EARTH DAY 4/22

Kadena F-15Cs An F-15C Eagle takes off from , April 3. Both the 44th and 67th Fighter Squadrons at Kadena Air take flight Base play a unique role in securing peace and stability in a free and open Indo-Pacific with their F-15C capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew Seefeldt) Professional Military 18th Security Education builds a Forces training stronger fighting force

(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Cynthia Belio) U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Michael Justice and Airman 1st Class Sarah Fox, 18th Security Forces Squadron response force leaders, review a form to process a DUI response during a training exercise at Kadena Air Base, April 8. Each team of Airmen participated in simulated traffic stops and DUI responses, as well as an interactive scenario on the Milo Range.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft) Service member from the U.S. Army and Marine Corps participate in a Marine Corps combat fitness test during an Okinawa Joint nity to work and connect with my sister service counterparts.” Experience course April 2, on Kadena Air Base. fellow servicemembers in these The students didn’t spend environments is so valuable. the entire course in a classroom By Staff Sgt. Defense Strategy. Being able to Participants were tossed It has developed new ways of however, for Mauricio, the best Benjamin Sutton understand one another’s capa- into classes with every service thinking for me and broadened part of the course was the fitness 18th Wing Public Affairs bilities and service cultures is the represented for the opportunity my perspective of how the Air challenge. 4/12/2019 — Members of Team first step in building our joint to discuss counseling and leader- Force piece fits into the puzzle. “By far, the U.S. Marines Kadena’s noncommissioned teams for joint employment.” ship techniques. I also thought the instructors combat fitness test and the joint officer corps came together for Winegardner continued by “Being able to grasp an un- were well prepared and gained forces fitness events were my a week of Professional Military discussing how lessons learned derstanding of how each service valuable insight.” favorite aspects to the Okinawa Education learning and training in joint PME courses assist conducts operations at the E-4 Mauricio continued explain- Joint Experience,” he said. “In April 1-5. enlisted members beyond the through E-6 level was very ing he had acquired a larger my opinion, there is no better These NCOs had the unique battlefield. interesting,” said Staff Sgt. Daniel sense of self-perspective and way to prompt collaborative opportunity to speak with U.S. “The relationships we build Mauricio, 18th Wing Command a massive appreciation for the problem-solving and build a Air Force Command Chief Mas- have a direct impact on our read- Chief executive assistant. “This other services. cohesive unit than doing so ter Sgt. Rick Winegardner, U.S. iness,” he explained. “I’ve seen seminar also created a forum for “This course also allowed us to through means of physical team Forces Command Senior more training opportunities and students to identify similarities compare customs and courtesies, building events like we did. I Enlisted Leader, about the future problems solved at the user level and differences of each service’s rank structure, standards, and highly encourage anyone who of warfighting across the Pacific and joint PME courses are part leadership methods, counseling values which will be extremely is extended the opportunity to and how it will include U.S. ser- of the bridge-work connecting techniques, approaches to stan- valuable in the event I fill a joint immerse themselves in any type vicemembers from all branches. our enlisted members with one dard enforcement, challenges billet,” said Mauricio. “Working of joint PME course or environ- “The main reason these PME another, opening up increased and how to they are handled.” alongside other services was ment to do it. It will open your courses are essential to our training and the development of With the military becoming the best part about this course. eyes and afford the opportunity deployment strategy is to build a our enlisted force. Even this last more and more integrated in Identifying each services unique to see where you and your service stronger more ready force,” said class, once they realized and fo- order to ensure mission success, strengths and differences was fit in to the big picture. You will Winegardner. “We will always cused on the commonalities and leaders at every level must know fun and solicited productive de- also gain a further appreciation engage our adversaries with a not the differences you could see and be comfortable operating in bate in the classroom. From the for fellow service members and combined force to maximize the a higher level of respect, a desire a joint environment. time I joined the armed forces, I what they bring to the fight.” synergies of each service ensur- to do more together as well as “I thoroughly enjoyed my ex- have always been told to network “At the end of the day, we ing we can project the effects we learning from each service and perience during this course,” said and this course helped me create fight and win together,” Mauricio need in support of the National service member.” Mauricio. “Having the opportu- meaningful relationships with stated. 2 SAMURAI GATE APRIL 19, 2019 18 MUNS annual sacred site cleanup helps preserve culture

An Okinawa family practices shimi, a Japanese tradition to honor ancestors, with a luncheon on the burial site during an annual sacred site cleanup April 14, on Kadena Air Base. The 18th Munitions Squadron hosted the event for more than 300 family members as one of many community engagement programs designed to preserve culturally significant landmarks on An Okinawa family clears jungle overgrowth from their family tomb in Kadena Air Base. preparation of shimi, a Japanese tradition to honor ancestors, during an annual sacred site cleanup April 14, on Kadena Air Base. (U.S. Air Force photos by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft) Air Force announces selection process for officer instructor and recruiting special duty assignments By Secretary of the Air Force out our Air Force and this begins with re- need each Airman to reach his or her full processes and incentives will be announced Public Affairs cruiting and instructing our Airmen,” said potential. We’re really focused on making by the Air Force Personnel Center. 4/11/2019 - WASHINGTON — The Air Air Force Chief of Staff David L. Goldfein. the right adaptations to ensure we are en- In recent months, the Air Force has Force announced that beginning in April “As well, our officers who serve in abling a system that is simple, transparent, rolled out similar initiatives under the 2019, officers will be screened and selected formal instructor and recruiting positions agile and responsive to the Air Force’s and talent management umbrella, including for formal instructor and recruiting special gain tremendous insight and leadership Airmen’s needs.” modifications to the High Year of Tenure duty positions. development as they invest in our next Eligible officers who are interested in policy, the Intermediate Developmental This latest modification, which is one of generation of warfighters,” Goldfein said. applying should log into MyVECTOR Education selection process, a review of many improvements to how the Air Force “As we move forward, we will only select and update their initial preferences. The the overhauled Enlisted Evaluation System manages talent, is designed to ensure edu- those officers who demonstrate the highest application window will open April 15 and and the removal of promotion testing for cation, training and recruiting is the best it character and competence.” close May 24. Senior raters are required senior non-commissioned officers. can be. In April 2019, the Air Force will publish to endorse their officers in order for their Airmen can expect more modifications “Being an instructor or recruiter helps guidance that outlines the changes to the applications to be submitted to the central to the talent management system over the to shape the future force, but, in the past, nomination and selection process for board. coming months, to include significant we have not rewarded officers who do this instructor and recruiting special duties. Starting in 2020, these opportunities changes to the way it categorizes and pro- important work,” said Secretary of the Air Institutional instructor and recruiting will be added to the Officer Selection Brief motes Line of the Air Force officers, as well Force Heather Wilson. “We gave it lip ser- positions will involve senior rater nomi- and SecAF Memorandum of Instruction as implementing a streamlined version of vice. We’re changing that. This is just one nation and a central screening board, and for officers who have previously served the officer promotion recommendation more part of our effort to improve the way functional instructor positions will require or are serving in formal instructor and form. we develop, assign, evaluate and promote selection by development teams. recruiting special duties. Air Force leadership is continually Airmen.” “Incentivizing these positions for Other incentives will include deploy- reviewing, and when necessary, modifying Similar to previous efforts for enlisted officers is part of our evolving talent ment exemptions, two-year assignments the way they manage, develop, assign and developmental special duty, promotion management system,” said Lt. Gen. Brian (where possible), alma mater preference promote Airmen. boards will value these leadership experi- Kelly, Air Force Manpower, Personnel and for ROTC assignments (when possible) To learn more about the Officer ences and the Air Force will offer incen- Services deputy chief of staff. “It’s our job and follow-on assignment preferences (as Instructor & Recruiting Special Duties tives to those who participate. to deliver lethal and ready Airmen—they determined by the Airman’s respective assignment process log into MyPers or “We need inspirational leaders through- remain our competitive advantage and we career field). Further details on these new contact AFPC.

Published by Eight Co., Ltd. a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with the 18th Wing. The civilian en- terprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services overseas. Contents of Samurai Gate are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or Eight Co. Ltd. of the products or services advertised. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Depart- ment of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or Eight Co. Ltd. of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political af- filiation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. For commercial advertising, inquiry, send an email to [email protected] 18th Wing Public Affairs: [email protected] DSN:634-3813 APRIL 19, 2019 SAMURAI GATE 3 US, Philippine Air Forces take Exercise Balikatan to new heights By Senior Airman Sadie Colbert 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade U.S. Air Force Capt. Scott, center, talks with Philippine Air Force UH-H1 4/11/2019 - CLARK AIR Huey pilots about a U.S. Air Force BASE, Philippines — U.S. and HH-60 Pave Hawk at Clark Air Base, Philippine air forces shared best April 10, Philippines, during Exercise practices and showcased their in- ^A Philippine Air Force UH-1 Huey, left, and a U.S. Air Force HH- Balikatan. Scott is an HH-60 co-pilot teroperability at various locations 60 Pave Hawk, right, prepare for lift-off before a combat search and with the 31st Rescue Squadron out of rescue training mission during Exercise Balikatan at Clark Air Base, Kadena Air Base. across the Philippines during Philippines, April 2. Exercise Balikatan April 1-12. (U.S. Air Force photos by Senior Airman Sadie Colbert) The Philippines-led exercise is Approximately 380 U.S. Air “I was able to see how the 31st A-10 pilot and native of Vestal, they operate during deployed often known for its humanitarian Force personnel from more than Rescue Squadron (RQS) per- New York. “We were able to situations.” and amphibious activities, but 60 career fields participated in forms a CSAR whereas we func- work with some of the Filipino By working together with their throughout the exercise’s long the joint, multinational exercise tion as a non-combatant rescue joint terminal attack controllers, PAF counterparts, U.S. Airmen history, aviation operations have to exchange operational and team,” said PAF 1st Lt. Anthony which we’ve never been able to fortified their skills and increased become an increasingly import- organizational knowledge. Feril, a 505th Search and Rescue do before.” the fluidity of mission execution ant piece of the two nations’ “The U.S. Air Force comes to Group UH-H1 Huey co-pilot. “I While aircrew worked togeth- between the two nations. training objectives. the Philippines to share and gain appreciated being able to experi- er high in the skies, medical and “I think anyone who comes to “Working hand-in-hand, knowledge in different tactics, ence joint rescue missions with security forces personnel on the the Philippines sees they are phe- training side-by-side, and en- techniques and procedures the 31st RQS, allowing for both ground held their own subject nomenal people and they’re more hancing friendships together is whether it’s close-air support, air PAF and U.S. Air Force teams to matter expert exchanges to than hospitable,” said Chambers. the essence of Balikatan,” said traffic control, or combat search perform better in the future.” strengthen partnerships between “From a military standpoint, we Philippine Air Force Master Sgt. and rescue,” said Lt. Col. Jason Throughout the exercise, first responders. learn as much from them as they Wilma Cango, the first sergeant Chambers, 13th Air Expedi- four A-10 Thunderbolt IIs with “I participated in five Exercise learn from us.” assigned to the 602nd Aerodome tionary Group commander and the 25th Fighter Squadron out Balikatans before this one,” U.S.-Philippine military Operations Squadron, and native native of Athens, Alabama. of Osan Air Base, Republic of said Tech. Sgt. David Rivera, a collaboration has served as the of Pampanga, Philippines. “We The U.S. Air Force and PAF Korea, participated in nearly 50 member of the cadre assigned cornerstone for stability in the are lucky to have Balikatan began the exercise with combat flights alongside U.S. Marine to the 736th Security Forces Indo-Pacific region for decades. because the Philippines and U.S. search and rescue (CSAR) Corps and PAF aircraft. Squadron (SFS) from Anderson Exercise Balikatan will continue have a longstanding friendship, training which included three “The missions have been Air Base, Guam. “I’m really to strengthen the nations’ long- and they are always here for the HH-60G Pave Hawks assigned to going really well,” said U.S. Air humbled to share our knowledge standing alliance and friendship PA F.” Kadena Air Base, Japan. Force Capt. Brian Higgins, an and exchange with the PAF how for years to come. 4 SAMURAI GATE APRIL 19, 2019 Armed Forces of the Philippines, U.S. Forces conclude annual Balikatan Exercise

(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Harmon) (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Timothy Hernandez) (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cameron E. Parks) ^U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Stephen Weaver shows fire fighting equipment ^U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Aundre Lawrence teaches a basic resuscitation ^U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Eric M. Smith, commanding general, III Marine Expeditionary to students from Sapang Bato Elementary School at Clark Air Base, class at Pagasa Elementary School in Pagasa, Bataan, Philippines, during Force, speaks during a press conference after the Exercise Balikatan closing ceremony held Philippines, April 6. Weaver, a Houston is the assistant chief of fire prevention a cooperative health engagement as a part of Exercise Balikatan, April 8. at Tejeros Hall, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City, Manila, Philippines, April 12. with the 18th Civil Engineer Squadron. Lawrence is a public health journeyman with 18th Medical Group.

By Maj. Eve Baker trainings, exchange of knowledge and clinics, friendship visits to schools and or- Balikatan to incorporate the USS Wasp 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade cooperative activities as we close Exercise phanages, and a multi-day mental health paired with the U.S. Marine Corps’ F-35B 4/12/2019 - CAMP AGUINALDO, Balikatan 2019,” according to Lt. Gen. conference for providers. Lightning II aircraft. Together they rep- Quezon City — Military units from all Gilbert I. Gapay, commander of Southern Balikatan, which means “shoul- resent an increase in military capability branches of the and Armed Luzon Command and the Philippine Ex- der-to-shoulder” in Tagalog, embodies the committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific. Forces of the Philippines (AFP) concluded ercise Co-Director. “It served not only as alliance and friendship between the two Their participation in Balikatan demon- the 35th iteration of Balikatan on April a venue to further enhance our capabilities countries. Australia’s participation in the strated their ability to forward deploy in 12 with a ceremony at the AFP Commis- as military organizations but also as an exercise enriched the relationship between support of an ally should a crisis or natural sioned Officers’ Clubhouse. Members of opportunity to help our people in less all three countries’ military forces. disaster occur. the Australian Defence Force also par- fortunate communities in the country. Australian Chief of Joint Operations “This training allows us to come togeth- ticipated in the exercise and attended the Ultimately, Balikatan 2019 brought out the Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld said Exercise er and operate as one team. Balikatan con- closing event. best in our forces as we commit towards Balikatan enhances regional readiness and tinues to prepare our armed forces to work Balikatan, which ran from April 1 to advancing regional security and stability, response capabilities to real-world chal- together to confront any and all challenges 12, was comprised of 28 major combined sustaining bilateral ties and strengthening lenges. “The Philippines is an important that may jeopardize the mutual defense we or joint interoperability events that tested defense partnership.” regional partner to both Australia and the have worked so hard to provide for one and enhanced the services’ skills and The exercise also incorporated 18 U.S.,” Air Marshal Hupfeld said. “Balikatan another,” said U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. abilities in areas such as counterterrorism, humanitarian and civic assistance, com- 2019 allowed all of the participants to Eric M. Smith, commanding general, III amphibious operations, live-fire, urban munity relations and subject matter expert build on existing military-to-military Marine Expeditionary Force. operations and aviation operations. exchange events. These included extensive relationships and support the AFP's mod- This year marked the 35th iteration of “The AFP and U.S. Armed Forces renovation projects at several elementary ernization efforts.” the Balikatan exercise, and planning will greatly benefited from the different schools, one-day veterinary and medical This was the first iteration of Exercise soon begin for next year’s event. APRIL 19, 2019 SAMURAI GATE 5 Australian Defense Force VP-47 completes deployment to Academy Cadets visit Okinawa U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations Lt. Cmdr. Seth Harbin, Patrol Squadron (VP) 47 Maintenance Officer, is accompanied by his children after departing from a P-8A Poseidon into hangar six at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island upon returning from deployment, April 10.

(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kevin A. Flinn) By Petty Officer 1st Class Disaster Relief in response to the aftermath Kevin Flinn of Typhoon Yutu. Typhoon Yutu was a Patrol Squadron 47 Category 5 super typhoon, the strongest 4/11/2019 - OAK HARBOR, WA — The tropical cyclone to ever impact the Mari- “Golden Swordsmen” of Patrol Squadron ana Islands and the second-strongest to hit (VP) 47 returned to Naval Air Station any U.S. territory. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Cpl. Chelsea Simons) Cadets with the Australian Defense Force Academy (ADFA) pose for a group photo at the Battle of Whidbey Island after completing a six- VP-47 also assisted in the search and Okinawa Historical Display on Camp Kinser, April 15. ADFA cadets visit Okinawa to conduct a battle month deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet rescue operations following a mishap study as part of their military education requirements for the academy. (C7F) area of operations (AOO), Apr. 10. between a KC-130 Hercules and F/A-18 U.S. Marine During VP-47’s first P-8A Poseidon Hornet about 200 miles off of the coast of Corps 1st Lt. deployment, the squadron had 13 detach- Japan on Dec. 6. The mishap resulted in Patrick Nolan ments across nine sites throughout the In- the casualties of six U. S. Marines and one speaks to do-Pacific. The squadron conducted over survivor. cadets with 3,700 flight hours, including 87 individual The maintenance department executed the Australian flight missions to assist the United Nations over 21,000 man hours, completed 8,573 Defense Force Academy (ADFA) Security Council Resolutions against illicit maintenance action forms and 25 sched- on Camp Kinser, ship-to-ship transfers that violate North uled maintenance inspections to enable Okinawa, April Korea sanctions. aircraft to be on time and on station at a 15. “I’m beyond proud of every single rate of 97 percent and a 99 percent opera- person’s dedication and exceptional per- tional readiness completion rate. formance during the dynamic operations Sailors assigned to VP-47 also partici- we’ve thrived in these past six months,” said pated in 10 community relations (COM- Cmdr. Nathan Gammache, VP-47 Com- REL) events throughout the deployment, manding Officer. “These Sailors have set including four international COMRELs a new standard and their diligent actions outside Japan in Brunei, India, Malaysia, and work ethic will be impressed upon the and Thailand. maritime patrol and reconnaissance com- “I couldn’t have asked for a better group munity in C7F’s AOO for years to come.” of Sailors these past six months,” said Three detachments were to Guam, one VP-47 Command Master Chief Shon R. of which included flying multiple missions Nuanez. “On deployment, we were able during Operation Rai Balang, a Forum to come together, strengthen camaraderie, Fisheries Agency (FFA)-led multilateral and execute our missions. I think, now, our monitoring control and surveillance oper- Sailors have more than earned this time to ation with eight FFA members. Operation reunite with family and friends, recollect Rai Balang supported FFA’s mission to on all that they have accomplished, and detect, deter, report and/or apprehend enjoy being home.” potential illegal, unregulated or unreport- The “Golden Swordsmen” recently com- ed fishing activity and to enhance Pacific pleted a six-month deployment conducting Island countries’ involvement and partic- maritime patrol and reconnaissance and ipation in maritime fisheries surveillance theater outreach operations within the and response operations. C7F AOO in support of Commander, Task Another Guam detachment included Force 72, C7F, and U.S. Pacific Command patrolling the Northern Mariana Islands objectives throughout the Indo-Asia Pacif- conducting Humanitarian Assistance and ic region. Alpha Company battles for the Paddle during the Raider’s Challenge

(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Harrison Rakhshani) Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, complete the run- swim-run portion of the Raider’s Challenge event at Hansen Aquatic Center, April 12. During this event, the Marines of Alpha Company represented their platoons swimming and running in various relays, competing for a chance to claim the hallowed Raider’s Paddle. Alpha Company composes the small boat raid specialists for BLT 1/4, the Ground Combat Element of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. 6 SAMURAI GATE APRIL 19, 2019 Senaha Beach White Beach cleanup in Okinawa Festival 2019 Members of the U.S and local communities pick up trash at Senaha Beach, April 14. Weekly beach cleanups are being held in April to celebrate Earth Day.

(U.S. Navy photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew Dickinson) (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Karis Mattingly) Distinguished visitors tour the foc’sle of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Milius page, will be hosting beach cleanup events (DDG 69) during White Beach Festival 2019, April 13. White Beach Festival is an annual, open-base By Pfc. Karis Mattingly event hosted by Commander, Fleet Activities Okinawa (CFAO) and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Marine Corps Installations Pacific around Okinawa. Sub-Area Activity Okinawa held to reciprocate the hospitality that the Okinawa community has shown 4/13/2019 - CAMP FOSTER — Members “The Marine Environmental Affairs the U.S. forces stationed in Okinawa. of the U.S. and local communities joined Office reached out to us to join efforts together April 13 to clean Senaha Beach, because they created a goal for over 1,000 Okinawa. volunteers to clean the beaches of Okina- “I just get emotional because we only wa by the end of summer,” said Michael have one earth and it’s filling with trash.” Cappola, the founder of Okinawa Beach said Sandy Gibbons, the compliance train- Cleanup. ing and environmental support branch According to Cappola, the beach supervisor for Marine Corps Base Camp cleanups will continue even after the goal is Butler. “We have to take care of it, and it’s reached and anyone is welcome to volun- been my life’s mission,” teer. With Earth Day right around the “April is our month to renew our mis- corner, multiple organizations and Camp sion and commitment, and really focusing Butler have been promoting cleanups on getting things done,” said Gibbons. “We across Okinawa for the month of April. need to focus on environmental awareness, To celebrate Earth Day, Marine Corps and the way we want to do that is beach Dragon boat teams row during a dragon boat Visitors tour an MV-22 Osprey during White Base Camp Butler Environmental Affairs cleanups.” race on White Beach Naval Facility as part of Beach Festival 2019 on White Beach Naval Branch, in partnership with Single Marine For details, including map pins, dates, White Beach Festival 2019. Facility. Program, the MCCS Volunteer Program, and times, go to the Facebook page “Oki- and the Okinawa Beach Cleanup Facebook nawa Beach Cleanup.” APRIL 19, 2019 SAMURAI GATE 7 Health care transition looks to improve processes for wartime missions, beneficiaries By Jim Garamone wartime fight. This is more complicated. The question DoD News, Defense Media Activity The military treatment facilities will is to ensure medical personnel get the 4/11/2019 - WASHINGTON — Since move to the agency over a three-year patient load they need to develop and 2001, the military medical establishment period. Officials will be able to examine maintain qualifications. The number has learned much about caring for trauma. the changes, assess how the transition is of times a surgeon performs a specific Many American service members alive working and make changes as needed, surgical procedure is directly tied to the today who have fought since 9/11 would Daigle said. Currently, the facilities at Wal- outcome, Daigle explained. “Higher reps, have died in previous wars. Thousands ter Reed National Military Medical Center better outcomes,” he said. more have benefitted from state-of-the- in Bethesda, Maryland, and those at Fort One of the challenges from a medical art care and the experience that military Belvoir, Virginia; Fort Bragg, North Caro- readiness perspective is relatively low medical providers have learned in 18 years lina; Jacksonville, Florida; and Keesler Air workload levels per provider. “We just of war. Force Base, Mississippi, come under the don’t have enough patients of certain The lessons of the battlefield were Defense Health Agency. This transitions types to generate the readiness levels we learned through experience and repetition, more than 1,000 headquarters medical need,” Daigle said. “In some cases, we are and DoD and Congress want to ensure staff from the services to DHA. going to want to remove some people from those lessons are not forgotten. “The second major muscle movement hospitals so the amount of workload that At the direction of Congress, the mil- in this is to reshape the military medical remains, divided over fewer providers, will itary health care system is going through force for the wartime mission,” Daigle said. give them the opportunity to hone their a substantial set of changes in its structure “In some specialties, we have too few pro- procedures.” and how it will operate, said Robert Daigle, viders – emergency medicine for example. This mirrors the trends in the civilian the Defense Department’s director of cost In other cases, we have more than we world, where surgeons specialize in certain assessment and program evaluation. need.” procedures. Some surgeons do only knee “Our No. 1 priority … is to maintain The latest budget request calls for more replacements, and may do hundreds of the quality of care for both the wartime than 100,000 active-duty military medical them per year. Those surgeons have seen mission and the beneficiary population,” professionals, with more than 60,000 in the range of complications that can arise Daigle said in a recent interview. “Our goal the reserve components. from a procedure and are best equipped to … is to improve the readiness of the mili- The budget reallocates 14,000 positions deal with them when they arise. They cer- tary health care personnel for the wartime from medical specialties into other critical tainly would be better equipped to handle mission.” shortfalls in the services’ operational force a complication than a surgeon who might From Capitol Hill to the Pentagon to structure, Daigle said. If the service needs do one a month, Daigle said. military treatment facilities around the cyber, infantry or aircraft maintenance Daigle emphasized that all of this world, all are working together to make personnel, it will be able to apply these process will be studied and assessed even the transition as seamless as possible, the slots to those fields, he added, noting that as the process continues forward, and that director said. most of the slots reassigned will be person- there is time to make changes as needed in Management of the military treatment nel who seldom deal with patients directly. the process. facilities will transition from the services Improving Readiness for the Wartime The director also said he hopes that to the Defense Health Agency. The agency Mission standardization of the administrative pro- will focus on providing high-quality care Finally, he said, the initiative is intended cesses in the military treatment facilities for beneficiaries, enabling the services to to ensure the medical force improves its will make moving among the facilities eas- focus entirely on medical readiness for the readiness for the wartime mission. ier for service members and beneficiaries. S-1 gets the job done By Lance Cpl. and general administrative re- garrison. They get the mail from Dylan Hess quirements against our mission the post office and make sure the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit sets. Ultimately, the S-1 is the mail is sorted and distributed to 4/12/2019 - CAMP HANSEN fabric that holds the Marine Air the Marines. — What do you picture of when Ground Task Force together When they’re not filing docu- you hear the word Marine? Is it and supports each warfighting ments and submitting packages an administrative clerk or a staff function.” in garrison the Marines at the judge advocate? Probably not; Without the S-1, Marines 31st MEU have the added chal- but these Marines play a critical would have to keep track of and lenge of deploying on a ship for role within the 31st Marine Ex- file their own paperwork on top months at a time. peditionary Unit’s S-1. of their own job. Almost every “On ship we are constantly “S-1 is the administrative administrative form, document taking accountability,” said Lance (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Lance Cpl. Dylan Hess) section for the 31st MEU,” said or package goes through the Cpl. Reginald Welch, an admin- ^Cpl. Jahlil Moore, an administrative clerk with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, uses a Sgt. Christopher Gutierrez, the S-1 at some point whether the istrative clerk with the 31st MEU. computer at Camp Hansen, April 5. Non-Commissioned Officer in Marine knows it or not. “It can be a challenge because Charge of S-1 for the 31st MEU. “Every document that is there are a lot of last minute “We provide administrative sup- filled out we track, scan and updates to the rosters.” port for the commanding officer electronically file it,” said Cpl. The rosters that S-1 makes and all personnel assigned or Jahlil Moore, an administrative are provided to unit leaders and attached to the MEU.” clerk with the 31st MEU. “These combat cargo. They include The S-1 takes care of many include off-island request forms, life boat assignment, who is tasks for the 31st MEU. These check in and check out sheets supposed to be on an aircraft, tasks are separated into four and car packages.” who is on and off ship and who areas; general, personnel, man- According to Moore, S-1 takes stayed behind. This keeps the power and operational adminis- care of Marine Online’s features. commanding officer informed tration. The administration areas They add and drop people from on where their Marines and include tasks like awards, pay, the unit when they join or leave, Sailors are located. promotions and transfers. These electronic processing personnel The constant accountability things happen every day and are action requests and giving Ma- of Marines is essential to ensure taken for granted, but wouldn’t rines permissions on the site. the 31st MEU is ready to go at happen without the S-1. Keeping track of the forms a moment’s notice. If a Marine “When the call comes to and packages that go through S-1 went missing, S-1 would know deploy and respond to crisis, the helps the 31st MEU Command who is accounted for and who is ^Lance Cpl. Blake Sanders, an administrative clerk with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, Commander must have admin- Element Marines be ready for the not. This enables the 31st MEU stamps a package at Camp Hansen, April 5. istratively deployable forces at future. Marines can place their by always having forces that are a moment’s notice,” said Capt. faith and confidence into the available to fight and win. impact to the accomplishment of ward-deployed MEU, provides a Robert Miller, the adjutant for administrative section because of The Marines of S-1 may not be the mission and they play a vital flexible force ready to perform a the 31st MEU. “The S-1 ensures their level expertise in that field. the first thing that comes to mind role in the success of the 31st wide range of military operations this at all times by aligning man- Taking care of mail is another when you think about a Marine. MEU. The 31st MEU, the Marine as the premier crisis response power, personnel, operational large part of what the S-1 does in But everything they do has an Corps’ only continuously for- force in the Indo-Pacific region. 8 SAMURAI GATE APRIL 19, 2019 USAG Okinawa fire chief receives Army lifetime achievement award, hall of fame induction when I first went to my first fire station, cause he has known him since 1982 and there was only one breathing apparatus believes he is one of the best in the field of on the truck,” Butler said, “and the crew Army firefighting. chief, who is like the senior fire guy who is “He’s a consummate professional and in charge of the truck, he said, ‘That’s our a visionary in the fire and emergency breathing apparatus right there. We don’t services career field,” Barone said. “He ever use it.’” is personally responsible for many of Now, all firefighters wear breathing the programs that govern Army Fire apparatus, as well as their own personally and Emergency Services today. There is fitted mask, Butler said. truly no one more deserving of the Army “No matter how much safety equip- Fire and Emergency Services Lifetime ment you have or how safe you are follow- Achievement Award than Chief Butler.” ing safety procedures, it’s a very dangerous John Staub, chief of Army Fire and job—roof collapse, explosions, you name Emergency Services, Office of the Assis- it,” Butler said. “So firefighting is a very tant Chief of Staff for Installation Manage- dangerous profession, but we do the very ment, said he has been a DOD firefighter best we can to protect our firefighters and for 40 years, and has known Butler since we have a saying: ‘Dead firefighters don’t the early 1990s when they were both save lives.’” active-duty Air Force firefighters. Butler said it is important to fight “Chief Butler is the model for integrity, (U.S. Army photo by Jim McGee) Fire Chief Charlie Butler of U.S. Army Garrison Okinawa, Torii Station, is the recipient of the 2018 Army Fire and against complacency by constantly train- honesty and ethics,” Staub said. “He has Emergency Services Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Military Firefighter Heritage Foundation, a private ing. always demonstrated these traits, and organization based in San Angelo, Texas, will induct him into their hall of fame next month. When garrison officials hold meetings leads from the front by example. His throughout the year for annual full-scale dedication to duty and unselfish service to By Wendy Brown Manta Air Base in Manta, Ecuador; and emergency exercises, Butler said he likes our nation and communities goes a long U.S. Army Garrison Japan Public Affairs Manas Air Base in Kyrgyzstan, where he to tell them the fire department is always way in setting the bar high for others to 4/12/2019 - CAMP ZAMA, Japan — Fire helped build a U.S. air base fire depart- ready. emulate. He mentors current and future Chief Charlie Butler of U.S. Army Garri- ment at a civilian airport in support of “I always go to these meetings and I say, leaders, with continued excellence always son Okinawa, Torii Station, didn’t aspire to cargo and fighter and bomber missions ‘Let’s just have it tomorrow. I’m ready.’ We in the forefront of his thoughts, words and become a firefighter as a child, but once on into Afghanistan in 2001 and 2002. have to be ready. In a fire department we deeds.” the job, he found he had an affinity for it. Butler said he tells firefighters, “do cannot prepare a whole year for a single Butler is most deserving of the lifetime “Nobody likes to have injuries, fire things the way they’re supposed to be exercise,” Butler said. “We have to prepare achievement award, Staub said. damage, deaths or things like that, but done,” and he has followed that advice every single day and that’s training, train- “He has served not only at the instal- when you experience those calamities, throughout his career. ing, training.” lation level, but on (headquarters) staffs you’re glad to have someone there to “If for some reason you can’t do things Deputy Fire Chief Ralph Barone at as well,” Staub said. “I rely on his honest make things better,” Butler said. “And as the way they’re supposed to be done, then USAG Okinawa nominated Butler for opinion and appraisal, and when coupled a firefighter, I enjoyed being that person change the way it’s supposed to be done,” the Army award, and because Butler was with his strategic vision, it affords me the that would help people and make things Butler said. “What I mean by that is: We initially reluctant, he had to talk him into best of both worlds. (He’s) a superb fire better.” do things based upon laws, regulations, giving him information for the nominat- chief with strategic vision that stretches After 39 years in the profession, Butler policies and commander’s intent, but if for ing document. across the enterprise that I can always received the 2018 Army Fire and Emer- some reason we can’t comply with those Barone said he nominated Butler be- reach out to for assistance.” gency Services Lifetime Achievement laws, rules, regulations and commander’s Award, and the Military Firefighter Her- intent, then we have to change those itage Foundation, a private organization rules.” based in San Angelo, Texas, will induct He also believes in making changes him into their hall of fame next month. based on an unmet need. Butler joined the Air Force in 1979 In the days before organizations such and did a 25-year career as an active-duty as Army Community Service or Airman firefighter. He began working for the and Family Readiness, Butler said he Army’s former Installation Management didn’t like leaving people in the lurch at Agency, now Installation Management fire scenes. Command, when he retired from the Air “When we got finished as firefighters, Force in 2004, and he has been working we would just kind of leave and the people for the Army since then. would be there like, ‘What do I do next? He has served as the fire chief at Oki- I don’t have food; I have no furniture; I nawa since February 2016, but previously have nowhere to live; all my important was the fire chief at USAG Fort Bliss, Tex- documents are gone.’ So I created a check- as, for nine years, and he intends to return list that we would give to people that kind there next year. Under Department of of told them, ‘This is what you should do Defense rules, installations limit overseas next,’” Butler said. civilian jobs to five years and hold em- Butler said the biggest change he has ployees’ stateside jobs while they are away. seen in firefighting since he began in the In addition, Butler has served as fire field is in safety improvements. chief at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait; “When I first became a firefighter, APRIL 19, 2019 SAMURAI GATE 9 599th Transportation Brigade supports Army, Marine Corps at Pearl Harbor Quilon said a tweak in the operation on- training missions that I was able to work a ship could have gained efficiency. vessel upload. It was different than training “I think they could have utilized our missions. It was better because this was not army aviation crew to move helicopters by practice. This was no-fail type of thing. hand in the hold to make it easier for the “I came to the 599th to work ports. I tug operator to hook up and get them off want to work at the port,” he added. the ship,” he said. However, it was far from Austin’s first The next morning, the second oper- time loading cargo. ation began as Marine Rotational Force “Since I’ve been in the army I’ve worked started to upload their helicopters and planes, trains and a lot of trucks,” he said. equipment. “Now I’m able to work vessels. I’m an 88 Carlos Tibbetts, 599th terminal oper- Hotel [cargo specialist], so that’s my job. ations chief, worked onboard the Green “Everyone worked well out there to- Lake during the upload on March 30. gether,” he added. “We had good teamwork “The move went very smoothly,” he and good communications between all of said. “I heard that Friday night went extra us on the ship. When we needed lashers, well. So the next day we were able to start the Marines were right there to lash the up and finish quickly.” cargo.” Francis Nazareth, Central Gulf Lines Staff Sgt. Andre Carroll, operations (U.S. Army photo) vice president for operations, was again NCO, agreed that cooperation amongst A tug offloads an Apache helicopter from the M/V Green Lake during nighttime port operations at Pearl Harbor on March 29. working the move on behalf of the carrier. services played a big part in the successful “The Marines were using boards and upload. By Mrs. Donna Klapakis though it was the same ship, was an MSC pads to keep from damaging the skids “There was no difference between SDDC charter,” Quilon said. on the end of the aircraft, but midway working with the Marines and the Army 4/15/2019 - PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii “The COR needs to be at the port to through, they began riding on the front of at the port,” he said. “I always just let the — 599th Transportation Brigade and its provide oversight, to answer any questions the helicopters to counter-balance them,” person in charge know what we need, and partners completed two separate moves, that arise, and to ensure there’s no interfer- Nazareth said. “This put less weight on the we get it.” an offload for the Army and an upload for ence with vessel operations.” back skid, so they could just walk up while Austin also appreciated the chance to the Marine Corps, on the Motor Vessel Quilon said the offload went smoothly. lifting the rear rather than running back see real-world hazardous material upload. Green Lake here March 29-30. “Captain Francis Nazareth runs his and forth to the front and back.” “I am HAZMAT qualified, so it was 599th traffic management specialist crew very well,” he said. “They provided all “Three of the 599th NCOs were down interesting to me how they strategically Jimmy Quilon was the contracting officer the operations support where we needed at the port working, and the Marines were loaded the HAZMAT containers so that in representative for the offload of 2/6 Heli- them. acting as duty stevedores,” Tibbetts said. case of an emergency they can take them copter Attack Reconnaissance Squadron “It went fast and safely. It was done in Sgt. Deontre Austin, 599th surface op- off quickly,” he said. on March 29. three hours,” he added. “I was also happy erations center NCO, worked the upload. “We got the move done as quickly “The nighttime move on March 29 was to see that all the Soldiers had their protec- He said he appreciated the chance to work and safely as possible,” Carroll said. “The a liner move under a universal service tive gear.” at the port. operation began on March 30 at 7 a.m. and contract, and the move the next day, even Although everything was relatively fast, “This was the first time besides my ended at 2:30 p.m.” 10 SAMURAI GATE APRIL 19, 2019

To submit an announcement for the base bulletin, please visit www.kadena.af.mil NO FEDERAL ENDORSEMENT OF PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS OR ACTIVITIES IS INTENDED. NOTICE AADD: We Get You Home Safe conversational practice with students. This is a [email protected]. A volunteer packet and Kadena Base Library Closure Did you drink tonight? Made a plan but it’s falling great opportunity to volunteer and help our students background check will be required. Kadena Base Library will be closed April 26 for staff through? Can’t catch a cab? If any of this applies develop their language skills. Civilian attire is training and development. During this time, the to you, call AADD. Don’t risk it all, when you can get appropria te. Military spouses, non-military and Kadena Middle School Military online library resources will still be accessible via a ride home for free. To contact AADD from a cell civilians are also welcomed to participate in this Mentor Monday the library’s card catalog, which is linked from the phone number, dial 098-961-1110 and ask for the opportunity. The volunteer days are April 19, May 24. Kadena Middle Shool is looking for mentors who Kadena FSS web site, and via the AF Portal under USO, or dial DSN: 634-3889. We’re open Fridays and Spanish speaking volunteers are needed between are willing and able to assist/support middle school the “Library & Resources” tab. For more information, Saturdays at the USO (gate 2) from 2200 to 0100 and 0814-1405. French speaking volunteers are needed students in academics and age-appropriate social contact May Holly at 634-1502. we’re here to help. If you have any questions and/or between 0720-1000. You will have the option to sign interactions. “The intent of the Military Mentor concerns, please email our Org Box or contact us on up for one or multiple time slots. Call for more info Monday Program or (MMMP) is to build an on-going POV Shipment Authorize Facebook: Kadena AB A2D2 634-1216 or email: [email protected] relationship between our local military community Effective immediately, Air Force members are and DoDEA schools as well as provide positive role authorized to ship a Privately Owned Vehicle on How to File a Complaint with IG Kadena High School Football Program models to the students” (Pacific South Continuous subsequent Permanent Change of Station orders If you believe you are unable to resolve your The Kadena High School football program is School Improvement, 2019). This will take place at from Okinawa/Japan when a member does not complaint through supervisory channels, you may looking for volunteers that would like to help with its KDMS in various locations on the campus. Volunteers use the storage entitlement under JTR, para 0532. seek IG assistance to determine if the complaint weightlifting program. Volunteers would be assigned are needed every Monday to assist between 0730- These members in this category can ship a car from should be filed with the IG. You can file a complaint one day a week from Feb 25 through May 25, to 1430. To volunteer please contact Ms. Traci Cooper Okinawa to their next Permanent Duty of Station, on if you reasonably believe inappropriate conduct has come in and monitor the prescribed workout for at [email protected] or call 632-0217 a case by case basis. *Federal, state, local, and/ occurred or a violation of law, policy, procedures, correct form, effort and safety. There would be no or international requirements and cost therein fall or regulation has been committed. Complete the more commitment than one day per week for about Kadena Middle School STEM Week entirely on the member.* Members must still visit TMO personnel data information on an AF Form 102 and 60-80 minutes per day unless the volunteer would is seeking volunteer speakers PPSO well in advance to coordinate this request, to briefly outline the facts and relevant information choose to do more. The workouts would last from Kadena Middle School will be hosting the Kadena ensure they are fully briefed on the entire process. For related to the issue or complaint. List the allegations 1420-1540 on Mondays through Fridays. Volunteers Middle School STEM Week from 7:30 a.m. to 2 more information, contact TMO Personal Property at of wrongdoing briefly, in general terms and provide would motivate the athletes through their workouts, p.m., April 22-25 at Kadena Middle School. We are 632-0068. supporting narrative detail and documents later, when helping students write down their weight/sets/reps in seeking volunteer speakers from our community and interviewed by an IG person. Allegations should be their logs, and ensure proper form and safety. The looking for people to share their jobs, careers, and Imperial Accession Events on May 1 written as bullets and should answer who committed students will be on a prescribed program but extra experiences in their technical fields. Geeks and nerds LN employees may be excused from their regularly the violation; what violation was committed; what activities could be added if they finish early or feel this is your chance to get our students excited about scheduled duty day on May 1 with the exception law, regulation, procedures, or policy was violated; that they could benefit from more exercises. This will what you find exciting (video, medicine, mechanics, of those who, in the judgement of their chain of when did the violation occur. Help is available: Call be great opportunity for community members to earn electronics, radio…this list is endless). For more command, cannot be excused due to reasons of your Kadena IG office at 634-7622 for Maj Sarabia, volunteer hours and resume experience. If you are information, contact Mr. Karl Hoffman at karl. national security, defense, mission, or other essential 634-1109 for SMSgt Southern, 634-2768 for Mrs. interested, please contact Coach Mendoza at sergio. [email protected] or call at 634-2231. public need. Employees excused from duty on that Korpinen, or leave a message on the Kadena Fraud, day will be granted administrative leave (with pay). Waste, & Abuse (FWA) Hotline at 634-0404. Employees already on an approved leave status will continue to be charged pre-scheduled leave. For UPCOMING EVENTS more information or questions, contact to the JN Kadena High School Sky Lantern Civilian Personnel Section at Ms. Nikki Uehara at Festival 632-7909. Come out and celebrate the month of the military child with Kadena High School’s Class of 2022, April 18th LRS Air Force Equipment 20, 2019 from 5 - 9 p.m. at the Kadena Marina. Management System (AFEMS) Freeze CCAF Graduation The 18th Logistics Readiness Equipment The Kadena Air Base Top 3 Organization will host the Accountability Element wants to inform all property Community College of the Air Force Graduation at and equipment custodians starting April 1 the Air the Rocker NCO Club, May 17 at 3 p.m. Reception to Force Equipment Management System (AFEMS) follow. Military guests of the graduates may wear the records will be frozen. The Equipment office will no uniform of the day. For more information, contact the longer be accepting AF Form 601’s for authorization Education Office at 634-1500. change requests until the freeze is lifted and the migration to Defense Property Accountability Month of the Military Child Fun Fest: System (DPAS) is completed July 1, 2019. For more Celebrating Our Smallest Heroes information please call 634-3653. April is designated as the Month of the Military Child; a time to honor the sacrifices made by military families TMO Personal Property worldwide, with the emphasis on the experience of Hours of Operations: Monday, Wednesday, Friday the military child. Vehicle and Weapons display, (0830-1530) / Tuesday, Thursday (0730-1500) Location: Bounce Houses, Doggie Demo, Music and Food Building 756, DSN: 632-0068 PCS Group Briefings: (while supplies last. FREE and open to all. Every Tuesday & Thursday (1500). Kadena customers will need valid PCS orders before scheduling any Seeking Earth Day Volunteers Household Goods and Unaccompanied Shipments. Kadena Environmental would like you know of the Earth Day 2019 events we have currently underway. INFORMATION Help support through volunteer and donations! Mail Collection Box Locations on Clothes donation now thru 30 April. There will Kadena Air Base donation bins located throughout Kadena base For your letter mailing convenience, five mail drop facilities to include the Kadena BX and others. As box locations are available and their respective you consider your spring cleaning or get ready pickup schedules are below. Each letter must have to plan for your PCS, think about donating your the appropriate postage adhered to the letter before unwanted clothes. The clothes will be going to the placing in the mail drop box. If postage is needed local orphanages and homeless shelters within our please visit the post office to purchase. Drive-up surrounding community. Look for the clothes bins mailboxes and pick up times are listed below: marked Earth Day 2019! Beach clean-up at Sunabe Nearby the Community Bank drive-through ATM Sea Wall (3 May, 0800). Please come out and join (across from Schilling Community Center). Mail will us as we clean up our community’s beaches. We ask be picked up Monday - Friday at 2:30 p.m. and on that you bring your own hydration sources, gloves to Saturday at 1230 p.m. / Near the Fairchild Shoppette. enjoy the day with us. Mail will be picked up Monday - Friday at 2:36 p.m., Sat at 12:36 p.m. / Near the Kadena Base Exchange VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES main entrance, Mon - Fri 2:43 p.m., Saturday 12:43 Kadena High School needed for p.m. / Near the Kadena post office main entrance, Volunteer Native Speakers Mon - Fri 2:48 p.m., Saturday at 12:48 p.m. / Nearby Kadena High School is seeking volunteer native Popeye’s Restaurant at Olympic Mail, Mon - Fri 2:53 Spanish and French speakers to engage in p.m., Saturday at 12:53 p.m. For more information, contact Nick Tolosa at 634-7909. Kadena and Camp Foster Emergency Numbers Kadena Fire Emergency Services reminds everyone to program their cell phones with the emergency numbers. To report an emergency on Kadena via cell, dial 098-934- 5911, and from an office phone, dial 911. For Camp Foster via cell, dial 098-911-1911, or from an office phone, dial 911. APRIL 19, 2019 SAMURAI GATE 11 12 SAMURAI GATE APRIL 19, 2019 Air Force’s F-35A Lightning II arrives for first Middle East deployment

Three F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 4th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron taxi after landing at Al Dhafra Air Base, , April 15. The F-35A Lightning II is deployed to the U.S. Air Forces Central Command area of responsibility for the first time in U.S. Air Force history. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Chris Thornbury) By Micah Garbarino 2015,” said Lt. Col. Yosef Morris, 4th For many Airmen, like Staff Sgt. Riley Public Affairs Fighter Squadron commander. “We have Curry, who have been in the F-35A pro- 4/16/2019 - , been successful in two Red Flags. We’ve gram their entire career, this is their first Utah — Airmen from the 388th and 419th deployed to Europe and to Asia. Our deployment. They said getting ready for Fighter Wings here deployed to Al Dhafra Airmen are ready for this mission.” the deployment was the hard part, but Air Base, United Arab Emirates, to sup- The F-35A, the conventional takeoff and carrying out the mission is second nature. port the Central landing variant of the Joint Strike Fighter, “It’s neat to be on our first deployment Command mission in the Middle East. provides greater operational capability by and part of the first operational F-35A The aircraft arrived in country on April 15. combining advanced stealth capabilities deployment, but we’re going out to do our “For those of us who have been a part of with the latest weapons technology. job – the same one we do here every day,” the F-35 program for a while, this is a huge “We are adding a cutting edge weapons said Curry, a munitions controller with the milestone,” 388th FW commander, Col. system to our arsenal that significantly en- 388th Maintenance Squadron. Lee Kloos, told a group of Airmen gath- hances the capability of the coalition,” said Hill’s total force Airmen have previous- ered in Hill’s Deployment Control Center. Lt. Gen. Joseph T. Guastella, commander ly deployed to Royal Air Force Lakenheath “You’re the first. We’re proud of you, and of U.S. Air Forces Central Command. in April 2017, as well as Kadena Air Base, we’ll be watching you as you bring this “The sensor fusion and survivability this Japan in the fall of 2017. jet’s capabilities to bear in support of our aircraft provides to the joint force will “As a Total Force effort with a mix of nation’s defense.” enhance security and stability across the active duty and Reserve Airmen working As the first deployment to the U.S. theater and deter aggressors.” side by side, this is no different than what Air Forces Central Command area of re- The group of Airmen is made up of pilots we do on a day-to-day basis here at Hill sponsibility, the Airmen are prepared and from the active duty 4th Fighter Squadron AFB,” said Col. Gina Sabric, 419th FW trained for the AFCENT mission. and Reserve 466th Fighter Squadron, as commander. “We train together and fight “As the first operational F-35 wing in well as active duty and Reserve Airmen together, and as the first deployment for the Air Force we’ve been working toward in the 4th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, and the F-35A to the Middle East, I’m one this since we received our first jets in personnel in other support functions. hundred percent confident we’ll deliver.”