AFGHANISTAN – Staff Sgt. Oliver Salder earned his place as a Marine well before he stepped on the famed yellow foot prints at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. So when recruit Salder piled off that bus in 2000 amidst terrified peers, this salty, rugby-playing Brit was probably more entertained than scared. Or maybe he was just glad it was only going to take him 13 weeks to graduate this time. Salder, born in Bath, England, enlisted as a British Royal Marine at the age of 16 - his parents agreed to sign his age waiver because they believed he would fail out of recruit training. Of 50 recruits, Salder was one of 28 to graduate the eight-month cycle, earning his title as a Royal Marine commando. Salder took a train to Lympstone, Devon, for basic training and spent his first two weeks learning to wear and maintain his uniform, fold his clothes and shave like a Royal Marine. He spent the next 15 weeks learning basic infantry tactics. Salder also learned close-quarters battle, how to swim like a Royal Marine and endured three, four and five-mile runs wearing approximately 30 pounds of gear. “I think [Royal Marine training] was a little more phys- ical than when I went to [recruit training] in the United States,” he said. “The only time we walked was uphill. Everywhere else we were running.” U.S. Marine recruits speed-walk while hiking with gear. Speed-walking, instead of running, reduces the chance of injuries, teaches them to open their strides and helps reduce noise. When not on hikes, Marine drill in- structors are marching recruits everywhere to teach close- order drill, emphasizing discipline and immediate obedi- ence to orders. After acclimatizing to military lifestyle and establish- ing some basic infantry skills, Salder and his crew moved Vol. 12 No. 29 July 16, 2010 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif. MCAS Miramar Web site www.miramar.usmc.mil FIRST MARINE PILOT TO FLY F-22 “RAPTORS” Lt. Col. David R. Berke flew “Hornets” for over a decade before being selected to fly “Raptors.” For full story, see pages 5 & 6. OLD TOWN HAS MUCH TO OFFER SAN DIEGO SERVICE MEMBERS Old Town San Diego has a wealth of restaurants, shops and historical sites for all to experience. For full story, see page 3. REACH US EDITORIAL 858-577-6000 Marine Corps Merit Award winning newspaper GO TO MARINE, PAGE 4 Once a Marine, twice a Marine, always a Marine Story by Cpl . Ryan Rholes C OM BAT C ORRESPONDENT Staff Sgt. Oliver Salder, the corrosion control chief for Marine Me- dium Tiltrotor Squadron 261, shows off the two patches he wears on his flight suit at the flight line here July 6. The yellow patch is from his hometown of Bath, England. The second patch is his unit’s patch. Sadler finished his third combat deployment July 7 and is slated to head home within the next few weeks. Cpl. Ryan Rholes A platoon stands at the posi- tion of attention, bodies locked and alert, awaiting their next com- mand while several aircraft scream across the sunny San Diego sky. Their drill instructor ominously looms over the platoon ready to bark cadence and drill his “re- cruits”. Though this may sound like any other day aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Saturday, this scene took place in a slightly obscure location ap- proximately 10 miles north of the depot, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. This event was one of many, which took place on what is known as the Marine Aircraft Group 11 Jane Wayne Day. On this day, the tables were turned as MAG-11 gave their friends and family members the opportunity to literally fill their Marinesʼ boots for a day. Those in attendance tested their marksman- ship skills with an M16A4 service rifle at the Hathcock Range Com- plex, took to the skies in the F/A- 18 flight simulator, established the basics of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program and got an inside look at a jet engine test cell. The group participants got a di- verse look at what Marines aboard the station do on a day-to-day ba- sis, but many of them had no clue GO TO JANE WAYNE, PAGE 2 A day in their boots Former drill instructor Staff Sgt. Edgar Ramirez, the staff noncommissioned officer in charge for the F/A-18 jet engine test cell, briefs his new “recruits” on the importance of close-order drill here Saturday outside the Marine Aircraft Group 11 headquarters building during Jane Wayne Day. During the event, friends and family of the group received a diverse look at what Marines aboard the station do on a day-to-day basis. Cpl. Derek B. Carlson Cpl. Derek B. Carlson C OMBAT C ORRESPONDENT
Transcript
AFGHANISTAN – Staff Sgt. Oliver Salder earned his place as a Marine well before he stepped on the famed yellow foot prints at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. So when recruit Salder piled off that bus in 2000 amidst terrified peers, this salty, rugby-playing Brit was probably more entertained than scared. Or maybe he was just glad it was only going to take him 13 weeks to graduate this time.
Salder, born in Bath, England, enlisted as a British Royal Marine at the age of 16 - his parents agreed to sign his age waiver because they believed he would fail out of recruit training. Of 50 recruits, Salder was one of 28 to graduate the eight-month cycle, earning his title as a Royal Marine commando.
Salder took a train to Lympstone, Devon, for basic training and spent his first two weeks learning to wear and maintain his uniform, fold his clothes and shave like a
Royal Marine. He spent the next 15 weeks learning basic infantry tactics. Salder also learned close-quarters battle, how to swim like a Royal Marine and endured three, four and five-mile runs wearing approximately 30 pounds of gear.
“I think [Royal Marine training] was a little more phys-ical than when I went to [recruit training] in the United States,” he said. “The only time we walked was uphill. Everywhere else we were running.”
U.S. Marine recruits speed-walk while hiking with gear. Speed-walking, instead of running, reduces the chance of injuries, teaches them to open their strides and helps reduce noise. When not on hikes, Marine drill in-structors are marching recruits everywhere to teach close-order drill, emphasizing discipline and immediate obedi-ence to orders.
After acclimatizing to military lifestyle and establish-ing some basic infantry skills, Salder and his crew moved
Vol. 12 No. 29 July 16, 2010Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif.
MCAS Miramar Web site
www.miramar.usmc.mil
FIRST MARINE PILOT TO FLY F-22 “RAPTORS”
Lt. Col. David R. Berke flew “Hornets” for over a decade before being selected to fly “Raptors.” For full story, see pages 5 & 6.
OLD TOWN HAS MUCH TO OFFER SAN DIEGO SERVICE MEMBERS
Old Town San Diego has a wealth of restaurants, shops and historical sites for all to experience. For full story, see page 3.
REACH US
EDITORIAL858-577-6000
Marine Corps Merit Award winning newspaper
GO TO MARINE, PAGE 4
Once a Marine, twice a Marine, always a MarineStory by Cpl. Ryan Rholes
COMBAT CORRESPONDENT
Staff Sgt. Oliver Salder, the corrosion control chief for Marine Me-dium Tiltrotor Squadron 261, shows off the two patches he wears on his flight suit at the flight line here July 6. The yellow patch is from his hometown of Bath, England. The second patch is his unit’s patch. Sadler finished his third combat deployment July 7 and is slated to head home within the next few weeks.
Cpl. Ryan Rholes
A platoon stands at the posi-tion of attention, bodies locked and alert, awaiting their next com-mand while several aircraft scream across the sunny San Diego sky. Their drill instructor ominously looms over the platoon ready to bark cadence and drill his “re-cruits”.
Though this may sound like any other day aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Saturday, this scene took place in a slightly obscure location ap-proximately 10 miles north of the depot, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. This event was one of many, which took place on what
is known as the Marine Aircraft Group 11 Jane Wayne Day.
On this day, the tables were turned as MAG-11 gave their friends and family members the opportunity to literally fill their Marinesʼ boots for a day. Those in attendance tested their marksman-ship skills with an M16A4 service rifle at the Hathcock Range Com-plex, took to the skies in the F/A-18 flight simulator, established the basics of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program and got an inside look at a jet engine test cell.
The group participants got a di-verse look at what Marines aboard the station do on a day-to-day ba-sis, but many of them had no clue
GO TO JANE WAYNE, PAGE 2
A day in their boots
Former drill instructor Staff Sgt. Edgar Ramirez, the staff noncommissioned officer in charge for the F/A-18 jet engine test cell, briefs his new “recruits” on the importance of close-order drill here Saturday outside the Marine Aircraft Group 11 headquarters building during Jane Wayne Day. During the event, friends and family of the group received a diverse look at what Marines aboard the station do on a day-to-day basis.
Cpl. Derek B. Carlson
Cpl. Derek B. CarlsonCOMBAT CORRESPONDENT
NEWS
www.miramar.usmc.mil July 16, 2010 Flight Jacket Page 2
Maj. Gen.Thomas L. ConantCommanding General
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
Col. Frank A. RichieCommanding Officer
MCAS Miramar
Maj. Jay Delarosa Public Affairs Director
Master Sgt. Robert Knoll Public Affairs Chief
Staff Sgt.Christine E. PolvorosaInternal Information Chief
Cpl. Derek B. CarlsonEditor
Lance Cpl. Z. L. MajorsLayout and Design Specialist
The Flight Jacket is published every Friday.This newspaper is an authorized publication for
the military services, contents of the Flight Jacket are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, Department of the Navy or U.S. Marine Corps. It is for informational purposes only and in no way should be considered direc-tive in nature.
The editorial content is edited, prepared and pro-vided by the Public Affairs Office. Comments or questions should be directed to 858-577-6000.
as to what the day had in store for them. “I was ʻvoluntoldʼ to be here by my husband,
and I donʼt really know what to expect today,” said Rachel Hernandes, a first-time “Jane Wayne.” “Iʼm excited and looking forward to a surprise.”
One Marine found it suiting the unsuspecting Jane Waynes be left uninformed on what the dayʼs events had in store.
“I didnʼt tell [my wife] what to expect today,” said Cpl. Miguel Padilla, an engine mechanic for Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. “I wanted her to get a taste of how it felt for us in [recruit training].”
Soon after morning colors, the new recruits re-ceived the command to “fall in, ” followed by a short welcome brief given by the MAG-11 family readi-ness officer, Katrina Langley. Then, chaos struck.
Though seemingly innocent enough, the drill instructors introduced themselves to their new platoon and given the command to “carry out the plan of the day.” In the blink of an eye, the hounds were unleashed, and all hell broke loose. With a flurry of “knife hands,” barking, scream-ing and a mist of saliva, the drill instructors took control of the situation. Some of the Jane Waynes laughed, some became confused and some were too preoccupied with incentive training to react to the situation.
“I wanted to laugh at first, but I can see how liv-ing with that for three months would break someone down,” said Alexandra Padilla, a Marine wife of 1.5 years. “After a while, it would probably make me want to cry.”
Eventually, the drill instructors were put back on their leash. Langley explained the significance of this event as the participants each received a set of identification tags, more commonly known as “dog tags.”
“Marines must earn the right to wear certain pieces of their uniform as they progress through [recruit training],” Langley explained. “Much like Marines earn the right to wear their eagle, globe and anchor, you have earned these dog tags.”
After completing their first phase training, the participants loaded onto a bus prepped to go “up north,” or in this case, just plain east to the Hathcock Range Complex.
Upon arrival, the friends and family of the MAG-11 Marines received a safety brief from the tower and had the opportunity to fire the M16A4 service rifle. Once the shooters assumed a good shooting position, the firing line went hot. The continuous sound of deafening pops ripping across the complex spoke positively on behalf of fire su-periority, though the sight of countless puffs of dust rising from the berm sang a different tune for the significantly longer than normal life expectan-cy for the paper targets.
“Events like this are important for the Marinesʼ family members to understand what it means when their Marine is ʻon the rangeʼ ...,” said Langley. “It helps them understand what they are doing and what kind of pressure is on them.”
After all of the relays finished firing, the range
personnel provided printed copies of each partici-pantʼs target with corresponding impact zones, or lack thereof in some cases.
Then, the shooters began to board the bus and prepared to depart the range complex, but not before each individual was “wanded” down with a metal detector and made “that declaration,” “I have no brass or live rounds at this time.”
Once arriving back at the MAG-11 headquar-ters building for chow, Marines gave a class to the participants on how to effectively consume a Meal, Ready-to-Eat. At first, most seemed surprisingly optimistic after seeing the brown-bagged and vacu-umed-sealed delight, until they were informed of the approximately 1500 to 1800 calorie count, laxative chewing gum and the recalled strawberry and choc-olate milkshake powder.
Thankfully, the group provided a healthy alter-native of salad and sandwiches for those not brave enough to ingest the array of mystery meats and cardboard-thin slices of bread.
Re-energized and ready to go, the Jane Waynes split up into three groups after lunch. The groups ro-tated hourly to three different events, each of which gave an even deeper look into the Marine Corps. They participated in a crash course on the MCMAP techniques and visited a jet engine test cell. They also had the opportunity to take to the virtual sky in the F/A-18 flight simulator.
Meanwhile, the children of the group had a mili-tary experience of their own during the first annual Little Wayne Day.
“Little Wayne Day not only provided child care for the family members attending Jane Wayne Day, but it also helps the kids understand what their moms and dads do,” explained Langley. “They worked with the [Lifestyle Insights, Networking, Knowledge, and Skills for Kids program] in the morning and were able to interact with Marines in the afternoon.”
The children spent the day making Marine Corps arts and crafts; playing “DI Says,” a modified ver-sion of Simon Says and viewing a military working dog demonstration.
“It was awesome when the dog attacked the guy in the suit,” said Gavin Hoover, 6, a Little Wayne Day participant. “The dog said, ʻthis is my suitʼ and tried to rip it off.”
Like Hoover, the other children were engaged and full of excitement throughout the duration of Little Wayne Day.
The day was a learning experience for family members of all ages, regardless of how much or how little they may have known about the Corps; however, there was much more than just an educa-tional value to the events of Jane Wayne Day.
“A good portion of the family members here have a Marine deployed right now,” said Langley. “Today gave them a chance to meet one another and check in on each other. Itʼs nice for them to have the chance to spend a day with each other face-to-face and be able to say ʻHow are you deal-ing with the deployment?ʼ or ʻIs everything okay so far?ʼ”
Though the day may have started with panic and chaos, it quickly became an invaluable tool for net-working, family enrichment and last but not least, the undying spirit of esprit de corps.
Religious Services
The Chaplain s̓ Office, located in Building 5632 on Bauer Road, coordi-
nates regularly scheduled services. For the location and meeting schedules of religious activities, call 858-577-1333, or visit
www.miramar.usmc.mil.
Sunday:9 a.m. Protestant Worship Service
9:30 a.m. Protestant Children s̓ Worship
11 a.m. Roman Catholic Eucharist
Religious Education/Sunday:9:30 – 10:45 a.m.
Catholic CCD Children K-12
10 a.m. Protestant Adult Bible Study
Weekday Worship Service:Mon. – Fri. 11:30 a.m.
Catholic Mass
Mon. 6:30 p.m. Contemporary Praise and Worship Service
Wed. 7 p.m. Baptist Service
Study Groups:Mon. 7 p.m.
Night Bible Study, Classroom in the Chapel area
Tues. 6 a.m. Morning Prayer Service
and Study Group
Islamic Worship Service:Fri. at noon.
Located in the Chapel or visit www.icsd.org
Jewish:Jewish Outreach at
858-571-3444www.jewishinsandiego.org
Jane Wayne,CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
www.miramar.usmc.milPage 3 Flight Jacket July 16, 2010
NEWS
A docent stands outside the Wells Fargo bank in Old Town San Diego. This doecnt is play-ing the role of San Diego’s fi rst elected sheriff. Old Town San Diego is home to San Diego’s fi rst public school house, the cities oldest sur-vivng newspaper offi ce, the fi rst brick courthouse, and one of the most haunted builings in the coun-try, The Whaley House. (Offi cial Ma-rine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary L. Majors)
Old Town San Diego offers 200 years of history
SAN DIEGO – For an adventure into San Diegoʼs past, those aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar can visit Old Town, located just off the Pacifi c Coast Highway near Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, for its ghostly reminders of the struggles and triumphs of the early inhabitants.
With its creaky wooden fl oor boards, single-pane windows and empty canopy beds, the 150-year-old Whaley House stands as one of the oldest brick structures in San Diego. The Whaley House is one of the many attractions of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
“Old Town is where San Diego originated,” said Nicole Santana, a tour guide who works at the Whaley House. “Itʼs really interesting to look at what kind of population they started with back then and compare it to what itʼs become today.”
San Diegoʼs founding began in the mid 1700s with a Spanish Presidio, or fort, and several mis-sions on a hill by the San Diego River. Eventu-ally, a small community developed below the hill which consisted of retired and active sol-diers from the presidio. The community became El Pueblo (town) San Diego under the Mexican Government in 1835.
After California became part of the United States in 1850, San Diego received a city charter under the new state. Old Town remained the cen-ter of San Diego until 1872 when it was relocated to New Town, which is now known as downtown San Diego.
Old Town became a historic park in 1968 and remains a colorfully restored inside look at the original city. It has several museums, reconstructed buildings and other attrac-tions, which are free for the public to enjoy.
“I think Old Town is a wonderful place for anyone to visit,” said Julie Gonzalez, a San Diego native. “It shows how much history and diversity San Diego has. The build-ings have been redone so well that you just get a feeling of what this place may have actually looked like back then. I think itʼs just great.”
One landmark, which displays the home life of the Vic-
torian Age, is “La Casa de Estudillo.” The aged building, constructed in 1827, was home of Jose Antonio Estudillo, son of the presidio commander, and his family until 1887. Today, the house exhibits authentic Spanish and Victorian furnishings including silver and clayware, beds and wood-en dressers.
Across the street from Estudillo is La Casa de Bandini, another example of Victorian architecture. Juan Bandini completed the house in 1829 and sold it to Alfred Seeley in 1869. He transformed the building into the square, two-story Cosmopolitan Hotel.
Near the house, Seeley also built a stable that has since been restored. The stable and hotel served as a depot for the United States Mail Stage Line. Today, the buildings display large historic pieces such as freight wagons, covered wagons, an ox cart as well as a blacksmith and wood shop.
Another signifi cant Old Town structure is the Mason Street School of 1865. The brown sin-gle-room building was San Diegoʼs fi rst public school, which was free and open to all children. The tree-surrounded school now holds turn of the century desks, which showcase the style of teaching during the time period.
“Itʼs important to know about the history of where you come from,” said Santana. “Itʼs good to see places like Old Town because it serves as a reminder of the rich history and rich culture that we protect.”
Some history may be forgotten, but Old Town brings San Diegoʼs past to the present for future generations to enjoy.
Lance Cpl. Alexandra HarrisCOMBAT CORRESPONDENT
on to the advanced portion of their basic training, which included night inserts and movements, larger-scale raids, urban combat training, crew-served weapons training, communications training, and survival and evasion train-ing. Sleep deprivation and intense physical activity were, of course, part of all these exercises.
One of the things Salder remembers most was a three-day survival exercise that pitted him and his classmates against nature. To survive, Salder had to catch wildlife with snares and build shelters for protection. The only time he was given food was at the completion of the exercise.
“We were given a rabbit, a chicken and a fish, and then taught how to skin and use all three of them,” said Salder.
Killing, skinning and pre-paring live game is definitely outside the box of what happens in recruit training in the United States, explained Salder. Open-ing a Meal, Ready to Eat is the most work a U.S. recruit puts into getting a meal during basic training.
Survival skills for U.S. Marines are often reserved for advanced follow on training, such as Survival, Escape, Resis-tance and Evasion training, in the U.S military. Very few Marines get the chance to attend SERE training.
To graduate, every Royal Marine must complete the famed commando test, which is a four-day series of grueling exercises. The test includes a nine-mile speed march in 90 minutes, an endurance test, the Tarzan Assault Course and a 30-mile forced march carrying a full combat load. The Royal Marine recruits are so well-conditioned by that point that the four-day test, although extremely demand-ing, is not impossible, explained Salder.
The test is comparable to the Crucible, a 54-hour test, U.S. Marines endure at the end of ba-sic training. Recruits face sleep and food deprivation while com-pleting day and night marches, night infiltration exercises, resupply and casualty evacuation scenarios, several team-negotiation exercises and a 12-mile hike at the conclusion of the event.
After graduating Royal Marine training, Salder was sent to Northern Scotland where he served in security forces. Later, he retrained as an anti-tank man and moved to Diego Garcia, a British territory in the Indian Ocean heavily populated by the U.S. military, where he served as a military customs officer. It was there Salder met his first wife and turned in his 18-month notice to the Brit-ish government to leave duty as a Royal Marine. Royal
Marines sign an open contract that obligates them to 22 years of service.
However, they can submit an 18-month resignation notice after completing four years of service.
After leaving the Royal Marines, Salder and his wife moved to the states to be closer to his wifeʼs family. Salder found various jobs to support his family, often at restaurants, but disliked them; his true passion was serv-ing in the armed forces. With encouragement from his wife, Salder was ready to join the U.S. military.
“Of course there was no other choice than becoming a Marine again,” said Salder.
In April 1999, Salder began an arduous process of applying for permanent residency status. After months
of waiting, he was able to start recruit training in January 2000. Salder says his recruit train-ing experience was interesting because “every time something went wrong, it was ʻget on the quarter deck, and you can join them too, Britʼ.”
Marine Corps drill instruc-tors are famous for their ferocity and attention to detail. They are also often known by the Marines they train for their creativity and humor.
“There were a few different times that they actually made me take the guidon and run back and forth through the squad bay yell-ing the British national anthem, but it was all in good fun,” said Salder.
Although he had endured one of the toughest training regimes in the world in commando train-ing, Salder said he encountered some challenges with the training at Parris Island.
“I hadnʼt done anything that physical in years,” said Salder. “After I moved to the states I just enjoyed life.”
After graduating recruit train-ing, Salder went to school to learn to serve as aircrew aboard KC-130 cargo aircraft; a surpris-ing job choice for a man with an extensive infantry background. Presented with the choice of being a cook, admin, tank crew or finding a job in the air wing, Salder decided to fly.
“My wife didnʼt want me to be a grunt and there were only certain jobs open to me because
of my status,” said Salder. He quickly saw action after completing training. He
deployed to Pakistan in 2002, to Iraq in 2003 and partici-pated in disaster relief efforts during 2004 and 2005.
It was after these deployments that Salder turned in a reenlistment package late and had to lateral move to stay in the Marine Corps. He decided to move to the “Osprey” community. When asked why he did not move to the in-fantry, Salder just laughed with a wistful look in his eyes.
“My body is old and too broken now,” he said.However, it is easy to see that he misses his days
on the ground. He lights up every time he talks about his infantry training and the time he spent serving as an infantryman.
He also enjoys his time in the air, especially when he gets to spend time with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wingʼs (Forward) United Kingdom. counter parts here.
“They never believe me when I tell them I am British and I always have to pull out my driver license to prove it,” said Salder.
Since 3rd MAW partnered with the U.K.ʼs Joint Avia-tion Group in June, Salder says his roots have been useful for more than just making fast friends.
“I have to translate what the guys in the tower are say-ing for our pilots sometimes,” he said, “and at the coffee shops the Marines are always asking me ʻwhat the hell did that guy just say.ʼ”
Salder, although admittedly biased, thinks the partner-ship is a good fit for both countries and is glad that we are working together to aid the Afghan people.
Salderʼs service has spanned continents and more than half of his life time – but he says his trials and tribula-tions have been worth it. Royal Marine or U.S. Marine, Salder is just happy to serve.
www.miramar.usmc.mil July 16, 2010 Flight Jacket Page 4
MARINECONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
FEATURE
Oliver Salder, now a staff sergeant serving as the corrosion control chief with Marine Medum Tiltrotor Squadron 261, poses here for a photo during basic training as a U.S. Marine Corps recruit. Salder began his military career as a British Royal Marine.
Oliver Salder, now a staff sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, poses for a photo near the end of his training as a British Royal Marine.
“Of course there was no other choice than becoming
a Marine again.”
Staff Sgt. Oliver SadlerRoyal Marine turned United States Marine
FEATURE
www.miramar.usmc.mil July 2, 2010 Flight Jacket Page 6www.miramar.usmc.milPage 5 Flight Jacket July 2, 2010
“We may only be working our Marine jobs once a month, but when we deploy, there’s no difference between us and the active-duty Marines. We
both have the same mis-
Marine crosses‘ into the blue, pilots F-22‘Raptor’
Lt. Col. David R. Berke, the Marine Corps F-22 “Raptor” exchange pilot, takes a moment to observe several aircraft taxing to the runway aboard MCAS Miramar’s fl ight line June 25. Berke is the fi rst Marine aviator to fl y Raptors. Offi cial U.S. Marine Photo by Staff Sgt. Christine Polvorosa.
After climbing into the cockpit of an F-22 “Raptor” to perform a system’s check, Lt. Col. David R. Berke, the Marine Corps F-22 exchange pilot, 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., glances over to his air traffi c controller for further instructions June 25. For approximately four weeks, Berke participated in exercise Trident Warrior held at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. Offi cial U.S. Marine Photo by Staff Sgt. Christine Polvorosa.
Lt. Col. David R. BerkeF-22 “Raptor” exchange pilot
Lt. Col. David R. BerkeLt. Col. David R. Berke
“To be the f irst Marine to do something is a
real honor.”
When he was a child growing up in Southern California, Lt. Col. David R. Berke was always enamored with the military services.
He would spend hours on end outside under the fl ight path leading into Marine Corps Air Station El Toro staring into the sky, watching the jets land.
“It was a major motivator to both fl y and be a Marine,” said Berke, as he reminisced about what he wanted to be when he grew up. “I remember vividly, at age 16 I committed to joining the Marine Corps and pursued that goal until I was commissioned.”
For the “SoCal” native, no other experience would be as rewarding as becoming a Ma-rine – let alone becoming a pilot.
Upon graduation from El Toro High School in 1990 and after careful consideration of his options, Berke visited his local Marine Corps offi cer selection offi ce and became an offi cer candidate – selecting the Platoon Leaders Course as the program to earn his com-mission.
“I was very proud and supportive of his decision,” said Berkeʼs mother, Arelene Ander-son. “He always talked about joining [the Marine Corps] as a child. I was happy with his decision.”
He then spent the next four years at California State University in Fullerton, working toward his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. Once he graduated from college in 1994, Berke was commissioned a second lieutenant in a ceremony held at MCAS El Toroʼs Offi cerʼs Club.
This was a proud moment for Berke because he was the fi rst in his family to join the service – and not just any service, but the one he believed to be the best, the Marine Corps.
“I was contracted as a ground offi cer and was lucky enough to be selected for aviation,” said Berke. “I always wanted to be a pilot, but I didnʼt know I was going to fl ight school until the end of [The Basic School].”
For the next few years, Berke went through a rigorous training schedule in preparation to becoming a Marine aviator. He received classroom instruction in aerodynamics, aircraft engines and systems, meteorology, navigation, and fl ight rules and regulations. Berke also received fi eld instruction in survival tactics, survival swimming and aviation physiology.
In 1997, his childhood dream became a reality, and Berke began his career as a fi ghter pilot fl ying F/A-18
“Hornets.” This was a notable feat for
Berke consider-ing
many people “wash out” of Flight Training School for various reasons.Since becoming a pilot, Berke has deployed twice on aircraft carriers to both Iraq and
Afghanistan, delivering ordnance in support of the Marines on the ground. He also did a tour as a “Top Gun” instructor, offi cially titled strike fi ghter tactics instructor, and was the executive offi cer for Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, MCAS Miramar.
However, according to Berke, the most notable and infl uential experience in his career was serving in ground combat as an Air Naval Gunfi re Liaison Company forward air con-troller in Ramadi, Iraq, in 2006.
“Leading Marines in combat, despite its tremendous challenges, has been my biggest honor,” said Berke adamantly.
In 2008, after spending more than a decade fl ying Hornets, Berke was selected to an exchange pilot program with the Air Force. He competed with several other applicants through a selection board process and became the fi rst Marine pilot to fl y an F-22 “Raptor,” which is a fi fth-generation aircraft that uses stealth technology and was primarily designed with additional capabilities that include ground attack, electronic warfare and signals intel-ligence.
“To be the fi rst Marine to do something is a real honor,” said Berke, the Marine Corps F-22 exchange pilot, 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. “I canʼt express how lucky I am to have been afforded this opportunity.”
“Being the fi rst and only [Marine] to be selected for that position is absolutely amazing and incredible,” added the proud mother.
While it has been personally rewarding for Berke to fl y the Raptor, he takes the respon-sibility very seriously.
“The Corps has made a big investment in my tour fl ying the Raptor,” said Berke, “but most importantly, I have been given the privilege and responsibility of learning the fi fth generation employment to prepare for the Marine Corps ̓[F-35 ʻJoint Strike Fighterʼ] arrival.”
Berke explained that though the F/A-18 is a great aircraft with numerous capabilities, the stealth, speed and situational awareness of the F-22 are unmatched. The Raptor is a sig-nifi cant leap forward in virtually all metrics for aviation. Combining the F-22 and F/A-18 make both aircraft much more lethal and survivable.
“I canʼt wait for the Corps to get the JSF,” said Berke. “It will be a game changer for us and the Marines in the fi ght.”
With only a year left in his tour at 422nd TES, Berke is not sure what he will be doing next or where he will go. He does mention that the command board is in progress, and if
he is selected, he will transfer to wherever the unit is. “Iʼve had a great career thus far, and Iʼm optimistic that whatever I do next
will be rewarding,” concluded Berke.
Story byStaff Sgt. Christine Polvorosa
INTERNAL INFORMATION CHIEF
COMMENTARY
www.miramar.usmc.mil
Now available on Page 7 Flight Jacket July 16, 2010
Lance Cpl. Steven H. Posy COMBAT CORRESPONDENT
Editorʼs note: Lance Cpl. Posy is a regular contributor to the
sports section of the Flight Jacket and an avid sports fan.
He became the face of a franchise as well as the icon of an era, and although he is gone, as the longest tenured owner in Major League Baseballʼs history; his legacy will live on.
George Steinbrenner, owner of the New York Yankees, died from a massive heart attack July 13, only nine days after his 80th birthday.
Since 1973, he ruled the empire with an iron fist and was known for toughness and controversy, but he will always be remembered as the king who brought back a dying dynasty.
Despite quarrels and contentions, his vision, business savvy and desire to win will never be forgotten. He has left his footprint on both New York and the sports world as a true champion.
For more than 30 years, Steinbrenner ran the Yankeeʼs organization like a business rather than a team, often using his own money to sign superstars to the roster and firing general managers and coaches who did not get the job done. He made all of the right moves to ensure that the Yankees would win championships.
With only one thing in mind, his decisions were drastic but
precise. He wanted to win, and the prosperity of the Yankees organization is a testament to his legacy as an owner.
Steinbrenner purchased the struggling Yankees in 1973 for $10 million and restored the franchise into the $1.6 billion dynasty of present day.
In 1988, he negotiated a record-setting $486 million deal with Madison Square Garden Network to launch the Yankeeʼs own “YES Network,” which catapulted the teamʼs payroll to the highest in the Major League.
The Yankees have since won seven world championships and 11 American League pennants under Steinbrennerʼs rule and are now the greatest franchise in sportʼs history.
There is no doubt that he is the reason for the Yankeeʼs success, and he will be missed by his family, his team and all of professional sports, as he has changed the face of Major League Baseball forever.
Like the other great Yankee legends such as Babe Ruth, Yogi Berra, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle, George Steinbrenner passes on a legacy that will live for de-cades to come.
Steinbrenner passes on a long legacy
Walking into the Marine Corps Exchange here, one might see beaded handbags, a glittering assortment of jewelry, and every kind of green and brown uniform item one can imagine. However, what most people donʼt see is the Marine Corps Community Services Marines who keep the store running, and ensure that service members and their families get what they need.
MCCS Marines are in charge of different business and recreational aspects aboard Marine Corps installations around the world and are required to go through a screen-ing process before being hand selected by current MCCS Marines to get the military occupational specialty.
Marines must make a lateral move from their current MOS to the MCCS field. In addition, they have to be a noncommissioned officer and meet all Marine Corps an-nual training requirements.
“Weʼre pretty selective on the quality of the Marines that come into this MOS,” said Master Sgt. Mauricio Lopez, the MCCS staff noncommissioned officer in charge of the MCX here. “We have to be because of the impact that this MOS has on every-one. The Marines have to have the right personality and mentality.”
During the screening process, an MCCS Marine will review the incoming Ma-rineʼs previous job performance and whether they meet all Marine Corps standards. The MCCS Marine will also interview the incoming Marine to get an idea of the Marineʼs character and personality.
“When we interview a Marine, weʼre just trying to get a basic idea of what that Marine is about,” said Lopez. “We see how much knowledge they have about the MOS. The person who does the interview wi ll then make a recommendation if the Marine is fit for the job.”
Once a Marine is accepted into the MOS, they begin their six-month on-the-job training. Usually, the Marineʼs oncoming command will determine the location of training, explained Lopez.
“Each [Marine Corps installation] does it a little bit differently,” said Chief War-rant Officer 3 Anthony Cisneros, an MCCS officer with Combat Logistics Regiment 17 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.
The training can be split between administrative work, customer service and retail work.
“During their [on-the-job] training, Marines will learn the four pillars of the MOS
which are recreation, fitness, communication and retail,” said Lopez. “We try to fo-cus on these because they are the most important when they are forward.”
In addition, the Marines learn about all the departments of MCCS including retail, operations, accounting, and food and hospitality. The whole purpose of the OJT is for Marines to understand the purpose of the MOS, how things operate in the MOS and grasp the business aspect of the MOS, emphasized Lopez.
Training does not stop with OJT however. Once the six-month period is finished, the Marines review what they learned, and take several classes on subjects, such as management, at various locations across the country. Following this, they begin their normal duties as an MCCS Marine.
“What the Marine does in the fleet depends on the level of experience of that Marine,” said Lopez. “They have to manage their own activity. Ultimately, they will be in charge of their own store.”
On a day-to-day basis, MCCS Marines perform many different jobs. Some of the jobs include filling cash registers, checking in delivered goods, looking at all com-plaints and comments about stores, ensuring stores have proper personnel coverage, evaluating stores for productivity, performing safety inspections and performing sur-prise cash counts or audits.
“We look at it like the grunts look at their job,” said Lopez. “When we are not in the field, weʼre training. Everyday is training for us – every day.”
This particular MOS demands a lot of time. In addition to the Marinesʼ normal du-ties, they are also maintaining all training requirements and physical fitness require-ments – itʼs a lot of work, emphasized Cisneros.
When MCCS Marines deploy, they have to complete all the same duties. They receive their supplies from the Army and Air Force Exchange Services because the tactical exchanges do not have the logistical support from state-based exchanges. They have to keep track of all supplies and ensure that AAFES receives a share of the profits.
The Marines also have to travel in “warrior exchange services teams,” which go to remote outposts where normal exchanges donʼt exist. They also set up quality of life places such as barber shops, coffee shops and communication areas where Marines can communicate with loved ones at home.
The MCCS Marines can also secure recreational items for commands such as weights, gaming systems and board games.
“People need to know that weʼre out here and that weʼre here for them,” said Lo-pez. “Itʼs about taking care of everyone. Thatʼs what my job is.”
Lance Cpl. Alexandra HarrisCOMBAT CORRESPONDENT
Behind the scenes at Marine exchanges: MCCS Marines
www.miramar.usmc.mil July 16, 2010 Flight Jacket Page 8
NEWS
Burger Bar 5:30 – 8 p.m. Officers ̓Club 858-577-4808
-8-Ball Pool Tournament for
Enlisted Active Duty 7:30 p.m.
The Great Escape 858-577-6171
-Friday Night Excursion to
Pacific Beach 8 p.m., The Great Escape
858-577-6171
ALL MARINE MENʼS WEST COAST BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP Stop by the Semper Fit Center and come cheer your team to victory! The Basketball Championship will be held July 19 – 23. There are teams from 29 Palms, Yuma, Camp Pendleton and of course Miramar. Teams playing at each of the game times will be decided after Sunday s̓ Coaches Meeting. Call 858-577-4654 for game times or for more information.
LIFE SKILLS CLASS – CREDIT MANAGEMENTUsing your credit wisely is a concern to all. This 60-90 minute course is designed to help participants understand and use their credit wisely, establish and maintain a good credit rating and avoid excess debt. The “Credit Management” class will be held on Tuesday, July 20 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Personal or Group Classes are available. The class will be held in the L.I.N.K.S. House and will include lunch. Call 858-577-1322 to register.
101 DAYS OF SUMMER BASIC COURSE SUBSTANCE ABUSE BRIEFSemper Fit will host a Substance Abuse Brief on Thursday, July 22 at 11:30 a.m. at the Bob Hope Theater. Don t̓ be “That Guy.” Registered units will receive points toward the Spirit Competition based on the number of unit personnel who sign in with a 101 Days of Summer Representative at the brief. Points will be awarded based on percentage of the unit in attendance, so the more people attending this brief, the more points the unit gets toward the Spirit Competition. Call 858-577-1331 for more information.
Get help paying for child careVisit the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies Web site at www.naccrra.org to see information on eligibility for assistance to pay for and find child care services. Contact 1-800-424-2246 for more information.
Open Cockpit EventsMake sure to include the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum in your summer plans. They will be hosting the Open Cockpit Events again this year. Experience sitting in the F-5 Tiger Cockpit, the F/A-18 Hornet
Cockpit, the CH-46 Sea Knight Cabin Section and the T-34 Mentor. The open cockpit events will be held from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. on the following Saturdays and Sundays, July 10 & 11, July 24 & 25, August 7 & 8, August 21 & 22 and September 4 & 5. Call 858-693-1723 for more information.
ICE ready for useThe Interactive Customer Evaluation set up for Miramar is ready for use. ICE is the internet version of the “Customer Suggestion Box” and is a Web-based tool that collects feedback on services provided by installations throughout the Department of Defense. To submit
a suggestion visit the ICE Web site at http://ice.disa.mil.
UCSD IR/PS Masters DegreeThe University of California San Diego IR/PS, has visiting hours on MCAS Miramar from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday and Wednesday of each month. UCSD offers a one year Master of Advanced Studies in International Affairs Executive degree. For more information visit Dana Tucker at the Education Center on the above days or call her at 858-822-4398.
7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Teen Center
858-577-1322 to register
FREE UFC Undisputed 2010 Game Tournament
1 p.m. GameStop
858-684-3072 to register
9-Ball Pool Tournament for Enlisted Active Duty
7:30 p.m. The Great Escape
858-577-6171
Adecco Staffing Agency Visit 9 a.m. -12 p.m.
Career Resource Center 858-577-6710
New Parent Support Play
Morning 9:30 – 11 am Officers ̓Park 858-577-9812
*LifeSkills Class “Credit Management”
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. LINKS House 858-577-1322
Ping Pong Tournament
11:30 a.m. & 7 p.m. The Great Escape
858-577-6171
S.E.A.M.S. (Self Employed Assoc. of Military Spouses)
Meeting12 – 1 p.m. The Hub
858-577-6491
Dollar Day Wednesday Golf: Golf All Day for Miramar
Active Duty 858-577-4155
The G.E. Game Show for Prizes
11:30 a.m. The Great Escape
858-577-6171
FREE Golf Clinic for Active Duty
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Golf Course
858-577-4155
Right Hand Man Night 4 – 6 p.m., Officers ̓Club,
858-577-4808
• Sports Complex Marine Teen training Tues. & Sat. 858-577-4128/4129 • Deployment support for preschoolers, elementary and teenagers Mon. through Wed. 858-577-4588• QOL Golf: Two Hours After Twilight free Golf for Active Duty858-577-4155
Fri. July 16: Get Him to the Greek (R) 6:30 p.m.Sex and the City 2 (R) 9:00 p.m.
Sat. July 17:Swap Meet 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.Marmaduke (PG) 1:00 p.m.Shrek Forever After (Not in 3-D) (PG) 6:30 p.m.Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (PG-13) 9:00 p.m.
Sun. July 18:*Shrek Forever After (Not in 3-D) (PG) 1:00 p.m.*MacGruber (R) 6:30 p.m.
Wed. July 21: Killers (PG-13) 6:30 p.m.
Thurs. July 22:FREE Admission: The Karate Kid (PG) 2:00 p.m.Get Him to the Greek (R) 6:30 p.m.
