The Jet Stream March 18, 2016 by The Jet Stream

Jet Stream The

Friday, March 18, 2016 Vol. 51, No. 11 Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C.

History in flight: The Thurderbolts See Page 03

“The noise you hear is the sound of freedom.” Aircraft Rescue, Fire Fighting Ensures Airfield Personnel Safety

13th, 31st MEU Bare Fangs for Exercise Ssang Yong

770 Miles to go: Group Marches Nonstop to Honor Fallen Marines

beaufort.marines.mil | facebook.com/MCASBeaufort | youtube.com/MCASBeaufort | mcasbetwitter.com/MCASBeaufortSC

Lightning II

International students train on F-35 aboard MCAS Beaufort

An F-35B Lightning II performs a vertical landing aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. The F-35B is the short takeoff and vertical landing variant of the jet which uses a jet propulsion system to execute the landing. The aircraft is with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501.

arine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 is working with students and pilots from the United Kingdom every day to create a fully integrated training environment. The squadron trains F-35B Lightning II pilots for the Marine Corps, The U.K. Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. Story and photos by: Cpl. Jonah Lovy Staff Writer

Royal Air Force pilots and maintainers work side by side with Marines on improving their capability with the F35B. The British operators have been in

Beaufort since February 2015, when the Royal Air Force flew three F-35s to Fightertown. “Our main focus is training new pilots,” said Squadron Ldr. Hugh Nichols, the U.K. senior national representative with VMFAT-501. “We are trying to create an environment where future generations of pilots can come in and learn

the new system smoothly.” VMFAT-501 is able to train brand new pilots as well as those who came from other aircraft. Squadron Ldr. Jonathan Smith became the first international pilot to complete the entire F-35B training course aboard MCAS Beaufort after already being trained on the F-22 Raptor. see

Fightertown hosts Mini Marine program

A Marine shows a child the fundamentals of marksmanship with a toy gun during the Lifestyle, Insights, Networking, Knowledge and Skills Mini-Marine Program aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort March 12. L.I.N.K.S. stands for Lifestyle, Insights, Networking, Knowledge and Skills. The program is run by Marine Corps Family Team Building and is designed to help families connect to the Corps. Every Marine volunteer had the opportunity to impress an aspect of the military on the children.

Story and photos by: Cpl. Jonah Lovy Staff Writer

Tri-command children participated in the Lifestyle, Insights, Networking, Knowledge and Skills Mini Marines Program aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort March 12. Marines from MCAS Beaufort and Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island volunteered to give children a taste of military life.

INTERNATIONAL, page 9

Fighting Bengals return from Western Pacific

see

MINI, page 4

Hey, Marine! What’s on your feet?

Story and photos by: Cpl. Jonah Lovy Staff Writer

Four F/A-18D Hornets with Marine AllWeather Fighter Attack Squadron 224 returned to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort March 16. The squadron has been deployed to the Western Pacific since October 2015 as part of the Unit Deploysee

RETURN, page 8

A pilot greets his family on the flightline aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort March 15. More than 180 Marines and 10 F/A-18D Hornet aircraft have been deployed to the Western Pacific since October 2015 as part of the Unit Deployment Program. The pilot is with VMFA(AW)-224.

see

BOOTS, page 5

The Jet Stream

Games and Entertainment

Friday, March 18, 2016

MCAS Beaufort Movie Schedule

Saturday 2 p.m. PG (1:58)

Mess Hall Menu

Saturday 7:00 p.m. R (1:48)

Saturday 4:30 p.m. PG-13 (1:40)

MCRD Parris Island Movie Schedule

Monday - Friday Saturday, Sunday Breakfast: 6 - 7:30 a.m. and holidays Lunch: 11 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Brunch: 8:30 - 11 a.m. Dinner: 4 - 6 p.m. Dinner: 4 - 6 p.m. 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 Dinner Shrimp cocktail, fried Bayou jerk pork loin chicken, steak and rice Lunch Salmon with cucumber relish

Sunday

Sunday 2 p.m. PG-13 (1:51)

Sunday 4:30 p.m. PG-13 (1:47)

Sunday 7:00 p.m. PG-13 (1:49)

Coffee Word Search

Dinner Baked ziti with italian sausage

Monday - Friday Breakfast Hot farina, hot hominy grits and oven-fried bacon Monday Dinner Lunch Spicy shrimp with Baked smoked ham cheesy grits and sweet potatoes Tuesday Dinner Lunch Herbed roast pork Chicken and dumploin with pan gravy lings and rice Wednesday Dinner Lunch Manhattan clam Roast turkey and chowder green beans Thursday Dinner Lunch Apple glazed corn Arroz con pollo and beef and squash garlic bread Friday Dinner Lunch Chili macaroni and Herbed baked green beans chicken and carrots

Chapel Services Roman Catholic • 9:30 a.m. - Sunday Mass • Confession takes place before Mass • Confession Monday - Thursday at noon 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 Other Faith Groups • For Jewish, Mormon and Islamic support, contact the Chaplain’s Office at 228-7775

Word Bank

ACIDITY ARABICA AROMA BAG BARISTA BATCH BEANS BEVERAGE BITTER

BLEND BREW BUZZ CAFFEINE CAPPUCCINO COFFEE CREAMER DEMITASSE DRIP

Sudoku

ESPRESSO EXOTIC FLAVOR FRENCH PRESS FROTH ICED MELLOW MILK MOCHA

MUG PERCOLATE POT REFILL ROASTER STIR SUGAR VARIETAL WARMTH

March 11th solution

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

March 11th solution

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 to this week’s puzzles will be available in next week’s edition of The Jet Stream.

Command Information

The Jet Stream

n The Laurel Bay Marine Mart (7-Day Store) will be closed from Jan. 21 until the fall of this year for a renovation. Improvements will include a new floor layout and new interior.

n The Tax Center is scheduled to open Jan. 19, 2016 and close on April 18, 2016. Hours of operation Monday-Friday 09:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Location 172 Santo Domingo St. Parris Island, SC 29905 The Tax Center will be setting up appointments via phone and will accept walk-ins schedule permitting. For any questions as to the services the center will be providing, and to schedule an appointment, please contact any of the following numbers. (843)228-1121 Sgt Alexander

(843)228-1125 Sgt Cieply (843)228-1113 Sgt Mattear (843)228-1119 Cpl Dalton (843)228-1126 Cpl Donahee (843)228-1118 Cpl Owen (843)228-1112 LCpl Austin For any questions prior to Jan. 19th call between 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m Thursdays and Fridays. The Marines listed above can be contacted via email for questions as well. Tax Center Fax Machine (843) 228-1114. n Prepare your resumes and transcripts! A Career & Education Fair for the military community will be held from 1100-1400, March 24th, at the All Weather Training Facil-

March 17, 1967: The first female

ity on Blvd de France (adjacent the Main Parade Deck) on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. There will be Federal, State and local employers, and various universities and colleges for you to talk to, decide on a college plan or career goal, or get a job. For more information or career assistance, call 228-2761, and for education advisements, call 228-2152. n Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are held at the Station Chapel aboard MCAS Beaufort every Monday at 6 p.m. and Thursday at 10 a.m. Meetings are open to all service members, veterans, and civilians within the Tri-Command.

Marine to report to Vietnam for duty, Master Sergeant Barbara J. Dulinsky, began her 18-hour flight to Bien Hoa, 30 miles north of Saigon. MSgt Dulinsky and the other officer and enlisted Women Marines that followed were assigned to the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV) based in Saigon. Most worked with the Marine Corps Personnel Section providing administrative support to Marines assigned as far north as the DMZ, but two Lieutenant Colonels, Ruth Reinholz and Ruth O’Holleran, served as historians with the Military History Branch, Secretary Joint Staff, MACV.

Persistent El Nino conditions will provide a winter similar to last year for the United States. Beaufort County will be wetter and cooler than normal. Additionally, there will be a higher risk for severe weather, including tornadoes and possible floods. Be prepared for drastic changes in temperatures and precipitation. Monitor the latest forecasts and briefings from the National Weather Service in order to prepare your home and family for any extreme weather. Ensure you take extra precautions when travelling.

Jet Stream The

Public Affairs Officer Capt. Clayton Groover

Public Affairs Chief Sgt. Dengrier M. Baez

Fightertown deployed: MALS-31 Stingers have detachments currently deployed to the Western Pacific supporting VMFA(AW)-224.

Did you know...

HAPPENINGS n As part of regularly scheduled, routine maintenance, runway 05-23 is closed until mid-summer. Runways undergo wear and tear when aircraft take off and land. This is similar to the wear and tear placed on roads due to traffic volume. Conducting routine maintenance on our runways maintains the integrity of the surface and ensures our pilots are operating on the most structurally sound runway possible.

Friday, March 18, 2016

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 is currently deployed to the Western Pacific as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

Press Chief

Sgt. Dengrier M. Baez

Community Relations/Staff Writers Cpl. Samantha K. Foster Cpl. Jonah Lovy

Beaufort.Marines.mil

facebook.com/MCASBeaufort

twitter.com/MCASBeaufortSC

youtube.com/MCASBeaufortsc1

Tri-Command Weather 7 Day Forecast

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.

The Jet Stream

More of the Story

Friday, March 18, 2016

Photo by Cpl. Jonah Lovy

Children use a fire hose under the supervision of a Marine during the Lifestyle, Insights, Networking, Knowledge and Skills Mini-Marine Program aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort March 12. Marines from the MCAS Beaufort and Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island volunteered to give children a taste of military life. The Marine is from Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting aboard the air station.

Photo by Cpl. Jonah Lovy

A child carries an ammo can through a modified combat fitness test course during the Lifestyle, Insights, Networking, Knowledge and Skills Mini-Marine Program aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort March 12. More than 87 military children form the Tri-command area attended the program. A total of 12 L.I.N.K.S. Mentors, six Child and Youth Program staff, and 51 Marines volunteered to run the stations.

Children participate in a tug-of-war during the Lifestyle, Insights, Networking, Knowledge and Skills Mini-Marine Program aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort March 12. The event was divided into individual stations, each highlighting an element of Marine Corps life. The children ran a mini combat fitness test, shot toy guns at a target, learned some basic self-defense tactics, and other team building activities.

MINI continued from page 1

The event was divided into individual stations, each highlighting an element of Marine Corps life. The children ran a modified version of the combat fitness test, shot toy guns at a target, learned some basic self-defense tactics, and other team building activities. “This event is all about letting kids interact with the Marines,” said Paula Dyson, a L.I.N.K.S. trainer with Marine Corps Family Team Building. “They see Marines as super heroes and it is so much fun for them to spend time here.” More than 80 military children form the Tri-command area attended the program. A total of 12 L.I.N.K.S. Mentors, six Child and Youth Program staff, and 51 Marines volunteered to run the stations. Today is complete success,” said Dyson. “Everyone is having a great time and this sets us up to do many more events like this in the future.” Marines from Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting and the Provost Marshal’s Office aboard Fightertown brought equipment from their work stations to demonstrate for the children. The volunteers from ARFF brought fire safety gear that the children could wear and interact with. “My daughter is so excited for today,” said Carla Rocha, a mother who lives on Laurel Bay. “She is out here having the time of her life with all the military gear.”

Marines and civilians from PMO brought a military working dog and presented different pieces of law enforcement gear. Every Marine volunteer had the opportunity to impress an aspect of the military on the children. “I get to teach some basic moves from the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program today,” said Cpl. Cassinda Kottwitz, an aviation ordnance technician from Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31. “It is a lot of fun and they all seem eager to learn. We definitely have some future devil dogs out here.” L.I.N.K.S. is run by Marine Corps Family Team Building and is designed to help families connect to the Marine Corps. “Events like Mini-Marines are perfect for bringing the entire family together,” said Dyson. “Children can come here and relate to the things their parents do.” The L.I.N.K.S. program offers multiple curricula to accommodate all aspects of a Marine’s family. The MCFTB office aboard the air station plans to host a Mini-Marines event four times a year similar to this one. “It would be great if other installations can take a look at what we are doing here and see that it is not that hard,” said Dyson. “Programs like this are easy to put together and very effective. The main ingredient is the Marines!”

Photo by Cpl. Jonah Lovy

A child wears protective gear under the supervision of a Marine during the Lifestyle, Insights, Networking, Knowledge and Skills Mini-Marine Program aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort March 12. Marines from Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting and the Provost Marshal’s Office aboard Fightertown brought equipment from their work stations to demonstrate for the children. The Marine is from ARFF aboard the air station.

More of the Story

The Jet Stream

Friday, March 18, 2016

Marine Corps releases new guidance on combat, RAT boots Stor y by: Sgt. Dengrier M. Baez Public Affairs Chief

Marines gearing up to switch to the Danner Rugged All-Terrain boots no longer need to as Gen. Robert Neller, Commandant of the Marine Corps, changed course with the plan to phase out the Marine Corps Combat Boot for the RAT boots. The MCCB will remain an authorized item for wear along with the RAT boot. Both types of boots will satisfy the minimum gear issue requirement Marines must maintain during their time of service in adherence with Marine Corps Bulletin 10120 for Fiscal Year 16, commonly known as the seabag issue. The RAT boot has been the standard issue for officer candidates and recruits

in 2015. New Marines will continue to receive RAT boots through the end of fiscal 2016, after which recruits and officer candidates will once again receive the MCCB in their initial issue. The Marine Corps has released specific guidance on the footwear to avoid confusion as it moves away from the previous plan to exclusively field the RAT boot. Marine administrative message 117/16 clarifies which boots are authorized for Marines to wear in uniform. Marines may continue to wear special issue and organizational issue boots, for example safety and flight boots, as directed by their commanders. Although these boots are allowed to be worn in uniform they will not satisfy the minimum gear issue requirement. Style numbers, located on manufacturing labels on the boots, indicate the boot has

been certified by the Marine Corps and is authorized for wear in uniform, according to MARADMIN. Marine Corps Systems Command identified four brands, each with a temperate and hot-weather variant, in the MARADMIN along with the approved list of RAT boots. The RAT boots manufactured by Bates and Wellco, although not on the below list, are authorized for wear if previously issued to Marines. The following are the current authorized footwear according to the MARADMIN: Marine Corps Combat Boots: • Danner style no. 26025 (temperate weather), Marine 8” Mojave GTX • Danner style no. 26027 (hot weather), Marine 8” Mojave • Belleville style no. 550 (TW),

USMC Hot Weather Steel Toe Boot (EGA) • Belleville style no. 590 (HW), USMC Hot Weather Combat Boot (EGA) • McRae style no. 8286 (TW), Military Specification USMC Temperate Weather Boot • McRae style no. 8187 (HW), Specification USMC Hot Weather Boot • Bates style no. E50501 (TW), Lites USMC Durashocks® Boot • Bates style no. E30501 (HW), USMC Durashocks® Hot Weather Boot Rugged all-terrain boots: • Danner style No. 15670X (HW), USMC RAT 8” Mojave • Danner style No. 15660X (TW), USMC RAT 8” Mojave GTX

MARINE CORPS COMBAT BOOT

DANNER

Danner style no. 26025 (temperate weather), Marine 8” Mojave GTX

Danner style No. 26027 (hot weather), Marine 8” Mojave

MCRAE

McRae style No. 8187 (HW), Specification USMC Hot Weather Boot

McRae style No. 8286 (TW), Military Specification USMC Temperate Weather Boot

BATES

Bates style No. E50501 (TW), Lites USMC Durashocks© Boot

Bates style No. E30501 (HW), USMC Durashocks© Hot Weather Boot

BELLEVILLE

Belleville style No. 550 (TW), USMC Hot Weather Steel Toe Boot (EGA)

Belleville style No. 590 (HW), USMC Hot Weather Combat Boot (EGA)

RUGGET -ALL TERRAIN BOOT

DANNER

Danner style No. 15670X (HW), USMC RAT 8” Mojave

Danner style No. 15660X (TW), USMC RAT 8” Mojave GTX

*Photos are courtesy of the manufacturers’ websites

The Jet Stream

Friday, March 18, 2016

The Jet Stream

Friday, March 18, 2016

The Jet Stream

More of the Story

Friday, March 18, 2016

Photo by Cpl. Jonah Lovy

An F/A-18D Hornet returns to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort March 15. Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224 has been deployed to the Western Pacific since October 2015 as part of the Unit Deployment Program. The Hornet is with VMFA(AW)-224

Photo by Cpl. Jonah Lovy

An F/A-18D Hornet returns to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort March 15. Marine AllWeather Fighter Attack Squadron 224 has been deployed to the Western Pacific since October 2015 as part of the Unit Deployment Program. The Hornet is with VMFA(AW)-224.

RETURN continued from page 1

ment Program. VMFA(AW)-224 arrived at MCAS Iwakuni Oct. 7, 2015, with more than 180 Marines and 10 F/A-18D Hornet aircraft. The goal of the UDP is to raise the overall readiness level of the squadron, produce and sustain qualifications for the pilots and to get the pilots what they need to properly operate the aircraft. “We learn new and exciting things every time we deploy with a foreign military,” said Lt. Col. Michael P. Shand, commanding officer of VMFA(AW)-224. “There are only so many ways to operate a fighter squadron, and we all do it a similar way, further building trust and confidence in any future endeavors we might share.” The UDP allows units to conduct training that would not be possible at their home bases. VMFA(AW)-224 participated in Exercise Island Warrior at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, and conducted the Chitose Aviation Training Relocation exercise. The Chitose Aviation Training Relocation exercise involved dissimilar air combat training alongside and against the Japan Air Self-Defense Force to further support combined interoperability and Pacific theater security cooperation. “We have a need to practice with other aircraft that are not F/A-18D Hornets,” said Shand. “Chitose ATR gives us an airto-air training opportunity, and since we have several different generations of aircrew in the squadron, for some this is their first deployment.” Many of the pilots fought against dissimilar aircraft for their first time. They trained against the F-15J/DJ Eagles from the JASDF’s. The Eagles encompass different performance characteristics, forcing VMFA(AW)-224 to maneuver their aircraft

in a different fashion. “I believe the [the exercise] has strengthened over time and it gives UDP units an opportunity to strengthen and sharpen their skills as well,” said Shand. “Overall, this will continue to increase the readiness of Marine combat units across the theater.” The Chitose Aviation Training Relocation exercise allowed the squadron to work on air-to-air abilities as well as one versus one, two versus two and beyond visual range training. The Island Warrior exercise had Marines building other skills. “Island Warrior focuses on close air support and forward air control,” said Maj. Dustin Cook, pilot and director of safety and standardization with VMFA(AW)-224. Before Island Warrior, the squadron participated in a series of similar exercises to develop greater operational readiness by honing their tactics, techniques and procedures. Every Marine in the squadron had the opportunity to hone their skills. “We went to Guam and completed a lot of qualifications for our pilots,” said Lance Cpl. Garrett Tallent, aviation ordnance technician with VMFA(AW)-224. “The exercises provide good on-the-job experience by allowing us to load different types of ordnance.” Tallent said this was his first deployment and he enjoyed adapting to a new environment and had great experiences on and off base. “I enjoyed my time in Iwakuni, it was awesome being able to go out in town and experience the new culture,” said Tallent. The rest of the Hornets and Marines are slated to return to MCAS Beaufort later in week

Photo by Cpl. Jonah Lovy

Maj. James Corrington greets his girlfriend on the flightline aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort March 15. Corrington has been deployed to the Western Pacific with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224 since October 2015. Corrington is a pilot with VMFA(AW)-224.

Photo by Cpl. Jonah Lovy

Maj. James Corrington proposes to his girlfriend on the flightline aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort March 15. Corrington has been deployed to the Western Pacific with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224 since October 2015. Corrington is a pilot with VMFA(AW)-224.

More of the Story

The Jet Stream

Friday, March 18, 2016

Photo by Cpl. Jonah Lovy

An F-35B Lightning II prepares to take-off aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort March 8. The take-off was performed as part of training operations conducted to further enhance the pilot’s capabilities. The F-35B is the short take-off and vertical landing variant of the jet which uses a jet propulsion system to execute the landing. The aircraft is with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501.

Photo by Cpl. Jonah Lovy

INTERNATIONAL continued from page 1

Photo by Cpl. Jonah Lovy

An F-35B Lightning II performs a vertical landing aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort March 8. The landing was performed as part of training operations conducted to further enhance the pilot’s capabilities. The F-35B is the short take-off and vertical landing variant of the jet which uses a jet propulsion system to execute the landing. The aircraft is with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501.

“There are a lot of wrinkles to be smoothed out but that’s why they send the experienced pilots through first,” said Smith. “We lead the way and establish a good sense of proper procedure so when the brand new pilots get here there are fewer problems.” In 2018, the U.K. plans for their F-35 team to achieve initial operating capability in a land-based role and aboard the future HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier in 2020. VMFAT-501 is essential for them to achieve this goal. “The fact that we can operate from VMFAT-501 for the next couple years means we will be ahead of the game when it comes to developing our own capabilities back on U.K. soil come 2018,” said Lieutenant Commander Beth Kitchen, the U.K. senior engineering officer at VMFAT-501. The international team is fully integrated in the Marine unit, working together to gain proficiency with the brand new jet. Service members will take the knowledge and skills they learn in this training

environment and bring it to their operational units. “I think our people have done really well here so far,” said Smith. “It is a unique challenge getting this international team on a very complicated aircraft. Being the first to do something is always challenging and I think they are coping with it very well.” The Marines and international students at VMFAT-501 are on the forefront of F-35 training. Not only are they working on a brand new system but they are doing so with multiple countries. “I think it’s a huge achievement with how complex the program is, the different services we’ve got, and different languages,” said Nichols. “The fact that we can mesh it all together is outstanding.” With the expanded capabilities of the U.K. and the continued diligence of the Marines, both sides are able to figure out the most sufficient, safe, and tactical ways to operate the F-35.

The Jet Stream

Friday, March 18, 2016

Around the Corps

The Jet Stream

Friday, March 18, 2016

Aircraft Rescue, Fire Fighting Ensures Airfield Personnel Safety Story and photos by: Cpl. Mark Watola Marine Corps Air Station New River

Bright yellow trucks rush to the scene of an aircraft that took a hard landing on the flight line during a simulated drill on Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina March 7. Marines with Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting responded to the downed aircraft to save the lives of fellow Marines on board. ARFF Marines are specialized firefighters and rescue personnel who ensure the safety of aircraft personnel on the flight line, and assist in any emergency involving military aircraft. “This job is important because without [ARFF] crew, we couldn’t man an airfield,” said Cpl. Caden Vanbuskirk, a rescueman with ARFF. “Nobody could fly aircraft. If a bird were to go down and we weren’t there, people would die.

Lives are at stake.” During the simulated hard landing, the Marines rushed to the downed aircraft. While maintaining a safe distance, with hoses at the ready, other rescuemen cautiously made their way to the MV-22 Osprey. Once inside, they began to assess the situation and take the injured Marines to safety and triage. “Any time anything crashes or there’s a mishap on the airfield we respond as fast as possible and clean it up as fast as possible so that the airfield can stay open and the mission can continue to be accomplished,” said Staff Sgt. Joshua Atkinson, crash fire rescue section leader. New River is home to many units which specialize in rotorwing aircraft, like the MV-22 Osprey, AH-IW Super Cobra,CH53E. ARFF training focuses on rotor-based aircraft emergencies, though they are trained to han-

dle other situations too. “We train this scenario specifically because it’s happened to us a lot,” said Atkinson. “It’s typical for emergencies on helicopters. Typically when you have a hard landing, everyone gets concussions and most people are unconscious.” Crash fire rescue conducts the simulated drill multiple times a week to guarantees their readiness and response to emergencies. Their systematic approach to training allows them to readily handle routine tasks and focus on more difficult decisions or hazards that can occur. “We do a lot of the same drills over and over again critiquing them more and more severely so that the Marines can get used to very structured behavioral patterns when it comes to emergencies,” said Atkinson. “Most people get tunnel vision when they’re faced with crisis so we try and

Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Marines take an injured Marine from an MV-22B Osprey during a simulated hard landing at Marine Corps Air Station New River March, 7. Crash fire rescue conducts the simulated drill multiple times a week to guarantee their readiness and response to emergencies.

push through that and learn to have intensity without the tension that blocks mental processes.” At the end of the day, for some ARFF Marines, the job is more than just a job. ARFF Marines who put their lives at stake have

Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Marines search for injured Marines on an MV-22B Osprey during a simulated hard landing at Marine Corps Air Station New River March 7. Crash fire rescue conducts the simulated drill multiple times a week to guarantee their readiness and response to emergencies.

a driving force in their character that allows them to carry out their duties. “We’re always going to be there for you,” said Vanbuskirk. “Never have a doubt in the back of your mind that we won’t be there.”

The Jet Stream

Around the Corps

Friday, March 18, 2016

13th, 31st MEU Bare Fangs for Exercise Ssang Yong

U.S. Marine Corps, Republic of Korea Marines Corps, New Zealand Army and Australian Army conduct amphibious assault training at Doksukri Beach, South Korea, March, 12, during Exercise Ssang Yong 16. Ssang Yong 16 is a biennial military exercise focused on strengthening the amphibious landing capabilities of the U.S. and its allies.

Story and photos by: Sgt. Paris Capers 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit

U.S. Marines and sailors with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, join the Japan based 31st MEU, the Republic of Korea Navy and Marine Corps as well as other U.S. and partner nation forces for Exercise Ssang Yong 2016, an amphibious operations training event based in the Pacific Ocean and on the south-eastern part of the Korean Peninsula, March 10. Among the 19 ships participating seven are from Expeditionary Strike Group 7— a composite of two sister Amphibious Ready Groups—packed with more than 9,000 Marines from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade— a union of forces with the 13th and 31st Expeditionary Units.

Additionally, Royal New Zealand Navy, Australian Navy and three Republic of Korea ships from Commander, Flotilla share the seas as part of a joint MEB/ESG. As the Fighting 13th MEU prepares for its part in Exercise Ssang Yong— or Twin Dragons— their commanding officer, U.S. Marine Col. Anthony Henderson, reminds troops of the purpose behind their action. “The role of 13th MEU [in this exercise] is to conduct amphibious operations that help to build a greater partnership with other naval forces in the Korean theatre of operations,” Henderson said. “It gives us an opportunity to show how we conduct our full spectrum operations from amphibious landings to humanitarian assistance.” As a part of a multi-lateral force, the MEU will help support the MEB/ESG with its ground, lo-

gistics and aviation combat elements, according to Henderson. The robust joint force builds on the MEU/ARGs mission essential tasks to perform large scale amphibious landings, actions on objectives and more. “The Marines and sailors of the Boxer ARG/MEU, as we go forward in Ssang Yong, will not only do amphibious landings, aviation operations and landing craft air cushion surface operations,” Henderson said, highlighting mutual benefits and maturity of the ROK-U.S. relationship. “[Marines] will also go ashore and do community events in the Republic of Korea as well.” Marines like Sgt. Vanessa Polanco, a Marine Air-Ground Task Force planner with 13th MEU, will have the opportunity to lead Marines in Korea during the events. “I’ve never been to Korea be-

fore this, but the Marines going for the [community event] are getting a good deal,” Polanco said. “It seems like a small thing to help clean a beach, but the small gestures can have the deepest meanings.” The long-lasting experiences gained from community service in a partner nation, combined with a planned visit to a memorial dedicated to the Republic of Korea Marines and United States Marines gives troops a stake in the relationship. Other Marines will take a different perspective on the upcoming time in Korea. Marines like Sgt. Cesar Martinez, an infantry platoon sergeant with the 13th MEU, will have the opportunity to lead Marines in Korea during live-fire training, under some of the same conditions as warriors in Marine Corps legacy. According to Martinez, while

safety is priority, his focus is upholding the reputation of the 1st Marine Regiment, who fought so fiercely for their brothers and allies in the Korean War. Though the conditions and location are very different, they are as prepared for whatever may come. “What we have done for the last year as a naval integrated team with all three ships and how we function across our mission sets—using the sea as maneuver, providing presence and ensuring stability by our operations— is what we train to and what we’re prepared to demonstrate in Ssang Yong 2016,” Henderson said, emphasizing the thorough preparation Fighting 13th Marines and sailors accomplished.

Around the Corps

The Jet Stream

Friday, March 18, 2016

770 Miles to go: Group Marches Nonstop to Honor Fallen Marines

Fifteen Marines and three civilians start a 770-mile ruck from Navarre, Florida, to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina to honor 11 service members who died in a helicopter crash one year ago. For the next 10 days, the ruckers will walk in seven teams and trade off every 10-11 miles, about 110 miles each, until they get there.

Fifteen Marines and three civilians started a 770-mile ruck from Navarre, Florida, to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina to honor 11 service members who died in a helicopter crash one year ago. Two of the ruckers, including Marine Staff Sgt. Justin Bentley (right), continue the ruck past Hurlburt Field, Florida.

Fifteen Marines and three civilians start a 770-mile ruck from Navarre, Florida, to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina to honor 11 service members who died in a helicopter crash one year ago. The Marines, led by Raider Nathan Harris, do some ceremonial push-ups at the memorial dedicated to the Raider 7. Shortly after, they began their 770-mile journey.

Story and photos by: Katie Lange Defense Media Activity

One step at a time – it’s a pretty common motto, but this week, it’s literally what will get 15 Marines and a few others through a 770-mile ruck march to honor the lives of 11 service members lost during a training mission one year ago. It’s been 365 days since seven Special Operations Command Marines and four Louisiana National Guardsmen lost their lives in a Black Hawk crash off the coast of Navarre, Florida. It’s an anniversary that hasn’t gone unnoticed. Despite heavy rain, hundreds of people came out for a public ceremony on March 10, the crash anniversary, to honor the seven Marines, who are now known as the Raider 7: Capt. Stanford Shaw III, Master Sgt. Thomas Saunders, Staff Sgt. Marcus Bawol, Staff Sgt. Liam Flynn, Staff Sgt. Kerry Kemp, Staff Sgt. Trevor Blaylock and Staff Sgt. Andrew Seif. The rain may have marred that somber moment, but it didn’t ruin a more uplifting one the next day. During another ceremony unveiling a yet-to-be-completed permanent memorial to the fallen crew, the sun came out just in time for the marchers – 15 Marines and three family members – to begin their 770-mile journey that will take them from the Navarre crash site all the way to North Carolina’s Camp Lejeune, where the Raider 7 were based. For the next 10 days, the ruckers will walk in seven teams and trade off every 10-11 miles – that’s about 110 miles each – until they get there. They’ll do some stretching, eating and sleeping in between, as well as a lot of foot repair, because seriously – just think about what 110 miles will do to your feet. How They’ll Get Through It But as Marines always do, they’ve come prepared. Nathan Harris, the founder and director of the Marine Raider Memorial March, said he has been walking 20 miles to and from work each day, losing toenails in the process but also working out pacing and recovery times. Others, like Kemp’s close friend, Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Justin Bentley, and Flynn’s widow, Destiny Flynn, have been doing their own mini-rucks as a warm-up.

Marine Raider Nathan Harris, the founder and director of the Marine Raider Memorial March, greets supportive community members before the ruck begins.15 Marines and three civilians started a 770-mile ruck from Navarre, Florida, to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina to honor 11 service members who died in a Black Hawk crash one year ago.

“It was just trying to get emotionally ready for it [that was the hardest],” said Flynn, who was nervous but excited to be part of something so special. “I just really want to finish it and be able to walk after the 10 days.” “The act of pushing through the pain – that’s the biggest mental hurdle we’ll be overcoming,” Harris said. “Our feet will literally be bleeding. We’ll be putting our boots on with bandages over our feet continuing to walk.” But it’s a small sacrifice compared to what the Raider 7 gave, and the ruckers know that. “I’m just really glad I have the chance to do this – to be here for the guys and for the families and the community. It’s a tremendous honor,” said a rucker named Daniel who had done tours overseas with the Raider 7. “They were the ultimate professionals. They were the ones that everyone looked to. They made us realize that maybe we should try a little harder.” “Kerry [Kemp] was definitely a man’s man,” Bentley remembered of his friend.

“He was one of the few guys you would families,” Staff Sgt. Harris said. consider a perfect Marine. Anything he “I’m hoping along the way that we rally set his mind to, he absolutely accom- a lot of the community, and they see plished.” what the Raiders were all about and that the Raider 7 is not forgotten,” Bentley An Outpouring of Support said. The outpouring of love from the NaWhen they reach Camp Lejeune on varre and military community has as- March 21, the ruckers will present a tounded many of the ruckers. paddle recovered in the crash to the 2nd “It’s completely overwhelming – see- Marine Raider Battalion – a name recenting what the community has done as ly designated to them that was revived far as donating, helping and supporting. from a Marine command created during We’ve got family members who are let- World War II. ting us stay in their houses, cooking us It’s going to be a long couple of days breakfast. It’s just absolutely phenom- of back pain, foot sores, marching and enal,” Bentley said. reflection, but the ruckers will get there, While the focus might be on the ruck- and they’ll do it with their loved ones ers this week, they want the real focus smiling down on them. to be on the families of the 11 men who “Oh, most definitely. He’s here with us died – many of whom have little ones now,” Flynn said of her husband, smiling that will need the reminder of who their herself. daddies were when they grow up. We’ll be following them throughout “The sting does not go away. Every the journey, so check back with us to see time they hear a helicopter or see a guy how they’re doing. And if you’re along in uniform, something will trigger that their route and see them coming, be feeling of loss, and I want people to re- sure to show your support! member that has forever changed these

The Jet Stream

Friday, March 18, 2016