies, Aug. 3-4. On Tuesday, Aug. 4, NWC held its annual Convocation ceremony, welcoming a total of 477 students to the academic year.

Based on Sailor feedback, female Sailors can now purchase newly designed Service Khaki slacks with back pockets and modern fit sizing. Slacks will be available for purchase or try-on at NEX Norfolk, NEX Oceana and NEX Arlington, Virginia; NEX Great Lakes, Illinois; NEX Jacksonville and NEX Pensacola, Aviation Plaza, Florida; NEX San Diego; NEX Kitsap-Bangor, Washington; NEX Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; and NEX Bethesda, Maryland, as well as online at myNavyExchange.com.

NORFOLK, Va. — Naval Station (NAVSTA) Norfolk Sailors volunteered to help clean and organize schools in the Norfolk Public Schools (NPS) district for the “Servicing Our Schools” event to prepare schools for the fall semester. At Tarrallton Elementary School, 13 Sailors volunteered six hours of their time each to assist teachers and staff with cleanup across the school.

I cautiously reached into the dark, dank cavity and pulled out the filthy, wretched garments. Fearing for my safety, I pinched my nose shut and carried the contaminated bundle with an outstretched arm to be disinfected. Our son, Hayden, was home from Scout camp, and I had the unenviable job of doing his dirty laundry. He, on the other hand, grunted at us, and promptly went to bed. It was 2010 and our family was stationed in Germany.

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Do you know what to do when you or a family member feels sick, but it’s outside of business hours? Should you go to an urgent care clinic or the emergency room, or wait until your doctor’s office is open? Luckily, TRICARE has a service called the Global Nurse Advice Line that can help when you need healthcare guidance. What’s the Global Nurse Advice Line? The Global Nurse Advice Line lets you connect with a registered nurse by phone, chat, or video.

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Going to college is an exciting milestone for many young adults. From signing up for classes to buying dorm supplies, summer can be a busy time for new college students and their families. During this time, you’ll also need to make sure your child’s TRICARE coverage will be ready when the semester starts, especially if he or she is moving away from home.

By Culinary.net When it’s beyond hot outside and the kids are begging for a delicious afternoon snack, sometimes it’s difficult to know where to turn. The pantry is full and the refrigerator is stocked, yet nothing sounds appetizing when it’s scorching outside. Combining three simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen can save the day and provide a refreshing and scrumptious snack. Try this 3-Ingredients Strawberry Ice Cream on warm days ahead.