Jet Stream The
Friday, June 12, 2015 Vol. 50, No. 23 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. Marines ready to help troops in Western Asia – Page 8
Memorial ceremony held for Marines killed in Nepal – Page 9
Wounded warrior swims, cycles, competes in fight toward recovery – Page 9
Fair winds for Lieblein’s final flight
Photos by Lance Cpl. Samantha K. Torres
After flying his final flight as the commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 31, Col. William “Beavis” Lieblein gets a wet down by Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting trucks as he taxis the F/A- 18 Hornet back to the hangar, June 9. Lieblein has served almost 26 years as a Marine Corps officer after earning a degree in industrial engineering. He has held command of MAG-31 for two years. Col. William “Beavis” Lieblein receives gets the ‘thumbs up’ to fly his final flight in an F/A- 18 Hornet as the commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 31, June 9. Lieblein kicked off his Marine Corps career with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 451 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort as a first lieutenant.
Col. William “Beavis” Lieblein prepares to take-off on his final flight in an F/A- 18 Hornet as the commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 31, June 9. Lieblein has been on several deployments, including a year long deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2011.
Sweathogs simulate combat on Ft. Stewart
Protect our own Story by Lance Cpl. Samantha K. Torres Staff Writer
The U.S. Northern Command has recently raised security aboard all federal installations to increase vigilance and safeguard all Department of Defense personnel, installations, and facilities. The heightened level of security applies when an increased or more predictable threat of terrorist activity exists. Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort has experienced suspicious activity in the past few weeks. Although the instances were false alarms, the quick response of first responders aboard the Air Station assured there was no loss of personnel or property. “We take every suspicious package serious,” said Syranard “Serge” Watson, the antiterrorism officer aboard MCAS Beaufort. “We don’t get complacent.” The Marine Corps has an official website where suspicious activity can be see
Eagle Eye page 6
Photo by Lance Cpl. Kayla Douglass
Cpl. Seth Pettengill mans a machine gun turret during a field exercise on Fort Stewart, Ga. June 1-7. The exercise included combat simulations that tested the reaction times of the Marines. Pettengill is a combat engineer team leader with Marine Wing Support Squadron 273, Marine Aircraft Group 31. Story by Lance Cpl. Jonah V. Lovy Staff Writer
Elements from Marine Wing Support Squadron 273 executed a field training exercise on Fort Stewart, Ga. June 1-7. Marines completed simulated combat exercises over the course of the six day exercise. The purpose of the training was to simulate the unpredictable nature of combat, said Gunnery Sgt. Mark McBride, a company first sergeant with MWSS-273, Marine Aircraft Group 31. “None of the Marines were aware of when
a simulated attack was coming, but when one came they had to respond quickly and gain accountability of their Marines and gear,” said McBride. Motor Transport, Air Operations, and Headquarters Company all participated in the exercise. Motor Transport executed night convoys; Air Operations rehearsed refueling jets in a combat environment; and Headquarters Company focused on maintaining functionality and accountability under hazardous conditions. see
Sweathogs, page 5
Photo by Sgt. Aneshea Yee
Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians prepare to employ a remotely controlled vehicle in response to a suspicious package aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, May 19. All military and civilian personnel aboard the Air Station are the “Eagle Eyes” of the installation, and are encouraged to report suspicious activity to keep the Air Station and its’ personnel out of harms way.