MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII -- From pay freezes to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” the 35th commandant of the Marine Corps addressed several newsworthy issues during a visit to Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Feb. 10, 2011.
Gen. James F. Amos made his first visit to Marine Corps Base Hawaii and to the Pacific region as commandant, joined by Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps Carlton W. Kent.
In the morning, Amos - whose first duty station as a new Marine aviator was Marine Corps Air Facility Kaneohe Bay - addressed approximately 2,000 members of 3rd Marine Regiment and 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, at Dewey Square. He spoke about progress in the war in Afghanistan, reenlisting combat wounded Marines and the reduction of troops in the Marine Corps once the mission in Afghanistan is completed. He also spoke about implementation of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy repeal.
“I’m not going to make any policies or orders regarding the matter. I’m going to leave it up to small unit leadership because they know what’s best for their Marines,” Amos said.
Amos acknowledged the busy deployment schedule Marines endure. He asked for a show of hands from those who have been deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan, and saw a sea hands raised into the air by nearly everyone present.
“It’s because of you that we’re the most successful force in ground combat,” Amos told the crowd.
Amos and Kent also answered questions from Marines and sailors.
“We had a 1.4 percent pay raise this year, lower than years before, and I’ve heard rumors about our pay being suspended. Are they true?” asked Cpl. Curtis A. Wolf, police sergeant, Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines.
“The issue isn’t on Capitol Hill yet,” Amos responded. “The Department of Defense is doing a whole lot better than it could be and it’s pressurized by what is happening in the economy. The reality is that it will be several years before we can begin ramping up pay increases, like we have been.”
After speaking at Dewey Square, Amos visited Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay and spoke to Marine Aircraft Group 24 and MCAS service members and faculty. With 38 years experience in the Corps, Amos shared his love of aviation with fellow pilots and crew as the first aviator to serve as commandant.
“I have a great appreciation for the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter that we’re looking into. It could replace three other aircraft in our fleet, and we need an aircraft that can perform short take offs and vertical landings. I am drop-dead convinced we’re going to get it,” Amos said.
Amos then met with combat veterans at Anderson Hall Dining Facility for lunch before finishing his island tour with a visit to the base chapel to address service members of Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Radio Battalion and Wounded Warrior Battalion West, Detachment Hawaii.
Amos spoke about his time in Hawaii, beginning as a first lieutenant and later returning as a lieutenant colonel, flying an F-4 Phantom II jet. He reminisced with his wife, Bonnie Amos, the first lady of the Marine Corps, about their history and experiences here.
“As I return to this base, I recognized the same barracks I stayed in as a lieutenant. I used to live up on that hill over there, and my kids went to school here,” he said. ‘This is a great place to be. Remember Marines, that you’re in paradise.”