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Friday, May 22, 2015 Vol. 50, No. 20 Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C.
“The noise you hear is the sound of freedom.” 2 3 facebook.com/MCASBeaufort 3 Beaufort.Marines.mil
twitter.com/MCASBeaufortSC
U.S. Marine Corps begins F-35B operational training – Page 8
Reconnaissance Marines compete for fallen brothers – Page 9
2nd EOD gets hand-on training with robot, X-ray assisted IED disposal – Page 9
Corps celebrates 103 years of Marine aviation
Photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha K. Torres
Get involved, know your Marines Department of Defense Press Release
The first Marine Corps aviator was Lt. Col. Alfred A. Cunningham. Cunningham reported for aviation duty May 22, 1912, which is now recognized as the birthday of Marine Corps aviation. Cunningham was involved in every aspect of Marine aviation. He flew, tested, and experimented with new aircraft, selected sites for air stations, organized and planned Marine air squadrons, served on the board that organized the Naval aeronautical service, created Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla. and commanded the 1st Marine Aviation Force.
2nd Lt. Ralph Talbot was the first Marine Corps aviator to receive the Medal of Honor. Talbot received the award posthumously in 1918, for exceptionally meritorious service and extraordinary heroism while attached to Squadron C, 1st Marine Aviation Force, in France.
Additional photos can be seen on page 11
Courtesy Photos
The first production F-35A rolled off the assembly line in Fort Worth, Texas, in February of 2006. Later that year, the stealthy F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, in development by the United States and eight other countries, was named the “Lightning II,” paying homage to two earlier fighters. In December 2006, the F-35 completed it’s first flight. Over the next few years, flight and ground test articles of all three variants rolled off the production line and began collecting test points. The program reached several milestones in weapons separation testing, angle of attack testing, aerial refueling training, and surpassed more than 5,000 flight hours with more than 2,100 recorded flights that year. The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter arrived to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in June 2014.
100 years of blood, sweat and tears Story and Photos by: Lance Cpl. Samantha Torres Staff writer
In honor of making Marines for the past century, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island held a 100 kilometer relay race, May 16. The runners began the race under the “We make Marines” sign, and continued the relay race for a total of 62 miles. “It celebrates 100 years of Parris Island,” said Chuck Culpepper, the athletic director of Marine Corps Community Services. “We want to thank the town of Port Royal for going above and besee
100 years, page 4
Suicides contribute to more deaths than combat related deaths, and occur more often during the summer months, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. A 10-year, seasonal analysis of Marine Corps suicide data revealed a higher rate of suicide in the summer compared to other seasons. According to the Department of Defense, the increase is usually associated with increased transition and reduced unit cohesion. Periods of transition and relocation may also cause or worsen stressors for Marines and family members. Those stressors include travel, financial strain, relationship problems, and separation from support systems and resources. To mitigate the impact of these stressors, leaders can follow up consistently with transitioning Marines and offer support as Marines move from one unit to another or prepare to leave active duty. Even brief, periodic contact can reduce suicide risk. This is especially important when a transition is unwanted or disciplinary in nature, because the Marine’s sense of belonging is already threatened. Leaders can also connect transitioning Marines with resources that offer assistance such as Marine for Life, inTransition Mental Health Coaching and Support Program, Military Family Life Consultants, and the DSTRESS Line. They can also provide information on counseling resources for family, financial, behavioral or other concerns, particularly in cases where it is known the Marine is dealing with these stressors.
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Games and Entertainment
Friday, May 22, 2015
MCAS Beaufort Movie Schedule
Saturday 2 p.m. PG13 (2:19)
Mess Hall Menu Monday - Friday Breakfast: 6 - 7:30 a.m. Lunch: 11 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Dinner: 4 - 6 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday and holidays Brunch: 8:30 - 11 a.m. Dinner: 4 - 6 p.m.
Saturday 4:30 p.m. PG13 (2:17)
MCRD Parris Island Movie Schedule
Midrats Sunday - Thursday 11:30 p.m. - 1 a.m. Takeout Window Hours: Breakfast - Mon. - Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. Lunch - Mon. - Fri. 12:45 p.m. - 4 p.m. Dinner - Mon. - Fri. 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday Lunch Smoked ham and cabbage soup
Dinner Apple glazed corned beef and rice
Sunday Lunch Dinner Baked fish with butter Pork chops with crumb topping smothered onions Monday - Friday Breakfast Hot farina, hot hominy grits and oven-fried bacon
Sunday 2 p.m. PG (1:39)
Sunday 4:30 p.m. PG13 (1:50)
Memorial Day Word Search
Word Bank
Monday Dinner Lunch Spanish chorizo and Pepper steak and potato soup rosemary potatoes Tuesday Dinner Lunch Bean with bacon Beef with vegetables soup and peas and barley soup Wednesday Dinner Lunch Creole shrimp and Chipotle roasted corn sweet potatoes Thursday Dinner Lunch Salisbury steak and Chicken with rice southern style greens soup and breadsticks
America Celebrate Cookout Picnic Service Respect Duty Flag Honor Lives Members Memory Military Remember Salute
Friday Dinner Lunch Louisiana seafood Chicken and cheese gumbo and rice enchiladas
Chapel Services Roman Catholic • 9:30 a.m. - Sunday Mass • Confession by appointment only Protestant • 9:45 a.m. - Protestant Church School (Sunday School) • 11 a.m. - Protestant Sunday Worship Service (Children’s church is also available at this time) • 5 p.m. - Wednesday Protestant Bible Study • 5 p.m. - Saturday Worship Service at Laurel Bay Youth Center Buddhist • 11 a.m. - Saturday Worship Service in the Chapel Fellowship Hall Labyrinth Walk • 8 a.m - 4 p.m. - Monday in the Chapel Fellowship Hall
Sudoku
Other Faith Groups • For Jewish, Mormon and Islamic support, contact the Chaplain’s Office at 228-7775
See something suspicious Say something.
Call (843) 228-6710 / 911 - IMMEDIATELY
Hotlines MCAS Beaufort Station Inspector Sexual Assault Response Coordinator Force Protection information and concerns PMO Dispatch Severe Weather and Force Protection
228-7789 228-6904 228-6924 228-6710 1-800-343-0639
Sexual Assault The contact number for a Uniformed Victim Advocate is 592-0646. This number can get you in contact with a UVA 24 hours a day.
Fraud, Waste and Abuse
If you know of or suspect any fraud, waste or abuse aboard MCAS Beaufort, call 228-7777. If you know of or suspect any fraud, waste or abuse within MAG-31, call (252) 466-5038. The automated answering service on these lines is available 24 hours a day.
Answer key will be available on facebook.com/MCASBeaufort on May 27.
Command Information
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Friday, May 22, 2015
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Tri-Command Weather 7 Day Forecast Did you know... May 26, 1969: Operation Pipestone Canyon began when the 1st Battalion, 26th Marines and 3d Battalion, 5th Marines began sweeps in the Dodge City/Go Noi areas southwest of Da Nang. It terminated at the end of June with 610 enemy killed in action at a cost of 34 Marines killed.
Forecast according to accuweather.com
Brain Teaser Each day a lady gets the lift from the 12th floor to the ground level so she can go to work. When she comes home however she only goes up the lift to level 8. Why is this? Hint: It’s not to keep fit? Answer for this week’s brain teaser will be available on facebook.com/ MCASBeaufort on May 27.
Happenings The Provost Marshal’s Office plans to test the mass notification system on the first Wednesday of every month at 1 p.m. The test will take place aboard MCAS Beaufort and Laurel Bay. It will announce the following twice; “This is a test of the Marine Corps mass notification system. This is only a test. Test 5 4 3 2 1. Test out”. These tests are standard drills, and do not require any response. For further information, contact the physical security section at 228-6335.
A Lifelong Learning Graduation & Recognition Ceremony is slated to take place at The Lyceum aboard MCRD Parris Island at 2:30 p.m., May 26. For more information or to register call 228-2152.
Marine Corps Community Services is slated to host the 4th “For The Leathernecks Music and Comedy Show” at the Lasseter Theatre aboard MCAS Beaufort at 1 p.m., May 21.
The detention ponds located in the Freedom Sound neighborhood of Laurel Bay housing are off limits to all personnel. ‘No Fishing Allowed’ and ‘Keep Out’ signs have been posted on the fences encircling both ponds.
Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are held at the Station Chapel aboard MCAS Beaufort every Thursday at 10 a.m. Meetings are open to all service members, veterans, and civilians within the Tri-Command.
The photocopying of U.S. Government identification cards is a violation of Title 18, U.S. Code Part I, Chapter 33, Section 701 and punishable by fine and imprisonment.
Spring tempratures bring destructive weather. Monitor local news and if you encounter flooded roads, “turn around, don’t drown”. More people die annually from floods than any other weather event.
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Contact us: 228-7225 mcasbeaufort@gmail.com BFRT_JPAO@usmc.mil Commanding Officer MCAS Beaufort Col. Peter D. Buck
Public Affairs Officer 1st Lt. Clayton Groover
Public Affairs Chief Sgt. John Wilkes
Press Chief/Editor Cpl. Brendan Roethel
Memorial Day Message Memorial Day gives us an opportunity to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for the principles of liberty and democracy. As this day of remembrance approaches, I encourage Marines and sailors to pause and reflect on those individuals from all services who gave their lives in defense of our nation. As the nation’s force in readiness, the Marine Corps has an enduring responsibility to respond to the unexpected, and each of you are essential to that obligation. This Memorial Day weekend and throughout the summer I ask that you employ sound judgment in all of your activities. Take the time to enjoy some well earned rest and relaxation, but never forget your duty to always be ready when your nation calls on our Corps. To those Marines and sailors who are forward deployed, know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We look forward to your safe return. Take care of yourselves and each other. Semper fidelis.
Commandant of the Marine Corps
Community Relations Cpl. Sarah Cherry
Staff Writers
Lance Cpl. Samantha K. Torres Lance Cpl. Jonah V. Lovy Beaufort.Marines.mil
facebook.com/MCASBeaufort
twitter.com/MCASBeaufortSC
youtube.com/MCASBeaufortsc1
Editor’s note: We at The Jet Stream care about our reader’s opinion. In reaching our goal to put out the best possible product, we understand the importance of your feedback. Please add a comment to the “How can we improve The Jet Stream?” topic on our www. facebook.com/MCASBeaufort discussion board on how we can better your base newspaper. Published by the Savannah Morning News, a private firm in no way connected with the Department of Defense, the United States Marine Corps, the United States Navy, or Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., under exclusive written contract with the United States Marine Corps. This commercial-enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services. Its contents do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Marine Corps or the U.S. Navy and do not imply endorsement thereof. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DoD, the Marine Corps, the Navy, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., or the Savannah Morning News of the products or services advertised. Everything in this newspaper shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. If a violation of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the contractor shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. Editorial content (i.e., all content other than paid advertisements) is edited, prepared and provided by the public affairs office of the installation. All queries concerning news and editorial content should be directed to: Jet Stream, Marine Corps Public Affairs Office, P.O. Box 55001, MCAS Beaufort, S.C., 29904 or (843) 228-7225. All queries concerning business matters or display ads should be directed to the Savannah Morning News at (843) 815-0800.
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Friday, May 22, 2015
100 years continued from page 1
yond with their support.� Since 1915, drill instructors have been creating disciplined warriors. Over a million men and women have trained at the depot, and have served all over the globe. Parris Island trains approximately 18,000 recruits a year, and is the longest continually operating recruit training base in the Marine Corps.
More of the Story
Cartoon
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Friday, May 22, 2015
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Drawn by Emilio L. Baez-Rivera, a foreign language teacher at Laurel Bay's Elliott and Galer Elementary Schools
The Department of Defense recently made language learning software previously used only by specialists available to all government and military personnel for free. The course work is available at library’s throughout the Tri-Command as well as a mobile app called Joint Language University CL-150.
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Friday, May 22, 2015
In Other News
DoD cracks down on sexual assault Lance Cpl. Jonah Lovy Staff Writer
New Department of Defense programs and policies to help prevent sexual assault are on their way after extensive internal research into the issue. Unprecedented attention that leadership has focused on the crime has trends going in the right direction, said Army Maj. Gen. Jeffrey J. Snow, director of the DoD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response office. The secretary of defense, Ashton Carter, has launched more than 50 initiatives to fight sexual assault in the military’s ranks and provide support to victims, according to Snow. “It really shows we are a learning organization,” Snow said during a press conference. “When we identify a problem, we take steps to address it. We’ll continue to do that until we’ve eliminated sexual assault.” Service members made aware of sexual assault should act and not look away, Snow said. Feedback shows 90 percent indicated that if they saw something, they intervened, he added. Snow hopes that dramatic improvements are coming to the number of crimes prevented and the number of victims helped. Courtesy Photos
Jetstream Flyer
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Friday, May 22, 2015
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Around The Corps
Friday, May 22, 2015
Corps Bits
Marines sharpen combat readiness for Marine Air Ground Task Force MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. – Combining communications and combat skills, the Marines of Marine Wing Communications Squadron 28 conducted a squadron sized field exercise at Camp Lejeune, May 13. During the field exercise, the Marines were exposed to several different scenarios that tested not only their communications knowledge, but also pushed them to their physical limits. “The Marines practiced marksmanship, endurance training, and conducted basic combat skills as a team throughout the course of the field exercise,” said Capt. Ron Creech, the alpha company commander with MWCS-28. “The training improved the Marines’ basic skills and brought them together as a squadron.” The mission of MWCS-28 is to provide expeditionary communications for units within the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and all of its assets. The training is designed to increase the Marines’ understanding of the squadron’s mission to both 2nd MAW and the Marine Air-Ground Task Force, especially during high tempo operations. “These exercises allow us to examine the squadron and all of its operational capabilities.” said Creed. “Ensuring the readiness of our Marines and evaluating the improvements they make throughout training guarantees we are providing the best communication assets we can offer to the air element and the Marine AirGround-Task Force.” During the training, the Marines crosstrained with different sections in the squadron allowing them to learn the basic functions of equipment they do not regularly work with – ultimately building their technical and tactical knowledge across the squadron.
Congressional staff members attend annual Marine Day WASHINGTON – For the first time in two years, the Headquarters Marine Corps Office of Legislative Affairs hosted Marine Day at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., May 15. For nearly two decades, OLA has held their annual Marine Day in order to inform congressional personal and professional staff members about the Marine Corp’s history, ethos, and current and future warfighting capabilities. “The Marine Corps has a close link with Congress,” said John J. Daly, the legislative liaison of OLA. “There have been periods in history where its existence has been challenged, and it’s always been Congress that has stepped in. The Continental Congress created the Marine Corps, the 82nd Congress saved the Marine Corps after World War II, and it continues to play a key role in seeing that the Marine Corps is fully funded.” Congressional staff members were flown out to Quantico’s Range-15 on an MV-22B Osprey or CH-53E Super Stallion, where they spent the first half of the day. They were given the opportunity to shoot live rounds with individual and crewserved weapons and operate non-lethal weapons that Marines use today. “We’re really focusing on the individual Marine and what they bring to the fight,” said Maj. Brian A. Shottenkirk, the liaison officer of OLA. Marines at the range also demonstrated techniques from the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, canine handling, unmanned aerial surveillance, and prepared a static display of all elements of the Marine AirGround Task Force for the congressional staff members. This year, OLA added a visit to the National Museum of the Marine Corps, where members learned about the Corps’ history during the second half of the day. “This hasn’t been part of Marine Day before,” said Shottenkirk. “It’s a great tool for us to use to teach these people about the Marine Corps’ 200-year rich history, our ethos, and our traditions.” In addition to educating the congressional staff members, Marine Day is used as a premier way to show Congress where their investments are going and to confirm and build confidence in their relationship with the Marine Corps.
Marines and sailors aboard the USS Wasp (LHD-1) secure and refuel an F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter after its arrival for the first session of operational testing, May 18, 2015. Data and information gathered will lay the groundwork for F-35B deployments aboard Navy amphibious ships and the announcement of the Marine Corps’ initial operating capacity of the F-35B in July.
U.S. Marine Corps begins F-35B operational trials Story and Photos by: Maj. Paul Greenberg
Headquarters Marine Corps
ARLINGTON, Virginia – Six U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II jet aircraft arrived Monday evening aboard the USS WASP off the coast of the United States’ Eastern Seaboard to mark the beginning of the first shipboard phase of the F-35B Operational Test (OT-1). The at-sea period will continue aboard USS WASP for the next two weeks, with fleet representative aircraft and maintenance personnel from Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 22, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadrons 13 and 31. OT-1 will assess the integration of the F35B while operating across a wide array of flight and deck operations. Specific OT-1 objectives include demonstrating and assessing day and night flight operations in varying aircraft configurations; digital interoperability of aircraft and ship systems; F-35B landing signal officer’s launch and recovery software; day and night weapons loading; and all aspects of maintenance, logistics, and sustainment support of the F-35B while deployed at sea. Additionally, the U.S. Navy-Marine Corps team is working
closely with Naval Sea Systems Command to assess specific modifications made to USS WASP to support future deployments. “The F-35 Lightning II is the most versatile, agile and technologically-advanced aircraft in the skies today, enabling our Corps to be the nation’s force in readiness, regardless of the threat, and regardless of the location of the battle,” said Lt. Gen. Jon Davis, the Deputy Commandant for Marine Corps Aviation. “As we modernize our fixed-wing aviation assets for the future, the continued devel-
opment and fielding of the short take-off and vertical landing, the F-35B remains the centerpiece of this effort.” Data collected and lessons learned during OT-1 will lay the groundwork for F-35B deployments aboard U.S. Navy amphibious carriers following the Marine Corps’ F35B initial operating capability declaration planned for this coming July. For more information about OT-1 and other Marine Corps operations, visit our website at www.marines.mil.
Marine identified in MV-22 training mishap Story and Photos by: Capt. Brian Block
15th Marine Expeditionary Unit
USS ESSEX, at sea – Lance Cpl. Joshua E. Barron, 24, of Spokane, Wash. died Sunday of injuries sustained when the MV-22B Osprey he was aboard crashed while conducting training at Marine Corps Training Area - Bellows. Barron was a tiltrotor crew chief assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 (Rein.), 15th MEU. He was
Lance Cpl. Joshua E. Barron Died May 17 of injuries sustained during an MV-22B Osprey training exercise.
stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar prior to deploying with the MEU. “Words cannot express our sorrow at the tragic loss of this
fine young man. He is the best our nation has to offer,” said Col Vance L. Cryer, commanding officer, 15th MEU. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and the families of all the Marines involved in Sunday’s crash. If there is anything positive to relay in this situation it is that the heroic, selfless actions of the Marines aboard the aircraft along with the quick life saving actions of the civilian and military first responders.” “We appreciate the
thoughts, prayers, and support we have received as we continue to care for the injured and mourn our fallen Marine. We will continue our training, and we remain focused on ensuring that the MEU is fully prepared and postured as our nation’s Global Response Force.” I Marine Expeditionary Force is coordinating the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Media can contact I MEF Public Affairs for further information.
Corps Shot
Photo by Cpl. Matthew Bragg
MARINE CORPS TRAINING AREA BELLO, Hawaii - A Marine assigned to 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit drives an amphibious assault vehicle along the beach during the MARFORPAC-hosted U.S. Pacific Command Amphibious Leaders Symposium at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii, May 19. PALS is designed to bring together senior leaders of allied and partner Marine Corps, naval infantries, and militaries spanning the Indo-Asia-Pacific region with interest in military amphibious capability development.
The Jet Stream
Around The Corps
Fightertown deployed: VMFA-251 Thunderbolts are currently deployed aboard the USS Roosevelt as part of the U.S. Third Fleet.
MALS-31 Stingers
Story and Photos by: Cpl. Eric Keenan
Defense Media Activity
two pool challenges, fireman’s carry event, live-fire range, and a knot-tying test scattered along the route to the finish line. “It comes down to knowing your strengths and weaknesses, knowing how to exploit them when you need to and just keep pushing forward,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. Christopher May, a reconnaissance Marine with Plans, Policies and Operations, Headquarters Marine Corps, and competitor in the challenge. The teams ran to each obstacle carrying a 45-pound pack and a rifle for a total of 25.9 miles. Each team dedicated their run in honor of a Marine or sailor killed in action with the name of the service member written on a safety vest wrapped around their packs. “These guys are such a closeknit community; they’re a brotherhood unlike I’ve ever seen in my life.,” said Diane
Corps Bits
a detachment is currently deployed to the Western Pacific supporting VMFA-251.
Reconnaissance Marines compete for fallen brothers MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Waves from an eight-foot swell slam the strip of rocks lining the beach. The darkness of the early morning Pacific Ocean is abruptly broken by the glimmer of scattered green glow sticks as reconnaissance Marines equipped with rifles, 45-pound packs and wet-suits begin to vigorously fight the surf as they make their way ashore on San Onofre Beach, Calif. Without hesitation, the Marines hit the beach, find their teammate and start running in two-man teams to their next objective. Recon Marines from across the Marine Corps competed in the seventh annual Recon Challenge on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., May 15. The Recon Challenge is an annual competition hosted by the Reconnaissance Training Company, Advanced Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry West. The grueling tests are conducted by volunteers from the recon community in honor of reconnaissance Marines and sailors killed in action. The competitors began with an early morning 1000-meter swim with fins in the Pacific Ocean, followed by an observation and memorization game, a navigation and map work test, radio and communication test, obstacle course event, weapon assembly and disassembly test,
Friday, May 22, 2015
Homm, a Gold Star Mother [BT1] attending the event for her son who passed away during a parachuting accident. “They really have each other’s back, and they would give their lives for each other. So if one (member) of their community is taken from this life, they’re never going to forget them.” May has been running for Homm’s son, Staff Sgt. Caleb Medley, since he passed away in 2013. “It brought me closer to his family, so I’ll run for him until I retire,” said May. The first place team of the Recon Challenge was Master Sgt. David Jarvis and Capt. Patrick Zuber, from 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, with a final time of eight hours and 35 minutes. Master Sgt. Cory Paskvan and Staff Sgt. Nicholas Barcelona, from 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, took second place with a final time of nine hours and
24 minutes. The third place team was Capt. William Wellborn and Sgt. James Coe, from 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, with a final time of nine hours and 54 minutes. By completing the grueling challenge, the participants honored their fallen brothers through courageous acts and overcoming taxing feats and displayed their commitment to their community and the Marine Corps. The Recon Challenge is about keeping the brotherhood of the recon Marines alive, according to May. The Marines ensure the names of their fallen comrades will never be forgotten by carrying them on their backs as they compete. “That means the world to me, because you don’t want anyone to forget your child, because you’re certainly not ever going to forget him,” said Homm.
Artillerymen prepare for deployment, build unity MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Approximately 40 artillerymen from Bravo and Charlie Batteries, 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment were assigned to the newly formed Combined Arms Company Artillery Platoon attached to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment in preparation for an upcoming deployment in support of the Black Sea Rotational Force based in Romania. One week after their assignment to CAC Platoon, the artillerymen participated in a weeklong field exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 11-15. The objective of the exercise was to test the Marines’ ability to come together as a unit. Hollis said it is important for Marines to recognize the importance of building relationships with one another. During the exercise, Marines will be evaluated on how well they come together and perform as one unit. Travieso said if one person doesn’t perform well, it could alter the outcome of the mission, which is why it’s crucial that the men learn how each member of the team operates. Taylor said his favorite part of the exercise was getting to know Marines from the other battery and seeing his new section come together in the short time they’ve been in this unit. “We’re a family, and the brotherhood bonds we form within this community often times last longer than the time we serve in the Marine Corps,” Travieso said. “We all speak the same language, so to say. We may come from different units, but they are all artillery units. That mutual understanding, more than anything, is why we are so successful on the battlefield.”
Shoot, move, communicate: 2nd Intel conducts live-fire range
2nd EOD gets hands-on training with robot, X-ray assisted IED disposal Story and Photos by: Lance Cpl. Fatmeh Saad Defense Media Activity
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – Marines with 2nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion participated in a live-fire demolition exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 14. The unit conducted the range as part of their preparation for an upcoming deployment with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa in July. “This exercise gives our Marines a realistic idea of what to expect and how to anticipate and attack problems that we may encounter,” said Master Sgt. Hugh A. McClenney, a platoon sergeant with the unit. McClenney said the exercise is geared toward the less experienced Marines in the unit and provides them with hands-on experience using different tools and explosive charges that help them stabilize hazards from a safe distance. Based on the existing global military threats, McClenney said this training prepares them for situations where EOD operations are necessary. “What we bring to the table is the ability to neutralize nuclear, biological, chemical and explosive hazards that would hamper,
slow down or stop missions our forces are engaged in,” McClenney said. The first team of EOD technicians practiced surveying the area and detonating explosives using a remote-controlled robot. Then they patrolled with compact metal detectors, a tool capable of detecting metal and carbon rods. The second team trained in capturing X-ray imagery of suspicious packages and applying the information it provided to a
Percussion Actuated Neutralizer, an EOD disruptive tool, to stabilize potential hazards using non-explosive rounds. “Our goal is for our Marines to understand and feel comfortable with the tools at their disposal, especially since a lot of the hazards we encounter are in urban settings,” McClenney said. “We want to reduce collateral damage when possible in these settings and that’s when this training comes into play.”
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Marines with 2nd Ground Sensor Platoon, 2nd Intelligence Battalion conducted a live-fire range aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 13. The Marines executed fire-team and squad sized rushes while engaging enemy targets. During their time with GSP, the Marines are responsible for emplacing sensors in the ground that detect any movement and alerts them of nearby enemies. The most common sensor that the Marines emplace are encoder transmitter units, which can be programmed to detect vibrations in the ground, acoustic levels and changes in temperature. Sgt. Tanner Richie, a ground sensor operator with GSP, said that the sensors are programmed based on what sort of terrain the Marines are dealing with. The Marines started the day with a fire-team competition, where they were required to drop as many targets as possible with the allotted rounds. They then advanced to fire team rushes and ultimately to a squad sized assault. “Shoot, move, communicate,” said Sgt. Kory Diley, a squad leader with the platoon. “That’s what today was about.” While conducting the rushes, they were tested in their ability to move as a team and communicate with each other to successfully eliminate the enemy and advance as a whole. The platoon is a small unit mostly compiled of Marines that have the military occupational specialty 0311 riflemen who receive the secondary 8621 surveillance sensor operator title. “We’re 03’s first and foremost,” said Cpl. Brett Smith, a team leader with GSP. “Because we’re grunts with a secondary MOS, we have to stay up on our training as an infantryman.” Once the Marines are done at GSP, they will return to a regular infantry unit, where they assume their primary MOS. The Marines must stay proficient in infantry tactics while with GSP. While deployed, GSP Marines are integrated into the units and are organic to the platoon. The training helps to ensure the readiness and relevance for 2nd Intel Bn. to be employed in support of combatant command requirements.
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Friday, May 22, 2015
Classifieds
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Friday, May 22, 2015
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Milestones from 103 years of
Marine Corps Aviation Lt. Gen. Frank E. Petersen was the first African-American aviator. He was also the first African-American squadron leader, wing commander, and general officer. He served two combat tours in Korea and Vietnam and won numerous decorations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and Purple Heart.
1st Lt. Ford O. Rogers and 1st Sgt. Benjamin Belcher embarked on a near-record round trip flight from Port au Prince, Haiti to San Francisco, Calif. via Washington, D.C. At the time, the flight was the second longest without mechanical mishap in aviation history, and helped demonstrate the capabilities of Marine Aviation in the interwar period.
The First Marine Aviation Force was the first Marine aviation unit to see combat. Serving in northern France and Belgium, Aug. 9 - Nov. 11, 1918, FMAF pilots flew 43 missions with British counterparts and 14 independent raids, dropping a total of 33,932 pounds of bombs, downing four enemy aircraft with claims on eight more.
Gen. Roy S. “Jiggs” Geiger was a pioneer Marine Aviator. He commanded a squadron of the First Marine Aviation Force in World War I and was a Squadron Commander with the Marine Aviation Force in Haiti. During World War II, he distinguished himself first as the commander of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in defense of Guadalcanal, and for extraordinary heroism in this capacity, as well as commander of all aircraft, he was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a second Navy Cross. Called to Headquarters Marine Corps to become the Director of Aviation in May 1943, he was eventually recalled to the field in November 1943 to command ground troops with the 1st Amphibious Corps (later renamed 3d Amphibious Corps). Upon the death of the Commanding General of the Tenth Army, Geiger assumed command and became the first Marine to lead an Army, which he led to the successful conclusion of the war’s last campaign, the capture of Okinawa.
HMR-161’s Operation Summit, September 1950, was the first helicopter lift of Marines in combat.
F/A-18 Hornets entered active duty in January 1983. In 1986, Hornets on the USS Coral Sea flew their first combat missions. During the 1991 Persian Gulf War, while performing an air-to-ground mission, Hornets switched to fighter mode and destroyed two Iraqi fighter jets in air-to-air combat, then switched back to attack mode and successfully completed their air-to-ground mission. During 2001, Hornets provided aroundthe-clock battlefield coverage in the Afghanistan Theater of operations.
Lt. Col. Sarah Deal Burrow was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps in 1991, and was the first female Marine to attend flight school in Pensacola, Fla. She received her wings in April 1995, and became the first female pilot in Marine Corps history. Burrow now flies the military’s largest helicopter, the CH-53E Super Stallion. Courtesy Photos
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The Jet Stream
Friday, May 22, 2015
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