InsI

deIII Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Bases Japan

November 2, 2007 www.okinawa.usmc.mil

explosIve technIquesMarines from various units on

Okinawa participate in the Dynamic Entry Course on Camp Hansen

sponsored by the III MEF SOTG.pg. 10

u.s., Japanese emergency responders conduct joint aircraft mishap exercise

A firefighter with the Urasoe City Fire Department douses the flames of an aircraft crash simulation device on Camp Kinser Oct. 25 as part of a bilateral aircraft mishap training exercise between U.S. and Japanese emergency response agencies. The exercise was designed to establish joint response procedures and prepare for the possibility of an aircraft mishap occurring off base. SEE STORY ON PAGE 9. Photo by Cpl. Eric D. Arndt

Lance Cpl. David Rogersokinawa marine staff

CAMP FOSTER — Coordinators and volunteers with the U.S. Ma-rine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program on Okinawa will be work-ing overtime during the holiday season to extend the reach of the 60-year-old charity in the region.

Reserve Marines, activated spe-cifically for Toys for Tots sup-port, are scheduled to begin their 2007 toy collection drive during ceremonies at post exchanges on Camp Foster and Kadena Air Base Nov. 3.

This year, program officials add-ed Thailand and Guam to their area of responsibility, according to Staff Sgt. Suzette Smith, a coordinator with Okinawa’s Toys for Tots. The volunteers and reserve Marines collected toys for needy children in Okinawa Prefecture and the Philip-pines in previous years.

Smith hopes Marines will be able to personally deliver dona-tions to Thailand and Guam as done in Operation Goodwill, which delivers toys and clothes to children of the Philippines during the holiday season.

see toYs pg 6

Lance Cpl. Robert C. Frenkeokinawa marine staff

CAMP LESTER — Officials with U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa welcomed home four sailors Oct. 26 who had returned from a humanitarian assistance mis-sion in South America.

The sailors served aboard USNS Comfort during a four-month deployment to the region. The medical ship is a floating hospital equipped with 1,000 medical beds and medical pro-fessionals from all over the Navy.

Petty Officer 1st Class Chad Keast, a biological medical re-pair technician; Petty Officer 3rd Class Lawrente Herndon, a desktop support technician; Pet-ty Officer 2nd Class Sonny Loui-sant, a respiratory therapist; and Lt. Angela Klinski, a pharmacy technician, supported Comfort’s mission in twelve countries, including Belize, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Peru and Haiti.

The sailors, who are all assigned to USNH Okinawa, were attached to the Comfort as individual augmentees and supported a variety of missions like Operation Smile, a mission to help children with cleft lips and palates, and Project Hope, a health care training program for local medical teams. Many missions focused on working with South American countries to provide citizens basic medical and dental care.

“We saw and helped morethan 90,000 people,” said Ke-ast. “It was a truly rewarding

see RetuRn pg 6

Toys for Tots Program expands; volunteers needed

Sailors return from humanitarian trip to South America

Staff Sgt. Suzette Smith puts her office phone number on a sign meant to attract volunteers and donations on a newly constructed toy drop box made by volunteers for Okinawa’s 2007 U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program collection drive Oct. 26 on Camp Foster. Photo by Lance Cpl. David Rogers

maRIne coRps foRces Japan 2007 combIned fedeRal campaIgn

Total percent contacted to date: 42.2%Total contributions to date: $266,156.79

Numbers current as of Oct. 26, 2007MCB III MHG 3rd

MLG3rd

MarDiv1st

MAW31st MEU

100%

80%

60%

40%

20%

Percent contacted

Okinawa Marine | news | November 2, 2007 �

Around the

CorpSFor more Marine Corps stories and photos,

visit http://www.marines.mil

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. | A 660-gallon bucket attached to a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, drops water on fires at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Oct. 23. Photo by Cpl. George J. Papastrat

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP

LEJEUNE, N.C. Marines with

the 24th Marine Expeditionary

Unit’s Light Armored

Reconnaissance Platoon play the role of stranded

pilots who ejected from an aircraft during

the II Marine Expeditionary Force Special

Operations Training

Group’s Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and

Personnel Surface course Oct. 24. Photo by

Lance Cpl. Alex C. Guerra

NEWPORT, R.I.Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James Conway addresses the leaders of maritime forces from more than 90 nations around the world at the 18th International Seapower Symposium Oct. 17. Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class R. Jason Brunson

SAN FRANCISCO | Silent Drill Platoon Marines prepare for the next shot, Oct. 24, during filming for a new campaign called “America’s Marines,” a project that will allow people an opportunity to learn more about Marines serving the nation. The campaign consists of a new television commercial, video documentary and an interactive web site where Marines can upload videos, photos and stories about their experiences as Marines. Official USMC photo

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 Consolidated 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 ref lect 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 supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense,

the U.S. Marine Corps, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler or Marine Corps Community 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.

Commanding general Maj. Gen. Mary Ann Krusa-Dossin

publiC affairs direCtor Lt. Col. Douglas M. Powell

press offiCer 1st Lt. Adrian J.T. Rankine-Galloway

press Chief Gunnery Sgt. William J. Ray

editor Sgt. Ethan E. Rocke

design editor Justin Zaun

okinawa marine newspaperH&S Battalion MCB PAO

Unit 35002FPO AP 96373-5002

Central bureau ChiefCpl. Warren Peace

Camp Foster, DSN 645-7422

northern bureau ChiefCpl. Juan D. Alfonso

Camp Hansen, DSN 623-4054

Okinawa Marine | opInIon & edItoRIal | November 2, 2007 �

Pfc. Sonny T. Ngo

I was attending my military occupational specialty school in Fort Lee, Va., when I received my first non-judicial punishment. On a Saturday night, my friends and I went

to a night club on base, where, despite being under age, I drank … a lot.

After leaving the club, I was stumbling across the road when I flashed a profane ges-ture at a passing vehicle to let the driver know I didn’t appreciate his bright headlights. The driver didn’t waste any time pulling over.

When two Army drill sergeants got out and questioned me about my foolish behavior, I just stood there with a blank look on my face. They asked for my age, and I told them with an attitude that I was 20. They delivered me to the duty officer at my barracks.

When they told the staff sergeant about my behavior, he was furious. I became utterly speechless as he became enraged by the al-legations presented to him.

After my platoon sergeant was informed, he took me to the military police station for a breathalyzer test. A week later, I was standing in front of the commanding officer for an NJP. I received a reduction in rank as well as loss of half a month’s pay, restriction and extra duty.

I arrived in Japan in July 2006. I was excit-ed about coming to Okinawa. I got promoted to private first class Nov. 1, 2006, while I was in the Philippines for Talon Vision 2007.

After the deployment, I went to the clubs on Gate 2 Street and in Naha. When a gun-nery sergeant caught me wearing earrings, he

gave me a few chances to take them off, but I ignored him. Instead, I decided to be bel-ligerent. A couple weeks later, I was standing in front of the commanding officer for my second NJP.

I was very upset and disgruntled. I thought the punishment was unfair. But after a phone conversation with my father, I realized people don’t give you problems unless they have a reason.

I couldn’t forgive myself for what I had done, and I often wondered why I kept the ear-rings on. I was upset to the point where I felt completely worthless. I didn’t want to do anything at work. I would check in and out for restriction and extra duty and sleep afterward. I wondered why the Marine Corps was doing this to me, and I disliked the Marines who were trying to help me.

I didn’t stop being upset with myself until one night when I realized it was time for a change. I refused to let my behavior con-tinue to prevent me from achiev-ing my goals and dreams. If Chesty Puller could adapt to and overcome his NJPs, why shouldn’t I push through these obstacles with the same optimism and confidence in myself?

Every time I stand in front of my mirror, I tell myself I am a United States Marine with the responsibility and ability to better myself. I know I messed up a couple of times, but I will overcome these obstacles if I put my heart and soul toward achieving my goal and

never allow myself to give up. Marines ask me, “What will you do when

your four years are up?” I tell them I will get out and go back to school. I tell them that if I didn’t give up on myself after my trials in the Marine Corps, I will succeed at whatever I do in the future. I can only grow stronger and more knowledgeable as a Marine and person.

In the end, I can say I am a United States Marine and will always be one, and I will take the Marine Corps’ positive influ-ence and use it to pursue my goals and dreams when I leave.

I thank the leaders who gave me advice while I was serving my restriction and extra duty, especially the noncommis-sioned officers who’ve had NJPs before. Without these leaders, I wouldn’t have known the correct direction to follow. I also thank the staff NCOs who provided guidance when I was in need of it most. I realized that I’ve been blessed with unself-ish Marines who helped me to

improve, succeed and prosper in the Corps. I appreciate their help and guidance.

We all know that no one is perfect. We know it’s hard to accept an NJP. All we can do is take the punishment and learn from it. I believe if we continue to work hard and do what we are supposed to, our reward will be greater than we can imagine.

Ngo is a messman with MWSS-172 Field Mess.

to submIt an opInIon oR edItoRIal, e-maIl us at okInawamaRIne.mcbb.fct@usmc.mIl

As a Marine, am I allowed to put dental ornamentation, such as gold caps, on my teeth?

MARINE CORPSFACT CHECK

dental ornamentation

No. According to Marine Administrative Message 504/07, the use of gold, platinum caps (permanent or removable) for purposes of ornamentation is prohibited. Teeth, whether natural, capped or veneered, will not be ornamented with designs, jewels, initials, etc. Unnatural shaping of teeth for non-medical reasons is prohibited. Commanders may consider waivers for permanent gold, platinum caps that were applied prior to Oct. 1, 2007.

A:

Q:

sempertoonsCreated by Gunnery Sgt. Charles Wolf

after two nJps, I learned to think twice

I refused to let my behavior continue to prevent me

from achieving my goals and

dreams.

� Okinawa Marine | news | November 2, 2007

holiday mailing datesThe following are the suggested deadline

dates for sending letters and packages from military post offices on Okinawa to U.S. ad-dresses to arrive before Christmas:

• Space available mail, Nov. 20 • Parcel Airlift mail, Nov. 25 • Priority mail, Dec. 11 • Letter and first class mail, Dec. 11 • Express mail, Dec. 18

The following are the suggested deadline dates for sending letters and packages from U.S. addresses to military post offices on Okinawa to arrive before Christmas:

• Space available mail, Nov. 27 • Parcel Airlift mail, Dec. 4 • Priority mail, Dec. 11 • Letter and first class mail, Dec. 11 • Express mail, Dec. 18

For more information, contact your camp’s post office.

thanksgiving dinner The Filipino American Association of

Okinawa will host a free Thanksgiving dinner for single service members and Department of Defense civilians Nov. 17 from 5-7 p.m. at the Lester Middle School cafeteria. Sign-up is required. Send your name, branch of service and work phone number to marilyn.fugrad@usmc.mil. The sign-up deadline is Nov. 9.

navy-marine Corps relief soCietyThe Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society office

on Camp Hansen will have new hours of opera-tion beginning Nov. 26: Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 to noon and Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 4 p.m. For more infor-mation, call 623-5043 or 645-7808.

paCifiC okinawa playersThe Pacific Okinawa Players will perform

the comedy “Sylvia” Nov. 3, 9 and 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Camp Foster Community Center. Admission is $10. For more information, visit http://pops-okinawa.org.

power outageThere will be a scheduled power outage

Nov. 5 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Camp Shields and O’Donnell Gardens Family Housing. For more information, call 634-0766.

okinawa laCrosse Club The Okinawa Lacrosse Club plays men’s

and women’s games each Sunday from noon to 2:30 p.m. on the multi-purpose fields next to Gunners Gym on Camp Foster. Anyone interested in playing is invited. Players new to the sport are also welcome.

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 every Friday. The Okinawa Marine reserves the right to edit all submitted material.

coRRectIonThe Okinawa Marine incorrectly reported

last week that the Okinawan American Animal Rescue Society euthanizes most of the animals brought to its shelter. The Okinawa Prefecture Animal Protection Center — not OAARS — euthanizes animals that are not adopted. We regret the error.

Lance Cpl. Bobby J. Yarbroughokinawa marine staff

CAMP HANSEN — 3rd Marine Logistics Group’s 9th Engineer Support Battalion was recently named the Corps’ best engineer sup-port battalion by the Marine Corps Engineer Association.

Lt. Col. Mark J. Menotti, 9th ESB’s com-manding officer, accepted the award on behalf of his unit at the MCEA symposium

Oct. 19 at Camp Lejune, N.C. Menotti said the award was a reflection of the quality of his Marines.

“We’ve got enthusiastic junior Marines who are hungry for knowledge, many combat-experienced noncommissioned and senior noncommissioned officers who share their experiences and knowledge, and a very dedi-cated officer corps that planned a ‘building block’ approach toward job and combat pro-ficiency skills throughout the fiscal year.”

9th ESB wins Corps-wide award

RetuRn from pg 1experience to be able to help so many people. Plus, helping those countries makes a big impact for the United States, and hopefully if we’re ever in need of help, they’ll be there to help us.”

Other sailors agreed with Keast about the impact of the aid they provided to the countries.

“It was amazing the way people reacted to just getting a pair of glasses,” Herndon said. “It made them so happy, and it made us just as happy to be able to help them.”

Keast said the sailors also helped improve medical sup-plies in the countries they visited.

“We went into hospitals to inspect their equipment,” he explained. “We took parts from a few machines to make one usable machine. Some of these countries were in des-perate need of good medical equipment, so we did what we could.”

Herndon said they also went out with Seabees and other units aboard the ship to help build stages and auditoriums.

toYs from pg 1 “The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to

deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders,” according to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation Web site.

Last year the organization collected ap-proximately 10,500 toys, according to Sgt. Shamala Henson, a coordinator for Okinawa’s Toys for Tots. She hopes the collection drive can collect at least 11,000, especially since they want to provide for children in two more countries this year.

“I want to break last year’s goals and make sure every child gets four toys like last year,” said Henson.

Program coordinators also want to raise awareness of the Ho Ho Express, a campaign-closing event intended to collect as many donations as possible during the final mo-ments of the toy drive. The Ho Ho Express is scheduled for Dec. 15, the last day of the drive. A bus will visit each collection box on island

and program personnel will collect all re-maining toys. Henson said the event doubled the amount of collected toys in 2005 with help from American Forces Network radio broad-casters, who constantly aired updates on the bus’ location and upcoming stops.

The program needs toys for all ages of chil-dren. Toys for pre-teens and young teenagers are typically in short supply.

“People should remember that there are kids that are 13 and that’s usually the age group we lack the most,” Smith said.

Coordinators running Okinawa’s program have a lot of events for this year’s drive and need plenty of volunteers to help them. Volun-teers can help with tasks such as sorting toys or promoting donations by making an appear-ance in public with their dress blues.

Maj. Bill Hendricks and a group of fellow reserve Marines in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children dur-ing the first Toys for Tots program 60 years ago. Officials plan to continue the mission as long as there are needy children around the world.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Lawrente Herndon (left), a desktop support technician, and Petty Officer 1st Class Chad Keast, a biological medical repair technician with the hospital, was recognized Oct. 26 for their accomplishments while deployed with the U.S. Naval Ship Comfort in South America. Photo by Lance Cpl. Robert C. Frenke

“I’m extremely proud of our individual augmentees,” said USNH Okinawa Command-ing Officer Navy Capt. Brian S. Dawson. “They provided a much-needed service by going halfway around the world to help out South America and its islands.”

Master Chief Petty Officer Yenhung Duberek, the com-mand master chief of the

hospital, echoed Dawson’s sentiments.

“Although all of our sailors are trained to the specifica-tions of the (Navy Enlisted Classification) skill sets, we felt these sailors were the very best we could put forward,” Duberek said. “It’s extremely crucial to ensure our best and brightest represent us in other countries.”

Okinawa Marine | news | November 2, 2007 7

Lance Cpl. Tyler J. Hlavac okinawa marine staff

CLARK AIR BASE, Re-public of the Philippines — Parachute canopies blos-somed in the sky over Basa Air Field Oct. 25 as Marines from 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion and Philippine airmen from the Armed Forces of the Philippine’s 505th Search and Rescue Group dropped in for some training.

The Marines and airmen, participating in Amphibi-

ous Land-ing Exer-cise 08, are conducting joint para-

chute operations at the airfield over several days of training.

The jumps gave the ser-vice members experience at jumping out of a KC-130, provided by the Marine Corps Air Station Futenma-based Marine Aerial Refu-eler Transport Squadron 152. The squadron is in the Philippines for Talon Vision 08 and is providing transport, lift and refueling support for both exercises.

Ta l o n V i s i o n a n d PHIBLEX are annual bilat-eral exercises designed to enhance the professional military relationships be-tween the U.S. and the Re-public of the Philippines.

Philippine Air Force Maj. Antonio Francisco, the offi-cer in charge of the Philip-

Lance Cpl. Tyler J. Hlavacokinawa marine staff

CLARK AIR BASE, Republic of the Philippines — The skies over the Philippines were an open forum for the exchange of ideas Oct. 24 as Philippine Air Force and Marine pilots executed their skills in basic fighter maneuvers.

The dog fight, as it is often called, involved Marine pilots from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 and pilots from the Philippine Air Force’s 5th Tactical Fighter Group, 7th Tactical Fighter Squadron.

The training was part of exercise Talon Vision, an annual bi-lateral exercise to enhance the cooperative abilities of U.S. and Philippine forces to promote peace and stability in the region.

The Marines, piloting their F/A-18 Hornets, flew a mock combat engagement with the Philippine pilots who flew the Aermacchi S-211 military trainer jet. The training involved two Marine pilots facing off against two PAF pilots.

The pilots used training scenarios to evaluate their aircraft and their own piloting skills.

“Today was one of the first times we have really con-ducted bi-lateral training with the Ma-rines,” said Philippine Air Force Maj. Manuel Demaclid, a flight examiner with the 5th Tactical Fighter Group. “We focused a lot on air-to-air combat

and we also conducted bombing runs in Crow Valley. In addition to extra flying time, the dog fight with the Marines taught us how to fight and deal with different types of aircraft from different countries.”

Though the older and smaller S-211s were at a dis-tinct disadvantage against the advanced platform of the F/A-18, it did not stop the PAF pilots from putting everything they had into the training.

“Going up against the Marine F/A-18’s with our own trainer jets, we learned to make do with what we have. Training against a harder opponent makes you a better pilot and vastly increases your skill level,” said Demaclid.

Though one of the primary purposes of the engage-ment was for Marine pilots to assist the PAF in devel-oping their skills and procedures for air-to-air combat, the information exchange went both ways.

“Anytime you go flying, you always learn some-thing,” said Marine Capt. Casey Dalton, a VMFA-312 pilot. “After conducting the air maneuvers, both groups of pilots spent time discussing each portion of the flight. We discussed everything from our own personal mindsets and maneuvers to where and when we placed our aircraft.”

Dalton said the briefs provided an excellent forum for each side to explain why they made the decisions they did in the air, and Dalton added, it was the tenacity of the PAF pilots that he found most impressive.

“The Philippine pilots definitely know how to use their planes and how to push their aircraft to the limit,” said Dalton. “The Philippine pilots taught us that if you’re facing an opponent who has a superior aircraft, you have to really know your plane and your own skills to achieve victory.”

Demaclid said that he and his fellow Filipino pilots look forward to training with the Marines in the future.

“Working with the Marines was a valuable, great experience, and I definitely look forward to working with them again,” he said.

Then, with a grin, he admitted he was a bit envious of the Hornet’s capabilities.

“I hope next year the Marines think about leaving the F/A-18’s with us after they leave,” he said.

Recon Marines, Philippine airmen take to the skies over Basa Airfield

Marine, Philippine pilots face off in mock combat

eXerCise talon vision

eXerCise talon vision

Philippine Airmen with the 505th Search and Rescue Group perform a static line jump out the back of a KC-130 Oct. 25 in the Republic of the Philippines during Exercise Talon Vision and Amphibious Landing Exercise. Photos by Lance Cpl. Tyler J. Hlavac

Airmen with the Philippine Air Force float to the ground after a static-line jump from a KC-130 aircraft from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152.

pine airmen, explained that the jump was an important training experience for him and the rest of his team who had never jumped from a KC-130 before.

“It was quite an experi-ence for us,” said Francisco. “Normally we dive out of helicopters, as we are a rescue unit and planes usu-ally fly too high for rescue missions. However, this was valuable training as we may need to do a mis-sion with the Marines in the future or we might not have helicopters around. We conduct training like this so we can get the mis-sion done no matter what

aircraft are available.”Though they conduct

different missions than the Philippine search and rescue crew, the Recon Marines also found the experience valuable.

Cpl. Sean Gibbon, a re-connaissance man with 3rd Recon Battalion, cur-rently attached to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, explained that reconnais-sance Marines primarily use parachute operations as a method of covert insertion.

To that end, the recon Marines familiarized them-selves during the training with their new Multi-mis-sion Parachute System, which many of the Ma-rines had never used before, said Gunnery Sgt. Tim Parkhurst, a paraloft chief with 3rd Recon.

“The system is designed so that we don’t have to para-chute right above the land-ing zone,” said Parkhurst. “Using the system, Marines can be dropped a distance away from the landing zone and use the parachute to fly over. This allows the Marines to insert into an area without a plane giving away their position.”

The KC-130 dropped out 50 jumpers during the morning training portion in five passes over the drop zone. The service members performed static-line jumps where the chutes automati-cally deploy as the jumpers depart the aircraft.

� Okinawa Marine | news | November 2, 2007

1st Lt. Adrian J.T. Rankine-Gallowayokinawa marine staff

KURMITOLA AIR BASE, Bangladesh — Morning mist rose above a jungle-bound airfield in Bangladesh Oct. 25 as aircraft from Marine Fighter-Attack Squadron 314 and the Bangladesh Air Force revved to life to start a day of flight operations during Exercise Sumo Tiger 2007.

The “Black Knights” of VMFA-314 and several other detachments from Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, participated in the bilateral exercise between the U.S. Marine Corps and BAF Oct. 24-31.

“The purpose of this exercise is to practice and learn from each other,” said Wing Cmdr. Rafik, the senior BAF officer in charge of the exercise, as he addressed U.S. and Bangladeshi officers on the open-ing day of the exercise. “We look forward to some good, safe flying.”

Sumo Tiger is part of an ongoing ef-fort by the U.S. military to strengthen the security of Asia and the Pacific region by enhancing U.S. forces’ ability to work alongside militaries throughout the region and by promoting professional relation-ships between exercise participants.

During the exercise, the Black Knights went head-to-head in training against Chi-nese-manufactured F-7 Fantan jet fighters and Russian-built MiG-29 Fulcrums.

“The Bangladesh Air Force personnel are very professional,” said Lt. Col. Flay R. Goodwin, the Black Knights commanding officer. “They have taken care of us since we got here, and it has been good to fly with them.”

The exercise focused heavily on the exchange between American and Bangla-

mag-12 marines kick off sumo tiger in bangladesh

Family members and friends of Bangladesh Air Force personnel gather around a U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet fighter aircraft during an open house Oct. 26 at Kurmitola Air Base, Bangladesh. Marine Fighter-Attack Squadron 314 is currently participating in Exercise Sumo Tiger 2007, a bilateral training exercise between the U.S. Marine Corps and the Bangladesh Air Force. Photos by 1st Lt. Adrian Rankine-Galloway

Flight Lt. Raihan (left), a pilot with the 35th Squadron, Bangladesh Air Force, chats with the squadron sergeant major of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, Sgt. Maj. Tony Sanmartino, before the beginning of flight operations Oct. 24.

CAMP FOSTER — Okinawa has many great locations that attract spear fishermen. Coral reefs provide a boun-ty of food for fish, so there is rarely a shortage of tasty targets for the off-duty service member with a spear.

While some may think the ocean is a rule-free envi-ronment, there are specific laws in Okinawa that restrict what a spear fisherman may do. The following answers to common questions are provided by the Marine Corps Bases Japan Staff Judge Advocate’s Office for those in-terested in spearfishing while on Okinawa.

Q: Can I spearfish? A: Yes, you can spearfish with a pole spear or Hawai-

ian sling while free diving or snorkeling. Some locations that are frequented by snorkelers and divers do not allow spearfishing. Maeda Point is one such place. Common sense should be exercised due to the likelihood that spearfishing in such areas increases the chances of accidental injury.

Q: Can I use a spear gun when I go spearfishing? A: No, spear guns with trigger devices or other shoot-

ing devices are strictly prohibited.

Q: Can I bow fish? A: No. Bow fishing is not allowed.

Q: Can I spearfish while I am scuba diving? A: No. Spearfishing of any kind is prohibited while

using any type of underwater breathing device.

Q: Do I need a license to spearfish? A: No. However, you must follow the rules.

Q: Can I sell or barter the fish that I spear? A: There is no rule prohibiting you from selling a fish,

but SJA suggests you refrain from selling fish in order to avoid any trouble with the local fishermen.

deshi pilots, but aviation support personnel from both countries also shared expertise. From air traffic control to aircraft main-tenance to crash fire rescue, Marines and BAF personnel teamed up to share knowl-edge and learn from one another.

“It’s a good experience,” said Gunnery Sgt. Randal Southern, an air traffic control-ler with Marine Air Control Squadron 4. “You get to see different aspects of control-ling and the different way they do things.”

Military personnel from both countries took a day off from flying Oct. 26 to al-low the Kurmitola Air Base community to see the U.S. and Bangladeshi aircraft. Hundreds of family members and friends got an up-close look at an American F/A-18C Hornet and a Bangladeshi F-7 and MiG-29.

“I’m exhausted, but I’ve never smiled so much,” said Maj. Scott Fortner, a pilot with the Black Knights after an afternoon of showing off his aircraft to throngs of curious Bangladeshi visitors.

Spearfishing: What are the rules, regulations?

SPEARFISHING EQUIPMENT & METHODS

Excerpt from the Okinawa Prefectural Fisheries Adjustment Rules (Article 39):

Only the fishing equipment or methods below are authorized for fishing for aquatic animals and plants:

1. Pole fishing and hand-line fishing (excluding the use of illumination).

2. Landing net (hand-held nets attached to a pole). 3. Casting net (limited to non-use of a boat). 4. Fishing spear (excluding those with trigger

devices). 5. On foot hand catching (walking or snorkeling and

catching with your hands).

• For more information, contact the MCBJ SJA’s Maj. Keith D. Smith at 645-7462.

Pfc. Eric M. Smith searches for fish hidden in coral formations while spearfishing near the Sunabe Seawall June 23. Photo by Lance Cpl. Richard Blumenstein

Okinawa Marine | news | November 2, 2007 �

Lance Cpl. Kevin M. Knallayokinawa marine staff

CAMP KINSER — American Marines wel-comed several of their Korean counterparts to Okinawa recently during an ongoing joint effort to bolster the logistical capabilities of the Republic of Korea’s Marine Corps.

The ROK Marines from the Headquarters ROK Marine Corps’ Amphibious Support Group, a unit with a mission similar to that of 3rd Marine Logistics Group, spent Oct. 22-27 gaining logistical operations insight to better their own organization.

The visit will help the ROK Marine Corps operate more efficiently, according to Capt. David Laughlin, 3rd MLG’s Korean liaison officer.

The ROK Marines are in the process of developing a unit similar to 1st Marine Air-craft Wing, and these ASG Marines visited 1st MAW’s supporting units to see what lo-gistics are needed to keep an aircraft wing running.

“The ROK Marines got the most out of see-ing the aviation support side of the MEF’s operations,” Laughlin said. “They were able to see just how many services and requirements need to be met to support an airfield.”

Throughout the week, 3rd MLG Marines showed common equipment to the Koreans and explained the supporting roles of vari-ous units such as Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 7 on Camp Shields.

“We wanted to let them have a look at us in the MEF’s entirety and pick out pieces of what will work best for them,” Laughlin said.

ROK Marine Col. Yun Ki Son, the ASG’s commanding officer, said he was most im-pressed with the level of professionalism demonstrated by the Marines providing the briefs.

“I sincerely appreciate the kindness and consideration during our visit to Okinawa,” Son said. “I hope that Brigadier General Talleri will never stop supporting our relationship and will continue to promote further cohesive relations.”

The visit built on recent joint exercises be-tween the two countries, including the Korean Integrated Training Program which took place Sept. 3 to Oct. 14.

Cpl. Eric D. Arndtokinawa marine staff

CAMP KINSER — U.S. and Japanese emer-gency response agencies hosted a bilateral training exercise on Camp Kinser Oct. 25 to establish joint response procedures and pre-pare for the possibility of an aircraft mishap occurring off-base.

The exercise involved several civil service agencies from Marine Corps Bases Japan and Okinawa Prefecture, including the Urasoe Fire and Police Departments, the Okinawa Prefec-ture Police and MCBJ’s own fire department and Provost Marshal’s Office.

The exercise was a proactive measure that does not reflect on the current safety of Marine Corps aircraft, according to Col. Donald C. Wayman, the MCBJ assistant chief of staff for training and operations.

“Following today’s event, the Marine Corps will continue, as we always have, to enforce and uphold the rigorous safety standards that define Marine aviation,” Wayman said. “All of these efforts demonstrate the U.S. Marine Corps’ dedication to safety, both on and off base.”

The exercise was the latest in a series of cooperative efforts between the Marine Corps and local Japanese officials to come up with bi-lateral solutions to aircraft incidents. In June, a joint table-top exercise focused on planning and coordination, and officials meet annually to discuss cooperation and communication during off-base accidents.

“Like anything, when you work with some-one, one group has an idea on how they want to do it, and another group has ideas on how they want to do the same thing,” said Lt. Col. Evan W. Davies, the future operations and plans officer for MCBJ. “You have to come up with a solution to satisfy both sides, as well as the training objectives.”

Media and onlookers observed the exercise, which began with one American and one Japanese role-player each calling his respec-tive country’s emergency telephone numbers,

III MEF units give ROK Marines logistical insight

which triggered the response of the emergency services.

Once on the scene, Japanese and U.S. fire departments worked on putting out a crash simulation device — complete with a burn-ing fuselage and engines — while Japanese medical personnel tended to the animate and artificial mock casualties.

By the time the exercise concluded, the wreckage flames had been brought under con-trol, a patient triage had been assembled and Japanese and military police had cordoned off the area. The exercise lasted about an hour.

Davies said the simulation was pretty ac-curate.

“I thought the response phase would last a little longer than it did,” he said, “but I think it was pretty close (to the real thing).”

u.s., Japanese agencies conduct joint aviation mishap exercise

Firefighters with the Urasoe Fire Department douse the flames of an aircraft crash simulation device from their fire truck on Camp Kinser Oct. 25 as part of a bilateral aircraft mishap training exercise. The device was remotely controlled with several propane lines installed to create the fires. Photos by Cpl. Eric D. Arndt

Marines evacuate an aircraft crash simulation device during the exercise. Mock casualties wore wound-simulation make-up to increase the training’s level of realism.

Republic of Korea Marine Col. Yun Ki Son (far right), the commanding officer of Amphibious Support Group, tours equipment and facilities of the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 7 on Camp Shields Oct. 23. Son spent a week touring III Marine Expeditionary Force facilities on Okinawa to better understand the Marine Corps and the supportive roles of various units. Photo by Lance Cpl. Kevin M. Knallay

Okinawa Marine | featuRe | November 2, 200710 Okinawa Marine | featuRe | November 2, 2007

Lance Cpl. Kevin M. Knallayokinawa marine staff

during the most recent Dynamic Entry Course on Camp Hansen, doors were blown off hinges, man-sized holes

were punched through concrete walls, and other forms of destruction took place.

Turning doors into shards of wood is a small fragment of the course, which III Marine Expeditionary Force’s Special Operations Training Group holds on Camp Hansen twice a year.

The course, which drew students from 3rd Marine Division, 3rd Marine Logis-tics Group and Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, taught the Marines several meth-ods of breaching doors, walls, windows and fences, and how to construct various explosive devices for breaching.

Since Oct. 22, Marines in the course have effectively entered secure facilities using explosive devices and tools, accord-ing to Master Sgt. Carl Holden, the senior dynamic entry instructor with SOTG. The course ends Nov. 2.

The information the Marines learned in the course will greatly benefit them if they are ever in combat and need to enter a secure building, according to Holden. The course does this by stimulating the stu-dents’ interest, giving them more chances to practice and keeping the training safe.

“While safety is our No. 1 concern, get-ting the Marines plenty of hands-on time with explosives really makes it fun (while they’re learning),” Holden said. “What we teach during the course will be an impor-tant tool in the students’ tool boxes.”

“There hasn’t been a bad thing about (the course),” said Cpl. Caleb Nehls, a reconnaissance man with 3rd Reconnais-sance Battalion, 3rd MarDiv. “The amount of hands-on time is awesome, and the in-structors are great. The SOTG instructors know how to teach a course.”

Instructors taught students about different explosive devices and demon-strated how to construct them. Groups of students were then required to work

bang-up Job

in teams and build their own explosive charges. Teams had to determine net explosive weight of charges to calculate the minimum safe distance they could detonate them from.

Instructors ensured safety and profi-ciency in course material by checking the students’ work prior to detonation of the charges, and the teams rehearsed several times before setting off charges.

“We let the students see how the charges are built then let them do it on their own,” Holden said. “This gives them the confi-dence knowing that if they can do it on their own here, they can do it when it counts without us looking over their shoul-der. So we help develop their confidence while maintaining safety with our final inspections and rehearsals.”

Okinawa units take charge during Dynamic Entry Course on Hansen

Marines detonate an oval charge during the Dynamic Entry Course on Camp Hansen Oct. 26. During the course, approximately 10 different types of charges were constructed and detonated by the students. Photos by Lance Cpl. Kevin M. Knallay

A Marine constructs a detonator to use on an explosive charge during the Dynamic Entry Course.

A Marine points out where an explosive

charge failed to separate a door from

its hinge during the Dynamic Entry

Course. Sometimes mechanical tools

such as sledge hammers, crow bars or saws are required

to allow Marines to muscle their way

through a door.

Okinawa Marine | featuRe | November 2, 2007Okinawa Marine | featuRe | November 2, 2007 11

Marines detonate an oval charge during the Dynamic Entry Course on Camp Hansen Oct. 26. During the course, approximately 10 different types of charges were constructed and detonated by the students. Photos by Lance Cpl. Kevin M. Knallay

Master Sgt. Carl Holden, the senior Dynamic Entry Course instructor with III Marine Expeditionary Force Special Operations Training Group, instructs Marines on how to construct an oval charge. Groups of students were then required to work in teams and build their own explosive charges.

Dynamic Entry Course instructors taught Marines several methods of breaching doors, walls, windows and fences, and how to construct various explosive devices for breaching.

12 Okinawa Marine | featuRe | November 2, 2007

Lance Cpl. Robert C. Frenkeokinawa marine staff

Nearly 400 ghosts, ghouls and mythi-cal characters

joined in a frighteningly good time to celebrate Hal-loween at U.S. Naval Hospi-tal Okinawa’s Fall Festival on Camp Lester Oct. 26.

“This is a chance for the staff of the Naval Hos-pital and their families to get together outside of work and see each other in a more relaxed social setting,” said Navy Capt. Gerard R. Cox, executive officer of U.S. Naval Hos-pital Okinawa. “There’s good food, good entertain-ment and if nothing else, plenty of candy!”

Festivities included a haunted house, a costume contest and a cake walk,

in which people played a musical-chair like game to win baked goods. Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler agencies also dis-played a fire truck, a police car and an ambulance.

The festival also featured several dance performances including a Filipino folk dance that consists of at least one team of two people hitting two parallel bamboo poles on the ground, raising them slightly, and then clapping the poles against each other with a rhythm. Members of the Filipino-American Association of Okinawa performed the dance. Other dances in-cluded a variety of Mexi-can dances performed by the group Baile Folklorico and a dance performance by the Daughters of Zion.

Lance Cpl. Corey A. Blodgettokinawa marine staff

more than 20 Marines tight-ened community bonds with a piece of rope at the

Okinawa Children’s Development Center in Okinawa City Oct. 27.

The volunteers, assigned to Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, helped out with yard work at the center, which cares for mentally and physically disabled children, and also helped make a tug-of-war rope for the children.

Marines visit the center several times a year to help staff with everyday tasks. However, this time the Marines got the chance to help in a unique way.

“They helped build a rope for an annual tug-of-war function the center has for the younger children,” said Michiko Urasaki, a community relations specialist, with Marine Corps Community Services, who helped coordinate the event. “The children love it and look forward to it.”

The Marines braided the main rope and several small grip ropes within a couple hours, a task that otherwise takes the center up to a year to complete, Urasaki said.

U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa hosts fall festival

marines volunteer at children’s center

Jayden Sugay and his mother, Eleanor, receive a plastic fireman’s hat from Arakaki Satoshi, a firefighter with Marine Corps Bases Japan Fire Department, during the U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa Fall Festival on Camp Lester Oct. 26. Photo by Lance Cpl. Robert C. Frenke

“It usually takes the staff a very long time because they have only a little time during the day to work on it,” she explained. “The Marines did a wonderful job with the rope and everything else.”

Lance Cpl. Rita Edwards, an operations clerk, said she enjoyed volunteering and encourages other Marines to give their time to good causes in the local com-munity.

“It went great,” Edwards said. “I love doing things like this. I think every Marine should volun-teer as much as they possibly can. It helps them feel like we’re doing good — that we’re not just sitting here in someone else’s country, but that we’re actually helping out.”

Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 3 braid the main portion of a tug-of-war rope for children at the Okinawa Children’s Development Center in Okinawa City Oct. 27. Photos by Lance Cpl. Corey A. Blodgett

Marines clear a fence of overgrown weeds at the center.

Okinawa Marine | featuRe | November 2, 2007 1�

Lance Cpl. Bobby J. Yarbroughokinawa marine staff

Would you bob for pigs feet in a cooler filled with fish sauce for an iPod shuf-fle? Would you drink a shake filled

with liver and fish oil for a digital camera? A lot of people would say no, but doz-

ens of Marines and sailors answered yes to those questions at the Single Marine Pro-gram’s 2nd annual Fear Factor Fright Night Oct. 26 at the Globe & Anchor on Camp Foster.

The three-event contest, based on the reality television show “Fear Factor,” pitted 40 two-man teams against each other in a chance to win two roundtrip tickets to the states and many other prizes. Competitors representing each camp competed in the Drunken Wheelbarrow, the Restaurant of Horror and the Trike and Chug.

During the first challenge, participants wore “drunk goggles” in a relay race, which was followed by bobbing for pig’s feet and sardines in a container filled with fish sauce, coconut gel and vinegar.

Six teams survived and made it to the fi-nal event, the Trike and Chug, which tested whether Marines could out gut the competi-tion. Team members had to wear helmets, ride tricycles and drink shakes made from pig’s blood, cottage cheese and other items. Only two teams finished the event without vomiting.

“The shake was the foulest smelling thing I have ever smelled in my life,” said Cpl. Walter A. Pilk, a supply clerk with 7th Communication Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force. “I just chugged it, so I wouldn’t have to smell it.”

It was a close contest, but the Boomer Sooner’s team consisting of Pilk and Cpl. Anthony S. Bradfield, also a supply clerk with 7th Comm Bn., beat the overall time of the Bama Boys team from 9th Engineer Support Bn., 3rd Marine Logistics Group, to win the airline tickets. The Bama Boys walked away with new digital cameras for their efforts.

“We knew from the beginning we were going to win,” Bradfield said. “We have trained our entire lives for this competition, and just like our role model says, ‘If you ain’t first, you’re last.’”

Lance Cpl. Daniel R. Toddokinawa marine staff

Thirty-four volunteers with the Single Ma-rine Program visited

Chatan-Daini Kindergarten to spread some Halloween spirit to the children there Oct. 24.

The children let out shrills of joy as the cos-tumed Marines arrived. Wonder Woman, Jack Skeleton and Minnie Mouse were a few of the American icons who spent a couple of hours showing the children some Halloween traditions.

The volunteers and children split into three groups and used stick-on decorations to create jack-o’-lanterns resembling such things as pirates, a cyclops and an alien.

“Decorating the pump-kins with the children was hilarious,” said Lance Cpl. Nigel Thomas, an aircraft maintenance support equipment electrician with Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Air Wing. “They just started putting the stickers all over the pump-kins, and they made some pretty interesting ones. Everyone was laughing and having a good time, which was our intention, so who cares what the pumpkins looked like?”

After decorating the

Marines share Halloween spirit with kindergartners

Pupils at Chatan-Daini Kindergarten display pumpkins they decorated with the help of volunteers from the Single Marine Program Oct. 24. Photos by Lance Cpl. Daniel R. Todd

Pfc. Kevin Ford helps a kindergartner decorate a pumpkin during a Halloween party.

pumpkins the children learned about trick or treat-ing. Volunteers passed out small trick-or-treat bags and then sat down in a large cir-cle with bags full of candy. The children walked around to each of the volunteers saying ‘trick or treat.’ Jack-o’-lantern-sized grins quickly spread through the room.

“Showing children of another culture what we do for Halloween was a fun experience,” said Lance Cpl. Wesley Sadzewicz, a legal services specialist with Marine Corps Base Camp Butler. “The children were so excited the whole time and seeing them laugh and making them happy made my day.”

The Marines and chil-dren all joined together for

an Okinawan dance at the end of the visit, and as the Marines left the school, a huge “thank you” resounded through the school.

“We are all very thank-ful the Marines could come out and spend time with the children,” said Mineko Noborikawa, principal of the school. “At first some of the children were fright-ened and were crying, but at the end you looked around and everyone was happy. Hopefully we can have the Marines visit us again.”

This was the first ex-change of its kind between the SMP and the school, but coordinators from both organizations said they plan to continue holding events like this during other holidays.

Lance Cpl. Richard House, a combat engineer with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, pinches his nose as he downs a pig’s blood and cottage cheese shake during the 2nd Annual Fear Factor Fright Night Oct. 26 at the Globe & Anchor on Camp Foster. House and his teammate took home second place in the overall competition. Photo by Lance Cpl. Bobby J. Yarbrough

Marines on Camp Foster grapple with Fear Factor

14 Okinawa Marine | featuRe | November 2, 2007

Nurses, corpsmen prepare for in-flight care missionsNurses and corpsmen with 3rd Medical Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, carry a mannequin, simulating a critically injured Marine, off a CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing Oct. 25. Photos by Cpl. Bryan A. Peterson

Cpl. Bryan A. Petersonokinawa marine staff

When a service member’s wounds require care beyond the capabilities of frontline surgical facilities, medical evacuation to

a higher level of care is the next step. But seri-ously wounded troops can’t just be handed off to a helicopter crew like a football to a running back.

In-flight care is a necessity when such evacua-tions are required, which is why military medical personnel accompany critically wounded troops flown from frontline surgical rooms, known as Forward Resuscitative Surgery Systems, to larger medical facilities.

The Navy calls the procedure the Naval En Route Care System and has invested a lot of train-ing time in making sure nurses and corpsmen, who might be called upon to serve as in-flight care providers, are ready for the mission.

Stateside-based instructors with the Naval En Route Care Mobile Team provided in-flight care training for 15 nurses and 30 corpsmen with 3rd Marine Logistics Group’s 3rd Medical Battalion Oct. 23-25.

The team sought to prepare the sailors to support Marine helicopter crews in the event they are called upon for medevac missions. The task of medically evacuating service mem-bers to higher care echelons falls primarily on the Army, according to Navy Lt. Cmdr. Tony P. Catanese, the assistant director of Medical Lessons Learned, Naval Operations Medical Institute in Pensacola, Fla., and an instructor with the team.

However, in some cases, Marine helicopters in the vicinity of Forward Resuscitative Surgery Systems are tapped for medevac missions, an occurrence known in the Navy as a “flight of opportunity.”

But Marine crews providing flights of oppor-

Nurses and corpsmen prepare a simulated casualty for transport during medical evacuation training. Instructors with the Naval En Route Care Mobile Team taught 15 nurses and 30 corpsmen how to care for critically wounded Marines.

tunity lack the committed in-flight care provider that Army medevac crews have, which is why the training is necessary for nurses and corps-men, according to Navy Lt. Ronald L. Bolen, an instructor with the team.

“What if a Marine helicopter is on its way back from a re-supply mission and is in the area?” Bo-len asked. “If that’s the case, not only the nurse, but a corpsman needs to be ready to go with that injured Marine.”

The team taught the sailors about physiologi-cal issues they might face in flight, such as how a helicopter’s altitude and movements can affect a patient, as well as how to care for patients with amputations, trauma or spinal injuries.

The nurses and corpsmen also learned how to use NERCS equipment, such as the Special Medi-cal Emergency Evacuation Device — a framed stretcher that holds medical equipment neces-sary to sustain a patient’s life, such as oxygen tanks and ventilators. They used mannequins to practice safely loading and unloading patients to and from CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters.

The course culminated with instructors test-ing the sailors’ knowledge and proficiency during scenario training as helicopters from 1st Marine Aircraft Wing’s Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 flew the students from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma to Landing Zone Dodo in the Central Training Area.

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Anthony In-geraham, a hospital corpsman with 3rd Medi-cal Battalion, said he felt the training was very valuable.

“This was a great experience,” Ingeraham said. “I came in here with a general idea of what (NERCS) was all about, but I left a better corps-man.”

Completion of the course is only the beginning of the training required to be fully qualified as an ERC provider, according to Catanese. The sailors must complete more extensive training at the U.S. Army School of Aviation Medicine at Fort Rucker, Ala., as well as helicopter egress training.

Catanese said the training is tough and a lot to take in, but a Marine’s life falls in the hands of the nurse and corpsman accompanying him.

“If that flight of opportunity comes around,” Catanese said, “it’s just a nurse and corpsman doing anything they can to make sure that criti-cally injured Marine stays alive from point A to point B.”

Okinawa Marine | spoRts | November 2, 2007 17

Lance Cpl. Daniel R. Toddokinawa marine staff

six competitors yelled, grunted and grimaced as they tested their strength during a power

lifting competition at Gunners Fit-ness Center Oct. 28.

Paul Woo, who competed in the 191-pound weight class, was the overall winner. Woo squat-ted 505 pounds, bench pressed 315 pounds and dead lifted 485 pounds. Darren Dugan finished second in the same class and Mi-chael Moris came in third.

Susumu Higa, in the 160-pound weight class, and Tyson Walker, in

the 179-pound class, were uncon-tested. Chad Charlton won the 208-pound class.

The athletes competed in three events: squat, bench press and dead lift. Competitors were allowed three attempts in each event to achieve a proper lift.

Power lifting is a difficult sport because the athlete has no one else to rely on but himself, said Brian Childress, a judge at the competition and a competitor in the sport for six years. They also have to put in a lot of practice and training to get their technique just right.

“It isn’t always about how

strong the competitors are,” Chil-dress said. “They have to be smart when competing too. Sometimes the athletes put too much weight on the bar on their first lift and fail to put it up.”

Once a competitor attempts a weight, he can’t go down in weight for that event. If he fails the first attempt, he is likely to fail the next two, Childress said. If competitors fail to complete a proper lift in any event, they receive zero points for the event and are disqualified for the overall win.

Charlton said he tried the sport for the first time and found it to be challenging but a lot of fun.

“This was my first competition, but now I am really going to look for these competitions because this was a lot of fun, and I know I can do better next time,” said Charlton.

Experience levels ranged from first-timers to athletes who have been competing for years. Despite their differences, the athletes agreed the sport is more about per-sonal satisfaction than winning a trophy.

“Winning the trophy is nice, but this sport is more about doing your best, meeting your goals and knowing that your training paid off,” Woo said.

Lance Cpl. Kevin M. Knallayokinawa marine staff

Seven skateboarders and one BMX bike rider competed in

front of Japanese profes-sional skateboarders, friends and family during the Open Skate Park Com-petition on Camp Kinser Oct. 28.

Robert Calhoun, a sports recreation special-ist with Marine Corps Community Services, said despite the sparse turnout, the event was a success thanks to the pros that came to help and the effort put out by the competitors.

“The event was good, but we can always use more participation and more competitors,” Cal-

houn said. The small bunch of

competitors who entered the competition got two runs to wow the profes-sional skaters, who judged the event. Participants were judged on their use of the skate park’s terrain, their proficiency and the level of difficulty of their run. Judges averaged scores from the two runs to establish winners for each age group.

Javier Mercado grabbed first place in the 13- to 15-year-old division. Mer-cado placed 2nd in his group at the Open “Re-turn of the Ring” Skate Park Competition last month on Camp Court-ney.

“I was more relaxed and more prepared for

power lifters square off on foster

MCCS hosts skate competition, looks to expand participation

Paul Woo successfully squats 505 pounds on his second attempt during a power lifting competition at Gunners Fitness Center on Camp Foster Oct 28. Woo was the overall winner of the competition, beating five other competitors by squatting 505 pounds, bench pressing 315 pounds and dead lifting 485 pounds. Photo by Lance Cpl. Daniel R. Todd

this one,” Mercado said. The professional skat-

ers also performed during a break in the competition and signed autographs after the competition.

Other top finishers in-

cluded Nicholas Richard-son, who finished first in the 9-year-old and under age group. Byron Preston placed first in the 10- to 12-year-old age group. Bari Williams topped off

the 16- to 18-year-old di-vision. Paul Alvarado was uncontested in the BMX category.

Calhoun said MCCS is looking at ways to boost participation in skate competitions. Coordina-tors recently stopped re-quiring entry fees for the competitions, and they now give away prizes such as the trophies, skate equipment and gift certificates to winners.

“We would like to hold these more often for the competitors, but we need them to come out.”

MCCS has skate parks on Camps Kinser, Foster, Courtney, Hansen and Schwab that are open to all skateboarders, in-line skaters and BMX bike riders.

Javier Mercado does a hippie jump over a rail during the Open Skate Park Competition Oct. 28 on Camp Kinser. Mercado finished first in the 13-15 age group. Photo by Lance Cpl. Kevin M. Knallay

1� Okinawa Marine | maRketplace | November 2, 2007

CaMp FoSTEr | 645-7486/7487• Catholic: Mon.-Fri., 11:45 a.m. Sat., 5 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.• Eastern Orthodox: Sun., 9:30 a.m.• Gospel: Sun., 11:30 a.m.• Hindu: Sun., 3:30 p.m., Bldg. 455• Jewish: Fri., traditional, 6 p.m.; informal, 6:30 p.m.• Latter-day Saints: Sun., 2 p.m., Bldg. 455• Muslim: Friday prayer at 12:45 p.m.• Protestant: Sun., 8:30 a.m.

CaMp LESTEr | 643-7226• Catholic: Sun., 8 a.m., Lester Chapel• Protestant: Sun., 9 a.m., Hospital Chapel Sun., 10 a.m., Lester Chapel

CaMp HanSEn | 623-4694• Catholic: Sun., 10 a.m., East Chapel• Protestant: Sun., 11 a.m., West Chapel; Tues., noon, Holy Eucharist, Hospital Chapel

MCaS FuTEnMa | 636-3058• Catholic: Sun., noon• Contemporary: Sun., 9 a.m.

CaMp SCHwaB | 625-2644/2866• Catholic: Sun., 5:30 a.m.• Protestant: Sun., 11 a.m.

CaMp McTurEouS | 622-7505• Lutheran: Sun., 9:45 a.m.• Gospel: Sun., 12:30 p.m.

CaMp CourTnEy | 622-9350• Catholic: Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri., 7 a.m. Sun. 8 a.m., 11:15 a.m.• Protestant: Sun., 9:30 a.m. Liturgical, 6:30 p.m.

KadEna air BaSE | 634-1288• Catholic: Sun., 8:30 a.m., Mass, Chapel 1 Sun., 11:30 a.m., Reconciliation, Chapel 1 Sun., 12:30 p.m., Mass, Chapel 1 Sun., 5 p.m., Mass, Chapel 1 Sun., 10:30 a.m., CCD, Amelia Earhart School Daily Mass, Mon.-Thurs., noon, Chapel 2

• Protestant: Sun., Contemporary, 10:30 a.m., Chapel 1 Sun., Project 196 (Contemporary), 7:06 p.m., Chapel 1 Sun., 8:30 a.m., Inspirational, Chapel 2 Sun., 10:30 a.m., Traditional, Chapel 2 Sun., 1030 a.m., Gospel, Chapel 3 Sunday School, 8:45 a.m., Bldg. 856

• Wiccan/Pagan Women’s service, Thurs., 6:30 p.m., Chapel 2 Open circle service, Fri., 7 p.m., Chapel 1 Wiccan/Pagan service, Sat., 6:30 p.m., Religious Education Center, Bldg. 856

CaMp KinSEr | 637-1148• Catholic: Sun., 11 a.m., Chapel 1• Gospel: Sun., 8 a.m., Chapel 1• Protestant: Sun., 9:30 a.m., Chapel 1

In theateRs nov 2-�

Movie schedule is subject to change without notice. Call in advance to confirm show times. For a complete listing, visit http://www.aafes.com.

schwab625-2333

FRIDAY Balls of Fury (PG-13), 6 p.m.; The Brothers Solomon (R), 9 p.m.

SATURDAY The Game Plan (PG), noon; Balls of Fury (PG-13), 3 p.m.; The Brothers Solomon (R), 6 p.m.; 30 Days of Night (R), 9 p.m.

SUNDAY Balls of Fury (PG-13), 1 p.m.; The Brothers Solomon (R), 4 p.m.; 30 Days of Night (R), 7 p.m.

MONDAY 30 Days of Night (R), 7 p.m.

TUESDAY Balls of Fury (PG-13), 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY We Own the Night (R), 7 p.m.

THURSDAY Balls of Fury (PG-13), 6 p.m.; We Own the Night (R), 9 p.m.

FRIDAY Balls of Fury (PG-13), 7 p.m.; 30 Days of Night (R), 10 p.m.

SATURDAY Mr. Bean’s Holiday (G), 4 p.m., 7 p.m.; The Heartbreak Kid (R), 7 p.m.

SUNDAY Mr. Bean’s Holiday (G), 1 p.m.; Dan in Real Life (PG-13), 4 p.m.; The Heartbreak Kid (R), 7 p.m.

MONDAY Balls of Fury (PG-13), 7 p.m.

TUESDAY The Brothers Solomon (R), 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY Death Sentence (R), 7 p.m.

THURSDAY Dan in Real Life (PG-13), 7 p.m.

kadena634-4422

fosteR645-3465

futenma636-3890

couRtneY622-9616

kInseR637-2177

FRIDAY Dan in Real Life (PG-13), 6 p.m., 9:30 p.m.

SATURDAY Mr. Bean’s Holiday (G), 2 p.m.; Superbad (R), 7 p.m.

SUNDAY We Own the Night (R), 7 p.m.

MONDAY Mr. Bean’s Holiday (G), 7 p.m.

TUESDAY Closed

WEDNESDAY Death Sentence (R), 7 p.m.

THURSDAY Closed

FRIDAY Superbad (R), 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY Dan in Real Life (PG-13), 4 p.m., 7 p.m.;

SUNDAY Mr. Bean’s Holiday (G), 4 p.m.; Superbad (R), 7 p.m.

MONDAY We Own the Night (R), 6:30 p.m.

TUESDAY Closed

WEDNESDAY Closed

THURSDAY Closed

FRIDAY The Brothers Solomon (R), 7 p.m.

SATURDAY Balls of Fury (PG-13), 7 p.m.

SUNDAY Superbad (R), 7 p.m.

MONDAY Dan in Real Life (PG-13), 7 p.m.

TUESDAY 30 Days of Night (R), 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY Closed

THURSDAY Closed

FRIDAY Hairspray (PG), 3 p.m.; Balls of Fury (PG-13), 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY Balls of Fury (PG-13), 3 p.m.; The Brothers Solomon (R), 6:30 p.m.

SUNDAY The Game Plan (PG), 3 p.m.; Balls of Fury (PG-13), 6:30 p.m.

MONDAY Closed

TUESDAY Closed

WEDNESDAY Mr. Bean’s Holiday (G), 3 p.m.; Dan in Real Life (PG-13), 6:30 p.m.

THURSDAY Closed

chapel schedule

For more information, contact the Single Marine Program

Office at 645-3681.

NOVEMBER 4 | TRIP TO ExPO PARK• Visit one of the world’s largest aquariums at Expo Park in Nago. The park features a dolphin show, a manatee house, various types of sea life and a shark museum. • Aquarium entrance fee is ¥1,800. Bring at least ¥5,000 for entrance fees, food and personal purchases.

• Depart Camp Courtney at 10 a.m., Camp Hansen at 10:45 a.m. and Camp Schwab at 11:15 a.m.

NOVEMBER 16 | DISCOVER GOLF PROGRAM• This free, two-hour class at the Awase Meadows Golf Course gives wannabe golfers skills and knowledge of the game. Instruction includes topics such as how to set up a tee-time, cart and club rental, club types, swing techniques and putting styles.

• Depart Camp Schwab at 7 a.m., Camp Hansen at 7:30 a.m., Camp Courtney at 8:15 a.m., Camp Kinser at 7:30 a.m., MCAS Futenma at 8 a.m. and Camp Foster at 8:30 a.m.

’93 nissan mark ii jCI jan. 09, $1,600 OBO. 645-7461’92 toyota lucida jCI jan. 09, $1,800. 637-1149’96 mitsubishi delica jCI Oct. 09, $4,200 OBO. 646-2259’96 mitsubishi pajero jCI Feb. 09, $3,600 OBO. 643-7323’96 nissan pulsar jCI Oct. 07, $300 OBO. (090) 9956-9713’96 toyota ipsum jCI Feb. 09, $2,000 OBO. 646-6016’97 mitsubishi diamante jCI Oct. 09, $3,500 OBO. 637-5239

’96 toyota emina mini van jCI june 08, $2,000 OBO. 633-8155’96 nissan prairie minivan jCI Aug. 09, $1,900 OBO. 622-6888’89 toyota ace van jCI March 08, $2,200. 636-2027’91 mazda eunos roadster jCI july 08, $1,200 OBO. 622-5221’95 toyota estima van jCI june 08, $2,000 OBO. 633-1005’94 nissan laurel jCI Sept. 08, $1,900 OBO. 634-0855’96 toyota celica jCI Feb. 08, $1,800 OBO. 623-4111’97 toyota camry

jCI April 08, $2,000 OBO. (080) 3171-3710’97 suzuki wagon jCI Sept. 08, $1,800 OBO. 634-2336’97 mitsubishi pajero mini jCI Nov. 08, $2,200 OBO. 634-2336

classIfIed ads

Ads appearing in the Okinawa Marine are a free ser-vice to active duty military and their dependents, DoD employees and retirees. Ads are restricted to personal property or service of incidental exchange. Ads are run on a space-available basis. The deadline for ads is noon Fridays. The Okinawa Marine reserves the right to edit ads to fit available space. Please include your name and the phone number you wish published. The Okinawa Marine makes every effort to ensure accu-racy but assumes no responsibility for services offered in ads. Submit ads by fax to 645-3803, or send an e-mail to okinawamarine.mcbb.fct@usmc.mil.

automobIles— Dining room set with china cabinet, $2,000; stereo unit, $1,500; Rosewood shelves, $800; Okinawa gate, $600. 633-1593— 55-inch Mitsubishi TV, $1,000 OBO; laser karaoke machine, laser disc and mic, $600 OBO. 633-5116

— Lost items on Camp Lester: Boys camouflaged crocs footwear. If found, call 926-1568— Titleist golf clubs, driver and putter, $600; 7-piece dining set, $250; 646-5546.— 24-inch TV, $30; 17-inch and DVD player, $20. 623-7123

mIscellaneous

motoRcYcles’05 harley-davidson sportster 1200xl $7,500. 622-5423’06 harley-davidson fat boy $17,500. (080) 1763-1286’05 harley-davidson v-rod $13,000. 622-7093

The USO hosts movie nights at the camps below. For schedules and start times, call:

uso movIe nIghts

CAMP SCHWAB 625-3834MCAS FUTENMA 636-2113CAMP HANSEN 623-5011

KADENA AIR BASE 632-8781

• The Camp Hansen Theater is closed for renovation.

sIngle maRIne pRogRam events

All bus pick-up points will be at Semper Fit gyms or the

Foster Fieldhouse.