Sailors, Marines and Santa Bring Gifts to Singapore Children during Port Visit

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Alan Gragg, Amphibious Squadron 5 Public Affairs

SINGAPORE (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), along with a surprise visitor from the North Pole, brought holiday gifts to children at the "Child at Street 11" care center in Singapore, Dec. 22.

The event was part of a scheduled community service project during the ship's port visit, and Chief Warrant Officer Marc Lefebvre saw the opportunity to bring smiles to children's faces.

He dressed as Santa Claus and presented gifts to the children, along with other Sailors and Marines from Makin Island.

"Even though I don't get to be with my kids, it's nice to still be with kids and celebrate this time of year," said Lefebvre. "Most of the community service projects I've done involve a lot of maintenance and upkeep, but one the unique thing about this one was that you got to see the reaction of what it meant to the people you were helping, and I think the kids really enjoyed it."

Lulu Suresh, an English teacher at the center, said having special visitors is memorable for the children.

"At Street 11, the children basically come from disadvantaged, dysfunctional families," said Suresh. "So when they saw Santa Claus coming, you could really see their excitement, and hear it too."

"Once he sat down, they were trying to figure out if he was the real Santa, taking his hat off and having lots of fun," she added.

One Makin Island Sailor, who speaks Chinese-Mandarin, interacted with a group of girls using two languages during the event.

"In Chinese, we did a simple introduction-'What's your name? Where are you from? and how old are you?' but they wanted to practice their English too," said Logistics Specialist Seaman Danni Li.

"They also told me they were so surprised to see us, and they said they were so happy to get lots of gifts this Christmas," Li added.

After Santa gave each child a present, the children opened their gifts with help from the Sailors and Marines and spent the rest of the time playing together.

"We basically made the children a little bit happier, for one day at least," said Sgt. Jared Buell, assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). "Coming here and just seeing their facial expressions, receiving the gifts, it was a good thing."

Buell shared a photo of his own children with the Street 11 kids and said he was happy to see some youthful smiles this time of year.

"I wanted to help out and be around children," said Buell. "Not being around mine, I felt like this was a good thing to do, since I'm missing some big seasons being away from home."

For their appreciation of the gifts, the children presented the most senior military member in attendance, Capt. Humberto L. Quintanilla II, commander of Amphibious Squadron 5, with a photo plaque.

Child at Street 11 is a multi-racial, secular, independent, non-profit organization dedicated to helping low-income and dysfunctional families provide quality early years for their children.

Makin Island and the embarked 11th MEU departed San Diego Nov. 14 and are currently deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR), supporting the nation's maritime strategy.

The mission of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group is to help provide deterrence, promote peace and security, preserve freedom of the seas and provide humanitarian/disaster response as well as supporting the Navy's Maritime Strategy when forward deployed.

The 7th Fleet AOR includes more than 52 million square miles of the Pacific and Indian oceans, stretching from the international date line to the east coast of Africa, and from the Kuril Islands in the north to the Antarctic in the south.

More than half of the world's population lives within the 7th Fleet AOR. In addition, more than 80 percent of that population lives within 500 miles of the oceans, which means this is an inherently maritime region.

DOD Releases Sexual Assault Report, Announces New Policies

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 27, 2011 - Defense Department officials today released the "Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the Military Service Academies," covering the academic year from June 1, 2010, to May 31, 2011.

The report shows an increase in reports of sexual assault, with 65 reports of sexual assault involving cadets and midshipmen, compared to 41 reports in the previous academic year.

"One sexual assault is one too many," Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said in a DOD news release.

"Whether it's in our academies or our ranks, at sea or ashore, there's no place for this unacceptable behavior," he continued. "We treat each other with dignity in this institution. I expect everyone in this department to live up to that high standard."

In the release, Air Force Maj. Gen. Mary Kay Hertog, director of the department's sexual assault prevention and response office, stressed the importance of accountability and for victim support.

"We know that the military academies are similar to college campuses around the country in that sexual harassment and assault are challenges that all faculty, staff and students need to work to prevent," she said. "However, when it does occur, we owe it to those who have been victimized, and to every cadet and midshipman, to do everything possible to provide needed support and to hold those who commit sexual assault appropriately accountable."

During the comprehensive review outlined in the report, defense officials visited the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., and the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. They reviewed each institution's policies, training and procedures, and held focus groups with cadets and midshipmen.

Officials found that most academy programs fulfilled or surpassed the requirements of existing DOD policies and directives.

"We also identified areas for improvement to enhance programs and ensure compliance with the department's policies," Hertog said. "In our oversight role, my office will follow up with the academies every six months to ensure the necessary improvements are implemented in a timely manner."

One required improvement is that academies evaluate and measure their sexual harassment and assault prevention programs.

Defense officials also today announced two new policies relating to sexual assault.

One allows a service member who makes an unrestricted report of a sexual assault to request an expedited transfer to a new duty station. A restricted report, which is confidential, allows a victim to seek medical aid and counseling but is not communicated to the chain of command.

The second new policy standardizes retention periods for sexual assault records across the military services to ensure victims have extended access to those documents.

"This is a leadership issue, first and foremost, so I also expect us to lead with integrity and with energy to eliminate sexual assault and harassment from our culture," Panetta said. "I'm confident the steps we are taking are the right ones, but we must continue to improve."

Makin Island Sailors and Marines Celebrate Christmas in Singapore

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) David P. McKee, USS Makin Island (LHD 8) Public Affairs

SINGAPORE (NNS) -- While there certainly wasn't snow in the forecast for the local climate, Sailors and Marines assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) still showed signs of holiday spirit by celebrating the Christmas holiday in Singapore, Dec. 25.

Most Sailors and Marines on liberty celebrated their holiday in Singapore with shopping, seeing movies, dining at local restaurants and sight seeing.

For Ships Serviceman 3rd Class Jose Plamarrero, getting out in town afforded him the opportunity to take advantage of technology to keep in touch with his family half a world away through Wi-Fi and Skype.

Those in the ship's duty section had the chance to attend religious services, watch football and Christmas movies, and eat a special turkey dinner prepared by the ship's food service division.

Sailors and Marines not on duty, but who choose to stay on the ship, used the holiday to relax, spend time with shipmates, do some laundry, and enjoy decorating the berthing where they live, which was the case for Private 1st Class Robert Mista assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

"A buddy of mine received some Christmas gifts in the mail, so we are going to decorate our berthing, hang out and watch movies and call home," said Mista.

Newly reporting Seaman Recruit Tania Blanco learned that the Navy's mission does not stop for the holidays when she arrived on the ship Christmas morning at 2 a.m.

There were no decorations to put out. Instead she spent her first Christmas aboard Makin Island putting her clothes away, meeting her shipmates and learning the ship.

Sailors and Marines aboard Makin Island said that spending holidays away from home are challenging but thanks to email, the postal system and international calling cards, staying connected is possible.

Makin Island and the 11th MEU departed San Diego Nov. 14 and are currently deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR), supporting the nation's maritime strategy.

Makin Island is the first U.S. Navy ship to deploy using a hybrid-electric propulsion system. By using this unique propulsion system, the Navy expects over the course of the ship's lifecycle, to see fuel savings of more than $250 million, proving the Navy's commitment to energy awareness and conservation.

The 7th Fleet AOR includes more than 52 million square miles of the Pacific and Indian oceans, stretching from the international date line to the east coast of Africa, and from the Kuril Islands in the north to the Antarctic in the south.

More than half of the world's population lives within the 7th Fleet AOR. In addition, more than 80 percent of that population lives within 500 miles of the oceans, which means this is an inherently maritime region.

Carl Vinson Celebrates Christmas at Sea

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Lori D. Bent, USS Carl Vinson Public Affairs

USS CARL VINSON, At sea (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 celebrated the holiday at sea with a Christmas dinner Dec. 25.

More than 4,000 Sailors gathered to feast on 6,000 pounds of food, ranging from roast pig and poached shrimp to mashed potatoes and stuffing.

"What we do is a morale booster for the crew," said Master Chief Culinary Specialist (SW/AW) Wilfred Cheong, Supply Department's S-2 Division leading chief petty officer. "I hope for all who celebrate Christmas, it will bring back memories of home."

The enlisted mess decks were adorned with red and green table cloths, Christmas trees and lights. Chief petty officers donned aprons and greeted each Sailor as they helped the galley crew serve the meal.

Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 134 Command Master Chief (CMDCM) (SW/AW) William Goforth, volunteered his time to help in the scullery, collecting and washing dishes and utensils.

"I did my mess duty 29 years ago," he said. "I remember the scullery being a hard spot to work in so I took on the challenge of helping in one of the hardest jobs in the galley for Christmas. It shows we do know how tough it is, and it's a good way to say Happy Holidays."

As the crew satisfied their hunger with honey glazed ham and candied yams, holiday greetings from family members and friends back home played over the ship's internal television system. For many Vinson Sailors this was their second consecutive Christmas deployed.

"Despite being away from my family, this Christmas turned out really well," said Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Clive Lindsay, assigned to Reactor Department's Damage Control Division. "I spent time with my friends doing holiday arts and crafts, and we made a point to have Christmas dinner together."

Carl Vinson and CVW 17 are currently underway on a Western Pacific deployment.

USS Mesa Verde Celebrates Christmas Underway

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Josue L. Escobosa, USS Bataan Public Affairs

USS MESA VERDE, At Sea (NNS) -- Deployed Sailors and Marines aboard USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) celebrated Christmas with fellow service members while deployed to the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility Dec. 24-25.

"It's a little bittersweet," said Electronics Technician 3rd Class Keshia Gorby from Ashland, Ohio. "We're away from family, but on the other hand we figure out that they're people that care about us out here too."

The festivities began Christmas Eve with a prize giveaway sponsored by the ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) department. Prizes included Kindles, iPad2s, and gift cards to various retailers.

"I had never won anything so I was very excited to get a Kindle Touch," said Ship's Serviceman 1st Class (SW) Heather Mitchell from Bridgewater, Fla. "It's really good for everyone to win a prize just for being here. MWR has done a great job of making the holiday special."

The ship's SITE TV played traditional Christmas movies, and the ship's choir went caroling throughout the ship.

"This is my first time caroling, so I was a little nervous. But it was really fun bringing some Christmas cheer," said Cpl. Sermantha Clark, from Forest, Miss.

Christmas day started early as the command's religious ministry team opened with an ecumenical Christmas service.

"It is a really special holiday for a lot of people, so setting up for the service was really nice for everyone," said Religious Programs Specialist 3rd Class (FMF) Michael Sency from Kokomo, Ind.

Later that morning, Mesa Verde's divisions held a gift exchange, and service members unwrapped gifts together.

"It was really awesome putting together a 'secret Santa' for my department," said Personnel Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) William Jae from Virginia Beach, Va. "I love Christmas, and I just wanted to make sure everyone had something to open Christmas day. We're all the family we have out here, so we have to make it special for each other, especially our junior guys who aren't used to being away from home for Christmas."

The ship's commanding officer opened up the 1-MC to play Christmas song requests, so Sailors and Marines could share their favorite holiday music. Free calling cards were also handed out, so Sailors and Marines could connect with family members back home.

"Being underway for Christmas is really unique," said Cmdr. John K. Reilley, commanding officer of Mesa Verde, from Port Jefferson, N.Y. "It's sad we can't be home, and I'm sure we would all trade this celebration to be with the ones we miss the most, but we make the best of the holiday and can't wait to be home with them."

The festivities ended that evening with a meal prepared by Mesa Verde's culinary specialists, which included traditional dishes such as ham, steak and an assortment of holiday cookies and pies.

"We always try to make the holidays special, and the meal is a big part of it," said Chief Culinary Specialist (SW) Stephen Meyer from St. Charles, Miss. "Everyone got involved in this meal. The chiefs and gunnery sergeants made the food, the officers served and the first classes took care of the floor. We were all really happy to make the holiday special."

"I like helping people, and it was nice to give the junior Sailors the night off," said Ensign Caitlin Kopp from Flagsville, Tenn. "It's just nice for them to enjoy Christmas and get a chance to socialize during the meal. I haven't had a chance to eat just yet, but I'd like to wish everyone a merry Christmas."

Mesa Verde is deployed as part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Whidbey Island and 22nd MEU Celebrate the Holidays Overseas

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Rachael L. Leslie, USS Whidbey Island Public Affairs

USS WHIDBEY ISLAND, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines aboard amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) celebrated the holidays while deployed in the Arabian Gulf, Dec. 25.

Despite being far from home, different organizations throughout the ship came together to sing Christmas carols, hold worship services, host a gift giveaway, hand out greeting cards, and create an elaborate holiday feast for the crew.

"We have been away from our families for a while now, and coming together as a ship to celebrate the holidays takes some of that sting away," said Cmdr. Eric L. Conzen, commanding officer. "We have grown close over the last nine months. Holiday meals, a very special Christmas Eve mail delivery, an MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation) gift extravaganza, holiday routine, and phone calls home are just a few of the ideas the crew had to keep our spirits bright."

On Christmas Eve, amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) delivered 14,564 pounds of mail to Whidbey Island, providing the crew with many long-awaited holiday care packages from home. That night, first class petty officers volunteered to make and serve the traditional Saturday night pizza dinner to the crew, giving the ship's cooks a break before the holiday meal.

"I think everyone did a really great job trying to make the best out of a tough situation," said Engineman 3rd Class Annette Storms. "My favorite parts of the festivities were the gifts and the food, especially the fresh-baked bread."

The crew was also able to enjoy a little down time over the weekend in honor of the holiday. The ship's Junior Enlisted Association (JEA) handed out holiday cards and candy canes. The Religious Ministries department organized a special holiday worship service on Christmas Eve and followed with both Protestant and Catholic worship services Christmas morning.

"The camaraderie and fellowship of shipmates can overcome any obstacle," said Conzen. "All of the events we were engaged in over the holiday period came from suggestions from the crew and embarked Marines. Even though the nation's business has us away from our families at home, we can still enjoy the holidays with our 'family at sea.'"

One of the most anticipated events was the gift extravaganza hosted by the ship's MWR committee. The team raises money throughout the year by hosting fundraisers and the ship's store sales. This year they raised enough to spend more than $16,000 on gifts for the event.

"This give away is something that allows the Sailors and Marines to possibly receive a gift for the holidays. The holidays are normally spent with family and loved ones, and this is a little way we can get our 'military family' together to celebrate the holidays," said Electrician's Mate 2nd Class (SW) Evelyn Slater, president of the MWR committee. "It is a big morale booster not only to those who win the gifts, but the ones in the crowd cheering on for their friends. It can be tough to get into the holiday spirit while deployed, so we tried to bring as much of it out as we could. We even had a crew member dressed up as Santa."

Ten percent of all Sailors and Marines on board won gifts at the event, including LCD TVs, iPads, laptop computers, tablets, iPods, digital cameras, Wiis, Xbox 360s, Playstation 3s, Nintendo DSs, portable DVD players, surround sound systems, MP3 players, and much, much more. In addition to the electronics, they also gave away $100 gift cards, and one $800 Navy Exchange gift certificate.

"MWR Committee gets its support from the crew, so without everyone who has supported us throughout the deployment, this would not have been possible," said Slater. "I am very thankful to the crew for coming out and supporting their MWR."

Following the gift giveaway, the crew only had to wait a few hours before they could enjoy an elaborate holiday meal created by Sailors and Marines in the Supply department's S-2 division.

"While away from our families, friends and loved ones, we try our best to make all holidays as special as possible. Providing a great meal with all of the trimmings brings much joy and satisfaction to our crew, and boosts morale and camaraderie," said Lt. Ernesto Ureta, ship's supply officer. "I am blessed to have the best culinary specialists in the Navy on my food service team. The hard-working folks in our galley bake shop and mess decks really bring the holiday seasons to life with their superb culinary skills and talents.

The meal composed of prime rib, roasted turkey, baked ham, fresh-baked rolls, shrimp cocktail, mashed potatoes, cornbread dressing, corn and green bean casserole, assorted pies and ice cream, and many more traditional holiday favorites.

"It is my hope the crew takes away a sense of closeness and unity as we share our Christmas meal together," said Ureta. "We are more than a crew or team on this ship; we are a big diverse family that has endured many long days, overcome numerous trials and stand together to serve our country and support each other in all situations."

"The entire Blue/Green Team 41 has pulled together to make this a holiday to be remembered," said Conzen. "We can't be home with our families right now, but we will have many stories to tell them when we get home."

Whidbey Island is deployed as part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts is the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility.

Jefferson City Celebrates Christmas at Sea

By Ensign Ian Henry, USS Jefferson City Public Affairs

USS JEFFERSON CITY, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors aboard Los Angles attack submarine USS Jefferson City (SSN 759) participated in a special holiday celebration, Dec. 25.

The crew went to great lengths to keep the holiday spirit while remaining focused on their mission.

"During the last port visit in Bahrain, I put a lot of holiday music on my phone to help bring in the Christmas spirit," said Electronics Technician 3rd Class Patrick Lopez.

Culinary specialists and temporarily assigned food service personnel served a holiday feast to the crew. The meal included lobster tails, turkey, ham, stuffing, potatoes, yams, and an assortment of pies, candy and cakes.

"The pecan pie is the best here, but I was really impressed when I saw there was eggnog," said Machinist's Mate Weaponry 2nd Class Norman Williams. "Our boat has the best chefs in our squadron."

Jefferson City wrapped up the holiday celebration with a few remarks from the Chief of the Boat, Master Chief Electronics Technician Steven Jennings.

"Deployment during the holidays is a challenging time for our Sailors to be away from their families. The crew has worked hard and looked forward to the holiday celebration together at sea."

Jefferson City is assigned to Commander, Task Force 54, which commands U.S. submarine forces and coordinates theater-wide anti-submarine warfare in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Bataan's Sailors, Marines Celebrate Holiday Season at Sea

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Erin Lea Boyce, USS Bataan Public Affairs

USS BATAAN, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines stationed aboard multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) found different ways to celebrate the holidays while continuing to fulfill their mission Dec. 25.

Bataan is underway in the ninth month of a deployment which began three-and-a-half months early on March 23. The ship is currently in the Gulf of Aden. Bataan has been deployed for nine months and is on track to complete the longest deployment in more than 35 years. Crew members decorated office doors, workspaces, and berthings with holiday decorations. Bataan's commanding officer will award a prize to the division with the most creative decorations.

"After we hung the stockings, built the tree, and built a pretend fireplace, we were able to feel what time of year it is," said Electronics Technician 3rd Class (SW) Randall Howe. "The last thing we hung was a shop photo that we have come to call a family portrait. I guess it's true that Christmas can bring people together, even when you're deployed."

Bataan's Morale, Recreation and Welfare (MWR) program held raffles for Sailors and Marines, with prizes ranging from iPads to a Play Station 3 every day throughout December.

"It's important to bring the holiday spirit to the crew, because it's difficult to be away from home and friends and family during the holidays," said Meghan Heine, MWR coordinator. "Even though we're at sea, it's still the Christmas season. Everyone will be able to say they spent Christmas at sea, and in the future they should be able to look back and say it still felt like the holidays. And there were some similarities and normal holiday things that took place, such as the stockings we passed out to every Sailor and Marine -- all 2,400 of them. We also have Christmas movies playing on the mess decks."

Despite being so far from home and loved ones, MWR also gave Sailors and Marines a variety of ways to spread holiday cheer throughout the ship. Activities included stuffing stockings, making ornaments and Christmas caroling. Some of the ship's departments made special contributions to the crews' holiday season; Supply department's culinary specialists created a huge holiday meal for the crew that included traditional food items such as ham, turkey, stuffing, and sweet potato pie.

"A lot of hard work went into the meals that the crew enjoyed," said Lt.j.g. Jermaine Seals, Bataan's food service officer. "I felt such a sense of accomplishment when I saw the crew just smiling, laughing, and truly enjoying the meal and each others company."

Bataan's Religious Ministries Department held special holiday services, including a Christmas Eve ecumenical service that featured two ship's musicians leading Sailors and Marines in hymns and carols. The chaplains covered a variety of celebrations from Hanukkah to Christmas. Executive department is also featuring Christmas movies and new movie releases for Bataan to boost the morale of the crew.

"Our extended deployment started early, and it's running long. But through teamwork, this crew and the embarked Marines are finishing strong," said Capt. Erik M. Ross, Bataan's commanding officer. "We are supporting national tasking, and we will continue to do so during the holidays. But it's important to be able to take a few moments to remember our loved ones back home, and to remember why we need to continue to stand the watch at sea."

Bataan is the command ship of the Bataan Amphibious Ready group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

USS Boxer Hosts 2011 Holiday Bowl Luncheon

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Fletcher Gibson, USS Boxer Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) hosted the 34th Annual Navy/Marine Corps Luncheon Dec. 26, honoring both teams competing in this year's Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl.

This year's bowl teams are the University of California Golden Bears and the University of Texas Longhorns football teams.

Nearly 1,000 players, coaching staff members and Boxer Sailors mingled in the ship's hangar bay for the event.

The program kicked off with a Battle of the Bands between the two universities' respective marching bands on pier 13 at Naval Base San Diego where Boxer is moored. The attendants then moved into the ship's hangar bay for a more solemn opening ceremony, including a live reenactment of the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima, the parading of colors by Boxer's Color Guard, and the national anthem performed by Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Marqueta Rodgers who will also sing the anthem at the Holiday Bowl game.

While the luncheon honored both teams, attendees also took time to recognize the third team present: the Navy/Marine Corps team.

"I launched from this very ship into Afghanistan," said Bridgepoint Education Senior Vice President of Strategy Doug Abts, referring to his days as a Navy SEAL. "I feel very lucky to have played on that team."

"We feel like you guys give us the freedom to play football," agreed Longhorn linebacker Keenan Robinson, a senior at the University of Texas. "We play this game to honor you guys."

The luncheon saw the continuation of another Holiday Bowl tradition as two Boxer Sailors were selected by the teams' coaches to serve as honorary team captains, sitting with their teams at the game and even participating in the game's opening coin toss. Golden Bears coach Jeff Tedford selected California native Machinist Mate 3rd Class Dustin Caldwell, while native Texan Quartermaster 2nd Class Darren Griggs will join Longhorns coach Mack Brown and his crew.

"I've been a fan since I was little," Caldwell said. "It'll be great being on the sidelines and meeting all the players."

The game is set to kick off at 5p.m. Dec. 28 at Qualcomm Stadium.

Medical Personnel Embarked on HSV 2 Swift Visit Regional Hospital in El Salvador

By Spc. Jennifer Grier, High Speed Vessel-Southern Partnership Station 2012 Public Affairs

SAN MIGUEL, El Salvador (NNS) -- The medical team assigned to High Speed Vessel (HSV 2) Swift took a tour of the regional hospital "San Juan De Dios," in San Miguel, El Salvador as part of HSV-Southern Partnership Station 2012 (HSV-SPS 12), Dec. 21.

The visit included a tour of the hospital and a meeting with the regional hospital director, Dr. Jose Manuel Pecheco Paz.

"It is important that you see how our facilities work, so that we may get your take on how we can improve our facility, and so that we may exchange knowledge and all grow from this experience," said Paz.

During the three-week port visit, the medical team visited five other local medical facilities in El Salvador. The medical teams conducted subject matter expert exchanges (SMEEs) with Salvadoran doctors within the same fields. The exchange focused on U.S. Air Force Maj. Brant Lutsi and his expertise as a doctor in gastroenterology and the hospital gastroenterologist Dr. Francisco Cubias Ancheta.

"It was important for me to see how gastroenterologists cope and treat their diseases without the assistance and technology that doctors are used to having in the United States," said Lutsi. "Because of this visit, I will be able to use the techniques I have learned today to improve patient care when resources may be limited during deployments."

The hospital contains 500 beds for patients, and has 7 different departments including emergency care, obstetrics, basic out-patient, surgery, pediatrics, gastroenterology, and nursing. In this hospital there are 300 doctors and 200 nurses.

"This experience was a real eye opener," said U.S. Air Force Maj. Randy Byrd, a registered nurse. "Often when I am working back in the states, I am used to seeing twice as many nurses as doctors, and this visit just goes to show that you can still run a good facility, with direct care and very little resources that we often take for granted."

The medical team's visit to the hospital is one part of the mission during HSV-SPS 12. Service members from each of the armed services are working with the host nation partners, exchanging information regarding veterinary practices, small unit leadership, port security and construction.

Southern Partnership Station is an annual deployment of U.S. ships to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in the Caribbean and Latin America. The mission's primary goal is information sharing with navies, coast guards and civilians in the region.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet (COMUSNAVSO/C4F) supports U.S. Southern Command joint and combined full-spectrum military operations by providing principally sea-based, forward presence to ensure freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain, to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with international partners and to fully exploit the sea as maneuver space in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.

HSV-Southern Partnership Station Departs El Salvador

By Lt. Matthew Comer, High Speed Vessel-Southern Partnership Station 2012 Public Affairs

HSV 2 SWIFT, At Sea (NNS) -- High Speed Vessel (HSV) 2 Swift departed La Union, El Salvador, completing the second stop of HSV-Southern Partnership Station 2012 (HSV-SPS 12), Dec. 22.

Swift visited El Salvador for three weeks to participate in a series of subject matter expert exchanges (SMEEs) with partner nation peers. A U.S. Navy Seabee and U.S. Marine detachment from Swift completed improvements to three Salvadoran schools: Centro Escolar Gregorio Alvarez Nunez, Escuela de Educacion "Maria Luisa Marcia," and Centro Escolar Icacal.

Seabees worked with five Salvadoran military construction specialists to complete the project. The construction projects included fencing, minor plumbing, electrical maintenance, and other small repairs.

"It was really a privilege to get back to El Salvador with the U.S Navy and give back to the country to which I was born," said Builder 1st Class Tony Escobar, a native of El Salvador assigned to Navy Mobile Construction Battalion 23. "It was great to see my family and working with the teachers and students really made me feel like I was part of a community I had been missing for 21 years."

U.S. Marines assigned to the HSV-SPS 12 Marine Detachment worked with more than 25 Salvadoran marines at DM3 military base in La Union. The groups worked together to develop land navigation, small-unit leadership, and marksmanship techniques. Salvadoran marines hosted U.S. Marines at a reception Dec. 20 to celebrate the partnership the two groups had built.

"When I see our Sailors, Marines, Soldiers and Airmen meet with their partner-nation peers, there is always an eagerness to learn and a curiosity about practices and procedures," said Cmdr. Garry Wright, HVS-SPS 12 mission commander. "But at the end of the time together I see friendships you would have thought took years to build."

The SPS Navy Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) team hosted three one-week SMEEs in classrooms aboard Swift with military and civilian Salvadoran security personnel. The weeklong exchanges culminated in a practical exercise designed to develop observation techniques and identify possible risky behaviors. More than 75 Salvadorans participated in the NCIS SMEE over the three-week port visit.

"No matter where you are, security is the cornerstone to successful operations," said Chief Master-at-Arms Jeffrey Bolen, assigned to the SPS NCIS team. "Everywhere we go, we are presented with new challenges and situations. Learning from each other helps you look at circumstances through a different lens, making security plans and strategies more effective."

The veterinary attachment aboard visited several animal care facilities in El Salvador. The trip was highlighted by the SMEE with the trainers of military working dogs in San Salvador and their visit to a Salvadoran sea turtle sanctuary.

"The visit to the sanctuary gave us exposure to something unique and different," said Army Capt. Catie Cook, lead HSV-SPS 12 veterinarian. "It was a rare opportunity to get out and see preservation facilities in other countries and how they take care of wildlife."

The medical detachment also hosted SMEEs in the classrooms aboard the ship. Together with local medical professionals, the group practiced basic lifesaving techniques, suturing, and experts discussed diagnoses and prognoses of common local diseases. The medical teams also visited local hospitals and clinics in the area to meet with local healthcare professionals.

"During discussions, we learned about local medical practices and procedures," said Air Force Maj. Randy Byrd, a nurse assigned to the medical detachment. "What we talked about was very informative and our general practices were very similar. Sometimes the language barrier was difficult to overcome, but when we got down to practical medicine, everyone was very professional."

Twenty-nine pallets of Project Handclasp materials consisting of 85,000 high-calorie meals and medical equipment were off-loaded from Swift to be delivered to local families and clinics in El Salvador. "Loving Hugs" stuffed animals were also handed out to special needs children by the Military Civil Affairs Team aboard Swift to children at Escuela Educacion de Especial "La Union."

"You could see how happy the stuffed animals made the children," said Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Cedric Wright. "It made me feel good because all the kids were smiling, laughing and playing with the toys. The stuffed animals were like an early Christmas present for the children. The parents expressed their gratitude that we had done something for their kids. There is just something about the smile of a child that makes everyone around them happy."

Project Handclasp is a U.S. Navy program that accepts and transports educational, humanitarian and goodwill material donated by America's private sector on a space available basis aboard U.S. Navy ships for distribution to foreign nation recipients.

All branches of U.S. military service are represented on Swift. Specialists from the Seabees, Marines, medical and veterinary fields, NCIS, Expeditionary Security Team, and Maritime Civil Affairs Team are aboard Swift for this mission.

Southern Partnership Station is an annual deployment of U.S. ships to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in the Caribbean and Latin America. The mission's primary goal is information sharing with navy's coast guards and civilians in the region.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet (COMUSNAVSO/C4F) supports U.S. Southern Command joint and combined full-spectrum military operations by providing principally sea-based, forward presence to ensure freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain, to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with international partners and to fully exploit the sea as maneuver space in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.

Zero Tolerance: NCIS Aims to Prevent Sexual Assault Crimes

From Naval Criminal Investigative Service

NORFOLK (NNS) -- In an effort to bring attention to the sexual assault prevention awareness campaign, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) issued important guidelines and tips on how individuals can report and prevent sexual assault crimes through NCIS' Crime Reduction Program, Dec. 26.

The increased prevention awareness campaign is a proactive effort to reduce sexual assaults across the Department of the Navy. NCIS Special Agent Leatrice DeBruhl-Daniels is assigned as the FY12-1st quarter campaign representative for Hampton Roads.

Sexual assault is defined as sexual abuse of an individual by the use of force, threat, or intimidation. Rape, sodomy, sexual battery and attempts to commit these crimes are examples of sexual assault offenses.

Sexual assaults are more prevalent with those who recently enlisted or are away from home for the first time. In many cases, the situations involve alcohol.

Sexual assault crimes are not necessarily isolated on-base. Crimes may also occur in other jurisdictions where local police departments may assume the case - NCIS is still notified.

In the Department of Defense Fiscal Year 2010 Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military, there were 2,617 service members who reported they had been a victim of sexual assault.

Sexual consent must be freely given by a competent person and you cannot force anyone to have sex at any time.

"There is no such thing as drunken consent," said DeBruhl-Daniels. "Drugs and alcohol will impair a person's judgment and may increase sexual desire, therefore, a person's actions may be misunderstood when they are intoxicated. Do what is right morally. If you violate a person's rights and have sex with them without their permission, you may be subject to charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) Article 120."

NAVADMIN 122/11 reinforces Navy's "zero tolerance" sexual assault policy and directs active support from all Sailors - from the deck plates to the blue tile - to successfully eliminate this egregious act from the ranks.

The Navy averages 1.5 reported sexual assaults per day, with aggravated sexual assault accounting for the largest category of offenses reported. Female Sailors have a 20 percent chance of being sexually assaulted during their careers, and the younger they are, the greater the risk of sexual assault.

Under UCMJ Article 120, sexual act crimes, such as rape and aggravated sexual assault, carry very high penalties. Rape itself under the UCMJ can carry a death penalty and the maximum punishment for aggravated sexual assault is 30 years.

"When there is a report of sexual assault, commands are required to report it almost immediately to NCIS," said Cmdr. Frank D. Hutchison, staff judge advocate.

Once NCIS completes their investigation, the case is turned over to the command for disposition.

"Typically, commands will forward the investigative facts to RLSO for analysis of its prosecutorial merit," said Hutchison. "... based on the investigation, [we determine] whether there is a case that can be prosecuted under courts-martial or whether it should be handled at a different level. For the vast majority of sexual assault cases, courts-martial is the appropriate forum. Then at that point, RLSO is the prosecution office, and they work hand-in-hand with NCIS from that stage on."

Victims have a choice of reporting preference as either restricted or unrestricted. Victims who choose to use restricted reporting are only allowed to talk to a victim advocate, sexual assault response coordinator, chaplain or healthcare provider. This ensures that no one without confidentiality knows the details about the case, and it remains confidential until the case is reported to law enforcement, or NCIS, at which time it will automatically become an unrestricted report.

An unrestricted report allows victims to legally pursue the perpetrator. In this option, NCIS, local law enforcement and the command are notified that you are a victim of sexual assault. The command is restricted from conducting their own investigation on the matter, but they will be notified that the event occurred.

Time is of the essence when you have a sexual assault crime, especially if alcohol or some sort of drug influence is involved. The victim should contact NCIS as quickly as possible to investigate their level of consent. Victims should not be afraid of reporting a sexual assault crime to NCIS. Keeping the victim safe is NCIS' main priority in sexual assault cases. Victims will be notified of key steps within the investigation from case initiation to case closure.

Sexual assaults are serious crimes, therefore, victims should not report false sexual assault claims.

Regrettable sex, absent or late for muster with a rape excuse, caught cheating on your spouse or significant other, or becoming pregnant by someone you do not want to be the father of your child are not excuses to report rape and are unacceptable.

If you or someone you know is in need of help, contact the NCIS hotline at (877) 579-3648 or the Sexual Assault Hotline at (800) 656-HOPE (4673). For more information about sexual assault prevention and response, visit www.sapr.mil/.

To view the video online, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqnN25_W2Cc.

Tips on prevention:
* Drink responsibly.
* Have a designated driver
* Know your drinking limits.
* Use a "buddy system" before going out and have a plan.
* Remove your buddy from a risky situation.
* Always be safe

USS Texas Returns from Her Maiden Western Pacific Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ronald Gutridge, COMSUBPAC Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- The Virginia-class submarine USS Texas (SSN 775) returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam after completing her maiden Western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployment Friday, Dec. 23.

"The crews' demeanor is that of excitement and pride as we return from our very successful six month deployment to reunite with our families in our beautiful homeport of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii," said Cmdr. Bob Roncska, commanding officer USS Texas. "The new and advanced capabilities of Texas were showcased, and she met all milestones and exceeded all expectations while conducting missions vital to national security and numerous exercises with our allied partners. It is simply a surreal experience to be commanding officer of the most technically advanced submarine."

This was the first overseas deployment for more than a third of the crew. More than 20 Sailors and three junior officers completed submarine qualifications and are now authorized to wear the Submarine Warfare insignia or better known to submariners as "dolphins".

Texas conducted port visits in Guam; Yokosuka, Japan; Busan, South Korea; and Subic Bay, Philippines. The port visits to Japan and South Korea provided the opportunity for Texas to demonstrate some of the capabilities that a Virginia-Class submarine has to host country distinguished visitors, both civilian and military.

"The crew performed flawlessly, both underway and in-port," said Roncska. "Their abilities as undersea warriors were demonstrated time and again with outstanding results. Their conduct on liberty as ambassadors of the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Submarine Force was impeccable."

Machinist Mate 2nd Class Jared Mankins describes his first deployment as something he will never forget.

"This deployment was a life changing event for me," said Mankins. "Specifically, I experienced foreign cultures and submarine operations you can only imagine about. This ship and crew are awesome!"

Commissioned Sept. 9, 2006, Texas was the second Virginia-class attack submarine constructed and the first submarine to be named after the Lone Star State.
The state-of-the-art submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, naval special warfare involving special operations forces, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

Delivering a piece of home for the holidays

by Senior Airman Jessica Hines
8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

12/21/2011 - KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Airmen at the Kunsan Post Office here continue to receive and separate holiday mail faster than Santa's workshop can make toys.

While Saint Nick's work may end on Christmas day, the whirlwind of holiday mail arriving at the Kunsan Post Office won't let up until mid-January according to the base post master.

With a 40 percent increase in mail during the holiday season, it didn't take very long for the post office to break a record either; on Dec. 14 more than 500 pieces of mail were delivered for servicemembers on base. By the time all the mail was separated, the delivery was closer to 700 pieces ready for distribution. Employees and volunteers, worked hard to organize and deliver every piece of mail.

Airmen interested in volunteering with the Kunsan Post Office can visit the Kunsan SharePoint page and click "Holiday Season Volunteer (Post Office)" under "Sites of Interest".

From falcon to foe, weapons hits the mark

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton
8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

12/27/2011 - KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- As with the overall maintenance of the aircraft, there are other sections at Kunsan responsible for ensuring the Wolf Pack can indeed take the fight north when called upon.

One such section of the 8th Maintenance Group is the weapons standardizations section. For those unfamiliar with the WSS, these are the Airmen tasked with ensuring all weapons Airmen have the skills and knowledge necessary to maintain the weapon systems of the 80th and 35th Fighter Squadron's F-16 Fighting Falcons.

"We ensure they're putting reliable munitions on the aircraft," said Master Sgt. Michale Varney, 8th MXG weapons standardizations superintendent. "And during war time environments, that's the whole point of the aircraft."

"Without the weapons ... our aircraft is just another airline," said Tech. Sgt. Waylon Price, 8th MXG loading standardizations crew member.

Truth be told, across history, ever since the Air Force's mission developed from nothing more than reconnaissance to what it is today, Airmen have been tasked with ensuring their aircraft's weapons systems are operating at the highest standards.

"We are the teeth of the Wolf," said Tech. Sgt. John Torres, 8th MXG loading standardizations crew chief. "Without the training and proficiency evaluations we provide and conduct here, the pilots can't do the mission they came here to do."

That mission, yet another critical component of the Wolf Pack's overall mission, is to provide pilots with a proficient weapons system.

"We are responsible for everything from the moment when the pilot presses the button to when the munitions strike their target," Torres said.

"And that's what we evaluate. Can our crews perform within a set standard the Air Force has established?" added Varney.

Time and time again, Varney and his team are impressed, though they said what the crews do out on the line are a direct reflection of how well the WSS trained them.

"Those load crews are products of our training," said Staff Sgt. Carl Richardson, 8th MXG load crew team chief. "We give them the tools they need to succeed and then evaluate them on how well they use those tools to accomplish the mission."

Torres added these evaluations can happen at any time.

"We perform spot checks at random to keep our guys on their toes," he said. "This way we are afforded the opportunity to catch them at their best, when they're in their element and know no one is focused on their performance."

However, according to Price, quarterly load crew competitions are held among all crews from both fighter squadrons in a public forum.

"We also engage in major command-wide competitions annually," added Price, who has been assigned to units in the Pacific Air Forces for the last 10 years, the most recent three at Kunsan. "These are limited to the peninsula, so us and Osan, but we both host theater support packages with load crews from across the Air Force happy to show off their skills too."

Last year's load competition, hosted by Kunsan, pitted crews from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., RAF Lakenheath, England, Osan Air Base and those assigned to the Wolf Pack.

"It's a friendly competition between all members in our career field," Price continued. "We get to trade war stories and really build a strong sense of camaraderie."

Though they're currently trainers, Varney said his team is recalled to the line during exercises and in the event of a real-world incident.

"Our crews go back to the aircraft maintenance units if war were to break out or for the many exercises we have here at Kunsan," said Varney.

"We're all certified the same way we certify the guys we train," Torres added.

Torres continued to explain that when they go back to their units for exercises, it's to act as exercise evaluation team members.

Yet, at the end of the day, the WSS crew said they couldn't be happier with where they work.

"We're here to maintain and sharpen the Wolf's teeth," Price said. "And thanks to the guys and gals over in the ammo flight for delivering our munitions, this mission can be accomplished as one team, the Wolf Pack."

[Editor's note: This is part two of a three part series highlighting 8th MXG flights charged with ensuring Kunsan maintenance Airmen are completing the mission in compliance with set Air Force standards.]

Budget cuts take toll on military family housing on Okinawa

by Airman 1st Class Maeson L. Elleman
18th Wing Public Affairs

12/27/2011 - KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- The 718th Civil Engineer Squadron, which is the head for all military housing on Okinawa, has suspended the use of unessential services at all Eagle Hardware self-help stores on the island, including Kadena Air Base and Camps Kinser, Foster and Courtney, as well as non-emergent work orders in base housing.

The suspension, due to a substantial cut in the island-wide Department of Defense housing budget, allows the self-help stores to give individuals living in base housing only air conditioner air filters and light bulbs not readily available on the local economy.

"All of this is because of the budgetary cuts," said Lt. Col. Ann Birchard, 718th CES commander. "We took a $5 million cut this year."

The effects to other U.S. military installations on the island are because the 18th Wing is the executive agent to all housing on Okinawa, giving it one of the largest budgets in the DoD.

"It's across the Air Force, across DoD, all of us took cuts, and this was one of the areas," said Birchard. "Since we're the largest in DoD, we have the largest budget, so of course we'll take the largest cut."

Despite the cuts, however, Birchard said not all services at the stores will be halted.
"We're still offering services such as the power washers, carpet cleaners and any tools like gardening tools, hammers or drills," said Birchard.

Emergent care for base housing residents is described as a threat to "life, health or safety," which includes air conditioning, power or water outages, or if an appliance, such as a refrigerator, fails.

Birchard said it's still undetermined whether the budget cut will be permanent or not, but other options are being pursued to save money so the suspension can be lifted.

"We understand it's an inconvenience," said Birchard. "However, with the constrained fiscal environment, we're doing the best that we can."

Birchard said on-base residents can call 315-634-HOME for essential repairs.

Wolf spreads love at post office

12/27/2011 - KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Col. Scott Pleus, 8th Fighter Wing commander, volunteered his time at Kunsan's post office delivering holiday cheer to the Wolf Pack here Dec. 22.

With a 40 percent increase in mail during the holiday season, Pleus and others volunteered to help separate and distribute mail to the Wolf Pack.

Unofficially known as the "Wolf", Pleus and other Wolf Pack commanders were seen at various services facilities all weekend spreading love and joy at every turn.

Cowboy's cheerleaders visit Wolf Pack

8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

12/27/2011 - KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Several cheerleaders from the Dallas Cowboys professional football team visited members of the Wolf Pack here Dec. 21.

The cheerleaders went to the O'Malley Dining Facility, Hangar 3 and the 8th Security Forces Squadron's weapons simulation to autograph photos and take time to thank Airmen and Soldiers.

The cheerleaders make an effort every year to visit Airmen and Soldiers serving in the Pacific Air Forces. These visits are an opportunity for them to show their support for the sacrifices servicemembers make every day.

35, 40 or 50 – Jump Start to General Fitness & Good Health

I have been Powerlifting for 15 years and a member of the National Masters Powerlifting Team for 3 out of the last 6 years. I finished 6^th at the World Championships in the Czech Republic in 2010 and placed in the top 10 in 2005 and again in 2009. 

At 9:50 am EDT September 15, 2011 on Live With Regis and Kelly I officially broke the Guinness World Record for the most amount of weight squat lifted in one hour lifting 127,245 lbs. I guess I should mention I am 21 years older than the former record holder. I was 53 January 2011.

My effort to break the current world record was to bring attention to the fact the adults can continue to remain healthy and get stronger longer than even before,  well into their 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.  

Remember no one is born strong, fit, a fitness expert or a Guinness World Record holder.  Everyone starts at the same base.  Some at an early age in organized sports, some through mid life hobbies, and many because they just enjoy the activity and realize it reduce stress, increases energy and improves general health.  

I realize that taking the first step is intimidating, time consuming and downright hard. On the bright side, exercise provides for more energy, improved or good health, improved performance in hobbies, can be a social boost, and over time can become out and out fun! 

If you are going to a health club hire a professional for at least one or two lessons. Avoid going with friends or relatives. Often they try to help but may be overly aggressive, may show you the wrong techniques, maybe be intimidating and will often be the first step in your not returning to the gym.

If you are venturing into new activities, I highly recommend you find experts in those areas and ask them for help.  Find a professional and develop your plan, start small and build up.

As you start your new adventure here are a few suggestions:

1.       Visit your doctor for a check up or physical to ensure there are no health risks

2.       Find something you like – make it your passion

3.       Ask professionals for help – avoid friends or relatives

4.       Start small and work up

5.       Try to make it fun

6.       Walk, run, bike, swim, enrol in fitness classes, lift weights, do something and anything.....

7.       Do not be intimidated by others  

Remember its exercise, you decide when, where and how long.

Get started and don’t give up!

Walter is an American Powerlifter and Guinness World Record holder and challenger living in Canada. For more information visit www.walterurban.com

Some gave some some gave all

by Ann Skarban
302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

12/23/2011 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Dignity, honor, respect for the fallen. Care, service and support for the families.

That was the mission of three Air Force Reservists from the 302nd Force Support Squadron who deployed to Dover Air Force Base, Del. February through August of 2011.

Services Journeymen Staff Sgt. Richard Crutcher and Senior Airmen Wendy Oregon and Kayla Penn volunteered for an Air Expeditionary Force deployment that would take them to Dover AFB to do an important job and would also offer a life-changing experience supporting Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations.

According to the Dover Air Force Base web site, the primary mission of Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations is to fulfill the nation's sacred commitment of ensuring dignity, honor and respect to the fallen and care, service and support to their families.

While at Dover the three 302nd FSS Airmen quickly became part of the team holding specific jobs within AFMAO and made important contributions to ensure each returning service member and their family received the proper return, respect and care. During their six-month deployment 331 service members, including members of the Navy SEAL Team 6 who were killed when their helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan on August 6, returned through the AFMAO.

The deployed Air Force Reservists held duties such as dignified transfer support, dress and wrap and family support. A dignified transfer is the process by which, upon the return from the theater of operations to the United States, the remains of fallen military members are transferred from the aircraft to a waiting vehicle and then to the Port Mortuary. The dignified transfer is not a ceremony; rather, it is a solemn movement of the transfer case by a carry team of military personnel from the fallen member's respective service. A dignified transfer is conducted for every U.S. military member who dies in the theater of operation while in the service of their country. A senior ranking officer of the fallen member's service presides over each dignified transfer.

Staff Sgt. Crutcher was assigned as a driver for the dignified transfers. Describing his experience he said, "It was very honorable to help - to try to lessen the blow to the family and to make sure in the final stage of taking care that the uniform was perfect and to ensure the care and handling was right."

Penn, who amongst her many duties at Dover, was assigned as a transfer vehicle guide for several dignified transfers during her deployment. She noted the high level and number of meticulous details that were part of their comprehensive training to ensure every movement within the transfer was completed with utmost dignity and respect.

"It felt good to know they [the service member's families] really appreciate what we do. We knew our work was appreciated and meant a lot to them," said Penn.

"It was very honorable, and sad with family," said Oregon describing her experience at Dover. "I know I did something important. It was an honor to bring the fallen home and to their families."

After having this experience, Oregon is now thinking about a civilian career in mortuary affairs. Oregon worked with the team charged with preparing the fallen members for transfer to their final resting place. She was awed with how every single detail within preparation from uniform and appearance to medals was handled.

The Reservists said that while at times the sadness and tragedy of this duty weighed heavily on their minds, they were helped by the resiliency program offered at Dover. The gym, U.S.O. and counselors available gave them the assistance they needed to cope with the experiences they had and the difficult feelings they had. The Reservists said they became close with the entire team at Dover - close to those who were working together sharing this common experience.

All three said they would return to Dover to support this important mission if called upon again. They were proud of their service and proud to be part of our nation's dedication in ensuring each returning service member was brought home with the utmost dignity and respect.

Crutcher summed up his experience by saying, "For me, I learned standing up and doing something broadens you spiritually, and it does a lot for you to give something back when others have given their all."

315th Airlift Wing's C-17 Replica displayed at 2011 Military Bowl

by Public Affairs
315th Airlift Wing

12/27/2011 - JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Joint Base Charleston's C-17 Globemaster III replica will be displayed for a national television audience at the 2011 Military Bowl, Washington, DC, on Dec. 28.

The Military Bowl, benefiting the USO, will begin at 4:30 p.m. at RFK Stadium, featuring the Air Force Academy Falcons and the Toledo Mud Hens. The mini C-17 will be displayed outside the stadium before and during the game.

The 315th Airlift Wing's mini C-17 has been dedicated to the citizens of South Carolina as a community outreach tool and has been named the Spirit of Hope, Liberty, and Freedom.

Maintained by reservists since its inception in 2004, the mini C-17 is the only one of its kind in the Air Force and has been featured across the country at air shows and the 2010 New York City Veterans Day Parade.

Joint Base Charleston is home to 56 C-17 Globemaster IIIs, the newest and most technologically advanced airlifter in the Air Force's inventory.

Soldiers collect blood to support CENTCOM

by Senior Airman Nick Wilson
509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

12/22/2011 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo -- Soldiers from the Fort Leonard Wood Blood Donor Center held a blood drive at Whiteman Air Force Base's community activity center Dec. 21 as part of the Armed Services Blood Program. The ASBP is a conjoined military program from each service branch that collectively gets donors from different locations across the United States and ships to units overseas for contingency operations.

"This blood here will be targeted for United States Central Command's blood mission which is over in Iraq and Afghanistan," said U.S. Army Capt. James E. Burke, Fort Leonard Wood Blood Donor Center officer in charge. "Our collections here will be flown out this afternoon to a private processing station down at Fort Hood, Texas. They will process this blood in 1 to 2 days and they will go straight to McGuire Air Force Base."

According to Burke, the blood will be sent to CENTCOM's bases by the end of the week.

Approximately 100 volunteers gave blood and contributed to a total of 72 pints. The next time members from Fort Leonard Wood's Blood Donor Center can be expected to come back to host another blood drive will be in February.

"The donor can donate a whole unit of blood which is what we will collect today every 57 days," Burke said. "When they donate here today, the next time we come we can be sure that they can donate once again."

All excess blood leftover from the CENTCOM's mission will be distributed among military treatment facilities in the U.S. and overseas.

"Units of blood that are collected here will stay within the military," Burke said. "So those donors who come out and want their blood to go to military members can be assured that the blood they donate today will go to military members. We with the armed services blood program are here to take care of our military members to ensure that they had an adequate and safe blood supply."

Prior to donating blood, members participated in a screening to ensure they were healthy and able to give blood. Depending on how busy the blood drive is, the blood giving process for one donor takes about an hour from start to finish.

"We'll do an initial screening first just to see if you had any overseas time, what kind of medications you are on, if you had any tattoos or piercings," said Staff Sgt. Torrey Woodcock, Fort Leonard Wood Blood Donor Center medical laboratory technician. "Once you pass the screening process, you'll do the quick interview for your medical history and basic administrative data. From there, you'll get your vitals taken and a bag issued to you and you pass all those stations then you'll actually donate blood. The actual donation takes about 5-15 minutes, then you'll have juice and cookies and then we'll ensure you're good to go after about 15 minutes and then you're done."

Members are asked not to engage in rigorous physical training for at least 24 hours after giving blood and to drink plenty of water at least a day before attending the blood drive.
"Water helps your hydration and it helps the donation process," Woodcock said. "If you have a lot of fluids in your body, preferably water. It's just going to help the blood flow a little bit quicker than it normally would. And there is no smoking for a half an hour after donation."

The participants that volunteered to donate blood were proud to give back to those serving overseas through donating blood.

"I think it's important to help out and it's a great thing to do," said Tech. Sgt. Travis Trudeau, 442nd Maintenance Squadron armament specialist. "I'm not overseas right now, so this is the little bit I can do for those who are."

AFCEE civilian receives overdue war honor

by Jennifer Schneider
Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment public affairs

12/27/2011 - LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- (AFNS) -- For Air Force veteran John LaHue, it was an award ceremony over four decades in the making.

The Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment chief financial officer received the Distinguished Flying Cross during his retirement ceremony Dec. 22 for extraordinary achievement while serving as a sergeant and C-47 airborne Morse system operator in Vietnam in 1970.

LaHue was officially awarded the medal 41 years ago, but without any formal presentation -- a common occurrence during a war that was unpopular in the United States.

"The day that I flew out of Vietnam to come home and landed in San Francisco, we were greeted by protesters who spat on us," LaHue said. "It was a very ugly 'welcome home.' Then a few months later, a package came in the mail - a Distinguished Flying Cross. But it was never presented to me officially."

LaHue saw the official ceremony as an opportunity to symbolically honor all veterans, particularly those who served during the Vietnam era and suffered a lack of recognition and respect from the public for their service.

Maj. Gen. Robert Otto, commander of the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency at Lackland AFB, Texas, formally presented the award to LaHue during the ceremony.

"I travel the world to visit our units and, invariably, see stewardesses and attendants who look out for the military," Otto said. "I see people in first class offering their seats to the young two-stripe soldier who is coming back from the (area of responsibility). The nation is thanking our people for their service, and I think that's so wonderful.

"I think of John's experience, when he got off that Freedom Bird in San Francisco and there are demonstrators protesting not just the United States' presence in that war, but the Airmen and Soldiers and Marines who participated in the war. And they spat on them."

It was not a very proud chapter in our nation's history, Otto said.

"John finished his duty and then received a Distinguished Flying Cross in the mail," the general continued. "I don't know how that strikes you, but that strikes me as incredibly inappropriate. What I want to do today, before we get into the heart of the retirement ceremony, is to recognize him the way we should have 40 years ago, rather than his welcome in San Francisco, amongst a very warm group of friends who would like to recognize his accomplishments."

During his year of service in Vietnam, LaHue logged over 2,000 hours of airtime, equating to approximately 200 missions, he said. The top-secret missions involved identifying enemy locations and providing the real-time information to the units on the ground. LaHue said he often volunteered to take on additional aerial missions for members of the squadron who were married and had families to support. He found the work very rewarding.

"I felt tremendously satisfied knowing I was saving the lives of our guys on the ground," he said. "It was real-time tactical intelligence to the units and, when you'd see the infantrymen later, they couldn't thank you enough."

The particular mission for which LaHue was awarded involved a long and arduous flight over hostile terrain in adverse weather conditions. At the time, a typhoon was blowing in and LaHue's group was responsible for relaying enemy locations to the allied forces. LaHue said it was one mission in which he didn't expect to come back alive.

"There was a campaign on the Cambodian border and troops were beginning their assault," he said. "It was a major campaign and they needed enemy positions in real time. It was a volunteer mission and one I didn't think I'd live through. We got in there and found the enemy targets. Then, while trying to get home, the weather was so intense -- I've never experienced anything like it in my life. Miraculously, we made it home and none of us ever talked about it after."

The ceremony Dec. 22, not only acknowledged his service in Vietnam, but also marked the end of a 31-year civil service career. Over the course of his career, he not only served as AFCEE's chief financial officer, but also supported the missions of the Defense Logistics Agency headquarters in Washington, D.C.; San Antonio Air Logistics Center headquarters in San Antonio, Texas; Air Education and Training Command in San Antonio; the Department of Veterans Affairs in San Antonio; and the Financial Services Center in Austin, Texas.

Face of Defense: ‘Santa’ Delivers Fuel to Overseas Troops

By Air Force Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Dec. 27, 2011 – It seemed like Santa Claus paid a surprise visit to the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron here Dec. 23, to assist in an airdrop delivery to remote forward operating bases in Afghanistan.

Attired as Santa Claus, Air Force Tech. Sgt. Mike Morris pushes a pallet of fuel onto a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft in Southwest Asia, Dec. 23, 2011. The 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron airdropped 40 pallets of fuel to remote forward operating bases in Afghanistan. The fuel will be used for generators, heaters and vehicles. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

"I just wanted to bring a little holiday cheer to the men and women of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing and help out with a very special holiday delivery," chuckled ‘Santa,’ portrayed by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Mike Morris, the 816th squadron’s loadmaster flight noncommissioned officer in charge and native of Charleston, S.C.


The delivery -- 160 barrels of fuel -- was loaded onto a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft under Santa's command.

The fuel will be used for generators, vehicles and heaters to keep service members warm in the frigid mountains of eastern Afghanistan, said Air Force Staff Sgt. Mike Folk, 816th EAS loadmaster and native of Frazeysburg, Ohio.

"This fuel is going to help keep them warm and let them continue to accomplish their mission," Folk said.

Morris' precision as a loadmaster comes from years of experience configuring loads for his sleigh rides across the globe to deliver presents.

“‘Santa’ is sometimes a little hard to work for," Folk said. "His operations are generally more large-scale, so his work ethic definitely reflects that."

The 816th transported about 3 million pounds of cargo and personnel to forward locations throughout Southwest Asia last month.
"It's a huge part of what we do around here and it's important that we sustain the warfighters," said Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Kevin Kloeppel, the squadron’s superintendent and native of Sante Fe, N.M.

"With the fuel, water, food and supplies that we drop off, we can sustain their mission," he added.

The 816th EAS works with the U.S. Army’s 421st Quartermaster Company Parachute Riggers and the 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron to get the job done.
"The riggers build the pallets, the 8th EAMS brings the cargo to the plane, and we deliver the supplies," Kloeppel said. "It's truly a team effort to get the mission accomplished."

American300 Warrior Tour brings 'never quit' message to 24th Air Force, JBSA

by Tech. Sgt. Scott McNabb

 24th Air Force Public Affairs 

12/22/2011 - LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas  -- No one complained about the rain during 24th Air Force's war fit physical training here Dec. 19. 

Complaining was not an option when two amputees from American300 Warrior Tours led the way.

Chad Crittenden, CBS' Survivor contestant, and Mike Schultz, ESPN's X Games adaptive gold medalist, didn't have to say anything to inspire people to be their best, but each man took time to talk to every Airman with a question after their workout.

Robi Powers, American300 Foundation founder and managing director, was there and talked about the organization's program and its dedication to raising resiliency in American military members, their families and the communities in which they live.

"If there's one thing I've learned having traveled to over 300 bases outside of CONUS over the past three years, it's that we've got resiliency issues, troop strength issues that need to be addressed downrange and at home," he said. "We raised enough money this year to fund this first ever [stateside] tour, and we plan on continuing this themed series of tours, all under the banner of 'Never Quit.'"

The guests stretched and warmed up with members of 24th Air Force, then Crittenden l the run while Shultz set the pace in the fitness center for those who wanted to work out with him. 

"Mike and Chad are heroes, athletes, professionals, volunteers ... role models for us all with a message and a lifestyle that exemplifies resiliency," said Maj. Gen. Suzanne Vautrinot, 24th Air Force commander and a senior adviser to the foundation. "All involved now carry their message in our hearts, minds and every element of our DNA. It was a pleasure and privilege for 24th Air Force to host their visit here in San Antonio. We are inspired."

Crittenden lost his leg to synovial sarcoma, a rare form of cancer. Shultz received his injury during a snocross competition. Neither let the loss prevent them from becoming world-class athletes again. The theme of the tour was "Never Quit." That message hit home for many, and one 24th senior non-commissioned officer cleared his schedule and joined to help any way he could.

"It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I wanted to be a part of that," said Senior Master Sgt. David Roberson, 24th AF Spectrum Management superintendent. "They showed individuals if you have a never-quit attitude, no matter what situation you're in, it's really not that bad. And, if you put your mind to it, you can overcome anything."  

Touring stateside bases is something new for Powers and the speakers who volunteer their time. Joint Base San Antonio was the last stop in their first tour in the United States. Powers said the mission will always be overseas, but it's important to support military members at home when possible.

When the tour left the war fit session, the next stop was the 68th Network Warfare Squadron, a subordinate unit to 24th AF, followed by stops at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center and San Antonio Military Medical Center where they visited military members who were recovering from or facing the possibility of amputation.

A member of the 68th NWS said it was great to show the American300 members around the unit and that he was impressed by how Crittenden and Shultz took time to talk to people one-on-one. He said it was a great opportunity for the unit and it meant a lot to the men and women working there.

The Air Forces cyber commander said that sincerity made a huge impact. 

"The positive impact Robi, Mike and Chad had on all the people they reached out to and literally "touched" with hugs, handshakes, stories and words of encouragement to share, are much appreciated," said Vautrinot. "I don't think all Santa's elves could have put more "Merry" in the "Christmas" season. The best presents come from the heart, and their visit was a great gift, making every Wingman a bit stronger, prouder and more resilient as we accelerate full throttle into a New Year. These kind of visits aren't easy to pull together, especially before the holidays. I want to thank all those who were instrumental in making this happen, specifically, Lt. Col. Cindy East, 24th Air Force Public Affairs, Capt. Jason Walker, 24th Air Force deputy director of staff, Linda Frost, Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center Public Affairs, and Chondra Perry, San Antonio Military Medical Center Public Affairs."

Mattis Directs Corrective Actions Following Pakistan Border Incident

By Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 26, 2011 - Drawing on findings from the investigation into the deadly Nov. 25-26 incident near Afghanistan's border with Pakistan, U.S. Central Command commander Marine Corps Gen. James R. Mattis directed the International Security Assistance Force to take a series of corrective actions.

The actions, directed to ISAF Commander Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, are intended to correct problems of mistrust and miscommunication among those working in the border area. Those kinds of problems led to the deaths of 24 Pakistani soldiers.

U.S. Central Command today released an unclassified version of the investigation report by its investigating officer, Air Force Brig. Gen. Stephen Clark, director of plans, programs, requirements and assessments for Air Force Special Operations Command.

"The strongest take-away from this incident," Mattis said in a statement, "is the fundamental fact that we must improve border coordination, and this requires a foundational level of trust on both sides of the border."

On the night of Nov. 25-26, an Afghan National Army Commando company, partnered with U.S. Army Special Forces, landed near Maya Village in Afghanistan's Khas Konar District in an area of operations assigned by ISAF to its Regional Command-East.

According to the report, these ground forces were executing Operation Sayaqa, approved by ISAF Joint Command headquarters, when they came under fire from positions on a ridge near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

In self defense they used air support to engage the ridgeline positions. The air engagement ended 90 minutes later and had included about 45 minutes of fire. Fire from positions near the ridge had stopped. Eventually, it became clear from various information exchanges that those engaged at the ridge were Pakistan military personnel.

In the early hours of Nov. 26, the report said, supporting aircraft pulled back from the border area and Pakistani authorities reinforced their border positions and reportedly removed 24 dead and 13 wounded.

The ground forces completed Operation Sayaqa. They left the area shortly after midnight on Nov. 27, arriving back at their base later that morning.

As a result of the investigation and report, Mattis directed Allen to implement the following actions as soon as possible:

- Improve mutual trust among those working in the border areas.

- Clarify authorities, responsibilities and standard operating procedures for command, control and communication in near-border operations and develop formal training exercises and drills.

- Implement a program of full disclosure of all border area facilities and installations on both sides of the border, with systematic updates based on a common database and map.

- Before conducting any operation, direct all future coalition units and formations contemplating near-border area operations to confirm all installations near the border and the planned objective.

- To prevent friendly fire incidents, develop and share with the Pakistan military the common use of force-escalation measures such as show of force and other standard procedures.

- Consider harmonizing ISAF and Operation Enduring Freedom rules of engagement to promote clarity and transparency.

Among the investigation's critical findings are that the international law of armed conflict was respected and that rules of engagement -- directions given to military forces that define the conditions, degree and manner in which force may be used -- were appropriately and legally applied.

The report found that the catalyst for the engagement was the opening of fire by Pakistan soldiers and that their continued fire made the situation worse.

The operation was conducted in support of ISAF campaign objectives, the report said, but the issue of Operation Enduring Freedom rules of engagement in an ISAF campaign causes confusion and friction among coalition partners, the report said, and ISAF and OEF orders, standard operating procedures and directives related to border-area operations lack clarity and precision and were not followed.

Also lacking are time-sensitive senior command override measures for border-area incidents and pre-mission near-border coordination for the operation, according to the report.

A series of miscommunications within the chain of command -- but especially in the area of the border coordination nexus -- delayed confirmation of the identity of the Pakistani forces, the report said.

"In the context of this tragedy, a way forward must be found to prevent similar occurrences in the future," Clark said in his concluding comments.

"Over the long term," he added, "the way to ... peace and stability along the border is to be found in resolving the long-standing border disputes that perpetuate a state of uncertainty and mistrust within which local cooperation and coordination efforts are less likely to succeed."