Navy Names Next Destroyer

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced today during a ceremony held at the Navy Memorial that the next Arleigh-Burke class destroyer, DDG-119, will be named Delbert D. Black.

The future USS Delbert D. Black was named in honor of the first master chief petty officer of the Navy (MCPON).

During his time as MCPON, Black served as an advisor to many boards dealing with enlisted personnel issues and as the enlisted representative of the Department of the Navy. He is also credited with the establishment of the command master chief program.

Current MCPON Mike Stevens joined Mabus at the ceremony held to honor the legendary deck-plate leader.

“It is a great honor to name this ship in remembrance of such a revered sailor,” said Mabus. “I have no doubt that all who serve aboard her will carry on the legacy of service and commitment exemplified by Master Chief Black during his storied career.”

DDG-119 will be the first ship to bear the name Delbert D. Black.

Arleigh-Burke class destroyers conduct a variety of operations from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection. DDG 119 will be capable of fighting air, surface and subsurface battles simultaneously and will contain a myriad of offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime warfare including integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) capabilities.

DDG 119, the third ship of the FY2013-FY2017 DDG 51 multiyear-procurement contract, will be constructed at Huntington Ingalls Industry (HII) shipyard. The ship will be 509 feet long, have a beam length of 59 feet and be capable of operating at speeds in excess of 30 knots.

Liberty Airmen crush records

by Airman 1st Class Erin R. Babis
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

3/11/2015 - ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England  -- In February, the 48th Fighter Wing surpassed all expectations; not only exceeding the wing's goal for combat training flights, also known as sorties, but also beating the Air Force standard.

According to the F-15E Strike Eagle squadrons, 594 sorties were flown for the month.

"Liberty Airmen are crushing records," said Col. Robert Novotny, 48th Fighter Wing commander. "They're 'Forward, Ready, Now,' with better training for aircrew and more time for quality maintenance; yet flying more sorties than ever because of their discipline with the flying scheduling effectiveness program."

The FSE program tracks activity on the flightline and the wing's ability to make and execute a solid plan. Increases in FSE demonstrate stability and predictability of flightline operations, meaning that an increase in FSE directly impacted the Liberty Wing's ability to fly a record number of F-15E sorties.

"Our aircrews were able to complete 111 percent of their combat mission ready requirements for the month," said Col. Scottie Zamzow, 48th Operations Group commander. "This extra training is not wasted. Like AT&T's rollover minutes, the extra training will continue to benefit us in the future."

The rollover training sorties are important because unpredictable events and poor weather can sometimes curtail the wing's flying plan.

"When Liberty Wing Airmen are provided resources, time, support and a stable and predictable environment, then the sky is the limit on what they can accomplish," said Col. Brian Stuart, 48th Maintenance Group commander. "What made this happen were the incredible maintenance and operations teams that instilled the mindset of: make a plan, stick to the plan, execute the plan and debrief the plan."

Credit for this accomplishment is largely attributed to the aircraft maintenance units and operations teams; however, it reflects the collective efforts of every Liberty Airman.

"I'd like to give a shout-out to the entire wing for making this record-breaking month happen," Novotny said. "You've heard me describe our wing as a watch before - where every piece of the watch may not be visible, but is essential. Our FSE happens because every piece of our 'watch' is working as it should be and pulling their weight to project combat power."

F-16s depart for Romanian-US exercise

by Staff Sgt. Joe W. McFadden
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

3/13/2015 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Airmen and aircraft assigned to the 480th Fighter Squadron departed Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, March 13 to participate in Dacian Warhawk 2015, a bilateral flying training deployment with the Romanian air force.

The exercise will take place at Campia Turzii, Romania, March 16-27 and aims to strengthen interoperability between the U.S. and Romanian air forces while enhancing their readiness to conduct combined air operations.

Approximately 100 Airmen and six F-16s from the 52nd Fighter Wing will participate in the training alongside the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, which will exercise a full spectrum of capabilities to support the 480th FS's air operations.

"Participation in Dacian Warhawk 2015 is another outstanding training opportunity for the 480th Fighter Squadron," said Lt. Col. John Gallemore, 480th FS director of operations. "It affords the Warhawks the ability to train along-side our Romanian NATO partners and represent the pride, precision and professionalism of U.S. combat air forces in Europe."

The deployment will also build upon the U.S. Air Force's "Forward-Ready-Now!" presence in Europe by working with allies to develop and improve ready air forces capable of maintaining regional security.

New music room opens for Airmen to jam, make friends

by Gina Randall
100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

3/12/2015 - RAF MILDENHALL, England  -- The Bob Hope Community Center opened a new music room located in the former Information, Tickets and Travel office, expanding the existing music program in hopes of improving the base community.

"The idea is to increase the number of people participating in our current music lessons," said David Hymer, 100th Force Support Squadron community services flight chief from Elmer, New Jersey. "Prior to moving here, we had violin and piano lessons in a very small room not much larger than a closet. The room would only accommodate the piano, the instructor and one student. Now we are hoping we can offer private, as well as group classes."

Hymer hopes the new room will encourage Airmen to socialize in a safe place.

"We're trying to get the young Airmen out of the dorms," Hymer added. "We want them to use this as an opportunity to use the musical instruments in the room, and have jamming sessions and things of that nature."

Airmen can use the room privately with a group of their friends at a time that suits them, while also using other services the community center provides.

"The room will be reserved specifically for lessons. Outside of that, Airmen can call and reserve the room, check out the key at the front desk and play any instrument they desire," Hymer said. "We are trying to create another area Airmen can hang out and socialize in. We lost some of our footprint when we moved the Arts and Crafts Center in to the BHCC -- this kind of gives a little back, especially for our young Airmen in the dormitories."

The BHCC staff hopes people use the room, make the most of it and even make new friends who have similar interests.

"We want people to enjoy the room," Hymer said. "It's tough living in a dorm. Especially if you enjoy music and you can't really play it without potentially being an annoyance to your neighbor. So this is something that will hopefully provide an opportunity for Airmen who enjoy music, and an outlet to play. There could be some great relationships built here too."

The room is not just for dormitory or active-duty Airmen; all are welcome.

"The music lessons are open to anyone -- people can sign up through the BHCC," Hymer explained. "We are soliciting someone to teach guitar lessons with the intent of growing that program. We provide flute lessons on Mondays as well."

The BHCC was granted approval for funding the new space aiming to create a safe environment where people can enjoy their existing hobby or create a new one. One way Hymer cut back costs was by using existing equipment.

"We got the instruments from our contractor who supplies all the musical instruments for the BHCC," the flight chief said. "We got our funding from the Single Airmen Funding Program -- a pot of money we receive to offer discounted programs to Airmen. Part of that program permits us to buy equipment as well. We had the drums, but we added a few more things."

The room is ready for use and participants are already using the new space.

"We started having music lessons in here about a week ago and the instructors are absolutely raving about it being such a better setting for them, and they're getting great feedback from parents," Hymer said. "Now parents can sit in here while their children are participating in lessons, or just sit right outside in close proximity to their children."

For more information, or to reserve the room, contact the BHCC at DSN 238-2152, or commercial at 01638 542152.

ACC Commander visits Creech, recognizes exceptional performer

by Staff Sgt. Adawn Kelsey
432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

3/13/2015 - CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nevada -- U.S. Air Force Gen. Hawk Carlisle, commander of Air Combat Command, his wife Mrs. Gillian Carlisle, and Chief Master Sgt. Steve McDonald, ACC Command Chief, paid a visit to Las Vegas and Creech AFB, Nevada, March 3-4, 2015.

While visiting the area, the trio took the opportunity to meet with Airmen and families, say 'thank you' to those serving, and talk about the successes and challenges of the Air Force's remotely piloted aircraft community.

The first stop during their two-day visit was a family forum held at the local YMCA to address issues concerning the families and dependents of the Creech Airmen - a key topic throughout the two-day long visit. Items up for discussion included childcare options, transportation, medical care, manning and work schedules, and security issues.  Carlisle joined Col. James Cluff, 432nd Wing Commander, Col. Richard Neal, 799th Air Base Group Commander and other leadership members took note of the issues, answered questions to the best of their abilities, and promised to elevate new issues and ideas to higher Air Force leadership.

Referencing an uplifting story of resiliency, Carlisle requested that spouses stay engaged with each other to connect with those who may be experiencing similar challenges and continue to express their concerns to base leadership in order to better the entire Team Creech family.

McDonald said getting engaged and staying engaged with the families is a top priority for himself, as well as for the general and his wife.

"It is important for the general, Mrs. Carlisle, and I to be here today to engage with the families and to have a discussion," McDonald said. "We need you to continue to talk to us and tell us what the challenges are, and the one thing I would personally ask of families, is to continue to have faith in the leadership of our Air Force. They know, they understand, they care, and they're trying to do everything they can to meet these challenges."

The challenges discussed with families tied in closely with three specific priorities Carlisle outlined during an all call on base at Creech the day after the family forum. His main priories for ACC include winning today's fight, building the best Air Force in the world, and taking care of Airmen and their families. He said setting the right priorities at all levels is essential.

"At all levels, from the Secretary of Defense to the chief and myself, to General Nowland, to Colonel Cluff, to group commanders, to squadron commanders; all the way down we've got to set priorities, because some things are quite simply not going to get done," he said. "We have more requirements and demands then we have money, manpower, or time ... I cannot think of an enterprise that is in more demand than yours."

In discussing winning today's fight, Carlisle asked the Airmen to think about the breadth and depth of what ACC does and how the RPA community supports the command. As the largest command in the Air Force with about 100,000 people, ACC is responsible for five core functions including air superiority, global precision attack, global integrated intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, command and control, and personnel recovery.

"[We're experiencing] a different environment, a different way of war, an evolution of how we fight," Carlisle said. "The RPA community is something that we do, and we do it better than anybody in the world."

Looking at the strategy moving forward, Carlisle acknowledged the Air Force is facing difficult times and stated that in order to win today's fight everyone has to be prepared to do the mission.

"The nation is asking each and every one of you to continue to do what you are doing today," he said. "You have been doing the 24/7, 365-day mission for almost two decades. My job is to make sure that any Airman I ask to do a mission is trained, ready, and equipped to do the mission I am asking them to do."

Carlisle also said the 432nd Wing is a topic of conversation nearly every day since he took command of ACC in November 2014, and he applauded the Airmen for their creativity and ingenuity and for setting the pace to win today's fight.

"The leadership in the Air Force has turned all of you lose to figure out better ways to do things and you've already done that," he said. "My hat's off to you. If you look at the evolution of the platform from what it was to what it is today, almost every one of those ideas came from folks like you. Innovate, set priorities, and I've got your back."

Near the conclusion of the call, Carlisle opened the floor for questions during which time McDonald took the opportunity to ask the general if he knew of any Airmen who exemplified Air Force standards.

Carlisle responded by summoning Staff Sgt. James Williamson, 432nd Wing, to the stage, where he was promoted to technical sergeant under the Stripes for Exceptional Performers program.

"There are some cool things I get to do in the Air Force, but this is the coolest," he said. "Congratulations James, we are awfully proud of you. It is incredible and definitely well deserved ... Thank you for what you do."

In parting, Carlisle said he loves what he does, and the vast importance of the Air Force's various missions is just one of the many reasons he has stayed in the service for 40 years.

"You don't always see it ... But I guarantee you that what you do changes lives," he said. "It changes the world and it defends what our nation stands for, which is a beacon of hope throughout this world."

Space planning essential to battle success

by Staff Sgt. Shawn Nickel
7th Air Force Public Affairs

3/13/2015 - OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- "Space, the final frontier," means a lot to people in different careers, but is the vast blackness filled with mesmerizing intergalactic-lights important to today's warfighter?

According to Air Force Capt. Jamil Brown, 607th Air Operations Center chief of space plans, space is a newer concept to warfighting, and his team works to integrate the concept into exercise Key Resolve 15.

"As chief of space plans, I'm in charge of integrating space into the air tasking order cycle, making sure the plan that's put together has both the space support it needs and also the estimated space effects to make sure the mission goes along as planned," Brown said.

Over the past few exercises, integrating space effects into KR scenarios has been an evolutionary process.

"One of the nice things about working with our Korean counterparts is we're beginning to not only educate everyone here [on] what space has to contribute, but we're also integrating it into the plans, so space is as essential and integral as everything else," he said.

During the exercise process, Brown found that planners' interest in space had increased as they sought to understand how space effects fit into their planning and maneuvers.

"It's great they have that thirst, but now we're catching up to that to [make] sure we can satisfy that interest in space knowledge," Brown said. "That's a challenge I'm pleased to have to overcome."

U.S. Army Capt. Otis Ingram, 3rd Battlefield Coordination Detachment space coordination officer, said space technology isn't just applicable to flying and air combat; it's essential to troops on the ground.

"Although solar flares and space dust aren't directly related to what troops on the ground are doing, it directly affects elements of warfare such as GPS and satellite communication," Brown said.

He said generating and implementing knowledge of space effects is sure to help KR run smoother, but more importantly, play a role in future combat and humanitarian operations around the world.

"Space has been around for a while, but in regards to integrating it into the overall theater of operations, we will continue to improve and develop to better assist our counterparts and warfighters around the globe," Brown said.

Spartan first sergeant earns master parachutist badge

by Sgt. Eric-James Estrada

3/13/2015 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- After 18 years of service and multiple combat deployments, a company first sergeant earned the coveted master parachutist badge, the highest-level airborne skills award, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson March 6.

The master parachutist badge is awarded to jumpmasters who have conducted 65 jumps from an aircraft, and served on jump status for a minimum of 36 months.
Recipients must also have proven themselves experienced airborne troopers through demonstration of exemplary skills and leadership.

1st Sgt. Herbert Gill, a native of Pulaski, Tennessee, is a jumpmaster and first sergeant for U.S. Army Alaska's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division.

He earned the rare title of "master-rated jumpmaster" after exiting a CH-47 Chinook helicopter flown by B Company, 1st Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment "Sugar Bears," over JBER's Malemute Drop Zone.

"Today was my 65th jump from a CH-47," said Gill. "I was able to get my master wings. So now I'm a master-rated jumpmaster."

The newly-pinned jumpmaster said with this new moniker come many more challenges.

"Every 180 days, I have to make sure I'm pulling duties, touching static lines and getting out there," Gill said. "Checking on [my jumpmaster personnel inspection] sequence - because you know if you don't use it, you lose it.

"I have to constantly open the manuals and see what's changing and what's not changing."

Capt. William Longwell, HHC commander and a Batavia, Illinois native,  praised Gill for the accomplishment.

"He's a great [noncommissioned officer] and a great leader within this organization," Longwell said. "He achieved something that not many people are able to achieve on a regular basis."

"To be able to watch him do that - JMPI people and being that true airborne leader - was pretty neat to watch today."

For Gill, the ability to stay on jump status wasn't always there, as the needs of the Army had to be met.

"I've been on jump status since 1996," Gill said. "I had a break in jumping for about nine years and just fought to get back to it. I just love it."

While Gill has been on jump status for some time now, his experience with airborne operations goes back to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where his father served as a paratrooper.

"I've been watching jumping since I was probably two or three years old," Gill said. "I remember being there on Sicily Drop Zone with my father."
He was immediately entranced.

"It's just been something I've always wanted to do, and always love doing," he said.

Gill also had some words of encouragement for those Soldiers who are thinking about becoming jumpmasters and those who are striving to get to the master parachutist level.

"Just go do it," Gill said. "Get into school, whether it's Fort Benning [Georgia], Fort Bragg, or one of the [military training teams] that come up here.

"Quit playing around with the idea, and just go do it."

After nearly 20 years of service, Gill said he still feels he has more to offer the Army and especially the Soldiers.

"There's still stuff that I have to do," he said. "I've still got to stick around, help Soldiers out. I'm not done yet. There's still a lot I can give to the military."

As a testament to his commitment and the faith the Army has in his leadership, Gill will be moving on this September to the next phase in his career - the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Sea Services Release Revised Maritime Strategy

U.S. Navy Chief of Information Office

WASHINGTON, March 13, 2015 – The sea services today released a new maritime strategy, a plan that describes how the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard will design, organize, and employ naval forces in support of national security interests and homeland security objectives.

The new strategy, titled, “A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower: Forward, Engaged, Ready,” accounts for changes in the global security environment, new strategic guidance, and a changed fiscal environment.

The essential functions of the maritime strategy released in 2007 were adjusted to include a new function called "all domain access" which underscores the challenges forces face in accessing and operating in contested environments.

The new strategy emphasizes operating forward and engaging partners across the globe, especially in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Increasing Navy’s Forward Presence

The strategy calls for increasing the Navy's forward presence to 120 ships by 2020, up from about 97 ships today. This includes forward-basing four ballistic missile defense destroyers in Spain and stationing another attack submarine in Guam by the end of 2015.

The Navy is scheduled to increase presence in the Middle East from 30 ships today to 40 by 2020.

The strategy reinforces the continued need to strengthen partnerships and alliances by stressing the importance of operating in NATO maritime groups and participating in international training exercises.

Additionally, the strategy outlines plans to maintain readiness by implementing the Navy's Optimized Fleet Response Plan, which improves readiness and leads to a predictable cycle for maintaining, training and deploying carrier strike groups and amphibious ships.

The document features four sections: global security environment, forward presence and partnership, seapower in support of national security, and force design: building the future force.

Territorial Guard defense of Alaska recalls American Revolution

by David Bedard
JBER Public Affairs

3/13/2015 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Breed's Hill. June 17, 1775.  Peter Brown, a private in the colonial militia, clutched his muzzleloader close while he surveyed Boston Harbor for enemy activity. Having helped repel two waves of British soldiers, Brown was running critically low on ammunition and didn't think he would survive another assault.

Now reinforced by Royal Marines, British forces would smash through the American-dug redoubt and push out any Colonial threat to British-occupied Boston.

Though beaten, the Americans inflicted twice as many casualties as they had sustained.

In a letter to his mother, Brown recalled how afraid he was during what would become known as the Battle of Bunker Hill. Still, the Westford, Massachusetts native wrote of his determination to continue the fight for his homeland.

"... If we should be call'd again to action I hope to have courage and strength to act my part valiently in defence of our Liberties and Country," Brown's letter related through creative spelling and grammar.

Nearly 170 years later, 12-year-old Sam Herman heard about the Alaska Territorial Guard during an enrollment drive to recruit Alaska Natives in the effort to abate Imperial Japanese operations in the territory.

Like Brown, Herman was compelled to volunteer to protect his home.

Like Brown, the Yupik boy knew he would potentially fight a military force far more powerful than what could be mustered by the villages. Still, the Native wanted to fight.

Herman's nephew, Army National Guard Lt. Col. Wayne Don, 103rd Civil Support Team commander, remembers how Herman - who passed away in January - led a life of service that was a lifelong example for the officer.

"Into his later years, he spent a lot of time ministering to the sick and the woebegone at the hospital," Don said. "He felt especially called to minister to families who fell on really hard times. It reflects on his character as a Soldier and his desire to serve."

The colonel said, for years, he didn't know any of his relatives had served in the ATG until the self-described World War II buff was reading "Men of the Tundra: Eskimos at War," a book written by ATG architect Army Air Corps Maj. Marvin "Muktuk" Marston.

At the back of the book, Don found the rolls for all of communities Marston had canvassed. When he thumbed to his home village of Mekoryuk, Nunivak Island, he was surprised by what he found.

"As I got to the end of the book, and I started looking specifically at Nunivak Island, I saw my grandfather [and] some of the old men in the community who never uttered a word about having wartime service," Don recalled. "I had always considered myself a first-generation military person in my family."

The Guard officer discovered both of his grandfathers served with the ATG, as did just about every one of his uncles.

"Everybody volunteered, even men into their 60s and 70s who didn't miss the opportunity to serve, because it was the right thing to do and their country and community needed them," Don explained. "They all - to a man - answered the call."

Don said Herman had to lie about his age to enroll as a member of the ATG.

Though too young to vote or drink, the young recruit could wield a rifle.

"If you were able, if you could carry a weapon, if you could carry your own weight, then that was the criteria," he said. "[Herman] was drawn to service. I'm sure, at some point, somebody challenged him about his age, but he was successfully able to argue that."
Don said Mekoryuk Natives were recruited to patrol the east side of Nunivak Island looking for any Japanese activity.

Though the ATG was disbanded in 1947, Herman would continue his service with the Alaska Army National Guard as an infantry scout beginning in 1953, even before Alaska's statehood.

Herman moved to Bethel, and then to Anchorage where he worked for the Alaska Railroad.

Following the devastating 1964 earthquake, Herman was activated as part of the state's response.

Though he wasn't fighting the British or reporting Imperial Japanese activity, Herman again answered the call to serve his community.

Don said this commitment to community is a common thread between the colonial militias, the ATG and today's National Guard.

"The Alaska Territorial Guard and the modern-day National Guard both have very similar roots," Don said. "The modern-day National Guard - as we know it - started out as a militia during the Revolution, and has carried on for years.

"These are examples of the type of organization where someone recognized that the most committed Soldiers and the most committed volunteers are people who live in the area," he continued. "History has shown us that this type of Soldier is your best eyes and ears. They're very committed to a cause that involves their families and their communities."

Don continues the tradition of serving his local community with the 103rd CST, a small unit charged with augmenting local and regional terrorism response capabilities in events known or suspected to involve weapons of mass destruction.

Don's service didn't go unnoticed by his uncle.

"He always told me he was proud of me, and he always told me how it was important to serve," he said. "He very much appreciated people who continued to serve, and he had a very special place in his heart for Soldiers, even into advanced age."

Ensconced on Don's desk is a small statuette of an ATG scout, keeping vigil with his Springfield rifle.

The figure evokes the Minuteman seen in National Guard insignia. It evokes the long tradition of citizens serving their communities in a military capacity.
Before the Declaration of Independence, Brown served Massachusetts when he stood up to a professional European army.

Today, Don serves Alaska and the United States by keeping 103rd CST ever ready to respond to WMD.

More than seven decades ago, Herman served Nunivak Island by carrying a rifle that was almost too heavy for him. For Don, Herman's example is one he will never forget.

Marine analyst visits Spartan Brigade to build exchange program

by Sgt. Brian Ragin
4-25IBCT Public Affairs

3/13/2015 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- What seemed to be a normal week at the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, turned out to be a little different as green, beige and black camouflage contrasted sharply with the Army Combat Uniform normally seen around the brigade area.

In the contrasting uniform was Master Gunnery Sgt. Jon Lines, a chief from the intelligence section of the 3rd Marine Division out of Okinawa, Japan.

Lines hopes to provide insight, experience and knowledge as part of an ongoing exchange between intelligence professionals from the two branches.

"He's here basically conducting a site survey to see how we operate as a unit," said Army Master Sgt. Jason Roach, an intelligence analyst with the brigade's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, and Lines' main liaison with the Spartan Brigade. "We here want to afford him every opportunity to experience everything our unit has to offer and what all types of operations we conduct on a day-to-day basis."

"We're trying to formalize the relationship and keep contact," Lines said. "We do the analyst exchange, then we will always have a foot in each other's camp to better support each other and understand how each service operates.

That's what we are building."

Roach and Lines spent countless hours together going through Roach's daily schedule, and mentored younger Soldiers during a noncommissioned-officer development program briefing March 4.

"This week he's been here trying to establish an exchange for his analysts to come here and work at our brigade," Roach explained, noting the Spartans will also be sending intelligence personnel to the 3rd Marine Division.

The trip to Alaska provided Lines an opportunity to do what Spartans do best; he participated in a jump with Roach March 5.

Lines said he hadn't jumped since 1986, but after Basic Airborne Refresher training at the Airborne Sustainment Training Area on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, he was ready to jump again.

"My first jump in 29 years!"  Lines said. "My last jump was with the 82nd Airborne Division, with the 3rd Battalion, 73rd Armor."

The refresher training helped Lines make a successful, injury-free jump out of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter.

"It brought back a lot of memories," Lines said. "I was amazed about what I did remember - and watching some of the new kids fresh out of Airborne School kind of boosted my confidence."

"People have to be well trained and rely on muscle memory to get through it," Roach said. "So that refresher training we go through basically brings back that muscle memory we all develop in Airborne School, no matter if it was 10 years ago, 20 years ago."

Working together - whether in the sky or filing a report - builds bridges.

Lines said if more elements of his division take part in the exchange program, it will further benefit both services.

"When the units work together, it will build a bigger understanding of all operations," he said.

For his part, Roach will soon travel to Okinawa, where he will visit the Marines and learn about their operations in a site survey of his own.