The Jet Stream, June 27, 2014 by The Jet Stream

Jet Stream The

Friday, June 27, 2014 Vol. 49, No. 25 Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C.

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

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Infantrymen assist during Afghan election Page 10

Marines, Georgians promote interoperability Page 10

Cryogenics Marines: keepin’ it cool Page 12

Air Station Marine earns Maj. Megan McClung Leadership Award Cpl. Sarah Cherry Staff Writer

Staff Sgt. Melissa Johnson, operations chief with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, received the Major Megan McClung Leadership Award during the Sea Service Leadership Association’s Joint Leadership Symposium in Norfolk, Va., June 12. Brig. Gen. Lori Reynolds, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island commanding general, presented the award to Johnson which recognizes leaders who are mature, inspirational, innovative and imaginative. Johnson is currently the operations chief aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, but received the award for her leadership and actions as a drill instructor, senior drill instructor and chief drill instructor for 4th Recruit Training Battalion aboard Parris Island. “I’ve spoken with a number of people who told me that they knew Maj. Megan McClung or had served with her since I was selected to receive the award,” she said. “Learning about see

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Options for Changing Health Care Providers Cpl. Brendan Roethel Staff Writer

Photo By Cpl. Sarah Cherry

Lieutenant Colonels Kevin O’Rourke (left) and Alvin Bryant (right) shake hands after a change of command ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, June 19. O’Rourke relinquished command of Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 to Bryant, who previously served as MCAS Beaufort’s Marine Aviation Training Systems Site officer in charge.

Changing health care providers during a permanent change of station is becoming less difficult through programs put into place by Tri-Care. Following the closure of Tri-Care Service Centers on April 1, Tri-Care Health Services released information informing Tri-Care beneficiaries about the several options to find new health care providers when moving to a new duty station or other residence. “We have a lot of folks to make sure the health care is there with good support for beneficiaries,” said Mary Kaye Justis, the assistant deputy director of Tri-Care Management Activity.“When you’re moving there are a lot of changes going on, and we want to make it as easy as possible through the multiple safety nets that exist in both our military treatment facilities and in our network.” The first step service members and families should take is to update their information with their new address and duty station in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, also see

tri-Care, page 13

Fightertown feeds families Cpl. Brendan Roethel

Staff Writer

The 6th Annual Feds Feed Families Campaign began June 18, aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. The campaign, which runs through August, is a voluntary effort undertaken by federal employees to bring nonperishable food items to their offices for distribution to local food banks. The food is used to support food insecure households in the surrounding communities. Donation boxes are located at the Marine Corps Exchanges on MCAS Beaufort and Laurel Bay and the Station Chapel. This year the Department of the Navy’s goal is to col-

lect one pound of food or goods per active duty service member. Last year, Fightertown service members and civilians collected and donated 559 pounds of food and other non-perishable items. The donated goods collected on the Air Station will be brought to the Lowcountry Food Bank in Yemassee. From there the food gets distributed to 52 local agencies in Beaufort, Hampton, Jasper and Colleton counties, finding its way into the homes of Americans in need. “The Marine Corps likes to work hand in hand with the local communities,” said see

Donate, page 6

The Jet Stream

Games and Entertainment

Friday, June 27, 2014

MCAS Beaufort Movie Schedule

Saturday 2 p.m. PG (1:38)

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 (1:39)

Saturday 7 p.m. R (1:37)

MCRD Parris Island Movie Schedule

Saturday, Sunday and holidays Brunch: 8:30 - 11 a.m. Dinner: 4 - 6 p.m.

Midrats Sunday - Thursday 11:30 p.m. - 1 a.m. Takeout Window Hours: Breakfast - Mon. - Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. Lunch - Mon. - Fri. 12:45 p.m. - 4 p.m. Dinner - Mon. - Fri. 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Saturday Dinner Lunch Apple glazed corned Smoked ham and beef and rice cabbage soup Sunday Lunch Dinner Baked fish with butter Pork chops with crumb topping smothered onions

Sunday 2 p.m. PG (1:38)

Sunday 4:30 p.m. PG (1:39)

Healthy Foods Word Search

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

Word Bank

Monday

Almonds Apples Bananas Blueberries Brown rice Carrots Cashews Cheese Cranberries Eggs Lemons Oatmeal Oranges Salad Spinach Tomatoes Water Watermelon Yogurt Wholegrains

Dinner Lunch Spanish chorizo and Pepper steak and potato soup rosemary potatoes Tuesday Dinner Lunch Bean with bacon Beef with vegetables soup and peas and barley soup Wednesday Dinner Lunch Creole shrimp and Chipotle roasted corn sweet potatoes Thursday Dinner Lunch Salisbury steak and Chicken with rice southern style greens soup and breadsticks Friday Dinner Lunch Louisiana seafood Chicken and cheese gumbo and rice enchiladas

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

Sunday 7 p.m. R (1:37)

Sudoku

Labyrinth Walk • 8 a.m - 4 p.m. - Monday in the Chapel Fellowship Hall 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 July 2.

Command Information

The Jet Stream

Tri-Command Weather 7 Day Forecast

Friday, June 27, 2014

High Shooter Gunnery Sgt. J.R. Richardson Recruit Training Regiment

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Happenings The Provost Marshal’s Office will be testing the mass notification system, on the first Wednesday of every month at 1 p.m. The test will take place aboard MCAS Beaufort and Laurel Bay. It will announce the following; “This is a test of the Marine Corps mass notification system. This is only a test. Test 5 4 3 2 1. Test out”. It will play twice. These tests are standard drills, and do not require any response. For further information, please contact the physical security section at 2286335.

Marine Corps Community Services is slated to hold a Wine Tasting July 12, from 5 - 9 p.m. at Traditions aboard MCRD Parris Island. Reservations are required. For more information call 228-1566.

Forecast according to weather.com

There will be a base wide power outage July 19, from 7 - 11 a.m. For more information call Public Works at 228-7764.

Effective June 1, MCAS Beaufort will be in Tropical Cyclone Condition V for Hurricane season until Nov. 30. There are currently no threats. This year is predicted to be a below normal 2014 Atlantic season. NOAA is predicting 8-13 named storms, 3-6 hurricanes and 1-2 major hurricanes.

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The MCAS Beaufort Pistol Range has cancelled 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.

Brain Teaser Which is correct to say, “The yolk of the egg is white” or “The yolk of the egg are white?”

Public Affairs Officer Capt. Jordan Cochran

Public Affairs Chief Sgt. Marcy Sanchez

Press Chief

Cpl. John Wilkes

Editor

Answer for this week’s brain teaser will be available on facebook.com/MCASBeaufort on July 2.

Cpl. Brendan Roethel

Staff Writer

Cpl. Sarah Cherry

A Message from Brig. Gen. Castellvi in harm’s way. Many of you will take advantage This Independence Day, the Unit- of this extended holiday weekend ed States of America will celebrate to vacation with family, visit friends, 238 years of freedom. The birth of or participate in festivities close to this nation was not an easy one, but home. It is imperative for Marines was forged through the hard work, and sailors to embrace the Marine courage, and bloodshed of ameriCorps’ highest standards of character cans who pursued a singular cause while off-duty. Remain vigilant and greater than their own self-interests. stay safe; losing someone to an offToday, the men and women of our duty accident is unacceptable. Enjoy military continue to stand ready and the long weekend, but do so safely. proudly defend our freedom here, and for others throughout the world. We recognize those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country and those forward-deployed and serving

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Editor’s note: We at The Jet Stream care about our reader’s opinion. In reaching our goal to put out the best possible product, we understand the importance of your feedback. Please add a comment to the “How can we improve The Jet Stream?” topic on our www. facebook.com/MCASBeaufort discussion board on how we can better your base newspaper. Published by the Savannah Morning News, a private firm in no way connected with the Department of Defense, the United States Marine Corps, the United States Navy, or Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., under exclusive written contract with the United States Marine Corps. This commercial-enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services. Its contents do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Marine Corps or the U.S. Navy and do not imply endorsement thereof. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DoD, the Marine Corps, the Navy, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., or the Savannah Morning News of the products or services advertised. Everything in this newspaper shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. If a violation of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the contractor shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. Editorial content (i.e., all content other than paid advertisements) is edited, prepared and provided by the public affairs office of the installation. All queries concerning news and editorial content should be directed to: Jet Stream, Marine Corps Public Affairs Office, P.O. Box 55001, MCAS Beaufort, S.C., 29904 or (843) 228-7225. All queries concerning business matters or display ads should be directed to the Savannah Morning News at (843) 815-0800.

The Jet Stream

Friday, June 27, 2014

Cpl. Sarah Cherry Staff Writer

Lieutenant Colonel Kevin T. O’Rourke relinquished command of Marine AllWeather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 to Lt. Col. Alvin Bryant in a change of command ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, June 19. O’Rourke took command of VMFA(AW)-533 in March 2013. He received notice two weeks prior, and deployed to the western pacific with the Hawks less than a month later. Through that deployment, Bryant was at his side as the executive officer for the squadron.

Bryant has served in many capacities with the Hawks since 2002. His billets held include legal officer, family readiness officer, operations officer and executive officer among others. He has deployed in support of Operation Southern Watch, Operation Iraqi Freedom and multiple unit deployments to the western Pacific with the Hawks. Under O’Rourke, the Hawks have excelled at safety and maintenance inspections and performed above expectations during exercises and deployments. “Our guys are hitting it out of the park,” said O’Rourke. With one of their own at the helm, the Hawks will continue to excel.

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Chief Warrant Officer 2 Michael Chouinard, the Marine Corps Community Services officer for MCAS Beaufort. “The Feds Feed Families Campaign serves as a way for our Marines and sailors to support and thank those that support us. It is our way of reminding them that we are here for them.” Across America an estimated 50 million people, or one in six Americans, struggle and face the realities of hunger every day. Since the campaign began six years ago, federal workers have donated and collected 24.1 million pounds of food and other non-perishables such as hygiene items to support families across America.

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her and why she has this award in her honor has made me understand what an honor it is to receive this award.” Maj. Megan Malia Leilani McClung was killed in action Dec. 6, 2006, by an IED in Ramadi, Iraq. She was the first female Marine officer killed in the Iraq War. “It’s really humbling to receive the award,” said Johnson. “The highlight [of the symposium] was definitely receiving the award and having my family there; my parents, my husband and children. It gave them the ability to see that environment. “It was really, really exciting to see so many women service members in one spot, and all the major accomplishments in not just the Marine Corps but in our sister services as well,” she said.

Photo By Cpl. Aaron Diamant

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Friday, June 27, 2014

The Jet Stream

Friday, June 27, 2014

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The Jet Stream

Around The Corps

Friday, June 27, 2014

Corps Bits

Coast Guard trains with Dominican Republic and Haiti U.S. COAST GUARD CUTTER RICHARD ETHERIDGE – The U.S. Coast Guard conducted training with the Dominican Republic’s Navy and Haiti’s National Police Force aboard the USS Richard Etheridge, June 22. The training focused on ensuring the partner nations were familiar with the M2 Heavy Barrel Browning .50-caliber machine gun, similar to the weapons aboard each nation’s respective ships. “This was the first time for many people that they were able to fire the weapon they have on board,” said Lt. Cmdr. Daniel Gray, the operational planner for the Coast Guard during Exercise Tradewinds 2014. The gun exercise was just a small part of Tradewinds 2014, a joint, combined exercise conducted in order to improve partner nation counter-transnational organized crime missions and humanitarian aid and disaster response operations capacity. “The Coast Guard is here to support USSOUTHCOM’s objective of countering illicit trafficking,” Gray said. “That trafficking comes in many ways; human trafficking, trafficking in drugs and weapons.” The weapons familiarization that took place during the training is helpful to enhance the capabilities of the countries participating. Each nation took turns gearing up and firing the .50-caliber weapon at a large, floating reflective target provided by the Royal Canadian Navy. Petty Officer 2nd Class Mike Mulrooney, the gunner’s mate aboard the Cutter Etheridge, believes another important piece to the training is the relationships that have been developed throughout. “The relationships have been great, and very effective,” he said. “It’s great to see partner nations come together for a common objective.” Thirteen partner nations are participating in phase II of Tradewinds 2014 held from June 16 through June 25. The exercise is designed to promote interoperability and multinational relationships throughout the theater.

Infantrymen stand by ready to assist during Afghan election runoff CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – The April 5 presidential elections in Afghanistan proved to be tremendously successful yielding the highest voter turnout of recent years. A runoff election was required to determine a final victor, and the Marines of 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, stood by ready to assist their Afghan Counterparts if needed, June 14. The Marines departed Camp Leatherneck for Patrol Base Ouellette, an Afghan National Army post in southern Helmand province, June 12. “Our mission was to guard the route to and from PB Ouellette while establishing a coordination point between the British and Marine Corps advisor teams,” said Capt. John Dove, the commanding officer of Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Bn., 7th Marines, and a native of Annapolis, Maryland. “This coordination point was a central location where we could share information and assist each other as needed to enable the Afghan National Security Forces, who secured the neighborhoods and polling sites in support of the elections.” The convoy of Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles arrived at the patrol base after a few hours of driving. Infantrymen immediately dismounted and began manning security posts with M240B medium machine guns. The infantrymen constantly manned the security posts since arriving at the patrol base and continued to do so during the day of voting. Although the Marines were staged at PB Ouellette, they were merely acting as advisors to the ANA soldiers. As the crest of the sun began to rise over the horizon, the day of voting began. Insurgent attacks in the local area were a possibility due to the high-profile event, but the runoff election turned out to be placid and the local populous was not harassed. “The lack of enemy activity was a direct result of the Afghans, not coalition forces,” Dove said. “The ANSF proved their ability to rid neighborhoods of a majority of enemy fighters, which allowed the Afghans to participate in the runoff elections. The Afghans are in control now, and we’re just advising and assisting them. “The mission was ultimately a success. We weren’t called to assist the ANA in any way. Our quick reaction force for the ANSF was not needed, and we made it back to Camp Leatherneck safely,” Dove added.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kyle McNicholas of Black Sea Rotational Force 14.2, from 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, runs alongside Georgian soldiers while they evacuate a simulated injury to a Georgian soldier as part of the distinguished visitor day for exercise Agile Spirit 14 at Vaziani Training Area, Georgia, June 18.

Exercise Agile Spirit 14 proves U.S., Georgian partnerships Sgt. Tatum Vayavanada Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa

VAZIANI TRAINING AREA, Republic of Georgia – Deep-seated commitments to global security and regional stability are at the root of military engagements with allies and partners; for Georgia and the U.S., exercise Agile Spirit, which concluded last week, is a valuable evolution between Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa and the Georgian Armed Forces. “The partnership between the Marines and the Georgian Armed Forces over the past several years has been extremely important,” said U.S. Ambassador to Georgia, Richard B. Norland. “They’ve been a valuable partner in the operations in Afghanistan and I believe this has also helped to develop the capabilities of the Georgians,” said Norland. With training engagements from basicinfantry skills, search-and-control packages, to live-fire weapons ranges, the militaries will share tactics and procedures through a broad spectrum of counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations. “Agile Spirit is a chance to continue to build this relationship, develop each other’s capabilities, to develop the flexibility to operate in a variety of different settings and face a variety of different challenges,” said Norland. With full battalions working alongside U.S. and allied troops in Afghanistan, the Georgian Armed Forces is one of the largest troop-contributing nations supporting the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force. Exercise Agile Spirit supplements the existing Georgia Deployment Program, another training evolution between the

U.S. Marines and Georgian Armed Forces, to support ISAF. “It’s coming in a time in the region when the importance of the U.S. [and] Georgian strategic relationship has been demonstrated more than ever; that partnership will continue for a long time to come,” said Norland. From June 9-21, the Georgians worked with U.S. Marines by conducting brigade and battalion-level training engagements throughout the two-week event, unifying the efforts of more than 250 Marines and 550 Georgian soldiers by emphasizing small-unit interaction between the two militaries. “We’re facing the evolution of the exercise; we started from the field (battalionlevel) exercise, and throughout we’ve just improved and added more components,” said Georgian Col. Archil Omiadze, lead exercise planner for the GAF. Additions to the initial Agile Spirit, which began in 2011, included a joint commandoperations-center, additional employment of various equipment and devices, medical-training opportunities, and civil-military operations. A command-post exercise has also been added to combine a brigadelevel, command-and-control element to the evolution. “We are partners, so providing to that global security is important,” added Omiadze. “We have Georgian soldiers and U.S. Marines fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan and during such operations, relationships and understanding of each other is very crucial; this training exercise is a great tool to contribute to that relationship,” said Omiadze.

The exercise featured Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force 14, 6th Marine Regiment, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, and Georgians from the 4th Mechanized Brigade. Through the Black Sea Rotational Force, U.S. European Command can provide a robust, rotational presence in the region, working with partners throughout the seasons to improve military capacity and share knowledge, techniques, tactics and procedures to their neighboring partners while maintaining a minor operationalfootprint. “This year we’ve set the stage with [military] observers from Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey, who will also be participating in our concept development process that starts the planning cycle for Agile Spirit 15,” said Lt. Col. Vincent C. Dawson, lead exercise planner from Marine Forces Europe and Africa. “The hope is for partners to contribute to future iterations as we continue to learn each other’s tactics and increase the interoperability between these countries,” said the Portland, Oregon, native. Exercises to the scale of Agile Spirit 14 are indicative of the Caucasus country’s commitments toward collective security. “Our partnerships with them go back a few years; as we move forward, we are prepared to work with them more. The more we are able to share our tactics and operating procedures, the more we’re able to help each other maintain a level of security within our borders,” said Dawson. “If we’ve got more friends that we’re sharing and working with, we’re going to have fewer problems in the area.”

Corps Shot Cpl. Joseph Scanlan

PATROL BASE OUELLETTE, AF -- Marines with Scout Sniper Platoon, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, man security positions during a mission in Helmand province, Afghanistan, June 13.

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Around The Corps

Fightertown deployed: MALS-31 Stingers

VMFA-122 Werewolves

Corporal Travis Guglielmino, sweeper, Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, and a native of Kapulena, Hawaii, searches for improvised explosive devices during a Mission Rehearsal Exercise at Forward Operating Base Juno, Afghanistan, March 13.

Weapons Company Marines conduct security patrol in Afghanistan CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – During the late evening hours under the cover of darkness, Marines and sailors with 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, donned their gear, mounted in Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles and convoyed approximately four hours south of Camp Leatherneck. Marines and sailors with Weapons Company, 1st Bn., 7th Marines, provided security for Baker Co. during a patrol in Helmand province, Afghanistan, June 19-20. Baker Co. was enabled to focus on patrolling and alleviated of the worry of an enemy presence thanks to Weapons Co. providing security. “Patrolling is a lot of rehearsal and preparation for the execution of a mission in a known area of operation,” said Staff Sgt.

Daniel Pierce, a platoon sergeant with 2nd Platoon, Weapons Co. “By consistently going to areas where insurgents operate most frequently, we can mitigate threats against Leatherneck.” “Before every patrol, everyone and everything is thoroughly inspected,” said Pierce, a native of Denver City, Texas. “The planning and preparation for each operation is extensive. Weapons and gear the Marines and sailors will be using and each vehicle goes through multiple inspections. Nothing is left to chance.” As Marines and sailors with Baker Co. patrolled on foot and talked to locals about recent insurgent activity in the area, Marines and sailors with Weapons Co. posted security in select locations overlooking the patrol. In each MRAP, a Marine gunner was at the ready with a .50 caliber machine gun at all times, providing Baker Co. troops an added

level of protection enabling the mission to be completed safely. “The mission was a success,” said 1st Lt. John Hollingsworth, a platoon commander with Weapons Co. “We secured Baker Company’s patrol with no fire taken and deprived enemy insurgents the ability to maneuver on (Marines and sailors) with our large presence in the area.” The Marines and sailors of 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, deployed to Afghanistan in March from Twentynine Palms, California. Weapons Co. Marines will continue to patrol the surrounding area of the BastionLeatherneck complex to ensure the safety of coalition forces operating on the bases. “Morale in the unit is very high,” said Lance Cpl. Jarred Sass, an anti-tank missileman with Weapons Co., and native of Texarkana, Texas. “I feel good. We’re making a difference here, and the Afghans know it.”

CLB-15 Marines showcase humanitarian capabilities during embarkation operations Lance Cpl. Shaltiel Dominguez 1st Marine Logistics Group

NAVAL BASE SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The rumbling of two dozen logistics and humanitarian aid vehicles broke the bayside morning calm, as approximately 80 Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 15, Combat Logistics Regiment 15, 1st Marine Logistics Group, began an embarkation operation aboard Naval Base San Diego, Calif., June 19. The equipment, which consisted of water purification systems, power generators and logistics and supply vehicles, was loaded onto amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD-18) as part of a buildup to support the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit during its operations around the Indian Ocean next year. “We have generators to provide power, tactical water purification systems that can provide clean potable water to a population, and heavy equipment to open up roadways, move equipment and provide all kinds of support,” said Capt. Travis Aiello, load exercise officer-in-charge with CLB-15, 1st MLG. Aside from being able to engage, close with and destroy threats around the globe, MEUs are also capable of providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief to U.S. government authorities, also known as a Defense Support of Civil Authorities operation. Furthermore, the exercise enhanced the interoperability between the Navy-Marine

Corps Bits

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

Regional Command Southwest

VMFA(AW)-224 Bengals

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

Cpl. Cody Haas

Friday, June 27, 2014

Corps team, reinforcing a return to the Marine Corps’ amphibious roots, and familiarized the Marines involved with ship life. “In this day and age we’re getting back to our seafaring roots and our expeditionary nature. We need to build those bonds with our Navy counterparts,” said Aiello, a native of Burlington, N.J. “This is important so that we can operate more efficiently, be it in a combat environment or in a DSCA environment.” In addition to loading logistical equipment, the amphibious transport was able to load an entire convoy of nearly two dozen vehicles, each with different capabilities and functions. “The vehicles loaded onto the ship provide a wide array of capabilities to the MEU, from resupplying forward units with the Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement, to recovering wreckage in a disaster operation with the M88 recovery vehicles and the Logistics Vehicle Systems,” said Cpl. Jason Anderson, an embarkation specialist with CLB-15, 1st MLG. “These vehicles allow units to adapt to the different situations they might encounter while in an expeditionary environment,” added Anderson, of Clintonville, Wis. All the vehicles and equipment come together during DSCA operations, which are situations where the military provides local authorities with support, sending aid to areas in the United States where the infrastructure might be damaged beyond the local authorities’ capabilities. “We’re trying to get practice in for most of

the junior Marines, it’s not so important to go as fast at first, but when you get used to gear’s serial numbers, dimensions and characteristics, we’re able to embark equipment much faster, and that’s important when there are people out there that need our help,” said Cpl. Spencer Roberson. Ultimately, the training showcased how the Navy-Marine Corps team is able to quickly field its support capabilities, allowing the MEU to tackle a wide array of challenges and help those in need. “You never know who might need something and how urgently they need it,” said Roberson, of Raeford, N.C. “That’s why we’re here. We’re here to make sure the people in need have the resources necessary to survive.”

MRF-D holds crew-served weapons competition in the Top End MOUNT BUNDEY TRAINING AREA, Northern Territory, Australia -- Explosions echoed through the tree line competing with the shouts of section leaders hurrying each member of his squad to perform his task as fast as possible. This was just the first day of the crew-served weapons competition designed to test the Marines of 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, and push them to their limits. The week-long competition included weapons systems ranging from the M240 machine-gun, to the 81mm mortar system, here June 19. “This gives our guys a chance to come out and compete against each-other,” said Staff Sgt. Haba Cuccornejo, platoon sergeant, Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, MRF-D. “They have developed their skills through a lot of training and practice, now it is time to put them to the test and see what they are capable of.” The Marines were graded on their abilities to operate their weapons systems efficiently, their orders process, weapons deployment and tactical knowledge. Cuccornejo believes that because the event is a competition, it drives his Marines to perform at their best and challenges them. Weapons company Marines have a specific weapons system they’re assigned to during training. They must learn it’s capabilities and how to properly employ it. “There is a lot expected of these guys,” said 1st Lt. Sean McDonnell, weapons platoon commander, Alpha Co., 1st Bn., 5th Marines, MRF-D. “Not only do they have to be proficient in their specific weapon system, but also must be proficient in infantry tasks such as patrolling and engaging enemy threats.” Mount Bundey Training Area gives the Marines a unique benefit not afforded to them back in U.S. The competition also gave the Marines a chance to prepare themselves for upcoming bi-lateral exercise including Exercise Hamel and Koolendong. “Our guys are really going to come away with this with a lot more confidence,” said Cuccornejo. “Not only with they be able to identify their strengths but also their weaknesses so they can improve on those and be ready for our upcoming exercises.”

Marines increase survivability with SWET MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII - Marines from various units on Marine Corps Base Hawaii participated in shallow water egress training at the base pool here, June 18. The training introduced Marines to the gear used to increase their survivability in the event of an over-water aircraft mishap. Personnel from 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marines Headquarters and Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367 assembled at the base pool in full camouflage utilities and Kevlar helmets for the event. The Marines received classroom instruction the day before practical application. Marines were first introduced to the SWET chair, a device that simulates rolling over in water. Marines buckled themselves into a simulated aircraft seat and were flipped over by SWET instructors, forcing the students to navigate their way out of the apparatus. “The purpose of the training is to give Marines the tools they need to be able to egress out of a helicopter in case it crashes in the water,” said Chad Margo, the site manager for the underwater egress trainer. Margo says this training is relevant to all Marines, especially in Hawaii, because every time they fly here, it will be over water. After an introduction to the chair, Marines learned how to use emergency breathing systems. They conducted practical application with the devices, breathing under and upside down in the water. “I’m not a huge fan of the water,” said Lance Cpl. Dalton Miller, a first-time SWET chair participant assigned to 3rd Marines. “It’s not really my cup of tea, but you have to stay calm. The biggest thing is overcoming the water inevitably rushing into your nose.” Miller said although he isn’t a fan of the water, completing the training is crucial to the upcoming Rim of the Pacific exercise. In the last exercise of the SWET chair training, Marines got back into the seats and donned blackout glasses, forcing them to egress out of the chair upside down and blind, using the tools and training they were given to complete the challenge.

The Jet Stream

Friday, June 27, 2014

In Other News

Photo By Cpl. Brendan Roethel

Lance Cpl. Keith McGaha, a cryogenics technician with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31, drains a liquid oxygen tank at the Cryogenics Facility aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, June 24. Cryogenics Marines must empty the tanks prior to replacing it's gauges. Cryogenics technicians use a large machine called an oxygen/nitrogen generating plant that isolates the two useful gasses from the air and chills them to their liquid form. Oxygen is used to supply aircraft with breathable air for pilots, crew members and passengers. Nitrogen is used in multiple areas of aircraft including the canopy, tires, struts and more. Photo By Cpl. Sarah Cherry

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known as DEERS. Every beneficiary and service member is responsible for keeping their DEERS database information up-to-date. “One thing people often don’t know is that they don’t have to disenroll from Tri-Care or Tri-Care Prime,” Justis said. “They just need to call their regional office or management support care contractor and let them know they’re moving. It’s a simple process. They’ll set beneficiaries up with a new primary care provider and take care of any special needs they may have in their new area. If they’re in the middle of moving and haven’t thought about transferring their information, their new management

Friday, June 27, 2014

care support contractor will contact them. Several options exist to help in changing health care providers, Justis said. A program called Moving Made Easy will walk beneficiaries through the process on Tri-Care TV or as a video on the Military OneSource website. The Moving Made Easy initiative helps service members and beneficiaries in the continental U.S. moving from one duty station, or region, to another. Tri-Care Web Resources on YouTube also offers valuable information, she added. “All the military treatment facilities in our direct care system work very actively to take care of their folks,”Justis said. “If there are areas where beneficiaries need additional help, they can reach out to their provider and let them know so they can help create that support system.”

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Friday, June 27, 2014

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