Beaufort celebrates VMFAT-501 returnPage 9

StreamTheJet

Friday, July 18, 2014

Vol. 49, No. 28Marine Corps Air Station

Beaufort, S.C.

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

VFW helps raise Marine Corps Ball FundsPage 7

facebook.com/MCASBeaufort

twitter.com/MCASBeaufortSC

Beaufort.Marines.mil

Marines engage insurgents 4th of July weekendPage 10

Cpl. John WilkesPress Chief

Marine Fighter Attack Training Squad-ron 501 returned to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, July 11, and with it, the future of Marine Corps aviation.

“July 11, 2014 marks the homecom-ing of Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 to the Lowcountry, after spending a couple years located at Eglin Air Force Base,” said Col. Peter Buck, the

commanding officer of MCAS Beaufort. “We have a strong relationship with

Beaufort and the surrounding commu-nities that has existed for over 71 years,” said Buck. “From our roots of training for anti-submarine patrols during World War II to now as we welcome this squadron that’s responsible for flying the nation’s fifth-generation, dominant aircraft, we’re fortunate to have the support of what we consider to be one of the most military-friendly communities in the nation.”

The beginnings of VMFAT-501 can be traced back to 1944, when it was acti-vated as Marine Fighting Squadron 451, also known as the Blue Devils. During this time the squadron was stationed at Ma-rine Corps Air Station Mojave, Calif. The squadron saw action during World War II and was later deactivated.

In 1946, the Fightin’ Phillies, as they were known then, were reactivated as a reserve unit at Naval Air Station Wil-low Grove, Pa. and flew the F6F Hellcat.

When the Korean War began the unit was called to active duty and flew the F9F Panther. VMF-451 was relocated to MCAS El Toro, and remained there until Feb. 1, 1963, when they relocated to Ma-rine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C.

While aboard MCAS Beaufort, the War-lords deployed multiple times in support of various operations around the world.

Fighting Bengals fl y back to Fightertown

Cpl. Sarah CherryStaff Writer

Lt. Col. James B. Stone IV relin-quished command of Marine Wing Support Squadron 273 to Lt. Col. Phil-lip J. Schendler aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, July 10.

Stone, a native of Wytheville, Va.,

took command of the squadron in June 2013, saying he had “big shoes to fill.”

The commander of Marine Aircraft Group 31, Col. William Lieblein, said that Stone “brought a positive energy to the command,” and “developed an aggressive training regiment,” and did a fine job of filling the previous com-mander’s shoes.

Under his command, the squadron conducted multiple field training ex-ercises aboard Ft. Stewart, Ga., and the Air Station.

The Sweathogs also participated in community efforts including erosion control at Hunting Island State Park and tornado cleanup on St. Helena Is-land.

“I’ve had a tremendous group of team players,” said Stone. “Any suc-cesses I’ve had are the successes of the Marines here.”

MWSS-273 provides aviation ground support to the F-18 squadrons of Ma-rine Aircraft Group 31. Their capabili-ties include refueling, engineering,

Sweathogs welcome new commmander

Cpl. John WilkesPress Chief

Approximately 200 Marines with Ma-rine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224, also known as the Fighting Bengals, along with Marines with Marine Avia-tion Logistics Squadron 31, returned to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort after a six-month deployment, July 11.

The Fighting Bengals conducted a Western Pacific deployment to Iwakuni, Japan and worked alongside numerous units from the Marine Corps and other

foreign military allies.“We did standard operations and con-

ducted training exercises with allies,” said Master Sgt. Robert Sanders, the maintenance chief with VMFA(AW)-224. “It was a great deployment; we got a lot of great training and came back with more experienced Marines.”

While the Marines were deployed, their spouses were able to participate in various Marine Corps Family Team Build-ing activities such as deployment work-

SEE SWEATHOGS, PAGE 6

SEE WARLORDS, PAGE 8

Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort held a homecoming ceremony to celebrate the long awaited return of Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 to Fightertown, July 11. VMFAT-501 returned to Fightertown and with it, a new era in Marine Corps aviation.VMFAT-501 was located at MCAS Beaufort until 1997, when it deactivated. The squadron was reactivated in April 2010 and designated as a training squadron. After four years of training with the F-35B Lightning II the squadron moved back to MCAS Beaufort.

SEE BENGALS, PAGE 6

Courtesy Photo

Warlords return to Beaufort

The Jet Stream Friday, July 18, 2014 Games and Entertainment2

Saturday

LunchSmoked ham and

cabbage soup

DinnerApple glazed corned

beef and rice

MESS HALL MENU

SundayLunch

Baked fi sh with butter crumb topping

DinnerPork chops with

smothered onions

Monday - Friday Breakfast

LunchPepper steak and

rosemary potatoes

DinnerSpanish chorizo and

potato soup

TuesdayLunch

Beef 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

Monday

Hot farina, hot hominy grits and oven-fried bacon

Friday

LunchChicken 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.

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 (Sun-day 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 Fel-lowship Hall

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

CHAPEL SERVICES

Healthy Foods Word Search

Sudoku

Answer key will be available on facebook.com/MCASBeaufort on July 23.

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.PG (1:38)

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

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

MCAS Beaufort Movie Schedule

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

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

MCRD Parris Island Movie Schedule

Word BankAlmondsApples

BananasBlueberriesBrown rice

CarrotsCashewsCheese

CranberriesEggs

LemonsOatmealOranges

SaladSpinach

TomatoesWater

WatermelonYogurt

Wholegrains

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

The Jet Stream Friday, July 18, 2014Command Information

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 Offi ce will be testing the mass notifi cation system, on the fi rst 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 notifi cation 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.

3

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

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 Offi cer MCAS BeaufortCol. Peter D. Buck

Public Affairs Offi cerCapt. 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

Tri-Command Weather

Effective June 1, MCAS Beaufort

will be in Tropical Cyclone Condi-

tion V for Hurricane season until Nov.

30. There are currently no threats.

This year is predicted to be a below

normal 2014 Atlantic season. NOAA

is predicting 8-13 named storms, 3-6

hurricanes and 1-2 major hurricanes.

Happenings

7 Day Forecast

Forecast according to weather.com

The photocopying of U.S. Government identifi cation cards is a violation of Title 18, U.S. Code Part I, Chapter 33, Section 701 and punishable by fi ne and imprisonment.

High ShooterCpl. M.S. Cason

H&HS

381

facebook.com/MCASBeaufort

twitter.com/MCASBeaufortSC

Beaufort.Marines.mil

youtube.com/MCASBeaufortsc1

Billie was born on December 28th, yet her birthday al-ways falls in the summer. How is this possible?

Answer for this week’s brain teaser will be available on facebook.com/MCASBeaufort on July 23.

Ought-ness and Is-nessLt.Twig SargentMCAS Beaufort Staff Chaplain

I once had a co-worker who would often say, “Do the right thing for America.” It be-came a somewhat comical and sometimes welcome phrase to lighten the tension of the workday. Ironically enough, this co-worker was later found to have deep and dark secrets of inappropriate behavior that put that phrase in stark contrast with his actions. His motto, “Do the right thing” be-came meaningless when his secret behavior came to light.

American theologian and philosopher, R.C. Sproul, in his book How Should I Live in This World? states that there is a diff erence between ethics and morality. Ethics is “oughtness” (how some-one should behave) and moral-ity is “isness” or how someone does behave. My co-worker’s ethics were “Do the right thing for America.” His morality was the behavior that he actually lived out. The two are at odds with each other. In Sproul’s book, he goes on to state that one ethical theory textbook de-scribes eighty diff erent theories on ethics (“oughtness”) that compete for modern minds. Where do we go from here? Which belief system of appropriate behavior is correct?

Before we can possibly answer the ques-tion we need to ask ourselves two ques-tions. What is the standard that my belief system expects of me? Then, how do I know if that standard is the right standard to fol-low? When a Marine takes his semi-annual PFT and CFT (physical fi tness tests), he/she has a standard to follow. His/her run time, curl-ups and pull-ups must meet the mini-mum standard to be considered a Marine within physical standards. If a Marine falls short of this standard, eventually they no longer have the privilege be in the Marine Corps. How does one know if this standard is the correct standard to follow? When Ma-

rines meet and often exceed the physical fi t-ness standard, the proof is then “in the pud-ding.” The Marine Corps is best at what they do and boasts of being the most “ready” mil-itary force. History and practice shows that their standard of physical fi tness works. The Marine Corps standard is the right standard to follow based on demonstrated success.

I encourage you then, to put these two questions into practice for yourself. Every-one has a belief system that says “This is how I should act in a given situation.” Whether you are Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Atheist or non-religious, you have some expecta-tion of appropriate behavior; some standard or reason that you should behave in a given situation in an appropriate manner. What

does your faith/values/belief system say to you about the standard of behavior you are expected to follow? Then ask yourself, is it the right standard to follow?

The burning issue in the Marine Corps is the recent increase and problem with sexual assault (in the broader military also). If we ask “Why is sexual assault is wrong in the Marine Corps?,” the President, Congress and our military leadership expect our be-lief systems to have the right answer to this question. I will use my belief system, Christi-anity, to answer the question, “Why is sexual assault wrong?”

First, what is the Christian standard of behavior regarding sexual assault? Christianity affi rms that sexual assault is wrong and should not be tolerated. In Genesis 1, the Bible states that God made

every human with value; a value that comes from God himself. With that value, everyone deserves to be treated with dignity because they are God’s creatures. The standard in Christianity is that every-one (Christian or not) deserves to treated with value and dignity. Sexual assault is an act of unspeakable violence that, at the very least, is an act that devalues an-other person. The aggressor is eff ectively saying, “You (the victim) are not worth anything and the God who made you did not know what he was doing when he made you.” Sexual assault violates the victim’s God-given dignity and the God who made him/her. This is why Christian-ity states that sexual assault is a horrible

act to be confronted and the guilty should be punished. Is the Christian response the right standard to follow for Christian believers? As sexual assault is punished and Chris-tians act according to their be-liefs, then people are treated with dignity and the Marine Corps functions with good or-der and discipline. Christianity shares common ground with other belief systems as they

agree on this particular question.We are reminded of the freedom to

practice and explore the myriad of diff er-ent religions/belief systems. I encourage you to explore and ask the hard questions of how your faith/belief/value system an-swers questions like, “Why is sexual as-sault wrong?” The Marine Corps (as well as the military and culture at large) is in a crisis surrounding the issue of sexual as-sault. Ask yourself the hard questions of your faith. Evaluate the answers against the standard of your faith system. Then, evaluate if your belief system gives an appropriate answer the hard questions. As you do this hard work, your faith is strengthened, horrible behaviors will not be tolerated in our culture and our Corps and we will become a stronger nation.

“God in his grace is in the midst of a rescue mission by means of one who ALWAYS uses His power to benefit others. He uses his power to rescue us from the wrongs done to us AND the wrongs done BY us.”

Lt. Twig Sargent

The Jet Stream Friday, July 18, 20144 Classifi eds

The Jet Stream Friday, July 18, 2014 5Classifi edsThe Jet Stream Friday, July 18, 2014 5Classifi eds

The Jet Stream Friday, July 18, 20146 More of The Story

shops, support groups, family events and events for children.

“Although deployments are difficult, it helps to stay busy and communicate with your spouse as often as you can,” said Kim Blye, spouse of Sgt. Harold Blye, an imagery analysis specialist with VMFA(AW)-224. “The tools pro-vided by MCFTB helped a lot and kept us busy.”

It is the job of the unit’s family readi-ness officer to make sure families are taken care of at all times, including deployments, according to Jennifer Morrow, the FRO for VMFA(AW)-224. Family readiness officers are non-de-ployable, so they can be with service members’ families and host activities to keep them in touch with their loved ones during challenging times.

“The deployment was very success-ful with the Marines being able to complete multiple mini deployments, focus on developing and progressing (in their job fields),” Sanders said.

“VMFA(AW)-224 did a phenomenal job on their deployment,” said Col. Bill Lieblein, commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 31. “They went out there with 12 aircraft and approxi-mately 200 Marines and came back with the same. They did a fantastic job representing MAG-31.”

motor transport and communications. Stone will become the inspector general

aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island.

Schendler, a native of Erie, Pa., comes to the squadron from the Concepts and In-novation Department of Navy Warfare De-velopment Command in Norfolk, Va., and brings his wife Michelle and three children

Bengalscontinued from page 1

Sweathogscontinued from page 1

The Jet Stream Friday, July 18, 2014 7In Other News

Beaufort VFW supports Air Station Marine Corps Ball

The Beaufort Veterans of Foreign Wars, post 8760, presents Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort with a check for funds raised in support of the Marine Corps Ball, July 15.

Photo by Cpl. John Wilkes

The Jet Stream Friday, July 18, 2014 7In Other News

Beaufort VFW supports Air Station Marine Corps Ball

The Beaufort Veterans of Foreign Wars, post 8760, presents Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort with a check for funds raised in support of the Marine Corps Ball, July 15.

Photo by Cpl. John Wilkes

The Jet Stream Friday, July 18, 20148 More of The Story

During this time, the Warlords set a safety record of 29,000 accident-free hours in the F4 Phantom. In 1987, the squadron upgraded to the F/A-18 Hornet, a variant of which is flown today.

In 1990, VMFA-451 deployed to Bahrain in support of Operation Desert Shield. In 1991, the War-lords became the first Marine squadron to attack Iraqi forces in Operation Desert Storm. They ended the operation with over 700 combat sorties and 1,400 combat hours.

VMFA-451 spent the remaining years leading up to deactivation at MCAS Beaufort participating in various exercises around the world. They returned from a de-ployment to the Western Pacific in July 1996 winding down a 57-year history as they deactivated on Jan. 31, 1997.

The squadron was reactivated in April 2010 and designated as a training squadron. After four years of training with the F-35B Lightning II the squadron re-turned to MCAS Beaufort.

The Marine Corps’ F-35B vari-ant replaces and performs the roles of three legacy aircraft, the F/A-18 Hornet, AV-8B Harrier II and EA-6B Prowler.

“It’s much more important that we welcome the people that make that airplane fly back to Beaufort,” said Maj. Gen. Robert Hedelund, commanding general of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. “It’s not about the incredible air-plane, it’s about the incredible people that make that airplane fly and [VMFAT-501] throughout their history and certainly most recently truly are incredible peo-ple.”

The integration of the F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter into the Marine Corps’ arsenal provides the dominant, multi-role, fifth-generation capabili-ties needed across the full spec-trum of combat operations to deter potential adversaries and enable future naval aviation power projection.

Major General Robert F. Hedelund speaks during the Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 welcome home event at the VMFAT-501 hangar aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, July 11. VMFAT-501 was located at Fightertown until 1997, when it deactivated. The squadron was reactivated in April 2010 and designated as a training squadron. After four years of training with the F-35B Lightning II the squadron moved back to MCAS Beaufort.”Between June and September we’ll have all the VMFAT-501 aircraft and squadron personnel relocating, and in October we’ll start training,” said Lieutenant Colonel Luis E. Villalo-bos, the officer in charge of the Pilot Training Center.

Warlordscontinued from page 1

The Jet Stream Friday, July 18, 2014 9In The Community

Beaufort welcomes Warlords with celebration

Beaufort welcomes a new era in Marine Corps aviation with a public, community-wide celebration at Beaufort’s Waterfront Park, July 11. The focus of the event was on the Marines and families of Marine Fight Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT)-501. The celebration included games and bounce houses for children, refreshments, music by the Parris Island Marine band, and fi reworks to end the event. The event was sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Military Enhancement Committee, the Military Aff airs Committee and the City of Beaufort.

Photo by Cpl. .John Wilkes

The Jet Stream Friday, July 18, 201410 Around The Corps

Corps Shot

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- Marines with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, sprint across a fi eld to load onto a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter during a mis-sion in Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 4. The company operated in Ge-reshk for three days and was involved in numerous kinetic engagements with Taliban insurgents.

Cpl. Joseph Scanlan

CORPS BITS

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- U.S. Navy Adm. Harry Harris, Pa-cifi c Fleet commander, kicked off the 24th Rim of the Pacifi c exercise, explaining the signifi cance of this year’s RIMPAC and how it is designed to benefi t those involved during a conference, June 30.

RIMPAC is a training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and se-curity on the world’s oceans.

“I think it’s important to note that by sim-ply attending RIMPAC, every nation here is making the bold statement that we must improve multilateral military cooperation despite disagreements,” Harris said. “To-day, maritime cooperation is more vital than ever. For centuries the world’s oceans kept us apart but in this increasingly glo-balized world the world’s oceans bring us together.”

During the span of RIMPAC the nations involved will conduct training ashore and out at sea in a coalition and joint eff ort.

“It’s going to be very valuable training but make no mistake it’s going to be very hard work,” said U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Ken-neth E. Floyd, Combined Task Force com-mander. “I’m already proud and very hon-ored to have the opportunity to lead the 25,000 people from 22 diff erent countries on the RIMPAC team this year and I’m look-ing forward to all that they are about to do out on the high seas.”

Harris said that building mutual trust and opening lines of communication are critical for success but challenging to build. RIMPAC off ers participants the chance to work alongside other nations in prepara-tion for real world events, and is designed to strengthen rebalance eff orts of the Asia-Pacifi c region.

“The rebalance is based on a strategy of cooperation and collaboration and that’s why it’s imperative that we work together to build trust and confi dence to solve our collective maritime challenges,” Harris said.

Forty-nine surface ships, six submarines and more than 200 aircraft are involved in the exercise. Approximately 25,000 per-sonnel spanning from 22 nations and six observer nations, participate in the 24th RIMPAC exercise, running through Aug. 1, in Hawaii and Southern California.

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Virginia -- Shots rang out as several high-powered rifl es sent rounds toward the targets of Range 4, Weapons Training Battalion, Ma-rine Corps Base Quantico on July 7. Service Members had begun the 53rd Annual In-terservice Rifl e Championship.

Shooting is one of the United States fi rst sports with the fi rst shooting competition on Long Island, New York. Union Civil Wars offi cers had seen the poor marksmanship demonstrated by their soldiers and formed the National Rifl e Association to promote rifl e sportsmanship in America.

Interservice rifl e competitions were for-mally established in late 1960, when the chiefs of staff for the Army and the Air Force, along with the Commandant of the Marine Corps, drafted and signed a memo-randum of understanding to ensure that the spirit of competition would continue through competitive marksmanship.

Today, service members come together several times a year to compete in many types of shooting competitions.

Members of a diff erent branch score each round, but regardless of who the shooter is, who is marking the targets, or marking the scorecard, everyone has a passion for one thing: shooting.

Through the passion the competitors possess, the service members learn from and exchange knowledge with one an-other. The things they learn not only help them become better marksmen, but also give them something to take back to their units.

“I plan on taking everything I learn here back to my unit,” said Air Force Master Sgt. Donnie Hicks, a shooter with the National Guard Bureau Marksmanship Team. “This is my fi rst year here and I have already learned so much from the other guys around me.”

Sport shooting has a rich history in the United States that extends across the mili-tary, breeding camaraderie and spreading marksmanship throughout the ranks.

One team, one fi ght: Competition breeds camaraderie

Infantrymen engage insurgents during 4th of July weekend

Pacifi c Fleet commander kicks off RIMPAC 2014

Lance Cpl. Michael Manues, machine gunner, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, provides security with an M240B medium machine gun during a mission in Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 6. Manues and the company operated in Gereshk for three days and were involved in numerous kinetic engagements with Taliban insurgents.

Cpl. Joseph ScanlanMarine Expeditionary Brigade - Afghanistan

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- While many Americans in the United

States were celebrating during the Fourth of July weekend, Marines with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, were en-gaging Taliban insurgents in Helmand prov-ince, Afghanistan.

The infantrymen along with Afghan Na-tional Army soldiers operated within close proximity of Camp Leatherneck to continue disruption operations and prevent future attacks on the Camps Bastion and Leather-neck, July 4 - 6.

“Our job was to investigate some com-pounds of interest in order to deny the in-surgents the ability to consolidate in certain areas where they could potentially plan at-tacks,” said 1st Lt. Robert Kay, a platoon com-mander with Bravo Co. and a native of Palm-dale, California.

The Bravo Co. Marines inserted into Ge-reshk via CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters while the sky was black and the sun had not yet risen, July 4. They began to patrol across freshly tilled fi elds while monitoring the surrounding area with night vision goggles mounted on their Kevlar helmets.

By sunrise the Marines arrived at com-pounds and began to interact with local Afghans. Suspicious areas were being inves-tigated and locals were being questioned when the infantrymen came under enemy fi re.

Insurgents engaged the Marines from three diff erent positions with machine guns, AK-47s and a precision-grade rifl e. The Ma-rines immediately took cover and began to maneuver on the enemy fi ghters while re-turning fi re. Machine gunners with M240B medium machine guns provided suppress-ing fi re as several Marines sprinted across an open fi eld to reach a better fi ring position.

Audible cracks, pops and explosions of gunfi re and high-explosive munitions quaked across the surrounding village as the Marines gained fi re superiority. Rifl emen with M16A4 service rifl es, M4A1 Carbines and M27 Infantry Automatic Rifl es gath-ered in the prone position behind berms and returned fi re at the insurgents. Bullets zoomed within inches of several Marines, but after several minutes of exchanging fi re, the fi refi ght concluded and no Marines were injured.

It was mid-morning after the fi refi ght

when the Marines moved to set up a security posture for a landing zone in a nearby fi eld to prepare to extract from the area. Two CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters arrived shortly after. The infantrymen darted through a cy-clone of dirt and hay caused by the helicop-ters’ rotors and arrived back on Camp Bas-tion within several minutes. The company’s fi rst day of operations had concluded; two more were to follow.

The following morning the company in-serted into a diff erent area of Gereshk. In-surgents were awaiting the Marines’ arrival and fi red rounds from several compounds at the helicopters. The crew chiefs aboard the helicopters responded to the enemy fi re with mounted .50 caliber machine guns and silenced the enemy fi ghters.

The company landed in the area shortly after and began patrolling on foot. A com-bat engineer led the infantrymen through several freshly harvested fi elds with a mine sweeper. Often times disturbed earth or pro-truding wires can be visual indicators of an improvised explosive device. The patrol had to rely on mine sweepers to protect their lives as they maneuvered across fi elds with entirely disturbed earth in darkness.

The sun began to rise over the horizon at 4:30 a.m. and squads of infantrymen were already at their designated compounds. Lo-cals emerged from their homes and began their morning prayers. The infantrymen re-spected their customs and waited for their prayers to conclude before enrolling the Af-ghans into a biometrics system. The Marines patrolled smoothly about the area without harassment, but the mounted element did not. Four vehicles struck IEDs; miraculously, no one was injured. After hours of patrolling and interacting with locals, the Marines set up security at a landing zone and extracted from the area to prepare for their fi nal day of the operation.

Once again the company gathered aboard the Camp Bastion fl ightline and departed friendly lines in the bellies of helicopters. As the infantrymen neared the area, small-arms fi re spewed from compounds below.

“We came under pretty heavy fi re from about fi ve diff erent points of origin.” Kay said. “When I looked out of the helicopter I could see tracer rounds fl ying into the sky.”

The crew chiefs returned fi re and the he-licopter pilots continued with their mission and landed to offl oad the Marines. Once on the ground, squads split up to move to

diff erent compounds. Daylight broke as Marines fi nished speaking with locals at a compound and then patrolled to their next objective. Only the deep breaths and crunch of boots crushing dried hay could be heard as the infantrymen maneuvered across a tilled fi eld with full combat loads.

Suddenly machine gun and small-arms fi re exploded from the corner of a com-pound nearly 150 meters away from the Marines.

Machine gunners with M240B medium machine guns instantly returned fi re. Deaf-ening gunfi re and explosions fi lled the area within a matter of seconds. The only objects protecting the Marines were a fl imsy mud wall and a small berm, the Marines needed to move from their positions. Staff Sgt. Mat-thew Ingwerson, a platoon sergeant with Bravo Co., immediately took charge.

“Everybody looks in one direction, at ei-ther the platoon commander or platoon sergeant, and someone has to remain level headed because if the leadership starts los-ing their mind, the Marines start breaking down and they start losing their confi dence in their abilities,” said Ingwerson, a native of Nampa, Idaho. “I try to mitigate as much stress as I can in order to allow my squads to maneuver eff ectively.”

Machine gunners provided suppressive fi re as rifl emen sprinted for their lives across an open fi eld to reach the insurgents. Bullets kicked up dust as they impacted between the Marines’ feet. ANA soldiers led them into compounds to search for insurgents and question locals. The fi re slowly died out and the insurgents retreated.

After conducting a thorough search of the surrounding area and enrolling several Afghans into a biometrics system, the com-pany linked up with the mounted element and departed the area via Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles. Every Marine returned to base unharmed after the three days of kinetic activity with their mission ac-complished.

“A lot of coalition forces haven’t been pres-ent in that area recently,” Kay said. “The Tali-ban start getting comfortable in places and think they can do whatever they want. We told them that they are not safe there. I don’t care if they go north, south, east, or west; the Marines are going to fi nd them. We denied their ability to consolidate and their ability to plan and we also showed the local popula-tion that we are there to help them.”

The Jet Stream Friday, July 18, 2014 11Around The Corps

Fightertown deployed: CORPS BITS

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII -- Marines assigned to Combat Assault Company, 3rd Marine Regiment, practiced amphibious assault vehicle operations, June 30.

The goal of the training was to prepare the Marines for amphibious operations in anticipation of ship-to-shore movements for Exercise Rim of the Pacifi c 2014.

The AAVs, are armored personnel car-riers designed to transport Marines from the well decks of naval amphibious vessels to shore and beyond. They are outfi tted with smoke grenade launchers to conceal movement and .50-caliber machine guns and MK19 automatic grenade launchers.

Marines new to the company used the time to sharpen their skills driving the AAVs in the ocean.

“We’re doing waterborne operations to ensure training and knowledge is passed down to the more junior Marines,” said Cpl. Chris Hoover, an AAV crew chief assigned to CAC, 3rd Marines.

The am tracks splashed into the bay from an entry point near the Pacifi c War Memo-rial in the morning to conduct a jetty op-eration, the smallest-scale training the unit conducts. A few Indonesian Marines ac-companied CAC in the AAVs and observed how their U.S. Marine counterparts oper-ated.

Combat Assault Company then practiced towing a downed vehicle. Marines maneu-vered their AAVs behind each other and cross-connected the two troop carriers with rope. The towing vehicle threw their rope and the receiving track crew members tied it off .

Once connected, one vehicle drags the other through the water with the rear crew-man and the crew chief observing the rope to make sure it was secure. This simulated a downed-vehicle tow.

Combat Assault Company also has emer-gency plans to get personnel off an inoper-able vehicle at sea.

The company provides 3rd Marine Regi-ment the ability to train in an amphibious environment like ship-to-shore exercises. They also provide transportation through urban environments like the military op-erations in urban terrain facility at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows.

3rd Marines take action to water, train with AAVs

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLE-TON, Calif. -- Retired Gunnery Sgt. Nancy Arroyoavila, president of the Edith Macias Vann, Southern California Chapter of the Women Marines Association, along with fellow WMA members, spoke to Marines at the Pacifi c Views Event Center aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 8.

Retired and former Marine women from the WMA teamed with the I Marine Expedi-tionary Force Headquarters Group Female Marine and Sailor Council to share their ca-reer experiences, including challenges and achievements they experienced along the way.

The council is a noncommissioned offi -cer-managed forum that meets quarterly. Its purpose is to discuss gender-specifi c issues, establish a professional network, and leverage mentorship opportunities in order to increase individual and unit readi-ness.

The council was originally set up to pro-vide a venue for female service members to network and mentor each other, said Master Sgt. Bonnie Diaz, the acting motor transportation offi cer in charge of I MHG and sponsor of the council.

The meetings are designed to allow the Marines to network, build camaraderie, mentor and speak about future initiatives regarding female Marines.

The next step for the council is to move away from small meetings and move into a bigger forum, said Diaz. The council want-ed to bring guest speakers to share stories about their involvement in major confl icts and open up the forum for the women to ask questions.

The members of the council are develop-ing a platform to share experiences with one another and strengthen their bonds, and are now looking toward the future and planning an annual symposium.

Attendees of the council meeting ex-pressed interest in continued participation.

“It was really motivating to see, and I hope I get the opportunity to come again,” said Lance Cpl. Jasmine Meade, a radio op-erator with 9th Communications Battalion.

Women Marines Association members share experiences

MALS-31 Stingersa detachment is currently

deployed to the Western Pacifi c supporting VMFA-115.

d

HMLA-467 conducts fi rst combat deployment supporting operations in Afghanistan

Sgt. Frances JohnsonMarine Expeditionary Brigade - Afghanistan

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan -- Marine Aircraft Group-Afghanistan has diff erent air assets contributing to the last operations in Regional Command (Southwest), and Ma-rine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 467 brings the multirole versatility needed for combat operations in southern Afghani-stan.

The unit, known as the Sabers, is currently deployed from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, and is com-prised of Marines with varying specialties to man and maintain the AH-1W Cobras and UH-1Y Hueys. The squadron was estab-lished fi ve years ago and is on its fi rst com-bat deployment.

Although many people envision pilots and crew chiefs when they think of a squad-ron, the Marines back on the ground in the hangars and shops are just as important as the guys in the air.

Getting the Cobras and Hueys of HMLA-467 back in the fi ght is something every Marine in the unit takes to heart when do-ing their daily jobs.

“We work with the air frame, hydraulics and fl ight controls for the Huey and the Co-bra,” said Lance Cpl. Jonathan Perkins, an air frames mechanic with HMLA-467. “If a bird’s not capable of fl ying, missions can’t be com-pleted. If we have a (troops in contact) alarm that goes off , we have to ensure every bird is up and ready to go. Back home pilots go up for training purposes, but out here it’s the real thing and moves at a lot quicker pace.”

Perkins explained the work tempo is much faster than back at MCAS Cherry Point, but that has not hindered him and his fellow Marines from completing their daily tasks.

“I’ve always tried to move as fast as pos-sible, so for me the faster pace isn’t some-thing hard for me to get used to,” said Per-kins. “Just like all other shops, every shop has its own job; if that job isn’t completed then the aircraft will not be up.”

The missions the Sabers conduct in sup-port of combat operations within RC(SW) provide fl exibility for the troops on the ground.

While fl ight hours in a noncombat envi-ronment are more focused on training, the switch to combat operations has kept the Sabers thinking on their toes since their ar-rival in May.

Although the Sabers have only been a squadron for fi ve years and are on their fi rst combat deployment, the pride they hold in their jobs seems to refl ect that of a squad-ron that has been around the Corps for many years.

“I feel honored; our squadron’s fi rst de-ployment overseas gets to be the last for the HMLAs (in Afghanistan),” said Capt. David Fa-ville, an AH-1W Cobra pilot with HMLA-467. “It is keeping our deployment very busy with the moves and retrogrades, helping us fi ght off the grind that I think most units run into midway. We are extremely lucky to be given the chance to get out here.”

Sgt. Frances JohnsonMarine Expeditionary Brigade - Afghanistan

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- The Marines of the Afghan National Police Advisor Team returned to Camp Leatherneck from Lashkar Gah, Helmand province, Afghanistan, June 27.

The ANPAT, an advising team made up of approximately 20 Marines from all over the Marine Corps force including the reserves, spent eight months advis-ing the Afghan National Police in order to develop a strong, capable and credible police force for Helmand province.

“Our mission has been to assist in the institutional development of the Afghan National Police in Helmand province to increase their capability and capacity in providing security and upholding the rule of law for the population in Hel-mand,” said Maj. Mark Nicholson, the ad-ministration advisor for the ANPAT.

The ANP have grown in many ways since the beginning of the advising mis-sion in Afghanistan fi ve years ago.

“We are more capable and stronger than before,” said Maj. Gen. Baqazoi, Hel-mand provincial chief of police. “Police are holding checkpoints across Helmand province with coordination from Afghan National Police. Police are able to per-form and defeat. Our police have learned to stay on alert and react to any surprises,

track suspicious movement and objects.”As the current ANPAT members focus

more on supporting and guiding the ANP, the advisors feel the police are in a good place, ready and capable of sus-taining their force and standards of law enforcement.

“I’m very confi dent in the ANP on many levels,” said Alba, a native of Austin, Texas. “They’ve largely been sustaining security and success in Helmand on their own for some time now. They proved this during the elections and then during the runoff .”

The Lashkar Gah Training Center has played a crucial role in the success of the ANP in Helmand and Nimroz provinces, training more than 7,000 Afghan police forces.

“Anything from a basic patrol offi cer to a (noncommissioned offi cer) leader-ship course to offi cer training for the patrolmen, they are making sure that at each level the training is happening, and that they are graduating the number of recruits that they need to, to fulfi ll the needs throughout the entire province,” said Capt. Eric Gutierrez, headquarters offi cer-in-charge, ANPAT. “The LTC as a whole has been building the stepping-stones, and now they’re at a point where they’re self-suffi cient. The British lifted off of there several months ago, and even our follow-up checks, we’ve been looking at them and they’ve remained the profi -

cient force and trainers that they need to be to be able to keep up with the long-term success.”

There are currently 11,500 Afghans serving the ANP in Helmand and Nim-roz provinces. This number is spread amongst the three main pillars of the ANP: the Afghan Uniform Police, the Af-ghan Border Police and the Afghan Civil Order Police. These forces will continue to be advised and supported by advisors with Regional Command (Southwest) aboard Camp Leatherneck.

“We have seen tremendous changes in Helmand with regards to the develop-ment of the police forces,” said Helmand Governor Naeem Baloch. “The police are now capable of taking on the insurgents face-to-face.”

Afghan National Police Advisor team completes advising mission in Lashkar Gah, Afghanistan

Staff Sgt. Kenneth Morris, a crew chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 467, watches for any suspicious activity on the ground dur-ing a mission in Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 3.

VMFA-115 Silver Eaglesare currently deployed to the Western

Pacifi c as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

The Jet Stream Friday, July 18, 2014 Classifi eds12