Jet Stream The
Friday, June 23, 2017 Vol. 52, No. 24 Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C.
“The noise you hear is the sound of freedom.”
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Raider Reconnaissance Operator’s Course trains amphibious warriors of the Pacific
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PROTECT WHAT YOU’VE EARNED
Building partnerships through subject matter expert exchange
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Last Flight: Fightertown Commanding Officer takes to the skies
Photo by Lance Cpl. Ashley Phillips
Hugh Grey guides a C-12M aircraft prior to take off aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, June 21. The Aircraft was piloted by Col. Peter Buck and Lt. Col. Matthew Stover for Buck’s final flight before he relinquishes command of MCAS Beaufort. “Celebrating your last flight is a Marine Corps aviator tradition,” said Buck. “We love what we do and this is just a chance to recognize the culmination of many years of flying, all the maintainers who have ensured the safety of our aircraft, and a final salute.” Grey is a C-12M aircraft maintainer, Stover is the executive officer of MCAS Beaufort, and Buck is the commanding officer of MCAS Beaufort. Photo by Lance Cpl. Ashley Phillips
Photo by Lance Cpl. Ashley Phillips
Col. Peter Buck is greeted by his family after conducting his final flight aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, June 21. Buck will be relinquishing his command of MCAS Beaufort and retiring from the Marine Corps. “Celebrating your last flight is a Marine Corps aviator tradition,” said Buck. “Today I will be flying with a close friend who I have flown with for many years.” Buck is the commanding officer of MCAS Beaufort.
Col. Peter Buck, right, and Lt. Col. Matthew Stover conduct pre-flight checks prior to take off for Buck’s final flight aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, June 21. Buck will be relinquishing his command of MCAS Beaufort and retiring from the Marine Corps after 30 years of faithful service. “Celebrating your last flight is a Marine Corps aviator tradition,” said Buck. “Today I will be flying with a close friend who I have flown with for many years.” Stover is the executive officer of MCAS Beaufort and Buck is the commanding officer of MCAS Beaufort.
Warrior Ethos: Martial Arts pushes Marine to excellence Story and photos by: Lance Cpl. Ashley Phillips Staff Writer
The fighter confidently wraps his hands, seemingly oblivious to the assault of sound, lights, and smell that permeates the room. The black walls strike a harsh contrast with the fluorescent lights on the low ceiling. Music thumps in the background as the other fighters gather around the Kru, or Muay Thai teacher. As the fighter continues to wrap his hands the motion seems easy and familiar, almost ritualistic. As the fighters break off into pairs he puts on his gloves and squares up to his opponent. Sgt. Danziel Dooley is a dedicated Marine, teacher, and Muay Thai Fighter. Whether working as the non-commissioned officer in charge of the repairable management division of Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31, or competing in an International Kickboxing Federation fight, he attacks every task with the same vigor. “I guess you could call this a hobby, but for me it’s more than that,” said Dooley. “This is something that I’m passionate about. Muay Thai challenges me to continue to train my mental, moral, and physical discipline; something that every Marine should do.” Muay Thai or even Marine Corps Martial Arts Program training wasn’t something Dooley was always passionate about. In December of 2014 when Dooley attended the Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor Course he approached it as a
task. “I think I was almost afraid of it,” said the fighter. “I had heard from other Marines how grueling the course can be and I didn’t understand why I was even there. The chief at my aviation shop had come up to me and told me I was going to the course and that was that.” Everyday Dooley would go to class and try to figure out why he was following through with it. It wasn’t until two weeks into the course that he discovered a deeper motivation and reason to finish the course. “It was for the Marines,” said Dooley. “Everything I was learning was for the purpose of passing on to my Marines. That’s when I took it and ran with it. I knew that those fighting skills would make the difference between life and death should I ever be caught in hand to hand combat. As Marines any of us could be faced with such a situation.” For Dooley, MCMAP was not enough though. He wanted more. He was invited by a fellow MCMAP Instructor to an elite Muay Thai gym. “This isn’t a kickboxing gym. The fighters here are invited to train by the Kru, Ron Martinez,” said Sgt. Adam Rennie, the MAI who invited Dooley. “If they can’t hack it they are told not to come back. It is a very elite group of fighters here that train in a very traditional Muay Thai style.”
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Sgt. Danziel Dooley spars during Muay Thai, a combat sport of Thailand, training at Yawns Gym, Ga., June 21. Dooley is a dedicated Marine, Martial Arts Instructor, and Muay Thai fighter. He trains and competes to inspire a warrior’s ethos in his fellow Marines. Dooley is the non-commissioned officer in charge of repairable management division with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31, Marine Aircraft Group 31.
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The Jet Stream
Friday, June 23, 2017
Games and Entertainment
Saturday 2:00 p.m. PG-13 (2:09)
Saturday 4:45 p.m. R (1:31)
Saturday 7:00 p.m. R (1:53)
Thursday TBA
Friday 7:00 p.m. PG-13 (2:09)
Sunday 2:00 p.m. PG (1:30)
Sunday 4:30 p.m. PG-13 (2:06)
Sunday 7:00 p.m. R (2:03)
Mess Hall Menu 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
Doors open 30 minutes before movie starts! | All NDVD are FREE *Last Showing
Dinner Baked ziti with italian sausage
SUDOKU
Monday - Friday Breakfast Hot farina, hot hominy grits and oven-fried bacon
WORD SCRAMBLE Rearrange the letters to discover something pertaining to bicycles.
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
GUESS WHO?
I am an actress born in New York on April 12, 1979. Many remember me from a high school drama series from the 1990s. I am a TV and film star, and have won an Emmy, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award for portraying a woman with autism.
Friday Dinner Lunch Chili macaroni and Herbed baked green beans chicken and carrots
Chapel Services
TWO-WHEELER WORD SEARCH
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 • 9:30 a.m. - Sunday Mass Buddhist • 11 a.m. - Saturday Worship Service in the Chapel Fellowship Hall 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
843-228-7789
Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Hotline 24/7
843-321-6009
Force Protection information and concerns
843-228-6924
PMO Dispatch
843-228-6710
Severe Weather and Force Protection
1-800-343-0639
Fraud, Waste and Abuse
If you know of or suspect any fraud, waste or abuse aboard MCAS Beaufort, call 843-812-9537. 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.
Word Bank
ABUBACA ADVENTURE AERO AEROBIC AXLE BAIL BANK BASHGUARD BICYCLE
BRAKES BRIDGE BRINELLING CADENCE CALIPERS CANTILEVER CASSETTE CHAINRING COASTER
JUNE 16 SOLUTIONS Word Scramble: FILTER Guess Who?: SANDRA BULLOCK Answer to this week’s puzzles will be available in next week’s edition of The Jet Stream.
CYCLING DERAILLEUR DOWNSHSIFT FORK FRAME GEARS HANDLEBARS HELMET HUB
INTERVAL KICKSTAND KLUNKER RACING SHIFTER TEAM TIRE TOOLS TUBE
Command Information
The Jet Stream
registration for new students will be conducted between June 14 and August 15, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m..
n If you have lost something and are
looking for it, please contact the Lost and Found Custodian at 843228-6335 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
June 25, 1950: Shortly before
n The photocopying of U.S. Gov-
ernment identification cards is a violation of Title 18, U.S. Code Part 1, Chapter 33, Section 701 and punishable by fine and imprisonment.
South Carolina To Launch High School Aerospace Curriculum Courtesy Story
South Carolina high school students will soon have access to aerospace engineering classes. Beginning this fall, six high schools across the state will offer the courses: • Battery Creek High School in Beaufort • Edisto High School in Cordova • Emerald High School in Greenwood • Pickens County Career and Technology Center in Liberty (2018 – 2019 school year) • RB Stall High School in Charleston • Sumter Career and Technology Center in Sumter The aerospace curriculum was formally recommended to the South Carolina Department of Education by SC Aerospace - an industry cluster supported by the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness and the South Carolina Department of Commerce. “Talent development is a top priority for our industry,” said James Stephens, chairman of the SC Aerospace Education Working Group and executive director of the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission. “This curriculum is a great
fit for South Carolina’s aerospace industry in particular because it is multi-disciplinary. Students learn aerospace engineering principles and written and oral communication skills through presenting their projects to industry representatives.” The courses are designed to appeal to students who are curious about the design and flight of aircraft and spacecraft vehicles. The curriculum consists of four courses: fundamentals of aerospace technology, advanced aerospace technology, aeronautics engineering application and astronautics engineering applications. “We are excited to bring this innovative opportunity to South Carolina schools. These courses not only prepare students for postsecondary success but also teach them critical skills needed to fill jobs in one of our state’s most thriving industries,” said South Carolina Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman. “This is another great example of South Carolina’s leadership and collaborative approach that will ultimately lead to a concentration of highly skilled talent in our state.” Each school implementing the aerospace curriculum this fall will receive $50,000
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Did you know...
HAPPENINGS n Laurel Bay schools summer
Friday, June 23, 2017
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.
Effective June 1, MCAS Beaufort will be in Tropical Cyclone Condition V for 2017 Atlantic Hurricane season until November 30. This year is predicted to be an above normal season due to weak or non-existent El Nino. NOAA is predicting 17-11 named storms, which includes Al. 9-5 will become Hurricanes. 4-2 will become major Hurricanes. Monitor the latest forecasts and briefings from the National Weather Service in order to prepare your family for any extreme weather affecting our area or along your route during vacation travels. Be Prepared! weather.gov
Jet Stream The
from the SC Department of Education to help cover the startup costs involved with the course offerings. “The average total compensation for a privatesector aerospace employee in South Carolina is around $70,000 per year. For young people who may be attracted to this high-tech, steadily growing industry, I can tell you that if you learn skills to work on or around airplanes, it’s likely you’ll have a wellpaid job for life,” said Steve Townes, chairman of SC Aerospace and president and CEO of Ranger Aerospace in Greenville. With implementation beginning this coming school year, the first generation of students
who have completed the aerospace courses could graduate in 2019. Students in schools with a block schedule will be able to complete the courses in two years, while students in schools with a traditional schedule will be able to complete the courses in four years. “This is a perfect example of how Team South Carolina can collaborate to make our companies and our citizens more competitive,” said SC Department of Commerce Secretary Bobby Hitt. “Business leaders worked together with educators on this project to develop the next generation of aerospace talent right here in South Carolina.”
Fightertown deployed: Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224 is currently deployed to support combat operations overeas.
MALS-31 Stingers have detachments currently deployed supporting VMFA(AW)-224.
Contact us: 228-7225 mcasbeaufort@gmail.com BFRT_JPAO@usmc.mil Commanding Officer MCAS Beaufort Col. Peter D. Buck
Public Affairs Officer Capt. Clayton Groover
Public Affairs Chief
Staff Sgt. Dengrier M. Baez
Community Relations/Staff Writer Lance Cpl. Ashley Phillips Lance Cpl. Benjamnin McDonald
Advertising Account Executive Natalie Woods, Bluffton Today 843-815-0800 x20
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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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The Jet Stream
Friday, June 23, 2017
More of the Story
“
We need to have a fighting spirit that keeps us coming back for more. When I come to this gym I keep that hunger alive.
”
Photo by Lance Cpl. Ashley Phillips
Sgt. Danziel Dooley wraps his hands to protect them before training for Muay Thai, a combat sport of Thailand, at Yawns Gym, Ga., June 21. Dooley is a dedicated Marine, Martial Arts Instructor, and Muay Thai fighter. He trains and competes to inspire a warrior’s ethos in his fellow Marines. Dooley is the non-commissioned officer in charge of repairable management division with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31, Marine Aircraft Group 31.
FIGHTER continued from page 1
Dooley was welcomed to train at the gym after being observed by Martinez. According to Martinez, when Marines come to him he already knows they have the ‘never give up’ mentality that is critical to being a fighter. From there they need to prove that they are teachable and that they can stay hungry to learn. “That’s what it means to have the ‘Warrior Ethos’ that we as Marines pride ourselves on,” said Dooley. “We need to have a fighting spirit that keeps us coming back for more. When I come to this gym I keep that hunger alive. When I go back to my unit I instill that into every Marine I teach MCMAP to.” According to Dooley, each MCMAP course he teaches the required curriculum, but after the Marines have that down he takes it farther. He shows them different techniques he has learned from Muay Thai to deal with the same
scenarios. “I like to call it Corps Plus,” said Dooley. “I just want Marines to have as many tools available to them as possible. These are skills that are useful and it motivates them. They want to learn more, to become a stronger fighter.” Dooley plans to continue teaching MCMAP, training, and has several fights scheduled during the IKF tournament in Florida this upcoming month. Dooley exemplifies what it means to have a warrior ethos. “He is training himself mentally and physically to run towards danger,” said Rennie. “As Marines that is what we need to be able to do, run towards the sound of gunfire. It takes courage and fortitude to continue to fight, to absorb the punches, and have it only strengthen your resolve. He is most definitely not your run-of-the-mill MCMAP Instructor. He possesses that undefinable strength of character that true fighters have, a Warrior Ehos.”
Photo by Lance Cpl. Ashley Phillips
Sgt. Danziel Dooley conducts warm up exercises during Muay Thai training at Yawns Gym, Ga., June 21. Dooley is a dedicated Marine, Martial Arts Instructor, and Muay Thai fighter. He trains and competes to inspire a warrior’s ethos in his fellow Marines. Dooley is the non-commissioned officer in charge of repairable management division with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31, Marine Aircraft Group 31.
Photo by Lance Cpl. Ashley Phillips
Photo by Lance Cpl. Ashley Phillips
Sgt. Danziel Dooley spars with a fellow Muay Thai fighter at Yawns Gym, Ga., June 21. Dooley is a dedicated Marine, Martial Arts Instructor, and Muay Thai fighter. At the end of each training session at the gym the fighters conduct sparing matches. Dooley trains and competes to inspire a warrior’s ethos in his fellow Marines. Dooley is the non-commissioned officer in charge of repairable management division with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31, Marine Aircraft Group 31.
Sgt. Danziel Dooley watches the Kru, or Muay Thai teacher demonstrate a technique during training at Yawns Gym, Ga., June 21. The Muay Thai classes held at the gym are invitation only, dictated by the Kru. Dooley was invited to train at the gym and takes what he learns to inspire a warrior’s ethos in his fellow Marines. Dooley is a dedicated Marine, Martial Arts Instructor, and Muay Thai fighter. Dooley is the non-commissioned officer in charge of repairable management division with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31, Marine Aircraft Group 31.
More of the Story
The Jet Stream
Friday, June 23, 2017
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Fightertown observes National Safety Month Story and photos by: Lance Cpl. Ashley Phillips Staff Writer
June is National Safety Month and Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort focuses on safety to prepare for the upcoming summer months and holidays. National Safety Month coincides with the end of the school year, vacations, and warm weather. Safety is a consistent priority for the leadership of MCAS Beaufort, but it is especially important as we head into the summer months. At every level of leadership, education of safety programs and proper planning paired with risk assessment are the key ways the Marines of MCAS Beaufort stay safe during off-duty hours. “Going into any long weekend, there are several safety risks we consider,” said Sgt. Philip Macedonio, an accident investigator with the Provost Marshal’s Office. “Drunk/distracted driving, the heat and weather, and swimming safety are common safety concerns we come across. The good thing is that the risk associated with each of these is easily mitigatable.” Travelling far distances is a common occurrence during the summer, making driving safety a top priority. There are many
ways to ensure that Marines get to where they are going and most importantly, back to base safely. “Before Marines ever leave base they need to conduct operational risk management and ensure their vehicle is inspected,” said Sgt. Maj. Derrick Mays, the sergeant major of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. “That way when they get in the car to travel, they have planned their route and ensured their vehicle can get them there safely.” Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of fatalities on the roads, according to the National Safety Council. Eighteen lives have already been lost due to distracted driving in 2017 alone. “Distracted driving is something we cannot afford,” said Mays. “Marines need to put their phone down, use a hands free device, and not allow themselves to be distracted by other passengers.” Another driving safety issue is driving under the influence. The Marine Corps has a zero tolerance policy on driving under the influence. To avoid DUIs, Marines can utilize the ‘Arrive Alive’ program to ensure they have a way to get home..Each Marine receives an Arrive Alive card with phone
Photo Illustration By Lance Cpl. Ashley Phillips
Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort observes 2017 National Safety Month, June, as the summer weather, vacations, and outdoor activities begin. Safety is a consistent priority for Marines of MCAS Beaufort, but especially as the summer months approach. Driving safety and planning are among the top concerns. In order to mitigate the associated risks, efforts to educate about safety concerns and safety programs, such as Arrive Alive, are being made. According to the National Safety Council, distracted driving is one of the leading causes of fatalities on the road. Drivers need to plan ahead and drive sober.
numbers of taxi services and instructions for cab drivers. The instructions on the back of the Arrive Alive card advise the taxi cab drivers that the cab fare will be paid for by the Station Duty Officer upon the Marine’s arrival at the air station. The Marine will have until the next pay day to reimburse the cab fare to the Arrive Alive fund. “I always encourage Marines to have the card on their person,” said Macedonio. “Ideally I want them to have a plan, have
a designated driver, and have a contingency plan. If all else fails, they have the Arrive Alive card.” The back of the card states, “Marine! Use of this card demonstrates good sense and is an act of responsibility. Avoid making a bad decision and driving under the influence of alcohol. The Arrive Alive fund is designed to ensure your safe return to MCAS Beaufort.” “Aside from driving safety, a lot of times you will have Marines go out to the beaches and drink
in the hot weather,” said Macedonio. “Staying hydrated and staying safe while swimming is important. One way to do this is to go online and familiarizing yourself with how to get out of a riptide. Children need to be supervised while swimming as well.” For every activity, trip, regular or long weekend, Marines need to have a plan, a back-up plan and communicate with their leadership. Safety is everyone’s responsibility. “Safety during off-duty
hours ties directly into our Core Values – Honor, Courage, and Commitment,” said Mays. “How do you conduct yourself when no one is watching? Every Marine, from private to sergeant major needs to conduct proper ORM and do the right thing. We need every Marine back in the fight. Every single Marine is a necessary to complete our mission. To the leaders who are looking out for other Marines and holding them responsible, stay the course.”
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The Jet Stream
Friday, June 23, 2017
Around the Corps
Raider Reconnaissance Operator’s Course trains amphibious warriors of the Pacific
Photo by Cpl. Jesus Sepulveda Torres
(From front to back) Cpl. Kyle Smith alongside Cpl. Samuel Perry, both reconnaissance raider team operators with 3rd Radio Reconnaissance Platoon, 3rd Radio Battalion, walk onto a beach after swimming two kilometers in the Pacific Ocean during a Reconnaissance Raider Operator’s Course aboard Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, June 15, 2017. For 13 weeks, Marines conducted the Reconnaissance Raider Operator’s Course utilizing various training areas to push the students past their physical and mental limits to prepare themselves when they embed with a reconnaissance platoon.
Sgt. Antuan D. Martin, lead instructor of Raider Reconnaissance Operator Course, instructs Marines on amphibious operations during an exercise aboard Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, June 15, 2017. Martin demonstrated how to safely launch and beach their Zodiac inflatable craft with several surf passage exercises.
Story and photos by: Lance Cpl. Luke Kuennen, Marine Corps Base Hawaii
MARINE CORPS TRAINING AREA BELLOWS, Hawaii — The training focused on safe surf passage with the Zodiac inflatable craft, swimming, and procedures for making landfall/securing a beach. “The exercise we just completed was an evaluated 2k fin,” said Cpl. Samuel Perry, a reconnaissance raider team operator with 3rd Radio Battalion Reconnaissance. “When we got to the shore, we worked as a buddy pair of two scout swimmers. One held security while the other took his fins off. Then we rotated and took the beach by force.” For the exercise, Marines were given an hour to make it to the shoreline from the insertion point carrying their weapons, dry uniforms, and a 50 pound sandbag. In addition to swimming over a mile with more than 65 pounds of gear, the Marines also had the unpredictability of the ocean to consider. “It’s way different than the pool, that’s for sure,” said Cpl. Ryan Ehlers, an RRT operator with the platoon. “When you get out there, some of the swells get pretty big. You think you’re just going to ride over the top of it, and all of a sudden you
get a face full of saltwater. You just have to cough it up, spit it out, and keep going.” Despite the difficulty and challenges of their exercises, the Marines in the RRT operator’s course feel privileged to have the opportunity to train at such a high level. “I’m exactly where I want to be,” said Lance Cpl. Collin Covington, an RRT operator with the platoon. “I’ve been pushed beyond a lot of limits, more than I thought I would be before joining. It’s been tough, but I’ve learned so much, and it’s the best job I could possibly have right now.” This training is critical to increasing the combat readiness and effectiveness of the unit, as well as positively impacting unit cohesion. It also serves to maintain the high standards that raider reconnaissance teams and reconnaissance elements are known to adhere to, said Sgt. Antuan D. Martin, the lead instructor of the course. In addition to upholding individual standards, Martin aims to make his Marines understand their roles fully and be prepared for any situation they may face. “I’m hoping they grow,” Martin said. “I want them to grow as a team, as well as individually, so when they are put in real life situations, it won’t be the hardest thing they’ve ever done.”
Cpl. Ryan Ehlers, a raider reconnaissance team operator with 3rd Radio Reconnaissance Platoon, 3rd Radio Battalion posts security during an exercise aboard Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, June 15, 2017. After a two kilometer swim, Ehlers and his team took turns providing security while the others packed away their fins and changed into dry uniforms.
Lance Cpl. Armanie Singletary, a raider reconnaissance training operator with 3rd Radio Reconnaissance Platoon, 3rd Radio Battalion provides security during an amphibious training exercise at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, June 15, 2017. As Singleton and his team prepared to make landfall, they rotated between holding security and removing their fins.
Around the Corps
The Jet Stream
Friday, June 23, 2017
Building partnerships through subject matter expert exchange Story and photos by: Lance Cpl. Kyle McNan, 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade
It was a scorching-hot blistering day as the temperature peeked over 105 degrees. Seated shoulder-to-shoulder inside an MV-22 tiltrotor aircraft, more than two dozen Marines prepared to offload into a landing zone in Saudi Arabia. U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, conducted a subject matter expert exchange with the Saudi Arabian Naval Special Forces from May 15-19, 2017. The event was to exchange military knowledge and tactics, but the result was something much more. The U.S. Marines traveled on an MV-22 tiltrotor aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 364 from an undisclosed location in the Middle East to Saudi Arabia, where upon landing, tactically inserted into the zone to demonstrate their capabilities. From there, the U.S. Marines and Saudis kicked off the four-day event by exchanging their respective infantry tactics, including room-clearing and raid tactics. With small integrated groups, each nation cleared houses roomby-room. The groups were evaluated at the end of each simulated raid on their ability to work together. “Getting the chance to train with the Saudi Arabian Special Forces is a great opportunity to get out and learn from a nation’s most elite fighters,” said Cpl. Brock Legant, a scout sniper assist team leader with 1/7. “It’s not every day you get to train with a foreign country, and I think this experience will not only help us refine our skills, but theirs as well.” After the first day of training, the U.S. Marines and Saudi Special Forces started to look less like two separate entities and more like one well-oiled machine. Communication was a struggle at first, but it didn’t
hinder the two countries sharing their knowledge, expertise, and military experiences. “Fortunately, the Saudi officer corps and most of their senior enlisted spoke English pretty well,” said Capt. Jonathan Walaski, the Weapons Company Commander for 1/7. “Between the more junior Marines and enlisted Saudis the language barrier was easy to breakdown over time, once they started working together. We share a fundamental knowledge on military training and tactics already, so it was just a matter of working together.” The final two days consisted of two full mission profile raids, one during the day and one at night. The raid missions consisted of three different integrated teams of 10-15 people, all converging on the same target in order to eliminate hostile forces and achieve the goal of recovering a hostage. The joint teams set up security and swept through a makeshift training village to locate and capture a predetermined target. Once the target was captured, the teams quickly withdrew from the village, using smoke grenades and suppressing fire, for extraction. At the end of the training, the U.S. Marines and Saudi Special Forces exchanged hats and coins baring their insignia to signify the exchange of knowledge and camaraderie. “It was amazing to hear them say how grateful they were to have us there,” said Cpl. Ian Miner, a scout sniper team leader attached to 1/7. “Having the time to sit down and talk with some of the Saudi’s about some of the things they’ve been through and hear how they fight against enemies living right outside their borders was just eye opening. I have so much respect for my new Saudi Arabian brothers.”
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Ian Miner, a scout sniper with Charlie Company 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, provides over watch with Saudi Arabian Naval Special Forces during a subject matter expert exchange in Saudi Arabia, May 17, 2017. The exchange proved to be an enhancing opportunity for both the U.S. and Saudi forces. Deploying U.S. Marines into the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to conduct combined military training with our partner nations’ security forces strengthens our vital relationships with partners in this important region.
U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, exchange gifts with Saudi Arabian Naval Special Forces at the end of a subject matter expert exchange while forward deployed in the Middle East, May 18, 2017. The exchange proved to be an enhancing opportunity for both the U.S. and Saudi forces. Deploying U.S. Marines into the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to conduct combined military training with our partner nations’ security forces strengthens our vital relationships with partners in this important region.
U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Justin Burch, a rifleman with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, raid a building with Saudi Arabian Naval Special Forces during a subject matter expert exchange in Saudi Arabia, May 17, 2017. The exchange proved to be an enhancing opportunity for both the U.S. and Saudi forces. Deploying U.S. Marines into the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to conduct combined military training with our partner nations’ security forces strengthens our vital relationships with partners in this important region
U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command and Saudi Arabian Naval Special Forces prepare for a night raid during a subject matter expert exchange in Saudi Arabia, May 16, 2017. The exchange proved to be an enhancing opportunity for both the U.S. and Saudi forces. Deploying U.S. Marines into the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to conduct combined military training with our partner nations’ security forces strengthens our vital relationships with partners in this important region.
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The Jet Stream
Friday, June 23, 2017
Around the Corps
VMFA-251 participates in Red Flag-Alaska 17-2 Photo by Alejandro Pena, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Public Affairs
An F/A-18C Hornet aircraft taxis prior to take off during Red Flag-Alaska 17-2 from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 13. Red Flag-Alaska is a training exercise for U.S. and international forces to provide joint offensive, counter-air, interdiction, close air support, and large force employment in a simulated combat environment. The Hornet is with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251, Marine Aircraft Group 31.
U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Westin Warburton
Photo by Lance Cpl. Koby Saunders, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Combat Camera
Marines install a new engine on an F/A18D Hornet Aircraft during Red Flag-Alaska 17-2 from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 13. Red Flag-Alaska is a training exercise for U.S. and international forces to provide joint offensive, counter-air, interdiction, close air support, and large force employment in a simulated combat environment. The Marines are with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251, Marine Aircraft Group 31.
Head and hearing protection cranials or helmets are hung on a wall during Red FlagAlaska 17-2 at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, June 12, 2017. Red Flag-Alaska provides an optimal training environment in the Indo-Asian Pacific region and focuses on improving ground, space, and cyberspace combat readiness and interoperability for U.S. and international forces. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 is participating in Red Flag-Alaska. VMFA-251 is with Marine Aircraft Group 31.