US and Republic of Korea Navies Increase Combined Capabilities During Clear Horizon 2014

By Lt. Arlo Abrahamson, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea Public Affairs

CHINHAE, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- The U.S. and Republic of Korea navies completed a successful mine countermeasures exercise Oct. 24, in waters south of the Korean peninsula.

The annual Clear Horizon exercise ran Oct. 20-24 and was designed to increase interoperability in mine countermeasures operations between the U.S. and Republic of Korea navies.

"Clear Horizon 2014 was a very successful exercise for both navies," said Capt. Mike Dowling, commander, Mine Countermeasures Squadron 7. "We operated together in a difficult and demanding training environment, and we've increased our combined capabilities in mine countermeasures operations."

Approximately 330 U.S. Navy personnel assigned to Mine Countermeasures Squadron 7, mine countermeasure ships USS Warrior (MCM 10) and USS Chief (MCM 14); along with MH-53E helicopters from Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 14 and a team from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5, Platoon 501, participated in the training alongside their Republic of Korea navy partners.

During the exercise, U.S. and Republic of Korea navy ships, aircraft and explosive ordnance disposal divers practiced clearing routes for shipping and conducted training surveys for clearing operational areas. Mine clearing helicopters and remotely operated vehicles were also used to rehearse mine countermeasures operations from the air and under the sea.

"We achieved our training objectives during this exercise," said Cmdr. Kim, Boem Woo, of the Republic of Korea Fleet. "Clear Horizon 2014 increased the readiness of both navies to effectively carry out mine countermeasures operations in the maritime environment."

Leaders from both navies said the training made them more confident in their ability to work as a team during combined operations at sea.

"I am extremely proud of the performance of my crew during exercise Clear Horizon," said Lt. Cmdr. James Correia, commanding officer of USS Chief. "Our crew received some very valuable training during the exercise and we enhanced our ability to operate with our partners in the Republic of Korea navy."

Clear Horizon is one of approximately 20 annual bilateral training exercises held each year between the U.S. and Republic of Korea navies aimed at strengthening the alliance and preserving stability and peace around the Korean peninsula and throughout Northeast Asia.

The U.S. 7th Fleet maintains routine presence in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to help promote maritime security and develop partnerships with friends and allies. Forward-deployed U.S. naval presence contributes to freedom of navigation, operational readiness, and enables an exchange of culture, skills, and tactical knowledge with nations throughout the region.

USS Michael Murphy Arrives in 7th Fleet AOR

From Commander, Task Force 70 Public Affairs

USS MICHAEL MURPHY, At Sea (NNS) -- Guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) arrived in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) Oct. 23.

Commanded by Cmdr. Todd Hutchison, the ship and its crew of more than 300 Sailors, assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 31, are scheduled to conduct goodwill activities with partner nations along with various presence operations such as Oceania Maritime Security Initiative (OMSI) during the ship's first operational forward deployment.

"Team Murphy is excited to be on our maiden deployment, and looking forward to conducting a wide range of exercises while in the AOR," said Hutchinson. "We are dedicated to ensuring that every day we are contributing to strengthening maritime partnerships, promoting stability, and showing our commitment to the region."

The 7th Fleet AOR covers more than 48 million square miles and spans from west of the international dateline to the western coast of India. Vice Adm. Robert Thomas Jr., commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, is responsible for more than 45,000 Sailors, 100 ships and submarines, and more than 200 aircraft in the largest naval AOR.

Michael Murphy is named for Navy SEAL Lt. Michael P. Murphy, a New York native who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan in 2005. Murphy was the first person to be awarded the medal for actions in Afghanistan, and the first member of the U.S. Navy to receive the award since the Vietnam War.

Homeported at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Michael Murphy is a multi-mission ship with anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare surface combatants capabilities; designed to operate independently or with an associated strike group.

Tinker sergeant to receive DOD award

by Darren D. Heusel
Tinker Public Affairs

10/27/2014 - TINKER AIR FORCE BASE - Okla. -- An Airman assigned to the 552nd Air Control Wing at Tinker Air Force Base has been named the Outstanding Service Member with a Disability Award winner for 2014 for the entire Department of Defense.

Tech. Sgt. Chad Molenhour is due to accept the award on Oct. 30 in Washington, D.C.

"Recognition outside of this outstanding wing, especially at the DOD level, is truly a testament to Tech. Sgt. Molenhour's exceptional work ethic," said Col. Jay R. Bickley, 552nd ACW commander. "Tech. Sgt. Molenhour's amazing story of experiencing and overcoming adversity is truly remarkable and his adherence to our Air Force's core values certainly merits receiving this prestigious award."

On Sept. 30, 2012, Sergeant Molenhour and his wife, Twyla, were on leave when they were both severely injured in a near fatal motorcycle accident. Both sustained a fractured pelvis, a fractured arm/shoulder and both had a leg amputated.The couple, hospitalized for 10 months in five different medical facilities, endured 15 surgeries.

Sergeant Molenhour remains on active duty and mentors other wounded warriors.

"I know there are many other DOD employees out there with disabilities even worse off than mine, yet they still get the job done," Sergeant Molenhour said. "I feel it is my duty to share my experience with others and show them that there is nothing that cannot be overcome."

Trooper

The October 30, 2014, episode of American Heroes Radio features a conversation with the writer, director and producer of Trooper, Christopher Martini; and, the executive producer, Lieutenant Colonel Lori D. Renwick, USA.

Program Date:  October 30, 2014

Program Time: 1200 hours, PACIFIC

Topic: Trooper

Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/lawenforcement/2014/10/30/trooper

About the Guest

The October 30, 2014, episode of American Heroes Radio features a conversation with the writer, director and producer of Trooper, Christopher Martini; and, the executive producer, Lieutenant Colonel Lori D. Renwick, USA.

Trooper is a film about an Iraq Veteran as he struggles to come to grips with the changes war has made in his life and those around him. Murphy O'Shea (Christopher Martini), an Iraq Veteran, has a hard time re-adjusting to society upon his return from a long tour. His world crumbles when he discovers his father (Gary Swanson), a Vietnam Veteran, is dying. His brother (Max Martini), currently on tour, reminds him to "shut up and take it". Follow the story of a family of Veterans, as they struggle with daily life and help each other heal the wounds of War.

Christopher Martini's first entry into the industry was as a child actor on a Feature Film for HBO, acting opposite John Lithgow. In 1996 Chris graduated from NYU film school and has been working as a feature film editor ever since. Chris' short film, "The Stone Child", about a Lakota Native-American boy coming of age, played at over 20 film festivals, and aired on Channel 13 in NYC. Chris' first feature film, "Trooper", about a returning Iraq War veteran, earned Chris the "Renaissance Man Award" at the 2011 Garden State Film Festival. Chris was the writer, director and star.

In 2013, Chris was honored with the job of producing a grand art installation video for renowned Vancouver artist, Stan Douglas, and Executive Produced by David Zwirner and the David Zwirner gallery in NYC, one of the top art galleries in the world, representing other artists such as Jeff Koons. The video features famed jazz musician, Jason Moran, and the shoot involved 70's period set dressing and costumes. Chris has dual citizenship (American and Italian), and lives in Brooklyn, where he writes screenplays and plans his next film, in between producing and editing projects.

After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, Lieutenant Colonel D. Renwick’s first assignment was a year tour in South Korea, north of the “no smile line” with the 2nd Infantry Division.  After promotion to Captain she was deployed to Bosnia and Herzegovina in an Aviation Liaison position in Mostar.  After that deployment she attended Military Intelligence Officer Advanced Course and was subsequently deployed to Qatar.  After eight years of active duty she transferred to the New Your National Guard.  Lieutenant Colonel Renwick then volunteered for a deployment to Iraq where she was a military police battalion intelligence officer. 

Lieutenant Colonel Lori D. Renwick has earned numerous awards and certificates throughout her 17 year military career, to include the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, one oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal, 2 NATO Ribbons, and the Army Aviation badge.

About the Watering Hole

The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life.  Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.

           

About the Host

Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years.  He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant.  He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University.  He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, law enforcement technology and leadership.  Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One.  He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in law enforcement.

Listen from the Archive: http://www.hitechcj.com/americanheroesradio/trooper.html

Program Contact Information

Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA

editor@police-writers.com

909.599.7530

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/305534522964688