Showing posts with label U.S. MARINES. Show all posts
Showing posts with label U.S. MARINES. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

U.S. MARINES AND U.K. SERVICE MEMBERS LEAVE HELMAND BASES IN HANDS OF AFGHAN FORCES

FROM:  U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT

Left:  Marines and sailors with Marine Expeditionary Brigade Afghanistan load onto a KC-130 aircraft at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan’s Helmand province, Oct. 27, 2014. The Marine Corps ended its mission in Helmand province the day prior. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. John Jackson.  

Marines, Brits Turn Over Helmand Bases to Afghan Forces
By Marine Corps 1st Lt. Skye Martin
Regional Command Southwest

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan, Oct. 27, 2014 – U.S. Marines and service members from the United Kingdom left Regional Command Southwest in Afghanistan’s Helmand province today, turning their facilities over to the Afghan security forces.

The lift-off followed a ceremony held at the former command post of Marine Expeditionary Brigade Afghanistan at Camp Leatherneck, signifying the transfer of Camps Bastion and Leatherneck to the control of the Afghan National Army’s 215th Corps.

Regional Command Southwest is the first of the International Security Assistance Force commands to transfer authority to the Afghan national security forces as ISAF moves toward the Resolute Support mission that begins in 2015.
During the past year, Bosnia, Estonia, Denmark, Georgia, Jordan and Tonga ended their operations in Regional Command Southwest.
‘A very, very tough area’

Army Gen. John F. Campbell, ISAF commander, acknowledged that Helmand has been a “very, very tough area,” and he expressed confidence in the Afghan forces. “We feel very confident with the Afghan security forces as they continue to grow in their capacity and they continue to work better between the police and the army," he said.

Above:  U.S. Marine Corps and British Royal Air Force helicopters fly in formation after departing Camp Bastion in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, Oct. 27, 2014. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. John Jackson.

Army Lt. Gen. Joseph Anderson, commander of ISAF Joint Command, echoed that confidence. "We lift off confident in the Afghans’ ability to secure the region,” he said. “The mission has been complex, difficult and dangerous. Everyone has made tremendous sacrifices, but those sacrifices have not been in vain."

Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Daniel D. Yoo, commander of Marine Expeditionary Brigade Afghanistan, said today’s transfer is a sign of progress. “It's not about the coalition,” he said. “It is really about the Afghans and what they have achieved over the last 13 years. What they have done here is truly significant.”
The Marines, sailors and British service members flew to Kandahar Airfield after the ceremony and will return home in the coming weeks.

Saturday, September 27, 2014

RECENT DOD PHOTOS: MARINES PATROLLING IN AFGHANISTAN

FROM:  U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT 


U.S. Marines use optic sensors on vehicles to observe the surrounding area during a security patrol in Shorab in Afghanistan's Helmand province, Sept. 20, 2014. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. John A. Martinez Jr.


U.S. Marines patrol in a tactical column in Shorab in Afghanistan's Helmand province, Sept. 20, 2014. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. John A. Martinez Jr.


Thursday, July 17, 2014

RECENT U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTOS FROM AFGHANISTAN

FROM:  U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT 


U.S. Marines troubleshoot an AH-1W Cobra helicopter before a mission on Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, July 3, 2014. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Frances Johnson.


U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Kenneth Morris scans the area for any suspicious activity on the ground during a mission over Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 3, 2014. Morris, a crew chief, is assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 467. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Frances Johnson.

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

U.S. MARINES PROVIDE SECURITY IN HELMAND PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

FROM:  U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT 



U.S. Marines provide security during an operation in Helmand province, Afghanistan, June 28, 2014. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. John A. Martinez Jr.




U.S. Marine Corps Pvt. 1st Class Michael Fabregat scans his sector while providing security during an operation in Helmand province, Afghanistan, June 28, 2014. Fabregat, a rifleman, is assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. John A. Martinez Jr.




U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Lucas A. Bankson observes his surroundings during an operation in Helmand province, Afghanistan, June 28, 2014. Bankson, a squad leader, is assigned to 2nd Platoon, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. John A. Martinez Jr.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

MARINES PATROL IN AFGHANISTAN

FROM:  U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT 



U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters take off after transporting U.S. Marines during a mission in Helmand province, Afghanistan, June 6, 2014. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Joseph Scanlan.




U.S. Marines conduct a security patrol during a mission in Helmand province, Afghanistan, June 6, 2014. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Joseph Scanlan.


Tuesday, April 15, 2014

U.S. MARINES LEAVE FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELARAM II FOR THE LAST TIME

FROM:  U.S. DEFENCE DEPARTMENT 


U.S. Marines stand by their vehicles to depart Forward Operating Base Delaram II in Nimroz province, Afghanistan, for the last time as they head back to Camp Bastion in Helmand province, April 8, 2014. U.S. Marines. 


U.S. Marines prepare and ready their vehicles to depart Forward Operating Base Delaram II in Nimroz province, Afghanistan, as they head back to Camp Bastion in Helmand province, April 8, 2014. U.S. Marines Corps photo by Sgt. Frances Johnson.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

RECENT U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT PHOTOS




FROM:  U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT 

A U.S. Marine throws a training grenade during a live-fire exercise at Arta Range, Djibouti, Feb. 18, 2014. The Marine is assigned to 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Battalion Landing Team, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment. The unit is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Staci Miller.




A grenade explodes near its targets after being thrown by a U.S. Marine during a live-fire exercise at Arta Range, Djibouti, Feb. 18, 2014. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Staci Miller.


Tuesday, December 3, 2013

RECENT U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT PHOTOS FROM AFGHANISTAN




FROM:  U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT 
An illumination flare lights up a mountain near Observation Post Athens in Afghanistan's Helmand province, Nov. 27, 2013. A squad of Marines assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment provided security from the outpost, where they had an unobstructed view of their surroundings. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul Peterson.



The bridge and bazaar in the village of Kajaki sit beneath a mountaintop guard post on Observation Post Athens in Afghanistan's Helmand province, Nov. 28, 2013. The outpost gives Marines, assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, a 365-degree view of the area around Kajaki. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul Peterson.

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

DOD TOUTS THE AFRICAN PARTNERSHIP STATION PROGRAM

U.S. Marine Corps Africa Partnership Station Security Cooperation Task Force personnel embark from the Royal Netherlands Navy landing platform dock HNLMS Rotterdam in Rota, Spain, Aug. 30, 2013. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Travis S. Alston 
FROM:  U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT 
Partnership Station Promotes Security, Capacity in West Africa
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 3, 2013 - More than 90 U.S. Marines set sail this weekend for a three-month mission along the West African coast – but for the first time in the Africa Partnership Station program, it was aboard a Dutch navy ship, alongside their counterparts from Holland, Spain and the United Kingdom.
The international task force departed Rota, Spain, early Aug. 31, aboard HNLMS Rotterdam, a Royal Netherlands Navy landing platform, reported U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Charles Watkins, security cooperation task force officer in charge for African Partnership Station 13.

Through the next three months, the crew will visit Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon and Benin, exercising security techniques and tactics with host-nation militaries, Watkins told American Forces Press Service during a telephone interview as the crew prepared to leave Rota.

The combined military engagements stem from Africa Partnership Station, one of U.S. Africa Command's most successful programs. The international security cooperation initiative, established in 2007, aims to strengthen global maritime partnerships through training and shared activities.

The goal is to improve maritime safety and security along the Gulf of Guinea, Watkins explained. By building capacity among African partner nations, the mission increases their ability to strengthen their borders, control their territorial waters and crack down on illicit trafficking and other destabilizing activity.

Africa Partnership Station 13 includes a new dimension. Rotterdam, home ported in Den Helder, Netherlands, is supporting the mission under a companion capacity-building program called "African Winds." The ship's sailors will work with African partners to build capabilities in maritime activities such as visit, board, search and seizure; maritime operations center planning and execution; and small boat operations.

Meanwhile, the security cooperation task force will work with African ground forces to conduct amphibious landings and exchange best practices in jungle warfare, hand-to-hand combat, humanitarian assistance and noncombatant evacuations.

The 2nd Marine Division's 2nd Assault Amphibious Battalion from Camp Lejeune, N.C., is contributing the ground forces. The Marine Corps Reserve's Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773, headquartered at Warner Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is providing two UH-1N Huey helicopters and crews for the mission.

Watkins called the opportunity to help build capacity among African partners while working hand-in-hand with other NATO forces "a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" for the participants.
Some have never deployed before, and Watkins said he personally was looking forward to his first deployment in a noncombat role.

"The main, driving force is relationship building," he said. "We want to build relationships, not only among the NATO forces, but also among the African forces. So getting to work hand in hand with the Dutch, the Spanish and the Royal Marines is a huge thing."

Africa Partnership Station 13 provides a forum to increase interoperability as participants work through the challenges of different languages, equipment and standard operating procedures, he said.

For example, as a pilot, Watkins described the challenges of landing a U.S. helicopter aboard a Dutch ship. The crews practiced the procedures they and their Dutch hosts had worked through during a planning conference in Amsterdam before departing Rota, he reported.

For participants aboard Rotterdam as well as in Africa, the mission "is an opportunity for all the Marines to work side by side, working on [standard operating procedures], sharing with our partners and learning from each other and learning how we can work better together," Watkins said.

That understanding, he said, strengthens their ability to mutually respond to a future crisis, if required.

U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa welcomed the Rotterdam's contributions as an extension of Africa Partnership Station's international collaboration.

"We are thankful for the U.S.-Dutch partnership, as well as the involvement of the U.K. and Spanish Marines, and our African partners as we collaboratively seek to enhance the security environment in Africa," said Navy Capt. John B. Nowell Jr., deputy chief of staff for strategy, resources and plans. "African navies have made great strides to increase their maritime capabilities, and this iteration of APS sets the stage to further sharpen those skills."

Other participants shared Nowell's enthusiasm about the mission.

"The Royal Netherlands Navy recognizes the U.S. Africa Command APS program as the most effective way of gradually improving the West African maritime security environment," said Dutch Marine Corps Col. Frederik R. Swart, commander of Netherland Landing Forces participating in the mission. "Also, working with an international marine task force enhances interoperability among all coalition forces involved."

This year is the second time the Dutch Navy has contributed a major naval asset to Africa Partnership Station. HNLM Johan De Witt, a landing platform dock ship, participated in 2009.

"The U.K. sees this engagement as an excellent opportunity to contribute to the security of the West African maritime environment and to conduct some valuable cross training with African partners and members of the combined security cooperation task force," agreed Royal Marines Maj. Anthony Liva, officer in charge of the Royal Marines' Whisky Company of the 45 Commando aboard Rotterdam.

"Training will be progressive and focused," Liva said. "I have no doubt that every nation involved in this initiative will benefit immensely."

Friday, August 2, 2013

RECENT U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT PHOTOS FROM AFGHANISTAN





FROM:  U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT 

U.S. Marine Corps Cpls. Michael Emerson, left, scans the surrounding area for threats as Andrew Crisp, right, relays information to his leadership team during Operation Grizzly in Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 18, 2013. Emerson and Crisp are assigned to Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alejandro Pena.




A U.S. Marine scans the surrounding area for threats during Operation Grizzly in Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 18, 2013. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alejandro Pena.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

THE FIRST LADY WORKS WITH MARINE CORPS AT TOYS FOR TOTS EVENT


First Lady Michelle Obama is escorted by Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Joel Vazquez as she arrives with a sack full of toys at the Toys for Tots Distribution Center at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C., Dec. 11, 2012. The Marine Corps is ramping up efforts nationwide in support of its Toys for Tots campaign. Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson

 
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
First Lady Assists Marines at Toys for Tots Event
By Paul Bello
Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Public Affairs

JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLINGWashington, D.C., Dec. 12, 2012 - First Lady Michelle Obama arrived here yesterday carrying a big red bag filled with presents -- courtesy of White House staff members.

The gesture comes as the Marine Corps ramps up efforts nationwide in support of its Toys for Tots campaign.

As she has for the past four years, Obama joined several Marines inside JBAB's Naval Marine Corps Reserve Center where they listened to Christmas music, shared some laughs and volunteered to sort toys and clothes into boxes for those less fortunate. The gifts will be handed out to underprivileged children living in the Washington, D.C., area.

"Toys for Tots started with a military family. A Marine reservist and his wife decided to make the holiday a little better for children in need," Obama told those gathered for the occasion. "Since then, Americans and military families like all of you have spent countless hours bringing gifts and holiday cheer to children all across this country. This is just one example of how military families go that extra mile to serve our communities. I'm proud to be here with all of you today."

Obama and Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, launched the "Joining Forces" program when they arrived in Washington as a way to honor, recognize and support veterans and military families everywhere. Obama said the program's goal from the start has been to serve the military as well as they've served the nation.

Recently, Obama invited military families to be the first to view the official White House Christmas tree, which is trimmed with ornaments decorated by children living on U.S. military bases around the world. Additionally, guests to the White House are participating in Operation Honor Cards where people send notes of thanks to service members representing all branches of the military.

Pete Osman, president and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and a retired Marine Corps lieutenant general, thanked everyone in the community for their generosity, particularly in a difficult economy and those who are still reeling from the effects of Hurricane Sandy.

He also thanked Obama, who he said has been the campaign's biggest supporter over the years. According to Osman, she has always kept her word on coming back to volunteer.

"The first lady literally rolls up her sleeves and helps us sort toys. I'm convinced the success of the Toys for Tots program is a result of the help we've gotten from her," Osman said. "When Michelle Obama leads, the American people follow. And they've certainly followed her on this one."

Osman said there are more than 700 local Toys for Tots campaigns nationwide this year. Toys will continue to be collected right up to the holidays and anyone can volunteer to help out, he said.

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Thursday, December 6, 2012

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTO




FROM: U.S. NAVY, U.S. MARINES
121203-N-AA791-043 WASHINGTON (Dec. 3, 2012) Marine GySgt. S. Micah Bachtold, assigned to the Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, guides a forklift as pallets of toys are loaded aboard Fat Alber, the team's C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. The Blue Angels crew is supporting the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program by transporting pallets of toys from Washington to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in Wrightstown, N.J., bringing the joy of Christmas to numerous children who were affected by Superstorm Sandy. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Russ Tafuri/Released)

 

Sunday, December 2, 2012

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS




FROM: U.S. NAVY
121120-N-ZZ999-006 VENTURA, Calif. (Nov. 20, 2012) An E-2C Hawkeye aircraft assigned to the Wallbangers of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117 fly over the Pacific Ocean near Ventura, Calif. VAW-117 is a command and control and airborne early Warning Squadron dedicated to deliver time critical situational awareness to warfare commanders and coalition partners. (U.S. Navy photo by Command Master Chief Spike Call/Released)




121123-M-VZ265-062 CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait (Nov. 23, 2012) Marines assigned to Sniper Platoon, Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (15th MEU), practice Military Operations on Urban Terrain. The 15th MEU is deployed with the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group as a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force, providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Timothy R. Childers/Released)

 

Sunday, November 25, 2012

MARINES CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING WHILE IN AFGHANISTAN

 
Marines with 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7 enjoy a Thanksgiving Day meal featuring turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing and pumpkin pie in the dining facility at Forward Operating Base Geronimo, Afghanistan, Nov. 22, 2012. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Timothy Lenzo
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Face of Defense: Marines Enjoy Thanksgiving Feast, Camaraderie
By Marine Corps Cpl. Timothy Lenzo
Regional Command Southwest

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Afghanistan, Nov. 23, 2012 - Marines with 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7 were in the holiday spirit this Thanksgiving.

Thousands of miles from their loved ones, the Marines traded gathering with their friends and families for spending time with their brothers and sisters in arms.

"It's hard for Marines to be away from home this time of year," said Sgt. Corey Branner, logistics and supply chief with the battalion.

For Thanksgiving, the dining facility at Forward Operating Base Geronimo served a special menu for the Marines. They ate turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing and pumpkin pie. All their holiday favorites were available. It was a welcome boost of morale at a time when many Marines miss their families the most.

"It's nice having a Thanksgiving Day meal rather than a [Meal, Ready-to-Eat]," said Branner, who hails from Chicago. "It helps the mindset of being away from home. A lot of these guys make groups of close friends in the Marine Corps, and today we are able to talk about more than Afghanistan, FOB Geronimo and work."

Marines often refer to one another as brothers and sisters, and for deployed Marines during the holidays, that saying holds true.

"They realize we are also their family," said Cpl. Justin Burns, warehouse noncommissioned officer with the battalion. "They turn to their brother to the left and right of them and say, 'You are my family, let's go eat dinner.'"

With the familiar Thanksgiving Day smells of turkey and gravy wafting through the air, the Marines joked and shared stories. With the television playing sports in the background, it gave some Marines a familiar aura while deployed to another country.

"I believe being away from their family for the holidays gives the Marines something to bond over," said Cpl. James Smoak, warehouse chief with the battalion. "No one wants to be away from their family, but I look forward to the camaraderie and spending time with my fellow Marines."

This is Smoak's fourth deployment and each deployment was during the holiday season. He is accustomed to not being home for Thanksgiving and said his family supports him.

"My family understands this is my job," said Smoak, from Icard, N.C. "This is what I do, and this is the profession that I chose."

Unlike Smoak, many of the Marines are on their first deployment to Afghanistan, and first away from their families and friends.

"We have a young battalion and some good senior leadership," Branner said. "I think the first time being away from home will be a humbling experience for them."

The new Marines had a welcome surprise when they arrived at the mess hall. The decorations and Thanksgiving Day menu helped boost morale.

"I don't think a lot of guys expected the mess hall to be decorated," said Burns, who hails from Fort Worth, Texas. "They had banners, cutouts and Happy Thanksgiving signs everywhere. It was really set up nice. They did a really great job for us."

The meal meant more to the new Marines than a different menu. In a country where holidays are still workdays, the pumpkin pie, turkey and camaraderie helped bring the Marines with 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, closer together as a family.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

U.S. NAVY HARD AT WORK AFTER HURRICANE SANDY



FROM: U.S. NAVY

U.S. Navy Seabees works to repair pier facilities in Hobobken, N.J. The U.S. Navy has positioned forces in the area to assist U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) in support of FEMA and local civil authorities following the destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bryan Nygaard (Released) 121103-M-BS001-259

 


Chief Hull Maintenance Technician Micheal Binley from Scandinavia, Wis., assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), cuts through a damaged ferry slip brace using an oxyacetylene torch, at Hoboken Transit Terminal, N.J. Wasp, USS San Antonio (LPD 17) and USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) are positioned in New York City harbor to provide relief support to areas affected by Hurricane Sandy. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Stenberg (Released) 121103-N-KA456-220

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

TRAINING AFGHAN TRAINERS

Marine Corps Cpl. John Anthony Cleaver trains Afghan soldiers while serving at an austere forward operating base in Afghanistan. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. James Mercure

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Face of Defense: Marine Trains Afghan Soldiers to Train Others

By Marine Corps Sgt. James Mercure
Regional Command Southwest

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SABIT QADAM, Afghanistan, Oct. 29, 2012 - Decisions at the age of 3 usually consist of which color crayon to use. For one Marine, it was a point where he made the biggest decision of his life.

Cpl. John Anthony Cleaver said becoming a Marine was something he's wanted to do since he started to talk, walk and wear his uncle's Marine "boonie cover," a floppy hat used in sunny climates.

Seventeen years later, Cleaver works directly with his Afghan National Army counterparts as an advisor, teaching them everything from patrolling tactics to how to guard their base in one of Afghanistan's most dangerous areas.

"We spend a lot of time with the ANA," Cleaver said. "We train the trainers, so to speak. We show their leadership how to do things the right way, so when they go back to their units, they can teach their soldiers."

Cleaver said he was brought up in South Philadelphia with a love for the Marine Corps and a love of hockey.

"For three years, I worked as an assistant for the Philadelphia Phantoms, which used to be the minor league team for the Philadelphia Flyers," he said. "I would get the players anything they needed during games, and sometimes I would go on the road with them. Philadelphia has some of the craziest fans in the world, and definitely I'm one of them."

Cleaver has put that intensity toward his job as a Marine, both as an advisor to the Afghan army and in his primary job as motor transport operator. Most operators just arriving to the operational forces would have little responsibility until they learned the ropes of how to do their job. But five months after arriving to the operational forces, Cleaver was meritoriously promoted to corporal.

"When I was promoted, I was put in charge of the [onboard vehicle equipment] for all of our Humvees," the 2010 Ridley High School graduate explained. "A few months later, I became the one of the line noncommissioned officers in charge and took care of more than 60 vehicles, 11 Marines and made sure all my guys were where they needed to be if a mission came up. It was a couple months when the order came down and they asked if I wanted to deploy on an [individual augment] billet. I couldn't have been happier that they picked me."

Cleaver said deploying and training soldiers with the Afghan army has been a positive experience that he hopes will leave a lasting legacy in Afghanistan.

"It's interesting living in a different culture," he said. "The soldiers take their training from us and make an 'Afghan solution' to keep their people safe and let them have security. They know we're not going to be here forever, so they listen and learn when we teach them. That transfers over to the safety of their people, and I'm glad I'm a part of that process."

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

MARINE EOD TECHNICIAN ATTRIBUTES REASON FOR SUCCESS

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Christopher P. Lukas stands before his two great passions of motorcycles and the explosive ordnance disposal insignia for his unit at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 10, 2012. He credits the mentorship of his leaders in the EOD field for his success. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Paul Peterson


Face of Defense: Marine Credits Success to Mentorship
By Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Paul Peterson
2nd Marine Logistics Group

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C., Aug. 14, 2012 - He plays a cat-and-mouse game with explosives for a living, but accepting credit for his achievements makes him shift uneasily in his seat.
 
Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Christopher P. Lukas, an explosive ordnance disposal team leader with 2nd EOD Company, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, swept the field to receive the Marine Corps Engineer Association's 2012 EOD Technician of the Year award. It is for "the most outstanding contribution as an EOD Marine," but Lukas isn't sure it is solely his to accept.
 
For him, working with explosives is a family affair.
 
"We end up closer than brothers because of the way we have to operate in our career field," said Lukas, who spent his youth traveling as part of a military family. "You basically know what the other individual thinks."
 
He credits his achievements to the mentorship of fellow Marines such as Chief Warrant Officer 2 Christopher West and Gunnery Sgts. Jonathan Key and William Isele. The names, Lukas said, are more than just past mentors -- they reflect how he thinks and who he is as a team leader today.
 
Their example taught him to step forward while others are backing away, Lukas explained. Leadership at all levels showed him how to think like his opponents and approach each situation with a plan. His leaders, he added, gave him the ability to adapt when the situation changed.
 
"We rely on each other so much that I think their names need to be on [the award]," said Lukas, struggling to explain why his name came out on top. "I'm not going to sit here and say I deserve something or not. I started out as Gunnery Sergeant Key's team member for the last deployment, and all I did was what he trained me to do."
 
His modest tone hid the fact that Lukas found a calling in the EOD field, which he joined after nearly eight years calibrating and repairing aviation equipment. The lessons of Key, West, Isele and many others found an open mind in Lukas, who claims a desire to learn as one of his greatest strengths.
 
"At the end of the day, I learned everything I know from those guys," said Lukas, who found himself a team leader halfway through his last deployment. "The tables have somewhat turned. We're sitting here, and I'm training some new guys. I continually find myself saying, 'I learned this from that guy, or I learned that from this guy.'"
 
All that information came to a crossroads when he took on the role of team leader in Afghanistan, where strategy and the safety of his team members became his top priority. Lukas worked in an area rife with improvised explosive devices. He said he couldn't turn away when the call to lead came.
 
"You live with them every day, and get to know their personalities," said Lukas as he recalled the brotherhood and tragedies that thrust him into a leadership role. "Some of the best moments were just sitting and talking with those guys. Obviously, the worst were whenever someone got hurt."
 
Lukas' leadership responsibilities weighed heavily upon him. He took Key's example to heart as he led Marines through the IED threats of Afghanistan, where Lukas found himself tempted to take on each hazard his team faced.
 
"Everybody looks at somebody else and thinks, 'I could never do that,'" he said. "It basically boils down to your training and the people who are going to teach you what you need to know."
 
Every name has a place on that award, Lukas said, adding that he could not do his job without the support of his EOD family in the field, just as he could not do it without the support of his wife and children at home. Each, he said, helped to shape and protect the Marine who received the award.

Monday, August 13, 2012

PHOTOS FROM AFGHANISTAN 2001





FROM: U.S. NAVY
011230-N-2383B-516 KANDAHAR (December 30, 2001) -- Moon sets over a U.S. Marine light armored vehicle (LAV) at a forward operating base in Kandahar, Afghanistan. U.S. Sailors and Marines are in Afghanistan operating in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer's Mate Johnny Bivera, Fleet Combat Camera Atlantic (RELEASEDA
 




011125-M-4912C-006 Afghanistan (Nov. 25, 2001) -- U.S. Marines with "C" Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Special Operations Capable (MEU, SOC) raise the first American flag in Afghanistan after the seizure of a forward operating base as "Operation Swift Freedom" begins. U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sergeant Joseph R. Chenelly. (RELEASED)





011202-N-6520M-018 Camp Rhino, Afghanistan (Dec. 2, 2001) -- A bullet-riddled tower stands guard over the desert landing strip code named "Rhino" Rhino is a forward base of operations strategically located inside Afghanistan. U.S. Navy Photo By Photographer’s Mate 1st Class Greg Messier. (RELEASED) B




011225-N-2383B-507 Kandahar, Afghanistan (December 25, 2001) -- As Christmas Day moves on at a forward operating base in Kandahar, Afghanistan, U.S. Marines of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) move out to the front lines to defend and maintain security throughout the perimeter. U.S. Marines are in Afghanistan operating in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer's Mate Johnny Bivera (RELEASED)D

 

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