News Stories Archive

Tag: Hawaii

Personnel are monitoring sea turtle nests aboard Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, MCBH, June 10. - Personnel are monitoring sea turtle nests aboard Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, MCBH, June 10.

A shell of a time aboard MCBH

The environmental team with Marine Corps Base Hawaii is making it their mission to maintain mission readiness while protecting endangered green sea turtles during the months of May through August aboard MCBH and Marine Corps Training Area Bellows. Most adult green sea turtles that feed throughout the main Hawaiian Islands migrate to French Frigate Shoals in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands to nest. However, an increasing number of green sea turtles are now nesting on the beaches of the main Hawaiian Islands. Members of base environmental are monitoring and managing nesting sites across the beach aboard MCTAB...

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Cpt. Derek Apitz, a pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, speaks about his experience at the Las Vegas shooting during an interview Oct. 18, 2017, at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jesus Sepulvedatorres) - Cpt. Derek Apitz, a pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, speaks about his experience at the Las Vegas shooting during an interview Oct. 18, 2017, at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jesus Sepulvedatorres)

Courage under fire: Hawaii Marine’s reaction during Las Vegas shooting

Following the Las Vegas concert shooting Oct. 1, 2017 that left 58 dead and 546 injured, stories of quick-minded courage and heroism continue to surface. Cpt. Derek Apitz, a pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, spoke about his own experience and how he handled the tragic event during an interview Oct. 18, 2017, at Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

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Lance Cpl. Nicholas Powell, a Marine with 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, prepares to throw the Unmanned Aerial System at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii, March 8, 2017. The UAS is mainly used for aerial reconnaissance and can also be used for observation, local security, targeting, and prosecuting. - Lance Cpl. Nicholas Powell, a Marine with 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, prepares to throw the Unmanned Aerial System at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii, March 8, 2017. The UAS is mainly used for aerial reconnaissance and can also be used for observation, local security, targeting, and prosecuting.

Ready, set, take off; 1/12 tests UAS

Marines with 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment tested an Unmanned Aerial System, also known as the RQ-20 Puma, at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii, March 8, 2017.

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Lance Cpl. Sean Taylor, a radio operator with Headquarters Battalion, catches his breathe after finishing a 3-mile run during a Physical Fitness Test at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, March 14, 2017. The PFT is an evaluation conducted throughout the Marine Corps annually to assess the level of fitness. For more information on the PFT updates, utilize Marine Corps Bulletin 6100. - Lance Cpl. Sean Taylor, a radio operator with Headquarters Battalion, catches his breathe after finishing a 3-mile run during a Physical Fitness Test at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, March 14, 2017. The PFT is an evaluation conducted throughout the Marine Corps annually to assess the level of fitness. For more information on the PFT updates, utilize Marine Corps Bulletin 6100.

New PFT; More pull-ups, more crunches, shorter run time

“America expects its Marine Corps to be the most ready when the Nation is least ready,” said General Robert B. Neller, 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps. “There are significant adjustments to the Physical Fitness Test and Combat Fitness Test scoring tables, requiring most Marines to demonstrate greater performance to meet the new minimum and maximum standards. We will monitor the effects of these adjustments for two years and then adjust if required to ensure our standards continue to contribute to the effectiveness of our force and enhance our ability to respond when our Nation calls.”

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Marines with Transportation Services Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 3 and Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 conduct external lift training at Landing Zone West Field at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, March 8, 2017. This training improves proficiency for the pilots when moving supplies while Marines on the ground conditioned themselves to safely prepare dual and single load lifts. - Marines with Transportation Services Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 3 and Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 conduct external lift training at Landing Zone West Field at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, March 8, 2017. This training improves proficiency for the pilots when moving supplies while Marines on the ground conditioned themselves to safely prepare dual and single load lifts.

"Pegasus" lifts, CLB-3 puts on the weight

Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463, also known as "Pegasus," utilized CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters for external lift training with support from Transportation Services Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 3, at Landing Zone West Field at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, March 8, 2017.

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Gunnery Sgt. Jimi Khamisi, a section leader with Marine Wing Support Squadron 374, brandishes his saw after taking down a large branch from an invasive species of plant June 13. - Gunnery Sgt. Jimi Khamisi, a section leader with Marine Wing Support Squadron 374, brandishes his saw after taking down a large branch from an invasive species of plant June 13.

Balancing Corps, Culture: Gunnery Sergeant Khamisi

African Americans, Asians, American Indians and other minority groups make up less than one third of the military population. These service members come from backgrounds with cultures and traditions, which offer a different perspective. Their unique background offers an approach inspiring to leading Marines, learning from other Marines and their overall conduct as a United States citizen.

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Temporary lodging while PCSing

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii - The process of making a permanent change of station is long and arduous. So far the overall PCS process, pets and moving property has been covered. In this installment, temporary lodging is going to be targeted. If a service member is PCSing to the island they should contact the installations temporary lodging facility well in advance of arriving. This ensures a seamless transition from plane to rooms for the service member and family. For unaccompanied military personnel, a barracks room will be assigned upon arrival.

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Master Sgt. Arlene Collins, the distribution management chief with the Distribution Management Office, speaks with Lt. Col. Robert K. Maldonado, the commanding officer for Headquarters Battalion, in front of the battalion’s new library after a ribbon cutting ceremony April 27, 2015, in building 4009 aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii. The library contains books and Kindles provided by the Marine Corps Association, each Kindle is pre-loaded with 350 books from the Commandant’s Reading List, as well as other professional reading lists. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Harley Thomas/Released) - Master Sgt. Arlene Collins, the distribution management chief with the Distribution Management Office, speaks with Lt. Col. Robert K. Maldonado, the commanding officer for Headquarters Battalion, in front of the battalion’s new library after a ribbon cutting ceremony April 27, 2015, in building 4009 aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii. The library contains books and Kindles provided by the Marine Corps Association, each Kindle is pre-loaded with 350 books from the Commandant’s Reading List, as well as other professional reading lists. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Harley Thomas/Released)

HQBN kindles, encourages learning

Service members gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the opening of Headquarters Battalion’s new library April 27, 2015, in building 4009 aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

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Marine Capt. Katie Higgins, the first female pilot with the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, or Blue Angels, speaks with media aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., April 9, 2015. The Severna Park, Md., native, is now the newest pilot of "Fat Albert," a C-130 Hercules flown by the Blue Angels. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Olivia G. Ortiz/Released) - Marine Capt. Katie Higgins, the first female pilot with the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, or Blue Angels, speaks with media aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., April 9, 2015. The Severna Park, Md., native, is now the newest pilot of "Fat Albert," a C-130 Hercules flown by the Blue Angels. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Olivia G. Ortiz/Released)

Higgins takes flight, makes history

Since 1946, the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, or Blue Angels, has performed jaw-dropping shows all across America. However, in the nearly 70 years the squadron has been around, there have been several females on the team who were left out of the cockpit during the performances — that is, until now.

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Four F/A-18D Hornets with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224 sit stationary outside Hangar 105 next to the flight line at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Jan. 29, 2014. The unit is stationed at MCAS Beaufort, and is currently on a six-month deployment through the Western Pacific. VMFA(AW)-224 arrived in Hawaii, Jan 10., to participate in Exercise Lava Viper at Pohakuloa Training Area. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Bragg) - Four F/A-18D Hornets with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224 sit stationary outside Hangar 105 next to the flight line at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Jan. 29, 2014. The unit is stationed at MCAS Beaufort, and is currently on a six-month deployment through the Western Pacific. VMFA(AW)-224 arrived in Hawaii, Jan 10., to participate in Exercise Lava Viper at Pohakuloa Training Area. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Bragg)

'Fighting Bengals' provide support for Exercise Lava Viper

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII - Marines with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224 wrapped up their support of 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment’s Exercise Lava Viper at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, Jan. 29, 2014.

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Tag: Hawaii

Operational Range Clearance and Maintenance commenced for Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Pu’uloa Training Facility, Foxtrot Range, Feb. 23, 2023. The ORC serves to remove unexploded ordinance and range debris from the operational ranges and the mining of munitions from the impact berms on ranges. Routine clearance and maintenance ensure the safety and sustainability of Marine Corps ranges and training areas. - Operational Range Clearance and Maintenance commenced for Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Pu’uloa Training Facility, Foxtrot Range, Feb. 23, 2023. The ORC serves to remove unexploded ordinance and range debris from the operational ranges and the mining of munitions from the impact berms on ranges. Routine clearance and maintenance ensure the safety and sustainability of Marine Corps ranges and training areas.

Marine Corps begins process to move Foxtrot Range at Pu’uloa in-land

Marine Corps Base Hawaii intends to pursue the relocation of four short-distance firing ranges located at the Pu’uloa Range Training Facility in Ewa Beach, specifically those threatened by current and potential future coastal erosion. On Feb. 23, the initial steps in a process developed by MCBH staff to relocate Foxtrot Range, the short-distance pistol range located on the very eastern side of the facility, approximately 40 meters in-land from its current position began. Similar work is also being planned with the intention to relocate an additional three ranges, Charlie, Delta and Echo ranges, 40 meters in-land and directly adjacent to Foxtrot Range...

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U.S. Marines with 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, execute Exercise Spartan Trident at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Sept. 29, 2022. Spartan Trident is a three-part exercise designed to facilitate the development and refinement of tactics, techniques, and procedures required to serve as the inaugural Marine Littoral Regiment. - U.S. Marines with 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, execute Exercise Spartan Trident at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Sept. 29, 2022. Spartan Trident is a three-part exercise designed to facilitate the development and refinement of tactics, techniques, and procedures required to serve as the inaugural Marine Littoral Regiment.

3rd Marine Littoral Regiment Concludes Spartan Trident

U.S. Marines with 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment and Marine Corps Tactics and Operations Group concluded Exercise Spartan Trident, a three-part exercise series that facilitated the development and refinement of tactics, techniques, and procedures required to serve as the inaugural Marine Littoral Regiment...

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U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division, march during the deactivation of 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Hawaii, Jan. 21, 2022. The battalion is deactivating in accordance with Force Design 2030 as 3rd Marines modernizes to become the Corps’ inaugural Marine Littoral Regiment. - U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division, march during the deactivation of 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Hawaii, Jan. 21, 2022. The battalion is deactivating in accordance with Force Design 2030 as 3rd Marines modernizes to become the Corps’ inaugural Marine Littoral Regiment.

U.S. Marine Corps deactivates 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines

2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines cased their colors during the unit's deactivation ceremony aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii Jan. 21. 2/3 first activated May 1, 1942, at New River, North Carolina as 3rd Training Battalion and assigned to Division Special Troops, 1st Marine Division. A year later, 2/3 was the first Battalion to storm the beaches of Bougainville. During World War II, 2/3 participated in the battles of Bougainville, The Northern Solomons, Guam, and Iwo Jima...

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A baby sea turtle is held up during an excavation at Fort Hase Beach, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Hawaii, Aug. 10, 2021. The natural wildlife and landscape is a precious resource to both MCBH and the people of Hawaii, and we take seriously our stewardship role of protecting these resources. - A baby sea turtle is held up during an excavation at Fort Hase Beach, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Hawaii, Aug. 10, 2021. The natural wildlife and landscape is a precious resource to both MCBH and the people of Hawaii, and we take seriously our stewardship role of protecting these resources.

Protecting turtles at MCBH

If you’re fortunate enough to spend some time in the ocean surrounding Marine Corps Base Hawaii, there’s a good chance you’ll spot a Hawaiian green sea turtle or two out for a swim. Once captured for their eggs, shells, and meat, the sea turtle population began to decrease many years ago. Thanks to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, this sea turtle became a protected animal and many of the practices that led to their population decline stopped. Today, Hawaiian green sea turtles are both a threatened and protected species and because of this, scientists with Marine Corps Base Hawaii are spending significant time and resources to facilitate their nesting in order to increase their odds of survival...

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Lōliʻi has a satellite transmitter applied to the fur on his back with glue so researchers can track his movements and monitor his survival and behavior. The tag will come off during his first annual molt, if not sooner. - Lōliʻi has a satellite transmitter applied to the fur on his back with glue so researchers can track his movements and monitor his survival and behavior. The tag will come off during his first annual molt, if not sooner.

Monk seals take MCBH

In June 2021, the Hawaiian monk seal pup Lōliʻi was transferred to Marine Corps Base Hawaii for protection from crowds on Waikiki beach. Although a baby seal may sound like a great tourist attraction, the conservation and protection of marine wildlife is important, and that includes minimizing the chances of young, curious monk seals becoming habituated to people.

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Lance Cpl. William Coward (left), a digital wideband technician, and Lance Cpl. Robert Murphy, a satellite operator, both of 3rd Marine Regiment, test a Very Small Aperture Terminal satellite system during Island Marauder 21 on Aug. 9 at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Island Marauder is an annual, Marine Corps Systems Command-led exercise enabling Marines to assess and familiarize themselves with communications gear. This year’s exercise was nested under the Navy’s Large Scale Exercise 21. - Lance Cpl. William Coward (left), a digital wideband technician, and Lance Cpl. Robert Murphy, a satellite operator, both of 3rd Marine Regiment, test a Very Small Aperture Terminal satellite system during Island Marauder 21 on Aug. 9 at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Island Marauder is an annual, Marine Corps Systems Command-led exercise enabling Marines to assess and familiarize themselves with communications gear. This year’s exercise was nested under the Navy’s Large Scale Exercise 21.

Island Marauder 21: MCSC collaborates with Navy, prepares for maritime combat

In August, Marine Corps Systems Command led one of the largest command and control user evaluations since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. MCSC collaborated with the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab, Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, Navy and Coast Guard to execute Island Marauder 21.

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U.S. Marines load lumber and cement into the back of a CH-53 in preparation to send it to Camp Paumalu Girl Scout camp where a joint-service effort is being made to renovate and improve the camp here May 18. - U.S. Marines load lumber and cement into the back of a CH-53 in preparation to send it to Camp Paumalu Girl Scout camp where a joint-service effort is being made to renovate and improve the camp here May 18.

Atlantic and Pacific Marines come together to train and support Girls Scouts

Reserve Marines of Landing Support Co. and Landing Support Co., Detachment 1, from Savannah, Ga. and San Juan, Puerto Rico respectively, joined with their active duty counterparts and air Marines to take advantage of a unique opportunity to train here this May. With Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 flying the CH-53 Sea Stallion, the Marines, who are tasked with expeditiously loading and receiving necessary logistics items in overseas operations, loaded lumber and cement on the birds to fulfill their annual training requirements...

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U.S. Marines and Department of Defense contractors with G-4, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, discuss logistics operations with their Royal Thai Marine Corps counterparts during a video-teleconference on Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, March 25, 2021. Logistics talks between members of MARFORPAC G-4 and the Royal Thai Marine Corps are held annually to foster a logistics partnership that enhances regional stability. The discussions are usually conducted in Thailand but this year’s talks were conducted via video-teleconference to comply with COVID-19 mitigation efforts. - U.S. Marines and Department of Defense contractors with G-4, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, discuss logistics operations with their Royal Thai Marine Corps counterparts during a video-teleconference on Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, March 25, 2021. Logistics talks between members of MARFORPAC G-4 and the Royal Thai Marine Corps are held annually to foster a logistics partnership that enhances regional stability. The discussions are usually conducted in Thailand but this year’s talks were conducted via video-teleconference to comply with COVID-19 mitigation efforts.

Professionals Talk Logistics: American and Royal Thai Marine Corps Logisticians Collaborate for Success

Marine Corps logisticians from U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, came together virtually with counterparts from the Royal Thai Marine Corps this week for the first virtual iteration of the biennial Logistics Staff Talks, a collaborative symposium on common challenges. This two-day event, led by Col. Boyd A. Miller, Assistant Chief of Staff, G-4 Logistics, and his team of subject matter experts, focused on partnered operational logistics, distribution best practices, and material management. Joint U.S. Military Advisory Group Thailand supported the event in-person at the headquarters of the Royal Thai Marine Corps in Thailand...

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U.S. Marines with 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division conduct a military freefall infiltration as a part of exercise Castaway 21.1 on Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan, March 9, 2021. The exercise demonstrated the Marine Corps’ ability to integrate with the joint force to seize and defend key maritime terrain, provide low-signature sustainment, and execute long-range precision fires in support of naval operations from an expeditionary advanced base. - U.S. Marines with 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division conduct a military freefall infiltration as a part of exercise Castaway 21.1 on Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan, March 9, 2021. The exercise demonstrated the Marine Corps’ ability to integrate with the joint force to seize and defend key maritime terrain, provide low-signature sustainment, and execute long-range precision fires in support of naval operations from an expeditionary advanced base.

U.S. Marines, joint partners test networked EABO from Japan to Hawaii

U.S. Marine Corps exercises have, historically, featured hundreds of Marines storming ashore under

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U.S. Marines and Navy Sailors conduct external lifts for a vertical replenishment of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, Naval Base Guam, Feb. 25. - U.S. Marines and Navy Sailors conduct external lifts for a vertical replenishment of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, Naval Base Guam, Feb. 25.

Hagåtña Fury 21 | CLR-3 Marines put ‘Fight Now’ concept to the test

During exercise Hagåtña Fury 21, Marines and Sailors with Combat Logistics Regiment 3 honed expeditionary advanced base operations and distributed maritime operations capabilities across U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, alongside elements of 3d Marine Division and 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, from February 18 to March 1. The overall operation was designed to test CLR-3’s ability to conduct distributed command and control of forces providing EABO sustainment across INDOPACOM via a robust communications network, while executing various mission profiles in support of III Marine Expeditionary Force “Fight Now” concepts.

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