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Friday, February 14, 2014 Vol. 49, No. 6 Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C.

More TA funds for Marines See Page 3

“The noise you hear is the sound of freedom.” 2 n Entertainment 3 n News Briefs 3 n Weather n Around The Corps 10 n Change of Command 15

Dealing with separation on V-day Page 6

DOD complaint system safeguards education Page 8

Washington’s birthday, President’s Day Page 12

Fightertown command change of

See Page 15 Cpl. John Wilkes

MAG-31 CPX proves ACE capability

Sgt. Marcy Sanchez

Comm/Media Relations Chief

The capability to operate expeditiously is a forte of the middleweight fighting force that is the Marine Corps. The size of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force varies but must be prepared to be in command. To be prepared for the task, Marine Aircraft Group 31 executed a Command Post Exercise (CPX) to test their capabilities of operating from expeditionary sites to confirm they are capable of being the Aviation Command Element of a MAGTF aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Feb. 3-7.

The exercise was conducted concurrent with the Marine Division Tactics Course with various elements of Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1, Marine Fighter Training Squadron 401 and Marine Wing Communications Squadron 28. One of the key roles in the exercise was communications. To assist with communications, MAG-31 employed the Support Wide Area Network satellite permitting portable communications throughout the Command Operations Center. “Ninety percent of the gear in here is communications, we’re providing internet both classified and unclassified with all our gear

going into a SWAN which reaches back to Cherry Point,” said Gunnery Sgt. Christopher Jarr, MAG-31’s S-6 Chief. “The basis of the Marine Corps is accountability, if you don’t have the [communications] to conduct the accountability, whether its aircraft or personnel, that information is useless.” Although communications was vital to the exercise, time was also a factor of the effectiveness of the exercise. “The goal is to set up in 48 hours,” said Jarr, a native of Muscatine, Iowa. “This is the first time MAG-31 has done an exercise like this, taksee

cpx, page 4

Major O.J. Weiss (lower left), the operations officer for Marine Aircraft Group 31, demonstrates the effectiveness of the communication system at a remote site to Lt. Col. Nicholas Neimer (left), commanding officer of MAG-31 Headquarters squadron, and Lt. Col. Joseph Reedy (right), the executive officer of MAG-31 Headquarters Squadron, during MAG-31’s Command Post Exercise (CPX) aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Feb. 7. The exercise was executed concurrent with Marine Division Tactics Course in order to test the capabilities of the group to conduct aviation operations from expeditionary sites and exercise tactical command and control.

Col. William R. Lieblein, The Marine Aircraft Group 31 commanding officer, places a Marine Avation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One patch on the shoulder of a graduate of the Marine Division Tactics Course during a graduation ceremony at the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort Officer’s Club Feb. 7.

Air Station Pilots conquer MDTC Cpl. Timothy Norris Staff Writer

Several Marine F/A-18 Hornet pilots graduated from the Marine Corps’ premier aviation combat training, Marine Division Tactics Course (MDTC), at the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort Officers’ Club, Feb. 7. The advanced air-to-air and self-escort strike tactics course is equivalent to the Navy’s Top Gun program and has a rigorous training schedule where pilots learn both in the classroom and in the sky. The arduous course is offered twice a year, once on the west coast and once on the east coast. Col. Bradford Gering, the commanding officer of Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One participated in the training over the Atlantic as an adversary.

“A great thing about the core subjects at MDTC is that it makes our next fight an unfair one,” he said. “By focusing on the enemy, studying them, their equipment, technology, training and rehearsing what our next conflict could be like.” The training is continuous and intense for the students which were comprised of pilots from various units along the Eastern seaboard. The training went from theory in classroom to practical application with the F/A18 Hornet against aircraft the pilots may have never fought against before, including the F-5N Tiger II and F-16 fighting Falcon. “It was challenging because we trained day in and day out for a month straight,” said Capt. Michael McMahon, a Marine Fighter Attack Squadron see

Mdtc, page 5

The Jet Stream

Games and Entertainment

Friday, February 14, 2014

MCAS Beaufort Movie Schedule

Saturday 2 p.m. PG-13 (2:05)

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 (1:53)

Saturday 7 p.m. R (1:24)

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 Herb baked chicken Pork chops smothered and carrots with onions Lunch Pepper steak and potatoes

Sunday

Dinner Veal parmesan and marinara sauce

Sunday 2 p.m. PG (1:45)

Sunday 4:30 p.m. R (2:01)

Sunday 7 p.m. R (2:18)

Word Search

Monday - Friday Breakfast Hot farina, hot hominy grits and oven-fried bacon Monday Dinner Lunch Country fried steak Bayou chicken and and brown gravy cauliflower Tuesday Dinner Lunch Creole shrimp and Bayou jerk pork loin corn and rice Wednesday Dinner Lunch Lemon chicken and Indian spiced chicken potatoes breast and breadsticks Thursday Dinner Lunch Louisiana seafood Chicken and cheese gumbo enchiladas Friday Lunch Mesquite roasted pork loin

Dinner Baked macaroni and cheese

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

Answer key will be available on facebook.com/MCASBeaufort on Feb. 19.

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 on Feb. 19.

Command Information

The Jet Stream

Tri-Command Weather 7 Day Forecast

Friday, February 14, 2014

High Shooter Staff Sgt. J.D. Poppe VMFA-251

368

Happenings

Forecast according to weather.com

Voting season is here. Voters must register in order to vote. Visit fvap.gov. Applications can also be mailed in. Visit the Installation Voting Office or the Adjutant’s office. To contact the Installation Voting Office call 228-8403.

Marine Corps Community Services is scheduled to hold a Warrior Challenge, Feb. 24 at the Air Station Fitness center. For more information call 228-7192.

A “For the Leathernecks III Comedy and Entertainment Tour” is scheduled to take place March 6, at the MCAS Beaufort theater from 1 - 2 p.m. The event is free and open to active duty Marines and sailors only. Prizes will be raffled off and food and drinks will be available.

A hazardous waste and prescription medication collection event is scheduled to take place Mar. 1, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Bluffton Public Works Site on Ulmer Rd. For more information call 255-2734.

Additional 2nd quarter tuition assistance funds have been approved. Education personnel began approving TA on Feb. 5. TA will not be approved retroactively. For more information call 228-7754.

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 There are two books sitting side by side, consisting of exactly 100 pages. The book on the left is upside down. If you add the page number at the extreme left side of the book on the left to the page number at the extreme right side the right hand book, what is the total? Answer for this week’s brain teaser will be available on facebook.com/MCASBeaufort on Feb. 19.

Flapper or eagle? Lt. Brett Cartwright

MAG-31 group chaplain

Are you a “Flapper” or an “Eagle?” The personal discipline of delayed self-gratification has been proven to be a major factor in successful people. For those of us in the military, our core values demand that we live by this self-discipline. Any of you who have been deployed away from family and friends know this very well. On the more practical and yet humorous side, “Hurry up and Wait,” is practically a mantra we all begrudgingly know by heart. Those of us (I am sure most) who have any struggle with waiting fall into the category of “Flappers.” I “flap” a little more when I have to “Eagles, wait in line at lunch or when someone the right on the road is doing 40 mph in a 55 mph the wind zone. To be a “Flapto soar.” per” all the time may lead you to resemble a chicken in more ways than you want. What I wish to encourage is the movement we all need to become more like Eagles. Eagles, in contrast, the majestic bird king of nature, know how to wait and use the wind to soar to the heights of heaven or to skim the tops of a crystal blue mountain lake. Human beings who may be categorized as Eagles are those who have learned through wisdom, which is knowledge gained through time and experience, to patiently wait on “all things to work together for good.” (Rom 8:23) Stanford University psychology researcher Michael Mischel demonstrated how important self-discipline (the abil-

ity to delay immediate gratification in exchange for long term goal achievement) is to lifelong success? In a longitudinal study which began in the 1960s, he offered hungry 4-year-olds a marshmallow, but told them that if they could wait for the experimenter to return after running an errand, they could have two marshmallows. Those who could wait were found to be successful/ happy later in life. The resisters were more positive, selfmotivating, persistent in the face of difficulties, and able to delay gratification in pursuit of their goals. They had the habits of successful people which resulted in more successful marriages,

you come up with are broken bootstraps. In fact that is what the Bible talks about. We will always end up with broken bootstraps if we attempt to do anything without or beyond God’s help or will. The Bible has many passages that deal with the virtue of patience and even how God’ wishes to give us patience as a fruit of His Spirit. The prophet Isaiah writes that “those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles…” (Isaiah 40:31). Perhaps the verse that most comes to mind when confronted with situations that require me to wait, hope, or trust in God is Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understandwhile they may learn to wait for ing; in all your ways acknowledge Him, conditions to soar, did not create and He will make your paths straight.” or the wings upon which to learn Eagles, while they may learn to wait for the right conditions to soar, did not creLt. Brian C. Salter ate the wind or the wings upon which to learn to soar. Who higher incomes, greater career satisfac- gave them the instinct or the wings to tion, better health, and more fulfilling soar? Without God these things would lives than most of the population. Those be impossible. God may not always anwho did not, those having grabbed the swer our concerns immediately. Somemarshmallow were more troubled, stub- times we need to learn from the delays, born and indecisive, mistrustful, less silence, and obstacles that God may deself-confident, and still could not put off sign or allow to occur. These are often gratification. the tools God uses to teach us to trust This story classically illustrates the Him. If you know this God of love the conventional wisdom that most of us way Jesus Christ has revealed then you including this preacher can get caught have no reason to doubt that even in up in. In other words, “you got to pull our darkest moments God is still alive yourself up by your own bootstraps!” and working for our good. So choose However, in my experience, you may try this day to turn your “flapper” tendento pull yourself up by your own boot- cies over to a faithful and loving heavstraps but more often than not what enly Father and fly with the eagles!

Public Affairs Officer Capt. Jordan Cochran

Public Affairs Chief

Gunnery Sgt. Stephen Traynham

Press Chief

Sgt. Terika S. King

Comm/Media Relations Chief Staff Sgt. Marcy Sanchez

Editor

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

More of The Story

Friday, February 14, 2014

CPX continued from page 1

ing over, setting everything up and using the assets that are fundamental to us.” Marine Aircraft Group 31’s ability to take on the exercise proved their capacity in filling the headquarters aviation command element of a MAGTF, particularly the Marine Expeditionary Brigade. “We set up in preparation for taking over if we need to as a Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Aviation Combat Element Headquarters,” said Maj. O.J. Weiss, the MAG-31 operations officer, native of Canton, N.Y. “We’re ready to support

that middleweight force whether it’s called upon for combat operations or crisis response; MAG-31 is ready to respond.” Although the goal time to set up for an exercise of this scale is 48 hours, through lessons learned and practice the Group aims to set up a COC within 24 hours in the future. “It’s a great opportunity for training. We have fully functioning data, telephone and radio communications all going through a satellite,” said Weiss. “We are a standalone element out here, we can pick this [Command Operations Center] up and move it anywhere in the world and be as functional as we are right here.”

The Jet Stream

More of The Story

Friday, February 14, 2014

MDTC continued from page 1

115 F/A-18 pilot. “It was a lot of work and prep time. Even when it’s not your event you’re still participating in one of the other students training, helping them prepare and debrief.” Amidst the demanding course the students rose victorious against their advanced aerial instructors prepared to take their new knowledge back to their respective squadrons. “It was definitely worthwhile,” McMahon said. “I went in thinking I was prepared for it and came out realizing there is still a lot to learn. We can always increase our skills and knowledge of how to fight other aircraft smartly.” At the graduation, Gering challenged all graduates to work with discipline and uphold their standards, emphasizing the drive to develop themselves as professional warriors that are well versed on the tactical employment of their weapons with an indispensable ability to remain focused on the threat. “I’m really proud of the work they have done,” Gering said at the graduation. “I saw aggressive and tactically sound flying, decision making, and employment of weapons. I was impressed. I have high expectations of you. Be a leader, mentor, tactician and an instructor.” As each pilot approached Gering, each received their graduation certificate and the coveted MAWTS-1 patch signifying on their shoulder the advanced skills they now possess and the responsibility to pass their knowledge on to other pilots.

The Jet Stream

In Other News

Friday, February 14, 2014

A Marine with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 gazes into his daughters face after returning from a deployment, Oct. 10. Most of the squadron returned in mid-September, while some families waited a month longer to re-unite with their Marine.

Valentines day and deployments

Cpl. Sarah Cherry Staff Writer

Valentine’s Day is an emotional day for many, whether renewing the passion and joy in a marriage, sharing love in a new relationship, or feeling the loneliness of separation.

For some servicemembers and their spouses, separation is frequent and extensive. The squadrons aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort rotate in deployments.Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 is currently deployed aboard the USS Harry S. Truman. “This deployment in particular has been an unusually long deployment,” said Lindsey

Moore, Family Readiness Officer for VMFA312. “With them being on a ship, they can only get time to Skype when the ship is in port, which has been about three days out of every month.” A night out with other spouses, a dinner or potluck, or a day spent in nature can help relieve some of the heartache of separation.

“A lot of the spouses in my squadron are pretty close-knit, so they’ve mostly found friends to spend the holiday with to keep it light,” said Moore. When romance is in the air, separation can be difficult. Service member spouses are never alone, though, and have a community of strong men and women to rely on.

Classifieds

The Jet Stream

Friday, February 14, 2014

The Jet Stream

Friday, February 14, 2014

The Jet Stream

In Other News

Friday, February 14, 2014

Fair winds and following seas Chaplain Hoelz Cpl.Timothy Norris Staff Writer

Commander Dean Hoelz, the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort chaplain, retired after 22 years of faithful service at a retirement ceremony at the MCAS Beaufort Chapel, Feb. 7. MCAS Beaufort commanding officer, Col. Brian Murtha, was the retiring officer and Rear Adm. Doug Morton, commander of Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Atlantic was the guest speaker for the ceremony. Chaplain Hoelz, a native of Summerville S.C., enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1976 and served in the 282nd U.S. Army Band at Fort Jackson S.C. and as a military test subject for the Army’s Research and Development Command in Natick Mass. Hoelz was discharged from the Army in 1983 and received his bachelor degree in religion and sociology. Eight years later he received a masters degree in Divinity, was ordained and served as the pastor for a Lutheran parish in the Upper Susquehanna Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America until he entered the Navy Chaplain

Corps in 1994. Hoelz met Morton during his first tour with Navy Mobile Construction Battalion 133. Morton recounted how they lived down the street from each other and eventually deployed to Bosnia together. “It was the best thing that happened to me in my Navy career,” Morton said. “Throughout our time in theater, chaplain Hoelz was everywhere.” Morton shared stories about his time in Bosnia with Hoelz ranging from humorous to personal and how he was able to connect with the service members under his care. “I’ve had other chaplains with the SEABEEs but something was different about Dean,” Morton said. “Not only was he approachable but he was keenly interested in how he could affect the lives of the people and the mission of our unit.” Morton held up a framed photo he said was on display in his office since his return from the deployment to Bosnia. The picture showed him, Hoelz and two other sailors about 70 days into the deployment. Morton and the other two sailors uniforms were as he

described it, pristine. The uniform Hoelz wore looked very different. “It was a total mess,” Morton exclaimed. “It was a mess because he lived his ministry. He got in the mud with everybody, and that’s why I love Chaplain Holez; he wants to be there and understand what they go through so he can apply the wisdom God has granted him to their circumstances, and he did.” Hoelz continued to serve Marines at Camp Lejeune N.C., aboard the USS Chosin, Fort Leonard Wood Missouri, aboard the USS Wasp and was the command chaplain for Marine Aircraft Group 12 at Iwakuni Japan and completed his service aboard MCAS Beaufort. “I’m not where I thought I would be in my life today,” Hoelz said. “After 22 years of military service I am in debt up to my eyeballs. The Debt I’m talking about reflects the words of St. Paul to the Romans, ‘let no debt remain outstanding except the continuing debt to love one another.’ Today isn’t about me. This is my chance to thank all of you. Each of you has made an impact upon me in some shape or form that has made me the

person I am today.” The piping ashore is a custom that dates back as early as the 1500s. Use of the jolly boat was extended to company officers, dignitaries and other port officials to bring them aboard or ashore instead of climbing the rat lines used by enlisted personnel. It was not uncommon for the commanding officer of the ship to extend the use of the jolly boat, sideboys and boatswain to send an old shipmate ashore to his retirement. Never to sail again. The custom still holds that as the shipmate retires, he passes the gauntlet of sideboys saluting, symbolic of the crews respect and gratitude for his service. “We have a lot of gear in the military,” Hoelz said. “It’s cool stuff but it’s really about our relationships with each other. That’s what gives meaning and purpose to our lives. If there is any take away from all this I hope that’s it’s that one person can make a difference.” Boatswain, standby to pipe the side. Shipmate going ashore. Fair winds and following seas.

Cmdr. Dean Hoelz, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort chaplain, Col. Brian Murtha, MCAS Beaufort commanding officer and Rear Adm. Doug Morton, commander of Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Atlantic, bow their heads for the invocation duing Hoelz’ retirement ceremony at the MCAS Beaufort chapel, Feb. 7. Hoelz served in the Army and in the Navy Chaplain Corps for more than 30 years.

Scouts celebrate during Blue and Gold ceremony Lance Cpl. Brendan Roethel Staff Writer

Caden Day, a seven-year-old cub scout with Cub Scout Pack 283, recites the Cub Scout Promise during the Blue and Gold Ceremony aboard Laurel Bay, Feb. 7. This promise helps cub scouts develop a sense of spiritual awareness, loyalty, unselfishness, self-discipline, and service to others.

The leaders, Scouts and families of Cub Scout Pack 283 held their annual Blue and Gold celebration aboard Laurel Bay, Feb. 7. The annual Blue and Gold Banquet is held as a "birthday celebration" for the Boy Scouts of America, established in 1910. The event recognizes what Scouting is all about, boys gaining confidence and skills through achieving goals with the help of their leaders and families, and the importance of getting involved in their local community. During the event, the scouts were able to enjoy free food and games with their families and scout leaders. “Just like we celebrate the Marine Corps’ Birthday every year, scouts need to celebrate theirs as well,” said Sgt. Daniel Haberman, a flight equipment technician for Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31, and the committee chair for Pack 283. “It’s important for them to know and celebrate the history of Scouting, their accomplishments and the support of their families and friends.” The colors blue and gold have special significance in Scouting. The blue is a reminder of the sky above and stands for truth, spirituality and steadfast loyalty. The gold stands for sunlight, warmth, good cheer and happiness. “I think it’s important to celebrate the anniversary of Boy Scouts because it taught me, and many other scouts before me, how to be a better citizen,” said Fernando Sotelo, a nine-year-old cub scout with Pack 283. “I’ve learned how to give back to society, and even got to see how through teamwork and hard work I can make a big difference.” At the end of the ceremony, scout leaders handed out awards to the scouts and thanked them for their continued hard work that year. "We are so proud of all of your hard work," said Haberman. "You have all been great examples of everything Cub Scouts stand for. You have all progressed so much and I wish you luck as we continue another year."

In Other News

The Jet Stream

Friday, February 14, 2014

Col. Brian Murtha, the commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, receives a plaque of appreciation for his support and loyalty toward the Department of Defense Starbase program aboard the Air Station, Feb. 2.The Starbase program focuses on elementary students, and works to motivate them to explore science, technology, engineering and math as they continue their education. Photo by Lance Cpl. Brendan Roethel

Complaint system empowers students, strengthens schools Lance Cpl. Brendan Roethel Staff Writer

The Department of Defense launched a new postsecondary education complaint system to help protect tuition assistance and military spouse career advancement account users from educational institutions with unfair or deceptive practices, Feb. 6. The new system is based on an executive order by President Barack Obama, which establishes “principles of excellence” for educational institutions to follow when serving military members,

veterans and their families. The complaint system is an interagency effort run by the Department of Defense, with the help of the Free Trade Commission and the Department of Justice. “The complaint system is a tool meant to empower military tuition assistance, and military spouse career advancement account benefit recipients,” said Dawn Bilodeau, the chief of voluntary education for the DOD. “This allows them to provide information on potentially unfair or deceptive practices that they’ve experienced with educational institutions in the

use of their benefits. This effort is [designed to] consolidate and provide a comprehensive tool for students to provide feedback, not only about the programs that their enrolling in, but the way that they’re being treated by educational institutions.” Before the complaint system, people who had negative experiences with an educational institution would seek help from their local education center or service representative. Some of the issues included false claims about degree programs, unsolicited phone calls or emails, and misleading

statements about accreditation at the institution. “The pooling of all of those complaints can also help inform other students who are going to those universities, so that they can make informed choices about where they want to go to school and what programs they want to enroll in,” Bilodeau said. The system also provides the federal government with a way to identify and take action against educational institutions exhibiting in misleading, deceptive or predatory types of behavior, if necessary.

According to the DOD, an estimated 280,000 students use tuition assistance and military spouse career advancement account benefits annually. The programs fund almost 870,000 courses at educational institutions. “With the use of this system, we can better help the service members aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in their search for a great school suited to their needs,” said David Ellard, the education service officer for the Tri-Command.

The Jet Stream

Around The Corps

Friday, February 14, 2014

corps Bits

Artillery Relocation Training Program 13-4 begins AICHI, Japan - They traveled the frozen land, looking for suitable places to set their howitzers. Each time, a group of them went ahead and scouted the areas. Once the rest of the unit arrived, the Marines with 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, performed reconnaissance, security, occupy, position procedures before firing their M777A2 150 mm lightweight howitzers Jan. 20–22 to officially start Artillery Relocation Training Program 13-4 in the North Fuji Maneuver Area. ARTP is a training exercise designed to enhance the readiness and proficiency of the regiment through live-fire training on various ranges. The regiment is with 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Each time the regiment’s batteries travel to a new area, they send out an advanced party to conduct RSOP. This advanced party consists of a survey team, a security team and two-man teams from each howitzer within the battery. The RSOP process begins when the advanced party reaches its destination. Once there, the Marines secure the area. “As soon as we get there, we have already (completed) the reconnaissance part, and have (begun) the security part,” said Staff Sgt. Craig F. Provins, a platoon sergeant with Battery A, 1st Bn., 12th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 3rd Bn., 12th Marine Regiment, under the unit deployment program. Once the Marines secure the area, the twoman teams occupy the areas where the guns will be and place markers indicating the general direction the howitzers should be facing. Then, as the rest of the battery arrives, the teams position the howitzers, so that they can be emplaced. Once the Marines emplaced the howitzers, they prepared them for firing and waited for fire missions from the fire direction center. Waiting for missions so the Marines can fire is one the most time consuming parts of this training, according to Sgt. Shamar M. Jackson, an artilleryman with the unit. Some days several hours can pass before a single fire mission and other days it seems like the fire missions come nonstop. On the final day, the Marines received a fire mission to expend all remaining ammunition, allowing the Marines on the gun line one last volley to the target area before heading home.

Two reconnaissance Marines from 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, lie in the prone position while conducting marksmanship training at Kaneohe Bay Range Training Facility, Feb. 4.

Recon Marines aim for stealth, precision

Lance Cpl. Suzanna Lapi Marine Corps Base Hawaii

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII - Reconnaissance Marines from 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, based in Okinawa, Japan, are conducting marksmanship training at Kaneohe Bay Range Training Facility from Feb. 4 through 9 as a part of Exercise Sandfisher, an amphibious training exercise running through March 14. Gunnery Sgt. Jeremiah Dare, the Bravo Company operations chief for 3rd Recon Bn., and a native of New Braunfels, Texas, said the purpose for the training is to enhance weapons confidence and capability while engaging the enemy in combat. “A reconnaissance team is a six-man team that must remain clandestine during missions,” Dare said. “They must remain unseen. If they are compromised and receive contact, those six members need to move and shoot well in order to defend themselves. They

need a higher set of skills to get out of a situation because they don’t have the numbers (in personnel) to help get them out.” Even as the rain poured, the reconnaissance Marines continued shooting and developing their marksmanship skills, beginning with dry firing and moving to live-fire drills. Dare explained the training covered basic fundamentals to enhanced marksmanship on short, mid and long-distance ranges with the 27 infantry automatic rifle, M249 squad automatic weapon, M4 carbine and .45-caliber pistol. “Since there’s not a moment in combat that isn’t stressful, we perform stress drills,” Dare said. “They shoot with an elevated heartbeat, like after a 100-yard sprint or by creating competition, to force them to shoot within a speed that is uncomfortable so they get to a point where any speed is comfortable.” Lance Cpl. Oliver Love, an assistant radio telephone opera-

tor with the jump team, Bravo Co., 3rd Recon Bn., and a native of Canandaigua, N.Y., said the training is very important and this is the first time since infantry school that he has been able to shoot an M27 infantry automatic rifle. “Being able to shoot again is a good opportunity for all of us,” Love said. “It’s really important that I hone in on my skills shooting an IAR if they want me to carry it with our team. I really appreciate the weapon system. It’s very accurate and an important addition to our capabilities.” Sgt. David Tanney, the jump team leader with Bravo Co., 3rd Recon Bn., and a native of Bellefonte, Pa., explained the training’s progression and importance. “At first, Gunny Dare went over battle sight zeroing the rifle combat optic,” Tanney said. “It’s something that Marines should pay more attention to, instead of going through the (motions). The whole purpose

of initial shooting is to get familiarized with the rifle combat optic and zero it correctly.” Tanney went on to explain how this training can positively impact their futures. “If we are sent on a real-world mission, we have to be able to defend ourselves,” Tanney said. “The more practice we have now, the better off we’ll be. This is the first shooting package we’ve done as a team, so it’s good to see how everyone performs.” Love discussed different aspects of marksmanship training, including how it benefits his team. “Having two fully automatic weapons in our team allows us to lay down a lot more fire power if we were to get compromised, which allows us to survive,” Love said. “I believe that every combat-related military occupational specialty should shoot regularly to develop critical skills. The training is a refreshment, and helps us get back into the swing of things.”

1st MEB leads in commanding the amphibious battlefield CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Over the past decade, the Marine Corps pulled away from its naval traditions to conducting sustained operations ashore for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. As the war in Afghanistan draws to a close, the Corps is focusing on transitioning back to its amphibious heritage. Marines with 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade participated in a combat operations center exercise aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 5, demonstrating the Marine Corps’ transition back to our naval heritage. The COCEX creates a realistic environment for Marines to establish a combat operations center, which is an important part of conducting amphibious landings and securing a center of operations to conduct the assigned missions. Staff Sgt. David Fiocco, the 1st Law Enforcement Battalion detachment staff non-commissioned officer, says the Marines of 1st LEB play a unique role in the exercise. “We take guys who are mechanics, cooks and radio operators and we train them to be able to stand posts, conduct patrols, and detain prisoners in the event of an amphibious landing,” said Fiocco. 1st Lt. Yinan Yang, an officer with 9th Communication Battalion, says the COCEX prepares Marines to establish necessary communication in a deployed environment. Communication plays such vital role on today’s modern battlefield. Being able to coordinate with subordinate units throughout assigned battle space and pass on instructions from battle-space commanders is vital, explained Yang. Yang says the ability for Marines to move into an uninhabited area and construct a COC is the key to maintaining command and control forward deployed. “This is all about getting back to our roots,” said Yang. “Instead of fighting from bases that have already been established, we are going from ship to shore and we are setting up our own base and ultimately the battlefield.”

Corps Shot Lance Cpl. Cesar N. Contreras

Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Ca Marines from Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division assault a high elevation landing zone from a CH-47 helicopter, for the final sixday field exercise for Mountain Exercise winter training package at MCMWTC Bridgeport, Calif., Jan. 31.

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

Combat Center Marines’ first look at unmanned security vehicle set by the controller to run automatically. Operators can navigate the vehicle and cameras with a console controller or joystick much like a video game. A button acts as the dead-man switch, which brings the vehicle to a stop if the joystick is dropped or disconnected. “We have front lasers for driving and obstacle detection,” Cullington said. “That allows us to move the vehicle at a safe speed.” The system uses a dual-monitor display, a ruggedized keyboard, mouse, speakers, microphone, uninterruptible power supply, networking infrastructure and power provisions for the radio and GPS base station. Pre-set functions allow the MDARS to follow set paths, travel to way-points, or conduct random patrols without anyone sitting behind the computer screen. “The operator doesn’t have to be sitting at the control station for the robot to run,” Cullington said. “When the robot detects something, it will notify the operator. Then, the operator can come back to the control station and decide what action to

take.” In addition to controlled and automatic functions, the MDARS can be commanded to go into stealth detection mode, which will shut off the engine and allow the unit to continuously scan the area. The batteries in the vehicle can maintain this function for approximately two hours, after which the engine must run in order to recharge the batteries. According to Cullington, the system can be adjusted to mission-specific requirements for the Corps and they are continuing to make adjustments. The MDARS is not currently in use as a regular part of defensive operations but continues to be looked into as a future possibility. “What we’re here for now is to learn more about the Marine mission,” Cullington said. “How this could be used and how we could develop it to fit the mission.” The Marine Corps will continue to observe the capabilities of the MDARS, evaluating its ability to meet the evolving tactics and strategies for tomorrow’s operations.

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. -- Over the years, science fiction movies have depicted robotic sentinels as enforcers of the law. These feats of technology were equipped with machine guns, could see a wide spectrum of light through their bionic eyes and could report their findings to their handlers instantly. The Marine Corps has embarked upon the brink of this once fictitious and futuristic technology as they research a new and more efficient way to provide security without putting Marines’ lives in danger. Combat Center Marines took a first-hand look at the Mobile Detection Assessment Response System at Camp Wilson’s ACE Compound Jan. 30, 2014. The console-controlled Polaris Military Diesel Crew provides unmanned, external security and surveillance on defensive perimeters. The MDARS was developed by the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, which delivers and sustains capabilities for warfighters. Although it was originally developed for the United States Army, the Marine Corps is currently looking into its potential as an asset of force protection. Marines with the Air Combat Element, currently supporting the Integrated Training Exercise, plan to use the new system as part of their enhanced, 24-hour Air Base Ground Defense. “We are trying to use it to its full capabilities and (further improve) our defense,” said Sgt. Timothy Hanla, platoon sergeant, air base guard force. “It will help reinforce certain areas and catch things our eyes can’t catch.” The system features multiple laser systems for navigation and a radar system to detect enemy presence on a perimeter. Color and infrared cameras allow its controller to differentiate between enemy or friendly forces. “Essentially, this thing can operate day and night,” said Pat Cullington, MDARS project manager, SPAWAR System Center Pacific. “It will go out there and find whatThe Mobile Detection Assessment Response System uses color and infrared cameras, ever it is you want to find.” All the functions of the MDARS are re- allowing operators to see things that Marines conducting ground patrols cannot. The mote-controlled from a computer or pre- system also utilizes a radar system to detect enemy presence and alert the operator.

Marines, JGSDF conduct fast-rope training Lance Cpl. Ricardo Hurtado

15th Marine Expeditionary Unit

corps Bits

are currently deployed to the Western Pacific as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

a detachment is currently deployed to the Western Pacific supporting VMFA(AW)-224.

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center

VMFA(AW)-224 Bengals

MALS-31 Stingers

Cpl. Ali Azimi

Friday, February 14, 2014

the objective and carrying on with the mission,” said Howe. After completing training at the tower, Marines and Japanese soldiers tested their skills by performing fast-rope insertions from an actual CH-46E Sea Knight. This capability allows commanders to insert troops into treacherous terrains, which plays an important role when conducting anything from humanitarian aid to combat missions. “The Marine Corps is expeditionary by nature, it’s our job to get a foot-hold of some hard-to-reach place by air, sea and land,” Howe said. “I think this is a textbook example of getting a foot-hold from the air to a land objective.” In addition to fast-roping, U.S. Marines taught the Japanese soldiers how to conduct special patrol insert extraction op-

eration, known as SPIE rigging.

Howe explained that during SPIE rigMARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLEging, the troops wear harnesses and TON, Calif. – U.S. Marines with 1st Reconattach them to a rope, also known as a naissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, spine-line, which is suspended from an and soldiers from the Japan Ground Selfaircraft. Once all the harnesses are propDefense Force, conducted fast-rope inerly attached to the spine-line, the airsertion training during Exercise Iron Fist craft lifts up extracting all troops from 2014, aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. the area where a helicopter landing is 5. impossible. Iron Fist is an amphibious exercise that Howe also said that it is important to be brings together Marines and sailors from able to train with other forces because it the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, othwill ensure a more efficient mission exer I Marine Expeditionary Force units, and ecution when working together in real soldiers from the JGSDF, to promote mililife situations. tary interoperability and hone individual Exercises like this one continue to inand small-unit skills through challengtegrate Marines and the JGSDF to better ing, complex and realistic training. understand each other’s operations and Marines and Japanese soldiers began develop each other’s capabilities. the exercise by practicing basic fast-rope insertion techniques from a 30-foot tower. “[Fast-rope insertion] is a technique used to insert a team in an area where a helicopter landing may be untenable,” said U.S. Marine Capt. Benjamin Howe, platoon commander, 2nd Platoon, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion. Before they could fast-rope from a CH-46E Sea Knight, both services had to prove themselves at a practice tower. Individual drills gave Marines and Japanese soldiers the chance to reinforce the ability to perform an insertion while maintaining control of their drop. Descending as a group teaches them how to operate as a fire-team, and be able to execute the insertion in a fast, safe and efficient manner. “They practiced maintaining a [controlled descent] down a rope to an objec- U.S. Marines with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, and soldiers with the tive and then executing follow-on tasks, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force board a CH-46E Sea Knight to perform fast-rope insertion establishing security, and pushing out to training during Exercise Iron Fist 2014 aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 5.

Ragnarok Company completes winter-training BRIDGEPORT, Calif. - Blinding snow during the day, bitter cold at night and the threat of attack at any moment added to the stress Ragnarok Company faced each day it spent in the mountains. Marines and sailors with Ragnarok Co., 2nd Supply Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group conducted cold-weather operations during a field exercise while supporting 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division here, Jan. 31 to Feb. 5, 2014. “The Marines are doing a lot here,” said 1st Lt. Owen T. Trotman, a platoon commander and assistant operations officer with the company. “The main thing is getting used to operating in extreme coldweather environments and getting the benefits of the opportunity to train in the mountains, train our basic rifleman skills and provide logistics for 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines.” Ragnarok Co. posted 24-hour security, conducted patrols and acted as a quick reaction force while operating against the fictional country of North Toiyabe, portrayed by MCMWTC instructors and members of Weapons Company, 2nd Bn., 2nd Marines. Marines holding perimeter security worked in shifts to ensure they were as fresh as possible in the harsh elements outside the relative warmth of their shelters, while the service members on patrol hiked through knee-deep snow in search of intelligence and signs of enemy movement to support the infantry. The FEX marks the end of training operations for the company prior to Cold Response 2014 in Norway to work alongside 2nd Bn., 2nd Marines and NATO militaries in Norway. “As we shift our focus from desert operations, we are going back to that old adage, ‘any clime, any place’,” said Trotman.

Marine promoted, awarded for six-course meal at patrol base CAMP LEATHERNECK – Infantry Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, stationed at Patrol Base Boldak in Helmand province, Afghanistan, have few luxuries while patrolling an area roughly half the size of Rhode Island. However, one such luxury they do have is a warm, satisfying meal three times a day, thanks to Sgt. Marcus Myers. Since September 2013, Myers, a food service specialist with Headquarters Company, 1st Bn., 9th Marines, Regional Command (Southwest), has single-handedly prepared nourishing entrées and handmade side dishes for Marines and sailors aboard PB Boldak. He prides himself on giving the Marines and sailors what they need to get back in the fight while keeping morale in the unit high, said Myers, a 26-year-old native of West Palm Beach, Fla. “I always tell my Marines never to settle for mediocrity and to push themselves toward a higher work ethic each day by serving a homemade-style meal,” said Staff Sgt. Aviel Smith, food service specialist chief, Headquarters Co., 1st Bn., 9th Marines, stationed at Camp Leatherneck. Myers is responsible for ordering, stocking, cooking and serving meals for all of Charlie Co. His attention to detail and careful preparation ensure the Marines and sailors are continuously supplied with fresh, healthy sustenance. Myers takes great pride and puts a significant amount of effort into making wholesome meals. At no time was this more evident than on Christmas Day, when he prepared a six-course meal, one of the best the company had ever enjoyed, without any running water and just a simple grill. While many benefited from Myers’ cooking, one person in particular took notice. During a holiday visit made by Gen. James F. Amos, commandant of the Marine Corps, he observed the hard work of one corporal serving food for his entire company of Marines and sailors. “We were highly impressed by your ability to produce so many outstanding meals for your fellow Marines while simultaneously handling supplies. You did an amazing job of taking care of your fellow warriors, and we couldn’t be prouder of your performance and fidelity,” wrote Gen. Amos in a letter to Myers. Because of Myers’ hard work on Christmas Day and throughout the battalion’s current deployment, he was meritoriously promoted to the rank of sergeant and awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for superior performance of his duties while serving as the only field mess noncommissioned officer at PB Boldak.

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Women’s Reserve: through the window of time Cpl. Sarah Cherry Staff Writer

February 13th is the anniversary of United States Marine Corps Women’s Reserve. One hundred and one years ago, the Women’s Reserve was established to ‘free a man to fight’ in World War II, a quarter-century after the first women enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1918, taking on clerical duties in support of World War I Gen. Thomas Holcomb, the commandant at the time, authorized the Women’s Reserve in the wake of women’s groups in the Army, Navy and Coast Guard. Although women in other services were given nicknames, like WAVES in the Navy for Women

Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, WASPs for Women Airforce Service Pilots and WACs for women’s Army Corps, Holcomb refused nicknames for the Women’s Reserve. “They are Marines,” said Holcomb. “They don’t have a nickname and they don’t need one. They get their basic training in a Marine atmosphere at a Marine post. They inherit the traditions of Marines. They are Marines.” Women Marines originally served in clerical positions, although this soon expanded to include parachute riggers, mechanics and radio operators among others. Five years after the inception of the Women’s Reserve, women were integrated into

the regular Marine Corps as a result of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act of 1948. This act limited women to two percent of enlisted Marines and ten percent of officers in the Marine Corps. Women accounted for less than one percent of the armed services until 1973. Once the military draft ended in December, 1973, the role of women expanded in the armed forces. This expansion occurred in the midst of recruiting and retention difficulties and in the wake of a women’s rights movement. In 1975, the term ‘Woman Marine’ was discontinued. At this time, women served in all Marine Corps billets and occupations

except infantry, artillery, pilot and air crew. The first integrated Marine Combat Training Course began in 1997, and graduated with Lance Cpl. Melissa Ohm as the honor graduate. From September, 2001, to Feb. 28, 2013, 299,548 female service members deployed for contingency operation in Iraq and Afghanistan. Women have served in combat, and continue to do so. Despite controversy over females serving in jobs directly involved in combat, three women became the first to conquer infantry training last November. Females have served in ever-increasing roles, and continue to move towards equality in the roles played in the military.

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By George, it’s Washington’s Birthday! Cpl. Sarah Cherry Staff Writer

Every year on the third Monday of February, this year Feb. 17, we celebrate Washington’s Birthday, popularly called President’s Day, in honor of the first president of this country,. The holiday originally fell on George Washington’s birthday, and is still officially called “Washington’s Birthday” as designated in the United States Code. Washington’s Birthday provides an opportunity to look back at the earliest days of this nation and honor the accomplishments of our first president and those who followed in his path and took up the mantel of leader of this nation, for better or for worse. The holiday was moved from Washington’s actual birthday, Feb. 22, to the third Monday of February as part of the 1971 Uniform Monday Holiday Act to give working Americans more three-day weekends. Many misconceptions surround the holiday. Many states celebrated Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, which was never an official holiday, and dropped or integrated the celebration after the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. Different states still celebrate the holiday differently. The federal holiday, Washington’s Brithday, falls in February. The governor of Massachusetts issues a President’s Day proclamation every May to honor John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Calvin Coolidge and John F. Kennedy. Alabama celebrates Washington and Jefferson Day in February. Some states celebrate Washington’s birthday and not Lincoln’s, some Lincoln’s and not Washington’s, some both and some neither. Some states celebrate Washington’s birthday, Lincoln’s birthday and President’s Day in November or December. In fact, there is so much variation in the celebration of holiday that the Washington-Lincoln Recognition Act of 2001 was proposed to Congress to clear up the name and date, and ensure a presidential proclamation each year. The bill was never voted on. Regardless of how your home states celebrates, Washington’s Birthday is a time to look back on the founding of this country, and to honor the beliefs and values our founding fathers strived to instill in this nation.

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Air Station welcomes new CO; bids farewell to Col. Murtha Staff Sgt. Terika S. King Press Chief

Col. Brian C. Murtha relinquished his duties as commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, to Col. Peter D. Buck during their change of command ceremony at the new F-35 hangar here, Feb. 13. Murtha assumed command of MCAS Beaufort in May of 2011. During his time as commander, MCAS Beaufort has taken part in many operations and exercises included Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. As he began his remarks, Murtha took time to address the Marines who were under his charge. “Marines, thank you so much for sharing with my family you lives this past three years. I’ve learned a lot from you, and hopefully you learned something from me.” The ceremony was Murtha’s final, as he retired after the change of command with 30 years of honorable and faithful service.

Murtha was born in New Martinsville, W.Va, and began his Marine Corps career by graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1984. By March 1984, he was designated a Naval Aviator and went on to receive training on the CH-46 “Sea Knight.” In August of 1987, he was assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotator Squadron 261 for his first fleet tour where he completed two Mediterranean cruises. During the 90’s Murtha completed Amphibious Warfare School and Marine Corps Command and Staff College in Quantico, Va., and was the commanding officer of Headquarters and Service Company of 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. In May 2001, Murtha assumed command of Marine Medium Tiltrotator Squadron 365 and took the “Blue Knights” to combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He supported the President of the United States’ summit in Sharm al Shiek, Egypt and was designated the ACE for II Ma-

rine Expeditionary Brigade for the evacuation of the United States embassy in Liberia. From June 2005 to July 2008 served as the special assistant to the Commander of United States Eurpoean Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe. From there he served as the Deputy Legislative Assistant to the Commandant of the Marine Corps before taking command of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, SC. Col. Murtha’s personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, two Meritorious Service Medals, and two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals. Murtha’s shared a few parting words with the Marines who were under his charge, quoting a passage from the hymn “Eternal Father, Strong to Save.” “Eternal Father, grant, we pray To all Marines, both night and day, The courage, honor, strength, and skill, Their land to serve, Thy law fulfill, Be Thou the shield forevermore, From

every peril to the Corps.” “That’s important,” Murtha emphasized. “We’ve been in some far off places and scared ourselves so bad we didn’t want to go back out there. But remember what you do because we make Marines every day, win our nations battles and return quality citizens to our country.” During the ceremony, the station Marine Corps colors was passed from Col. Murtha to the new commanding officer. Col. Peter D. Buck was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada but he grew up in Milwaukee, Wis. He was commissioned in 1987 and designated a Naval Aviator in July 1989. As a CH-46E pilot, Buck completed two deployments with the 11th and 15th Marine Expeditionary Units. He completed a tour at the Basic School where he served in several roles including Land Navigation Instructor, Staff Platoon Commander, Executive Officer and Assistant Operations Officer and a Company Command-

ing Officer. In 2002, he reported to the Pentagon to serve as Aide de Camp to the Chief of Naval Operations until 2004. From 2005 to 2007 he was the commanding officer of Marine Transport Squadron One. In 2013, Buck assumed duties as the Chief of Staff for the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. Col. Buck’s personal awards include the Legion of Merit, four Defense Meritorious Service Medals, the Joint Service Commendation Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Upon taking command of the Air Station, Buck thanked all those in attendance and addressed his new command. “I look forward to working with all of you,” he said followed by assurances from Major General Robert F. Hedelund, commanding general of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, that the Commandant had picked the absolute right Marine to lead the Air Station and build upon what Murtha had achieved.

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