Jet Stream The
Friday, July 18, 2014 Vol. 49, No. 28 Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C.
“The noise you hear is the sound of freedom.” Beaufort.Marines.mil
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VFW helps raise Marine Corps Ball Funds Page 7
Beaufort celebrates VMFAT-501 return Page 9
Marines engage insurgents 4th of July weekend Page 10
Warlords return to Beaufort
Courtesy Photo
Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort held a homecoming ceremony to celebrate the long awaited return of Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 to Fightertown, July 11. VMFAT-501 returned to Fightertown and with it, a new era in Marine Corps aviation.VMFAT-501 was located at MCAS Beaufort until 1997, when it deactivated. The squadron was reactivated in April 2010 and designated as a training squadron. After four years of training with the F-35B Lightning II the squadron moved back to MCAS Beaufort.
Cpl. John Wilkes Press Chief
Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 returned to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, July 11, and with it, the future of Marine Corps aviation. “July 11, 2014 marks the homecoming of Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 to the Lowcountry, after spending a couple years located at Eglin Air Force Base,” said Col. Peter Buck, the
commanding officer of MCAS Beaufort. “We have a strong relationship with Beaufort and the surrounding communities that has existed for over 71 years,” said Buck. “From our roots of training for anti-submarine patrols during World War II to now as we welcome this squadron that’s responsible for flying the nation’s fifth-generation, dominant aircraft, we’re fortunate to have the support of what we consider to be one of the most militaryfriendly communities in the nation.”
The beginnings of VMFAT-501 can be traced back to 1944, when it was activated as Marine Fighting Squadron 451, also known as the Blue Devils. During this time the squadron was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Mojave, Calif. The squadron saw action during World War II and was later deactivated. In 1946, the Fightin’ Phillies, as they were known then, were reactivated as a reserve unit at Naval Air Station Willow Grove, Pa. and flew the F6F Hellcat.
When the Korean War began the unit was called to active duty and flew the F9F Panther. VMF-451 was relocated to MCAS El Toro, and remained there until Feb. 1, 1963, when they relocated to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C. While aboard MCAS Beaufort, the Warlords deployed multiple times in support of various operations around the world. SEE
WARLORDS, PAGE 8
Sweathogs welcome new commmander Cpl. Sarah Cherry Staff Writer
Lt. Col. James B. Stone IV relinquished command of Marine Wing Support Squadron 273 to Lt. Col. Phillip J. Schendler aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, July 10. Stone, a native of Wytheville, Va.,
took command of the squadron in June 2013, saying he had “big shoes to fill.” The commander of Marine Aircraft Group 31, Col. William Lieblein, said that Stone “brought a positive energy to the command,” and “developed an aggressive training regiment,” and did a fine job of filling the previous commander’s shoes. Under his command, the squadron conducted multiple field training exercises aboard Ft. Stewart, Ga., and the Air Station. The Sweathogs also participated in community efforts including erosion control at Hunting Island State Park and tornado cleanup on St. Helena Island. “I’ve had a tremendous group of team players,” said Stone. “Any successes I’ve had are the successes of the Marines here.” MWSS-273 provides aviation ground support to the F-18 squadrons of Marine Aircraft Group 31. Their capabilities include refueling, engineering, SEE
SWEATHOGS, PAGE 6
Fighting Bengals fly back to Fightertown Cpl. John Wilkes Press Chief
Approximately 200 Marines with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224, also known as the Fighting Bengals, along with Marines with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31, returned to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort after a six-month deployment, July 11. The Fighting Bengals conducted a Western Pacific deployment to Iwakuni, Japan and worked alongside numerous units from the Marine Corps and other
foreign military allies. “We did standard operations and conducted training exercises with allies,” said Master Sgt. Robert Sanders, the maintenance chief with VMFA(AW)-224. “It was a great deployment; we got a lot of great training and came back with more experienced Marines.” While the Marines were deployed, their spouses were able to participate in various Marine Corps Family Team Building activities such as deployment workSEE
BENGALS, PAGE 6
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Games and Entertainment
Friday, July 18, 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 Word Bank
Monday - Friday Breakfast Hot farina, hot hominy grits and oven-fried bacon 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 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
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 23.
Command Information
The Jet Stream
Tri-Command Weather 7 Day Forecast
Friday, July 18, 2014
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High Shooter Cpl. M.S. Cason H&HS
381
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.
Forecast according to weather.com
Herschel Walker will be speaking at the Air Station Theater, Aug 5, from 10 a.m. to noon and the MCRD Parris Island Theater from 3 - 5 p.m. about mental illness and substance disorders. Autograph sessions will follow each presentation.
There will be a base wide power outage July 19, from 7 - 11 a.m. For more information call Public Works at 228-7764.
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.
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.
Jet Stream The
Contact us: 228-7225 mcasbeaufort@gmail.com BFRT_JPAO@usmc.mil Commanding Officer MCAS Beaufort
Billie was born on December 28th, yet her birthday always falls in the summer. How is this possible?
Col. Peter D. Buck
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 23.
Ought-ness and Is-ness Lt.Twig Sargent
every human with value; a value that comes from God himself. With that value, everyone deserves to be treated with I once had a co-worker who would often dignity because they are God’s creatures. say, “Do the right thing for America.” It beThe standard in Christianity is that everycame a somewhat comical and sometimes one (Christian or not) deserves to treated welcome phrase to lighten the tension of with value and dignity. Sexual assault is the workday. Ironically enough, this coan act of unspeakable violence that, at worker was later found to have deep and the very least, is an act that devalues andark secrets of inappropriate behavior that other person. The aggressor is effectively put that phrase in stark contrast with his saying, “You (the victim) are not worth actions. His motto, “Do the right thing” beanything and the God who made you came meaningless when his secret behavior did not know what he was doing when came to light. he made you.” Sexual assault violates the American theologian and philosopher, victim’s God-given dignity and the God R.C. Sproul, in his book How Should I Live in who made him/her. This is why ChristianThis World? states that there is a difference ity states that sexual assault is a horrible between ethics and morality. act to be confronted and the Ethics is “oughtness” (how someguilty should be punished. one should behave) and moralIs the Christian response the “God in his grace is in the midst of a rescue ity is “isness” or how someone right standard to follow for mission by means of one who ALWAYS uses does behave. My co-worker’s Christian believers? As sexual His power to benefit others. He uses his ethics were “Do the right thing assault is punished and Chrisfor America.” His morality was tians act according to their bepower to rescue us from the wrongs done the behavior that he actually liefs, then people are treated to us AND the wrongs done BY us.” lived out. The two are at odds with dignity and the Marine with each other. In Sproul’s Corps functions with good orLt. Twig Sargent book, he goes on to state that der and discipline. Christianity one ethical theory textbook deshares common ground with scribes eighty different theories other belief systems as they on ethics (“oughtness”) that compete for does your faith/values/belief system say to agree on this particular question. modern minds. Where do we go from here? you about the standard of behavior you are We are reminded of the freedom to Which belief system of appropriate behavior expected to follow? Then ask yourself, is it practice and explore the myriad of differthe right standard to follow? is correct? ent religions/belief systems. I encourage Before we can possibly answer the quesThe burning issue in the Marine Corps you to explore and ask the hard questions tion we need to ask ourselves two ques- is the recent increase and problem with of how your faith/belief/value system antions. What is the standard that my belief sexual assault (in the broader military also). swers questions like, “Why is sexual assystem expects of me? Then, how do I know If we ask “Why is sexual assault is wrong in sault wrong?” The Marine Corps (as well if that standard is the right standard to fol- the Marine Corps?,” the President, Congress as the military and culture at large) is in a low? When a Marine takes his semi-annual and our military leadership expect our be- crisis surrounding the issue of sexual asPFT and CFT (physical fitness tests), he/she lief systems to have the right answer to this sault. Ask yourself the hard questions of has a standard to follow. His/her run time, question. I will use my belief system, Christi- your faith. Evaluate the answers against curl-ups and pull-ups must meet the mini- anity, to answer the question, “Why is sexual the standard of your faith system. Then, mum standard to be considered a Marine assault wrong?” evaluate if your belief system gives an First, what is the Christian standard appropriate answer the hard questions. within physical standards. If a Marine falls short of this standard, eventually they no of behavior regarding sexual assault? As you do this hard work, your faith is longer have the privilege be in the Marine Christianity affirms that sexual assault is strengthened, horrible behaviors will not Corps. How does one know if this standard wrong and should not be tolerated. In be tolerated in our culture and our Corps is the correct standard to follow? When Ma- Genesis 1, the Bible states that God made and we will become a stronger nation. MCAS Beaufort Staff Chaplain
rines meet and often exceed the physical fitness standard, the proof is then “in the pudding.” The Marine Corps is best at what they do and boasts of being the most “ready” military force. History and practice shows that their standard of physical fitness works. The Marine Corps standard is the right standard to follow based on demonstrated success. I encourage you then, to put these two questions into practice for yourself. Everyone has a belief system that says “This is how I should act in a given situation.” Whether you are Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Atheist or non-religious, you have some expectation of appropriate behavior; some standard or reason that you should behave in a given situation in an appropriate manner. What
Cpl. Brendan Roethel
Staff Writer
Cpl. Sarah Cherry
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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.
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Classifieds
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More of The Story Bengals continued from page 1
Sweathogs continued from page 1
motor transport and communications. Stone will become the inspector general aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. Schendler, a native of Erie, Pa., comes to the squadron from the Concepts and Innovation Department of Navy Warfare Development Command in Norfolk, Va., and brings his wife Michelle and three children
shops, support groups, family events and events for children. “Although deployments are difficult, it helps to stay busy and communicate with your spouse as often as you can,” said Kim Blye, spouse of Sgt. Harold Blye, an imagery analysis specialist with VMFA(AW)-224. “The tools provided by MCFTB helped a lot and kept us busy.” It is the job of the unit’s family readiness officer to make sure families are taken care of at all times, including deployments, according to Jennifer Morrow, the FRO for VMFA(AW)-224. Family readiness officers are non-deployable, so they can be with service members’ families and host activities to keep them in touch with their loved ones during challenging times. “The deployment was very successful with the Marines being able to complete multiple mini deployments, focus on developing and progressing (in their job fields),” Sanders said. “VMFA(AW)-224 did a phenomenal job on their deployment,” said Col. Bill Lieblein, commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 31. “They went out there with 12 aircraft and approximately 200 Marines and came back with the same. They did a fantastic job representing MAG-31.”
In Other News
The Jet Stream
Friday, July 18, 2014
s AirBeaufort VFW supports Air Ball
Station Marine Corps Ball
y Cpl. John Wilkes
esents nds raised
Photo by Cpl. John Wilkes
The Beaufort Veterans of Foreign Wars, post 8760, presents Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort with a check for funds raised in support of the Marine Corps Ball, July 15.
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More of The Story Warlords continued from page 1
Major General Robert F. Hedelund speaks during the Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 welcome home event at the VMFAT-501 hangar aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, July 11. VMFAT-501 was located at Fightertown until 1997, when it deactivated. The squadron was reactivated in April 2010 and designated as a training squadron. After four years of training with the F-35B Lightning II the squadron moved back to MCAS Beaufort.”Between June and September we’ll have all the VMFAT-501 aircraft and squadron personnel relocating, and in October we’ll start training,” said Lieutenant Colonel Luis E. Villalobos, the officer in charge of the Pilot Training Center.
During this time, the Warlords set a safety record of 29,000 accident-free hours in the F4 Phantom. In 1987, the squadron upgraded to the F/A-18 Hornet, a variant of which is flown today. In 1990, VMFA-451 deployed to Bahrain in support of Operation Desert Shield. In 1991, the Warlords became the first Marine squadron to attack Iraqi forces in Operation Desert Storm. They ended the operation with over 700 combat sorties and 1,400 combat hours. VMFA-451 spent the remaining years leading up to deactivation at MCAS Beaufort participating in various exercises around the world. They returned from a deployment to the Western Pacific in July 1996 winding down a 57year history as they deactivated on Jan. 31, 1997. The squadron was reactivated in April 2010 and designated as a training squadron. After four years of training with the F-35B Lightning II the squadron returned to MCAS Beaufort. The Marine Corps’ F-35B variant replaces and performs the roles of three legacy aircraft, the F/A-18 Hornet, AV-8B Harrier II and EA-6B Prowler. “It’s much more important that we welcome the people that make that airplane fly back to Beaufort,” said Maj. Gen. Robert Hedelund, commanding general of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. “It’s not about the incredible airplane, it’s about the incredible people that make that airplane fly and [VMFAT-501] throughout their history and certainly most recently truly are incredible people.” The integration of the F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter into the Marine Corps’ arsenal provides the dominant, multirole, fifth-generation capabilities needed across the full spectrum of combat operations to deter potential adversaries and enable future naval aviation power projection.
In The Community
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Friday, July 18, 2014
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Beaufort welcomes Warlords with celebration
Photo by Cpl. .John Wilkes
Beaufort welcomes a new era in Marine Corps aviation with a public, community-wide celebration at Beaufort’s Waterfront Park, July 11. The focus of the event was on the Marines and families of Marine Fight Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT)-501. The celebration included games and bounce houses for children, refreshments, music by the Parris Island Marine band, and fireworks to end the event. The event was sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Military Enhancement Committee, the Military Affairs Committee and the City of Beaufort.
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Around The Corps
Friday, July 18, 2014
CORPS BITS
One team, one fight: Competition breeds camaraderie MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Virginia -- Shots rang out as several high-powered rifles sent rounds toward the targets of Range 4, Weapons Training Battalion, Marine Corps Base Quantico on July 7. Service Members had begun the 53rd Annual Interservice Rifle Championship. Shooting is one of the United States first sports with the first shooting competition on Long Island, New York. Union Civil Wars officers had seen the poor marksmanship demonstrated by their soldiers and formed the National Rifle Association to promote rifle sportsmanship in America. Interservice rifle competitions were formally established in late 1960, when the chiefs of staff for the Army and the Air Force, along with the Commandant of the Marine Corps, drafted and signed a memorandum of understanding to ensure that the spirit of competition would continue through competitive marksmanship. Today, service members come together several times a year to compete in many types of shooting competitions. Members of a different branch score each round, but regardless of who the shooter is, who is marking the targets, or marking the scorecard, everyone has a passion for one thing: shooting. Through the passion the competitors possess, the service members learn from and exchange knowledge with one another. The things they learn not only help them become better marksmen, but also give them something to take back to their units. “I plan on taking everything I learn here back to my unit,” said Air Force Master Sgt. Donnie Hicks, a shooter with the National Guard Bureau Marksmanship Team. “This is my first year here and I have already learned so much from the other guys around me.” Sport shooting has a rich history in the United States that extends across the military, breeding camaraderie and spreading marksmanship throughout the ranks.
Pacific Fleet commander kicks off RIMPAC 2014 JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- U.S. Navy Adm. Harry Harris, Pacific Fleet commander, kicked off the 24th Rim of the Pacific exercise, explaining the significance of this year’s RIMPAC and how it is designed to benefit those involved during a conference, June 30. RIMPAC is a training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans. “I think it’s important to note that by simply attending RIMPAC, every nation here is making the bold statement that we must improve multilateral military cooperation despite disagreements,” Harris said. “Today, maritime cooperation is more vital than ever. For centuries the world’s oceans kept us apart but in this increasingly globalized world the world’s oceans bring us together.” During the span of RIMPAC the nations involved will conduct training ashore and out at sea in a coalition and joint effort. “It’s going to be very valuable training but make no mistake it’s going to be very hard work,” said U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Kenneth E. Floyd, Combined Task Force commander. “I’m already proud and very honored to have the opportunity to lead the 25,000 people from 22 different countries on the RIMPAC team this year and I’m looking forward to all that they are about to do out on the high seas.” Harris said that building mutual trust and opening lines of communication are critical for success but challenging to build. RIMPAC offers participants the chance to work alongside other nations in preparation for real world events, and is designed to strengthen rebalance efforts of the AsiaPacific region. “The rebalance is based on a strategy of cooperation and collaboration and that’s why it’s imperative that we work together to build trust and confidence to solve our collective maritime challenges,” Harris said. Forty-nine surface ships, six submarines and more than 200 aircraft are involved in the exercise. Approximately 25,000 personnel spanning from 22 nations and six observer nations, participate in the 24th RIMPAC exercise, running through Aug. 1, in Hawaii and Southern California.
Lance Cpl. Michael Manues, machine gunner, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, provides security with an M240B medium machine gun during a mission in Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 6. Manues and the company operated in Gereshk for three days and were involved in numerous kinetic engagements with Taliban insurgents.
Infantrymen engage insurgents during 4th of July weekend Cpl. Joseph Scanlan Marine Expeditionary Brigade - Afghanistan
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -While many Americans in the United States were celebrating during the Fourth of July weekend, Marines with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, were engaging Taliban insurgents in Helmand province, Afghanistan. The infantrymen along with Afghan National Army soldiers operated within close proximity of Camp Leatherneck to continue disruption operations and prevent future attacks on the Camps Bastion and Leatherneck, July 4 - 6. “Our job was to investigate some compounds of interest in order to deny the insurgents the ability to consolidate in certain areas where they could potentially plan attacks,” said 1st Lt. Robert Kay, a platoon commander with Bravo Co. and a native of Palmdale, California. The Bravo Co. Marines inserted into Gereshk via CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters while the sky was black and the sun had not yet risen, July 4. They began to patrol across freshly tilled fields while monitoring the surrounding area with night vision goggles mounted on their Kevlar helmets. By sunrise the Marines arrived at compounds and began to interact with local Afghans. Suspicious areas were being investigated and locals were being questioned when the infantrymen came under enemy fire. Insurgents engaged the Marines from three different positions with machine guns, AK-47s and a precision-grade rifle. The Marines immediately took cover and began to maneuver on the enemy fighters while returning fire. Machine gunners with M240B medium machine guns provided suppressing fire as several Marines sprinted across an open field to reach a better firing position. Audible cracks, pops and explosions of gunfire and high-explosive munitions quaked across the surrounding village as the Marines gained fire superiority. Riflemen with M16A4 service rifles, M4A1 Carbines and M27 Infantry Automatic Rifles gathered in the prone position behind berms and returned fire at the insurgents. Bullets zoomed within inches of several Marines, but after several minutes of exchanging fire, the firefight concluded and no Marines were injured. It was mid-morning after the firefight
when the Marines moved to set up a security posture for a landing zone in a nearby field to prepare to extract from the area. Two CH53E Super Stallion helicopters arrived shortly after. The infantrymen darted through a cyclone of dirt and hay caused by the helicopters’ rotors and arrived back on Camp Bastion within several minutes. The company’s first day of operations had concluded; two more were to follow. The following morning the company inserted into a different area of Gereshk. Insurgents were awaiting the Marines’ arrival and fired rounds from several compounds at the helicopters. The crew chiefs aboard the helicopters responded to the enemy fire with mounted .50 caliber machine guns and silenced the enemy fighters. The company landed in the area shortly after and began patrolling on foot. A combat engineer led the infantrymen through several freshly harvested fields with a mine sweeper. Often times disturbed earth or protruding wires can be visual indicators of an improvised explosive device. The patrol had to rely on mine sweepers to protect their lives as they maneuvered across fields with entirely disturbed earth in darkness. The sun began to rise over the horizon at 4:30 a.m. and squads of infantrymen were already at their designated compounds. Locals emerged from their homes and began their morning prayers. The infantrymen respected their customs and waited for their prayers to conclude before enrolling the Afghans into a biometrics system. The Marines patrolled smoothly about the area without harassment, but the mounted element did not. Four vehicles struck IEDs; miraculously, no one was injured. After hours of patrolling and interacting with locals, the Marines set up security at a landing zone and extracted from the area to prepare for their final day of the operation. Once again the company gathered aboard the Camp Bastion flightline and departed friendly lines in the bellies of helicopters. As the infantrymen neared the area, small-arms fire spewed from compounds below. “We came under pretty heavy fire from about five different points of origin.” Kay said. “When I looked out of the helicopter I could see tracer rounds flying into the sky.” The crew chiefs returned fire and the helicopter pilots continued with their mission and landed to offload the Marines. Once on the ground, squads split up to move to
different compounds. Daylight broke as Marines finished speaking with locals at a compound and then patrolled to their next objective. Only the deep breaths and crunch of boots crushing dried hay could be heard as the infantrymen maneuvered across a tilled field with full combat loads. Suddenly machine gun and small-arms fire exploded from the corner of a compound nearly 150 meters away from the Marines. Machine gunners with M240B medium machine guns instantly returned fire. Deafening gunfire and explosions filled the area within a matter of seconds. The only objects protecting the Marines were a flimsy mud wall and a small berm, the Marines needed to move from their positions. Staff Sgt. Matthew Ingwerson, a platoon sergeant with Bravo Co., immediately took charge. “Everybody looks in one direction, at either the platoon commander or platoon sergeant, and someone has to remain level headed because if the leadership starts losing their mind, the Marines start breaking down and they start losing their confidence in their abilities,” said Ingwerson, a native of Nampa, Idaho. “I try to mitigate as much stress as I can in order to allow my squads to maneuver effectively.” Machine gunners provided suppressive fire as riflemen sprinted for their lives across an open field to reach the insurgents. Bullets kicked up dust as they impacted between the Marines’ feet. ANA soldiers led them into compounds to search for insurgents and question locals. The fire slowly died out and the insurgents retreated. After conducting a thorough search of the surrounding area and enrolling several Afghans into a biometrics system, the company linked up with the mounted element and departed the area via Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles. Every Marine returned to base unharmed after the three days of kinetic activity with their mission accomplished. “A lot of coalition forces haven’t been present in that area recently,” Kay said. “The Taliban start getting comfortable in places and think they can do whatever they want. We told them that they are not safe there. I don’t care if they go north, south, east, or west; the Marines are going to find them. We denied their ability to consolidate and their ability to plan and we also showed the local population that we are there to help them.”
Corps Shot Cpl. Joseph Scanlan
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- Marines with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, sprint across a field to load onto a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter during a mission in Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 4. The company operated in Gereshk for three days and was involved in numerous kinetic engagements with Taliban insurgents.
The Jet Stream
Around The Corps
Fightertown deployed:
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CORPS BITS
VMFA-115 Silver Eagles
MALS-31 Stingers a detachment is currently d deployed to the Western Pacific supporting VMFA-115.
Friday, July 18, 2014
are currently deployed to the Western Pacific as part of the Unit Deployment Program.
3rd Marines take action to water, train with AAVs
Staff Sgt. Kenneth Morris, a crew chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 467, watches for any suspicious activity on the ground during a mission in Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 3.
HMLA-467 conducts first combat deployment supporting operations in Afghanistan Sgt. Frances Johnson Marine Expeditionary Brigade - Afghanistan
CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan -- Marine Aircraft Group-Afghanistan has different air assets contributing to the last operations in Regional Command (Southwest), and Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 467 brings the multirole versatility needed for combat operations in southern Afghanistan. The unit, known as the Sabers, is currently deployed from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, and is comprised of Marines with varying specialties to man and maintain the AH-1W Cobras and UH-1Y Hueys. The squadron was established five years ago and is on its first combat deployment. Although many people envision pilots and crew chiefs when they think of a squadron, the Marines back on the ground in the hangars and shops are just as important as the guys in the air.
Getting the Cobras and Hueys of HMLA467 back in the fight is something every Marine in the unit takes to heart when doing their daily jobs. “We work with the air frame, hydraulics and flight controls for the Huey and the Cobra,” said Lance Cpl. Jonathan Perkins, an air frames mechanic with HMLA-467. “If a bird’s not capable of flying, missions can’t be completed. If we have a (troops in contact) alarm that goes off, we have to ensure every bird is up and ready to go. Back home pilots go up for training purposes, but out here it’s the real thing and moves at a lot quicker pace.” Perkins explained the work tempo is much faster than back at MCAS Cherry Point, but that has not hindered him and his fellow Marines from completing their daily tasks. “I’ve always tried to move as fast as possible, so for me the faster pace isn’t something hard for me to get used to,” said Perkins. “Just like all other shops, every shop has its own job; if that job isn’t completed then the aircraft will not be up.”
The missions the Sabers conduct in support of combat operations within RC(SW) provide flexibility for the troops on the ground. While flight hours in a noncombat environment are more focused on training, the switch to combat operations has kept the Sabers thinking on their toes since their arrival in May. Although the Sabers have only been a squadron for five years and are on their first combat deployment, the pride they hold in their jobs seems to reflect that of a squadron that has been around the Corps for many years. “I feel honored; our squadron’s first deployment overseas gets to be the last for the HMLAs (in Afghanistan),” said Capt. David Faville, an AH-1W Cobra pilot with HMLA-467. “It is keeping our deployment very busy with the moves and retrogrades, helping us fight off the grind that I think most units run into midway. We are extremely lucky to be given the chance to get out here.”
Afghan National Police Advisor team completes advising mission in Lashkar Gah, Afghanistan Sgt. Frances Johnson Marine Expeditionary Brigade - Afghanistan
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- The Marines of the Afghan National Police Advisor Team returned to Camp Leatherneck from Lashkar Gah, Helmand province, Afghanistan, June 27. The ANPAT, an advising team made up of approximately 20 Marines from all over the Marine Corps force including the reserves, spent eight months advising the Afghan National Police in order to develop a strong, capable and credible police force for Helmand province. “Our mission has been to assist in the institutional development of the Afghan National Police in Helmand province to increase their capability and capacity in providing security and upholding the rule of law for the population in Helmand,” said Maj. Mark Nicholson, the administration advisor for the ANPAT. The ANP have grown in many ways since the beginning of the advising mission in Afghanistan five years ago. “We are more capable and stronger than before,” said Maj. Gen. Baqazoi, Helmand provincial chief of police. “Police are holding checkpoints across Helmand province with coordination from Afghan National Police. Police are able to perform and defeat. Our police have learned to stay on alert and react to any surprises,
track suspicious movement and objects.” As the current ANPAT members focus more on supporting and guiding the ANP, the advisors feel the police are in a good place, ready and capable of sustaining their force and standards of law enforcement. “I’m very confident in the ANP on many levels,” said Alba, a native of Austin, Texas. “They’ve largely been sustaining security and success in Helmand on their own for some time now. They proved this during the elections and then during the runoff.” The Lashkar Gah Training Center has played a crucial role in the success of the ANP in Helmand and Nimroz provinces, training more than 7,000 Afghan police forces. “Anything from a basic patrol officer to a (noncommissioned officer) leadership course to officer training for the patrolmen, they are making sure that at each level the training is happening, and that they are graduating the number of recruits that they need to, to fulfill the needs throughout the entire province,” said Capt. Eric Gutierrez, headquarters officer-in-charge, ANPAT. “The LTC as a whole has been building the steppingstones, and now they’re at a point where they’re self-sufficient. The British lifted off of there several months ago, and even our follow-up checks, we’ve been looking at them and they’ve remained the profi-
cient force and trainers that they need to be to be able to keep up with the longterm success.” There are currently 11,500 Afghans serving the ANP in Helmand and Nimroz provinces. This number is spread amongst the three main pillars of the ANP: the Afghan Uniform Police, the Afghan Border Police and the Afghan Civil Order Police. These forces will continue to be advised and supported by advisors with Regional Command (Southwest) aboard Camp Leatherneck. “We have seen tremendous changes in Helmand with regards to the development of the police forces,” said Helmand Governor Naeem Baloch. “The police are now capable of taking on the insurgents face-to-face.”
MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII -- Marines assigned to Combat Assault Company, 3rd Marine Regiment, practiced amphibious assault vehicle operations, June 30. The goal of the training was to prepare the Marines for amphibious operations in anticipation of ship-to-shore movements for Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2014. The AAVs, are armored personnel carriers designed to transport Marines from the well decks of naval amphibious vessels to shore and beyond. They are outfitted with smoke grenade launchers to conceal movement and .50-caliber machine guns and MK19 automatic grenade launchers. Marines new to the company used the time to sharpen their skills driving the AAVs in the ocean. “We’re doing waterborne operations to ensure training and knowledge is passed down to the more junior Marines,” said Cpl. Chris Hoover, an AAV crew chief assigned to CAC, 3rd Marines. The am tracks splashed into the bay from an entry point near the Pacific War Memorial in the morning to conduct a jetty operation, the smallest-scale training the unit conducts. A few Indonesian Marines accompanied CAC in the AAVs and observed how their U.S. Marine counterparts operated. Combat Assault Company then practiced towing a downed vehicle. Marines maneuvered their AAVs behind each other and cross-connected the two troop carriers with rope. The towing vehicle threw their rope and the receiving track crew members tied it off. Once connected, one vehicle drags the other through the water with the rear crewman and the crew chief observing the rope to make sure it was secure. This simulated a downed-vehicle tow. Combat Assault Company also has emergency plans to get personnel off an inoperable vehicle at sea. The company provides 3rd Marine Regiment the ability to train in an amphibious environment like ship-to-shore exercises. They also provide transportation through urban environments like the military operations in urban terrain facility at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows.
Women Marines Association members share experiences MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Retired Gunnery Sgt. Nancy Arroyoavila, president of the Edith Macias Vann, Southern California Chapter of the Women Marines Association, along with fellow WMA members, spoke to Marines at the Pacific Views Event Center aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 8. Retired and former Marine women from the WMA teamed with the I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group Female Marine and Sailor Council to share their career experiences, including challenges and achievements they experienced along the way. The council is a noncommissioned officer-managed forum that meets quarterly. Its purpose is to discuss gender-specific issues, establish a professional network, and leverage mentorship opportunities in order to increase individual and unit readiness. The council was originally set up to provide a venue for female service members to network and mentor each other, said Master Sgt. Bonnie Diaz, the acting motor transportation officer in charge of I MHG and sponsor of the council. The meetings are designed to allow the Marines to network, build camaraderie, mentor and speak about future initiatives regarding female Marines. The next step for the council is to move away from small meetings and move into a bigger forum, said Diaz. The council wanted to bring guest speakers to share stories about their involvement in major conflicts and open up the forum for the women to ask questions. The members of the council are developing a platform to share experiences with one another and strengthen their bonds, and are now looking toward the future and planning an annual symposium. Attendees of the council meeting expressed interest in continued participation. “It was really motivating to see, and I hope I get the opportunity to come again,” said Lance Cpl. Jasmine Meade, a radio operator with 9th Communications Battalion.
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The Jet Stream
Friday, July 18, 2014
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