USS Makin Island ARG Returns from Deployment

From Amphibious Squadron Five Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Nearly 4,500 Sailors and Marines with the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) returned to San Diego Feb. 25, following a seven-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operations.

Deployed since July 25, the Makin Island ARG and 11th MEU conducted a relocation of National Oceanographic Atmospheric Administration researchers from Tropical Storm Iselle near Hawaii, conducted air strikes against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Iraq, worked with British and Kuwaiti forces in Exercise Cougar Voyage 14, participated in Exercise Red Reef 15 with Saudi Arabian forces and performed Marine sustainment exercises in Kuwait and Djibouti.

"We've had a very intense deployment that required us to execute multiple mission sets simultaneously for long periods of time. The superb professionalism and work ethic of all members of the ARG/MEU team ensured we met and exceeded the mark every time," said Capt. Steve McKone, commander, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 5. "I know these Sailors and Marines are excited to be home."

The Makin Island ARG, led by PHIBRON 5, consists of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45), amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22), PHIBRON 5 staff, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23 (HSC-23) Detachment 2, scheduled to return to its home base on Naval Air Station North Island Feb. 24, Fleet Surgical Team 5, Tactical Air Control Squadron 11, Assault Craft Unit 5 and Beach Master Unit 1.

The 11th MEU is comprised of the 11th MEU Command Element; the Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163 (Reinforced); the Ground Combat Element, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines; and the Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 11.

"The Sailors and Marines on this ship performed exceptionally well during this deployment," said USS Makin Island Commanding Officer, Capt. Jon P. Rodgers. "This deployment marked the first for more than 65 percent of the crew. The teamwork was exceptional!"

During the deployment, the ARG transited nearly 35,000 nautical miles, flew approximately 3,100 sorties, and logged nearly 5,020 flight hours. Amphibious craft completed more than 4,000 passenger transfers and moved more than 90,000 tons of equipment to and from the shore.

"The Sailors of HSC-23 Detachment 2 provided support for all facets of aviation operations during deployment with the USS Makin Island ARG and the 11th MEU," said Lt. Cmdr. Joseph Adams, HSC-23's officer-in-charge. "It was truly an honor to be a part of the exceptional effort, dedication, and professionalism displayed by the ARG/MEU team during this deployment."

This deployment was the first for San Diego and the second for Makin Island.

The Makin Island ARG conducted port visits in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Oman and Jordan, collectively. The visits provided an opportunity for the U.S. military forces to strengthen ties with the host nations and foster relationships.

The Iwo Jima ARG and 24th MEU relieved the Makin Island ARG in the 5th Fleet AOR in January.

Air National Guard Civil Engineering Squadron clears way

by Tech. Sgt. Regina Young
116th Air Control Wing Public Affairs

2/24/2015 - ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- A team from the 116th Air Control Wing here was recently ready to support the community by pre-positioned snow and debris removal equipment in preparation for potential inclement weather.

The 116th Civil Engineering Squadron, in coordination with the Joint Operations Center, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia, readied their equipment to perform initial route clearance, including removing trees and concrete debris from the roadways.

"The advantage of utilizing us is that we are a force-multiplier to the civilian authorities who may not be able to respond as rapidly as we can," said Senior Master Sgt. James Love, superintendent with the 116th CES.

The civil engineer personnel utilize two all-track multi-purpose, multi-attachment vehicles, chainsaws, hand tools and personal protective gear to get the job done.

"Providing assistance as augmentees strengthens the relationship with state and local authorities while minimizing the impact to the community," said Love.

Through past performance the ANG proven that it has the ability to respond quickly when a homeland emergency arises, delivering critical supplies and personnel. This is made possible through long-term relationships established with first responders in local communities. The ANGs unique state and federal mission makes the ANG a readily accessible resource during an emergency.

The 116th CES demonstrates the ANGs balanced strategy of being the first choice for homeland operations through supporting the Defense Support of Civil Authorities by utilizing dual-use equipment, training and personnel, providing a variety of capabilities to the state's governor. A component of these capabilities includes responses to natural and man-made disasters.

Face of Defense: Female Artillery Soldier Becomes Launcher Chief

By Army Sgt. Joe Dees

214th Fires Brigade

FORT SILL, Okla., Feb. 26, 2015 – Army Cpl. Erica Gunter recently made history when she was promoted to corporal and assigned as a multiple launch rocket system launcher chief, a position usually held by a staff sergeant.

Gunter is assigned to A Battery, 2nd Battalion, 4th Field Artillery here. Other female soldiers have served as noncommissioned officers in the 13M military occupational specialty, but they were reclassified from other military job specialties. Gunter began her 13M career two years ago during the second 13M Advanced Individual Training class open to women.

"It all came as a surprise to me," Gunter said. "It is something I've wanted since even before basic training, since the recruiter offered the MOS and said I would be one of the first females to attend the training. But, I didn't think it was going to happen now."

A Leader of Soldiers

On the morning Gunter graduated from the Warrior Leader Course with honors, she was called back to her unit for a meeting with her battery commander and first sergeant. There she was told of the unit's plans for her, including leading a launcher crew in certifications the following week –- along with a promotion.

"Corporal Gunter was selected for this job because of her ability to meet challenges head-on and produce superb results in all of her endeavors," said Army 1st Sgt. Calvin McDuffey, Gunter's first sergeant. "She has been relentless in her desire to achieve excellence, reluctant to accept failure, and [she] possesses a demeanor conducive to leading soldiers in this profession."

Gunter said she was excited to assume her new leadership position, but also nervous since no one in her crew had worked together before.

"I want to be the quality leader these soldiers deserve from day one,” she said. “You usually work with a crew for at least a few weeks before certifications, but I knew these were good soldiers who have worked hard.”

‘Gunter has a Great Career Ahead of Her’

The weekend's studying and a focused career paid off for Gunter and her new crew, as they certified on all required tasks.

"I have always been determined and goal-oriented," Gunter said. "I volunteered for every learning opportunity and always sought out ways to be a better soldier. My leaders were always helpful in guiding me in my career, and this unit has always focused on having an open and approachable culture that will answer whatever questions you have."

Gunter continues to have a full work schedule. The "Deep Attack" Battalion has many training exercises planned, and Gunter has a soldier-of-the-quarter board and a promotion board in the coming weeks.

"Corporal Gunter has a great career ahead of her," McDuffey said. "She is a solid example of what the Total Army soldier should be."

Sea Services Officials Detail Sequestration’s Impact

By Jim Garamone

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26, 2015 – Under the president’s fiscal year 2016 budget proposal, the military’s sea services would be able to carry out their worldwide missions, but if sequestration triggers, all bets are off, senior Navy and Marine Corps officials said on Capitol Hill yesterday.

Sean Stackley, the assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition; Lt. Gen. Kenneth J. Glueck Jr., the commanding general of the Marine Corps Combat Development Command; and Vice Adm. Joseph P. Mulloy, the deputy chief of naval operations for integration of capabilities and resources, testified before the House Armed Services subcommittee on sea power and projection forces on the budget request.

Sea Services Remain Busy

The sea services have been busy, the officials said in a joint statement released by the subcommittee. The Navy and Marine Corps have key missions in power projection and deterrence. While the sea services have to accomplish the missions of today, they said, now is the time to build and equip the Navy and Marine Corps of tomorrow.

In the past year, sailors and Marines around the world continued to perform the mission and operate forward. They were “where it mattered when it mattered,” the officials said in the prepared statement.

This included the first strikes against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, typhoon relief in the Philippines and reassurance patrols in the Black Sea and the Baltic Sea. Marine Corps units deployed to every combatant command and executed numerous exercises to strengthen relationships with allies and build partner capacity. Marines also responded to emergent crises in Sudan, Iraq and Libya, and most recently off the coast of Yemen to participate in strikes or reassure American allies.

“The Navy Department maintained a steady pace of over 200 engagements, more than 30 amphibious operations, 150 theater support events, and 130 exercises in 2014,” officials said in the statement.

High Risk

The department’s fiscal 2016 budget proposal represents the bare minimum to execute the defense strategy guidance. It still, however, “results in high risk in two of the most challenging missions that depend on adequate numbers of modern, responsive forces,” the joint statement said.

“The principal risk to the department’s ability to meet the [defense strategy guidance] remains the uncertainty in future funding, which affects our planning and the ability to balance near- and long-term readiness and capability,” the statement said. “The fiscal 2014 President’s Budget was the last budget submission to fully meet all of the missions.”

The Navy made difficult, strategy-based choices and shifted funds to higher priority missions, but that is not sustainable, officials said in the statement.

Reduction of Weapons, Aircraft Capability

Fiscal constraints compelled the department to reduce the capability of weapons and aircraft, slow modernization and delay upgrades to all but the most critical shore infrastructure, the joint statement said. “As a result, the department is challenged with maintenance backlogs, compressed training for modernization, and impacts on our people and their families due to extended deployments,” they added.

If sequestration returns, “a revisit and revision of the defense strategy would be necessary,” the officials said in the statement.

“With limited ability to mitigate the impacts as we did in fiscal 2013, sequestration in fiscal 2016 would force the department to further delay critical warfighting capabilities, reduce readiness of forces needed for contingency response, further downsize weapons capacity, and forego or stretch force structure procurements as a last resort,” the statement said.

“The department’s capability and capacity to meet operational requirements over the long term will be reduced, including our ability to deploy forces on the timeline required by combatant commanders in the event of a contingency,” the officials said in the statement.