The Jet Stream, March 28, 2014

Jet Stream

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Friday, March 28, 2014 Vol. 49, No. 12 Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C.

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

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

2 3 3 10 12

VMFA-122 supports UDP Page 6

Q+A with Fightertown’s CO Page 8

VMFA-332 reunited aboard Fightertown Page 14

Commander’s philosophy: Operating at speed of trust Cpl. Sarah Cherry Staff Writer

Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort welcomed Col. Peter D. Buck, the current commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, during a change of command ceremony, February 13.

As he switched gears from his former position as 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing chief of staff and settles into the rhythm of the Air Station, Buck issued his philosophy, a framework of behavioral values and expectations from which his Marines take their cue.

The philosophy is focused on the Marine Corps’ three core values, six habits of thought, and six habits of action. The goal is to create an environment which strengthens the pride, unity, focus and sanctity of the special trust and confidence in the Marines aboard the Air Station.

The core values of the Marine Corps and Buck’s philosophy are honor, courage and commitment.

The six habits of thought are: sturdy professionalism, know your surroundings, engaged and concerned leadership, vigilance and aggression, mission focus, and complacency kills.

The six habits of action are: obey the law, lead by example, support and defend the constitution, uphold special trust and confidence, respect yourself and others, and maintain high standards of integrity.

Buck said these attributes and values establish a behavioral foundation for his poli-

cies regarding hazing, sexual assault, equal opportunity and violence prevention, and also keeps Marines sharp, vigilant and effective in combat and garrison alike.

“We trust our fellow Marine with our life. That’s not just in combat,” said Buck. “We do not prey on each other in garrison.

Instead, we protect our fellow Marines, including protecting their sexual integrity and their honorable service to our Corps.”

His command philosophy also provides perspective on what it means to be a Marine through the Marine Continuum; Marines earn trust in basic training and combat training, and continue to uphold and sustain that same trust through their service.

“The Marine Continuum depicts that active service is not an end state,” said Buck. “Upon leaving active service, we remain Marines and sustain the same special trust and confidence earned years ago and upheld throughout active service to Corps and Country.”

“Fightertown remains at the cutting edge of our Corps’ aviation arm, a function critical to our Marine Air Ground Task Force,” said Buck. “Individually, I want our Marines, sailors, civilians and families to feel a sense of ownership in the historic legacy of the Air Station and the significant events that are occurring right now at Fightertown.”

Current projects include preparation for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, F-35 Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, and Townsend Bombing Range acquisition in McIn-

Gunnery Sgt. Jeff Kaus

Col. Peter D. Buck, the commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, explains his command philosophy to Capt. Jordan Cochran, the public affairs officer, aboard Fightertown, March 22. The philosophy is focused on the Marine Corps’ three core values, six habits of thought, and six habits of action. The goal is to create an environment which strengthens the pride, unity, focus and sanctity of the special trust and confidence in the Marines aboard the Air Station.

tosh County, Ga. The Air Station also provides support services allowing tenant units to train and deploy in defense of the United States.

“I want MCAS Beaufort to excel at its mission and I want to sustain an Air Station environment that enables our Marines, sailors, civilians and families to grow and flourish,” said Buck.

“We are also committed to the health, safety and welfare of those in the communities sur-

rounding this installation.

As the Marine Corps goes through a downsizing and reawakening, Marines are expected to internalize the messages from the commandant and sergeant major of the Marine Corps.

“I desire for us to take [our core] values, thoughts, and actions home with us and apply it in how we treat our families, friends, and neighbors in the community. This will strength-

en marriages, forge lasting friendships, and cement our relationship with the community around us,” said Buck. “The greater majority of our Marines do exactly that.”

Buck’s command philosophy focuses on developing missionoriented, unified, aggressive Marines with a strong warrior ethos and legacy of discipline, selflessness and uncommon valor to best support the forefront of Marine Corps aviation.

MCCS cuts budget, core programs unaffected Cpl. Sarah Cherry Staff Writer

The Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort Explosive Ordnance Disposal team hosted a unique class on improvised explosive devices and the terrorist mindset aboard the Air Station, March 17 – 21.

EOD hosts joint IED, terrorist training Cpl. Timothy Norris Staff Writer

The Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort Explosive Ordnance Disposal team hosted a unique class on improvised explosive devices and the terrorist mindset aboard the Air Station, March 17 – 21.

The class was taught from a terrorist perspective so participants can understand not only an IED and how it works but also the antagonists behind the device.

“The training is priceless; It is going to save lives,” said Michael Hockman, an A-T Solutions opposition IED network team

leader and course instructor.

“We want the warfighter to have a perspective of who the enemy is and how they operate before they meet on the battlefield.”

The class of more than 20 students included Marine EOD technicians from the Air see

eod, page 5

Marine Corps Community Services is in the process of implementing Marine Corpswide budget cuts directed by Headquarters Marine Corps.

The cost-saving measures put in place aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island by the commanders will preserve core programs for Marines, sailors and their families while reducing the budget by $1.6 million.

“In addition to internal MCCS cuts, funding reductions were needed with select MCCS programs,” said Jack Snider, operations officer for Marine Corps Community Services-South Carolina. “These reductions were primarily limited to program supplemental funding and enhancement operations.”

Through the MCCS budget mitigation plan, devised by the commanders of each base, a slight revenue increase at locations like the movie theaters, bowling alleys, and temporary lodging facilities among oth-

ers will help ease some of the $1.6 million in reductions by a projected $272,500.

“I want to be really good at our core programs and what we do for our Marines and our families,” said Col. Peter D. Buck, Commanding Officer of the Air Station. “There are so many great ideas over the years that have served us when we had a better budgetary environment.”

“We do not want to die the death of a thousand cuts,” said Buck. “That’s a challenging thing to do in this case, but we’re working to try and avoid that to keep faith with our families and our Marines.”

Planned reductions and eliminations will account for a projected $275,000. The Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort Exchange will be closing one hour earlier and reduced funds will be allocated toward Summer Challenge, volunteer appreciation dinner, the Air Station Harvest Festival, and refreshments at Marine Corps Family Team Building see

Mccs, page 5

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The Jet Stream

Games and Entertainment

Friday, March 28, 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 (1:42)

Saturday 7 p.m.

PG-13 (2:22)

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-13 (1:34)

Sunday 4:30 p.m.

PG-13 (1:57)

April Fool’s Word Search Word Bank

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

April Bamboozle Befuddle Bemuse Bewilder Caper Delude Dumbfound Dupe Farce First Hoax Hoodwink Jest Jokes Laughter Levity Malarkey Mischief Monkey Business Prank Preposterous Shenanigans Silly Surprise Tomfoolery Trick Wacky

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 Lunch Chicken and cheese enchiladas

Dinner Louisiana seafood gumbo and rice

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 (1:40)

Answer key will be available on facebook.com/MCASBeaufort on April 2.

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 April 2.

Command Information

The Jet Stream

Tri-Command Weather 7 Day Forecast

Friday, March 28, 2014

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High Shooter Staff Sgt. J.D. Linke MACS-2

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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

I purchased two different pieces of candy. Together they cost $1.10. One candy cost one dollar more than the other candy. What was the price of each piece of candy?

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 April 2.

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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The Jet Stream

In Other News

Friday, March 28, 2014

PMO actively seeks qualified civilian police Provost Marshal’s Office MCAS Beaufort

The Provost Marshal’s Office provides law enforcement and security services for Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and Laurel Bay Housing. Comprised of more than 200 employees, PMO is a blended force law enforcement agency comprised of active duty Marines, civil service employees and government contract workers. While working closely with other emergency management agencies, PMO is responsible for the protection of life and property aboard our

installations. Civilian police officers working at PMO are a part of the Marine Corps Civilian Law Enforcement Program.

PMO is actively seeking qualified candidates for the position of GS5-7 civilian police officer to work in the MCCLEP in order to support current and future missions, especially those associated with the Joint Strike Fighter. While PMO is currently seeking only entry level police officer applicants, there are numerous opportunities for civilian employees within PMO. Some of the career opportunities that can be available to civilian employees include police officer, accident

investigator, military working dog handler, special reaction team officer, field training officer, desk sergeant, patrol supervisor, watch commander, operations officer, assistant services officer, services officer and deputy chief of police.

MCCLEP police officer applicants must participate in an oral interview at PMO, take a physical agility test, undergo body mass index testing, obtain medical screening, participate in drug testing as well as psychological testing/evaluation and pass a very thorough background investigation. All applicants must be able to obtain and maintain eligibility for a secret

security clearance. Those hired by PMO into the MCCLEP will attend a ten-week law enforcement academy at Camp Lejeune, N.C. After academy training, police officers are enrolled in the Field Training Program, which will refine all law enforcement skills learned by new civilian police officers.

Military Veterans of all services nearing their retirement or end of active service date are encouraged to contact PMO for information concerning career opportunities. PMO accepts resumes from military personnel on a continuing basis and actively recruits and screens qualified candidates

through the Veterans’ Recruitment Appointment process. Interested parties should contact PMO’s human resources Clerk, Mrs. Jessica Hughson, at 228-6715 or jessica. hughson.ctr@usmc.mil for further details. In Mrs. Hughson’s absence, applicants may also contact Deputy Police Chief Donald Bartlett at 228-7375 or donald.m.bartlett@ usmc.mil.

More information can be learned about the MCCLEP Program by visiting http://www.usmccle.com/.

Information pertaining to pay and benefits, conditions of employment and MCCLEP training can be found on the website.

The Jet Stream

More of The Story EOD continued from page 1

Explosive ordnance technicians and military police review the trigger systems for simulated improvised explosive devices and signs of a home-made explosives lab aboard the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, March 20.

MCCS continued from page 1

classes than in previous years. The murder mystery dinner, children’s birthday celebration funding, and free food at recreation center staff noncommissioned officer night are being eliminated. The rest of the $1.6 million will come internally from MCCS by reducing supplies, information technology and personnel.

Core programs with MCCS will not be impacted.

“My compliments to the team for taking on a hard task and doing it professionally,” said Buck. “Now we’ve got to roll up our sleeves in the execution phase.”

Station, Air Force EOD Technicians from the 628th Civil Engineer Squadron aboard Joint Base Charleston S.C., members of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and members of the Special Response Team from the Air Station Provost Marshall’s Office.

The two week training focuses on two things. First, IED construction and employment so participants understand the components of an IED and recognize the building phase of a weapon and remove it from the battle. Second, what weapons the enemy has, how they employ them, what materials they use, the logistics of the battle space and strengths and weaknesses of an individual terrorist and the organization.

“An IED is not just a bomb that blows up,” Hockman said. “Terrorists use them to harass and distract to their advantage on the battlefield. We want our students to ex-

pand their reasoning, understand the enemy mindset and purpose of static employment of an IED.” The course is based on a daily evaluation of IED trends around the world so that the material is as up-to-date as possible, which makes the course valuable to more than EOD technicians.

“We combined forces with EOD because it helps us understand and identify any type of explosive device that may be in a structure we have to go into,” said Staff Sgt. Joshua Sumersett the PMO SRT commander. “We can also assist them is securing the perimeter and clearing the structure. It’s a good opportunity to strengthen our forces for the Air Station and Parris Island.”

At the end of the first week, their skills and knowledge were put to the test by dividing the students into two teams and pitting them against each other with their new IED knowledge.

The antagonist team set up a mock homemade explosives site with common materials and

Friday, March 28, 2014

rigged the site with trigger systems that when activated set off a high pitched alarm signaling the detonation of an IED. Later, a convoy patrolled a closed off route riddled with simulated IEDs the convoy had to identify before a siren sounded signifying a detonated IED and getting caught in a firefight.

“The take away is that we stay up to date on current trends and develop joint cohesion,” said Staff Sgt. Joshua Mcleod, the Air Station EOD operations chief. “Everyone has their own process on how to do things. We wanted to pull everybody in and find out exactly what everybody brings to the table.”

“Overall they won,” he added.

“They all gained knowledge on how an IED is used on the battle field.”

At the end of the day, the current information and understanding the terrorist mindset gave the participants an advantage that saves lives.

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The Jet Stream

In Other News

Friday, March 28, 2014

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 returns to Iwakuni in less than a year Cpl. James Smith

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni

IWAKUNI, Japan - Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, also known as the “Werewolves,” arrived aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Mar. 10, 2014, from MCAS Beaufort, S.C., as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

The Werewolves replaced Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232, the “Red Devils,” who returned to MCAS Miramar, Calif., March 11, 2014.

The Werewolves were aboard MCAS Iwakuni last year and didn’t have much time to prepare to return here.

“The Marines returned after a short turnaround time of seven months and 13 days,” said Lt. Col. Douglas DeWolfe, commanding officer of VMFA-122. “It was a

huge maintenance and training effort to get everyone out here.”

DeWolfe added that an Integrated Training Exercise, holidays, his change-ofcommand and other factors reduced their total preparation time to approximately five months.

“We lost about half of our fleet and had to accept new aircraft just to get out here,” said Gunnery Sgt. Steven Clayton, maintenance control chief with VMFA-122. “A typical UDP squadron will have all their aircraft two months prior to leaving; we were receiving aircraft three days before coming out here.”

In addition to their new aircraft, new Marines entered VMFA-122 during their time back in Beaufort, resulting in a 50 percent turnover from their last deployment to Iwakuni, said Clayton.

“We were receiving Marines a week to two weeks prior to heading out to Iwakuni,” said DeWolfe. “Aviation training was difficult because of the maintenance circumstances when we only had three to four aircraft. On the ground side, the Marines have done a great job getting most of the required training done before coming out here.”

Marines from VMFA-122 hit the ground running with

training as some practiced their skills in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear decontamination procedures on an F/A-18C Hornet.

Even with big plans for training, Clayton recommends Marines visiting Japan for the first time to take the opportunity to explore their new surroundings.

“I hope the Marines don’t stay on base the entire time they’re here,” said Clayton. “This is my fifth time here. The last time I was here, I went to Hiroshima for the first time. I hope the Marines will go on trips with the (Single Marine Program) and (Information, Tours and Travel) or on their own.”

With the Werewolves making themselves at home aboard MCAS Iwakuni, one can predict to see and hear the positive training initiatives VMFA-122 performs during their UDP rotation.

Classifieds

The Jet Stream

Friday, March 28, 2014

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The Jet Stream

In Other News

Friday, March 28, 2014

Fightertown’s CO discusses command philosophy What is the goal of your command philosophy?

As Marines we inherit an incredible warrior ethos and legacy of discipline, selflessness, and uncommon valor.

We are mission-focused, unified in effort, and aggressive in action. This unnatural disciplined thought and uncommon action, in contrast to the destructive nature of the battle field, is rooted in our core values and drawn from our special trust and confidence in each other…we trust the Marine to our left and right with our life. I want to sustain this “Warrior Ethos,” born at our Corps’ entry points - MCRD, OCS, and our service academies - forged in the crucible of combat, and sustain it in our Marines in garrison. In short, I want to: -Sustain a sense of pride in our Corps and country, -Sustain our mission focus and sense of purpose; what we do matters -Sustain unit cohesion, teamwork, and esprit de corps unity of effort -Delineate a clear and critical connection between our core values, our individual thought, and our individual action…in that order -Finally, I want to emphasize the importance of protecting the sanctity of the special trust and confidence between Marines

Why did you choose these specific attributes (The 12 habits of thought and action)?

The selected habits of thought and action are the attributes of a disciplined warrior. They are the attributes that keep one sharp, uniquely vigilant, and effective in combat. In garrison, these same attributes keep us sharp, vigilant, and effective in execution of our mission and guide our relationship to our fellow Marine. The 3 - 6 - 6 (Values - Thoughts - Habits) delineate the critical relationship between our unchanging core values, our thought, and our action and encapsulate the special trust and confidence associated with wearing the eagle, globe, and anchor.

As such, the 3 - 6 - 6 establishes the behavioral foundation for my policies with respect to Hazing, Sexual Assault/Harassment, Equal Opportunity, and Violence Prevention. Non-values based thought or action in these areas erodes the special trust and confidence between us as Marines and detracts from our mission, our purpose, and our effectiveness. Remember, the foundational special trust and confidence of the Warrior Ethos – we trust our fellow Marine with our life.

That’s not just in combat. We do not prey on each other in garrison. Instead, we protect our fellow Marine, including protecting their sexual integrity, and their honorable service to our Corps.

Why is it so important for Marines to focus on the Warrior Ethos and their own behavior?

Quite simply, I want MCAS Beaufort to excel at its mission and I want to sustain an Air Station environment that enables our Marines, sailors, civilians, and families to grow and flourish. In an era where we are shaping the force and operating with fiscal constraints, we must be mission-focused and achieve unity of effort to efficiently and effectively apply the available manpower and the resources entrusted to us to accomplish our mission.

How will that improve the Air Station?

As an Air Station, we provide the support services that allow our tenant units to train and deploy in defense of our nation and we are also committed to the health, safety, and welfare of those in the communities surrounding the installation. Toward this end, our mission focus, unity of effort, and positive actions as Marines are as critical in garrison as they are in combat. I want our Marines, sailors, and civilians to be mission-focused and service oriented, uniform in effort, and to uphold the special trust and confidence sacred between Marines.

How do you achieve efficiency and effectiveness in mission? You develop a team that is uniformly focused and committed to the mission and can operate at the speed of trust.

What is the importance of the Marine Continuum?

The Marine Continuum is designed to provide perspective by allowing one to take a step back and gain a holistic view of what it means to be a Marine. It is also emblematic of the service spectrum of our work force on the Air Station and emphasizes the cohesive nature of the special trust and confidence between us. Just think about the Marine Continuum - a few miles from us at MCRD Parris Island, young recruits are internalizing our core values, becoming Marines, and earning the special trust and confidence associated with being a Marine. Every day, those of us in active service in the Corps, uphold the sanctity of that special trust and confidence. The negative challenges of life pull on us to compromise our core values, act outside our ethos, and marginalize the special trust and confidence between Marines. I do not want our Marines to be swayed by the wrong crowd or succumb to the pleasure or displeasure of the moment. Instead, I want our Marines to draw on our unchanging core values to inform their thought and apply values-based thought to guide actions – upholding our special trust and confidence.

We must support and encourage one another in this effort – leader to subordinate and peer to peer. The Marine Continuum depicts that active service is not

an end state. Upon leaving active service, we remain Marines and sustain the same special trust and confidence earned years ago and upheld throughout active service to Corps and Country. The Marine Continuum is also a reminder to each of us that we are Marines 24/7 and emphasizes the special trust and confidence that allows us – to operate at the speed of trust.

What do you hope for the Air Station to accomplish under your guidance as commander?

There are big things happening at Fightertown. We have a significant military construction effort occurring, Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron-501, also known as the Warlords, and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter will begin to transition to Fightertown this summer, and we are in phase I of a two phase plan for acquisition of additional acreage for the Townsend Bombing Range in McIntosh County, GA. In short, Fightertown remains at the cutting edge of our Corps’ aviation arm, a function critical to our Marine Air Ground Task Force. As an Air Station, I want Fightertown to take advantage of the opportunities at our doorstep, efficiently and effectively utilizing the valuable resources entrusted to us. Individually, I want our Marines, sailors, civilians, and families to feel a sense of ownership in the historic legacy of the Air Station and the significant events that are occurring right now at Fightertown.

What do you want the Marines of the Air Station to focus on improving the most?

I want our Marines to internalize the message our commandant and our sergeant major of the Marine Corps are sending us with respect to reawakening our Corps.

I want our Marines to draw on our unchanging core values to inform their thought and apply values based thought to guide actions – upholding our special trust and confidence. I desire for us to take those same values, thoughts, and actions home with us and apply it in how we treat our families, friends, and neighbors in the community. This will strengthen marriages, forge lasting friendships, and cement our relationship with the community around us. The greater majority of our Marines do exactly that. Finally, when one of our Marines or families is hurting, I want fellow Marines to run to the sound of the guns to provide aid and for our special trust and confidence as Marines to lead those hurting to ask for help with the same confidence as the battle field call for “corpsman up” or “more ammo.” I want us to uphold the sanctity of the special trust and confidence between Marines – allowing us to operate at the speed of trust.

Commanding Officer Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort 3-6-6 Warrior Ethos

3 Core Values Honor Courage Commitment

6 Habits of Thought Sturdy Professionalism

Know Your Surroundings

MCRD/OCS/ Service Academy

Mission Focus

Be Vigilant & Aggressive

The Marine Continuum

Earn the Trust

Obey the Law

Engaged & Concerned Leadership

Uphold the Trust

Lead by Example

6 Habits of Action Respect Yourself & Others

Maintain High Standard of Integrity

Support & Defend the Constitution

Complacency Kills

Once a Marine, Always a Marine!

Sustain the Trust

Uphold Special Trust & Confidence

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Friday, March 28, 2014

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Around The Corps

Friday, March 28, 2014

corps Bits

Firing while rocking on the USS Denver USS DENVER (LPD-9), At Sea – Marines and Sailors of Company F. and Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, challenged their marksmanship skills by firing multiple weapons from the flight deck, March 19.

Their accuracy was tested with varied ranges and movements during the seven-hour event. Marines alternated between the M4 carbine, M16A4 service rifle, M9 pistol and M240B machine gun. The training was part of the Marine Corps’ Combat Marksmanship Program.

Groups of 16 practiced quick engagement drills while closing from a distance of 50 meters with rifles, and teams of four closed from a distance of 25 meters with pistols. Machine gunners fired from the back of the ship at floating targets that quickly faded away as the ship steamed forward.

The course of fire for each weapon is a challenge by itself, but doing the training on a moving naval vessel provides a unique experience.

“It was definitely different, trying to keep your balance out there,” said Lance Cpl. Brian T. Carmichael, a scout sniper team member for Weapons Co., BLT 2/5, 31st MEU, and a native of Altoona, Iowa. “It’s just one more factor to make our marksmanship training a challenge.”

The 31st MEU is currently completing its certification exercise, evaluated by Special Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, to assess the unit’s ability to accomplish mission essential tasks while deployed aboard the ships of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps’ force of choice for the Asia-Pacific region and the only continuously forward-deployed MEU.

Reconnaissance Marines and sailors board a CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 as they prepare to conduct a low-level static line jump package on the fl ight line on Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, March 18, 2014. At an altitude between 1,500 feet to 2,000 feet, three to four service members jumped each time as the aircraft flew over the area.

4th Force flies in K-Bay skies Lance Cpl. Matthew Bragg Marine Corps Base Hawaii

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION KANEOHE BAY -- Eleven Marines and sailors with 4th Force Reconnaissance Company took to the skies and completed several jump packages on the flight line aboard Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, March 18 through 21.

Fourth Force Recon Company conducted the static line and free fall parachuting packages as part of their annual training. As Recon Marines, they are required to be a jack of all trades in fields of combat and must maintain a knowledgeable skill set of insertion and tactics on the battlefield.

“The intent of these missions was to get the guys refreshed, because it’s been just over a year now since they last jumped,” said Gunnery Sgt. Eddie Myers, parachute safety officer with 4th Force Recon Company. “As a reserve unit,

these guys have a busy training schedule when they’re on the clock, so we do the best we can to get them as much training as possible.”

The company’s training began with refresher courses in a classroom setting. They transitioned to mock aircraft and simulated parachute landings.

From there, the Marines and sailors prepared for the real thing.

The service members donned their gear and were inspected twice to make sure their parachutes were properly rigged and would safely deploy after the jump.

“Nothing can truly prepare you for when you’re about to jump out of the aircraft,” Myers explained. “Once you step off, you just revert to your training and take it one step at a time until you make contact on the ground.”

On board the aircraft, 4th Force Recon Company Marines and sailors aligned their

coordinates with current wind headings to ensure the service members dropped over areas where they could land safely.

The aircraft brought the service members to an altitude between 1,500 feet to 2,000 feet. From there, the Marines and sailors commenced a lowlevel static line jump package and exited the aircraft with three to four men at a time.

“Once they jump and pull their shoot, they have a 6,000 count until they’re under full canopy,” Myers explained.

“From there, they just have to identify where they are in relation to the ground and steer to the landing zone.”

The jumpers faced a challenge in the air with the wind as it constantly changed speeds, preventing them from dropping to the landing zone with ease.

The Recon service members fought against the wind when they hit the ground to keep their parachutes from drag-

ging them across the grass and flight line. They worked quickly to pack up their parachutes and rendezvous with their squad.

“The jump packages were a great opportunity for the Marines to practice their insertion capabilities,” said Capt. Jared Sprunk, inspector-instructor with 4th Force Recon Company. “It was great working with both U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps aircraft to get these guys in the air.”

Jump packages also benefit service members who want to attend the Jump Master’s Course in Fort Benning, Ga. To participate in the program, service members are required to have a minimum of 15 jumps.

“This is what we’re out here to do, and that is to help get these guys in that course,” Myers said. “Attending the school would increase their jump capabilities and give them a better skill set overall.”

2nd LAAD storms Onslow Beach during live fire training MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – More than 140 Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion conducted PL-87 Stinger Missile live fire training at Onslow Beach at Camp Lejeune, N.C. March 18 – 19.

“The purpose of this training is to track live targets, giving the Marines the confidence they need to shoot their weapon systems while downrange,” said Sgt. Todd Grindstaff, the 2nd LAAD training chief.

Gunners with the squadron shot 70 live missiles at MQM-170 Outlaw unmanned aerial vehicles during the training to fulfill their annual training requirements.

Supply, motor transport and communications Marines from Battery B, Battery A and Headquarters and Support Battery were on hand to support their brotherin-arms on the ground while they shot in disparate visibility conditions, including foggy and night conditions.

“The Marines donned gas masks to prepare for situations that may include chemical and biological attacks,” according to Grindstaff.

Practicing their skills in environments that they aren’t used to will only help boost their confidence and show them that they have what it take to employ their missiles no matter the clime or place.

“This is something they’ve never done before,” he said. “After I did it the first time, I realized it wasn’t hard.”

The night conditions and gas masks were not the only things the Marines looked forward to during the training. They also anticipated meeting and greeting with the visitors who came to the training to see the battalion in action and share some words of encouragement.

“There was a point when [Low Altitude Air Defense Battalions] were going to go away because there were no missions for them,” he said. “But they have proven that they are needed, they are still a viable asset to the Marine Corps.”

Corps Shot Sgt. Melissa Wagner

CAMP ROBERTS, Calif. -- Marines with the tank platoon, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines (BLT 2/1), part of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire the 120mm smoothbore cannon of four M1A1 Abrams tanks during a live-fire training exercise at Camp Roberts, Calif., March 20.

The Jet Stream

Around The Corps

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

Friday, March 28, 2014

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corps Bits

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

MALS-31 Stingers a detachment is currently deployed to the Western Pacific supporting VMFA(AW)-224.

VMAT-203 trains during Exercise Broken Resolution

31st MEU utilizes Osprey’s capabilities during NEO exercise Cpl. Brian Stevens

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni

we’ve done a long range NEO,” said Lt. Col. Omar J. Randall, CLB-31 commanding officer and mission commander of the NEO exercise.

“By adding the Osprey to our available resources, we greatly improved our ability and extended the operational reach of the MEU.” Compared to the CH-46 Sea Knight it replaced, the Osprey can fly approximately three times farther at twice the speed. The Osprey is also capable of air-to-air refueling, something the CH-46 Sea Knight could not do.

“The MEU is changing with the addition of the Osprey,” said Higgins. “It can go about 500 nautical miles farther

than the CH-46.”

Randall said that the addition of the Osprey in the Pacific region has proven to be a great asset. During Operation Damayan, which took place in the Philippines after a typhoon in November of last year, the Osprey was able to provide humanitarian relief at a greater rate than ever possible with the CH-46.

The addition of the Osprey into the MEU’s arsenal has proven to greatly increase the unit’s operational effectiveness.

“By having the Osprey, we have that many more options,” said Randall. “We never know what we are going to get called on to do, so being

able to do this type of exercise is really useful for when we get on ship.”

Higgins said that familiarizing the Osprey with the Japanese community and showing its capabilities to assist in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, as well as NEOs, will help clear misperception about the aircraft.

“The Marine Corps, with assets like the Osprey, proves that we are the premier force in readiness in the (Pacific Command) community,” said Randall. “The fact that we’re able to come off the ship with everything we need and be self-sustaining shows the level of readiness we have. That should say a lot.”

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan – With propellers still spinning, Marines and sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit storm out of MV-22 Ospreys, entering a catastrophic situation; citizens are in desperate need of evacuation and are nearly 500 nautical miles away from a safe haven.

Service members with the 31st MEU sharpened their skills by conducting a Noncombatant Evacuation Operation certification exercise aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 19.

Service members with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, who are permanently attached to the 31st MEU, often train for scenarios like NEOs, which transport civilians from hostile or dangerous situations to safe havens.

The exercise demonstrated the MEU’s ability to evacuate personnel while maintaining a high level of security with protesters present.

“Training like this makes sure the MEU practices its capabilities, gets evaluated and gets a passing grade so they can conduct operations like this during a float,” said Maj. Brad A. Higgins, an air officer with Special Operations Training Group and site officer in charge for the NEO exercise.

MCAS Iwakuni’s distance from the 31st MEU’s headquarters in Okinawa, Japan, made it an ideal location to utilize the capabilities of the Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit set up communication for a noncombatant evacuation operation aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 19. The Osprey Osprey during the exercise.

“This is the first time that aircraft allows the MEU to reach greater distances at a faster speed than ever before.

Artillery in the air: Landing support specialists test lift capabilities

Cpl. Devin Nichols

2nd Marine Logistics Group

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Cold winds brought a chill over the Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, as they waited in the muck and water saturated Davis Airfield, N.C., March 19.

The wind was nothing compared to what was coming in from above: “the Hurricane Maker.”

Landing support specialists with CLR-2 stood their ground and braced themselves against the downwash of the CH-53E Super Stallion. The engines provide the heaviest lift of any helicopter in the Marine Corps with a sling load capability of 36,000 pounds.

On the ground, at the center of the gusts, is a battle to see and stand.

“When the wind is blowing and those hooks start swinging around it’s an adrenaline rush every time,”said Cpl. Bradley W. Casterline, an Orange City, Fla., native and team leader with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, CLR-2.

The LS specialists were conducting a Helicopter Support Team exercise, assisting a Super Stallion from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 46 lift a M777 howitzer.

“I enjoy doing [it],” said Lance Cpl. Eric M. Uribe, a Chicago, Ill., native and LS specialist with the

unit.“I have never done it with the M777, and it’s good that we are doing this because it’s a lot better than normal training blocks.”

When a helicopter approaches the HST, the inside and outside directors give the helicopter signals to make sure it is positioned over the load perfectly. The static man makes sure no one gets shocked from the static electricity generated by the rotor blade. He grounds the bird with a static hook on the apex, allowing the rest of the team to work.

The leg men ensure the cables

don’t get caught on any of the gear according to Casterline.

“Teamwork is a big part,” said Casterline. “It feels good looking over all of the [Marines] knowing that I’m trusted and keeping them safe.”

Marines with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment supported 2nd MLG’s HST by bringing two M777s.

“It’s a [multi]million dollar piece of gear so we make sure it’s our number one priority,” said Casterline.

The Super Stallions have the

heaviest lift capability of any helicopter in the United States military. They have a sling load lift capacity of approximately 32,000 pounds. The M777 weighs roughly 7,000 pounds.

“The best part about all of this is doing the actual lifts,” said Uribe.

“My first time I was a little scared, but doing it over and over again just gets me excited.”

Each team took turns with the HSTs, the ground finally calmed and the winds dissipated. The crew chief waved from above as the bird turned for home.

A landing support specialist with Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force gives hand and arm signals to a CH-53E Super Stallion from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461, Marine Aircraft Group 29, Marine Corps Air Station New River, during a Helicopter Support Team exercise at Davis Airfield aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 19.

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- Pilots with Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 4 conducted a division lead qualification flight March 19, en route to Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz.

The squadron conducted the multipurpose flight to give the squadron’s pilots a chance to qualify as division lead with the EA-6B Prowler, while conducting a squadron movement to MCAS Yuma.

During a division lead flight, three or more Prowlers fly an assigned mission, which is a rarity for VMAQ-4 pilots. Ordinarily, Prowler crews fly solo missions in support of combat operations. Division lead flights add to the squadron’s expeditionary capabilities, according to Maj. Jeff Bauer, an electronic counter measure officer with the squadron.

“The ability to launch a division is important because it demonstrates the squadron’s ability to deploy at a moment’s notice to any place in the world in support of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing,” said Bauer.

The Prowler’s mission is unlike most other Marine Corps aircraft because they usually fly solo. Given the stealth mission of VMAQ-4, the squadron’s pilots are conditioned to flying alone. Division lead flights give the squadron a chance to enhance their team capabilities, according to Maj. Bart E. MacManus, the administration officer-in-charge at the squadron.

“The pilot briefs all of the procedures for what we may encounter because something that we don’t do very often is take more than two aircraft airborne at a time,” said MacManus. “It’s very rare that we get three or more, and when we do get those three or more airborne, it becomes a very robust training sortie.”

Warlords, Norwegians conduct Cold Response 14 BRØSTADBOTN, Norway – The “Warlords” of 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, began operations for exercise Cold Response 14 shortly after sunset March 13.

While an icy rain fell, the Marines conducted a tactical movement to the town of Brøstadbotn, Norway, and held the town for troops from other nations to use the military supply road that ran through the town.

“We’ve been operating in support of a mechanized brigade, to secure the coastal areas to allow for more troops and equipment to be off loaded for the fight,” said 1st Lt. Richard Benning, the Golf Company commander and College Station, Texas native.

The exercise has provided the Marines some unique opportunities beyond extreme cold-weather training, such as working with other militaries and working in the civilian population.

“It’s been interesting that we’re operating in the civilian population, with the unique considerations we have to take into account,” said Sgt. Nicholas Meekins, a Company G platoon commander and Lewes, Del., native. “This training has been good preparation for a real world environment. The only thing we’re missing is a real enemy and real combat.”

But Marines had plenty of friendlies as 2nd Bn., 2nd Marines teamed with Norwegian soldiers from the Host Nation Support Battalion, who provided vehicle drivers and logistics support.

“Working with the Norwegians has been the best,” Benning said. “It’s been a lot like working with Marines, except with different uniforms.”

Cold Response 14 is a multilateral and multinational training exercise, bringing 16 nations together for training in a cold weather environment. For the Marines, it showcased an rooted sense of the expeditionary mindset.

“This shows the world what Marines can do,” Benning said. “We’ve been able to pull (prepositioned) equipment from storage and begin combat operations within 24 hours, while taking into consideration humanitarian aid as well and improving our capabilities with our Norwegian Partners.”

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In The Community

Friday, March 28, 2014

Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 273 attended a career day at Lady’s Island Elementary School, March 14. The purpose of the visit was to inspire students by exposing them to many different types of career paths they can choose when they grow up.

Sweathogs attend career day at Lady’s Island school Cpl. Brady Wood Staff Writer

Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 273 attended a career day at Lady’s Island Elementary School, March 14.

The purpose of the visit was to inspire students by exposing them to many different types of career paths available to them as adults.

The Sweathogs took with them a Logistics Vehicle System Replacement wrecker, AMK-29 dump truck and a 31870 hauler.

While students were talking to Marines, they had the chance to try on a flak jacket, and go inside the

hauler and look around.

During the visit, Maj. Stewart Wittel, the aviation safety officer for Marine Aircraft Group 31, also showed students an anti-gravity suit. The suit is worn by pilots to allow them to fight the pull of gravity.

As the pilot pulls more G’s, the pants inflate to press blood back up into the upper portion of the body.

This helps the pilot stay conscious during flight. Wittel demonstrated the way the suit inflates.

He also informed them that the suit has a flotation device that automatically deploys in the event that he ejects from his F/A-18 and lands

in the water.

“Career day exposes children to other jobs that they can strive for,” said Wittel. “It’s also a mechanism to show the children that through hard work and study they can have one of these jobs when they get older.”

“We wanted the students to see people that would have a good influence on them,” said Kelli Harper, the school counselor for Lady’s Island Elementary School. “The Marines did a great job interacting with the students and allowing them to look at the equipment they brought with them.”

After viewing Wittel’s demonstration of the anti-gravity suit and honking the horn of the hauler, the Marines gave the children the opportunity to be lifted into the dump truck to see from a Marines eyes what it would be like driving the equipment.

“A career day allows us to get out in the community and prove that the military is an integral part of the community,” said Wittel. “It also proves that if we help the local community they will help us in return.

This makes a good working relationship between community and military.”

According to Harper, there are a lot of students that have military parents.

“For this reason it was great to have military representatives come here,” said Harper. “To see the students interacting with the Marines by asking them questions and looking at the equipment was a great experience.”

Career days allow the gathering of multiple job fields into one environment. This allows children to not only see what they can strive for once their adults but also get a small understanding of each job.

In The Community

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Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kyle Wohlwend, the officer-in-charge of the Marine Air Control Squadron 2, Det A weather office, kicks off a weather presentation to Riverview Charter School students by giving an outline of what the students will be learning, March 16. The weather Marines also brought a piece of equipments that is very familiar to them, the automated weather observing system.

MACS-2 weather Marines teach local students

Cpl. Brady Wood Staff Writer

Marines with the Marine Air Control Squadron 2, Det A weather office paid a visit to the Riverview Charter School to educate students about weather, March 14.

The Marines gave the class through a powerpoint presentation. This gave students the opportunity to see photo illustra-

tions to better understand each subject of the class.

The Marines taught the students various weather affects on flying military aircraft.

“Since the children already started learning about weather, we wanted to show them what we know,” said Sgt. Jon Keuhler, a weather forecaster for MACS-2.

“Not only that but we also wanted to show them how we apply

the job in the military world.”

Throughout their lives, children are influenced by many people such as family, friends and teachers.

“I think the Marine is the perfect role model for children,” said Keuhler. “If you intensify the science background in the Marines it not only sets up the children for success in finding a good role model but it also helps them

challenge themselves in school while finding the love for science.”

According to Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kyle Wohlwend, the officer-in-charge of the MACS2 Det A weather office, being a part of the community is highly important.

“Regardless of what community you’re in, that’s your home,” said Wohlwend. “Whether you

go to church in the community or your spouse works in that community. If you eat, sleep and breathe in that community then you should definitely get out there any way you can.”

Since Keuhler’s arrival in August 2013, MACS-2 weather has participated in approximately 20 visits to local schools to educate students on weather basics, products and equipment.

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The Jet Stream

In Other News

Friday, March 28, 2014

Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort hosted a reunion for Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 332 at the Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 Hangar, March 15. The ceremony was held to honor and celebrate the rich heritage of the Moonlighters. Veterans from the late 1980’s until their decommissioning in 2007 attended the reunion.

Moonlighters gather, reminisce about their history Lance Cpl. Brendan Roethel Staff Writer

Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort hosted a reunion for Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 332 at the Marine AllWeather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 Hangar, March 15.

The ceremony was held to honor and celebrate the rich heritage of the Moonlighters.

Veterans from the late 1980’s until their decommissioning in 2007 attended the reunion. During the reunion, Moonlighters saw a static display of an F/A-18 that was painted to resemble the jets flown and maintained

by VMFA(AW)-332. Moonlighters were also able to look at squadron memorabilia and interacted with their fellow Marines after several years.

"This squadron has such a rich heritage," said former Cpl. Michael Parks, who was a maintainer for VMFA(AW)-332. “That is why I am writing a book about

the squadron’s history. I hope I can help pass down our legacy.

I hope this will [allow] Moonlighter’s [to] show their relatives a piece of what they experienced while they served with VMFA(AW)-332.”

Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 332 was commissioned in June 1943 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. Originally designated as Marine Scout Bomber Squadron 332, the squadron flew SBD Dauntless dive bombers. During World War II, their mission was to escort and provide air cover for all incoming and outgoing surface craft and submarines.

“The squadron deployed to Thailand back in 1962 to support the Marine Expeditionary Force,” White said. “When the squadron returned to the U.S., the squadron received the nickname the Moonlighters. Although it’s unclear where the nickname originated, it stuck and we have been known as the

Moonlighters ever since.”

On June 16, 1993 the Moonlighters were designated as Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 332, moved to MCAS Beaufort, and transitioned to the F/A-18 Hornet. While growing rapidly as a new Hornet squadron, the Moonlighters were called upon to support NATO’s Operation Deny Flight and Operation Provide Promise in the former Yugoslavian republic of Bosnia. The squadron deployed to Aviano Air Base, Italy from October 1994 to March 1995 and led what was the largest NATO air strike against the Udbina Airfield as well as participating in several other strikes.

In May 1999, the squadron deployed to Taszar Air Base, Hungary in support of Operation Allied Force and Operation Joint Guardian. From 28 May to 7 June 1999, the Moonlighters flew 120 combat flights over the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, performing every type of mission re-

quired of an F/A-18 squadron during both day and night. During the deployment, they expended 175,000 pounds of ordnance. The squadron returned to MCAS Beaufort in July 1999.

“The squadron reached the 100,000 mishap-free flight hour mark May 26, 2005,” White said.

“The then Lt. Gen. James Amos, who stood as the commanding general for the II Marine Expeditionary Force at the time, presented the squadron with the 100,000 Hour Safety Award, July 20, 2005.”

On July 26, 2005, VMFA(AW)-332 departed MCAS Beaufort for its combat deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During just seven months of combat operations the Moonlighters participated in Operations Rivergate, Iron Fist, Steel Curtain, Blue Devil, Trifecta, Tigers, Skinner, Spider Web and Liberty Express. The total ordnance expended during the deployment exceeded 160,000 lbs.

In 2006, the squadron began downsizing in preparation for their decommissioning. The squadron flew its last flight in the F/A-18 Hornet on March 30, 2007. The Moonlighters were named the 2006 Marine Corps Aviation Association Fighter Attack Squadron of the Year and held the longest streak of mishap-free flight hours for a tactical jet squadron with 109,000 hours.

“Out of all of my years in the Corps, some of the most memorable moments I spent were as a pilot with VMFA(AW)-322,” said Lt. Col. Joseph Reedy, the executive officer for Marine Aircraft Group 31. “I really enjoyed being able to spend time with my fellow Moonlighters, hear each other’s stories, and reminisce. I look forward to seeing them all again in the future.”

The Moonlighters plan on meeting every five years to get together and reconnect with one another.

In Other News

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Leadership Scholar Program gets Marines in top schools Lance Cpl. Brendan Roethel Staff Writer

There are many scholarships and programs available to Marines who choose to pursue an education after the military. The Leadership Scholar Program helps Marines make an easy transition toward getting an education, by providing them with recommendations to top colleges and universities throughout the country.

Under the LSP, Marines have the option of choosing from 200 colleges and universities throughout the United States. Appli-

cants must be active duty, reserve or veteran Marines planning to attend a school as a freshman or transfer student. If an applicant is an active duty Marine, they must be honorably discharged before the beginning of the school semester.

“These are admission seats to some very prestigious schools,” said Karla Cortes, an education services specialist with the education office aboard MCAS Beaufort. “Many of these schools have a two year waiting list for applicants. This allows service members the opportunity to bypass the waiting list if they are selected.”

Seats with LSP affiliated universities or colleges are guaranteed to service members outside the normal application process. This means that service members are not in competition with high school seniors or college students looking to transfer schools.

“I saw flyers about the LSP posted throughout the base, and thought the program could help me,” said Sgt. Joshua Iglesias, the Marine Air Ground Task Force plans chief for Marine Aircraft Group 31. “I needed help finding a good school for the engineering that were located in New Jer-

sey, where I hope to move to when I get out of the Marine Corps. The Program helped me out, put in good recommendations for me, and helped me get accepted to Rutgers University, the best school for my needs.”

In order to apply, applicants must have taken the SAT or ACT within the last eight years. If they have not taken at least one of the tests, or they were taken more than eight years ago, they will need to contact the education office and schedule to take one of the upcoming SAT and ACT tests.

For more information visit http://www. leadershipscholarprogram.com/maredu/.

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Friday, March 28, 2014

Classifieds