3rd Annual MOHC Closes Culture Gap

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ryan G. Greene, Naval Air Facility Atsugi Public Affairs

NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan (NNS) -- The third annual Maritime Operation Helicopter Committee (MOHC) convened this week between U.S. Navy and Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) helicopter squadrons, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51 and Squadron 629.

Representatives from the Republic of Korea Navy Air Group 62, Squadron 629 traveled to Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi for the joint U.S. Navy and ROKN conference.

After a successful first meeting of the MOHC at NAF Atsugi in 2013, both squadrons met again as representatives of U.S. Navy Commander Task Force (CTF) 70 and ROKN Air Group 62 to sign a memorandum of understanding in 2014, strengthening personal and professional relationships within the allied maritime helicopter community.

"I've enjoyed spending time and hearing the insight that our Korean counterparts have to offer," said HSM-51 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Steven Froehlich. "This is the first year I've been able to participate in this event and it's been a huge success. I have learned a lot from them, and I can only hope they can say the same."

Last year, the conference was held in Chinhae, Korea. The trip to NAF Atsugi was the first for Squadron 629 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Lee Moon-Ki and his team.

"I had the pleasure of hosting then-Commanding Officer Cmdr. Thaddeus Johnson, and it was a real honor," said Moon-Ki. "This year we were very excited to get to come to Japan to see how the U.S. Navy operates on the ground level. Ultimately, that's what this committee is all about, increasing the ground level awareness and learning how we can best complement one another in peacetime and war."

The Committee met for four days discussing a range of topics including take-off and landing procedures, interoperability and future goals and missions.

"This whole event has been huge in getting to work with our Korean counterparts and also to grow and improve personally and professionally," Froehlich added. "Moon-Ki and I have observed that we've got many commonalities in the way we can carry out our missions and responsibilities and it's quite impressive to me, as well as to all of those who have the opportunity to work with them."

Moon-Ki added that it's events like these that help set apart militaries and squadrons but most importantly people. This committee was created to help boost not just military power, but to better and to grow the people that participate. For that purpose alone Squadron 629 will forever be grateful to participate.

With the event coming to a close, and many newfound friends parting ways, the lessons learned during the MOHC will continue to play a significant role in the U.S. Navy and ROKN team, enabling the maritime helicopter community to fly together safely and effectively.

USS Sampson Returns From Deployment

From Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102) returned from a 212-day independent deployment to the Western Pacific Ocean June 1.

The ship and crew of more than 300 Sailors, assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23, conducted various presence operations and goodwill activities with partner nations.

While on deployment, Sampson supported the Indonesian-led search-and-rescue efforts for the downed AirAsia flight.

Sampson conducted operations with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force during multiple exercises to include DESRON 15 Multi-national Sail (Multi-Sail) 2015.

Multi-Sail is an annual DESRON 15-led exercise that is designed to assess combat systems and improve teamwork amongst U.S. and partner nations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

Sampson Sailors also participated in nine community relations events totaling 570 hours. One event included Sampson Sailors joining with Australian and Indonesian partners to commemorate the World War II Battle of Sunda Strait.

"I am extremely proud of every Sampson Sailor. They worked hard during the past 18 months preparing for this deployment and it showed in their outstanding performance. Their dedication and sacrifice was truly inspiring and resulted in a highly-successful seven-month deployment to the Western Pacific. I am thankful to all the family and friends for their continued support and sacrifice so Sampson Sailors could focus on mission success," said Cmdr. Steven Foley, Sampson's commanding officer.

Detachment 7 from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 35 "Magicians" embarked Sampson during the deployment and successfully completed more than 860 flight hours.

Sampson is the fourth U.S. destroyer named after Rear Adm. William Thomas Sampson, who served from 1857 to 1902, and commanded of the North Atlantic Station during the Spanish-American War in 1898.

The ship is homeported in San Diego.

U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Eastern Pacific from the West Coast of North America to the international date line and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy.

USS Topeka Arrives in Guam

By Tanya M. Champaco Mendiola, Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs

SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- The Los Angeles-class submarine USS Topeka (SSN 754) arrived at its new homeport of U.S. Naval Base Guam May 29.

Topeka is the fourth submarine assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron (CSS) 15 as part of the Navy's long range plan to put the most advanced and capable units forward. Prior to arriving in Guam, Topeka completed an engineering overhaul at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

"From bow to stern she has been completely upgraded (and is) the most technologically-advanced submarine we have," CSS-15 Commodore Capt. Jeffrey Grimes said. "She brings a new level of sophistication and fire power that we need in the Pacific."

Topeka and its crew were greeted by family members as they filed off the submarine. During brief remarks, Topeka Commanding Officer Cmdr. David Lammers said the Topeka's arrival would have a positive impact on the local community in terms of economic benefits and security, but that Guam will have a big effect on his crew too.

"Guam is the Navy's best kept secret," he said. "Once they get here, you can't get them to leave."

In April 2013, then-Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter announced that a fourth Los Angeles-class submarine would be homeported in Guam in an effort to enhance the Navy's forward presence as it continues to reposture its forces. The decision to homeport Topeka in Guam brings that vision to fruition.

"This is an overall rebalance of the naval forces into the Pacific, so picking up another naval submarine to Guam gives us more capability to continue to reinforce our partners, provide a level of conventional deterrence and support the ongoing efforts that we have," Grimes said.

Topeka, commissioned Oct. 21, 1989, is the third ship of the United States Navy named for the city of Topeka, Kansas, and is the fourth "improved" Los Angeles-class submarine. Modifications of this class include retractable bow planes, a reinforced sail for under ice operations, vertical launch Tomahawk Cruise Missile capability, ship quieting enhancements, and an integrated combat systems suite.

U.S., Israel Defense Forces conduct combined training

by Tech. Sgt. Patrick Mitchell
USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs

6/2/2015 - NEVATIM, Israel -- More than 350 U.S. service members participated in two-week Exercise Noble Shirley 2015 in Israel. The exercise was a routine training exercise designed to promote cooperation and interoperability between the U.S. Forces and Israel Defense Force. The main objective was to allow U.S. Forces to work alongside their IDF counterparts, train together, exchange ideas and share experiences in order to improve mutual understanding and increase ability to respond to crises together.

U.S. European Command has a long-standing relationship with Israel and regularly participates in bilateral exercises to improve collaboration and understanding between the two nations. NS 15 involved U.S. service members from all four branches of the military working hand-in-hand with their IDF counter parts.

"The training difference was challenging, but it was a great opportunity to learn other ways to train, and perform tactics, technic and procedures," said Capt. Kevin Beyer, Headquarters and Headquarters Company 173rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion Airborne ground force commander.

The HHC 173rd BSTB Airborne soldiers also completed a 1,100ft. combat equipment jump during the exercise.

"The jump was special because we had an Israeli jump master on board so we were able to earn Israeli jump wings," said Specialist Christopher Jester, HHC 173rd BSTB Airborne combat medic.

The 37th Airlift Squadron out of Ramstein Air Base, Germany also played a major role in NS 15. Aircrews from the 37th AS transported soldiers to the drop zones in C-130J Super Hercules'. The crews also completed night flights which consisted of low level flying, max effort assault zone landings, container delivery system drops and the use of night vision goggles.

"This exercise gave us the ability to practice in austere landing condition in a controlled environment," said Capt. Joe Eastman, 37th AS C-130J pilot.

With all the moving parts to an exercise this massive no wonder it was over a year in the making.

"Israel is a near peer in capability all the way down to the type of aircraft, and we planned NS 15 for over a year to achieve this two-week exercise," said Mr. Dave Watson, U.S. Air Forces Europe and Air Forces-Africa exercise lead planner. "It's great to see it all come together."

The U.S. is committed to working together with other nations with similar national security and regional stability goals to bolster cooperation, friendship and understanding to address potential challenges in the region. The Noble Shirley exercise series began in 1992, and U.S. Forces and the IDF have already begun working together to plan the next exercise in the series to take place in 2017.

"I appreciated this unique opportunity to integrate and collaborate with our training, and for the extensive cross talks," Beyer said. "This training paves the way for future collaborations."

NATO Secretary General visits the Florida Air National Guard

by Master Sgt. Jaclyn Lyons
125th Fighter Wing

5/29/2015 - Jacksonville Fla. -- The 125th Fighter Wing, Florida Air National Guard, was the first stop on a short tour of three U.S. military installations yesterday for NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

Stoltenberg was greeted by Brig. Gen. James Eifert, Commander of the Florida Air National Guard, Col. Brian Simpler, Commander of the 125th Fighter Wing and Mayor of Jacksonville Alvin Brown, then given a detailed brief about the role of the National Guard and the mission of the Florida Air National Guard.

Col. Simpler explained the Quick Reaction Alert mission of securing the skies of the southeastern United States by having Air Force F-15 Eagle aircraft on standby to intercept and identify unknown aircraft or objects penetrating U.S. sovereign airspace.

"With the F-15, we call it air dominance," he said. "Our job is to gain and maintain air superiority over the battlefield."

Col. Simpler also explained how the 125th FW is the first Air National Guard unit to deploy in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, which is a demonstration of continued U.S. commitment to the collective security of NATO allies.  There are currently about 200 Airmen and 12 F-15 fighters deployed to Eastern Europe.

Stoltenberg was able to see an F-15 up close and speak to Airmen from across the base.  He stressed the importance of the mission both at home and abroad and thanked the Airmen for their service.

"It has been a great visit because I have seen how the United States and the Florida Guard are contributing to the security of Europe, North America and trans-Atlantic cooperation," said Stoltenberg. "It has been great to see and meet personnel here at the base and I am impressed by the quality and professionalism of the people."

Stolteneberg later went on to tour Naval Station Kings Bay and Naval Station Mayport for a look at other aspects of military missions before heading back to Europe.

"He is here for less than 24 hours to see the entire U.S. military components and we represent the conventional forces in that enterprise," Col. Simpler explained. "It has been a great honor."

Kunsan hosts Buddy Wing 15-4

by Senior Airman Katrina Heikkinen
8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

6/1/2015 - KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea  -- The 8th Fighter Wing is hosting members from the Republic of Korea Air Force's 123rd Tactical Fighter Squadron, 20th Fighter Wing, Seosan Air Base, Republic of Korea, to participate in Exercise Buddy Wing 15-4 here June 1 to 5.

During the five-day exercise, the 20th FW fighter pilots, maintenance and support personnel are integrating with Wolf Pack Airmen on all aspects of the exercise to include mission planning, briefing, execution and debriefing.

"Buddy Wing exercises provide training scenarios that sharpen our diverse skill sets," said Capt. Matthew Kimmel, 35th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot and Exercise Buddy Wing 15-4 project officer. "This is a great way to integrate with our ROKAF partners both in the air and on the ground."

According to Kimmel, Exercise Buddy Wing 15-4 will focus on different aspects of air-to-air and air-to-ground tactical training between the 8th FW and the 20th FW.

"Some examples of the training include defensive counterair and air interdiction scenarios," Kimmel said. "Defensive counterair involves defending a point or area against enemy fighters--where one enemy force attempts to take down the opposing force. Air interdiction scenarios consist of fighting your way into enemy territory and expending ordnance on enemy ground targets."

Combining specific objectives prove beneficial for the participating units during Buddy Wing exercises because Airmen not only refine tactical skillsets but also promote cultural awareness and interoperability.

"For more than 60 years, the ROK-U.S. Alliance continues to be one of the strongest alliances in modern history," said Capt. Min-Gyu Han, 123rd TFS pilot. "I come to Kunsan every year for training, and each time I know that the combined U.S.-ROK training will serve as a great opportunity to learn and understand our similarities, differences and tactical operations of both forces."

Buddy Wing exercises are conducted at various ROKAF and U.S. Air Force bases multiple times throughout the year on the Korean peninsula. The combined fighter exchange program provides pilots an opportunity to exchange ideas and practice combined tactics in order to fight and fly as one Allied force.

Wolf Pack celebrates AAPIH

by Staff Sgt. Nick Wilson
8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

6/1/2015 - KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea  -- On May 7, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed a proclamation designating May 1990 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Today, 25 years later, May continues to be observed in the Wolf Pack as a time to reflect, learn and celebrate the impact Asian and Pacific Islanders have had in history.

"We showcase all of the different cultures throughout the Pacific Islands and Asia," said Master Sgt. Maile Bottorf-Wilkinson, 8th Logistics Readiness Squadron superintendent of logistics plans and AAPIH event coordinator. "With the diversity the world has, it's important to celebrate it and bring awareness to other people who may not have grown up around it or experienced those types of cultures."

Team Wolf Pack kicked off the festivities for AAPIH month with an oriental-themed night at the Loring Club.

"We also surprised everybody with a Flash Mob Dance with about 25 dancers who participated," said Master Sgt. Katherine R. Simpkins, 8th Fighter Wing Administration and 3A functional manager.

Also featured throughout the month were a Hot Hula fitness demolition, a lumpia-making class, a Spring Fling Block Party, a Lunch & Learn event at the professional development center, and an Amazing Race. The finale of Team Wolf Pack's AAPIH month was a Luau Party, which showcased oriental cuisines and cultural dances from countries and tribes throughout the Pacific region.

"We had more than 50 volunteers and representatives from across the Wolf Pack community who graciously devoted their time in the multiple events throughout the month," said Master Sgt. Froilan M. Flores, 8th Force Support Squadron fitness and sports section chief. "It was a collaboration of Airmen with different cultural backgrounds that wanted to help out because we wanted to share something about us and our home with everyone."

Heritage months such as AAPIH also help broaden Airmen's perspectives about different nationalities. In particular, this year's theme was "Many Cultures, One Voice: Promote Equality and Inclusion."

"Many Airmen might assume that these events are only for those with Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage," Simpkins said. "We are in a diverse community, so we should take advantage of observance months by learning about each culture and how we can support one another."

As Kunsan Airmen come from a wide range of nationalities, highlighting diverse cultural backgrounds brings a plethora of ideas and ways of thinking to the Wolf Pack community.

"The best part of celebrating AAPIH month at the Wolf Pack is how we support the events as a team and as a family," Simpkins said. "Airmen from all backgrounds helped with the planning, and that's how we pulled off the events successfully."

Wolf Pack welcomes the Lobos

by Senior Airman Divine Cox
8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

5/31/2015 - KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- The 8th Fighter Wing relies on more than two thousand permanently assigned Airmen to carry out its mission.

On May 14, the Wolf Pack welcomed more than 250 South Dakota National Guard from the 114th Fighter Wing, Joe Foss Field, Sioux Falls, South Dakota. They are deployed here as the 175th Fighter Squadron, part of the rotational Threat Security Package that strengthens the U.S. forces across the Asia-Pacific region.

This is the 114th Fighter Wing's first deployment to the Wolf Pack as a TSP.

"Our purpose here is not to just support a rotational Theater Security Package to the region," said Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Rollag, 175th FW TSP superintendent. "Our purpose is to come here for a few months and help support the Wolf Pack's mission."

The TSP members are no strangers to being part of a pack.

"While deployed here to Kunsan, we are part of the Wolf Pack," said Rollag. "This is meaningful to us because at home we are known as the Lobos, which means 'wolf' in Spanish. There, we are known as the Dakota Pack."

Many of the TSP members volunteered for the opportunity to deploy and team up with another Pack thousands of miles away.

"Like the Wolf Pack, we are a very close knit unit," said Staff Sgt. Jon Vande Hoef, 175th Fighter Squadron aerospace propulsion technician,. "I volunteered for the experience to ensure that I share in the responsibilities of deployments with my unit."

Vande Hoef added that this was his first deployment ever, and that he was nervous and excited at the same time.

To ensure the Lobos felt at home at Kunsan, many Wolf Pack units collaborated to prepare for their arrival and to quickly make them feel like part of the Pack.

"The 8th Force Support Squadron, 8th Medical Group, 8th Security Forces Squadron are all involved with us in the preparation for the TSP arrival," said Tech. Sgt. Darrius Core, 8th Logistics Readiness Squadron NCOIC deployment and receptions. "After coordinating with the inbound units on what they need, we reach out to various units across the installation to ensure they have their lodging, meal cards, medical care and flightline access. The faster we work to assimilate them into the 8th FW, the faster they are ready for perform the mission."

All of the planning, organizing, and coordinating ensures a smooth transition into the 8th FW.

"We are very excited to be part of the Wolf Pack," said Rollag. "The hard work and planning the men and women of Kunsan did upon our arrival really showed. Our arrival was seamless, and we look forward to helping Kunsan remain ready to fight tonight."