w The UK rank structure

Friday, Jet February 20, 2015 Vol. 50, No. 7 Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C. “TheStream noise you hear is the sound of freedom.” See page 11

Beaufort.Marines.mil 2 3 facebook.com/MCASBeaufort3

twitter.com/MCASBeaufortSC MWSS-273 educates first-grade students Fightertown Leader makes history Candice Glover visits Fightertown Page 4 Pages 5 Page 6 Sweathogs storm Hunting Island

Pfc. Jonah V. Lovy cleaned up debris and dug out Over five miles of beach is avail- ful, said Alfaro. tor transport, messing, chemical Staff Writer rotting stumps in an effort to able for visitors to enjoy. Hunting The Marines brought out an defense, security and law en- help out the community. South Island is among the fastest erod- array of heavy equipment in- forcement, airbase commandant Marines with Marine Wing Sup- beach, north beach and the ing beaches on the east coast, cluding backhoe loaders, multi- functions, and explosive ordi- port Squadron 273 assisted in camp grounds were some of the losing about 15 feet of sand each terrain loaders, chainsaws, and nance disposal. Additionally, in the beautification of Hunting areas cleared. year. shovels. Events such as this give garrison MWSS-273 is tasked to Island Beach, St. Helena Island, “We are here making the park The Sweathogs have been do- Marines the chance to train and supplement air station facilities S.C., Feb. 17-20. Marines with a safer place for tourists and the ing their part in the beautifica- prepare for future deployments and services provided by Marine MWSS-273 are using their equip- community,” said Sgt. Michael tion of the Lowcountry since while serving the community Corps Air Station Beaufort, SC. ment to help with erosion con- Alfaro, a combat engineer with 1997, when they began assist- at the same time. This support “It shows the community that trol by removing man-made and MWSS 273. “We are clearing any- ing the park in erosion control includes: internal airfield com- MWSS-273 is here to serve the natural debris. thing that would be a nuisance and environmental restoration. munications, weather services, United States and South Caro- Approximately thirty Marines or safety hazard to visitors.” Each year for nearly two weeks, expeditionary airfield services, lina,” said Alfaro. “We are not just and a Navy Corpsman from The Hunting Island beach at- MWSS-273 uses their equipment aircraft rescue and firefighting, here to take up space, we are MWSS-273, also known as the tracts over one million visitors and does their part to help make aircraft and ground refueling, es- here to make a difference every- Sweathogs, cleared dead trees, per year from all over the world. Hunting Island safe and beauti- sential engineering services, mo- where we go.”

Regional Strategy Charts Corps’ Energy Future

Brian Marshburn steam plant to generate steam Marine Corps Installations East and hot water in more locations - closer to where they are needed. This is the first in a series of ar- Marine Corps Logistics Base Al- ticles on the Marine Corps’ Re- bany is installing a second heat gional Energy and Water Strategy. and power generator that runs on Driving around base over the renewable energy. Marine Corps past year, you may have noticed Air Station Cherry Point installed some of the changes. Some of a daylighting system to increase those changes are helping to the amount of natural light in ad- make your installation more ministrative spaces. Marine Corps energy and water efficient. Ma- Air Station Beaufort installed a rine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is decentralizing its coal burning see Energy, page 10

Sentry Savannah 2015 takes off

Pfc. Jonah V. Lovy Marine Corps Air Station coast of Savannah and per- Staff Writer Beaufort’s Marine All-Weather forming bombing runs at the Fighter Attack Squadron 224, Townsend Bombing Range The skies above Savannah, also known as the Fighting throughout the exercise. Ga., scream and roar with the Bengals, are participating in The Bengals participated in sound of aircraft as Marines, the annual event, designed an exercise with more than 30 airmen and guardsmen partic- to give pilots valuable experi- Air Force aircraft. The training ipate in the Sentry Savannah ence flying alongside a large mission had an offensive and a 2015 exercise hosted by the number of aircraft. defensive team. The goal was Savannah Combat Readiness A total force of 1,400 air Training Center, Feb. 9 to 21. warfighters are training off the see Savannah, page 10 Courtesy photo 2 The Jet Stream Friday, February 20, 2015 Games and Entertainment MCAS Beaufort Movie Schedule

Saturday 2 p.m. Saturday 4:30 p.m. Saturday 7 p.m. PG (1:35) PG-13 (1:54) PG-13 (1:46)

Mess Hall Menu MCRD Parris Island Movie Schedule Monday - Friday Saturday, Sunday Breakfast: 6 - 7:30 a.m. and holidays Lunch: 11 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Brunch: 8:30 - 11 a.m. Dinner: 4 - 6 p.m. Dinner: 4 - 6 p.m.

Midrats Sunday - Thursday 11:30 p.m. - 1 a.m. Takeout Window Hours: Breakfast - Mon. - Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. Lunch - Mon. - Fri. 12:45 p.m. - 4 p.m. Dinner - Mon. - Fri. 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday Sunday 2 p.m. Sunday 4:30 p.m. Sunday 4:30 p.m. Lunch Dinner Beef short ribs and Bayou jerk pork loin PG (1:35) PG-13 (1:38) PG-13 (1:52) roasted zucchini and rice Sunday Lunch Dinner Salmon with Baked ziti with cucumber relish italian sausage Monday - Friday Breakfast Marine Corps Word Search Hot farina, hot hominy grits and oven-fried bacon Monday Lunch Dinner Word Bank Baked smoked ham Spicy shrimp with and sweet potatoes cheesy grits Archibald Tuesday Henderson Lunch Dinner Chicken and dump- Herbed roast pork Camouflage lings and rice loin with pan gravy Wednesday Corps Lunch Dinner Hue City Roast turkey and Manhattan clam green beans chowder Marine Thursday Lunch Dinner Smedley Butler Arroz con pollo and Apple glazed corn garlic bread beef and squash USMC Friday Chesty Puller Lunch Dinner Cover Herbed baked Chili macaroni and chicken and carrots green beans Iwo Jima MCAS Beaufort Chapel Services Roman Catholic Squadron • 9:30 a.m. - Sunday Mass Concealment • Confession by appointment only Dan Daly Protestant • 9:45 a.m. - Protestant Church School (Sun- Khe Sahn day School) • 11 a.m. - Protestant Sunday Worship Semper Fidelis Service (Children’s church is also available at this time) Tun Tavern • 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- Sudoku lowship Hall

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

See something suspicious Say something.

Call (843) 228-6710 / 911 - IMMEDIATELY Hotlines MCAS Beaufort Station 228-7789 Inspector Sexual Assault Response 228-6904 Coordinator Force Protection infor- 228-6924 mation and concerns PMO Dispatch 228-6710 Severe Weather and Force Protection 1-800-343-0639 Sexual Assault The contact number for a Uniformed Victim Advocate is 592-0646. This number can get you in contact with a UVA 24 hours a day. Fraud, Waste and Abuse If you know of or suspect any fraud, waste or abuse aboard MCAS Beaufort, call 228-7777. If you know of or suspect any fraud, waste or abuse within MAG-31, call (252) 466-5038. The automated answering service on these lines is available 24 hours a day. Answer key will be available on facebook.com/MCASBeaufort on February 25. Command Information The Jet Stream Friday, February 20, 2015 3

Tri-Command Weather 7 Day Forecast Did you know... February 23, 1945: Four days after the initial landings on Iwo Jima, 1st Lt. Harold Schrier led 40 men from Company E, 2d Battalion, 28th Marines, up Mt. Suribachi to secure the crest and raise the small American flag that battalion commander Lt. Col. Chandler Johnson gave Schrier. Within an hour, the patrol reached the rim of the crater. After a short fire-fight with Japanese defenders emerging from several caves, the flag was raised over the island.

An extremely frigid winter is predicted for the East Coast and Mid-West this year. An El Nino-type winter will bring a low chance for extreme cold to our area and a slightly higher chance Forecast according to accuweather.com for above average precipitation. Be prepared for drastic changes in tem- Happenings peratures and precipitation. Monitor The Provost Marshal’s Office The Single Marine & Sailor A Culinary Throwdown at Traditions the latest forecasts and briefings from plans to test the mass notification sys- Program is slated to hold a 1970’s aboard MCRD Parris Island is slated to the National Weather Service in order tem on the first Wednesday of every Motown Review Party and Cos- be held, March 20, at 6 p.m. The cost to prepare your home and family for month at 1 p.m. aboard MCAS Beau- tume Contest at Afterburners aboard is $60 dollars per couple or $35 dollars any extreme weather. Ensure you take fort and Laurel Bay. It will announce MCAS Beaufort, March 20, at 7 p.m. per person. Advance reservations are extra precautions when travelling. the following twice; “This is a test required. For more information call of the Marine Corps mass notifica- 228-1566. tion system. This is only a test. Test The 5 4 3 2 1. Test out.” These tests are standard drills, and do not require any Starting Feb. 23, the MCAS The photocopying of U.S. Jet response. For further information, Beaufort Fitness Center’s hours of Government identification cards Stream is a violation of Title 18, U.S. please contact the physical security operations will change. The new hours Contact us: Code Part I, Chapter 33, Section section at 228-6335. will be 4 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through 228-7225 701 and punishable by fine and Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, and [email protected] imprisonment. 1 p.m.-5 p.m. on Sundays. [email protected]

Commanding Officer MCAS Beaufort Brain Teaser Col. Peter D. Buck Public Affairs Officer If a rooster sits on the border of Kansas Capt. Jordan Cochran Public Affairs Chief and Oklahoma, where would the egg drop? Sgt. Marcy Sanchez Press Chief Sgt. John Wilkes

Editor Answer for this week’s brain teaser will be available on facebook.com/MCASBeaufort on Feb. 25. Cpl. Brendan Roethel

Staff Writers Cpl. Sarah Cherry Pfc. Samantha Torres Pfc. Jonah V. Lovy

Thankful for Beaufort.Marines.mil life’s challenges facebook.com/MCASBeaufort Lt. Brett Cartwright strengthens me.” period. That is why it is extremely important twitter.com/MCASBeaufortSC U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps Hope as a value is related to a person’s that we focus on quality when quantity is sense of purpose. Why do they do the elusive. Quality in regards to say the value of “And now faith, hope, and love abide, things they do? Whatever drives you to Love is often best accomplished when you these three; and the greatest of these is love.” find meaning in life is usually developed discover your mate’s “Love language.” I Cor 13: 13 from the things you value. For example, as About six months ago my wife had im- youtube.com/MCASBeaufortsc1 In order for a person to be healthy spiritu- a Christian, the Bible says we serve a “living pressed me with some pretty cool parenting ally they must have in good measure of the Hope” my identification with God and His skills with our two little ones. Unfortunately, values of Faith, Hope, and Love. In order for purpose for me drives the value of hope in it happened during a week last summer Editor’s note: We at The Jet Stream care about our the Marine Corps to accomplish it mission it my life. when at MCRD Parris Island I had over 2500 reader’s opinion. In reaching our goal to put out the has adopted the core values recruits on deck. In the midst best possible product, we understand the importance of your feedback. Please add a comment to the “How of Honor, Courage, and Com- of those long days, I found can we improve The Jet Stream?” topic on our www. mitment. Aristotle has been “Faith, Hope, and Love must be that time was slipping by facebook.com/MCASBeaufort discussion board on noted as suggesting that the too quickly for me to praise how we can better your base newspaper. way we obtain or strengthen her personally for it. So one grown and understood as well from Published by the Savannah Morning News, a private firm these values in our life is early morning I simply took in no way connected with the Department of Defense, through the actual practice the communities we belong. ” a yellow post it note and the United States Marine Corps, the United States Navy, or doing of them. In other wrote a simple note of praise or Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., under exclusive words, if you wish to have and affirmation and posted written contract with the United States Marine Corps. more “Honor” then do more it on the garage door lead- This commercial-enterprise newspaper is an authorized honorable things. Marines, ing into the house. That was publication for members of the military services. Its con- tents do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. in part, have a strong mea- Lt. Brett Cartwright over six months ago and it is government, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Marine sure of these values due to still there as a monument of Corps or the U.S. Navy and do not imply endorsement their constant application in remembrance for my wife of thereof. The appearance of advertising in this publication, the manner in which they conduct their part Love as a value in a person life is derived my love and admiration that she has yet to including inserts and supplements, does not constitute in the defense of our nation. Faith, Hope, from the people or community to whom take down. In knowing my wife’s “Love Lan- endorsement by the DoD, the Marine Corps, the Navy, and Love must be grown and understood as and from whom you give and receive love. guage” I was able to ensure that my efforts Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., or the Savannah Morning News of the products or services advertised. well from the communities we belong. The Bible says that “God is Love.” So as a hit their intended mark and communicate Everything in this newspaper shall be made available for Faith as a defined value is related to an Christian, the value of love in my life is direct- effectively how much I love her. purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, individual’s sense of trust. A person may be ly derived from my relationship with God. Gary Smalley’s book “The Five Love Lan- religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physi- empowered to trust others or themselves For all, I would argue that healthy spiritual guages,” describes research that suggests cal handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit in a variety of circumstances by the qual- people and families need to define from that we give and receive love via one of five factor of the purchaser, user or patron. If a violation of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, ity of the thing, person, or god that they where they derive the quality of these val- ways: Quality Time, Physical Touch, Words of the contractor shall refuse to print advertising from that trust. If a person, say, places a great deal of ues and seek to strengthen them in order to Affirmation, Gifts, and Acts of Service. Tap- source until the violation is corrected. Editorial content trust in their surrounding family or friends survive the challenges that life in the mili- ping into my wife’s particular love language (i.e., all content other than paid advertisements) is edited, it is because of the exceptional quality of tary can present. enabled me to express my unconditional prepared and provided by the public affairs office of the those friends or family members as being Time together is perhaps the biggest commitment to her in a meaningful way. In installation. All queries concerning news and editorial trustworthy. God that motivates, supports, concern among our Marine families. We order for you to know your mates love lan- content should be directed to: Jet Stream, Marine Corps Public Affairs Office, P.O. Box 55001, MCAS Beaufort, S.C., or strengthens a person. For example: As all know that there is very little that we can guage just ask. Get the book or look them 29904 or (843) 228-7225. All queries concerning business a Christian my favorite verse is Philippians do about it except wait for our loved one to up online or give me a call sometime I would matters or display ads should be directed to the Savannah 4:13 “I can do all things through Him who return from deployment or the next leave be glad to help. Morning News at (843) 815-0800. 4 The Jet Stream Friday, February 20, 2015 In Other News

Sweathogs display Marine careers Pfc. Jonah V. Lovy different career opportunitieshicle operator with MWSS-273. During the career day, students tion benefits of military service. Staff Writer available the military. Marines covered the basic capa- also had the opportunity to learn “First and foremost, they learn Marine Wing Support Squadron bilities and functions of the vehi- about the broad spectrum of jobs that education is important,” said Students from Michael C. Riley 273, also known as the Sweat- cles as well as the work required to within the armed forces. Bowers. “[Education] doesn’t stop Elementary School smiled and hogs, brought several vehicles maintain them. Sweathogs guided “It opened their eyes to careers when they graduate high school, whispered excitedly as Marines for students to learn about, climb classes and answered questions. that they didn’t even know exist- and there are alternatives to col- from Marine Corps Air Station aboard and interact with. “It’s great to be able to bring ju- ed,” said Denise Bowers, a teacher lege where they can have a career Beaufort arrived at the school for “When they’re this young it’s nior Marines out here and show at Michael C. Riley Elementary while serving their country.” a career day, Feb 13. neat to see what’s out there be- them the impact on the commu- School. Other career experts at the Career days allow Marines to ed- yond the walls of their classroom,” nity in a positive manner,” said Marines had the opportunity to school included a fireman, a police ucate younger generations about said Sgt. Darrell Klink, a motor ve- Klink. teach students about the educa- officer and a game warden. In Other News The Jet Stream Friday, February 20, 2015 5 Paving the way, one obstacle at a time

Pfc. Samantha Torres sergeant major of the Air Station going to drag you down.” needed the discipline the Marine think about being the first black fe- Staff Writer by a local organization, Feb. 15. “She’s always been a hard char- Corps offered. male sergeant major of the Air Sta- “If it wasn’t for the Marine Corps, ger,” said Pastor Chauncey Camp- “Help is out there,” said Jordan, tion, but instead does her job and The first black female Marine en- my life wouldn’t be a bed of roses,” bell. “You just have to know where to “gives back what was given to her.” listed in the Marine Corps in 1948, said Jordan. Campbell and Jordan met while go, who to ask, and when in doubt, “It’s not a black thing; it’s not a during the World War II era. The Marine Corps taught Jordan serving on Marine Corps Recruit [pray].” [race] thing,” said Jordan.”Females Today, less than three percent of honor, courage, and commitment. Depot Parris Island. Campbell said While discrimination has not in general have it hard, because we the Marine Corps is comprised of She felt the Corps would be best he noticed her determination from impacted Jordan’s career, being have to work twice as hard as our black females. Sgt. Maj. KeCia Jor- for her because if she was tough, the start. a minority in the Marine Corps male counterparts.Your problems dan, the sergeant major of Marine then she needed to be with tough “Gender has nothing to do with has pushed her to work harder to are going to come and go, and Corps Air Station Beaufort, is show- people. it. It just requires hard work to get prove herself. when you get one, let it go.” ing that she is more than a statistic; “Whatever you go through, to the top,” said Campbell. “Just because I’m short, I’m a Jordan has been in the Marine she is a part of Marine Corps his- there’s going to be worse tomor- Jordan started her career as a sin- woman, and I’m black, doesn’t Corps for approximately 28 years, tory. row, so don’t hold on to the past, gle mother of two, and struggled mean I don’t have power,” said Jor- and sets an example for all Marines. Jordan received a plaque in rec- because there is more to come,” to keep a job and raise her chil- dan. “Just take a 30 inch step, and ognition as the first black female said Jordan.” If you hold on to it, it’s dren. She was a hard worker, but On a day to day basis she doesn’t keep on going,” said Jordan. 6 The Jet Stream Friday, February 20, 2015 In Other News “The noise you hear is the sound of love”

Photos by Pfc. Samantha Torres The voice of American Idol season 12 winner, Candice Glover, a Beaufort native, filled the hearts of the attendees during the Valentine’s Day Dinner at the Officer’s Club aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Feb. 14. Glover sang an arrangement of songs including the classic “At Last” by Etta James, “Stay with me” by Sam Smith, and several romantic songs from her own album.Glover was presented with a certificate of appreciation from Col. Peter D. Buck, the com- manding officer of the Air Station, and Sgt. Maj. KeCia Jordan, the sergeant major of the Air Station. “On behalf of the Marines and sailors on the Air Station, Sgt. Maj. Jordan and I would like to present you with a certificate, thanking you for tonight’s performance. We are thrilled to have you here, and are claiming you as our own,” said Buck. Classifieds The Jet Stream Friday, February 20, 2015 7 8 The Jet Stream Friday, February 20, 2015 Around The Corps

Corps Bits

HMH-464 battle cold weather during DFT

CAMP DAWSON, West Virginia -- Marines and sailors with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464 executed a deployment for training exercise aboard Camp Dawson, W. Va. The exercise, designed to increase HMH- 464’s operability, also doubled as a cold- weather exercise due to the freezing condi- tions in West Virginia. “The goal of this training is to work with our squadron back at (Marine Corps Air Station) New River and control two detach- ments at the same time,” said Gunnery Sgt. Ronald Strzalkowski, the operations chief for the DFT The Marines took extra precautions when preparing the CH-53 Super Stallions in the cold. Using preheaters to physically warm the engines before turning them on, scrap- ing ice off the aircraft, and taking more time before takeoff were all necessary steps to Marines from the Marine Artillery Detachment at Fort Sill, Oklahoma gather around Marine veteran and Medal of Honor recipi- ensure safety. ent Hershel “Woody” Williams after a ceremony held to honor Iwo Jima veterans and their service. Williams is the last surviving Many adjustments had to be made be- veteran who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the battle for Iwo Jima. cause of the inclement weather during the exercise, but that didn’t stop the Marines from effectively doing their jobs. Multiple flights had to be cancelled, which the Ma- Survivors honored, remember rines just saw as another opportunity to overcome an obstacle. After spending approximately two weeks aboard Camp Dawson, the squad- battle for Iwo Jima 70 years ago ron flew during only three of those days. Even though it isn’t what they planned, Str- Sgt. Melissa Karnath veterans may have to spend time with during the playing of Anchors Aweigh zalkowski doesn’t see it as a failure. Defense Media Activity young Marines,” Col. Wayne Harrison, and the Marine Corps Hymn. When it’s all said and done, the unortho- commanding officer of the Marine Artil- “The ceremony was beautiful,” said dox training exercise was a good learning FORT SILL, Okla. -- Veterans of the bat- lery Detachment, said. “We wanted to James Krodel, a Marine veteran of Guam experience for the Marines of HMH-464. tle of Iwo Jima participated in a reunion provide them with a social gathering and and Iwo Jima, of Quitman, Texas. “I really hosted by the Marine Artillery Detach- a fun time.” appreciated it.” ment at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, February 12. The Iwo Jima Marines and Corpsman, Following the ceremony the veterans The Iwo Jima Battle Survivors and Fam- accompanied by their families, arrived spent time with the Marines of the de- ily Association held their final reunion from Wichita Falls, Texas by bus and were tachment and enjoyed a barbecue lunch over three days, and where invited to at- escorted to front row seats to watch a together. tend special festivities by the Marines of ceremony held in their honor commem- “The veterans joke and act young the detachment. orating the 70th anniversary of the battle when they are around us,” said Ramirez, Seventy years ago, three Marine divi- of Iwo Jima. The ceremony began with an a 19-year-old Marine awaiting training sions landed on the volcanic island Iwo invocation, the presentation of the colors to become a field artillery cannonier. “I To , which was defended by about 23 and the playing of the national anthem. can’t believe the things they had to go thousand Japanese, who fortified them- The ceremony continued with a cake through at our age.” selves in extensive tunnel systems, caves cutting with pieces of cake being individ- The Iwo Jima veterans then had the op- and hideaways throughout the island. ually delivered to each Iwo Jima veteran. portunity to visit the grave of Geronimo, CBIRF decontamination team After a month of fighting, the “I felt really honored to be apart of this who was a Bedonkohe Apache leader of puts critical skillsets to test Marines[MR2] were victorious. Howev- ceremony with the veterans,” said Pvt. the Chiricahua Apache and the U.S. Army er, the cost of victory was high with the Miguel Ramirez, a Marine who helped Field Artillery Museum. After their tours, CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Machine United States suffering 6,821 dead and deliver pieces of cake to the veterans. the Iwo Jima veterans departed for their gun sections with 3rd Battalion, 5th Ma- 19, 217 wounded . The battle etched in Harrison delivered his remarks to the hotel in Wichita Falls, Texas. rine Regiment, 1st Marine Division began the minds of Americans by the iconic young Marines training to become Ma- “The battle of Iwo Jima gave us our leg- a refresher course on machine gun no- photograph taken by Joe Rosenthal of rine Artillerymen the veterans of Iwo acy,” said Harrison. “Legacy that makes menclature, optics and operations aboard the American flag being raised on the Jima. [MR3] our Marines today proud of what you Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Ca- Mount Suribachi. The ceremony concluded with the vet- gentlemen did on that island 70 years lif., Feb. 2. The fire command and control “This is the last chance some of these erans standing at attention with Harrison ago.” class is conducted the first week of the three-weeklong course and is vital to the foundational skills of the Marines. Fire command and control entails ac- quiring an ADDRAC, which stands for Alert, Direction, Description, Range, As- signment, and Control. The ADDRAC is used to communicate between a squad a leader and his machine gunners. Fire command and control also includes gun drills and displacement drills used to hone the Marines’ skills to move quickly and correctly. “Knowledge and skill are perishable without continuing training and practice,” said Cpl. Gabriel Espinoza, a squad leader for Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine and instructor for the course. “We like bril- liance with the basics.” This method brings brilliance in all as- pects of being a machine gunner, said Espinoza. Sgt. Hector E. Villalobos, the machine gun chief instructor for Division Schools, wants a course that provides team build- ing for the new Marines. The course has become a lot more detailed since Cpl. Dillon Apel, a squad leader with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, went through in 2012. “The course is more in-depth with the content,” said Apel. “For some of the ju- Corps Shot nior Marines it is their first time doing a Lance Cpl. Danielle Rodrigues gun drill, so it’s important to be taught in-depth.” CAMP PENDLETON, Apel saw a vast improvement in his ju- nior Marines from when they first began. Calif. - Marines with 1st These drills are a great opportunity Reconnaissance Battal- for the junior Marines to work with their counterparts, said Apel. ion, 1st Marine Division, The squad leaders and section leaders and members of the take these courses as chances to start building relationships with their new Ma- Japan Ground Self- rines. Building these relationships creates fluidity in combat, which makes it easier Defense Force conduct to create new standard operating proce- amphibious raids and dures within the squads, explained Apel. As their culminating event the machine military operations on gun sections will join their mortar and an- urban terrain aboard ti-armor counterparts in a live-fire event. Completion of the course ensures the Marine Corps Base combat readiness of the machine gun- ners with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, mak- Camp Pendleton, Calif., ing sure they are always equipped with during Exercise Iron the knowledge to successfully carry out the mission. Fist, Feb. 3. Around The Corps The Jet Stream Friday, February 20, 2015 9

Fightertown deployed: Corps Bits MALS-31 Stingers VMFA(AW)-533 Hawks a detachment is currently deployed are currently deployed to the Western to the Western Pacific supporting Pacific as part of the Unit Deployment VMFA(AW)-533. Program.

ROK, US Marines Train for Winter Mountain Warfare

PYEONGCHANG WINTER TRAINING FA- CILITY, PYEONGCHANG, Republic of Korea -- Republic of Korea and U.S. Marines train for winter mountain warfare during Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-4, Feb. 4 at the Pyeongchang Winter Training Facility, Py- eongchang, Republic of Korea. The ROK and U.S. Marines learned different ways to survive in the cold mountainous ter- rain and also new ways of concealing them- selves. “Today we split-up into teams with the ROK Marines and learned how to build fires and dig shelters, used as temporary observation posts, using shrubbery and anything in the natural environment to conceal ourselves from the enemy,” said U.S. Marine Sgt. Joseph K. Blankenship, a rifleman with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program. The ROK Marines with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st ROK Marine Division specialize in stealth and scouting. This training teaches the U.S. Marines how to survive without get- ting caught and still accomplish the mission. “In a real operational situation, part of our mission requires us to remain undetected,” said ROK Marine Staff Sgt. Son Heoseong, a reconnaissance man with 1st Recon Bn. “If we were behind enemy lines, we must be able to dig in and conceal ourselves so we can com- plete our mission with minimal casualties.” The KMEP is a regularly scheduled, bilateral, small-unit training exercise that enhances the Gunfighters live up to name combat readiness and interoperability of ROK and U.S. Marine Corps forces. “We’ve only been training for one day and I’ve already learned some things I didn’t learn supporting Scorpion Fire the previous two times I’ve done winter train- ing,” said U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Richard A. Jarrett, a rifleman with 3rd Battalion. “Their Sgt. Raquel Barraza said Capt. David Femea, external sup- working together.” concealment holes were very interesting and 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing port coordinator with HMLA-369. Making sure air and ground units work different, because they are designed for you The person who controls and autho- hand in hand to coordinate these exer- to live inside as opposed to our fighting holes MARINE CORPS AIR STATION YUMA, rizes aircraft fire during a CAS mission cises keeps the Marines ready for when which are primarily designed as defensive Ariz. -- Pilots and crew chiefs from Ma- is known as the Joint Terminal Attack the training is needed on the battlefield. positions.” rine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron Controller. Forward Air Controllers (Air- “When an aircraft checks into an ob- Survival skills such as knowing how to find 369 “Gunfighters” took part in the annu- borne) can locate, mark and fire on jective area where ground fire control- food and clean water and how to build fires al exercise Scorpion Fire at Marine Corps targets while in flight when the JTAC lers are unable to control fires due to and shelters are essential skills in nearly every Air Station Yuma, Ariz., Jan. 26 – Feb. 6. deems necessary. task saturation, low situational aware- environment, so this training allows the Ma- Marines with both tiltrotor and fixed- The ranges surrounding MCAS Yuma ness, enemy fire, or combat loses, a rines to be more proficient at what they do, wing squadrons within the 3rd Marine make it the ideal place to conduct the FAC(A) qualified crew will be able to as- according to Blankenship, a Cincinnati, Ohio, Aircraft Wing participate in the exercise, training for squadrons throughout 3rd sess the friendly and enemy situation native. which provides a realistic environment MAW. and develop a plan to control aviation Teaching the infantry Marines was a unique for ground units in need of close air sup- “We have pilots gaining the initial and ground fire in support of ground experience, because these skills are mostly port or CAS. qualification, gaining proficiency, or just forces,” said Femea. used by recon or other special forces, accord- “It is imperative to have aircrew getting a good exposure to the CAS en- Marines throughout the squadron ing to Heoseong, an Osan, ROK, native. trained as Forward Air Controllers (Air- vironment,” said Sgt. Matthew Piciocco, know that the training like Scorpion Fire borne) to allow them to control [engag- UH-1Y Huey crew chief with HMLA-369. is all in support of a greater mission. ing targets] in an operational area where “This is the environment we operate “It feels good to go to the desert for a ground forces may be unable to do so in during a time of war, with multiple couple weeks knowing you are helping due to visibility issues or enemy fire,” friendly ground forces and air forces the guys on the ground,” said Piciocco.

Survival, spiders, cobras in Thailand Hook, line, take-off; Marines practice skills aboard ship Sgt. Raquel Barraza The Royal Thai Marines brought out a box containing the serpents. 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing They pulled one Cobra from the box and set it on the ground. A Thai USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At sea -- With Marine then knelt in front of the snake, which was on high-alert with the sound of a UH-1Y Huey approaching, BAN CHAN KREM, Thailand -- My journey begins on a small island its neck flared out in classic cobra style. It lunged towards the Thai, Staff Sgt. Davon Simmons eagerly watches named Okinawa, south of mainland Japan. I’ve been stationed there trying to scare him away, but the unflinching Thai stayed put. his Marines get ready to attach cargo to the as a Marine for close to nine months now and, finally, got the chance He slowly reached around the cobra’s head and gently guided it bottom of the hovering aircraft for the first to deploy. to the ground. Surprisingly, the cobra submitted and placed its head time at sea. I received orders to support exercise Cobra Gold in Thailand -- a low. The Thai Marine then moved behind the snake and rapidly Marines from Combat Logistics Battalion country I’ve always wanted to visit. Soon thereafter, I stepped off a grabbed its head. 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, honed plane in Utapao, Thailand. I was anxious, as I truly had no idea what The Royal Thai Marines kept their promise and handed the ma- their skills during a helicopter support lay ahead of me. chete over to one of the U.S. Marines. The snake was laid out on the team exercise with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Marines from 1st battalion, 1st Marine regiment and I then loaded box and the machete was brought down in one clean swipe. In one Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st MEU Feb. several buses destined for Ban Chan Krem. Even that simple bus ride swift motion, the Marine chopped off the cobra’s head. 6 on the flight deck of the USS Bonhomme was an attraction, right down to the random elephant we passed The U.S. Marines congregated and knelt as the Royal Thai Marine Richard (LHD 6) while at sea. lumbering alongside us next to the road. The children waving; the raised the headless snake. I knew this was a tradition for all Cobra “Doing the HST on ship is a newer experi- people going about everyday life in Thailand set the scene for me Gold exercises, so I put my camera aside, knelt down and waited my ence for my Marines, so it was their first time and opened my eyes to a new culture. turn. being able to do anything on this scale,” said The next morning, as I walked toward the crowd of amused U.S. The cobra’s blood spilled over me. It was thick, but tasteless. Simmons, the landing support platoon ser- Marines surrounding a few Royal Thai Marines, the first thing I no- After getting up, I heard a Royal Thai Marine express his astonish- geant with CLB 31, 31st MEU. ticed was everybody passing around various types of fruit. The Royal ment towards the excitement of the U.S. Marines. Lance Cpl. Braxton Bryant is one of the Ma- Thai Marines were cutting open pineapples, watermelons, coconuts “This is unbelievable,” said a Royal Thai Marine. “They are so ex- rines on the team doing this for the first time and some other types of fruit I’d never seen before. cited!” at sea. After exchanging fruits, conversations and photos, the Thai Ma- I could feel the excitement in the air as both Thai and U.S. Marines “I get an adrenaline rush every time,” said rines shared several jungle survival tactics. They showed how to start interacted. I noticed the simple conversation and the sharing of each Bryant, a landing support specialist from Tal- fires, eat spiders, scorpions and even drink cobra blood. other’s culture brought many smiles and joy to both sides. lassee, Alabama. “We are the guys that go After swallowing the spider, the Thai Marine unveiled live scorpi- On just the second day of my visit to Thailand I had already experi- out there and get the load ready.” ons and asked for six U.S. Marines who were willing to eat the newest enced something vunforgettable. Only time will tell what other ad- While on the ship’s flight deck, Bryant and snack. Surprisingly, more than six Marines rushed to volunteer. ventures I will come across. his fellow Marines found out that a simple One by one, the U.S. Marines reached for the scorpions and tore task can become difficult due to the rocking away the stinger. The crowd waited with anticipation for the first waves. bite. As soon as the Marines began to chew, the crowd roared with “On land we have a stationary position and enthusiasm, cheering on the bug eaters. a solid base,” said Simmons, from Beaufort, Survivalists or doctors recommend that a key survival tool to fol- South Carolina. “On ship we deal with the low is remaining positive – helping to provide the right attitude to constant motion of the ocean along with stay safe in any environment. The Thai instructors reinforced that the rotor wash from the aircraft, so there are perspective, by showing Marines that there are many opportunities a lot more things that could potentially go for food and resources in the jungle. wrong.” The Marines learned how to identify dangers, capture local wildlife, Simmons’ primary focus was the absolute gather food and water – and even drink cobra blood. The latter is safety of his crew. more of a local tradition, however, and by some accounts it’s intend- The team plans to take on more compli- ed effect is to instill bravery. The Marines who attended this year’s cated HST sea-based missions in the future training were about to get the chance to test the local tradition and during the 31st MEU’s Spring Patrol of the part of the namesake for the annual Cobra Gold exercise. Asia-Pacific Region. Since there weren’t enough scorpions to go around for tasting, “We train for this all the time, so whenever the Thais promised the next opportunity to those who missed the we need to actually do this in a real life sce- chance to taste the crunchy arthropod. The additional, anxious vol- nario, we won’t have to worry about making unteers would have the honor of chopping off a snake’s head during simple mistakes,” said Bryant. the cobra portion of the event. 10 The Jet Stream Friday, February 20, 2015 More of The Story

ENERGY The Energy Ethos campaign will establish continued from page 1 a culture in which Marines and civilians take ownership of their own energy foot- print. Working closely with II Marine Ex- new transformer that doubled its energy peditionary Force (MEF) and other tenant capacity. organizations, the Energy Ethos campaign These investments are just a few ex- will educate personnel about their energy amples of what the Marine Corps is doing and water use, in order to empower them up and down the east coast in an effort to to save. ensure more cost effective, reliable sources Energy usage information will go be- of energy. Why? Marine Corps Installations yond base housing. Installations will be- East is the Marine Corps’ largest regional gin to report out on energy and water consumer of energy, second largest re- usage by building and eventually, by unit gional consumer of water, and second larg- and organization. Currently, installations est purchaser (in budget dollars) of energy. throughout the region have varying ability In December, the MCIEAST Energy and to provide energy and water usage infor- Water Strategy was signed, establishing mation. Improvements in energy and wa- a coordinated plan for Installation Com- ter metering systems are underway to en- manders to effectively manage energy able distribution of more accurate energy and water at their installation. The Strategy usage information down to the unit level. outlines what Installation Commanders “While each installation will have a can do to help achieve the Marine Corps unique energy plan to aide in the region’s energy and water goals. approach, all will work toward the same The Strategy also addresses what units, mission of ensuring a cost effective, reli- SAVANNAH we do things and we wanted to know organizations, and individual Marines and able source of energy,” said Brigadier Gen- how they do things.” continued from page 1 civilians can do to help achieve those goals. eral, R. F. Castellvi, Commanding General Joint exercises are valuable training The Marine Corps aims to instill an Energy Marine Corps Installations East. experiences. Pilots can see how other Ethos—the shared vision that efficient use To learn more about the MCIEAST Energy to not let the offensive team reach the branches operate and showcase their of energy resources is a critical component and Water strategy and to download the defended area. own skills and strategies. of mission readiness—in every Marine and full text, visit www.mcieast.marines.mil/ “We were the only Marines there and “The integration was pretty exciting,” civilian living and working in the region. energy. we rarely get to integrate with [the Air said Griggs. Force],” said Capt. Nathaniel Griggs, a pi- Exercises like Sentry Savannah prepare lot with Marine Aviation Training Support pilots to work with other branches in a Squadron. “They all wanted to know how time of war.

Photo by Cpl. Brendan Roethel In Other News The Jet Stream Friday, February 20, 2015 11 US, UK rank equivalent chart 12 The Jet Stream Friday, February 20, 2015 Classifieds