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Infantrymen assist duringAfghan electionPage 10

StreamTheJet

Friday,June 27, 2014

Vol. 49, No. 25Marine Corps Air Station

Beaufort, S.C.

“The noise you hear is the sound of freedom.”

Marines, Georgians promote interoperabilityPage 10

facebook.com/MCASBeaufort

twitter.com/MCASBeaufortSC

Beaufort.Marines.mil

CryogenicsMarines: keepin’ it coolPage 12

Cpl. Brendan RoethelStaffWriter

The 6th Annual Feds FeedFamilies Campaign beganJune 18, aboard MarineCorps Air Station Beaufort.The campaign, which runs

through August, is a volun-tary effort undertaken byfederal employees to bringnonperishable food items totheir offices for distributionto local food banks. The foodis used to support food inse-cure households in the sur-rounding communities. Do-nation boxes are located atthe Marine Corps Exchangeson MCAS Beaufort and Lau-rel Bay and the Station Cha-pel.This year the Department

of the Navy’s goal is to col-

lect one pound of food orgoods per active duty ser-vice member. Last year,Fightertown service mem-bers and civilians collectedand donated 559 pounds offood and other non-perish-able items.The donated goods col-

lected on the Air Station willbe brought to the Lowcoun-try Food Bank in Yemassee.From there the food getsdistributed to 52 local agen-cies in Beaufort, Hampton,Jasper and Colleton coun-ties, finding its way into thehomes of Americans in need.“The Marine Corps likes

to work hand in hand withthe local communities,” said

Fightertown feeds families

see Donate, page 6

Lieutenant Colonels Kevin O’Rourke (left) and Alvin Bryant (right) shake hands after a change of command ceremonyaboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, June 19. O’Rourke relinquished command of Marine All-Weather Fighter AttackSquadron 533 to Bryant, who previously served as MCAS Beaufort’s Marine Aviation Training Systems Site officer in charge.

Cpl. Brendan RoethelStaffWriter

Changinghealth care providers during aperma-nent change of station is becoming less difficultthrough programs put into place by Tri-Care.Following the closure ofTri-Care Service Centers

on April 1, Tri-Care Health Services released infor-mation informing Tri-Care beneficiaries about theseveral options to find new health care providerswhen moving to a new duty station or other resi-dence.“We have a lot of folks to make sure the health

care is there with good support for beneficiaries,”said Mary Kaye Justis, the assistant deputy direc-tor ofTri-CareManagement Activity.“When you’removing there are a lot of changes going on, andwe want to make it as easy as possible throughthemultiple safety nets that exist in both ourmili-tary treatment facilities and in our network.”The first step service members and families

should take is to update their information withtheir new address and duty station in the DefenseEnrollment Eligibility Reporting System, also

see tri-Care, page 13

Options for ChangingHealth Care Providers

Cpl. Sarah CherryStaffWriter

Staff Sgt. Melissa Johnson, operations chiefwith Headquarters and Headquarters Squad-ron, received the Major Megan McClung Lead-ership Award during the Sea Service Leader-ship Association’s Joint Leadership Symposiumin Norfolk, Va., June 12.Brig. Gen. Lori Reynolds, Marine Corps Re-

cruit Depot Parris Island commanding general,presented the award to Johnson which recog-nizes leaders who are mature, inspirational, in-novative and imaginative.Johnson is currently the operations chief

aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, butreceived the award for her leadership and ac-tions as a drill instructor, senior drill instructorand chief drill instructor for 4th Recruit Train-ing Battalion aboard Parris Island.

“I’ve spoken with a number of people whotold me that they knew Maj. Megan McClungor had served with her since I was selected toreceive the award,” she said. “Learning about

Air Station Marine earnsMaj. Megan McClungLeadershipAward

Photo By Cpl. Sarah Cherry

see awarD, page 6

The Jet Stream Friday, June 27, 2014 Games and Entertainment2

SaturdayLunch

Smoked ham andcabbage soup

DinnerApple glazed cornedbeef and rice

Mess HallMenu

SundayLunch

Baked fish with buttercrumb topping

DinnerPork chops withsmothered onions

Monday - Friday Breakfast

LunchPepper steak androsemary potatoes

DinnerSpanish chorizo and

potato soupTuesday

LunchBeef with vegetablesand barley soup

DinnerBean with baconsoup and peas

WednesdayLunch

Chipotle roastedsweet potatoes

DinnerCreole shrimp and

cornThursday

LunchChicken with ricesoup and breadsticks

DinnerSalisbury steak andsouthern style greens

MondayHot farina, hot hominy grits and oven-fried bacon

FridayLunch

Chicken and cheeseenchiladas

DinnerLouisiana seafoodgumbo and rice

Saturday, Sundayand holidaysBrunch: 8:30 - 11 a.m.Dinner: 4 - 6 p.m.

Midrats

Sunday - Thursday11:30 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Monday - FridayBreakfast: 6 - 7:30 a.m.Lunch: 11 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.Dinner: 4 - 6 p.m.

Fraud,Waste and AbuseIf you know of or suspect any fraud, waste orabuse aboard MCAS Beaufort, call 228-7777.If you know of or suspect any fraud, waste orabuse within MAG-31, call (252) 466-5038.The automated answering service on these lines isavailable 24 hours a day.

The contact number for a Uniformed VictimAdvocate is 592-0646. This number can get youin contact with a UVA 24 hours a day.

Hotlines

Mission Assurance

Sexual Assault

MCAS Beaufort StationInspectorSexual Assault ResponseCoordinatorForce Protection infor-mation and concernsPMO DispatchSevere Weather andForce Protection

228-7789

228-6904

228-6924

228-6710

1-800-343-0639

Roman Catholic• 9:30 a.m. - Sunday Mass• Confession takes place before Mass• Confession Monday - Thursday at noon

Protestant• 9:45 a.m. - Protestant Church School (Sun-day School)• 11 a.m. - Protestant SundayWorship Service(Children’s church is also available at thistime)• 5 p.m. - Wednesday Protestant Bible Study• 5 p.m. - SaturdayWorship Service at LaurelBay Youth Center

Buddhist• 11 a.m. - SaturdayWorship Service in theChapel Fellowship Hall

LabyrinthWalk• 8 a.m - 4 p.m. - Monday in the Chapel Fel-lowship Hall

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

CHapel serviCes

Healthy Foods Word Search

Sudoku

Answer key will be available on facebook.com/MCASBeaufort on July 2.

Takeout Window Hours:

Lunch - Mon. - Fri. 12:45 p.m. - 4 p.m.Dinner - Mon. - Fri. 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Breakfast - Mon. - Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Saturday 2 p.m.PG (1:38)

Saturday 4:30 p.m.PG (1:39)

Saturday 7 p.m.R (1:37)

MCAS Beaufort Movie Schedule

Sunday 2 p.m.PG (1:38)

Sunday 4:30 p.m.PG (1:39)

MCRD Parris Island Movie Schedule

Word BankAlmondsApplesBananasBlueberriesBrown riceCarrotsCashewsCheese

CranberriesEggsLemonsOatmealOrangesSaladSpinachTomatoesWater

WatermelonYogurt

Wholegrains

Sunday 7 p.m.R (1:37)

The Jet Stream Friday, June 27, 2014Command Information

Marine Corps Community Ser-vices is slated to hold a Wine Tasting July 12, from 5 - 9 p.m. at Tradi-tions aboard MCRD Parris Island. Reservations are required. For more information call 228-1566.

The Provost Marshal’s Office will be testing the mass notification system, on the first Wednesday of every month at 1 p.m. The test will take place aboard MCAS Beaufort and Laurel Bay. It will announce the following; “This is a test of the Marine Corps mass notification system. This is only a test. Test 5 4 3 2 1. Test out”. It will play twice. These tests are standard drills, and do not require any response. For further information, please contact the physical security section at 228-6335.

The MCAS Beaufort Pistol Range has cancelled Recreational Fire until further notice due to range maintenance. For more information call Station Training at 228-6642.

3

Which is correct to say, “The yolk of the egg is white” or “The yolk of the egg are white?”

Brain Teaser

Answer for this week’s brain teaser will be available on facebook.com/MCASBeaufort on July 2.

There will be a base wide power outage July 19, from 7 - 11 a.m. For more information call Public Works at 228-7764.

Editor’s note: We at The Jet Stream care about our reader’s opinion. In reaching our goal to put out the best possible product, we understand the importance of your feedback. Please add a comment to the “How can we improve The Jet Stream?” topic on our www.facebook.com/MCASBeaufort discussion board on how we can better your base newspaper.

Published by the Savannah Morning News, a private firm in no way connected with the Department of Defense, the United States Marine Corps, the United States Navy, or Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., under exclusive written contract with the United States Marine Corps. This commercial-enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services. Its con-tents do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Marine Corps or the U.S. Navy and do not imply endorsement thereof. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DoD, the Marine Corps, the Navy, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., or the Savannah Morning News of the products or services advertised. Everything in this newspaper shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physi-cal handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. If a violation of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the contractor shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. Editorial content (i.e., all content other than paid advertisements) is edited, prepared and provided by the public affairs office of the installation. All queries concerning news and editorial content should be directed to: Jet Stream, Marine Corps Public Affairs Office, P.O. Box 55001, MCAS Beaufort, S.C., 29904 or (843) 228-7225. All queries concerning business matters or display ads should be directed to the Savannah Morning News at (843) 815-0800.

Commanding Officer MCAS BeaufortCol. Peter D. Buck

Public Affairs OfficerCapt. Jordan Cochran

Public Affairs ChiefSgt. Marcy Sanchez

Press ChiefCpl. John Wilkes

EditorCpl. Brendan Roethel

Staff WriterCpl. Sarah Cherry

StreamTheJet

Contact us:228-7225

mcasbeaufort@gmail.comBFRT_JPAO@usmc.mil

Tri-Command Weather

Effective June 1, MCAS Beaufort will be in Tropical Cyclone Condi-

tion V for Hurricane season until Nov. 30. There are currently no threats.

This year is predicted to be a below normal 2014 Atlantic season. NOAA is predicting 8-13 named storms, 3-6 hurricanes and 1-2 major hurricanes.

Happenings

7 Day Forecast

Forecast according to weather.com

The photocopying of U.S. Government identification cards is a violation of Title 18, U.S. Code Part I, Chapter 33, Section 701 and punishable by fine and imprisonment.

High ShooterGunnery Sgt. J.R. Richardson

Recruit Training Regiment

391

facebook.com/MCASBeaufort

twitter.com/MCASBeaufortSC

Beaufort.Marines.mil

youtube.com/MCASBeaufortsc1

This Independence Day, the Unit-ed States of America will celebrate 238 years of freedom. The birth of this nation was not an easy one, but was forged through the hard work, courage, and bloodshed of ameri-cans who pursued a singular cause greater than their own self-interests.

Today, the men and women of our military continue to stand ready and proudly defend our freedom here, and for others throughout the world. We recognize those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country and those forward-deployed and serving

in harm’s way.Many of you will take advantage

of this extended holiday weekend to vacation with family, visit friends, or participate in festivities close to home. It is imperative for Marines and sailors to embrace the Marine Corps’ highest standards of character while off-duty. Remain vigilant and stay safe; losing someone to an off-duty accident is unacceptable. Enjoy the long weekend, but do so safely.

A Message from Brig. Gen. Castellvi

The Jet Stream Friday, June 27, 20144 More of The Story

Cpl. Sarah CherryStaff Writer

Lieutenant Colonel Kevin T. O’Rourke relinquished command of Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 to Lt. Col. Alvin Bryant in a change of com-mand ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, June 19.

O’Rourke took command of VMFA(AW)-533 in March 2013. He re-ceived notice two weeks prior, and de-ployed to the western pacific with the Hawks less than a month later.

Through that deployment, Bryant was at his side as the executive officer for the squadron.

Bryant has served in many capacities with the Hawks since 2002. His billets held include legal officer, family readi-ness officer, operations officer and ex-ecutive officer among others.

He has deployed in support of Op-eration Southern Watch, Operation Iraqi Freedom and multiple unit deployments to the western Pacific with the Hawks.

Under O’Rourke, the Hawks have ex-celled at safety and maintenance inspec-tions and performed above expecta-tions during exercises and deployments.

“Our guys are hitting it out of the park,” said O’Rourke.

With one of their own at the helm, the Hawks will continue to excel.

The Jet Stream Friday, June 27, 2014 5Classifieds The Jet Stream Friday, June 27, 2014 5Classifieds

The Jet Stream Friday, June 27, 20146 More of The Story

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Mi-chael Chouinard, the Marine Corps Community Services of-ficer for MCAS Beaufort. “The Feds Feed Families Campaign serves as a way for our Ma-rines and sailors to support and thank those that support us. It is our way of remind-ing them that we are here for them.”

Across America an estimated 50 million people, or one in six Americans, struggle and face the realities of hunger every day. Since the campaign began six years ago, federal workers have donated and collected 24.1 million pounds of food and other non-perishables such as hygiene items to sup-port families across America.

DONATEcontinued from page 1

her and why she has this award in her honor has made me understand what an honor it is to receive this award.”

Maj. Megan Malia Leilani McClung was killed in action Dec. 6, 2006, by an IED in Ramadi, Iraq. She was the first female Ma-rine officer killed in the Iraq War.

“It’s really humbling to receive the award,” said Johnson. “The highlight [of the symposium] was definitely receiving the award and having my family there; my parents, my husband and children. It gave them the ability to see that environment.

“It was really, really exciting to see so many women service members in one spot, and all the major accomplishments in not just the Marine Corps but in our sister services as well,” she said.

AWARDcontinued from page 1

Photo By Cpl. Aaron Diamant

The Jet Stream Friday, June 27, 2014 7Classifieds

The Jet Stream Friday, June 27, 20148 Classifieds

The Jet Stream Friday, June 27, 2014 9Classifieds

The Jet Stream Friday, June 27, 201410 Around The Corps

Corps Shot

PATROL BASE OUELLETTE, AF -- Marines with Scout Sniper Platoon, 1st Battal-ion, 7th Marine Regiment, man security positions during a mission in Hel-mand province, Afghani-stan, June 13.

Cpl. Joseph Scanlan

Corps Bits

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – The April 5 presidential elections in Afghanistan proved to be tremendously successful yield-ing the highest voter turnout of recent years. A runoff election was required to determine a final victor, and the Marines of 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, stood by ready to assist their Afghan Counterparts if needed, June 14.

The Marines departed Camp Leatherneck for Patrol Base Ouellette, an Afghan National Army post in southern Helmand province, June 12.

“Our mission was to guard the route to and from PB Ouellette while establishing a coordi-nation point between the British and Marine Corps advisor teams,” said Capt. John Dove, the commanding officer of Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Bn., 7th Marines, and a native of Annapolis, Maryland. “This coordi-nation point was a central location where we could share information and assist each other as needed to enable the Afghan National Security Forces, who secured the neighbor-hoods and polling sites in support of the elec-tions.”

The convoy of Mine-Resistant Ambush Pro-tected vehicles arrived at the patrol base after a few hours of driving. Infantrymen immedi-ately dismounted and began manning secu-rity posts with M240B medium machine guns.

The infantrymen constantly manned the security posts since arriving at the patrol base and continued to do so during the day of vot-ing. Although the Marines were staged at PB Ouellette, they were merely acting as advisors to the ANA soldiers.

As the crest of the sun began to rise over the horizon, the day of voting began. Insur-gent attacks in the local area were a possibility due to the high-profile event, but the runoff election turned out to be placid and the local populous was not harassed.

“The lack of enemy activity was a direct re-sult of the Afghans, not coalition forces,” Dove said. “The ANSF proved their ability to rid neighborhoods of a majority of enemy fight-ers, which allowed the Afghans to participate in the runoff elections. The Afghans are in con-trol now, and we’re just advising and assisting them.

“The mission was ultimately a success. We weren’t called to assist the ANA in any way. Our quick reaction force for the ANSF was not needed, and we made it back to Camp Leath-erneck safely,” Dove added.

U.S. COAST GUARD CUTTER RICHARD ETHERIDGE – The U.S. Coast Guard conduct-ed training with the Dominican Republic’s Navy and Haiti’s National Police Force aboard the USS Richard Etheridge, June 22. The training focused on ensuring the partner na-tions were familiar with the M2 Heavy Barrel Browning .50-caliber machine gun, similar to the weapons aboard each nation’s respective ships.

“This was the first time for many people that they were able to fire the weapon they have on board,” said Lt. Cmdr. Daniel Gray, the operational planner for the Coast Guard dur-ing Exercise Tradewinds 2014.

The gun exercise was just a small part of Tradewinds 2014, a joint, combined exercise conducted in order to improve partner na-tion counter-transnational organized crime missions and humanitarian aid and disaster response operations capacity.

“The Coast Guard is here to support US-SOUTHCOM’s objective of countering illicit trafficking,” Gray said. “That trafficking comes in many ways; human trafficking, trafficking in drugs and weapons.”

The weapons familiarization that took place during the training is helpful to enhance the capabilities of the countries participating. Each nation took turns gearing up and fir-ing the .50-caliber weapon at a large, floating reflective target provided by the Royal Cana-dian Navy.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Mike Mulrooney, the gunner’s mate aboard the Cutter Etheridge, believes another important piece to the train-ing is the relationships that have been devel-oped throughout.

“The relationships have been great, and very effective,” he said. “It’s great to see part-ner nations come together for a common objective.”

Thirteen partner nations are participating in phase II of Tradewinds 2014 held from June 16 through June 25. The exercise is designed to promote interoperability and multination-al relationships throughout the theater.

Coast Guard trains with Dominican Republic and Haiti

Exercise Agile Spirit 14 proves U.S., Georgian partnerships

Infantrymen stand by ready to assist during Afghan election runoff

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kyle McNicholas of Black Sea Rotational Force 14.2, from 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, runs alongside Georgian soldiers while they evacuate a simulated injury to a Georgian soldier as part of the distinguished visitor day for exercise Agile Spirit 14 at Vaziani Training Area, Georgia, June 18.

Sgt. Tatum VayavanadaMarine Corps Forces Europe and Africa

VAZIANI TRAINING AREA, Republic of Georgia – Deep-seated commitments to global security and regional stability are at the root of military engagements with al-lies and partners; for Georgia and the U.S., exercise Agile Spirit, which concluded last week, is a valuable evolution between Ma-rine Corps Forces Europe and Africa and the Georgian Armed Forces.

“The partnership between the Marines and the Georgian Armed Forces over the past several years has been extremely im-portant,” said U.S. Ambassador to Georgia, Richard B. Norland.

“They’ve been a valuable partner in the operations in Afghanistan and I believe this has also helped to develop the capabilities of the Georgians,” said Norland.

With training engagements from basic-infantry skills, search-and-control pack-ages, to live-fire weapons ranges, the militaries will share tactics and procedures through a broad spectrum of counterinsur-gency and peacekeeping operations.

“Agile Spirit is a chance to continue to build this relationship, develop each oth-er’s capabilities, to develop the flexibility to operate in a variety of different settings and face a variety of different challenges,” said Norland.

With full battalions working alongside U.S. and allied troops in Afghanistan, the Georgian Armed Forces is one of the largest troop-contributing nations supporting the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force. Exercise Agile Spirit supplements the existing Georgia Deployment Program, another training evolution between the

U.S. Marines and Georgian Armed Forces, to support ISAF.

“It’s coming in a time in the region when the importance of the U.S. [and] Georgian strategic relationship has been demon-strated more than ever; that partnership will continue for a long time to come,” said Norland.

From June 9-21, the Georgians worked with U.S. Marines by conducting brigade and battalion-level training engagements throughout the two-week event, unifying the efforts of more than 250 Marines and 550 Georgian soldiers by emphasizing small-unit interaction between the two militaries.

“We’re facing the evolution of the exer-cise; we started from the field (battalion-level) exercise, and throughout we’ve just improved and added more components,” said Georgian Col. Archil Omiadze, lead ex-ercise planner for the GAF.

Additions to the initial Agile Spirit, which began in 2011, included a joint command-operations-center, additional employment of various equipment and devices, med-ical-training opportunities, and civil-mili-tary operations. A command-post exercise has also been added to combine a brigade-level, command-and-control element to the evolution.

“We are partners, so providing to that global security is important,” added Omi-adze.

“We have Georgian soldiers and U.S. Ma-rines fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan and during such operations, relationships and understanding of each other is very crucial; this training exercise is a great tool to con-tribute to that relationship,” said Omiadze.

The exercise featured Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force 14, 6th Marine Regi-ment, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, and Georgians from the 4th Mechanized Brigade.

Through the Black Sea Rotational Force, U.S. European Command can provide a robust, rotational presence in the region, working with partners throughout the seasons to improve military capacity and share knowledge, techniques, tactics and procedures to their neighboring partners while maintaining a minor operational-footprint.

“This year we’ve set the stage with [mili-tary] observers from Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey, who will also be participating in our concept development process that starts the planning cycle for Agile Spirit 15,” said Lt. Col. Vincent C. Dawson, lead exer-cise planner from Marine Forces Europe and Africa.

“The hope is for partners to contrib-ute to future iterations as we continue to learn each other’s tactics and increase the interoperability between these countries,” said the Portland, Oregon, native.

Exercises to the scale of Agile Spirit 14 are indicative of the Caucasus country’s com-mitments toward collective security.

“Our partnerships with them go back a few years; as we move forward, we are pre-pared to work with them more. The more we are able to share our tactics and oper-ating procedures, the more we’re able to help each other maintain a level of security within our borders,” said Dawson.

“If we’ve got more friends that we’re shar-ing and working with, we’re going to have fewer problems in the area.”

The Jet Stream Friday, June 27, 2014 11Around The Corps

Fightertown deployed:VMFA(AW)-224 Bengals

are currently deployed to the Western Pacific as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

Corps Bits

MOUNT BUNDEY TRAINING AREA, North-ern Territory, Australia -- Explosions echoed through the tree line competing with the shouts of section leaders hurrying each member of his squad to perform his task as fast as possible. This was just the first day of the crew-served weapons competition de-signed to test the Marines of 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, and push them to their limits.

The week-long competition included weapons systems ranging from the M240 machine-gun, to the 81mm mortar system, here June 19.

“This gives our guys a chance to come out and compete against each-other,” said Staff Sgt. Haba Cuccornejo, platoon sergeant, Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Ma-rine Regiment, MRF-D. “They have developed their skills through a lot of training and prac-tice, now it is time to put them to the test and see what they are capable of.”

The Marines were graded on their abilities to operate their weapons systems efficiently, their orders process, weapons deployment and tactical knowledge.

Cuccornejo believes that because the event is a competition, it drives his Marines to per-form at their best and challenges them.

Weapons company Marines have a specific weapons system they’re assigned to during training. They must learn it’s capabilities and how to properly employ it.

“There is a lot expected of these guys,” said 1st Lt. Sean McDonnell, weapons platoon commander, Alpha Co., 1st Bn., 5th Marines, MRF-D. “Not only do they have to be profi-cient in their specific weapon system, but also must be proficient in infantry tasks such as patrolling and engaging enemy threats.”

Mount Bundey Training Area gives the Ma-rines a unique benefit not afforded to them back in U.S.

The competition also gave the Marines a chance to prepare themselves for upcoming bi-lateral exercise including Exercise Hamel and Koolendong.

“Our guys are really going to come away with this with a lot more confidence,” said Cuccornejo. “Not only with they be able to identify their strengths but also their weak-nesses so they can improve on those and be ready for our upcoming exercises.”

MRF-D holds crew-served weap-ons competition in the Top End

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII - Marines from various units on Marine Corps Base Hawaii participated in shallow water egress training at the base pool here, June 18.

The training introduced Marines to the gear used to increase their survivability in the event of an over-water aircraft mishap.

Personnel from 1st Battalion, 12th Ma-rine Regiment, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marines Headquarters and Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367 assembled at the base pool in full camouflage utilities and Kevlar helmets for the event. The Marines received class-room instruction the day before practical application.

Marines were first introduced to the SWET chair, a device that simulates rolling over in water. Marines buckled themselves into a simulated aircraft seat and were flipped over by SWET instructors, forcing the students to navigate their way out of the apparatus.

“The purpose of the training is to give Marines the tools they need to be able to egress out of a helicopter in case it crash-es in the water,” said Chad Margo, the site manager for the underwater egress trainer. Margo says this training is relevant to all Marines, especially in Hawaii, because ev-ery time they fly here, it will be over water.

After an introduction to the chair, Marines learned how to use emergency breathing systems. They conducted practical applica-tion with the devices, breathing under and upside down in the water.

“I’m not a huge fan of the water,” said Lance Cpl. Dalton Miller, a first-time SWET chair participant assigned to 3rd Marines. “It’s not really my cup of tea, but you have to stay calm. The biggest thing is overcoming the water inevitably rushing into your nose.”

Miller said although he isn’t a fan of the water, completing the training is crucial to the upcoming Rim of the Pacific exercise.

In the last exercise of the SWET chair training, Marines got back into the seats and donned blackout glasses, forcing them to egress out of the chair upside down and blind, using the tools and training they were given to complete the challenge.

Marines increase survivabil-ity with SWET

MALS-31 Stingersa detachment is currently

deployed to the Western Pacific supporting VMFA(AW)-224.

VMFA-122 Werewolvesare currently deployed to the

Western Pacific as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

Weapons Company Marines conduct security patrol in Afghanistan

Cpl. Cody HaasRegional Command Southwest

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Dur-ing the late evening hours under the cover of darkness, Marines and sailors with 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, donned their gear, mounted in Mine-Resistant Ambush Pro-tected vehicles and convoyed approximate-ly four hours south of Camp Leatherneck.

Marines and sailors with Weapons Com-pany, 1st Bn., 7th Marines, provided secu-rity for Baker Co. during a patrol in Helmand province, Afghanistan, June 19-20.

Baker Co. was enabled to focus on patrol-ling and alleviated of the worry of an enemy presence thanks to Weapons Co. providing security.

“Patrolling is a lot of rehearsal and prepa-ration for the execution of a mission in a known area of operation,” said Staff Sgt.

Daniel Pierce, a platoon sergeant with 2nd Platoon, Weapons Co. “By consistently go-ing to areas where insurgents operate most frequently, we can mitigate threats against Leatherneck.”

“Before every patrol, everyone and every-thing is thoroughly inspected,” said Pierce, a native of Denver City, Texas. “The planning and preparation for each operation is ex-tensive. Weapons and gear the Marines and sailors will be using and each vehicle goes through multiple inspections. Nothing is left to chance.”

As Marines and sailors with Baker Co. pa-trolled on foot and talked to locals about re-cent insurgent activity in the area, Marines and sailors with Weapons Co. posted securi-ty in select locations overlooking the patrol. In each MRAP, a Marine gunner was at the ready with a .50 caliber machine gun at all times, providing Baker Co. troops an added

level of protection enabling the mission to be completed safely.

“The mission was a success,” said 1st Lt. John Hollingsworth, a platoon command-er with Weapons Co. “We secured Baker Company’s patrol with no fire taken and deprived enemy insurgents the ability to maneuver on (Marines and sailors) with our large presence in the area.”

The Marines and sailors of 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, deployed to Afghanistan in March from Twentynine Palms, California.

Weapons Co. Marines will continue to patrol the surrounding area of the Bastion-Leatherneck complex to ensure the safety of coalition forces operating on the bases.

“Morale in the unit is very high,” said Lance Cpl. Jarred Sass, an anti-tank missileman with Weapons Co., and native of Texarkana, Texas. “I feel good. We’re making a difference here, and the Afghans know it.”

Corporal Travis Guglielmino, sweeper, Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, and a native of Kapulena, Hawaii, searches for improvised explosive devices during a Mission Rehearsal Exercise at Forward Operating Base Juno, Afghanistan, March 13.

Lance Cpl. Shaltiel Dominguez1st Marine Logistics Group

NAVAL BASE SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The rum-bling of two dozen logistics and humanitar-ian aid vehicles broke the bayside morning calm, as approximately 80 Marines with Com-bat Logistics Battalion 15, Combat Logistics Regiment 15, 1st Marine Logistics Group, be-gan an embarkation operation aboard Naval Base San Diego, Calif., June 19.

The equipment, which consisted of water purification systems, power generators and logistics and supply vehicles, was loaded onto amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD-18) as part of a buildup to support the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit during its operations around the Indian Ocean next year.

“We have generators to provide power, tactical water purification systems that can provide clean potable water to a population, and heavy equipment to open up roadways, move equipment and provide all kinds of support,” said Capt. Travis Aiello, load exercise officer-in-charge with CLB-15, 1st MLG.

Aside from being able to engage, close with and destroy threats around the globe, MEUs are also capable of providing humani-tarian aid and disaster relief to U.S. govern-ment authorities, also known as a Defense Support of Civil Authorities operation.

Furthermore, the exercise enhanced the interoperability between the Navy-Marine

Corps team, reinforcing a return to the Ma-rine Corps’ amphibious roots, and familiar-ized the Marines involved with ship life.

“In this day and age we’re getting back to our seafaring roots and our expeditionary nature. We need to build those bonds with our Navy counterparts,” said Aiello, a native of Burlington, N.J. “This is important so that we can operate more efficiently, be it in a com-bat environment or in a DSCA environment.”

In addition to loading logistical equipment, the amphibious transport was able to load an entire convoy of nearly two dozen vehicles, each with different capabilities and functions.

“The vehicles loaded onto the ship provide a wide array of capabilities to the MEU, from resupplying forward units with the Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement, to recovering wreckage in a disaster operation with the M88 recovery vehicles and the Logistics Ve-hicle Systems,” said Cpl. Jason Anderson, an embarkation specialist with CLB-15, 1st MLG.

“These vehicles allow units to adapt to the different situations they might encounter while in an expeditionary environment,” add-ed Anderson, of Clintonville, Wis.

All the vehicles and equipment come to-gether during DSCA operations, which are situations where the military provides local authorities with support, sending aid to areas in the United States where the infrastructure might be damaged beyond the local authori-ties’ capabilities.

“We’re trying to get practice in for most of

the junior Marines, it’s not so important to go as fast at first, but when you get used to gear’s serial numbers, dimensions and char-acteristics, we’re able to embark equipment much faster, and that’s important when there are people out there that need our help,” said Cpl. Spencer

Roberson.Ultimately, the training showcased how

the Navy-Marine Corps team is able to quick-ly field its support capabilities, allowing the MEU to tackle a wide array of challenges and help those in need.

“You never know who might need some-thing and how urgently they need it,” said Roberson, of Raeford, N.C. “That’s why we’re here. We’re here to make sure the people in need have the resources necessary to sur-vive.”

CLB-15 Marines showcase humanitarian capabilities during embarkation operations

The Jet Stream Friday, June 27, 201412 In Other News

Lance Cpl. Keith McGaha, a cryogenics technician with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31, drains a liquid oxygen tank at the Cryogenics Facility aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, June 24. Cryogenics Marines must empty the tanks prior to replacing it's gauges. Cryogenics technicians use a large machine called an oxygen/nitrogen generating plant that iso-lates the two useful gasses from the air and chills them to their liquid form. Oxygen is used to supply aircraft with breathable air for pilots, crew members and pas-sengers. Nitrogen is used in multiple areas of aircraft including the canopy, tires, struts and more.

Photo By Cpl. Brendan Roethel

Photo By Cpl. Sarah Cherry

The Jet Stream Friday, June 27, 2014 13More of The Story

known as DEERS. Every beneficiary and service member is responsible for keeping their DEERS database information up-to-date.

“One thing people often don’t know is that they don’t have to disenroll from Tri-Care or Tri-Care Prime,” Justis said. “They just need to call their regional office or management sup-port care contractor and let them know they’re moving. It’s a simple process. They’ll set ben-eficiaries up with a new primary care provider and take care of any special needs they may have in their new area. If they’re in the middle of moving and haven’t thought about transfer-ring their information, their new management

care support contractor will contact them.Several options exist to help in changing

health care providers, Justis said. A program called Moving Made Easy will walk ben-eficiaries through the process on Tri-Care TV or as a video on the Military OneSource website. The Moving Made Easy initiative helps service members and beneficiaries in the continental U.S. moving from one duty station, or region, to another. Tri-Care Web Resources on YouTube also offers valuable information, she added.

“All the military treatment facilities in our di-rect care system work very actively to take care of their folks,”Justis said. “If there are areas where beneficiaries need additional help, they can reach out to their provider and let them know so they can help create that support system.”

TRI-CAREcontinued from page 1

The Jet Stream Friday, June 27, 2014 Classifieds14