Kauai Island Cpl
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Hawaii Marine NBC Volume 29, Number 20 Serving Marine Corps Base Hawaii May 18, 2000 Diamond Head A 5 B-1 HMT-301 trains on Kauai island Cpl. Charles E. Moore "There's no distractions (out here)," Combat Correspondent LeBlanc said. "We're here to work. We're here to do our job." PACIFIC MISSILE RANGE All the work is especially beneficial to FACILITY, BARKING SANDS, the junior pilots, crew chiefs and aerial Kauai - Marine Helicopter Training observers who are students in HMT-301. Squadron 301 deployed May 10 to The squadron's mission is to give these Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking students further training on the CH-53D Sands, Kauai, for 10 days. Helicopter. Barking Sands gives them a The devil dogs and their corpsman are chance to apply their skills in a different taking the opportunity to get some valu- environment. able training, mixed with some good old- "It gets them away from here where fashioned rest and relaxation. they're used to everything," Lengerke The biannual trip is very beneficial to said. "This is their only chance to get the squadron, allowing them to practice (training time) away from base." aerial gunnery, embarking and debarking While on Kauai, the students are and training in a different environment, scheduled to practice terrain familiariza- as well as getting the Marines some free tion, night vision goggles, low-level time off Oahu. flights over terrain, and formation "It's real good for morale," said Maj. flights. The new environment presents Frederick Lengerke, the operations offi- new challenges. cer for HMT-301. "That's one of the "All the little things that are specific biggest benefits." to that airfield are new to us," said 1st Lt. Cal Charles E While the Marines may have a good Karen Riley, a student pilot. "It's just Moore time there, the deployment isn't all fun (like going to) a new neighborhood with Lance Cpl. Richard Acheson, an airframer with HMT-301, performs routine maintenance on the tail of a CH-53D heli- and games, according to Lt. Col. Stephen new rules." copter at the Pacific Missile Range facility, Barking Sands, Kauai. LeBlanc, commanding officer for HMT- Little things like different tower pro- 301. cedures and terrain help to turn the stu- training squadron' doesn't do much of. The deployment builds teamwork as tionships built that you wouldn't see In just 10 days, the squadron is sched- dents into well-rounded pilots capable of "The experience of picking up the well as experience. back home." uled to fly nearly their average monthly adapting to different situations, LeBlanc squadron and moving to Kauai for 10 "The squadron becomes closer "The squadron's pretty tight," said quota. During their seven working days, said. days gives the Marines valuable experi- because we're all out here together, liv- Sgt. Duncan Widdoes, a crew chief the squadron is flying four times as much The Marines were also able to hone ence," LeBlanc said. "This is all about ing together and going to the mess hall instructor. "It gives the squadron a as normal. their embarkation skills, something a building experience." together," LeBlanc said. "You see rela- chance to relax and have fun." Military Appreciation Week recognizes servicemembers Staff Sgt. Lois P. Valdespino economy, and they recognize the volunteer work we provide," said Community Relations Chief Cpl. Sung Min Kim, a finance and travel clerk with the MCB Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, finance office who was in attendance Friday. HONOLULU - More than 500 people gathered at the Aloha Tower Kim added that he was pleasantly surprised by some of the details Marketplace to kick off the ten-day celebration of Hawaii Military mentioned by speakers at the ceremony, including all the volunteer Appreciation Week, May 12-21. work servicemembers do in the Hawaiian communities. A ceremony featuring Kaimuki High School's Army Junior Reserve One Marine present at the opening ceremony said he has been in Officer Training Corps color guard, as well as the presence of about Hawaii all his life and never witnessed as much support for the mili- 200 active duty servicemembers from all military services, and may- tary as he has with the 2000 Hawaii Military Appreciation Week. oral and gubernatorial proclamations marked the beginning of the 15th "This is the first time I've ever seen anything like this ... It shows Annual Hawaii Military Appreciation Week, sponsored by the that Hawaii really cares about the military - that the people here love Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii. the military and really need the military, especially on Hawaii," said The Chamber recognized generals, admirals and servicemembers of Lance Cpl. Ronald Souza, a native of Kailua, and a field artillery can- all ranks stationed in Hawaii at the event, in which Lt. Gov. Mazie noneer assigned to C Battery, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment. Hirono read Gov. Ben Cayetano's proclamation of May 12-21 as Following the opening day ceremony, servicemembers and guests Hawaii Military Appreciation Week which recognized Hawaii service- attended a reception held aboard the Novatek, a ship docked at pier 10 members as "every bit a part of our community." - just a couple hundred yards from the Aloha Tower Marketplace. Honolulu City and County Mayor Jeremy Harris' proclamation also Guests were treated to free drinks and pupus, in addition to enter- declared May 12-21 as Hawaii Military Appreciation Week. "Thank tainment provided by a local band and the "Novatek Dancers." you very much for all you've done for us," the mayor read to those pre- The day's events "showed military personnel the Aloha spirit that sent at the ceremony. Hawaii is known for," Souza added. The thanks, accompanied by the entertainment provided by the Other Hawaii Military Appreciation Week events remaining include Staff Sgt. Luis P. Valciespino Royal Hawaiian Band, did not go unheard, according to servicemem- a triathlon and biathlon being held aboard MCB Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, Adm. Dennis Blair, Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Command, bers in attendance. Saturday, at 7:30 a.m.; a "Living History Day" at the Ft. DeRussy speaks to guests at the Hawaii Military Appreciation Week open- The ceremony and events "showed the community is aware that the museum, beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday; and a discounted dinner show ing day ceremony held at the Aloha Tower Marketplace Friday. military is out there. They realize we provide a (positive effect on the) at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie, beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday. SecDef sends message of CNO welcomes sea service's questions Cpl. Otto C. Pleil-Muete number of recruiters, enlistment bonuses, service to be the hardest decision anyone Combat Correspondent and advertising campaigns. has to make," said Admiral Johnson, thanks to servicemembers "We're doing better," said Admiral Even with the increase in technology, PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii - Chief Johnson. "The trend is in the right direc- Admiral Johnson said the most important Throughout our nation's history, people the world over. of Naval Operations Admiral Jay L. tion. thing in the Navy and the Marine Corps men and women of courage and devo- On this fiftieth Armed Forces Day, Johnson spent his Friday afternoon talk- Two general topics which Admiral is the people who put the technology to tion have willingly defended our the American people join me in ing with more than 500 Sailors and Johnson talked about and posed the work nation's liberties at freedom's front in expressing our profound gratitude to Marine stationed aboard Hawaii during greatest concern for Sailors and Marines "You are our national treasure," said any sky, on any ocean, on any shore. you, aware that your commitment to his visit to Pearl Harbor Friday. alike included pay and non-pay issues. Admiral Johnson, "and I'm proud of you Fifty years ago, President Harry this nation does not come without peril Admiral Johnson was on his way back Although he mentioned the vast and very grateful for what you (Sailors Truman deemed that a day be set aside or price. to Washington, D.C. from Japan, as he improvements in' current pay increases and Marines) do for our Naval services." to commemorate this tradition by hon- Duty often calls for prolonged peri- briefed Sailors and Marines on current for Sailors and Marines, Admiral 1111111111eter, oring those of you who serve this ods away from family and home, in issues and listened to their comments and Johnson admitted that it is and always nation in uniform. What President missions that can be difficult and dan- concerns. has been difficult for the armed services Index Truman observed then remains true gerous. The event began with a special re- to compete with civilian industries in today: It would be impossible to main- So it is truly fitting that we pause on enlistment ceremony, in which Admiral paying its employees. A Section tain peace and freedom without our this day to recognize these sacrifices Johnson re-enlisted six Sailors. He then "The Secretary of Defense said it best Sergeant Major's column 2 Armed Forces and to honor you, patriots whose pas- addressed servicemembers with an when he said we can't pay our service- NBC 3 Today, you carry the torch of this sion and dedication preserve the bless- emphasis on how important it was for members enough for what they do for our Retention 4 rich tradition of faithful and devoted ings of freedom every day. him to re-enlist the Sailors into the Navy, country," said Admiral Johnson, "but we HMT-301 in Kauai 5 service here at home and around the As your Secretary of Defense, my since retention and recruiting currently can notice if we pay them too little and Book Review 7 globe.