The Flagship

Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) recently piloted a new leadership program for the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) enterprise, serving as the exclusive testing ground for skilled trade employee development. After months of training, FRCE celebrated the graduation of the program’s first cohort Sept. 2, paving the way for a new, one-year development program that is now being offered NAVAIR-wide.

SUFFOLK, Va. — The Hub 757 auditorium echoed with pride as five newly selected chief petty officers marched forward to receive their gold fouled anchors. The ceremony, held on September 16, 2026, marked the historic 133rd Chief Petty Officer Pinning Ceremony for Naval Information Forces (NAVIFOR), Fleet Cyber Command and Navy Cyber Defense Operations Command (NCDOC).

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — In a time-honored naval ceremony steeped in maritime tradition, Capt. Michael A. Sammataro, a native of Waterford, Connecticut, relieved Capt. Hannah A. Kriewaldt to assume command as the 29th Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair (SUPSHIP), USN, Newport News. Presided over by Rear Adm.

Lt. Cmdr. Marty “Grouse” Wilson, Lt. Cmdr. Steven “Shaft” Nicklaus, Lt. Sky “Johann” Danskin, and champion aerobatic pilot Aaron Deliu exchanged flight duties for time in the school hallways, allowing students to get a close look at the people who will soon be flying overhead. Although the cool jets caught their attention, the visits were about more than airplanes.

The Secretary of the Navy and the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) officially established the Robotic and Autonomous Systems Warfighting Development Center (RASWDC) today, marking a critical milestone in accelerating the development, operational integration, and employment of robotic and autonomous systems (RAS) across the maritime domain.

NORFOLK, Va. — Naval Station (NAVSTA) Norfolk held a remembrance ceremony on the 25th anniversary of the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks. Service members, first-responders and civilians gathered to show their respect and honor to those who lost their lives. This ceremony honored the nearly 3,000 men, women and children who lost their lives that day, as well as the first responders and military members who answered the call that morning.

NORFOLK, Va. — More than 500 distinguished guests, international military representatives, and family members attended the NATO’s Joint Force Command Norfolk (JFCNF) Assumption of Command and U.S. 2nd Fleet (C2F) Change of Command Ceremony aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) on Sept. 24. The day marked a historic military transition as Vice Adm.

NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, Va. — The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stout (DDG 55) departed Naval Station Norfolk, Sept. 21, 2026, to begin deployment operations. The warship’s departure comes after months of training, maintenance, and certification events. “The crew of USS Stout trained relentlessly to ensure our warship is prepared to execute prompt and sustained operations,” said Cmdr. Kevin Taylor, commanding officer, USS Stout (DDG 55).

NORFOLK, Va. — The 36th Annual Virginia Children’s Festival, Hampton Roads’ most exciting family festival, returns to Town Point Park on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 10 am to 3 pm. The Virginia Children’s Festival features a variety of interactive experiences for children ages 10 and younger in mind! A complete listing of festival entertainment can be found below. Tickets can be purchased online at bit.ly/VAChildrensFest26 (infants ages one & under are free).

JOINT EXPEDITIONARY BASE LITTLE CREEK, Va. — At Gator Theater on board Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Eustis, Pre-Commissioning Unit John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) pinned 29 1st Class Petty Officers to Chief Petty Officer during a ceremony with crew members, command leaders, family and friends in attendance, September 17, 2026. Congratulations to our newest Chiefs! Stand on business! For the new Chiefs, the ceremony represented more than an advancement.