31St MEU Arrives for TS ‘11 Marines Capt
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iii marine expeditionary force and marine corps bases japan JULY 15, 2011 WWW.OKINAWA.USMC.MIL 31st MEU arrives for TS ‘11 Marines Capt. Caleb Eames 31ST MEU enhance CAMP ROCKY, Austra- convoy lia — About 550 Marines and sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived in Australia July 7-9 operation to participate in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011. The USS Germantown abilities docked in Townsville, Aus- tralia, with approximately Lance Cpl. Michael Iams 500 Marines and sailors of OKINAWA MARINE STAFF the 31st MEU aboard, in preparation for the bien- CAMP SCHWAB — Marines nial training event which from Motor Transport Com- strengthens defense ties pany began their first day of between the two countries. convoy operations training Additionally, about 50 here June 12. infantry and mortarmen The company, part of Com- with weapons company bat Assault Battalion, 3rd Ma- Battalion Landing Team, Lance Cpl. Don Picha, right, with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, poses for a picture rine Division, III Marine Ex- with a child after letting him try on Marine Corps gear at Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011's 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine peditionary Force, conducted opening ceremony at the Rockhampton Fairgrounds, Queensland, Australia, July 9. Talisman the training to maintain profi- Regiment, 31st MEU, ar- Sabre enhances the alliance with Australia, which is one the United States' most important rived at Camp Rocky, Aus- defense relationships, based on shared values and a common commitment to peace and ciency in daily operations and tralia, to participate in a security. Photo by Sgt. Pete Thibodeau prepare for future exercises and joint live-fire exercise with deployments. Australian Defense Forces. we’ll see here. We will have Australian Air Force and experience. We want to Along with learning about “We are looking forward U.S. and Australian ships U.S. planes. learn how they do business basic convoy operations, the to the joint weapons train- firing with us.” The 31st MEU’s BLT will and show them how we Marines also conducted night ing and the joint live fire The company of Marines have 81 mm mortar teams work too.” convoys, ran an Advanced with the naval guns and will serve two purposes, and fire support coordina- Elements of Combat Lo- Motor Vehicle Operations the Royal Australian Air said Philpott. First, they tion all working together to gistics Battalion 31 will Course and fired crew-served Force, working jointly with will be doing joint fire sup- get the job done during the conduct bilateral military weapons. them is something we don’t port coordination with the joint live-fire exercise. police and explosive ord- “Being here gives the Ma- otherwise get a chance to Australians and higher “It will be great to work nance training. rines a break from (the usual) do,” said Capt. Zeb Philpott, headquarters, while com- with another military in “We’ll be working with work and gives them a chance Weapons Company Com- municating and practicing their country,” said Lance the Australian police to go to the field,” said Staff Sgt. mander, BLT 2nd Battalion, the transfer of fire control. Cpl. Matthew Haines, an forces,” said Lance Cpl. Joseph Jackson, a motor trans- 7th Marines. “In your whole Secondly, the mortarmen infantryman with Weapons Brett Chilson, a military port operations chief with CAB. career, you might not get to will provide indirect mortar Co., BLT 2nd Battalion, 7th policeman with CLB-31. “It’s a big deal for the Marines.” see the type of naval gunfire support and marking for the Marines. “This will be good SEE TS OPEN PG 5 The AMVOC allows the Ma- rines to operate motor vehicles on different types of terrain. “The end result we are look- Surgeons’ scalpels improve lives in Cambodia ing for is to get the Marines more proficient in basic convoy Cpl. Kentavist P. Brackin operations at the Children’s Surgical Centre, Phnom operations and prepare them OKINAWA MARINE STAFF Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia. to go on exercise and deploy- The battalion, part of 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III ments,” said 1st Lt. David Ste- CHILDREN’S SURGICAL CENTRE, PHNOM PENH, Marine Expeditionary Force, offers the surgical train- venson, motor transport officer Kingdom of Cambodia — The surgery team attached to ing as a new addition to Cambodia Interoperability with CAB. “This training will 3rd Medical Battalion recently concluded joint training Program 2011, a regularly held exercise between the help the Marines familiarize with Cambodian medical personnel during surgical SEE SURGEONS PG 5 SEE MOTOR T PG 5 HEAVY EQUIPMENT ARE YOU PROTECTED? Marines prepare heavy equipment Proper protective equipment is not only for future exercises and required, but saves lives. Wear the THIS deployments. proper gear for every sport. ISSUE IN PG. 9 PG. 10 okinawa marine | OPINION & EDITORIAL | July 15, 2011 Remain2 vigilant when traveling Mark Craig page to make replacement of your passport Around easier in the event it is lost or stolen. iving on Okinawa presents us all with • Use the same common sense traveling unique travel opportunities not nor- overseas you would at home. Be especially the Lmally available stateside. Many Ma- cautious in, or avoid areas where you may Corps rines and their families take full advantage be more easily victimized. These include of this opportunity and seek out travel and crowded subways, train stations, eleva- adventure. Typically, these travels are un- tors, tourist sites, market places, festivals eventful with regards to safety and terrorist and crime-ridden neighborhoods. Don’t events — but we can never be too careful. use short cuts, narrow alleys or poorly- Safety begins when you pack. To help lit streets, try not to travel alone at night, avoid becoming a target of criminal activ- avoid public demonstrations and other ity or terrorism, here are some helpful civil disturbances. Keep a low profile and tips to ensure you have fun on your much avoid loud conversations or arguments, do needed vacation. not discuss travel plans or other personal • Do not be a tempting target! Depart- matters with strangers. ment of Defense personnel and assets have • Beware of groups of vagrant children been targeted in virtually every region who could create a distraction to pick your 1st Lt. Bryan M. Doss, a team leader from 1st Light of the world. When traveling, keep a low pocket. Know how to use a pay telephone Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine profile by traveling with a tourist passport, and have the proper change or token on Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, fires his M4A2 carbine during a known and unknown distance range not wearing clothing with DOD symbols or hand. Learn a few phrases in the local lan- July 6. Doss is part of a Police Advisory Team preparing slogans, do not include rank or organiza- guage or have them handy in written form for an upcoming deployment to Afghanistan where tion on luggage tags, using standard civil- so that you can signal your need for police they will train Afghan security forces. Instructors from ian luggage instead of military duffle bags, or medical help. Make a note of emergency the Advisory Training Cell gave the Marines a series of place any papers with DOD logos or other telephone numbers you may need: police, classes and demonstrations on combat marskmanship. official documents in a sealed envelope. fire, your hotel, and the nearest U.S. Em- Photo by Cpl. John McCall • Always try to travel light. You can bassy or consulate. If you are confronted, move more quickly and will be more likely don’t fight back — give up your valuables. Marines with the 11th to have a free hand. You will also be less • When selecting and staying in hotels Marine Expeditionary Unit’s tired and less likely to set your luggage you should select places with security maritime raid force train down, leaving it unattended. personnel and security features. Consider to secure the gas and oil • Carry the minimum number of the distance from the hotel to the street, lo- platform Hogan off the coast valuables, and plan places to conceal them. cation in a low-crime area, solid perimeter, of Carpinteria, Naval Base Your passport, cash and credit cards are access control for persons and vehicles, lo- Ventura County, Point Mugu, Calif., July 9. The MRF, along most secure when locked in a hotel safe. cation near major roads, types of facilities with a section of the unit’s When you have to carry them on your inside the hotel and electronic key card aviation combat element, person, you may wish to put them each in security. If you have the choice, take rooms Marine Medium Helicopter different places rather than all in one wal- on the 3rd to 5th floors – 1st and 2nd floors Squadron 268 (Reinforced), let or pouch. are easily accessible from the outside, Marine Aircraft Group 39, • Avoid handbags, fanny packs and above the 5th floor is difficult to reach by 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I outside pockets that are easy targets for emergency services. Be sure you can call Marine Expeditionary Force, thieves. Inside pockets and a sturdy shoul- the front desk and directly connect to the and the command element, der bag with the strap worn across your U.S. Embassy or local military installation. are taking part in a large- chest are somewhat safer. One of the safest When we travel it is important to re- scale exercise with ocean places to carry valuables is in a pouch or member to have fun and be safe. Preparing and urban-based scenarios. Photo by Cpl. Chad J. Pulliam money belt worn under your clothing. in advance will ensure the chances of a • Bring travelers’ checks and one or two successful vacation and the safety of you Spectators watch a major credit cards instead of cash.