The Jet Stream | June 24, 2016 by The Jet Stream

Jet Stream The

Friday, June 24, 2016 Vol. 51, No. 25 Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C.

“The noise you hear is the sound of freedom.” Montford Point Marine’s son accepts Medal of Honor

Japanese Officer Exchange Program enhances U.S., Japan interoperability

External lifts expand HMHT-302’S capabilities

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Lightning in UK skies

VMFAT-501 to show off skills overseas

Story and photos by: Cpl. Jonah Lovy Staff Writer

arine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 pilots and maintainers are scheduled to perform in the United Kingdom this summer as part of the Royal International Air Tattoo and the Farnborough International Airshow. Personnel and equipment from both the United States Marine Corps and the U.K. Royal Air Force and Navy will work together to display the capabilities of the F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter. “These air shows are a great way to interact with the public in the U.K. and really show them what this aircraft can do,” said Lt. Col. Richard M. Rusnok, the officer in charge of the F-35B detachment for Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron in Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. “We have already participated in some air shows in the United States but now its their turn.”

An F-35B Lightning II takes off from the flightline aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort June 17. Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 conducted dynamic maneuvering proficiency training in order to maintain and improve their pilot’s skills. The F-35 is VMFAT-501.

see

UK-501, page 8

Sweathogs redesignated during ceremony

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jimmy Vertus

Marine Wing Support Squadron 273 is re-designated as Marine Wing Support Detachment 31 during a ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort June 16. MWSS-273 was re-designated due to the continuous restructure of the Marine Corps and to meet requirements that aid in mission accomplishment. see

MWSD-31, page 8

Fightertown hosts Mini-Marine program Children play tug of war during the Lifestyle, Insights, Networking, Knowledge and Skills Mini-Marine Program aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort June 18. The

event was divided into individual stations, each highlighting an element of Marine Corps life. L.I.N.K.S. is run by Marine Corps Family Team Building and is designed to help

families connect to the Marine Corps.

see

MINI, page 7

Photo by Cpl. Jonah Lovy

The Jet Stream

Games and Entertainment

Friday, June 24, 2016

MCAS Beaufort Movie Schedule

Saturday 2:00 p.m. PG (1:48)

Mess Hall Menu

Saturday 4:30 p.m. PG (1:35)

Saturday 7:00 p.m. PG-13 (2:26)

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 2:00 p.m. PG (1:35)

Sunday 4:30 p.m. PG (1:48)

Sunday 7:00 p.m. PG-13 (1:38)

Sausage 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

ANDOUILLE BANGERS BERLINER BLOOD BOLOGNA BOTERHAMWORST BRAIDED BRATWURST BRAUNSCHWEIGER

CERVELAT CHORIZO COOKED DRY FATTY FRANKFURTER FRIZZIES GROUND KIELBASA

Sudoku

KNACKWURST LINGUICA LINKS LIVERLOAF LOLA METTWURST MORTADELLA PEPPERONI SALAMI

SAUSAGE SMOKED SPICED SPICY SWEET TONGUE VIENNA WEISSWURST WIENER

June 17th 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

June 17th solution

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

Command Information

The Jet Stream

HAPPENINGS n As part of regularly scheduled, routine maintenance, runway 05-23 is closed until midsummer. 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. n The Laurel Bay Marine Mart (7-Day Store) will be closed from Jan. 21 until the fall of this year for a renovation. Improve-

ments will include a new floor layout and new interior. 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 civil-

ians within the TriCommand. n The photocopying of U.S. Government identification cards is a violation of Title 18, U.S. Code Part 1, Chapter 33, Section 701 and punishable by fine and imprisonment.

Friday, June 24, 2016

Did you know... June 25, 1950:

Shortly before dawn, eight divisions of the North Korean People’s Army crossed the 38th Parallel and invaded the Republic of Korea. Within three days, the South Korean capital city of Seoul had been captured. On 30 June, President Harry S. Truman ordered a naval blockade of the Korean coast and authorized the sending of U.S. ground troops to Korea. Two days later, General Douglas MacArthur, the Commander in Chief Far East, formally requested that a Marine regimental combat team be deployed to the Far East.

Chaplain’s Corner

Moving Season

those are places where someone tells us what to do all the time. Here we have Well, it is moving season again. lots of freedom. Marines are flowing out of their old Once a new Marine gets here, that commands and going to new ones. The Marine wants to do well, but maybe Recruit Depots are full of recruits who needs to mature. Maybe that new Marine just a few days ago were high school is lonely, maybe a little afraid about what seniors but will soon be Marines. Soon comes next. So we want to make them enough they will join the fleet. What part of the team as quickly as we can. Our kinds of things are important enough outstanding Marines will want to take about moving season to make the them under their wing and make sure Chaplain write about it? they don’t fall into bad habits or make the First is sponsorship. When you wrong friends. volunteer to be a sponsor, that is This is important to me because I can good thing. Communicate with your recall joining new units during my career new Marine; let them know you are and finding that no one was interested enthusiastic that they are coming here. in welcoming me. Once I was joining a See what needs they have and what unit overseas and I got caught in an Air questions they have. Over the years I Traffic Control strike that left me stranded have had some great sponsors, and some in Rome for a day. I slept that night in totally disinterested ones. Usually the the airport. When I finally got to my new outgoing Chaplain is the sponsor for command no one was looking for me, the incoming one. My sponsor at one no one was expecting me. I wound up at command was on his way to Japan, and I the front gate of the base in a taxi with was coming from somewhere where I had all my baggage just dumped there. The no car. Because we talked, you guessed gate guard had to call the duty driver to it, I bought his car! That met all his needs come get me and my luggage and get me and our needs the very first day. He was to the BOQ. My sponsor didn’t even get engaged as a sponsor and it worked out to work until later that day, and he was for both of us. definitely not interested in welcoming me. The second thing is welcome. That was not a welcoming experience! When new people show up we want to The third thing is suicide welcome them. Welcome them to the prevention. You should know suicide Marine Corps, to the fleet, to Beaufort, spikes in the summer as Marines move. to your unit and section and yes, I want When I was at First Marine Division, to welcome them to the chapel. Some we found the most dangerous time are still eighteen and this is the first time for suicide was right at check in for they have been away from home on their the new Marines. That first weekend own. They have been to boot camp and was the toughest. Those new Marines MOS school, but you and I know that coming from Ft. Sill were terrified and By Chaplain William Holiman Command Chaplain MCAS Beaufort

sometimes tried to commit suicide that very first weekend in Camp Pendleton. The reason is simple, when we are disconnected from a support system, that hurts us. Those young Marines were lost, confused, and wondering why they had joined up. So when that is added to some more stressors, that sometimes went really badly. Unit cohesion is important in keeping people alive. Take that young Marine, sponsor them well, welcome them in, and the odds are good that they will have a good career here. The English have a saying, “Well begun is half done.” Maybe the new join is someone who has been around for a while. Everything I have said already still applies. Welcome the new folks. As your base Chaplain I want to welcome new joins to the Chapel communities. Some of us are Catholic, or Buddhist, or some kind of Protestant (like Methodist, non-denominational, Baptist and so on). I would love to be able to integrate them into the faith communities here on the base. It does them good and it does the communities good. When we are part of what God is doing that is really good! Hospitality is one of the most important Christian virtues. It matters to us. Being a welcoming person is part of what it means to be a follower of Christ. Then there is one more thing. You all know the Combat Operational Stress Continuum. We will see enough stress in our military lives. No need to start off red or orange. Let’s start people in the green. It will make for a better time for everyone.

Effective June 1, MCAS Beaufort will be in Tropical Cyclone Condition V for 2016 Atlantic Hurricane season until November 30. This year is predicted to be a normal season. NOAA is predicting 10-16 named storms, which includes Alex. 4-8 will become Hurricanes. 1-4 will become major Hurricanes. Be Prepared!

Jet Stream The

Public Affairs Officer Capt. Clayton Groover

Public Affairs Chief

Staff Sgt. Dengrier M. Baez

Fightertown deployed:

Press Chief

Staff Sgt. Dengrier M. Baez

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

Beaufort.Marines.mil

facebook.com/MCASBeaufort

MALS-31 Stingers have detachments currently deployed to the Western Pacific supporting VMFA122.

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

Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 is currently deployed

twitter.com/MCASBeaufortSC

to support operations overseas. 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

In Other News

Friday, June 24, 2016

Montford Point Marine’s son accepts Congressional Gold Medal

Photo by Cpl. Jonah Lovy

The son of a Montford Point Marine received the Congressional Gold Medal in honor of his father in Beaufort June 17. Richard Bostwick’s father served in the Marine Corps from 1943 to 1946 and was one of the original recruits trained at Montford Point.

Photo by Cpl. Jonah Lovy

A Montford Point Marine attends the award ceremony for the Congressional Gold Medal in Beaufort June 17. Richard Bostick Jr. received the award on behalf of his father Cpl Bostick.

A Montford Point Marine was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in Beaufort June 17. Richard Bostick Jr. received the award on behalf of his father Cpl Bostick.

Bostick graduated boot camp in 1943 and served overseas in World War II. He served his country honorably and retired from the Marine Corps as a corporal in 1946. Bostick lived out the rest of his life in the Beaufort area, building a family business from the ground up with his wife. “I am incredibly honored to receive this on behalf of my father,” said Bostick. “It’s a great feeling to be here to see that my father and his fellow Montford Point Marines receive what they deserve.” Training at Montford Point was different from training at bases like Parris Island or San Diego. The camp had no mess hall, theater, rifle range or much of anything

else commonly found on a Marine Corps installation. There were only tents, and everyone at the camp was a private, except for the white drill instructors or officers. Montford Point is historical because of the significance it played in the lives of many African American Marines. African Americans only trained for jobs that were either not wanted by white Marines or given to them because they felt that black Marines were not qualified for normal jobs. “These Marines came in to a service that didn’t even want them at the time but they overcame the adversity and proved that they were Marines,” said Bostick.

Story and photos by: Cpl. Jonah Lovy Staff Writer The son of a Montford Point Marine received the Congressional Gold Medal in honor of his father in Beaufort June 17. Richard Bostick’s father served in the Marine Corps from 1943 to 1946 and was one of the original recruits trained at Montford Point. Montford Point, located near Camp Lejuene N.C., was the first recruit training camp for African American Marines and operated from 1942-1949. Though approximately 20,000 Marines earned their title there during this time, African Americans were not allowed to attend the same training as white recruits.

MAG-31 post and relief

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jimmy Vertus

Sgt. Maj. Paul T. Davis transfers authority as sergeant major of Marine Aircraft Group 31 to Sgt. Maj. Chris T. Balcazar during a ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort June 22. Davis will be the new sergeant of the Recruit Training Regiment aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jimmy Vertus

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Friday, June 24, 2016

The Jet Stream

Friday, June 24, 2016

Classifieds

More of the Story

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Fightertown hosts Mini-Marine program

Photo by Cpl. Jonah Lovy

A child raises his hand during the Lifestyle, Insights, Networking, Knowledge and Skills MiniMarine Program aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort June 18. 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.

Photo by Cpl. Jonah Lovy

A child learns marksmanship during the Lifestyle, Insights, Networking, Knowledge and Skills Mini-Marine Program aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort June 18. 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 selfdefense tactics, and other team building activities.

Photo by Cpl. Jonah Lovy

A child learns marksmanship during the Lifestyle, Insights, Networking, Knowledge and Skills Mini-Marine Program aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort June 18. L.I.N.K.S. is run by Marine Corps Family Team Building and is designed to help families connect to the Marine Corps.

Photo by Cpl. Jonah Lovy

A Marine runs with a child during the Lifestyle, Insights, Networking, Knowledge and Skills Mini-Marine Program aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort June 18. 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.

Friday, June 24, 2016

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More of the Story

Friday, June 24, 2016

MWSD-31 continued from page 1

Photo by Lance Cpl. Kayla Douglass

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jimmy Vertus

Marine Wing Support Squadron 273 is re-designated as Marine Wing Support Detachment 31 during a ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., June 16, 2016. MWSS-273 was re-designated due to the continuous restructure of the Marine Corps and to meet requirements that aid in mission accomplishment.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jimmy Vertus

Photo by Lance Cpl. Kayla Douglass

Marine Wing Support Squadron 273 is re-designated as Marine Wing Support Detachment during a ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort June 16. MWSS-273 was redesignated due to the continuous restructure of the Marine Corps and to meet requirements that aid in mission accomplishment.

Marine Wing Support Squadron 273 was re-designated as Marine Wing Support Detachment 31 during a ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort June 16. MWSS-273 was re-designated due to the continuous restructure of the Marine Corps and to meet requirements that aid in mission accomplishment.

Marine Wing Support Squadron 273 is re-designated as Marine Wing Support Detachment 31 during a ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., June 16. MWSS-273 was re-designated due to the continuous restructure of the Marine Corps and to meet requirements that aid in mission accomplishment.

UK-501 continued from page 1

Photo by Cpl. Jonah Lovy

United Kingdom service members currently work side by side with Marines at VMFAT-501. The British operators have been in Beaufort since 2014, when the Royal Air Force assisted with the site preparation. “Day to day, we do a little bit of everything,” said Squadron Ldr. Hugh Nichols, the U.K. senior national representative with VMFAT-501. “From teaching the new pilots, which is our main focus, to generating a syllabus as we look at new capabilities and roles the F-35 can fill, and how we can teach them to the new pilots.” The RAF currently has one F-35B of their own flying alongside the Marine jets in the squadron. The jet will fly in both air shows this summer. Expanding their manpower in Beaufort is a step forward for the United Kingdom’s goal of achieving F-35 capabilities. In 2018, the plan is for the UK’s F-35 team to achieve initial operating capability in a land-based role and aboard the future HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier in 2020. “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 capabili-

ties back on U.K. soil come 2018,” said Lieutenant Commander Beth Kitchen, the U.K. senior engineering officer at VMFAT-501. The teamwork between the two nations is crucial to the international aspect of the F-35. No one country is solely responsible for its use so diplomacy is important. “Opportunities to get the public behind what the military is doing are crucial,” said Rusnok. “This is the jet they need to get accustomed to flying in the U.K. Hopefully we can show them what the F-35 can do and they will get excited about it. The United Kingdom is planning to continue expanding their capabilities at VMFAT-501 for the next few years. The F-35 is the UKs future maritime strike ground attack fighter aircraft. “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.” The two air show performances this summer mark the first time the F-35B is publicly displayed in the U.K. VMFAT-501 will continue to train alongside their RAF counterparts.

Photo by Cpl. Jonah Lovy

An F-35B Lightning II taxis on the flightline aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort June An F-35B Lightning II taxis on the flightline aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort June 17. Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 performed dynamic maneuvering profi- 17. Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 conducted dynamic maneuvering proficiency training in order to maintain and improve their pilot’s skills. The F-35 is VMFAT-501. ciency training in order to maintain and improve their pilot’s skills. The F-35 is VMFAT-501.

Around the Corps

Rank Aside: Marines discuss solutions

The Jet Stream

Friday, June 24, 2016

Japanese Officer Exchange Program enhances U.S., Japan interoperability

Story and Photos by: Lance Cpl. Timothy R. Smithers Defense Media Activity

STAFFORD, Virginia — The Marine Corps Tech Design Meeting, a unique collaboration among Marines with various military occupational specialties, was in Stafford, Virginia, June 13-17. The convention was unique because of its “rankless” environment. All personnel, regardless of status or station, wore civilian attire and retired formalities in order to give an even say in the discussion. “I’d definitely preach to my command about sending at least one lower guy and one higher,” said Cpl. Dennis Kirk, Libya Analyst for 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. “So we’re not forgetting the little guys that don’t see a lot of this higher up policy making changes.” Five teams with individuals ranging from a few years to more than 20 plus years in the Marine Corps spent five days coming up with solutions to problems they had encountered within the Marine Corps intelligence community. Each team came up with specific tools and systems they thought could be employed in the Marine Corps. On the final day of the symposium the teams pitched their ideas to Col. William Seely III, Director of Intelligence Headquarters Marine Corps. Seely took notes and spoke with each of the teams after their presentations. The teams and Seely spent a few minutes considering the pros and cons of the ideas and how they could be implemented in the Marine Corps intelligence field. “We’re trying to institute change, good change, relevant change,” said Joseph Toscano, Branch Head for the Signals Intelligence Branch at Headquarters Marine Corps Intelligence Department. “It’s evolutionary and revolutionary all wrapped up into one.” Toscano added that this collaboration is similar to meetings that take place in successful tech companies like Apple and other Silicon Valley giants. Such conversations could generate progressive change in the Marine Corps intelligence community.

Several dozen Marines, from all across the Marine Corps, discuss ideas that will help improve the intelligence community in Stafford, Virginia, June 17. Marines of different ranks spent five days, in five different teams and came up with solutions to problems they had encountered in the intelligence field.

A Marine team member pitches his team’s idea to Col. William Seely III, Director of Intelligence Headquarters Marine Corps, in Stafford, Virginia, June 17. Each team proposed their idea to Seely and, after their speech was finished, he gave them his thoughts on the topic.

Col. William Seely III, Director of Intelligence Headquarters Marine Corps, gives feedback to a team in Stafford, Virginia, June 17. Seely reviewed the team’s idea and gave constructive criticism about their proposed solution to problems they had seen in the intelligence community.

Col. William Seely III, Director of Intelligence Headquarters Marine Corps, (Left), Joseph Toscano, Branch Head for the Signals Intelligence Branch at Headquarters Marine Corps Intelligence Department, (Middle) and Cpl. Dennis Kirk, Libya Analyst for 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade (Right) discuss the five-day tech meeting in Stafford, Virginia, June 17. The meeting consisted of Marines of all ranks and military occupational specialties conversing about ways to improve intelligence community to better serve the Marine Corps.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Daniel Lane, a pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, shows two Japan Maritime SelfDefense Force aviation officer cadets inside the cockpit of an F/A-18C during a Japanese Officer Exchange Program tour at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 17. Hosted by Marine Aircraft Group 12, the exchange program aims to better the understanding and working relationships between U.S. and Japanese pilots. During the visit, 30 students from the JMSDF Ozuki Aviation Training Squadron from JMSDF Ozuki Air Base, Shimonoseki, toured the air station to see up close F/A-18C Hornets belonging to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, took turns flying an F/A-18 flight simulator and learned MAG-12’s mission, organization, equipment, operations and flight training. Story and Photos by: Lance Cpl. Aaron Henson Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan

IWAKUNI, YAMAGUCHI, Japan — Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force aviation officer cadets visited Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, as part of the Japanese Officer Exchange Program hosted by Marine Aircraft Group 12 June 17. The exchange program aims to enhance the understanding and working relationships between U.S. and Japanese pilots. During the visit, 30 students from the JMSDF Ozuki Aviation Training Squadron from JMSDF Ozuki Air Base, Shimonoseki, toured the air station to see up close F/A-18C Hornets belonging to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, took turns flying an F/A-18 flight simulator and learned MAG12’s mission, organization, equipment, operations and flight training. “We came here to understand the operation between the U.S. and Japan, and improve our knowl-

edge as officer candidates,” said JMSDF Petty Officer 3rd Class Reo Hashimoto, an aviation cadet. “We toured the facilities, experienced the flight simulator and learned the operations of an F/A-18C.” U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Eric Brye, Marine Aviation Training System Site officer in charge with MAG-12, said these visits provide our personnel and the JMSDF an opportunity to observe the activities of each other’s organization in order to increase mutual understanding, provide professional knowledge and invaluable interaction. “By having productive interactions with young JSDF personnel, we’re able to build relationships for the future, which is critical to joint defense and overall stability of the area,” said Brye. Visiting the air station provided the cadets with the opportunity to interact with U.S. Marines and gain a greater knowledge and understanding of their present condition in Japan. “These cadets are the fu-

Japan Air Self-Defense Force aviation officer cadets from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Ozuki Aviation Training Squadron observe an F/A-18C static display during a Japanese Officer Exchange Program tour at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 17, 2016. Hosted by Marine Aircraft Group 12, the exchange program aims to better the understanding and working relationships between U.S. and Japanese pilots.

ture leaders of the JMSDF for the next 10 to 20 years,” said U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Daniel Lane, a pilot with VMFA-122. “By hosting these tours, we create personal bonds. As they progress through their careers, I feel they will have a better understanding of our mission and purpose.” Brye said he would like to see these tours continue in the future in order to continue strengthening U.S.

and Japan relations and interoperability. “These tours are important to keep a strong foundation of cooperation and mutual respect,” said Brye. “I enjoy watching the visitors interact with one another and seeing how much of our interactions are universal and translate through any language barriers.”

External lifts expand HMHT-302’S capabilities Story and Photos by: Lance Cpl. Aaron Fiala II Marine Expeditionary Force

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron 302 and Combat Logistics Battalion 6 conducted external lifts at Landing Zone Albatross on Marine Corps base Camp Lejeune, June 9. “The squadron’s mindset is focused on training new crew chiefs and pilots in order to maintain a missionready mindset,” said Lance Cpl. Christopher Angelo, a crew chief with the unit. “The pace here at HMHT-302 is that of a deploying squadron and we constantly maintain the aircraft. We make sure that all birds are flightready and mission-capable at all times.” Angelo explained the CH53E Super Stallion’s mission is to support ground troops, and how external lifts contribute to their mission readiness. External lifts increase the amount of gear and supplies the CH-53E can carry by rigging cargo underneath the aircraft. “They applied what they have learned from prior flights, simulated flights and many classroom hours to get to where they are now,” said Maj. Jonathan Williamson, a logistics officer and pilot with the unit. “They need to operate the CH-53E while conducting a precision hover about 10 feet off the ground and then take-off

A CH-53E Super Stallion carries an external load during a training exercise at Landing Zone Albatross on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 9. The purpose of external lifts is to transport large amounts of supplies and heavy gear to areas inaccessible by ground vehicles.

with a significantly heavier load than they are used to.” Williamson explained how CH-53E was ground-guided to a large metal beam with two ropes attached, simulating the cargo for transportation. The external load is attached to a rig in the aircraft by either single or double point connectors that hang through the floor of the craft. If the cargo being transported is unbalanced, the helicopter can improve the stability of the cargo by distributing the weight across two connectors. The pilots conducted several lifts to ensure confidence in their abilities to safely maneuver their load around the Marines on the ground.

The Marines attaching the cargo utilized keen situational awareness to ensure they were following all safety procedures while working under the helicopter. Landing support specialist on the ground each held a specific role during the lifts. One Marine grounded the static electricity from the CH-53E, two Marines attached the cargo, and another two helped guide and ensure safety measures were in place. “If someone were to touch the chopper before it is grounded, they would receive a potentially fatal shock from the built up static electricity,” said Angelo. “On top of that, the pilots need

to be very careful because they can’t see the Marines underneath the aircraft. The Marines rely on verbal and visual responses from the landing support specialist guiding them to let them know if they are too high, too far left and when it’s safe to take-off with the load.” The CH-53E is capable of carrying more than 70,000 pounds in total weight, making it an asset to the Marine Corps as it grants Marines on forward operating bases the ability to have supplies or artillery equipment delivered to their positions using its heavy lifting capabilities.

The Jet Stream

Friday, June 24, 2016

Classifieds