NEPMU-7 Supports Annual Baltic Operations Exercise

By Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Jay Cherluck, Navy Environmental and Preventive Medicine 7 Public Affairs

USTKA, Poland (NNS) -- Two preventive medicine technicians (PMTs) from Navy Environmental Preventive Medicine Unit (NEPMU) 7 deployed to provide public health support in preparation for the annual Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2015, June 5-20.

BALTOPS is an annual, multinational exercise to enhance maritime capabilities and interoperability with partner nations to promote maritime safety and security in the Baltic Sea.

This was NEPMU-7's first boots on the ground mission since being re-commissioned last June after a seven-year hiatus, as well as its first embedded operation with Commander, Naval Expeditionary Task Force Europe and Africa (CTF) 68.

"NEPMU-7 demonstrated full operational capability on their first deployment," said Capt. Joseph Polanin, commodore of CTF-68, "[the support was] a huge force multiplier for our task group and adjacent commands".

The two-man PMT team arrived a week prior to the start of the exercise to conduct an initial assessment at Camp Gorsko. The purpose of the camp assessment and public health support for the exercise proactively ensures personnel will have safe and adequate drinking water, food, living spaces, hygiene facilities, and information on public health risks. Within a week of the camp assessment, NATO forces made Camp Gorsko their temporary home for the duration of the operation.

"Keeping troops safe during any training exercise or combat mission is important and NEPMU-7 provides the commander another layer of safety. They find the hidden dangers by conducting field surveys and presenting solutions to leadership to keep troops safe from the unseen enemy "disease"!" said Lt. Cmdr. Bob Morrison, assistant officer in charge, Naval Forces Europe, Detachment Maritime Ashore Support Team.

The PMTs rigorous inspection and monitoring of the camp aims to mitigate risk and prevent disease that can threaten the health of forces participating in the exercise and ultimately hinder the success of military operations.

"This is a milestone for our unit, it is fantastic to see our personnel out there supporting the operating forces," said Capt. Juliann Althoff, officer in charge, NEPMU-7. "This is what we are trained to do."

NEMPU-7, located in Rota, Spain, provides theatre-wide preventive medicine support to Navy and Marine Corps forces and joint and combined military operations throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East, whether it's a request for information or a request for forces, the team's highly skilled and trained professionals are always ready.

Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group Departs U.S. 5th Fleet

By Lt. Lily Hinz, Commander, Amphibious Squadron 8 Public Affairs

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (NNS) -- The Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (IWOARG), with embarked 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), departed U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO), June 21.

The ARG entered U.S. 6th Fleet AOO upon completion of a Suez Canal transit and the 4,000 U.S. Sailors and Marines assigned to the ARG and 24th MEU will serve in the U.S. 6th Fleet AOO before completing their scheduled seven-month deployment.

While on station in the U.S. 5th Fleet AOO, the ARG and 24th MEU supported theater security cooperation and provided a forward naval presence by providing crisis response, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and combat capabilities.

The ARG played a crucial role in Yemen evacuation and contingency operations, participated in multiple bilateral and multi-lateral training exercises and conducted strategic transits of the Strait of Bab-Al-Mandeb.

"The Sailors and Marines of the IWOARG and the 24th MEU have done an outstanding job during this deployment to 5th Fleet," said Navy Capt. Michael McMillan, commodore, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 8. "This ARG/MEU team has been ready to plan and execute any and all tasking since our arrival here, and the hard work of each Sailor and Marine contributed to an extremely successful deployment."

The IWOARG is commanded by McMillan, which include the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) and the embarked Marines of the 24th MEU, as well as various supporting elements from Assault Craft Unit 4, Beachmaster Unit 2, Fleet Surgical Team 8, Tactical Air Control Squadron 22 and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28.

The 24th MEU is commanded by Col. Scott F. Benedict and is comprised of the Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced); the Ground Combat Element, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines; the Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 24 and its command element.

The ARG ships left their homeport in Mayport, Florida, Dec. 11, and Dec. 12, 2014 on a regularly scheduled deployment and will continue to support operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet AOO.

NASCC Fire & Emergency Services Best in DoD

By Fifi Kieschnick, Naval Air Station Corpus Christi Public Affairs

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (NNS) -- Naval Air Station Corpus Christi Fire and Emergency Services was selected as the Department of Defense Fire Department of the Year (Medium Category) for 2014.

The awards program recognizes individuals, teams and departments that make significant contributions to fire and emergency services.

They were one of three Navy winners selected as best in the Department of Defense. Also selected was Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, for fire prevention program of the year and fire services instructor of the year.

"To be identified by your peers as the 'Best in DoD' is a remarkable distinction," stated Vice Adm. Dixon R. Smith, commander, Navy Installations Command, in a message to regional commanders. "Bravo zulu and congratulations to all of your Navy F&ES DoD award winners."

The department and its 68 personnel provide all hazards emergency response, and fire prevention and public education services. The 60 assigned firefighters responded to 1,255 incidents last year, including 18 fires, 211 emergencies services, 12 rescues, 24 hazardous materials incidents, 654 airfield incidents and more. The fire prevention division completed comprehensive fire inspections on every facility on the installation, issued 595 hazardous operations permits, and provided public fire safety education on and off of the installation reaching 86,000 contacts.

Among other achievements throughout the year, they earned Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) accreditation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence, ensuring organizational excellence. Personnel also completed 33,000 hours of all-hazards and leadership development training, enhancing readiness, which is the core of everything they do.

"It's a pleasure to pass on congratulations to all of your team," said Capt. Steve Banta, NASCC commanding officer. "It's one thing to know that all of the department's hard work is resulting in a continued efficient and effective team, but it sure is great when an outside inspecting agency verifies this and declares you the DoD F&ES Department of the Year!"

Fire Chief John Morris said, "On a daily basis, we strive for excellence in all that we do. That is only possible due to hard work and dedication, individually and as a team. The awards/recognition only serves to validate the great work every member of the department does each and every day.

"This has been an amazing year: we were designated as a CFAI Accredited Agency; we have had a number of personnel complete or start on a degree; and we have had a number of our guys recognized at the installation, region and Navy levels in various awards programs. What we have done as a team has been recognized DoD-wide for these cumulative achievements that includes each division, shift and individual in the department."

100th SFS K-9, border force build partnerships with joint training

by Senior Airman Christine Halan
100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

6/22/2015 - RAF MILDENHALL, England -- Members of the 100th Security Forces Squadron Military Working Dog unit and the Central Region U.K. Border Force trained alongside one another June 16, 2015 on RAF Mildenhall, England.

The two agencies worked together conducting training in the passenger terminal, detecting drugs within suitcases that were scattered throughout the facility. The British and Americans performed demonstrations for each other, highlighting the handlers' differences in detection methods and training.

Alison Bailey, Central Region U.K. Border Force dog unit team leader, explained the basic principles of training are very similar, but the teams work slightly differently. The border force handlers work within closer parameters in a more controlled environment, with working dog on the leash, rather than letting the working dog work further afield from the handler.

The training also enabled the U.K. Border Force dog team to work in a different environment.

"The use of someone else's training samples is really nice, because they (the dogs) do get used to the same samples used." Bailey said. "It's more difficult for them to pick up other ones. Dogs generally give a different indication. The scent they come across is different to them, but they're not necessarily sure. Whereas if we use other people's samples, they'll think 'I'll get awarded on that, since its similar', they'll freeze a lot quicker if they continue to use the same samples all the time."

"Different locations [help] as well," said Lesley Meanley, Central Region U.K. Border Force higher officer. "We work in similar environments every day, and in that you get used to working, so here is something different."

The border force team uses a variety of dogs including Springer Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, Labradors, Sprockers (Cocker Spaniel and Springer Mix) and Springerdors (Springer Spaniel and Labrador Mix).

They search for drugs, cash, tobacco, cigarettes, clandestines and fire arms in airports, freight ships and mail distribution centers. Teams can also be called out for house searches if requested.

This kind of joint training also brings benefits to the 100th SFS MWDs.

"This joint training project affords us as a Military Working Dog section, a direct vision into how our U.K. civilian counterparts perform," said Staff Sgt. Joseph Serrano, 100th Security Forces Squadron MWD kennel master. "This opens a training channel, aimed at gaining insights into both agencies capabilities while simultaneously addressing each other's challenges. Therefore enabling both of our organizations the ability to pitch derived solutions, solidifying techniques and procedures with our four-legged companions.

86th AW welcomes new commander

by Tech. Sgt. Kris Levasseur
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

6/19/2015 - RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Airmen of the 86th Airlift Wing welcomed a new commander during the change of command ceremony here June 19.

Brig. Gen. Jon T. Thomas formally took command of the Air Force's premier power projection platform in Hangar 1 while Lt. Gen. Darryl L. Roberson, 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander, officiated the ceremony.
"We are gathered here today to reflect on the accomplishments of the 86th Airlift Wing over the last two years under the command of General Mordente and say farewell, good luck and thank you," Roberson said. "I'd also like to give a big welcome to General Thomas and his wife and say welcome back to Ramstein."

As the wing commander, Thomas will be responsible for of six groups, 27 squadrons and 10 geographically separated units across five countries including the United Kingdom, Spain, Belgium and Turkey.

"General Mordente, thank you for your service to the 86th Airlift Wing," Thomas said. "It is clear that this wing and its Airmen are successful and on the right track, which speaks greatly to the person leading them. To the Airmen of Ramstein, I will always be proud to serve with you. You can expect me to give my best every day, leading with passion and compassion for you and your families. I ask but one thing in return; that you extend that same level of effort to execute the mission. It is our duty to follow in the footsteps of those great Airmen before us."

Before becoming commander, Thomas served as Joint Staff/J7 Deputy Director for Future Joint Force Development in Suffolk, Virginia, where he was responsible for joint concept development, joint war gaming, joint and coalition operational analysis and joint lessons learned.

During his last assignment to Ramstein AB, Thomas served as the commander of the 86th Operations Group.

Commentary: Be proud of your role this Independence Day

by Gen. Ellen Pawlikowski
Commander, Air Force Materiel Command

6/23/2015 - WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, starting the colonies on the path to freedom. The next day, John Adams wrote to his wife, describing the time as "the most memorable epoch in the history of America" and saying he was "apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance .... It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade ... from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more."

Our founding father hit the mark. Indeed, 239 years later, we still celebrate our nation's birthday with cookouts and music, parades and fireworks. We deck ourselves and our backyards with red, white and blue in tribute to our independence and as a show of our patriotism.

As we enjoy the festivities with friends and family, we should also remember what our freedom costs, both to achieve and to sustain. Since 1776, thousands of Americans have given their lives in service to our nation, and millions more have put their lives at risk to preserve our democratic way of life.

Air Force Materiel Command is a key part of that service. Be proud that we support democracy and uphold the ideals of our predecessors when we provide our nation's warfighters with the resources they need.

Happy birthday, America!