Military Veteran & Retirees Discussion Forum

THE PENTAGON — The fates of the Navy’s sixth-generation fighter and new frigate program are on hold as part of the Trump administration’s new defense budget request, USNI News has learned. The Trump administration has not yet decided whether it will move forward with F/A-XX, the Navy’s manned sixth-generation carrier fighter, or the Constellation-class frigate, Pentagon officials told reporters Thursday.

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED/ ROUTINE R 301609Z JUN 25 MID120002045354U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS PASS TO OFFICE CODES: FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// NAVADMIN 140/25 MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/JUN// SUBJ/2024 SHANNON M. KENT AWARD FOR LANGUAGE PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE, LANGUAGE PROFESSIONALS OF THE YEAR, LINGUISTS OF THE YEAR, AND COMMAND LANGUAGE PROGRAM OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCEMENT// REF/A/DOC/OPNAVINST 5400.46A/18MAY21// AMPN/REF A IS OPNAVINST 5400.46A, COMMAND LANGUAGE PROGRAMS AND AWARDS.// RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN announces the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Shannon M. Kent Award for Language Professional Excellence, Language Professionals, Linguists, and Command Language Program of the Year winners. 2. Congratulations to all nominees for their remarkable contributions, leveraging their foreign language expertise in service of our Navy and national objectives. It is my distinct pleasure to announce the 2024 Navy award winners:  a. Shannon M. Kent Award for Language Professional Excellence: CTI1 Samanta Alvarenga, Navy Information Operations Command Georgia, Fort Eisenhower GA  b. Senior Language Professional of the Year: CTIC(IW/SW) Neal Knudsvig, Information Warfare Training Command, Monterey CA  c. Officer Language Professional of the Year: LCDR Warren Brookes, Defense Attach Office, Ascuncin Paraguay  d. Civilian Language Professional of the Year: Mr. Stephen Ramirez, Navy Information Operations Command, Fort Eisenhower GA  e. Linguist of the Year: EO2(EXW/SW) Hung Ho, Naval Construction Group ONE, Port Hueneme CA  f. Officer Linguist of the Year: LT LaDonna Sales, NAVSOUTH/FOURTHFLT, Jacksonville FL  g. Civilian Linguist of the Year: Mr. Matthew Jennings, Office of Naval Intelligence, Suitland MD  h. Command Language Program of the Year: Navy Information Operations Command Pacific (NIOC PAC), Wahiawa HI 3. As the winners of the Shannon M. Kent Award for Language Professional Excellence and Command Language Program of the Year, CTI1 Alvarenga and NIOC PAC will go on to compete at the Department of Defense level and will be recognized at the FY25 Advanced Command Language Program Manager Workshop, 9 to 11 September 2025. 4. Language, Regional Expertise, and Culture capabilities are vital to enhancing our Navy's warfighting effectiveness. The individuals recognized above, and those who competed alongside them, have demonstrated exceptional skill and commitment in using their language skills, regional expertise, and cultural knowledge to strengthen nation security, address both enduring and emerging threats, and foster lasting strategic partnerships. I commend their continued dedication and professionalism in advancing the Navy's mission. 5. Bravo Zulu to our award winners! 6. Released by Ms. Lisa M. St. Andre, Acting N1.//// BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED/

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Demonstrating exceptional growth, dedication, and leadership, Petty Officer Second Class Margeaux Ozone from El Paso, Texas, has been selected as Naval Support Activity Philadelphia and Mechanicsburg Junior Sailor of the Year. Serving in the Funeral Honors office, Ozone is the command’s sole Command Pay and Personnel Administrator (CPPA), handling vital administrative tasks for all incoming and outgoing Sailors. She also supports the coordination and execution of over 900 funerals annually—placing her at the heart of two critical missions. “Before joining the Navy, I was very quiet and shy,” said Ozone. “My social anxiety was always at its peak. Being in the Navy taught me that being silent isn’t going to get me anywhere, especially in times when I need help.” Her journey hasn’t been without challenges. Advancement came only after perseverance. “The first two times I took the exam, I failed miserably. The third time, I missed it by 1.5 points. Finally, fourth time being the charm, I excelled and passed by 21 points,” she recalled. “It reminded me that I should never give up, no matter how much the odds may seem against me.” Ozone’s leadership style has earned praise across the command. “Barking orders at Sailors and shutting them down when they are voicing their concerns isn’t going to make them trust or respect your leadership,” she said. Chief Machinist Mate Will Durham, Funeral Honors, Leading Chief Petty Officer, described her impact plainly, “Ozone keeps the whole ship moving. Someone has to make sure you’re getting paid correctly, make sure the right forms are filled at the right time, and sent to the right place, and she makes sure it gets done." Looking to the future, Ozone hopes to leave behind a legacy of dependability and determination. “I want to be remembered as a reliable and inspiring Sailor who contributed to a strong, cohesive unit,” she said. “Someone who consistently upheld the Navy’s core values of honor, courage, and commitment.” Petty Officer Ozone’s recognition as Junior Sailor of the Year is a testament to her resilience, growth, and unwavering commitment to the mission and her shipmates.

On the Fourth of July, celebrating Independence Day is also about celebrating the armed forces that made a free America possible. With a veteran population of almost 16 million people across the country, this celebration should serve as a reminder to truly honor the sacrifices these individuals made, moving beyond parades and flags, and advocating for meaningful policies that ensure the protection of the health and dignity of veterans.

The destroyers — USS Thomas Hudner, USS Arleigh Burke, USS The Sullivans, USS Oscar Austin, and USS Paul Ignatius — are equipped with high-end interceptors that are specifically designed for ballistic missile defense.