DATE: Thursday, November 20, 1997           TAG: 9711190711

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B3   EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: Military 

                                            LENGTH:   58 lines

WEEKLY BRIEFING

Vice Adm. Vern Clark was relieved by Vice Adm. William J. Fallon as commander of the Norfolk-based 2nd Fleet, NATO's Striking Fleet Atlantic, and Joint Task Force 120/950 during a ceremony aboard the command ship Mount Whitney Nov. 14.

Clark, who had led the commands since March 1996, has been assigned as director of operations for the joint staff at the Pentagon.

Fallon had most recently been deputy commander-in-chief and chief of staff for the Norfolk-based U.S. Atlantic Command. In his new posts, he will oversee U.S. Navy operations in the Atlantic Ocean and adjacent waters, an area encompassing more than 38 million square miles. The change-of-command ceremony was private, at Clark's request.

In General

USO SHOW: The fifth annual USO Holiday Show for families of military personnel who will be deployed during the holidays will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Norfolk Naval Air Station.

The activities will be videotaped by Cox Communications and sent to all deployed commands. The show includes the Paramount Parks production of ``Scooby's Magical Christmas,'' featuring costumed characters Scooby-Doo and Yogi Bear.

The show will open with the Atlantic Fleet Band, the Miss Virginia USO Troupe and the local band Two Can Jam. Family members can sign ``Operation Yuletide'' Christmas cards, talk with Santa, mail wish lists and join in karaoke. All families will have an opportunity to send a unison command greeting to loved ones.

SHARING MEALS: The USO of Hampton Roads is sponsoring its 11th annual Adopt-A-Serviceperson program for Thanksgiving. If you would like to share your Thanksgiving meal with a military member who cannot go home for the holiday, call the USO of Hampton Roads at 827-1063.

SHIP TOURS: Two Navy ships will be open from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The guided-missile cruiser Vella Gulf will be at Norfolk Naval Station. Visitors should enter through Gate 2.

The dock landing ship Portland will be at Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base. Visitors should enter through Gate 1. For updated information, call 444-7637.

SHOOTING RANGE: Fort Eustis and the Newport News Police Department opened a joint pistol and shotgun range at the Army post Monday. The facility has a military range and two law enforcement ranges.

ACADEMIES BANQUET: Midshipmen and cadets, along with their families and friends, from all service academies are invited to a holiday banquet Saturday, Dec. 27, at Breezy Point Officers Club.

The speaker will be Lt. Gen. Brett M. Dula, vice commander of the U.S. Air Combat Command at Langley Air Force Base. For more information, call 486-7230 or 489-9011. ILLUSTRATION: Vice Adm. Vern Clark

Vice Adm. William J. Fallon

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