Independence Day information See page A-7
What’s INSIDE
Hawaii admiral leads Fitzgerald investigation See page A-3
June 30, 2017
DoD Warrior Games See page B-1
www.issuu.com/navyregionhawaii www.hookelenews.com
Volume 8 Issue 25
Joint Base honors USS Fitzgerald
Ensign flies half-mast at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam June 27 in remembrance of seven Sailors, assigned to the USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62), who died tragically June 17 when their ship collided with a merchant vessel southwest of Yokosuka, Japan. Photo Illustration / Photo by MC2 Katarzyna Kobiljak
THE DECEASED ARE:
Gunner’s Mate Seaman Dakota Kyle Rigsby, 19, from Palmyra, Virginia
Yeoman 3rd Class Shingo Alexander Douglass, 25, from San Diego, California
Sonar Technician 3rd Class Ngoc T. Truong Huynh, 25, from Oakville, Connecticut
Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Noe Hernandez, 26, from Weslaco, Texas
Fire Controlman 2nd Class Carlos Victor Ganzon Sibayan, 23, from Chula Vista, California
Personnel Specialist Fire Controlman 1st 1st Class Xavier Alec Class Gary Leo Rehm Martin, 24, from Jr., 37, from Elyria, Halethorpe, Maryland Ohio
15th Operations Group welcomes new commander Story and photo by Tech. Sgt. Heather Redman 15th Wing Public Affairs The 15th Operations Group (15 OG) welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, June 22. Col. Jason King assumed command of the 15 OG from Col. Charles Velino, as Col. Kevin Gordon, 15th Wing commander,
presided over the ceremony. “Col. Velino always had the men and women of the 15th Operations Group in mind,” Gordon said. “He worked tirelessly to make sure all of his warfighters’ needs were met. Thank you for your incredible leadership and all you have done.” “To the 15th Operations Group, thank you,” Velino said. “You are amazing individuals that came together to make this an amazing group. This was a
dream assignment and one I will never forget.” Velino is a command pilot with over 3,500 flying hours and will take command of the 47th Flying Training Wing in Laughlin AFB, Texas. “Col. King, I am pumped for you to take charge of the 15th Operations Group,” Gordon said. “I am fully confident in your abilities to lead and am excited to see the great things you will accomplish in the fu-
ture. Aloha and welcome to Hawaii, the 15th Wing, and the 15th Operations Group.” Prior to taking command of 15 OG, King was the Senior Executive Officer to the Director of Studies, Analyses & Assessments, Headquarters Air Force A9 Directorate, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. “Col. Velino, your legacy and influence will continue to live on through this group,” King said. “To the men and women
of the 15th Operations Group, it is an honor and a privilege to serve you.” The 15 OG directs all activities to ensure combat readiness of over 300 personnel and five operational squadrons. The commander oversees operations of the largest joint-use airfield in the United States, executes total force combat and peacetime operations, and provides executive airlift for senior military leaders.
“Col. Velino, your legacy and influence will continue to live on through this group. To the men and women of the 15th Operations Group, it is an honor and a privilege to serve you.” — Col. Jason King
Left, Col. Jason King, 15th OG commander speaks during the change of command. Right, Col. Charles Velino, 15th OG outgoing commander thanks the men and women.