What’s INSIDE
Makahiki See page B-5 Photo by MC1 Corwin Colbert
JVEF celebrates partnership See page A-2
November 2, 2018
Families dress up for trunk or treat See page B-1
US Navy makes a difference See page B-3
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Volume 9 Issue 43
Interception A target missile was launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai, Hawaii during Flight Test Standard Missile-45. Story and photo by Mark Wright Missile Defense Agency The U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA), and Sailors aboard USS John Finn (DDG-113) successfully conducted an intercept of a mediumrange ballistic missile target with a Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IIA missile during a flight test off the west coast of Hawaii. The SM-3 Block IIA is being developed cooperatively by the U.S. and Japan and operates as part of the AEGIS Ballistic Missile Defense System. On Oct. 26, the target missile was launched from Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands on Kauai. The Finn detected and tracked the target missile with its onboard AN/SPY-1 radar using the Aegis Baseline 9.C2 weapon system. Upon acquiring and tracking the target, the ship launched an SM-3
Block IIA guided missile which intercepted the target. “This was a superb accomplishment and key milestone for the SM-3 Block IIA return to flight,” said MDA Director Lt. Gen. Sam Greaves. “My congratulations to the entire team, including our Sailors, industry partners and allies who helped achieve this milestone.” Based on observations and initial data review, the test met its objectives. Program officials will continue to evaluate system performance. Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense is the naval component of the U.S. Ballistic Missile Defense System. The MDA and the U.S. Navy cooperatively manage the Aegis BMD program. The MDA’s mission is to develop and deploy a layered ballistic missile defense system to defend the U.S., its deployed forces, allies and friends from ballistic missile attacks of all ranges in all phases of flight.
JBPHH hosts college graduation recognition ceremony Story and photo by MC2 Justin Pacheco Navy Public Affairs Support Element Detachment Hawaii Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) recognized Sailors, Airmen and Department of Defense (DoD) civilians who earned their associate, bachelor, master or doctorate degree this year at an event held at the Historic Hickam Officers’ Club lanai, Oct. 26. The College Graduation Recognition Ceremony, held annually, honored 49 graduates who earned their degrees from 15 various colleges around the country this year. Chief Master Sgt. Russell N. Louk, commandant, Binnicker Professional Military Education Center, delivered remarks at the event. “ Yo u h a v e e n c o u r a g e d others to follow you because of the influence you now
Chief Master Sgt. Russell N. Louk, commandant, Binnicker Professional Military Education Center, delivers remarks during the 2018 Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) College Graduation Recognition Ceremony held at the Historic Hickam Officers’ Club lanai. c a r r y, ” L o u k s a i d . “ Yo u have learned a new way to influence, by simply being great. Today you are being honored for earning your degrees while serving, but, for me, it has been my honor to share in your success.”
Following the address, each graduate was called to the stage for a certificate presentation. Tech. Sgt. Robert Redmond, chairperson of the graduation ceremony, said that many military members do not get the
opportunity to travel to their school and walk across the stage. This event is intended to provide an opportunity for these military members to be recognized for their hard work in front of fellow service members, family, friends and mentors.
“Having knowledgeable and educated military and civilians across all branches of the Department of Defense is important,” Redmond said. “By completing a degree, it shows that a member not only balanced their work and personal life to find the time to complete it, but it also allows our leaders to trust and empower us to accomplish the mission in a more effective and efficient manner,” he added. “These individuals that completed their degrees while serving are also setting a great example for their subordinates, peers, children and many others.” Redmond also encouraged anyone who intends on earning a degree in 2019 to watch for next year’s event and sign up. For more information on furthering your education, visit JBPHH’s Navy College office, or https://www.cnic.navy.mil/ regions/cnrh/om/navy_college_office.html.