06-10-2011 The Patriot (Joint Base Charleston)

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Joint Base Charleston

Vol. 2, No. 22

Patriot Team Charleston – One Family, One Mission, One Fight!

Friday, June 10, 2011

Remembering the Battle of Midway Story and photos by Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Brannon Deugan Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs Joint Base Charleston hosted a commemoration June 3 to recognize the 69th anniversary of the Battle of Midway, widely considered one of the most significant naval victories in United States history. Similar ceremonies were held throughout the Navy. Charleston's ceremony was conducted onboard the former USS Yorktown (CV 10) at Patriot's Point Naval and Maritime Museum, where Joint Base Charleston's Deputy Commander, Capt. Ralph Ward, gave keynote remarks that were followed by a wreath-laying ceremony. "It was an honor to participate in the wreath-laying ceremony," said Fireman John Dyer, from Naval Support Activity, one of the wreath presenters during the commemoration ceremony. "It was a great chance to honor everyone who served at the Battle of Midway because they contributed tremendously to the success of the battle and ultimately to the United States winning the war in the Pacific." Six months prior to Midway, the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor destroyed or crippled much of the Navy's Pacific Fleet. Fortunately the U.S. aircraft carriers were unscathed because they were at sea during the attack. The Japanese planned the Midway campaign to draw what remained of the U.S. fleet into a final engagement that would force it to sue for peace and allow Japan to solidify its gains in the Pacific. The U. S. fleet was significantly outnumbered by the Japanese, but had several advantages. First, code breakers had been able to determine much Fireman John Dyer, right, and Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Michael Phaiboun present a wreath to Capt. Ralph of the Japanese attack plan and the element of surprise was now on the Ward and Rev. Harold Syfrett. The wreath was laid during the commemoration ceremony of the 69th U.S. side. In addition, the Japanese had dispersed its huge naval force and Anniversary of the Battle of Midway onboard the USS Yorktown (CV 10) at Patriots Point Naval and Maritime only sent four of 10 aircraft carriers to Midway, perhaps overconfident of Museum, June 3. The wreath laying ceremony is a tradition that honors service members who served and sacrificed. Captain Ward is the Joint Base Charleston deputy commander; Fireman Dyer and MM3 Phaiboun victory. are assigned to Naval Support Activity, Joint Base Charleston and Reverend Syfrett served aboard USS Adm. Chester Nimitz, commander of the Pacific Fleet, recognized Yorktown from 1943 to 1946. See more photos, Page 3. these advantages and decided to take the gamble to engage the Japanese, calculating that the known advantages tipped the scales enough to justify in every ship, squadron and Sailor. The character of our service members was the real key the substantial risks. to the U.S. victory. He stated our strong morale and unwavering attacks were particularly Victory was still a long shot, and had our Navy not prevailed at Midway, the war's out- impressive in view of the crushing blow at Pearl Harbor less than six months earlier and that come could have been much different. Admiral's Nimitz's plan succeeded however, and superb leadership and adherence to the same core values we live by today were crucial. all four Japanese carriers were sunk, though the U.S. carrier Yorktown was lost. This vicA heartfelt invocation and benediction were led during the commemoration ceremony tory is considered by many to be the turning point in the Pacific war, after which the by Rev. Harold Syfrett, who proudly served aboard USS Yorktown (CV 10) from April Japanese were on the defensive. 1943 to June 1946. Captain Ward emphasized in his remarks that the victory was due to not only the U.S. "This ceremony meant a great deal to me," he said. "When the Yorktown was sunk at ability to de-code Japanese communications but more to the pride and professionalism seen Midway they renamed this ship in its honor."

The right place, the right time, the right training

Fitness Blitz!!

If you are in a work-out rut, and you want to improve your physical fitness test scores, the Joint Base Charleston CrossFit team is here to help. Teaming up with the JB CHS Patriot newspaper, the base CrossFit certified trainers are looking for volunteers to monitor their fitness progression over the course of a few months. This opportunity is open to all military members, DoD civilians and their families. CrossFit is a program designed to maximize fitness and drastically improve physical fitness scores as well as an individual’s daily health and well-being. The premise for the Fitness Blitz will enable Team Charleston to track and share participants’ progress in the base newspaper. This can be done anonymously depending on each person’s preference. If you are interested in being a part of this endeavor or would like more information contact Steven Hart at steven. hart.2@us.af.mil or Scott Levesque at scott.levesque@us.af.mil.

By Airman 1st Class Jared Trimarchi Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs

INSIDE

got a call from her parents saying she was okay." Lieutenant Jefferson completed his CPR certification approximately a year ago at JB CHS and is now a certified trainer. He has An Airman stationed at Joint Base Charleston used cardiopul- taught CPR to more than 20 Airmen in his shop and constantly monary resuscitation to save the life of a fourreminds them of the importance of knowing year-old child who nearly drowned June 4 at how to save a life. Hidden Lakes Pool in Mount Pleasant, S.C. "The local media and everyone there was First Lt. Roy Jefferson, 628th Missions Support calling me a hero, but I was just there at the Group executive officer, his family and other milright time," Lieutenant Jefferson said. "If I had itary families were gathered at the Hidden Lakes never learned how to perform CPR I wouldn't Pool for a Military Mom's group outing. They have known what to do. You never know when never expected a near death experience to happen your CPR training will come in handy. And you in front of them. never know when you're going to have a little Lieutenant Jefferson's wife saw the little girl girl in your arms who needs it." drowning and picked her up out of the water. His Lieutenant Jefferson said he learned CPR wife yelled for help and Lieutenant Jefferson ran because of his two children, but CPR can be a to where she was holding the girl's motionless life saver for adults as well. body. Everyone should learn to administer CPR "She wasn't breathing," Lieutenant Jefferson and look to become certified, he said. said. "I checked her pulse and her heart wasn't "That morning I was debating whether I First Lt. Roy Jefferson beating. I was nervous, but somehow I knew I had should go to the pool or not, but something told 628th Missions Support Group me to spend time with my family," Lieutenant to administer CPR to save her life. executive officer Jefferson said. "I'm not saying the little girl is "After about eight compressions she started to breath. Although she awoke incoherent, she seemed to be fine. alive because of me. Anyone who knew how to administer CPR When the paramedics arrived they took her to the hospital. Later I could have saved her life. I just thank God she is alive."

EXPLOSIVES Moving them safely Page 5

SSC ATLANTIC Brings home awards Page 6 &11

SEXUAL ASSAULT Protect yourself Page 8

MOBEX Operational Readiness Inspection Countdown:

ORI preps continue Page 12

25 Weeks

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