catching the wire

Photo by Cpl. Jonah Lovy

Stream

TheJet Friday, March 25, 2016

Vol. 51, No. 12Marine Corps Air Station

Beaufort, S.C.

“The noise you hear is the sound of freedom.”

U.S., Senegal Continue Fight

Against Illicit Trafficking In West African

Nation 10beaufort.marines.mil | facebook.com/MCASBeaufort | youtube.com/MCASBeaufort | mcasbetwitter.com/MCASBeaufortSC

U.S., Morocco improve demin-ing capability,

work on center of excellence 11

Take Aim: 2ND LAR conducts

gunnery training

11

Catching the WireMCAS Beaufort puts M31 Marine Corps expeditionary arresting gear system to test

An F/A-18C Hornet makes an arrested landing aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort March 18. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251, with assistance from MCAS Beaufort Marines, executed arrested landings using the M31 Marine Corps expe-ditionary arresting gear system. The system is composed of cables and shock absorbers, which can be set up on a runway to

help aircraft safely stop in case of an emergency or if the runway is too short for a traditional landing. The Hornet is with VMFA-251, Marine Aircraft Group 31. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jimmy Vertus)

Competitors go the distance during Parris Island Triathlon

A competitor receives an award during the Parris Island Triathlon aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island March 19. Awards were given for competitors in different categories based on their completion time. The event consisted of a 500 meter pool swim, a 10 mile bike ride, and finished with the run. Service members and civilians from the Tri-command were invited to participate in the annual triathlon.

Gunnery Sgt. Kwan Cochrane has been selected to receive the Geico Military Service Award. The award spotlights the valuable and lasting contributions enlisted members of the Armed Forces make. Cochrane has been selected because of his innovative ground safety program. Kwan is the maintenance admin chief with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501.

Story and photos by:Cpl. Jonah LovyStaff Writer

A service member from Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort has been selected to receive the Geico Military Service Award. Gunnery Sgt. Kwan Cochrane, the main-tenance admin chief with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, has been selected due to his innovative safety pro-gram.

According to the Geico Military Service Awards Program website, the intent is to spotlight the valuable and lasting contri-butions enlisted members of the Armed Forces make in three specific areas of en-deavor.

An enlisted member may receive an award for achievements or contributions in the areas of drug and alcohol abuse prevention, fire safety and fire prevention, or traffic safety and accident prevention.

The awards honor one enlisted member from each military service branch. These individuals are recognized for their spe-cial achievements and contributions to the public good of the civilian and/or mil-itary community. Each recipient receives a $2,500 cash honorarium.

“Being nominated for this award was a humbling experience,” said Cochrane. “We all enlist to serve and make a differ-ence so it is an honor to know that I have.”

Cochrane was recommended for this award because of the advances he made in the ground safety program at VM-FAT-501. His contributions helped the Marines avoid hazards while maintaining the F-35B Lighting II.

“I took over the ground safety at VM-FAT-501,” said Cochrane. “Before that we did not have specific protocols due to the

Marine receives award for safety excellence

See Pg. 9

see sAFeTY, pAge 9

see TRIATHLON, pAge 4

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jimmy Vertus

The Jet Stream Friday, March 25, 2016 Games and Entertainment2

MCAS Beaufort Movie Schedule

Friday 7:00 p.m.PG-13 (2:07)

Sunday 7:20 p.m.PG-13 (1:45)

MCRD Parris Island Movie ScheduleMess HALL MeNu

Saturday, Sunday and holidaysBrunch: 8:30 - 11 a.m. Dinner: 4 - 6 p.m.

Midrats

Sunday - Thursday11:30 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Monday - FridayBreakfast: 6 - 7:30 a.m.Lunch: 11 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Dinner: 4 - 6 p.m.

Fraud, Waste and AbuseIf you know of or suspect any fraud, waste or abuse aboard MCAS Beaufort, call 228-7777.If you know of or suspect any fraud, waste or abuse within MAG-31, call (252) 466-5038.The automated answering service on these lines is available 24 hours a day.

The contact number for a Uniformed Victim Advocate is 592-0646. This number can get you in contact with a UVA 24 hours a day.

Hotlines

Sexual Assault

MCAS Beaufort Station InspectorSexual Assault Response CoordinatorForce Protection infor-mation and concernsPMO DispatchSevere Weather and Force Protection

228-7789

228-6904

228-6924

228-6710

1-800-343-0639

Roman Catholic • 9:30 a.m. - Sunday Mass • Confession takes place before Mass• Confession Monday - Thursday at noon

Protestant • 9:45 a.m. - Protestant Church School (Sun-day School) • 11 a.m. - Protestant Sunday Worship Service (Children’s church is also available at this time) • 5 p.m. - Wednesday Protestant Bible Study• 5 p.m. - Saturday Worship Service at Laurel Bay Youth Center

Buddhist• 11 a.m. - Saturday Worship Service in the Chapel Fellowship Hall

Labyrinth Walk• 8 a.m - 4 p.m. - Monday in the Chapel Fel-lowship Hall

Other Faith Groups• For Jewish, Mormon and Islamic support, contact the Chaplain’s Office at 228-7775

CHApeL seRvICes

takeout window hours

Lunch - Mon. - Fri. 12:45 p.m. - 4 p.m.Dinner - Mon. - Fri. 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Breakfast - Mon. - Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.

SaturdayLunch

Bayou jerk pork loin and rice

DinnerShrimp cocktail, fried

chicken, steak

SundayLunch

Salmon with cucumber relish

DinnerBaked ziti with italian sausage

Monday - Friday Breakfast

LunchBaked smoked ham and sweet potatoes

DinnerSpicy shrimp with

cheesy gritsTuesday

LunchChicken and dump-

lings and rice

DinnerHerbed roast pork

loin with pan gravyWednesday

LunchRoast turkey and

green beans

DinnerManhattan clam

chowderThursday

LunchArroz con pollo and

garlic bread

DinnerApple glazed corn beef and squash

MondayHot farina, hot hominy grits and oven-fried bacon

FridayLunch

Herbed baked chicken and carrots

DinnerChili macaroni and

green beans

Sunday 2:00 p.m.PG (1:53)

March 18th solution

March 18th solution

Voluntary Education Word Search

ADVANCEMENT CREDITS PROGRAMSADVISEMENTS DEDICATION PROGRESSAPPRENTICESHIPS DEGREE PROMOTION

ARTS DEVELOPMENT SCHOOLASSISTANCE (TA) EDUCATION SCIENCEBASIC GRADUATION SERVICE (JST)

BOOKS JOINT (JST) SKILLSCEREMONY LIBERAL SPECIALISTCLASSROOM ONLINE TRANSCRIPTS (JST)

COLLEGE PENCILS TUITION (TA)CONGRATULATIONS PENS UNIVERSITYCOURSES POINTS VOLUNTARY

Word Bank

Sudoku

Answer to this week’s puzzles will be available in next week’s edition of The Jet Stream.

Thursday 7:00 p.m.PG-13 (2:14)

Saturday 2:00 p.m.PG (2:00)

Saturday 4:30 p.m.PG-13 (1:47)

Sunday 4:30 p.m.PG-13 (1:47)

Saturday 7:00 p.m.R (1:33)

Command Information

Tri-Command Weather 7 Day Forecast Editor’s note: We at The Jet Stream care about our reader’s opinion. In reaching our goal to put out the best possible product, we understand the importance of your feedback. Please add a comment to the “How can we improve The Jet Stream?” topic on our www.facebook.com/MCASBeaufort discussion board on how we can better your base newspaper.

Published by the Savannah Morning News, a private firm in no way connected with the Department of Defense, the United States Marine Corps, the United States Navy, or Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., under exclusive written contract with the United States Marine Corps. This commercial-enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services. Its con-tents do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Marine Corps or the U.S. Navy and do not imply endorsement thereof. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DoD, the Marine Corps, the Navy, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., or the Savannah Morning News of the products or services advertised. Everything in this newspaper shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physi-cal handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. If a violation of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the contractor shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. Editorial content (i.e., all content other than paid advertisements) is edited, prepared and provided by the public affairs office of the installation. All queries concerning news and editorial content should be directed to: Jet Stream, Marine Corps Public Affairs Office, P.O. Box 55001, MCAS Beaufort, S.C., 29904 or (843) 228-7225. All queries concerning business matters or display ads should be directed to the Savannah Morning News at (843) 815-0800.

StreamTheJet

Contact us:228-7225

[email protected][email protected]

Persistent El Nino conditions will provide a winter similar to last year for the United States. Beaufort County will be wet-ter and cooler than normal. Additionally, there will be a

higher risk for severe weather, including tornadoes and possible

floods. Be prepared for drastic changes in temperatures and

precipitation. Monitor the lat-est forecasts and briefings from the National Weather Service in order to prepare your home and family for any extreme weather. Ensure you take extra precau-

tions when travelling.

facebook.com/MCASBeaufort

twitter.com/MCASBeaufortSC

Beaufort.Marines.mil

youtube.com/MCASBeaufortsc1

Did you know...March 17, 1967: The first female Marine to report to Vietnam for duty, Master Sergeant Barbara J. Dulinsky, began her 18-hour flight to Bien Hoa, 30 miles north of Saigon. MSgt Dulinsky and the other officer and enlisted Women Marines that followed were assigned to the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV) based in Saigon. Most worked with the Marine Corps Personnel Section providing administrative support to Marines assigned as far north as the DMZ, but two Lieutenant Colonels, Ruth Reinholz and Ruth O’Holleran, served as historians with the Military History Branch, Secretary Joint Staff, MACV.

The Jet Stream Friday, March 25, 2016 3

Commanding Officer MCAS BeaufortCol. Peter D. Buck

Public Affairs OfficerCapt. Clayton Groover

Public Affairs ChiefSgt. Dengrier M. Baez

Press ChiefSgt. Dengrier M. Baez

Community Relations/Staff WritersCpl. Samantha K. FosterCpl. Jonah Lovy

Fightertown deployed:MALS-31 Stingers

have detachments currently deployed

to the Western Pacific supporting

VMFA-122.

HAPPENINGSn As part of regularly scheduled, routine main-tenance, runway 05-23 is closed until mid-summer. Runways undergo wear and tear when aircraft take off and land. This is similar to the wear and tear placed on roads due to traffic volume. Conducting routine main-tenance on our runways maintains the integrity of the surface and ensures our pilots are operating on the most structurally sound runway possible.

n The Laurel Bay Marine Mart (7-Day Store) will be closed from Jan. 21 until the fall of this year for a renovation. Improvements will include a new floor layout and new interior.

n The Tax Center is scheduled to open Jan. 19,

2016 and close on April 18, 2016.

Hours of operation Monday-Friday 09:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Location172 Santo Domingo St.Parris Island, SC 29905

The Tax Center will be setting up appointments via phone and will accept walk-ins schedule permit-ting. For any questions as to the services the center will beproviding, and to schedule an appointment, please contact any of the follow-ing numbers.

(843)228-1121 Sgt Alex-ander(843)228-1125 Sgt Cieply(843)228-1113 Sgt Mattear(843)228-1119 Cpl Dalton(843)228-1126 Cpl Dona-

hee(843)228-1118 Cpl Owen(843)228-1112 LCpl Austin

For any questions prior to Jan. 19th call between 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m Thursdays and Fridays. The Marines listed above can be contact-ed via email for questions as well. Tax Center Fax Machine (843) 228-1114.

n Prepare your resumes and transcripts! A Career & Education Fair for themilitary community will be held from 1100-1400, March 24th, at the AllWeather Training Facility on Blvd de France (adja-cent the Main Parade Deck) on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. There will be Federal, State and local employers, and vari-ous universities and colleg-

es for you to talk to, decide on a college plan or career goal, or get a job. For more information or career as-sistance, call 228-2761, and for education advisements, call 228-2152.

n Alcoholics Anony-mous meetings are held at the Station Chapel aboard MCAS Beaufort every Monday at 6 p.m. and Thursday at 10 a.m. Meetings are open to all service members, veterans, and civilians within the Tri-Command.

n The photocopying of U.S. Government identifi-cation cards is a violation of Title 18, U.S. Code Part 1, Chapter 33, Section 701 and punishable by fine and imprisonment.

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron

122 is currently deployed to the

Western Pacific as part of the Unit De-ployment Program.

By Chaplain Bill HolimanCDR, CHC, USNCommand Chaplain, MCAS Beaufort

We have gone to the summer uniform, we have gotten through what passes for winter here in the Low Country and that brings us to the time of year that Christians all over the world observe as the Death and Burial of Jesus, and then his Resurrec-tion.

Nearly 2,000 years ago in the spring of the year, Jesus entered Jerusalem on what we know as Palm Sunday. In those days Sunday was not a religious holiday. Jesus and all of his disciples were Jewish and they would have observed the Jewish Sabbath which was sundown on Friday night to sundown on Saturday night. In the spring each year observant Jews celebrate the Passover, celebrating God’s deliverance of the people from slavery in Egypt.

Jesus and his disciples came to Jerusalem to celebrate that holiday. The Jewish calendar is dif-ferent from the calendar that we use today so Pass-over moves on our calendar. Spoiler alert, that is also why Easter Sunday moves around as well. It can be from late-March to mid-April.

The New Testament gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, spend a very large proportion of their entire contents on what happened over the next few days. As much fun as Christmas is, it would not be a day we celebrate without all the events of the week after Palm Sunday.

On Palm Sunday the crowd of Jews cut down branches and put them in the road, they waved palm branches, sang Psalms and Jesus rode into town on a donkey. From the gospels it is clear that there was a division of the people. Some thought Jesus was the long awaited Messiah who would

cast out the hated Romans and restore the king-dom to Israel. The NT tells us that Jesus’ disciples had something like this in mind. Some thought he would cause the destruction of the city and the temple because he would start a rebellion that the Romans would put down with their customary savagery. This was what the temple authorities believed. Some, very few, thought that both of these groups were wrong and that Jesus would do something different.

Over the course of the week after Palm Sunday Jesus preached daily in the temple to the crowds of people who came to worship there. Judas, one of Jesus disciples, agreed to betray him to the Jewish officials, and the tension in the air was huge.

This was nothing unusual. All sources make clear that there were many people who were involved in anti-Roman plots and there was a general sense of expectation that something had to change. Most of these plots came to nothing except to get a lot of people killed. But the Jesus moment was different.

On Thursday, what we often call Maundy Thursday from the Latin for Mandate, or Com-mandment, Jesus gave what we call the New Commandment, that we should love one another. He also took the elements of the Passover meal and changed them into what we know today as Communion, or the Last Supper, or the Lord’s Supper, or Eucharist. All of those names talk about the same thing.

Then he went out to the Garden of Gethsemane. The Latter Day Saints make much of the events in the Garden. There he was arrested, and after a series of quick trials he was crucified on Good Fri-day. We often have services on Good Friday at the hour when various events occurred. By sundown on Friday he was in the tomb.

What happens next is the key to the whole story. On Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath, everyone rested. But remember that the Sabbath ends at sundown and a new day begins. To this day Roman Catho-lics and Greek Orthodox, plus some others, have services that night. Then on Sunday morning, very early, a group of women disciples of Jesus went to the tomb and found it empty. That is why many Protestants have an early Sunday morning service on Easter.

By the way that Jewish people counted Sunday was day three. Friday, Saturday and Sunday make three days. Americans might not count it that way, but they did.

Everyone has an opinion on what happened. Christians believe that Jesus was raised from the dead, that he revealed himself to his disciples and that after 40 days he ascended back to heaven. Muslims generally argue that Jesus did ascend into heaven and will come back someday, but they generally argue that he did not die on the cross. There is some disagreement in Islam as to who did die on the cross, or whether anyone actually died. Jews generally think that Jesus did die but that he was not raised from the dead.

As you can imagine if people cannot agree on what the facts are, then they cannot agree on what they mean. Christians generally believe that the Resurrection proves Jesus is the Son of God, that he paid the penalty for our sins by dying on the cross and that his self-sacrifice was acceptable to God. Furthermore, the Resurrection means that someday all of us will be raised from the dead as well. The NT expounds these ideas at length.

No matter what anyone believes happened, these events are something so pivotal that every-one must wrestle with them and come to a conclu-sion. They cannot be ignored.

Chaplain’s Corner

Easter, Death and Resurrection

The Jet Stream Friday, March 25, 20164 More of the Story

A competitor receives an award during the Parris Island Triathlon aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island March 19. Awards were given for competitors in different categories based on their completion time. The event consisted of a 500 meter pool swim, a 10 mile bike ride, and finished with the run. Service members and civilians from the Tri-command were invited to participate in the annual exercise.

A runner completes a 5 km. run during the Parris Island Triathlon aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island March 19. The event consisted of a 500 meter pool swim, a 10 mile bike ride, and finished with the run. Service members and civilians from the Tri-command were invited to participate in the annual exercise.

A competitor bikes during the Parris Island Triathlon aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island March 19. The event consisted of a 500 meter pool swim, a 10 mile bike ride, and finished with a 5 km. Service members and civilians from the Tri-command were invited to participate in the annual exercise.

A runner completes a 5 km. run during the Parris Island Triathlon aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island March 19. The event consisted of a 500 meter pool swim, a 10 mile bike ride, and finished with the run. Service members and civilians from the Tri-command were invited to participate in the annual exercise.

Competitors go the distance during Parris Island Triathlon



Photo by Cpl. Jonah LovyPhoto by Cpl. Jonah Lovy

The Jet Stream Friday, March 25, 2016 5More of the Story

The Jet Stream Friday, March 25, 20166

The Jet Stream Friday, March 25, 2016 7

The Jet Stream Friday, March 25, 20168 Classifieds

The Jet Stream Friday, March 25, 2016 9More of the Story

An F/A-18C Hornet makes an arrested landing aboard Ma-rine Corps Air Station Beaufort March 18. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 executed arrested landings using the M31 Marine Corps expeditionary arresting gear system. The system is composed of cables and shock absorbers, which can be set up on a runway to help aircraft safely stop in case of an emergency or if the runway is too short for a traditional landing. The Hornet is with VMFA-251, Marine Aircraft Group 31.

An F/A-18C Hornet makes an arrested landing aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort March 18. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 executed arrested landings using the M31 Marine Corps expeditionary arresting gear system. The system is composed of cables and shock absorbers, which can be set up on a runway to help aircraft safely stop in case of an emer-gency or if the runway is too short for a traditional landing. The Hornet is with VMFA-251, Marine Aircraft Group 31.

An F/A-18C Hornet makes an arrested landing aboard Ma-rine Corps Air Station Beaufort March 18. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 executed arrested landings using the M31 Marine Corps expeditionary arresting gear system. The system is composed of cables and shock absorbers, which can be set up on a runway to help aircraft safely stop in case of an emergency or if the runway is too short for a traditional landing. The Hornet is with VMFA-251, Marine Aircraft Group 31.

An F/A-18C Hornet approaches to make an arrested landing aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort March 18. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 executed arrested landings using the M31 Marine Corps expeditionary arresting gear system. The system is composed of cables and shock absorbers, which can be set up on a runway to help aircraft safely stop in case of an emergency or if the runway is too short for a traditional landing. The Hornet is with VMFA-251, Marine Aircraft Group 31. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jimmy Vertus)

M31continued from page 1




Photo by Cpl. Sylvia Godinez

nature of our work. Marines always have safety in place but it was not an offi-cial program. I built the program up from scratch and it became necessary for us to have a fall protection system here for working on the jets.”

A system utilizing harnesses and pul-leys was already installed but needed an updated design to accommodate the new features of the F-35.

“Due to the importance of the F-35 pro-gram I had to come up with something that would keep the Marines safe and maintain the readiness of the aircraft,” said Cochrane. “I went out and got the harnesses developed and took the metal out of the design.”

Removing the metal from the harness allows the jet’s stealth technology to op-erate without interference. With the new system Marines can work on the F-35 from all angles without the danger of

falling.“My chain of command was impressed

with the work I accomplished and brought in higher level personnel to re-view the system,” said Cochrane. “The de-sign is now slated to be implemented in F-35 hangars all over the Marine Corps.”

Cochrane’s chain of command initially nominated him for the award. According to Gieco, each unit, base, post, or activity nominates enlisted members it considers worthy, in compliance to the established procedures of its particular service. Nom-inees are judged on their contributions in career or non-career related activities and the extent these activities serve to inspire other military or civilian person-nel.

“I am deeply honored that my leader-ship recommended me for this award,” said Cochrane. “I hope that I can keep marching forward in my career and con-tinue making a difference for my Ma-rines.”

Safetycontinued from page 1

An F-35B Lightning II prepares to take-off aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort March 8. The take-off was performed as part of training operations conducted to further enhance the pilot’s capabilities. The F-35B is the short take-off and vertical landing variant of the jet which uses a jet propulsion system to execute the landing. The aircraft is with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501.


Courtesy Photo


Story and photos by:Staff Sgt. Bryan PetersonMarine Corps Forces Africa

THIES, Senegal -- Senegalese soldiers completed a month-long training exercise with U.S. Marines, March 18, at a military training facility in Thies, Senegal.

U.S. Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, trained their counter-parts with Senegal’s Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Com-mando, or COFUMACO, in infantry tactics, making this the 10th training between the two forces.

In an effort to combat illicit trafficking in the region, the Marines were in Senegal at the request of the host nation government in coordination with the U.S. Embassy in Da-kar. The Marines trained with the COFUMACO in Toubacou-ta in the southern part of the country for two weeks before moving up to Thies.

Thanks to previous training missions focusing on small-boat operations, where the Senegalese commandos and Marines worked together on beach raids, the Marines were able to focus more on land-based infantry skills. The month-long training was tailored to patrolling, reconnais-sance, raids, combat marksmanship and scouting.

“Previous teams of Marines and Coastguardsmen trained the COFUMACO in small-boats which allowed them to be-come proficient in making beach entries,” said 1st Lt. Justin Klein, the SPMAGTF-CR-AF team leader in Senegal. “During an exercise in Toubacouta, the commandos were able to make their own beach landing and raid on a suspected en-emy compound. Once they landed, that’s when we were able to concentrate more on advanced infantry tactics.”

The continued military partnership between the U.S. Ma-rines and the COFUMACO aims to improve life in Senegal by increasing the country’s economy while defeating the illicit financial means funding terrorist groups in West Af-rica, including countries in the Gulf of Guinea.

Forms of illicit trafficking include cocaine, heroin, coun-terfeit medicine, people, small arms, diamonds, ivory and cigarettes, among others.

According to a United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, or UNODC, 2009 report, cocaine from South America, des-tined for Europe, enters Senegal from neighboring coun-tries, due to increased drug interdictions in North America and an increase use in Europe.

In a 2013, “Eight Steps To Counter Drug Trade In West Africa” report by the U.S. Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control, thousands of U.S. troops are in the conti-nent training and advising police and militaries to increase operational capabilities in partner nations to counter illicit trafficking, which “provides financing to dangerous terror-ist organizations that pose a threat to the United States and its allies.”

Senegalese Cpl. Oba Thierno, a commando with COFU-MACO, knows the Marines well, as he has participated in all

but three of the partner-nation training engagements. His level of proficiency has elevated his position in the COFU-MACO, where he can now move into a teaching role, gain-ing confidence among his subordinates.

“I have worked with the Marines since 2013 and the training they provide is very beneficial to our unit,” said Thi-erno. “From the start, it was tough. We weren’t use to their tactics. As times went on, we picked up on the training and started to put it to use in real life.

“When we were involved in an operation last year, my unit was ambushed and pinned down,” Thierno continued. “But, because of the training we received from the Marines, we were able to fight our way out of it with sustaining very minimal casualties.”

During COFUMACO’s final exercise March 18-19 in Thies’ dry, arid landscape, the unit set out on a patrol to locate fictitious enemy forces known to be operating in the area, who were Marines acting as the enemy.

The patrol began in the early afternoon and lasted until the next morning. At times, the commandos suspected an enemy presence and conducted reconnaissance. Ultimate-ly, the COFUMACO found the enemy position, formulated an attack plan and neutralized the threat.

Various Marines from the team followed their counter-parts only as advisors, throughout the mission.

Klein said, based off of previous missions’ after action re-ports, the Marines were able to train on more advanced infantry tactics due to their knowledge level and tactical proficiency.

“Much like the Marine Corps, the COFUMACO does not receive as much funding and equipment as the Senegalese Army, but still performs well,” said Klein. “When we came down here, we wanted to see where they were at and they did well. From there on out, we got more in depth and they were very tuned in to what we had to offer. They wanted to get as much training as they could.

“I believe the positive impact we can have on them is knowing they will be better prepared to fight illicit traf-ficking,” Klein went on to say, “or any other threat they may face. Some of these guys also have combat experience and that helps tailor their questions to what they have faced in the past. This is a great partnership because of the relation-ship we have with them and the pride they have in defend-ing their country.”

Senegalese soldiers completed a month-long training exercise with U.S. Marines, March 18, at a military training facility in Thies, Senegal. U.S. Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, trained their counterparts with Senegal’s Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commando, or COFUMACO, in infantry tactics, making this the 10th training engagement the forces. In an effort to combat illicit trafficking in the region, the Marines were in Senegal at the request of the host nation government in coordination with the U.S. Embassy in Dakar. The Marines trained with the COFUMACO in Toubacouta in the southern part of the country for two weeks before moving up to Thies.

U.S., Senegal continue fight against illicit trafficking in West African Nation



Around the Corps

The Jet Stream Friday, March 25, 2016 11Around the Corps

Story and photos by:Cpl. Olivia McDonald,Marine Corps Forces Africa

KENITRA, Kingdom of Morocco -- Students from across the Moroccan military branches are working together with U.S. Marines from Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa to build up Morocco’s demining capabilities.

The training is part of the U.S. Humanitarian Mine Ac-tion Program, formerly called U.S. Humanitarian Demin-ing Program, which has been assisting partner nations in developing their mine action capacity since 1988. The program aims to educate and train the host nation on removing explosive remnants of war, or ERW, in post-conflict areas, while relieving human suffering.

The Marines, based out of Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy, began training the Moroccans, Feb. 22, at the host nation’s request and in coordination with the U.S. Em-bassy in Rabat. The Marines also worked alongside Utah Air National Guard and National Guard EOD technicians and engineers, respectively.

“In July 2008, Morocco reported that a total of 2,187 casualties (544 killed and 1,643 injured) had been re-corded since 1975,” according to the Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor which monitors progress in eliminating landmines, cluster munitions and other ERW around the world.

While Morocco, a major non-NATO ally, has not joined the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty, it has been an active observ-er at an annual Meeting of States Parties and Standing Committee meetings and submitted three volunteer Ar-ticle 7 reports since 2006 regarding treaty implementa-tion activities. In November of 2009, Morocco reported it had “cleared 561km2 of area, destroying in the process 482 mines, 2,628 ERW, and 22,105 pieces of small arms ammunition.”

Beginning in early 2007, Morocco has been engaged

in major demining operations including areas outside their borders. As they make these steps toward eliminat-ing these destructive materials, a need arises for Moroc-co to have their own self-sufficient trainers and formal EOD capabilities.

The five-week program is the first phase in which the U.S. military members are testing the Moroccans’ basic EOD level one capabilities and covering effective com-munication and instructing methods. These soon-to-be instructors will validate their abilities in the follow-on train-the-trainer iterations as Morocco aims to estab-lish their own demining center of excellence and EOD school within their military.

“Moroccans don’t actually have a formal EOD program, so they are utilizing other countries to get their train-ing,” said Staff Sgt. Phil Mayer, an EOD technician with SPMAGTF-CR-AF. “They have requested assistance from us to help create a program so they can eventually cre-ate their own EOD technicians and have a formal school for their military.”

Developing safe and effective technicians is not an easy task. U.S. military members seeking to be EOD tech-nicians must complete a total of nine rigorous months of training before they are able to claim that title.

In order to build up the Moroccan program properly, the training conducted focused on basic EOD knowl-edge and skills. The purpose of this iteration is to perfect these capabilities and develop knowledgeable instruc-tors before advancing the training.

“Our intent with this training is to assist in the creat-ing of EOD level one instructors,” Mayer said. “Hopefully in the future we can help them develop a formal EOD school and the Moroccans can have their own EOD tech-nicians.”

The U.S. instructors covered ordnance identification, safeties, basic demolition and basic combat casualty care. Live explosives were not used during the training,

but the students now know how to positively identify ordnance and safely destroy it.

Mayer said he is impressed by the hard work and prog-ress made during the training.

“Their performance during this training revolution has been outstanding. The students are very receptive and motivated,” Mayer said. “They have a lot of drive and ini-tiative to learn all the material we’ve been giving them and they are retaining all the information. This is by far the best experience I’ve ever had training with a foreign military.”

U.S., Morocco improve demining capability, work on center of excellence

U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Phil Mayer, an explosive ordnance disposal technician with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, debriefs a group of future instructors during an ordnance reconnaissance training exercise in Kenitra, Morocco, March 16, 2016. Students from across the Moroccan military branches are working together with U.S. Marine and Utah Air National Guard explosive ord-nance disposal technicians and Utah National Guard engi-neers to build up Morocco’s demining capabilities. The train-ing is part of the U.S. Humanitarian Mine Action Program which has been assisting partner nations in developing their mine action capacity since 1988.

U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Phil Mayer, an explosive ordnance disposal technician with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, explains how to safely create electric firing circuits for demolition during a training exercise in Kenitra, Morocco, March 15, 2016. Students from across the Moroccan military branches are working together with U.S. Marine and Utah Air National Guard explosive ordnance disposal technicians and Utah National Guard engineers to build up Morocco’s demining capabilities. The training is part of the U.S. Humanitarian Mine Action Program which has been assisting partner nations in developing their mine action capacity since 1988.

Take Aim: 2ND LAR conducts gunnery trainingStory and photos by:Cpl. Shannon KroeningII Marine Expeditionary Force

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, North Carolina -- Marines with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battal-ion conducted annual gunnery qualification training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 18-22, 2016.

The Marines of 2nd LAR conduct their qualifications with the M242 Bushmaster 25 mm chain-driven auto-cannon and the M240B 7.62 mm machine gun to main-tain their proficiency and confidence employing the weapons systems.

“The reason that we do these qualifications is to en-sure that the Marines are ready for whatever the com-mander may ask of us,” said Sgt. Christopher Huey, a recent graduate of the Master Gunner course and one of the Master Gunners supervising the course. “We need to make sure that no matter if it is a deployment or an exercise, that we here at 2nd LAR perform at our best.”

During the live fire, crews are expected to engage various targets ranging as far as 1,600 meters to include vehicle targets, moving targets and troop targets. Each crew of Marines is graded on maneuvers and accuracy.

The unit is preparing for their upcoming integrated training exercise in 29 Palms in May; they are busy train-ing to the full extent and have hopes to complete the ITX on a successful note.

“I tell my Marines to stay motivated because this is our way of life,” said Master Sgt. Kevin “Lock Shields” Dumais, the company operations chief for Bravo Company. “We train like we fight, and at the end of the day we will be better for it.”

Marines operating a Light Armored Vehicle with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion fire a M242 Bushmaster 25 mm chain-driven auto-cannon during the unit’s annual gunnery qualification at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 18, 2016. The purpose of the training was to increase readiness and ensure that the Marines maintain their proficiency employing the weapons.

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