Protecting the Base, one vehicle at a time

by Senior Airman Tristin English

375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

8/19/2014 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Trucks come to Scott Air Force Base every day; whether the truck is delivering food, beverages or a family's household goods, they must always go through the Commercial Vehicle Inspection Station before getting onto the installation.

"Our mission is to support Air Mobility Wing and the other tenants on base," said Senior Airman Terry Waters, 375 Security Forces installation entry controller. "We make sure that no contraband is coming onto base and that government property has not been stolen."

The CVIS inspects roughly 3,000 vehicles a month. When anything illegal is found it is then turned over to investigators.

To help with the detection of contraband, we get help from the military working dogs," said Staff. Sgt. Briana Whittamore, 375 Security Forces installation entry controller. "When it's not an MWD, it's just us going through things that are going to be transportable on base."

When truck drivers want to come onto the installation, they have to make sure they have a sponsor and a valid reason to be on the installation. The drivers are run through a law enforcement system and their sponsor will be phoned to verify the reason they are coming on base.

"When contraband is found, or if something pops up in the system, we call the sponsor and the company they are working for to let them know there's a situation going on and they will not be receiving their delivery," said Tech. Sgt. Michael Bennett, 375 SFS NCOIC of the Commercial Vehicle Inspection Station.

The Security Forces members at the Mascoutah gate are responsible to conduct thorough systematic searches of all the commercial vehicles that enter the installation.

Bennet said, "We are the single line of defense for deliveries, so if anyone wishes the base ill intentions, trying to sneak something on-- explosive devices, drugs, weapons or other illegal paraphernalia-- we are the ones responsible to find the contraband. If we fail to do our job properly we could put the entire base in jeopardy, and that's what we are here to prevent."

Minnesota Doctor Becomes Air Guard Brigadier General

By Courtesy Article

133rd Airlift Wing

ST. PAUL, Minn., Aug. 20, 2014 – For the family of Air Force Brig. Gen. David D. Hamlar Jr., promotion ceremonies have been a normal event throughout his career. However, his most recent ceremony is different because of the special significance pinning the star on his shoulder means to the Minnesota National Guard.

Hamlar, a commissioned officer in the Minnesota Air National Guard, was promoted to brigadier general Aug. 18 during a ceremony held at the Minnesota History Center here. He is the first African American to achieve one-star rank in the Minnesota Air National Guard.

Hamlar “is not only an extraordinary leader in the Minnesota National Guard, he is an accomplished surgeon specializing in the reconstruction of skull deformities and brain tumors," said Minnesota National Guard Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Richard C. Nash. "Hamlar's talent and both military and civilian skills makes him an incredible asset to not only our organization, but to the community as a whole."

After six years in the Ohio National Guard, Hamlar joined the Minnesota Air National Guard's 133rd Airlift Wing as a traditional Guardsman and general practice physician in 1995.

Hamlar has served in support of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and numerous military humanitarian efforts around the world.

"He has deployed all over the world on numerous occasions, selflessly serving the nation. When he is not saving lives, he is searching for other opportunities to improve somebody's health," said Air Force Col. Jim Johnson, 133rd Airlift Wing Commander. "Brig. Gen. Hamlar is an extremely talented and well-respected surgeon in both the military and civilian communities."

In his civilian practice, Hamlar specializes in and provides care for patients with cleft lip and palate, craniofacial deformities and children born with misshapen skulls. His expertise extends to traumatic injuries as well, which has been crucial in the care of our troops at both home and abroad.

"My military career has shaped much of my life," Hamlar said. "I've done surgeries all over the world, but there is no better feeling than to better the life, or even save the life, of one of our wounded warriors."

This dedication to his profession, the military and his friends and family was apparent as more than 120 people filled the hall at the Minnesota Historical Society to watch the promotion of this respected leader and man who has inspired so many by the work that he does.

"He is the epitome of leading by example, never asking someone to do anything that he wouldn't do," Johnson said of Hamlar. "He frequently is the first one to undertake some of the more menial tasks because he knows they need to get done. The nation, state and community have benefitted from this brilliant individual and outstanding leader."

An avid sports enthusiast, Hamlar is also a consultant for Minnesota Gopher Sports teams, the Minnesota Vikings and Timberwolves, and has been a team physician with the Minnesota Wild NHL ice hockey team since 2003.

His achievements in the military and the community highlight the reason for his promotion.

"If the reality of all of this is that if I am a first, then there should be a second and a third," Hamlar said. "Just keep the ball rolling, just don't stop at one."

Hamlar will serve as the Assistant Adjutant General-Air for the Minnesota National Guard, overseeing Minnesota National Guard units and maintaining two high-quality Air National Guard Wings assigned to the state of Minnesota.

"Many changes lay ahead for the Minnesota Air National Guard, however, you have my full confidence," Nash to Hamlar. "You will build upon past successes and lead the organization to new thresholds of achievement. The future of the Minnesota Air National Guard has never looked brighter."

AMU provides Osan with a theater-support package

by Senior Airman David Owsianka
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

8/19/2014 - OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Twelve F-15 Strike Eagles and Airmen from the 391st Fighter Squadron and 391st Aircraft Maintenance Unit, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, arrived at Osan in July as part of a theater-support package.

The 391st AMU prepares and maintains F-15s to ensure mission success and will be assigned to Osan for 60 days to help bolster the U.S. presence on the Korean peninsula.

"The show of force is the most important part of our responsibilities in this area of operations," said Master Sgt. Daniel Powers, 391st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron support section chief. "We are also displaying our ability to move the Strike Eagles when and where we want to."

Picking up and moving halfway around the world for two months has helped the unit learn how to overcome challenges that come with the elements and working in a different environment.

"I think to have the ability to operate in a different location, you have to find constraints in the work environment and support equipment that you can work through to be able to press on without any interruptions," Powers said.

The Airmen believe that being able to move their squadron is an important part of the Air Force's mission.

"We have already achieved our standards in the short amount of time we have been here," said Senior Airman Roderick Fisher, 391st AMU avionics specialist. "It's all about safety, security and defense. If you are not mission capable and mission ready, then you will never know whether or not you can stand up to what could happen."

Members of the AMU hope to leave with a great work experience during their time here.

"This is an opportunity that not a whole lot of people will ever have," Fisher said. "Because we have quickly reached our work standards, it has allowed us to successfully complete our mission while becoming more proficient in our job."

USS Vella Gulf Completes Port Visit to Batumi, Georgia

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Weston Jones, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East Detachment Europe

BATUMI, Georgia (NNS) -- The Ticonderoga class guided missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) completed a two day port visit to Batumi, Georgia, Aug. 20.

Vella Gulf's mission in the Black Sea is to work with NATO allies and European partners, demonstrating the United States' commitment to strengthening and improving interoperability while working toward mutual goals in the region.

While in Batumi, Vella Gulf provided guided tours, hosted a reception for Georgian dignitaries and conducted a joint training event. Vella Gulf participated in a flag signaling exercise with the Georgia Coast Guard following her departure.

The reception, which was held on Vella Gulf's flight deck Aug. 18, hosted distinguished guests including Prime Minister of the Republic of Georgia, Irakli Gharibashvili, and U.S. ambassador to Georgia, Richard Norland.

A day of joint training exercises with the Georgian Coast Guard and guided tours followed.

The training focused on visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) tactics, damage control, and NATO flag signaling.

The VBSS training focused on different techniques for boarding and clearing a target ship, as well as how to detain and search a suspect. Following the VBSS training, flag signaling training was held on the ship's bridge.

Quartermaster 2nd Class Todd Marriot trained Georgian sailors how to communicate between ships using the standardized NATO flag signaling system.

"This was my first time training sailors from another country," said Marriot. "It was an honor for me to show them what we do, not only so they can learn from us, but so we can learn from them."

During damage control training, Georgian sailors observed the proper use of the U.S. Navy firefighting ensemble and pipe patching techniques. They also toured damage control central, the nerve center of Vella Gulf's damage control operations.

Damage Controlman 1st Class Jon Gerringer said even though there was a small language barrier, he feels the training was productive and was glad to work with the Georgian Coast Guard.

After the training, the Minister of Defense for the Republic of Georgia, Iraklii Alasania, was welcomed aboard for a private tour of Vella Gulf.

The port visit culminated in a signaling exercise following Vella Gulf's departure. The Georgian Coast Guard patrol ships Tsonte Dadiani (P-101) and General Mazniashvili (P-102) participated. All vessels cruised in a line, 500 yards abreast, and communicated with each other, sending and receiving messages using only flags.

"The (exercise) conducted today with the Georgian Coast Guard was a great opportunity to reinforce the important training," said Capt. Robert Katz, Vella Gulf's commanding officer. "A dedicated relationship with partners such as Georgia demonstrates our commitment to the collective stability and security of the Black Sea."

Vella Gulf, homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, is conducting naval operations with allies in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in order to advance security and stability in Europe.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency pertners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

NMC EAD Holds Change of Command Aboard 'Mighty Mo'

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Diana Quinlan, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Detachment Hawaii

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- Navy Munitions Command East Asia Division (NMC EAD) held a change of command ceremony on Aug. 14 aboard the Battleship Missouri Memorial, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH).

Capt. Edward M. Galvin relieved Capt. Michael J. Singleton as commanding officer during the official ceremony.

During the ceremony, Capt. Mark Springer, Commander NMC and NMC Pacific, served as the guest speaker and Navy Chaplain Cmdr. Jeffery Logan, commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, provided the invocation. JBPHH Honors and Ceremonial Guard presented the colors.

Singleton took command of NMC EAD Hawaii in April of 2012. As a commanding officer of the East Asia Division, he oversaw operations in support of fleet units and operational forces in the U.S. Pacific Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) with subsidiary detachments in Sasebo and Yokosuka as well as units in Guam, Okinawa, Atsugi and Misawa and Diego Garcia annex.

"I did not have this vision for myself, it was a dream I didn't dare to dream, leading a major command on my final leg of my soon to be ending thirty-eight year naval career," shared Singleton. "But once I got in the seat, I realized it was unquestionably the best job I ever had and I don't know if I will ever top it."

Singleton spoke of his duties and the importance he placed on making sure that his Sailors and civilians were taken care of.

"It was very important for me to keep the command operational, keep the staff manned at proper numbers and provide outstanding service throughout our units and detachments," said Singleton about his time at the command. "I made sure I was always available. And seeing my Sailors being promoted or commissioned, and civilian employees being promoted and recognized is most memorable to me. This position was not about me, it was about the people I worked with."

Singleton began his carrier in the Navy in October 1976 as an enlisted Sailor, advancing in the service to a high-ranking officer. Over the years he actively participated in the Mustang Round-Up Limited Duty Officer and Chief Warrant Officer recruiting drives, leading by example, helping and guiding Sailors to success in their military careers. Sailors under his command praised him for his leadership.

"We have probably the most supportive chain of command a Sailor can ask for," said Information System Technician 2nd Class Derek Pebler. "We are a small command, so we saw Capt. Singleton every day and he always showed utmost care for his personnel, always making sure we are safe and secure and enjoy our work. I cannot think of a better CO [commanding officer]."

Singleton is planning to retire later this year, making NMC EAD Hawaii his last tour.

"I feel that I accomplished everything I could. [There are] few more things that I would have liked to accomplish but it is time for me to go and Capt. Galvin can take charge and carry on."

According to Singleton, his relief is more than capable of doing the job.

"I believe, Capt. Galvin is a great leader and I have no concerns in passing the command to him. He is a great officer and I fully expect him to lead and exceed every expectation. He will have a great staff to support him and he will be successful."

During presentation of awards, Springer presented Singleton with a Legion of Merit Medal for outstanding services and achievements. Upon receiving his award, Singleton, as his final act as a commanding officer, surprised two of his Sailors by awarding Logistics Specialist 1st Class Alvin Norman with the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and Yeomen 2nd Class Ciatta Tucker with the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

In his farewell remarks, Singleton thanked his command and his Sailors and civilian employees, reiterating their importance to success of the command and the Navy as a whole.

"I thank you all for your support and dedication," said Singleton. "But also for the goodwill with which you have performed your duty. Fair winds and following seas to you all."

After the reading of official orders, Galvin said he was honored to relieve Singleton as commanding officer and promised the unit would continue to build on his legacy.

"I do not think you could find a better place to hold a naval change of command than on the mighty Missouri," said Galvin in his address. "Capt. Singleton, I would like to thank you for the full support you have provided me through my transition here at East Asia Division. I know I have big shoes to fill, however, I am confident that NMC EAD will continue to excel based on the high standards, good example and leadership you have provided during your tenure."

Galvin also addressed the men and women of the command as their new leader.

"I am proud to have the opportunity to lead this command. I look forward to working with each of you as we support the extremely important mission of providing fleet ordnance support to our warfighters based throughout our area of responsibility," said Galvin. "Based upon the professionalism, competence, determination and drive that I have witnessed throughout the command, I am confident that we will not only handle any challenges that may come over the horizon, but excel at the important mission we have been entrusted to carry out."

Galvin plans to dedicate his first steps as commanding officer to familiarizing with command functions and learning about its challenges, as well as establishing good rapport with Sailors and civilian employees under his leadership.

NMC EAD Hawaii is responsible for ordnance delivery to ships, submarines and aviation squadrons based in Japan, Hawaii, Diego Garcia and Guam. Command's mission is to provide command, control and administrative support to NMC EAD units and detachments, which provide quality and responsive logistics, expert technical and material support of ammunition management and ordnance system components to Fleet customer

USS Peleliu Visits Guam

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Dustin Knight, USS Peleliu Public Affairs

SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- Amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu "Iron Nickel" (LHA 5), the U.S. Navy's only remaining LHA class ship, pulled into Guam for a four-day port visit, Aug. 15.

This marks the first time Peleliu has visited Guam since its 2010 deployment and the first port visit for any amphibious assault ship since the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) visited in 2012.

"Guam [has] a tourist based industry with lots to offer and I believe there is something to do for every Sailor," said Cmdr. Matthew Niedzwiecki, Peleliu's air boss. "'Boonie stomping,' which means hiking in the jungle, to some of the waterfalls is an island favorite and many of the hotels offer dinner shows highlighting the Pacific culture of the Marianas Islands. Every Sailor should expect to have a good time."

Peleliu Sailors will participate in numerous community relations projects (COMREL) and sporting events during their brief stay in Guam.

"Community relations projects help build, develop, and secure important relationships with the people of Guam that endure for years," said Cmdr. Jack Carver, Peleliu's protestant chaplain. "People are impressed upon watching warships pull into port. When they meet the people who operate and maintain the ship they are even more impressed. Community relations give the general public a personal example of the commitment and professionalism that characterizes the way Sailors approach their mission every day."

Carver added the Sailors who participate in the community relations projects will gain a rich understanding and appreciation for the history and culture of Guam.

"We want to return our appreciation for the gracious hospitality that the people of Guam will offer us throughout our port visit," said Carver.

In addition to these COMREL projects, Peleliu's sport teams, including volleyball, soccer, and men's basketball will compete against Guam-based U.S. military teams, as well as host nation clubs.

"Playing sports against locals in foreign ports is great for many reasons," said Lucas Eckstein, Peleliu's fun boss. "It gives Sailors an opportunity to get exercise in other ways than just running on a treadmill or biking on the ship's gym. It's also great for international relations. Playing sports against someone who may not speak the same language as you offers a unique opportunity to forge a connection without speaking a word."

Peleliu's Sailors, most of whom have never visited Guam, will have the opportunity to visit an island rich in local and U.S. military history.

"Guam is fantastic port call for those that enjoy the outdoors," said Niedzwiecki. "I was stationed here for three years and my wife and I enjoyed snorkeling, diving, and hiking. In addition, the Chamorros are very friendly and love to tell you about the island heritage. Hafa adai ["hello" in Chamorro, the native language of Guam and the islands of the Northern Marianas] and welcome to Guam, "where America's day begins."

Peleliu is underway conducting a scheduled Western Pacific deployment after successfully completing Rim of the Pacific exercise 2014, in and around the Hawaiian Islands.