3rd MAW Fwd. takes command in Iraq

Transcription

Vol. 10 No. 5
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif.
February 8, 2008
3rd MAW Fwd. takes CMC visits Miramar, speaks at symposium
command in Iraq
CPL. SCOTT MCADAM
Combat Correspondent 3rd MAW FWD
AL ASAD, Iraq - Command
of the Aviation Combat Element
for Multi-National Forces-West
passed from 2nd Marine Aircraft
Wing (Forward) to the 3rd
MAW (Fwd.) during a Transfer
of Authority ceremony here Jan.
30.
Brig. Gen. Randolph D.
Alles, 3rd MAW (Fwd.)
Commanding General, assumed
command of the ACE and Al
Asad Air Base from Brig. Gen.
Timothy C. Hanifen, 2nd MAW
(Fwd.) commander.
The primary mission for 3rd
MAW (Fwd.) is to support the
Marine Air Ground Task Force
and Iraqi security forces.
“Third MAW is capable of
covering any area throughout
the country,” said Alles. “Our
primary focus is the Al Anbar
province.”
GO TO 3MAW PAGE 4
Greyhawks reach 60,000
mishap-free flight hours
LANCE CPL. AUSTIN GOACHER
Combat Correspondent
A 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
squadron recently achieved
60,000 Class A mishap-free hours.
Marine Medium Helicopter
Squadron 161 reached the benchmark during a training flight at
Marine Corps Base Camp
Pendleton, Calif. Jan. 29.
“It’s incredible to be with a
squadron when it reaches the
60,000 mark,” said Capt. Grace
Kelly, a pilot who was flying at the
time of the exercise. “It reflects
the squadron’s long history of professionalism.”
Achieving this is made even
more remarkable by the number of
combat tours the squadron has
participated in, according to Capt.
Scott Horton, the squadron’s oper-
MCAS Web site
Want to know all the
buzz? Then check out the
Flight Jacket online.
www.miramar.usmc.mil
ations officer.
Throughout a seven-month
deployment the squadron flies
twice the amount of hours than
they would while in garrison,
explained Horton.
The squadron’s last Class A
mishap, a mishap resulting in the
loss of life or damage in excess of
$1 million, occurred in 1995 while
the squadron was deployed.
“CH-46 squadrons that are
attached to MEU’s also get hit
against their record if one of the
attached aircraft has a Class A
accident,” said Lt. Col. W. Dan
Cerkan, the 3rd MAW director of
safety and standardization.
“HMM-161’s achievement is
not a very common occurrence
and is very significant due to the
GO TO 60,000 PAGE 5
LANCE CPL. MELISSA TUGWELL
The commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. James T. Conway, visited MCAS Miramar Wednesday to speak at the retired general officers symposium at the Officers’ Club here. More than 121 retired generals were invited to attend the event. Conway
addressed issues such as his continuous pride in the Marines and retention goals during his opening remarks.
BONDING WITH CHILDREN
UNDER THE WING
MCAS Miramar holds bi-weekly stroller circuit courses for parents and their children.
For full story, see page 12.
Ordnance Marines prepare aircraft for
training.
For full story, see page 8,9.
REACH US
EDITORIAL
858-577-6000
ADVERTISING
619-758-9278
760-754-2995
editorial
Military Saves Week approaches
CRAIG HUGHES
Financial Advisor
Maj. Gen. Terry G. Robling
Commanding General
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
The Defense Department has
designated February 24 through
March 2, 2008, as Military Saves
Week to encourage service members and their families to establish
savings goals and set money aside
for emergencies and other needs.
The Marine & Family Services
Center at MCAS Miramar is proudly supporting this effort by asking
our Marines and sailors to join
Military Saves as part of Operation
Financial Fitness.
Mr. Craig Hughes, accredited
financial counselor at Marine &
Fate or Faith?
LCDR STEVEN R. MOSES
MAG-11 Group Chaplain
Col. Christopher E. O’Connor
Commanding Officer
MCAS Miramar
Maj. Jason A. Johnston
Public Affairs Director
1st Lt. Jill A. Leyden
Internal Information Officer
SSgt. Kimberly S. Leone
Public Affairs Chief
I was talking with a Marine the
other day about some bad things that
were happening in his life. While he
was explaining his situation, he
made the statement, “I believe in
fate. I just believe that everything
happens for a reason and it will all
turn out okay in the end.” He’s not
the first person I’ve ever heard use a
phrase similar to this. Perhaps
you’ve made similar statements
yourself. The truth is those two
statements are not compatible.
If you say you believe in fate,
then what you really believe in is a
philosophical viewpoint called
“Fatalism.” Fatalists don’t believe
Family Services Center, MCAS
Miramar
strongly
supports
Operation Financial Fitness and the
Military Saves campaign.
“I see an incredible need for
improved saving habits in today’s
world,” explained Hughes. “This is
a model program for changing lives
by creating economic opportunity.”
Saving money and alleviating
debt requires dedication, sacrifice,
and patience. Military Saves provides the necessary tools to help
accomplish that financial mission.
Individuals simply make the commitment to save money on a regular
basis to achieve their personal
financial goals. Participants receive
helpful financial tips and muchneeded encouragement to continue
the savings habit. Visit www.militarysaves.org for information on
how to enroll in the program.
Military Saves is part of the
nationwide campaign, America
Saves, and is sponsored by
Consumer Federation of America,
the Department of Defense, the
Financial Industry Regulatory
Agency
Investor
Education
Foundation, and a nationwide network of defense credit unions
(including Navy Federal Credit
Union) and military banks. Part of
the DOD Financial Readiness
Campaign, Military Saves also
encourages military leaders to focus
attention on encouraging their
troops to get out of debt and save
money.
For those interested in creating a
personalized financial plan to build
wealth, not debt, contact Craig
Hughes at 858-577-9802 to schedule a free financial review. Mr.
Hughes is also available to conduct
financial education classes at
MCAS Miramar units upon request.
In addition, he offers a two-hour
class entitled, “Creating Financial
Freedom,” on the third Wednesday
of each month at Marine & Family
Services Center, Building 2274, 1
p.m. – 3 p.m.
that everything happens for a reason. They don’t see any purpose
behind any of the events that happen. They also don’t believe that
everything will turn out okay. In
fact, Fatalists are some of the most
pessimistic people in the world
because there is nothing in their
worldview that offers hope. A fatalist looks at tragedy and says, “It’s a
random act that was initiated by
chance and serves no ultimate purpose.”
On the other hand, a person who
lives by faith sees the world from a
completely different perspective.
The person of faith can see tragedies
as opportunities. They know that
there is always hope as long as there
is a God in the universe who loves
us and cares about our lives. The
person of faith does believe that
everything ultimately happens for a
reason because they believe that
there is a God in the universe who is
in charge of the events that occur.
What makes a person of faith
believe that everything happens for
a reason and everything will turn out
okay in the end? The Bible says in
Romans 8:28, “God causes all
things to work together for good to
them that love God to them who are
the called according to his purpose.”
That verse doesn’t say that God
causes all things. Some bad things
and good things happen to us
because of our own actions or the
actions of others. What the verse
does say is that God will take our
bad situations and turn them into
good outcomes if we love him and
entrust our lives into his care. Since
God is all-powerful, He can take
two bad situations and work them
together to bring a good outcome for
all concerned. I’ve seen God use a
death to bring a family closer, prison
to bring a man to God and loss of a
job to bring a family a better
income. That’s a faith perspective
on life.
If you’re one of those people
who say, “I just believe everything
happens for a reason and I believe
everything will turn out okay in the
end,” you don’t believe in fate, you
believe in faith! Only God has the
power to give meaning to disasters
and provide hope in the wake of
them. If you’ve felt hopeless and
helpless by depending on Fate, why
not give faith in God a try? Give
God a chance in your life; he always
comes through. I hope to see you in
Chapel!
SSgt. Leonard F. Langston
Internal Information Chief
Cpl. George J. Papastrat
Editor
Religious Services
The Chaplain’s Office, located in building 5632 on Bauer Road, coordinates the
regularly scheduled services. For the location and meeting schedules of religious activities, contact the Chaplain’s Office at 858-577-1333, or visit www.miramar.usmc.mil.
The Flight Jacket is published every Friday at
no cost to the government by TFM Associates, a private firm in no way connected with the Department
of the Navy or the U.S. Marine Corps under an exclusively written contract with the U.S. Marine Corps.
This civilian enterprise newspaper is an
authorized publication for the military services,
contents of the Flight Jacket are not necessarily the
official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, Department of
the Navy or U.S. Marine Corps. It is for informational purposes only and in no way should be considered directive in nature.
The editorial content is edited, prepared and
provided by the Public Affairs Office. Comments
or questions should be directed to 858-577-6000.
Questions regarding the appearance of advertising
in this publication, including inserts or supplements should be directed to TFM Associates at
619-754-2995.
Everything advertised in this publication must
be made available for purchase, use or patronage
without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national
origin, age, marital status, physical handicap.
Page 2 Flight Jacket February 8, 2008
Sempertoons
by Gunnery Sgt. Charles Wolf
Sunday:
9 a.m. Protestant Worship Service
9:30 a.m. Protestant Children’s Worship
11 a.m. Roman Catholic Eucharist
Religious Education/Sunday:
9:30 – 10:45 a.m. Catholic CCD Children K-12
10 a.m. Protestant Adult Bible Study
Wednesday 6 – 7 p.m. Baptist Service
Weekday Worship Service:
Monday – Friday 11:30 a.m. Catholic Mass
Monday 6:30 p.m. Contemporary Praise and Worship Service
Wednesday 7 p.m. Baptist Service
Islamic Worship Service:
Islamic Center of San Diego 858-278-5240
www.icsd.org
Jewish:
Jewish Outreach at 858-571-3444
www.jewishinsandiego.org
*For Lenten season services see page 14
news
Language resources available Cell phone policy changes
LANCE CPL. CHRISTOPHER O’QUIN
To help Marines and sailors
test their knowledge of foreign
languages, the education center
here can schedule proctoring for
language tests, through the
Defense Language Institute
Foreign Language Center.
The school, based out of
Monterey, Calif., offers online
tests to service members who want
to certify their knowledge of a foreign language in their service
record book, explained Gunnery
Sgt. Scott S. Cavanagh, the education officer for the air station. They
also proctor tests via the phone.
“When a Marine gets certified,
if they score high enough, they
can receive extra pay and accreditation at some colleges,” said
Cavanagh.
The U.S. Department of
Education accredits the institute
for college language studies. If
service members want to specialize in a foreign language, the institute will award an associate of art’s
degree to service members who
meet the graduation and education
requirements.
They can test for many different languages ranging from Arabic
to different dialects of Chinese,
explained Cavanagh.
The institute also offers
Marines and sailors a chance to
learn words and phrases of many
foreign dialects they may find useful when they deploy.
The language center’s Web
site, www.dliflc.edu, lists key
phrases for regional words
Marines might need to say while
deployed, explained Cavanagh. If
a Marine deploys and wants to
know some phrases people say in
Iraq, they can visit the Lingnet
section of the Web site and look up
a list of Arabic words associated
with their job. They can then use
the knowledge learned while inter-
acting with the locals and providing humanitarian aid.
The command can also order
CD’s and pamphlets online and
distribute them to the Marines.
Marines seeking to learn a new
language or brush up on one can
also use the station’s library materials to prepare for the language
diagnostic exams. The library has
books available to service members to use.
The materials are all free, all
people have to do is check them
out, explained Thelma Halebesky,
a librarian at the station library.
The library has Rosetta Stone language software available for
Marines to use.
“If junior Marines or sailors
receive language training they can
make accomplishing the mission a
lot easier,” said Cavanagh.
Service members can contact
the library at 858-577-6315 and
the education center at 858-5771801.
As technology advances the
Marine Corps changes in order to
keep up with the times, this not only
includes improved body armor, but
also uniform policies.
The
recently
released MarAdmin
065/08 states all cell
phones and other
electronic equipment
may no longer be
exposed while worn
with Marine Corps
uniforms.
The message has
nullified a section of
the Marine Corps uniform
regulation
authorizing Marines
to wear command cell
phones in visible locations while in uniform.
The commandant of the Marine
Corps made the decission to change
the policy, explained Mary Boyt,
the Uniform Regulation Board program manager, Headquarters
Marine Corps.
“The cell phone issue is just an
extension of the guidance published
in Marine Corps uniform board 209
where we limited the wear of personally owned
electronics
on
uniforms,” said
Boyt. “The CMC
now wants to prohibit the organizationally issued
electronics
as
well.”
A simple solution to having
easy access to a
phone without
having it visible is
to use pockets as
they were intended, explained Boyt. Another sug-
GO TO
PHONE PAGE 5
February 8, 2008 Flight Jacket Page 3
news
VMGR-352 Det deploys to Iraq, supports I MEF
More than 40 Marines and
sailors with Marine Aerial
Refueler Transport Squadron
352, left from from March Air
Reserve Base, Calif., Thursday
for Al Anbar Province of Iraq,
Elements from the “Raiders”
deployed for seven months to
support U.S. and coalition forces
throughout Operation Iraqi
Freedom.
“Our mission is to provide
tactical rapid ground refueling,
helicopter and fixed- wing aerial
refueling, and other assault support missions as may be directed
by 3rd MAW forward,” said Lt.
Col. Rick A. Uribe, the commanding officer of the squadron.
While this year marks 3rd
Marine Aircraft Wing’s year to go
forward, the squadron continually
deploys and supports troops in
Iraq.
“We support the entire MEF
and we are always supporting forward Marines with six month
rotations,” said Sgt. Maj. Warren
B. Robinson, the squadron sergeant major.
This will grant a chance for
the Marines and sailors who have
not deployed yet to rotate and
become more experienced with
their job, explained Robinson.
Throughout the following
months the Marines and sailors
with the squadron will perform
missions they have rehearsed
time and time again.
They will not only provide
aerial refueling but aerial delivery and radio relay for service
members in Iraq, explained
Urbie.
Staff
Sgt.
Marcelino
Gonzalez, an aviation electrician
and staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the avionics section, will deploy to Iraq for the
first time.
“Before I came here, I was
stationed with a training squadron
and I’ve never had the chance to
go forward,” said Gonzalez. “I’m
excited I get to go and help the
squadron overseas in a new environment.”
While aircrews fly and practice the missions they will perform in Iraq, the Marines on the
ground have their own training
evolutions to complete.
The Marines in the avionics
section need to pass a ground
support equipment certification
class before we deploy, explained
Gonzalez. On top of that, the
Marines need their semi-annual
and annual qualifications including a rifle, swim and fitness test.
The Marines and sailors from
this deployed detachment will
return in several months, however, the squadron will continue to
send Marines to Iraq to support
OIF in the future.
3MAW,
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
“The key to success for 3rd
MAW (Fwd.) is to integrate well
with the MEF and ground combat elements.
“We must have an attitude
dedicated to teamwork; units in
combat must be cohesive,”added
Alles. “We will focus on the
necessary actions to stabilize Al
Anbar and empower Iraqi security forces.”
The wing’s short term goals
include a smooth transfer of
authority and maintaining the
same policies while perfecting
small things over time, added
Alles.
“Since 2nd MAW (Fwd.) did
such a great job, we are not
going to make any major
changes during the first quarter,” said Sgt. Maj. Frank J.
Scott, the 3rd MAW(Fwd) sergeant major.
During 2nd MAW’s year-
long deployment, the Al Anbar
Province experienced a drop in
violence.
“I think that when historians
look back at this war, they will
say that this was the turning
point,” said Hanifen at the TOA
ceremony.
“I can’t argue with success;
they maintained 90 percent
reductions in attacks during
their deployment,” said Alles
commenting on 2nd MAW’s
successes.
With the arrival of 3rd MAW,
2nd MAW will return to its
home at Marine Corps Air
Station Cherry Point, N.C. to
rest and train for their next
deployment.
“This is a new challenge for
us, 2nd MAW (Fwd.) is ready to
get out, and the morale of our
troops is awesome,” said Scott.
“We will make sure that Iraq is a
better place when 3rd MAW
(Fwd.) leaves.”
news
Community center to open on station
LANCE CPL. FREDRICK J. COLEMAN
Marine Corps Air Station
Miramar is expected to open the
first of three community centers
in the station’s housing areas this
month in an effort to better serve
the residents of the station.
The project is part of the station’s Public Private Venture
Military Family Housing program, according to Jack R.
Harkins, deputy director of the
station installation and logistics
section.
“The project includes three
community centers that will
enhance the quality of life for the
families residing in each of the
three housing neighborhoods,”
said Harkins.
The first two completed facilities will have a full kitchen, hospitality room with an entertainment and social area, and a furnished fitness room for family fit-
ness activities, explained Harkins.
In addition, all the centers will
have a family pool that reaches a
maximum depth of four feet, an
outdoor shower, playground, barbecue and outdoor dining area.
Lincoln Military Housing, a
division of Lincoln Property
Company, will operate the community centers for use by the
housing residents on station,
according to Harkins.
“I’m looking forward to being
able to go to the new community
center,” said Marie Hoskins, a
resident here. “I’m looking forward to taking my child to the
pool when it gets warmer.”
Contractors began construction of the third center Jan. 23.
The third center will include
all features of the first two centers, plus a fitness center attached
to a children’s play room, a teen
recreation room, a meeting room
for classes and groups, and a business center with computers to
access the Internet, explained
Harkins.
In addition, the third center
will provide an on-site housing
management office. This center is
scheduled to open in 2009.
The social area of the new community
center has everything from couches to
flat-screen TV’s.
PHONE,
60,000,
gestion involves keeping electronics
on the belt or inside the waistband
of the utility uniform. However,
electronics stored in these locations
must be removed if the Marine
takes off his blouse, added Boyt.
“I think this change is beneficial
to the image of Marines,” said Cpl.
Joseph E. Pouzanoff, an avionics
technician with Marine Medium
Helicopter Squadron 163 who uses
a cell phone. “This change will continue to maintain our image as an
elite group, with a strict set of rules
and regulations.”
It was too hard to distinguish
between personal and issued
phones, PDAs (personal digital
assistants) and pagers, explained
Boyt. The bottom line is those items
shouldn’t be seen.
The change takes effect immediately, explained Boyt.
For other information on uniform regulation changes check the
Marine Corps Uniform board Web
site www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil.
fact that many of these hours were
performed in combat operations,
nighttime and in poor weather as
the CASEVAC squadron.”
More than 18,000 of the hours
were flown in combat zones,
according to Lt. Col. Kevin J. Lee,
the commanding officer of the
squadron.
“This isn’t just an accomplishment for our squadron,” said Sgt.
Courtney E. Pickering, a crew
chief with the Greyhawks. “It’s an
accomplishment for the whole
CH-46E community because a lot
of Marines have passed through
the squadron during the last 13
years.”
In the past three years, only
two other CH-46E squadrons have
achieved this benchmark.
“This was an amazing month,
it wasn’t just about the 60,000
hour mark, it was about celebrating history, safety and pride in
ownership,” said Lee.
family news
Navy League scholarship
deadline approaching
Interested high school seniors whose parents are active
duty, retired or deceased Naval
service members, can apply for
the Alexander Kreiglowa Navy
and Marine Corps Dependents
Education
Foundation
Scholarship Program.
This is the first year the
scholarship has been made
available, explained Marilyn
Bucchi, the vice president of
scholarship programs for the
Navy League’s San Diego chapter.
“The scholarship is self containing because we use interest
on the account Kreiglowa set
up,” said Buccchi.
The scholarship, which is
available for the first time this
year, provides up to $15,000 per
year to pay for tuition, books
and school fees.
Students must maintain a B
average to maintain the scholarship for their four-year bachelor
degree program.
Students need to re-submit
their applications every year to
continue funding.
In order to apply to the program, students must graduate in
the top 10 percent of their high
school graduating class and have
proof of need for financial assistance.
To prove financial need interested scholars must fill out a
“special circumstances” form
supplied by the league.
“The special circumstances
form lets us know the types of
hardships they are experiencing,” said Bucchi. “These forms
let us know about unusual financial circumstances such as a
large medical expense, but they
need to provide documentation
of the expense.”
Four to five students will
receive the scholarship in the
San Diego area this year,
explained Bucchi.
Kreiglowa started the program in order to give back to the
Navy after serving more than 20
years and retiring in 1957.
“The Navy was very good to
me and I think this is one way I
can give back,” said Kreiglowa.
“I want the scholarship money
to go to students who have a
strong desire to get ahead and
accomplish things.”
Applications and forms can
be found on the Navy League
Web site www.navyleaguesd.com.
Family members receive services from NMCRS
Since the Navy-Marine
Corps Relief Society was
founded in 1904, it has provided the nation’s Marines and
sailors with financial, educational and other assistance
through interest-free loans,
grants and other relief
resources.
The society offers combat
casualty assistance to Marines
and sailor casualties and their
families.
Since the beginning
of the Global War on
Terrorism,
the
NMCRS has seen
more than 1,500
combat casualty
assistance
cases
and provided more
than $2.5 million in
assistance to members of the United
States Naval services
according to Jeanie
Spies, the director
of
MCAS
Miramar’s NMCRS.
“There is no limit to the
amount of help we give to the
service members,” said Spies.
“We provide help through the
tough times and tribulations to
ensure no family go without
assistance.”
Most of the assistance provided by the society goes
towards basic living expenses
such as food, lodging and transportation associated with bringing family members to their
injured service member.
The society has an agreement with some Navy lodging
facilities in San Diego to help
bring
the
families closer
to hospitalized service members.
“We currently have agreements with hotels in the city
and on military installations to
assist families visiting hospitalservice
members,”
ized
explained Spies.
Along with the assistance,
the program offers the Visiting
Nurse
Combat
Casualty
Assistance Program for service
and
families,
members
explained Ruthi Moore, the
director of the NMCRS nursing
program.
The nurses help family
members understand the issues
their loved one faces by
explaining medical terminology
associated with their issues and
teaching the family members
how to care for them.
The program began in
2006 to help family understand what their loved ones
were going through, added
Moore.
In addition, the nurses
also introduce the families to
resources to assist them with
their service member, added
Moore.
The nurses will continue
to follow up on families long
after that family leaves the
military, explained Moore.
“At the NMCRS, we are all
about family,” said Spies.
around the corps
3rd LAAD tracks live targets
using Stinger missile system
CPL. ANTHONY R. BLANCO
15th MEU
ABOARD USS TARAWA –
Marines from 3rd Low Altitude
Air Defense Battalion, who are
attached to Marine Medium
Helicopter Squadron 161 (Rein),
15th Marine Expeditionary Unit
(Special Operations Capable)
practiced the firing procedures
of engaging live targets with a
simulated Stinger missile system
here Jan. 22.
Marines tracked an AH-1W
Super Cobra Helicopter from the
tail end of the ship to help prepare them for a possible confrontation with enemy aircraft.
“What this drill was designed
to do was to provide confidence
in shooting the Stinger missile
in a combat environment – if it
flies, it dies,” said Staff Sgt.
Terry C. Waters, a section leader
with B Battery, 3rd LAAD Bn.
The Stinger is a fire-and-forget weapon firing an infrared
seeker and proportional navigation system to destroy the target,
according to Waters.
The Marine Corps’ first
shoulder fired surface to air missile, the Redeye, was implemented during the 1960s to
combat low flying enemy aircraft.
The problem with the Redeye
is that a person would have to
attack the aircraft from behind
to receive a good heat trace,
according to Waters. With the
Stinger, a person can engage the
aircraft from any direction.
Since the Stinger’s introduction in 1982, which replaced the
Redeye from the 60s and 70s,
defending the threat of low flying enemy aircraft expands to
today’s warfare.
This training helped Marines
track a moving target while getting more familiar with the firing procedures.
“The Stinger is the most
advanced weaponry anywhere in
the armed forces against low
altitude aircraft,” sait Waters.
“It has a kill ratio of 99.9 percent which makes it a ‘one shot,
one kill’ weapon.”
Because of the weapon’s
superior technology and the cost
of an actual missile, 3rd LAAD
only fires the weapon about
once a year.
The entire weapon system
runs anywhere from $90,000 to
$100,000 for the Stinger,
according to Waters.
Besides firing the Stinger
once a year, Marines from 3rd
LAAD fire a Stinger Launcher
Simulator about twice a year.
The STLS is a training round
designed to simulate the Stinger
missile, except the STLS travels
approximately 50 yards before it
harmlessly hits the ground.
Although hands-on training
is rare, Marines still believe in
the Stinger 100 percent.
“I have only fired the weapon
four times, and out of those four
times I’m four for four,” said
Cpl. Talis A. Jordans, a team
leader with A Battery, 3rd
LAAD Bn. “I’m extremely confident that the weapon will work
in combat.”
Because the weapon is a light
weight, man-portable shoulderfired guided missile system, it
enables Marines to fill gaps
where low flying aircraft can
slip under the radar, according
to Cpl. Michael J. Nicolazzo, an
assistant gunner with A Battery,
3rd LAAD Bn. In addition to firing the weapon from the shoulder, the Stinger missile can be
attached to vehicles.
The
Pedestal-Mounted
Stinger Air Defense Vehicle and
the Light Armored Vehicle, Air
Defense Variant (LAV-AD)
employed the Stinger during the
1990s to help combat enemy aircraft, according to a Military
Analysis Network web page.
With the capabilities to fire
the weapon from virtually anywhere, Marines from 3rd LAAD
continually train to enhance
their knowledge with the
Stinger.
“We train all the time,” said
Jordans. “We’re in the field
more times than not.”
Marines from 3rd LAAD can
attach themselves to infantry
units, air wing units or any other
unit who might require low altitude air defense.
“We are the last line of
defense to protect an area from a
low aerial attack,” Jordans
added.
feat
(right) Lance Cpl. Thomas Dehart, a munitions
Marine with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11,
secures the 500-pound bombs to the trailor. The
munitions Marines spend their days at the bomb
pad in East Miramar regardless of the weather,
loading ordnance on aircraft from the air station.
Page 8 Flight Jacket January 25, 2008
Lance Cpl. Melissa Tugwell
(top)Six 500-pound bombs sit on a trailer at the
bomb pad in East Miramar waiting to be delivered.
The munition Marines assemble, inventory, inspect
and transfer the aviation ordnance to the squadrons
at the CALA.
www.miram
ture
mar.usmc.mil
Munitions section supplies
squadrons with explosives
For pilots to receive their training hours,
munitions Marines spend their days and
nights at the bomb pad to supply 3rd Marine
Aircraft Wing squadrons with their weapons.
Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11
munitions - part of the ordnance department builds and prepares the aviation ordnance for
squadrons to carry out their air-to-air and airto-ground missions.
“If they don’t make mission, the pilots
don’t train,” said Gunnery Sgt. Roosevelt
Simmons, the MAG-11 ordnance staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge. “If the
pilots don’t train, then the pilots can’t qualify
to go to combat.”
The ordnance departments’ mission is to
support MAG-11’s fixed and rotorary-wing
squadrons with ordnance and aircraft armament equipment, explained Simmons.
While in garrison, MALS-11 supplies the
squadrons’ explosives and ordnance for training purposes, explained Simmons.
“However in Iraq, they’re building ordnance 24 hours a day for combat operations,”
he said.
“We have a lot of smart weapons that
require more than just a wrench and a hammer to put together,” said Simmons. “The
munitions side of the house is the meat and
potatoes of what we do.”
The munitions section is responsible for
all of the ordnance needs for 3rd MAW
squadrons,
explained
Sgt.
Kevin
Mitchelldyer, a munitions Marine.
“Munitions issues the aviation ordnance to
the squadron.”
When MALS-11 receives a request, they
order ordnance from station ordnance who
then delivers munitions to MALS-11, according to Simmons.
The munitions section assembles, inventories, inspects, and transports the ordnance
to the squadrons at the combat aircraft loading area on the flight line.
The section works long-hard hours in any
climactic conditions, explained Sgt. Todd
Reifsnyder, the quality assurance safety
observer.
To ensure the Marines follow the correct
procedures while working, a bomb team must
work together, according to Simmons.
“At a minimum, it takes four Marines to
comprise a bomb build-up group,” said
Simmons. “We have a quality assurance safety observer, a team leader and two team
members.”
The QASO usually has the most experience, explained Reifsnyder.
“My role is to teach and observe while
making sure everyone is doing everything
safely,” said Reifsnyder.
The team leader does most of the teaching, working hands on with the team mem-
bers, according to Reifsnyder.
Some example of the bombs the Marines
build include laser-guided bombs, satellitetracked bombs, land-mine bombs and the list
continues, explained Simmons.
To complete their mission, the munitions
Marines must qualify every six months to
handle explosives, explained Simmons.
To deliver ordnance, the drivers must
have explosive driver certification, according
to Simmons. Hours before the sunrise, the
drivers pick up ordnance from the bomb pad
and bring it to the CALA.
“All ordnance men are required to have a
7-ton, a humvee and a forklift license,” said
Simmons.
Safety remains paramount when handling
explosives, explained Simmons.
“The Marines have to go through extensive explosive training in order to understand
what they are dealing with and the safety precautions,” said Simmons.
The potential dangers include heavy ordnance falling off of a trailer onto someone’s
foot, high explosives detonating from radio
frequencies or impact warheads exploding if
they fell from the trailer, explained Simmons.
The different bombs and missiles weigh
as much as 2,000 pounds.
“The bomb pad is our office,” said Cpl.
Anthony Gardner, a team leader. “To be in
munitions, you have to be ready to work.”
One thousand pound joint direct attack
munition bombs are just one of the
bombs the munitions Marines assemble at the bomb pad. Once the bombs
are released from the aircraft, the
bomb’s Global Positioning Satellite
guides the bomb to the target regardless of weather.
January 25, 2008 Flight Jacket Page 9
feature
Former 3rd MAW Marine passes knowledge
MURRIETTA,
Calif.
–
Marines go on to pursue many
walks of life after leaving the
active ranks. Some may hang
their neatly pressed uniforms in
closets and reminisce about the
journey they’ve taken during
their career in the Marine Corps.
For a former sergeant major
of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing,
his journey after retirement led
him to Murrieta Valley High
School’s Marine Corps Junior
Reserve Officer Training Corps.
Retired Sgt. Maj. Gilmore
Richter, a native of Evansville,
Ind., became an instructor for the
school’s JROTC program in
1993, shortly after ending his
30-year career.
“The 3rd MAW commanding
general called me into his office
and handed me a piece of paper
and told me, ‘I think you would
do a good job at this when you
retire,’” explained Richter. “We
didn’t have Marine ROTC when
I was growing up so I didn’t
know what it was until I got
here.”
The adjustment from working
with active-duty Marines to high
school students wasn’t a hard
transition,
said
Richter.
However, learning how to work
in a non-military job was the
hardest.
“Having
been
around
Marines for 30 years is why it
was so hard for me to adjust to
working with civilians,” said
Richter. “I quickly learned that
military life and civilian life are
completely different.”
Richter still wakes up at 4:30
a.m., to get to the office at 5:30
a.m., and get the day started, just
like when he was active duty,
according to retired Lt. Col.
William Akana, the senior
Marine instructor at the school.
“Sergeant major doesn’t
know he’s retired,” said Akana,
who has worked one semester
with Richter. “His dedication to
this program and these kids is
beyond what anyone would
expect.”
Richter continually looks out
for the welfare of his cadets,
explained Akana. He constantly
checks grades, and asks questions to make sure the students
are performing to the best of
their abilities.
As a Vietnam War veteran
and former drill instructor,
Richter has a vast amount of
knowledge to pass on to the
JROTC students.
While his class takes notes,
Richter walks among the students, telling them about his
experiences and the importance
of creating a good image of
themselves.
“Every day, I tell my students
to think twice about the actions
they take,” said Richter. “I ask
the students if what they do is
going to positively affect the
school’s perception of the program.”
In addition to making sure the
cadets are behaving away from
the classroom, Richter also
introduces his students to
resources to help them with decisions and issues they face.
“Sergeant major has been
helping me with finding infor-
mation on how I can get into the
U.S. Naval Academy,” said
Cadet Lance Cpl. Ben Walters, a
sophomore in the school’s
JROTC program. “He always
takes his time to ensure all students get what they are looking
for.”
Since 1993, more than 100
JROTC cadets from the school
decided to join the military with
more than 40 joining the Marine
Corps, explained Richter.
“I enjoy former students of
mine who come in to talk to me
about their experiences in Iraq,”
said Richter. “I become more
relaxed knowing they went there
and came home safely.”
Now fifteen years retired,
Richter continues to wear the
high-and-tight while proudly
wearing his sergeant major rank
on his neatly pressed combat
utility uniform, teaching JROTC
students the meaning of honor,
courage and commitment.
Retired Sgt. Maj. Gilmore Richter instructs Cadet Private Aaron Saenz during his class
at Murrieta Valley High School Jan. 30. Richter spent two years as the sergeant major
of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing from 1992-1993. Richter took on the responsibilities as
an instructor shortly after he ended his 30-year career in the active ranks.
feature
Military OneSource provides assitance for tax season
Service members and their
families have an abundance of
resources to help them adjust to
the military lifestyle.
The Web site www.militaryonesource.com offers resources
all under one organized Web site
to include assistance for filing
taxes.
With the arrival of tax season, H&R Block offers free tax
preparation and filling through
TaxCut Basic Online for service
members and their families.
Along with tax assistance,
the Web site has multiple links
to assist service members with
their financial quests.
“It’s a one-stop shop for
information,” said Angel DeLuz,
a spokesperson for Military
OneSource here.
“Whatever you need-- a
babysitter, a plumber, or someone to give you tips on how to
communicate with your teenager, Military OneSource can provide it,” said Army Lt. Col. Les’
Melnyk, a Department of
Defense spokesperson. “It offers
help with personal finances,
support
during
emotional
deployments, relocation information and resources needed for
special circumstances around
the clock.”
The Web site brings all these
things together under one roof,
Melnyk explained.
The DoD provides this free
service for all service members
and their families.
Whether it’s help with child
care, personal finances or emotional support during deployments, Military OneSource provides resources for military personnel and their families 24
hours a day, according to the
Web site.
“Military
OneSource
extends the existing family support system,” said
M e l n y k .
“Programs provided are especially beneficial
to those geographically separated from installation services or those unable to
seek assistance during traditional working hours.”
With the deployment of 3rd
Marine Aircraft Wing, many
family members may have questions regarding the deployment,
relocating, money or parenting
situations such as those with a
d e p l o y e d
spouse.
For information regarding
military installations the Web
site also provides directories.
“Military
OneSource will
provide referrals
to non-medical,
short-term, solution-focused,
face-to-face and telephonic
counseling,” said Melnyk.
“Counseling services focus on
issues such as normal reactions
to abnormal situations, couples
concerns, family relationships,
grief, adjustment to deployment,
stress management and parenting.”
For issues requiring face-toface counseling, a consultant
can refer a service member or
family member to a licensed
professional counselor in the
local community for six sessions
per issue free of cost, according
to the Web site.
For more information, visit
the Web site or contact the
Military OneSource help center
at 800-342-9647.
feature
Robin Brumbley, the class instructor, teaches the tap and ballet class for children ages 3 through 5 at the Youth and Teen Center Jan. 31. This class takes place Thursdays from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. followed by a jazz and hip-hop class from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Throughout the week at the
Youth and Teen Center here, children have the opportunity to take
part in various types of dance classes.
The center takes new enrollees
for weekly dance classes for children
2 to 8 years old for the cost of $30
per month.
“It allows the parents to expose
their children to the fine arts and
gives their child an opportunity to
explore their hidden talents,” said
Monica Romero, the recreation specialist here.
The classes consist of different
dance styles, from jazz to creative
movement.
“This class is such a success,”
said Angelique Diaz-Love, a
resource and referrals specialist here.
“Those little girls love it because
they want to be princesses.”
Throughout the year, the children
perform at various events as well.
For more information, contact
the youth center at 858-577-6965.
Youth center
teaches dance
Robin Brumbley, the instructor
of the class, works closely with
the children to make sure each
child gets the same attention.
Throughout the year, the children perform in several events
including the station’s annual
winter carnival.
Robin Brumbley, the class instructor, has been teaching the classes here for seven years. Each class costs $30 a month.
health & recreation
Stroller circuit course in full
swing, helps parents stay fit
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar service members, Department of Defense
employees, and their spouses can meet at the
track outside the Miramar Sports Complex
every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 a.m.
to 10:30 a.m. for the stroller circuit course.
The course helps new parents get in better
shape while watching their children.
“The purpose of the program is to give
mothers a way to lose postpartum weight
from pregnancy, while bonding with their
babies,” said Lora Plavcan, a personal trainer
at The Barn fitness center here. “It’s a challenge for many moms to stay in shape after
giving birth, so this will help them have time
to work out without needing to hire a sitter.”
The fitness experts have designed the
course for mothers, but fathers are encouraged to attend and bond with their babies as
well, explained Plavcan.
The parents start their workout with a
warm-up, which consists of running around
the track for a few laps while pushing their little ones in a stroller.
After the warm-up, the parents perform
lunges, squats and a variety of strengthening
exercises with their children within arms
reach.
While the parents work out the babies can
see their parents from the comfort of the
stroller.
Plavcan plans to broaden the workout to
allow parents to perform exercises while
holding their babies, enhancing the physical
workout of the course.
“The idea of the course is to have it resemble the fun and laid back style of basic high
school physical education classes people took
when they were younger,” said Plavcan. “All
the parents need is a stroller and their baby.”
Plavcan and Amy Tisland, also a personal
trainer, started the course Jan. 8.
For more information, parents call 858577-9143.
Niu Nelson, a participant in the stroller circuit course, leads a group of women in lunges during the course here, Jan.
31. The course allows parents to watch their children while getting in shape.
community announcements
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Now – Feb 29
Now – March 4
Fri, Feb 8
Sat, Feb 9
Mon, Feb 11
Tues, Feb 12
Feb 13 & 14
Wed, Feb 13
Sat, Feb 16
MCX NEWS
-Youth Outdoor Spring Soccer Registration, $45/person, 858-577-6959 to register
-Operation Swimsuit Program, Tuesdays, 9 - 10 a.m., Semper Fit Center, 858-577-1331 to register
*Spouses Deployment Support Group, 10 – 11 a.m. or 12 – 1 p.m., LINKS House, 858-437-7841
-Crabfest, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., Officers’ Club, 858-577-4808 for reservations
-L.I.N.K.S. Session, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., LINKS House, 858-577-4810 to register
-Marine Teen Training, 10:30 am, Miramar Sports Complex, 858-577-4128
-Baby Boot Camp 9 am – 4 p.m., L.I.N.K.S. House, New Parent Support, 858-577-9812
-Alcoholics Anonymous 12-Step Study Group, 6:30 p.m., Counseling Center, 858-577-6585
-QOL Golf: Two Hours After Twilight Starts FREE Golf for Miramar Active Duty, 858-577-4155
-New Parent Support Play Morning, 9:30 – 11 am, Mills Park, 858-577-9812
-Intramural 6 vs. 6 Soccer League Starts, Tues & Thurs at 11:15 a.m. & 12:15 p.m., 858-577-1202
-Smoking Cessation Class 2 of 3, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Semper Fit Center, 858-577-1331 to register
-S.E.A.M.S. (Self Employed Assoc. of Military Spouses) Meeting, 12 – 1 p.m., The Hub, 858-577-6491
-Marine Teen Training, 6:30 pm, Miramar Sports Complex, 858-577-4128
-Key Volunteer Basic Training, 6 – 9 p.m., L.I.N.K.S. House, 858-577-4810
-Career and Education Fair at MCRD, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Field House Gym, 619-524-5732/8440/1283
-Career Resource Center, “Federal Jobs & Applications”, 1-3 pm, The HUB, 858-577-6710
-Domestic Violence Awareness, 1 – 3 p.m., Counseling Center, 858-577-6585 to register
-Anger Management II, 1 – 3 p.m., Counseling Center, 858-577-6585 to register
Thurs, Feb 14
-Career Resource Center, “LAPD Testing”, 5 – 7 pm, The HUB, 858-577-6710 Feb 15 – 18 Fri, Feb 15
-Marine Teen Training, 10:30 am, Miramar Sports Complex, 858-577-4128
-Parents Night Out, 4:30 – 11:30 p.m., Youth Center, $10/child, 858-577-4136 to register
The MCX Florist is offering a deal, from February 7 – 14, for
that special someone on Valentine’s Day.
We can deliver on or off base and nationwide. See store for
details or call 858-695-7242 for more information.
Snacks are now available at the MCX Main Store by Central
Check Out. Get a boost of energy before you shop! Drinks, sandwiches, yogurt, salads, pastries and much more are now available.
Looking for a great gift? Don’t forget about the MCX Gift
Card: The perfect gift for all occasions. The gift cards are available in any denomination and can be purchased at any register.
Fri, Feb. 8
National Treasure: Book of
Secrets (PG)
6:30 p.m.
No Country for Old Men (R)
9 p.m.
Sat, Feb. 9.
P.S. I Love you (PG)
6:30 p.m.
National Treasure: Book of
Secrets (PG)
9 p.m.
Sun, Feb. 10.
The Water Horse: Legend of The
Deep (PG)
1:00 p.m.
*I Am Legend (PG-13)
6:30 p.m.
WE’RE HERE TO SERVE YOU
Eat your heart out healthy microwave class
Are you interested in learning how to cook healthy meals in your microwave? If so, Semper Fit is offering a Healthy Microwave Cooking
Class on Tuesday, February 12 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at The Great Escape in The Hub. They will have food already prepared and you will
be given an opportunity to cook your own healthy food item during the class. Call 858-577-7963 to sign up or for more information.
Combat operational stress seminar
The Combat Operational Stress (COS) Seminar is a two hour class that will provide education, solutions and resources to understand and
cope with COS. Participants will learn what COS is, how it affects people, and what can be done to cope with COS. This seminar is open
to returning marines and sailors from OIF/OEF, unit leaders, and family members and will be offered every second Wednesday from 2 –
4 p.m. Call 858-577-6585 to register for this class or for more information.
Hoops & Hearts Women’s Basketball Tournament
Stop by the Semper Fit Center on Saturday and Sunday, February 9 & 10 for the Hoops & Hearts Women’s Basketball Tournament. This tournament will include the Women’s Varsity Teams from the Marine Corps. Games will be played on Saturday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday from
9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Call 858-577-1202 for more information.
Deployment support groups for kids and spouses
The Marine Corps Family Team Building Department offers Deployment Support Groups for Military Children and Spouses. The children’s
groups, for preschoolers, are offered at the Teen Center on Mondays at 3:15 or 4:15 p.m., Tuesdays at 2 or 3:45 p.m. and Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m.
for preschoolers and 4 p.m. for elementary age. Call
858-577-6959 for more information on the children’s groups. The spouse group is offered on Fridays in the L.I.N.K.S. House from 10 – 11 a.m.
or 12 – 1 p.m. Call 858-577-4810 for more information on the spouse groups.
Wed, Feb. 13. The Kite Runner (PG-13)
6:30 p.m.
Thurs, Feb. 14. Bee Movie(PG)
2:00 p.m. (free showing)
P.S. I Love You (PG-13)
6:30 p.m.
*Indicates Last Showing
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Breakfast burrito program
The mess hall has begun a
breakfast burrito program. It will
be available through the fast food
window only Monday through
Friday 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. The
cost is $2.10 or free with a meal
card.
Hearts for Heroes
The San Diego Blue Star Mothers
of America is sponsoring the
Hearts for Heroes Valentine’s Day
card campaign. Those wishing to
send a card to deployed troops
contact the mothers at 760-5944853, or visit www.sdncbluestarmothers.org.
Sundays 11 a.m. mass. Every
Friday of lent at 6 p.m. For
Protestants there will be worship
sessions every Sunday at 9 a.m.
and a bible study at 7 p.m. with a
morning prayer group at 6 a.m.
Tuesdays.
Lent services
The Lent religious services are
as followed for Catholics: All
Tax Center open
The tax center at the legal
assistance office offers free tax fil-
ing and assistance. They are open
from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday
through Friday. For more information contact the legal assistance
office at 857-577-1040
3rd MAW Band Seeking OJT
Marines
The 3rd MAW Band is currently looking for Marines who play
musical instruments to participate
in on-the-job training. For more
information on the program, contact Staff Sgt. David Morrell at
858-577-8301.
Want To Be An Officer?
Marines interested in the
MECEP program must have a current SAT or ACT score. The education center in The Hub offers the
SAT the second Tuesday and
fourth Thursday of every month.
For more information, call 858577-1801.

3rd MAW Fwd. takes command in Iraq

Transcription

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