The Jet Stream - Jan. 30, 2015 by The Jet Stream

Jet Stream The

Friday, January 30, 2015 Vol. 50, No. 4 Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C.

Bravo Company Graduates

See Page 11

“The noise you hear is the sound of freedom.” 2 3 facebook.com/MCASBeaufort 3 Beaufort.Marines.mil

twitter.com/MCASBeaufortSC

Fightertown donates blood Page 7

Swift, silent, deadly Pages 8-9

Fightertown pilots train in virtual cockpit Page 10

Fly like we

fight

An F-5N Tiger II with Marine Fighter Training Squadron 401, sits on the flightline aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Jan. 28. VMFT-401, based at MCAS Yuma, Ariz., is aboard Fightertown to provide adversary support for the Marine Division Tactics Course. The MDTC provides groundside and airborne instruction in doctrine, tactics and weapons considerations to F/A-18 Hornet aircrew and Marine air intercept controllers.

Marine Division Tactics Course takes off Pfc. Samantha Torres Staff Writer

Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadrons 115, 122 and 312 as well as Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadrons 533 and 224 are participating in the

Marine Division Tactics Course aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Jan. 12 to Feb. 6. The MDTC provides groundside and airborne instruction in doctrine, tactics and weapons considerations to F/A-18 Hornet aircrew and Marine air intercept

controllers. The training is conducted by Marines from Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1 and Marine Fighter Training Squadron 401, who are based at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz. The course gives an accurate

representation of what pilots experience in an air-to-air combat situation, and gives them the tools to train Marines in their squadrons on the latest tactics, said Lieutenant Col. Bill Sheridan, the commanding officer of VMFT-401. It delivers required

air-to-air training prior to attending the Weapons and Tactics Instructor course. “We are professional adversaries,” said Sheridan. “We go out there and give them an accurate see

mDtC, page 4

Werewolves welcome new pack leader Pfc. Jonah V. Lovy Staff Writer

Fightertown celebrates diversity Pfc. Jonah V. Lovy Staff Writer

The beginning of February marks the celebration of Black History Month. Black History Month celebrates the history and culture of African-Americans as well as important figures and events. Black History Month is important to the nation as well as the Marine Corps; it celebrates our diversity as an organization. “The military is a melting pot,” said Master Sgt. Ronald Hollins, an administrative specialist at the Installation Personnel Administration Center aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. “I’ve been in almost twenty years and I’ve seen it all as far as cultural differences. When it’s time to get the mission done, none of that matters, we are all Marines.” Marines come from all walks of life and Black History Month calls attention to the fact that not everyone’s path to service was easy. see

Diversity, page 6

Lieutenant Colonel Douglas DeWolfe relinquished command of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 to Lt. Col. Derek M. Brannon in a ceremony on Merritt Air Field aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Jan. 22. The ceremony included the passing of the colors, a performance from the Parris Island Marine Band and a pass and review carried out by Marines of VMFA-122. The passing of the colors signifies the change of command. During the ceremony, DeWolfe addressed his Marines directly. “Keep doing the great things that you’re doing,” said DeWolfe. “It has been a pleasure to serve with you and I’m going to miss this.” DeWolfe led VMFA-122 on many deployments including Japan, Alaska and Hawaii as part of the unit deployment program. The squadron also received a safety award under his command. Prior to assuming command of VMFA122 in June 2013, DeWolfe had deployed to Japan, Iraq and Afghanistan. VMFA-122 has an extensive history of service dating back to 1942. The Weresee

CommanD, page 5

The Jet Stream

Games and Entertainment

Friday, January 30, 2015

MCAS Beaufort Movie Schedule

Saturday 2 p.m. PG (1:59)

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

Saturday 4:30 p.m. PG-13 (2:30)

Saturday 7 p.m. R (1:55)

MCRD Parris Island Movie Schedule

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 Smoked ham and Apple glazed corned cabbage soup beef and rice Sunday Lunch Dinner Baked fish with butter Pork chops with crumb topping smothered onions Monday - Friday Breakfast Hot farina, hot hominy grits and oven-fried bacon

Sunday 2 p.m. PG (1:59)

Sunday 4:30 p.m. PG-13 (2:30)

Commandant Word Search Word Bank

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

Nicholas Burrows Wharton Henderson Gale Harris Zeilin McCawley Heywood Elliott Biddle Barnett Lejeune Neville Fuller Russell Holcomb Vandegrift

Chapel serviCes Roman Catholic • 9:30 a.m. - Sunday Mass • Confession by appointment only 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. PG-13 (2:17)

Sudoku

Other Faith Groups • For Jewish, Mormon and Islamic support, contact the Chaplain’s Office at 228-7775

See something suspicious Say something.

Call (843) 228-6710 / 911 - IMMEDIATELY

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 Feb. 4.

Cates Shepherd Pate Shoup Greene Chapman Cushman Wilson Barrow Kelley Gray Mundy Krulak Jones Hagee Conway Amos Dunford

Command Information

The Jet Stream

Tri-Command Weather 7 Day Forecast

Friday, January 30, 2015

Did you know... Feb. 1, 1967, Operation Prairie II was begun in Quang Tri province by elements of the 3d Marine Division. During the 46-day searchand-destroy operation which terminated 18 March, 93 Marines and 693 of the enemy were killed.

Happenings The Provost Marshal’s Office plans to test the mass notification system on the first Wednesday of every month at 1 p.m. aboard MCAS Beaufort and Laurel Bay. It will announce the following twice; “This is a test of the Marine Corps mass notification system. This is only a test. Test 5 4 3 2 1. Test out.” These tests are standard drills, and do not require any response. For further information, please contact the physical security section at 228-6335.

Forecast according to accuweather.com

A Valentine’s Kids Day at the Movies is slated to take place Feb. 14, from 5:30 - 9 p.m. at the MCRD Parris Island theater. The cost is 8 dollars per child. For more information call 2281526.

Marine Corps Community Services plans to host a Mid-Deployment: Spa and Stress class at the MCAS Beaufort Log Cabin, Jan. 31, from noon-3 p.m. The free class teaches relaxation techniques and ways to mitigate stress.

A screening is scheduled for Marines interested in becoming Marine Security Guards at the Lasseter Theatre aboard MCAS Beaufort, Feb. 3, from 9 a.m.-11 and 2 p.m.-4.

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.

An extremely frigid winter is predicted this year. An El Nino-type winter will bring a low chance for extreme cold to our area and a slightly higher chance for above average precipitation. Be prepared for drastic changes in temperatures and precipitation. Monitor the latest forecasts and briefings from the National Weather Service in order to prepare your home and family for any extreme weather. Ensure you take extra precautions when travelling.

Jet Stream The

Brain Teaser

Col. Peter D. Buck

Public Affairs Officer

If 3 peacocks lay 5 eggs in 8 days, how many peacocks will lay 29 eggs in 76 days?

Capt. Jordan Cochran

Public Affairs Chief Sgt. Marcy Sanchez

Press Chief

Sgt. John Wilkes

Editor

Cpl. Brendan Roethel

Answer for this week’s brain teaser will be available on facebook.com/MCASBeaufort on Feb. 4.

Starting the New Year strong Lt. Brett Cartwright

U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps

As the New Year is full on, I wish to encourage you to consider some wise advice from a colleague of mine. Chaplain Girardin and his family were a great inspiration to my wife and I in the early stages of our marriage. He use to speak of the “Seven C’s of a Healthy Relationship” and I want to share them with you with my own spin attached to them. At the “C”ore of any successful family is a strong relationship with God. We teach recruits that people at the core must have a strong body, mind, and spirit. For most this derives completely from a relationship with God. God as a family’s foundation will stabilize and help a family weather any storm of life. Second is the need for healthy “C”ommunication. James, of the Bible, states that “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” Active listening is vital for any relationship to thrive and grow in understanding and mutual love and respect. Third is wise “C”onflict Resolution. Conflict is inevitable in any relationship and should be expected. However, the quality of that relationship will be determined principally by how conflict is managed. Of note: For more help in these last two areas a couple should consider attend-

ing one of the PREP marriage enrichment workshops designed specifically for training couples in how to manage conflict safely. A “C”aring Spirit requires the value of humility. Caring for one another through gentleness, respect, and mercy to one another just makes life more enjoyable. People do this better when they find that God really does care for

The challenge for most couples is to be simply a “C”ouple.” It requires patience or “long-suffering” with one another through this life. The things discussed above will require it. Often I come across folks who are married but tend to be living as married singles. Married single is when you live and act as with little accountability or mutual submission to each other. Many couples simply get tired of the battles and give up. While not divorcing they live as if the relationship is dead. Fighting this tendency in any long term relationship is vital to a couple’s survival. Working as a couple is God’s design for a life of joy and blessing. As the good book states, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10. Finally, “C”haracter acceptance is the grease that allows all of these to work. A great definition of the type of love that comes from God is mentioned often by one of my favorite authors Max Lucado, “God loves you just as you are and not as you should be.” Acceptance of each others good, bad, or ugly is the character of grace in practice. Only God can ultimately change a willing heart. Couples who can let Him do that with their partner and simply learn to accept each other’s stuff will know peace between them.

“At the “C”ore of any successful family is a strong relationship with God. We teach recruits that people at the core must have a strong body, mind, and spirit. For most this derives completely from a relationship with God.” - Lt. Brett Cartwright them. We teach recruits all the time “Marines don’t cover for one another they take care of each other.” Right up with there with the first foundational principal is “C”ommitment. Commitment is the willingness to remove “from the table” any hint or thought that one or the other has the right to quit or end the relationship. No relationship is ever beyond repair. Help is always around the corner and even if a time of separation is necessary for safety, commitment will help any relationship prevail through tough challenges.

Staff Writers

Cpl. Sarah Cherry Pfc. Samantha Torres Pfc. Jonah Lovy

Beaufort.Marines.mil

facebook.com/MCASBeaufort

twitter.com/MCASBeaufortSC

youtube.com/MCASBeaufortsc1

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, January 30, 2015

MDTC continued from page 1

representation [of the enemy] so they can train to highest of standards.” Pilots spend the first week of the course learning about practical applications of weapon systems, radar, surveillance, the detailed capabilities of F/A-18s, and simulated opposing aircraft. For the remaining three weeks, pilots fly sorties in which they practice basic fighter and engagement maneuvers with differing numbers of allies and adversaries, including simulated missions where pilots face an unknown number of adversaries. Various aircraft are used throughout the course including F-5N Tiger II and the F-16C Fighting Falcon, which are able to challenge the F/A-18 Hornets and pilots of the Air Station. During MDTC and in combat situations, pilots must be aware of their own aircraft and enemy aircraft. “The course is set up that way so we don’t have to perform the course internally by using hornets or carriers as adversary support,” said Sheridan. As a result, the cost per flight per hour is significantly lower, he said. The course is conducted twice a year, once aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and once aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif. This course prepares and equips pilots to employ their aircraft more skillfully and at a higher level in combat, while improving squadron interoperability between squadrons that rely on each other at home and abroad. And, as General Gray, our 29th Commandant said, “Like war itself, our approach to warfighting must evolve. If we cease to refine, expand, and improve our profession, we risk being outdated, stagnant, and defeated.”

More of The Story

The Jet Stream

Friday, January 30, 2015

WEREWOLVES continued from page 1

wolves have seen combat in World War II, Vietnam, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and various deployments around the world in support of the Unit Deployment Program. “You have to have a proud heritage and history,” said DeWolfe. “You need people to carry it on.” Brannon, the new commanding officer of the werewolves, previously served as Marine Aircraft Group 31’s executive officer. “You opened your arms and welcomed us immediately,” said Brannon to the Marines of VMFA-122. “I cannot wait to work alongside each and every one of you.” DeWolfe will continue to serve as MAG-31 operations officer aboard MCAS Beaufort.

The Jet Stream

Friday, January 30, 2015

DIVERSITY continued from page 1

There was a time when African-Americans were barred from serving in the Marines. The legendary Montford Point Marines broke that barrier and helped shatter the notion that the color of ones skin matters when becoming a warrior. “We celebrate the legacies of the founding fathers,” said Hollins. “I believe it is important that we know our history and we understand where we came from so we don’t repeat it in the future.” Today, the Marine Corps is extremely diverse and accepting of all races and cultures. The days of prejudice in our ranks has past. “That’s what drives America,” said Hollins. “It’s the diversity of everyone coming from other countries to live that American dream. We work together as one team to get the mission done.” The Tri-Command Diversity Committee is looking for volunteer performers in preperation for events in February. There is a meeting scheduled for Jan. 27 at 3:30 p.m. in the auditorium aboard Naval Hospital Beaufort. For more information call 228-2647.

More of The Story

In Other News

The Jet Stream

Friday, January 30, 2015

Blood drive draws in donors Marines lined up for the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort Blood Drive held at the Station Chapel aboard Fightertown, Jan. 21. The Red Cross provides blood for both military and civilian hospitals. According to the Red Cross, every pint of blood donated saves approximately three lives. For more information on how you can donate visit www.redcrossblood.org/

Photos by Pfc. Jonah Lovy

The Jet Stream

Around The Corps

Friday, January 30, 2015

Corps Bits

VMM-266 conducts unique aerial refuels to prep for deployment MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. - In preparation for their upcoming deployment, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 266 conducted aerial refuels with an Air Force KC-10 Extender aircraft above Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Jan. 15. Next month the squadron is scheduled to deploy in support of Special Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response Africa. Part of their mission requires them to be able to perform an aerial refuel because it is a critical capability that extends the reach of Marine aircraft on the battlefield. Although the squadron routinely conducts aerial refuel operations, this was the squadron’s first time working with the Air Force to conduct a refuel operation with the KC-10. “As Marines, we normally execute these refuels with our C-130 aircrafts,” said Maj. Ricky Buria, the operations officer with VMM-266. “It’s a slightly different process, but our pilots were able to figure it out with relative ease.” Buria said this kind of exercise takes precision and patience to execute and the pilots demonstrated those during the flight exercise. He said the value of the training for the pilots was getting exposure to the process. During the flights, the unit continuously rotated pilots and co-pilots in an effort to expose each of them to the training. “Having the organic capability to refuel our aircrafts in the air is amazing,” said Buria. “Our primary mission is to be able to transport troops and the gear they need. If we can’t do that, then everything else that we do doesn’t matter.”

Nearly 900 Marines and sailors deploy to Africa, Europe MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Nine-hundred Marines and sailors deployed Jan. 24 to support operations in the U.S. African and U.S. European Command areas of responsibility. Of the 900 service members from 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment who departed, more than 500 headed to Eastern Europe to support collective security in the region. Postured out of Mihail Kogălniceanu Airfield, Romania, the 500 troops comprise the next iteration of Black Sea Rotational Force which provides the U.S. European Command the ability to preposition forces in order to provide a quicker crisis and contingency response capability while improving interoperability between U.S. partners and allies. “Black Sea Rotational Force is a departure from the typical deployments for Marines and sailors in an infantry battalion,” said Lt. Col. Jeffery R. Stevenson, on-coming commanding officer of BSRF. “It allows us the opportunity to train with and learn from our partner-nations and allies in order to continue improving our interoperability with one another and maintain a presence in the region.” 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines is replacing 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment from the approximate six-month deployment. Both units are stationed out of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. “[BSRF] represents the Marine Corps’ commitment to not just being the force of choice, but the right force, right now. Their forward deployed posture, alert status, ability to task organize, and operate across a range of military operations provides combatant commanders with an expeditionary force capable of conducting operations with unprecedented speed and forces task-organized for range of operations, scale and capability,” said Lt. Col. Joel F. Schmidt, out-going commanding officer of BSRF. Black Sea Rotational Force is able to respond to a broad range of military operations in the EUCOM area of responsibility, including but not limited to: crisis and contingency response, U.S. Embassy reinforcement, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, and training with partner nations. The additional 400 Marines and sailors deploying will be postured at Moron Air Base in Spain and Naval Air Station Sigonella in Italy to support Special-Purpose Marine AirGround Task Force Crisis-Response Africa. SPMAGTF-CR-AF is postured to respond to a broad range of military operations in the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command areas of responsibility, including but not limited to: crisis and contingency response, U.S. Embassy reinforcement, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, and training with partner nations.

Lance Cpl. Mraovic Dragan, playing the part of a casualty, is dragged to safety by Lance Cpl. Milorad Jaksic during a military operations on urbanized terrain scecnario. Serbians conducted MOUT training with Marines at Novo Selo training area in Bulgaria, Jan. 17, as part of Exercise Platinum Lion.

Serbian soldiers and U.S. Forces unite in urban warfare training Sgt. Russell Midori U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa

NOVO SELO TRAINING AREA, Bulgaria – Marines and Serbian soldiers shared skills for urban warfare in Bulgaria Jan 17 as part of Exercise Platinum Lion 15. The tactics exchange was led by Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force 14, who have been operating with NATO Allies and partners in the Black Sea Region since August. The rotational force is supplemented by 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines, with Platinum Lion 15 being their last military-to-military engagement. “They didn’t need to be taught a lot, because they already knew how [Military Operations in Urban Terrain] goes, how to clear buildings and how to patrol,” said Lance Cpl. Bradley Price, a mortarman with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines. Price said their pre-existing knowledge made communication easy as they ran through scenarios in the MOUT town, which is a life-size simulation of an urban area, inclusive of buildings and roads. The training included procedures for two-man and four-man room-clearing, single- and multiple-room clearing, multiple-story room clearing, patrol-

ling through an urban environment and caring for a casualty in an urban environment, using BSRF Marines to play opposition forces to create scenarios designed to challenge the soldiers. “The situations we had [were] quite realistic,” said Serbian Lance Cpl. Ognjen Samolovac, a sniper with the Serbian army. “There are not [many] chances to have training like this, and we are glad we could show we are able to work together,” said Samolovac from Zrenjanin, Serbia. Marines and Serbians patrolled in formations, stacked in two- and four-man teams in front of entry points, and gave assertive commands to potential enemies in several languages. These procedures have become standard for the Marine Corps and they are becoming increasingly standard for the Serbians, Bulgarians and Romanians training every day at Exercise Platinum Lion 15. “The main thing is, if we ever have to fight side-by-side, we now have just a better understanding of how we each operate so that we can work together more smoothly,” said Lance Cpl. Cole Domke, a mortarman with Weapons Co., 2nd Bn, 2nd Marines. Domke said understanding urban op-

erations are one of the key components of effective service as a modern rifleman. Besides the obvious applications of urban-combat skills in Iraq and Afghanistan, urban warfare training grew considerably after World War II, and has received special attention since the 1990s when it became a top priority for thenCommandant Gen. Charles Krulak. During that time, Marine leadership thoughtfully studied MOUT, and a shift in training more inclusive of urban warfare began as Marine Corps Warfighting Publication 3-35.3, was released and implemented. The publication correctly predicted the Marine Corps would “continue to play a prominent role in …peace, counterinsurgency, and contingency operations centered on urbanized areas.” A Pentagon study predicts that 85 percent of the world’s inhabitants will be crowded into coastal cities within the next five years. Threats grow proportionally with cities, so worldwide urbanization carries challenges that extend far beyond the Marine Corps. This type of training is crucial for building the military capacity of partner nations as they face dynamic threats in urban areas.

Corps Shot Sgt. Jamean Berry

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII - U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Colin G. Looney, supply officer assigned to Headquarters Company, 4th Marine Regiment, fires down range during the Table 3 course of fire at Range 105-A aboard Camp Wilson, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Jan. 23.

The Jet Stream

Around The Corps

Fightertown deployed: MALS-31 Stingers

VMFA(AW)-533 Hawks

a detachment is currently deployed to the Western Pacific supporting VMFA(AW)-533.

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

Friday, January 30, 2015

Corps Bits Marines, soldiers train for railway operations

Swift, silent, deadly: Force Recon breaks down doors

Cpl. Joshua Brown

II Marine Expeditionary Force

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Marines and sailors with Force Company, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, conducted limited-skills raid exercises at a range aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 16 in preparation for future deployments they might receive. The limited-skills raids tested the Marines by combining several areas of reconnaissance training including breaching, room clearing and enemy detainment. According to Staff Sgt. Corey A. Gonzalez, a team leader with Force Company, limited-skills raids are vital to reconnaissance units because they effectively allow Marines to enter a hostile area and overcome enemy combatants. Gonzalez said each raid is different and Recon Marines have to learn various techniques for breaching and clearing buildings.

During the exercise, Marines practiced breaching techniques by using explosive charges and mechanized tools to gain entrance into fortified buildings. Explosive charges are the primary method used by reconnaissance units to gain entrance into buildings; however, Marines carry secondary tools such as sledgehammers and Halligan bars in the event that an explosive charge fails to detonate. For many of the Marines, this was their first time using these charges and techniques to gain entry and clear a building. Sgt. Daniel Burnap, an assistant team leader with Force Company, said for a majority of the Marines this was a new experience. He said the training was great because the facility allowed them to practice breaching scenarios while firing simulated rounds, which is realistic to reconnaissance missions. The skill levels within the group

varied greatly, so the team leaders and assistant team leaders with more experience provided instruction to the inexperienced Marines within their teams. Gonzalez, who has deployed twice to Iraq, said his experiences on deployments have shown him the importance of training and constantly practicing the techniques. “We train to high standards so we can attain mission success under any circumstance, “said Gonzalez. Teamwork was stressed throughout the duration of the

exercise and team members rotated tasks in an effort to learn the responsibilities associated with each position within the team. Gonzalez said the value of the training for the unit was ensuring each Marine understood the basics of limited-skills raids. “We established a foundation for the junior Marines and executed without hesitation,” said Gonzalez. “In a real scenario, we would gauge our success by mission success. But here, it was all about establishing ourselves as a detachment. We did that very well.”

Marines unload during Mk 19 qualifications

Cobra Gold 15 Combined Forces Provide Ballast for Thai Children, Future Cpl. James Marchetti Marine Corps Air Station Yuma

LOP BURI PROVINCE, Thailand - A combined force of U.S. Army, Thai and Chinese military engineers have been at work since Jan. 19 in constructing a new multipurpose school facility for Thai children. The operation is in part of Exercise Cobra Gold 2015 and, on Saturday, the engineers’ efforts were celebrated in the building’s initial column raising ceremony. Sirens of slicing steel and rumbling heavy equipment vehicles have been commonplace during production at Ban Nhong-Plong elementary school, located in Chai Badan district, Thailand; nonetheless, the community’s mayor, Pisan Boonchutanogam, believes that he speaks for everybody when he said the operation is welcomed with open arms. “We are very grateful that this project is happening for our village,” said Boonchutanogam. “Last night we had a meeting and decided we must help (the service members) and clean the construction area for our opening ceremony Feb. 19.” Intriguing aspects of the ceremony included the tossing of coins into the structures foundation, binding of a banana plant onto the column and the laying of footers by representatives from each nation’s service. Army 1st Lt. Mark Lero, the construction site’s officer in charge, remarked that - even though this is his second iteration of CG – such traditions were a

new, but enlightening, experience. “The Thais said that (the traditions) are good luck, so we rolled with it,” said Lero. “It’s commemorative to the hard work each nation has put into this work.” Despite an intensive workload on all fronts, the combined force has melded together and arduously trudged along to keep on schedule. And though the placing of these columns was but a small step in this project’s concept of operations, Lero

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force participated in railway operation training with under the supervision of soldiers from Movement Control Company 171 here to maintain and improve unit readiness, Jan. 20 to 23. The Marines had previous experience loading vehicles and equipment onto trucks and aircraft, but not railway cars. To that end, soldiers from MCC 171 traveled from California to bring their expertise to the training. “This is the first time a lot of the Marines in the class are doing this even though it’s part of their job,” said Army Sgt. 1st Class Grachya Kazanchyan, the rail noncommissioned officer in charge for MCC 171. “There isn’t the infrastructure for a lot of Marines to do the hands-on training portion of rail operations. MCC 171 doesn’t usually go to other installations to train, but we were asked to come here and we’re glad to be.” The training involved learning to organize, load and secure vehicles and equipment on the correct rail cars in a space-efficient manner. Each car can only hold cargo up to a certain weight and that weight must be evenly distributed to transport safely, a delicate task when loading a 63-ton tank onto a rail car. “The Marine Corps … needs to understand this element of transportation in order to provide a fluent and functional capability,” said Sgt. John Coe, the surface, schools and systems chief for II MEF Strategic Mobility, and Vincent, Ohio. “This training establishes the fundamentals and enables Marines to prove their understanding of what is required while operating at a rail operations group. All of the Marines wanted to learn as much as they could about this aspect of their job.” The operation provided a unique opportunity to learn the process so they could conduct railway operations independent from the Army. “The Army and Marines might have different missions, but we have a common purpose,” said Kazanchyan, a native of Los Angeles. “The goal is that the Marine Corps doesn’t have to rely on the army to load its equipment and vice versa. Interchanging this type of information is just going to make everybody more proficient.” Railway operations not only give soldiers and Marines an alternative method of transporting equipment, but are also more costeffective than other options. With the downsizing and budget adjustments of the Marine Corps, rail operations could definitely help save money, said Coe.

believes his consolidated crew has the ball rolling and is prepared to tackle whatever challenges lie ahead. “It’s been hard work, no joke; ‘Special Forces engineers’, is what I call them,” chuckled Lero. “What’s going to get us through this next month is teamwork.” The facility, once completed, will serve as a school cafeteria for children ages 4-12, and also as a village meeting center. Its dedication ceremony is slated for Feb. 19, and the building will open thereafter.

A Chinese soldier slices a steel rod at Ban Nhong-Plong elementary school, located in Chai Badan district, Lop Buri Province, Thailand, on Jan. 24. As part of Exercise Cobra Gold 2015, a combined force of U.S., Thai and Chinese engineers have been constructing a multipurpose building since Jan. 19, which is slated to officially open after its dedication ceremony on Feb. 19.

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - “Full load!” shouts a machine-gunner, signifying that he is ready to unload grenades onto a target. A rhythmic burst explodes from the gun, followed by a cloud of red dust engulfing an abandoned tank. His aim was spot on. Approximately 20 Marines with Scout Platoon, 2nd Tank Battalion qualified using a Mk 19, a 40 mm, belt-fed automatic grenade launcher, in the turret of a Humvee Jan. 21 and 22, at training area G-7 on base. Marines practiced firing during both the day and the night; firing a pre-qualification and then qualifying round with the machine guns. The pre-qualification allows a Marine to demonstrate his raw skills using the Mk 19 by hitting single and multiple targets with a set amount of rounds in an allotted time. After this demonstration, section leaders have the opportunity to coach their Marines so they can do their best during the qualification round. “Training like this is important, because it shows me where my guys’ skills are with the gun and allows me to refine them if necessary,” said Cpl. Nicholas Lemieux, a section leader with the platoon and Minneapolis native. “I think it’s important to maintain mission readiness, because I wouldn’t want to go into a fight with a guy up in the gun who doesn’t know what he’s doing.” Seeing the red dust hit the appropriate target allowed many young Marines the opportunity to feel confident in their abilities to operate a Mk 19. For some, it was their first time shooting the automatic grenade launcher. The unit requires Marines to qualify on the Mk 19 at least once a year, as it is pertinent to keeping the platoon safe. Although the scout platoon performs a lot of reconnaissance work on foot, the machine guns provide security while the platoon completes its mission, Lemieux said. The platoon will continue to practice reconnaissance and machine gun firing during a “Deployed for Training” exercise at Fort Picket, Virginia, at the end of February.

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In Other News

Friday, January 30, 2015

The F/A-18 training facility aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort is home to four flight simulators. Pilots who train in the simulators are “fleet pilots”; pilots that have completed their initial training and are now in an operational squadron.

Simulator training essential to pilot readiness Pfc. Jonah V. Lovy Staff Writer

Machinery clicked and buzzed in the dimly lit room. The screens surrounding the cockpit flickered on and a familiar setting appeared. Merritt Field was recreated in a virtual world as the plane maneuvered toward the runway. The F/A-18 training facility aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort is home to four flight simulators. Pilots who train in the simulators are “fleet

pilots”; pilots who have completed their initial training and are now in an operational squadron. The simulator itself is a fully functional Hornet cockpit surrounded by six projector screens called the SimuSphere. Outside the SimuSphere are huge projectors that project an image onto the screens, creating a 360 degree environment. All simulators can be used simultaneously so pilots can train with each other in the same virtual environment.

Pilots use the simulators for sustainment and mission training, said Capt. Eric Davis, a pilot with VMFA312. One of the key uses for the simulator is the aircraft carrier take off and landing procedure program. The advantage of practicing in a simulator is that pilots don’t have to physically be on a carrier to get valuable experience. “It’s also great for emergency procedures,” said Davis. “You don’t actually have to have an emergency

in the plane to go through what could be pretty serious and difficult scenarios if you were actually in the plane.” If something goes wrong, the program can be reset, said Rob Gwinn the contracting officer’s representative aboard MCAS Beaufort. “One of the other advantages of these simulators is the cost factor,” said Gwinn. “It costs over ten thousand dollars an hour to fly one of these real jets out here. We do it for about 250 dollars an hour.”

Flight simulators give pilots an edge in combat. Without them, all training would have to occur in the air. “You can make sure to see the environment beforehand and familiarize yourself with the techniques and procedures [of the mission],” said Davis. The detailed and immersive world of the simulator is cost effective and provides a realistic training environment, making pilots more effective in the sky.

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Graduates

Friday, January 30, 2015

Bravo Company Graduates Honor Graduates Platoon 1008

Platoon 1012

Pfc. E.A. Deleon, Raleigh, NC Senior Drill Instructor: Sgt. R.G. Molina

Pfc. A.K. Sekulov, West Blumfield, MI Senior Drill Instructor: Sgt. A.L. Jones

Pfc. T.K. Taylor, Cleveland, OH Senior Drill Instructor: Sgt. M.J. Rodriguez

Pfc. K.N. Parris, Staten Island, NY Senior Drill Instructor: Staff Sgt. G.J. Moran

Pfc. T.L. Whitley, Lasker, NC Senior Drill Instructor: Staff Sgt. B.R. Dear

Pfc. C.N. Willette, Louisville, KY Senior Drill Instructor: Staff Sgt. C. Barroso

Platoon 1009 Platoon 1010

Platoon 1013

Platoon 1014

Platoon 1008

Pvt. N. C. Armstrong , Pvt. J. T. Ashford , Pvt. J. Q. Burgess , Pvt. A. G. Burns , Pfc. F. J. Camilo , Pfc. T. A. Carlson , Pvt. D. M. Church , Pvt. L. C. Clayton , Pvt. T. A. Cowan , Pvt. J. B. Cumming , Pfc. A. B. Davis , Pfc. E. Y. Dawit , Pfc. J. D. Dean , Pfc. E. A. Deleon* , Pvt. M. D. Demby , Pvt. A. Diaz , Pfc. T. M. Emerson , Pvt. T.D. Evans , Pfc. T. J. Foster , Pfc. M. J. Gales , Pfc. M. A. Gerchman , Pfc. T. A. Hadden , Pfc. M. J. Hara , Pfc. A. M. Haresign , Pfc. D. M. Harkins Jr. , Pfc. A. C. Harper , Pfc. B. L. Harrison , Pfc. T. J. Hash , Pvt. A. M. Huggins , Pvt. E. J. Justice , Pfc. A. W. Kuehl , Pvt. O. C. Lago , Pfc. J. I. Lehmann* , Pvt. P. A. Lenz , Pvt. K. G. Lewis , Pvt. D. A. Lovell , Pvt. D. S. Mahlke , Pfc. R. M. McCloskey* , Pfc. J. P. McClure , Pfc. R. T. McNeal , Pvt. E. C. Molinar Jr. , Pfc. K. M. Morazan , Pfc. A. P. Nazworth , Pvt. B. N. Nguyen , Pvt. R. T. Nguyen , Pfc. T. Nguyen , Pfc. A. L. Nussbaum , Pfc. J. Park , Pvt. A. B. Parker , Pfc. A. D. Penales , Pfc. S. D. Pierce , Pfc. J. T. Rathbun , Pvt. J. N. Sokolski , Pfc. A. R. Soriano , Pfc. J. W. Sowell , Pvt. C. A. Stewart , Pfc. R. J. Szulkowski , Pvt. B. C. Tamayo , Pvt. J. M. Verner , Pvt. J. M. Washington , Pvt. D. J. Willis

Platoon 1009 Pfc. K. D. Adames , Pvt. Q. J. Barnes , Pvt. L. A. Belkadi , Pfc. N. Bratko , Pvt. F. Cardoso , Pfc. Y. Chi , Pfc. B. R. Colon , Pvt. L. M. Colon , Pvt. I. T. Cook , Pvt. M. J. Corker , Pvt. J. L. Daly , Pfc. C. Daniel , Pvt. B. J. Dayao , Pfc. D. K. Dewitt II , Pfc. S. C. Duong , Pvt. J. R. Elder , Pfc. S. C. Fasolak , Pfc. R. Garcia , Pvt. K. B. Geis , Pvt. A. J. Gomez , Pvt. M. A. Grant , Pfc. Q. D. Graves , Pvt. J. T. Hamm , Pvt. C. M. Hawkins , Pvt. M. D. Hicklin , Pfc. A. E. Johnson , Pvt. B. C. Juratovac , Pfc. C. C. Lawler , Pvt. B. M. Leets , Pvt. E. M. Lomas , Pfc. J. R. Lopez , Pvt. S. E. Martin , Pfc. E. D. Martinez* , Pvt. O. Martinez , Pvt. K. J. McCormack , Pvt. A. A. Momplaisir , Pvt. T. M. Mook , Pfc. S. E. Nagle , Pfc. T. H. Nagy , Pfc. N. C. Neal , Pfc. C. M. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor , Pfc. G. Pereapineda , Pvt. M. E. Pressley , Pfc. B. R. Quetsch* , Pfc. P. M. Rodriguez , Pvt. J. C. Roe , Pfc. C. H. Rogers , Pfc. M. H. Silva , Pvt. N. S. Silverbeck , Pvt. T. J. Smithsousis , Pvt. D. H. Stone , Pfc. T. K. Taylor* , Pvt. S. M. Tompkins , Pfc. M. S. Travis Jr. , Pvt. S. M. Williams , Pvt. J. T. Wittreich , Pfc. H. S. Wolpert* , Pfc. D. A. Yoder , Pvt. M. E. Ysasi

Platoon 1010 Pvt. M. R. Aeillo , Pfc. M. I. Aguasvivas* , Pfc. T. W. Baldwin , Pfc. N. M. Bateman* , Pvt. K. R. Bender , Pfc. G. G. Boonnak , Pfc. R. M. Brahmbhatt , Pfc. T. D. Brown Jr. , Pvt. J. T. Callan , Pvt. D. R. Casey , Pvt. L. Cervantes , Pvt. C. A. Cummines , Pvt. L. R. Davidson , Pvt. E. Z. Davis , Pvt. D. D. Dillard , Pvt. J. A. Doelle III , Pfc. C. J. Erazo , Pvt. J. N. Evans , Pvt. T. O. Everett , Pvt. R. K. Fegely , Pvt. J. Fernandez , Pfc. T. M. Flint , Pfc. K. D. Gadson , Pvt. A. J. Gaudiosi , Pfc. E. A. George , Pvt. M. T. Grimard , Pfc. D. K. Higgs* , Pfc. D. M. Hilbrands , Pfc. J. K. Hodnett , Pfc. J. G. Kondratenko , Pfc. J. Langdon , Pfc. M. D. Lewis , Pfc. D. Lora , Pvt. C. R. Makuch , Pvt. A. S. Menafritis , Pfc. J. A. Merizalde , Pvt. L. A. Miller , Pvt. M. H Mitchem , Pfc. B. L. Oleski , Pvt. T. G. Osborne , Pfc. J. D. Potts , Pfc. C. E. Powell , Pvt. R. K. Ramirez , Pvt. A. M. Sava , Pfc. A. M. Shabazz II , Pfc. M. R. Shirey III* , Pvt. S. C. Spanglerii II , Pfc. R. S. Stelling , Pvt. J. L. Strength , Pvt. D. E. Sujballi , Pfc. J. M. Turcotte , Pvt. F. J. Ubedarivaldi , Pvt. D. J. Upham , Pvt. T. L. Warner , Pvt. J. B. Wheaton , Pvt. J. B. Whicker , Pfc. T. L. Whitley , Pvt. J. T. Williams , Pfc. M. A. Williams , Pvt. L. S. Woodall , Pvt. B. K. Young

Platoon 1012 Pvt. M. W. Aguirre Jr. , Pvt. A. C. Algier , Pfc. L. A. Alicea Garcia , Pvt. O. A. Anderson , Pvt. J. T. Andrews , Pvt. A. M. Barnett , Pvt. T. A. Barnett , Pvt. G. F. Benny III , Pvt. R. L. Bloodsaw Jr. , Pvt. A. J. Brees , Pvt. C. B. Cannon , Pvt. A. J. Carson , Pvt. P. J. Claudio Gomez , Pvt. N. L. Colon-Ramos , Pfc. C. J. Cooke , Pvt. W. E. Coslow III , Pfc. G. D. Daway* , Pfc. C. R. Dazle , Pvt. H. B. Dewitt , Pvt. S. A. Galdamez , Pvt. L. Z. Garcia , Pvt. M. G. Glover , Pvt. J. A. Gunn , Pvt. N. A. Hamilton , Pvt. A. D. Holden , Pvt. M. C. Kaba , Pvt. D. N. Kabe , Pvt. T. A. Keating , Pvt. L. M. Lamb , Pvt. S. A. Lander , Pfc. K. A. Lingham , Pvt. M. W. McGowan , Pvt. C. L. Miranda , Pfc. D. A. Modrowsky , Pvt. E. C. Newton , Pfc. J. R. Nikolaisen , Pvt. L. C. Ortiz Jr. , Pfc. G. L. Osborne , Pfc. R. J. Pachecocaldero , Pfc. A. R. Patton* , Pvt. N. J. Posada , Pfc. E. C. Proper , Pvt. C. C. Quatro , Pfc. D. E. Reed , Pfc. C. T. Reeder , Pvt. J. J. Reeves III , Pvt. V. A. Reyes Campos , Pvt. S. E. Riveraventura , Pvt. D. M. Rogers , Pfc. N. L. Rosado Hernandez , Pfc. K. Santo Domingo , Pvt. T. E. Saraguro , Pfc. A. K. Sekulov , Pfc. M. P. Sheehan , Pfc. J. C. Shelton , Pvt. D. K. Smith , Pvt. H. L. Smith , Pvt. D. T. Warren , Pfc. D. A. Williams , Pfc. A. L. Wilson Jr.* , Pvt. D. D. Wilson , Pvt. D. E. Zobrest

Platoon 1013 Pvt. C. M. Avery , Pvt. D. Barros , Pvt. L. D. Bass , Pfc. N. G. Bernal Vigil , Pvt. D. F. Bires , Pfc. M. J. Boivin , Pvt. H. Q. Boles , Pvt. N. F. Carney , Pfc. D. S. Cooper Jr. , Pvt. B. H. Cowhey , Pvt. R. A. Culver , Pfc. C. R. Despres , Pvt. C. A. Devine , Pvt. R. T. Eikhoff , Pvt. D. M. Ennals , Pvt. B. M. Foote , Pvt. R. L. Fuller , Pvt. G. Gauthier , Pvt. N. B. Gruber , Pfc. D. D. Harris , Pvt. R. L. Higgins , Pfc. R. C. Holloway III , Pfc. D. P. Kuykendall , Pvt. G. J. Lafferty , Pvt. N. F. Lamothe , Pvt. D. G. Langley , Pfc. E. K. Leday* , Pfc. T. M. Little , Pfc. A. M. Long , Pvt. J. A. Majano , Pfc. B. S. Metcalf , Pfc. N. J. Molteg* , Pvt. E. K. Obrien , Pfc. C. M. Oreilly , Pfc. Y. L. Padezhki , Pfc. K. N. Parris* , Pvt. B. Payne II , Pfc. D. P. Peters , Pfc. C. T. Peterson , Pfc. E. S. Portillo Larios , Pvt. W. D. Reyes-Ortega , Pvt. D. D. Sabillon Torres , Pvt. J. Saniel , Pfc. W. R. Savoy III , Pvt. D. B. Scheinost , Pfc. B. C. Smith , Pvt. L. S. Smith , Pfc. M. H. Such* , Pvt. A. L. Tixi , Pvt. K. A. Tolbert , Pvt. J. C. Valles , Pvt. R. J. Vaughn , Pfc. S. A. Wansor , Pfc. F. R. West , Pvt. M. Wilson , Pfc. D. M. Young , Pfc. T. J. Zimmerman

Platoon 1014 Pvt. P. C. Angles , Pfc. A. D. Apotheker , Pfc. J. T. Barron , Pvt. J. K. Benitez , Pvt. K. N. Brimmer , Pvt. L. M. Britton , Pfc. J. Burge III* , Pfc. N. J. Burns , Pvt. L. M. Colopy , Pvt. J. R. Correia , Pfc. Q. M. Davis , Pvt. C. A. Dodge , Pvt. C. S. Foltz , Pfc. J. R. Garcia , Pvt. K. R. Gauthier , Pvt. A. R. Gayhart , Pvt. C. T. Gibbons , Pfc. J. M. Giel , Pfc. I. M. Guerra , Pvt. J. R. Harker , Pvt. R. J. Harris , Pfc. J. R. Hicks , Pfc. T. E. Hines* , Pvt. M. C. Hollars , Pvt. C. R. Horsley , Pfc. W. I. Jackson , Pfc. C. L. Keener , Pfc. C. N. Kessinger , Pvt. N. T. Kors , Pfc. B. K. Lail , Pvt. R. D. Lynn , Pvt. A. H. Maddox , Pvt. J. M. McKerrow , Pvt. A. W. Padgett , Pfc. C. D. Passmore , Pvt. W. C. Pate III , Pfc. D. J. Patterson , Pfc. S. J. Polley , Pfc. D. L. Rios , Pfc. M. R. Rodriguez , Pvt. D. A. Rosales , Pfc. J. P. Royalty , Pvt. D. A. Ryan , Pvt. A. F. Sanchez , Pvt. A. R. Serrano , Pvt. T. L. Spindler , Pvt. L. J. Storms , Pvt. J. M. Taddio , Pfc. R. W. Thistle , Pfc. J. L. Ulrich , Pfc. K. V. Urena , Pfc. T. R. Walker , Pfc. E. M. Wallingford , Pfc. J. S. Ware* , Pfc. R. G. Webber Jr.* , Pfc. C. N. Willette , Pfc. D. J. Wirthlin , Pfc. R. L. Woodruff IV , Pvt. S. I. Woods

*Denotes meritorious promotion

The Jet Stream

Friday, January 30, 2015

Classifieds