What’s INSIDE
June 8, 2018
Celebrate fathers See page A-4, B-4
All-Military Surf Classic to be held this weekend See page B-4
See the Jurassic Park advanced screening See pages B4, B5
Help keep Ahua Reef beautiful See page B-5
www.issuu.com/navyregionhawaii www.hookelenews.com
Volume 9 Issue 22
!""#$%&'()# *)+,*(-#./0) U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Holly L. Herline
!"#$%&'()#'*+,(%-.)%&*,..%/0.)"(%123#,($%".%4#$$)$5%67%8".%9":$;%!"#$%&'()#'*+,(%<(5%&*,..%=+7%>'*:;%98'%".%,.."4($5%9")8%)8$%?$,#*%@,#6'#%A,B,*%C8"D7,#5%E%F()$#+$5",)$% Lt. j.g. Lucian DuChaine USS O’Kane Public Affairs The guided-missile destroyer USS O’Kane (DDG 77) returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam June 4 after a seven-month western Pacific deployment. O’Kane departed Pearl Harbor Nov. 4 to conduct ballistic missile defense operations near the American territory of Guam. O’Kane remained on station for the majority of deployment,
meeting mission requirements and providing protection for American citizens. “I am extremely proud of the O’Kane Sailors,” said Cmdr. Jason L. Tumlinson, O’Kane’s commanding officer. “Their hard work and perseverance enabled the ship to complete all tasks safely and with distinction. I am honored to serve with them.” While on deployment, O’Kane conducted 24 successful underway replenishments-atsea, conducted more than 30 helicopter landing operations
in support of Guam’s Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25, and completed 22 small-boat operations for logistics and personnel transfers critical to remaining on station. A d d i t i o n a l l y, O ’ K a n e supported at-sea operations with Mark VI patrol boats from Costal Riverine Group 1 with the aim of enhancing Mark VI capabilities. The operations conclusively furthered efforts by integrating blue- and brownwater operations.
O’Kane made several port calls during deployment, visiting Guam, Saipan, and Yokosuka, Japan. While in port, crew members volunteered for beach clean-up events and participated in Morale, Welfare and Recreation trips, expanding their cultural knowledge of the local areas and serving the local community. “This deployment was challenging in a lot of different ways,” said Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Chase Harrison.
“We spent a lot of time at sea, but I feel that the crew believed in the mission and bonded together when the days seemed to go on.” O’Kane’s conclusion of this independent western Pacific deployment marks the seventh major deployment in nearly 19 years of commissioned service. For more information about O’Kane, visit http://www. public.navy.mil/surfor/ ddg77/Pages/default. aspx or www.facebook.com/ ddg77okane/.
515th AMOW holds change of command Story and photo by Capt. Jake Bailey U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center Col. Craig Harmon assumed command of the 515th Air Mobility Operations Wing (AMOW) during a change of command ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, June 1. Maj. Gen. Christopher Bence, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center commander, presided over the ceremony in which Col. Scott Zippwald relinquished command of the 515th AMOW to Harmon. Harmon, who previously served as the wing’s vice commander, now leads the 515th AMOW whose mission is to provide forward-deployed command and control, aerial port, and aircraft maintenance support to Department of Defense organic and contracted commercial aircraft executing airlift and air refueling missions throughout the Pacific theater. “Col. Harmon is an experienced mobility pilot who knows firsthand the critical importance of Rapid Global Mobility,” Bence said. “His experience throughout
Air Mobility Command, coupled with his time already spent here as the vice commander is huge, and I have absolutely no doubt he is set up for success.” Before officially assuming command of the 515th AMOW, Harmon was presented the Legion of Merit, the Air Force’s sixth-highest decoration, for exceptional meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements as the wing’s vice commander. Upon assuming command, Harmon expressed his commitment to the men and women of the 515th AMOW. “ To t h e m e n a n d women of the 515th AMOW, there is not a more strategically important wing in the Department of Defense-you’re postured and ready to support every contingency, providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief at a moment’s notice across — and through — the vast 105 million square-mile U.S.-Indo-Pacific AOR,” he said. “Every day you support the finest and most powerful military force ever known to mankind.”
> See page A-2
Battle of Midway remembered #$+,#G.%50#"(4%,%2$#$+'(7%8$*5%)'%2'++$+'#,)$%)8$%HI)8%,(("B$#.,#7%':%)8$%J,))*$%':%1"59,7K Story and photo by MC2 Justin Pacheco Navy Public Affairs Support Element Detachment Hawaii The Battle of Midway was honored on its 76th anniversary with a wreath-laying ceremony at the World War II Valor In The Pacific National Monument, June 1. The Battle of Midway took place on June 3-7, 1942, and was a decisive victory for the U.S. Navy. The Navy defeated a Japanese attack against Midway Atoll, marking a turning point in the war
in the Pacific theatre. It is widely regarded as the turning point of the war. Rear Adm. Brian Fort, commander, Navy Region Hawaii, and commander, Naval Surface Group, Middle Pacific delivered remarks at the event. “Ultimately, no one can control every moment in the flow of events,” Fort said. “The victory at Midway was primarily the result of decisions made and actions taken by individuals at decisive moments in the course of battle.” Susan White, Pacific Marine Monuments Supervisor for the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, who over-
sees four marine national monuments including the Battle of Midway National Memorial, also spoke of the importance of the battle. “As stewards of the Battle of Midway National Memorial, we are honored to stand with the U.S. Navy and U.S. National Park Service and pay tribute to those who gave their all in service of their country,” White said. “Through their courage and commitment, those who fought at the Battle of Midway changed the course of the war and the world. It is our duty and privilege to ensure that they are never forgotten
and continue to be a beacon of inspiration for future generations.” Although the battle occurred 76 years ago, the battle’s significance still holds true today. “The Battle of Midway has been called a turning point in the war in the Pacific,” Ford said. “In just a few moments of time, the events of the Battle of Midway caused the world to pause on its axis as the tables turned on not only the war in the Pacific, but the entire world.” The observance concluded with a wreath dedication at the Lone Sailor statue.