Two Norfolk-based subs winners of efficiency award

Two Norfolk-based submarines are among the winners of the Navy submarine force's annual Battle Efficiency competition.

The Battle "E" is awarded to ships that demonstrate a maximum condition of readiness for their class and the capability to perform wartime responsibilities, according to a news release.

The fast-attack subs Montpelier from Submarine Squadron 6 and Oklahoma City from Submarine Squadron 8 were honored.

Little Creek Pharmacy work almost done

Renovations to Boone Clinic's pharmacy at Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base are nearly finished, the Navy announced.

The pharmacy will return to full operation Tuesday and will fill new formulary prescriptions, including hard-copy civilian prescriptions and refills.

Pharmacy hours will be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Refill building hours will be 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Refills must be called in or submitted online; allow 72 business hours for them to be completed.

Coast Guard Cutter returns from Caribbean

The Coast Guard cutter Tampa returned home to Portsmouth on Tuesday after a 62-day patrol in the Caribbean, according to a news release.

Tampa's crew helped two adults and three small children in distress aboard a sailboat and helped stop a vessel off the coast of Honduras that had 112 pounds of cocaine aboard.

Submarine force Junior officers of the year announced

The Navy's Submarine Force has announced the winners of the 2008 Junior Officer of the Year competition.

The Norfolk-based winners are: Lt. Rowdy A. Garcia of the fast-attack submarine Norfolk, Submarine Squadron 6, and Lt. Matthew W. Smith of the fast-attack submarine Newport News, Submarine Squadron 8.

Employers can show support for guard and reserve

The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense organization, is offering employers an opportunity to show their support of their employees in the National Guard and Reserve by signing and displaying a formal Statement of Support.

To obtain a Statement of Support certificate, go to www.esgr.com or phone the Employer Outreach Coordinator of the Tidewater Committee of the ESGR at (757) 464-6089.

In addition, the agency is accepting nominations for the 2009 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. National Guard and Reserve members and their families can nominate employers who have gone above and beyond in their support of military employees. Recipients will be announced in the spring and honored in Washington in September.

Nominations will be accepted at www.freedomaward.mil through Jan. 19.

Events

The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. observance with educator and youth mentor Jeffrey Blowe, and musical performances.

1 p.m. Thursday, Fort Monroe's post theater, Building 42, Tidball Road. Tickets are not required. (757) 788-3164.

Military briefs run every Friday. Send submissions to military@pilotonline.com.