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Friday, March 14, 2014 Vol. 49, No. 10 Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C.
Marine Corps Battle Color Ceremony
See Page 3
“The noise you hear is the sound of freedom.”
n Entertainment n News Briefs n Weather n In The Community n Around The Corps
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NHB pharmacy changes Page 4
Mortgage changes benefit service members Page 7
Feeding Fightertown; best mess in the Corps? Page 12
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 completed five weeks of combined carrier strike group operations with the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle while in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. Flights included joint air defense exercises, maritime defense exercises, combat search and rescue, and launching and landing aboard each other’s carriers. While conducting these joint flying exercises with the French, the Checkerboards simultaneously flew missions supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, the last Marine F/A-18 squadron to support OEF.
Checkerboards conduct combined operations with French Sgt. Chung Nguyen and Cpl. Maranda Hutley VMFA-312
MANAMA, BAHRAIN - The “Checkerboards” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 completed five weeks of combined carrier strike group operations with the
French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle while in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. Attached to Carrier Air Wing Three aboard the USS Harry S. Truman, VMFA312 flew alongside the F-1 Rafale, a French multi-role fighter aircraft, and the Super Étendard, the French carrier-born strike
fighter. Flights included joint air defense exercises, maritime defense exercises, combat search and rescue, and launching and landing aboard both carriers. The joint operations improved cooperation and interoperability between the two forces, reassuring our regional alliance to promote
security throughout the 5th Fleet area of operations. The joint operations with the French were a great experience for both countries’ pilots. According to Capt. Kyle see
312, page 6
Werewolves deploy for UDP Sgt. Marcy Sanchez
Comm/Media Relations
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, based out of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, deployed in support of the Unit Deployment Program, March 5. The Unit Deployment Program aims at increasing forward presence in the Western Pacific while improving the Marine Corps’ ability to respond to contingencies throughout the region by participating in theater security cooperation activities
and partnering with regional allies. During the deployment, VMFA-122, also known as the Werewolves, anticipate to participate in multiple exercises with Japanese forces, Republic of Korea forces and other nations in the Western Pacific. “When we deploy, our primary goal is to be ready to deploy anywhere over the pacific and around the world within 48 hours, so we spend a lot of time moving the squadron around the pacific,” said Maj. Dail see
Remembering Iwo Jima Cpl. Sarah Cherry Staff Writer
From Feb. 19 to March 26, 1945, United States Marines battled for the island of Iwo Jima, off the coast of Japan, in the midst of World War II. The Japanese used the island as a
base from which to intercept allied fighters and its position gave early warnings of allied bomb strikes. Japanese leadership believed the attack on Iwo Jima would be followed by an attack on mainland Japan. For the United States, the island was seen as a potential landing place for
damaged B-29 bomber planes, as well as a base for fighter planes escorting the bombers. James Chavers Jr. of Savannah, Ga., remembers the battle that left 6,800 Americans dead and left less than six see Iwo JIma, page
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Games and Entertainment
Friday, March 14, 2014
MCAS Beaufort Movie Schedule
Saturday 2 p.m. PG (1:34)
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 (1:45)
Saturday 7 p.m. PG-13 (1:46)
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 Apple glazed corned Smoked ham and beef and rice cabbage soup Sunday Lunch Dinner Baked fish with butter Pork chops with crumb topping smothered onions
Sunday 2 p.m. PG (1:34)
Sunday 4:30 p.m. PG-13 (1:58)
Sunday 7 p.m. PG-13 (1:32)
St. Patricks Day Word Search
Monday - Friday Breakfast Hot farina, hot hominy grits and oven-fried bacon
Word Bank
Monday Dinner Lunch Spanish chorizo and Pepper steak and potato soup rosemary potatoes Tuesday Dinner Lunch Bean with bacon Beef with vegetables soup and peas and barley soup Wednesday Dinner Lunch Creole shrimp and Chipotle roasted corn sweet potatoes Thursday Dinner Lunch Salisbury steak and Chicken with rice southern style greens soup and breadsticks Friday Dinner Lunch Louisiana seafood Chicken and cheese gumbo and rice enchiladas
Saint Patrick Lucky Magic Irish Green Gold March Rainbow Clover
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 March 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 March 19.
Command Information
The Jet Stream
Tri-Command Weather 7 Day Forecast
Friday, March 14, 2014
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Gunnery Sgt. S.L. Traynham H&HS
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Happenings A Troops to Teachers brief is scheduled to take place March 22, at noon in the Education building aboard MCAS Beaufort. For more information call 228-7474.
If you are visiting the Air Station Fitness Center, you must have your military identification with you. The card must be shown at the front desk when you sign in.
Forecast according to weather.com
The MCAS Beaufort Officers’ Spouses’ Club is offering annual Merit Scholarships. The scholarships are intended for dependents of current and former MCAS Beaufort service members. For more information call 379-0454. The deadline for applications is April 1.
U.S. Marine Corps Battle Color Ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 18, at 2:30 at the Air Station Parade Field. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in Hangar 416. Dress is uniform of the day for service members and casual attire for civilians.
Additional 2nd quarter tuition assistance funds have been approved. 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
Contact us: 228-7225 mcasbeaufort@gmail.com BFRT_JPAO@usmc.mil Commanding Officer MCAS Beaufort Col. Peter D. Buck
Brain Teaser
Public Affairs Officer
What occurs once in a second, once in a minute, twice in a millennium, but never in the course of a lifetime?
Capt. Jordan Cochran
Public Affairs Chief
Gunnery Sgt. Stephen Traynham
Press Chief
Staff Sgt. Terika S. King
Comm/Media Relations Chief Sgt. Marcy Sanchez
Answer for this week’s brain teaser will be available on facebook.com/MCASBeaufort on March 19.
Financial Peace
Cmdr. Kim Donahue
MAG-31 Group Chaplain
Last week’s Gospel lesson came from the gospel according to Luke, chapter sixteen, verses 1-16. The passage is about a manager of finances, whose job was about to be cut. He took it upon himself to make friends of those who owed money to his own boss- by getting them to pay less than what they owed with the rest of the debt forgiven. He made friends. His boss was cheated. He was fired anyway. Then Jesus commends his actions. Jesus suggested that his listeners make friends with money. And to imagine what would happen if money failed them…”What then?” Would it be a mortal blow? Would it mean that all your value as a human being would be lost? Or would we have lost what, for us, makes life worth living? Early in my marriage my husband and I were living from paycheck to paycheck supporting our infant daughter – who was in daycare, diapers and formula. All of what we had went to paying the bills and keeping our daughter comfortable. And then the rich man for whom my husband was working – a homeowner for whom my husband was doing repair work- chose to accuse him of stealing, and of not finishing the job on time. He took us to court, and he and his lawyers won. We somehow were forced to pay this man $50 a week for a year. It was a difficult year to say the least. I remember walking out of the courtroom in tears not sure how we’d pay for our daughter’s food. Many of you reading have had times like this and if you are like my husband and I, it seems as bad in retrospect as it did at the time. I found nothing character-building in it. It is necessary to have enough money to provide the necessities. Money has power. There is no question about that. It is necessary to have
enough money to provide the basics of life. And if we are on that particular borderline, we will be anxious. Those are the times when we fear driving our car because if one more thing breaks – we will be unable to fix it. Or the times when we do without and then one way or another even more expenses hit us over the head. It is easy for money to become our real security base, a real source of whatever peace of mind we have. We also know how our definition of “enough” can become a moving, receding target. We are inclined to chase the rabbit we will never catch. And money becomes a tool of power as well. Just like the homeowner 25 years ago in my life could buy his influence. And we know that we ourselves are apt to measure other people’s worth by their wealth, or worse, measure our own worth by the same yardstick. Jesus saw and often mentioned that money had more power than perhaps any other single thing to poison people’s lives. So he asks the question of us- “what then?” Many if not most Americans face the scenario that they will be living at a comfort level far below their own parents comfort level. One might term it ‘downward mobility’. The question is not whether we would be bothered by this. Of course we would be. But the question is: will we be mortally wounded? Could we say about so many things we once could afford but no longer can, “I can’t afford that anymore,” without that statement affecting in any significant way our sense of our own worth or our conviction that life is supremely worth living? Maybe the most honest answer for any of us is “I don’t know. And I don’t want to find out.’ But the test would be telling. And to the extent I or any of us could do it, there would be power and freedom- of the same kind that Jesus experienced in his life. In a biography
of Thomas Merton the writer pointed out that Merton, in February of 1947, did two things: he signed a statement in which he renounced all his worldly possessions and assigned them and any future income to the Trappist order; the other thing he did was sign a contract with Harcourt Brace to publish his book The Seven Story Mountain---which then proceeded to sell 600,000 hardback copies. Merton didn’t care that he had signed away a jackpot. There is power and freedom there---something like the difference between the way a good swimmer would feel and the way a nonswimmer would feel if they were pitched out of a boat in the middle of lake. The real power of money then- is what we are able to do with it when we have it- and who we are able to bless. The question for us today, coming from the Gospel, is “Do we handle our money in such a way, and do we think of money in such a way, that our handling of it and our thinking of it draw us closer toward God, whoever we conceive of God to be, rather than drive us away from God and God’s purposes?” In the near future our own financial worlds may be rocked. Will YOUR value decrease when your financial struggles increase? What will you learn about who you are? Is there a way to find peace with money or without it, as the case may be? It is good to plan for such a time, to manage our money wisely, and to be thankful for the extras we enjoy… but when our NET WORTH (Assets minus our liabilities) is not what we hope for, and if it shapes how we see ourselves or those around us…that is the farthest from Financial Peace we could get. My hope and prayer for us all is for that sense of PEACE that comes from a healthy respect for money, a careful use of it, but a critical distance that says “The best things in life are and will always be free.”
Editor
Cpl. John Wilkes
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.
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In The Community
Friday, March 14, 2014
TRICARE promotes new pharmacy pilot program Lance Cpl. Brendan Roethel Staff Writer
Some TRICARE For Life beneficiaries will begin receiving their prescriptions through TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery or a military pharmacy as part of a congressionally mandated pilot program starting March 15. TRICARE For Life is secondary coverage for TRICARE beneficiaries who have both Medicare Parts A and B. By March 8, affected TRICARE For Life beneficiaries will be notified of the program and their options. The program requires beneficiaries who use TRICARE For Life to get certain medications through Home Delivery or at a military pharmacy, to help lower costs for medications and insurance coverage. The program applies to refills
of medications taken regularly for chronic conditions. “As part of the pilot program, TRICARE will stop paying for these medications from a retail pharmacy,” said Aidan Deitchman, the Pharmaceutical Department manager for TRICARE For Life. “The program does not apply to medications for acute conditions taken for a limited time, such as antibiotics or pain medications or any generic medications.” Congress mandated the pilot program in the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act. It will last for five years, but beneficiaries may choose to opt out after filling an affected prescription under the pilot program through Home Delivery for one year. Some people are exempt, including people with another prescription drug plan or
people living overseas. Those living in nursing homes can be waived from the program. “This program will help save TRICARE beneficiaries money as well,” Deitchman said. “TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery offers beneficiaries a 90-day supply of their medication with no copays for generic drugs, and $13 for brand-name drugs. Switching from a retail pharmacy to Home Delivery can save TRICARE beneficiaries up to $152 a year per prescription.” To switch to home delivery, beneficiaries may call the TRICARE pharmacy contractor, Express Scripts, at 1-877-882-3335 or visit www.express-scripts.com. To switch a prescription to a military pharmacy, beneficiaries need to get a new prescription from their doctor.
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More of The Story
Friday, March 14, 2014
312 continued from page 1
Reilly, a native of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and a landing signals officer for the Checkerboards, “Their jets provided a unique challenge because we weren’t accustomed to bringing foreign aircraft aboard.” The procedures for landing on the Charles de Gaulle were similar except their carrier is smaller and the French use an older version of the Fresnel lens to display glide slope, the aircrafts’ vertical reference needed to land in such short distances. Maj. Justin Wortendyke from Hudson, Ohio, viewed his experience landing aboard Charles de Gaulle as “a rare opportunity to experience another country’s techniques and procedure to better
understand how we can work jointly in the future.” The Checkerboards flew a total of 68.4 hours with 37 completed sorties during the combined operations. Lt. Col. Nathan Miller, the Commanding Officer of VMFA-312, from Lapeer, MI, had the opportunity to fly within the 10-plane formation that culminated the operations. “The Marines of VMFA-312 are privileged to be a part of this extraordinary event,” said Miller. “The Checkerboard Marines have been true ambassadors, showing our firm stance to work with foreign countries in an effort to provide stability to this region.” While conducting the joint flying exercises with the French, the Checkerboards simultaneously flew missions supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They are the last Marine F/A-18 squadron to support OEF.
IWO JIMA continued from page 1
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Fields, VMFA-122’s operations officer. “We are completely expeditious; we pick the squadron up and move it somewhere and start flying immediately.” The ability to operate expeditiously is a priority for the Werewolves as they move quickly from one exercise to another during the deployment. “Our goal is to get to Japan, get set up and fly as soon as we can so we’re exercising our ability to be expeditionary,” said Fields. “It’s not easy to move a squadron and start flying immediately, but it exercises us and demonstrates that capability to anyone who’s watching.” Areas the Werewolves may conduct exercises span throughout the Pacific from Australia to Alaska, including the Rim of the Pacific exercise, the world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise. According to Fields, operating in areas such as Japan provide similar weather patterns to their home state of South Carolina, but the
exercises in Australia and Alaska will provide wide ranges and different weather patterns to conduct training. Aside from training exercises and operations, the Werewolves will remain ready for any situation Americas’ 911 Force may call for. “You walk out the door with a plan knowing that the plans going to change,” said Fields. “We need to be ready to execute contingency operations, could be combat or a mission that prevents combat, show of force or exercises that build ties with other countries.” The deployment will provide the Werewolves an opportunity to witness what their determined labor from months of preparing will amount to. “Maintenance has worked very hard in the last six months where they have built up a really strong foundation, and we’ll get our feet underneath us now that we’re deploying with enough jets to allow the squadron to improve and leap some bounds in the next couple of months,” said Fields. “It’s what we train to do and what we’re here for, we’re ready to go.”
percent of the Japanese forces involved alive. He was in the 4th Marine Division. “It’s alot of history,” said Chavers Jr. as he flipped through a book naming the Marines killed. “This is what you call the cost of a battle, all these names. “It’s hard to believe when you look at it.” The Imperial Japanese Army had fortified the island with a web of bunkers, underground tunnels, and hidden artillery positions. Analysts and historians said that “taking Iwo Jima was like throwing human flesh against re-enforced concrete.” “There was a guy named
Rolo in the hole next to me,” said Chavers. “[He] was smoking a cigarette at nighttime. You are not supposed to do that unless you cover up, and he didn’t. A Japanese man came walking down the road and Rolo didn’t make it. He died around 3:00am.” Chavers’ group was under fire from rifles and heavy artillery on the beach for four days. On his fifth day, Chavers said he saw Marines raising the flag despite the battle continuing. The battle carried on for 36 days, with more than four times the fatalities of D-day. Chavers himself was almost shot. “A bullet went right over my head. Right in line with my head,” said Chavers. “So I slid further down, and I
knew a sniper was shooting at me. You had to stay down.” Iwo Jima became an emergency landing site for B-29 Superfortresses once Americans gained control. Later, the island assisted with the invasion of Okinawa. “The United States Marines, by their individual and collective courage, have conquered a base which is as necessary to us in our continuing forward movement toward final victory as it was vital to the enemy in staving off ultimate defeat,” said Adm. Chester Nimitz, chief of Naval operations from Dec. 15, 1945 to Dec. 15, 1947. “Among the Americans who served on Iwo Island, uncommon valor was a common virtue.”
In Other News
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Friday, March 14, 2014
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Mortgage changes made with service members in mind Lance Cpl. Brendan Roethel Staff Writer
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau placed new mortgage protections for consumers, keeping service members in mind, to help ease the hardships of owing a mortgage, Feb. 26. The new rules, which cover both service members and civilians, come after the CFPB conducted nationwide listening sessions and heard stories from military families about poor mortgage servicing practices, inconsistent foreclosure practices and poor recordkeeping by lenders. The new rules should help military families struggling with a mortgage and those that just got orders requiring them to relocate. “Obviously, service members aren’t the only homeowners who
have run into trouble with mortgage servicers or faced financial hurdles,” said Holly Petraeus, the head of the CFPB’s military office, in a press release. “But the demands of military service sometimes increase the severity of the problems or limit the solutions available to address them.” Due to the time constraints and uncertainty of military life, the housing crisis affected service members more than the average citizen, according to the CFPB. In fact,
the agency reports more than one third of consumer complaints it has received from the military are mortgage-related. “The new rules provide service
of assistance,” said Chuck Mathieu, the Marine Corps Community Services Personal Financial Management Program Manager aboard Parris Island. “The rules require a servicer to evaluate borrowers to ensure they get the loan that is right for the cost of their home and budget.” One of the big changes relates to what’s known as dualtracking. In the past, a service member struggling to make mortgage paymembers with various new pro- ments might have been working tections for borrowers in need on a potential loan modification
“The new rules provide service members with various new protections for borrowers in need of assistance.” - Chuck Matheu
at the same time their servicer was moving to foreclose the home. That practice is restricted under the new rules. The CFPB’s new rules also clamp down on servicers misplacing documents and other factors that make it hard for borrowers to get clear and consistent answers regarding their mortgage. Mortgage servicers are now also required to train their employees to be more readily able to answer questions. For borrowers who run into trouble, servicers must assign someone to help military borrowers. “This is our way of protecting those that protect our country,” Petraeus said. “Our new mortgage rules were made with service members in mind, and ensure service members have a more pleasant experience when buying and selling a home.”
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Friday, March 14, 2014
In Other News
Hazardous Waste and Prescription Medication Collection
Photos by Cpl. Brady Wood
The Bluffton Public Works collected hazardous waste and unused prescription medication from residents of Beaufort County, March 1. Hazardous material can negatively affect the environment by polluting the various ecosystems around the world. According to Gayle Wierzbicki, the drug demand reduction trainer for Marine Corps Community Services, more than 300 locals, both military and civilian, dropped off hazardous waste. Another hazardous waste collection event is scheduled to take place April 26, at 40 Summit Drive, Hilton Head Island.
Classifieds
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Around The Corps
Friday, March 14, 2014
Corps BIts
Warlords, Norwegians prepare for Cold Response Giskaas, Norway -- On March 12, the Warlords of 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division will begin the annual multinational and multilateral training exercise, Cold Response 2014. The exercise will feature various types of military training including maritime, land and air operations. The location, above the Arctic Circle in northern Norway, provides a unique cold-weather environment for all forces involved to learn and develop procedures from one another. To prepare for the exercise the Warlords spent three days in the field learning to work with the Norwegian Army’s Host Nation Support Battalion, who they will work with during CDR14. The Marines and Norwegian soldiers learned to work together and use the Bandvagn 206, a tracked vehicle used to move troops and equipment over the snow. The Marines also conducted live-fire ranges and a few learned how to drive snow-mobiles for reconnaissance. “The Norwegians explained how the BVs worked and how we will be able to utilize them,” said Cpl. Jeffrey Dittmar, a Pottsville, Penn., native and a platoon sergeant with Golf Company. “They showed us how to recover them in case of a rollover, we learned a lot about the BVs.” The Host Nation Support Battalion’s BV Company will support Golf Company during Cold Response providing transportation to different objectives. “We got enough familiarization in the field to know how to work with the Norwegians during the exercise,” Dittmar said. “The exercise is going to be a good experience working with other countries, something that many of the Marines have never done before.”
Iraqi translator follows dream of joining Marine Corps Minneapolis -- Zaid Alithawi was born and raised in Baghdad. Shortly after he turned 14, he began studying English. In 2004 he started translating for the U.S. forces in Iraq. This began Alithawi’s long journey to become a United States Marine. “At some point, the Marines came to my town,” said Alithawi. “I was so impressed with how they acted and how they helped us that I swore I would join the Marines one day.” While he helped U.S. forces translate, he witnessed hospitals being rebuilt and wells being dug for the locals. “For a 14 year old kid, being a part of all of that was really cool,” said Alithawi. “I never forgot about them.” In 2006, Alithawi’s home was in a ‘red zone area’, meaning it was too dangerous for him to help the Americans. Shortly after, the Marines cleared his neighborhood. “When the Marines came in, they cleared our area of all (insurgents),” said Alithawi. “It was amazing. The Marines are great at that.” Alithawi moved to the U.S. on refugee status after living in Syria for a brief time. After living in the U.S. for three years, he now considers it his home. “I love living in America,” said Alithawi. “I went back to Iraq to visit family once. But as soon as I landed, I knew I wanted to get back home to America. I belong in the Marines, not there.” Alithawi departed for Marine Basic Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, March 4. “I know that Zaid will make a great Marine because he has the drive to do it,” said his recruiter Sgt. Geoffrey Porter of Marine Corps Recruit Sub Station Fargo. “He has overcome a lot in his life to be where he is, so he has more appreciation for what he has. He is the type who will maintain the discipline and do what is asked of him immediately. He has always had a positive attitude towards everything and never lets the small stuff get him down.” In 13 weeks, if Alithawi continues to work hard and do all that is asked of him, his dreams of becoming a United States Marine will come true.
Corporal Conner Reese, a reconnaissance man with Force Company, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, heads toward the tree line during a field training exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 18. Marines trekked more than five miles into the tree line with more than 100 pounds of gear.
Operating ‘Swift, Silent, Deadly’
Lance Cpl. Joey Mendez 2nd Marine Division
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE -- Marines and sailors with Force Company, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, used jumping out of a V-22 Osprey as their method of infiltration during a three-day, field exercise starting Feb. 18, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. “The main purpose of the mission was to rehearse reconnaissance and surveillance operations,” said Sgt. Michael Blair, an assistant team leader with the unit, and native of Franklinton, La. “Primarily what [the mission] entails is being able to clandestinely get eyes on the objective and send a report on it, with pictures and information of any and all activities that are going on with the objective.” Marines used two different styles of jumping from the aircraft to conduct their insertion, static line and High Altitude Low Opening. A
static line jump is when the static line cord is attached to one end of the aircraft and the other end to the top of the jumper’s deployment bag, where the canopy is packed into. When the jumper exits the aircraft it causes the static line to pull the deployment bag out of the container, automatically releasing the canopy. The static line and deployment bag stay with the aircraft as the jumper leaves, and is pulled back into the aircraft by the crew. In the HALO jumps, the Marines open their parachutes at a low altitude after free-falling for a period of time. Static line jumpers exited the aircraft from around 1,500 feet in the air, and the HALO jumpers from around 12,000 feet. “There is always that sense of realism when you are getting ready to jump out of an aircraft,” said Sgt. Collin Johansen, a point man from Midlothian, Texas. ”But once you actually jump and go through
your procedures correctly, you remember your training and it all falls into place.” Once the Marines landed, they immediately readied their rifles, pulled out a compass, radioed their location and began to pack their parachutes in order to regroup. The tactically efficient men immediately continued to the next part of their mission and headed for the tree line, each carrying more than 100 pounds of gear. “It was rough,” said Johansen. “We were patrolling through swamps where some parts were ankle deep to waist deep. Some parts we decided not to move through because it was chest deep and that is not really feasible while carrying a 100 pound rucksack.” They spent hours finding the best route through the swamps and marshes to reach their next objective more than five miles away. Once the objective is reached, the Marines have to gather intelligence without being detected by a notional enemy.
The Marines’ mission included collecting and reporting intelligence of actions on a bridge that provided access inside the objective where opposing forces were based, as well as obtaining visual confirmation of the American hostages. Collecting intelligence can prove to be just as challenging as getting to the objective. “The biggest thing is reporting, because it is a lot harder than it sounds. Getting eyes on the objective and sending up exactly what is going on; you have to paint a picture with your words. Unless you’re taking pictures but then you have to get a lot closer,” said Blair. With the field exercise considered a success the Marines began their exfiltration from the mission. “We met every single information requirement that was sent down by the command. We got pretty good pictures, which helped them out a lot,” said Blair of his team’s performance.
Corps Shot Lance Cpl. Matthew Bragg
MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII - Sgt. Scott Hulsizer (left), a team leader with second platoon, Bravo Company, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, based in Okinawa, Japan, fires an M136 AT-4 rocket launcher after breaking away from the firing line as part of a weapons training package on the Kaneohe Bay Range Training Facility, March 4.
The Jet Stream
Around The Corps
Fightertown deployed: VMFA-312 Checkerboards
Corpsman recognized for actions in Helmand province
a detachment is currently deployed to the Western Pacific supporting VMFA(AW)-224.
Afghans see continued success in Sangin Valley
FORWARD OPERATING BASE ROBINSON, Afghanistan -- Marines with Security Force Assistance Advisor Team 2-215 visited Afghan National Army outposts near Forward Operating Base Robinson, Feb. 24. Colonel AbdulHai Neshat, the executive officer of 2nd Brigade, 215th Corps, ANA, invited Col. Christopher Douglas, the team leader of SFAAT 2-215, to visit the outposts and see the progress that was made in a recent operation, Oqab 144. “It was pretty inspiring knowing what they had cleared and put in place as a result of Oqab 144, seeing that it’s still there and the ANA are still providing security with the police,” said Douglas, a Marine Corps reservist from Ballston Spa, N.Y. “It’s really posi-
tive. The bottom line here in Sangin, the ANA are still standing.” The outposts overlook the Sangin Valley and Route 611 and are vital to mission success in the region, said Neshat. During the operation, several bridges were put in place over the Nahr-e Saraj Canal. The bridges will allow easier access for the ANA and Afghan police to cross the canal between outposts and are open for use by the local populace. They serve as a literal and metaphorical bridge between the ANA and the people. Before the bridges were in place, people would have to walk several miles to cross a bridge put in place by coalition forces or risk going into the canal to cross. “I showed them the areas where the operation went,” Neshat said. “That was great. I think the enemy is no longer in those areas where they were influenc-
ing before. Right now, people are working. Sometimes the Taliban come to those areas but have to escape back. They can’t stay. They don’t have their positions there now. The ANA is going to guard their position.” Oqab 144 was conducted to clear the Sangin Valley of hostile threats in preparation for to the upcoming Afghan presidential elections. The desire of the brigade is to provide a safe voting environment for the citizens. “We’re looking forward to how we’re going to support the elections and bring people to vote,” Neshat said. “The concern is to facilitate the people coming to these polls. The enemy wants to hurt people and entrap the election. We are planning to do more operations before the elections and we have a security plan for it. Hopefully we succeed.” Douglas expressed his confi-
dence in the ability of the 2nd Brigade to effectively support the election process. “They’ve been planning, coordinating and reaching out to all the other Afghan partners between the police and the governance,” Douglas said. “I believe we’re going to see success in that area.” Oqab 144 served as the first successful Afghan National Security Force operation in the Sangin Valley completed solely by Afghan forces with coalition forces in an advisory-only role. “Afghans came up with their own solution, and they’re solving the problems that come up,” said Maj. Scott Shadforth, the forward air controller for SFAAT 2-215. “They know what needs to get done here. They understand the geography, the culture, the ethnicity, and a lot better than we’ll ever be able to.”
Marines with Security Force Assistance Advisor Team 2-215 and soldiers with 2nd Brigade, 215th Corps, Afghan National Army visit an outpost near Forward Operating Base Robinson, Feb. 24. Colonel AbdulHai Neshat, the executive officer of 2nd Brigade, invited Col. Christopher Douglas, the team leader of SFAAT 2-215, to visit the outposts and see the progress that was made in a recent operation, Oqab 144.
US Marines, Spanish pilots conduct bilateral carrier landings Cpl. Michael Dye
2nd Marine Division
Corps BIts
are currently deployed to the Western Pacific as part of the Unit Deployment Program.
MALS-31 Stingers
MarineExpeditionaryBrigade-Afghanistan
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VMFA(AW)-224 Bengals
are currently deployed to the Mediterranean to promote secu-
Cpl. Joshua Young
Friday, March 14, 2014
Landing MV-22 Ospreys on carriers and working with foreign or host nation partners is regular work for the Marines and sailors of SP-MAGTF CR. The Marines created the unit as part of the Department of Defense’s continuing effort to improve its crisis response capability around the globe. SP-MAGTF CR is a self-deployable and highly mobile force designed to respond to missions such as U.S. embassy reinforcement, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, theater security cooperation, and other missions in the U.S. Africa Command and U.S. European Command areas of responsibility. “Maintaining various skills and proficiency allows us to react to the demands of a crisis response environment,” said Hayden. “This provides us with the flexibility to
know that if we need to land on a carrier in the Mediterranean or off the coast of Africa, we have the ability to meet that mission.” Various aircraft were used during the training. The Marines flew the MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, while BHELMA IV flew both the H-47 Chinook and the AS532 Cougar helicopters. During the carrier qualification, takeoff and landing were performed in mixed sections, meaning that American and Spanish aircraft were paired together for alternating landings. “Due to the amount of space available, we worked with the Spanish to do alternate landings,” said Hayden. “The MV-22 took the first landing, and we were followed by the Chinook. The next section repeated that with the Cougar.” Partnership with the Spanish
pilots also expanded the Marines’ capabilities in the air. “There wasn’t much of a language barrier, since the Spanish pilots were fairly fluent in English,” said Hayden. “It actually made it easier to operate in Spanish airspace having their pilots in the air with us. They were able to do a lot of things for us that kept things going smooth.” Hayden explained that the smooth execution of the carrier qualification was attributable to two factors: preparation and professionalism. “We conducted risk mitigation and flight briefs prior to the exercise with both Spanish and U.S. pilots,” said Hayden. “After all of the planning, it was smooth execution. We used a crawl, walk, run approach and there were no hiccups. The Spanish pilots were very competent and profes-
MORÓN AIR BASE, Spain -- As part of a larger effort to increase international cooperation, U.S. Marines with SpecialPurpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response conducted a bilateral carrier qualification with their Spanish counterparts from Maneuver Helicopter Battalion #4 (BHELMA IV) aboard USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), Feb. 25. The carrier qualification gave the pilots from SP-MAGTF Crisis Response and BHELMA IV a dedicated opportunity to practice fundamental skills associated with operating carrier-based aircraft and demonstrate acceptable levels of proficiency. Positioned out of Morón Air Base, Spain, the approximately 500 personnel of SP-MAGTF CR come from various elements of the Marine Corps: aviation, ground combat arms, and logistics. As a part of their mission, SP-MAGTF CR conducts militaryto-military training with African and European nations. “We did this to expand our bilateral comfort zone,” said Capt. Matthew “Hayseed” Hayden, a pilot training officer with SPMAGTF CR and action officer for the carrier qualification. “With the conduct of bilateral training, we better ourselves at working with a host nation and expose the Spanish to working with U.S. Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class directs a MV-22 Osprey as it conducts carrier qualification aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD-44). Navy ships.”
PATROL BASE BOLDAK, Afghanistan -If a Marine is seriously injured during a patrol, having a skilled Navy corpsman on the scene can mean the difference between life and death. Seaman Jacob M. Schlauder, a corpsman with 3rd Platoon, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with combat distinguishing device for heroic actions while serving as a corpsman with 9th Marines by commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James F. Amos, aboard Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Feb. 18, 2014. He never thought he would save someone’s life on his first deployment, he said. “I joined the Navy to see the world,” said Schlauder, a 20-year-old native of Stonington, Conn. Schlauder distinguished himself during a vehicle patrol in Helmand province on Jan. 25 by rendering lifesaving medical aid to injured Marines despite being wounded himself. “He’s a born leader,”said Navy Lt. Shawn Consey, assistant battalion surgeon, 1st Bn., 9th Marines. “He’s involved in every aspect of 3rd Platoon and 100 percent dedicated to the Marines, and it shows.” While his platoon provided assistance to another unit engaged in a firefight with enemy insurgents, a rocket-propelled grenade struck his vehicle, critically wounding the turret gunner and patrol leader. Despite suffering a traumatic brain injury that caused him to repeatedly lose consciousness, he persistently performed lifesaving actions to stop the bleeding from a partial amputation and addressed several other significant shrapnel injuries, ultimately saving the lives of the turret gunner and the patrol leader. “At the time I kept thinking, ‘What do I need to do now?’ and ‘Who else needs my help?’” Schlauder said. As the only medical provider on scene that day, his calm composure under fire was instrumental in stabilizing several casualties that may have otherwise lost their lives. “He’s a force multiplier,” Consey said. “He’s an outstanding corpsman and an exceptional rifleman. As a corpsman assigned to an infantry platoon, he’s perfectly qualified for any situation, whether it’s patrolling or saving lives. He’s excellent at both.” “I think that’s why I like my job so much,” he said. “I get to make a difference saving the lives of my brothers.”
MWSS-271 engineers prepare for IED detection CHERRY POINT, N.C. - Marines with Engineer Company, Marine Wing Support Squadron 271, trained to counter improvised explosive devices recently with a series of classes and practical application exercises at Cherry Point. The training prepared the Marines for enhanced training and field exercises scheduled later this month at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. The training at Cherry Point introduced the Marines to counter-IED tactics, focusing on mounted and dismounted route clearance to create a foundation of knowledge for possible future operations, according to Capt. Nicole A. Barbaree, the engineer company commanding officer. “The purpose of C-IED training is to ensure [MWSS-271] engineers receive the most current, up-to-date, defeat-the-device training available,” said Barbaree. “Through the weeklong course, engineers learned how to visually identify IED indicators and how to react to an IED, (received) instruction on radio controlled IED threats, robot training, homemade explosive training and metal detector training.” As an engineer company belonging to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the Marines with MWSS-271 train to secure land for airfield construction in deployed environments. Part of securing operations includes clearing future runways of explosive threats, including IEDs, according to Barbaree. The training helps not just the engineers of the company, but all the Marines and Sailors assigned to it. The classes covered individual preparedness and small unit leadership during C-IED operations. The Marines learned the basics of how enemies manufacture IEDs and recognizing IED threats to help counter their effectiveness. During the classroom and practical application training, the engineers took a hands-on approach to learning, according to Cpl. Kevin E. Nelson, an electrician with the company. IEDs are a common and effective enemy weapon and recognizing, isolating and eliminating explosive threats benefits all Marines during combat operations, said Nelson.
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The Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort mess hall participated in a rigorous competition in order to determine the Corps’ best mess hall, March 7. Inspectors from Headquarters Marine Corps inspected food preparation, how the line is conducted, sanitation and how the Marines work with contractors in order to offer a positive experience.
WPT Hill chow hall inspection Cpl. Brady Wood Staff Writer
Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort’s mess hall participated in a rigorous competition in order to determine the Corps’ best mess hall, March 7. The W.P.T. Hill competition was established in 1985 to improve food service operations and recognize the best mess halls in the Marine Corps. Competitors are judged on food quality, taste, operations and sanitation. Inspectors from Headquarters Marine Corps inspected food preparation, how the line is conducted, sanitation and how the Marines work with contractors in order to offer a positive experience. Each Marine Corps mess hall falls under one of three categories. The
first category is full food, which is run entirely by Marines, including management. The second category, which the Air Station mess hall falls under, is management and mess attendant, which means the food is prepared by Marines but management is run by contractors. The final category is contractor run, which means contractors are in charge of both food preparation and management. During their time at the mess hall, the inspectors were taken to various food storage rooms inside the chow hall. The first room they visited was the freezer, where all frozen vegetables are stored. For this room, inspectors checked to make sure the room was at its appropriate temperature, which is below zero. At the time,
the room was at -12 degrees Fahrenheit. Inspectors checked the labels on the products which tell them the deadline for item usage. They also paid a visit to the cookchill refrigerator. In this room, the inspectors check to make sure every item is labeled and that items have not exceeded their usage date. Before proceeding to the kitchen, they inspected the salad room. In this room, the inspectors surveyed cleanliness of the entire area. During the inspection, inspectors asked food service Marines questions about their job. One question was: what is the holding temperature for food on the main line? The answer was 140 degrees Fahrenheit. “I believe that we are going to come out on top,” said Staff Sgt.
Tracy Schuster, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, food services operations chief. “I have faith that the Marines and contractors that work at the chow hall are the best. They come in every day putting in a valiant effort to make this chow hall great.” Lt. Col. Gary Spinelli, the food services officer for II Marine Expeditionary Force, represented the commandant of the Marine Corps during the inspection. “The best thing I saw during the inspection was the teamwork,” said Spinelli. “The way the Marines integrate with each other and how they work with their civilian counterparts was definitely noteworthy.” By working together with their civilian counterparts, the food services Marines were able to efficiently prepare for the competition.
“The important part about this inspection was working as a team,” said Lance Cpl. Kelly Adams, a H&HS food service specialist and the H&HS chef of the quarter for the first quarter of fiscal year 2014. “If we don’t share knowledge with each other, then its knowledge that has been wasted.” Every month, quality assurance inspectors provide information to the mess hall contracting company in order to increase patron experience. Mess hall 2080 is the only mess hall aboard Fightertown. The Marines and employees of the mess hall provide service to more than 4,000 Marines and sailors. A Marine Administration Message will be released in November revealing the winner of the W.P.T. Hill competition.
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CRP takes on SAPR campaign Lance Cpl. Brendan Roethel Staff Writer
The Naval Criminal Investigative Service’s Crime Reduction Program began focusing its efforts on the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, Feb. 1. CRP targets specific areas each quarter to maximize program effectiveness. The CRP is a community outreach initiative designed to reduce criminal threats affecting the Department of the Navy. The goal of this quarter’s campaign is to prevent sexual assaults from occurring, and highlight the importance of bystander intervention and effectiveness. “Sexual assaults have long-lasting consequences for victims, disrupt unit cohesion and mission readiness, and a fully incompatible with our core values of honor, courage, and commitment” said Special Agent Mark D. Ridley, the Deputy Director for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service in a press release. Education is a key component of all CRP campaigns. During this three- month campaign, NCIS representatives, upon request, can visit commands to provide
sexual assault awareness briefings. Commands are encouraged to contact their local NCIS office to schedule a briefing. “When we talk with commands, we hope to increase awareness about the negative effects of sexual assault, and help ensure the protection of service members, their families, and civilians,” said Ridley. “During the course we cover the reporting options including restricted and unrestricted reports, victim assistance and support, and offender accountability.” Department of the Navy personnel are encouraged to report sexual assaults to their chain-of-command, management, law enforcement authorities, health care providers, or chaplains and religious programs specialists. In circumstances where service members or civilians are hesitant to report incidents of sexual assault to DON law enforcement authorities, they may do so anonymously through the NCIS text and web tip line at 274637 or "CRIMES", then add "NCIS" at the beginning of the text message. For more information, visit www.ncis. navy.mil.
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Marine Intercept Program: continuing care Cpl. Sarah Cherry Staff Writer
The Marine Corps announced the Marine Intercept Program in Marine Administrative Message 073/14, Feb. 21. The Marine Intercept Program goes hand-in-hand with the Suicide Prevention Program, providing follow-up care and counseling for Marines who have attempted suicide or had suicidal ideations. This program is not intended to replace the current standardized reporting systems in place for suicide, attempts and ideations. The program supports commanders by making sure Marines receive care following suicidal behavior to give them a better chance of recovery. “We’re here to be that friendly voice and say we’re here if you need us,” said Shari Mattis-Alcorn,
head of Marine Corps Community Services’ behavioral health division for the Tri-Command. MCCS Community Counseling Program, part of the Behavioral Health Branch, develops a comprehensive recovery care plan by working with the unit and medical providers. “CCP counselors will strongly encourage Marines to accept services,” said Brig. Gen. Russell Sanborn, director of Marine and Family Programs Division in MARADMIN 073/14. “Staying engaged in caring services can prevent future thought and behaviors of suicide, but the acceptance of services is not mandatory.” Marine Corps commanders are required to give the CCP contact information for Marines and sailors following a suicidal ideation or attempt to make sure they do not fall through potential gaps in care services.
“Across the military, data is suggesting that those individuals who have thoughts of suicide or have made actual attempts of suicide are much more likely to complete it at a later time,” said Mattis-Alcorn. “This program has been initiated so that we can continue to provide services after primary care is discontinued.” The CCP must be able to contact Marines and sailors to intervene and provide care and reintegration assistance. CCP counselors address safety concerns and can help coordinate care services. Mattis-Alcorn said it can be a relief for the command to know the CCP and behavioral health are involved. “We’re an additional support,” she said. “You have another person standing with you to provide resources ensuring that your Marine is good to go.”
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POW/MIA effort reorganized Cpl. Sarah Cherry Staff Writer
Chuck Hagel, the United States secretary of defense, ordered a reorganization of the prisoner of war and missing in action accounting effort, Feb. 20. This order comes in the wake of the annual defense bill approved in late December, 2013, which included an amendment giving the Department of Defense six months to address dysfunctional recovery efforts for troops who are missing in action or pris-
oners of war. “After intensive review, I have determined that the Department of Defense must change the way it manages accounting for personnel missing from past conflicts,” said Hagel. Hagel himself served in Vietnam in the Army, rejecting a draft board recommendation to go to college instead. “As a veteran himself, [Hagel] has an especially personal commitment to ensuring we account for and bring home as many of our missing and fallen service personnel as possible,” said Pentagon press secretary
Rear Adm. John Kirby. Hagel directed acting undersecretary of defense Michael Lumpkin to develop a plan within 30 days to increase the efficiency, timeliness and communication involved in recovery effort. There are currently two organizations which oversee recovery efforts: Joint POW/ MIA Accounting Command and the Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office. Kirby said the two departments are slated to be combined and given additional oversight and accountability.
“We believe it’s a sacred obligation,” said Kirby. “We take it seriously and we’re going to keep at it. We’re going to keep improving.” Hagel said Lumpkin’s plan should maximize identifications, improve transparency, reduce duplicative functions, and establish a system for centralized, complete and accessible case files for missing personnel. Changes to facilities, budgets, procedures, policy, authority and oversight are also being considered. “This is a top priority for the Department,” said Hagel.
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