U.S. Navy file photos
Welcome to RIMPAC 2018
June 22, 2018
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See pages A-3, A-4, A-5 and B-1
Volume 9 Issue 24
15th Wing welcomes new commander Story and photo by Capt. Nicole White 15th Wing Public Affairs Members of the 15th Wing offered aloha to a new commander during a change of command ceremony June 20. During the ceremony, Col. Kevin Gordon transferred c o m m a n d t o C o l . W. Halsey Burks. Lt. Gen. Kenneth Wilsb a c h , 11 t h A i r F o r c e c o m m a n d e r, p r e s i d e d over the ceremony before a crowd of Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers, civilian and military dignitaries, and community leaders at historic Hickam Field Base Operations. Wi l s b a c h n o t e d t h e 15th Wing’s Airmen for their contributions and impact to the Pacific Air Forces mission. “The lineage of the 15th is one that goes back through World War II by taking part in the attack on Dec. 7, 1941 — also to the end of the war where they participated in longrange escort missions. Today, the wing employs the C-17 for worldwide lift and the F-22 for
Men and women of the 15th Wing render a first salute to incoming 15th Wing commander, Col. W. Halsey Burks at the 15th Wing change of command ceremony, June 20. Burks arrives to the 15th Wing from 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, Bagram, Afghanistan. world dominance not only “Today we celebrate the do great things.” in the Indo-Pacific Region accomplishments of one With the ceremonial but around the world,” commander and welcome passing of the wing’s Wilsbach said. another that will go on to guidon, responsibility
and authority were transferred from one officer to another in front of those present.
As the new commander, Burks expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the wing and spoke directly to the Airmen of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. “To the men and women of the 15th Wing — I cannot put into words what an honor it is to be here today,” he said. “Thank you for raising your right hand and volunteering to serve in a time of war. Since the 2001 terror attacks a little over five thousand Airmen have joined to serve on active duty, both officer and enlisted side. The road is never easy but you continue to serve. To people all over the world, you represent liberty. Be proud of that. I’m proud of that. I’m excited and deeply honored to serve alongside you.” Burks entered the Air Force in 1995, earning his commission from the U.S. Air Force Academy. He is a command pilot with more than 3,500 hours including combat time in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn.
Pearl Harbor survivor Ray Emory honored U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Justin Pacheco
Retired Chief Boatswain’s Mate and Pearl Harbor survivor Ray Emory is rendered honors during a surprise ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, June 19. Bill Doughty Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific Public Affairs Sailors from seven homeported surface ships in Pearl Harbor saluted, cheered and thanked 97-year-old former Chief Boatswain’s Mate Ray Emory in a surprise ceremony, June 19. Emory thought he was just visiting the site of where his beloved USS Honolulu (CL 48) was berthed Dec. 7, 1941. On his way down the pier toward the Honolulu’s commemorative marker, Emory, riding in an open-air golf-cartstyle vehicle, was treated to an honor cordon of 520 Sailors. Sailors lined the rails on three nearby
ships. USS O’Kane rendered three cheers, and chief petty officers shouted the “Navy Chief, Navy Pride” chant as Emory, followed by several family members and close friends, approached. The ceremony also included a fly-by from three SH-60Rs from the Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 37 “Easyriders.” USS O’Kane provided a wreath that was placed at the USS Honolulu marker. Rear Adm. Brian Fort, commander, Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific, welcomed Ray and thanked him for his service throughout the war in the Pacific. During the attack 76 years ago Emory ran to his battle station, a .50-caliber machine gun, to return fire.
“He then fought across the Pacific,” Fort said. “He served in seven invasions across the Pacific: Tarawa, Kwajalein, Saipan, Guam, Leyte Gulf, Lingayen Gulf and Iwo Jima.” After the war and after he retired from a civilian career Ray continued to serve. He made it his life’s mission to identify the remains of more than 100 previously unidentified service members killed on Dec. 7 and buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl). Pearl Harbor Survivor Liaison retired Master Chief Yeoman Jim Taylor spoke at the ceremony and said, “Ray, you’re the man that did it ... If it wasn’t for you, it would have never been done.”
Taylor presented Emory with a shadow box and folded Prisoner of War/ Missing in Action flag printed with the words: “You are not forgotten.” Looking out over the hundreds of Sailors, Fort said, “Ray never forgot his shipmates. We will never forget our shipmate: Navy Chief Ray Emory.” Emory plans to leave Hawaii next week to live with family in Boise, Idaho. Earlier in the morning, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that another USS Oklahoma Sailor was identified and will be buried June 26 in Pensacola, Florida: Navy Pharmacist’s Mate 1st Class John H. Schoonover, 39, of Port Edwards, Wisconsin, who was killed during the attack on the USS Oklahoma in World War II.