iii marine expeditionary force and marine corps bases japan

march 25, 2011 www.okinawa.usmc.mil

in t

his

issu

e SPEARHEADING AID TO VICTIMS Junior Marine leads effort to offer

assistance to victims on mainland Japan in the form of a canned food drive.

PG. 10

Lance Cpl. Michael Iamsokinawa marine staff

CAMP MUJUK, POHANG, Repub-lic of Korea — Exercise Key Resolve 2011 ended March 10, and 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, assets used for the exercise are being sent to mainland Japan to support humani-tarian assistance and disaster relief efforts there.

According to Sgt. Kevin Medina, a system administrator with Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 18, Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st MAW, Key Resolve was an excellent way to train with the Air Force and use database exchanges between the services.

“The coordination between the system administrator, the interface control officer and the Hardened Tactical Air Control Center kept the commanding general’s satellite picture up and operational at all times,” said Gunnery Sgt. Columbus Wilson, an interface control officer with MTACS-18.

The data links between the Ma-rine Tactical Air Communication Center and the Air Force HTACC worked with no connection prob-lems throughout the exercise, ac-cording to Staff Sgt. Michael Selden, a crew chief with MTACS-18,

Due to current relief efforts in Japan, 1st MAW communication as-sets that would have been deployed back to Okinawa are being sent to mainland Japan instead.

“We are sending a Lamda an-tenna, a Lightweight Multiband Satellite Terminal and a Support

Key Resolve assets for support of Operation Tomodachi

see ENDEX pg 5

Cpl. Brandon L. Saunders and Lance Cpl. Mark W. Stroudokinawa marine staff

ASTUGI, Japan — Humanitarian Assistance Survey Teams, III Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), are in Japan to assist in planning humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations following the March 11 9.0 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami.

Marines and sailors from units across III Marine Expeditionary Force and as well as SeaBees with Navy Mobile Construction Battalion 133, 22nd Naval Construc-tion Regiment, First Naval Construction Division, Naval

Construction Force, came together to form the HASTs. “It’s what we are here for as SeaBees,” said Chief

Petty Officer Joshua Kolenda, builder, NMCB 133. “This is our job.”

The HASTs are comprised of Marine and sailor sub-ject matter experts in civil affairs, engineering, logistics, communications, motor transport and field medicine.

Marines and sailors combine complementary skill sets to accomplish the HAST mission, according to Petty Officer 1st Class Mathew Culberson, builder, NMCB 133.

HAST members evaluate the damage done in an area then provide commanders the information they need to

HASTs mission determines need

see HAST pg 5

Gunnery Sgt. Cindy Fisherokinawa marine staff

OKINAWA, Japan — III Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Bases Japan are continuing to actively provide support to Opera-tion Tomodachi on mainland Japan.

More than 1,000 III Marine

Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Bases Japan Marines and sailors are deployed to mainland Japan supporting Government of Japan-led humanitarian assistance/disaster relief efforts following the 9.0 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck northern Japan March 11.

By March 24, III MEF had flown more than 450 helicopter and air-craft missions providing assistance in survivor recovery, personnel transport and relief supplies distri-bution. More than 129,000 pounds of water and 4,200 pounds of food have been distributed, according

Operation Tomodachi continuesIII MEF, MCBJ supporting relief efforts

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force service members and III Marine Expeditionary Force Marines team up to offload about 25,000 bottles of water from a the back of a CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter during Operation Tomodachi March 20. Operation Tomodachi is a humanitarian assistance operation supporting Japanese relief efforts to minimize human suffering. Photo by Lance Cpl. Ethan Johnson

see TOMODACHI pg 5

NMCRS The Navy-Marine Corps Relief

Society kicks of its 2011 Active Duty Fund Drive.

PG. 4

The thoughts and prayers of Oki-nawa’s U.S. military community go out to those who have been

affected by the events in northeastern Honshu and the events at the nuclear power plant at Fukushima. We do understand that there will naturally be interest and questions about health impacts associated with these events throughout Japan, even extending here to Okinawa.

U.S. military public health officials on Okinawa are continuously review-ing the health assessments that have been made by the Government of Japan, the U.S. Department of State, and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. As Ambassador John Roos stated in his recent message, American nuclear experts have been and will continue to analyze the environmental levels out-side of the evacuation area obtained by very sensitive Japanese and American detection instruments. These assess-ments have revealed no association between the events at Fukushima and the environment on Okinawa.

U.S. military public health officials on Okinawa are monitoring Okinawa’s environmental quality as the events at Fukushima unfold and in concert with the U.S. Consulate in Naha will provide immediate health assessment informa-tion to the U.S. military community on Okinawa so that you can make intelli-gent decisions for your families’ health

and yourself. As many of

you know, eligi-ble family mem-bers stationed on Honshu have been advised that they may leave at govern-ment expense as part of a Department of State-approved, Department of Defense-implemented voluntary authorized departure. As the U.S. Embassy has stated, this measure was taken out of an abundance of cau-tion, and in order to enable U.S. gov-ernment officials and the uniformed military to concentrate on the tasks at hand. Government-funded voluntary departure is not authorized for families stationed in Okinawa nor at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni.

Be assured, the health and safety of you and your family is always your leadership’s top priority.

The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo has re-leased an update for American citizens in Japan, which has been posted on the Marine Corps Bases Japan website: http://www.marines.mil/unit/mcbjapan. You can also register to receive e-mailed updates from the U.S. Embassy regard-ing the safety of Americans in Japan by visiting http://travel.state.gov.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

okinawa marine newspaperH&S Battalion MCB PAO

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Central BureauCamp Foster

DSN 645-9335

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Commanding generalMaj. Gen. Peter J. Talleri

puBliC affairs direCtor Lt. Col. David M. Griesmer

press offiCer 1st Lt. John D. Norton

press Chief Gunnery Sgt. Cindy Fisher

design editor Audra A. Satterlee

AroundCorpst

he

Cpl. Joel Bruce, a fire support man with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, I MEF, assembles an RQ-11A Raven unmanned aerial vehicle during training at Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 16. The purpose of the training is to familiarize Marines with the UAV and its components. Photo by Cpl. Salvador R. Moreno

A Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s AV-8B Harrier jump jet returns to USS Kearsarge for fuel and ammunition resupply while conducting air strikes in support of Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn, March 20. Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn is the U.S. Africa Command task force established to provide operational and tactical command and control of U.S. military forces supporting the international response to the unrest in Libya and enforcement of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973. Photo by Lance Cpl. Michael S. Lockett

Okinawa Marine is now online• www.marines.mil/unit/mcbjapan • www.facebook.com/iiimef.mcbj

• www.flickr.com/3mefpao • www.youtube.com/3mefcpao Col. Adele Hodges, right, former commanding officer of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, speaks with attendants of the Women’s History Program at the Paradise Point Officers’ Club, MCB Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 11. Hodges was the guest speaker for the event, expounding on her experiences as a female Marine. Photo by Lance Cpl. Jonathan Wright

HQMC DivPA Best Tabloid Format Newspaper, 2010

“Be assured, the health and safety of you and your family is always

your leadership’s top priority.”

2 okinawa marine | OPINION & EDITORIAL | March 25, 2011

MCB commanding general offers message of comfort

Maj. Gen. Peter J. Talleri is commanding general of Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler. Photo by

Lance Cpl. Matheus Hernandez

3okinawa marine | NEWS | March 25, 2011

Cpl. Justin R. Wheelerokinawa marine staff

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA — The 2011 Commandant’s Aviation Trophy, part of the 2011 Marine Corps Aviation Awards, was awarded to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, for outstanding performance of a Marine aviation squadron.

“This award for sustained performance is a testament to the hard work and commitment by all the Marines in VMGR-152 who quietly work nights, weekends and long hours to keep these airplanes flying and the squadron functioning 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said Lt. Col. John M. Peck, VMGR-152’s commanding officer.

The squadron, known as the “Sumos,” provided support to combat operations in Afghanistan while surpassing 270,000 mishap-free flight hours. The squadron also flew missions in the Republic of Korea, Republic of the Philippines, Republic of Singapore, Kingdom of Thailand and Kingdom of Cambodia throughout the year.

Currently, VMGR-152 is actively supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief op-erations in mainland Japan as part of Operation Tomodachi.

“VMGR-152 is unique in that we don’t support individual detachments or exercises one at a time,” said Peck. “We support every (III) MEF exercise concurrently, maintaining a two-plane detach-ment in support of (Operation Enduring Free-dom) and routinely execute short notice support requests from units requiring logistics or training

support. That’s about ten aircraft deployed around the globe at any given time.”

The Commandant’s Aviation Award was estab-lished in 1969, and VMGR-152 has received the award twice before – in 1992 and again in 1993. The award was established to recognize the best overall performance and accomplishment of all assigned tasks by an active or reserve Marine squadron.

“What is especially satisfying is the fact that not only have our Marines excelled in their mission to support III MEF but have also won an unprec-edented amount of meritorious promotion boards, Wing- and Group-level Marine of the Quarter and Year awards and the USO Okinawa Service Mem-ber of the Year Award,” said Peck.

Award recipients will be recognized during the 40th annual MCAA Symposium and Awards Din-ner scheduled for May 19-21 in San Diego.

Sgt. Rebekka S. Heiteokinawa marine staff

CAMP HANSEN — A 9.0 magnitude earthquake, with an epicenter located 231 miles northeast of Tokyo, and subsequent tsunami has resulted in at least 9,199 deaths, 13,786 missing people and 2,722 injured people on mainland Japan as of March 22, according to the National Police Agency of Japan.

These natural disasters have damaged or destroyed nearly 37,700 buildings, 580 roads, 30 bridges and sev-en railways throughout the country, according to the United States Agency for International Development.

“USAID is coordinating the overall U.S. government efforts in support of the Japa-nese government’s response to the earthquakes and subse-quent tsunami that hit March 11 and are currently direct-ing individuals to www.usaid.gov for information about response donations,” according to a release from the White House Press Sec-retary.

Personnel looking for ways to help people on mainland Japan have several options.

USAID is currently en-couraging “cash donations because they allow aid pro-fessionals to procure the exact items needed; reduce the burden on scarce re-sources such as transporta-tion routes, staff time and warehouse space; can be transferred very quickly and without transportation costs; support the economy of the disaster-stricken region; and

ensure culturally, dietary and environmentally appropriate assistance,” according to the Press Secretary’s release.

People are looking for ways to help those in the disaster-stricken region, but some organizations are not as honest as they appear, warns a Marine Corps Base Camp Butler official.

“(Computer users) should be on the lookout for unso-licited e-mails pertaining to the earthquake, nuclear reactors or tsunamis,” said Michael Miglionico, an in-formation assurance officer with Marine Corps Base Camp Butler. “A lot of scams come out when things like this happen.”

These scams often circu-late malicious software and scam people into donating funds to unscrupulous or-ganizations instead of to the charities or causes they had intended, he added.

On American military bases, there are a number of authorized organizations collecting donations for relief efforts on mainland Japan.

The Kadena Youth Center on Kadena Air Base started collecting blankets, coats, baby supplies and hygiene items for the people on main-land Japan March 14. By that evening, the center had received all donations its warehouse could hold. In the one day of collections, the Kadena Youth Center col-lected more than 300 boxes of items for earthquake and tsunami victims.

“The donations just ex-ploded,” said Geoff Rhine-hart, the Kadena Youth

Center director. “The com-munity’s outreach has just been amazing.”

Center personnel are cur-rently advising people to donate money through the American Red Cross offices located on Okinawa instead.

For the American Red Cross, “100 percent of all donations are going straight to the Japanese earthquake and tsunami relief,” said Kellie Premo, chairman of volunteers for Kadena’s American Red Cross office.

In addition to monetary donations, canned food contributions can be made at a drop box at the Camp Courtney commissary. Ma-rine volunteers with 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, are coordinating this canned food drive with support from the Courtney com-missary and Navy Marine

Corps Federal Credit Union branch offices.

All Navy Federal Credit Union branch offices began collecting clothes, hygiene items, blankets and cash donations on the morning of March 15. By that afternoon, NFCU had all the material items it could handle and is now accepting monetary donations only.

The Armed Services Blood Bank is also in need of blood donations.

“There is a large need for blood right now as the blood bank is not only collecting donations for the relief ef-forts, but also for the upcom-ing Balikatan exercise,” said Douglas Kennedy, ASBB recruiter. “Without the blood (that the ASBB collects), we can’t give the patients a sec-ond chance. Be a hero’s hero.”

Donations are accepted on a walk-in or appointment

basis or through the vari-ous blood drives around the island.

Those on Okinawa can donate to any earthquake/tsunami relief effort on island as individuals or as groups, but those donating as groups need to ensure they follow proper procedures.

It is against Department of Defense regulations to conduct fundraisers in fed-eral workplaces, other than in support of the Combined Federal Campaign, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Soci-ety and other organizations composed primarily of DOD employees.

Before starting a fund-raiser on Marine Corps bases, approval must be granted by the camp’s deputy com-mander, according to the Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler Inspector General’s Office.

SOFA personnel donate to relief efforts

Blankets, coats, food and other items fill the Camp Foster Navy Federal Credit Union branch office March 18. The NFCU team chose to store items here until they can be shipped to mainland Japan to help in the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts. Photo by Sgt. Rebekka S. Heite

VMGR-152 receives award for sustained performance

DEPLOYING MARINES EDUCATION INFO Deploying Marines enrolled in

voluntary education classes are advised to contact their schools and officially withdraw from classes prior to their departure or before classes begin. Students who fail to withdraw from a class may be liable for tuition assistance reimbursement.

Units with individuals enrolled in classes who have already deployed are urged to contact the Education Center for appropriate assistance.

For more information, call 645-3486.

US CONSULATE GENERAL NAhA The U.S. Consulate General Naha is

actively supporting the U.S. Embassy relief efforts for the earthquake and tsunami in northern Japan. The first priority of the American Citizen Services section is to provide emergency assistance to Americans affected by the disaster. Currently, the passport unit is closed for regular business. The passport unit is still open for emergency needs, including emergency passports. If you have emergency travel needs, call 098-876-4211 or e-mail nahaacs@state.gov. Regular appointments will become available once these services resume. Military service members may apply for passports at their military passport acceptance agent’s office.

The visa section is also only able to process emergency cases at this time. Check the website for availability of appointments as these become available in April.

Notarials are currently only being provided if required for other emergency consular services. The office is not providing assistance for federal benefits programs at this time.

Contact 098-876-4211 for any emergency services.

MMSB/MMPR VISITHeadquarters Marine Corps will be

sending representatives here from the Manpower Management Promotion Branch and Manpower Management Support Branch to conduct briefs to all officers, staff noncommissioned officers and sergeants regarding the centralized promotion process. These briefs are also intended for all supervisors who may write performance evaluations for of-ficers, staff noncommissioned officers and sergeants.

The briefs are scheduled as follows:April 18, 8 a.m. Camp Kinser TheaterApril 18, 1 p.m. Camp Kinser TheaterApril 19, 8 a.m. Camp Hansen TheaterApril 19, 1 p.m. Camp Courtney

TheaterIt is recommended personnel attend

the brief nearest their place of employ-ment, but attendance at the location most convenient to an individual’s personal schedule is authorized.

BRIEFS

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

4 okinawa marine | NEWS | March 25, 2011

1st Sgt. Christopher Garza, right, company first sergeant for Truck Company, Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, shakes the hand of Lt. Col. Nicholas Lourian, executive officer HQ Bn., after receiving the Bronze Star Medal with combat “V” during a ceremony at Camp Hansen March 18. Garza received the medal for his actions while serving in Afghanistan as the first sergeant for Embedded Training Team 2-8, Regional Corps Advisory Command – Central 3-7, 201st Corps, Afghan National Army. Photo by Lance Cpl. Anthony Ward Jr.

Marine earns bronze star

ErikssonWisniewski

Sgt. Maj. Paul J. Wisniewski became sergeant major of Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, relieving Sgt. Maj. Robert E. Eriksson during a post and relief ceremony on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma March 22. Winiewski joined MACG-18 from Marine Air Support Squadron 2, MACG-18. Eriksson is leaving Okinawa to become the Marine Corps Base Hawaii sergeant major.

MACG-18 welcomes new senior enlisted

Lance Cpl. Jovane M. Hollandokinawa marine staff

CAMP FOSTER — The 2011 Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Active Duty Fund Drive kicked off March 22 in support of the society’s overall mission.

The NMCRS is a worldwide nonprofit charitable organization designed to provide financial, educa-tional and other assistance to members of the U.S. na-val services, eligible family members and survivors.

“It’s important to contribute to this drive because our contributions allow the society to provide contin-ued support to our Marines and sailors in need. You never know when you’ll be faced with an emergency that requires an unexpected need for financial as-sistance,” said Lt. Col. Bryan Corcoran, deputy, Staff Judge Advocate, Marine Corps Bases Japan.

“Last year, on Okinawa alone, the NMCRS pro-vided $615, 398 in total assistance to 840 clients. The majority of these clients never expected they would need help.”

Specific support offered by the society includes Quick Assist Loans, education loans for active duty commission programs and financial development classes such as Budget for Baby and Financial Boot Camp.

Interest-free loans are also available to cover food, rent, emergency transportation, funeral expenses, medical bills and more.

The annual fund drive provides an opportunity for active duty Marines and sailors to give back to an organization that has improved the quality of life of active duty and retired sailors, Marines and their families for 107 years, said Corcoran.

During the drive, Marines and sailors will be contacted by unit representatives who will provide them with donation forms and brochures describing the benefits of the NMCRS, said Francesca Fender, a relief service assistant with NMCRS. Service mem-bers can give tax-deductible donations by authoriz-ing allotments from their pay for up to 12 months or providing one-time contributions with cash or check.

Contributors can rest assured their donations will go directly to those needing assistance, said Corcoran.

“We want to make it clear 100 percent of the money donated during this fund drive will go right back into the loan program,” said Corcoran. “During 22 years of service, I’ve witnessed the NMCRS step in on multiple occasions to assist my Marines during difficult times. It is an extremely beneficial program.”

The drive is scheduled to continue until May 14.

NMCRS kicks off Active Duty Fund Drive ‘11

5okinawa marine | NEWS | March 25, 2011

Wide Area Network to help aid the disaster relief in Japan,” said Lance Cpl. Annalynn Delvalle, an embarkation specialist with Marine Wing Communication Squadron 18, MACG-18.

In all, Marines from MWCS-18 sent five

pallets of communication gear to Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan.

“The gear is being sent to Atsugi to support the Air Combat Element Command Operation-al Center and Sendai to support the Forward Air Refuel Point,” said 1st Lt. Mike Parrott, a detachment executive officer with MWCS-18.

The FARP was established by 1st MAW Marines at Sendai’s Yamagata Airport to increase military airlift capabilities.

According to Delval le, the squadron loaded about 25,000 pounds of gear to help support III MEF Marines already deployed to aid Japan.

A tactical forklift hauls pallets of communication gear used during Exercise Key Resolve in the Republic of Korea March 15. The gear was flown to mainland Japan to help with the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts there. Photo by Lance Cpl. Michael Iams

ENDEX from pg 1

analyze what missions need to be done and what people and equipment are needed to accomplish the missions, said Kolenda.

Structural damage assessments will be accom-plished through cooperation between Marine civil and structural engineers along with construction input from the Seabees, said Kolenda.

“The civil affairs role on a team like this is to con-duct … assessments of any type of natural disaster or crisis,” said Staff Sgt. Kevin L. Tisdale, civil affairs chief for the HAST. “We provide the information to the commander in the rear so he can determine how much support is needed.”

“We work to understand the resources we have within III MEF and to match requirements to capa-bilities,” said Master Sgt. Alexis Gil, HAST staff non-commissioned officer-in-charge, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III MEF.

The HAST will also benefit from working closely with Japanese subject-matter experts from the Japan Self-Defense Forces, government and/or private sector, while pursuing the mission, according to Culberson.

“(The Japanese) have earthquakes here often, so their engineers are used to that challenge,” said Kolenda. “We are not here to give them advice on their engineering; they are very capable of that them-selves. We are here to see what they want us to do to help them and see what we are capable of doing.

“We all work hand-in-hand,” added Kolenda. The HAST’s initial priority will be on completing

assessments of public works and utilities critical to sustaining a large population. The secondary prior-ity is assessing personal residences and commercial business, according to Culberson.

Once HAST members determine the extent of damage, U.S. Forces Japan, U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development along with Japanese authorities are able to form a coordinated response tailored to the needs of the affected areas, according to Kolenda.

HAST from pg 1

Marines attached to Humanitarian Assistance Survey Teams, III Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), prepare to travel to Sendai as part of the disaster relief effort in Japan March 14. Photo by Cpl. Brandon L. Saunders

to the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo. Beginning March 12, Ma-

rine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF, personnel were boarding KC-130J cargo aircraft bound for mainland and Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265, MAG-36, pilots were flying CH-46E transport he-licopters to Naval Air Facility Atsugi to provide assistance in surrounding areas.

“We consider Japan our home away from home, and the survivors (of the natural disaster) are in our prayers,” said Lt. Col. Damien M. Marsh, commanding officer of HMM-265, also known as the “Dragons.”

“We have made dozens of deliveries into small (landing zones) located near the surviv-al shelters,” said Marsh. “The Dragons are honored that we are able to help. Our training has prepared us well for this mission.”

Since deploying to main-land Japan, the Marines of HMM-265 have flown 164 support sorties carrying 130 passengers and transporting 94,230 pounds of cargo, ac-cording to Marsh.

Marsh said he has been im-pressed with the compassion disaster survivors have shown for each other.

“A credit to the survivors is their compassion for oth-ers. On several landings, they refused excess supplies and asked us to fly them to other shelters that need them more,” Marsh said.

“The Marines and sailors of HMM-265 have been deeply touched be the actions of sur-vivors. Everybody wants to help,” he said adding when the squadron makes deliveries, it’s often the survivors who line up to help the air crews unload supplies quickly.

III MEF has also deployed other assets in support of Op-eration Tomodachi.

The first III MEF Human-itarian Assistance Survey Teams were deployed to main-land Japan March 12 with ad-ditional teams sent March 13. These teams assess damage in affected areas and provide this information to command-ers for more efficient disaster relief planning. In all, four HASTs were deployed.

By March 13, I I I MEF (Forward) had established a command element on main-land Japan responsible for coordinating Marine Corps relief efforts with the larger support effort conducted by U.S. Forces Japan which also includes coordination by the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Agency for International De-velopment and the U.S. Pacific command, all working closely with Japanese authorities.

A Forward Air Refuel-ing Point, transported from Okinawa on the WestPac Express High Speed Vessel, was established March 16 at Yamagata Airfield. A FARP is a temporary refueling facility that facilitates the continu-ous operation of aircraft. The FARP at Yamagata will allow aircraft to refuel there when delivering needed supplies in the tsunami-ravaged Sendai region, greatly increasing the III MEF’s abilities to provide support to this region.

Marines stationed at the Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, convoyed from the camp to Yamagata Airport March 17-18, escorted by Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members, to join III MEF (Fwd) and establish a Hu-manitarian Assistance Center. Convoy assets included six 7-tons, 11 humvees, com-munication trucks and other tactical vehicles.

“This is a testament to our commitment to this effort and our relationship with the JGSDF,” said Lt. Col. Anthony N. Frasco, CATC Camp Fuji’s executive officer, March 17 of having the convoy organized and on the road within 48 hours of being tasked.

“We are looking forward to joining the relief efforts,” said Col. Craig S. Kozeniesky, CATC Camp Fuji’s command-ing officer, March 18.

The Marines of HMM-265 had delivered more than 42,000 pounds of heating fuel to small villages in Japan’s northern areas by March 18, according to HMM-265 of-ficials.

“Knowing that we were helping the Japanese Govern-ment to deliver warmth to its people was extremely reward-ing,” said Marsh.

Marines with 1st MAW units are conducting almost daily f lights from MCAS Futenma transporting III MEF personnel as well as deliv-ering food, water, blankets communication equipment and other needed supplies to MCAS Iwakuni, Yokota Air Base, Atsugi and Misawa Air Base for redistribution to areas needing aid. Marine aircraft have also flown numerous sorties throughout Japan in support of aid missions.

In addition, III MEF air-craft were the first to fly into the Sendai Airport March 20 since the airport reopened after suffering extensive dam-age.

III MEF Marines and sail-ors are deployed throughout mainland Japan at MCAS Iwakuni, Yokota, Atsugi, Camp Sendai and Yamagata Air Field.

Tomodachi, which means “friends” in Japanese, was the name selected by Japan for this operation.

TOMODACHI from pg 1

okinawa marine | NEWS | March 25, 20116

Operation Tomodachi continues relief efforts

A U.S. Air Force MC-130T cargo plane arrives at Matsushima Air Base, Japan, March 16 carrying 25,000 bottles of water. Service members from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, III Marine Expeditionary Force, United States Army Japan and the U.S. Army's 1st Corps met the plane and helped unload the water intended for Operation Tomodachi. Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Leo A. Salinas

Maj. Gen. Mark A. Brilakis , commanding genera l , 3 rd Marine Division, I I I Marine Expeditionary Force, travels to Matsushima Air Base, Sendai Airport and Camp Sendai to survey the damage done to areas affected by the 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami which struck Japan March 11. These efforts include coordination by the U.S. Department of State and U.S . Agency for International Development, i n c o n s t a n t c o n s u l t a t i o n w i t h J a p a n e s e o f f i c i a l s . Photo by Lance Cpl. Jason Chatman

A Marine with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Air Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and a member of Japan Ground Self-Defense Force unload a barrel of kerosene at Ishinomaki Josi High School March 19. The high school has been converted into an aid and relief center for citizens affected by the earthquake and tsunami. The Marine Corps is responding to requests by the Japanese government to support the humanitarian assistance. Photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew A. Denny

okinawa marine | NEWS | March 25, 2011 7

Operation Tomodachi continues relief efforts

Marines, Airmen, and members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force load boxes of humanitarian aid supplies on trucks for transport to tsunami-stricken areas near Sendai, Japan March 20. These supplies arrived on the first flights into Sendai Airport after the airport was re-opened March 20 following the earthquake and tsunami. Photo by Lance Cpl. Jason Chatman

A military spouse and child wait in line to get their names on a roster during an authorized voluntary departure on Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, March 18. The Department of Defense has implemented the Department of State-approved authorization for voluntary departures of eligible family members and non-emergency personnel in designated areas of Honshu, Japan as a prudent precaution. Photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew A. Denny

M a r i n e s o f I I I M a r i n e E x p e d i t i o n a r y F o r c e (Forward), helped the Japan Air Self-Defense Force clear debris from the tsunami on the flightline at Sendai Airport, Japan, March 22. Flightlines throughout Japan are crucial to transportation of humanitarian assistance s u pp l ie s for O pe rat ion Tomodachi. Photo by Cpl. Brandon Saunders

8 okinawa marine | NEWS | March 25, 2011

Shawn Curtismcbj deputy safety director

CAMP FOSTER — New sea condi-tion standards, scheduled to begin April 1, are expected to better as-sist water enthusiasts in making informed decisions when planning ocean water activities.

The new standards were neces-sary as the current information and categories have been deemed too complex and confusing for beach-goers. Representatives from all four services on Okinawa worked collectively to develop new criteria using existing standards, the Beau-fort Wind Scale and knowledge from a variety of experts working in the fields of weather, safety and recreation.

The most significant changes are modifications to the sea condition categories and their definitions. The definitions are intended to be short and easy to understand.

The three new conditions will all have separate meanings that even the most novice swimmers can comprehend.

New sea conditions will be ALL CLEAR, CAUTION and DANGER.

ALL CLEAR conditions are ideal for water-related activities. This is the most suitable time for less-skilled swimmers and children to participate in aquatic activities.

When condition CAUTION is in effect, hazardous conditions may exist. Therefore, personnel should exercise caution when entering the water. It is highly recommended that only individuals with ex-tensive experience - both for the planned water activity and entry point location - enter the water.

If sea condition DANGER is announced, life-threatening con-ditions are occurring, and water entry is prohibited for all activities.

Sea conditions will continue to be identified by two geographical sectors: East and West.

The East represents Okinawa’s shoreline facing the Pacific Ocean from the northern tip of Hedo Point to Cape Kiyan on the southern part of the island.

The West sector includes the entire coastline exposed to the East China Sea from Hedo Point in the north to Cape Kiyan in the south.

When displayed on AFN, the new sea conditions will be abbrevi-ated as “C” for CAUTION and “D” for DANGER along with “E” for East and “W” for West. For example, sea condition East CAUTION and West DANGER will be displayed on the

television as EC/WD. When condi-tion ALL CLEAR is in effect, no sea condition abbreviations will be displayed on the television.

It is important to note that sea conditions are a good refer-ence point when planning water activities; however, personnel should also monitor local weather and ocean conditions as they can change with little warning.

Sea conditions and criteria are based on a generalized evaluation. The evaluation may not always

accurately reflect the weather and sea state along the entire coastline of Okinawa as weather and sea state can change at a moment’s notice. Therefore, personnel must use common sense to make indi-vidual assessments of the hazards of their intended activity during sea conditions ALL CLEAR and CAUTION.

Indicators that an area may not be ideal for water entry include the presence of currents, large surf and difficult entry and exit routes.

If there are any doubts, it’s best to stay on shore.

There are many other opportuni-ties to participate in water activi-ties throughout the year. Pushing one’s luck by entering the water during potentially dangerous sea conditions is a decision with far-reaching consequences.

To review the new sea condition information visit the Marine Corps Base Camp Butler Web page at www.marines.mil/unit/mcbbutler/Pages/SeaConditions.aspx.

Sea safetyNew sea condition standards begin April 1

9okinawa marine | FEATURE | March 25, 2011

Lance Cpl. Jovane M. Hollandokinawa marine staff

As the Japanese soil heaved relentlessly beneath her and skyscrapers

swayed menacingly above, Cara Underwood realized that this earthquake was nothing like the ones she had experienced while growing up in San Diego. Amid the chaos and terrified screams, she clutched her family tight and thought, “This is it.”

Anthony Smith-Underwood was beyond ecstatic. After studying all year and winning first place in the Bechtel Elementary School Spelling Bee on Camp McTure-ous, he was on his way to Tokyo to compete in the 2011 Japan Times Spelling Bee.

The road hadn’t been easy.“The word list we had to study

had more than 1,000 words,” said Underwood, 10, a fifth-grader at Bechtel. “I wrote all of them five times each and my parents tested me every day before bed. It was a lot of hard work, but it was worth it.”

Underwood set out for Tokyo with his mother and father March 10, fully expecting to have the time of his life. None of them had any idea what events lay in store.

With their belongings safely stowed away at the New Sanno Hotel in Minato-Ku, Tokyo, the Underwoods took to the streets for some sightseeing March 11.

After exploring downtown Roppongi and eating a hearty meal at a café, the family de-cided to head back to the hotel so Anthony could study before the competition the next day.

Halfway down the escalator leading to the subway, the earth began to shake.

“We noticed the escalator shaking, and it got stronger and stronger,” said Cara. “An alert message came on over the inter-com in Japanese, and people im-mediately started running for the stairs. We were already following the crowd when the translation sounded– ‘Evacuate the subway immediately.’”

The tremors steadily increased as the Underwoods ran into the street along with countless others searching for safety.

As the shaking grew stronger, so did terror among the crowd, said Cara.

“Women and children were screaming and crying, and some people were just standing in awe, while others recorded the scene,” said Cara. “Images of the Haiti earthquake came flooding through my mind, and for a mo-ment, I thought we were all going to die right there in the street.”

The massive earthquake, which registered at a magnitude of 9.0, lasted for more than two minutes.

Once the shaking stopped, the Underwoods, sensing impending havoc, immediately hailed a cab and headed back to their hotel.

“My only concern was getting my wife and son to safety,” said Gunnery Sgt. Carlos Underwood, staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge of northern camps, Facili-ties Engineers, Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler. “I knew it was important to get my family back to the hotel before transportation was impossible.”

As the taxi snaked through the congested streets, firefighters, po-licemen and other rescue person-nel scrambled to assess the damage and help those in need.

As soon as the family walked into the lobby of their hotel, a crip-pling aftershock struck, turning them right back around into the street.

“After the first aftershock, they just kept on coming. Most of the guests ended up just staying in the lobby because we had to run out to the street every few minutes,” said Cara. “As night fell, more guests arrived saying they’d had to walk because of the trains and buses shutting down. One man even bought a bicycle on the street from a local resident so he could get back.”

The Underwoods spent the night clustered on a lobby couch, won-dering what the next day would bring.

The next morning, the family learned about the devastating tsu-nami that followed the quake. They spent most of that day trying to gather information and construct a plan of action.

“We ended up having to wait

until Sunday morning because we couldn’t find a way to the airport,” said Cara. “Since our departure date was Sunday anyway, we just hoped we’d be able to fly out.”

After arriving at the Haneda International Airport and enduring seemingly endless lines of passen-gers hoping to escape the turmoil, the Underwoods boarded a flight back to Okinawa at 4 p.m.

Once the family was back on Okinawa and the anxiety of getting to safety quelled, they had time to process and reflect on the week-end’s events.

“I feel lucky that we survived,” said Anthony, who said he plans

to attend the spelling bee whenev-er it is rescheduled. “Everyone at school has been asking me about what it was like actually being there.”

The Underwoods know they were fortunate to get out when they did. Although her family is out of harm’s way, her heart remains on mainland with those who weren’t so lucky, said Cara.

“My heart aches for the people of Japan. Their lives are right there in the disaster,” she said. “We were lucky to have a home away from the destruction to go to. I can’t imagine their loss, having nowhere else to go.”

Military family recounts earthquake experience

Cara Underwood, left, Anthony Smith-Underwood, 10 a fifth-grade student at Bechtel Elementary School, and Gunnery Sgt. Carlos Underwood, staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge of northern camps, Facilities Engineers, Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler, pose with Anthony’s trophy and award letter after he won first place in a schoolwide spelling bee. As the winner, the fifth-grader qualified to compete in the 2011 Japan Times Spelling Bee in Tokyo. He and his family were on mainland Japan to attend the spelling bee when a 9.0 magnitude earthquake hit followed by a devastating tsunami. Photo provided by Cara Underwood

Long weekend for contestant

Spell Champion

Earthquake

Aftermath

Heading Home

10 okinawa marine | FEATURE | March 25, 2011

Gunnery Sgt. Cindy Fisherokinawa marine staff

Lance Cpl. Yamile Brito is proving the truth of former

President John F. Ken-nedy’s statement that “One person can make a difference, and everyone should try.”

Brito, a Marine with Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, is the driving force behind a food drive at the Camp Courtney commis-sary for victims of the 9.0 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami which struck mainland Japan March 11.

Following the disaster, Brito said she knew she needed to help.

Reading the news reports of the devasta-tion in mainland Japan affected her deeply, said Brito. One article she saw hit her particularly hard, she added. The article detailed the experience of a Japanese man who had been in the water for four days and saw his wife die in the tsunami.

“It made me feel hor-rible, terrible,” she said, admitting she’s come close to tears several times reading some of the articles and seeing the images of destruction.

The news stories and photographs burned into her memory also created in her a strong desire to provide some kind of aid to those in need, she said.

“Half the platoon left that weekend, and I was really frustrated because I wanted to go with them,” she said. “I kept thinking that there has to be something I can do, there has to be something I can do.”

Brito told her fiancé Lance Cpl. Cameron Perry, also with Head-quarters Bn., 3rd MarDiv., that she was disappointed at being on Okinawa and unable to help.

“He suggested I do a canned food drive,” said Brito, from New York City.

Perry, of Natchitoches, La., said he got the idea for a food drive based on what people in New Orleans needed following the devastation of Hur-ricane Katrina in 2005. While he wasn’t in Loui-siana for the hurricane, he has clear memories of the devastation and the shortfalls following the natural disaster, he said.

“I knew Katrina vic-tims, and I knew what they needed when they were in shelters,” he said.

Brito said she has never coordinated a food drive or done anything like this before, but she jumped on the idea and brought in Perry and an-other friend, Lance Cpl. Erin Hollingsworth, from New Virginia, Iowa, to help. By March 12, Brito had contacted the Camp Courtney commissary for approval to place dona-tion boxes in the com-missary entrance.

Michael E. Shannon, Camp Courtney com-missary’s store admin-istrator, said he gave the go-ahead and by the next day, she had donation boxes in place requesting canned food for main-land victims.

Shannon said he was surprised someone was

willing to give time out of an already busy sched-ule to spearhead this effort but that he admires Brito and the Marines helping her for what they are doing.

Brito and Holling-sworth remind Shannon of his daughter who is about the same age, and he found it heartening to see them start this kind of effort to help others, he said.

Shannon said he was also amazed by the gen-erosity of the people in Camp Courtney’s mili-tary community.

“We were over-whelmed at the response of our customers,” Shan-non said.

More than 15 gro-cery carts of food and

other items were

donated by March 18, he said. That’s more than $4,000 worth of goods, and the donations are still coming in, he added.

The response has been unbelievable, Brito said. In addition to canned food, people have also donated diapers, hygiene items, boxes of rice and other foods, she said.

After the Kadena Youth Center announced March 15 it could no longer accept donations due to space issues, “people also began donat-ing blankets and (other) stuff,” she added.

She and her assistants have been collecting the donations from the commissary and boxing them up for shipment to mainland.

The operational tempo of her unit has increased as Marines are being sent to mainland in support of the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts there. And the canned food drive is consuming more of Brito’s off duty hours. But, all the extra work is worth it for the peace of mind it has given her, she said.

“I needed – for me – to be OK with not being there. I needed to do something,” Brito said.

She said she thinks others felt that way as well, as evidenced by the donations she has received.

For some, “this is the only opportunity we have to make a differ-ence. It could have been us but it wasn’t, and there are thousands of people that will really appreciate the help,” she said.

Brito said she hopes to continue the food drive throughout March and then reassess to see if there is still a need be-

fore continuing the food drive in

April.

Marine creates opportunity to help tsunami victims

Lance Cpl. Yamile Brito is surrounded by the food donations from a food drive she coordinated at the Camp Courtney

commissary. Brito said she started the food drive because she wanted to help the Japanese victims of the 9.0

magnitude earthquake and resulting tsunami that struck mainland Japan March 11. The food drive at the Camp

Courtney commissary is scheduled to continue through March. Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Cindy Fisher

Grocery carts at the Camp Courtney commissary quickly filled March 18 as costumers donated canned foods and other items for the victims of the 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami which struck mainland Japan March 11. Photo courtesy of Michael E. Shannon

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

For more information, or to sign up, contact the Single

Marine Program at 645-3681.

Single marine program eventS

Chapel SCheDUle

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

Rifle RangeSgt. Malachi J. Even, III Marine Expeditionary Force Special Operations and Training Group, 337

Pistol RangeNo Detail

March 21 - March 25

In Theaters Now March 25 - March 31

SMP ALL CAMPS MEETING - APRIL 1• Location: Camp Foster Community Center April 1 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

WOMEN’S SYMPOSIUM - APRIL 5 • Women service members at Camp Foster are invited to listen to guest speaker, Koren Zailckas, New York Times bestselling author, at the Camp Foster Community Center, April 5 from 8 a.m.-noon. The Single Marine Program will be hosting a panel discussion on military life in Okinawa.

ANNUAL SExUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS LUNCHEON - APRIL 6• The Annual Sexual Assault Awareness luncheon is open to all at the Camp Butler Officer’s Club from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Listen to guest speaker Koren Zailckas, New York Times bestselling author of the book, “Smashed: Story of a Drunken Girlhood.” Tickets are available from the Command Sexual Assault Response Coordinator.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:• Zukeran Elementary Multicultural Day: Volunteer to set up and help with a game or craft, run a computer a lab, serve students and staff lunch from a buffet April 1 from 7:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. Volunteers may wear appropriate civilian attire. Lunch will be provided.

• Month of the Military Child: Volunteer to assist with the opening and closing ceremonies of the Month of the Military Child April 1 from 8 a.m.-noon and April 22 from 1-5 p.m. at the Camp Foster Child Development Center.

• Jump for Autism: Volunteer to work with children inside a bounce house April 2 from 6:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. at the Foster Field House.

FoSterTODAY Mars Needs Moms (PG), 6 p.m.; Hall Pass (R), 9 p.m.SATURDAY Gulliver’s Travels (PG), noon; The Green Hornet (PG13), 3 p.m.; Hall Pass (R), 6 and 9 p.m.SUNDAY Gulliver’s Travels (PG), noon; Country Strong (PG13), 4 p.m.; Paul (R), 7 p.m.MONDAY Hall Pass (R), 7 p.m.TUESDAY The Rite (PG13), 7 p.m.WEDNESDAY The Fighter (R), 7 p.m.THURSDAY Paul (R), 7 p.m.

FUtenmaTODAY True Grit (PG13), 6:30 p.m.SATURDAY Paul (R), 4 and 7 p.m.SUNDAY Country Strong (PG13), 4 p.m.; True Grit (PG13), 7 p.m.MONDAY Big Mamas: Like Father, Like Son (PG13), 6:30 p.m.TUESDAY ClosedWEDNESDAY ClosedTHURSDAY Closed

hanSen TODAY The Rite (PG13), 6 p.m.; The Green Hornet (PG13), 9 p.m. SATURDAY The Green Hornet (PG13), 6 p.m., The Rite (PG13), 9 p.m.SUNDAY The Green Hornet (PG13), 2 p.m., The Rite (PG13), 5:30 p.m.MONDAY Paul (R), 7 p.m.TUESDAY Paul (R), 7 p.m.WEDNESDAY The Rite (PG13), 7 p.m.THURSDAY The Green Hornet (PG13), 7 p.m.

CoUrtneyTODAY Paul (R), 6 and 9 p.m.SATURDAY True Grit (PG13), 2 p.m.; Country Strong (PG13), 6 p.m.SUNDAY Rango (PG), 2 and 6 p.m.MONDAY Country Strong (PG13), 7 p.m.TUESDAY ClosedWEDNESDAY Mars Needs Moms (PG), 7 p.m.THURSDAY Closed

KaDenaTODAY The Green Hornet (PG13), 6 p.m.; The Rite (PG13), 9 p.m.SATURDAY Mars Needs Moms (PG), noon, 3 and 6 p.m.; The Rite (PG13), 9 p.m.SUNDAY Mars Needs Moms (PG), 1 and 4 p.m.; The Green Hornet (PG13), 7 p.m.MONDAY The Green Hornet (PG13), 7 p.m. TUESDAY The Rite (PG13), 7 p.m.WEDNESDAY Rango (PG), 7 p.m.THURSDAY Rango (PG), 7 p.m.

KinSerTODAY The Rite (PG13), 6:30 p.m.SATURDAY The Green Hornet (PG13), 3 and 6:30 p.m.SUNDAY The Rite (PG13), 3 and 6:30 p.m.MONDAY ClosedTUESDAY ClosedWEDNESDAY Paul (R), 3 and 6:30 p.m.THURSDAY The Green Hornet (PG13), 6:30 p.m.

SChwabTODAY Little Fockers (PG13), 7 p.m.SATURDAY Country Strong (PG13), 5 p.m.SUNDAY True Grit (PG13), 5 p.m.MONDAY-THURSDAY Closed

theater DireCtoryCAMP FOSTER 645-3465

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

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

CAMP COURTNEY 622-9616

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

CAMP KINSER 637-2177

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

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

complete listing, visit www.shopmyexchange.com.

Camp Foster | 645-7486• Catholic: Mon-Fri, 11:45 a.m.; Sat, 5 p.m.; Sun, 10 a.m.• Christian Science: Sun, 11 a.m., Bldg. 442• Eastern Orthodox: Divine Liturgy, Sun, 9:30 a.m.; Vespers, Sat, 5 p.m.• Gospel: Sun, 11:30 a.m.; 2nd, 3rd Sun, Children’s Church, 11 a.m.• Jewish: (Informal) 1st, 3rd Fri, 6:30 p.m.• Latter Day Saints: Mon, 6:30 p.m.• Muslim: Prayer, Fri, 12:45 p.m.• Protestant: Sun, 8:30 a.m.• Seventh Day Adventist: Sat, 9:30 a.m., at Torii Station 644-5701/644-4281

Camp sChwab | 622-9350• Catholic: Sun, 5:30 p.m. • Protestant: Sun, 4 p.m.

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

Camp hansen | 622-9350• Catholic: Sun, 10 a.m., East Chapel• Latter Day Saints: Wed, 6:30 p.m., Library • Protestant: Sun, 11 a.m., West Chapel

Camp mctureous | 622-9350• Gospel: Sun, 12:30 p.m. Camp Kinser | 637-1148• Catholic: Sun, noon• Protestant: Sun, 9 a.m.

Camp Courtney | 622-9350• Catholic: Sun, 8 a.m., Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, 11:30 a.m.• Protestant: Sun, 10:45 a.m.

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

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

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

Japanese phrase of the week:“Oyasumi nasai”

(pronounced O-ya-su-mi na-sai) It is the respectful form of “Good night”

(Oyasumi is good night, nasai makes it formal)

11okinawa marine | MARKETPLACE | March 25, 2011

12 okinawa marine | SPORTS | March 25, 2011

The Hansen 3-on-3 Basketball League kicked off at the Camp Hansen House of Pain gym March 16.

This is an intramural league in which units assemble teams to compete against

each other. Marine Corps Community Services and the Camp Hansen House of Pain will hold league games Wednesdays at 6 p.m. for the next 5 weeks with the last week dedicated to a double elimination tournament among the top teams.

“Game play will be a round robin tournament where everybody plays everybody,” said Douglas Godown, sports specialist for the House of Pain, adding all eight teams entered will face each other at some point.

Setting up the league “took several months of prepa-ration,” Godown said.

The league’s first game March 16 kicked off with MID Crew, mostly Marines from 9th Engineer Sup-port Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, taking on the MHG Old School, Marines from III MEF Headquarters Group, III MEF.

The lead switched hands until MID Crew began to pull away. Once the final buzzer rang, MID Crew was victorious over MHG Old School with a score of 21-18.

This was the only game of the night due to opera-tional commitments for Operation Tomodachi, said Godown adding other games in following weeks may

also be rescheduled due to operational commitments.“When they’re here, they have great competition,”

said Godown. The league’s establishment was something the Ma-

rines of Camp Hansen wanted, said Robert Caldwell, a member of MHG Old School team.

“Marines asked for intramural sports,” said Caldwell, adding the senior leadership then made it happen.

“The intramural sports leagues came about when a group of Marines attending our Town Hall meeting requested additional sporting events aboard Hansen,” said Jencura. “The camp responded by organizing an MCCS quarterly intramural sports league.

“A camp trophy will be kept on display at the camp headquarters building with the winning team from each league inscribed on it. Individual awards will be given to competitors,” he said.

“These events are designed to build unit cohesion, camaraderie and esprit de corps,” said Jencura. “They’re an easy way to satisfy that competitive hunger that all of the Marines and sailors aboard Camp Hansen seem to have.”

Camp Hansen’s House of Pain plans to hold future sporting events such as a softball league in May, a soccer league in August and a flag football league in October.

For more information, call 623-4831.

Leadership supports intramural league

Story and photo by Lance Cpl. Anthony Ward Jr.

okinawa marine staff

Making ithappen

Miguel T. Bridges attempts a layup as Robert Caldwell defends his shot during the Hansen 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament March 16. Bridges is a part of the MID Crew who were victorious over the MHG Old School, edging them out by three points for a final score of 21-18.