Defense News: NAVFAC Southeast Awards $99M Large Area MACC

Source: United States Navy

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Southeast awarded a combined $99 million firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) multiple award construction contract (MACC), Dec. 28, to five large businesses for the procurement of construction projects at Department of Defense (DoD) installations located in the Jacksonville, Mayport, and Orlando area of operations.

Defense News: A Resounding Yes: An Artist’s Journey

Source: United States Navy

NAPLES, Italy – The Girabaldi Theater of Santa Maria Capua Vetere sits on a cobbled road, Christmas lights twinkling above an Italian and American crowd as they move between tall, carved doors. Laughing children, winter wardrobes and starched suits, sparkling with military medals, all land on a velvet carpet where they wait as Musician 3rd Class Bobby Novoa’s crescendo begins.

Defense News: USS Nitze (DDG 94) Arrives in Civitavecchia, Italy

Source: United States Navy

This is the ship’s second port visit in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations since departing Norfolk, Va., July 17, for a scheduled deployment. The visit provides an opportunity to bolster the partnership between the U.S. and Italy and gives Sailors from Nitze a chance to explore the region.

“Nitze’s officers and crew are eager to experience the vibrant Italian culture, food, and history while continuing to forge and strengthen the ties between two historic powers and allies,” said Cmdr. Katie Jacobson, commanding officer of Nitze. “The opportunity to experience the world-class hospitality of the Italian people, particularly at the holidays, is something our crew is exceptionally excited for and we sincerely appreciate Italy opening its doors for us to deepen our bond with them as military ambassadors for the United States.”

During their time in Civitavecchia, the crew will have opportunities to explore the local area, make trips to Rome and Vatican City, and take in the history, cuisine, and culture of Italy.

The ship’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation team has organized various tours for Sailors with destinations that include tours of the historic Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and St. Peter’s Square.

“This is my first port call in Europe and I couldn’t be more excited to see the sites and experience the culture,” said Chief Cryptologic Technician (Collection) Mitchel Anderson. “The anticipation of the crew is felt across the ship and everyone is looking forward to a great time.”

Nitze, homeported in Norfolk, Va., is part of the USS George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group and is operating in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations as part of a scheduled deployment with the strike group.

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) is the flagship of CSG-10, George H.W. Bush CSG. CSG-10 is comprised of George H.W. Bush, CVW-7, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26, the Information Warfare Commander, and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55).

The ships of DESRON-26 within CSG-10 are the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers Nitze, USS Farragut (DDG 99), USS Truxtun (DDG 103), and USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119).

The squadrons of CVW-7 embarked aboard the George H.W. Bush are the “Sidewinders” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 86, the “Jolly Rogers” of VFA-103, the “Nighthawks” of VFA-136, the “Pukin Dogs” of VFA-143, the “Bluetails” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, the “Patriots” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, the “Nightdippers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, and the “Grandmasters” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46.

For over 80 years, NAVEUR-NAVAF has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability.

Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.

Maryland Man Sentenced to Prison for Transporting Over $300,000 of Stolen Monies

Source: United States Department of Justice News

BECKLEY, W.Va. – Dhanraj Singh, 62, of Bowie, Maryland, was sentenced to two years and three months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for interstate transportation of stolen property. Singh also paid $382,449 in ordered restitution.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2017 until July 2020, Singh was the maintenance director at a resort in the Southern District of West Virginia. Singh admitted to embezzling $382,449 from the resort by submitting fake invoices that either requested reimbursement when no maintenance work occurred or inflated the cost of maintenance work performed. Singh further admitted to stealing approximately $2,400 to $,2500 from the resort’s petty cash each week. Singh sometimes directed resort employees to withdraw the petty cash on his behalf and deliver it to him. Singh admitted that he routinely transported money he stole from the resort from West Virginia to Maryland, where he would deposit it in his bank accounts.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office.

United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Kathleen E. Robeson prosecuted the case. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Nathan of the U.S. Attorney Office’s Financial Litigation Unit secured restitution in the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:21-cr-240.

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