iii marine expeditionary force and marine corps bases japan

july 22, 2011 www.okinawa.usmc.mil

Cpl. Anthony Ward Jr.okinawa marine staff

BRISBANE, Australia — Marines with 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, boarded the USS Blue Ridge July 16, in support of Exer-cise Talisman Sabre 2011.

TS ‘11 is a U.S. Pacific Command theater-security cooperation exercise that trains PACOM forces in short-warning, power-pro-jection scenarios involv-ing a combined-joint task force and improves combat training, readiness and in-

teroperability of U.S. and Australian forces.

“With every combined-joint exercise you have components,” said Lt. Col. Stephen P. Armes, opera-tions officer for 3rd MEB, III Marine Expeditionary Force. “3rd MEB falls under

the (Combined Forces Land Component Command) as the Marine Forces.”

Being the Marine Forces and a part of the CFLCC will allow 3rd MEB to work side-by-side with their sister services as well as Austra-lian Forces.

“Amongst the staff of the coalition forces, we have different ways of do-ing things,” said Armes. “Anytime we can work with the Australian forces and our sister services, we both learn.”

3rd MEB arrives on USS Blue Ridge

Lance Cpl. Garry J. Welch31st meu

F R ESH WAT E R BE AC H, Queensland, Australia — More than 15 amphibious assault vehicles charged out of the sea here the morning of July 19 during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011.

The AAVs contained Ma-rines and sailors from Compa-ny G, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, who were preparing to

storm the beach during an amphibious assault.

Exercise TS ‘11 is a com-bined-joint, bilateral exercise between the U.S. military and Australian Defence Forc-es implemented to improve combat readiness, develop relationships and enhance interoperability between U.S. and Australian forces.

The Marine Corps demon-strated its unique amphibious capability when approximately 350 Marines and sailors of the 31st MEU departed the dock

landing ship USS German-town in the early hours of the morning and headed for the Australian coastline.

“It is quite a rush to be in the tracks (AAVs),” said Pfc. Dominic Hanson. “You are in complete darkness inside, and you can feel the vehicle hits the beach and come ashore. The ramp comes down, and you go from darkness to bright light - it is quite an adrenaline rush.”

The Marines jumped out of

in t

his

issu

e SWINGING INTO TRAININGNoncommissioned officers build camaraderie, cohesion while zipping through the treetops at a local adventure park during a professional military education course.

Pg. 9

RIDERS TRAIN FULL THROTTLE

Pg. 8

see AMPHIBIOUS pg 5

see TS ‘11 pg 5

Lance Cpl. Mark W. Stroudokinawa marine staff

CENTRAL TRAINING AREA, Okinawa — Ma-rines with the 9th Engineer Support Battalion oc-cupied Landing Zone Dodo here along with several other sites in the Central Training Area from July 7 -17 to execute a series of training exercises.

The training was designed to prepare the Ma-rines for an upcoming deployment to Afghanistan later this year.

“As we get heavy into our pre-deployment train-ing, getting ready to deploy into Afghanistan, we need to exercise all of our mission-essential tasks,” said Lt. Col. Scott A. Baldwin, commanding officer, 9th ESB, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. “We are able to exercise about 90 percent of our mission-essential tasks in one shot here, so it is a great opportunity.”

see FTX pg 5

Engineer Marines prepare to deploy

31st MEU projects power

An amphibious assault vehicle carrying elements of Company G, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, charges onto Freshwater Beach, Queensland, Australia, in an amphibious assault during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011. TS ‘11 provides an opportunity to conduct operations in a combined and joint environment that will increase both countries’ bilateral warfighting capabilities to respond to crises and provide humanitarian assistance. Photo by Lance Cpl. Garry J. Welch

Lance Cpl. William Woodard, logistics vehicle systems operator, and Lance Cpl. Alan G. Firnhaber, motor transport operator, both with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, prepare an overturned 7-ton Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement for recovery in the Central Training Area, Okinawa, July 15. Photo by Lance Cpl. Mark W. Stroud

Join Okinawa Marine online• www.marines.mil/unit/mcbjapan

• www.facebook.com/iiimef.mcbj • www.youtube.com/3mefcpao

• www.flickr.com/3mefpao • www.twitter.com/okinawamarines

The Okinawa Marine is published by Marine Corps Community Services under exclusive written contract with Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler, Okinawa, Japan.

The editorial content of this newspaper is edited and approved by the Consoli-dated Public Affairs Office of Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler.

This newspaper is an authorized publication for members of military services stationed overseas, at sea and their families. Its contents do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the U.S. Marine Corps and do not imply endorsement thereof.

The appearance of advertising in this newspaper, including inserts of supple-ments, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the U.S.

Marine Corps, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler or Marine Corps Com-munity Services of the products and services advertised.

Everything advertised in this newspaper shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected.

All photos, unless otherwise indicated, are “official U.S. Marine Corps photos.” For more information, e-mail us at okinawamarine.mcbb.fct@usmc.mil or write to us at Public Affairs Office, H&S BN MCB PAO, Unit 35002, FPO AP 96373-5002.

okinawa marine newspaperH&S Battalion MCB PAO

Unit 35002FPO AP 96373-5002

Central BureauCamp Foster

DSN 645-9335

northern BureauCamp HansenDSN 623-4224

southern BureauCamp KinserDSN 637-1092

Commanding general Maj. Gen. Peter J. Talleri

puBliC affairs direCtor Lt. Col. David M. Griesmer

press offiCer 2nd Lt. Evan A. Almaas

press Chief Gunnery Sgt. J. L. Wright Jr.

design editors Audra A. Satterlee Lance Cpl. Erik S. Brooks Jr.

AroundCorpst

he

The fifth Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II Short Take Off/Vertical Landing light test aircraft delivered to the Marine Corps arrived at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., July 16. Lockheed Martin test pilot Bill Gigliotti flew the short takeoff/vertical landing aircraft, designated BF-5, for the 3.5-hour flight from NAS Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base. BF-5 is the seventh F-35 delivered in 2011 and the third aircraft delivered to NAS Patuxent River this year. Photo by Liz Kas

Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps Micheal P. Barrett motivates Lance Cpl. Ethan Cadore during the unveiling of the Navy’s tribute to the African American Leadership Mural at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. July 13. Cadore was one of six sentries standing guard for the ceremony. The mural honors African Americans who led the way in both the Navy and the Marine Corps. Photo by Lance Cpl. Daniel Wetzel

Marines with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 (Reinforced), Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, exit a CH-53E Super Stallion at Camp San Luis Obispo, Calif., July 12. The Marines set up a forward arming and refueling point during the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s large-scale exercise with ocean and urban-based scenarios. The squadron is the aviation combat element for the MEU. Photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Carpenter

2 okinawa marine | OPINION & EDITORIAL | July 22, 2011

Lori Cleymans

As a military member you have planned training exercises,

major deployments, confer-ences and many other small- and large-scale operations. You know that to plan for these events you need time to do it well. The same goes for planning your retirement and transition from military life to civilian life.

At the Marine Corps Community Service’s Per-sonal Services Center Transi-tion Assistance Management Program/Family Member Employment Assistance Program, we recommend you attend the four-day pre-retirement workshop two years prior to retiring. These two years give you the time to plan wisely for your next career move. In the pre-retirement workshop you will learn about job search strategies, resume writing, interview skills and salary negotiation. Additionally, ex-perts are brought in to cover a variety of topics, such as medical insurance, financial planning, Veteran Affairs and separation pay.

Dean Daniel, a retired Marine and current TAMP/FMEAP manager knew the key to his success after the military depended on his early preparation. Not only did he attend the pre-retire-ment workshop early, but he also met regularly with the TAMP/FMEAP staff to

discuss his career options.“For many years, we’ve

taken care of others and have trained young leaders to carry on the great legacy of the Marine Corps,” said Dan-iel. “We must understand that if we’ve done our job, the Corps will continue on even after we’ve retired.

“Some of the factors that will make you successful are taking time to take care of yourself, attending the four-day pre-retirement workshop two years prior to retirement date, attending various tran-sitioning workshops, work-ing on a master resume early and having the transition staff look it over and estab-lishing networking opportu-nities that can lead to one’s next career,” he said.

There are six pre-retire-ment workshops annually. We recommend attending this workshop at 18th year in your career or earlier. While still meeting the demands of your current job, you will need additional time to prepare resumes, research jobs and employers, practice interview skills, prepare for benefits you may lose and to apply for others.

For service members with 24 years or more in the military, the 24+ pre-retirement workshop is held in March and October. Since these classes are smaller and offered less frequently, it is important to sign up as soon as registration starts. The 24+ pre-retirement work-shop offers the opportunity to receive individual assis-tance from TAMP specialists and subject matter experts.

For all pre-retirement workshops, the registration begins the first working day of the month prior to the workshop dates. Register fast because classes fill quickly.

This is your time to de-cide your next career move. Take the time to make wise choices and learn all you can about your transition.

For more information, call your local MCCS Personal Services Center. Call Camp Foster at 645-3151, Camp Kinser at 637-2815, Camp Courtney at 622-9754, Camp Hansen at 623-4522 or Camp Schwab at 625-2622.

Cleymans is a Lead Transition Specialist with the MCCS Personal Services Center.

start earlyKey to successful transition

• Career Development Plan• Professional Writing & Email Etiquette• Starting an Online Business: The Basics• Personal Branding• TurboTAP

• Professional Online Networking • Job Fair Success• Using O*Net to Create a Winning Resume• Career Portfolio• Resume Writing for Volunteers

Career Enhancement Courses: (available at the Camp Foster Personal Services Center):

3okinawa marine | NEWS | July 22, 2011

Lance Cpl. Matthew A. Dennyokinawa marine staff

CAMP FOSTER — The newly reno-vated Evans Branch Dental Clinic here opened its doors July 6.

The clinic has been temporarily operating in an old barracks since renovations began in December 2009.

Humidity, age and significant pace of operations had taken their toll on the previous dental clinic. Operational systems have now been replaced and upgraded, and a state-of-the art instrument sterilization area has been installed.

The new equipment increases efficiency by processing instru-ments and equipment, ultimately improving capability and capacity, according to the Commanding Of-ficer, Capt. Mike Wolfgang.

The updated facility, which took eighteen months to renovate and costs $4.5 million, is a welcome change to medical care providers and staff.

“Our old sterilization room at the temporary facility was small and crowded,” said Seaman Jaleel Pacheco, a hospital corpsman and a central sterilization room technician at the clinic. “Now, I have more space for the dirty and clean areas within separate rooms.”

The clinic serves all branches of the U.S. military, family members, retirees and Department of Defense employees. The renovated facility has 23 dental treatment rooms, three surgery rooms, a full-service labora-tory and state of the art sterilization rooms. The new facility currently op-erates with 30 corpsman, 13 dentists and 19 civilian employees.

“I like the new open-bay type of work areas,” said Petty Officer Yan Yang, a hospital corpsman and endodontic assistant at the clinic. “It allows us, as assistants, to move

from patient to patient more quickly, and, while my dentist is working on one patient, I can be preparing the next room over for the next patient, while still keeping an eye on other patients.”

The open-bay dental operatory de-sign promotes the practice of multi-chair dentistry. This technique allows dental officers to provide care to more patients. Each station is equipped with state-of-the-art delivery units that consolidate some standard components and maxi-mizes efficiency.

“Improved efficiency and capa-bility leads to a (better) treatment outcome,” said Cmdr. Benjamin W. Young, the dental director at Evans Branch Dental Clinic, 3rd Dental Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. “With all the new internal sys-tems and advanced technologies, it will be a stepping stone to the future of improved delivery of care.”

The addition of a wheelchair ramp and an elevator allows care for all patients. The handicap-accessible entrance is equipped with a buzzer and camera so patients who need help getting inside can be served as quickly as possible.

The command spent countless hours planning to make this facility as efficient as possible, while serving patients with the best care available, said Young.

Radiographs are a necessary tool in dentistry, and the new facility is equipped with two full-service X-ray rooms. Each treatment room also has a built-in X-ray.

“It used to be that if a patient needed an X-ray, we had to have patients get out of the exam chair and walk down the hall to the X-ray room,” said Young. “This addition allows every treatment room to have an X-ray accessible within arms length, without having to move the patient. This increases workflow and

a patient does not have to wait in line for an X-ray.”

The clinic is the largest clinic within III MEF and has a full-service laboratory. This allows patient needs to be met without waiting for prod-ucts like crowns or dentures to be created at a separate facility.

“With the renovations and new equipment we will have quicker turn-around times on products, which will help with the patient flow and keep-ing our patients happy,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Isiah M. Burns, an advanced dental-laboratory techni-cian at the clinic. “Our lab provides services to all clinics within 3rd Dental Battalion, which includes Ma-rine Corps Air Station Iwakuni and Marine Corps Base Hawaii.”

The new facility is equipped with three fully-loaded surgery rooms. In the past, the dentists would have to perform all surgery procedures at the U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa. The new facility is equipped with three fully-loaded surgery rooms.

“In the past when I performed surgery, we had to use a standard dental room, but the new surgery rooms are designed for surgeons,” said Lt. Cmdr. Nima A. Khorassani, the oral and maxillofacial surgeon at the clinic.

The effort was monumental in size and scope and would have not been possible without the support of Navy Medicine West, Marine Corps Bases Japan, Naval Hospital Okinawa, all facility engineers in the area, the sailors and Marines of 3rd Dental Battalion and the patience of the beneficiaries and family mem-bers on Okinawa, said Young.

The clinic is open from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. If a patient is faced with a dental emergency, the clinic provides an afterhours dentist who is on call 24/7. For more information about the new dental clinic, call 645-7381.

Restored dental clinic welcomes patients

Navy Lt. Joseph R. Muckenthaler, and general dentist for Evans Branch Dental Clinic, 3rd Dental Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, uses high-technology equipment and graphics programs to design a crown for his patient. The cutting-edge technology allows dental professionals to reconstruct a missing tooth’s shape and surface, better serving dental patients, according to Cmdr. Benjamin W. Young, the dental director at the clinic, 3rd Dental Bn. Photo courtesy of Cmdr. Benjamin W. Young

Sgt. Maj. Cevet A. Adams, sergeant major of Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Headquarters Marine Corps, and former sergeant major of Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, speaks about promotions and professional military education with senior leadership at the Camp Foster Community Center July 19. The forum was held to discuss “Task 28,” a keynote topic of the 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps’ planning guidance. Task 28 charges Marines to identify options for the transfer of some fundamental personnel administrative capabilities back to the battalions and squadrons. Photo by Lance Cpl. Michael Iams

Senior leadership improves personnel administration

Pfc. Matthew J. Manningokinawa marine staff

CAMP SCHWAB — Marines with Combat Assault Battalion conducted convoy operations training at Landing Zone Cardinal here July 11-16.

The battalion, part of 3rd Ma-rine Division, III Marine Ex-peditionary Force, conducted the training to familiarize the Marines with basic convoy opera-tions used during deployment.

“This training is to get the Marines familiarized with vari-ous weapons systems,” said Staff Sgt. Joseph P. Jackson, a motor transport operations chief with CAB. “We maintain our combat readiness by training for anything that could happen in (combat).”

During this training, Marines learned how to maneuver vehicles through various obstacles that may interfere with their mission.

“It is a four-day training evolu-tion where we are able to simulate many different scenarios,” said Jackson. “We went to the Ad-vanced Motor Vehicle Operators Course and drove our vehicles through an alley with only a few inches of space (on either) side.”

The training was successful and increased junior Marines’ confidence in driving the ve-hicles, said Jackson.

Marines also had the chance to familiarize themselves with vari-ous weapons systems they would use during combat.

Marines trained with the .50-caliber Browning machine gun, said Pfc. James J. Foley, a motor transport operator with CAB. They learned how to set the barrel, adjust the weapon’s headspace and timing, dismantle it, clean it and fire it at its maxi-mum range.

The training is a good way for the Marines to hone their skills and develop unit cohesion, ac-cording to Lance Cpl. SirDarius K. Johnson, a motor transport operator with CAB.

“It’s a good (training evolu-tion). It builds unit camaraderie between the new Marines,” said Johnson. “The past couple of days we learned about convoys, the M240B medium machine gun, and we shot the .50-caliber.”

When Marines return from a deployment, junior Marines have an opportunity to learn from those who are more experienced, according to 1st Lt. David W. Ste-venson, a motor transport officer with CAB.

“Most of my Marines are fairly young, they just got to our unit from their military occupational specialty school, and this is their first field (training evolution),” said Jackson. “I felt that it was important to have my Marines take part in this training and gain as much knowledge as possible from those who have deployed and used these skills in combat.”

The Marines were extremely motivated the whole time, said Stevenson.

“A lot of them are brand new, and this has been their first experience with some of these things. It has been a good training evolution.”

Marines conduct convoy operations

Marines with Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, work to take down a tent at Landing Zone Cardinal July 15 after participating in a four-day training evolution. Photo by Pfc. Matthew J. Manning

He adquarters special dut y screening team scHedule

Marines interested in obtaining duty assignments as a recruiter, drill instructor, combat instructor or part of the security forces, contact your career planner to attend the brief at the Camp Foster Theater July 27 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Warrior transition ii3rd Marine Logistics Group will

be hosting a regularly scheduled “Warrior Transition II” brief for Marines and sailors who have returned from deployment in the past 60-90 days.

This training will be held the third Friday of every month at the Camp Kinser Chapel from 8-10 a.m.

Registration is required. Call 637-1242 or e-mail jonathan.coreson@usmc.mil.

camp Foster gate 2 (pX gate) openCamp Foster’s Gate 2, the PX Gate, is

open. New Physical Security measures are in effect. Drivers are urged to exercise caution as they become familiar with the adjusted traffic flow. The normal gate hours will be 8:30 a.m.-9:15 p.m. daily, including weekends.

For more information, contact Camp Foster’s Emergency Operations Center at 645-9803.

Homestay Family HostFamilies from the III MEF/MCBJ

community are needed to serve as hosts in a Homestay Program, part of a community relations project sponsored by III MEF/MCBJ, scheduled for Aug. 6-9. Families will host Japanese children or adult chaperones from Oshima Island in Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture. This is the area where the 31st MEU contributed significantly to relief and recovery efforts during Operation Tomodachi.

A background check and other personal information will be required. Japanese language skills are not a requirement. The homestays will be conducted during the daytime hours between approximately 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

For more information, contact the III MEF Community Policy, Planning and Liaison office at 645-4220 or e-mail robert.d.eldridge@usmc.mil. The deadline for sign-ups is July 25.

eXpeditionary WarFare scHool and command and staFF college

Expeditionary Warfare School and Command and Staff College academic year 2012 Distance Education Programs commence Sept. 26. To enroll, contact the College of Distance Education and Training at 645-2230.

Course information is available at www.tecom.usmc.mil/cdet/.

BRIEFS

TO SUBMIT A BRIEF, send an e-mail to okinawamarine.mcbb.fct@usmc.mil, or fax your request to 645-3803. The deadline for submitting a brief is noon Friday. Okinawa Marine reserves the right to edit all submitted material.

4 okinawa marine | NEWS | July 22, 2011

ClementsKuhn

Col . Michael L . Kuhn assumed command of Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, from Col. Robert C. Clements during a ceremony on Camp Courtney July 18. Clements has commanded the battalion since June 2009 and will become the 3rd Marine Division’s assistant commander. Kuhn’s previous assignment was in Yongsan, Korea, where he served as the deputy commander for U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Korea.

3rd Marine Division welcomes Kuhn

GentryWilliamson

Col. Curtis L. Williamson III assumed command of 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, from Col. Keil R. Gentry during a ceremony on Camp Hansen July 15. Gentry has commanded 12th Marines since June 2009 and is scheduled to become the deputy director of the Office of Legislative Affairs, Headquarters Marine Corps, Washington D.C. Williamson’s previous assignment was at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., where he served as the senior military assistant to the Deputy Under Secretary of the Navy.

12th Marines welcomes Williamson

Marines conduct convoy operations “3rd MEB is here to aid in the execution of the mission of Talis-man Sabre, which is to train with Australian forces and other U.S. services to refine procedures and doctrine,” said Sgt. Maj. Robert L. Caldwell, sergeant major of 3rd MEB.

Prior to TS ‘11, the MEB has honed their skills in crisis manage-ment and deployment operations on many different levels.

3rd MEB has had ample oppor-tunities to train for this mission, Armes said. The MEB has par-ticipated in many missions, from humanitarian and disaster relief operations in the Philippines, train-ing missions for Exercise Cobra Gold in Thailand and more recently relief aid in Japan during Operation Tomodachi.

This is the fourth time exercise Talisman Sabre has been conducted.

It merges two previous exercises, Tandem Thrust and Crocodile, into a biennial, combined-joint exercise.

TS ‘11 will be conducted in many locations around the world, to include parts of the U.S., such as Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, San Diego, Calif., and parts of Australia, to include Sydney and locations in Queensland.

“The MEB is very excited to be a part of this exercise and to improve the camaraderie we have with other U.S. forces as well as our Australian counterparts,” said Caldwell.

Activating 3rd MEB for TS ‘11, legitimizes the use of a Marine Expeditionary Brigade, said Armes. This theater of operation is critical for the security of the pacific region.

The more joint operations that occur among the U.S. forces and the Australian forces, the better equipped the services will be to keep this region safe, added Armes.

5okinawa marine | NEWS | July 22, 2011

PalazzoMartinez

Lt. Col. Kendall A. Martinez assumed command of 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF, from Lt. Col. Louis J. Palazzo during a ceremony on Camp Hansen July 15. Palazzo has commanded 5th ANGLICO since June 2009, and his next duty assignment will be the operations officer with 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, III MEF. Martinez’s previous assignment was in Quantico, Va., where he served as deputy director, Seabasing Integration Division, Headquarters Marine Corps Combat Development and Integration, since June 2009.

5th ANGLICO welcomes MartinezTS ‘11 from pg 1

The Marines set up camp at LZ Dodo, using it as a base of operations from which they executed their training, according to Baldwin. The Marines maintained a combat mindset and established base security at a series of entry-control points and maintained security on all convoys and patrols outside of the base.

“Coming out here and sleeping in tents, living with weapons and being in the gun trucks with the crew-served weapons really focuses on getting the Marines into that combat mindset as we go forward,” said 1st Lt. Robert J. Jankowski, assistant operations officer, 9th ESB.

The Marines took the opportunity to work on operating together as they would on a deployment.

“A lot of what this is doing is building the teamwork between the individual sections,” said Baldwin. “It was the first time for me to be able to assess a lot of the Marines together, and I couldn’t be more proud of how they have been doing.”

Cross training was considered an important part of developing teamwork, and was on full display when several different military occupational spe-cialty fields practiced recovering an overturned 7-ton Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement.

“A convoy is going to go out with multiple dif-ferent units,” said Chief Warrant Officer Joshua R. Ashworth, motor transport maintenance officer, 9th ESB. “We are going to have engineers, we are going to have utilities, we are going to have security, and it’s imperative that they all know the basics of how to do this so they can support each other.”

Experienced wrecker operators worked with the younger Marines to pass along the skill set.

“We are going through scenarios to teach the other operators about how to recover a vehicle,” said Lance Cpl. Kevin H. Freeman, wrecker operator, 9th ESB. “I think that sharing this experience will definitely help the Marines out in case of a rollover or a hasty tow.”

During the training exercise, 9th ESB worked

to be self-sustaining, purifying their own water for hygiene and drinking, as well as operating a fuel-supply point and providing base and convoy security, according to Jankowski.

The Marines not only improved their unit readiness but left the central training improved, having worked on constructing new structures and repairing established structures as part of their training.

“First platoon is focused on constructing (South-west Asia) huts. This hut is something that is used a lot in (combat) and is designed for the Marines to live in, especially in outposts,” said 1st Lt. Andrew L. Fassett, platoon commander, Alpha Company, 9th ESB. “Once we (leave) this site any unit can check in and use these SWA huts for training.”

The varied training provided a good starting point for the Marines as they work up to their com-ing deployment to Afghanistan.

“I could not be happier with the training that has gone on out here,” said Baldwin.

their vehicles, set up a defensive perimeter, and then quickly moved into the thick Australian woods to find the enemy.

“Today we are securing a beachhead here, and next we are going to push inland and seize an airfield,” said 1st Lt. Sean P. Dixon, weapons platoon commander, Company G, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines. “The assault is going well thus far, we have not encountered any opposing forces so far but are well prepared if we do.”

As the beach was clear of enemy activity, three U.S. Navy landing craft, air cushioned, roared ashore and unloaded additional security and logistics elements of the MEU. Marines, sailors and vehicles with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, the MEU’s logistical combat element, and combined anti-armor teams quickly followed in trace of the lead elements.

During the assault, the Marines and sailors executed actions they had been practicing for quite some time, and many of their skills will help them in a future Afghanistan deployment, said Dixon. “We’ve also been training for many different types of situations, and we are doing a delib-erate assault today. We are supposed to deploy next fall, so this helps us focus on small-unit leadership, the company landing team concept, and controlling our own area of operations.”

The Australian Defence Forces viewing the Marines conducting the amphibious assault learned from the experience as well.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to train with one of our most im-portant allies,” said Australian Defence Force Brigadier Bob Brown, a spokesman for TS ‘11. “There are many contingencies that we train for at Talisman Sabre, from high-end war-fighting all the way to peace en-forcement and humanitarian assistance. The Marines are renowned for their ability to project power across the beach, and they have an enduring history in that regard.”

TS ‘11 is the largest joint military exercise undertaken by the Austra-lian Defence Force. Around 14,000 U.S. and 9,000 Australian personnel will participate.

FTX from pg 1

AMPHIBIOUS from pg 1

Marines with Company G, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, secure Freshwater Beach during the amphibious assault in support of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011. TS ‘11 provides an opportunity to conduct operations in a combined-joint environment that will increase both countries’ bilateral warfighting capabilities to respond to crises and provide humanitarian assistance. Photo by Lance Cpl. Garry J. Welch

Story and photos by Lance Cpl. Mark W. Stroudokinawa marine staff

Raiders skimmed across the choppy waters off of Kin Blue beach in small black watercrafts; pounding surf nor the

driving rain deterred them from their mission.

Testing

Lance Cpl. Jonathan R. Zimmer, a

scout swimmer with Company F,

establishes security on Kin Blue beach

July 13. Zimmer was inserted with other

scout swimmers 500 meters from the

beach tasked with swimming in and

securing the beach for the landing element.

Marines with Company F prepare their combat rubber raiding craft near Kin Blue beach July 13.

Marines with Company F lay in floor boards on their combat rubber raiding craft near Kin Blue beach July 13.

stealthokinawa marine | FEATURE | July 22, 20116

The Marines of Boat Compa-ny were testing their combat rubber raiding craft near

Kin Blue beach July 13 in prepara-tion for a possible real-world raid.

Boat Co., composed of Marines from Company F, Battalion Land-ing Team, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, specializes in ship-to-shore operations.

“The tradition of being a raider is something that needs to stay in the Marine Corps,” said 1st Sgt. Christopher L. Griffith, company first sergeant, Company F. “The 31st MEU is the last of all the MEUs in the Marine Corps to have an amphibious raid company. We are a part of history; we are the last living breed of that history to continue on into the future.”

The raiders focus on using stealth to their advantage, rather than storming heavily defended beaches.

“Doctrine says that we wouldn’t take a beach that is contested. We are clandestine, we come in at night and stealth is the key. We patrol to the objective from the beach, take the objective down, destroy whatever assets (the en-emy) has, and withdraw,” said 2nd

Lt. Antonio D. Aragon, a platoon commander with Company F. “This is pretty much our bread and butter.”

The scout swimmers are the first Marines on shore, swimming in from over 500 meters to secure the beach in advance of the main force, according to Cpl. Timothy A. Hernandez, a chief coxswain with Company F.

The remainder of the company will land once the beach has been secured and carry out the raid.

“The raid is assault, support, se-curity,” said Aragon. “The security element will cordon off the area of the raid. The support element will establish a support-by-fire position on the objective, and will commence firing while the assault element goes in and takes down the objective.”

Company F took measures to make sure the training was as realistic as possible, requiring the Marines to operate inside a con-densed time frame as they would in a combat situation.

“The battalion commander would pass word to us and we would develop his plan into (an operations) order for the Marines, and this is, by standards, sup-posed to take place within six hours from the order drop to the execution,” said Aragon. “We want to be as realistic as possible, so we will not give them the (operations) order until six hours before.”

The raiders spent their first day

at Kin Blue practicing fundamen-tals and preparing for the raid.

“(The Marines) are basically doing a patrol on the water to an objective,” said Aragon. “We are going to do that in the daylight and using the crawl, walk, run method. We will transition to executing at night.”

For the raiders to be able to execute their mission success-fully, they will have to master not only patrolling on the water but operations on land encompassing a wide range of skill sets.

“We have to have the cox-swains, assault climbers and mechanics go to their courses, the raid leaders have to be trained to destroy caches,” said Aragon. “Training for this has been going on for over six months now.”

The nature of the raider mis-sion precludes them from relying on outside units for support.

“Being a Boat Company, we are self-sufficient,” said Hernandez. “We have our own drivers, we build our boats, we break them down, we have our own mechan-ics to fix the boats, we pump our own fuel.”

Cross-training helps create a high level of teamwork and allows the Marines to step into new roles as needed in a combat scenario.

“A lot of the Marines have gone through different courses,” said Hernandez. “For instance, some of the scout swimmers have become coxswains and some of the coxswains have become scout swimmers.”

Teamwork plays a key role in the raider mission, making this training very important.

“Without pulling the boats out of the boathouse and bringing them here to the beach, we lose this skill set,” said Griffith. “There is so much that happens out there on the water. Teamwork is vital, and we can’t train that back in the barracks, the (operations) space or even the parade deck, so it is vital to come out here.”

The Marines have not lost sight of why the training is important, taking pride in their heritage and the role, according to Griffith.

“These Marines live, eat and sleep to be raiders,” said Griffith. “There is nothing more valuable to them than to be able to say they are raiders and BLT, 2nd Battal-ion, 7th Marines.”

Marines with Company F, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 7th

Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, test their

combat rubber raiding craft near Kin Blue beach July 13. The Marines

are preparing for an upcoming night raid.

Marines with Company F lay in floor boards on their combat rubber raiding craft near Kin Blue beach July 13.

okinawa marine | FEATURE | July 22, 2011 7

We are clandestine, we come in at night and stealth is the key. We patrol to the objective from the beach, take the objective down, destroy whatever assets (the enemy) has, and withdraw.- 2nd Lt. Antonio D. Aragon

Boat Company tests raider mission capabilities

Story and photos by Lance Cpl. Erik S. Brooks Jr.okinawa marine staff

Service members from bases across Okinawa participated in the Advanced Rider Track Day on Marine Corps Air

Station Futenma July 16-17.The event was a Marine Corps Base Camp

Butler initiative, featuring the California Superbike School, and allowed motorcycle riders to practice handling and safety skills applicable to roadway use throughout Japan. They pushed the bikes to their physical and mechanical limits, which was only possible thanks to using a closed, controlled section of the flight line.

“It’s a great opportunity for service mem-bers to come out and hone their skills on a closed course,” said Dylan Code, a rider coach with the California Superbike School. “The flight line was shut down to provide a safe, closed environment to learn skills useful on the road.”

The day started with a class about different skills riders would be using during the day. Code went over techniques he uses to safely navigate the road.

Before going out on the track, the riders had their bikes professionally inspected by the rider coaches. The instructors looked for adequate tread on the tires, tire pressure, chain tightness, leaks and proper oil levels.

Following the class and the inspection, the students geared up and headed out to the track. After a couple of warm-up laps, the students opened up the throttle and started to practice their advanced skills.

The course was meant for advanced rid-ers to use techniques they cannot practice on the roads, said Gunnery Sgt. Lanny B. Powell, director of the operations branch of the MCB Safety Office, MCB Camp Butler.

“Most of the riders have gone through our required base training and follow on training

schools,” said Powell. “One of the hardest skills to learn is how to go around a corner. Most ac-cidents happen on corners.”

Code taught and demonstrated the correct way to navigate corners. Each corner is dif-ferent, so Code set up the track with different types of corners riders commonly encounter.

“There’s a lot that goes into handling a corner,” said Code. “I teach entry speed, when to lean rounding a corner, throttle control and the mishaps of cornering. This course was specifically designed to include corners and straight paths.”

This is the fourth time that the California Superbike School has come out here to teach

service members, said Shawn Curtis, the deputy director of the MCB safety office, MCB Camp Butler.

“This was a great opportunity for riders to come out and practice their skills on a closed course,” said Curtis. “The riders learned a lot from the coaches that they can use out on the street.”

Coming out here with fellow riders is always a fun time, said Air Force Master Sgt. Dan L. Renfrow, a 21-year bike-riding veteran.

“We are a close group of friends that ride together. Learning advanced techniques that can help us ride on the road is a great oppor-tunity to stay safe,” said Renfrow.

Riders turn up throttleMotorcycle enthusiasts participate in Advanced Rider Track Day

Gunnery Sgt. Jeremy S. Venable, a participant in the Advanced Rider Track Day and an 18-year motorcycle-riding veteran, awaits his turn to ride on the temporary track on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma July 16. The riders had the opportunity to attend classes taught by the California Superbike School and practice handling and cornering techniques used on the road.

Gunnery Sgt. Shontate C. Morley, a postal finance officer with Headquarters and

Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, rounds a corner during the Advanced Rider Track Day on Marine Corps Air Station

Futenma July 16. Morley and other service members attended a class hosted by the

California Superbike School on handling and cornering before riding on the closed course.

8 okinawa marine | FEATURE | July 22, 2011

okinawa marine | FEATURE | July 22, 2011 9

Story and photos by Pfc. Brianna Turnerokinawa marine staff

Headquarters and Service Company held a profession-al military educa-

tion session for noncommis-sioned officers at Kadena Air Base, followed by a trip to Forest Adventure Park in Onna July 15.

The unit, part of Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Marine Wing Sup-port Group 17, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, held the PME and went to the park in Onna to build ca-maraderie among the unit’s NCO corps.

“NCOs are the heart of any unit, and it is impor-tant to build camaraderie between them, as well as reward them for the work they do, and let them have a little fun,” said Gun-nery Sgt. Mackey D. Ware, Headquarters and Service Company first sergeant.

The Marines discussed policing each other, hazing policy and the Comman-dant of the Marine Corps Reading List during the PME.

“NCO PMEs give us time to get together and share our experiences,” said Sgt. Sarah B. Humphress, the radio chief for MWSS-172. “It’s important that we share the education we have with our junior NCOs.”

“They are still important because they are helpful, and, if something works, we keep it,” said Sgt. Nesa M. Kline, the supply chief for MWSS-172.

The unit combines their PMEs with trips or events that are out of the ordinary.

“It’s good to get out of the office and break up the

monotony every once in a while,” said Cpl. Deeanna L. Turner, a field wireman with MWSS-172.

MWSS-172 leadership chooses their trips based on activities which encourage teamwork and allow their unit to grow closer.

“Going to places like For-est Adventure Park builds teamwork and allows us to encourage each other,” said Sgt. Shala L. Boyd, the com-pany gunnery sergeant for MWSS-172. “A lot of us who went out today are afraid of heights, so it was nice that we could help each other conquer our fears.”

MWSS-172 zips through PMESgt. Shala L. Boyd, the company gunnery sergeant of Headquarters and Service Company, Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Marine Wing Support Group 17, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, slides down a zip-line at Forest Adventure Park in Onna July 15. MWSS-172 combines their noncommissioned officer professional military education with trips and events designed to build camaraderie within their unit.

Cpl. Richard S. Cabutage, a data systems technician with Headquarters and Service Company, slides down a zip-line at Forest Adventure Park in Onna July 15.

Cpl. Sandy G. Gallardo, a food service specialist with Headquarters and Service Company, attaches his harness to the zip-line at Forest Adventure Park July 15.

10 okinawa marine | FEATURE | July 22, 2011

Lance Cpl. Kris Daberkoeokinawa marine staff

Communication is a key in-gredient in the Marine Air-Ground Task Force’s recipe

for success. Small unit leaders use special-

ized equipment to keep their com-manders informed.

In the III Marine Expedition-ary Force, this equipment remains operational because of the efforts of Marines from the Electronic Maintenance Company.

ELMACO, part of 3rd Mainte-nance Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III MEF, is responsible for maintaining, cleaning, repairing and testing thousands of pieces of equipment.

“When performing preventive maintenance no longer keeps a piece of equipment operating, that’s when we come in,” said Lance Cpl.

Nicholas G. McGrath, a ground radio repairman with ELMACO. “Any piece of electronics equip-ment – radios, telephones, satellite terminals, Cold War era communi-cations, you name it – we fix it.”

In addition, ELMACO Marines are required to serve as a collec-tion and reissue point for all com-munications equipment on island.

“Basically, our mission is to keep the electronic communica-tions section of the reissue point stocked with the communica-tion supplies the III MEF needs,” said Lance Cpl. Leland P. Sajdak, a ground radio repairman with ELMACO.

Repairmen are separated into four specialized sections of repair which focus on internal, external, old and new equipment.

“ELMACO saves taxpayers a lot of money,” said Sajdak. “Without the ability to maintain the gear we already purchased, we would have

to keep buying new gear each time something broke down.”

Through this service, ELMA-CO Marines ensure command-ers remain informed about MEF operations.

“Without us, the Marines might

as well string two cups together and speak though that,” said Lance Cpl. Robert M. Camilleri, a ground radio repairman with ELMACO. “It’s a great feeling waking up knowing that we are a vital part of keeping the MEF communicating.”

Electronic maintenance keeps III MEF wired

Lance Cpl. Jovane M. Henryokinawa marine staff

Since its invention in 1936 by gymnasts George Nissen and Larry Griswold, the tram-poline has enjoyed a successful run as both

a training tool and a recreational pastime.Derived from the Spanish word “trampolin,”

meaning diving board, the high-bouncing gad-get has sprung under the feet of U.S. Navy Flight School pilots, astronauts, divers, freestyle skiers, school-aged youth and adults.

Despite its popularity, jumping on a trampoline can result in serious injury if not done properly.

As trampoline use has increased, trampoline-related injuries have increased proportionally, indicating the inherent risk associated with their use, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, a medical organization for orthopedic surgeons.

During the Critical Days of Summer, the Marine Corps Base Installation Safety Office is directing

service members and families to heed tram-poline safety rules and precautions.

“Tenants residing in military housing should adhere

to guidance issued by the Kadena Housing Office and ensure they are using trampolines in ac-cordance with the manufacturer’s instructions,” said Forrest Williams, an occupational safety and health specialist with the safety office here. “The obvious and most important consequence to ignoring this guidance is that someone’s loved one could get hurt.”

Common trampoline injuries can range from fractures to head injuries, said Lt. Cmdr. Joseph Gondusky, an orthopedic surgeon with U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa on Camp Lester.

This year, the orthopedic ward at U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa has treated between two and four trampoline-related injuries per month, said Gondusky.

“Injuries can run the spectrum from minor to critical,” said Gondusky. “It’s vital for service members and their families to follow the safety guidelines in place to prevent these types of ac-cidents from occurring.”

For more information on trampoline safety guidelines and procedures, contact the Marine Corps Base Installation Safety Office at 645-2670 or the Kadena Housing Of-fice at 634-1375.

Trampoline safety mandatory for summer fun

1. Make sure the trampoline safety net is in place, installed correctly and not damaged in any way.2. Periodically inspect the trampoline for damage or any other hazardous condition which could cause injury.3. Children should always be supervised when playing on a trampoline. 4. Never exceed the manufacturer’s recommendation for the maximum number of children playing on the trampoline at one time.

5. Never allow older, heavier children on the trampoline with younger, smaller children. The weight of the older child can have a slingshot effect and cause injury to the smaller child.6. Ensure trampolines are never placed underneath trees or next to sheds, buildings or anything else a child can climb up on and jump from.7. Use trampolines with shock absorbing pads that completely cover all springs, hooks and the frame.

Trampoline safety rules

Marines with the Electronic Maintenance Company, 3rd Maintenance Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, repair communications equipment on Camp Kinser July 13. Photo by Lance Cpl. Kris Daberkoe

Rifle Range (Camp Hansen)Cpl. Steven Viramontes, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, 335

Rifle Range (Camp Schwab)Staff Sgt. JuJuane Hairston, 3rd Marine Division, 340

July 11 - July 15

In Theaters Now July 22 - July 28

FosterTODAY Horrible Bosses (R), 6 p.m.; Bad Teacher (R), 9 p.m.SATURDAY Hoodwinked Too! Hood Vs. Evil (PG), noon; Thor (PG13), 3 p.m.; Jumping the Broom (PG13), 6 p.m.; Bad Teacher (R), 9 p.m. SUNDAY Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (PG13), noon, 4 and 8 p.m.MONDAY Thor (PG13), 3 p.m.; Bad Teacher (R), 7 p.m.TUESDAY Bridesmaids (R), 7 p.m.WEDNESDAY Priest (PG13), 7 p.m.THURSDAY Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (PG13), 3 and 7 p.m.

FutenmaTODAY Jumping the Broom (PG13), 6:30 p.m.SATURDAY Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (PG13), 4 and 7:30 p.m.SUNDAY Jumping the Broom (PG13), 4 p.m.; Priest (PG13), 7 p.m.MONDAY Transformers: Dark of the Moon (PG13), 6:30 p.m.TUESDAY ClosedWEDNESDAY ClosedTHURSDAY Closed

KadenaTODAY Thor (PG13), 6 p.m.; Bridesmaids (R), 9 p.m.SATURDAY ClosedSUNDAY Thor (PG13), 1 and 4 p.m.; Horrible Bosses (R), 7 p.m.MONDAY Horrible Bosses (R), 7 p.m.TUESDAY Transformers: Dark of the Moon (PG13), 3 and 7 p.m.WEDNESDAY Transformers: Dark of the Moon (PG13), 7 p.m.THURSDAY Thor (PG13), 3 and 7 p.m.

KinserTODAY Thor (PG13), 6 p.m.; Bridesmaids (R), 9 p.m.SATURDAY ClosedSUNDAY Thor (PG13), 1 and 4 p.m.; Horrible Bosses (R), 7 p.m.MONDAY Horrible Bosses (R), 7 p.m.TUESDAY Transformers: Dark of the Moon (PG13), 3 and 7 p.m.WEDNESDAY Transformers: Dark of the Moon (PG13), 7 p.m.THURSDAY Thor (PG13), 3 and 7 p.m.

courtneyTODAY Thor (PG13), 6 p.m.; Bridesmaids (R), 9 p.m.SATURDAY Closed SUNDAY Thor (PG13), 1 and 4 p.m.; Horrible Bosses (R), 6 p.m.MONDAY Horrible Bosses (R), 7 p.m.TUESDAY Transformers: Dark of the Moon (PG13), 3 and 7 p.m.WEDNESDAY Transformers: Dark of the Moon (PG13), 7 p.m.THURSDAY Thor (PG13), 3 and 7 p.m.

Hansen TODAY Bridesmaids (R), 6 p.m.; Thor (PG13), 9 p.m. SATURDAY Transformers: Dark of the Moon (PG13), 6 and 9 p.m.SUNDAY Thor (PG13), 2 p.m.; Bridesmaids (R), 5:30 p.m.MONDAY Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (PG13), 7 p.m.TUESDAY Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (PG13), 7 p.m.WEDNESDAY Bridesmaids (R), 7 p.m.THURSDAY Horrible Bosses (R), 7 p.m.

scHwabTODAY Transformers: Dark of the Moon (PG13), 7 p.m.SATURDAY Jumping the Broom (PG13), 5 p.m.SUNDAY Priest (PG13), 5 p.m.MONDAY-THURSDAY Closed

tHeater directoryCAMP FOSTER 645-3465

KADENA AIR BASE 634-1869(USO NIGHT) 632-8781

MCAS FUTENMA 636-3890(USO NIGHT) 636-2113

CAMP COURTNEY 622-9616

CAMP HANSEN 623-4564(USO NIGHT) 623-5011

CAMP KINSER 637-2177

CAMP SCHWAB 625-2333(USO NIGHT) 625-3834

Movie schedule is subject to change without notice. Call in advance to confirm show times. For a

complete listing, visit www.shopmyexchange.com.

11okinawa marine | COMMUNITY PLACE | July 22, 2011

visit: www.marines.mil/unit/mcbjapan/pages/aroundmcbj/chapel.aspx

cHapeL scHeduLeCamp Foster | 645-7486• Catholic: Mon-Fri, 11:45 a.m.; Sat, 5 p.m.; Sun, 10 a.m.• Christian Science: Sun, 11 a.m., Building 442• Eastern Orthodox: Divine Liturgy, Sun, 9:30 a.m.; Vespers, Sat, 5 p.m.• Gospel: Sun, 11:30 a.m.; 2nd, 3rd Sun, Children’s Church, 11 a.m.• Jewish: (Informal) Fri, 6:30 p.m.• Latter Day Saints: Mon, 6:30 p.m.• Lutheran DVD Worship: Sun, 4 p.m.• Muslim: Prayer, Fri, 12:45 p.m.• Protestant: Sun, 8:30 a.m.• Seventh Day Adventist: Sat, 9:30 a.m., at Torii Station 644-5701/644-4281

Camp sChwab | 622-9350• Catholic: Thurs, 11:30 a.m.• Protestant: Sun, 4 p.m.

mCas Futenma | 636-3058• Catholic: Sun, noon• Contemporary: Fri, 7 p.m.; Sun, 9 a.m.

Camp Lester | 643-7248• Catholic: Sun, 8 a.m.• Non-Denominational: Sun, 9 a.m., Hospital Chapel; Sun, 10 a.m., Lester Chapel

Camp hansen | 622-9350• Catholic: Sun, 10 a.m., East Chapel • Protestant: Sun, 11 a.m., West Chapel

Camp Courtney | 622-9350• Catholic: Sun, 8 a.m.• Protestant: Sun, 10:45 a.m.

Camp mctureous | 622-9350• Gospel: Sun, 12:30 p.m.

Camp Kinser | 637-1148• Catholic: Sun, noon• Protestant: Sun, 9:30 a.m.

Kadena air base | 634-1288www.kadenachapel.org • Catholic: Sun, 8:30 a.m., Mass, Chapel 1; Sun, 11:45 a.m., Mass, Chapel 1; Sun, 4 p.m., Mass, Chapel 1; Daily Mass, Mon-Fri, 11:30 a.m., Chapel 1; Reconciliation, Sun, 3:15 p.m., Chapel 1• Contemporary: Sun, 10 a.m., Chapel 1• Gospel: Sun, 10:30 a.m., Chapel 3• Protestant Bible Institute: Tues, 6 p.m., Chapel 1• Traditional: Sun, 9:30 a.m., Chapel 2• Wiccan/Pagan: Sat, 2 p.m., Building 856

for upcoming special worship services and events for all marine corps base chapels

Japanese phrase of the week:

Mention of any company in this notice does not constitute endorsement by the Marine Corps.

For more information, or to sign up, contact

the Single Marine Program at 645-3681.

singLe marine

program

SOUTHERN HILL AMUSEMENT BUILDING - JULY 30• Join the SMP at the Southern Hill Amusement Building in the Naha area from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. July 30. Bus will depart Camp Schwab Gym at 9:15 a.m. and Camp Hansen Gym at 10:20 a.m. Sign up deadline is July 25.

SMP ALL CAMPS MONTHLY MEETING - AUG. 11• The SMP All Camps Monthly Meeting willl be held at the Habu Pit on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Aug. 11.

FOREST ADVENTURE TRIP - AUG. 13• Single Marines from Camp Courtney are invited to swing through the treetops on zip lines, swing across ravines on tarzan swings and test their courage on suspended bridges and rope ladders at Okinawa’s thrilling athletic park, Forest Adventure Park. Sign up deadline is Aug. 10. Bus will leave the Camp Courtney Gym at 11:50 a.m. Contact the SMP office for more information or to sign up.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES• MCCS Library Summer Fest: Volunteer to assist the MCCS Library Summer Fest Aug. 6 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Camp Foster Community Center. Duties will include helping children with arts and crafts, helping with carnival games, face painting and balloon twisting.

“Kiite kudasai” (pronounced key-te ku-da-sigh) It means, “Please listen.”

Trampoline safety mandatory for summer fun

12 okinawa marine | SPORTS | July 22, 2011

Lance Cpl. Mark W. Stroudokinawa marine staff

Marines and local citizens gathered at the softball fields on Camp Hansen July 16 to participate in a friendship softball tournament.

During the tournament, co-hosted by Camp Hansen and the Kin Chamber of Commerce, seven teams battled for first place.

While the event provided some friendly competition, it also offered par-ticipants a chance to relax and get to know each other a little bit better.

“The actual tournament was devised three years ago,” said Col. David P. Olszowy, commanding officer for III Marine Expeditionary Force Head-quarters Group, III MEF, and camp commander for Camp Hansen. “We played once before, and this is our second tournament.”

A team of Marines from 7th Communications Battalion, III MHG, won the tournament, defeating a determined Okinawa Defense Bureau team in the final round 9-8 to claim victory.

“We played well. We had some ups and downs and were losing towards the end of the game, but, as a team, we rallied together and managed to win,” said Patrick M. Beffa, a member of the 7th Comm. Bn. team. “I would want to participate in this again, and I would encourage anybody else too.”

The Okinawa Defense Bureau fielded a team for the first time, allow-ing its members a chance to participate in the friendship tournament with their professional colleagues in the Marine Corps.

“Being the Okinawa Defense Bureau, it is really important to have good relations with them,” said Olszowy. “Every camp has an Okinawa Defense Bureau representative that they conduct liaison with as far as any kind of trouble in the camp or changes in policy. They are the interface between us and the Okinawan people, the municipalities and the Tokyo government.”

The friendship tournament also allowed local teams from Onna Village, Ginoza Village and Kin Town to build upon their friendship with Camp Hansen personnel.

“It is very important as a neighbor to build a good, positive relationship

with Camp Hansen,” said Morimitsu Kokuba, president of the Kin Town Chamber of Commerce. “We hope that we can take turn hosting this kind of community event for a long time.”

The second Marine team, composed of III MHG command element and headed by Olszowy, was eliminated in the semi-final round after fighting their way back from the loser’s bracket.

“It is always good to get out and have some camaraderie,” said Olszowy.

Friendship softball tournament builds camaraderie

Col. David P. Olszowy, camp commander, Camp Hansen, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Marine Corps Bases Japan, congratulates a member of the Kin Town team after a game during the friendship softball tournament here July 16. The friendship tournament allowed Okinawans and Marines to get to know each other better through friendly competition. Photo by Lance Cpl. Mark W. Stroud

Lance Cpl. Kris Daberkoeokinawa marine staff

More than 230 service members and mem-bers of the Okinawan community par-

ticipated in the 6th Annual Camp Kinser Open Triathlon on Camp Kinser July 17.

The participants persevered though a 5-kilometer run, a 15-kilo-meter bicycle ride and a 400-meter

swim during the most popular tri-athlon to be sponsored by Marine Corps Community Services Sem-per Fit, according to said Michael Boughton, an assistant athletic director with MCCS Semper Fit.

“The purpose of this triathlon is to encourage people to be physi-cally active,” said Boughton. “The Kinser triathlon tends to have the most participants because Camp Kinser is a family base and is close to Naha.”

During the triathlon, everyone raced side-by-side to the finish, said Boughton.

For some triathlon participants, the drive to participate in such a feat of endurance comes from the adrenaline rush of pushing one’s body to its limits.

“There is a moment where your heart is accelerated and your breath is steady and you experience a heightened sense of things,” said Sophia Galich, a race spectator and

information technology contrac-tor with Marine Corps Base Camp Butler.

In the final stretch of the triathlon, Koichiro Ikeda, a race participant, swam past two other competitors to take first place.

“I was nervous about how I was going to perform in this race because northern Japan is a lot colder than Okinawa,” said Ikeda, a Hokkaido, Japan, native. “I’m very happy to have won.”

Camp Kinser hosts 6th annual open triathlon Service members and members of the Okinawan community begin the 5-kilometer run during the 6th Annual Camp Kinser Open Triathlon July 17. More than 230 people participated in the triathlon, which was sponsored by The Marine Corps Community Services Semper Fit program. Photo by Lance Cpl. Kris Daberkoe