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Marine Corps News Service - 23 Jul 93
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MARINE CORPS NEWS SERVICE - 23 JUL 93 - MCNEWS 30-93
1. NEWS RELEASES
A. JOHN H. DALTON SWORN IN AS SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
WASHINGTON -- John H. Dalton was sworn in July 22 as the 70th
Secretary of the Navy after being unanimously confirmed by the
Senate, Wednesday.
Dalton graduated with distinction from the U.S. Naval Academy
in 1964, having served as Deputy Brigade Commander, the Academy's
number-two ranking position. During his service in the Navy, he
graduated from two Naval nuclear power schools, served aboard two
submarines and attained the rank of lieutenant while on active
duty. He was promoted to lieutenant commander in the U.S. Naval
Reserve.
"Those past years of service left an indelible impression on
me that remains the cornerstone of my feelings toward the people
who wear the uniform today -- an admiration for our sailors,
Marines and civil servants who sacrifice every day for their
country, an admiration for their dedication to teamwork and
professionalism, their pride in being the best in their skills,
their purpose in mission and commitment to honesty and integrity,"
said Dalton.
Dalton, the President's nominee for Secretary of the Navy, was
strongly supported by the Senate Armed Services Committee. In his
confirmation hearing before the Committee, Dalton told the
bipartisan panel that his commitment to quality forces in the Navy
and Marine Corps includes a "renewal of ethics and values."
The 51-year-old San Antonio, Texas, banker also promised to
use his considerable experience in business and government to help
meet the challenges of running the Navy Department.
"I view the taxpayer as our customer, and my goal is to
provide the taxpayer with the highest quality, most cost-effective
naval service he can get for his tax dollar," said Dalton.
(Story compiled by Navy News Service from official sources)
-USMC-
B. POLICY ON HOMOSEXUALS IN THE MILITARY
HQMC, WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 20, 1993) -- "The policy I am
announcing today is, in my judgment, the right thing to do and
the best way to do it," said President Bill Clinton, Monday at
Fort McNair in Washington, D.C., as he outlined the new policy
regarding homosexual conduct in the Armed Forces. The revised
policy will become effective Oct. 1.
The announcement, made to a group of senior officers and
enlisted personnel of all services, came following nearly six
months of extensive review at the highest levels of government,
including civilian and military testimony before the House and
Senate Armed Services Committees.
The review included two distinct efforts to examine the
Department of Defense policy on homosexuals serving in the
military: one, a military working group consisting of flag
officers from each service and, two, a separate study from the
Rand Corporation of Santa Monica, Calif. Regular consultations
were held between the Administration and the Joint Chiefs and
acting Secretaries of the Military Departments.
The revised policy directed by the President and signed by
the Secretary of Defense in a July 19 memorandum to the Service
secretaries and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff stated that
"It is the policy of the Department of Defense to judge the
suitability of persons to serve in the Armed Forces on the basis
of their conduct." Therefore, while homosexual conduct will be
grounds for separation, sexual orientation will not be a bar to
entry into the military or continued service, unless manifested
by homosexual conduct.
"This is a good policy - a courageous policy - and one that
can be implemented," said Gen Carl E. Mundy, Jr., Commandant of
the Marine Corps, immediately after the announcement. "What
you've seen in process is military advice, the best we can give,
to the Commander-in-Chief who took that advice and took all the
factors that weigh in this very difficult equation. He made a
courageous decision."
The new policy is summarized as follows:
-- Applicants for military service will no longer be asked
or required to review their sexual orientation. (This revision
makes permanent the interim policy established by the Secretary
of Defense on Feb. 3, 1993.) However, applicants will be
informed of the conduct which is proscribed (prohibited) for
members of the Armed Forces, including homosexual conduct;
-- Sexual orientation will not be a bar to service unless
manifested by homosexual conduct. Members who engage in
homosexual conduct will be discharged. (Homosexual conduct is
defined as a homosexual act, a statement that the member is
homosexual or bisexual, or a marriage or attempted marriage to
someone of the same gender);
-- No investigations or inquiries will be conducted solely
to determine a service member's sexual orientation. However,
commanders can, and will, initiate inquiries or investigations
when there is credible information that a basis for discharge or
disciplinary action exists. Sexual orientation alone will not be
the subject of a criminal investigation.
Implementation of the President's new policy will be
directed to the Secretaries of the Military Departments by the
Secretary of Defense as soon as possible. That implementation
process will include pertinent changes to existing directives and
regulations, in addition to detailed policy guidelines. The
interim policy and administrative separation procedures
(established Feb. 3) will remain in effect until Oct. 1. For more
information see ALMAR 206/93. (HQMC Release)
-USMC-
C. MARINE SQUADRON DEPLOYS TO SUPPORT U.N. OPERATIONS IN BOSNIA
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, S.C. -- At around 5 a.m.
July 19, eight F/A-18Ds, along with KC-10 and C-130 chase planes,
took off from Merrit Field en route to Aviano Air Base, Italy, to
begin the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (All Weather)-533
deployment as an air support contingent for United Nations
operations in Bosnia.
That evening, two C-5 "Galaxy" transports packed with
equipment, and follow-on squadron and support personnel departed
the air station for the U.N. assignment. Just before leading his
men onto a C-5, squadron SgtMaj James P. Washington said, "Our
morale is high. We felt our squadron deployment to NAS Fallon,
Nev., several weeks ago has provided us with the experience we'll
need while we work out of Aviano. I just want to thank all the
administrative, medical, dental and logistical support people who
helped us gear up for a speedy departure." An additional airlift
of personnel and equipment took off July 20.
VMFA (AW)-533, commanded by LtCol David Rash, had recently
returned from their first unit-level deployment at NAS Fallon,
Nev., after their transition to F/A-18D and transfer from MCAS
Cherry Point, N.C., to Beaufort.
At Fallon, the Marines became proficient with live fire of
heavy ordnance and "smart weapons" from the state-of-the-art F/A-
18D. Pilots also used the aircraft's new Forward Looking Infrared
or FLIR system for the first time.
The FA-18D "Hornet" is the newest aircraft in the Marine Corps
inventory. The two-seat jet is equipped with fire control radar
and infrared sensors to detect and destroy targets. It can also be
operated at low altitude in varying terrains and weather
conditions.
LtGen Richard Hearney, Deputy Chief of Staff for Aviation,
HQMC, MGen Jefferson D. Howell, commanding general, 2nd MAW, Col
Earl Hailston, commanding officer, MAG-31, and Col Richard Stearns,
commanding officer, MCAS Cherry Point, N.C., joined families and
friends of the deploying unit at their hangar to witness the
"Hawks'" departure.
Secretary of Defense Les Aspin ordered the deployment of
aircraft and military personnel which includes more than 1,5--
people, the eight F/A-18Ds from MCAS Beaufort and other ground
attack and support aircraft. They will assist other NATO forces in
implementing U.N. Security Council resolution 836.
The other aircraft will also include the MCAS Beaufort-based
"Checkerboards" of VMFA-312, operating aboard the USS Theodore
Roosevelt on station in the Mediterranean Sea.
France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom also announced
their participation in this U.N. peacekeeping mission. (GySgt. Rod
Washington, MCAS Beaufort, S.C.)
-USMC-
D. MARINES JOIN OPERATION DENY FLIGHT
(Compiled from reports in European Stars and Stripes and Navy
News Service)
Eight Marine F/A-18D Hornets of VMFA(AW)-533 out of MCAS
Beaufort arrived at Aviano Air Base, Italy, on July 22 to
participate in an operation that is an extension of Deny Flight,
the enforcement of the no-fly zone over Bosnia-Herzegovina launched
by NATO officials in conjunction with the United Nations April 12.
Secretary of Defense Les Aspin approved an order July 14
directing U.S. aircraft to deploy and join NATO's planned air
support to the United Nations Protection Force in Bosnia. The
deployment order authorizes a phased deployment of 30
ground-attack-capable aircraft and 10 support aircraft, and
involves about 1,500 personnel. They will assist other NATO forces
in implementing U.N. Security Council Resolution 836. France, the
Netherlands and the United Kingdom have also announced their
participation in this mission.
The Marine planes joined 12 U.S. Air Force A-10 and OA-10
aircraft, deployed July 13 from Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany,
six U.S. Navy A-6s and Marine F/A-18s of VMFA-312 operating from
the USS Theodore Roosevelt and four U.S. Air Force C-130 aircraft
from Hurlburt Field, Fla. In addition, five U.S. Air Force KC-135
aerial refueling aircraft from Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., and
five U.S. Air Force EC-130 airborne command, control and
communication support aircraft from Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.,
deployed to support this mission.
The crews of '533 spent their first few days flying
familiarization missions in preparation for the air support of U.N.
ground forces that are assigned to guard havens for Muslim
civilians in Bosnia and Herzegovina. All the Marines are being
housed in a tent city near the air base flight line.
The F/A-18 was developed to serve as both a fighter and an
attack aircraft and is capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground
combat. The D model crew consists of a pilot and a weapons officer.
Hornets can carry as much as 17,000 pounds of armament, including
Sidewinder and Sparrow missiles, and HARMs (High-Speed Anti-Radar
missiles).
-USMC-
E. I MEF STEPS INTO FUTURE WITH NEW RADIO TECHNOLOGY
MARINE CORPS BASE, CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- The First Marine
Expeditionary Force recently began a multi-million dollar project
here to update its radio technology.
The two-year project will replace aging radio systems with
SINCGARS. The single-channel ground and airborne radio system will
replace current radios, which have been in use for the past 40
years.
SINCGARS, a new family of VHF-FM radios, boasts selectable
power settings and frequency-hopping features that provide a low
probability of enemy detection and interception. It also features
a 2,230-channel capability, and can handle voice, data, plain or
cipher text and can be operated by remote control.
"This is an awesome piece of gear," said Capt Ross A.
Adlemen, SINCGARS project officer, Communications Company, 11th
Marine Regiment. "It'll blow the PRC-77 out of the water."
The project, which started here June 6, is on a MEF level, but
11th Marines has assumed responsibility. The project goal is to
provide early fielding of the system for the MEF and several units
from the 1st Marine Division.
"This is a big operation," Adleman said. "We were selected
to host it, and we're glad to have the opportunity."
The Marines, with help from a team of civilians, removed the
old radio systems from 76 high-mobility multipurpose wheeled
vehicles and replaced them with SINCGARS systems.
Basically, units bring their vehicles to a staging area and
remove the old system. Once the old system is gone, the team from
11th Marines installs the $27,000 SINCGARS unit.
"There is a lot of tedious, dirty work involved in replacing
these systems," said SSgt Edmund J. Bennett, project chief and 11th
Marines communications and electronics chief. "We are putting in
12-hour days out here, but we have been getting the vehicles in and
out of here in a 48-hour period. We are working hard, and we plan
to finish ahead of schedule."
A civilian team, from Atlantic Research Corporation in
Quantico, Va., is also here to assist.
"We have been contracted for configuration management, to make
sure every unit in the Marine Corps has the same gear, with the
same wires in the same position," said John J. Melville, site chief
for Marine Corps Systems Communications. "We are also here to help
take the burden of fielding the system off of operational forces."
Camp Pendleton is the fourth stop for the team, which is
making a trip to major Marine Corps bases and setting up the early
fielding of SINCGARS. It has already traveled to Camp Lejeune,
N.C., Okinawa, Japan and Hawaii.
"So far, the project here has been outstanding," Melville
said. "These Marines have given us everything we've needed, and
usually given it to us before we ask for it."
Even after SINCGARS is installed in vehicles, the project
isn't over. Radio operators have to be trained to use the new
system. Training is done in a large classroom here, and taught by
one of the civilians of the early fielding team.
Operators are sent through a 2 1/2-day primary course, in
which they learn basic functions. They then attend an advanced
course where they learn more detailed information about the system.
"The course gives them in-depth, hands-on training," Bennett
said. "It involves a lot of one-on-one instruction, and
familiarizes them with the system."
Operators say they are much happier with the new system.
"This is a lot better than the old gear," said LCpl Chris R.
Fritsche, 22, a radio operator with Battery B, 11th Marines. "It
is lighter and there is less gear to work with. Plus, it tells you
everything you need to know."
Many Marines say spending time familiarizing themselves with
SINCGARS is the most important aspect of the project.
"The biggest thing involved with the success of this system is
hands-on time," said Sgt Steven T. Durham, 28, radio chief and
assistant instructor from Communications Co., Headquarters Bn., 1st
Marine Division. "It is not hard gear to learn. It is very user
friendly, but for the Marine Corps to field it and make it work, it
is going to take a lot of hands-on time."
Although the system is scheduled to be on-line in every Marine
Corps unit by fiscal year 1994, it is now being given to selected
units and command and control elements so they can begin
familiarization.
"The Marine Corps did a limited buy of SINCGARS," Melville
said. "They decided to field the system to all light-armored
vehicles and tanks and to selected command elements."
Units here that will receive the system include the 3rd
Amphibian Assault Bn.; 1st, 5th, and 11th Marine Regiments; 9th
Communications Bn.; and 1st Combat Engineer Bn.
"When we are finished here, we will go to [Camp] Las Flores
and help 1st Reconnaissance Bn. (Light Armored) come on-line with
the rest of the Marine Corps with SINCGARS," Melville said. "They
have the system already, but they don't have an installation that
matches the modification instructions. We will be giving them new
cabling and equipment which will enable them to mirror the other
SINCGARS in the Marine Corps."
The last units to receive the gear will be those at Marine
Corps Air-Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif. Units
there slated to receive the SINCGARS include the 7th Marine
Regiment, 3rd Light Armored Infantry Bn., and the 1st
Reconnaissance Bn.
"This radio is going to be the VHF radio for the Marine Corps
well into the 21st Century," Melville said. "It is easy to
maintain, and it has been statistically proven to be significantly
better and much more reliable than any communications gear the
Marine Corps has seen until now."
-USMC-
F. MARINE NUCLEAR WEAPONS UNITS DEACTIVATED
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION, YUMA, Ariz. -- July 31 marks the end
of an era so secretive that most people, whose very lives may have
depended on its existence, will be completely unaware of its
demise.
With the deactivation of Marine Wing Weapons Unit-Lant at
Cherry Point, N.C., and MWWU-PAC here, the Marine Corps will be
officially out of the nuclear weapons business as of Aug. 1.
For more than 40 years, Marines at these units have been in
continuous training, ready at any time to provide the offensive,
air-delivered, nuclear and chemical weapons which they could
completely assemble from stockpiles.
The units were established in the early 1950s and were called
Marine Tactical Support Assembly Teams. At first their mission was
to provide the Corps with a tactical nuclear weapons capability.
Later they were given the additional responsibility of maintaining
biological and chemical weapons capability.
The world may never know whether the units were successful in
their role as a deterrent to the use of nuclear and chemical
weapons during the Cold War.
The units did not store the weapons locally, but maintained
the capability and equipment required to load Marine Corps
aircraft. For many of the unit's Marines, one of the most
difficult aspects of their mission was maintaining absolute
secrecy, not only from friends and family, but other Marines as
well.
"Nobody knew what we did here," said CWO-2 Mariano Hawk,
operations officer. "Whenever we talked with other Marines, they
would always ask, 'What do you guys do out there, anyway?' But we
signed a paper not to talk about it for 50 years. Now it's for
life."
Many factors have contributed to the unit's deactivation.
Some of these factors include the end of the Cold War, the fall of
communism, the signing of new weapons treaties, recent budget cuts
in the military, and the discontinued use of the A-4 Skyhawk and A-
6 Intruders, which were the units' only platforms for employing
their weapons, said Hawk.
Hawk is one of only 10 Marines left in the unit here. At the
peak of its existence, 1987-1991, the mission required a 78-man
force, which made up two 39-man teams. But even today, Hawk claims
they can still deploy either a nuclear or a chemical team should
the need arise before August.
Acting officer in charge, CWO-2 Michael McGlynn has been with
MWWU-PAC since April, 1992. Before that he spent three years with
the Cherry Point unit. Like many other Marines, he's sorry to see
the era pass.
"I wish we'd keep the field open," he said. "This was a good
job field, with good people. It was definitely a high-profile job
in the ordnance community."
McGlynn will soon take over as station weapons officer here.
Hawk will become the aviation ordnance officer at Twentynine Palms.
Others will go to "B" billets or revert to their original MOSs,
primarily within the ordnance field.
"This was never a primary MOS," explained Hawk. He said MWWU
Marines are usually the cream of the crop from the ordnance field,
sent to MWWU for about 43 months at a time.
The Marines from MWWU-PAC will spend the next week packing up
their remaining gear and preparing for departure.
"On the first of August we'll come in for the last time and
make our final unit diary entry," Hawk said. "It will say
'Deletion of MCC. Deactivation of unit,' and then we'll be gone.
It's too bad. I guess they just don't need us anymore. But we
were the tip of the spear, and if the balloon ever went up, we
would have been there." (SSgt Rosemarie Fitzsimmons, MCAS Yuma)
-USMC-
G. "ALL AHEAD" OFFERS STUDENT LOANS TO SAILORS AND MARINES
Student loans designed specifically for sailors, Marines and
their families are now available from University Support Services,
Inc. Available for graduate, undergraduate and private high school
students, the new All Ahead Loan Program can provide $1,500 to
$25,000 a year at approved schools.
All Ahead is a credit-based, loan program intended to help
defray costs of tuition, fees, room and board, books and supplies.
It can be used as the sole means of financing a student's education
or in conjunction with other private or federal loan programs. The
loans are available to active-duty and former Navy and Marine Corps
personnel and their families, including reserve, retired and
federal employees.
Eligible applicants for All Ahead must be credit-worthy U.S.
citizens or permanent residents, earn a minimum of $15,000 a year
and have been employed at their present job for at least a year.
If an applicant does not meet these requirements, a co-signer who
does meet the requirements is necessary to approve the loan.
The loan is paid back on a 15-year plan, with no penalty for
early repayment. Interest rates vary monthly based on the
Commercial Paper rate plus a spread of 4.75 percent (for June 1993,
the interest rate was 7.89 percent). All Ahead recipients may
defer repayment of the principal of the loan while a student
remains in a graduate or undergraduate program, but interest
payments begin upon receipt of the loan.
For more information about the All Ahead Loan Program, call
toll-free 1-800-SOS-LOAN. (JO2 Ray Mooney, NIRA Detachment 5, San
Diego)
-USMC-
H. VERIFICATION DOCUMENT PROGRAM HELPS RESUME WRITERS
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- A resume is
considered by many to be a vital piece of ammunition in the job-
hunting war. Many discharged service members are quickly finding
that out.
For some, attaining that reflection of oneself was an easy
acquisition. But many others are finding it difficult to translate
their military life into civilian language. To help with that
transition, Congress, last year, initiated the Verification
Document Program in conjunction with other military transition
programs being developed.
Marines and transition assistance personnel use the VERDOC
forms to create resumes for departing service members. A VERDOC is
a specifically automated chronological records of a service
member's military experience, training and education. It also
offers course and military occupational specialty descriptions, as
well as recommended college credit and appropriate civilian titles.
"These forms are priceless for many who are having a hard time
trying to finish a resume," said Christine Zell, a transition
assistance officer here. "They translate a lot of military jargon
into readable civilian style."
If a military member doesn't receive a VERDOC within six
months of end of contract, the document can be requested. However,
it will take up to four weeks to process the request and receive
the document.
Thousands of service members may have recently lost out on
that congressionally mandated benefit, though, and base authorities
are asking how and why.
Officials with the Career Resource Management Center and 1st
Marine Division's Human Affairs Office here began searching for
clues explaining large numbers of missing VERDOCs.
Zell said the biggest problem doesn't lie just in the fact
that the paperwork is missing, but more in the fact that most
people don't even know what it could be used for. "When I mention
the VERDOC, most people look back with blank stares on their
faces," Zell said.
Only 10 percent of Marines taking her classes actually have
heard about it and half of those haven't even received theirs yet,
she said. "When it's taken into consideration that each of my
weekly classes has an average attendance of 250 Marines, you can
see the problem we're up against," she said.
According to Capt J. Turner, who heads the VERDOC department
at Headquarters Marine Corps, the forms are sent to all separating
Marines within six months of their end of active service,
regardless of whether or not they re-enlist.
"The forms end up disappearing sometime during their
distribution here on base," Zell said. "Up to that point
everything has been working fine."
Capt Robert H. Hollman of the Human Affairs Office here
recently began investigating the situation and has set in motion a
few tracking systems to find where the real problem lies. "Before
we can take any action, I have to know where the problem
originates," he said.
One plan involves an addition to the separations brief where
Marines will be asked if they had received their VERDOCs, and if
not, what unit they are from.
Turner said Marines who do not receive DD Form 2586 (VERDOC)
within six months of separating, need to verify their EAS date with
the administrative office. If the date is correct, then the Marine
should ask for the VERDOC.
"A document can be requested. However, it will take up to
four weeks to process the request and receive the document," Turner
said. "If the Marine is within two months of separation, the
document will be mailed to an address of the Marine's choice to
ensure receipt." (Sgt Rod Deutschmann, JPAO, Camp Pendleton)
-USMC-
I. MARINES BECOME CO-PLAINTIFFS IN CREDIT COMPANY SUIT
MARINE CORPS BASE, CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Many Marines and
their civilian counterparts may soon find themselves unwitting
participants in a massive legal battle with Ford Motor Credit
Company.
A suit, titled Clark, et al vs. Ford Motor Credit Company, is
now pending in the Superior Court of California for the County of
Alameda. Many people, including Marines here, have recently
received notices that they have become co-plaintiffs in the suit.
The Superior Court on March 12, ordered that the lawsuit
proceed as a "class action" on behalf of "all" persons involved.
That enabled attorneys to include everyone who meets certain
criteria as litigants in the action. Notices are currently being
forwarded throughout the country.
The complaint alleges that, since Jan. 7, 1987, Ford Motor
Credit Company has engaged in improper practices relating to the
placement of insurance on the motor vehicle loan accounts of some
customers who failed to purchase or maintain comprehensive and
collision insurance. Among other things, the complaint alleges
that the company purchased and charged those customers for
insurance coverages that they were not legally obligated to pay
for. The suit also states that Ford Credit billed these customers
for excess finance charges.
Ford Credit denies the allegations and contends that its
purchase of collateral protection insurance was lawful and proper.
The company also said any payments made to them by insurance
carriers were lawfully and appropriately paid.
According to the Honorable James R. Lambden, judge of the
Superior Court, plaintiffs in this action seek a judgement
forbidding Ford Credit from engaging in this practice any longer.
They also seek to collect the amounts, allegedly, improperly
collected by the company, plus compensatory and punitive damages,
interest, attorney's fees and suit costs.
Ford Credit, Lambden said, reserves its right to use any
recovered money to offset the accounts of the individuals involved,
should the company lose the case.
If someone's vehicle was financed by Ford Credit and Ford
Credit collected or attempted to collect payments for collateral
protection insurance, then he will be automatically considered a
member of the class action suit.
The notices being mailed inform the potential litigants of
their right to be excluded from the case. In order to do this, the
individual must send a request for exclusion, in writing, to the
Superior Court.
But Lambden warns that if a person requests the exclusion, he
will not be entitled to share in any benefit that the suit may
obtain. He also warns that if a person is part of a class actin
suit, he will not be able to file a separate claim against Ford
Credit.
Judgement in this lawsuit, whether favorable or not, to the
class, will apply to all class members who do not exclude
themselves Lambden said.
The Superior Court says litigants should not contact the court
or Ford Credit concerning the case, and if any questions arise, to
contact either a personal attorney or the attorneys representing
the case.
In a letter to one of the class action members, Lamden said
that the court has not formed any opinions concerning the merits of
the case. He added that the court has not ruled in favor or
against plaintiffs on the merits of any of their claims.
The law firm of Farrow, Bramson, Chavez and Baskin represents
the plaintiffs and the class. The firm's address is 2125 Oak Grove
Road, Suite 120, Walnut Creek, CA 94598. (Sgt Rod Deutschmann,
JPAO, Camp Pendleton)
-USMC-
J. NAVAL INSTITUTE TO SPONSOR ARLIEGH BURKE CONTEST
The U.S. Naval Institute is pleased to announce entries are
being accepted for its tenth annual Arliegh Burke Essay Contest.
While only the tenth year to be called the Arliegh Burke Essay
Contest, this year marks the 114th consecutive year that the Naval
Institute has sponsored this major essay contest.
Three essays will be selected for prizes. Anyone is eligible
to enter and win. First prize earns $3,000, a Gold Medal, and a
life membership in the Naval Institute. First Honorable Mention
wins $2,500 and a Silver Medal. Second Honorable Mention wins
$1,000 and a Bronze Medal.
The essay topic must relate to the objective of the U.S. Naval
Institute: "The advancement of professional, literary, and
scientific knowledge in the naval and maritime services, and the
advancement of the knowledge of sea power."
Essays will be judged by the Editorial Board of the U.S. Naval
Institute.
Entry Rules:
1. Essays must be original, must not exceed 4,000 words, and
must not have been previously published. An exact word count must
appear on the title page.
2. All entries should be directed to: Publisher, U.S. Naval
Institute, 118 Maryland Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21402-5035.
3. Essays must be postmarked on or before 1 December 1993.
4. The name of the author shall not appear on the essay.
Each author shall assign a motto in addition to a title to the
essay. This motto shall appear (a) on the title page of the essay,
with the title, in lieu of author's name, and (b) by itself on the
outside of an accompanying sealed envelope containing the name,
address, telephone number, social security number, a short
biography of the essayist, the title of the essay and the motto.
This envelope will not be opened until the Editorial Board has made
its selections.
5. The awards will be presented to the winning essayists at
the 120th annual meeting of the Naval Institute membership, in
Annapolis in April 1994. Letters notifying all other authors will
be mailed on or about March 1, 1994.
6. All essays must be typewritten, double-spaced, on paper
approximately 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches. Submit two complete
copies. (If typed on a computer, please also submit an IBM-
compatible disk and specify program used).
7. The three prize-winning essays will be publicized in
"Proceedings." Essays not awarded a prize may be selected for
publication in "Proceedings." The writers of such essays will be
compensated at the rate established for purchase of articles.
8. All essays should by analytical and/or interpretive, not
merely an exposition, a personal narrative, or a report. (U.S.
Naval Institute Release)
-USMC-
K. NAVAL INSTITUTE AND KODAK TO SPONSOR PHOTO CONTEST
The U.S. Naval Institute and Eastman Kodak Company have
announced that entries are being accepted for the 32nd annual Naval
and Maritime Photo Contest. Kodak's cosponsorship, now in its
eighth year, has enabled the Naval Institute to award more and
larger prizes.
The contest is open to both amateur and professional
photographers. Cash prizes of $500, $350 and $250 will be awarded
to photographers of the top three entries. In addition, 15
honorable mention winners will each receive $100.
All photos submitted for the contest must pertain to a naval
or maritime subject, and may be either black-and-white prints,
color prints, or color transparencies. Entries must include a
caption and the photographer's name, telephone number, social
security number, and address printed or typed on a separate sheet
of paper. The minimum acceptable print size is 5 x 7 inches.
Transparencies must be in 35mm format.
Photos are not limited to those taken during this calendar
year. However, there is a limit of five entries per person.
Entries must be received before Dec. 31, 1993. The winning photos
will be published in the April 1994 issue of "Proceedings." Some
photographs not awarded prizes may be purchased by the U.S. Naval
Institute. Photos will not be returned unless accompanied by a
stamped, self-addressed envelope.
All entries should be mailed to: Naval and Maritime Photo
Contest, U.S. Naval Institute, 118 Maryland Avenue, Annapolis, MD
21402-5035. (U.S. Naval Institute Release)
-USMC-
2. NEWS BRIEFS
A. ARTICLE 32 INVESTIGATION ORDERED ON TAILHOOK MARINE
MCCDC, Quantico, Va. -- An Article 32 pretrial investigation
has been ordered by LtGen Charles C. Krulak, Tailhook convening
authority for the Marine Corps.
Navy LtCmdr Carol G. Ricciardello, Judge Advocate Corps, has
been assigned as the investigating officer responsible for
conducting a pretrial investigation into the alleged activities of
Marine Corps Capt Gregory J. Bonham during the 1991 Tailhook
Convention in Las Vegas. Bonham has been charged with committing
indecent assault on a female attendee at the Tailhook Convention.
Upon completion of the investigation, Ricciardello will
forward her report to LtGen Krulak, who will then decide what
further action is appropriate. (WO Robert C. Jenks, PAO, MCCDC)
-USMC-
B. ASSISTANT TO THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE (PUBLIC AFFAIRS) NAMED
Kathleen M. deLaski has been appointed by Secretary of Defense
Les Aspin as Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public
Affairs, effective July 19, 1993.
Ms. deLaski has been an ABC News correspondent since 1988 and
served as their White House correspondent for the past year. Prior
to that, she covered Defense issues for NBC News Magazine shows and
for National Public Radio. She has more than 13 years experience
as a television reporter at the national and local levels.
Ms. deLaski is a graduate of Duke University. She has a
master's degree from Harvard University, where she focused on
international security. She was born in Arlington, Va.
In assuming her new position, she becomes the first woman to
serve as the chief spokesperson for the Department of Defense.
Ms. deLaski replaces Vernon A. Guidry who has assumed new
duties as Assistant to the Secretary of Defense. (OASD Public
Affairs Release)
-USMC-
3. NAVY BROADCASTING SERVICE
NAVY-MARINE CORPS NEWS
The July 23, 1993, edition of Navy-Marine Corps News -- a
videotaped newscast generated for broadcast to Navy-Marine Corps
fleet and shore units -- includes the following stories:
-- President Announces New Policy on Gays in the Military
HEADLINES:
-- USS Theodore Roosevelt and USS Arleigh Burke Return to Med
-- Command of 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Changes Hands
-- Two Oceana-Based F-14's Document Flood Damage in Midwest
-- Navy Commissions Ballistic Missile Submarine USS Nebraska
-- Two USS Enterprise Sailors Earn Navy and Marine Corps Medal
OTHER STORIES:
-- USS Ranger Decommissioned After 36 Years of Service
-- Aegis-Class Destroyer John Paul Jones Undergoes Sea Trials
-- Sailor Raises Money for Cancer Patients by Rollerbladeing
-- Women Officers Professional Association Holds Symposium
-- Female Sailors Help Hunt for Submarines from the Air
-- Program Offers Sailors and Marines Affordable Student Loans
-- Pearl Harbor Sailors Spice Up Their Physical Readiness Test
-- USS Independence Battle Group Trains Off Australian Coast
-- Independence Sailors Host Visit of Terminally-Ill Children
-- San Diego Command Helps Zoo While Cleaning Up the Base
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT NAVY MARINE CORPS NEWS, CALL SSGT
AL MOORE AT {202} 433-6275 {DSN PREFIX: 288}, OR WRITE NAVY MARINE
CORPS NEWS, NAVY BROADCASTING SERVICE, BUILDING 168, NAVAL STATION
ANACOSTIA, WASHINGTON, D.C. 20374-1682 {ATTN: NEWS DIRECTOR}.
-USMC-
4. FOL ALMARS RECEIVED BY PUBLIC AFFAIRS THIS WEEK: 203/93,
TRAVEL UNIFORM POLICY, (14200Z JUL 93); 204/93, STANDARD FLAT RATE
PERDIEM ALLOWANCE FOR WESTPAC DEPLOYED UNITS, (010045Z JUL 93);
205/93, OFFICERS SELECTED FOR TRANSITION/CONVERSION TRAINING,
(190031Z JUL 93); 206/93, POLICY ON HOMOSEXUALS IN THE ARMED
FORCES, (202001Z JUL 93); 207/93 ACCESSING MCPDS INFORMATION,
(191900Z JUL 93).
-USMC-
5. MCNEWS IS THE WIRE SERVICE FOR THE MARINE CORPS. IT IS
TRANSMITTED TO EVERY MAJOR CMD AND MOST SMALL DETS. IT IS A TOOL
FOR PAOS TO USE TO SPREAD THE WORD OF THEIR CMD'S ACHIEVEMENTS OR
NEEDS CORPS-WIDE. PAOS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SUBMIT ITEMS OF CORPS-
WIDE INTEREST TO MCNEWS. SEND BY ELMS {GIPM04:HQICMC1} OR CALL
DSN 224-1492, COMMERCIAL {703} 614-1492 OR 1494, FAX {703}
695-7460.
-USMC-
Navy News Service - NAVNEWS BY EMAIL - nav...@nctamslant.navy.mil
------------------------------------------------------------------
The Marine Corps News Service (MCNEWS) is being forwarded on an
experimental basis by the Navy News Service in cooperation with
the Director of Public Affairs, Headquarters Marine Corps. Your
comments and suggestions are invited. Feedback addressed to
nav...@nctamslant.navy.mil will be forwarded to the editors.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Marine Corps News Service - MCNEWS - nav...@nctamslant.navy.mil
----------------------------------------------------------------
MARINE CORPS NEWS SERVICE - 23 JUL 93 - MCNEWS 30-93
1. NEWS RELEASES
A. JOHN H. DALTON SWORN IN AS SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
WASHINGTON -- John H. Dalton was sworn in July 22 as the 70th
Secretary of the Navy after being unanimously confirmed by the
Senate, Wednesday.
Dalton graduated with distinction from the U.S. Naval Academy
in 1964, having served as Deputy Brigade Commander, the Academy's
number-two ranking position. During his service in the Navy, he
graduated from two Naval nuclear power schools, served aboard two
submarines and attained the rank of lieutenant while on active
duty. He was promoted to lieutenant commander in the U.S. Naval
Reserve.
"Those past years of service left an indelible impression on
me that remains the cornerstone of my feelings toward the people
who wear the uniform today -- an admiration for our sailors,
Marines and civil servants who sacrifice every day for their
country, an admiration for their dedication to teamwork and
professionalism, their pride in being the best in their skills,
their purpose in mission and commitment to honesty and integrity,"
said Dalton.
Dalton, the President's nominee for Secretary of the Navy, was
strongly supported by the Senate Armed Services Committee. In his
confirmation hearing before the Committee, Dalton told the
bipartisan panel that his commitment to quality forces in the Navy
and Marine Corps includes a "renewal of ethics and values."
The 51-year-old San Antonio, Texas, banker also promised to
use his considerable experience in business and government to help
meet the challenges of running the Navy Department.
"I view the taxpayer as our customer, and my goal is to
provide the taxpayer with the highest quality, most cost-effective
naval service he can get for his tax dollar," said Dalton.
(Story compiled by Navy News Service from official sources)
-USMC-
B. POLICY ON HOMOSEXUALS IN THE MILITARY
HQMC, WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 20, 1993) -- "The policy I am
announcing today is, in my judgment, the right thing to do and
the best way to do it," said President Bill Clinton, Monday at
Fort McNair in Washington, D.C., as he outlined the new policy
regarding homosexual conduct in the Armed Forces. The revised
policy will become effective Oct. 1.
The announcement, made to a group of senior officers and
enlisted personnel of all services, came following nearly six
months of extensive review at the highest levels of government,
including civilian and military testimony before the House and
Senate Armed Services Committees.
The review included two distinct efforts to examine the
Department of Defense policy on homosexuals serving in the
military: one, a military working group consisting of flag
officers from each service and, two, a separate study from the
Rand Corporation of Santa Monica, Calif. Regular consultations
were held between the Administration and the Joint Chiefs and
acting Secretaries of the Military Departments.
The revised policy directed by the President and signed by
the Secretary of Defense in a July 19 memorandum to the Service
secretaries and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff stated that
"It is the policy of the Department of Defense to judge the
suitability of persons to serve in the Armed Forces on the basis
of their conduct." Therefore, while homosexual conduct will be
grounds for separation, sexual orientation will not be a bar to
entry into the military or continued service, unless manifested
by homosexual conduct.
"This is a good policy - a courageous policy - and one that
can be implemented," said Gen Carl E. Mundy, Jr., Commandant of
the Marine Corps, immediately after the announcement. "What
you've seen in process is military advice, the best we can give,
to the Commander-in-Chief who took that advice and took all the
factors that weigh in this very difficult equation. He made a
courageous decision."
The new policy is summarized as follows:
-- Applicants for military service will no longer be asked
or required to review their sexual orientation. (This revision
makes permanent the interim policy established by the Secretary
of Defense on Feb. 3, 1993.) However, applicants will be
informed of the conduct which is proscribed (prohibited) for
members of the Armed Forces, including homosexual conduct;
-- Sexual orientation will not be a bar to service unless
manifested by homosexual conduct. Members who engage in
homosexual conduct will be discharged. (Homosexual conduct is
defined as a homosexual act, a statement that the member is
homosexual or bisexual, or a marriage or attempted marriage to
someone of the same gender);
-- No investigations or inquiries will be conducted solely
to determine a service member's sexual orientation. However,
commanders can, and will, initiate inquiries or investigations
when there is credible information that a basis for discharge or
disciplinary action exists. Sexual orientation alone will not be
the subject of a criminal investigation.
Implementation of the President's new policy will be
directed to the Secretaries of the Military Departments by the
Secretary of Defense as soon as possible. That implementation
process will include pertinent changes to existing directives and
regulations, in addition to detailed policy guidelines. The
interim policy and administrative separation procedures
(established Feb. 3) will remain in effect until Oct. 1. For more
information see ALMAR 206/93. (HQMC Release)
-USMC-
C. MARINE SQUADRON DEPLOYS TO SUPPORT U.N. OPERATIONS IN BOSNIA
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, S.C. -- At around 5 a.m.
July 19, eight F/A-18Ds, along with KC-10 and C-130 chase planes,
took off from Merrit Field en route to Aviano Air Base, Italy, to
begin the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (All Weather)-533
deployment as an air support contingent for United Nations
operations in Bosnia.
That evening, two C-5 "Galaxy" transports packed with
equipment, and follow-on squadron and support personnel departed
the air station for the U.N. assignment. Just before leading his
men onto a C-5, squadron SgtMaj James P. Washington said, "Our
morale is high. We felt our squadron deployment to NAS Fallon,
Nev., several weeks ago has provided us with the experience we'll
need while we work out of Aviano. I just want to thank all the
administrative, medical, dental and logistical support people who
helped us gear up for a speedy departure." An additional airlift
of personnel and equipment took off July 20.
VMFA (AW)-533, commanded by LtCol David Rash, had recently
returned from their first unit-level deployment at NAS Fallon,
Nev., after their transition to F/A-18D and transfer from MCAS
Cherry Point, N.C., to Beaufort.
At Fallon, the Marines became proficient with live fire of
heavy ordnance and "smart weapons" from the state-of-the-art F/A-
18D. Pilots also used the aircraft's new Forward Looking Infrared
or FLIR system for the first time.
The FA-18D "Hornet" is the newest aircraft in the Marine Corps
inventory. The two-seat jet is equipped with fire control radar
and infrared sensors to detect and destroy targets. It can also be
operated at low altitude in varying terrains and weather
conditions.
LtGen Richard Hearney, Deputy Chief of Staff for Aviation,
HQMC, MGen Jefferson D. Howell, commanding general, 2nd MAW, Col
Earl Hailston, commanding officer, MAG-31, and Col Richard Stearns,
commanding officer, MCAS Cherry Point, N.C., joined families and
friends of the deploying unit at their hangar to witness the
"Hawks'" departure.
Secretary of Defense Les Aspin ordered the deployment of
aircraft and military personnel which includes more than 1,5--
people, the eight F/A-18Ds from MCAS Beaufort and other ground
attack and support aircraft. They will assist other NATO forces in
implementing U.N. Security Council resolution 836.
The other aircraft will also include the MCAS Beaufort-based
"Checkerboards" of VMFA-312, operating aboard the USS Theodore
Roosevelt on station in the Mediterranean Sea.
France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom also announced
their participation in this U.N. peacekeeping mission. (GySgt. Rod
Washington, MCAS Beaufort, S.C.)
-USMC-
D. MARINES JOIN OPERATION DENY FLIGHT
(Compiled from reports in European Stars and Stripes and Navy
News Service)
Eight Marine F/A-18D Hornets of VMFA(AW)-533 out of MCAS
Beaufort arrived at Aviano Air Base, Italy, on July 22 to
participate in an operation that is an extension of Deny Flight,
the enforcement of the no-fly zone over Bosnia-Herzegovina launched
by NATO officials in conjunction with the United Nations April 12.
Secretary of Defense Les Aspin approved an order July 14
directing U.S. aircraft to deploy and join NATO's planned air
support to the United Nations Protection Force in Bosnia. The
deployment order authorizes a phased deployment of 30
ground-attack-capable aircraft and 10 support aircraft, and
involves about 1,500 personnel. They will assist other NATO forces
in implementing U.N. Security Council Resolution 836. France, the
Netherlands and the United Kingdom have also announced their
participation in this mission.
The Marine planes joined 12 U.S. Air Force A-10 and OA-10
aircraft, deployed July 13 from Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany,
six U.S. Navy A-6s and Marine F/A-18s of VMFA-312 operating from
the USS Theodore Roosevelt and four U.S. Air Force C-130 aircraft
from Hurlburt Field, Fla. In addition, five U.S. Air Force KC-135
aerial refueling aircraft from Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., and
five U.S. Air Force EC-130 airborne command, control and
communication support aircraft from Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.,
deployed to support this mission.
The crews of '533 spent their first few days flying
familiarization missions in preparation for the air support of U.N.
ground forces that are assigned to guard havens for Muslim
civilians in Bosnia and Herzegovina. All the Marines are being
housed in a tent city near the air base flight line.
The F/A-18 was developed to serve as both a fighter and an
attack aircraft and is capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground
combat. The D model crew consists of a pilot and a weapons officer.
Hornets can carry as much as 17,000 pounds of armament, including
Sidewinder and Sparrow missiles, and HARMs (High-Speed Anti-Radar
missiles).
-USMC-
E. I MEF STEPS INTO FUTURE WITH NEW RADIO TECHNOLOGY
MARINE CORPS BASE, CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- The First Marine
Expeditionary Force recently began a multi-million dollar project
here to update its radio technology.
The two-year project will replace aging radio systems with
SINCGARS. The single-channel ground and airborne radio system will
replace current radios, which have been in use for the past 40
years.
SINCGARS, a new family of VHF-FM radios, boasts selectable
power settings and frequency-hopping features that provide a low
probability of enemy detection and interception. It also features
a 2,230-channel capability, and can handle voice, data, plain or
cipher text and can be operated by remote control.
"This is an awesome piece of gear," said Capt Ross A.
Adlemen, SINCGARS project officer, Communications Company, 11th
Marine Regiment. "It'll blow the PRC-77 out of the water."
The project, which started here June 6, is on a MEF level, but
11th Marines has assumed responsibility. The project goal is to
provide early fielding of the system for the MEF and several units
from the 1st Marine Division.
"This is a big operation," Adleman said. "We were selected
to host it, and we're glad to have the opportunity."
The Marines, with help from a team of civilians, removed the
old radio systems from 76 high-mobility multipurpose wheeled
vehicles and replaced them with SINCGARS systems.
Basically, units bring their vehicles to a staging area and
remove the old system. Once the old system is gone, the team from
11th Marines installs the $27,000 SINCGARS unit.
"There is a lot of tedious, dirty work involved in replacing
these systems," said SSgt Edmund J. Bennett, project chief and 11th
Marines communications and electronics chief. "We are putting in
12-hour days out here, but we have been getting the vehicles in and
out of here in a 48-hour period. We are working hard, and we plan
to finish ahead of schedule."
A civilian team, from Atlantic Research Corporation in
Quantico, Va., is also here to assist.
"We have been contracted for configuration management, to make
sure every unit in the Marine Corps has the same gear, with the
same wires in the same position," said John J. Melville, site chief
for Marine Corps Systems Communications. "We are also here to help
take the burden of fielding the system off of operational forces."
Camp Pendleton is the fourth stop for the team, which is
making a trip to major Marine Corps bases and setting up the early
fielding of SINCGARS. It has already traveled to Camp Lejeune,
N.C., Okinawa, Japan and Hawaii.
"So far, the project here has been outstanding," Melville
said. "These Marines have given us everything we've needed, and
usually given it to us before we ask for it."
Even after SINCGARS is installed in vehicles, the project
isn't over. Radio operators have to be trained to use the new
system. Training is done in a large classroom here, and taught by
one of the civilians of the early fielding team.
Operators are sent through a 2 1/2-day primary course, in
which they learn basic functions. They then attend an advanced
course where they learn more detailed information about the system.
"The course gives them in-depth, hands-on training," Bennett
said. "It involves a lot of one-on-one instruction, and
familiarizes them with the system."
Operators say they are much happier with the new system.
"This is a lot better than the old gear," said LCpl Chris R.
Fritsche, 22, a radio operator with Battery B, 11th Marines. "It
is lighter and there is less gear to work with. Plus, it tells you
everything you need to know."
Many Marines say spending time familiarizing themselves with
SINCGARS is the most important aspect of the project.
"The biggest thing involved with the success of this system is
hands-on time," said Sgt Steven T. Durham, 28, radio chief and
assistant instructor from Communications Co., Headquarters Bn., 1st
Marine Division. "It is not hard gear to learn. It is very user
friendly, but for the Marine Corps to field it and make it work, it
is going to take a lot of hands-on time."
Although the system is scheduled to be on-line in every Marine
Corps unit by fiscal year 1994, it is now being given to selected
units and command and control elements so they can begin
familiarization.
"The Marine Corps did a limited buy of SINCGARS," Melville
said. "They decided to field the system to all light-armored
vehicles and tanks and to selected command elements."
Units here that will receive the system include the 3rd
Amphibian Assault Bn.; 1st, 5th, and 11th Marine Regiments; 9th
Communications Bn.; and 1st Combat Engineer Bn.
"When we are finished here, we will go to [Camp] Las Flores
and help 1st Reconnaissance Bn. (Light Armored) come on-line with
the rest of the Marine Corps with SINCGARS," Melville said. "They
have the system already, but they don't have an installation that
matches the modification instructions. We will be giving them new
cabling and equipment which will enable them to mirror the other
SINCGARS in the Marine Corps."
The last units to receive the gear will be those at Marine
Corps Air-Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif. Units
there slated to receive the SINCGARS include the 7th Marine
Regiment, 3rd Light Armored Infantry Bn., and the 1st
Reconnaissance Bn.
"This radio is going to be the VHF radio for the Marine Corps
well into the 21st Century," Melville said. "It is easy to
maintain, and it has been statistically proven to be significantly
better and much more reliable than any communications gear the
Marine Corps has seen until now."
-USMC-
F. MARINE NUCLEAR WEAPONS UNITS DEACTIVATED
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION, YUMA, Ariz. -- July 31 marks the end
of an era so secretive that most people, whose very lives may have
depended on its existence, will be completely unaware of its
demise.
With the deactivation of Marine Wing Weapons Unit-Lant at
Cherry Point, N.C., and MWWU-PAC here, the Marine Corps will be
officially out of the nuclear weapons business as of Aug. 1.
For more than 40 years, Marines at these units have been in
continuous training, ready at any time to provide the offensive,
air-delivered, nuclear and chemical weapons which they could
completely assemble from stockpiles.
The units were established in the early 1950s and were called
Marine Tactical Support Assembly Teams. At first their mission was
to provide the Corps with a tactical nuclear weapons capability.
Later they were given the additional responsibility of maintaining
biological and chemical weapons capability.
The world may never know whether the units were successful in
their role as a deterrent to the use of nuclear and chemical
weapons during the Cold War.
The units did not store the weapons locally, but maintained
the capability and equipment required to load Marine Corps
aircraft. For many of the unit's Marines, one of the most
difficult aspects of their mission was maintaining absolute
secrecy, not only from friends and family, but other Marines as
well.
"Nobody knew what we did here," said CWO-2 Mariano Hawk,
operations officer. "Whenever we talked with other Marines, they
would always ask, 'What do you guys do out there, anyway?' But we
signed a paper not to talk about it for 50 years. Now it's for
life."
Many factors have contributed to the unit's deactivation.
Some of these factors include the end of the Cold War, the fall of
communism, the signing of new weapons treaties, recent budget cuts
in the military, and the discontinued use of the A-4 Skyhawk and A-
6 Intruders, which were the units' only platforms for employing
their weapons, said Hawk.
Hawk is one of only 10 Marines left in the unit here. At the
peak of its existence, 1987-1991, the mission required a 78-man
force, which made up two 39-man teams. But even today, Hawk claims
they can still deploy either a nuclear or a chemical team should
the need arise before August.
Acting officer in charge, CWO-2 Michael McGlynn has been with
MWWU-PAC since April, 1992. Before that he spent three years with
the Cherry Point unit. Like many other Marines, he's sorry to see
the era pass.
"I wish we'd keep the field open," he said. "This was a good
job field, with good people. It was definitely a high-profile job
in the ordnance community."
McGlynn will soon take over as station weapons officer here.
Hawk will become the aviation ordnance officer at Twentynine Palms.
Others will go to "B" billets or revert to their original MOSs,
primarily within the ordnance field.
"This was never a primary MOS," explained Hawk. He said MWWU
Marines are usually the cream of the crop from the ordnance field,
sent to MWWU for about 43 months at a time.
The Marines from MWWU-PAC will spend the next week packing up
their remaining gear and preparing for departure.
"On the first of August we'll come in for the last time and
make our final unit diary entry," Hawk said. "It will say
'Deletion of MCC. Deactivation of unit,' and then we'll be gone.
It's too bad. I guess they just don't need us anymore. But we
were the tip of the spear, and if the balloon ever went up, we
would have been there." (SSgt Rosemarie Fitzsimmons, MCAS Yuma)
-USMC-
G. "ALL AHEAD" OFFERS STUDENT LOANS TO SAILORS AND MARINES
Student loans designed specifically for sailors, Marines and
their families are now available from University Support Services,
Inc. Available for graduate, undergraduate and private high school
students, the new All Ahead Loan Program can provide $1,500 to
$25,000 a year at approved schools.
All Ahead is a credit-based, loan program intended to help
defray costs of tuition, fees, room and board, books and supplies.
It can be used as the sole means of financing a student's education
or in conjunction with other private or federal loan programs. The
loans are available to active-duty and former Navy and Marine Corps
personnel and their families, including reserve, retired and
federal employees.
Eligible applicants for All Ahead must be credit-worthy U.S.
citizens or permanent residents, earn a minimum of $15,000 a year
and have been employed at their present job for at least a year.
If an applicant does not meet these requirements, a co-signer who
does meet the requirements is necessary to approve the loan.
The loan is paid back on a 15-year plan, with no penalty for
early repayment. Interest rates vary monthly based on the
Commercial Paper rate plus a spread of 4.75 percent (for June 1993,
the interest rate was 7.89 percent). All Ahead recipients may
defer repayment of the principal of the loan while a student
remains in a graduate or undergraduate program, but interest
payments begin upon receipt of the loan.
For more information about the All Ahead Loan Program, call
toll-free 1-800-SOS-LOAN. (JO2 Ray Mooney, NIRA Detachment 5, San
Diego)
-USMC-
H. VERIFICATION DOCUMENT PROGRAM HELPS RESUME WRITERS
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- A resume is
considered by many to be a vital piece of ammunition in the job-
hunting war. Many discharged service members are quickly finding
that out.
For some, attaining that reflection of oneself was an easy
acquisition. But many others are finding it difficult to translate
their military life into civilian language. To help with that
transition, Congress, last year, initiated the Verification
Document Program in conjunction with other military transition
programs being developed.
Marines and transition assistance personnel use the VERDOC
forms to create resumes for departing service members. A VERDOC is
a specifically automated chronological records of a service
member's military experience, training and education. It also
offers course and military occupational specialty descriptions, as
well as recommended college credit and appropriate civilian titles.
"These forms are priceless for many who are having a hard time
trying to finish a resume," said Christine Zell, a transition
assistance officer here. "They translate a lot of military jargon
into readable civilian style."
If a military member doesn't receive a VERDOC within six
months of end of contract, the document can be requested. However,
it will take up to four weeks to process the request and receive
the document.
Thousands of service members may have recently lost out on
that congressionally mandated benefit, though, and base authorities
are asking how and why.
Officials with the Career Resource Management Center and 1st
Marine Division's Human Affairs Office here began searching for
clues explaining large numbers of missing VERDOCs.
Zell said the biggest problem doesn't lie just in the fact
that the paperwork is missing, but more in the fact that most
people don't even know what it could be used for. "When I mention
the VERDOC, most people look back with blank stares on their
faces," Zell said.
Only 10 percent of Marines taking her classes actually have
heard about it and half of those haven't even received theirs yet,
she said. "When it's taken into consideration that each of my
weekly classes has an average attendance of 250 Marines, you can
see the problem we're up against," she said.
According to Capt J. Turner, who heads the VERDOC department
at Headquarters Marine Corps, the forms are sent to all separating
Marines within six months of their end of active service,
regardless of whether or not they re-enlist.
"The forms end up disappearing sometime during their
distribution here on base," Zell said. "Up to that point
everything has been working fine."
Capt Robert H. Hollman of the Human Affairs Office here
recently began investigating the situation and has set in motion a
few tracking systems to find where the real problem lies. "Before
we can take any action, I have to know where the problem
originates," he said.
One plan involves an addition to the separations brief where
Marines will be asked if they had received their VERDOCs, and if
not, what unit they are from.
Turner said Marines who do not receive DD Form 2586 (VERDOC)
within six months of separating, need to verify their EAS date with
the administrative office. If the date is correct, then the Marine
should ask for the VERDOC.
"A document can be requested. However, it will take up to
four weeks to process the request and receive the document," Turner
said. "If the Marine is within two months of separation, the
document will be mailed to an address of the Marine's choice to
ensure receipt." (Sgt Rod Deutschmann, JPAO, Camp Pendleton)
-USMC-
I. MARINES BECOME CO-PLAINTIFFS IN CREDIT COMPANY SUIT
MARINE CORPS BASE, CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Many Marines and
their civilian counterparts may soon find themselves unwitting
participants in a massive legal battle with Ford Motor Credit
Company.
A suit, titled Clark, et al vs. Ford Motor Credit Company, is
now pending in the Superior Court of California for the County of
Alameda. Many people, including Marines here, have recently
received notices that they have become co-plaintiffs in the suit.
The Superior Court on March 12, ordered that the lawsuit
proceed as a "class action" on behalf of "all" persons involved.
That enabled attorneys to include everyone who meets certain
criteria as litigants in the action. Notices are currently being
forwarded throughout the country.
The complaint alleges that, since Jan. 7, 1987, Ford Motor
Credit Company has engaged in improper practices relating to the
placement of insurance on the motor vehicle loan accounts of some
customers who failed to purchase or maintain comprehensive and
collision insurance. Among other things, the complaint alleges
that the company purchased and charged those customers for
insurance coverages that they were not legally obligated to pay
for. The suit also states that Ford Credit billed these customers
for excess finance charges.
Ford Credit denies the allegations and contends that its
purchase of collateral protection insurance was lawful and proper.
The company also said any payments made to them by insurance
carriers were lawfully and appropriately paid.
According to the Honorable James R. Lambden, judge of the
Superior Court, plaintiffs in this action seek a judgement
forbidding Ford Credit from engaging in this practice any longer.
They also seek to collect the amounts, allegedly, improperly
collected by the company, plus compensatory and punitive damages,
interest, attorney's fees and suit costs.
Ford Credit, Lambden said, reserves its right to use any
recovered money to offset the accounts of the individuals involved,
should the company lose the case.
If someone's vehicle was financed by Ford Credit and Ford
Credit collected or attempted to collect payments for collateral
protection insurance, then he will be automatically considered a
member of the class action suit.
The notices being mailed inform the potential litigants of
their right to be excluded from the case. In order to do this, the
individual must send a request for exclusion, in writing, to the
Superior Court.
But Lambden warns that if a person requests the exclusion, he
will not be entitled to share in any benefit that the suit may
obtain. He also warns that if a person is part of a class actin
suit, he will not be able to file a separate claim against Ford
Credit.
Judgement in this lawsuit, whether favorable or not, to the
class, will apply to all class members who do not exclude
themselves Lambden said.
The Superior Court says litigants should not contact the court
or Ford Credit concerning the case, and if any questions arise, to
contact either a personal attorney or the attorneys representing
the case.
In a letter to one of the class action members, Lamden said
that the court has not formed any opinions concerning the merits of
the case. He added that the court has not ruled in favor or
against plaintiffs on the merits of any of their claims.
The law firm of Farrow, Bramson, Chavez and Baskin represents
the plaintiffs and the class. The firm's address is 2125 Oak Grove
Road, Suite 120, Walnut Creek, CA 94598. (Sgt Rod Deutschmann,
JPAO, Camp Pendleton)
-USMC-
J. NAVAL INSTITUTE TO SPONSOR ARLIEGH BURKE CONTEST
The U.S. Naval Institute is pleased to announce entries are
being accepted for its tenth annual Arliegh Burke Essay Contest.
While only the tenth year to be called the Arliegh Burke Essay
Contest, this year marks the 114th consecutive year that the Naval
Institute has sponsored this major essay contest.
Three essays will be selected for prizes. Anyone is eligible
to enter and win. First prize earns $3,000, a Gold Medal, and a
life membership in the Naval Institute. First Honorable Mention
wins $2,500 and a Silver Medal. Second Honorable Mention wins
$1,000 and a Bronze Medal.
The essay topic must relate to the objective of the U.S. Naval
Institute: "The advancement of professional, literary, and
scientific knowledge in the naval and maritime services, and the
advancement of the knowledge of sea power."
Essays will be judged by the Editorial Board of the U.S. Naval
Institute.
Entry Rules:
1. Essays must be original, must not exceed 4,000 words, and
must not have been previously published. An exact word count must
appear on the title page.
2. All entries should be directed to: Publisher, U.S. Naval
Institute, 118 Maryland Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21402-5035.
3. Essays must be postmarked on or before 1 December 1993.
4. The name of the author shall not appear on the essay.
Each author shall assign a motto in addition to a title to the
essay. This motto shall appear (a) on the title page of the essay,
with the title, in lieu of author's name, and (b) by itself on the
outside of an accompanying sealed envelope containing the name,
address, telephone number, social security number, a short
biography of the essayist, the title of the essay and the motto.
This envelope will not be opened until the Editorial Board has made
its selections.
5. The awards will be presented to the winning essayists at
the 120th annual meeting of the Naval Institute membership, in
Annapolis in April 1994. Letters notifying all other authors will
be mailed on or about March 1, 1994.
6. All essays must be typewritten, double-spaced, on paper
approximately 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches. Submit two complete
copies. (If typed on a computer, please also submit an IBM-
compatible disk and specify program used).
7. The three prize-winning essays will be publicized in
"Proceedings." Essays not awarded a prize may be selected for
publication in "Proceedings." The writers of such essays will be
compensated at the rate established for purchase of articles.
8. All essays should by analytical and/or interpretive, not
merely an exposition, a personal narrative, or a report. (U.S.
Naval Institute Release)
-USMC-
K. NAVAL INSTITUTE AND KODAK TO SPONSOR PHOTO CONTEST
The U.S. Naval Institute and Eastman Kodak Company have
announced that entries are being accepted for the 32nd annual Naval
and Maritime Photo Contest. Kodak's cosponsorship, now in its
eighth year, has enabled the Naval Institute to award more and
larger prizes.
The contest is open to both amateur and professional
photographers. Cash prizes of $500, $350 and $250 will be awarded
to photographers of the top three entries. In addition, 15
honorable mention winners will each receive $100.
All photos submitted for the contest must pertain to a naval
or maritime subject, and may be either black-and-white prints,
color prints, or color transparencies. Entries must include a
caption and the photographer's name, telephone number, social
security number, and address printed or typed on a separate sheet
of paper. The minimum acceptable print size is 5 x 7 inches.
Transparencies must be in 35mm format.
Photos are not limited to those taken during this calendar
year. However, there is a limit of five entries per person.
Entries must be received before Dec. 31, 1993. The winning photos
will be published in the April 1994 issue of "Proceedings." Some
photographs not awarded prizes may be purchased by the U.S. Naval
Institute. Photos will not be returned unless accompanied by a
stamped, self-addressed envelope.
All entries should be mailed to: Naval and Maritime Photo
Contest, U.S. Naval Institute, 118 Maryland Avenue, Annapolis, MD
21402-5035. (U.S. Naval Institute Release)
-USMC-
2. NEWS BRIEFS
A. ARTICLE 32 INVESTIGATION ORDERED ON TAILHOOK MARINE
MCCDC, Quantico, Va. -- An Article 32 pretrial investigation
has been ordered by LtGen Charles C. Krulak, Tailhook convening
authority for the Marine Corps.
Navy LtCmdr Carol G. Ricciardello, Judge Advocate Corps, has
been assigned as the investigating officer responsible for
conducting a pretrial investigation into the alleged activities of
Marine Corps Capt Gregory J. Bonham during the 1991 Tailhook
Convention in Las Vegas. Bonham has been charged with committing
indecent assault on a female attendee at the Tailhook Convention.
Upon completion of the investigation, Ricciardello will
forward her report to LtGen Krulak, who will then decide what
further action is appropriate. (WO Robert C. Jenks, PAO, MCCDC)
-USMC-
B. ASSISTANT TO THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE (PUBLIC AFFAIRS) NAMED
Kathleen M. deLaski has been appointed by Secretary of Defense
Les Aspin as Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public
Affairs, effective July 19, 1993.
Ms. deLaski has been an ABC News correspondent since 1988 and
served as their White House correspondent for the past year. Prior
to that, she covered Defense issues for NBC News Magazine shows and
for National Public Radio. She has more than 13 years experience
as a television reporter at the national and local levels.
Ms. deLaski is a graduate of Duke University. She has a
master's degree from Harvard University, where she focused on
international security. She was born in Arlington, Va.
In assuming her new position, she becomes the first woman to
serve as the chief spokesperson for the Department of Defense.
Ms. deLaski replaces Vernon A. Guidry who has assumed new
duties as Assistant to the Secretary of Defense. (OASD Public
Affairs Release)
-USMC-
3. NAVY BROADCASTING SERVICE
NAVY-MARINE CORPS NEWS
The July 23, 1993, edition of Navy-Marine Corps News -- a
videotaped newscast generated for broadcast to Navy-Marine Corps
fleet and shore units -- includes the following stories:
-- President Announces New Policy on Gays in the Military
HEADLINES:
-- USS Theodore Roosevelt and USS Arleigh Burke Return to Med
-- Command of 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Changes Hands
-- Two Oceana-Based F-14's Document Flood Damage in Midwest
-- Navy Commissions Ballistic Missile Submarine USS Nebraska
-- Two USS Enterprise Sailors Earn Navy and Marine Corps Medal
OTHER STORIES:
-- USS Ranger Decommissioned After 36 Years of Service
-- Aegis-Class Destroyer John Paul Jones Undergoes Sea Trials
-- Sailor Raises Money for Cancer Patients by Rollerbladeing
-- Women Officers Professional Association Holds Symposium
-- Female Sailors Help Hunt for Submarines from the Air
-- Program Offers Sailors and Marines Affordable Student Loans
-- Pearl Harbor Sailors Spice Up Their Physical Readiness Test
-- USS Independence Battle Group Trains Off Australian Coast
-- Independence Sailors Host Visit of Terminally-Ill Children
-- San Diego Command Helps Zoo While Cleaning Up the Base
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT NAVY MARINE CORPS NEWS, CALL SSGT
AL MOORE AT {202} 433-6275 {DSN PREFIX: 288}, OR WRITE NAVY MARINE
CORPS NEWS, NAVY BROADCASTING SERVICE, BUILDING 168, NAVAL STATION
ANACOSTIA, WASHINGTON, D.C. 20374-1682 {ATTN: NEWS DIRECTOR}.
-USMC-
4. FOL ALMARS RECEIVED BY PUBLIC AFFAIRS THIS WEEK: 203/93,
TRAVEL UNIFORM POLICY, (14200Z JUL 93); 204/93, STANDARD FLAT RATE
PERDIEM ALLOWANCE FOR WESTPAC DEPLOYED UNITS, (010045Z JUL 93);
205/93, OFFICERS SELECTED FOR TRANSITION/CONVERSION TRAINING,
(190031Z JUL 93); 206/93, POLICY ON HOMOSEXUALS IN THE ARMED
FORCES, (202001Z JUL 93); 207/93 ACCESSING MCPDS INFORMATION,
(191900Z JUL 93).
-USMC-
5. MCNEWS IS THE WIRE SERVICE FOR THE MARINE CORPS. IT IS
TRANSMITTED TO EVERY MAJOR CMD AND MOST SMALL DETS. IT IS A TOOL
FOR PAOS TO USE TO SPREAD THE WORD OF THEIR CMD'S ACHIEVEMENTS OR
NEEDS CORPS-WIDE. PAOS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SUBMIT ITEMS OF CORPS-
WIDE INTEREST TO MCNEWS. SEND BY ELMS {GIPM04:HQICMC1} OR CALL
DSN 224-1492, COMMERCIAL {703} 614-1492 OR 1494, FAX {703}
695-7460.
-USMC-
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