Air Force delays mandatory wear- Fitness testing suspended until Oct.1 By Secretary of the Air fitness assessment resumption Force Public Affairs beyond Oct. 1, 2020 until safe 5/22/2020 - ARLINGTON, Va. — conditions are available. date for OCP items, 2PFDU In an effort to reduce exposure to • An Airmen’s next scheduled insignia will be black). Airmen and to continue to slow the fitness assessment will be based • The U.S. flag patch will spread of COVID-19, Air Force of- on the date of their last official be mandatory and the only ficials announced May 22 all offi- assessment and fitness category. authorized color is spice cial fitness testing is suspended un- • In order to maintain the brown (cloth). Airmen will til Oct. 1. health and safety of the force as wear the flag while in garri- The change, which is an update testing resumes, the abdominal son and deployed. Infrared from the original June 1 resume circumference component U.S. flags are not authorized. date, is effective immediately. will be temporarily suspended • The authorized T-shirt Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly, depu- through Oct. 1, 2021 or until color will be coyote brown ty chief of staff for manpower, further notice. During this (listed as Tan 499 per personnel and services, said in a period, all Airmen will receive a AAFES nomenclature) only. signed memo, “Airmen remain temporary, one-year abdominal If purchasing coyote brown our top priority, and we will ensure circumference component shirts from outside retailers, their health and safety as we main- exemption, and the next scheduled uniformed members should tain our force readiness posture.” test date will be based on the ensure the color match- “When testing resumes, the overall fitness score. This one- es the authorized coyote Air Force will take a systematic year temporary abdominal brown color (Tan 499). approach to reintegrating official circumference exemption will take • The authorized socks will physical fitness assessments,” Kelly precedence over any other shorter be DLA-issued green socks said in the memo. “All policies and term temporary abdominal or coyote brown only. procedures should reinforce physi- circumference exemptions. • The authorized boot color cal distancing, use of personal pro- • The annual height and will be coyote brown only. tective equipment, Airmen health weight measurements taken The two exceptions are for and personal hygiene, and clean- in conjunction with the fitness Airmen with a medical ing, sanitizing and disinfecting assessment will be temporarily condition as determined work spaces and common areas.” suspended until further notice (U.S. Air Force courtesy graphic) by medical authorities at In March, officials canceled -fit in order to preserve the health By Staff Sgt. Sahara L. Fales a civilian or military treatment facility and ap- ness assessments until June 1. Air- and safety of the force. Air Force’s Personnel Center Public Affairs proved by the commander, and those who must men who were scheduled to test • Physical training leaders 5/27/2020 — In an effort to reduce unnecessary wear black combat boots in industrial areas. in March, April and May received augmenting the Fitness stress on Airmen and Space professionals during The changes that become mandatory on Sept. 1 new test dates that were delayed by Assessment Cell may test members COVID-19 restrictions, several uniform chang- for the 2PFDU include: six months. from within their same unit es scheduled to become mandatory for the Oper- • All mandatory wear badges must be in place. The latest change, which is sub- to help provide commanders ational Camouflage Pattern and Two-Piece Flight • The cloth U.S. flag will be the ject to local health conditions and with capacity options. Duty Uniform (2PFDU) on June 1, have been de- spice brown color only. states, “Commanders shall begin • Commanders should use the layed to Sept. 1. • The authorized socks will be DLA-is- assessing Airmen’s fitness on Oct. 1, four-month delay to purchase The changes for each uniform are detailed in sued green socks or coyote brown only. 2020 contingent upon base fitness appropriate equipment (e.g., toe Air Force Instruction 36-2903, “Dress and Appear- • The authorized boot col- centers being reopened and local bars) to aid in physical distancing ance of Air Force Personnel.” Mandatory wear of or will be coyote brown only. state/country travel and movement and administration of official the Operational Camouflage Pattern Uniform re- • The only authorized color for thermal un- restrictions being lifted.” physical fitness assessments in a mains April 2021. dergarments will be coyote brown. Additionally: safe and healthy environment. The changes that become mandatory on Sept. 1 • If fitness centers remain closed for the OCP include: For more information, please review Air Force In- and local movement restrictions For more information, Airmen • Officer rank insignia will be spice brown (excep- struction 36-2903, “Dress and Appearance of Air remain in place, commanders should visit MyPers and/or contact tion: first lieutenant and lieutenant colonel rank Force Personnel.” may choose to delay physical their chain of command. DOD officials unveil COVID-related personnel, move guidance By Jim Garamone varying conditions across the nation war- rates the evaluation of installation-level The telework effort has enabled more DOD NEWS rant this transition to a tailored approach,” conditions. “This includes items such as than two-thirds of the Pentagon reserva- 5/27/2020 - WASHINGTON — Defense Donovan told reporters. whether there are local travel restrictions, tion workforce to continue to deliver the Department officials outlined a condi- The conditions to resume travel will be sufficient capacity of medical treatment mission at alternate work locations, the tions-based approach to relaxing the based on two overarching factors, Don- facilities or local hospitals, testing capabil- CMO noted. stop-movement order that has been in ovan said. First, the resumption of unre- ity and capacity and the availability of es- Hershman said the “resilience plan” is effect since early March due to the coro- stricted travel must align with state and re- sential services such as schools and child based on local conditions and is not set to navirus pandemic. gional criteria based on the guidelines of care,” he said. “These factors will be care- any specific date. The plan builds on the Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper the White House’s Opening Up America fully considered before movement deci- White House Opening Up America plan issued the order in early March, and guidance. DOD and base officials also will sions are made.” and has five phases leading to full open- in April, he extended the ban through adhere to guidance from the Department The Pentagon reservation — the build- ing, she said. As the plan moves along, June 30. of Health and Human Services and the ing and many leased spaces in the nation- she added, if there is a resurgence in the At a Pentagon news conference today, Centers for Disease Control and Preven- al capital region — has made tremendous spread of coronavirus, DOD officials will Matthew P. Donovan, the undersecretary tion, Donovan said. progress and officials have seen a down- reassess the department’s protection mea- of defense for personnel and readiness, “Consideration of factors such as re- ward trend in coronavirus cases for 10 sures and workforce phase and respond said Esper signed a memo lifting the June moval of shelter-in-place orders and a days, DOD Chief Management Officer appropriately. 30 travel restrictions and transitioning to downward trend of new COVID-19 cases Lisa W. Hershman said. “The plan provides phase-by-phase a conditions-based phased approach for over the preceding 14 days will be used to “We’ve been able to isolate, trace and guidance to commanders, supervisors and personnel movement and travel. make a determination for the resumption mitigate any spread,” she said. “To date, employees to safely and effectively return “While the COVID-19 pandemic still of movement between states, regions and our teams have cleaned and sanitized over to Pentagon reservation offices, along with presents an overall risk to our service nations,” the undersecretary said. 1 million square feet of office space on the guidelines for in office and telework tar- members, civilians and their families, The second set of factors incorpo- Pentagon reservation to CDC standards.” gets,” Hershman said. 2 SAMURAI GATE MAY 29, 2020 US, Japan bomber-fighter integration demonstrates

commitment, enhances A 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron B-1B Lancer takes off from , Guam, May 27. readiness (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman River Bruce) By Senior Airman River Bruce worth, 9th EBS commander, adding that the B-1 pilot. “While flying BTF missions, from the , 28th Bomb Public Affairs “missions such as these make us better at we practice integrating through voice and Wing, Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota, who 5/27/2020 - ANDERSEN AIR FORCE integrating global fires and effects in a vast data links to ensure we are a lethal force integrated with six U.S. Air Force F-16 BASE, Guam — A B-1B Bomber Task battlespace.” when employing together.” Fighting Falcons from the 35th FW, and Force mission on May 26 included import- U.S. and partner aircrews train as they In line with the National Defense Strat- seven JASDF F-2s and eight JASDF F-15s ant elements for a complex theater – inte- would fight during these integration mis- egy’s objectives of strategic predictabili- over Draughon Range near Misawa for bi- gration with allies and partners – in sup- sions. ty and operational unpredictability, the lateral and theater familiarization training. port of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and “We practice as a team so when it is Bomber Task Force enables a mix of dif- The B-1’s can carry Joint Air-to-Surface U.S. Strategic Command objectives. game-time, we are a well-oiled machine ferent types of strategic bombers to operate Standoff Missiles, 2,000-pound class Joint This latest mission involved integra- that is ready to win,” said a 9th EBS B-1B forward in the Indo-Pacific region from a Direct Attack Munitions and the Long tion with the Koku Jieitai, or Japanese Air pilot. “We’ve been working together on broader array of overseas and continental Range Anti-Ship Missile, giving it an ad- Self-Defense Force. new tactics and procedures, practicing U.S. locations with greater operational re- vanced stand-off, counter-ship capability. It Two B-1s, deployed to Andersen Air them, and assisting in the development of silience. also has an advanced self-protection suite Force Base, Guam from the 9th Expedi- new ones.” A Feb. 3 CONUS-to-CONUS BTF with and is able to transit at supersonic speeds tionary Bomb Squadron, 7th Bomb Wing, Four B-1Bs arrived on Guam May 1 two B-52 Stratofortresses from Minot Air to enhance offensive and defensive capabil- , Texas, flew to the Sea with approximately 200 Airmen from Force Base, North Dakota, conducted bi- ities reassuring allies and aggressively de- of Japan to conduct bilateral training with Dyess to assist Pacific Air Forces training lateral training near Misawa Air Base, Ja- terring adversaries in the region. eight Koku Jieitai F-15s and eight F-2s, be- efforts and strategic deterrence missions to pan, with 13 JASDF F-2s, four F-4s and 28 The BTF provides a persistent, bomber fore returning to Andersen. reinforce the rules-based international or- F-15s; and six U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting presence not only in the Indo-Pacific the- “The U.S. steadfast commitment re- der in the Indo-Pacific region. Falcons from the , Misa- ater, but around the globe. USSTRATCOM mains unchanged and integration missions “It’s always an honor to show our allies wa AB. has conducted BTF missions since 2014, are a way for the U.S. to demonstrate that and partners that the U.S. is committed to On April 22, another CONUS-to-CO- formerly known as Bomber Assurance and commitment,” said Lt. Col. Ryan Stalls- security in the Indo-Pacific region,” said NUS BTF mission involved B-1B Lancers Deterrence mission until 2017. Air Force removes initial height requirement for officer aviators By Dan Hawkins With the removal of the blanket height ed approximately 44% of the U.S. female ing as influential advocates on topics that in- Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs standard, the medical and operations com- population between the ages 20 to 29. fluence women’s propensity to serve in the 5/22/2020 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTO- munities will apply an anthropometric “Historically, most of our aircraft were Air Force. WIT members work toward cre- NIO-RANDOLPH, Texas — As part of screening process to individual applicants engineered around the height of an average ating a Total Force where all Airmen can ad- the Air Force’s on-going effort to encourage for placement in an aircraft they can safely male, not females,” Ruttenber said. vance to their maximum potential, regard- a more diverse pool of applicants to pursue fly as they pursue a rated track. According to the Department of Health less of gender. careers in aviation, the minimum height re- “Studies have shown that women’s per- and Human Services Anthropometric Ref- “This doesn’t happen without the hard quirement for officer applicants who wish to ceptions about being fully qualified for a job erence Data for Adults, , 2007– work and dedication of Maj. Chandra Flem- fly has been removed as of May 13. makes them less likely to apply, even though 2010, the average height for U.S. females ing, Maj. Andrea Harrington and Capt. Lau- While still preserving safety of flight, there is a waiver option,” said Lt. Col. Jessi- aged 20 and over is 63.8 inches across all eth- ren Daly, who played major roles in studying the policy adjustment prevents initial ap- ca Ruttenber, Air Force mobility planner nic groups. In contrast, the average height the engineering factors that might pres- plicants who are below 64 inches or above and programmer and team leader on the for U.S. males aged 20 and over, across all ent barriers to rated accessions applicants,” 77 inches in height from requiring an ac- Women’s Initiative Team who led the height ethnic groups, is 69.3 inches. Ruttenber said. “Our medical and training cessions waiver. standards adjustment effort. “Modifying the “While most height waivers were ap- teams with the Surgeon General, as well as “We’re really focused on identifying height standard allows the Air Force to ac- proved under the old system, feedback in- Air Education and Training Command and and eliminating barriers to serve in the Air commodate a larger and more diverse rated dicated the entire waiver process served as Nineteenth Air Force helped make this ad- Force,” said Gwendolyn DeFilippi, assistant applicant pool within existing aircraft con- a barrier, which negatively impacted female justment possible.” deputy chief of staff for manpower, person- straints.” rated accessions,” said Lt. Col. Christianne The WIT is one of five teams within the nel and services. DeFilippi, who chairs the Under the previous Medical Standards Opresko, branch chief on the Air Force’s Air Department of the Air Force Barrier Anal- Department of the Air Force Barrier Anal- Directory requirement, the height require- Crew Task Force and an aerospace physiolo- ysis Working Group, which was created for ysis Working Group, explained, “This is a ment to become an Air Force pilot was a gist. “It’s hard to determine how many wom- the purpose of analyzing anomalies found in huge win, especially for women and mi- standing height of 64 inches to 77 inches en did not previously apply due to their per- civilian and military workplace policies, pro- norities of smaller stature who previously (5’4” to 6’5”) and a sitting height of 34 to 40 ception of not being fully qualified or having cedures and practices. DAFBAWG teams may have assumed they weren’t qualified inches. Although most height waivers were to pursue a waiver.” are dedicated to identifying and removing to join our team.” approved, the previous restriction eliminat- The WIT is an all-volunteer team, serv- potential barriers to equal opportunity.

Published by Eight Co., Ltd. a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with the . The civilian enter- prise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services overseas. Contents of Samurai Gate are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or Eight Co. Ltd. of the products or ser- vices advertised. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or Eight Co. Ltd. of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. For commercial advertising, inquiry, send an email to [email protected] 18th Wing Public Affairs: [email protected] DSN:634-3813 MAY 29, 2020 SAMURAI GATE 3 Yokota showcases adaptability and mission capability with Samurai Surge By Staff Sgt. Juan our maintenance and airfield op- A. Torres erations teams,” said Capt. Melin- 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs da Marlow, 36th AS C-130J pilot 5/21/2020 - YOKOTA AIR and scheduler. “It showcases our BASE, Japan — Members of the ability to launch multiple aircraft , 459th Air- out of a large formation to execute lift Squadron and the 21st Spe- an airdrop mission. To make that cial Operations Squadron out of happen, our entire operation be- Yokota Air Base, came together gins with our maintenance team to complete a 17 aircraft Samurai that has to put in a ton of work to Surge training exercise, May 21. make sure our aircraft are ready The Samurai Surge exercise in- to go out and make that mission volved 17 aircraft for an elephant happen.” walk and a C-130 formation As a significantly larg- CV-22 Ospreys assigned to the 21st flight. Of those 17, two were CV- er-than-normal aircraft forma- Special Operations Squadron taxi on the 22 Osprey aircraft from the 353rd tion, a total of nine C-130J’s, two runway at Yokota Air Base, May 21, during the Samurai Surge training exercise. Special Operations Group. This CV-22’s, three C-12 Hurons and event showcased the 374th Airlift three UH-1N Iroquois participat- (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe) Wing’s mission capability, adapt- ed in the event. ability and readiness to respond “Seeing an elephant walk is to disaster relief scenarios and great. Seeing our work in action, contingency operations across our ability to generate such a Yokota’s area of responsibility to large formation and what it is ca- maintain regional stability in the pable of doing is just an amazing Indo-Pacific, even in the face of experience to be a part of,” add- an ongoing global COVID-19 ed MSgt. David Arnold, 374th C-130J Super Hercules, assigned to the pandemic. Aircraft Maintenance Squadron 36th Airlift Squadron, are prepared to participate in a Samurai Surge, May 21, at Due to inclement weather the C-130J production superinten- Yokota Air Base. morning of the event, a previ- dent. “This is proof that we can ously scheduled larger formation take our entire fleet to get them (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Juan Torres) flight was reduced and launched ready to execute any mission that guidelines and policies to prevent but don’t get to utilize very often. rate locations but at the end of the as a smaller C-130J formation and comes down, putting our air pow- any potential exposure. While the [physical] distancing day, that 17 aircraft formation we a low-cost, low-altitude airdrop er in action.” “COVID-19 has had a signifi- aspect is unique, that distance in mobilized today is the same lev- portion of the exercise was can- This year, the exercise was con- cant impact on how we go about planning is a very realistic hurdle el of mobilization we would have celled in effort to ensure the safety ducted while under the restric- our mission planning, but not so we routinely face when planning achieved prior to COVID-19. The of aircrew and individuals in the tions of an ongoing pandemic, much when it comes to our exe- our real-world missions to re- C-130J’s mobilized are capable of surrounding Tokyo metropolitan a situation that forced Airmen cution of that mission,” said Mar- spond to things that arise in our delivering two battalions of para- area. to rethink how these formations low. “If anything, it has allowed area of responsibility. troopers or up to 360K lbs. of car- “An elephant walk is a critical were planned, produced, and exe- us to practice utilizing some of “We had to plan our flights and go anywhere in the Pacific and test for not only our aircrew, but cuted while following established the tools and resources we have coordinate every detail from sepa- COVID-19 doesn’t change that.” 4 SAMURAI GATE MAY 29, 2020 Pacific Fleet Sea Sailor of the Year advanced to CPO in rare ceremony By Mass Communication Year program-related pinning cer- shows the rest of us what right looks Specialist 1st Class emonies have been held outside of l i ke .” David R. Krigbaum Washington, D.C. The ceremony is Webley was pinned by his wife and Commander, Fleet Activities normally held at the Navy Memori- children and his cover was donned by Okinawa Public Affairs al but because of travel restrictions CFAO Command Master Chief Mi- 5/28/2020 - OKINAWA — U.S. Pacif- in place to combat the spread of chael Fluent. ic Fleet Sea Sailor of the Year Aviation COVID-19 local ceremonies are be- Webley credits his faith and team Ordnanceman 1st Class Jason Web- ing held across the Navy. The ceremo- onboard Reagan for his selection as ley was meritoriously advanced to the ny followed social distancing guide SOY and advancement. “It is a di- rate of chief petty officer in a pinning lines and was attended by CFAO-area rect reflection of my leadership, my ceremony held at Commander, Fleet chief petty officers. Master Chief Petty peers and the hard work of my junior Activities Okinawa White Beach Na- Officer of the Navy Russell Smith gave Sailors that worked alongside me on- val Facility May 27. his remarks from Washington, D.C. board USS Ronald Reagan put forth, Webley, a Brooklyn, N.Y. native as- via video and Rear Adm. Fred Kacher, so this is for everyone.” signed to Pacific Missile Range Facili- Commander, Expeditionary Strike The Sailor of the Year program was ty Det. Okinawa, was selected Group Seven, was the guest speaker. established in 1972 by Chief of Na- as the 2019 U.S Pacific Fleet Sea Sail- “There is no transition more im- val Operations Adm. Elmo Zumwalt or of the Year while stationed aboard portant to our Navy as an institution and Master Chief Petty Officer of the (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Matthew Dickinson) aircraft carrier USS Ronal Reagan than becoming a Navy chief petty of- Navy John Whittet to recognize an in- ^Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Jason Webley, from Brooklyn, N.Y., (CVN-76) forward deployed to Yo- ficer,” Kacher said in his remarks as he dividual Sailor who best represented assigned to Pacific Missile Range Facility Far East Detachment Okinawa, kosuka, Japan. He joined the Navy in congratulated Webley on his achieve- the ever-growing group of dedicated stands at attention before being pinned to chief petty officer at Commander, 2007. ment. “Because when it comes down professional Sailors at each command Fleet Activities Okinawa White Beach Naval Facility May 27. Webley was the 2019 Pacific Fleet Sea Sailor of the Year. This is the first time Sailor of the to it, it is the Chief Petty Officer who and ultimately the Navy. USS Blue Ridge arrives in Okinawa for limited port call

By Seaman Sarah Eaton zone or “bubble.” U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) Wi-Fi is being installed on the pier so Blue Ridge (LCC 19) arrives 5/24/2020 - OKINAWA — U.S. 7th Fleet that Sailors can use their phones and lap- in White Beach Naval Facility flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and em- tops. The beach will be open for Sailors in Okinawa, May 24. barked 7th Fleet staff pulled into Okinawa, to swim and lounge out on the beach, May 24, making the ship’s first port visit in and sporting events like softball, soccer, more than 70 days. kickball, volleyball, and basketball will be While on liberty, Sailors will have lim- available at the facilities on base. ited access to specific designated areas on “A lot of great work has gone into plan- the pier and neighboring beach. This type ning this port visit,” said Blue Ridge’s se- of “Safe Haven” liberty allows for quality of nior MWR representative, Chief Navy life and readiness, while strictly mitigating Counselor Min Jun, from Davis, Califor- the risk of contracting COVID-19. Ship’s nia. personnel and 7th Fleet staff will not phys- Sailors were also given the opportunity ically interact with anyone who is not part to order personal items from Kadena’s Ex- of the crew, including people from the base change and have it delivered to the pier. and local community. “Providing pierside delivery was an ex- This port visit will pave the way for fu- cellent way to help Sailors get the items ture ships to do “Safe Haven” liberty in a they need to keep them running their best manner which Sailors’ morale and quali- during deployment,” said Lt. j.g Raymond ty of life is considered while mitigating the Kosak, Blue Ridge’s disbursing officer. risk of COVID-19. All purchases will be delivered to a drop (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew Dickinson) “It is not lost on me how difficult a lon- off station on the pier and fully disinfected ble since the outbreak,” said Sicola. “We are Ship for U.S. 7th Fleet and even more ex- ger than normal deployment can be on top by a qualified cleaning crew or be placed in taking extreme caution to retain this bub- cited to be able to get the opportunity to of the stress of the COVID pandemic on large storage containers for an appropriate ble by not allowing any human interaction pull into Okinawa,” said Culinary Special- my Sailors and their families,” said Blue time that will ensure it is COVID-free. with personnel outside the bubble and ist 3rd Class Justine Hughes from Albany, Ridge commanding officer, Capt. Craig With the exception of a few mandatory maintaining strict disinfecting procedures Oregon. “The fact that this ship has taken Sicola. “These types of port calls are abso- personnel to ensure the ship’s safe arrival, for items and equipment on the pier.” on the challenge of maintaining our pres- lutely required to restore our mental read- there will be no interaction with any per- The visit to Okinawa comes after Blue ence at sea during this time of worldwide iness, stay healthy, and enable us to fight sonnel outside the designated liberty areas. Ridge recently broke its record of consecu- crisis is very humbling and makes me feel another day.” For the docking process, all COVID mit- tive days at sea, which had previously been like I have a bigger purpose in this military Blue Ridge’s MWR committee has igations will be in place to include social 64, last set during the summer of 1972 organization.” worked diligently to ensure that, Sailors distancing, masks, gloves, and minimal in- during the . Blue Ridge is the oldest operational ship will have access to areas of the base and teractions. “Being underway this long has really in the Navy, and as the 7th Fleet command have entertainment available while in Oki- “It is important to realize that the Blue opened my eyes to how the Navy oper- ship, is responsible for fostering relation- nawa, all while inside the designated safe Ridge has maintained a COVID-free bub- ates. I’m so proud to be serving on the Flag ships within the Indo-Pacific region. MAY 29, 2020 SAMURAI GATE 5 3rd MLG unit deactivates after 14 years of the unit’s deactiva- time spaces, facilitating sea control or tion. executing distributed maritime oper- For 14 years, CLR- ations. 35 stood as a pillar of “While it may seem counter-in- logistics excellence in tuitive, deactivation of regimental the Indo-Pacific re- headquarters can be seen as a small gion. With its subor- part of the larger, institutional effort dinate battalions, 3rd to align to the Commandant’s Plan- Maintenance Battalion ning Guidance,” said Um. “We think, and 3rd Supply Battal- given the distributed nature of our ion, CLR-35 was the formation in the future, decoupling go-to unit for integrat- the battalions and allowing for in- ed intermediate supply dependence adds greater agility for and maintenance support respective commanders to respond (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Donovan Massieperez) (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Courtney A. Robertson) across III Marine Expedi- to rapidly evolving conditions. This U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, By 1st Lt. Tori Sharpe tionary Force. By providing units a is part of the Marine Corps getting conduct dry fire drills with an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System during 3rd Marine Logistics Group higher echelon of supply and main- lighter, faster and more lethal.” exercise Caged Hydra on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, May 20. Caged Hydra is a battalion-level exercise that trains 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment's ability to 5/22/2020 - OKINAWA — U.S. Ma- tenance, CLR-35 kept III MEF ready The deactivation of CLR-35 re- implement dispersed and disaggregated command and control. rine Corps Col. Joon H. Um, com- to ‘fight tonight’. sulted in the redistribution and staff manding officer of Combat Logistics However, in order to meet the de- integration of more than 1,800 pieces Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics mands of today’s environment, the of equipment and 127 Marines and 3rd Reconnaissance Group, and Sgt. Maj. Shelby S. Smith, Marine Corps decided to deactivate Sailors throughout 3rd MLG. sergeant major of CLR-35, cased the CLR-35 as the headquarters unit, “At end of the day, there is not a Battalion divers CLR-35 colors for the last time in leaving 3rd Maintenance Battalion single Marine who wants to quit at the regiment’s former headquarters’ and 3rd Supply Battalion as stand- something and give up all his or her building here, May 22. alone battalions. resources, but the entire CLR-35 The act of casing the colors rep- “3rd Supply Battalion and 3rd headquarters team fully understood resented CLR-35’s deactivation, Maintenance Battalion are postured that this deactivation was absolutely an event that typically would have to assume roles and responsibilities necessary as the Marine Corps grows drawn the approximately 1,500 Ma- of independent, functional battalions in a new direction to face different rines and Sailors belonging to CLR- under the MLG staff structure and challenges,” said Um. “The Marines 35 and its subordinate commands, are prepared to provide intermediate worked hard over the last year to ac- 3rd Maintenance Battalion and 3rd supply and maintenance capabilities count for every single item while en- Supply Battalion, but was now re- to III MEF forces,” said Capt. Nicky suring both battalions are successful duced to three individuals due to Jones, CLR-35 Operations Officer. on their own.” COVID-19 precautions. As stand-alone battalions, 3rd Combat Logistics Regiment 15, (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Savannah Mesimer) While wearing masks and social- Maintenance Battalion and 3rd Sup- 1st Marine Logistics Group, based U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Taylor Hale (left), a Special Amphibious ly distancing, Um, Smith and 1st Sgt. ply Battalion provide the Marine out of Camp Pendleton, and Com- Reconnaissance Corpsman, and U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Trevor Lynch (right), a reconnaissance Marine assigned to 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, Chamnane D. Ung, CLR-35 Head- Corps more flexibility in organizing, bat Logistics Regiment 25, 2nd Ma- 3rd Marine Division, wearing their underwater equipment during a Marine quarters Company First Sergeant, training and equipping to support rine Logistics Group, based out of Corps Combat Diving Supervisors Course on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, May came together to honor CLR-35 and the Navy and Marine Corps force Camp Lejeune, will also deactivate 20. The course lasts two weeks and allows the Marines to be supervisors in document the historical significance while operating in contested mari- later this year. charge of their platoon while conducting diving operations. 6 SAMURAI GATE MAY 29, 2020

To submit an announcement for the base bulletin, please visit www.kadena.af.mil NOTICE INFORMATION allow categories of DoD civilian and Dual Approved & Restricted Non- Kadena Post Office notice Kadena and Camp Foster DoD. Child Development Center: Open to essential Activities Please see some step-by-step guidance on Emergency Numbers single and dual military parents. Youth and (Current as of May 20) how to complete the customs form online. Kadena Fire Emergency Services reminds Teen Center: Closed Family Child Care: All personnel will comply, to greatest extent Helpful Links: everyone to program their cell phones First come, first served basis - 11 spaces, feasible, with social distancing measures USPS Click-N-Ship https://cns.usps.com/ with the emergency numbers. To report including 1 infant space is now available. (e.g., maintain 6 feet apart, minimize close USPS Customs Form Online https://cfo. an emergency on Kadena via cell, dial Defense Commissary Agency contacts) and ensure proper hygiene at all usps.com/ 098-934-5911, and from an office phone, At this time, the commissary remains times. (moved from the medical section) USPS Partner Systems (i.e. stamps.com) dial 911. For Camp Foster via cell, dial open and has enough resources to The following travel restrictions/off-base 098-911-1911, or from an office phone, accommodate Team Kadena’s service activities applies to any personnel desiring Until more guidance is released, please dial 911. members and their families. Hand sanitizer to gain or maintain access to Kadena Air continue to handwrite customs declarations will be limited to one per transaction to Base and areas under 18th Wing control: for the parcel select return labels provided Base Facilities ensure access for more individuals. AAFES * Those who live and work on Kadena AB by vendors. (Current as of May 20) and DeCA are working closely with their are restricted to KAB. Please e-mail any questions to: The following on-base activities/facilities U.S. and local supply chains to ensure * Those who live on KAB, but work off 718FSS.FSVP.KADENAPOSTOFFICE@ are authorized when made available. hand sanitizer and disinfectant products KAB, are restricted to KAB unless traveling us.af.mil All personnel will comply with posted are available to their customers. Updates directly to and from their place of work. mitigation measures and staff directives as will come in-store and across their social * For those personnel who live off KAB (in How to File a Complaint with IG applicable: media. the local community or on another military If you believe you are unable to resolve your 1. Dine-in restaurant services Dining Facilities installation), off-base travel is limited to complaint through supervisory channels, 2. Auto-hobby, arts and crafts, and similar Dining facilities remain open. traveling directly between their place of you may seek IG assistance to determine activities/facilities FSS Activities residence and their place of work/military if the complaint should be filed with the IG. 3. Outdoor equipment rentals Please monitor the KadenaFSS website for installation. You can file a complaint if you reasonably 4. Gyms or fitness centers event updates. * This direction is not meant to restrict believe inappropriate conduct has occurred 5. Pools and aquatic centers Military Personnel Flight freedom of movement while on a or a violation of law, policy, procedures, or 6. Bowling Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. by military installation beyond that already regulation has been committed. Complete 7. Education centers and libraries appointment only. implemented, nor prohibit traveling directly the personnel data information on an 8. Pet boarding and adoptions Chapel Chapel is no longer conducting between military installations (including to/ AF Form 102 and briefly outline the facts 9. Scuba rental and retail mass gatherings all week. However, from KAB). and relevant information related to the 10. Golf courses, clubhouses, and pro- Chaplain services are still available. * Use of off-base child care and schools issue or complaint. List the allegations of shops McDaniel Center is authorized; however, use of on-base wrongdoing briefly, in general terms and 11. Movie theaters All professional development seminars and services is highly recommended due to provide supporting narrative detail and 12. Beaches, camping, and resort areas lunch’n’learns are temporarily suspended potential for these facilities to be placed documents later, when interviewed by an Kadena Recreation Areas (Kadena until further notice with the exception of off-limits in the future. IG person. Allegations should be written as Marina, Okuma, Chibana Recreation Area, FTAC. One-on-one counseling sessions Exceptions to Policy for Off-Base bullets and should answer who committed Bellows) may open. Patrons will comply still available on an appointment only Restrictions: All ETPs for off-base the violation; what violation was committed; with all posted safety guidelines and basis. restricted activities will be limited in what law, regulation, procedures, or policy social distancing mitigation measures and Public Affairs Photo Studio nature, will detail the risk and mitigation was violated; when did the violation occur. staff directives. Open Wednesdays from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. by measures, and must be approved in writing Help is available: Call your Kadena IG office Schools and Childcare appointment only. Call 634-3813 between by the first Field Grade Officer squadron at 634-7622 for Maj Sarabia, 634-2768 for DoDEA Schools: Closed indefinitely 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays to schedule. commander (or civilian equivalent); all SMSgt Aguirre, or leave a message on School Age Care: Open to single and dual Appointments are limited to the issuance approved exceptions must be forwarded the Kadena Fraud, Waste, & Abuse (FWA) military parents; military with working of official passport photos or if photo is through the chain of command to the 18th Hotline at 634-0404. spouse. Additional open spaces now required for a special duty application. Wing Commander no later than 24 hours MAY 29, 2020 SAMURAI GATE 7 prior to the time an exception is required. Current situation on Okinawa The following activities/facilities remain regarding COVID-19 (Current as of prohibited: May 28) 1. Off-base chapels and church services As of 27 May, there have been no new cases 2. Nail salons of COVID-19 for 27 days straight. As of 26 3. Massage services May, 131 people out of 143 have recovered. Shopping at the BX, Commissary, and Five individuals remain hospitalized with AAFES concessionaires (unless prohibited three being seriously ill. above) is authorized. DoD ID and face A woman in her 50s from Okinawa City covering/mask required for all personnel to has tested positive again after being enter. discharged from hospital on 11 May. This is The availability and hours of operation of the fourth case of reactivation in Okinawa. Force Support Squadron (FSS) functions This is not considered a “new” case. can be found on the Kadena Connect app Responding to the Government of and the Kadena FSS Facebook page. Japan bringing 80% of the country out Authorized off-base activities (with of the nationwide state of emergency – proper social distancing) are limited to including Okinawa – Okinawa Prefectural the following: Government has lifted its own state of - Housing/Financial activities such as emergency. All elementary, middle and high paying rent/utility bills and banking schools in the Okinawa Prefecture have - Grocery shopping and procuring other reopened. Local buses on Okinawa have essential household items return to their usual timetables and the - Physical exercise outdoors such as business closure requests have been lifted. walking, running, and biking The Kyushu Area Governors’ Association, - Activities required by the Government of which is composed of the governors of Japan such as paying road taxes the Kyushu area as well as Yamaguchi and - Medical or veterinary care Okinawa prefectures are asking people to - Vehicle repair and gas fill-up continue to give careful consideration to - Drive-thru from dining establishments making trips to the five prefectures that - Command-authorized health and wellness were released from a nationwide state of checks emergency on 25 May (Tokyo, Kanagawa, - Take-out from dining establishments/ Chiba, Saitama and Hokkaido prefectures) convenience stores. Personnel will limit until 18 June. Requests for people to refrain the number of group/family members in an from crossing prefectural borders will be establishment at one time to ensure social lifted in phases beginning June 1. distancing The Okinawa prefecture has already - Visiting beaches and public parks fulfilled all criteria that it had established - Only MLCs, IHAs, and non-SOFA for activities to be resumed. contractor employees are authorized to OPG is calling on Okinawa residents to patronize off-base barbershops and beauty adopt a new lifestyle that incorporates salons. antivirus measures such as wearing face - Any person who refuses to obey or masks, maintaining social distancing, otherwise violates these directives may be promoting teleworking, etc. detained and held accountable. Uniformed OPG is working on a plan to jumpstart personnel and retired members of the tourism on Okinawa while putting antivirus uniformed services may be punished under measures in place. They intend to bring the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Those tourists back to Okinawa after the not subject to military law may be subject COVID-19 scare subsides as well as send to administrative action including, but not the message that Okinawa is a safe tourist limited to, an early return of dependents, destination. termination of a civilian tour, and/or denial The Eisa Festival scheduled for September of access to/barment from the installation. has been cancelled due to the pandemic. 8 SAMURAI GATE MAY 29, 2020

den cluster of COVID-19 cases on the is- 64th Air Expeditionary land of Oahu. Group Military Movement thanks healthcare professionals, first responders

(U.S. Navy photo by Jacob Sippel) (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Linsey Williams) ary Medical Facility - M return on May nation with the Minnesota Department 22 to Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Flor- of Health and provided at no cost to any ida. Other Navy EMF - M personnel re- Minnesotan who wanted or needed a test. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kleynia R. McKnight) main deployed, and those who return are NEW YORK, NY — U.S Army Col. Kim- placed on ready alert to deploy, in support berlee Aiello, commander, 44th Medical of the Department of Defense COVID-19 Coast Guard participates Brigade, congratulates service members response. (U.S. Air Force photo by Marjorie A. Schurr) during an awards ceremony prior to their BEAVER, PA — A C-17 Globemaster III in Honor Flight departure outside the Javits Center, in New piloted by Lt. Col. David Kraft, 758th Air- York City, May 25. Military medical pro- Task Force Medical FTX lift Squadron commander, performs a fly- viders assigned to the hospital collaborate over over Heritage Valley Beaver Campus as an integrated system to relieve the New hospital in Beaver, Pennsylvania, May 25. York City medical system, as part of the The 911th Airlift Wing conducted flyovers Department of Defense COVID-19 re- to thank healthcare workers and first re- sponse. U.S. Northern Command, through sponders who are sacrificing so much to U.S. Army North, remains committed to protect the local community during the providing flexible Department of Defense COVID-19 pandemic. support to the Federal Emergency Man- (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Charly Hengen) agement Agency for the whole-of-nation MIAMI, FL — A Coast Guard Air Station COVID-19 response. Minnesota National Guard Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry airplane (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. John Schoebel) crew and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter HONOLULU, HI — Task Force Medical provides COVID-19 testing crew conduct an Honor Flight over Mi- EMF-M Sailors return to team members lift a simulated patient to a DULUTH, MN — Soldiers and Airmen ami, Florida, May 23. The Honor Flight litter during the field training exercise af- from the Minnesota National Guard con- flew over several South Florida based Jacksonville ter being assessed in the field hospital tent, duct COVID-19 testing at six Nation- hospitals celebrating first responders and JACKSONVILLE, FL — Some of the May 23, Honolulu. The training was de- al Guard armories across the state, May medical staff working diligently during sailors assigned to U.S. Navy Expedition- signed to simulate the response to a sud- 23. The testing was conducted in coordi- the COVID-19 pandemic.