wtf

n News Briefs

n Graduates

n Around the CorpsBack to school: What you need to know

Page 4

Stream

TheJet Friday, August 1, 2014

Vol. 49, No. 30Marine Corps Air Station

Beaufort, S.C.

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

n Weather

n Entertainment 233

1013

VMFA(AW)-224 returns to FightertownPage 13

Cast your vote!Page 5

Sgt. Marcy SanchezPublic Affairs Chief

Former NFL icon and mental health advocate, Herschel Walker, is scheduled to speak aboard Ma-rine Corps Air Station Beaufort at the base theater Aug. 5, from 10 a.m. until noon.

Walker, who was diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder, will be speaking to service members,

dependents and retirees during his visit in an effort to promote the Patriot Support Program’s Anti-Stigma Campaign which aims to educate and inform the audience about Depression and other be-havioral health issues.

“Having a healthy mental state is part of our physical well-being,” said Shari Mattos-Alcorn, head of Tri-Command’s behavioral health branch. “Why go at it alone? We’re

a huge family and there’s help or everything.”

The 52-year-old Heisman Trophy recipient has been an advocate for mental well-being since the re-lease of his memoir in 2008, which chronicled Walker’s struggle to come to terms with D.I.D. and seek help.

According to Andrew Laning, the divisional director of military programs for the Patriot Support

Programs, Walker is known for his interaction with his audience and support of service members. Dur-ing his presentation, Walker takes his audience through his journey in life from being bullied during his childhood to using sports as an outlet for his anxiety.

“You have to be resilient and take care of yourself,” said Laning. “Overcoming adversity is one of Herschel’s messages during his

presentation.” As a child, Walker grew up with

a speech impediment and weight problem. According to several in-terviews, he realized that if things were going to change they need-ed to start with him. He trained his speech, body and mind, graduat-ing valedictorian of his high school

Cpl. Sarah CherryStaff Writer

New bystander intervention training for sexual assault prevention called Step Up was implemented across the Marine Corps, July 28.

The class will be taught by a trained uniformed victim advocate, and will satisfy an-nual sexual assault preven-tion and response training for ranks private through lance corporal.

“This empowers junior Ma-rines to step up and say some-thing,” said Sharria Johnson, installation sexual assault response coordinator aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. “Until you step up and say no to sexual assault, it is everyone’s problem.”

Step Up is interactive vid-eo-based training. The goal of Step Up is to facilitate a firm understanding in Ma-rines that stepping in to prevent sexual assault is the responsibility of each and every individual.

“This training gives you a view of how one person’s actions can change one mo-ment and positively or nega-tively impact someone’s life,” said Johnson.

Each class will have no more than 30 Marines to promote group discussion and reduce stigma.

Marines who have complet-ed annual SAPR training or SAPR pre-deployment train-ing in fiscal year 2014 are not required to take Step Up this year.

“If you have enough cour-age to make just a little differ-ence, you can change some-one’s life,” said Johnson.

Step up: YOU are responsible for stopping sexual assault

Lance Cpl. Alissa SchuningMarine Corps Air Station Iwakuni

HONOLULU - In the world of Marine Corps aviation, pilots tend to be superstars of the show, flying jets and dropping bombs, but behind the scenes are the Marines on the ground who make it all possible.

Maintenance Marines with Ma-rine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 work day and night, repairing and preparing F/A-18C Hornets for their scheduled flights dur-ing Rim of the Pacific Exercise 2014 aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

Rim of the Pacific is a multina-tional maritime exercise that pro-vides a unique training oppor-tunity which helps participants foster and sustain cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of the sea lanes and security of the world’s oceans.

According to Marine 1st Lt. Jef-frey Kennedy, the assistant avia-tion maintenance officer with VMFA-122, three-fourths of the Marines with VMFA-122 in Hawaii are involved in aviation main-tenance. Those Marines inhabit

VMFA-122 maintenance Marines make it happen during RIMPAC

see Vmfa-122, page 9

see Walker, page 8

Herschel Walker to visit Air Station

The Jet Stream Friday, August 1, 2014 Games and Entertainment2

SaturdayLunch

Smoked ham and cabbage soup

Dinner Apple glazed corned

beef and rice

mess Hall menu

SundayLunch

Baked fish with butter crumb topping

DinnerPork chops with

smothered onions

Monday - Friday Breakfast

LunchPepper steak and

rosemary potatoes

DinnerSpanish chorizo and

potato soupTuesday

LunchBeef with vegetables

and barley soup

DinnerBean with bacon

soup and peasWednesday

LunchChipotle roasted sweet potatoes

DinnerCreole shrimp and

cornThursday

LunchChicken with rice

soup and breadsticks

DinnerSalisbury steak and

southern style greens

MondayHot farina, hot hominy grits and oven-fried bacon

FridayLunch

Chicken and cheese enchiladas

DinnerLouisiana seafood gumbo and rice

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

Midrats

Sunday - Thursday11:30 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Monday - FridayBreakfast: 6 - 7:30 a.m.Lunch: 11 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Dinner: 4 - 6 p.m.

Answer key will be available on facebook.com/MCASBeaufort on Aug. 6.

Fraud, Waste and AbuseIf 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.

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.

Hotlines

Mission Assurance

Sexual Assault

MCAS Beaufort Station InspectorSexual Assault Response CoordinatorForce Protection infor-mation and concernsPMO DispatchSevere Weather and Force Protection

228-7789

228-6904

228-6924

228-6710

1-800-343-0639

Roman Catholic • 9:30 a.m. - Sunday Mass • Confession takes place before Mass• Confession Monday - Thursday at noon

Protestant • 9:45 a.m. - Protestant Church School (Sunday School) • 11 a.m. - Protestant Sunday Worship Service (Children’s church is also available at this time) • 5 p.m. - Wednesday Protestant Bible Study• 5 p.m. - Saturday Worship Service at Laurel Bay Youth Center

Buddhist• 11 a.m. - Saturday Worship Service in the Chapel Fellowship Hall

Labyrinth Walk• 8 a.m - 4 p.m. - Monday in the Chapel Fellow-ship Hall

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

A prayer breakfast is scheduled to take place the first friday of every month at the Air Station Mess Hall. For more information call 228-7775.

CHapel serViCes

Summer Word Search

Sudoku

Answer key will be available on facebook.com/MCASBeaufort on Aug. 6.

Takeout Window Hours:

Lunch - Mon. - Fri. 12:45 p.m. - 4 p.m.Dinner - Mon. - Fri. 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Breakfast - Mon. - Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Saturday 2 p.m.G (1:42)

Saturday 4:30 p.m.PG-13 (1:29)

Saturday 7 p.m.PG-13 (1:38)

MCAS Beaufort Movie Schedule

Sunday 2 p.m.PG (1:50)

Sunday 4:30 p.m.PG-13 (1:59)

MCRD Parris Island Movie Schedule

Word BankAmerica

FlagFreedomColors

Indepen-denceJusticeLibertyPatriotic

RevolutionStars

StripesStates

WashingtonHonor

Forefathers

Sunday 7 p.m.R (1:26)

The Jet Stream Friday, August 1, 2014Command Information 3

Name four days of the week that start with the letter “t”?

Brain Teaser

Answer for this week’s brain teaser will be available on facebook.com/MCASBeaufort on Aug. 6.

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 con-tents 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, physi-cal 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.

Commanding Officer MCAS BeaufortCol. Peter D. Buck

Public Affairs OfficerCapt. Jordan Cochran

Public Affairs ChiefSgt. Marcy Sanchez

Press ChiefCpl. John Wilkes

EditorCpl. Brendan Roethel

Staff WriterCpl. Sarah Cherry

StreamTheJet

Contact us:228-7225

mcasbeaufort@gmail.comBFRT_JPAO@usmc.mil

facebook.com/MCASBeaufort

youtube.com/mcasbeaufortsc1

Beaufort.Marines.mil

Tri-Command Weather

Effective June 1, MCAS Beaufort will be in Tropi-cal Cyclone Condition V

for Hurricane season until Nov. 30. There are currently no threats. This year will be an extremely active season. NOAA is predicting 8-13

named storms, 3-6 hurricanes and 1-2 major hurricanes.

Happenings

7 Day Forecast

Forecast according to weather.com

Did you know...Aug. 3, 1950, eight Corsairs of VMF-214, the famed “Black

Sheep” squadron of World War II, launched from the USS Sicily and executed the first Marine aviation

mission in the Korean War in a raid against enemy installations near In-chon. After the F4Us delivered their

incendiary bombs and rockets on their targets, the Marines concluded

their greeting to the Communist troops with a series of strafing runs.

Leading MarinesMCAS Beaufort Chapel

The other day a Marine was in my office checking out. He had success-fully completed his enlistment. He had been promoted a few times. He was getting ready to go home and get on with his life. As part of check out I ask what the best part about being a Marine was and what the worst part was. His answer to both questions was the same: leading Marines. This young Marine had a wonderful time leading Marines. It was fun to share what he had learned, to pass on the traditions and the skills to younger Marines. Be-ing a leader builds a person up!

But being a leader was also the worst part about being a Marine. Dealing with people who don’t know things, don’t want to learn things was the most frustrating part of his job. Every person who leads other people can understand and nod the head at this one Marine. There is a joy in leader-ship, a joy in accomplishing the task, training new Marines and being a leader. But it can also be frustrating. Every leader knows what it is like when that leader gives a speech, heads nod, and everyone says, “I got it.” But then the outcome makes it certain that they didn’t get it.

Interestingly enough the Apostle Paul addresses this issue in one of his letters. He writes in his first letter to the Thessalonians in Chapter 5:

But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently la-bor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruc-tion, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work.

Admittedly Paul is talking to church members here, and no Marine wants to talk about love, it is just too mushy, but I think that anyone who is in

charge of leading people can appre-ciate this short list of duties that Paul gives to Christians. And since the same Apostle in another place (Ro-mans 13:4) calls members of the mili-tary “ministers of God” let’s just work our way through this list one by one. Everything Paul says about the one is equally applicable to the other.

First we should appreciate that our leaders are people who diligently la-bor. Another way to say that is all of us should take a moment now and then to realize that our leaders are working hard to accomplish some good things. When was the last time that you took time to realize that the boss really does work hard to do the right thing? Be-fore we criticize and ignore our lead-ers, and say, “What do they do?” Let’s realize they are working hard.

Probably the Marines and Church members who would disrespect some-one are not reading this article, but just in case they are, do not disrespect your leaders, whether your leader is a corporal or a colonel, the Chaplain or the President! Appreciate that lead-ership is hard work. It involves being responsible for people who cannot be responsible for themselves. Leadership involves training up new people to do the job we do now. It involves thinking!

Meanwhile, everyone in leadership really should work hard to be good leaders. For a pastor or a Chaplain the real work of ministry is hard, for a corporal or a sergeant the real work of leadership is hard. For any senior leader it is almost indescribably hard. Most of the work that our bosses do we do not see, but it has to happen for us to do our jobs. And yes, a word to leaders here: work hard! Don’t be the person sitting in the office with your feet up snoozing when you ought to be planning the next work project. Each

of us who are leaders knows someone who doesn’t really lead, but I bet most of our leaders are working harder than we know. The word that Paul uses in Greek means to “toil, strive, struggle and to grow weary in doing so.” True leadership is exhausting. Ask our Ma-rine who was getting out of the Corps! Look at any President after four or eight years in office. They look like they have aged a decade or two.

Second, our leaders people who have charge over us. They are respon-sible for us. In this highly individual-ized climate we may not like that, but it is true. Their chief characteristic is that they should be unpretentious, or humble, words that Marines don’t of-ten use, but we know when we meet an arrogant person who is just itching to throw someone under the bus or stab them in the back that they are not leaders. A real leader carries authority. When things are hard, a leader goes first. They have to manage things, just like a parent running a household. We may not like that, but somebody has to be in charge.

Third, they give us instruction, or even a stronger word, they admonish us. I have seen enough Gunny’s giving admonishment to junior Marines to know that you don’t need many words on this topic. Leaders sometimes have to do some verbal counseling, or even written counseling. That is ok, it is part of the job. We need to hear that counsel, and leaders need to give it. We need to hold our leaders in high re-gard, even when they tear us up! They are only doing it to keep us safe and help us grow.

Let me thank every leader on this base. Whether you are a leader on the flight line, or in an office, the chapel or at home, keep it up. Do not become weary in well doing.

Herschel Walker will be speak-ing 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.

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 228-6335.

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.

Marine Corps Community Services is holding a Health and Wellness Fair at the Fitness Center aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort at 1000-1300, Aug. 7.

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.

twitter.com/MCASBeaufortSC

The Jet Stream Friday, August 1, 20144 In Other News

Laurel Bay Schools Meet & Greet SY 2014-2015

Pre-K Students The first day of school for students in Pre-K is Thursday, August 28th. Your child’s teacher will be contacting you beginning August 14th to set up a time for a home visit for you and your child. You will find out at this time which session your child will be placed in. Grades Kindergarten-Eighth The first day of school for students in Kindergarten-Eighth grade is Thursday, August 14th. On Wednesday, August 13th, you and your child are invited to come to school (see times below) for Meet & Greet. You and your child will be able to visit the classroom and meet the teacher. We hope you will be able to attend. Elliott & Galer ES (K-2nd) 2:00-3:00 Meet & Greet Bolden ES (3rd-5th) 1:00-2:00 Meet & Greet *Kindergarten Students-Kindergarten will be from 7:55-11:30 from August 14-August 20. Lunch will be served during this week. Classroom Teacher Assignments will be posted on Wednesday, August 13th prior to the “Meet Your Teacher” for Kindergarten-Fifth Grades. Please do not call the school office for this information in advance.

We look forward to seeing you and your child soon.

REMINDER School Hours for SY 14-15

K-8th 7:55-2:30 AM PreK 7:55-10:30 PM PreK 11:55-2:30

1:30 Early Release the 1st Tuesday of each month

(Introduction of teachers, visit of classrooms, and meeting of families)

Cpl. John WilkesPress Chief

The new school year is fast ap-proaching. As the first day of school nears and parents begin checking off their to-do list, Kim Wiley, the Marine Corps Air Sta-tion Beaufort school liaison offi-cer, encourages parents to think about more than school supplies, uniforms and a good night’s sleep.

According to Wiley, staying in-volved in your child’s education is paramount. That means commu-nicating with your child’s teacher and other staff, knowing what is expected of them, volunteering at school when possible and asking for help when needed.

“No matter what age your child is, it is important to be involved in [their] education,” Wiley said. “The value you place on education sets

the standard for their future.”Parents are also encouraged

to attend the meet the teacher sessions that most schools hold. These sessions help ease children into the new year and provide par-ents with valuable information.

“It’s important that your child is involved,” said Wiley. “Your child should know how they are get-ting to and from school, if they are packing or buying a lunch and

where their classroom is located.”Parents are reminded that a

smooth transition from summer to a structured academic setting, all boils down to discipline and balance.

Assisting with academic skill de-velopment at home is also a key component to scholastic success.

“Read to or with your child for 20 minutes daily and help your child develop organizational skills that

work for them,” Wiley said. “Establish a schedule for your

children that offers time for home-work, extracurricular activities and time to just be a child,” Smith said.

The new school year aboard Laurel Bay begins August 14. For more information call 228-6128 or visit the Back to School Infor-mation Fair on Aug. 7 from 4 – 6 p.m. at Irby’s Inn aboard MCAS Beaufort.

Start the school year off right

The Jet Stream Friday, August 1, 2014 5In Other News

Cpl. Sarah CherryStaff Writer

With the general election for presidency fast approaching, just under half of the states have yet to hold primary elections.

Primary elections allow voters to choose candidates for president. They came about as a way to give citizens more power in choosing who runs in the general election.

“As Marines, we’re fighting for and de-fending the right to vote,” said 1st Lt. Se-bryna Flugrath, installation voting officer for Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. “That is one of the only ways we choose who is in charge of us. You don’t get to

decide who the commanding officer and commandant are, but you do get to decide who represents you.”

There are four types of primaries; closed, open, semi-open, and runoff.

Closed primaries allow only registered members of a party to vote for its candi-date.

In open and semi-open primaries, any-one can vote regardless of party, but semi-open primaries limit voters to one single primary, requiring them to declare which party they intend to vote for.

Run-off primaries allow voters to select one of the two highest candidates in a sec-ond primary election.

“If you wait until the last election and don’t vote in the primaries, you don’t have a voice until that last minute,” said Flu-grath.

States with primary elections from late July through the end of August are Alaska, Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Kan-sas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ten-nessee, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

To find your state registration and pri-mary dates, visit http://www.ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/2014-state-primary-dates-and-runoff.aspx

The general election this year will be held Nov. 4.

Primary elections: cast your vote

The Jet Stream Friday, August 1, 20146 In Other News

Civilian Marines aboard the Air Station held a Quarterly Civilian Marine Assembly to welcome new employees, recognize accomplishments and offer the MCAS Beaufort com-manding officer, Col. Peter Buck, an opportunity to speak to the Air Station civilian workforce. After the welcoming and presentations the group received a tour of Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 and witnessed F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters landing and refueling. The purpose of the assembly is to build espirit de corps, welcome new employees, recognize accomplishments and conduct professional training to the civilian Marine community.

Civilian Marines hold Quarterly Assembly

Photo by Sgt. Marcy Sanchez

The Jet Stream Friday, August 1, 2014 7Classifieds

The Jet Stream Friday, August 1, 20148 More Of The Story

class and receiving a full football scholarship to the University of Georgia. Walker was awarded the Heisman trophy for his perfor-mance at UGA and went on to play profes-sionally.

After retiring in 1997, Walker noticed changes in his behavior.

“When you start wearing a hat - that you wear this red hat for football, you wear the white hat for home, you wear the blue hat

for work. But all of a sudden when you leave home, you put on the red hat; you put it on at home. The hat’s all screwed up. So now, that aggressive nature that you had in foot-ball is now at home because you put on the wrong hat,” said Walker.

“I was out of the game. I had been out of the game for about four years and I devel-oped this anger problem, not that I devel-oped it, it just manifested itself a little more severe.”

After severe problems in his mar-riage, Walker sought help and began the healing process.

Walker’s approach to mental illness is a testimony to the Tri-Command Be-havioral Health Branch’s approach to service members.

“People would be really surprised if they realized how many people utilized our ser-vices,” said Mattos-Alcorn. “We know now that our minds are tied to our body, coun-seling or talk therapy are an effective way to help.”

According to the Patriot Support Program, Walker has visited numerous military installa-tions and shared his story to thousands of ser-vice members and families while making in-

dividual visits to wounded service members in the hospital.

The Behavioral Health Branch’s Commu-nity Counseling Program was stood up in 2013. The program increases the collabora-tion of the branch with other organizations such as the Military & Family Life Counseling Program and base chaplains.

“It’s a very beneficial service and it’s pro-vided here,” said Mattosalcorn. “They should not feel a stigma and if they do we should know about it.”

For more information visit www.mccs-sc.com

WALKERcontinued from page 1

The Jet Stream Friday, August 1, 2014 9More Of The Story

Lance Cpl. Shailyn Grant, an aircraft communication/navigation systems technician with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, works on an F/A-18C Hornet aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii July 21, 2014. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 is in Hawaii for Rim of the Pacific Exercise 2014, a multinational maritime exercise that provides a unique training opportunity, which helps participants foster and sustain cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of the sea lanes and security of the world’s oceans.

eight shops: maintenance control, quality assurance, flight equipment, ordnance, powerline, maintenance administration, seat shop and airframes.

“Each shop plays an important role in getting the jets up in the air,” said Ken-nedy. “Without every one of them doing their job, the pilots can’t fly.”

The squadron’s F/A-18C Hornets, ap-

proximately three decades old, require roughly 15 hours of maintenance for ev-ery hour they are in the air, said Kennedy.

“The maintenance time fluctuates, but 15 hours is a relatively low number,” said Kennedy. “The older the jet, the more maintenance that has to be done and the more complicated it becomes.”

Routine maintenance is the Marines’ day-to-day job and that is exactly how they look at it, explained Kennedy.

“An error made by someone in aviation maintenance could be disastrous,” said

Kennedy. “Any error could end in loss of aircraft or loss of life.”

According to Marine Sgt. Michael Lin-court, a safety equipment mechanic with VMFA-122, the slightest error could have dire consequences, so maintainers have to stay focused on the job at hand.

“By the book maintenance is what we live by,” said Lincourt, who works in the seat shop. “Thinking about what could go wrong while working on an aircraft can make a Marine nervous and that is when errors are more likely to be made.”

Kennedy said there is a certain amount of trust pilots put into the Marines main-taining their jets. Pilots have to trust that the Marine Corps trained the most quali-fied Marines who get their jobs done quickly and safely.

“As a pilot, you put your life in the hands of the maintainers and without them, you aren’t flying,” said Marine Capt. Cody P. Buras, an F/A-18C Hornet pilot with VMFA-122. “These Marines work so hard, do a great job, and give me an amazing and trustworthy aircraft to fly.”

VMFA-122continued from page 1

The Jet Stream Friday, August 1, 201410 Around The Corps

Corps Shot

CAMP LEJEUNE, North Carolina -- A Marine with Lima Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battal-ion, 6th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, controls a simulated detainee during a night-time raid exercise at Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 27.

Cpl. Todd Mickalek

Corps Bits

USNS MILLINOCKET, LONG BEACH AND CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Marines with Headquarters Regiment, 1st Marine Lo-gistics Group, participated in the testing of an emerging seabasing capability, us-ing the Joint High Speed Vessel and the Mobile Landing Platform, aboard the US Naval Ship Millinocket off the coast of Long Beach, Calif., June 24 and off of Landing Craft Air Cushions, July 9.

The Mobile Landing Platform is a new type of Maritime Pre-Positioning Ship that facilitates the transfer of military equipment and personnel from large ships to ship-to-shore connectors. Sea-basing is a naval capability that pro-vides commanders the ability to orga-nize and employ forces and equipment from ship-to-shore, entirely at sea. The MLP used in this testing was the USNS Montford Point.

The concept of seabasing has been around for more than 30 years but the testing of MLP specific capabilities dates back to 2003 and is slated to be used during Rim of the Pacific 2014, the world’s largest multi-national maritime exercise.

More recently, the embarkation spe-cialists guided amphibious assault ve-hicles off of Landing Craft Air Cushion onto the ship.

Practicing both techniques allowed the Marines to explore the MLP’s full range of capabilitie

At the end of the exercise, the seabas-ing concept was validated, something Borns has waited almost 10 years to see.

With the success of this testing, the USNS Montford Point will be used for a full-scale test in October. Unlike the re-cent testing, which validated only the first steps in a reconstitution at sea, the testing in October will cover the com-plete concept of moving gear from a large ship to the MLP, from the MLP to a small landing craft and then straight to shore.

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- Improvised explosive devices remain a major threat to Marines conducting se-curity patrols in Helmand province.

To help mitigate the threat, working-dog handlers and IED detection dogs are used to find possible IEDs before Marines get too close.

“I use Vito to search anything from roads and open areas to vehicles and buildings for IEDs or explosive chemi-cals,” said Cpl. Taylor Cross, a working-dog handler with 1st Battalion, 7th Ma-rine Regiment.

As Marines patrol around build-ings and compounds, Vito is always in the lead, sniffing around corners and alongside roadways clearing the route ahead.

Cross and the other Marines in the unit rely on Vito’s keen sense of smell for ensuring a safe route while con-ducting security operations.

“It is very humbling knowing that the guys I work with, along with myself, rely on Vito to keep us safe,” said Cross, a 21-year-old native of Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Vito, a 6-year-old purebred black lab, is trained to detect explosive material, both military and homemade.

During two months of pre-deploy-ment training, Cross and Vito became a part of the battalion.

“The pre-workup training went very well,” said Cross. “I was able to integrate Vito into the unit and get him used to being and working alongside the Ma-rines. Throughout the traininging exer-cise, it was amazing to see Vito’s detect-ing capabilities and potential to save lives in Afghanistan.”

Cross and Vito deployed to Afghani-stan together from Twentynine Palms, California, during March 2014.

“Vito has a hardheaded personality, but after working with him for such a long time, he learned to trust me and I learned to trust him and his judgment,” said Cross.

“Working with Vito has been a great learning experience . After taking care of him since the beginning of our de-ployment, he is more than just a work-ing dog to me, he is a part of my life. I love Vito.”

Working dog, handler prove useful in Afghanistan

Marines, sailors with Charlie Company ensure Camp Dwyer’s safety in Helmand province

1st MLG tests ship-to-ship connector

Lance Cpl. Jordan Pettid, a mortarman with Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, adjusts the sight on an M252 81mm mortar system during an operation in Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 19. During the two-day operation, Marines with Charley Co. watched over nearby routes close to Camp Dwyer and the surrounding area to help mitigate enemy insurgents smuggling small arms weapons and explosive material through the area.

Cpl. Cody HaasMarine Expeditionary Brigade - Afghanistan

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan -- Impro-vised explosive devices and small arms fire from insurgents remain a threat to units patrolling in Helmand province.

Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Bat-talion, 7th Marine Regiment, conducted an operation near commonly traveled routes near Camp Dwyer and the sur-rounding area in Helmand province, Af-ghanistan, July 19-20.

Insurgents have been known to use heavily traveled routes to carry small arms weapons and explosive materials throughout Afghanistan to use against Af-ghan and coalition forces.

“The operation gave enemy insurgents in the area a clear presence of our man-power and capability,” said Lance Cpl. Mike Reams, a machine gunner with Char-lie Co. “The routes we covered were the main areas where insurgents have been

seen recently.”Marines with Charlie Co. used Mine-

Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles dur-ing the operation for added protection against IEDs as well as small arms fire. They convoyed approximately two hours to the area of operation in Helmand province.

“The mission was a success because we were able to employ the (M252) 81mm mortar system with illumination rounds to deny the enemy the freedom of move-ment, hindering them from transporting weapons and narcotics on nearby routes,” said Staff Sgt. Carl Therrien, a platoon ser-geant with Weapons Platoon, Charlie Co.

A mortar illumination round is a type of ammunition that when fired, burns a bright flame carried by a parachute, which is able to light up approximately six square kilometers.

With illumination rounds constantly fired throughout the night, machine gun-ners in MRAPs watched over a nearby route for any suspicious activity.

“As a machine gunner, it is my respon-sibility to be able to determine what is happening around me and the convoy to determine if there is a threat in the area,” said Reams, a native of Kansas City, Mis-souri. “Enemy insurgents tend to blend in with the local population living in villages near Camp Dwyer, so it is important for us to gain trust with the locals by letting them know why we are operating outside of their villages.”

Charlie Co. Marines deployed to Hel-mand province, Afghanistan, during Feb-ruary from Marine Corps Air-Ground Com-bat Center Twentynine Palms, California.

Although few in number, the leadership quality is high within the company.

“(Noncommissioned Officers) of Charlie Co. are some of the best NCOs in the bat-talion,” said Therrien, a native of Seminole, Oklahoma. “Their drive and determina-tion to complete any mission places them above all others. They make this company run.”

An illumination round fired from an M252 81mm mortar system lights up the night during an operation conducted by Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, in Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 19. During the two-day operation, Marines with Charley Co. watched over nearby routes close to Camp Dwyer and the surrounding area to help mitigate enemy insurgents smuggling small arms weapons and explosive material through the area.

The Jet Stream Friday, August 1, 2014 11Around The Corps

Fightertown deployed: Corps Bits

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Maryland -- The Marine Corps Warfghting Laboratory, head-quartered at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, conducted their Advanced Warf-ighting Experiment during the 24th itera-tion of the Rim of the Pacific Exercise, the world’s largest international maritime exer-cise, hosted in Hawaii.

“It is an opportunity to step outside of re-search and get into the field and find bene-fits, weaknesses and new capabilities of new tactics and technology,” said Marine Lt. Col. Charles Berry, the officer in charge of the ex-periment. “The experiment culminates more than a decade of hard work to create a more effective [Marine Air Ground Task Force].”

Berry works the branch head of the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab Field Test Branch to provide training on and collect data about developing projects. He and those under his charge identify functional gaps and new capabilities for Marines to improve Marine Corps tactical ability.

“It is kind of like [science fiction] working with experimental technology,” said Lance Cpl. Brandon Diekmann, an infantryman with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. “I never thought as young lance corporal in the infantry, I would to get to work with some-thing like this.”

Legged Squad Support, Foot Mobile Char-ger, Ground Unmanned Support Surrogate Foot Mobile Charger, Tele-medicine, Marine Air Ground Task Force Enabler-Light, univer-sal tactical robotic controller, Hybrid Energy Internally Transportable Vehicle Trailer.

The technology tested during the experi-ment meets many of the needs of the Marine Corps’ future, which requires the Corps to be a self-sustaining, light, rapid responding modern force.

The Corps stands at the edge of a new era, a future built on getting back to its amphibious roots and capabilities, which has been the deciding factor for many of America’s battles.

Marines test tomorrow’s concepts today at RIMPAC

KAHUKU TRAINING AREA, Hawaii -- U.S. Ma-rines with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, teamed up with Republic of Korea Marines and attachments from the New Zealand Army to conduct a simulated assault on opposing forces provided by 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment at Kahuku Training Area, Hawaii, July 11, as part of the 2014 Rim of the Pacific exercise.

Held every two years, RIMPAC is the world’s largest international maritime exercise. The exercise provides a unique training opportu-nity that strengthens international maritime partnerships, enhances interoperability and improves the readiness of participating forces for a wide range of potential operations.

Units from participating nations were at-tached to Company Landing Team 1 to con-duct training at KTA to implement sea-based support and field test developing technolo-gies during the Advanced Warfighting Exper-iment with the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab.

The troops’ objective for the day was to neutralize simulated enemy forces played by U.S. Marines from Kilo Company, 3rd Bn., 3rd Marines.

The company’s first objective was to ma-neuver up and through a winding and densely-vegetated hill where opposing forces kept a foothold close to CLT-1. “(The opposing force’s) primary goal is to create situations that make it as difficult as possible for the exercise forces to operate in,” said 1st Lt. Sean Rutherford, platoon commander for Alpha Battery, 1st Bn., 12th Marines, and the opposing forces controller for the Advanced Warfighting Experiment.

Marines with second platoon, India Co., 3rd Bn., 3rd Marines guided the ROK Marines through the terrain to assault Radio Hill to oc-cupy the space and conduct follow-on patrol base operations from there.

Once the ROK Marines made contact with opposing forces and eliminated the simulat-ed threat, they immediately provided medi-cal aid to the downed enemy combatants until Navy corpsmen arrived at the scene with the remainder of second platoon.

Once on scene, the corpsmen employed Tactical Tele-Medicine, an experimental tech-nology that transmitted vital signs, photos and videos to the Shock Trauma Section at CLT-1’s command operations center. Tactical Tele-Medicine is part of the Advanced Warf-ighting Experiment portion of RIMPAC, con-ducted by the MCWL.

3/3, ROK Marines conduct sea-based operation

Sgt. Frances JohnsonMarine Expeditionary Force

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- While most aboard Camp Leather-neck were eating breakfast as the early morning sun began burning the earth in a golden heat wave, turret gunners of Combat Logistics Battalion 7 were al-ready mounting .50 caliber and M240B machine guns inside the turrets of their vehicles, preparing for one of the battal-ion’s last missions, July 14.

The gunners and the rest of the Ma-rines from CLB-7 were at work for a few hours ensuring that they as well as all of their gear were ready for another trip outside the wire to Patrol Base Boldak.

“They’re the eyes and ears,” said 1st Lt. Andrew Gerdes, platoon commander of 1st Platoon with CLB-7. “They’re the muscle, making sure that everybody is safe. If anything happens they can talk to their (vehicle commanders) and the VCs can talk to myself or my staff ser-geant, so we can make decisions.”

“Being a gunner, it’s the best part of the convoy,” said Lance Cpl. Timothy Murphy, turret gunner, CLB-7 and a 21-year-old native of Auburn, New York. “Everyone gets nervous, but the training we did before we came out here helped a lot.”

As the trucks and Mine-Resistant Am-bush Protected vehicles’ dust kicks up, nerves can be as sharp as the concertina wire surrounding the base. The turret gunners tighten the harness on their emotions to stay alert for their mission.

“Right before we’re about to depart friendly lines I feel like there’s a different

mindset that comes, and I’m closer to the people that I’ve worked with over a year now,” said Cpl. Alex Roberts, a turret gunner and weapons noncommissioned officer with CLB-7. “My gunners, to me, are my little brothers, but I just want them to be safe out there. We just have this special bond.”

“I’m always on the lookout for any-thing suspicious and report it up,” said Cpl. Jose Orozco, a turret gunner with CLB-7. “If we hear or see anything, we report it up immediately to the vehicle commanders.

Through fair and unfavorable weather, the turret gunners are able to experi-

ence their deployment from a different point of view and observe life around them as they feel every bump, dip and curve in the Afghan roads that seem to feel more like the path less traveled.

“I’m glad I could experience all of this,” said Roberts. “It’s really a new way to see everything. We get to see not just the people, but a different culture and the way they act and just how they live.”

As the Marines of CLB-7 and CLB-1 completed their mission aboard PB Bol-dak, the gunners once again took the honor of gearing up to watch over their fellow brothers and sisters for the trip back to Camp Leatherneck.

Corporal Alex Roberts, a turret gunner and weapons noncommissioned officer with Combat Logistics Battalion 7, makes final adjustments to his M240B machine gun in the turret of his Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle aboard Camp Leather-neck, Afghanistan, July 14. Roberts, a native of Dunnellon, Fla., and his fellow turret gunners with CLB-7 act as the eyes and ears while being the guardian angels of each combat logistics patrol conducted during their deployment.

Turret gunners of Combat Logistics Battalion 7 keep convoy safe

Commandant promotes new chaplain of the Marine Corps

Christianne M. WittenMarine Barracks Washington

WASHINGTON -- Capt. Brent W. Scott was promoted to the rank of rear admi-ral by the commandant of the Marine Corps and assumed his duties as 19th chaplain of the Marine Corps/deputy chief of Navy chaplains at Marine Bar-racks Washington, July 25.

During his remarks, Gen. James Amos, Commandant of the Marine Corps, wel-comed Scott back to the Marine Corps after serving as battalion chaplain with 3rd Marine Air Wing in Yuma, Arizona early in his career. Amos also acknowl-edged Scott’s ministry to Marines as staff chaplain at Naval Station Rota and later as command chaplain on USS Ronald Reagan.

As the senior Navy chaplain serving

in the Marine Corps, Scott will oversee nearly 300 chaplains and 250 religious program specialists currently support-ing the spiritual needs of Marines. He will also serve as a key advisor to the commandant on religious accommoda-tion, morals and ethics, and the spiri-tual welfare of the force.

Rear Adm. Margaret G. Kibben, out-going chaplain of the Marine Corps, shared her enthusiasm for her succes-sor.

“Brent Scott brings with him a wealth of experience to this new role. He is just as passionate and concerned for the welfare of our people, and he shares my love and admiration of our Marines,” said Kibben.

During her remarks, she shared the importance of Scott’s position, “as an extension of the commandant but,

more importantly, an extension of God…an opportunity to be the witness and the presence of God wherever you go.”

Scott has more than 22 years of ser-vice as a Navy chaplain ministering to those in the Navy and Marine Corps.

He went on to pledge to Amos that the chaplains and RPs currently serving him “will keep faith with [his] Marines, doing right by them and doing right for them…more than supporting them in the fight, but helping them finish the course.”

“We will not only keep faith with your Marines. We will keep your Marines in faith—in their personal faith. That is our most sacred trust, as chaplains…to nur-ture every capable Marine in a faith and a reliance upon someone who is greater than themselves,” said Scott.

Rear Adm. Brent Scott, chaplain of the Marine Corps, has his rank insignia pinned on by his family during a ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., July 25. Scott is the 19th chaplain of the Marine Corps.

Photo by Cpl. Dan Hosack

VMFA-122 Werewolvesare currently deployed to the Western

Pacific as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

MALS-31 Stingersa detachment is currently

deployed to the Western Pacific supporting VMFA-115 and VMFA-122.

VMFA-115 Silver Eaglesare currently deployed to the Western

Pacific as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

The Jet Stream Friday, August 1, 201412 Classifieds The Jet Stream Friday, August 1, 2014

The Jet Stream Friday, August 1, 2014 13In Other News

Welcome Home

Cpl. John WilkesPress Chief

Education and knowledge are not just highly valued in the workplace, they also help strength-en our nation’s communities and economy. Be-cause of the importance of education, the Marine Corps makes sure every Marine has the ability to pursue their educational goals.

As a service member, most, if not all education expenses may be paid for by the federal govern-ment through programs like Tuition Assistance and the Post 9-11 GI Bill. The most common way to pay the remaining expenses is to apply for scholarships.

The first step in acquiring a college education is to visit the education office, said David Ellard, Marine Corps Community Services education ser-vices officer. Prospective students will meet with an education service specialist to explore the dif-ferent options available to them.

After a visit to the education office, the service member completes an application for tuition as-sistance, which must be signed by the Marines’ chain of command and brought back to the edu-cation office. When the Marine has selected which classes he or she will be taking, the tuition assis-tance form can be sent to the college for payment.

Tuition assistance covers up to $250 per semes-ter hour and up to $4500 per fiscal year for college tuition and fees. Tuition assistance covers costs for tuition and fees for any postsecondary education, from vocational certifications to graduate stud-ies. Service members are required to take courses that lead to a higher degree than they possess.

The qualities that make a successful Marine are similar to those that make a successful college student: discipline, drive, intelligence, persever-ance and a willingness to learn.

To learn more visit www.mccs-sc.com/lifelong/index.asp or contact the education office at 228-7474.

Photos by Cpl. John Wilkes

The Jet Stream Friday, August 1, 2014 Classifieds14