A brief look at the LCS program

In a recent post by RDML Brian Antonio, Program Executive Officer, Littoral Combat Ships, he gives a brief look into many recent LCS program accomplishments.

As it stands, 20 ships are now either in service, under construction, or on contract.  Yes, twenty!

Read more about what he had to say.  And click on the video below for an in-depth look at LCS.

The Warrior Games: Team Navy Announced

This Fall, two Paralympic-like competitions will be taking place.  The 2014 Warrior Games will be held from September 28-October 4 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the INVICTUS Games, an international athletic competition for wounded warriors hosted by the U.K.'s Prince Harry, will be taking place in London September 10-14.

To read more and to see the roster, click here.

Washington Navy Yard Honors Shooting Victims, Co-workers

On Monday, June 23, Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus, spoke at a Navy Yard ceremony held to honor the nine men and three women who died on September 16, 2013, as well as to honor the courage and sacrifice of numerous others, after a contractor entered the base and opened fire.

Valkyrians Mike Lombardo and Chuck Irwin were among those who were awarded Civilian Service awards and medals for their actions during the course of the tragic day.

Congratulations and thank you, Mike and Chuck; your Valkyrie family is beyond proud of you.

Mike Lombardo, NoVa Division Mgr.

Chuck Irwin, Senior Consulting Manager

RIMPAC Begins Today

RIMPAC, the world's largest maritime exercise, begins today.  More than 25,000 service members from 22 nations helped kick off the 24th Rim of the Pacific exercise.

To read Vice Adm. Kenneth Floyd's RIMPAC post, click here.

Newly Retired Veteran's Home Remodeled for Him While He Was Stationed Overseas

http://abc13.com/news/friends-and-volunteers-refurbish-combat-veterans-home/138388/

Inside Combat Rescue

Have you seen National Geographic's show "Inside Combat Rescue"?!  Wow....

We're a little late in finding this gem, but better late than never.  And thankfully, videos are available for viewing via the show's website and there's a lot of information on their Facebook page, too.

The Air Force has offered an unprecedented look behind the scenes of the elite Combat Rescue members of the U.S. Air Force, Pararescuemen, or PJs.  Their mission: to rescue American or Allied forces in extreme danger.

Nat Geo takes viewers inside the harrowing world of brave pararescue airmen on the front lines of Afghanistan.  They put their lives on the line so, as their motto states, "that others may live."

Sometimes it's easy to take what we have for granted.  Watching these two clips, we hope you'll find a reignited appreciation for those who serve and we're sure you're already a patriot, but we hope you also sense a slightly deeper appreciation for our great nation.

Show Trailer

Inside Combat Rescue Deleted Scene:  For Fallen Soldiers

WE ARE HIRING!

Join our team!

See our available opportunities posted on our website 

and feel free to share the link!

Then and Now

May 28, 2014:  On this day 97 years ago, the USS Maumee (AO 2) became the first ship to refuel another vessel at sea.  

According to a blog post from Mr. Jim George, Combat Logisitcs Force Program Manager for MSC, here are some interesting figures regarding UNREP from last year alone.  

In 2013:

• 118.8 million gallons of jet fuel delivered 
• 3,211 deliveries of fuel, food, mail, and other supplies at sea

Did you know that dry cargo/ammunition ships like the USNS Lewis and Clark (T-AKE 1) can carry 756,000 gallons of fuel (on top of their own gas tanks) and more than 8,300 tons of other cargo?!

Read the full blog post at http://navylive.dodlive.mil/2014/05/28/navy-underway-replenishments-past-and-present/

Memorial Day

Ahhhhhhh, Memorial Day!  Barbecues, fireworks, festivals and FUN, right?!

Well, yes, but let's not forget the true meaning of the occasion...originally called "Decoration Day" and born out of the Civil War, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance of those who have died in service of the United States of America.

Here's a link to a Memorial Day tribute that we thought you would appreciate.

And did you know the proper flag etiquette for the day?

May you and yours have a safe Memorial Day weekend!

God bless America!!!

Warrior Week

Valkyrie is a proud supporter of the inaugural Warrior Week, happening in Virginia Beach, on NOB, and in Suffolk from May 26-June1.

Bringing together physical, therapeutic, and recreational organizations from across the nation that focus on the rehabilitation of wounded service members, Warrior Week 2014 is the first event of its kind!  Each wounded service member and their family will have the opportunity to participate in various activities from adaptive water skiing and kayaking to coastal fishing, and from a horsemanship therapeutic program to surfing.  There will also be national representation from the U.S. Sailing and U.S. Cycling organizations.

The event was designed to bring all levels of skills and interest together in one location, while creating lasting memories for all to enjoy.

Volunteer opportunities are still available and duties are straightforward, typically involving collecting sign-up sheets and activity waivers.  There will also be opportunities for volunteers to participate in some of the events, pending available space.  If you are interested in volunteering for a shift or two, please contact Volunteer Coordinator, Elan, at elan[at]usohrcv.org.  Shifts last anywhere from 2-7 hours; weekday and weekend opportunities are available.

What better way to commemorate the Memorial Day week than with such an opportunity?! Thanks for considering and feel free to pass this post along to anyone you think may be interested!