Navy Seaman Apprentice Aimee L. Hayden, daughter of Paul G. White, of Suffolk, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

During the eight-week program, Hayden completed a variety of training which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness.

The capstone event of boot camp is &uot;Battle Stations&uot;. This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. &uot;Battle Stations&uot; is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. Its distinctly ”Navy” flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a Sailor.

Hayden is a 2001 graduate of Woodside High School of Newport News.

Brideau graduates from combat training

Army Pvt. George W. Brideau has graduated from basic combat military training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla.

During the eight weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission and received instruction in drill and ceremonies, rifle marksmanship, weapons, map reading, tactics, armed and unarmed combat, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, Army history, core values and traditions, and special training in human relations.

Brideau is the brother of Erin Brideau of Bank St., Suffolk.

Fulgham helps commission USS Nitze

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Curtis D. Fulgham, son of William H. Fulgham of Suffolk, and more that 300 of his fellow sailors recently took part in commissioning the Navy’s newest guided-missile destroyer, USS Nitze (DDG-94), during a ceremony held at the ship’s homeport of Naval Station Norfolk

Nitze is the U.S. Navy’s 44th Arleigh Burke-class destroyer and is equipped with the AEGIS weapons system, an MK 41 Vertical Launch System that fires a combination of up to 96 surface-to-air and Tomahawk missiles as well as vertically launched ASROC torpedoes. In addition, Fulgham’s ship can be outfitted with a remote controlled mine hunting vehicle, which can detect, locate and identify mines in deep and shallow water.

Nitze is named after former Secretary of the Navy and presidential advisor Paul H. Nitze. Fulgham is a 1999 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School of Portsmouth and joined the Navy in June 1999.

Dedafoe completes basic training

Marine Corps Pvt. Christopher J. Dedafoe, son of Patrica A. and Renneth C. Dedafoe of, recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S. C. designed to challenge new Marine recruits both physically and mentally.

Dedafoe and fellow recruits began their training at 5 a.m., by running three miles and performing calisthenics. In addition to the physical conditioning program, Dedafoe spent numerous hours in classroom and field assignments, which included learning first aid, uniform regulations, combat water survival, marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat and assorted weapons training. They performed close order drill and operated as a small infantry unit during field training.

Dedafoe and other recruits also received instruction on the Marine Corps’ core values-honor, courage and commitment, and what the core values mean in guiding personal and professional conduct.

Dedafoe and fellow recruits ended the training phase with The Crucible, a 54-hour, team evolution culminating in an emotional ceremony in which recruits are presented the Marine Corps Emblem, and addressed as &uot;Marines&uot; for the first time in their careers.

Dedafoe is a 2004 graduate of Lakeland High School.

Pvt. Edmond graduates from advanced training

Army Pvt. Chante N. Edmond has graduated from the Automated Logistical Specialist Advanced Individual Training (AIT) course at the U.S. Army Quartermaster Center and School, Fort Lee, Petersburg.

The course is designed to train soldiers to establish and maintain stock records and other documents such as inventory, material control, accounting and support reports, automated and manual accounting records; perform stock record/warehouse functions pertaining to receipt, storage, distribution and issue and maintain equipment records and parts; review and verify bills of lading, contracts, and purchase orders; repair and construct shipping crates for equipment and supplies, and perform prescribed loads and shop stock lists in manual and automated supply applications.

Edmond is the daughter of John D. and stepdaughter of Sheila L. Edmond of Jonathan’s Way, Suffolk.

The private is a 2004 graduate of Lakeland High School.