The Jet Stream | May 27, 2016

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Jet Stream The

Friday, May 27, 2016 Vol. 51, No. 21 Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C.

“The noise you hear is the sound of freedom.” Marines participate in career fair at Pritchardsville Elementary School

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Marine Reserves roar in kingdom of Jordan’s Eager Lion 2016

II MEF Marines conduct MEFEX 16

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The Dambusters in 2016: From Lancaster to Lightning

The Under Secretary of the Navy visits Fightertown

Courtesy of the Ministry of Defence, United Kingdom

A composite image showing today’s 617 Squadron Dambusters with their World War 2 predecessors against an F-35B Lightning at United States Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina. Image includes part of IWM (CH 9936). Story by: Lesley Woods MCIPR Ministry of Defence United Kingdom

a squadron born in battle, created It was to carry out one of the most daring raids of World War II.

Now the ‘Dambusters’ will once again fly at the forefront of aviation technology as they prepare to become Britain’s first F-35B Lightning squadron.

On the night of 16 May 1943 Wing Commander Guy Gibson led his men on the famous dams raid, using brand new techniques and equipment whilst flying specially modified Lancaster bomber aircraft. Now his 21st Century successor looks forward to continuing that legacy of innovation as his team trains to fly the state of the art 5th generation fighter jet. Wing Commander John Butcher, 35, is the new Officer Commanding 617 Squadron. He was named after his grandfather who also flew Lancasters in World War II. “Gibson and his men flew at very low level to the target, with limited enemy awareness of what they were doing. When I flew the Harrier, much of our training was at low level preparing us to avoid enemy radars by hiding in the terrain. The F-35B Lightning uses stealth technology to hide from enemy radar systems, effectively making the aircraft invisible. This is a significant tactical advantage as an enemy cannot fight what he cannot see.” see

DAMBUSTERS, page 8

See Pg. 9 Photo by Lance Cpl. Kayla L. Douglass

Janine Davidson, the Under Secretary of the Navy, right, is greeted by Lt. Col. Shannon M. Brown, left, during her visit to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort May 24. Davidson visited the air station to tour the squadrons of Marine Aircraft Group 31, observe the readiness of the F-35B Lightning II and the F/A-18 Hornet, and meet with the Marines. Brown is the commanding officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115, MAG-31.

Marines take on Stroke of Luck golf challenge Marines practiced their swing during the Stroke of Luck golf challenge aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort May 18. The Marines are participating in the contest put together by Marine Corps Community Services for a chance to win a complimentary round of golf at the Legends Golf Course aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. The Marines are with Marine Aircraft Group 31. see

Photo by Cpl. Samantha K. Foster

GOLF, page 9


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