Through the Lens: A military photographer's view

OPERATION EASTERN STORM: Marines push through Kajaki Sofla

2011-10-28T13:08:00.000-04:00

Story by Cpl. James Clark

Lance Cpl. Joshua Kennedy, an M240 machine gunner from Prattville, Ala., takes up a position behind cover during a recent patrol. Kennedy, a 2007 graduate of Prattville High School, and his fellow Marines and sailors with 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, are working to make the area safe for residents in Operation Eastern Storm. Moving through heavily vegetated terrain, they have faced some enemy ambushes in which they received small-arms and indirect fire, but the operation has been much less kinetic than expected thus far. (Photo by Cpl. Benjamin Crilly)

KAJAKI SOFLA DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — The Marines and sailors of 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, are engaged in Operation Tofan Sharq (Eastern Storm), a major offensive operation to root out the Taliban-led insurgency in the Upper Sangin Valley region of Kajaki.

The battalion is accomplishing its mission to secure Route 611 from Sangin to Kajaki by moving companies into designated areas across the district and relying on individual platoons and squads to operate independently in heavily vegetated and rough terrain.

The men of 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, inserted by helicopter recently under the cover of darkness and, at first light, began a five day march prior to establishing Patrol Base Pennsylvania.

“Things have been going pretty slow, but good,” said Lance Cpl. Joshua Kennedy, an M240 machine gunner from Prattville, Ala. “We don’t want to go fast. It’s been pretty successful where we’re at right now, nobody’s been hurt. We expected it to be way more kinetic, but luckily it hasn’t been too bad so far.”

Carrying all the ammunition, weaponry, food, water and other assorted equipment they could fit into their packs, they travelled roughly three miles amidst infrequent and abrupt ambushes and, at times, rounding corners that put them face-to-face with enemy fighters armed with rocket propelled grenades.

“Everyone’s feeling the pain, everyone’s sore,” said Kennedy, a 2007 graduate of Prattville High School. “It’s hard to pick up your feet as is, and going through the canal systems and corn fields (with all our gear), it’s bad on your knees and feet. Your knees are taking a sheer beating the whole time, not to include your back.”

Kennedy, who hovers around six feet tall and weighs approximately 180 pounds, carries on his body approximately 120 additional pounds of equipment, including rounds for his M240B Medium Machine Gun, the weapon itself, a slew of other munitions, and a few personal comforts, such as a sleeping bag and hygiene supplies.

Seeing a column of Marine Corps infantrymen move through a maze of cornfields, more laden with gear than the most unloved pack animal, one would expect a ceaseless chorus of complaints and sighs, but the few moans they make are drowned out by an endless stream of banter and surprisingly upbeat humor.

“We pick up morale by joking around,” explained Kennedy, who proudly fulfills the role of stand-up comic for his squad. “We all joke around and act like we’re having a good time – laugh at our misery. If you ain’t gonna laugh, you gonna cry.”

As trivial as humor may seem to the overall success of the mission, it serves as an indicator of the unit’s moral, which, with all they have been through, remains high, explained Altoona, Penn., native 1st Lt. Danny Graziosi, the 2nd Platoon commander and a graduate of Indiana University.

“The moral is never a question; they can accomplish whatever I ask them to do,” said Graziosi. “They just look to the left and right, and that’s all the motivation they need.”

“Kajaki Sofla is now buzzing with citizens who have never seen the Afghan National Security Forces and have known only murder and intimidation for the last several years,” said Brig. Gen, Lewis Craparotta, commanding general, 2nd Marine Division (Forward)/Task Force Leatherneck. “Villagers are now approaching our coalition forces and returning to their homes.”

For more information concerning Task Force Leatherneck operations, contact Major Bradley Gordon, Task Force Leatherneck public affairs officer at bradley.gordon@ afg.usmc.mil.

Editor’s Note: First Battalion, 6th Marines is currently assigned to Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division (Forward)/Task Force Leatherneck. Task force Leatherneck serves as the ground combat element of Regional Command (Southwest) and works in partnership with the Afghan National Security Forces and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to conduct counterinsurgency operations. The unit is dedicated to securing the Afghan people, defeating insurgent forces, and enabling ANSF assumption of security responsibilities within its area of operations in order to support the expansion of stability, development and legitimate governance.

Photo of the Day

2011-10-28T13:04:00.002-04:00

Marines with 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, take up a position and set an ambush for insurgents. The Marines and sailors of Bravo Company are participating in Operation Eastern Storm to drive out insurgents in the area as part of their clearing efforts to free Route 611 from insurgents. (Photo by Cpl. James Clark)

Life at Syracuse

2011-10-27T19:09:00.001-04:00

It has been some time since I have written on this blog. I have finally got to a point in my studies were I can continue to upload to this site.

Life here at Syracuse has been a whirlwind. We have been completely engaged in the journalism classes that it doesn't seem like I have been here four months already. However, in that short time, I have been learning amazing skill sets including graphic design, advanced news writing, and photojournalism.

My photography skills have increased 10 fold since I have been here. I have mainly focused my talents towards sports photography. Since class started, I have been working for the Syracuse University daily paper as well as freelancing sports photography for the Post Standard, the large daily here in Syracuse.

I have attached some photos of what I have been shooting. I will do my best to keep updating this site with Marine Corps news and pictures. Take care!!

Force Recon builds trust, camaraderie during PHIBLEX

2011-10-27T18:58:00.000-04:00

Story by Cpl. Garry J. Welch

BASA AIRBASE, Republic of the Philippines — Marines with Force Reconnaissance Platoon, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, built trust between themselves and their Philippine Marine counterparts during the Amphibious Landing Exercise, Oct. 25.

The Marines of both nations participated in a bilateral parachute exercises, consisting of low level static line operations as well as free-fall operations.

“It was outstanding,” said Gunnery Sgt. Tammy Belleville, the parachute loft chief for Combat Logistics Battalion 37, who supported the MEU’s parachute jump. “It was excellent training between the Philippine Marines and ours, and there was a lot of camaraderie gained from everybody working together.”

The jumps allowed the Marines of both nations to gain confidence and become more proficient with their gear and procedures of parachute operations.

“It helps improve unit effectiveness and builds onto the trust and confidence of the Marines, as well as build onto their overall moral,” said Belleville.

Conducting this type of training requires the Marines to literally trust each other with their lives for many reasons. The first reason is that the Marines have to trust that their fellow Marines know how to properly and safely complete the jump, because one mistake in the air could cost lives.

The second reason is that both Philippine and US Marines do not pack their own parachutes, so they must trust that their brothers-in-arms did it right so it will deploy properly during the jump.

“It takes a lot of trust to use that equipment because if there is not trust it can break down everything,” said Belleville. “If there is not trust in the person that is putting the chute on your back then you would be apprehensive in doing your job, and maybe that one second of apprehensiveness could cause someone to be injured. So trust is everything.”

Overall the exercise went well and the Marines left with a very high opinion of their new friends within the Philippine Marine Corps.

“They are great guys,” said Staff Sgt. Chris Baumgartner, the platoon sergeant of FRP platoon, 31st MEU. “They were all very technically and tactically proficient and I hope I get to come back and do this exercise with them again.”

PHIBLEX is an opportunity to conduct training which is vital to maintaining the readiness and interoperability of the U.S. and the Republic of the Philippines military forces.

The 31st MEU is operating in support of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade for the exercise, is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU

Photo of the Day

2011-10-27T18:54:00.000-04:00

Former drill instructor Gunnery Sgt. Paris E. Mintz yells at Mandy Apple, Jane Wayne Day participant, as Apple conducts pushups during Jane Wayne Day here Oct. 21. Among the activities for Jane Wayne Day was a tour of a static display with different vehicles Marines use, a trip to the indoor small- arms range where spouses practiced handling and shooting M16A2 service rifles and M9 pistols at the indoor simulated marksmanship trainer, a visit to an F/A-18 flight simulator, and Marine Corps martial arts training. For lunch, spouses ate with Marines and sailors at the mess hall. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Vanessa Jimenez)

PMO conducts alarm-response drills on Okinawa

2011-08-22T12:47:00.000-04:00

Story and Photos by Pfc. Brianna Turner

CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan — This was the only warning given before doors slammed open during the Provost Marshal’s Office alarm-response training held at Futenma Housing on Camp Foster Aug. 16.

The Marines, a part of Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, conducted a variety of scenarios to prepare themselves for responding to alarms.

The training began with a brief by Staff Sgt. Sean L. Demoe, the PMO training staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge. He discussed alarm systems, locations that use alarms, causes of alarms triggering and supporting units military police can call when they need backup.

“Train for every event as if they were real alarms, because you never know when something is going to happen,” said Demoe during the brief.

After the brief, the Marines began a series of scenarios such as anonymous calls from a bank, duress alarms from an armory and complaints from a housing area.

Duress alarms are secret alarms usually indicating there is an intruder on a property, said Staff Sgt. Jeremy C. Bloom, the training chief for PMO.

“When these alarms are set off, we call the location that it came from, and if we don’t receive an answer or they cannot provide the safe word, our patrols respond,” Bloom said.

The preparation is part of PMO’s annual required training to keep the Marines ready for any contingency.

“We have to let the Marines practice these scenarios, so they know how to handle calls that are out of the ordinary,” said Demoe.

Alarm-response training keeps the Marines familiar with how they should respond and ensures they respond safely, said Bloom.

The practice not only helps military police become familiar with different situations, but also benefits the military community.

“This training is meant to make sure personnel and property are properly safeguarded,” said Demoe.

For this year’s training, peer review was very important, said Bloom.

“It was very peer oriented. They were judged by each other while the senior leadership observed and gave advice,” said Bloom.” This is important because they often notice things about each other that we miss.”

Photo of the Day

2011-08-22T12:41:00.001-04:00

Helicopter support team Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 22, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, wait for a CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced) to move into position so the Marines can attach two more palettes aboard USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), Aug. 19, 2011. Landing support Marines conduct external lift drills to maintain mission effectiveness. The Marines and Sailors of the 22nd MEU are currently deployed with Amphibious Squadron 6 (PHIBRON 6) aboard the USS Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BATARG) and will continue to train and improve the MEU’s ability to operate as a cohesive and effective Marine Air Ground Task Force. The 22nd MEU is a multi-mission, capable force, comprised of an Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced)(VMM-263 (REIN)); a Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 22(CLB 22); a Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment(BLT 2/2) and its Command Element. (Photo by Cpl. John Raufmann)

Transitioning

2011-08-21T23:01:00.001-04:00

I am finally back up and running this blog. Over the last two months, I have been transitioning between duty stations. I am know at The S.I. Newhouse School for Public Communication at Syracuse University in central New York. I will continue to update this site with Marine Corps news and will even update with some of my photos produced here at school. I hope you will continue to follow me.

My first photo from a Syracuse University soccer game. I had to beat the rust off, but I
ended up taking some good images

Recon Marines sharpen at-sea skills

2011-08-21T22:51:00.003-04:00

Story and Photos by Cpl. Garry Welch

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan — A team of force reconnaissance Marines stack up beside the door of a concrete building here, but in their minds this is a hatch along a passageway in a ship at sea. Silent signals move them quickly through the entryway in a fluid search for targets.

The Marines of Force Reconnaissance Platoon, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, practiced room-clearing operations and precision-fire drills as a way of building their Vessel Board, Search and Seizure skills, August 18.

The 31st MEU is required to be capable of conducting specific at-sea operations before it deploys for patrols of the Asia-Pacific region. Among the scenarios which the MEU must be able to respond to is a VBSS, undertaken to secure a ship at sea which may be under the control of hostile forces.

To ensure the MEU’s ability to respond to a hijacked ship, the Marines of FRP conduct this training annually to ensure a heightened state of readiness. Although the Marines were clearing a land-based structure, the methods used are very similar, and in some cases the same, as the ones used when searching and securing a ship.

“When assaulting houses and ships, the tactics remain pretty much the same,” said Cpl. Derric Hardy a radio operator with FRP, 31st MEU. “There are a few things that change so you can still use both interchangeably to keep your training up.”

The 31st MEU’s role in the Asia-Pacific region makes the VBSS capabilities of the reconnaissance Marines even more valuable. Before the 31st MEU deploys for a patrol of the Asia-Pacific region, the FRP conducts an eight-week training course to ensure they are prepared to respond to any situations that may arise.

During the day’s training, shooters rapidly engaged multiple targets through the use of various firing drills. They were often required to shoot while closing with the targets, and even switch weapons and engage the targets while still on the move.
According to Boung, it is just as important to maintain weapon skills as it is to maintain VBSS skills.

“In the case of a highly stressful situation, we need to be able to engage a target quickly and accurately,” said Boung. “Doing so actually helps the survivability of the team when clearing rooms because when you see the targets, you put them down quickly with accurate fire.”

It is the constant training on weapons tactics, VBSS skills and various other training events FRP conducts that maintain their wide range of capabilities in support of the 31st MEU.

The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU and remains the nation’s force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region.

Photo of the Day

2011-08-21T22:48:00.000-04:00

A Navy boat launched by the USS New Orleans Aug 14. carries members of the maritime raid force from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit to a vessel the force's assault element later boarded during counter-piracy and counter-terrorism training miles from Southern California's San Clemente Island. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Justin R. Stein)

Bang, Pow, Pop: SRT Marines train, shoot paper enemies

2011-06-03T11:34:00.000-04:00

Lance Cpl. Amanda A. Phelps, Special Reaction Team entry member, shoots two to the head and one to the chest, failure to stop drill with the M4 carbine during the SRT quarterly training at the Indoor Small Arms Range here May 25-26. The Marines did several practice scenarios to familiarize themselves with the weapons before moving on to pre-qualifications and qualifications. (Photo by LCpl. Cayce Nevers)

By Lance Cpl. Cayce Nevers, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan — Bang! Bang! The sound of Marines sending off rounds of the M4 carbine echoed throughout the Indoor Small Arms Range here May 25-26 during the Special Reaction Team quarterly training.

SRT, the Marine Corps’ version of a civilian Special Weapons and Tactics team, is the last resort when all other military police tactics have failed.

“It is like our military police version of SWAT,” said Sgt. Kyle C. Hill, SRT team leader. “We are a ‘SWAT’ team to handle any kind of high risk situation aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni.”

Each SRT member must be proficient at his or her job, to include shooting, making split second decisions and holding themselves to a higher standard.

“SRT is a step above,” said Lance Cpl. Amanda A. Phelps, SRT entry member. “Its elite and you always have to be on top of your game. We are the last resort, so when things are going down and there are no other means, we are called.”

With that, SRT is constantly training.

“We P.T. five times per week, shoot quarterly and we do scenario-based training, weapon reloads and that kind of thing five times per week,” said Cpl. Jairo A. Javier, SRT assistant team leader. “We are on call 24/7, so even on the weekends, if they want us to train, we have to come in.”

Each aspect of the quarterly shooting is important to the Marines. They learn more advanced weapon techniques and movements than most Marines receive.

“It’s important because you have to be able to go into a building, not knowing what you’re getting yourself into and be on top of your game at all times,” said Phelps.

The training helps Marines keep their skills sharp and create confidence with weapon handling.

“This is going to help us out in everything,” said Javier. “Marksmanship is obviously a huge factor because when you make entry into a building, it may come down to you taking a shot between one person and another. You have to be confident in your ability to take out the suspect and not the victim.”

The Marines on the SRT team spent the first day at the ISAR familiarizing themselves with the M4 and the Baretta M9. They then spent the second day qualifying.

The Marines loaded their magazines and performed many different scenarios.

“The most challenging was probably the movement while engaging a target, it’s always hard to keep steady,” said Phelps.

While for one Marine, moving may have been the most challenging, others found evaluating the situation was the hardest part for them.

Split second decisions are a must when you are on SRT and they must be good decisions, Javier said.

Over 5,000 rounds were used throughout the two days of shooting the SRT Marines did during the training. Not only did the Marines have many rounds to go through in such a short time, they also had more gear than they were used to.

“This training puts a lot of stress on them, the added weight of wearing the gear and using new scenarios and things like that,” said Hill.

“Our goal was to use this training to make the Marines proficient, and I am sure that is what most Marines took out of this training,” he said.

With the qualifications and familiarization past, the Marines are a little more proficient with the weapons they use.

“The Marines will use this training to develop a better proficiency with the weapon systems that we use and their shooting capabilities,” said Hill.

The SRT Marines will continue to train in scenarios and reloading drills. While they may not be able to shoot for another several months, the Marines seemed more comfortable after the training they took part in than they did before shooting the weapons.

Photo of the Day

2011-06-03T11:25:00.000-04:00

Marines and Sailors of 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, arrive here from California for deployment with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit as the new Battalion Landing Team, June 3. The battalion has now become the ground combat element of the 31st MEU, and is scheduled to embark aboard ships of Amphibious Squadron 11 on a deployment in support of Theater Security Cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. The 31st MEU is the nation's only continually forward-deployed MEU. (Photo by Capt. Caleb Eames)

Marines live, operate on vital training island

2011-06-02T08:00:00.001-04:00

A KC130-J Super Hercules aircraft lands during a training exercise on Ie Shima training facility, managed by a small detachment of Marines. The facility is used for training evolutions such as AV-8B Harrier aircraft takeoff and landing exercises and human and cargo parachute drop training. (Photo by Cpl. Justin Wheeler)

By Cpl. Justin R. Wheeler, Marine Corps Bases Japan

IE SHIMA, Okinawa, Japan — A large volcano-shaped rock pierces the sky; small patches of land below it cover the horizon -- no building stands higher than a few stories. Tucked a few miles beyond the port exists an open patch of land, a few buildings speckle its surface. It resembles a home on a farm -- open and expansive. A tight-knit squad of Marines inhabit this patch. To them, Ie Shima is more than their work environment, it is their home.

The U.S. military’s first operation on Ie Shima dates back to World War II.

A large element of American troops hit the beaches of Ie Shima April 16, 1945. There was light enemy resistance on the beach, similar to the landing onto the main island of Okinawa, said Mark Waycaster, a tour guide with Marine Corps Community Services.

After the island was seized, Ie Shima became the largest airfield in the Okinawa prefecture occupied by American military forces. The airfield was used fielding flights for close air support and blocking attacks originating from mainland Japan. The famous combat correspondent Ernie Pyle was killed by a sniper at Ie Shima.

After the war, the Marine Corps operated on one-third of the island. Throughout the years, it has been used to conduct training exercises, such as AV-8B Harrier aircraft takeoff and landing exercises and human and cargo parachute drop training. Today, the facility primarily consists of the northwest part of the island, with much of the facility’s land occupied by local community members who farm, said 1st Lt. Daniel Farfan, officer-in-charge of the Ie Shima training facility, Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler.

Aside from the training facility, Ie Shima is a well-known tourist attraction on Okinawa. Many tourists go to Ie Shima by ferry to attend the Ie Shima Lily Festival, Pyle’s memorial and many other sites and events.
All operations at the training facility are managed by a few Marines at a small compound. They sleep, eat, work and exercise there.

Like many Marine Corps units, they wake, conduct physical training and prepare for work. On the day of an operation, the Marines are given a briefing in the morning and then conduct the operation. A typical work day usually lasts until 5 p.m., but some days training can last for hours on end.

After being assigned to the training facility, most Marines spend a six-month tour in Ie Shima. However, the officer-in-charge and staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge man the post for a year. The Marines who operate the facility are few in number but cover a whole spectrum of tasks.

Sgt. Nathan Esplin, the chief range warden, Ie Shima training facility, oversees the overall range safety of the facility and ensures that units complete their training efficiently and on time. Prior to coming to Ie Shima, Esplin operated as a field wireman with 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, on Camp Schwab.

“This job is a really good experience for me,” said Esplin. “I was looking to challenge myself each day and Ie Shima training facility really gave me that challenge.”

After a long day, the Marines commence liberty on the island.

“It’s a little bit quieter than your typical military base,” said Lance Cpl. David Burkett, crew chief, crash fire rescue, Ie Shima training facility. “It’s peaceful, there are a lot less people.”

On weekends, some of the Marines return to mainland Okinawa, restocking on goods found in the commissary or visiting friends, he said.

Photo of the Day

2011-06-02T07:53:00.000-04:00

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit led a run to Ground Zero, May 31. The majority of Marines with the 24th MEU joined the Marine Corps after the attacks of Sept. 11. More than 3,000 Marines, Sailors and Coast Guardsmen in the area participating in community outreach events and equipment demonstrations as part of Fleet Week New York 2011. This is the 27th year New York has hosted the sea services for Fleet Week. (Photo by Sgt. Randall Clinton)

Photo of the Day

2011-05-25T12:51:00.000-04:00

NEW YORK -- Sgt. Mohamed Mohamed, a New York native and personnel chief, 1st Marine Recruiting District, stands with the The National Museum of the Marine Corps Traveling Exhibit in Federal Hall. The exhibit contains a collection of paintings by Marines and is part of Fleet Week New York 2011. It is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m May 24 - 27, May 31 and June 1. More than 3,000 Marines, Sailors and Coast Guardsmen will be in the area participating in community outreach events and equipment demonstrations. This is the 27th year New York has hosted the sea services for Fleet Week. For more information on Fleet Week New York 2011 visit www.fleetweeknewyork.com. (Official Marine Corps HDR image by Sgt. Jimmy Shea / RELEASED)

Marines dedicate Afghanistan compound to fallen lieutenant colonel

2011-05-23T13:51:00.001-04:00

Marines bow their heads in prayer during a dedication ceremony at the Marine Air Control Group 28 compound at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, May 21. The ceremony was held in honor of Lt. Col. Benjamin Chili Palmer, the former commanding officer of 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, who was killed in action in Helmand province, Afghanistan, May 12. (Photo by Cpl. Rashaun X. James)

By Cpl. Rashaun X. James, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Deployed Marines and sailors honored the life and service of former 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion commanding officer, Lt. Col. Benjamin J. Palmer, by dedicating to him the Marine Air Control Group 28 compound on Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, May 21.

“Marines, this is not a day of sadness,” said Lt. Col. Thomas P. Bajus serves as the MACG-28 detachment commander in Afghanistan. “We should remember Lt. Col. Palmer as a hero who gave his life for us.”

Palmer served with 2nd LAAD Bn., part of MACG-28, through December 2010, at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C.

Bajus and Palmer served together with the group – Palmer as the commanding officer 2nd LAAD Bn., and Bajus as the commanding officer of Marine Tactical Air Control Squadron 28.

“Today was not a memorial ceremony, but rather a dedication ceremony to remember a fallen hero,” said Bajus. “We have chosen to name our compound after Lt. Col. Palmer, one of our own.”

Palmer deployed to southwestern Afghanistan with II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) in April and was killed while working with a mentoring team that provides support to the Afghan National Civil Order Police in Helmand province, May 12.

“What he has left us all is the passion he had in being a Marine,” Bajus said.

The control group’s compound will now be known as “Chili’s Corner,” in honor of Palmer’s call sign. A sign at the entrance to the compound also states that it is dedicated in the memory of the fallen Modesto, Calif., native.

“Marines like Lt. Col. Palmer are the reason why we will not be defeated here,” Bajus said. “We all look after our own, just like he did.”

“You don’t realize how much someone means to you until they’re gone,” said 1st Lt. Joel R. Searls, a close battle coordinator with MTACS-28. “I worked for Lt. Col. Palmer at 2nd LAAD as a platoon commander, adjutant, safety officer and battery executive officer. He was my battalion commanding officer and he was very down-to-earth. You could talk to him about any problem that you had.”

Palmer’s personal decorations included the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Republic of Korea Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star. Palmer is survived by his wife and four children.

Photo of the Day

2011-05-23T13:47:00.000-04:00

Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James Amos gives his remarks during the Home of the Commandants ribbon cutting ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington May 20. Amos and his wife invited local neighbors to visit the inside of the renovated home. The consturction on the house has been ongoing since Amos's change of command ceremony in October 2010. (Photo by Sgt. Bobby J. Yarbrough)

Marines hone marksmanship, tactics during Dynamic Assault

2011-05-20T07:51:00.001-04:00

A Marine from Force Reconnaissance Platoon, Force Company, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, III Marine Expeditionary Force, fires at targets May 10 during the Dynamic Assault Course at Camp Hansen's Range 16. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Anthony Ward Jr)

By Lance Cpl. Anthony Ward Jr., Marine Corps Bases Japan

CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa, Japan — Reconnaissance Marines are conducting marksmanship training drills as part of the Dynamic Assault Course taught by the Special Operations Training Group on Camp Hansen’s Range 16 April 25 to May 27.

The Marines, with Force Reconnaissance Platoon, Force Company, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, III Marine Expeditionary Force, are participating in this training in preparation for an upcoming deployment.

The Dynamic Assault Course is a five-week course, with the first two weeks focusing on marksmanship, said Staff Sgt. Jason Adkins, the lead instructor for the course. The next three weeks focus on tactics, where the students learn insertion, breaching objectives with explosives, and the proper techniques used to secure an objective.

Dynamic Assault Course instructors are all reconnaissance Marines from SOTG, III MEF Headquarters Group, III MEF.

This class is important as it pushes a force reconnaissance platoon’s skills to a high level and provides the Marines with the required certification to be part of a force reconnaissance platoon, Adkins said. With the training, the platoon can be employed by its commander to carry out direct-action missions, he added.

During the first week of training, Marines fired the M1911 .45 caliber pistol and M4A1 service rifle while training at ranges simulating different urban environments.

“(The training) is very important for the type of mission(s) we do,” said Staff Sgt. Lin Barrios, assistant platoon sergeant for the platoon.

As part of the MEU, the Marines need to know how to operate in different environments, said Barrios.

After familiarizing themselves with their weapons and zeroing in their aiming points, the Marines moved to live-fire shooting in a close-quarters situation.

“I like all the tactics,” said Cpl. Angel Robles, a reconnaissance Marine with the 31st MEU and a student in the course. “There’s all kinds of stuff going through your head. (When entering a room), you have to remember if you’re one man, two man or rear security.”

In close quarters situations, teams of four to six Marines enter a room using proper room-clearing techniques, identify the threats and use the proper method to take them down.

You have to have a certain mindset for it, said Barrios.

“(There’s) a thousand ways you can take over a house, and there’s a thousand ways to mess it up. At this level, you have to be in the correct mindset to do the job.

“Most of the Marines are responding very well to (the training),” added Barrios. “It’s very important to throw them in this kind of environment early.”

Photo of the Day

2011-05-20T07:48:00.002-04:00

A Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 CH-53E Super Stallion transports a Canadian Forces CH-47 Chinook during a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel mission in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, May 17. Utilizing a trio CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461, with assistance from 2nd Marine Logistics Group's helicopter support team, the Canadian and American team was able to transport the injured aircraft back to its home at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. (Photo by Sgt. Thomas W. Dowd)

Photo of the Day

2011-05-19T12:24:00.002-04:00

Lance Cpl. Marcus Terry fires the M-249 Squad Automatic Weapon through a mock window on an unknown distance course at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., May 18. Terry is an infantryman assigned to the Ground Comabt Element, Marine Barracks Washington. (Photo by Sgt. Bobby J. Yarbrough)

Marines shut down Army in sitting volleyball

2011-05-19T12:22:00.001-04:00

The Marines took down the All-Air Force sitting volleyball team in a victories best-of-three series during the Warrior Games May 18, 2011, at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James F. Amos and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Carlton Kent surprised the Marines when they arrived to cheer on the team.

By Sgt. Michael S. Cifuentes, Headquarters Marine Corps

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The All-Marine sitting volleyball team squashed the hype from the Army during their first matchup May 17 during the 2011 Warrior Games at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.

The Marines won in a best-of-three game series that marked the first faceoff of the sitting volleyball round robin event.

The hype and rivalry began at the Inaugural Warrior Games in May 2010 when the Marines beat the Army in the final sitting volleyball game, culminating last year’s Warrior Games.

This year, the rivalry continued with some friendly exchanges of smack-talk between Marines and Soldiers during the game – some talk coming from the day of the Warrior Games’ opening ceremony.

The All-Army team took the lead in the best-of-three set when they beat the Marines 27-25 in the first game.

As the Army celebrated their sting ecstatically, the Marines regrouped with some helping words from head coach Brent Peterson.

“You talk about teamwork, you talk about camaraderie, you talk about the will – it’s all right here in this game,” Peterson said. “We’ve trained for this since February. Whoever wants the win will take it.”

The Marines retorted to the Army’s first win with a solid 25-16 victory in the second game, and a 15-10 victory for the tie-breaker and overall game win.

Lance Cpl. Joshua Wege was a proud volleyball victor. He said the game was a makeup for the loss he and the All-Marine wheelchair basketball team took just earlier in the evening. Wege and several Marines served as vital players in both games.

“It feels great to throw one back at [the Army],” said Lance Cpl. Jese Schag, an animated force in sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball. “They were a solid team. The win feels great and I’m pumped to keep going.”

Just like the wheelchair basketball event, teams play four matches operating in a round-robin format. Teams will then be seeded to play for bronze and gold medals.

The Marines took on the Special Operations Command team right after defeating the Army, and won in stride in just two matches. The Marines are scheduled to take on the Air Force team May 18 and the Navy/Coast Guard team May 19 in sitting volleyball.

Marine veteran Cpl. Savage Margaf of the sitting volleyball team said there’s a lot of excitement in this event, and they’re going to continue playing their game for the remainder of the Warrior Games.

“There’s no holding back – no mercy,” she said.

Photo of the Day

2011-05-18T06:05:00.002-04:00

1st Lt. Christopher Campagna, commanding officer of 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion attachment, Landing Force CARAT, signals other Amphibious Assault Vehicles May 17 during a dry run of the final training exercise (FTX) in Thailand during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training 2011. CARAT is an annual bilateral exercise held between the U.S. and Southeast Asia nations with the goals of enhancing regional cooperation, promoting mutual trust and understanding, and increasing operational readiness. U.S. and Thai militaries are using AAVs, Marines and Sailors for the beach assault on May 18. The majority of the U.S. Marines participating in CARAT are reserve Marines who volunteered for the training. The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve is an integral element of the Marine Corps Operating Forces and shares the expeditionary mindset that encompasses the Marines’ culture. (Official Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Aaron Hostutler)

Marines ready to defend sitting volleyball title at Warrior Games

2011-05-18T06:02:00.001-04:00

The All-Marine sitting volleyball team are ready to defend their title in their first game against the All-Army team at the 2011 Warrior Games May 17, 2011. Last year, the Marines said they devastated the All-Army team beating them twice in series of three games. The Warrior Games is an annual Paralympics sporting event for wounded, ill and injured service members. Last year, the Marines took the Chairman's Cup and are ready to defend their title. (Photo by Sgt. Michael Cifuentes)

Story by Sgt. Michael Cifuentes

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — At the 2010 Inaugural Warrior Games, the All-Marine team took home the Chairman’s Cup, including 19 gold medals, 24 silver and 16 bronze.

This year, it has already been known – all other services are looking to snatch the championship right back from the Marines.

Friendly, inter-service rivalry talk has been established leading up to the opening ceremony. Some athletes remember the stiff competition last year, and one event stands out: sitting volleyball.

The Marines said they “devastated” the All-Army team at the 2010 Warrior Games.

“We brought it last year, and there was a lot of smack-talking,” said veteran Marine Richard Bacchus of the sitting volleyball team, remembering the intense final game against the Army. “It was crazy.”

At the 2010 Warrior Games, the Marines beat the Army twice in a best of three series. Bacchus said Army seemed sure of a victory when they voiced their confidence.

“They were yapping how about how they were going to take us,” Bacchus said. “All we could do was look and smile when we were making plays. A lot of services are gunning for us, but I’d say the Army’s our main rivals in [sitting] volleyball.”

Last year, the Marines manned their sitting volleyball team by quick fills – anyone who was interested in competing in the sitting volleyball event was on the team. This year, through the success of recruiting wounded warriors and competition at the Marine Corps Trials, the Marines were able to select the best participants in the sport.

“Our team has grown to be more athletic and just better all around this year,” said veteran Marine Cpl. Travis Greene of the sitting volleyball team. “Our practices have been more intense, efficient and harder. We’re ready to go out there and show everyone what we got.”

Greene continued to say the rivalry with the Army has been around for centuries “outdating the Yankees and Red Sox rivalry.” But there’s no hatred between the services – just competition, and that’s all free game, he added.

The All-Marine sitting volleyball team is slated to take on the All-Army team May 17.

“It’s going to be a great game to watch,” said Lance Cpl. Jese Schag of the sitting volleyball team. “There’s going to be some serious competition. But we’re going out there to have fun.”

Photo of the Day

2011-05-17T08:03:00.002-04:00

Cpl. Oscar Franquez, rifle inspector with the United States Marine Silent Drill Platoon, looks over his Marines during the Friday Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington May 13. (Photo by Sgt. Bobby J. Yarbrough)

Marines, civilians train for upcoming fire season

2011-05-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

A CH-53E Super Stallion drops water from a nearby lake onto a simulated fire, May 11. Personnel came from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the San Diego Sherriff's Department, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps to prepare for California's upcoming fire season as a team. (Photo by Cpl. Jen Calaway)

By Cpl. Jenn Calaway, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — While the Department of Defense’s primary mission is to fight and win the nation’s wars, it is often called upon to assist civil authorities in the event of a fire or natural disaster.

Helicopter pilots, air crews and personnel from three Camp Pendleton units and three local law enforcement entities came together, May 11, and used base assets to fight a simulated fire in preparation for the summer’s heat and the dangers that come with it.

“Essentially it’s a training exercise in anticipation of the upcoming fire season,” said Col. James Griffin, Deputy Current Operations Officer, I Marine Expeditionary Force. “Today, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, San Diego Sherriff’s Department, the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps are all participating so we can come together as a team and fight fires.”

Months of planning goes into the small details required to pool different resources. Exercises of this caliber are necessary to prepare for California’s notorious fire season.

“This training is for when the state and local authorities get overwhelmed,” said Capt. Bing Stickney, Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer, San Diego Sherriff’s Department. “At that point we are there to come and assist them when it’s called upon to mitigate loss and property damage.”

To keep the process running smooth, when there is a real-life crisis, every detail, such as radio frequency compatibility, can make all the difference. An exercise like this can keep military and civilian emergency efforts on the same page, saving time when lives and property are at stake.

“In all aspects of emergency preparedness from earthquakes to wildfires, we can be called on to protect the public so that’s why exercises like this are so important,” Stickney said.

At one point during the exercise, two Marine CH-53E Super Stallions, one CH-46E Sea Knight and one CAL FIRE Huey helicopter, which served as director of traffic in the skies, shared the same airspace.

“We get into pretty complex air operations when we’re working major incidents,” said John Winder, Tactical Air Operations, CAL FIRE. “We have our own [helicopters] flying around and other agencies as well, so it’s critical that everyone understands what airspace management is all about and how we set it up.”

Every year, thousands of acres are burned due to uncontrolled wildfires, eliminating a substantial portion of California wildlife and natural resources. By coming together to combat this serious threat, military and civilian agencies alike are taking a proactive approach to firefighting.

“Back in 2007, there were some massive fires that destroyed hundreds of homes and ruined many lives here in San Diego,” Griffin said. “With all of our assets available to us in the Marine Corps, helping the local authorities during emergency situations is part of our responsibilities as leaders and good citizens.”

The exercise was a complete success, with all communications and operations running at a steady, smooth pace, paving the way for disaster preparedness in the future.

“It’s been amazing to see the progress that’s been made over the years because of exercises like this,” Griffin said. “There was a day where the military and civil authorities did not communicate very well – certainly not as well as they do today. Now, to see how everything works together is just a breath of fresh air.”