Virginia
Griffin Kology Finds New Home With UVA Lacrosse
![Griffin Kology Finds New Home With UVA Lacrosse](https://www.si.com/.image/t_share/MTkwMDEyMjIyNzUwMDc0NjIy/griffin-kology-richmond.png)
The Cavaliers misplaced solely 4 of their 16 video games in what was one other profitable season for the Virginia males’s lacrosse program. UVA captured its nineteenth ACC title and reached the quarterfinals of the NCAA Match.
Of these 4 losses, two of them got here towards the unstoppable and eventual nationwide champion Maryland Terrapins and one was towards the Duke Blue Devils, who defeated Virginia for the Fifteenth-consecutive time within the common season.
None of these three losses had been significantly stunning. The fourth actually was.
On April 2nd, the Cavaliers traveled to Richmond to tackle a Spiders crew that had by no means crushed UVA within the seven instances the groups had met because the inception of Richmond’s lacrosse program in 2014. Richmond used a 7-0 run that spanned the second and third quarters to stun Virginia 17-13. It was solely the second time that UVA had ever misplaced to an opponent from the Commonwealth of Virginia in 136 whole video games.
One of many key elements within the final result of the sport was the efficiency of Richmond freshman defender Griffin Kology, who was given the powerful task of guarding Connor Shellenberger, Virginia’s finest participant and one of many prime attackmen in all of school lacrosse. Shellenberger recorded three assists, however Kology largely gained the matchup, holding Shellenberger to only one aim on ten pictures. Kology brought on a turnover and picked up a career-high six floor balls as a part of a smothering effort from the Richmond protection, who held Virginia to only 4 objectives in your entire second half.
Two months later, Griffin Kology is now a Cavalier.
Shortly after the conclusion of Richmond’s season, which ended with a heartbreaking time beyond regulation loss at No. 3 Penn within the first spherical of the NCAA Match, Kology entered the switch portal. That call had much less to do with lacrosse and extra to do along with his scholar expertise at Richmond and its campus.
“Clearly it was a very profitable season in Richmond together with the crew. The lacrosse was nice, that was my favourite half,” Kology mentioned in an interview final week. “However the campus was not what I believed it was. Once I first got here there, it was smaller than I believed so I simply needed one thing larger and that is what sort of drove me to place myself within the switch portal.”
Kology made the powerful resolution to enter his identify within the portal with no assure that any program would supply him a scholarship. After a stellar freshman season at Richmond that noticed him earn Second-Crew All-Southern Convention honors, Kology was assured that there can be some curiosity.
“Yeah I used to be type of simply banking on myself,” mentioned Kology. “I imply I knew there’d be some curiosity simply because I believed I performed rather well this season, however no I had no concept that any faculties had been going to speak to me. So it was undoubtedly nerve wracking – placing myself in. However as soon as I noticed all of the individuals reaching out, I used to be like ‘okay, I am good. I really feel good.”
Along with Lars Tiffany and the Cavaliers, Kology heard from a number of big-time lacrosse applications, together with North Carolina, Cornell, and Brown. Clearly, there was some excessive demand for the defensive companies of Kology, who ranked No. 44 in all of school lacrosse with 1.31 brought on turnovers per sport final season. The 6’2, 189-pound defenseman appeared in all 16 of Richmond’s video games as a real freshman, beginning in 15 of these contests.
With a bidding conflict breaking out for Griffin Kology, Virginia had a person on the within who actually gave the Cavaliers a leg up within the recruiting battle. Kyle Kology, Griffin’s older brother, performed on the UVA males’s lacrosse crew for 4 seasons, showing in 62 video games, together with 59 begins. Typically referred to as the “Dean of the Protection” by Lars Tiffany, Kyle Kology was named a Third-Crew All-American in his senior season in 2021 as he helped lead the Cavaliers to their second-consecutive nationwide championship.
Being a two-time nationwide champion and a proud alum of the College of Virginia, it might have been simple for Kyle Kology to push his youthful brother to decide on UVA. Nonetheless, Griffin says his older brother was a useful useful resource for answering questions in regards to the faculty and the lacrosse program, however didn’t stress him to decide to Virginia.
“I requested him extra about private questions once I was trying [at Virginia] by way of my switch course of like – what is the enterprise faculty like? What are the practices like at Virginia? Simply easy questions, not nearly lacrosse however nearly dwelling and the place I can get meals on campus, simply stuff like that,” mentioned Griffin Kology.
“As soon as I dedicated he [Kyle] was like, “Man I needed you to go there so unhealthy, however I additionally needed to maintain type of a impartial stance on it as a result of I did not need myself to hinder your resolution so I attempted to maintain every little thing open and never sway you by some means.”
His older brother’s enter was helpful, however Griffin was actually offered on UVA when he took a go to to Grounds the day after Memorial Day.
“Coach Tiffany and coach [Sean] Kirwan took me round on a go to and it felt nice once I was there,” mentioned Kology, who additionally took a go to to Brown after Virginia. “I did some considering trying again on all the faculties that I visited and attempting to determine what finest suited me, not simply lacrosse-wise, but in addition living-wise, academically… and yeah, I selected Virginia.”
Scroll to Proceed
Kology joins a Virginia defensive unit that’s set to return all of its starters subsequent spring, together with All-People Cole Kastner and Cade Saustad, in addition to a number of key function gamers. Kology acknowledges the work he should do to be able to earn taking part in time on the UVA protection and he is able to embrace that problem.
“Understanding all of the returners are coming again – it is undoubtedly made me keep longer on the gymnasium, keep longer on the discipline once I’m coaching there,” Kology mentioned. “I simply know what I am about – an especially arduous employee. I have been doing it since eighth grade, so I do know what I can do…. It is not likely nerves. It is simply extra able to show myself to everybody.”
The UVA teaching workers is aware of firsthand what Griffin is able to after seeing him guard Connor Shellenberger in Richmond’s upset win over Virginia again in April.
“They largely talked about how I guarded Connor Shellenberger and so they mentioned I did a fairly okay job,” Kology mentioned. “So yeah that took me again just a little bit as a result of he is such a superb participant.”
Kology should get used to guarding Shellenberger and the UVA assault day by day in apply, however he’s thrilled to be becoming a member of a program that has been the category of school lacrosse, each lately and traditionally, profitable its sixth and seventh NCAA nationwide championships in 2019 and 2021.
“I am tremendous excited to go to a spot the place should you do not make it to championship weekend… it is such as you did not attain your aim,” mentioned Kology. “And I simply can’t wait to be taking part in approach into the playoffs and probably to the championship.”
As for any trash discuss Kology would possibly bestow upon his new teammates for beating them through the 2022 season, he says he possible will not be rubbing that victory in anytime quickly.
“Perhaps as soon as I construct the relationships, perhaps down the street.”
Within the meantime, Griffin Kology will look ahead to serving to the Cavaliers make a run at yet one more nationwide championship subsequent spring.
See extra Virginia males’s lacrosse information and content material: Virginia Males’s Lacrosse on Sports activities Illustrated
See extra Virginia sports activities information and content material: Virginia Cavaliers on Sports activities Illustrated
Learn extra from Cavaliers Now
Ashley Anumba Garners All-American Honors in Discus to Conclude NCAA Championships
Lehigh OL Andrew Canelas Transfers to Virginia Soccer
Virginia Security Javin Burke Enters Switch Portal
Virginia’s Claudio Romero Wins NCAA Discus Nationwide Title
Funding Purpose Reached for New UVA Soccer Facility After $5 Million Nameless Present
Maria Deaviz Breaks UVA File, Earns First-Crew All-American in Shot Put
Recapping Virginia’s Athletic Achievements within the ACC in 2021-2022
![](https://newspub.live/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/np-logo.png)
Virginia
Southwest Virginia Community College’s ‘Adventure Ready Camp’ encourages interest in outdoors
![Southwest Virginia Community College’s ‘Adventure Ready Camp’ encourages interest in outdoors](https://gray-wvva-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/TL2HJ3IU5BEHPL5PXGNAESBE4E.jpg?auth=c5c159372ac1e82af6e5ebc845abf9462c679f6d42ddabc0420b7ddac11e8c30&width=1200&height=600&smart=true)
TAZEWELL COUNTY, Va. (WVVA) -Southwest Virginia Community College’s ‘Adventure Ready Camp’ teaches many of the skills needed to survive in the wilderness, from learning how to start a campfire to navigating the land with a map and compass. But the organizer for the camp says the skills learned here go beyond survival situations.
“…and it’s not necessarily the idea of doing survivor or survival. It’s more of… it’s given me the chance to where I can enjoy what’s around me because there’s a lot in this region available that sometimes people don’t see,” says Michael Brown, an associate professor at SWCC.
Kids aged nine through thirteen could learn a variety of wilderness skills and ways to have fun in the great outdoors. But this camp also benefits those outside that age group, with this camp being led by students in the college’s Environmental Management and Forest Ecology Program.
Ryan Lamb, one of these student-counselors says leading this camp is both a way to fulfil a class requirement and an opportunity to share his passion for the outdoors and his field of study.
“…I think it’s a wonderful program. I think that all the teachers that I’ve had so far have been amazing, and they really want to help you out and make sure you succeed,” says Lamb.
The camp also had a visit from someone who works at a state park who told the kids about the many opportunities available to them if they choose to make a career out of this program. Brown hopes holding the camp for this age group will inspire the kids to pursue their passion for the outdoors and potentially become the program’s next generation.
“Some of them actually get excited about the outdoors even more afterwards, so hopefully by the time they get to high school level and college level age group, then they’ve got that spark going really big, to where it’s like, ‘hey, I want to go into this program.’ And that’s kind of where that fits in,” says Brown.
Brown adds, he hopes these kids will share what they learned with their parents, making the fun to be had outdoors into a family activity.
If you would like to find out more information about the adventure ready camp, Brown says you can go to the Southwest Virginia Community College website.
Copyright 2024 WVVA. All rights reserved.
Virginia
The 10 Best Hotels In Virginia Beach
![The 10 Best Hotels In Virginia Beach](https://imageio.forbes.com/specials-images/imageserve/6679920402a2e28160848bc7/0x0.jpg?format=jpg&height=900&width=1600&fit=bounds)
All products and services featured are independently selected by Forbes Vetted contributors and editors. When you make a purchase through links on this page, we may earn a commission. Learn more
Latifah Al-Hazza, Contributor
Forbes Vetted
Virginia Beach has become a popular destination for an oceanfront vacation, and the best hotels in Virginia Beach have excelled at keeping up with the city’s growing popularity. Although most travel to Virginia Beach for its expansive beachfront and surfable waves, the city also offers a flavorful culinary scene, a vibrant nightlife and endless adventure sports. From oceanfront hotels to interesting historical hotels, guests of all ages can enjoy a variety of accommodations to choose from.
If you’re looking for an ultra-luxurious stay near the ocean, our top high-end recommendation is The Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club. For kid-friendly amenities, the Embassy Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront offers plenty of activities for young ones. The Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront is home to one of the best rooftop restaurants in the city, while The Pink House is the perfect place to celebrate a milestone. Below, the best hotels in Virginia Beach for 2024.
Best High-End Hotel In Virginia Beach: The Historic Cavalier Hotel And Beach Club, Autograph Collection
Today, the grandiose hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is home to three restaurants, a distillery, a spa and more.
The Historic Cavalier Hotel And Beach Club, Autograph Collection
The Historic Cavalier Hotel And Beach Club, Autograph Collection
Who Will Love It: Couples; families; groups
All-Star Amenities: Access to the private beach club; an extensive garden and lawn; frequent entertainment; golf cart transportation
What Not To Miss: Afternoon tea in The Raleigh Room; lounging at the private Cavalier Beach Club; sipping your way through a bourbon tour and tasting at Tarnished Truth
The Cavalier has been a staple of Virginia Beach since the 1920s; the hotel was handed over to the U.S. Navy in 1942, when it was turned it into a radar training site. It later reopened as the original Cavalier in 1976, and underwent a four-year, multi-million-dollar renovation in 2012, when it was restored to preserve its original neoclassical style, seen in its pilasters and columns. Having taken inspiration from Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, The Cavalier has welcomed prominent historical figures such as Muhammad Ali, Jimmy Carter, Dwight D. Eisenhower, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, JFK, Frank Sinatra and Elizabeth Taylor, to name a few. Today, the stunningly grandiose hotel remains the best luxury property in Virginia Beach and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It features three restaurants, a distillery, a spa, an indoor pool and a private beach club. The hotel also offers plenty of weekly entertainment, ranging from live music to movies on the lawn.
Best Hotel In Virginia Beach For Foodies: Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort
This is the perfect hotel for foodies because the hotel boasts one of the best restaurants in the city.
Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort
Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort
Who Will Love It: Marriott loyalists; couples; friend groups
All-Star Amenities: Bicycles are available for guests to cruise down the boardwalk
What Not To Miss: Sunset drinks at Orion’s Roof; indulging in ice cream from We Scream on the ground floor
The Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort is located across from The Historic Cavalier. Having opened in 2020, the hotel sits directly on the ocean, offering quick access to the vast, sandy beach. This is a great property for foodies, as the hotel offers one of the best restaurants in the city. Orion’s Roof offers phenomenal views of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, handcrafted cocktails, and an Asian fusion menu. Additionally, Tulu Seaside Bar & Grill serves fresh and local ingredients in its seaside dining experience.
The salty ocean air can be felt from all of the hotel’s rooms and suites. The ocean view rooms with balconies are by far the best rooms, but all rooms have limited, if not full views of the ocean. Guests can enjoy an indoor/outdoor pool or lounge at the beach in one of the hotel’s loungers. Bocce ball, fire pits and a terrace for entertainment are located directly in front of the ocean.
Best Pet-Friendly Hotel In Virginia Beach: Moxy Virginia Beach Oceanfront
The rooms are small, but the hotel has plenty of communal spaces to lounge around in.
Marriott International
Moxy Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Who Will Love It: Pets; solo travelers; young creatives
All-Star Amenities: Skittles and drink vouchers upon check-in; a heated outdoor pool
What Not To Miss: The large foosball table on the second floor
Stylish with a minimalist yet beachy flair, Moxy Virginia Beach Oceanfront opened its doors in 2023. Located on the south end of the beach, near much of the oceanfront’s nightlife such as bars and clubs, it’s also within walking distance to putt-putt and mini golf courses. Attractions within a short drive include the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, an excellent excursion for a rainy day, and First Landing State Park, a perfect place to explore with your pup. Dogs are welcome at the hotel with a $50 fee and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. Water bowls can be found throughout the hotel.
The rooms are small, but the hotel has plenty of communal spaces to lounge around in. The lobby has TVs and a shuffleboard table, while the outdoor area offers a terrace and lawn games. The hotel is located right on the boardwalk allowing easy access for a sunrise or sunset stroll along the beach.
Best Hotel In Virginia Beach For Families: Embassy Suites By Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort
The resort boasts an indoor and outdoor pool and two eateries.
Embassy Suites By Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort
Embassy Suites By Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort
Who Will Love It: Families with children
All-Star Amenities: Complimentary breakfast and an evening reception
What Not To Miss: Aqua fit classes in the pool
Embassy Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront opened its doors in 2023 and became the city’s best family-friendly resort. There are no shortage of activities here that cater to young ones, such as kids’ crafting, mermaid meet and greets, pirate parties and beach metal detector usage. The resort is located next to the Marriott Oceanfront Resort and The Historic Cavalier, which allows for easy access to additional entertainment and happenings. The resort offers an indoor and outdoor pool and two eateries; an open-air Mexican restaurant that feels like dining at a tropical beach shack in Mexico and a 1920’s themed restaurant serving classic American fare and cocktails. Situated on the oceanfront, all rooms offer beach chairs and bicycles for guests who wish to bask in the sun or explore the boardwalk. Book an ocean-facing room and you may get lucky and see dolphins jumping in the air at sunrise.
Best Hotel In Virginia Beach For Shopping and Entertainment: Westin Virginia Beach Town Center
The hotel is located 10 miles from the oceanfront, and is where visitors can find boutiques unique to the area.
Westin Virginia Beach Town Center
Westin Virginia Beach Town Center
Who Will Love It: Friend groups; couples
All-Star Amenities: An excellent location close to all local entertainment
What Not To Miss: A comedy show at Funny Bone and enjoying the nightly activations
The Westin Virginia Beach Town Center is the perfect place to call home while exploring the city’s food and shopping scene. It is located 10 miles from the oceanfront and is where visitors can find boutiques unique to the area as well as chain shops like Bluemercury, Anthropologie, Nike, and Lululemon, to name a few. The hotel is ideally situated within a three-block walking radius to these shops as well as a variety of coffee shops, restaurants and cocktail bars like Town Center Cold Pressed, Twist Martini & Associates and Cantina Laredo.
Just across the street you’ll find the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, where theatrical and musical performances take place multiple times a week. Around the corner is Funny Bone Comedy Club which offers live performances along with dinner Wednesday through Sunday, and down the street there is a Drybar to pamper yourself before a night on the town. Apex Entertainment will keep the children occupied, and if you’ve brought your pooch along but don’t want to leave Fido alone, Dogtopia is a few minutes away and offers doggy daycare services. During the summer months, Town Center showcases movies in the plaza.
Best Budget-Friendly Hotel In Virginia Beach: Delta Hotels Virginia Beach Waterfront
The hotel offers panoramic views of the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States.
Delta Hotels Virginia Beach Waterfront
Delta Hotels Virginia Beach Waterfront
Who Will Love It: Travelers who want to be near the water but away from the touristy part of town
All-Star Amenities: A private beach to relax on
What Not To Miss: Tides Pool Club for cocktails and the outdoor swimming pool
Away from the hustle and bustle of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront lies Delta Hotels, a waterfront hotel on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. The hotel offers panoramic views of the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States. The hotel’s private beach allows for an enjoyable beach day or lounge by the outdoor pool overlooking the water. The property is home to Tides Coastal Kitchen, a water view restaurant serving Chesapeake Bay oysters and crab cakes, fresh fish and Virginia Beach’s signature orange crush drink.
Local attractions such as the Cape Henry Lighthouse, Ocean Breeze Waterpark, and Hunt Club Petting Farm are just a short stroll away. Bayville Golf Club is within a four-mile radius of the hotel, and Great White Water Sports offers exciting dolphin tours on jet skis. Nearby restaurant staples include Bay Local Eatery, CP Shuckers Café and Raw Bar, and Hot Tuna, which offers live music most evenings.
Hotel With The Best Views In Virginia Beach: Hyatt Place Virginia Beach / Oceanfront
The Hyatt Place offers stunning views of the ocean or picturesque views of the city, depending on the room chosen.
Hyatt Place Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Hyatt Place Virginia Beach / Oceanfront
Who Will Love It: Fitness enthusiasts; those seeking great views
All-Star Amenities: Complimentary breakfast; a guest laundry room; no resort fees
What Not To Miss: An ocean-facing room and the fitness center overlooking the outdoor pool
Located steps from the quieter side of the boardwalk at the north end sits the Hyatt Place Virginia Beach/Oceanfront. The hotel opened in 2022 and has become a go-to stay for those seeking epic views of the Atlantic Ocean (read as: watching dolphins play in the waters). As a new hotel, the rooms are fresh with a beachy vibe. Carpets have been removed and replaced with tiles to keep sand lingering from sandy toes at bay. The Hyatt Place offers stunning views of the ocean or picturesque views of the city, depending on the room chosen, from the private balcony.
The hotel’s backyard is home to Hillier Ignite Fitness Park, which is complete with rope climbing and monkey bars in the sand. Even if you don’t plan to workout, it’s worth watching the athletes show off their skills (or muscles). A block away is a beachfront playground, perfect for children. If you’re spending the day on the beach, a nearby café called Taste will deliver your delicious order to the sand.
Best Bed And Breakfast In Virginia Beach: Barclay Cottage Bed & Breakfast
Staying at this charming cottage offers guests a glimpse into history.
Barclay Cottage Bed & Breakfast
Barclay Cottage Bed & Breakfast
Who Will Love It: History buffs and couples looking for a quaint and romantic getaway
All-Star Amenities: A two-course breakfast and beach cruiser bikes
What Not To Miss: The memorabilia on display in the cabinets
Barclay Cottage Bed & Breakfast remains one of just two original beach cottages in Virginia Beach. Built in 1895, the original plan was to convert it into a golf clubhouse. In 1916, the property was sold to Christopher Columbus Barclay, the first treasurer of Virginia Beach, who had 11 children, 10 that didn’t live past infancy. The one child that survived, Lillian S. Clair Barclay, tutored children in 1922, leading to the guest house turning into classrooms. The school closed in 1972 and was turned into an inn in 1991. Staying at this charming cottage offers guests a glimpse into history. It’s ideally situated two blocks from the oceanfront and is next door to the Vibe District Creative District. The property offers five cozy guest rooms, a great room and a massage room.
Hotel With The Best Location In Virginia Beach: Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront
The hotel is situated steps from the ocean, centered within walking distance of some of the best restaurants and shops on Laskin Road.
Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Who Will Love It: Couples; friend groups
All-Star Amenities: Its proximity to Virginia Beach hotspots
What Not To Miss: An evening drink at the hotel’s rooftop bar
Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront is situated in the most ideal spot on Virginia Beach’s boardwalk. Its location is significant because it is next to Neptune Park’s small outdoor arena, which often hosts live performances, food and art festivals, as well as the city’s notable King Neptune Statue. The hotel’s Catch 31 restaurant is situated on the ground floor with statue and ocean views from indoors and outdoors and offers large fire pits where guests and locals mix and mingle. Guests who want to relax and soak in the ocean breeze while people watching can unwind in one of the hotel’s many rocking chairs placed alongside the boardwalk. The 21st floor has a rooftop Sky Bar that transforms into a lively scene with a DJ on summer evenings and into igloo dining spaces during winter. The outdoor and indoor pool is also located on this floor, the highest floor. Must-visit nearby restaurants include Love Song for dinner, The Atlantic on Pacific for happy hour, Dough Boys for a quick pizza, Duck Donuts for a decadent sweet treat, and Beachside Social to enjoy a full bar with shuffleboard and bocce ball.
Best Rental Property In Virginia Beach: The Pink House
The walls are decorated with art pieces from all over the world; the kitchen is decked out with upscale Café and Smeg appliances.
David Abel
The Pink House
Who Will Love It: Lovers of pink
All-Star Amenities: Solo stove; outdoor gas grill
What Not To Miss: Utilizing the pink golf cart that comes with the rental
Virginia Beach’s The Pink House certainly stands out—it’s quite literally all pink. Its walls are decorated with art pieces from all over the world, while its kitchen is decked out with upscale Café and SMEG appliances. The bungalow has three bedrooms and two full baths, which allows up to seven guests to sleep. Sonos speakers, pool and beach towels, beach chairs, toys for children and four beach cruisers with locks and a pump all come with the rental to make any Virginia Beach vacation easy and enjoyable. The heated saltwater plunge pool, pool loungers and stylish umbrellas urge guests to stay and relax.
The boutique rental takes on characteristics of original Virginia Beach homes with flare from the Playa Grande Beach Club in the Dominican Republic. A highlight of renting this property is that it comes with a pink golf cart to cruise around the oceanfront. It is located minutes from The Vibe Creative District, the city’s cultural arts hub. Nab a reservation at nearby restaurant The Pink Dinghy to pair well with your pink vacation theme.
About Latifah Al-Hazza, Your Los Cabos All-Inclusive Resorts Guide
I am an Emmy Award-winning travel journalist and documentary filmmaker who graduated with journalism degrees from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (BS) and the University of Southern California (MS). I enjoy writing about all things travel, whether it’s about a tribe in the Omo Valley or the latest luxury hotel opening in the Maldives. My first international flight was when I was three months old; since then I’ve traveled to over 55 countries. When I’m not writing, you can find me (still) traveling solo, with my parents, or with my 4 pound Pomeranian. In addition to Forbes Vetted, my work can be found in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Travel + Leisure, Fodor’s, INSIDER, CNN Travel, The New York Times, TimeOut, and more. I am also the co-founder (along with my mother) of Femscape Sojourns, a boutique women’s travel company. I currently reside between Virginia, Chicago, and Kuwait. Follow my adventures on Instagram @tifahtravels.
Virginia
Virginia Beach leaders push to bring future air defense to NAS Oceana
![Virginia Beach leaders push to bring future air defense to NAS Oceana](https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/2427d3a/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1076x565+0+11/resize/1200x630!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fewscripps-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F86%2F4f%2Fa812d78d4074aea4e8f1f6a8dd29%2Fscreenshot-2024-06-23-at-5-09-30-pm.png)
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — City leaders in Virginia Beach are making a push to make sure the future of air defense ends up at the East Coast Master Jet Base NAS Oceana with the rollout of the F-35 fighter jet.
If you live in Virginia Beach, you know about jet noise and how NAS Oceana is home to hundreds of aircraft including the F-18 Super Hornet.
“We have the F-18s but they won’t be in service forever and there will be a next generation of aircraft that will be coming out,” Vice Mayor of Virginia Beach, Rosemary Wilson, said. “We need to show the Navy that we are welcoming and open to the future aircraft coming forward.”
DVIDS
Part of that future is the use of F-35s being manufactured by Lockheed Martin in Texas.
Some of those fighters have been positioned on the West Coast but none have been slated to make their way to Oceana just yet.
That’s why Wilson and Mayor Boby Dyer have created a resolution telling the Navy the city supports bringing in new aircraft.
State leaders like Rep. Jen Kiggans are also trying to show the Navy our runways are ready.
“They would go first to Lemoore so we don’t want to be left out of the equation here on the East Coast just because we know that when we get new aircraft we want to be tip of the spear,” Kiggans said. “Mission-driven as well thinking what our mission is on the East Coast as well as the West Coast.”
![VB Leaders push for the future of NAS Oceana](https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/6c51163/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1076x586+0+0/resize/1076x586!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fewscripps-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8c%2F55%2F4e3ff265473e9a29815fc9289723%2Fscreenshot-2024-06-23-at-5-09-41-pm.png)
DVIDS
Oceana plays a vital role in the economy of the Resort City, as well.
“It’s 13,000 jobs but also with every job there’s a family and then there’s also the businesses that help support that,” Wilson said. “If we lost Oceana which we could have in 2005 it would have a huge impact on our city.”
Kiggans said that the new air defense could mean better access to defense dollars to be used to improve infrastructure, housing, and child care for military families.
“You know the F-18’s NAS Cecil Field, they closed Cecil Field in Jacksonville and they came up here,” Kiggans said. “We saw that we needed housing to go along with it, we needed hangar upgrades, infrastructure improvements so we still need those things we have a base that continues to need to be revitalized.”
![NAS Oceana](https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c2d7397/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1076x586+0+0/resize/1076x586!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fewscripps-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F78%2F56%2Ffc13a3ca4e7d92a16ec86e7f53de%2Fscreenshot-2024-06-23-at-5-10-10-pm.png)
John Hood
Kiggans said these new jets won’t just fly in overnight and it’s a process that could take years.
There are permitting that needs to be done but Kiggans feels this resolution helps to show the city is ready.
“We want to get that ball rolling so we can make sure that we’re just staying relevant, staying in the discussion, we know they’re going to Lemoore, we need them here at Oceana as well,” Kiggans said.
Wilson said the resolution will likely be presented at city council’s July 2 meeting.
-
World1 week ago
Switzerland's massive security effort at the Ukraine peace conference
-
News1 week ago
Joe Biden, Barack Obama And Jimmy Kimmel Warn Of Another Donald Trump Term; Star-Filled L.A. Fundraiser Expected To Raise At Least $30 Million — Update
-
News1 week ago
It's easy to believe young voters could back Trump at young conservative conference
-
World1 week ago
Swiss summit demands 'territorial integrity' of Ukraine
-
World1 week ago
Protesters in Brussels march against right-wing ideology
-
World1 week ago
Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 842
-
Politics1 week ago
Biden looks to capitalize on star-studded Hollywood fundraiser after Trump's massive cash haul in blue state
-
Politics1 week ago
Judge rules Missouri abortion ban did not aim to impose lawmakers' religious views on others