POPULARITY
Welcome back to THE GIANT VOICE! It's anchors aweigh on season 2 of the podcast as host David Flewellyn speaks to CFAY's Commanding Officer Capt. Les Sobol, Command Master Chief Anwar Blakely and our Deputy Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Justin Keller about the USS George Washington (CVN 73) and the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) hull swap. The group provided expectations for the hull swap and the year to come, along with offering a host of important welcome aboard resources for incoming Sailors. Resources: CFAY Website: https://cnrj.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/CFA-Yokosuka/ CFAY Welcome Aboard Webpage: https://cnrj.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/CFA-Yokosuka/Welcome-Aboard/ CFAY Command Sponsorship: cfay_cmd_sponsor@fe.navy.mil CFAY Ombudsman: cfayombudsman@yahoo.com
June 2, 2023 ~ Michael Reagan, Son of President Ronald Reagan, President of The Reagan Legacy Foundation, talks with Tom about how the Nonprofit Proudly Honors Those Who Serve Aboard Aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan CVN 76 by Offering Scholarships for Sailors & Airmen & Their Descendants.
Suzi and Nate continued the conversation and dive into the importance of Veterans being able to have choices of where and who care for their needs through the VA especially if they are not local to a VA Medical Center. CV4A lays the grassroots of policies to move through legislation to give Veterans more control over their healthcare. Nate touches on some of those bills and policies, the Mission Act and how folks can assist through surveys and volunteering. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio or your favorite podcast platform. Watch the full episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/VxN1S24H3oYLearn more about the Concerned Veterans for America by visiting cv4a.orgFollow CV4A on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ConcernedVetsForAmerica/Interested in volunteering for CV4A? Sign up at https://cv4a.actcentr.com/Signup/registerSeven Years After The Phoenix Veteran Affairs Scandalhttps://cv4a.org/seven-years-after-phoenix-scandal-va-is-failing-veterans-by-not-fully-implementing-the-mission-act/NATE BANKS BioNate Banks is the strategic director for Concerned Veterans for America in Colorado and a veteran of the United States Navy.Nate enlisted in the Navy in 1999. He is a plank owner, meaning he was an original crew member stationed aboard the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76). He was preparing for an upcoming training deployment on the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) when the September 11th attacks took place. That training deployment turned into a combat deployment, and Nate served on the first carrier battle group deployed after the September 11th attacks. This deployment set a post WWII Record (and pre-pandemic record) for most consecutive days at sea, without a port call at 159 days.After returning to the USS Ronald Reagan, Nate was again asked to deploy aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt, also known as America's Big Stick. The USS Theodore Roosevelt was the first carrier battle group surged, ahead of her deployment schedule, for the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Theodore Roosevelt was a launching point for air assaults at the beginning of the war in Iraq.Nate was transferred to shore duty in 2004 and served at Naval Air Station Lemoore California until his honorable discharge in 2007. After leaving the Navy, Nate spent years working in the energy industry in multiple capacities and in law enforcement, while also attending school. Nate joined CVA in 2018.Music credit to Kalvin Love for the podcast's theme song “Bee Your Best Self”Contact Suzi at suzigma@gmail.com or (818) 470-2013 and share your story.vetsandplayers.orgwildhorserescue.org Visit our webpage at cominghomewell.comInterested in sponsoring our podcasts email us at cominghomewell@gmail.comFollow us on our socialsYouTube @cominghomewellbehindtheserviceInstagram @cominghomewell_btsFacebook at Coming Home WellLinkedIn at Coming Home WellTwitter @ComingHomeWellThank you for listening!
Nate Banks, Strategic Director for Concerned Veterans for America in Colorado and US Navy Veteran, about his journey after service to receive healthcare and his experience with the VA Healthcare System. As an advocate for veterans, Nate pursues his passion for accountability and responsibility through the mission at the Concerned Veterans of America to advocate for policies that will preserve the freedom and prosperity that we and our families so proudly fought and sacrificed to defend.Learn more about the Concerned Veterans for America by visiting cv4a.orgFollow CV4A on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ConcernedVetsForAmerica/Interested in volunteering for CV4A? Sign up at https://cv4a.actcentr.com/Signup/registerSeven Years After The Phoenix Veteran Affairs Scandalhttps://cv4a.org/seven-years-after-phoenix-scandal-va-is-failing-veterans-by-not-fully-implementing-the-mission-act/NATE BANKS BioNate Banks is the strategic director for Concerned Veterans for America in Colorado and a veteran of the United States Navy.Nate enlisted in the Navy in 1999. He is a plank owner, meaning he was an original crew member stationed aboard the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76). He was preparing for an upcoming training deployment on the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) when the September 11th attacks took place. That training deployment turned into a combat deployment, and Nate served on the first carrier battle group deployed after the September 11th attacks. This deployment set a post WWII Record (and pre-pandemic record) for most consecutive days at sea, without a port call at 159 days.After returning to the USS Ronald Reagan, Nate was again asked to deploy aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt, also known as America's Big Stick. The USS Theodore Roosevelt was the first carrier battle group surged, ahead of her deployment schedule, for the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Theodore Roosevelt was a launching point for air assaults at the beginning of the war in Iraq.Nate was transferred to shore duty in 2004 and served at Naval Air Station Lemoore California until his honorable discharge in 2007. After leaving the Navy, Nate spent years working in the energy industry in multiple capacities and in law enforcement, while also attending school.Nate joined CVA in 2018. Music credit to Kalvin Love for the podcast's theme song “Bee Your Best Self”Contact Suzi at suzigma@gmail.com or (818) 470-2013 and share your story.vetsandplayers.orgwildhorserescue.org Visit our webpage at cominghomewell.comInterested in sponsoring our podcasts email us at cominghomewell@gmail.comFollow us on our socialsYouTube @cominghomewellbehindtheserviceInstagram @cominghomewell_btsFacebook at Coming Home WellLinkedIn at Coming Home WellTwitter @ComingHomeWellThank you for listening!
For the first time in three years, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels have a new flight leader. Cmdr. Alexander Armatas officially took command of the Naval Flight Exhibition Team on November 13, 2022, at a ceremony at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida. He replaced Captain Brian Kesselring, who led the Team during its 75th anniversary and the transition to the F/A-18 Super Hornet. In this interview, Boss Armatas discusses his priorities and focus as the new commanding officer and flight leader for the Blue Angels, including getting to know each member of the Team, mastering the 45 minute air show demonstration, and ensuring his fitness and nutrition are optimized for high intensity flying and a rigorous schedule. With winter training in El Centro, California just weeks away, Boss Armatas also provides insight into the current flying syllabus and milestones the Team are focused on achieving, including flying the first Delta Formation for the 2023 Blue Angels. A native of Skaneateles, New York, Boss Armatas cites flyovers by a formation of F-16 Falcons from the New York National Guard and exposure to cargo operations at the Syracuse International Airport as early influences that sparked his passion for aviation. He also attended a number of airshows in London, Ontario, Canada during his informative years where he witnessed the Blue Angels perform for the first time. Graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 2002 with a degree in aerospace engineering, Boss Armatas earned his Wings of Gold in June of 2005 at Naval Air Station (NAS) Meridian, Mississippi. Initially assigned to NAS Lemoore, California, he served in a variety of different roles as part of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115, the “Eagles” and deployed three times on board the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. In 2009, Boss Armatas graduated from the world famous TOPGUN course at NAS Fallon, Nevada before joining VFA-122 the “Flying Eagles” where he was named the 2010 VFA-122 Instructor Pilot of the Year. Transferring to VFA-14 the “Tophatters”, Boss Armatas supported Operation Enduring Freedom in 2013 aboard the USS John C Stennis (CVN-74). Following this tour, he reported to NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia to serve as the Department Head for FVA-143 the “Pukin' Dogs” and deployed aboard the USS Harry S Truman (CVN-75) in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. After serving as a Strike Fighter Placement Officer for the Navy Personnel Command (NPC) in Millington, Tennessee in 2017, Boss Armatas reported to VFA-105 the “Gunslingers” where he served as both Executive Officer and Commanding Officer during his tenure and deployed twice aboard the USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN-69) in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel. With the encouragement of former Blue Angels pilot, John Hiltz, Boss Armatas submitted his application for the Blue Angels after accumulating more that 4,100 flight hours and 911 carrier-arrested landing. He was announced as the Commanding Officer of the Blue Angels in April of 2022 and officially joined the team in August. 2023 Blue Angels Team1. CDR Alexander Armatas2. LCDR Chris Kapuschansky3. LT Amanda Lee4. LT Scott Goossens5. LCDR Julius Bratton6. LCDR Griffin Stangel7. LCDR Thomas Zimmerman8. LCDR Brian VaughtXO CRD Jon FayM1 CAPT Jackson Streiff, USMCM2 MAJ Joshua Soltan, USMCM3 CAPT Samuel Petko, USMCMO LT Henry CedenoAssistant MO LCDR Gregory JonesFlight Surgeon LT Philippe WarrenSO LT Paul KrugerSupport the show
U.S. Navy Aviation Electronics Technician Airman Marshall Todd of San Antonio practices defensive stances in the hangar bay of the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), during Security Reaction Force- Basic training Nov. 18 in the Philippine Sea. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships, and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.Article Link
U.S. Navy Aviation Boatswain's Mate (equipment) Airman Chelsey Weaver (front) of San Antonio records catapult data for flight operations Nov. 8, while Aviation Boatswain's Mate (equipment) 1st Class Matthew Fulks of Utica, Mich., calculates aircraft speed in a catapult room aboard the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), in the Philippine Sea. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships, and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.Article Link
S.O.S. (Stories of Service) - Ordinary people who do extraordinary work
Ever wonder what it's like to work directly with the U.S. State Department and have the tenacity to fight for what you do best? Hear from Capt. Suzanna Brugler, a U.S. Navy Captain who after five tries got the promotion she desired. Her story is one of determination and one that shows it's never too late to quit on what you really want in life.Capt. Suzanna Brugler, a native of Defiance, Oh., graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1998. Brugler holds a master's degree in Defense and Strategic Studies with a focus on International Relations in African Studies from the U.S. Naval War College. She's a graduate of the Defense Information School (DINFOS), Defense Institute of Security Cooperation Studies (DISCS), Joint Special Operations University (JSOU), and Defense Security Cooperation University (DSCU).Capt. Brugler started her career as a Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) serving aboard USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) in Yokosuka, Japan. After qualifying SWO she lateral transferred to Public Affairs (PA), and in January 2002 deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to facilitate media coverage of the first detainee flights from Afghanistan. A year later, Capt. Brugler was hand-selected to deploy to Bahrain as part of the Coalition Press Information Center (CPIC Bahrain) and served aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) to assist the first-ever DoD-wide media program for military air strike campaign “Shock and Awe,” marking the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom. She later served as the Media department head aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).Brugler taught the Public Affairs Qualification Course at DINFOS in Fort Meade, Md. before serving her last tour on active duty as director of the Navy Office of Information, East in New York City. While there, she served as chief of public affairs for the commissioning of USS New York (LPD 21), a ship built with 7.5 tons of steel recovered from the World Trade Center after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.In 2011, Brugler transferred to the Navy Reserves (NR) and served as the Africa Partnership Station PAO for U.S. SIXTH Fleet. Subsequent tours include serving as the congressional liaison coordinator at NATO Headquarters, Supreme Allied Commander Transformation in Norfolk, Va., executive officer of the NR Chief of Navy Information Headquarters unit at the Pentagon, and director of NR Naval Special Warfare PA with NSW Group 11 in Coronado, Calif. In May 2017, Capt. Brugler again lateral-transferred to the NR component of the Foreign Area Officer (FAO) community and served as the NR FAO Africa regional lead assigned to U.S. Africa Command in Stuttgart, Germany. In 2021 she mobilized for one year as the liaison officer for Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. FIFTH Fleet. She was called to serve as the Interagency Coordinator for Task Force 58, the contingency task force that was stood up to facilitate 7,079 Afghan refugees from Kabul to the U.S. during the noncombatant emergency operation ALLIES REFUGE. She finished her NAVCENT mobilization this past May serving as an inaugural member of the Commander's Initiatives Group (CIG), advising the CommandeVisit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTERRead my writings on my blog: ...
U.S. Navy Culinary Specialist Seaman Anthony Alfido of San Antonio grills food in a wardroom galley aboard the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Reagan's culinary specialists prepare and serve more than 5,000 meals daily while in port and 15,000 while underway. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships, and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.Article Link
3MAY22 (w/Fr. David Miloscia). May is the month of Mary. There are often May crownings of Mary and more of a focus on her throughout the month. Mary is AWESOME!...enough said? No, because Fr. Miloscia, who is attached to the USS Ronald Reagan CVN, and I can talk about her all day. I am grateful that Fr. Miloscia was able to join me to talk about May before he heads out on deployment. We talk about some of the scriptural basis for Marian devotion and how awesome Mary is. As a bonus you also get to learn about why I think Mary is a Green Bay Packers fan.
An Interview with Lt. Austin Chung by Benjamin Erhardt Summary: Notre Dame sophomore Benjamin Erhardt sits down with his former professor and current Notre Dame Naval ROTC instructor, Lt. Austin Chung, USN, to discuss a variety of topics centered on the theme of bolstering American security while promoting unity. Their discussions include: the importance of international alliances in promoting American security and foreign policy interests abroad, Lt. Chung's own experiences from his time serving in the Navy while based in Japan, and -- in light of the upcoming 2020 elections -- civil discourse in the military and how it helps promote unity and constant maintenance of American security. Biography: Lt. Austin Chung graduated from Villanova University in 2013 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. He received a commission through the Villanova University Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps as a Surface Warfare Officer Nuclear Option and reported to his first tour onboard USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) stationed in San Diego, CA. While serving onboard USS Chancellorsville, he received his Officer of the Deck, Surface Warfare Coordinator, and Surface Warfare Officer qualifications. He then reported to USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) based in Yokosuka, Japan where he served as the Reactor Controls Division Officer and deputy to the commands Reactor Training Assistant. While stationed with Forward Deployed Naval Forces Japan, he completed four Western Pacific Patrols and two maintenance availabilities, received his Propulsion Plant Watch Officer, Engineering Officer of the Watch and Nuclear Engineer Officer qualifications, and was recognized as the 2017 Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific Propulsion Plant Watch Officer of the Year. At Notre Dame, Lt. Chung works with senior-year students in Notre Dame's Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program. In this role, he prepares the seniors to enter the fleet as well as teaching the Naval Operations class.
Beth sits down with NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick last week at NASA’s Johnson Space Center to discuss his work as an Artemis Generation astronaut. At the time of his selection as an Astronaut Candidate in June 2017, Matt was at sea on the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) serving as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy, a Naval Aviator, and a department head for Strike Fighter Squadron 115. He has accumulated more than 1,600 flight hours in 28 aircraft models, 400 carrier arrestments, 61 combat missions, and nearly 200 flight test carrier landings (arrested and touch-and-go). Yep, it’s impressive. And the conversation Matt and Beth share is just as impressive! Listen to hear highlights that include: Where Matt was and what he was doing when he “got the call” to welcome him to the NASA astronaut corp (Once Matt found out he was selected as an astronaut, Matt called someone incredibly special from the ship and asked her not to tell a soul! Listen to find out who) What cultural impression stayed with Matthew after living in Japan Matt’s used to living in many places, but the BUGS of Texas have their own story… How exploring space is like exploring the south pole… Matt’s thoughts regarding the NASA Administrator’s goal to return to the Moon in2024 This is a unique time at NASA- For the first time in more than four years, NASA began accepting applications Monday for future astronauts. Aspiring Moon to Mars explorers have until 11:59 p.m. EDT Tuesday, March 31, to apply. The call for more astronauts comes at a time when the agency is preparing to send the first woman and next man to the Moon with the Artemis program. Exploring the Moon during this decade will help prepare humanity for its next giant leap – sending astronauts to Mars. U.S. citizens may submit applications to #BeAnAstronaut at: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/561186900 About Becoming a NASA Astronaut: https://www.nasa.gov/feature/an-astronaut-s-guide-to-applying-to-be-an-astronaut https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/news/2015/11/4/so-you-want-to-be-an-astronaut/ About Matthew: https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/matthew-dominick/biography Summary: Matthew Dominick was selected by NASA to join the 2017 Astronaut Candidate Class. He reported for duty in August 2017 and having completed the initial astronaut candidate training is now eligible for a mission assignment. The Colorado native earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of San Diego and a Master of Science degree in in Systems Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School. He graduated from U.S. Naval Test Pilot School. He has more than 1,600 hours of flight time in 28 aircraft, 400 carrier-arrested landings, and 61 combat missions. Personal Data:Dominick was born and raised in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. He is married to Faith Dominick, and the couple has two daughters. His parents, Donald and Rhonda Dominick, still live in Wheat Ridge. Education:Graduated from D’Evelyn Junior/Senior High School in Golden, Colorado. Earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of San Diego with minors in Physics and Mathematics. Earned a Master of Science in Systems Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. Graduated from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in Patuxent River, Maryland. Experience:Dominick was commissioned through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) following graduation from the University of San Diego in 2005 and reported to Pensacola, Florida, for flight training. He was designated as a Naval Aviator in 2007 and reported to Strike Fighter Squadron 106, Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, for transition to the F/A-18E Super Hornet. Following his initial training, Dominick was assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 143. He made two deployments to the North Arabian Sea, flying close air support missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. While with Strike Fighter Squadron 143, Dominick was selected to attend the Naval Postgraduate School / U.S. Naval Test Pilot School Co-Operative Program, where he earned a Master of Science in Systems Engineering from the Naval Post Graduate School and graduated from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School. Designated a developmental test pilot in 2013, Dominick was assigned to the fixed wing carrier suitability flight test department of Air Test Evaluation Squadron 23. There he served as developmental flight test project officer for a variety of carrier suitability test programs, including MAGIC CARPET, Joint Precision Approach & Landing Systems, Infrared Search and Track Pod, and the precision approach and landing certification of aircraft carriers. He flew developmental flight tests in the F/A-18ABCD, F/A-18E/F, and EA-18G. Additionally, he contributed to X-47B, Unmanned Carrier Launched Surveillance and Strike, V-22, T-45, E-2C, C-2A, and F-35C test programs. In 2016, Dominick returned to an operational naval squadron, Strike Fighter Squadron 115, flying F/A-18E Super Hornets in the Forward Deployed Naval Forces stationed in Atsugi, Japan. At the time of his selection as an Astronaut Candidate in June 2017, Dominick was at sea on the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) serving as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy, a Naval Aviator, and a department head for Strike Fighter Squadron 115. He has accumulated more than 1,600 flight hours in 28 aircraft models, 400 carrier arrestments, 61 combat missions, and nearly 200 flight test carrier landings (arrested and touch-and-go). NASA Experience:Dominick reported for duty in August 2017 and completed two years of training as an Astronaut Candidate. He is currently awaiting flight assignment. Awards/Honors:2015 Naval Test Wing Atlantic Test Pilot of the Year; Member of the 2015 Department of the Navy Test Team of the Year; Strike Flight Air Medal (three awards); Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal; and Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards) Organizations:Society of Experimental Test Pilots Society of Flight Test Engineers and Tailhook Association.
USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Sailors man the rails in dress blues while the ship departs Busan, Republic of Korea.
USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) makes history in Japan; and Marines purify oxygen at MCAS Iwakuni.
Pacific Newsbreak: Secretary of Defense Ash Carter signs a SOFA agreement with Japan's Foreign Minister; Sailors strengthen partnerships at CARAT Bangladesh; USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) arrives at Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka.
USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Sailors train during General Quarters; and Commander Task Force 76 visits Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo Japan.
USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) heads to Japan; and USAG Daegu community unwinds for an evening outdoors.
U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander, Adm. Scott Swift commemorates the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II; and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).
B-roll of Black Knights of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 4 loading an SH-60 Sea Hawk with supplies aboard aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan in support of relief efforts in Japan. Produced by Seaman Armando Gonzales.
B-roll of Black Knights of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 4 delivering humanitarian aid to Japanese locals during relief efforts following an 8.9 magnitude earthquake and tsunami. Produced by Seaman Armando Gonzales.
U.S. Navy Sailors assigned to the Black Knights of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4 and Japanese relief workers load supplies aboard an SH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter to support earthquake and tsunami relief efforts near Sendai, Japan. HS-4 is embarked aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) off the coast of Japan rendering humanitarian assistance following an 8.9 magnitude earthquake and tsunami as part of Operation Tomodachi. jpearthquake11
U.S. Navy Sailors assigned to the Black Knights of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4 and Japanese relief workers unload supplies from SH-60 Sea Hawk helicopters to support earthquake and tsunami relief efforts near Sendai, Japan. HS-4 is embarked aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) off the coast of Japan rendering humanitarian assistance following an 8.9 magnitude earthquake and tsunami as part of Operation Tomodachi. jpearthquake11