The Jet Stream, March 21, 2014

Jet Stream

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The

Friday, March 21, 2014 Vol. 49, No. 11 Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C.

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

n Entertainment n News Briefs n Weather n In The Community n Around The Corps

2 3 3 4 10

Preparing for spring allergies Page 4

OSC offers scholarship for dependents Page 5

St. Patrick’s day run Page 15

Cpl. John Wilkes

The Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon performs aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, March 18. The 24-man platoon marched in front of the audience, with the occasional loud clap of their rifles echoing as they twirled their weapons in unison, demonstrating their flawless drill movements. The Marines executed a series of calculated drill movements and precise handling of their hand-polished M1 Garand rifles with fixed bayonets.

MCAS Beaufort hosts Marine Corps Battle Color Ceremony Lance Cpl. Brendan Roethel Staff Writer

The Battle Color Detachment, comprised of the Drum and Bugle Corps, the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon and the Color

Guard performed aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, March 18.

The ceremony was held in honor of all former prisoners of war, service members still unaccounted for, and the families of

those who have made extreme or the ultimate sacrifices for their country. At the start of the ceremony, prisoners of war former Navy Capt. Thomas Latendresse and former Army Staff Sgt. Robert Waldrop were introduced as

distinguished guests. After the introduction, Col. Peter Buck, the Air Station commanding officer, and Sgt. Maj. KeCia Jordan, the Air Station sergeant major, led everyone in a moment of silence to honor all fallen comrades.

The ceremony opened with the presentation of the colors by the Marine Corps Color Guard. The Color Guard is comprised of the color sergeant, the Marine Corps see

BattLe CoLors, page 6

Eight year retirement available for eligible officers Lance Cpl. Brendan Roethel Staff Writer

Sgt. Marcy Sanchez

In the presence of a hero Cpl. John Wilkes Editor

Retired Maj. Gen. James E. Livingston, a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, toured Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 and spoke with Marines about Marine aviation, March 14.

During a recent visit to Charleston, S.C., he spoke about the beginnings of his career.

“I wanted to be an engineer; I thought I was going to go on to build bridges,” said Livingston. “I got my draft notice in 1961 that said, ‘Boy, you’re coming to see us!’”

Livingston recalls that the recruiter who came to see him promised him two things: that he would be in great physical condition and he would have all the beer he could drink. And with that, Livingston recalls, they had him.

After graduating from Auburn University, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1962.

A year after being promoted to the rank of captain in 1966, he served with the 3rd Marine Division in the Republic of Vietnam in August, 1967.

On May 2, 1968, while serving as the commanding officer of Company “E”, see

Livingston, page 7

The minimum years of commissioned service required for selected officers to retire has been temporarily reduced from 10 to eight years, according to Marine Corps Administrative Message 100/14.

This change mainly affects prior-enlisted officers who with prior service and active commissioned service will

satisfy their minimum payback towards 20 or more active duty years needed for retirement.

This temporary change will help the Marine Corps reach desired endstrength goals and allow the Corps to meet budgetary constraints.

“Officers must have a minimum of eight years of commissioned service by their requested retirement date,” said Staff Sgt. Edward McGee, the career planner for Marine

Wing Support Squadron 273. “They must also meet their years of active duty service requirements for retirement. This program does not exempt Marines from having to complete reserve or ready reserve contracts.”

Years of service as a commissioned officer are computed by adding all active service in the armed forces under permanent or temporary see

earLy out, page 7

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The Jet Stream

Games and Entertainment

Friday, March 21, 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 (1:58)

Saturday 7 p.m.

R (1:40)

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 Lunch Beef short ribs and roasted zucchini Lunch Salmon with cucumber relish

Dinner Bayou jerk pork loin and rice

Sunday

Dinner Baked ziti with italian sausage

Sunday 2 p.m.

PG-13 (1:45)

Sunday 4:30 p.m.

PG-13 (1:51)

Spring Word Search

Monday - Friday Breakfast Hot farina, hot hominy grits and oven-fried bacon

Word Bank

Monday

April Baseball Birds Blossoms Buds Daffodils Easter Flowers Gardening Green Growing Kite Marbles March May Nesting Planting Puddles Rain Robin Seeds Showers Sunshine Tulip Winds

Dinner Lunch Spicy shrimp with Baked smoked ham cheesy grits and sweet potatoes Tuesday Dinner Lunch Herbed roast pork Chicken and dumploin with pan gravy lings and rice Wednesday Dinner Lunch Manhattan clam Roast turkey and chowder green beans Thursday Dinner Lunch Apple glazed corn Arroz con pollo and beef and squash garlic bread Friday Dinner Lunch Chili macaroni and Herbed baked green beans chicken and carrots

CHapeL serviCes

Roman Catholic • 9:30 a.m. - Sunday Mass • Confession takes place before Mass • Confession Monday - Thursday at noon Protestant • 9:45 a.m. - Protestant Church School (Sunday School) • 11 a.m. - Protestant Sunday Worship Service (Children’s church is also available at this time) • 5 p.m. - Wednesday Protestant Bible Study • 5 p.m. - Saturday Worship Service at Laurel Bay Youth Center Buddhist • 11 a.m. - Saturday Worship Service in the Chapel Fellowship Hall Labyrinth Walk • 8 a.m - 4 p.m. - Monday in the Chapel Fellowship Hall

Sunday 7 p.m.

R (1:34)

Answer key will be available on facebook.com/MCASBeaufort on March 26.

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 26.

Command Information

The Jet Stream

Tri-Command Weather 7 Day Forecast

Friday, March 21, 2014

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High Shooter

Gunnery Sgt. D.M. Morrow VMFA(AW)-533

367

Happenings Beware of an internet sales scam where the buyer agrees to the price without haggling. Once the item has been purchased, a check for more than the agreed-upon price is sent to the seller. The seller is asked to cash the check, keep the right amount for the sale of item, and send back what’s left.

The check arrives and is deposited. A few days later, the check appears to clear and any freeze the bank had placed on the funds is removed. Satisfied the check was good, the seller sends the overage to the person and waits for someone to come pick up the item.

Within a few weeks, the seller is informed by his bank the check was a forgery.

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.

The All-Marine Fifteen-A-Side Rugby team will participate in a training camp Aug. 18 through Sept. 12, at a location to be determined and subsequently compete in the Commonwealth Navies Rugby Cup in Auckland, New Zealand from Sept. 18 to Oct. 5.

The MCAS Beaufort Pistol Range is cancelling Recreational Fire until further notice due to range maintenance. For more information call Station Training at 228-6642.

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

Suppose there is only one barber shop in your town, and it employs two barbers. One of the barbers has a nice, neatly trimmed head of hair. The other’s hair is a complete mess.

Which of the two barbers should you go to and why?

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 26.

A power trip

Lt.Twig Sargent

MCAS Beaufort Staff Chaplain

In 1979, Bob Dylan touched a cultural nerve with his Grammy award winning song, “Gotta Serve Somebody.” Dylan sings, “Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord, but you’re gonna have to serve somebody.” Everybody serves somebody. Whether you are a Marine/Sailor under the CO’s command, a driver obeying (hopefully) traffic laws, or a child obeying his parents.

Everybody is under someone else’s control.

Dylan hints that the person holding the power may or may not use his power for your good, but nevertheless, all of us serve somebody.

Sometimes, those over us misuse their power. Hopefully, I these cases, we have a way to receive true justice (civil/military laws, appealing to the chain of command, writing your Congressman/woman, right to a trial by your peers, etc.). In these cases, abuse of power needs correction. But before you turn this into a “blame-it-on-someone-else” moment, let me tell you a story.

I once heard a story of a girl, named Katherine who was 9 or 10 years old and her younger brother named Billy. Billy had a several dimes in his piggy bank. Knowing what was in Billy’s piggy bank, Katherine hatched a scheme. “Hey Billy,” she said, “will you trade me my nickels for your dimes?

The nickels are bigger. Don’t you want to have the “bigger” coins?” Billy thought, “Bigger is better. If nickels are bigger than dimes, they must be worth more.” Billy agreed and Joanna gladly gave him her nickels for his dimes.

Joanna tells us a lot about ourselves. We are all are in positions of power. We may not be the officer in charge of squadron “x” or section “y,” but all of us have power over someone else. We may be parents over our children, Corporals in charge of a fire team or older sisters with younger brothers. I venture to say that all of us have been Katherine’s position, using our power to benefit ourselves firstly and foremost. My question to you is “How do you use the power you have been given?” Do you use your power ALWAYS to benefit others and not only for

personal gain? If the answer is not “always,” then you have abused the power that you have been given (like me). All of us then are on both sides of the equation; both having received abuse from another’s misuse power AND misusing the power we have been given. So what then do we do?

The answer can be humbling. You see, in both cases the answer lies outside of ourselves. When we are the abused person, we are to seek justice outside of ourselves.

Hopefully, true justice is served. But the in the other case (that we sometimes abuse power), this also lies outside of ourselves.

As we see that our neighbor is much like us, then we can practice forgiveness towards each other. “Love your neighbor as yourself,” the Bible says in Leviticus 19:18. But the answer lies outside of ourselves deeper still.

Full forgiveness must come from someone who ALWAYS uses his power for our benefit.

God in his grace is in the midst of a rescue mission by means of One who ALWAYS uses His power to benefit others. He uses his power to rescue us from the wrongs done to us AND the wrongs done BY us.

Steps to a resilient self Insight: Keep a journal. Good and bad. Don’t judge- just write, daily.

Independence: Resist the temptation to define your life by your problems. Experience other parts of your life, while you take steps to heal where you hurt. In a word- get the good parts unstuck from the challenges!

Relationships: Relax ½ hour a day with other people. Get a mentor.

Initiative: Take small steps toward big goals. Face a fear a day.

Creativity: Dance, draw. Play music or listen, watch and appreciate.

Humor: Purposely laugh! Find ways to laugh at yourself. Keep your pain in perspective.

Morality: Develop and act with compassion for others. Belong to a group which has compassion as it’s foundational motivation.

Here is a place to start! You have survived much!

Now it is time to thrive!

Call us, your chaplains – if you need a little help to get started!

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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The Jet Stream

In The Community

Friday, March 21, 2014

Baby on the way; Start planning Cpl. Brady Wood Staff Writer

The Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society holds a Budgeting for Babies class once a month in order to inform expectant parents how to financially prepare for the addition to their family.

Service members learn about insurance policies, how having a child will affect their budget and how to input their child into the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System.

“It is highly recommended, even if you’re not expecting but want to have children, to at least come by and do a one-on-one budget so that you can start saving up for children,” said Vicki Young, a volunteer worker and chair of volunteers for NMCRS. “Making sure you have plenty of money to care for your baby is essential to keeping it healthy.”

Young said that the most important thing anyone should take away from the class is the importance of saving.

Setting up a budget for baby essentials will allow military families to be prepared for small things many new parents don’t think of, such as toilitries, insurance co-pays, transportation increases and more.

“As your child starts growing, the clothes start to become more expensive so it’s best to make sure that you plan for that,” said Cpl. Roneisha Clark, an administration Marine for Marine Aircraft Group 31.

Thrift stores are great places to get baby essentials that are in good condition.

“There’s all sort of avenues you can use in order to get used items for the baby,” said Young. “They may not be in top shape but they will be in good enough condition to use them.”

Marines can also use their chain-of-command to help obtain baby essentials.

For expecting military families, they can use the knowledge of military families within their unit to find out where others went to get great deals on the essentials not only when the child is born, but as it grows and learns.

Attendees can schedule an appointment after the class to have a one-on-one budget planning session with NMCRS to find out to save monthly to prepare for the baby. Participants are rewarded for attendance with some baby supplies.

As they get older, children need more from their parents both emotionally and financially. As long as service members save and have a healthy budget, they will not only be able to keep their child healthy, but also afford the extracurricular activities and hobbies a child may want to participate in.

Achoo! Allergy season strikes again Cpl. Timothy Norris Staff Writer

It’s that time of year again. The weather gets warmer, pools open and plants and trees bloom, allowing one of the most common allergens, pollen, to hit immune systems hard.

Allergies happen when the immune system mistakes an otherwise harmless substance as an

invader. This substance is called an allergen. The immune system overreacts to the allergen by producing Immunoglobulin E antibodies, which travel to cells that release histamine and other chemicals, causing an allergic reaction.

Allergic Rhinitis, or seasonal allergies, is a group of symptoms affecting the nose. These symptoms occur when someone inhales an

allergen, such as dust, animal dander, or pollen.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, 7.8 percent of people ages 18 and over in the U.S. have Hay Fever, a common form of allergic Rhinitis. Also, the Lowcountry has a high concentration of tree pollen.

Allergens that are breathed in can often cause a stuffy nose, itchy

nose and throat, increased mucus production, coughing, and wheezing. Other allergy symptoms range from being uncomfortable to lifethreatening reactions.

According to the National Library of Medicine, antihistamines, corticosteroids, decongestants, allergy shots and other medicines are helpful in relieving the symptoms of seasonal allergies. These come in over-the-counter and

prescription options.

Those who suffer from these symptoms are encouraged to see a doctor who can help.

Ways to help prevent exposure to seasonal and year-round allergens are: washing clothes and linens regularly, cleaning smooth surfaces to remove dust and other allergens, washing face and hands before sleeping, and keeping a clean air filter.

The Jet Stream

In The Community

Friday, March 21, 2014

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OSC supports students with scholarship Cpl. Sarah Cherry Staff Writer

The Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort Officer’s Spouses’ Club is accepting applicants for the scholarship they offer military dependents until April 1.

The mission of the Officer’s Spouses’ Club is to promote goodwill, friendship and culture opportunities for the families of officers and to raise funds for activities that benefit Marine

Corps personnel, dependents and charity organizations.

“Scholarship and philanthropy are part of our mission,” said Maryellen DeWolfe, scholarship chairperson for OSC from Middletown, Ohio. DeWolfe said the scholarship is one of the OSCs main focuses.

The non-profit group’s annual scholarship is merit-based and for tuition only. The OSC has offered the scholarship each year for more than a decade.

The scholarship is meant for military dependents pursuing an undergraduate degree.

Applicants should be well-rounded individuals. They must have a 2.5 GPA or higher from college, or be in the top 50 percent of their class in high school. “[Dependents] sacrifice so much to support their Marines,” said DeWolfe. “Education is the most important thing we can do for society, and it’s the best way we can help our dependents.”

Recipients are chosen by scholastic achievement, character, community service, extra-curricular activities and future plans. Applicants with well-thought out educational and career plans who are involved in their communities (whether it’s a sports team, church or club) are OSC scholarship material.

For questions or a copy of the application, e-mail mcasbeaufortoscscholarships@ gmail.com.

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The Jet Stream

More of The Story

Friday, March 21, 2014

BATTLE COLORS continued from page 1

color bearer, and the left and right riflemen. The Color Guard includes the National Colors, carried by the color sergeant of the Marine Corps and is the only official Battle Color of the Corps. The Battle Colors bear the same 54 streamers and silver bands authorized for the Marine Corps as a whole. The streamers represent U.S. and foreign unit awards as well as those periods of service, expeditions, and campaigns in which the Marine Corps participated in from the American Revolution to today.

Next, the “Commandant’s Own” Drum and Bugle Corps, which was formed in 1934, marched in front of the audience, filling the room with traditional marching music.

The United States Marine Corps Drum & Bugle Corps is comprised of 85 Marines recruited from various civilian drum corps’, marching bands and other musical units within the Marine Corps.

During the ceremony they displayed their musical talents while performing contemporary songs and traditional marching music in their program “Music in Motion.”

After the “Commandant’s Own” performed, the Silent Drill Platoon quietly marched in front of the audience, with the occasional loud clap of their rifles echoing as they twirled their weapons in unison, demonstrating their flawless drill movements.

The Marines executed a series of calculated drill movements and precise handling of their handpolished M1 Garand rifles with fixed bayonets. The routine concluded with a unique rifle inspection sequence punctuated by elaborate rifle spins and tosses.

“Being able to come out here and watch this ceremony was motivating,” said Retired Sgt. Maj. Dwayne Farr, a Marine instructor for the Whale Branch Early College High School JROTC. “I loved being able to sit alongside Marines and my students

during this ceremony. It was amazing; words cannot describe how inspirational the performances, especially from the silent drill team, were for me.”

Close order drill originated on the battlefield, but serves in different capacities today. The Marine Corps has used drill movements to develop discipline, order, precise unit movement, response to orders and teach leaders how to assert proper commands.

“I love being able to perform for Marines,” said Lance Cpl. Jonathan Hernandez, a member of the Silent Drill Platoon.

“I know I can’t break my bearing, but when I hear their cheers and OOHRAHs, I want to smile. But overall, there is nothing more fulfilling than representing those that sacrificed everything for our nation. That is what I am really here to do.”

With a reputation of perfection throughout the world, the silent drill platoon reminds onlookers of the proud esprit de Corps found in Marines serving all around the globe.

More of The Story

The Jet Stream

LIVINGSTON continued from page 1

2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, his company launched an assault on the heavily fortified village of Dai Do, which had been seized by the enemy on the previous evening, isolating a Marine company from the remainder of the battalion.

According to his Medal of Honor Citation, he maneuvered his men to assault positions across 500 meters of dangerous open rice paddy while under intense enemy fire. Ignoring hostile rounds impacting near him, he fearlessly led his men in a savage assault against enemy emplacements within the village.

While adjusting supporting arms fire, Livingston moved to the points of heaviest resistance, shouted words of encouragement to his Marines, directed their fire, and spurred

EARLY OUT continued from page 1

appointments in all ranks above warrant officer.

“A few situations disqualify Marines from early retirement,” McGee said.

“Marines with certain military occupational specialties, or those undergoing treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury can be disqualified.”

Marines serving as counterintelligence or human intelligence specialists, reconnaissance, critical skills operators, cyber security technicians, explosive ordnance disposal technicians, unmanned aerial vehicle avionics technicians, air traffic controllers and unmanned aerial vehicle internal operators are exempt from the program.

For more information, see MARADMIN 100/14.

the dwindling momentum of the attack on repeated occasions. Although wounded twice by grenade fragments, he refused medical treatment and led his men in the destruction of over 100 bunkers, driving the remaining enemy from their positions, and relieving the pressure on the stranded Marine company.

As the two companies consolidated positions and evacuated casualties, a third company passed through the friendly lines launching an assault on the adjacent village of Dinh To, only to be halted by a furious counterattack of an enemy battalion. Swiftly assessing the situation and disregarding the heavy volume of enemy fire, Livingston maneuvered his company forward, joined forces with the rest of the Marines, and halted the enemy’s counterattack.

Wounded a third time and unable to walk, he steadfastly

Friday, March 21, 2014

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remained in the dangerously exposed area, deployed his men to more tenable positions and supervised the evacuation of casualties. Only when assured of the safety of his men did he allow himself to be evacuated.

As a result of his actions, he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States.

Of the 3,487 recipients of the Medal of Honor, only 81 are alive today, a number that continues to dwindle.

“You look at the award around my neck, and God bless me, I guess I’m lucky to be here to wear it,” said Livingston. “But as every recipient will tell you, I don’t wear this thing for me. I wear it for the Marines who, during my second trip to Vietnam, didn’t come home with me.”

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The Jet Stream

In Other News

Friday, March 21, 2014

Lowering the Corps’ utility bill Lance Cpl. Brendan Roethel Staff Writer

Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort has been putting a lot of effort into meeting and exceeding Department of Defense and Marine Corps goals for energy efficiency.

The Air Station has met goals for lowering greenhouse gases, improving energy efficiency, using more renewable energy and less fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum and gasoline. The Air Station has also met and exceeded water conservation goals.

“We’ve met our goal but we’re still doing projects to reduce further,” said Neil Tisdale, Air Station utilities director and energy manager. “The federal government has set a level of energy for each base to meet and a percentage below that baseline to set as a goal. The Air Station has met and exceeded the federal goal of using 30 percent less energy than the baseline.”

“The way we got to where we are right now is through a lot of energy savings performance contract work. We also have a metering project, were we observe

all of the major buildings on the base for electricity use. Having meters on buildings helps us know where the most power is going, so that specific areas can be better targeted with projects.”

Several projects that have helped reduce energy include changing the lamps on base to reduce electricity use, as well as putting aerators in shower heads, and changing flush valves to significantly drop in water usage.

With 25 percent of the base energy usage consisting of the Bachelor Enlisted Quarters alone, conservation efforts are now tar-

geting the single Marines and sailors.

“By installing [water efficient] shower heads, energy efficient light bulbs and central air units, we are saving a lot of money, but we need the help of individual Marines to do better,” said Tisdale.

“By unplugging unused phone chargers, turning off unnecessary lights, and being cautious of water usage we can lower the Marine Corps’ energy bill.”

Multiple projects are currently waiting for approval to continue improving resource efficiency aboard the Air Station.

By being green and changing personal habits, Marines can work hand in hand with Public Works in saving the Marine Corps’ utility dollars, which could be used for operational and recreational uses. According to a DoD press release, last year the Marine Corps spent $300 million on utilities alone. The money used to power lights, cell phone chargers left in the outlets and other unused electrical devices, are the same dollars that can be used by the Marine Corps for bullets, equipment and troop welfare events.

In Other News

The Jet Stream

Friday, March 21, 2014

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Powering future

Photo by Cpl. Sarah Cherry

Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort received a new transformer, March 3. The transformer pushes energy through the entire Air Station, supporting its many vital functions. At 22,400 kilowatts, the transformer more than doubles the capability of the current 10,500 kilowatt transformer. The new transformer is necessary for the Air Stations added capabilities necessary to support the F-35s.

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The Jet Stream

Around The Corps

Friday, March 21, 2014

Corps Bits

1st Medical Bn. sailors train with new life support system CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Corpsmen are charged with providing critical medical care to patients in life threatening situations during transport to higher echelons of medical care. To ensure the best medical care possible, they have identified the need for a better life support system.

Sailors with 1st Medical Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, trained for the first time with the new Portable Patient Transport Life Support System aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 25.

PPTLSS was designed as a lightweight, mobile replacement for the current, bulky, life-support systems used for serious injuries. More than 200 pounds together, older systems include the ventilator, physiological monitor, suction device, oxygen tanks and a platform to mount the equipment and secure it to the litter. With the PPTLSS a single person can carry the 55 pound system.

The system provides highly efficient components Navy personnel need to evacuate wounded Marines and sailors from the battlefield.

The training, coordinated by the Combat Support Systems Program Management Office of Marine Corps Systems Command, has undergone more than seven years of testing, said Mattera, of Chicago. The durability and the way it handles in-flight were tested to ensure it meets the needs of medical teams in deployed environments.

The first day of training consisted of classes about the components and operation of the equipment, while the second day covered the upkeep and maintenance of the equipment.

Users say the PPTLSS is easier to use and move during the most crucial times for a casualty after receiving a serious injury. It can easily be transferred from the ground, to a vehicle, to an aircraft and provide monitoring and support for several hours. Another crucial aspect is its ability to produce its own oxygen.

The corpsmen working with the system agree it is going to help the future of medical care in the military.

Afghans prove proficiency in artillery training CAMP SHORABAK, Afghanistan - Soldiers with the 215th Corps, Afghan National Army, completed a six-week D-30 122 mm howitzer instructor course aboard Camp Shorabak, March 12.

The culminating day of exercises confirmed the ability of the Afghan soldiers to not only accurately fire the howitzer but also instruct others in the process.

“They learned how to do it in the past with International Security Assistance Force instructors, now these guys are going to be the instructors,” said British Army Capt. William Carter, Indirect Fire Specialist Advisor Team officer in charge, Regional Corps Battle School. “Knowing they’ve done it properly and effectively gives them the confidence to go ahead and teach.”

The six-week program started with a twoweek map reading instructor’s course to test each Afghan soldier’s individual skills and assign them the trade they will later teach. Following the map reading course, the soldiers completed the four-week D-30 training course.

The Afghan students fired more than a dozen rounds from the D-30 during the final day of the program. They did all of the target spotting, map plotting, adjustments, and data calculations without the help of coalition forces.

“The whole thing today is being run by the Afghans,” said British Army Sgt. Martin Blackett, a D-30 instructor with Indirect Fire Specialist Advisor Team, Regional Corps Battle School. “This was a confirmation to say, ‘Yes they’re good enough and they can instruct.’”

The day went off without a hitch, Carter said. Although there was a misfire, they handled it exactly as trained and safely executed the corrective procedures. The Afghan students will be responsible for teaching the next group of artillerymen.

“We taught them the training, taught them how to deliver the training and now we’ve just watched them do it themselves,” said Blackett, 32, from Chelmsford, Essex, England. “They’ve done amazing. I’m like a proud dad who’s watched his kid ride a bike without stabilizers for the first time.”

Marines with Bravo Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, board the USS Freedom from a zodiac during on and off loading drills three miles off the coast of Del Mar beach Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 10. The Marines conducted a full day of rehearsals prior to the drills because it was their first time training on a littoral combat ship. The LCS gives Marines the opportunity to launch and recover reconnaissance teams from a greater distance out at sea. Gunnery Sgt. Mickey Eaton, assistant operations chief for the company, said the ability to use an LCS is the future for reconnaissance Marines.

Recon Marines conduct firsttime launch off USS Freedom Lance Cpl. Joey Mendez 2nd Marine Division

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Traveling through rough waves is just another training day for reconnaissance Marines, but this time their objective is something entirely new. After a tough three mile ride through the open ocean in a zodiac, the Marines arrived at the USS Freedom, a littoral combat ship. Their objective was to find out if the ship could launch and recover a zodiac.

The LCS is a new type of ship that is designed to operate close to shore. It was envisioned to be agile, stealthy and capable of defeating anti-access threats such as mines, submarines and fast surface craft.

The ability to use an LCS is the future of the reconnaissance Marine, said Gunnery Sgt. Mickey Eaton, the assistant operations chief for Bravo Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion.

The Marines with Bravo Co.

have trained for Operation Enduring Freedom deployments for more than a decade, but this was their first time recovering and inserting from a ship in choppy waters. With the Marine Corps’ shift to the Pacific, they are moving back to their amphibious roots and conducting more water exercises.

During the exercise, the Marines employed two zodiacs, small inflatable boats with a hand steered engine, each carrying one team of six Marines.

The open water created new challenges for them as they guided their boat through the strong current and onto a narrow ramp in the back of the USS Freedom while waves crashed into them.

“The ship is quite open in the back, which makes it feel the effects of what is going on in the ocean,” said Eaton, a native of Chicago. “The Marines are trying to land the boat on the ramp, which is small to begin with, while they’re getting

kicked around by the water rushing in and out of the ship.”

The Marines worked as a team to overcome the obstacles.

Once they were on the ramp, the two in the front of the boat attached tending lines from the ship to the front of the zodiac to stabilize the small craft. The Marines in the middle attached rear tending lines as well, and the two service members in the back of the boat were responsible for shutting off the engine in order for the ramp to raise them into the ship.

When the drills were over, the Marines determined that using an LCS gives them the opportunity to launch and recover reconnaissance teams from a greater distance out in the ocean.

The Marines’ training started well before they launched from their zodiacs. They conducted a full day of rehearsals prior to the drills to familiarize themselves with the LCS. The combination of the simulated rehearsals and

practical application resulted in a successful day at sea.

“Since we have never done this on this type of ship, the Marines studied pictures of the ship, planned everything out on chalk boards and did a full day of rehearsing everybody’s job,” Eaton said. “I think doing that made them a lot faster, smoother and safer for the exercise.”

After numerous successful loads and unloads, the Marines knew they had added a new asset for their future missions.

“The Marines were great,” said Sgt. Benjamin Lebidine, a team leader with the company, and a native of Marlton, N.J. “I could tell they rehearsed and studied.

They wanted to see if we could do this, if it was feasible to use the LCS and we found out that we could. They worked hard and well.”

The addition of the LCS broadens the spectrum of missions the Marines can conduct and helps them remain a premier force in readiness.

Corps Shot Cpl. Henry Antenor

LE SHIMA ISLAND, OKINAWA, JAPAN -- Marines and sailors with Company G, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, board a CH53E Super Stallion helicopter with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st MEU, for a night raid on the flight deck of the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), Mar. 10.

The Jet Stream

Around The Corps

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

VMAT-203 trains during Exercise Broken Resolution

Lejeune Marines return from training Senegalese Commandos NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy - United States Marines and sailors based out of Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy, recently completed a monthlong theater security cooperation mission in Senegal.

The team trained and advised their counterparts, the Senegalese Companie de Fusilier Marine Commandos (COFUMACO) on maritime security force assistance, marksmanship exercises, patrolling techniques and small boat tactics and skills.

This mission took place as part of a months-long rotational deployment of U.S. Marines and

sailors referred to as SpecialPurpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa 14.1. Established in 2011, the task force strengthens U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command’s ability to assist partner nations in addressing their security challenges.

According to 2nd Lt. Connor O’Sullivan, the assistant team leader for the security cooperation team, the training program was established to teach the 17 Senegalese Commandos the principles and best practices for a naval infantry unit. However, the commandos almost immediately exceeded expectations.

“When we got there we were pleasantly surprised to discover how professional the COFUMA-

CO were,” said O’Sullivan, a native of The Woodlands, Texas. As part of their training pipeline to join the COFUMACO, each commando is required to complete a rigorous 1-mile swim in the open ocean, he described.

O’Sullivan explained that this anecdote forced the Marines to adjust their training because they had not realized the COMFUMACO were such accomplished swimmers. Adjusting the training to better suit their partners needs was a recurring theme of the mission, he said.

The Marines broke the training mission into several parts, with a culminating exercise during the last week that focused on tactics to best execute an amphibious raid.

“As Marines we pride our-

selves on our amphibious roots,” said Cpl. Justin Schweig, a native of Chicago. “Doing an amphibious raid with the commandos allowed us to get back to that mindset.”

Beyond the training, the Marines noted that their time in Senegal opened their eyes to a new culture.

“We ended up falling in love with the people. It’s a totally different way of life,” said Schweig.

“On a training level, it was a pleasure working with the commandos because they’re all motivated,” he continued.

“On a personal level it was a pleasure being around them because they’re just like you and me when they’re off work or on a break. They love to joke around.”

Two Senegalese Commandos sight in on a target as Cpl. Justin Schweig, a Marine with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa 14.1, observes during a live-fire range. A team of U.S. Marines trained and advised their counterparts from the Companie de Fusilier Marine Commandos in Senegal during February in support of U.S. Marine Forces Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command’s mission to assist partner nations in addressing their security challenges.

24th Marine Expeditionary Unit welcomes the Marine Corps’ first female MEU sergeant major Cpl. Joshua Grant

24th Marine Expeditionary Unit

rine and taking the opportunities to serve the Marine Corps,” said Wright. “I wouldn’t say I opened any new doors for women in the Marine Corps. There are plenty of opportunities, we just haven’t reached them due to the sheer number of women in the Marine Corps.”

Wright enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1989 and deployed in support of Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Unified Protector.

The command wishes Sgt. Maj.

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 Expeditionary Brigade Afghanistan

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VMFA(AW)-224 Bengals

MALS-31 Stingers

Cpl. Joshua Young

Friday, March 21, 2014

Gallegos the best on his future assignments, and they look forward to working with Sgt. Maj. Wright, said Col. Scott Benedict, commanding officer of 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

“I’m looking forward to having Sgt. Maj. Wright come onboard to the MEU and having another two years of fantastic leadership,” said Benedict. “She brings a great background to the unit, she has experience with expeditionary units and also experience with many of the Marine Corps major

operations over the last 20 years.

She brings the type of leadership we demand from our Sgt. Maj., and I think she’s going to fit in just fine.”

Gallegos left the MEU to assume duties as sergeant major for the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade.

“I’m going to miss the Marines,” said Gallegos. “We can spend millions of dollars on weapons, ships and gear, but it would never work without the Marines to operate it. They are our biggest asset.”

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Sgt. Maj. Octaviano Gallegos, Jr. relinquished the duties of sergeant major of 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit to Sgt. Maj. Lanette Wright aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, March 14.

Wright became the first female MEU sergeant major in the history of the Marine Corps.

“Today is a chance for me to serve the Marine Corps at a higher level, I’m humbled and thankful to be able to take over this position,” said Wright. “Being a Marine leader, this is a great opportunity to be able to expand on my leadership.”

Wright assumes duties for the 24th MEU after leaving the Command Inspector General office, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, as the senior enlisted advisor. Her personal decorations include two Meritorious Service Medals, three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.

Wright accepts her new duties during Women’s History Month; 71 years after the Marine Corps began accepting women into recruit training.

“It’s a historic day, but I don’t Sgt. Maj. Lanette N. Wright speaks to family, friends and fellow Marines after being appointed as the 24th want to make this about women, Marine Expeditionary Unit sergeant major aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 14. Wright, a Boca Raton, it’s really just about being a Ma- Fla., native, is the first female MEU sergeant major in Marine Corps history.

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- More than 120 Marines with Marine Attack Training Squadron 203 returned to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point from a six-week exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz.

March 7.

Exercise Broken Resolution helps prepare AV-8B Harrier student pilots for air-to-surface and close-air support missions.

The exercise is one of three training evolutions the squadron conducts per year. The squadron’s main purpose is to train new fixedwing aircraft pilots to operate and fly the Harrier before they transition into a fleet squadron. Training in Yuma gives the student pilots a chance to fly in an environment unlike those found around Cherry Point, according to Capt.

Derek A. Mills, an instructor pilot with VMAT203.

“VMAT-203 Marines execute the same daily duties that you see at Cherry Point, but in an environment and airspace that is more conducive to simulate tactical operations,” said Mills.

The training gave the student pilots in the squadron a chance to hone their skills in an austere environment, identifying and eliminating training targets with ordnance not usually employed around Cherry Point.

“We bring the students to Yuma because of the live fire ranges in the vicinity and because of the generally good flying weather as compared to Cherry Point,”said Capt. Trevor Sutton, the aviation life support systems officer-incharge with VMAT-203. “[In Yuma] they get to employ live weapons such as general purpose bombs, laser guided bombs, global positioning system guided bombs, rockets, firebombs and cluster bombs.”

Exercise Broken Resolution gave the student pilots an opportunity to apply operational fundamentals outside of a garrison environment, according to Mills. Working with ground crews, planners, other student pilots and instructors gave the students practical experience with flight operations that reflect the operational tempo of real-world operations, according to Sutton.

“The training builds camaraderie because the detachment is away from home field and away from distractions of home life,” said Sutton. “For many of our junior Marines who have not deployed before, this was their first taste of operating in a foreign environment.”

Super Stallion flies with ammo supplies MARINE CORPS AIR STATION KANEOHE BAY -- Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 conducted several flights from Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay to Bradshaw Airfield on the Island of Hawaii, delivering ammunition supplies to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, March 12.

The HMH-463 Marines have played a significant role in 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment’s ongoing exercise, Operation Spartan Fury, by delivering supplies to and from both of the islands.

On Wednesday, the Marines delivered approximately 15,000 pounds of ammunition to Bradshaw Airfield via a single CH-53E Super Stallion over the course of two trips. During each trip, they delivered between 7,000 to 8,000 pounds for each load.

The squadron’s mission is to provide assault support transport of combat troops, supplies and equipment during joint, combined or expeditionary operations, and to be on alert for immediate employment in support of Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations.

“We usually carry a lot more than we did on the first load, but this was a good time for us to get more guys extra flight time,” said Cpl. Andrew Applegarth, an aerial observer with HMH-463. “We deliver cargo to different locations around Hawaii because that’s one of the things we do as a squadron, and this was a pretty common flight.” Once on the Big Island, Scarface personnel met the Pegasus Marines at the landing zone to help the crew unload the ammunition. The Marines lined up the pallets just right so the forklift could easily pick them up to move them outside the aircraft.

“As a heavy operations unit, it’s our mission to support 3rd Marine Regiment and our sister units on the airfield,” said Capt. Jacob Zaborowski, the aviation life support system officer in charge with HMH-463. “So if we get a request from them to transport cargo or anything of that nature, we do the best we can to help them out so they can continue on with their mission.”

After unloading all of the ammo at the landing zone, the Super Stallion took off and flew back to MCAS Kaneohe Bay to quickly refuel and load up the second load of ammo.

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Transition GPS curriculum expands, implemented throughout DOD Lance Cpl. Brendan Roethel Staff Writer

The Department of Defense is making sure its service members are more ready than ever to transition from military to civilian life with a revamped version of its current transition program, the Transition Readiness Seminar.

The Transition GPS, or Goals, Plans and Success, curriculum will be implemented throughout the DOD by March 31. The Transition GPS curriculum is a more personal and in-depth version of the TRS course.

"The mandatory 40-hour TRS curriculum includes training in pre-separation counseling, a Veterans Affairs benefits briefing and a Labor Department employment workshop,”

said Dr. Susan Kelly, the co-chair for the Implementation Steering Committee of the DOD Veterans Employment Initiative Task Force. “In addition to the TRS curriculum, the Transition GPS curriculum includes various modules to help service members match their military training with prospective civilian jobs.”

Transition GPS also offers three additional two-day courses which concentrate on becoming an entrepreneur or student, and reaching their personal goals. These additional courses will be available for those who want to start a business or use their Post9/11 GI Bill at a college, university or technical school.

“We have received very positive reviews

from the Marines that come through our course,” said Rickey Johnson, the program manager for the Career Resource Management Center aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. “They’re telling us they’ll use the content to prepare for transition, use it after they separate, and know how to access resources they’re going to need before and after they separate. That’s a very positive outcome for the program so far. I think the new provisions to the program will benefit the Marines more than the current curriculum.”

While Transition GPS helps service members ease back into civilian life, it gives them the tools they need to get a job, pursue an education, and manage their finances, but

it doesn’t end there. To make sure Transition GPS is meeting its goals, the DOD will work with its partners to follow up with veterans as they begin careers, continue their education or start businesses. The DOD is setting up the infrastructure to collect data, which will begin as soon as the program’s information technology is in place.

“Every service member, whether they’re completing their first enlistment or they’re separating as a four-star general, will separate from active duty,” Kelly said. “As the DOD, we are working to better prepare service members for their transition out of the service. For service members, the best thing they can do is begin planning early, because this is your exit strategy.”

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Cpl. Brady Wood

Big Mike, the DJ for the Leathernecks III Comedy and Entertainment Tour, plays various genre of music for Tri-Command service members prior to the start of a comedy show at the Lasseter Theatre, March 6. Marines and sailors were treated to three comedians as well as a country band known as The Farm after the comedy show.

Pfc. Crystal Curtis

Pfc. Crystal Curtis

Serrvice members of the Tri-Command show off their talent on stage prior to the Leathernecks III comedy show which took place at the Lasseter Theatre aboard Marine Corps Air station Beaufort, March 6. The show was hosted by Marine Corps Community Services in order to keep Fightertown’s morale high.

Ronnie Jordan, a comedian with the Leathernecks III comedy tour, performs on stage for Marines and sailors of the Tri-Command at the Lasseter Theatre aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, March 6. The Leathernecks comedy tour has paid a visit to the Air Station for the last three years.

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Friday, March 21, 2014

Gunnery Sgt. Charles Mitchell, the staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort Installation Personnel Administration Center customer service office, bowled a perfect 300 during a bowling tournament. According to Chris Wildenthaler, the bowling alley manager, it has been 10 years since a perfect 300 has been bowled at the Air Station Bowling Alley.

300: Rise of a bowler Cpl. Brady Wood Staff Writer

Comfortable grip, a couple deep breaths, approach the lane straight, focus on the mark, release the ball at a consistent speed, follow through after release and hope for the best.

Those are the fundamentals that led Gunnery Sgt. Charles Mitchell, the staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort Installation Personnel Administration Center customer service office, to achieve a perfect 300 during a bowling tournament.

The United States Bowling Congress tournament took place over two weekends at the Air Station Bowling Alley, March

2-3 and 8-9.

According to Chris Wildenthaler, the bowling alley manager, it has been 10 years since a perfect 300 has been bowled at the Air Station Bowling Alley.

“Not many people can make this accomplishment,” said Gunnery Sgt. Charles Mitchell. “I think it’s awesome that I bowled a 300, it’s the first time this has ever happened.”

Mitchell said six or seven strikes in a row is not uncommon for him. He has an average of 206 in the bowling league which plays Wednesday nights on the Air Station.

Once he got the ninth strike he thought to himself, “Wow, I’ve never done this before.”

Throughout the game, Mitch-

ell’s teammates were teasing and joking around calling him Mr. 300, not knowing that it would become a reality.

“Once my teammates saw the 10th strike, they all went quiet,” said Mitchell.

Mitchell didn’t think too much about his performance with 10 strikes in a row because he had bowled over his average in the two previous games by at least 20 pins.

Once he hit the 11th strike on the final frame, Mitchell said that’s when the nerves started kicking in.

“I wasn’t as nervous as I thought I would be,” said Mitchell. “I released the ball hoping for the final strike and it hit. Everyone started yelling.”

According to Glen McCarthy, the Air Station avionics technical representative for Naval Air Technical Data and Engineering Service Center, both teams continued to joke around no matter what.

“We all thought it would be better to keep the atmosphere as normal as possible,” said McCarthy. “We believed that anything other than a normal atmosphere would ruin his concentration.

Since he was bowling so well we didn’t take that chance.”

Based on Mitchell’s performance during the tournament, McCarthy said that some people may think he practices a lot.

However, that is not the case.

“I’m not one of those guys that need to practice five times

a week,” said Mitchell. “I may practice at least once a week but that’s only when my family and I bowl together on the weekends.”

One day, Mitchell would like to become a professional bowler.

“Everything that I have done in both bowling leagues and tournaments over the past years has qualified me to become a professional bowler,” said Mitchell.

“However, it’s going to have to wait until after I retire from the Marine Corps, because with how many professional tournaments there are, it would mean a lot of time on away.”

To commemorate all the accomplishments made during the tournament, an award ceremony is taking place at the Air Station Bowling Alley, April 5.

Cryogenics: Breathing life into aviation Cpl. Sarah Cherry Staff Writer

Many people hear ‘cryogenics’ and picture freezing people in sub-zero temperatures to be revived later, like Han Solo in Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strike Back, Austin Powers, or the real life baseball player Ted Williams.

Cryogenics technicians in the Marine Corps make liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen to support the F/A-18s aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.

“No one knows what cryogenics is,” said Lance Cpl. Ryan Finnerty, a cryogenics technician aboard the Air Station from Des Moines, Iowa. “It kind of makes you feel small, but we have a significant role to play with the jets.”

The liquid nitrogen cryogenics manufactures helps prevent aircraft fires.

“We provide gaseous nitrogen for the tires of the aircraft,” said Staff Sgt. Joshua Willoughby, cryogenics technician from Smith’s Falls, Ontario, Canada. “It’s an inert gas, so it doesn’t support any kind of spark when they’re landing.”

If the tires contained oxygen, said Willoughby, the potential for sparking a fire would be much higher.

Cryogenics also provides the oxygen pilots breathe in high altitudes.

“It’s important because you’re protecting the oxygen the pilots are breathing,” said Finnerty. “[Our most important role] is giving the pilots clean oxygen so they don’t pass out.”

Cryogenics Marines make sure that the manufactured oxygen meets Federal Aviation Administration standards and regulations. This helps maintain a high level of safety.

“Part of the process after we make oxygen is that we actually sample it ourselves to make sure that what we’re handing out to the squadrons meets the standards of the FAA,” said Willoughby.

While cryogenics is not very well known, it is a crucial job that demands excellence and rejects failure.

If cryogenics equipment in the United States fails, civilians can temporarily fill a gap. On a deployment, alternatives are less than scarce.

“If something in cryogenics goes down [during a deployment], almost no jets are flying or they’ll halt flights so they don’t use up all the resources,” said Finnerty. “When you’re deployed, people know who you are and how important you are to the mission.”

Cryogenics is a vital resource for the F/A-18 squadrons of the Air Station, and even more crucial to the mission in a deployed environment.

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St. Paddy’s Day Run Photos by Lance Cpl. Brendan Roethel Tri-command service members, retirees and civilians from the local area participate in the Marine Corps Community Services St. Patrick’s Day 5K Fun Run aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, March 13. Marine Corps Community Services holds the run each year to bring service members together and provide an fun and healthy way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

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