Bravo Company The Graduates

Friday, Jet January 30, 2015 Vol. 50, No. 4 Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C. See Page 11 “TheStream noise you hear is the sound of freedom.”

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

twitter.com/MCASBeaufortSC Fightertown donates blood Swift, silent, deadly Fightertown pilots train in virtual cockpit Page 7 Pages 8-9 Page 10 Fly like we fight

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

Pfc. Samantha Torres Marine Division Tactics Course controllers. The training is con- representation of what pilots ex- air-to-air training prior to at- Staff Writer aboard Marine Corps Air Station ducted by Marines from Marine perience in an air-to-air combat tending the Weapons and Tac- Beaufort, Jan. 12 to Feb. 6. Aviation Weapons and Tactics situation, and gives them the tics Instructor course. Marines with Marine Fighter The MDTC provides ground- Squadron 1 and Marine Fighter tools to train Marines in their “We are professional adversar- Attack Squadrons 115, 122 and side and airborne instruction in Training Squadron 401, who are squadrons on the latest tactics, ies,” said Sheridan. “We go out 312 as well as Marine All-Weath- doctrine, tactics and weapons based at Marine Corps Air Sta- said Lieutenant Col. Bill Sheri- there and give them an accurate er Fighter Attack Squadrons 533 considerations to F/A-18 Hornet tion Yuma, Ariz. dan, the commanding officer of and 224 are participating in the aircrew and Marine air intercept The course gives an accurate VMFT-401. It delivers required see Mdtc, page 4

Werewolves welcome new pack leader

Pfc. Jonah V. Lovy Staff Writer

Lieutenant Colonel Douglas DeWolfe relinquished command of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 to Lt. Col. Derek M. Brannon in a ceremony on Merritt Air Field aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Jan. 22. The ceremony included the passing of the colors, a performance from the Parris Island Marine Band and a pass and review Fightertown celebrates diversity carried out by Marines of VMFA-122. The passing of the colors signifies the change Pfc. Jonah V. Lovy of command. During the ceremony, De- Staff Writer Wolfe addressed his Marines directly. “Keep doing the great things that you’re The beginning of February marks the celebration of Black History doing,” said DeWolfe. “It has been a plea- Month. Black History Month celebrates the history and culture of sure to serve with you and I’m going to African-Americans as well as important figures and events. miss this.” Black History Month is important to the nation as well as the Ma- DeWolfe led VMFA-122 on many deploy- rine Corps; it celebrates our diversity as an organization. ments including Japan, Alaska and Hawaii “The military is a melting pot,” said Master Sgt. Ronald Hollins, an as part of the unit deployment program. administrative specialist at the Installation Personnel Administration The squadron also received a safety award Center aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. “I’ve been in almost under his command. twenty years and I’ve seen it all as far as cultural differences. When Prior to assuming command of VMFA- it’s time to get the mission done, none of that matters, we are all 122 in June 2013, DeWolfe had deployed Marines.” to Japan, and . Marines come from all walks of life and Black History Month calls VMFA-122 has an extensive history of attention to the fact that not everyone’s path to service was easy. service dating back to 1942. The Were-

see Diversity, page 6 see Command, page 5 2 The Jet Stream Friday, January 30, 2015 Games and Entertainment MCAS Beaufort Movie Schedule

Saturday 2 p.m. Saturday 4:30 p.m. Saturday 7 p.m. PG (1:59) PG-13 (2:30) R (1:55)

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 7 p.m. Lunch Dinner Smoked ham and Apple glazed corned PG (1:59) PG-13 (2:30) PG-13 (2:17) cabbage soup beef and rice Sunday Lunch Dinner Baked fish with butter Pork chops with crumb topping smothered onions Monday - Friday Breakfast Commandant Word Search Hot farina, hot hominy grits and oven-fried bacon Monday Lunch Dinner Word Bank Pepper steak and Spanish chorizo and rosemary potatoes potato soup Nicholas Cates Tuesday Lunch Dinner Burrows Shepherd Beef with vegetables Bean with bacon and barley soup soup and peas Wharton Pate Wednesday Henderson Shoup Lunch Dinner Chipotle roasted Creole shrimp and Gale Greene sweet potatoes corn Thursday Harris Chapman Lunch Dinner Zeilin Cushman Chicken with rice Salisbury steak and soup and breadsticks southern style greens McCawley Wilson Friday Heywood Barrow Lunch Dinner Chicken and cheese Louisiana seafood Elliott Kelley gumbo and rice enchiladas Biddle Gray Chapel Services Barnett Mundy Roman Catholic • 9:30 a.m. - Sunday Mass Lejeune Krulak • Confession by appointment only Neville Jones Protestant Fuller Hagee • 9:45 a.m. - Protestant Church School (Sun- day School) Russell Conway • 11 a.m. - Protestant Sunday Worship Service (Children’s church is also available at Holcomb Amos this time) Vandegrift Dunford • 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 Feb. 4. Command Information The Jet Stream Friday, January 30, 2015 3

Tri-Command Weather 7 Day Forecast Did you know... Feb. 1, 1967, Operation Prairie II was begun in Quang Tri province by elements of the 3d Marine Di- vision. During the 46-day search- and-destroy operation which terminated 18 March, 93 Marines and 693 of the enemy were killed.

An extremely frigid winter is pre- dicted this year. An El Nino-type winter will bring a low chance for extreme cold to our area and a slightly higher chance for above average precipitation. Be prepared for drastic changes in temperatures and precipitation. Monitor the lat- Forecast according to accuweather.com est forecasts and briefings from the National Weather Service in order Happenings to prepare your home and family The Provost Marshal’s Office A Valentine’s Kids Day at the Marine Corps Community Services for any extreme weather. Ensure plans to test the mass notification sys- Movies is slated to take place Feb. 14, plans to host a Mid-Deployment: you take extra precautions when tem on the first Wednesday of every from 5:30 - 9 p.m. at the MCRD Parris Spa and Stress class at the MCAS travelling. month at 1 p.m. aboard MCAS Beau- Island theater. The cost is 8 dollars per Beaufort Log Cabin, Jan. 31, from fort and Laurel Bay. It will announce child. For more information call 228- noon-3 p.m. The free class teaches the following twice; “This is a test 1526. relaxation techniques and ways to of the Marine Corps mass notifica- mitigate stress. The tion system. This is only a test. Test Jet 5 4 3 2 1. Test out.” These tests are standard drills, and do not require any A screening is scheduled for The photocopying of U.S. Stream Marines interested in becoming Ma- Government identification cards response. For further information, Contact us: rine Security Guards at the Lasseter is a violation of Title 18, U.S. please contact the physical security 228-7225 Theatre aboard MCAS Beaufort, Feb. Code Part I, Chapter 33, Section section at 228-6335. [email protected] 3, from 9 a.m.-11 and 2 p.m.-4. 701 and punishable by fine and [email protected] imprisonment. Commanding Officer MCAS Beaufort Brain Teaser Col. Peter D. Buck Public Affairs Officer Capt. Jordan Cochran If 3 peacocks lay 5 eggs in 8 days, how many peacocks will Public Affairs Chief lay 29 eggs in 76 days? Sgt. Marcy Sanchez Press Chief Sgt. John Wilkes

Editor Cpl. Brendan Roethel

Answer for this week’s brain teaser will be available on facebook.com/MCASBeaufort on Feb. 4. Staff Writers Cpl. Sarah Cherry Pfc. Samantha Torres Pfc. Jonah Lovy

Starting the New Year strong Beaufort.Marines.mil

Lt. Brett Cartwright ing one of the PREP marriage enrich- The challenge for most couples is U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps ment workshops designed specifically to be simply a “C”ouple.” It requires for training couples in how to manage patience or “long-suffering” with one As the New Year is full on, I wish conflict safely. another through this life. The things facebook.com/MCASBeaufort to encourage you to consider some A “C”aring Spirit requires the value discussed above will require it. Often I wise advice from a colleague of mine. of humility. Caring for one another come across folks who are married but Chaplain Girardin and his family were a through gentleness, respect, and mer- tend to be living as married singles. great inspiration to my wife and I in the cy to one another just makes life more Married single is when you live and act twitter.com/MCASBeaufortSC early stages of our marriage. He use to enjoyable. People do this better when as with little accountability or mutual speak of the “Seven C’s of a Healthy Re- they find that God really does care for submission to each other. Many cou- lationship” and ples simply get I want to share tired of the bat- them with you tles and give up. youtube.com/MCASBeaufortsc1 with my own “At the “C”ore of any successful While not divorc- spin attached to ing they live as if them. family is a strong relationship with the relationship At the “C”ore is dead. Fighting Editor’s note: We at The Jet Stream care about our of any successful this tendency in reader’s opinion. In reaching our goal to put out the God. We teach recruits that people best possible product, we understand the importance family is a strong any long term re- of your feedback. Please add a comment to the “How relationship with lationship is vital can we improve The Jet Stream?” topic on our www. God. We teach at the core must have a strong body, to a couple’s sur- facebook.com/MCASBeaufort discussion board on recruits that mind, and spirit. For most this derives vival. Working as how we can better your base newspaper. people at the a couple is God’s Published by the Savannah Morning News, a private firm core must have design for a life in no way connected with the Department of Defense, a strong body, completely from a relationship with of joy and bless- the Marine Corps, the , mind, and spirit. ing. As the good or Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., under exclusive For most this de- book states, “Two written contract with the United States Marine Corps. God.” This commercial-enterprise newspaper is an authorized rives completely are better than publication for members of the military services. Its con- from a relation- one, because tents do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. ship with God. they have a good government, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Marine God as a family’s - Lt. Brett Cartwright return for their Corps or the U.S. Navy and do not imply endorsement foundation will work: If one falls thereof. The appearance of advertising in this publication, stabilize and help down, his friend including inserts and supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DoD, the Marine Corps, the Navy, a family weather can help him up.” Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., or the Savannah any storm of life. Second is the need them. We teach recruits all the time Ecclesiastes 4:9-10. Morning News of the products or services advertised. for healthy “C”ommunication. James, “Marines don’t cover for one another Finally, “C”haracter acceptance is the Everything in this newspaper shall be made available for of the Bible, states that “Everyone they take care of each other.” grease that allows all of these to work. purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, should be quick to listen, slow to speak Right up with there with the first foun- A great definition of the type of love religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physi- cal handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit and slow to become angry.” Active lis- dational principal is “C”ommitment. that comes from God is mentioned of- factor of the purchaser, user or patron. If a violation of this tening is vital for any relationship to Commitment is the willingness to ten by one of my favorite authors Max equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, thrive and grow in understanding and remove “from the table” any hint or Lucado, “God loves you just as you are the contractor shall refuse to print advertising from that mutual love and respect. Third is wise thought that one or the other has the and not as you should be.” Acceptance source until the violation is corrected. Editorial content “C”onflict Resolution. Conflict is inevi- right to quit or end the relationship. of each others good, bad, or ugly is the (i.e., all content other than paid advertisements) is edited, table in any relationship and should be No relationship is ever beyond repair. character of grace in practice. Only prepared and provided by the public affairs office of the installation. All queries concerning news and editorial expected. However, the quality of that Help is always around the corner and God can ultimately change a willing content should be directed to: Jet Stream, Marine Corps relationship will be determined princi- even if a time of separation is neces- heart. Couples who can let Him do that Public Affairs Office, P.O. Box 55001, MCAS Beaufort, S.C., pally by how conflict is managed. Of sary for safety, commitment will help with their partner and simply learn to 29904 or (843) 228-7225. All queries concerning business note: For more help in these last two any relationship prevail through tough accept each other’s stuff will know matters or display ads should be directed to the Savannah areas a couple should consider attend- challenges. peace between them. Morning News at (843) 815-0800. 4 The Jet Stream Friday, January 30, 2015 More of The Story MDTC continued from page 1 representation [of the enemy] so they can train to highest of standards.” Pilots spend the first week of the course learning about practical appli- cations of weapon systems, radar, surveillance, the detailed capabilities of F/A-18s, and simulated opposing aircraft. For the remaining three weeks, pilots fly sorties in which they practice basic fighter and engagement maneuvers with differing numbers of al- lies and adversaries, including simulated missions where pilots face an unknown number of adversaries. Various aircraft are used throughout the course including F-5N Tiger II and the F-16C Fighting Falcon, which are able to challenge the F/A-18 Hornets and pilots of the Air Station. During MDTC and in combat situations, pilots must be aware of their own aircraft and enemy aircraft. “The course is set up that way so we don’t have to perform the course internally by using hornets or carriers as adversary support,” said Sheri- dan. As a result, the cost per flight per hour is significantly lower, he said. The course is conducted twice a year, once aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and once aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif. This course prepares and equips pilots to employ their aircraft more skillfully and at a higher level in combat, while improving squadron in- teroperability between squadrons that rely on each other at home and abroad. And, as General Gray, our 29th Commandant said, “Like war itself, our approach to warfighting must evolve. If we cease to refine, expand, and improve our profession, we risk being outdated, stagnant, and defeated.” More of The Story The Jet Stream Friday, January 30, 2015 5 WEREWOLVES continued from page 1

wolves have seen combat in World War II, Vietnam, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Oper- ation Enduring Freedom and various de- ployments around the world in support of the Unit Deployment Program. “You have to have a proud heritage and history,” said DeWolfe. “You need people to carry it on.” Brannon, the new commanding officer of the werewolves, previously served as Marine Aircraft Group 31’s executive of- ficer. “You opened your arms and welcomed us immediately,” said Brannon to the Ma- rines of VMFA-122. “I cannot wait to work alongside each and every one of you.” DeWolfe will continue to serve as MAG-31 operations officer aboard MCAS Beaufort. 6 The Jet Stream Friday, January 30, 2015 More of The Story DIVERSITY continued from page 1

There was a time when African-Americans were barred from serving in the Marines. The legendary Montford Point Marines broke that barrier and helped shatter the notion that the color of ones skin matters when becoming a warrior. “We celebrate the legacies of the founding fathers,” said Hol- lins. “I believe it is important that we know our history and we understand where we came from so we don’t repeat it in the fu- ture.” Today, the Marine Corps is extremely diverse and accepting of all races and cultures. The days of prejudice in our ranks has past. “That’s what drives America,” said Hollins. “It’s the diversity of everyone coming from other countries to live that American dream. We work together as one team to get the mission done.” The Tri-Command Diversity Committee is looking for volunteer performers in preperation for events in February. There is a meet- ing scheduled for Jan. 27 at 3:30 p.m. in the auditorium aboard Naval Hospital Beaufort. For more information call 228-2647. In Other News The Jet Stream Friday, January 30, 2015 7 Blood drive draws in donors Marines lined up for the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort Blood Drive held at the Station Chapel aboard Fightertown, Jan. 21. The Red Cross provides blood for both military and civilian hospitals. According to the Red Cross, every pint of blood donated saves approximately three lives. For more information on how you can donate visit www.redcrossblood.org/

Photos by Pfc. Jonah Lovy 8 The Jet Stream Friday, January 30, 2015 Around The Corps

Corps Bits

VMM-266 conducts unique aerial refuels to prep for deployment

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. - In preparation for their upcoming de- ployment, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squad- ron (VMM) 266 conducted aerial refuels with an Air Force KC-10 Extender aircraft above Marine Corps Air Station New River, , Jan. 15. Next month the squadron is scheduled to deploy in support of Special Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response Africa. Part of their mission requires them to be able to perform an aerial refuel because it is a criti- cal capability that extends the reach of Ma- rine aircraft on the battlefield. Although the squadron routinely conducts aerial refuel operations, this was the squad- ron’s first time working with the Air Force to conduct a refuel operation with the KC-10. “As Marines, we normally execute these re- fuels with our C-130 aircrafts,” said Maj. Ricky Buria, the operations officer with VMM-266. “It’s a slightly different process, but our pilots Lance Cpl. Mraovic Dragan, playing the part of a casualty, is dragged to safety by Lance Cpl. Milorad Jaksic during a military op- were able to figure it out with relative ease.” erations on urbanized terrain scecnario. Serbians conducted MOUT training with Marines at Novo Selo training area in Bulgaria, Buria said this kind of exercise takes preci- Jan. 17, as part of Exercise Platinum Lion. sion and patience to execute and the pilots demonstrated those during the flight exer- cise. He said the value of the training for the pilots was getting exposure to the process. Serbian soldiers and U.S. Forces unite During the flights, the unit continuously rotated pilots and co-pilots in an effort to ex- pose each of them to the training. in urban warfare training “Having the organic capability to refuel our Sgt. Russell Midori aircrafts in the air is amazing,” said Buria. “Our ling through an urban environment and erations are one of the key components U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa primary mission is to be able to transport caring for a casualty in an urban envi- of effective service as a modern rifle- troops and the gear they need. If we can’t do ronment, using BSRF Marines to play man. that, then everything else that we do doesn’t NOVO SELO TRAINING AREA, Bulgaria opposition forces to create scenarios Besides the obvious applications of matter.” – Marines and Serbian soldiers shared designed to challenge the soldiers. urban-combat skills in Iraq and Afghani- skills for urban warfare in Bulgaria Jan “The situations we had [were] quite stan, urban warfare training grew con- 17 as part of Exercise Platinum Lion 15. realistic,” said Serbian Lance Cpl. Ognjen siderably after World War II, and has re- The tactics exchange was led by Ma- Samolovac, a sniper with the Serbian ceived special attention since the 1990s rines from Black Sea Rotational Force 14, army. “There are not [many] chances to when it became a top priority for then- who have been operating with NATO Al- have training like this, and we are glad Commandant Gen. Charles Krulak. lies and partners in the Black Sea Region we could show we are able to work to- During that time, Marine leadership since August. The rotational force is sup- gether,” said Samolovac from Zrenjanin, thoughtfully studied MOUT, and a shift plemented by 2nd , 2nd Ma- Serbia. in training more inclusive of urban war- rines, with Platinum Lion 15 being their Marines and Serbians patrolled in for- fare began as Marine Corps Warfighting last military-to-military engagement. mations, stacked in two- and four-man Publication 3-35.3, was released and “They didn’t need to be taught a lot, teams in front of entry points, and gave implemented. because they already knew how [Mili- assertive commands to potential en- The publication correctly predicted tary Operations in Urban Terrain] goes, emies in several languages. These pro- the Marine Corps would “continue to Nearly 900 Marines and sailors how to clear buildings and how to pa- cedures have become standard for the play a prominent role in …peace, coun- deploy to Africa, Europe trol,” said Lance Cpl. Bradley Price, a Marine Corps and they are becoming terinsurgency, and contingency opera- mortarman with Weapons Company, increasingly standard for the Serbians, tions centered on urbanized areas.” MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines. Bulgarians and Romanians training ev- A Pentagon study predicts that 85 per- - Nine-hundred Marines and sailors deployed Price said their pre-existing knowledge ery day at Exercise Platinum Lion 15. cent of the world’s inhabitants will be Jan. 24 to support operations in the U.S. Af- made communication easy as they ran “The main thing is, if we ever have to crowded into coastal cities within the rican and U.S. European Command areas of through scenarios in the MOUT town, fight side-by-side, we now have just a next five years. Threats grow propor- responsibility. which is a life-size simulation of an urban better understanding of how we each tionally with cities, so worldwide urban- Of the 900 service members from 2nd Bat- area, inclusive of buildings and roads. operate so that we can work together ization carries challenges that extend talion, 8th Marine who departed, The training included procedures for more smoothly,” said Lance Cpl. Cole far beyond the Marine Corps. This type more than 500 headed to Eastern Europe to two-man and four-man room-clearing, Domke, a mortarman with Weapons Co., of training is crucial for building the mil- support collective security in the region. single- and multiple-room clearing, 2nd Bn, 2nd Marines. itary capacity of partner nations as they Postured out of Mihail Kogălniceanu Air- multiple-story room clearing, patrol- Domke said understanding urban op- face dynamic threats in urban areas. field, Romania, the 500 troops comprise the next iteration of Black Sea Rotational Force which provides the U.S. European Command the ability to preposition forces in order to provide a quicker crisis and contingency re- sponse capability while improving interoper- ability between U.S. partners and allies. “Black Sea Rotational Force is a departure from the typical deployments for Marines and sailors in an infantry battalion,” said Lt. Col. Jef- fery R. Stevenson, on-coming commanding officer of BSRF. “It allows us the opportunity to train with and learn from our partner-na- tions and allies in order to continue improv- ing our interoperability with one another and maintain a presence in the region.” 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines is replacing 2nd Battalion, from the ap- proximate six-month deployment. Both units are stationed out of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. “[BSRF] represents the Marine Corps’ com- mitment to not just being the force of choice, but the right force, right now. Their forward deployed posture, alert status, ability to task organize, and operate across a range of mili- tary operations provides combatant com- manders with an expeditionary force capable of conducting operations with unprecedent- Corps Shot ed speed and forces task-organized for range Sgt. Jamean Berry of operations, scale and capability,” said Lt. Col. Joel F. Schmidt, out-going commanding MARINE CORPS BASE officer of BSRF. HAWAII - U.S. Marine Black Sea Rotational Force is able to re- spond to a broad range of military operations Corps 1st Lt. Colin G. in the EUCOM area of responsibility, includ- Looney, supply officer ing but not limited to: crisis and contingency assigned to Headquarters response, U.S. Embassy reinforcement, hu- manitarian assistance and disaster relief op- Company, 4th Marine erations, and training with partner nations. Regiment, fires down The additional 400 Marines and sailors de- range during the Table ploying will be postured at Moron Air Base in Spain and Naval Air Station Sigonella in 3 course of fire at Range Italy to support Special-Purpose Marine Air- 105-A aboard Camp Ground Task Force Crisis-Response Africa. SPMAGTF-CR-AF is postured to respond Wilson, Marine Corps Air to a broad range of military operations in Ground Combat Center the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Twentynine Palms, Calif., Command areas of responsibility, including but not limited to: crisis and contingency Jan. 23. response, U.S. Embassy reinforcement, hu- manitarian assistance and disaster relief op- erations, and training with partner nations. Around The Corps The Jet Stream Friday, January 30, 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. Marines, soldiers train for railway operations

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force participated in railway operation training with under the supervision of soldiers from Movement Control Company 171 here to maintain and improve unit readiness, Jan. 20 to 23. The Marines had previous experience load- ing vehicles and equipment onto trucks and aircraft, but not railway cars. To that end, sol- diers from MCC 171 traveled from to bring their expertise to the training. “This is the first time a lot of the Marines in the class are doing this even though it’s part of their job,” said Army Sgt. 1st Class Grachya Kazanchyan, the rail noncommissioned of- ficer in charge for MCC 171. “There isn’t the infrastructure for a lot of Marines to do the hands-on training portion of rail operations. MCC 171 doesn’t usually go to other instal- lations to train, but we were asked to come here and we’re glad to be.” The training involved learning to organize, load and secure vehicles and equipment on the correct rail cars in a space-efficient man- ner. Each car can only hold cargo up to a cer- tain weight and that weight must be evenly distributed to transport safely, a delicate task when loading a 63-ton tank onto a rail car. “The Marine Corps … needs to understand this element of transportation in order to pro- vide a fluent and functional capability,” said Sgt. John Coe, the surface, schools and sys- tems chief for II MEF Strategic Mobility, and Vincent, Ohio. “This training establishes the fundamentals and enables Marines to prove Swift, silent, deadly: Force their understanding of what is required while operating at a rail operations group. All of the Marines wanted to learn as much as they Recon breaks down doors could about this aspect of their job.” The operation provided a unique opportu- Cpl. Joshua Brown During the exercise, Marines varied greatly, so the team lead- exercise and team members ro- nity to learn the process so they could con- II Marine Expeditionary Force practiced breaching techniques ers and assistant team leaders tated tasks in an effort to learn duct railway operations independent from by using explosive charges and with more experience provided the responsibilities associated the Army. CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Marines mechanized tools to gain en- instruction to the inexperienced with each position within the “The Army and Marines might have dif- and sailors with Force Company, trance into fortified buildings. Ex- Marines within their teams. Gon- team. Gonzalez said the value of ferent missions, but we have a common 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, plosive charges are the primary zalez, who has deployed twice the training for the unit was en- purpose,” said Kazanchyan, a native of Los conducted limited-skills raid ex- method used by reconnaissance to Iraq, said his experiences on suring each Marine understood Angeles. “The goal is that the Marine Corps ercises at a range aboard Camp units to gain entrance into build- deployments have shown him the basics of limited-skills raids. doesn’t have to rely on the army to load its Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 16 ings; however, Marines carry sec- the importance of training and “We established a foundation equipment and vice versa. Interchanging this in preparation for future deploy- ondary tools such as sledgeham- constantly practicing the tech- for the junior Marines and ex- type of information is just going to make ev- ments they might receive. mers and Halligan bars in the niques. ecuted without hesitation,” said erybody more proficient.” The limited-skills raids tested event that an explosive charge “We train to high standards so Gonzalez. “In a real scenario, we Railway operations not only give soldiers the Marines by combining sever- fails to detonate. we can attain mission success would gauge our success by mis- and Marines an alternative method of trans- al areas of reconnaissance train- For many of the Marines, this under any circumstance, “said sion success. But here, it was all porting equipment, but are also more cost- ing including breaching, room was their first time using these Gonzalez. about establishing ourselves as effective than other options. With the down- clearing and enemy detainment. charges and techniques to gain Teamwork was stressed a detachment. We did that very sizing and budget adjustments of the Marine According to Staff Sgt. Corey entry and clear a building. throughout the duration of the well.” Corps, rail operations could definitely help A. Gonzalez, a team leader with Sgt. Daniel Burnap, an assistant save money, said Coe. Force Company, limited-skills team leader with Force Compa- raids are vital to reconnaissance ny, said for a majority of the Ma- units because they effectively rines this was a new experience. allow Marines to enter a hostile He said the training was great be- area and overcome enemy com- cause the facility allowed them batants. Gonzalez said each raid to practice breaching scenarios is different and Recon Marines while firing simulated rounds, have to learn various techniques which is realistic to reconnais- for breaching and clearing build- sance missions. Marines unload during Mk 19 ings. The skill levels within the group qualifications MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - “Full load!” shouts a machine-gunner, signify- ing that he is ready to unload grenades onto Cobra Gold 15 Combined Forces a target. A rhythmic burst explodes from the gun, followed by a cloud of red dust engulf- ing an abandoned tank. His aim was spot on. Provide Ballast for Thai Children, Future Approximately 20 Marines with Scout Pla- toon, 2nd Tank Battalion qualified using a Mk 19, a 40 mm, belt-fed automatic grenade Cpl. James Marchetti new, but enlightening, experience. believes his consolidated crew has the launcher, in the turret of a Humvee Jan. 21 Marine Corps Air Station Yuma “The Thais said that (the traditions) ball rolling and is prepared to tackle and 22, at training area G-7 on base. are good luck, so we rolled with it,” whatever challenges lie ahead. Marines practiced firing during both the LOP BURI PROVINCE, Thailand - A said Lero. “It’s commemorative to the “It’s been hard work, no joke; ‘Special day and the night; firing a pre-qualification combined force of U.S. Army, Thai and hard work each nation has put into this Forces engineers’, is what I call them,” and then qualifying round with the machine Chinese military engineers have been work.” chuckled Lero. “What’s going to get us guns. at work since Jan. 19 in constructing Despite an intensive workload on all through this next month is teamwork.” The pre-qualification allows a Marine to a new multipurpose school facility for fronts, the combined force has melded The facility, once completed, will demonstrate his raw skills using the Mk 19 by Thai children. The operation is in part of together and arduously trudged along serve as a school cafeteria for children hitting single and multiple targets with a set Exercise Cobra Gold 2015 and, on Sat- to keep on schedule. ages 4-12, and also as a village meet- amount of rounds in an allotted time. urday, the engineers’ efforts were cel- And though the placing of these ing center. Its dedication ceremony is After this demonstration, section leaders ebrated in the building’s initial column columns was but a small step in this slated for Feb. 19, and the building will have the opportunity to coach their Marines raising ceremony. project’s concept of operations, Lero open thereafter. so they can do their best during the qualifica- Sirens of slicing steel and rumbling tion round. heavy equipment vehicles have been “Training like this is important, because it commonplace during production at shows me where my guys’ skills are with the Ban Nhong-Plong elementary school, gun and allows me to refine them if neces- located in Chai Badan district, Thailand; sary,” said Cpl. Nicholas Lemieux, a section nonetheless, the community’s mayor, leader with the platoon and Minneapolis na- Pisan Boonchutanogam, believes that tive. “I think it’s important to maintain mission he speaks for everybody when he said readiness, because I wouldn’t want to go into the operation is welcomed with open a fight with a guy up in the gun who doesn’t arms. know what he’s doing.” “We are very grateful that this proj- Seeing the red dust hit the appropriate tar- ect is happening for our village,” said get allowed many young Marines the oppor- Boonchutanogam. “Last night we had tunity to feel confident in their abilities to op- a meeting and decided we must help erate a Mk 19. For some, it was their first time (the service members) and clean the shooting the automatic grenade launcher. construction area for our opening cer- The unit requires Marines to qualify on the emony Feb. 19.” Mk 19 at least once a year, as it is pertinent to Intriguing aspects of the ceremony keeping the platoon safe. included the tossing of coins into the Although the scout platoon performs a lot structures foundation, binding of a ba- of reconnaissance work on foot, the machine nana plant onto the column and the guns provide security while the platoon com- laying of footers by representatives pletes its mission, Lemieux said. from each nation’s service. A Chinese soldier slices a steel rod at Ban Nhong-Plong elementary school, located in Chai The platoon will continue to practice recon- Army 1st Lt. Mark Lero, the construc- Badan district, Lop Buri Province, Thailand, on Jan. 24. As part of Exercise Cobra Gold 2015, naissance and machine gun firing during a tion site’s officer in charge, remarked a combined force of U.S., Thai and Chinese engineers have been constructing a multipur- “Deployed for Training” exercise at Fort Picket, that - even though this is his second pose building since Jan. 19, which is slated to officially open after its dedication ceremony Virginia, at the end of February. iteration of CG – such traditions were a on Feb. 19. 10 The Jet Stream Friday, January 30, 2015 In Other News

The F/A-18 training facility aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort is home to four flight simulators. Pilots who train in the simulators are “fleet pilots”; pilots that have completed their initial training and are now in an operational squadron. Simulator training essential to pilot readiness Pfc. Jonah V. Lovy pilots”; pilots who have completed Pilots use the simulators for sus- in the plane to go through what Flight simulators give pilots an Staff Writer their initial training and are now in tainment and mission training, said could be pretty serious and difficult edge in combat. Without them, all an operational squadron. Capt. Eric Davis, a pilot with VMFA- scenarios if you were actually in the training would have to occur in the Machinery clicked and buzzed in The simulator itself is a fully func- 312. plane.” air. the dimly lit room. The screens sur- tional Hornet cockpit surrounded by One of the key uses for the simula- If something goes wrong, the pro- “You can make sure to see the en- rounding the cockpit flickered on six projector screens called the Simu- tor is the aircraft carrier take off and gram can be reset, said Rob Gwinn vironment beforehand and familiar- and a familiar setting appeared. Mer- Sphere. Outside the SimuSphere are landing procedure program. The ad- the contracting officer’s representa- ize yourself with the techniques and ritt Field was recreated in a virtual huge projectors that project an im- vantage of practicing in a simulator tive aboard MCAS Beaufort. procedures [of the mission],” said world as the plane maneuvered to- age onto the screens, creating a 360 is that pilots don’t have to physically “One of the other advantages of Davis. ward the runway. degree environment. be on a carrier to get valuable experi- these simulators is the cost factor,” The detailed and immersive world The F/A-18 training facility aboard All simulators can be used simulta- ence. said Gwinn. “It costs over ten thou- of the simulator is cost effective and Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort is neously so pilots can train with each “It’s also great for emergency pro- sand dollars an hour to fly one of provides a realistic training environ- home to four flight simulators. Pilots other in the same virtual environ- cedures,” said Davis. “You don’t ac- these real jets out here. We do it for ment, making pilots more effective who train in the simulators are “fleet ment. tually have to have an emergency about 250 dollars an hour.” in the sky. Graduates The Jet Stream Friday, January 30, 2015 11 Bravo Company Graduates Honor Graduates Platoon 1008 Platoon 1012 Pfc. E.A. Deleon, Raleigh, NC Pfc. A.K. Sekulov, West Blumfield, MI Senior Drill Instructor: Sgt. R.G. Molina Senior Drill Instructor: Sgt. A.L. Jones Platoon 1009 Platoon 1013 Pfc. T.K. Taylor, Cleveland, OH Pfc. K.N. Parris, Staten Island, NY Senior Drill Instructor: Sgt. M.J. Rodriguez Senior Drill Instructor: Staff Sgt. G.J. Moran Platoon 1010 Platoon 1014 Pfc. T.L. Whitley, Lasker, NC Pfc. C.N. Willette, Louisville, KY Senior Drill Instructor: Staff Sgt. B.R. Dear Senior Drill Instructor: Staff Sgt. C. Barroso

Platoon 1008 Pvt. N. C. Armstrong , Pvt. J. T. Ashford , Pvt. J. Q. Burgess , Pvt. A. G. Burns , Pfc. F. J. Camilo , Pfc. T. A. Carlson , Pvt. D. M. Church , Pvt. L. C. Clayton , Pvt. T. A. Cowan , Pvt. J. B. Cumming , Pfc. A. B. Davis , Pfc. E. Y. Dawit , Pfc. J. D. Dean , Pfc. E. A. Deleon* , Pvt. M. D. Demby , Pvt. A. Diaz , Pfc. T. M. Emerson , Pvt. T.D. Evans , Pfc. T. J. Foster , Pfc. M. J. Gales , Pfc. M. A. Gerchman , Pfc. T. A. Hadden , Pfc. M. J. Hara , Pfc. A. M. Haresign , Pfc. D. M. Harkins Jr. , Pfc. A. C. Harper , Pfc. B. L. Harrison , Pfc. T. J. Hash , Pvt. A. M. Huggins , Pvt. E. J. Justice , Pfc. A. W. Kuehl , Pvt. O. C. Lago , Pfc. J. I. Lehmann* , Pvt. P. A. Lenz , Pvt. K. G. Lewis , Pvt. D. A. Lovell , Pvt. D. S. Mahlke , Pfc. R. M. McCloskey* , Pfc. J. P. McClure , Pfc. R. T. McNeal , Pvt. E. C. Molinar Jr. , Pfc. K. M. Morazan , Pfc. A. P. Nazworth , Pvt. B. N. Nguyen , Pvt. R. T. Nguyen , Pfc. T. Nguyen , Pfc. A. L. Nussbaum , Pfc. J. Park , Pvt. A. B. Parker , Pfc. A. D. Penales , Pfc. S. D. Pierce , Pfc. J. T. Rathbun , Pvt. J. N. Sokolski , Pfc. A. R. Soriano , Pfc. J. W. Sowell , Pvt. C. A. Stewart , Pfc. R. J. Szulkowski , Pvt. B. C. Tamayo , Pvt. J. M. Verner , Pvt. J. M. Washington , Pvt. D. J. Willis Platoon 1009 Pfc. K. D. Adames , Pvt. Q. J. Barnes , Pvt. L. A. Belkadi , Pfc. N. Bratko , Pvt. F. Cardoso , Pfc. Y. Chi , Pfc. B. R. Colon , Pvt. L. M. Colon , Pvt. I. T. Cook , Pvt. M. J. Corker , Pvt. J. L. Daly , Pfc. C. Daniel , Pvt. B. J. Dayao , Pfc. D. K. Dewitt II , Pfc. S. C. Duong , Pvt. J. R. Elder , Pfc. S. C. Fasolak , Pfc. R. Garcia , Pvt. K. B. Geis , Pvt. A. J. Gomez , Pvt. M. A. Grant , Pfc. Q. D. Graves , Pvt. J. T. Hamm , Pvt. C. M. Hawkins , Pvt. M. D. Hicklin , Pfc. A. E. Johnson , Pvt. B. C. Juratovac , Pfc. C. C. Lawler , Pvt. B. M. Leets , Pvt. E. M. Lomas , Pfc. J. R. Lopez , Pvt. S. E. Martin , Pfc. E. D. Martinez* , Pvt. O. Martinez , Pvt. K. J. McCormack , Pvt. A. A. Momplaisir , Pvt. T. M. Mook , Pfc. S. E. Nagle , Pfc. T. H. Nagy , Pfc. N. C. Neal , Pfc. C. M. O’Connor , Pfc. G. Pereapineda , Pvt. M. E. Pressley , Pfc. B. R. Quetsch* , Pfc. P. M. Rodriguez , Pvt. J. C. Roe , Pfc. C. H. Rogers , Pfc. M. H. Silva , Pvt. N. S. Silverbeck , Pvt. T. J. Smithsousis , Pvt. D. H. Stone , Pfc. T. K. Taylor* , Pvt. S. M. Tompkins , Pfc. M. S. Travis Jr. , Pvt. S. M. Williams , Pvt. J. T. Wittreich , Pfc. H. S. Wolpert* , Pfc. D. A. Yoder , Pvt. M. E. Ysasi

Platoon 1010 Pvt. M. R. Aeillo , Pfc. M. I. Aguasvivas* , Pfc. T. W. Baldwin , Pfc. N. M. Bateman* , Pvt. K. R. Bender , Pfc. G. G. Boonnak , Pfc. R. M. Brahmbhatt , Pfc. T. D. Brown Jr. , Pvt. J. T. Callan , Pvt. D. R. Casey , Pvt. L. Cervantes , Pvt. C. A. Cummines , Pvt. L. R. Davidson , Pvt. E. Z. Davis , Pvt. D. D. Dillard , Pvt. J. A. Doelle III , Pfc. C. J. Erazo , Pvt. J. N. Evans , Pvt. T. O. Everett , Pvt. R. K. Fegely , Pvt. J. Fernandez , Pfc. T. M. Flint , Pfc. K. D. Gadson , Pvt. A. J. Gaudiosi , Pfc. E. A. George , Pvt. M. T. Grimard , Pfc. D. K. Higgs* , Pfc. D. M. Hilbrands , Pfc. J. K. Hodnett , Pfc. J. G. Kondratenko , Pfc. J. Langdon , Pfc. M. D. Lewis , Pfc. D. Lora , Pvt. C. R. Makuch , Pvt. A. S. Menafritis , Pfc. J. A. Merizalde , Pvt. L. A. Miller , Pvt. M. H Mitchem , Pfc. B. L. Oleski , Pvt. T. G. Osborne , Pfc. J. D. Potts , Pfc. C. E. Powell , Pvt. R. K. Ramirez , Pvt. A. M. Sava , Pfc. A. M. Shabazz II , Pfc. M. R. Shirey III* , Pvt. S. C. Spanglerii II , Pfc. R. S. Stelling , Pvt. J. L. Strength , Pvt. D. E. Sujballi , Pfc. J. M. Turcotte , Pvt. F. J. Ubedarivaldi , Pvt. D. J. Upham , Pvt. T. L. Warner , Pvt. J. B. Wheaton , Pvt. J. B. Whicker , Pfc. T. L. Whitley , Pvt. J. T. Williams , Pfc. M. A. Williams , Pvt. L. S. Woodall , Pvt. B. K. Young Platoon 1012 Pvt. M. W. Aguirre Jr. , Pvt. A. C. Algier , Pfc. L. A. Alicea Garcia , Pvt. O. A. Anderson , Pvt. J. T. Andrews , Pvt. A. M. Barnett , Pvt. T. A. Barnett , Pvt. G. F. Benny III , Pvt. R. L. Bloodsaw Jr. , Pvt. A. J. Brees , Pvt. C. B. Cannon , Pvt. A. J. Carson , Pvt. P. J. Claudio Gomez , Pvt. N. L. Colon-Ramos , Pfc. C. J. Cooke , Pvt. W. E. Coslow III , Pfc. G. D. Daway* , Pfc. C. R. Dazle , Pvt. H. B. Dewitt , Pvt. S. A. Galdamez , Pvt. L. Z. Garcia , Pvt. M. G. Glover , Pvt. J. A. Gunn , Pvt. N. A. Hamilton , Pvt. A. D. Holden , Pvt. M. C. Kaba , Pvt. D. N. Kabe , Pvt. T. A. Keating , Pvt. L. M. Lamb , Pvt. S. A. Lander , Pfc. K. A. Lingham , Pvt. M. W. McGowan , Pvt. C. L. Miranda , Pfc. D. A. Modrowsky , Pvt. E. C. Newton , Pfc. J. R. Nikolaisen , Pvt. L. C. Ortiz Jr. , Pfc. G. L. Osborne , Pfc. R. J. Pachecocaldero , Pfc. A. R. Patton* , Pvt. N. J. Posada , Pfc. E. C. Proper , Pvt. C. C. Quatro , Pfc. D. E. Reed , Pfc. C. T. Reeder , Pvt. J. J. Reeves III , Pvt. V. A. Reyes Campos , Pvt. S. E. Riveraventura , Pvt. D. M. Rogers , Pfc. N. L. Rosado Hernandez , Pfc. K. Santo Domingo , Pvt. T. E. Saraguro , Pfc. A. K. Sekulov , Pfc. M. P. Sheehan , Pfc. J. C. Shelton , Pvt. D. K. Smith , Pvt. H. L. Smith , Pvt. D. T. Warren , Pfc. D. A. Williams , Pfc. A. L. Wilson Jr.* , Pvt. D. D. Wilson , Pvt. D. E. Zobrest Platoon 1013 Pvt. C. M. Avery , Pvt. D. Barros , Pvt. L. D. Bass , Pfc. N. G. Bernal Vigil , Pvt. D. F. Bires , Pfc. M. J. Boivin , Pvt. H. Q. Boles , Pvt. N. F. Carney , Pfc. D. S. Cooper Jr. , Pvt. B. H. Cowhey , Pvt. R. A. Culver , Pfc. C. R. Despres , Pvt. C. A. Devine , Pvt. R. T. Eikhoff , Pvt. D. M. Ennals , Pvt. B. M. Foote , Pvt. R. L. Fuller , Pvt. G. Gauthier , Pvt. N. B. Gruber , Pfc. D. D. Harris , Pvt. R. L. Higgins , Pfc. R. C. Holloway III , Pfc. D. P. Kuykendall , Pvt. G. J. Lafferty , Pvt. N. F. Lamothe , Pvt. D. G. Langley , Pfc. E. K. Leday* , Pfc. T. M. Little , Pfc. A. M. Long , Pvt. J. A. Majano , Pfc. B. S. Metcalf , Pfc. N. J. Molteg* , Pvt. E. K. Obrien , Pfc. C. M. Oreilly , Pfc. Y. L. Padezhki , Pfc. K. N. Parris* , Pvt. B. Payne II , Pfc. D. P. Peters , Pfc. C. T. Peterson , Pfc. E. S. Portillo Larios , Pvt. W. D. Reyes-Ortega , Pvt. D. D. Sabillon Torres , Pvt. J. Saniel , Pfc. W. R. Savoy III , Pvt. D. B. Scheinost , Pfc. B. C. Smith , Pvt. L. S. Smith , Pfc. M. H. Such* , Pvt. A. L. Tixi , Pvt. K. A. Tolbert , Pvt. J. C. Valles , Pvt. R. J. Vaughn , Pfc. S. A. Wansor , Pfc. F. R. West , Pvt. M. Wilson , Pfc. D. M. Young , Pfc. T. J. Zimmerman Platoon 1014 Pvt. P. C. Angles , Pfc. A. D. Apotheker , Pfc. J. T. Barron , Pvt. J. K. Benitez , Pvt. K. N. Brimmer , Pvt. L. M. Britton , Pfc. J. Burge III* , Pfc. N. J. Burns , Pvt. L. M. Colopy , Pvt. J. R. Correia , Pfc. Q. M. Davis , Pvt. C. A. Dodge , Pvt. C. S. Foltz , Pfc. J. R. Garcia , Pvt. K. R. Gauthier , Pvt. A. R. Gayhart , Pvt. C. T. Gibbons , Pfc. J. M. Giel , Pfc. I. M. Guerra , Pvt. J. R. Harker , Pvt. R. J. Harris , Pfc. J. R. Hicks , Pfc. T. E. Hines* , Pvt. M. C. Hollars , Pvt. C. R. Horsley , Pfc. W. I. Jackson , Pfc. C. L. Keener , Pfc. C. N. Kessinger , Pvt. N. T. Kors , Pfc. B. K. Lail , Pvt. R. D. Lynn , Pvt. A. H. Maddox , Pvt. J. M. McKerrow , Pvt. A. W. Padgett , Pfc. C. D. Passmore , Pvt. W. C. Pate III , Pfc. D. J. Patterson , Pfc. S. J. Polley , Pfc. D. L. Rios , Pfc. M. R. Rodriguez , Pvt. D. A. Rosales , Pfc. J. P. Royalty , Pvt. D. A. Ryan , Pvt. A. F. Sanchez , Pvt. A. R. Serrano , Pvt. T. L. Spindler , Pvt. L. J. Storms , Pvt. J. M. Taddio , Pfc. R. W. Thistle , Pfc. J. L. Ulrich , Pfc. K. V. Urena , Pfc. T. R. Walker , Pfc. E. M. Wallingford , Pfc. J. S. Ware* , Pfc. R. G. Webber Jr.* , Pfc. C. N. Willette , Pfc. D. J. Wirthlin , Pfc. R. L. Woodruff IV , Pvt. S. I. Woods

*Denotes meritorious promotion 12 The Jet Stream Friday, January 30, 2015 Classifieds