News Stories Archive

5-year-old Caroline Law grips the hand of her father, Chief Warrant Officer 2 James Law, battalion gunner, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, following his return to Marine Corps Base Hawaii from a seven-month deployment to Afghanistan, Dec. 7, 2010. After replacing 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, in Helmand province’s Nawa district last May, 3/3 supported Regimental Combat Teams 1 and 7, as part of counterinsurgency operations during Operation Enduring Freedom. The battalion’s operations varied from securing elections and ensuring school openings, to more traditional combat operations such as security patrols and clearing danger areas, said Maj. Jay Garcia, executive officer, 3/3, of Honolulu. The return of “America’s Battalion” brought 925 Marines back to Hawaii. - 5-year-old Caroline Law grips the hand of her father, Chief Warrant Officer 2 James Law, battalion gunner, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, following his return to Marine Corps Base Hawaii from a seven-month deployment to Afghanistan, Dec. 7, 2010. After replacing 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, in Helmand province’s Nawa district last May, 3/3 supported Regimental Combat Teams 1 and 7, as part of counterinsurgency operations during Operation Enduring Freedom. The battalion’s operations varied from securing elections and ensuring school openings, to more traditional combat operations such as security patrols and clearing danger areas, said Maj. Jay Garcia, executive officer, 3/3, of Honolulu. The return of “America’s Battalion” brought 925 Marines back to Hawaii.

At center, Col. Robert D. Rice, commanding officer, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, and guests cut the ribbon for the base’s new E85 fueling station on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Nov. 18, 2010. The fueling station was built as part of the continued expansion of alternative fuel vehicles on base. “As always, we are excited to lead the way in conservation,” Rice said. “The use of E85 alternative fuel along with 70 flex-fuel vehicles, three hybrids and 20 electric carts will drive MCBH’s carbon footprint lower and decrease our reliance on imported oil.” - At center, Col. Robert D. Rice, commanding officer, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, and guests cut the ribbon for the base’s new E85 fueling station on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Nov. 18, 2010. The fueling station was built as part of the continued expansion of alternative fuel vehicles on base. “As always, we are excited to lead the way in conservation,” Rice said. “The use of E85 alternative fuel along with 70 flex-fuel vehicles, three hybrids and 20 electric carts will drive MCBH’s carbon footprint lower and decrease our reliance on imported oil.”

Sgt. Matthew Bonnette, finance clerk, and Cpl. Vitaly Zefirov, an administrative clerk with Headquarters Battalion, carry the battalion colors in front of a formation of approximately 400 Marines and sailors on a 4.2-mile holiday food drive hike on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Nov. 19, 2010. Lacing up their boots and donning packs weighed down by nonperishable foods, the Marines and sailors opened their cabinets to donate to the Armed Services YMCA’s Operation Harvest. After carrying 3,580 pounds of food on the hike, they stopped at the base chapel to fill boxes with the goods. - Sgt. Matthew Bonnette, finance clerk, and Cpl. Vitaly Zefirov, an administrative clerk with Headquarters Battalion, carry the battalion colors in front of a formation of approximately 400 Marines and sailors on a 4.2-mile holiday food drive hike on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Nov. 19, 2010. Lacing up their boots and donning packs weighed down by nonperishable foods, the Marines and sailors opened their cabinets to donate to the Armed Services YMCA’s Operation Harvest. After carrying 3,580 pounds of food on the hike, they stopped at the base chapel to fill boxes with the goods.

Kahu Shad Kane, a cultural practitioner with the Oahu Council of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, chants during the ceremonial procession of a Makahiki festival at Bellows Air Force Station in Waimanalo, Hawaii, Nov. 20, 2010. Lasting from October until February, the Makahiki season honors the Hawaiian god Lono, the guardian of peace and health, as he arrives for the transition from Ku, a time of war, politics and construction, to Lono, a time of relaxation and celebration of life. - Kahu Shad Kane, a cultural practitioner with the Oahu Council of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, chants during the ceremonial procession of a Makahiki festival at Bellows Air Force Station in Waimanalo, Hawaii, Nov. 20, 2010. Lasting from October until February, the Makahiki season honors the Hawaiian god Lono, the guardian of peace and health, as he arrives for the transition from Ku, a time of war, politics and construction, to Lono, a time of relaxation and celebration of life.

Marine firefighters from Aircraft Rescue Firefighting, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, will hike the Honolulu Marathon Dec. 12 to raise money for Wounded Marines and sailors at Wounded Warrior Battalion West, Detachment Hawaii. From left to right, Sgt. Fernando Camacho, Cpl. Nathan Whitaker, Cpl. Ryan Guinty, Cpl. Brice Kuehn and Sgt. Brandon Cox, will don boots, woodland utility trousers, and 65 pounds of gear before beginning the 26.3-mile course. “We wanted to stand out among the other runners so everyone watching would know we were running for the wounded Marines and sailors,” Camacho said. “Being that we’re here and they’re serving overseas, we’re doing our part to raise some money and make sure they’re taken care of.” - Marine firefighters from Aircraft Rescue Firefighting, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, will hike the Honolulu Marathon Dec. 12 to raise money for Wounded Marines and sailors at Wounded Warrior Battalion West, Detachment Hawaii. From left to right, Sgt. Fernando Camacho, Cpl. Nathan Whitaker, Cpl. Ryan Guinty, Cpl. Brice Kuehn and Sgt. Brandon Cox, will don boots, woodland utility trousers, and 65 pounds of gear before beginning the 26.3-mile course. “We wanted to stand out among the other runners so everyone watching would know we were running for the wounded Marines and sailors,” Camacho said. “Being that we’re here and they’re serving overseas, we’re doing our part to raise some money and make sure they’re taken care of.”

Lt. Col. Patrick R. Owens, commanding officer, Headquarters Battalion, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, watches as Alexis Kane, principal, Puohala Elementary School, signs an Adopt-A-School Program contract at the school in Kaneohe, Hawaii, Oct. 27. The relationship between HQBN and the school affords Marines the opportunity to mentor students, and help the school with school activities and maintenance. “The partnership is good for both the community and our base,” said Owens. “It’s important for the community to know we are serving our country, and we care about them.” - Lt. Col. Patrick R. Owens, commanding officer, Headquarters Battalion, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, watches as Alexis Kane, principal, Puohala Elementary School, signs an Adopt-A-School Program contract at the school in Kaneohe, Hawaii, Oct. 27. The relationship between HQBN and the school affords Marines the opportunity to mentor students, and help the school with school activities and maintenance. “The partnership is good for both the community and our base,” said Owens. “It’s important for the community to know we are serving our country, and we care about them.”

T.J. Metcalf gets into his element during a heat at the Kuau Rockin’ Surf Competition at Pyramid Rock Beach on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Oct. 31, 2010. Out of approximately 50 other surfers, Metcalf placed third in the men’s 18-24 year old short board category. The competition was open to both service members and the local community. - T.J. Metcalf gets into his element during a heat at the Kuau Rockin’ Surf Competition at Pyramid Rock Beach on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Oct. 31, 2010. Out of approximately 50 other surfers, Metcalf placed third in the men’s 18-24 year old short board category. The competition was open to both service members and the local community.

Lt. Gen. Duane Thiessen, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, poses with U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye after cutting the ribbon at the new Supporting Arms Virtual Trainer building on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Nov. 5, 2010. According to the Marine Corps Systems Command, the SAVT is a device used to train joint terminal attack controllers, forward air controllers, and forward observers in the placement of tactical ordnance for close air support, naval surface fires and surface fires. The trainer will be used to support initial schoolhouse requirements and annual currency requirements. During his visit, Inouye, a former captain with the U.S. Army’s decorated 442nd Regimental Combat Team, also shared his experiences with officers at the Officer’s Club here. - Lt. Gen. Duane Thiessen, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, poses with U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye after cutting the ribbon at the new Supporting Arms Virtual Trainer building on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Nov. 5, 2010. According to the Marine Corps Systems Command, the SAVT is a device used to train joint terminal attack controllers, forward air controllers, and forward observers in the placement of tactical ordnance for close air support, naval surface fires and surface fires. The trainer will be used to support initial schoolhouse requirements and annual currency requirements. During his visit, Inouye, a former captain with the U.S. Army’s decorated 442nd Regimental Combat Team, also shared his experiences with officers at the Officer’s Club here.

The Bronze Star Medal with combat distinguishing device graces the uniform of Cpl. Marc A. Madding. According to the medal citation, Madding, a former mortarman with Weapons platoon, Company L, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, was presented the award June 3 for “heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy as an Embedded Advisor, Embedded Training Team 5-4, 201st Corps, Afghanistan National Army, on 23 December 2008, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.” - The Bronze Star Medal with combat distinguishing device graces the uniform of Cpl. Marc A. Madding. According to the medal citation, Madding, a former mortarman with Weapons platoon, Company L, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, was presented the award June 3 for “heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy as an Embedded Advisor, Embedded Training Team 5-4, 201st Corps, Afghanistan National Army, on 23 December 2008, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.”

The Bronze Star Medal with combat distinguishing device graces the uniform of Cpl. Marc A. Madding. According to the medal citation, Madding, a former mortarman with Weapons platoon, Company L, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, was presented the award June 3 for “heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy as an Embedded Advisor, Embedded Training Team 5-4, 201st Corps, Afghanistan National Army, on 23 December 2008, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.” - The Bronze Star Medal with combat distinguishing device graces the uniform of Cpl. Marc A. Madding. According to the medal citation, Madding, a former mortarman with Weapons platoon, Company L, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, was presented the award June 3 for “heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy as an Embedded Advisor, Embedded Training Team 5-4, 201st Corps, Afghanistan National Army, on 23 December 2008, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.”