Coast Guard Foundation salutes Haiti earthquake responders

Written by: LTJG Stephanie Young

Coast Guard members salute their seniors as a sign of respect through a crisp raised hand salute. But a salute can also be an expression of goodwill, such as giving a toast or producing a special commemoration. Last night the Coast Guard Foundation showed both respect and goodwill, as they saluted the Coast Guard men and women who responded to the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti this past January.

The Coast Guard Foundation award was not presented to an individual or unit, but to every Coastie that responded in the days and weeks after the 7.0 magnitude earthquake. These components of Operation Unified Response included the cutter fleet, air stations, area and district support units, reservists and auxiliarists.

Coast Guard cutters were the first on scene, mobilizing just hours after the earthquake. The crews aboard the 12 assigned cutters assisted thousands of injured people and delivered medical and other critical supplies. Cutters also acted as aircraft controllers to facilitate reopening of the airport and ensure the flow of vital aid shipments.

Coast Guard aircrews worked around the clock to transport more than 500 urban rescue team members who located and rescued survivors, as well as teams from federal and international agencies. The morning after the earthquake, an HC-130 Hercules provided the first images of the devastation, and air assets from around the country continued to fly overflight assessments that provided critical information to determine where to focus rescue efforts.

The area and district support units deployed personnel that further enhanced the response by manning 24-7 command centers and coordinating logistics to support those on the front-line. Support units also provided aid to communities by reconstructing communications networks, delivering food, fuel, water and medicine to orphanages and villages, and providing security for workers and evacuees.

Within 48 hours of the tragic earthquake hundreds of reservists and auxiliarists deployed illustrating the service’s surge capacity. In total, 118 members of Port Security Units (PSU) from Florida, Washington and California deployed to Haiti. The units volunteered with local orphanages to provide medical attention to injured Haitians and helped rebuild a hospital. Members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary assisted the Unified Response by solving the problem of who needed help and where. Auxiliary teams collected information from various communications and internet sources and passed the information to command centers where rescue teams could be dispatched. These volunteer efforts, through innovation and technology, helped save lives.

The multiple resources and members who played a role in responding to one of the worst natural disasters in Haiti’s history represent the Coast Guard’s unique authorities and capabilities that makes the service so resilient when disaster strikes.

Bravo Zulu to all the responders who were part of Operation Unified Response. We too, salute you.

This article was sponsored by Police Books.

Medal of Honor Recipient Inducted Into Hall Of Heroes

By Karen Parrish

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2010 – A Pentagon ceremony today formally inscribed the name of Army Special Forces Staff Sgt. Robert J. Miller, who yesterday was awarded a posthumous Medal of Honor, onto the nation’s list of military heroes.

In January 2008, Miller, at age 24, died in action in Afghanistan, charging the enemy through a hailstorm of bullets to give 22 other soldiers a chance to survive. Today, Miller’s family, teammates, and friends gathered at the Pentagon alongside the U.S. military’s most-senior leaders to honor their fallen son’s life, heroism and courage.

Today’s Pentagon ceremony marked Miller’s entry into the building’s Hall of Heroes, where his name and the details of his service will join those of other Medal of Honor recipients.

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates praised Miller’s bravery and sacrifice, and the sacrifice of Phil and Maureen Miller, the fallen soldier’s parents.

“Every evening I write notes to the families of young Americans -- as I did to the Millers -- who have given this country the supreme sacrifice,” Gates said. “They are our country’s best, the nation’s sons and daughters, who answered the call of service to defend this country in a time of war.”

Servicemembers such as Miller, Gates said, had “answered what Theodore Roosevelt described as ‘the trumpet call,’ which he said: ‘Is the most inspiring of all sounds, because it summons men to spurn all ease and self-indulgence and bids them forth to the field where they must dare and do and die at need.’"

“Rob [Miller] was one who answered that trumpet call, one who also possessed that extra measure of courage and determination to be at the very tip of the spear in America's wars,” the secretary said.

Gates also recounted the medal’s history and meaning.

“Over the past century, it has gone only to the bravest of the brave, with fewer than a thousand recipients out of the millions of Americans who have served in uniform during that time,” Gates said. “It goes to those who demonstrate exceptional bravery in the face of enemy fire. But it also demands something more of an individual: The knowledge that by embarking on a course of action, losing one’s life is not only possible, it is quite likely.”

During Army Secretary John M. McHugh’s remarks at the ceremony, he described Miller’s interests in gymnastics, basketball, history, languages and the military as he was growing up. Later, as a young Green Beret, Miller brought his characteristic intensity, enthusiasm, leadership and dedication to the job, the Army secretary said.

“He was funny, generous, passionate and determined,” McHugh said of Miller. “He was someone we would all have liked to know … a life that while too short, was a life of extraordinary measure.”

Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. said during the ceremony that Miller’s life offered “a glimpse of what is best about our country.” And watching Miller’s parents, brothers and sisters interact, Casey said, made it clear how the young man had turned out to be so extraordinary.

“Each of them had a role in making Robert the man that he was,” Casey said.

The Millers accepted a Medal of Honor flag on their fallen son’s behalf, and unveiled the plaque bearing his name that will be displayed in the Hall of Heroes.

Phil Miller spoke of his son before the ceremony’s conclusion.

“Robert loved what he was doing very much,” Miller said. “He was proven to be very good at what he was doing. And there was no question that he was confident he was fighting and serving for a good cause.”

Miller said his son was a normal, active, mischievous boy while growing up.

“My wife and I believe he is a great example of what America’s youth can do, and how well they can perform, when they’re given the responsibility and the opportunity to do so,” he said.

“We miss him terribly.”

Miller’s actions in Afghanistan as weapons sergeant for Company A, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group have been much-publicized since the award of his medal was announced in September. But a few days before the January 25, 2008, ambush where Miller gave his life, he and a teammate had talked about how they wanted to be remembered.

In an interview before this week’s ceremonies, Staff Sgt. Nicholas McGarry said during that conversation, Miller had told him he wanted to be remembered for how he had lived, and not how he died. As the two single guys on the team, McGarry recalled that he and Miller hung out together, and rode mountain bikes after work.

“He was incredibly joyful – a motivated, energetic person,” McGarry said of his departed friend. “Just a good friend to have around, because he always wanted to do something. He was always in a good mood –- kind of a playful spirit, I guess.”

McGarry said he thinks about Miller every day.

“He was a good friend,” McGarry said. “But if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be here.”

President Barack Obama yesterday presented the Medal of Honor posthumously to Miller’s parents during a ceremony held in the East Room of the White House.

This article was sponsored by Police Books.

U.S. - RoK Security Consultative Meetings Press Events Announced

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates will host an honor cordon to welcome the Republic of Korea’s Minister of National Defense Kim Tae-young to the Pentagon.  The cordon will be held on the steps of the River Entrance at 9:30 a.m. EDT, Oct. 8.

Gates and Kim will then participate in the 42nd annual U.S. - RoK Security Consultative Meetings.  A photo spray will be conducted during those meetings at 10:20 a.m.

Following the conclusion of the meetings, Gates and Kim will conduct a joint news briefing at 11 a.m. in the Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973).

Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the Pentagon River Parking Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort to the cordon.

This article was sponsored by Police Books.

Today in the Department of Defense, Friday, October 08, 2010

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates hosts an honor cordon to welcome the Republic of Korea Minister of National Defense Kim Tae-young to the Pentagon today at 9:30 a.m. EDT.  The cordon will be held on the steps of the Pentagon River Entrance.  Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the Pentagon River Parking Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort to the cordon.

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and Republic of Korea Minister of National Defense Kim Tae-young conduct a joint press conference at 11 a.m. EDT in the Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973), following the 42nd Security Consultative Meeting.  Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the River Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort into the building.

This article was sponsored by Police Books.

Today in the Department of Defense, Thursday, October 07, 2010

Staff Sgt. Robert J. Miller will be inducted into the Hall of Heroes at 2 p.m. EDT in the Pentagon Auditorium (Room BH650).  Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Secretary of the Army John McHugh, Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr., Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth O. Preston and Miller’s family will participate in the ceremony.  See press advisory for details.

Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn III, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen and other service leaders will attend the 2010 USO Gala at 7:30 p.m. EDT at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, Washington, D.C.  Media contact is Tiane Harrison at 703-908-6433, tharrison@uso.org.

Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen hosts an honor cordon to welcome Gen. Han Min-Koo, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Republic of Korea, to the Pentagon at 10 a.m. EDT.  The cordon will be held on the steps of the Pentagon River Entrance.  Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the Pentagon River Parking Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort to the cordon.

This article was sponsored by Police Books.

Missing WWII Soldiers Identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of two servicemen, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and are being returned to their families for burial with full military honors.

Army Pfc. Lawrence N. Harris, of Elkins, W.V., will be buried on Oct. 8 in Clarksburg, W.V, and Army Cpl. Judge C. Hellums, of Paris, Miss., will be buried on Oct. 9 in Randolph, Miss.  In late September 1944, their unit, the 773rd Tank Battalion, was clearing German forces out of the Parroy Forest near Lunéville.  On Oct. 9, 1944, in the final battle for control of the region, Hellums, Harris and three other soldiers were attacked by enemy fire in their M-10 Tank Destroyer. Harris and Hellums were reported to have been killed, and evidence at the time indicated the remains of the men had been destroyed in the attack and were neither recovered nor buried near the location.

In November 1946, a French soldier working in the Parroy Forest found debris associated with an M-10 vehicle and human remains, which were turned over to the American Graves Registration Command (AGRC).  The remains were buried as unknowns in the Ardennes American Cemetery in Belgium. A year later, the AGRC returned to the Parroy Forest to conduct interviews and search for additional remains.  Investigators noted at that time that all remains of U.S. soldiers had reportedly been removed and that the soldiers were likely buried elsewhere as unknowns.

In 2003, a French citizen exploring the Parroy Forest discovered human remains and an identification bracelet engraved with Hellums’ name.  The information was eventually sent to the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC).  In April 2006, the man turned over the items to a JPAC team working in Europe.

Historians at DPMO and JPAC continued their research on the burials at the Ardennes Cemetery, and drew a correlation to those unknowns that had been removed from the 1944 battle site.  In early 2008, JPAC disinterred these remains and began their forensic review.

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC used dental comparisons for both men and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory used mitochondrial DNA, which matched that of each soldier’s relatives in the identification of their remains.

At the end of the war, the U.S. government was unable to recover, identify and bury approximately 79,000 Americans.  Today, more than 72,000 remain unaccounted-for from the conflict.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for missing Americans, call 703-699-1169 or visit the DPMO Web site at www.dtic.mil/dpmo.

This article was sponsored by Police Books.

Troops in Korea Train on Casualty Reporting System

By Donna Miles

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 6, 2010 – Military medical personnel here are wrapping up training that ensures the 28,000 U.S. troops in South Korea are covered by the same casualty reporting system being used in Afghanistan, Iraq and 13 other forward-deployed locations around the world.

Eighth U.S. Army is completing a month of one-day classes on the Medical Communications for Combat Casualty Care -– or MC4 -– system that captures details about medical care provided to all forward-deployed U.S. forces, said Army Maj. Kevin Peck, chief information officer for the 65th Medical Brigade at Yongsan Garrison here.

Although the system isn’t new to the Korean peninsula, annual training classes introduce medical personnel who are new to the military or have never deployed to use the MC4 system. The classes also offer a chance for anyone who hasn’t used the system for awhile to brush up on its features.

MC4 started life in 2003 as an Army platform, Peck explained. But, he said, the Air Force and Navy both adopted it three years ago to replace their own separate electronic medical records systems for deployed airmen, sailors and Marines. The Navy still uses a separate reporting system aboard ships at sea.

The result is an increasingly universal medical records system, Peck said, noting a growing list highly deployable commands are adopting MC4 for use at their home stations.

Medics with the 2nd Infantry Division -- serving just south of the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas, the world’s most heavily armed border -- recognize the value of using a single system to track patient care, whether at morning sick call or in combat.

“Each day, they’re logging into the same exact box that, if we go to war, they are going to pick up and walk out the door with and do patient care,” Peck said. “So there is no learning curve for these guys. They walk out the door and they keep doing the same thing they’ve been doing every day in the first place.”

MC4 represents a major step toward improving medical records accuracy and ultimately, patient care, said Peck, who oversaw the system’s use at numerous medical treatment facilities in Iraq before reporting to his current post.

“I think our providers are giving these kids the best care in the world. [They are doing] phenomenal work, saving lives and limbs,” he said. “However, if we stop there and don’t document it properly in MC4, then we haven’t finished the job.”

The system begins at the point of injury, where the tending medic keys-in details about the patient’s condition and rendered medical care into a rugged, handheld device. That information, which is then downloaded into a central data repository, will continue to follow the patient through successive treatment facilities in the theater and beyond, Peck explained.

The information will remain with the patients as they are evacuated to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., or another major military medical center.

The data continues with them throughout the rest of their military service, into retirement or as they transition to the Veterans Affairs Department’s system.

“The importance of this is that now, [for] everybody who is deployed downrange, all their medical record data and their documentation are put into the same system,” Peck said.

This helps medical personnel prepare to receive incoming casualties before they arrive and eliminates any confusion about medical procedures already performed or medications prescribed, Peck said.

“I know that if I send one of my soldiers downrange and he gets hurt, that he is not only going to receive the best medical care in the world on the spot, but that the care is going to continue with him as he evacuates out of the theater” and onto follow-on treatment in Germany and the United States, Peck said. “That care is going to follow him the whole way along.”

VA has access to the same records, which Peck said will clear up gray areas that can delay reviews for disability benefits and other services.

One of the big advantages of MC4 is that it requires no immediate Internet connectivity to operate. That makes it as useful during the first phases of contingency operations where there’s no Web access, as opposed to mature theaters such as Iraq and Afghanistan and in highly technologized South Korea.

“If I have a system that is solely Web-based and that’s the only way you can use it, it does me no good in a developing theater of war,” Peck said.

MC4 can run on standalone servers, capturing and storing data until it can be uploaded via the Internet.

“So I can set up a hospital and operate for six months without Internet connectivity,” Peck said. “All that care that we are providing on location is captured.”

This article was sponsored by Police Books.

Guard Bolsters Homeland Response Capabilities

By Air Force Tech. Sgt. John Orrell

National Guard Bureau

ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 5, 2010 – The National Guard has added a homeland response force package to its current chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosive response capabilities, which will help to provide a more robust response to any homeland incident, a National Guard Bureau official said today.

“This will allow us to save lives and mitigate human suffering as rapidly as possible,” said Air Force Col. Tim Cathcart, chief of the National Guard Bureau’s joint training and education division.

The National Guard’s current CBRNE enhanced response force package mission has 17 teams of 186 people each throughout the country providing a quick-response capability for an incident involving weapons of mass destruction, Cathcart said. When activated, they initiate search and extraction from collapsed buildings, conduct victim decontamination, perform medical triage and transport victims to stabilization facilities, where doctors will treat victims before they are moved to a hospital or designated medical facility, he said.

The purpose of the homeland response force mission is to create a bigger force providing command and control of multiple CERFPs, weapons-of-mass-destruction civil support teams and other Guard assets during an incident.

“A HRF is built around a CERFP with some additional forces, which makes the total number of people activated for a mission like this to 566,” Cathcart said. “You take the original 186 from the CERFP mission and add in force protection and a command-and-control capability, making sure everyone is integrated, knows what the mission is and maintains situational awareness of the incident.”

Ten HRFs, one in each Federal Emergency Management Agency region, will stand up by Oct. 1, 2012.

The homeland response force mission also has a joint focus, Cathcart noted, which allows those involved to learn from each other, work better, exercise better and feel more comfortable with the capabilities and assets, Cathcart added.

Cathcart said the National Guard Bureau works closely with its partners at U.S. Northern Command, U.S. Army North, the Joint Interagency Training and Education Center at Charleston, W.Va., and the Marine Corps.

“This creates an integrated Department of Defense CBRNE response construct where we share training and a similar understanding of the task and conditions that we are going to perform and at the same standards,” he said.

The goal is to allow both National Guard and active duty forces a faster response time over a wider area of coverage, because everyone will be moving at the same rate with the same plan, he said.

“It will help mitigate any redundancy or confusion during an actual response, allowing us to do a better job at working together as a team, because we have been training and planning for operating the same way we would be in that kind of environment,” Cathcart explained. “It’s going to make things simpler for us to make sure we’re providing a better response to the nation because we’ve practiced and trained to similar standards.”

Gates May Meet Chinese Counterpart in Hanoi

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2010 – In a sign that the U.S.-China military-to-military relationship is beginning to return to normal, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates may meet with his Chinese counterpart during meetings in Hanoi, Vietnam, next week.

The secretary will participate in an Association of Southeast Asian Nations defense ministers conference in Hanoi next week that also will include the association partner nations of Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia and the United States.

“This forum will, for the first time, offer the opportunity for defense leaders from the region to formally come together and establish a regional security dialogue at the ministerial level,” Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said during a news conference today. “A more regular exchange of views will help build trust and transparency in the region, which will be important as nations there continue to develop new, more advanced military capabilities.”

Morrell said Gates hopes to meet with his Chinese counterpart privately during the meeting. They will discuss continued progress in re-establishing U.S.-Chinese military-to-military ties.

The roadmap first goes through Hawaii – where China will participate in maritime consultative talks with U.S. Pacific Command officials -- and then to Washington, where Michele Flournoy, undersecretary of defense for policy, will host her Chinese counterparts, Morrell said.

The maritime talks will feature discussion on ways the United States and China can operate and cooperate on the high seas and in the air over them, Morrell explained. They will discuss search and rescue exercises and ways that U.S. and Chinese ships communicate.

The defense talks will be in November or December, Morrell said. “Thus far, the talks have been largely focused on the mechanisms, the logistics,” he said.

The Chinese would like Gates to visit Beijing, Morrell said. “They’ve asked us to look for opportunities in his calendar,” he said. “We’re doing that right now, looking forward to reporting back on some possible dates. And our expectation is that we would be able to travel and engage with the Chinese as soon as possible.”

Gates, South Korean Counterpart to Discuss Exercises, Plans

By Donna Miles

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 6, 2010 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and his South Korean counterpart will assess during meetings later this week the recent joint military exercises designed to send a deterrent message to North Korea, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell told reporters yesterday.

Gates will host National Defense Minister Kim Tae-young tomorrow and Oct. 8 at the 42nd annual Security Consultative Meeting, Morrell announced.

The session, which coincides with the 60th anniversary of the start of the Korean War, reflects the strength of the U.S.-South Korean alliance and its commitment to South Korea’s security, Morrell told reporters.

Among other security-related topics, Gates and Kim will discuss the two recent Invincible Spirit exercises initiated in response to North Korea’s sinking of the South Korean navy ship Cheonan in March, Morrell said. Forty-six crewmembers were killed in the attack.

Morrell said the two leaders will “reaffirm, in the wake of the Cheonan sinking, that we will not tolerate North Korean provocation and aggression.”

The U.S. and South Korean navies wrapped up five days of anti-submarine warfare exercises in the waters off the Korean peninsula earlier this month. The exercises, the second in a series, focused on anti-submarine tactics, techniques and procedures, U.S. Forces Korea officials reported. The first Invincible Spirit exercise, conducted in the seas east of the Korean peninsula in July, focused on naval and air readiness.

During this week’s session, Gates and Lee also are expected to review details leading to the planned transfer of wartime operational control of forces on the Korean peninsula to South Korea’s military in 2015. The transfer, originally scheduled for 2012, was delayed until 2015 at South Korea’s request.

This plan is embodied in the new Strategic Alliance 2015 agreement that will shape their alliance for the future, Army Gen. Walter L. “Skip” Sharp, commander of U.S. Forces Korea, Combined Forces Command and United Nations Command, told American Forces Press Service.

The new plan covers a broad range of initiatives: transferring wartime operational control to South Korea, developing new war plans, introducing broader and more realistic exercises, reviewing both countries’ military organizational structures and timing the movement of U.S. forces south of Seoul, and ensuring South Korean forces are ready, he explained.

Sharp said the plan also will help to identify military capabilities South Korean forces will need in 2015, and to ensure that South Korean acquisition, training and organizational efforts are geared toward achieving them.

In addition, he said, the plan will establish “bridging capabilities” the U.S. military will continue to provide after initial operational control transfer, and what both countries will contribute for the long term.

Today in the Department of Defense, Wednesday, October 06, 2010

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates has no public or media events on his schedule.

Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn will receive the World Affairs Council - Washington, D.C. International Outstanding Public Service Award at 11:30 a.m. EDT at its 2nd annual “Speaks to America” luncheon at The McLean Hilton - Tysons Corner, Va.  Lynn will deliver the keynote address on “Achieving Effective Defense: Lean Budgets, Superior Forces.”

Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen participates in a panel discussion with Gen. Ann Dunwoody and Vice Adm. Ann Rondeau at the 2010 Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit at 9:45 a.m. EDT at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Washington D.C.  Media contact is Emily Edmonds, 212-522-3651, emily_edmonds@timeinc.com.  Media can also register for the virtual conference at http://events.unisfair.com/index.jsp?eid=661&seid=30.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz participates in a “Government Executive” discussion at 7:30 am EDT at the National Press Club about how the Air Force plans to meet the budgetary, technological and workforce challenges confronting all federal agencies.

Senior Executive Service Announcements

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced the following Department of Defense Senior Executive Service reassignments.

David M. Wennergren has been assigned as assistant deputy chief management officer, Office of the Deputy Secretary of Defense, Washington, D.C.  Wennergren previously served as deputy assistant secretary of defense, information management, integration and technology, and deputy chief information officer, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Washington, D.C.

David Bennett has been assigned as program executive officer for Global Information Grid (GIG) Enterprise Services Engineering, Defense Information Systems Agency, Falls Church, Va.  Bennett previously served as deputy program executive officer for GIG Enterprise Services Engineering, Defense Information Systems Agency, Falls Church, Va.

Rebecca Harris has been assigned as deputy component acquisition executive, Defense Information Systems Agency, Falls Church, Va.  Harris previously served as program executive officer for GIG Enterprise Services Engineering, Defense Information Systems Agency, Falls Church, Va.

Wilderness Challenge: Grueling, Dirty and Fun

By Lt. Gail M. Mulleavy, Supply Corps, U.S. Navy, Regional Supply Office-Oceana

I was first introduced to the Wilderness Challenge back in 2004. I read an All Hands magazine article and shortly after a fellow Supply Corps officer asked if I would be interested in being part of his team. Each team consists of four active duty military members with at least one female. The challenge sounded interesting and challenging! That year started me down the path of participating in the Wilderness Challenge every year since, except one year due to operational commitments.

That first year our team “Pork Chops III” finished 3rd for the Navy.

The Wilderness Challenge is organized by Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, Morale, Welfare and Recreation department. Mike Bond and his team do an EXCELLENT job every year, which is one of the main reasons I continue to return.

The events are planned so the most athletic or the athletically challenged can participate. Teams range from the extremely competitive, those who tether their slower runner to the faster runners, to those out for fun, the guys who did most events in speedos and capes. Or as the Wilderness Challenge website claims “This event has been designed so that every active duty member already possesses the skills needed.” I have found that some have more skills than others!

The challenge is spread out over two days. Day one consists of an 8K run along the New River Gorge in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains finishing out with a 14 mile two-hour white water raft trip of continuous paddling down class III-V rapids. Day two starts very early, we meet when it’s still dark, so we can get lined up for the 12-14 mile mountain bike portion, followed by a 7-mile run down Class I-III rapids in a rubber ducky (inflatable kayak). The final event is a 15-mile hike/run through some of the highest and most beautiful parts of the Appalachian Mountains. It’s a shame we can’t “stop to smell the roses.”

The teams I’ve been on are middle-of-the-road in competitiveness. We push ourselves and always remain together as a team “encouraging” each other along the way. Along with the physical challenges there are always mechanical challenges, from a bike chain that broke only four miles into the 12 mile mountain bike portion, to major rain the night before and during the mountain bike portion which caked mud on your brakes leaving you with no braking power while going downhill at breakneck speed!

Most of our team training consisted of ensuring everyone felt comfortable enough on a mountain bike and getting in some decent runs in preparation for the final event. There isn’t much training we can do to prepare for the white water rafting or the rubber ducky and although the rapids do most of the work in getting us down the river we are continuously paddling in sync as a team to get there faster. The challenge is to keep our raft in the fast water, maintain a straight line in the rubber ducky and pray we don’t dump the raft!

The Wilderness Challenge is all about teamwork, camaraderie and having fun – and getting the all important coin!

Sitka aircrew outflies competition at Canadian exercise

Written by: LTJG Stephanie Young

A shared border and increasing importance on arctic waterways makes a partnership between U.S. and Canadian forces critical to our joint security. That partnership has resulted in successful search and rescue missions, pollution response and security zone enforcements. It has also resulted in a friendly rivalry between the two nations that was highlighted during the 2010 Royal Canadian Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX).

Last week’s SAREX provided an opportunity to showcase aviation rescue skills, and amongst the complex events of parachuting accuracy, medical triage and mountainous terrain searches, an aircrew from Air Station Sitka brought home the top prize in the marine rescue event.

Competing against Royal Canadian Forces and the U.S. Air Force was the Air Station Sitka crew of LT Geoff Barela, LT Brooks Crawford, AET1 Bryson Rectenwald, AMT2 Kristopher Foglia, AET2 Jamie Flood, AST2 Jonathan Kline and AST3 David Paquin.

As a testament to the international collaboration that was fostered through the duration of the SAREX, the Coast Guard was short one rescue swimmer to compete in the marine rescue event and was joined by an honorary crewmember, William Ternes. Ternes is a Canadian search and rescue technician, commonly known as a “SAR tech” who is stationed at the 442 squadron in Comox, Canada.

“In preparation for the exercise we learned the similarities and differences between our operating procedures,” said Crawford. “The help of the Canadian SAR tech was instrumental in our crew being able to participate and win the event.”

The marine rescue event was a complex competition that had the aircrews showing their airmanship skills the second they received the “go” order. After briefing, the aircrews flew to a nearby lake in their MH-60 Jayhawk, where they located three separate buoys with a life-sized dummy attached to each.

Barela and Brooks as aircraft commander and co-pilot flew a tight circle and came to a hover over the first buoy where they free-fall deployed a rescue swimmer. The height and distance was key in deploying the first swimmer, as they had to do so within ten feet of the buoy. Left alone in the water, the swimmer detached the dummy from the buoy and swam his 175-pound “survivor” to shore, 75 yards away.

The aircrew then moved onto the second buoy where Ternes was free-fall deployed into the lake’s water and began to prepare his “survivor” to be hoisted by a rescue basket.

Over the third buoy, the Jayhawk was placed in a hover as they deployed the rescue swimmer with a harness. The exemplary precision of both pilots and swimmer were shown as the swimmer touched the buoy with his fins prior to entering the water. The accuracy of the deployment allowed the crew to subtract four minutes from their total time – something no other team accomplished.

After the successful deployment of the third swimmer, the pilots maneuvered back to the second buoy where they retrieved the SAR tech and “survivor” by hoisting them in a rescue basket.

Now in the home stretch, the aircrew retrieved the third rescue swimmer and dummy in a sling recovery, and as the third and final swimmer was brought into the helicopter’s cabin, the clock was stopped.

“The exercise was fantastic training that really challenged our crew,” said Barela. “It is also great to collaborate with international partners. We learned from them and they learned from us.”

While the marine rescue event brought home a win for the Coast Guard, the trophy serves as a symbol of the staggering skill and training, coupled with partnerships that go into aviation missions.

Royal Canadian Forces hosted the annual search and rescue exercise, held in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, to discuss techniques and standardized practices, as well as enable the key partnerships that are so crucial during search and rescue operations.

Amos Confirmed as Marine Corps Commandant

By Donna Miles

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2010 – The Senate yesterday confirmed Gen. James F. Amos as the 35th Marine Corps commandant, to replace retiring Gen. James T. Conway who has served in the post since November 2006.

The voice vote makes Amos the first career aviation officer to hold the top Marine post. He is slated to be sworn at an Oct. 22 ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington, officials reported.

The Senate’s confirmation vote makes Amos, who has served as assistant commandant since July 2008, a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The Senate yesterday also confirmed Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Joseph Dunford, commander of I Marine Expeditionary Force, to serve as Amos’ deputy.

During his Sept. 21 confirmation hearing, Amos vowed to make winning the war in Afghanistan his top priority. Amos added that he’ll be forthright in assessing the Marine Corps’ needs.

“I am keenly aware of the challenges our nation faces today, and likely will face in the future,” he told the Senate Armed Services Committee. “And, I understand the critical role of our expeditionary forces.”

In the biggest headline-making comments during the hearing, Amos told questioning lawmakers he personally opposes repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law that prohibits gays and lesbians from openly serving in the military. He vowed, however, to ensure that whatever is decided regarding the law, he would ensure that it is enforced.

Amos credited Conway with producing what he said are the best Marines in decades.

“Our Marines have never been better trained, or better led,” he said. “They are simply magnificent.”

MCAS Miramar Opens Door for Air Show

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kimara Johnson, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

MIRAMAR, Calif. (NNS) -- Marine Corps Air Station Miramar opened its gates to the San Diego community to host its annual air show Oct. 1-3.

An estimated 500,000 people came to watch this year's show over a 3-day period.

This year's theme, "Marines: A Tradition of Uncommon Valor" honors the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima.

The show began with the Army Golden Knights, the Army's parachute team, followed by a Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) demonstration that had ground forces and airplanes simulating an attack. The MAGTF demonstrators rappelled from a helicopter while F/A-18 Hornets and AV-8B Harriers roared past, while infantry platoons in armored vehicles moved in on their ground target. From there, pilots took to the sky to demonstrate their platform's abilities.

Also taking part in the air show were the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, an air demonstration team flying the CT-114 Tutor. The Legacy Flight featured vintage World War II, Korean War and Vietnam- era Navy and Marine Corps fighter planes fly alongside the F/A-18 Hornet.

Many people took time out to take part in the Navy SEAL Challenge kiosk. Participants could see if they could score high enough to qualify as a SEAL by doing a rope climb, push-ups, pull-ups and sit-ups. Some participants were able to try on some of the actual equipment used by SEAL Team 12.

"He loves this military stuff," said Darin Smith about his son, Jacob, who he brought from Escondido, Calif. "He can name all the planes they have on display here. He is so excited because he gets to see the things from the 'Call of Duty' game. It's the same stuff."

The crowd was able to interact with hands-on displays such as the Raptor Virtual Reality fighter game and some spectators got to help repack the Golden Knights and Navy Leap Frogs' parachutes after their joint performance.

"The boys love the airplanes and activities here," said Tony Attallah of his sons, who traveled from Los Angeles to spend the day. "They love the Navy, Air Force or anything military."

The U.S. Navy Band Southwest entertained the crowd throughout the show. The band travels around the world performing pop music at events to help boost interest in the service.

"We play a lot of pop music with funk and soul," said Musician 3rd Class Michael Santos, of the Navy Band South West. "It appeals to a broad spectrum of the people who may join the Navy. "

Thousands lined up along the flight line to see the world-famous U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels. This year's team would feature their first female pilot, Lt. Cmdr. Amy Tomlinson, flying the #8 F/A-18 Hornet. The program also featured an evening twilight show.

Lincoln Strike Group Trains With Silent Partner

By Lt. Jacquelyn R. Bengfort, USS Shoup (DDG 86) Public Affairs

USS Shoup, At Sea (NNS) -- The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, with the assistance of fast attack submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776), conducted an anti-submarine warfare exercise off the coast of Guam Sept. 30-Oct. 1.

The 30-hour exercise encompassed four unique back-to-back training events, with Rear Adm. Mark Guadagnini, commander of the carrier strike group, observing the events on board USS Shoup (DDG 86).

"It's great to be here today to see Shoup's professional warriors at work," said Guadagnini while addressing Shoup's crew.

For Shoup's anti-submarine warfare team, the exercise presented a welcome opportunity to prove their abilities against a live submarine "adversary" of considerable skill. Ensign Greg Emry, anti-submarine warfare officer on Shoup, was very pleased with the division's performance.

"They did outstanding work," said Emry. "All operators were focused and performed like pros."

Hawaii was a formidable opponent. The newest of the Navy's Virginia-class submarines, Hawaii uses a vast network of fiber optics, digital cameras, and high definition video for surveillance, and can carry more torpedoes than previous submarine classes.

The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is currently on a routine deployment to the U.S. 7th and 5th Fleet areas of responsibility. Hawaii's deployment to the Pacific marks the first to the region by a Virginia-class submarine.

Jessica Simpson Embarks Truman

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonnie Hobby, USS Harry S. Truman Public Affairs

USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, At Sea (NNS) -- Singer and actress Jessica Simpson visited USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Oct. 1 during the ship's current deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The visit, sponsored by Navy Entertainment and the United Services Organization (USO), included several autograph sessions, meals with the crew, and a performance in the ship's hangar bay.

During her visit, eight Truman Sailors and Marines performed for Jessica and several hundred of their shipmates for the chance to perform a duet with her at the Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting in November.

The eight Sailors had been selected to sing based on the results of their audition during the carrier's "Truman Idol" talent search, a program modeled after the popular TV show.

Although temperatures in the hangar bay reached well into the upper 90s, the gifted singers had no trouble singing Jessica's special request song: "I'll be Home for Christmas".

"When I auditioned for her I was nervous at first," said Yeoman Seaman Marshondra Miller, the contest runner-up. "After a little while, I realized that she's a person too, so I became more comfortable. I had a really good time singing in front of her, and she gave all the singers nothing but compliments."

Aviation Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class John Britt, USS Harry S. Truman Air department, V-2 division, emerged as the contest winner. Britt's wife and child will be accompanying him to New York to watch his performance and share the experience.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I'm honored to be part of it," said Britt. "I'm excited to be able to represent Truman, as well as the entire Navy. My family and shipmates are proud of me, and I couldn't ask for anything better."

Britt's duet with Jessica will also be featured in her upcoming Christmas album.

"She knows the sacrifices the military men and women are making on behalf of their country, and she wants to do what she can in return," said Joe Simpson, Jessica's father and manager. "She's proud to be able to sing with someone fighting for our freedom."

Capt. Craig Clapperton, USS Harry S. Truman executive officer, said he was honored to have Jessica on board as a guest, and felt she boosted the crew's morale with her heartfelt appreciation of their professionalism and service.

"I got to get my picture taken with her," said Operations Specialist Seaman Jeroy Williams. "It was really amazing to meet a celebrity. She's a lot prettier in real life, but she's shorter than I thought she'd be. She was really nice to everybody, and I'm really glad I was able to meet her."

During a performance in the ship's hangar bay, Jessica thanked the hundreds of Sailors and Marines for their service and shared love of country and sang "God Bless America."

"I've never meet anybody famous before," said Operation Specialist Seaman Alison Wagner. "It's really great that she took the time to come out here to visit us while we were deployed. It definitely lifted my spirits and made me feel a lot better being on deployment."

During a tour of the ship, Jessica also participated in a 50 cal. gun shoot, served as a helmsman on the bridge, and spoke to the crew on the 1-MC. Although she enjoyed everything during her visit, her favorite part, she said, was meeting the crew members.

"I've been on many USO trips," she said, "and I always enjoy sitting and talking with service members. To be on board Truman has been a blessing. I've met so many amazing people, and everybody has been so welcoming and made me feel like I'm at home. I can't express enough how much I appreciate the sacrifices you make for our country."

Face of Defense: Guardsman Serves in the Classroom

By Army Sgt. Blake Pittman

224th Sustainment Brigade

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq, Oct. 1,

2010 – Georgia National Guard Spc. Doug Lane

didn’t quit his day teaching job when he deployed earlier this year to Iraq.

An intelligence analyst by night, Lane, who hails from Jacksonville, Fla., spends his days at the education center here teaching college algebra to service members for the University of Maryland.

Lane has worked for 20 years as an educator, having earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from the University of South Florida as well as a Master’s degree in administration.

“I love working with soldiers and helping students,” he said. “I’m really in my element when I’m teaching.”

Here in Iraq, Lane serves with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 110th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 224th Sustainment Brigade, 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary).

Besides teaching his scheduled classes, Lane spends much of his free time at the education center offering extra tutoring for students. He also teaches an online course for Strayer University.

Some of Lane’s students at the education center are fellow soldiers from his company. Spc. Alexandria Dean, a transportation coordination manager from Valdosta, Ga., is taking her first college course with Lane. When she heard that he was going to be her professor, she was a little apprehensive.

“He seemed boring and drawn out,” Dean said. But she noted her opinion of Lane has since changed.

“He’s a really good teacher,” Dean said of Lane’s ability and classroom demeanor. “His stories are funny and he’s smart. He likes to communicate a lot.”

Dean said she is “not good with math,” but added that Lane’s teaching ability and personality have made the class easier for her to understand. Compared to other math teachers she’s had, Dean said she has had to ask fewer questions than in the past.

Though his teaching career spans two decades, Lane also has been a lifelong student. In addition to his degrees in education, he also has earned a Masters of Divinity degree, which he plans to put to good use by becoming a military chaplain candidate upon redeployment.

Dangers Abound With Huffing Chemicals, Using 'Spice'

By Lisa Daniel

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2010 – The practice seems harmless enough. Servicemembers, looking to dull the edge of a stressful day, walk into a head shop after work and buy a small package of K2, the brand name of a smokeable concoction that is perfectly legal in the state in which they are residing. It is not, however, legal in the military.

Such “designer drugs,” often marketed as herbal remedies, are banned under military law and policies by the Defense Department and all of the services. As one example, DOD Directive 1010-3.4 precludes wrongful use of “any intoxicating substance not intended for human ingestion,” and the use of substances “contrary to the directions of the manufacturer or prescribing health-care provider.”

Military officials, having seen a spike in servicemembers’ use of otherwise legal substances, including prescription drugs, are trying to get the word out that the practice has serious ramifications. Besides leading to a court- martial and a less-than-honorable discharge, such practices also can be dangerous.

That is especially true of the practice of sniffing, or “huffing,” products such as glue, paint thinner, and gases such as Freon, butane, propane and helium, all of which are known to cause disorientation, euphoria and other symptoms, Navy Lt. Cdr. Sean Swiackowski, deputy medical examiner for the Armed Forces Medical Examiner’s Office, said in a recent interview with The Pentagon Channel.

Several servicemembers have died recently from huffing, and the use, while mostly associated with young, unmarried people, appears to cut across age and socioeconomic backgrounds, Swiackowski said.

“We’ve found it’s actually a broad range of people” using, Swiackowski said. A 40-year-old Army colonel -- who otherwise appeared to be healthy and fit -- died from huffing, he said.

Swiackowski believes the deaths, and occasions when other users were left brain-damaged, were accidents caused by people who didn’t realize how harmful misusing such products can be.

“People think it’s not harmful because they use it to clean their homes and desktops,” he said. “To them, there’s no potential injuries to themselves because these are things you get around the house, or buy in the store.”

Many products used in huffing contain 1,1 dichloroethane, a chemical highly toxic to the heart that is produced to remove grease, paint and varnish, and to make other chemicals, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

The problem, Swiackowski said, is that the chemical’s reaction in the body is volatile, and people can get a false sense of security from using it without experiencing a toxic reaction. “You could use it one time and it causes a toxic event, or you can use it a hundred times, and on the 101st, it kills you,” he said.

Swiackowski has made it his mission to educate servicemembers about the dangers of inhalants.

“The biggest part of my job is in preventing me from having to see anyone else” in the morgue due to substance abuse, he said. “The biggest part of my job to the community is education.

“People don’t realize this is drug abuse,” he added. “You may say you’re just going do it one more time, but that time could be your last.”

Army Col. Timothy Lyons, chief of toxicology in the medical examiner’s office, said even so-called designer drugs such as synthetic marijuana, marketed as “Spice,” or “K-2,” and salvia divinorum, a variation of the sage plant known as “salvia,” are dangerous.

“A lot of these products are made in garages and homes, so you don’t have quality control,” Lyons told The Pentagon Channel. “Each package, even under the same name, has different levels of compounds. So you really just don’t know what you’re getting.”

Designer drugs are not regulated or properly tested, and sellers often don’t reveal their full ingredients, Lyons said. Toxicologists know, however, that the compounds bind in the central nervous system, “and some of these synthetics bind even greater than marijuana,” he said.

Servicemembers who think they know someone with a substance abuse problem should reach out to them and ask if they can help, Swiackowski said. If they refuse or deny the problem, consider telling their commanding officer you think they have a problem, he said.

“Confront it like you would in any system where you want to get help,” Swiackowski said. “The nice thing about the military is you can always ask to see someone and get help and have it not be in your record.

“The problem is, you have to admit you need help,” he added. “Lots of times, they don’t think they need help because they don’t know what a big issue it is. They don’t realize it’s so dangerous to do these drugs.”

Servicemembers struggling with substance abuse, or who are self-medicating for problems like depression and anxiety, should see a doctor, military officials say, adding that treatment is confidential.