The Jet Stream, Jan. 10, 2014 by The Jet Stream

Jet Stream

The

Friday, January 10, 2014 Vol. 49, No. 1 Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C.

Hotel and Oscar Company graduates

Page 15

“The noise you hear is the sound of freedom.”

n Entertainment n News Briefs n Weather n Deployments n Around The Corps n Graduates

2 3 3 8 10 15

Notice to Mariners Lightning Strikes Twice Page 4

Fightertown recognized by SECNAV Page 13

Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island is scheduled to conduct extended live-fire weapons training Jan. 14-15 from 6 a.m. to midnight. The marsh and waterways in the range impact area to include Archers Creek, Ribbon Creek, and Edding Creek will be closed to boater traffic.

For full stories, see inside

Congratulations

to Fightertown

Congratulations to the Marines, sailors, civilian Marines, and families of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort as you commemorate your 59th year of dedicated service to our Corps, Jan. 1. In 2013, MCAS Beaufort maintained a high--yet steady operational tempo, deploying five operational squadrons throughout the world. From the Middle East to the western pacific, you have remained in continued support of the Marine Corps’ forward presence against terrorism, aiding in humanitarian assistance and maintaining a contingency response force around the globe. Despite your high operational tempo, units aboard MCAS Beaufort received top-level safety and performance recognition earning the Secretary of the Navy’s safety award, the Robert M. Hanson Award for Performance, as well as the II Marine Expeditionary Force Chesty Puller Award for Leadership and Performance. All these were achieved as the base nears successful completion of its F-35 Joint Strike Fighter construction projects ahead of schedule. Additionally, MCAS Beaufort received the Secretary of the Navy’s

Environmental Award for Installation Cultural Resources Management as well as a gold-level rating in the Secretary of the Navy’s Energy and Water Management Award. Your steadfast dedication to environmental excellence is both truly noteworthy and absolutely imperative in order to preserve the natural resources in which we work, train, and live. The Marines, sailors, and civilian Marines of Marine Corps Installations East, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune join me in offering congratulations and best wishes for continued success. Semper Fidelis.

Brigadier General Castellvi Marine Corps Installations East

The Jet Stream

Games and Entertainment

Friday, January 10, 2014

MCAS Beaufort Movie Schedule

Saturday 2 p.m. PG (1:33)

Mess Hall Menu Monday - Friday Breakfast: 6 - 7:30 a.m. Lunch: 11 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Dinner: 4 - 6 p.m.

Saturday 4:30 p.m. PG-13 (1:35)

Saturday 7 p.m. PG-13 (1:45)

MCRD Parris Island Movie Schedule

Saturday, Sunday and holidays Brunch: 8:30 - 11 a.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 Dinner Lunch Beef, barley and Java molasses pork onion soup loin and potatoes

Sunday 2 p.m. PG (1:48)

Sunday Lunch Dinner Baked citrus herb Creamy cajun crusted fish and rice shrimp penne

Sunday 4:30 p.m. PG-13 (1:45)

Sunday 7 p.m. R (1:50)

Crossword

Monday - Friday Breakfast Hot farina, hot hominy grits and oven-fried bacon Monday Dinner Lunch Bayou jerk pork loin Beef short ribs and and islander’s rice rice Tuesday Dinner Lunch Baked ziti with Chicken fried italian sausage chicken and potatoes Wednesday Dinner Lunch Spicy shrimp with Baked smoked ham cheesy grits and sweet potatoes Thursday Dinner Lunch Herbed roast pork Chicken and dumploin with pan gravy ling and vegetables Friday Lunch French fried shrimp and mashed potatoes

Dinner Tater tot casserole and baked beans

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

ACROSS

DOWN

4. To be especially ___ at night 6. Mascot of the Marine Corps 7. Abbreviation for physical training 9. Once a Marine, ____ a Marine 10. This is my ___, there are many...

1. Uncommon ___ was a common virtue 2. Birthplace of the Corps 3. From the ___ of Montezuma 5. Abbreviation for Marine Corps insignia 8. To ___ my post only when properly relieved

Answer key will be available on facebook.com/MCASBeaufort, Jan. 15.

Sudoku

Other Faith Groups • For Jewish, Mormon and Islamic support, contact the Chaplain’s Office at 228-7775

Mission Assurance

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 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 key will be available on facebook.com/MCASBeaufort, Jan. 15.

Command Information

The Jet Stream

Tri-Command Weather 7 Day Forecast

Friday, January 10, 2014

High Shooter Staff Sgt. J.D. Godboldte 3rd Recruit Training Regiment

377

Forecast according to weather.com

Happenings The Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus is coming to Savannah, Jan. 22 - Jan 26. Tickets can be purchased from the Information Tickets and Travel office until Jan. 15. For more information call 228-3557.

A “Kids on the Homefront” event is scheduled to take place Jan. 18, at the Laurel Bay Youth Center from 9 - 12 a.m. Children will have the opportunity to connect while making crafts and having fun. Registration is required. For more information call 228-7311.

An “Accessing Higher Education” workshop is scheduled to take place Jan. 23, from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m at the Air Station Library. For more information call 228-7311.

A “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” workshop is scheduled to take place Jan. 14, 16, 21 and 23, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the MCFTB Family Readiness Center Aboard MCRD Parris Island. Registration is required. For more information call 228-1570.

A “Night of Stars Dance” is slated to take place Feb. 14, from 6 - 10 p.m. at the Laurel Bay Youth Center. The dance begins at 6 p.m. for grades 3-5 and 8 p.m. for grades 6 and up. For more information call 228-7640.

The photocopying of U.S. Government identification cards is a violation of Title 18, U.S. Code Part I, Chapter 33, Section 701 and punishable by fine and imprisonment.

Be aware of possible near or below freezing temperatures throughout the winter months. Exposure to cold can cause frostbite or hypothermia and become lifethreatening. Infants and elderly people are most susceptible. What constitutes extreme cold varies in different parts of the country. In the South, near freezing temperatures are considered extreme cold.

Jet Stream The

Brain Teaser What is the beginning of eternity, the end of time and space; the beginning of every end and the end of every place?

Public Affairs Officer Capt. Jordan Cochran

Public Affairs Chief

Gunnery Sgt. Stephen Traynham

Press Chief

Sgt. Terika S. King

Comm/Media Relations Chief Sgt. Marcy Sanchez

Editor Answer for this week’s brain teaser will be available on facebook.com/MCASBeaufort, Jan. 15.

Live with joy in 2014

Lt. Brian C. Salter

MWSS-273 Chaplain

Last year I made five New Year’s Resolutions. It was the first time in my life I had ever made resolutions. I made them because 2012 had been a very tough year personally and I wanted to make sure 2013 was much better. I figured if I set some challenging goals for myself it would keep me focused on the good in my life rather than being constantly distracted by the bad. We all have good and bad in our lives and while we cannot and should not ignore the bad, we can and should always emphasize the good over the bad. Overall, I was successful in keeping my resolutions and I did experience great joy in 2013. I share my resolutions with you below with an honest assessment of how I did on each one and encourage you to make some resolutions of your own in 2014 in order to experience joy throughout the year. One: Come into the Most Powerful Relationship with God Ever. I made this my highest priority and I did achieve this goal with the grade of A+. The biggest factor that made this possible was that I invited and leaned on the unconditional love and support of my wife and my father and mother. The lesson I learned is that accountability partners are invaluable to ensuring you stay on track. God works through the healthy relationships you invest in. Two: Keep the Joy in the Home; Refuse

to Let Anything or Anyone Steal It. I would give myself an A+ here. The key was to realize in my heart what was important in my life. I dropped and abandoned old baggage that I had carried for years and I picked up and embraced those things that matter at the end of the day: mainly my wife and my children. I also accepted the fact that there will always be issues beyond my control that I should leave in the hands of God. God has entrusted me with control over a few things and I should focus my at-

upon my past physical fitness success. Four: Obtain Fleet Marine Force Pin. Give me an F on this one but do not count me out! The reason I have an F is because I did not set a realistic goal. The fact is there is no way I could have obtained the pin so quickly because of the schedule and amount of work required. I did start the process, however, and I am making great progress. Lesson: Do not get discouraged or give up when you realize you have to “eat an elephant” because...how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Five: Start and Keep Pace on Doctor of Ministry in Military Chaplaincy Degree Program. I am proud to say I have another A+ in the grade column. My advice to you when setting goals for yourself is to make sure you are pursuing a goose, Lt. Brian C. Salter not a golden egg. If you acquire a golden egg you will have it for a while but eventention on doing those things well. tually you will have to find another one. A Three: Get in Top Physical Condition. I goose, on the other hand, when you feed it knew I was heading to my first Marine and care for it will lay golden eggs for you Corps operational billet and there would for a long, long time. Education is always a be young Marines running circles around worthy goal. me if I did not get with the program! ThereSo, again, I encourage you to live with fore I set a goal to take and pass the Marine joy in 2014 by making and keeping your Corps Physical Fitness Test and prepared New Year’s Resolutions. As 2013 ends accordingly. My grade- B-. While I did take and 2014 begins my prayer for you is that and pass the fitness test in October, I have “The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The since slacked off because I achieved my LORD make his face shine upon thee, and goal but failed to set another goal. The les- be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift his son is simple. Always have a goal. There- countenance upon thee, and give thee fore, in 2014 I will set a goal to improve peace” (Numbers 6:24-26).

“A goose, on the other hand, when you feed it and care for it will lay golden eggs for you for a long, long time. “

Cpl. John Wilkes

Comm/Media Relations Cpl. R.J. Driver

Staff Writers

Cpl. Sarah Cherry Cpl. Timothy Norris Cpl. Brady Wood Lance Cpl. Brendan Roethel

facebook.com/MCASBeaufort

youtube.com/mcasbeaufortsc1

beaufort.Marines.mil

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

A Look Back at 2013

Friday, January 10, 2014

Sgt. Marcy Sanchez Comm/Media Chief

Distinguished guests and media witnessed a first in Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort history when the F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter was debuted to the Beaufort, S.C., community during a showcase of the aircraft aboard MCAS Beaufort, Aug. 20, 2013. The showcase featured Maj. Gen. Robert F. Hedelund, the commanding general of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, II Marine Expeditionary Force, introducing the aircraft to the community with two F-35B Lightning II displays and two more F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters performing two flyovers above the hangar. “Today is another step to the initial operating capabilities of this aircraft and what an awesome capability it is,” said Hedelund. “It is an astonishing leap in capability in what is available in any aircraft worldwide.” According to Hedelund, the showcase is part of a Corpswide initiative to introduce the F-35B to the local communities where the aircraft will call home. “We needed to take another step in normalizing the F-35B relationship with the local community and the Marine Corps,” said Hedelund. “There’s a lot of work to be

done, and today is another step in completing that work.” The Marine Corps’ first F-35 training squadron, Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, is currently located at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida but will relocate its Marines and aircraft to MCAS Beaufort in 2014. VMFAT-501 falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, which is located aboard MCAS Beaufort. “The information superiority that this aircraft gives us in addition to its weapons superiority makes it a stunning capability,” said Hedelund. “Our nation, the local community have made an extreme investment in this program and in this capability, we are extremely excited to be a part of that.” The event attracted local community and political leaders to experience what will be the future of the Lowcountry community. “An absolute marvel in terms of technical capacity, and I think it’s a real compliment to the Lowcountry that they’d choose to station these planes here given the long level of base support that you see at the local level,” said U.S. Rep. Mark Sanford of South Carolina. Beaufort Mayor Billy Keyserling said he had concerns from skeptical residents about the possible noise from

the event. “I could barely hear them,” said Keyserling. “The flyover noise was inconsequential when compared to the F-18 and what we’re used to.” “I think what I’ve seen today is an overwhelming embrace of this new plane and the fact that it’s going to be here,” said Sanford. Past relationships with the local community were also recognized during the presentation forming an overall depiction of what the F-35B Lightning II JSF will bring to the Beaufort community. “The teamwork that the local community is really famous for is going to make this capability here at [MCAS Beaufort], 2nd MAW and across the Corps, even more formidable in the manifestation of this aircraft,” said Hedelund. “We want to ensure that Marines, families and the local community here are comfortable with what the F-35 brings to the local community and what it brings to our Corps and our country.” The F-35 will replace the Marine Corps’ aging legacy tactical fleet providing the dominant, multi-role, fifthgeneration capabilities needed across the full spectrum of combat operations to deter potential adversaries and enable future naval aviation power projection.

Maj. Gen. Robert F. Hedelund, the commanding general of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, debuts the F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter to the Beaufort, S.C., community during a showcase of the aircraft aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Aug. 20, 2013. The F-35 will replace the Marine Corps’ aging legacy tactical fleet providing the dominant, multi-role, fifth-generation capabilities needed across the full spectrum of combat operations to deter potential adversaries and enable future naval aviation power projection. MCAS Beaufort is expected to receive the aircraft in 2014 along with Marine Fighter Attack Training squadron 501, the Marine Corps’ first F-35B training squadron, which falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 31 aboard MCAS Beaufort.

A Look Back at 2013

The Jet Stream

Friday, January 10, 2014

The Jet Stream

A Look Back at 2013

Friday, January 10, 2014

The 18th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, toured training facilities aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and took questions from service members and their dependents during an open floor forum, March 21, 2013. During Dempsey’s visit he was briefed on the current construction projects aboard MCAS Beaufort including training facilities for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Dempsey’s visit was part of a tour to various military installations on the East Coast.

18th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff visits Air Station Cpl. John Wilkes Editor

by service members was the budget unpredictability. The fiscal situation is becoming more confusing and uncertain, said Dempsey. The military, especially the Marine Corps must remain constant. “We need you to be exactly who you are,” the chairman told the Marines and family members that filled the theater. “[The Marine Corps is the] rock upon which this great military of ours rests.”

During Dempsey’s visit he was briefed on the current construction projects aboard MCAS Beaufort including training facilities for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Dempsey’s visit was part of a tour to various military installations on the East Coast. When asked by a Marine what he expects from the Marine Corps, Dempsey replied “I expect you to be Marines.” “I find that to be the most important

thing about the United States Marine Corps, that you take it upon yourselves to commit to keep your honor clean,” the chairman said. The town hall was the last event of Dempsey’s visit to the air station and Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. He visited with MCAS Beaufort’s command team as well as Brig. Gen. Lori Reynolds, commanding general of Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island.

A Look Back at 2013

The Jet Stream

Friday, January 10, 2014

MWSS-273 named Marine Wing Support Squadron of the Year Cpl. John Wilkes Editor

Marine Wing Support Squadron 273, also known as the Sweathogs, was named the Marine Wing Support Squadron of the Year by the Marine Corps Aviation Association, April 1, 2013. The James E. Hatch award recognizes the superior performance of a Marine Wing Support Squadron. The winner is chosen by the Commandant of the Marine Corps’ Aviation Awards Board. MWSS-273 is slated to be presented the James E. Hatch award during an awards banquet at the Marine Corps Aviation Association Reunion and Symposium in Reno, Nev., May 18, 2013. The mission of MWSS-273 is to provide all essential aviation ground support to a designated fixed-wing component of a Marine Aviation Combat Element and all supporting or attached elements of the Marine Air Control Group. This support includes: internal airfield communications, weather services, expeditionary airfield services, aircraft rescue and firefighting, aircraft and ground refueling,

essential engineering services, motor transport, messing, chemical defense, security and law enforcement, airbase commandant functions, and explosive ordinance disposal. Additionally, in garrison MWSS-273 is tasked to supplement air station facilities and services. Over the course of their 2012 deployment, MWSS-273 provided uninterrupted aviation ground support and planned, staffed, and executed critical projects on tight timelines in unforgiving environments to 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) at seven different locations. The squadron executed two aircraft recoveries, numerous combat logistics patrols and constructed an air-site at Combat Outpost Shukvani, Afghanistan. “Much of what we accomplished during our deployment are things others would have thought too difficult,” said Lt. Col. William S. Komuench. For example, MWSS-273’s proudest moment was the recovery of a downed MV-22B Osprey ten days after arriving in Afghanistan and two days before taking over the area of operation. “[During our deployment] we is-

sued nearly ten million gallons of fuel to over 25,000 coalition aircraft and over 2,500 ground vehicles,” said Komuench. MWSS-273 executed numerous high priority projects such as the construction of 26,000 square feet of office spaces for two different flying squadrons, and numerous other aviation combat element consolidation projects, all on or ahead of schedule. “The Sweathogs were inspired to do more than many thought possible and maintained high morale in the most austere, remote and harshest circumstances,” said Komuench. “Our achievements are a direct reflection of the potency and tactical proficiency achieved through significant unit training, cohesion, and understanding of supported unit requirements.” “I am humbled and extremely proud of the Sweathogs and their achievements,” said Komuench. “I'm especially proud of the way our noncommissioned officers responded to exceptionally high expectations. Under first-rate NCO leadership, we executed the largest, most complex MWSS actions for decades.”

Courtesy Photos

VMFA-251 named Marine Fighter Attack Squadron of the Year Cpl. John Wilkes Editor

Courtesy Photos

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251, also known as the Thunderbolts, was named Marine Fighter Attack Squadron of the Year by the Marine Corps Aviation Association April 1, 2013. VMFA-251 will be presented the Robert M. Hanson award during an awards banquet at the Marine Corps Aviation Association Reunion and Symposium in Reno, Nev., May 18, 2013. The Robert M. Hanson award recognizes the superior performance of a Marine Fighter Attack Squadron. The winner is chosen by the Commandant of the Marine Corps’ Aviation Awards Board. “There are a lot of categories and fields looked at to decide who wins the award,” said Capt. Jason Robertson, flight officer with VMFA-251. “They look at everything from safety to training and deployments. It’s basically a sum-

mary of what the squadron has accomplished throughout the year.” The award is held in high regard because it reflects the squadron as a whole. “It is a big honor for the Thunderbolts to receive the award,” said Robertson. “The squadron worked extremely hard and everyone contributed.” During 2012, the squadron flew 4,909.9 flight hours, 2,605.8 hours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, launched 2,077 sorties and achieved a 99 percent sortie completion rate. In addition, the squadron achieved the metric of over 50,000 mishap free flight hours. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 began an eight month combat deployment embarked aboard USS ENTERPRISE after returning from another deployment only eight months prior. The maintenance Marines of VMFA-

251 carried the load, putting in over 50,000 maintenance man-hours over the course of the year, generating an FMC rate of nearly 60 percent and a PMC rate of 70 percent. The VMFA-251 Maintenance Department was awarded the Golden Wrench Award by Carrier Air Wing One as the best maintenance department in the air wing. Through unwavering dedication to their mission, professionalism, and hard work, the 225 Marines and Sailors of VMFA-251 came together as one unstoppable war-fighting unit. The result: 100% successful support of ground commander’s intent executed without a single mishap. “Every Marine worked very hard; winning this award is great,” said Lance Cpl. Cleo Harris, operations clerk with VMFA251. “It brings real gratification to the hard work the Marines of VMFA-251 put in every day.”

The Jet Stream

A Look Back at 2013

Friday, January 10, 2014

Silver Eagles head out to provide security in Middle East Sgt. Justin M. Boling Former Staff Writer

Aircraft are in route and maintainers are ready, bags packed—Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 is ready for a trip. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115, also known as the Silver Eagles, embarked on a deployment to the Middle East, March 4, 2013. “We are ready to accomplish whatever mission we are assigned with speed and intensity,” said Sgt. Maj. James Huller, the squadron sergeant major. “These Marines have a get-it-done attitude, and they know that wherever they go they are the best on the flightline.” The squadron will be reinforced by personnel from Marines Aviation Logistics Squadron 31, Marine Wing Support Squadron 273 and Marine power plant maintenance technicians from Naval Air Station Oceana, Va. “This is a new deployment with a host of new challenges and missions for all of us to overcome,” said Huller. The Silver Eagles will be a show of force in the region promoting security and stability. “I have never been out of the country,” said Lance Cpl. Brandi Hauk, a powerline maintenance technician with VMFA-115 from Dalmatia, Pa. “One of the reasons I joined was to see something different than the East Coast.” A powerline maintainer is responsible for making repairs on the Aircraft’s propulsion system at the operational level.

“We did a lot of work to get our aircraft ready to deploy and complete their assigned tasks,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Ramon Vasquez, the squadron’s maintenance material control officer. “More 4,000 man hours were put into getting our aircraft ready over the past few months.” The Squadron has some of the oldest F/A-18 Hornet aircraft flown in the Marine Corps. The work of the Silver Eagle maintainers keeps them running neck and neck with the younger aircraft. While deployed maintainers, like Hauk, may be tested by fire to upkeep aircraft under an increased operational tempo. “We will really put some pressure on the Marines, they have to step up to the task,” Vasquez said. The Silver Eagles will work with U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force personnel present on the small island nation, as well as, Bahraini defense forces. “Communication and dealing with each other’s ‘red tape’ is always an obstacle when working with other branches and countries’ militaries,” said Vasquez, a native of Casa Grande, Ariz. “We have our way of getting the job done, but that way varies a lot from how the Air Force does business.” The Squadron’s get-it-done attitude may be enough to bridge the gap of communication. “I am very confidant in my ability to complete the mission,” said Hauk. “The place may have changed, but I know that my quality of work will not.” With their Misty-eyed friends and family behind them, the Marines boarded their aircraft ready to keep wings in the sky and keep peace on the ground.

Marines with MALS-31 deploy to Afghanistan Cpl. John Wilkes Editor

A detachment of Marines with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31, Marine Aircraft Group 31, also known as the Stingers, deployed Jan. 11, 2013, to the Helmand Province in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Approximately 40 Marines with MALS-31 will be augmenting Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 40, Marine Aircraft Group 40, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, to provide aviation logistics support to forward-deployed aviation squadrons. This includes intermediate level maintenance as well as supply and ordnance support. “Without Marine Aviation Logistics Squadrons, it would be impossible for us to conduct sustained expeditionary air operations,” said Brig. Gen. Gary L. Thomas, commander of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd.). MALS-40 is based out of Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C. and is composed of Marines from different MALS throughout the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. The squadron will grow to more than 300 Marines in Afghanistan. “Many of the Marines have been to Afghanistan before,” said Master Sgt. Hubert Gayle, senior enlisted advisor of MALS-31 aviation supply. “We are very prepared.” The detachment of Marines with MALS-31 will be deployed for approximately seven months and will perform the same job in Afghanistan as they do at home. All the Marines of the detachment are deploying on a voluntarily basis, said Lt. Col. William Gray, the commanding officer of MALS-31. “This is a very important mission,” said Gray. “Marine Corps aviation would not be possible without MALS Marines.”

A Look Back at 2013

The Jet Stream

Friday, January 10, 2014

Families build resiliency to deployments their way Sgt. Marcy Sanchez Comm/Media Chief

Any change in life requires adapting to the environment; deployments aren’t excluded. As Marines with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 head out in support of the Unit Deployment Program, Marine AllWeather Fighter Attack Squadron 224 just returned from completing their mission in the Western Pacific, March 22, 2013. The deployments might be in the same region with the same mission but back home every family member of a deployed Marine goes through the deployment in a different way, in their own way. “There is no wrong way or right way to do this,” said Sarah McArdle, a homemaker and the spouse of Lt. Col. Peter McArdle, the commanding officer of VMFA(AW)-224. “Whatever works is your way.” There is an abundance of resources available aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort to

service members and dependents provided by Marine Corps Community Services to assist and help dependents network and cope while a spouse or parent is deployed. Marine Corps Family Team Building provides knowledge and skills to military personnel and their families in an effort to enhance military life and prepare military families for the unique challenges of a deployment. “The hardest part about deployments is that even if you’ve had one the next one is a totally different dynamic,” said McArdle, a native of Houston. “It’s important that no matter where people are, how many deployments they’ve had, they get the support and resources they need to get through that.” Some of the programs offered through MCFTB include pre-deployment briefs, mid-deployment briefs for both spouses and children, return and reunions for spouses, parents and children, re-

integration workshop, workshops aimed toward children and other unit sponsored events. “The more you have planned ahead, the more helpful it is,” said Kim Byley, a homemaker and spouse of Sgt. Harold Byley, an imagery analysis specialist with VMFA(AW)-224. “It helped time go by faster.” The military family is faced with more sacrifices than the average family. Not only does a service member sacrifice to serve their country but their families do as well. The sacrifice goes beyond spouses, even children of deployed service members have to adapt. “We always made sure that the kids were welcomed to all of the different events, and had events with childcare available to allow the parents to take a break,” said McArdle, who has been through five deployments. “Not only do the spouses get to meet one another but the kids get involved and make friends as well.”

While enduring her third deployment, Byley utilized support groups available and involved her children in support groups and play groups to help them cope and pass the time. “With this deployment, we had all the holidays and we just kept celebrating them,” said Byley. “I went to everything that was geared towards military families to stay busy.” While attending different workshops, Byley networked with other spouses who had deployed spouses to give advice and take advice. “If you ever feel you can’t do it, you can. You just need to find what’s right for you,” said Byley a native of Sheboygan, Wis. “Keep asking ‘what do you have available for me?’ There is something out there for everyone.” For more information on support groups for dependents and service members contact the Marine Corps Family Team Building office at 228-6141 or contact your unit’s Family Readiness Officer.

Werewolves prowl into the Western Pacific Sgt. Justin M. Boling Former Staff Writer

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, also known as the Werewolves, set-off for the Western Pacific Jan. 10, 2013. The aircraft will support 6 multinational exercises; this will not only increase the readiness of the squadron but ensure international goodwill and ensure we can work with allies effectively. “These types of deployments offer a plethora of training and experience for all Marines throughout the squadron,” said Capt. Albert Garcia, the squadron’s assistant operations officer. “We get to work alongside many of our allies in a short time period, which allows everyone to become more familiar with how everyone conducts operations.” “We have one mission, to support all friendly aerial elements and ground forces,” said Sergeant Maj. James Hagle, the squadron sergeant major. “The interaction is helpful to get different

people different cultures and aircraft, which do things in different ways to learn and work together towards a common goal or to beat a common enemy.” The squadron’s maintainers enable the F/A-18 Hornets to provide close air support and provide intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance to friendly ground units. “I am really interested to see how other services and countries perform,” said Lance Cpl. John Sloan, a VMFA122 aviation ordnance technician. “I know that things are going to be different but I look forward to learning something new.” The Marines will also get the opportunity to visit 6 different countries during the deployment. This is an opportunity for Marines to experience other cultures and see sights other Americans may never get to see. “I am really excited to see new places and have new experiences to share when I come home,” Sloan said.

The Jet Stream

Around The Corps

Friday, January 10, 2014

Corps Bits

CMC, SGTMAJ visit 13th MEU ARABIAN GULF -- U.S. Marine Corps Gen. James F. Amos, the commandant of the Marine Corps; Sgt. Maj. Micheal P. Barrett, the 17th sgt. maj. of the Marine Corps; and distinguished guests visited the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), Dec. 27, 2013, to thank Marines and Sailors assigned to 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), for their service. Just days after visiting troops in Afghanistan during Christmas Eve, Amos, with his wife Bonnie, Barrett and Medal of Honor recipient Dakota Meyer continued their holiday venture to wish a Merry Christmas and happy holidays to the Marines and Sailors deployed halfway around the world aboard Boxer. Marines and Sailors gathered on the flight deck where Amos spoke to them about warrior ethos and praised them for their selfless service during the holidays. “We want you to know that we care deeply for you and the fact that you are away from your family,” Amos said. Bonnie Amos, “First Lady of the Marine Corps,” thanked the Marines for their service and reminded Marines and Sailors to thank loved ones back home who also serve on the homefront while their warriors are away. “There’s no other place on the planet that we want to be or that we should be during this special time of the year than right here,” Barrett said. “We’re privileged that we get to serve in this capacity, and we’re humbled that you do serve because you could be doing anything that you wanted in your life; so I’m blown away and I’m humbled.” The Commandant’s visit coincides with his “Reawakening Tour,” during which he and Barrett seek to “return to our roots...to those time-tested policies and orders that we intuitively know are right.” Barrett said that out of an estimated 310 million Americans in the United States, four percent of the nation wears a military uniform and less than one tenth of a single percent will ever wear the uniform of the United States Marine. “You chose to be tougher people and to make a difference,” he said. “The great tragedy in life is not death; it’s not having a purpose. If you look at our young history - 237 years old,” he continued. “That’s how old our nation is. This is the first time we have ever been at war this long; we are going on our 13th year. Never in our nation’s history have we fought this long with an all-volunteer force.”

Petty Officer 3rd Class Moulay A. Bounouar, a corpsman with Combat Logistics Battalion 5, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, provides basic first aid to a Marine during Exercise Steel Knight 2014 aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Dec. 13, 2013.

CLB-5 Marines provide logistical support during Exercise Steel Knight 2014 Lance Cpl. Shaltiel Dominguez 1st Marine Logistics Group

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. -- Lance Cpl. Mitchell Burri stands silhouetted, grasping his weapon while scanning his surroundings. Beside him, Lance Cpl. Archorey Baker stands watch, guarding supplies and equipment essential for the training of the units they were supporting. The two Marines are part of Combat Logistics Battalion 5, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, a battalion that worked tirelessly to provide logistical support to numerous units during Exercise Steel Knight 2014. Approximately 240 Marines with CLB-5, CLR-1, 1st MLG, provided maintenance, supply and communication services to enable the Ground Combat Element, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, and the Air Combat Element , 3rd Marine Air Support Squadron, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, to come together as part of the Marine Air Ground Task Force during Exercise Steel Knight 2014, aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Dec. 09 – 16, 2013. “It is an exercise of a massive scale,” said Master Sgt. Enmanu-

el Tejada, operations chief, CLB5, CLR-1, 1st MLG. “Throughout the year, we conduct numerous exercises to prepare for supporting a large portion of the Marine Corps.” The Marines of CLB-5, CLR-1, 1st MLG, operated from different sites across MAGCC Twentynine Palms, setting up command centers and coordinating resupply convoys by ground and air, as well as setting up a maintenance bay for gear and equipment requiring repair. Helicopter Support Teams attached to CLB-5 from Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st MLG, transported M777 Howitzers to artillery Marines on the frontlines. Motor Transportation Company , CLB-5, delivered food and fuel using ground convoys, sometimes taking as long as 15 hours to move through difficult terrain and weather conditions. “Every day we have to support the units out there with food, fuel and ammunition through the Motor Transportation Company,” said Tejada, a native of Brentwood, N.Y. “Things change every minute and every hour.” Tejada added that it was important for the Marines to exercise flexibility amidst uncertainty and to provide innovative solutions for unexpected challenges. Supply Company augmented

Support Company, providing heavy equipment, maintenance, utilities and other resources necessary for the battalion to maintain a high operational tempo. “We provide a wide range of supplies and provide maintenance, repairs and spare parts to vehicles and equipment that are essential for the forward operating units to accomplish their missions,” said Gunnery Sgt. Raymundo Perez, supply chief with CLB-5, CLR-1, 1st MLG, and native of Porterville, Calif. Headquarters and Service Company established the framework for the exercise by setting up the combat operations center, which provided the battalion’s operational hub and kept things running smoothly, despite an everchanging environment. “During Steel Knight, our primary role as H&S Co. is to provide command and control to the battalion, establishing multiple forms of communication with the units we are supporting and continuously improving our position, so we can support the 1st Marine Division,” said Capt. Charles Cain, H&S Co. commanding officer, CLB-5, CLR-1, 1st MLG. Within the combat operations center, numerous groups worked together in a dynamic environment, requiring Marines

to stay flexible and work outside of their comfort areas. “We have six different sections in H&S Co., which are administration, intelligence, operations, logistics, supply, communications and the Battalion Aid Station with our corpsmen,” said Cain, a native of Salem, Ore. “In addition, we were also augmented with a Shock Trauma Platoon from 1st Medical Battalion. With so many parts coming together, we definitely have to keep an open mind and communicate and coordinate to determine how we function as a unit.” The three companies worked hand-in-hand to provide the logistical support that enabled the units participating in Steel Knight to work seamlessly. Even as a single battalion, CLB-5 proved its capability to provide support on a large scale. Back in the command tent, two new Marines replaced Baker and Burri to guard supplies and equipment, keeping accountability and ensuring forward units received the materials they needed to be effective. Before retiring from their post, Baker and Burri were reminded by their leadership of the importance of their mission, emphasizing that without everyone working so diligently, Steel Knight would not have been possible.

MASS-1 conducts direct air support center drill Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point -Marines with Marine Air Support Squadron 1 are conducting a direct air-support center drill aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point Dec. 16-20, 2013. The purpose of DASC drills is to simulate missions Marines could face while deployed, said Sgt. Marissa Miller, the noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the drill for MASS-1. “DASC drills prepare the Marines for what they will be facing in combat,” said Miller. The Marines need to understand how critical it is to respond quickly and correctly to anything that fixed-wing or helicopter aircrews may need, said Miller. Miller, who recently returned from Afghanistan, feels it is extremely important for the newer Marines in the DASC to understand the urgency of their mission. “In a real life scenario, MASS-1 is in charge of any aircraft that come in their air space,” said Miller. The Marines of MASS-1 command all military and civilian aircraft below 15,000 feet in their air space. “The biggest mission in the DASC community, which is what MASS-1 supports as a whole, is medical evacuations for the Marines,” said Miller. “Whenever Marines are doing their mission outside the wire and one of them gets hurt, we are the first ones they call because we are the ones that are sending in aircraft to pick that Marine up.” The biggest key to success for this job is knowledge, said Pfc. Sebastian Martinez, an air support operations operator for MASS-1. “The more you understand about the aircraft and the equipment before you deploy, the easier it will be,” said Martinez. Martinez applied his training and experience from previous DASC drills in support of combat operations in Afghanistan and feels this training makes MASS-1 more mission capable.

Corps Shot Sgt. Isaac Lamberth

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Ca - A helicopter support team prepares to board a CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 466, “Wolfpack,” 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif. Dec., 20, 2013. The HST will coordinate and oversee the suspension of a load from the underside of the Super Stallion during external lift training.

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Around The Corps

Fightertown deployed: VMFA-312 Checkerboards are currently deployed to the Mediterranean to promote security in the region.

3rd Marine Expeditionary Force

CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa -- Marines held their weapons tightly as they concentrated on the distant tree line. As the mock enemy approached, some Marines tensed up behind their cover while others made last minute gear adjustments. One thing was certain, the quiet, calm atmosphere of the Combat Town facility on Camp Hansen was about to shatter into a cacophony of simulated machine gun fire, shouted orders and a sense of chaos resembling combat. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, defended combat town against an attacking force of Marines with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, recently during Exercise Chromite. Both regiments are currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. The exercise offers rotating UDP infantry

Corps Bits

VMFA(AW)-224 Bengals are currently deployed to the Western Pacific as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

Marines gain realistic combat training during Exercise Chromite Lance Cpl. Matt Myers

Friday, January 10, 2014

regiments a chance to hone their tactical and operational planning skills, according to 2nd Lt. Chet Shaffer, an infantry officer with 2nd Bn., 6th Marines. Exercise Chromite is just one way that the Marine Corps is continuing to practice and perfect its warfighting capabilities. During the engagement, simulated rounds were used to make the training more realistic, and to eliminate confusion as to who was victorious. As part of the training scenario, the attacking Marines mission was to clear and secure a mock chemical weapons facility guarded by an opposing force. “This was a really good training event,” said 1st Lt. Michael Davidson, a platoon commander with 3rd Bn., 1st Marines. “Many times in training there isn’t an opposing force, so this made it more real and we received some good feedback on what we can improve on with both our offensive and defensive tactics.” Throughout the Combat Town facility,

skirmishes could be heard as the two forces continued to clash until ultimately the defending Marines were effectively defeated and the chemical weapon facility was secured. “You’re definitely getting training and experience out of this,” said Lance Cpl. Tyrone Watkins, a machine gunner with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines. “This really gives you an idea of what it would be like to be in a real (combat engagement).” The combat town scenario was one component of the entire exercise, which consisted of various missions to include tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel, chemical weapon search and seizure, amphibious assaults and improvised explosive device recognition techniques. “This has been a huge exercise,” said Shaffer. “It allowed (Marines) to get used to dealing with different units and assets and it lets a platoon commander reach out and see all the assets he has available when the actual mission comes into play.”

Museum honors F/A-18’s first flight MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- In celebration of the F/A-18 Hornet’s 35th anniversary, The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum let visitors climb into the cockpit of an actual F/A-18 and added an additional display in the museum aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Nov. 16-17, 2013. “We opened up the F/A-18 on display for service members and their families to see it inside and out,” said Stephen “Smitty” Smith, the museum’s curator. “We wanted visitors to experience the craft on the weekend, since the actual day of the anniversary is on the 18th when the museum is normally closed.” In 1977, the F/A-18 received its name “Hornet” from William Graham Clayton Jr., the Secretary of the Navy at the time. The concept of the aircraft originates from heavy modifications of the YF-17 Cobra, in order to become a carrier-capable fighter jet. McDonnell Douglas and Northop developing companies created the fighter jet together, with McDonnell Douglas conducting the final assembly. From there, it went on its first flight Nov. 18, 1978. “The F/A-18 is a strong part of our history on display at the museum,” said Ron Lewis, the foundation historian at the museum. “Aircrafts like this show how much we have advanced in the military over the years.” Lewis assisted visitors to the museum get into the cockpit of the fighter jet and told stories of its historical significance. The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum holds events such as this to spread the valuable history in Marine Corps Avionics. The museum is completely free and open to the public for those who want to learn more.

Cherry Point radar, control Marines maintain safety

A Marine takes up a hasty defensive position Dec. 5, 2013, during Exercise Chromite. Marines assaulted and secured the positions in Combat Town while searching for simulated chemical weapons. In the scenario, the Marines assaulting the objective were pitted against an opposing force of Marines acting as enemy aggressors. The Marines securing combat town are with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program.

Landing support Marines support ground units during Exercise Steel Knight Lance Cpl. Keenan Zelazoski 1st Marine Logistics Group

OKINAWA, Japan -- Marines and sailors participated in Exercise Chromite Dec. 2-6, 2013, at the Central Training Area and other locations on Okinawa. The exercise included a multitude of units within 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, participating in numerous full-scale mock combat missions against an enemy simulated by fellow Marines. The scenarios were designed to increase the Marines’ skills as war-fighters and simulate the stress associated with planning and controlling multiple units in a chaotic, combat environment. “In this scenario, the (fictional) nation of ‘Centralia’ has weapons of mass destruction and chemical weapons,” said 1st Lt. Jeffrey A. Reilly, a ground intelligence officer with Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III MEF. “They have attempted to launch an intercontinental ballistic missile and it failed. We deployed troops in response of the launch, which prompted their declaration of war against the U.S.” During the nearly weeklong exercise, Marines and sailors completed multiple missions similar to scenarios experienced in combat operations. One of the training missions challenged Marines to execute a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel, also known as TRAP, near Combat Town in the CTA. Marines acting as lo-

cal villagers provided a sense of realism to the opposing force encountered during that particular situation. “(In the scenario) the pilot was shot down two days ago, and has been evading capture since then,” said Capt. Gavin Lutz, a ground intelligence officer with 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, who acted as the downed pilot for the event. “He has made it to a neutral village where the locals have helped keep him safe. He has reached out and support has arrived to rescue him.” After patrolling to the pilot’s suspected location, the role-

players greeted the Marines like local villagers might. The “villagers” caused confusion and complicated the Marines’ search efforts by purposefully misleading them and bargaining for the location of the pilot, according to Lutz. When the Marines finally determined the location of the pilot they surrounded him, verified his identity through an authentication process, and ensured that he was healthy enough for transport to a designated landing zone. “This has been a huge opportunity,” said Lutz. “It has allowed the Marines to accomplish some

of their mission-essential tasks such as TRAP missions, convoys and other things of that nature, right here on Okinawa.” As the infantrymen exited the training area, they patrolled to their landing zone with an air of confidence. “This was my first time doing a TRAP mission,” said Cpl. Muhammad-Adil Naseer, a mortarman with Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III MEF, under the unit deployment program. “We got quite a bit of training out of it and it’s good to see it finally all put together.”

A CH-53E Super Stallion Helicopter takes off with a M777 howitzer aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Dec. 6, 2013. A Helicopter Support Team with Landing Support Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, supported the operation in preparation for Exercise Steel Knight 2014, an annual exercise designed to prepare 1st Marine Division for deployment with the Marine Air-Ground Task Force as the Ground Combat Element with the support of 1st MLG and 3rd Marine Air Wing.

CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, Cherry Point’s radar room and control tower never shut down. The air traffic controllers who oversee Cherry Point’s airspace and runway operations issue clearances and feed information to pilots and aircrew on the ground and in the air. Their mission, to prevent collision of aircraft and ensure smooth flow of traffic, is vital to Cherry Point’s mission and national security. Cherry Point’s ATC controls over 5,000 square miles of airspace. Attention to detail, mission focus and teamwork are all imperative to the safety of Cherry Point service members and civilians in surrounding communities. “Every day is a different scenario, nothing is ever exactly the same. There are so many things the runway can be used for so every day is something different,” said Lance Cpl. Michael Van, an ATC specialist. “Even though I am a supervisor, I am still constantly learning new things and new ways to operate.” Marines in the tower and radar room fill several, unique roles. Each crew member has a job to do, whether it is granting access, watching the radar from the ground, directing aircraft and vehicles on the runway or feeding information to pilots. All jobs are essential to daily mission accomplishment. The controllers aim to keep the air and ground space safe and accident free. Ensuring safe operations can be exhausting so teamwork and proficiency are key, according to Van. “Maintaining safety is everyone’s responsibility,” said Van. “We take breaks and switch on and off like pilot and co-pilot so we don’t get burned out.” ATC Marines cross-train constantly to learn and sharpen their proficiency in each function of the ATC. The Marines conduct simulations and exercises to test their understanding and proficiency in their assigned roles and to identify ways to improve. “ATC works very closely with the pilots and weather,” said Lance Cpl. Christopher Chase, an ATC specialist. “Anything could happen out of the blue within minutes and it is the job of ATC to keep pilots informed and safe.” Training and education give the ATC Marines an edge and help alleviate some of the stress of day-to-day operations, according to Chase. “There is an extreme level of stress at times because if someone makes a mistake it affects others lives,” said Chase. “Once you become a qualified controller, completing the intense training, you must perform at the top of your game 100 percent of the time.”

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A Look Back at 2013

Friday, January 10, 2014

Future of F-35 aviators Sgt. Rubin J. Tan

Former Staff Writer

The Pilot Training Center was completed this month with capabilities to hold 8 full mission F-35B simulators, classrooms, interactive courseware rooms, briefing rooms and more. Construction of new facilities aboard Fightertown continues for the expected arrival of two training and three operational F35B squadrons.

F-35B Lighting II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft is slated to replace the F/A-18 with Fightertown having the facilities available to train Marine aviators on the aircraft. The Air Station will serve as the hub for all F-35B training throughout the Marine Corps. Advancement in aviation has brought forth the Joint Strike Fighter Program by Department of Defense to provide the U.S military and allies, affordable next generation strike aircraft weapon systems.

The F-35B is a single-engine, single-seat aircraft with capabilities to perform short takeoffs and vertical landings. New stealth capabilities, integrated training systems and global sustainment is also incorporated into the aircraft. Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 is expected to relocate to Fightertown in January 2014, who is currently at Eglin Air Force Base awaiting the competition of facilities. “With the new aircraft, pilots will

have every tactical advantage in the modern world environment against technology in air-to-air and air-to-ground combat scenarios,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 John Johnson, JSF site activation task force officer. Future projects include the construction of vertical landing pads and landing helicopter deck training facilities. “After looking at this jet, I received even more comfort in knowing that this was the next-

generation fighter that would support the Marines on the ground,” said Col. Michael Cederholm, former MAG-31 commanding officer in an interview with Leatherneck Magazine. “As a father, I want this aircraft overhead of my son in a time of crisis, and hope that every parent, spouse and family member finds that same comfort in knowing that their Marine serving in harm’s way will be supported with the most advanced technology.”

A Look Back at 2013

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Friday, January 10, 2014

Fightertown receives SECNAV award Sgt. Marcy Sanchez Staff Writer

Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort’s cultural resource management team was rewarded for their efforts over 2012 after being awarded the Secretary of the Navy’s Environmental Award for installation cultural resources management. The announcement of the recipient of the award was made through a naval administrative message released in April, 2013, identifying MCAS Beaufort as the most successful Marine Corps installation in the cultural resources field. “Cultural Resources is defined as protection of historic properties,” said John Luce, the former natural and cultural resources manager for the Air Station. “It deals with preservation of the past.” Luce, which has participated in four other Secretary of the Navy Environmental Awards, led multiple engagements dealing with private land owners to conduct studies of potential expansion options at Townsend Bombing Range in Townsend, Ga., completed surveys and history of eight cemeteries aboard the Air Station identifying a total of 386 graves and assisted in construction efforts as the Air Station prepares for the F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter and supporting facilities. “We still deal with 25 Native American tribes that claim ties to Beaufort,” said Luce, a native of Beaufort. “We have to communicate with them for any ground-disturbing activity.” MCAS Beaufort encompasses almost 7,000 acres that have been occupied for at least 10,000 years. Native Americans were drawn to the area by the bountiful estuarine resources. By the mid-1700s English colonists developed large rice and indigo plantations which were later divided into small areas farmed to produce crops and harvested for lumber. “We not only protect [archeological sites] but also make sure they are not damaged,” said Billy Drawdy, the Natural Resources Environmental Affairs officer for the Air Station. “There are archeological sites on base that are huge and we have to conduct surveys and protect these sites when construction is taking place.” The award was earned by the MCAS Beaufort team in part due to current efforts toward identifying historical sites more accurately. Archeologists conduct surveys through dig-

ging and tests identifying and narrowing historical sites throughout the Air Station. These types of tests are also being conducted throughout Townsend Bombing Range to support expansion efforts. “It might be a huge site covering five acres,” said Drawdy, a native of Walterboro. “We’re trying to lay these sites out and put them in a [Geological Information System] format to pinpoint the historical site rather than an area where the site would be.” Aside from the Air Station’s 7,000 acres, current operations are also being conducted to preserve historical sites of Townsend Bombing Range. “Here on MCAS Beaufort there are about 7,000 acres and about 189 [historical] sites here,” said Luce. “At Townsend Bombing Range, which is 5200 acres only 13 sites have been identified.” Of the 189 historical sites on the Air Station, one site, aboard Laurel Bay, is registered to the National Register of Historic Places. The Tabby Ruin Site, an area that contains sections of two tabby walls, contains archeological artifacts which have dated the site to the mid-18th century. According to the National Park Service, Laurel Bay also contained a colonial mansion that was bombarded by British forces during the British invasion of the Beaufort area circa 1778. Notable owners included Robert Woodward Barnwell and the Barnwell/Middleton/Bull family which was active in the Revolutionary War. In Beaufort County there are 69 historic sites in the national registry including various houses in downtown Beaufort as well as the Parris Island Dry dock and Commanding General’s House. “A lot of the sites are subsurface, we don’t let companies go around and dig on them,” said Drawdy. According to Luce, prior to construction aboard the Air Station in any historical area, NREAO contacts the state historic preservation officer and all the Native American tribes which can become tedious. A rich foundation in history and culture and the NREAO’s efforts to protect and preserve that history are what distinguished the Air Station from any other installation in the Marine Corps. “This area of South Carolina is very rich in history,” said Luce. “It really is blessed with a lot of archeological history.”

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Friday, January 10, 2014

A Look Back at 2013

Sweathogs support Hunting Island Sgt. Rubin J. Tan

Former Staff Writer

Marine Support Squadron 273 engineering company hit the beach with something a little bigger than a plastic shovel and pail. The company helped moved debris from Hunting Island State Park beach to show their support in the beautification of the Lowcountry. “It’s important to take care of any area the military utilizes and within that area comes building rapport with the locals, respecting the environment and leaving the place in better condition than it was before,” said Sgt. James Raney, a MWSS-273 heavy equipment operator. The company began the cleanup with their heavy equipment on Feb. 17, 2013, removing all natural and man-made debris on the island’s north and south beaches. The Sweathogs have a history of helping the surrounding community. They assisted the park in erosion control and environmental restoration, in 1997. Hunting Island loses approximately 15 feet of sand each year due to erosion; making it one of the fastest eroding beaches on the East Coast. “With the help of Marines from the Air Station, we are able to make Hunting Island a better and safer place for our natives, military and visitors,” said Daniel Gambrell, the Hunting Island State Park manager. “The help we are receiving greatly benefits the island because we don’t have the capabilities to

move such large debris.” Hunting Island State Park beaches contain 10 to 20 tons of concrete debris, fallen trees, 300 to 500 feet of unused piping and other miscellaneous types of debris. The current project is saving the state more than $50,000 for their efforts. The Sweathogs brought out an array of heavy equipment including backhoe loaders, multi-terrain loaders and a variety of hand tools. “Our project on Hunting Island allows us to accomplish individual and company level training by utilizing our equipment and personnel,” said Raney, a native of Ocala, Fla. Personnel involved in the project included the company’s motor transport Marines, heavy equipment operators, heavy equipment mechanics, field radio operators, combat engineers and help from Navy corpsmen. The squadron’s field radio operators established a temporary central communication center on the island, providing the project with an immediate means of communication between worksites. Marine Wing Support Squadron 273 uses training operations, like their work on Hunting Island, to prepare them to deploy forward and provide ground support for aircraft. “What the Marines are doing for us really demonstrates how giving back can help the community and make our home a better place,” said Gambrell, a native of Easley, S.C.

Lance Cpl. Justin Musselman, Marine Wing Support Squadron Lance Cpl. Jordan Wolfe, Marine Wing Support 273 combat engineer, utilizes a chainsaw to cut a fallen tree Squadron 273 heavy equipment operator, uses a on Hunting Island, Feb. 20, 2013. multi-terrain loader to remove concrete.

Graduates

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Friday, January 10, 2014

Hotel and Oscar Company Graduates Honor Graduates Platoon 2000

Platoon 2005

Pfc. J.O. Couch, Easley, SC Senior Drill Instructor: Staff Sgt. D.W. Perry

Pfc. M.G. Bonilla, Yonkers, NY Senior Drill Instructor: Staff Sgt. M.A. Hill

Pfc. H.C. Meadows, Auburn, AL Senior Drill Instructor: Sgt. L.G. Gonzalez

Pfc. B. Acevedo, Lehigh Acres, FL Senior Drill Instructor: Sgt. R.C. Portell

Pfc. K.C. Apkarian, Butler, NJ Senior Drill Instructor: Sgt. M.E. McQueen

Pfc. S.D. York, Placerville, CA Senior Drill Instructor: Staff Sgt. M. Valdez

Pfc. R.M. Bosler, Honey Brook, PA Senior Drill Instructor: Staff Sgt. A.J. Andino

Pfc. A.M. Melton, Ringgold, VA Senior Drill Instructor: Staff Sgt. J.L. Creel

Platoon 2001 Platoon 2002 Platoon 2004

Platoon 2006

Platoon 4000 Platoon 4001

Platoon 2000 Pfc. J. M. Acevedo , Pvt. W. M. Adams IV , Pvt. D. L. Avinger , Pfc. A. T. Bailey* , Pvt. M. K. Bailey , Pvt. C. A. Bowman , Pvt. T. J. Brown , Pfc. J. F. Bryant* , Pfc. T. B. Colburn , Pfc. D. J. Conners* , Pvt. D. F. Coralerazo , Pfc. J. O. Couch , Pfc. A. L. Cruz , Pvt. M. R. Cruz , Pvt. J. L. Cruzmaldonado , Pfc. G. A. Dalton , Pvt. B. M. Dollar , Pvt. K. M. Folley , Pfc. K. A. Frankford , Pvt. K. J. Friedrich , Pfc. J. A. Hammond , Pvt. G. S. Hinkle , Pvt. A. I. Holecheck , Pvt. J. D. Hudson , Pfc. D. M. Hughett , Pfc. C. L. Humphries , Pvt. C. Hunter , Pvt. A. O. Ituen II , Pvt. Z. C. Johnson , Pvt. M. C. Kaiser , Pvt. N. R. Kaminski , Pvt. V. D. Le , Pfc. J. P. Leatherman , Pvt. M. R. Martin II , Pvt. T. C. Massie , Pfc. D. S. Mcdonald , Pvt. T. A. Mcdonald , Pfc. D. L. Melton , Pfc. W. B. Mooring III , Pvt. D. F. Moreno , Pvt. N. A. Nixon , Pvt. J. D. Palmer , Pvt. S. D. Peace , Pfc. C. S. Peagler , Pvt. D. M. Powers , Pvt. T. E. Prichett , Pvt. M. J. Roe , Pfc. C. H. Sharron , Pfc. A. R. Shull* , Pfc. J. T. Sykes , Pfc. C. F. Tauzin , Pvt. D. R. Thomas , Pvt. K. A. Vails , Pvt. J. K. Warlick , Pvt. K. L. Williams , Pfc. C. J. Wilson , Pvt. T. T. Wilson

Platoon 2001

Pvt. J. C. Adames , Pvt. M. J. Alicea , Pfc. C. R. Arcenia , Pvt. M. R. Badyna II , Pvt. D. K. Banks , Pfc. A. M. Bowling , Pfc. A. Chavez , Pfc. C. A. Corrales , Pfc. M. B. Currie , Pvt. J. J. Daley , Pvt. P. J. Danna IV , Pvt. M. O. David , Pvt. A. J. Debono , Pfc. J. A. Dorsett , Pfc. J. S. Dowd , Pvt. Q. D. Dupraw , Pvt. J. A. Edwards , Pfc. D. R. Fralick , Pvt. C. R. Freeman II , Pfc. A. L. Gagliardo Jr , Pvt. N. R. Gembreska , Pfc. C. A. Groetsch , Pfc. J. D. Hubbard* , Pvt. R. V. Hubbard , Pvt. M. C. Jackson , Pfc. D. W. Jeffery , Pvt. C. R. Jimenez , Pfc. C. P. Jurney* , Pfc. A. J. Kenn , Pfc. P. J. Kerins* , Pvt. T. W. Kimberlain , Pvt. J. C. Konyk , Pfc. K. M. Leon , Pvt. M. Lopezalfonso , Pvt. J. E. Lytton , Pfc. P. F. Malloy II , Pfc. D. T. Martin , Pfc. H. C. Meadows , Pfc. C. C. Miller , Pfc. C. C. Morganbrown , Pvt. J. C. Neff , Pfc. D. S. Payne , Pfc. K. A. Rainwater , Pfc. K. W. Sauls , Pvt. J. G. Schoepflin , Pvt. B. T. Skopinski , Pfc. J. M. Stachurski* , Pvt. G. D. Tanner , Pfc. R. A. Tavarezcaraballo , Pfc. J. S. Turner , Pvt. J. D. Turushinaalviz , Pvt. G. L. Valentin , Pvt. M. C. Vieira , Pvt. S. A. Ward , Pvt. J. A. White , Pfc. P. C. Wishard , Pvt. D. E. Woodard

Platoon 2002

Pfc. K. C. Apkarian* , Pvt. J. E. Bailey , Pvt. J. J. Batista , Pvt. K. K. Baum , Pfc. D. J. Bird , Pfc. J. A. Brown Jr , Pvt. D. R. Bryan , Pfc. C. R. Buckley , Pvt. A. S. Buckner , Pvt. B. C. Campbell , Pfc. K. J. Carter , Pfc. M. A. Davisharley , Pfc. M. A. Diaz , Pfc. J. T. Doerffel , Pvt. Z. A. Duhl , Pvt. L. B. Escobar , Pfc. D. S. Fisher , Pvt. M. J. Gleichner , Pvt. Z. W. Golden , Pvt. J. B. Griggs , Pvt. A. J. Guattari , Pvt. C. Z. Harris , Pfc. M. L. Harris , Pfc. P. L. Harris* , Pfc. P. I. Jezierski , Pvt. C. W. Jonaitis , Pvt. J. D. Jordan , Pvt. M. R. Marrie , Pvt. R. H. Martinez , Pvt. F. A. Mcdonald , Pvt. B. E. Mcknight , Pvt. T. A. Osborne , Pvt. K. S. Paklos , Pvt. J. T. Pierce , Pfc. L. R. Ramos , Pvt. C. W. Ravenell , Pfc. S. E. Rivassanchez , Pvt. P. A. Rochon III , Pfc. B. H. Saint , Pfc. R. B. Samuel* , Pvt. J. N. Santiago , Pfc. S. R. Skaggs , Pfc. M. E. Smith II , Pfc. P. D. Smith , Pvt. K. W. Sprinkle , Pfc. R. Stader , Pvt. A. R. Stephenson , Pfc. T. C. Thiel* , Pfc. F. A. Tiradomarrero , Pvt. B. L. Tomblin , Pvt. L. Triana , Pvt. M. S. Tryon , Pfc. R. J. Vignolo , Pvt. B. J. Vincent , Pvt. R. B. Warren III , Pvt. A. L. Watson

Platoon 2004

Pvt. D. R. Abatecola , Pfc. S. M. Anderson , Pvt. J. A. Ballard , Pvt. N. W. Barton , Pfc. R. M. Bosler* , Pvt. K. A. Bowens , Pfc. T. S. Clinger , Pfc. C. J. Conlon , Pfc. A. S. Coverdale , Pvt. T. W. Culbreath Jr , Pvt. T. D. Curreri , Pfc. E. D. Dilks , Pfc. B. T. Duncan , Pvt. O. B. Duncan , Pvt. J. F. Echko , Pvt. J. L. Escobedo Jr , Pvt. J. G. Estevez , Pfc. S. T. Farrea , Pvt. M. D. Feddersen , Pfc. A. D. Friedman II , Pvt. I. Gonzalezbasulto , Pfc. J. S. Hart , Pvt. P. J. Henderson , Pfc. C. X. Hill , Pvt. S. F. Hovis , Pvt. J. M. Kelleher , Pfc. R. D. Kilgus* , Pvt. B. A. King , Pvt. P. M. Klein , Pfc. D. A. Krejci , Pfc. B. J. Lane , Pvt. J. L. Lennon , Pfc. T. J. Losekamp , Pvt. J. A. Marko , Pvt. A. C. Mason , Pvt. D. H. Mcdonald , Pvt. R. P. Mckenna , Pfc. C. M. Miller , Pfc. C. F. Ochibili , Pvt. A. E. Orlando Jr , Pvt. Z. J. Pittius , Pfc. N. D. Primeau , Pvt. T. D. Raines , Pfc. J. A. Rhome , Pfc. S. J. Russell , Pvt. S. A. Schenck , Pfc. A. S. Sedamanos , Pfc. J. W. Shearer , Pvt. D. G. Skinner , Pvt. J. T. Teter , Pfc. B. T. Tosca , Pvt. N. M. Turano , Pvt. L. T. Voorhees , Pvt. R. A. Wanda , Pfc. C. H. Weaver* , Pvt. J. G. Webster , Pvt. W. L. White III , Pfc. C. J. Whitman* , Pvt. J. S. Wilson Jr

Platoon 2005

Pfc. S. L. Adams , Pfc. T. C. Aguirre , Pfc. M. P. Baker , Pvt. J. T. Barrows , Pfc. M. G. Bonilla* , Pvt. Z. T. Boody , Pvt. K. J. Canda , Pvt. J. C. Catavolo , Pfc. J. W. Chandler , Pfc. J. Cheung , Pvt. C. T. Cho , Pfc. D. J. Condon , Pfc. B. T. Coogan , Pfc. E. D. Corona , Pvt. W. C. Corrigan , Pfc. J. D. Crawley , Pvt. C. G. David III , Pfc. A. I. Dickerson* , Pvt. J. J. Domann , Pvt. J. E. Echeverria , Pvt. A. D. France , Pvt. J. D. Gallup , Pvt. R. Gomez , Pfc. B. J. Gonzalez* , Pvt. D. L. Hadel , Pvt. U. J. Hernandez , Pfc. O. G. Ige , Pvt. D. C. Jackson , Pvt. J. M. Link , Pvt. A. J. Manas , Pvt. J. T. Middlemiss , Pvt. N. J. Miller , Pvt. M. P. Monahan , Pfc. J. W. Moore , Pvt. S. D. Natal , Pfc. D. C. Orr , Pvt. M. R. Palen , Pfc. R. E. Palmer Jr , Pvt. R. Pena , Pvt. M. G. Perri , Pvt. J. Ramirez , Pvt. Z. M. Redden , Pfc. A. L. Rhome , Pvt. D. E. Saniga , Pfc. D. D. Schutt , Pvt. T. J. Shea , Pvt. C. D. Stodgell , Pvt. C. L. Stroop , Pvt. D. O. Timana , Pfc. D. A. Torres , Pvt. H. Torres , Pfc. J. C. Varela , Pvt. J. E. Vega , Pvt. I. A. Villaranorihuela , Pvt. D. A. Wallace , Pvt. J. B. Young

Platoon 2006 Pfc. B. Acevedo , Pfc. B. Balbuena , Pvt. M. T. Bates , Pvt. E. J. Bijou , Pvt. K. C. Bliss , Pvt. A. S. Bryant , Pfc. P. C. Caillouet , Pvt. G. A. Carmichael , Pfc. A. B. Cathlino* , Pfc. D. Charles , Pvt. R. G. Chinchilla , Pfc. J. A. Colon Jr , Pvt. S. L. Cooper , Pvt. N. D. Coulston , Pfc. P. M. Cozzi , Pvt. C. S. Crossley , Pfc. N. A. Dent , Pfc. N. S. Dickerson , Pvt. D. A. Disney , Pvt. D. R. Eubanks , Pvt. A. C. Garcia , Pfc. D. M. Gaudet , Pvt. Q. A. Gray , Pvt. J. M. Hall , Pvt. D. P. Hartzoge , Pfc. G. Q. Hawkins , Pfc. T. S. Hingson , Pvt. J. D. Johnson , Pfc. S. M. Leonard , Pfc. A. R. Lucas , Pfc. C. Y. Macadangdang , Pvt. J. L. Madeira , Pfc. T. A. Madera II* , Pvt. A. Martin , Pfc. J. T. Mathis , Pfc. R. A. Matouk , Pfc. C. B. Mooney* , Pfc. O. H. Morenoquinones , Pvt. S. H. Negin , Pvt. N. D. Ntumba , Pvt. M. J. Pacheco , Pvt. A. Q. Palmer , Pvt. S. D. Patterson , Pfc. L. D. Rosier , Pfc. A. C. Rowell , Pvt. C. Saengpet , Pvt. M. E. Santiago , Pvt. J. K. South , Pvt. J. Tabron , Pvt. JD. Thomas , Pvt. J. W. Tozer , Pfc. N. R. Tremblay* , Pfc. N. F. Warfel , Pfc. C. G. Weatherman , Pvt. K. D. Williams , Pvt. H. A. Wong , Pvt. M. W. Wussick

Platoon 4000

Pvt. A. E. Aldava , Pvt. B. K. Anderson , Pfc. R. L. Andrew , Pvt. B. N. Barnes , Pvt. L. R. Bernal , Pvt. K. R. Broussard , Pvt. M. A. Bunk* , Pvt. K. B. Carlisle , Pvt. K. R. Clark , Pvt. A. Conejo* , Pvt. L. N. Dunn , Pvt. T. D. Freeman , Pvt. B. A. Gentry , Pfc. T. M. Hildebrand , Pfc. J. E. Jastrzebski , Pvt. T. R. Johnson , Pfc. S. D. Jordan , Pfc. T. J. Laugand , Pvt. L. H. Levitt , Pfc. P. D. Loredobenites , Pvt. W. L. Loughry , Pfc. C. B. Makonnen , Pfc. D. R. Malter , Pvt. O. M. Markowski , Pvt. P. D. Martin , Pfc. J. R. Matsu , Pfc. H. E. Mcalister , Pfc. K. D. Neatherlin , Pvt. P. E. Newsom , Pvt. P. A. Paez , Pvt. W. L. Penaandia , Pvt. M. G. Perea , Pvt. S. C. Pescador , Pvt. N. N. Phan , Pvt. E. L. Rohr , Pvt. M. A. Rossi , Pfc. A. M. Rutherford , Pfc. P. R. Sanders , Pfc. C. D. Soliz , Pfc. N. G. Valdes , Pfc. A. P. Walker , Pfc. J. B. Wieck , Pfc. A. G. Wilson , Pvt. J. M. Wongharo , Pvt. S. R. Wott , Pvt. S. D. York*

Platoon 4001 Pvt. V. A. Abeyta , Pfc. J. Acosta , Pfc. L. T. Alves , Pvt. A. L.Argetsinger , Pvt. A. E. Armtrout , Pfc. L. N. Bare , Pvt. A. N. Bayle , Pvt. R. N. Borthick , Pfc. B. M. Brown , Pvt. T. A. Cardone , Pvt. J. M. Cardoza , Pfc. S. L. Dangelo , Pfc. S. A. Fellenzer , Pvt. C. Garcia , Pfc. C. M. Gibbons , Pvt. T. I. Gonzalez , Pvt. V. C. Gonzalez , Pvt. A. Gonzalezlopez , Pvt. K. Goucher , Pvt. J. A. Granillorios* , Pfc. E. A. Hall , Pvt. G. Hernandez , Pvt. T. M. Howell , Pvt. C. R. Irgens , Pvt. L. M. Johnson , Pvt. X. P. Lei , Pvt. A. M. Mariani , Pvt. E. R. Medinamunoz , Pfc. A. M. Melton , Pvt. A. Ortiz , Pvt. J. L. Paquette* , Pfc. M. A. Pratt , Pvt. K. M. Riches , Pfc. S. A. Robinson , Pvt. L. N. Rodriguez , Pvt. D. N. Schneider , Pvt. T. N. Shuck , Pvt. Y. D. Sotto , Pfc. T. N. Stewart , Pfc. A. F. Tellez , Pvt. C. A. Uriartefonseca , Pfc. A. D. Vance , Pvt. B. E. Vella* , Pvt. G. Villalobos , Pfc. N. A. Williams

*Denotes meritorious promotion

The Jet Stream

Friday, January 10, 2014

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