1990

The 1st Battalion of the 299th Infantry deployed to Camp Rilea, Ore., to perform their annual training during Aug. 18-Sept. 1, 1990. All their training was conducted on northwestern beaches and mountains, on World War II vintage maneuver areas and firing ranges. They performed such operations as Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain Training (MOUT), river crossings across pure, fast-running streams and Pacific headlands, air assault operations and live firing exercises.

The 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery, deployed to Yakima, Wash., July 14-28, 1990. They conducted a 180-mile road march from Oregon to Washington, field artillery fire support missions, air assault operations, aerial observation missions, and also participated in a Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise (CALFEX) in which they supported the Marines with illumination missions. . .

In November 1989, 10 soldiers from the 117th Public Affairs Detachment deployed to Panama where they performed their annual training.  . .

The units of the Troop Command completed annual training (AT) at various locations during Training Year 1990. Units trained at three different locations within the State. The Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 297th Supply and Service Battalion and 12th Personnel Service Company performed AT-90 at Bellows Air Force Base/ Schofield Barracks, South Range from July 21 through Aug. 4, 1990. The 292nd Supply and Service Company (Direct Support) performed its annual training in the Republic of Korea, participating in Exercise Team Spirit. Unit members were deployed to Korea in three increments beginning from Feb. 28 to March 24, 1990. The unit provided a variety of combat service support to units in the field . Training included aspects of airlifting rations to units in the field, supporting units with shower facilities, and bakery products such as bread to supplement their rations.

The 291st Maintenance Company (Heavy Equipment) performed its annual training at Bellows AFB and Schofield Barracks. The unit performed general support level maintenance and repair and also underwent an Army Training Evaluation. The 1st Battalion, 193rd Aviation, performed its annual training at the Pohakuloa Training Area on Hawaii, from July 21 to Aug. 4, 1990. The unit conducted aerial gunnery training, combat support operations, and aviator and aircrew training. The 298th Engineer Detachment performed its annual training at Keaukaha Military Reservation located at Hilo, Hawaii, from July 21 to Aug. 4, 1990. The unit performed facilities maintenance of carpentry and electrical rewiring of Keaukaha Military Reservation and Kilauea Military Camp.

– 1990 Annual Report pp. 9-10

Training goals for the Hawaii Air National Guard were designed to ensure that units were able to perform their tasks as required by State and Federal missions. To accomplish this, units focused on training to retain the ability to survive and operate under wartime or general emergency situations. Training keyed on elements such as shelter operations mobility exercises, chemical defense training, combat aircraft turn-around, terrorist attacks, power and communications outages, and many other scenarios.

In February, members of the 199th Tactical Fighter Squadron (199th TFS) began to train in” hot-pit” refueling, which will allow jet fighters to get back in the air in a fraction of the time normally used to ready an aircraft using conventional refueling techniques. The 199th TFS pilots also began to train for longer range intercepts to expand the depth of their air defense and air superiority tactics.

– 1990 Annual Report pp. 13

Hawaii Guard soldiers train in Korea

SEOUL (USFK) – A cold 35 degree but clear night recently welcomed more than 1,100 Hawaii Army National National Guard soldiers who arrived at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea.

It was a marked contrast to the balmy mid-80 degree tropical climate Hawaii’s citizen soldiers are accustomed to, but the Army Guard soldiers were prepared for the change.

Their arrival in the Republic of Korea to participate in Team Spirit ’90 reflected more than a year of planning and coordination, including a deployment to Oregon last August.

Led by Brig. Gen. John R. D’Araujo Jr., commander of the 29th Infantry Brigade (Separate), the Hawaii Army Guard (HIARNG) contingent included:

• More than 400 soldiers of the 2nd Bn., 299th Inf., from the island of Hawaii.
• Nearly 60 soldiers from troop E, 19th Cavalry from Wahiawa.
• Nearly 100 combat engineers from the 227th Engineer Company in Waiawa on the island of Oahu.
• More than 151 soldiers from the 29th Support Battalion in Honolulu.
• A composite group of 17 HIARNG soldiers from the islands of Kauai and Maui.
• Some 20 helicopter aviators, mechanics and support personnel from Honolulu and Hilo; and more than 130 soldiers from the headquarters element of the 29th Inf. Bde. (Sep.).
• And 27 soldiers from various units who served as exercise controllers.

During Team Spirit ’90, a joint combined field training exercise, the brigade served as one of the 25th Infantry Division’s (Light) main attack forces. Brig. Gen. D’Araujo commanded a combined force of more than 4,000 HIARNG, 25th Infantry Division (Light) and Republic of Korea soldiers assigned to the 29th Inf. Bde. (Sep.).

Republic of Korea Army assets assigned to the brigade included two infantry battalions, one armored task force, one engineer battalion, and 205mm (Towed) and 155mm artillery battalions.

Elements of the 25th Infantry Division (Light) assigned to the brigade during the exercise included 100 military intelligence specialists and a Vulcan and Stinger missile platoon.

Despite initial problems where nearly 60 percent of the brigade’s critical equipment and vehicles were delayed in getting to the assembly point, the spirits of the island soldiers were high.

“The move was good and the morale of the soldiers was good,” said Lt. Col. John Hao, the brigade’s executive officer.

“Boy, the nights there were cold!” remarked Spec. Pedro Lagutan, Co. C, 2nd Bn. 299th Inf., a farmer from Pahoa on the island of Hawaii.

“It was about 10 times colder than we’re used to.”

“Despite the rain the last several nights and muddy fields, the spirits and morale of the soldiers were high,” observed Sgt. Rodney Lucas from Hilo. This was the first time since 1968, when the unit was called to active duty

for service during the Vietnam conflict, has the brigade moved such a large group of people and equipment on an overseas deployment, Hao said.

“Training in a foreign country is great people are motivated and you get to know how to prepare for a deployment,” said Staff Sgt. Thomas Parel, Co. C, 2nd Bn., 299th Inf. Parel is employed by the Hamakua Sugar Plantation.

The HIARNG medical section worked for five consecutive months giving shots, physicals and updating medical records of brigade soldiers in preparation for the deployment, Hao said.

“Coming to Korea is enjoyable,” said Spec. Gregory Galan, who lives in Kohala on the island of Hawaii and works for the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.

During its 1989 annual training deployment to Camp Rilea in Astoria, Ore., members of the brigade’s Big Island battalion used the exercise to review personnel records and other materials that would be needed for Team Spirit.

All the Hawaii soldiers returned home by Mar. 28.

The 2nd Battalion is one of two infantry battalions assigned to the brigade. The commander of the battalion is Lt. Col. Delbert Nishimoto who took over in May 1988.

– 1990 January – March Pūpūkahi pp. 1 & 5-7

Command Notes

Welcome home to the more than 1,100 Army Guard soldiers who deployed to the Republic of Korea for Team Spirit ’90. Everyone did an outstanding job and demonstrated that the national guard can mobilize, deploy and fight when called upon.

The 29th Infantry Brigade (Separate) headquarters, the 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry, and the 29th Support Battalion were part of the 25th Infantry Division (Light) during the exercise. Along with three attached Republic of Korea (ROK) battalions, the Hawaii Army Guard organization was the division’s main effort and was extremely successful in overcoming a numerically superior armored force. They also demonstrated that cohesion, teamwork and high morale are critical combat multipliers. Secretary of the Army Michael Stone, during his stopover in Hawaii, told me that he saw all of these factors at work when he visited the brigade in Korea.

Team Spirit also provided a comprehensive test of the brigade’s mobilization and war fighting plans. The deployment of 950 soldiers represented the largest mobilization of the brigade since the Vietnam call-up in 1968. The three-week duration of the exercise also made. it the longest peace-time deployment.

The 292nd Supply and Service Company, with more than 110 soldiers, also performed annual training in Korea. They provided combat service support for I Corps and the 25th Infantry Division (Light). Twenty-seven soldiers from various Army Guard units also served as controllers for the exercise. Like the troops of the brigade, the leaders and soldiers who participated in Team Spirit received valuable training in all aspects of their wartime missions. Significantly, they gained experience in the demanding and dangerous arena of combat operations and tactics under adverse climatic conditions.

The brigade’s and the 292nd’s success during Team Spirit was due primarily to the outstanding efforts of the officers and soliders in the units, the Army Guard headquarters staff and support elements who “made things happen.” I commend all of you for your hard work and attention to detail. You did your share to make Team Spirit a highly successful and beneficial exercise and were safety conscious throughout the training.

– 1990 January – March Pūpūkahi pp. 2

Artillery unit deploys to Washington

Training emphasizes readiness and adaptability

Story and photo by Spec. Jonathan M. Shiroma
117th PAD

More than 290 soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery, deployed to Yakima Firing Center, Wash., July 6- 21.

Yakima was discovered in 1805 by the Lewis and Clark expedition led by the Indian maiden Sacajawea. Similarly, the Hawaii Army National Guard’s 487th made a journey of discovery of its own: a test of the soldiers ability to perform in an unfamiliar environment. “Unknown territory provides an excellent setting for training,” said Capt. Darren H. Carpenter, commander of the 487th’s Battery C. “In the event of war, the battalion could be deployed anywhere.”

“The training received here gives the troops an indication of how fast they need to adapt in order to perform proficiently,” said Carpenter, who is employed as a civil engineer for the Barrett Consulting Group.

Although the terrain was similar to that of the Pohakuloa Training Area, the blistering heat was unlike that of PTA and the most difficult factor to overcome. Daytime temperatures often exceeded 100 degrees.

“The training is good here, however, we should have prepared more for the heat factor,” said Sgt. Robert Tangaro, supply sergeant for Battery B. “The commanders have been advised to make sure their men are consuming enough liquid,” said Maj. Patrick E.K. Bailey of the Headquarters Battery, a sales representative supervisor for Motorola. Consumption of five canteens of water per day was recommended to prevent dehydration. Bailey said the soldiers were instructed to drink water even if they were not thirsty.

Dust was another factor to be reckoned with. The combination of 30- 40 mph winds and vehicle movement caused dirt and sand to fly, violently at times.

“I thought Pohakuloa had a lot of dust,” said Staff Sgt. William P. Haalili, “but the dust on this range makes Pohakuloa seem pleasant.” The soldiers were issued surgical face masks when driving around the range. Haalili works for the State as a maintenance technician in civilian life.

Soldiers were also warned of snakes in the training area. Although there has been only one snake bite incident in the past 20 years at the firing center, precautionary measures were taken at all times.

With added safety objectives set before them, the soldiers of the 487th were prepared to test their readiness in the unfamiliar setting of Yakima.

“A real test for our soldiers in this heat was to see how they reacted.” said 1st Sgt. Jack K. Makuakane, of Battery A. “At Pohakuloa , the training is so routine. The soldiers really don’t have that much to overcome, especially since they live in a similar climate all year long.”

Tangaro added that the training was more realistic. “Instead of relying on a familiar hill or landmark, we had to totally rely on the battery’s ability to read map and grid coordinates.”

Another highlight of this year’s annual training included direct fire and a hip shoot competition.

“The direct fire competition has not been done for a long time now,” said Sgt. Maj. Raymond M. Gibo of the 487th, and a searching center supervisor at Hawaiian Telephone in civilian life.

Direct fire entails firing the 105mm Howitzer at a horizontal level to engaging targets directly in front of the firing team. Scoring is based on the battery’s response to commands, sighting, and accuracy.

“It’s the artillery soldier’s dream to see what you shoot,” said Bailey, who added that the soldiers did well in the exercise.

“This really tests the individual battery’s readiness.” Gibo said. “The batteries are not·given a specific location to move out to, but since they are in transit, they are called and given a location.”

“They must then, move out as quickly as possible to the designated area set up and prepare to fire.” Gibo explained.

“This was my first AT and I’m glad that I got a chance to train in an area foreign to everyone,” said Pvt. Eddie Balaou of Battery C. “It gave me a good idea of how the battery functions with unknown areas,” aid Balaou, a sales assistant for Foot Locker during nondrill status.

“The 487th accomplished all of its training objectives,” said Maj. Gen. Alexis T. Lum, the state adjutant general. “They were faced with a five and a half-hour road march, a new range, a change in the environment, a lot of new experiences. This forced them to rely on map reading skills and to adapt to the obstacles brought upon them by the weather and climate.”

“Considering how many deterrents there were in training here, the 487th did exceptionally well.” Lum said.

The 487th Field Artillery returned to Hawaii and their civilian occupations July 21.

– 1990 July – September Pūpūkahi pp. 6

Soldiers’ skills tested at Camp Rilea

Story and photo by Spec. Janis T. Tanimoto
117th PAD

The challenges they faced were real and the soldiers needed all the skills they had learned during training to survive. There were rivers to cross, structures to climb and rappel from, an enemy to defeat, and a strange new land to navigate through. Failure to rise to the occasion took the form of an incessant, high-pitched beep from MILES equipment.

For two weeks, more than 450 soldiers from the 1st Battalion , 299th Infantry, deployed to Camp Rilea, Ore., and Fort Lewis, Wash., for annual training, Aug. 17 to Sept. 1.

The journey to Rilea was the battalion’s first, providing the unit with an unfamiliar training environment. “The ‘unknown’ territory the soldiers operated in was an excellent training ground for land navigation,” said Lt. Col. Glen I. Sakagawa, commander oft he battalion. “Also. the wide open training area at Fort Lewis, where the TOW (tube-launched, optically tracked , wire-guided anti-tank missile) firing occurred, allowed the men to test their accuracy at distances not possible in Hawaii.”

In contrast to Pohakuloa ‘s lunar landscape. Camp Rilea is composed of tall, dense forests. Rilea also presented the 1st Battalion with facilities not found at Pohakuloa. These included a small lake for river crossing exercises and a fabricated town to practice urban assault technique.

“It’s good to be somewhere different after seeing the same training area several years in a row.” said Sgt. Calvin T. Fujimoto operations clerk at Headquarters and Headquarters Company. “When you’re familiar with the terrain everything becomes easy. Here, everyone must really get involved to make a plan work.”

The Guard soldiers from Oahu. Maui, Kauai and Molokai also participated in air assault operations, Nuclear Biological Chemical ( BC) training and live weapon firing.

The battalion benefitted from the opportunity to train as a unit as well. “We come together as a battalion only twice a year. and annual training i the only time we have an extended period together to really get things going. Camp Rilea offers the 1st Battalion from the different neighbor islands the chance to work together and coordinate our efforts as a team,” said Sakagawa.

– 1990 July – September Pūpūkahi pp. 6

1991

The majority of Hawaii Army National Guard units conducted their annual training at various locations in Hawaii, July-August. Brigade units also trained in Australia and Fort Lewis, Wash. In March, 55 soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 299th Infantry, deployed overseas to Adelaide, South Australia, for Exercise Pacific Reserve. They trained for two weeks at the Australian jungle warfare school with reserve soldiers from the Australian Army. The Big Island’s 2nd Battalion hosted a reciprocal visit by the Australians in July.

Most of the brigade conducted annual training at Pohakuloa Training Area in July with emphasis on live fire and battalion and brigade level training. The 1st Battalion, 299th Infantry, traveled to the Pacific Northwest in August and trained at Fort Lewis and Yakima Training Area. Training included river crossing operations Military Operations on Urban Terrain (MOUT) and live fire exercises.

The units of the Troop Command completed annual training at three locations in the state during training year 1991. The Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 297th Supply and Service Battalion, and 292nd Supply and Service Company trained at Pohakuloa Training Area, July 20-Aug. 3. The 291 st Maintenance Company (General Support) and 12th Personnel Company performed annual training at their home stations on Oahu, Aug. 10-24. The 291st provided a variety of maintenance support to HIARNG units and the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, including tank turret and track repair for equipment returning from Operation Desert Storm. The 12th Personnel Service Company provided personnel and administrative support to HIARNG units. The 1st Battalion, 193rd Aviation, conducted its annual training at Wheeler Air Force Base and Pohakuloa Training Area, July 20-Aug. 3. The unit conducted aerial gunnery training, combat support operations and aviator and aircrew training.

The 298th Engineer Detachment performed its annual training at Fort Ruger, Oahu, July 20-Aug. 3. The unit performed facilities maintenance and installed playground equipment at the Honolulu Stadium Park. The 451st Aviation Detachment (CECAT) performed its annual training at its home station in Hilo, July 20- Aug 3. The unit provided general aviation support to HIARNG units training on the island.

The 117th Public Affairs Detachment deployed seven soldiers overseas to participate in Exercise Cobra Gold in Thailand during the period May 6 through 28. The unit performed public affairs duties in support of the U.S. Army Pacific Command, Public Affairs Office.

– 1991 Annual Report pp. 9

Training goals for the Hawaii Air National Guard are designed to ensure that units are able to perform their tasks as mandated in state and federal missions. To accomplish this, units train to retain the ability to survive and operate under wartime or general emergency situations. Training keys on elements such as shelter operations, mobility exercises, chemical defense training, combat aircraft turn-around, terrorist attacks, and power and communications outages. The Hawaii Air National Guard, like U.S. military organizations everywhere, was required to cut back on training during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

For the 154th Composite Group, the Middle East build-up made it difficult to find air-refueling tankers to bring units to Hawaii for the dissimilar air combat training (DACT) necessary for maintaining peak qualification air-to-air refueling skills. Kaneohe Marine Corps Air Station fighters, favorite sparring partners of HIANG’s 199th Tactical Fighter Squadron, left behind few training adversaries when the Marines were sent to the Gulf. Training resumed after the cease-fire, with returning Marine fighters eager to share lessons learned in the Gulf.

Renewed availability of tankers enabled 199th Tactical Fighter Squadron pilots to take part in Exercise Red Flag at Nellis AFB, Nev., in July, and several units were able to come to Hawaii for DACT. Six fighters and support units deployed to Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) Barking Sands, Kauai, for mobility and dispersal training in August.

In May, airmen of the 154th Tactical Hospital deployed to Phelps Collins Air National Guard Base in Alpina, Mich., to participate in their first medical mobility training as a unit. Highlights included the erection of a second echelon facility configuration and performance of medical tasks wearing full chemical warfare gear. The 154th Civil Engineering Squadron (CES) and the Hickam-based 15th CES conducted joint training, July 13-14. The squadrons were supported by the 154th Service Flight which prepared hot meals using its new mobile kitchen trailer unit.

– 1991 Annual Report pp. 13

Tactical hospital completes training in Michigan

By Staff Sgt. Gayle Sakamoto
154th Tactical Hospital

Forty-seven members of the 154th Tactical Hospital took part in the unit’s first medical mobility training, May 10-26. The unit deployed to Phelps Collins Air National Guard Base in Alpena, Mich., and discovered that being in the National Guard truly is an adventure.

The deployment, which involved both academic and hands-on experience, fulfilled medical readiness training requirements for the unit’s wartime mission and trained unit personnel in the second echelon (2E) concept of military medical care. The training focused on enhanced readiness capabilities and improved performance effectiveness for wartime and peacetime missions in support of the Pacific Air Force and Hawaii Air National Guard.

The highlights of the training mission were the field exercise and erection of a 2E facility configuration. Members retrieved and treated casualties under different situations and guarded the facility’s perimeter against aggressors. The unit practiced triage (separating patients according to the severity of their wounds) and treated patients in temper tents. The ultimate test was the performance of medical tasks with the full chemical warfare ground crew ensemble in a simulated chemical environment.

The unit also completed a challenging litter obstacle course. Tac Hospital members carried patients on stretchers across rocky and hilly terrain, sometimes carrying the litters overhead or while crawling. Members were ordered to hit the ground during simulated fire.

In addition to hands-on training, unit personnel received classroom training in the Geneva Convention, field sanitation and combat stress.

Supplementing the unit were three service technicians from the 154th Tactical Control Squadron, Kekaha, Kauai. Led by Staff Sgt. Mike Akama, Staff Sgt. Oscar Sagucio and Airman 1st Class Steve Carvalho prepared outstanding meals throughout the deployment and were greatly appreciated by the Tac Hospital personnel and local mess hall staff alike. The three prepared Island-style delicacies whenever possible.

At the request of a base instructor, Tech. Sgts. Ronald Babb and Alan Yoneshige agreed to speak with the instructor’s daughter and her fourth grade classmates at nearby Hillman Community School. The elementary students had recently studied Hawaii and were enthralled by Babb’s brief presentation and question and answer session. Photographer Yoneshige gave macadamia nut candies and treats as well as educational material to the children.

– 1991 July – September Pūpūkahi pp. 4

Composite Group goes to Red Flag

By Sgt. Wayne Acosta
154th Composite Group

in late June, the 154th Composite Group participated in exercise Red Flag, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Red Flag is a tactical air command (TAC) activity which conducts tactical training for all branches of the U.S. military. The exercise evaluated the 154th’s deployment capabilities and provided pilots the opportunity to employ combat tactics, techniques and procedures in a realistic threat environment.

The two-week deployment involved eight F-15A Eagles which were supported by two KC-JO tankers, 17 officers, 75 enlisted personnel and equipment.

Red Flag gave the group an opportunity to operate over a large land mass with high, irregular terrain and the radar considerations in such an environment. The training is designed to improve pilot and air weapons director capabilities in a large land area. The Nellis AFB Electronic Warfare Range exposed the 154th COMPG pilots to surface to air threat of simulated hostile areas. Pilots received initial evaluations and were subsequently stepped through increasing threat levels to culminate in a comprehensive final evaluation.

– 1991 July – September Pūpūkahi pp. 4

Hawaii Guard conducts annual training exercises

By Sgt. Margaret P. Tulledo and
2nd Lt. Sivale Talaeai

More than 2,000 Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG) soldiers deployed to the Big Island, Washington and Thailand this summer to complete two weeks of military training. The annual exercises test the Guard’s ability to mobilize, deploy and conduct field training.

Annual training at the Big Island’s Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA) commenced July 20. Joining Oahu’s 29th Infantry Brigade (Separate) and 29th Support Battalion and the Big Island’s 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry, this year was a 60-member Australian Army Reserve unit.

A four-day field training exercise comprised the final phase of training. The soldiers worked, ate and slept in the field, enduring the area’s typically dusty, craggy terrain and extreme temperature changes.

The weather posed a special challenge for the Hawaii Air National Guard’s 199th Weather Flight, whose forecasts can affect the success of an air or ground operation. At one point, the weather flight advised against the brigade’s use of simulated chemicals with smoke because of unfavorable wind conditions. “The wind is one of the most important weather elements during combat,” said meteorologist Master Sgt. Peter D. Spurlin. “It affects flight patterns and artillery fire as well as chemical disbursement.”

In all training exercises, the support troops keep the infantry, artillery and aviation units moving, and this year was no exception. “It gets easier each year because of training,” said Sgt. Keith R. Perry, 29th Support Battalion maintenance specialist. “It’s good to see the younger soldiers out here with their spirits up and morale high. It’s (the exercise) a good test of their endurance.”

For many of the 600 soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 299th Infantry, who went to Fort Lewis, Wash., the trip was their first to the Pacific Northwest. The unit usually trains at PT A and was last sent to Fort Lewis in 1983.

Some soldiers of the 29th Support Battalion, 227th Engineer Company, and Troop E, 19th Cavalry, joined the battalion at Fort Lewis, as did a Washington Army National Guard tank platoon. (The I st Battalion also received support from the Oregon Army National Guard, which loaned vehicles to the battalion.) “Readiness is our goal and the 1st Battalion is ready,” said Lt. Col. Glen I. Sakagawa, battalion commander.

The troops were visited by Gov. John Waihee, who was in Seattle to attend a National Governors Association meeting and to address the National Convention of Asian American Journalists.

In late spring, seven soldiers from the 117th Public Affairs Detachment deployed to Surat Thani Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, to participate in Cobra Gold ’91, a joint U .S.-Thailand training exercise.

– 1991 July – September Pūpūkahi pp. 5

1992

Hawaii Army National Guard units participated in numerous training activities throughout the year. Headquarters, 29th Infantry Brigade, participated in staff training exercises, including Cascade Peak at Fort Lewis, Washington, and Yama Sakura at Hokkaido, Japan. In May, the 117th Public Affairs Detachment sent a team to provide video coverage of Exercise Cobra Gold in Thailand.

In addition, 38 members of the 111th Army Band travelled to Fiji, Tonga and Tuvalu in June to provide music for military ceremonies during the World War II Commemoration. In February, 55 soldiers from the scout platoon of Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry, deployed to Australia for Exercise Pacific Reserve. They trained with reserve soldiers from the Australian Army for two weeks at the Australian jungle warfare school in Adelaide, South Australia.

In March, 110 Soldiers from Company A. 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry, with a platoon from the 1st Battalion, 299th Infantry, flew to Fort Greeley, Alaska, and trained for two weeks with the Alaska Army National Guard. The remainder of the 29th Infantry Brigade conducted annual training at Schofield Barracks, July 11-25. This year, the brigade units trained on squad, section and platoon operations. Training also included live-fire exercises and a logistics exercise for the brigade and battalion staffs.

Units of Troop Command completed annual training at two locations during the year. In June, 80 soldiers from the 291st Maintenance Company deployed to Sagami Army Depot in Japan and provided maintenance support to the U.S. Army, Japan. The 297th Supply and Service Battalion and the 1st Battalion, 193rd Aviation, trained at Pohakuloa Training Area, July 11-25. The aviation battalion conducted battalion field training exercises which included aerial gunnery training.

The 298th Engineer Detachment completed repair and maintenance projects at Keaukaha Military Reservation in Hilo and at the Mauna Kea State Park, July 11-25. The 451st Aviation Detachment performed its annual training at Schofield Barracks, Aug. 1-15. The unit provided aviation support for the Hawaii Military Academy during the Consolidated Officer Candidate School training.

– 1992 Annual Report pp. 9

The 154th COMPG’s flying mission was greatly enhanced with the deployments of various Air Guard and active duty fighter units from the mainland in support of Dissimilar Aircraft Combat Training (DACT). Numerous air refueling sorties with visiting mainland tanker units further extended flight time and training. The 154th COMPG successfully participated in Air Force, Navy and “Joint” Forces exercises such as RIMPAC in July. The 154th Civil Engineering Squadron had an “on station” bivouac in February involving Prime BEEF and Prime RIBS field training. The 154th Resource Management Squadron (154th RMS) and the 154th Services Flight (154th SVF) also participated. The 154th SVF sent personnel on deployment to Kulis ANGB, Alaska, for training in June. Accompanying them were personnel from the 169th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron and the 154th Mission Support Squadron. The 154th Tactical Hospital deployed to Japan for annual training in Hawaii Air National Guard June. There they honed their medical skills in a field environment.

201st CCGP personnel fulfilled an extremely busy training schedule in FY 1992. In July 1991, two dozen 201st CCGP personnel deployed to Ulupalakua, Maui, for systems training as part of a Communications-Electronic Management Staff (CEMS). Sixteen members of the 201st CCGP trained as systems controllers on the TSQ-111, part of the TRI-TAC communications system, during three separate weekends in October and November 1991 and January 1992. The training gave personnel who are usually not tech-controllers experience with the TRI-TAC equipment.

– 1992 Annual Report pp. 13

Brigade trains in Japan, Australia

Despite the cancellation or reduction of several major training exercises, Hawaii National Guard members are continuing to receive the training they need to prepare for their wartime missions. More than 100 soldiers from the 29th Infantry Brigade (Separate), along with a dozen soldiers and airmen from smaller units, have deployed for overseas training so far this year.

Fifty-nine soldiers and five airmen of the Hawaii National Guard deployed co Japan, Jan. 19-21, for exercises Yama Sakura and Keen Edge. Yama Sakura was the ground portion of the command post exercise led by Col. Bernard M. Watson, commander of the 29th Infantry Brigade (Separate). Brigade soldiers were joined by more than 300 other soldiers from the IX Corps (Reinforcement), U.S. Army Reserve, headquartered at Fort DeRussy. Reservists comprised approximately 70 percent of U.S. Army participation in the exercise. No actual maneuvers are conducted as Yama Sakura instead focuses on theoretical battles laid out on map boards. The purpose of the exercise is co further develop a joint U.S.-Japan bilateral force capable of defending Japan from an enemy force.

Fifty-five soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry, are presently in Australia training alongside Australian General Reserve troops. The Hawaii task force left here Feb. 6 to take part in exercise Pacific Reserve at the Field Force Battle School in Tully, North Queensland. According co the Australian press, the school is the toughest jungle training school in the world. The Hawaii soldiers prepared for the mission by doubling training and toughening squad level tactics.

The Guard unit is scheduled to return home Feb. 23. A task force of Australian Reserve soldiers will train in Hawaii later this year as part of a reciprocal arrangement.

– 1992 January – February Pūpūkahi pp. 1

Army Guard bound for Alaska in March

A composite unit of 120 Hawaii Army National Guard soldiers will deploy to Alaska for cold weather training, March 14-28. The Big Island’s Company A, 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry, will be joined by a platoon from the 1st Battalion and other support units. They will train at the Northern Warfare Training Center (NWTC), based at Fort Greeley, and other remote sites around the 49th state.

Upon arriving at Elmendorf Air Force Base, the soldiers will be lodged at Camp Caroll for one day to acclimatize before beginning one week at NWfC. A two-day field exercise will include platoon air assault and tactical training with the 207th Infantry Group. Before returning home, the task force will visit glacier operations al Chugach State Park.

In December, soldiers were briefed on a number of subjects including effects of cold weather, clothing protection and special equipment Awareness of cold weather operations and prevention of cold weather injuries was emphasized. In addition to BDUs, the soldiers will be issued extreme cold weather clothing, including parkas, overshoes, wool socks and polypropylene underwear.

The environmental conditions the task force will face include three hours of daylight (11 a.m. to 2p.m.), temperatures ranging from -30 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, 18 to 24 inches of snow, and dense wooded areas with nemerous trails and large, wild animals.

– 1992 January – February Pūpūkahi pp. 3

Hawaii soldiers train in Alaska

A composite unit of Hawaii Army National Guard soldiers returned from a two-week deployment to Alaska, March 28. “It was an experience 111 never forget,” said one soldier.

The soldiers spent one week at the Northern Warfare Training Center (NWTC), which is based at Fort Greely and also operates remote sites around the 49th state. While at the NWTC. the unit took pan in a two-day exercise on platoon air assault and tactical training with the 207th Infantry Group. Before returning home, the Hawaii soldiers visited glacier operations at Chugach State Park.

Most of the 117 soldiers were from the Big Island’s Company A, 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry. The company was joined by a platoon from the 1st Battalion and other support units.

For many of the soldiers it was the first time they had seen snow, “It was great training,” commented one soldier.

– 1992 February – March Pūpūkahi pp. 1

291st deploys to Japan

by Sgt. 1st Class Phil Prater, Sgt. Jennifer K. Horimoto and Spec. Janis T. Tanimoto
35th Supply & Service Battalion and 117th Public Affairs Detachment

Gray clouds and rain greeted ninety-eight 291st Maintenance Company (Heavy Equipment/HEMCO) soldiers as they arrived at Sagami Army Depot, Japan, June 14. The 291st came to support the active Army’s 35th Supply and Service Battalion maintenance operations through July 3.

The eight-hour, 3,000-mile journey from Hawaii featured many firsts: HEMCO’s first deployment to Japan, the first deployment to a foreign country for many of the soldiers, flying in the C-5 Galaxy for the first time, and training under the unit’s new capstone command.

“This is my first deployment with the Guard and I’m pretty excited,” said Spec. Walter S. Carrancho, heavy equipment repairman. Mostly, I welcomed the opportunity to see Japan and go to Disneyland (in Tokyo).” Sixteen Hawaii Guard soldiers attached to the 291st provided food service, personnel records service and other support services. The support personnel were from the 297th Supply and Service Battalion; 29th Support Battalion; 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery; Headquarters, State Area Command; and the 117th Public Affairs Detachment.

When the maintenance unit arrived at their home away from home,” it was ready and waiting for them. The 35th soldiers had already erected tents with wooden floors, conveniently located next to the depot’s gymnasium. The gym had everything from a sauna and jacuzzi to volleyball courts. The cozy homes were a warm lessing for the Hawaii soldiers, with tempatures ranging from the mid- to low 60s.

Sagami Depot was originally a Japanese tank production plant. It is presently the Pacific command’s Army war contingencies stock store area. “Everything from vehicles to MRE’s (meals-ready-to-eat) are stored in the warehouses,” said Lt Col. Joseph J. Chaves, commander for the 297th Supply and Service Battalin. Chaves visited his troops before returning, his full-time duties as a training administrator,
me 20.

Before unpacking, the Guard soldiers were briefed on Japanese customs and practices and
safety measures, including pointers on riding the __cal trains.

Less than 10 hours after arriving at Yokota Air Base, Japan, the 291st soldiers were open for business. They were kept busy by the run-down critical vehicles in need of repair. “There is so much here for us to do that even if we came every for the next five years we still wouldn’t be finished,” said Capt. Dunstan P. Canoe, 291st commander. There were more that 1,900 vehicles in need of repair.

“They worked out of a huge L-shaped building with an area large enough to cover three football fields,” said Chaves. The 291st work stations occupied only 25 percent of the building, with the rest used for vehicle storage. “We’ve done everything from engine overhauls, body pairs, tire and windshield replacements to welding,” said Sgt. 1st Class Sara Feliciane, movement NCO.

Canoe noted that the unit’s evaluations have been very positive. This year’s annual training
is given the 291st a change of pace from the weekend drills of preventive maintenance checks and services (PMCS) to actual needed repairs.

The lack of repair parts for some jobs interrupted some of the production flow, according Chief Warrant Officer Richard Mejia, quality assurance/control officer. Undeterred by this, the maintenance soldiers continued to march.

Despite the long work days, the 291st mechanics and support staff were able to experience some of the local culture, including tours to the Tokyo Disneyland and Toshimaen Amusement Park. Expensive prices didn’t stop the soldiers from going to Tokyo to engage in some “power looking” (versus “power shopping”).

The ambassadors of aloha did take some time off to host a luau for the soldiers of the 35th and Japanese civilians who work at the depot.

– 1992 May – June Pūpūkahi pp. 4

Command Notes

Congratulations to the Hawaii Army National Guard for completing an outstanding annual training. All of our units performed extremely well and earned high marks during their evaluations. Our soldiers have every right to be proud of their achievements and I extend my personal appreciation to all of them for a job well done. I’d also like to thank Brig. Gen. Eugene Imai, Brig. Gen Bernard Watson, Col. Edward Correa Jr., their commanders, staff, senior noncommissioned officers, and each and every HIARNG soldier for making this our best annual training ever.

The success of this year’s training can be largely attributed to two factors. The first is the development and implementation of a rigorous junior noncommissioned officer training program and the second is our emphasis on squad and platoon level tactics. Together, they gave our soldiers a solid understanding of battlefield conditions and the training standards they need to meet the evaluators from the 25th Infantry Division noted significant improvements in many areas.

– 1992 July – August Pūpūkahi pp. 2

Annual Training ’92

Squad-level training is focus

By Staff Sgt. Dennis Y. Fujii
1171h Public Affain Desachment

More than 2,300 Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG) soldiers donned camouflage uniforms and Kevlar helmets for two weeks of annual training, July 11-29.

About 1,000 29th Infantry Brigade (Separate) soldiers from Kauai, Molokai, Maui and the Big Island flew to Oahu aboard Air National Guard C-130 aircraft. Brigade soldiers from the 29th SupportBattalion trained at Dillingham Air Field and Schofield Barracks.

Hawaii Army National Guard soldiers conducted squad-level training; weapons qualification; land navigation; bayonet assault training; tactical road march; nuclear, biological and chemical training; map reading; night operation; camouflage and first aid training at Schofield Barracks, East Range, Kahuku and Dillingham Airfield. Selected soldiers from Troop E, 19th Cavalry, rappelled into Puu Kapu training area near Schofield Barracks from Blackhawk helicopters flown by active army pilots. TOW antitank gunners from the Big Island conducted their training in Kahuku and East Range.

On Kauai, engineers from the 227th Engineer Company repaired roads at Kokee State Park in addition to conducting demolition training at Schofield Barracks.

The Hawaii Army National Guard’s Troop Command went to the Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA) and Keaukaha Military Reservation (KMR)on the Big Island. Headquarters, Troop Command, provided base camp support. The298th Engineer Detachment’s electricians, plumbers and carpenters repaired cabins at the Mauna Kea State Park and renovated buildings at KMR.

Soldiers from the 297th Supply and Service Battalion and the 1st Battalion, 193rd Aviation supported operations at PT A as well as conducted weapons qualification and night firing. The 1st Battalion, 193rd Aviation conducted attack helicopter training at PT A’s Cobra firing range.

In January, Hawaii Army National Guard soldiers from the 29th Infantry Brigade deployed to Japan. Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry. deployed to Australia in February and Alaska in March. In May, members of the 117th Public Affairs Detachment deployed to Thailand. And soldiers from the 291st Maintenance Company (Heavy Equipment) deployed to Japan last month.

The 29th Infantry Brigade (Separate), headquartered on Oahu, is commanded by Brig. Gen. Bernard M. Warson. Maj. Walter A. Sullivan commands the 1st Battalion, 299th Infantry, with units on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai and Maui. Lt. Col. Wayne T. Nishijima commands the 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry, with all of his units located on the Big Island. Lt. Col. Kenneth Hall commands the 29th Support Battalion and Lt. Col. Dennis Kamimura commands 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery, both located on Oahu.

Troop Command, commanded by Col. Edward L. Correa Jr., is headquartered in Waiawa Lt Col. Eugene H.B. Young commands the 1st Battalion, 193rd Aviation; Lt. Col. Joseph J. Chaves commands the 297th Supply and Service Battalion; and Capt. Darren H. Carpenter commands the 298th Engineer Detachment

– 1992 July – August Pūpūkahi pp. 2

Hawaii Army National Guard

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE HIARNG! We have just completed a most successful Annual Training 1992. Some 1,475 soldiers on Oahu and 700 on the Big Island went through a rigorous schedule of training and evaluation from July 11-25. Earlier, selected units successfully completed their Annual Training 1992 in Australia, Alaska and Japan.

The 29th Infantry Brigade (Separate) had an ambitious program for all of its battalions. The 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 299th Infantry successfully completed their squad level Army Training Evaluation Program (ARTEP) evaluations. The 29th Support Battalion successfully accomplished its site and field support missions for the Brigade. The 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery, had perhaps the most ambitious plan, going through a battalion level ARTEP evaluation. The soldiers of the 487th put “steel on target” in an outstanding manner, far surpassing the Army standards for acquiring, moving, shooting, and communicating. Selected soldiers from the 2nd Battalion had earlier performed their Annual Training at the Northern Warfare Training Center in Alaska and in Exercise Pacific Reserve in Australia

The soldiers of Troop Command, too, performed in an outstanding manner. The 1st Battalion, 193rd Aviation, conducted a battalion level External Evaluation (EXEVAL), and passed it with “flying” colors. The 297th Supply and Service Battalion had a “full plate” of support and training missions. Their evaluation was highly complimentary. Their maintenance company, the 291st, performed its Annual Training at Sagami Depot, Japan, and their host, the 17th Area Support Group, was ecstatic over the work they did.

These are just highlights of the outstanding training conducted in every unit and headquarters element There were numerous success stories. These successes resulted from the way our soldiers approached the challenges of Annual Training. Every evaluator commented on the high spirits and motivation of our soldiers. . . .

Let me close with two illustrations. The first is a statement by a young soldier from the 1st Battalion: “This is the best annual training I’ve ever been on … because I
had to THINK.” The second is the determination that I saw on the faces of Staff Sgt Kamakea and the members of his squad from Company A, 1st Battalion, as they prepared to negotiate their lane. The squad had failed in their first attempt, and rather than grumble about the unfairness of the test or the evaluators, each member acknowledged that they had “blown it” and were committed to meeting the standard the next time. They did.

The standards in all of our specialty areas–be it infantry, artillery, aviation, maintenance, supply or whatever–are not easy to achieve and maintain, especially since we’re part-time soldiers. That, nevertheless, is our task. And based on the progress we made during this AT, these are very achievable goals. Our task is to keep these standards in focus, and to ensure that we continually strive to meet and maintain them.

– 1992 July – August Pūpūkahi pp. 6

1993

HIARNG units participated in a wide range of training activities throughout the year. In November 1992, 41 soldiers from the 111th Army Band deployed to Port Moseby on the island of New Guinea. They participated in ceremonies marking the 50th anniversary of World War II. In January 1993, 10 soldiers from the 29th Infantry Brigade (Separate) and two soldiers from Troop Command deployed to Camp Sendai, Japan. They participated in a joint, bilateral command post exercise cosponsored by the United States Forces, Japan and the Japan Self-Defense Forces Joint Staff Office.

In February, 10 soldiers from the 117th Public Affairs Detachment deployed to Panama City, Panama. The unit received public affairs training through formal instruction and on-the-job training. They produced news releases, still photographs and videotaped material for the American public and supported the command information effort for the United States forces in Latin America. The 117th also provided public affairs support to the 25th Infantry Division (Light) during Exercise Cobra Gold in Pitsanulok, Thailand, in May.

The 291st Maintenance Company deployed 110 soldiers to Kaiserslautern, Germany, in June. They provided general support maintenance at the National Guard’s Equipment Maintenance Center in Europe. In June, the 297th Supply & Service Battalion, 292nd Quartermaster Company and 12th Personnel Services Company performed their Annual Training at the Kahuku and East Range Training Areas on Oahu. The focus was on tactical field operations.

The 451st Aviation Detachment performed its Annual Training at Schofield Barracks, June 12-26. The unit provided aviation support for the Hawaii Military Academy during Officer Candidate School and l lB (Infantry) training. In June, soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery, conducted their Annual Training at Camp Guernsey, Wyo. The battalion trained with the 115th Artillery Brigade of the Wyoming Army National Guard.

The remainder of the 29th Infantry Brigade (Separate) conducted Annual Training at Schofield Barracks, July 17-31. This year, the brigade units trained on squad, section and platoon operations. Training also included live-fire exercises. The 452nd Aviation Detachment provided aviation support to the 29th Brigade at Schofield Barracks, July 17-31. In August, 50 soldiers from the 298th Engineer Detachment deployed to Los Santos Province, Panama. They renovated and repaired six rural schools, in conjunction with the Panamanian government’s Ministry of Education. Units of Troop Command completed Annual Training at Schofield Barracks this year.

– 1993 Annual Report pp. 13

As part of the combined/joint RIMPAC ’92 exercises in July, the 199th Fighter Squadron flew more than 200 sorties involving dissimilar air combat training, high value asset escort and maritime operations against naval surface attack groups.

The 201st CCGP, with assistance from Air Force technical advisors, sponsored and conducted a mobility survivability training course in January 1993. More than 40 members of the 201st CCGP, other HIANG units and the PACAF staff were trained. The course received many accolades from participants and units. It also saved approximately $20,000 per class in temporary duty (TDY) expenses, versus sending personnel to this training at various other locations.

– 1993 Annual Report pp. 18

Command Notes

The 117th Public Affairs Detachment completed a very successful annual training in Panama, Feb. 5-20 The unit earned an unprecedented five U.S. Southern Command artistic excellence awards and was rated fully trained based on readiness indicators and public affairs mission essential tasks. The 117th’s excellent rating is further proof of the unit’s capabilities and professionalism.

– 1993 February – March Pūpūkahi pp. 2

Command notes

The most important ingredient in a successful annual training, however, will be our people. These two weeks are an opportunity to pull together what you have learned in your drills throughout the year, and can be an excellent learning experience

Some of our units have already completed their annual training. The 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery experienced a productive two weeks at Camp Guernsey, Wyoming. The 297th Supply and Service Battalion trained hard at Kahuku and East Range. And the 291st Heavy Equipment Maintenance Company spent a successful two weeks in Germany.

With a positive attitude and a spirit of teamwork throughout our units, there is no limit to what we can accomplish. With this in mind, I know that the rest of this year’s training will be a productive and valuable experience for us all.

– 1993 June – July Pūpūkahi pp. 2

Hawaii Army National Guard

The Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG) is off to an outstanding start in our annual training(AT) period, with the early units performing in super fashion.

The 111th Army Band travelled to Papua, New Guinea and impressed the members of the American Armed Forces and the citizens of Papua, New Guinea.

The 117th Public Affairs Detachment deployed to Panama, where several of them were cited by the U.S. Southern Command for their exemplary performance.

The 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery trained at Camp Guernsey, Wyoming with the 115th Field Artillery Brigade.

The training environment and the work in a reinforcing rather than a direct support role was a new experience for the Battalion, but the 487th performed extremely well. The rolling grassy terrain, small impact areas, and initial cold and wet weather provided a real challenge. The 1,000 rounds of artillery, the presence of real aggressors to test their perimeter security and the opportunity to participate in new missions and operations provided invaluable training that the soldiers won’t forget.

The 487th also had time to visit Deadwood and Mount Rushmore as well as other scenic spots in the area.

The 297th Supply and Service Battalion (less the 291st Maintenance Company) performed their AT at the Kahuku Training Area and the East Range.

The 12th Personnel Services Company performed field tasks they did not normally do, but, thanks to the training from their leaders, they did extremely well.

The 292nd Quartermaster Company is in the process of transitioning to an Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Company, but they still trained as a unit and supported the 25th Infantry Division with laundry services.

The 291st Maintenance Company traveled the furthest — to Germany — and had the challenge of meeting expected standards upon full mobilization. This is tough for a unit not at 100 percent strength or MOS qualification, but the soldiers of the 291st took the challenge and aggressively attacked their missions. The unit is divided into six functional areas, and in some areas, such as armaments, they had the opportunity to work “hands-on” with weapons systems unavailable in Hawaii. Morale was high, and soldiers had the opportunity to visit Paris as well as areas in Germany.

The 298th Engineer Detachment will travel to Panama in August to do some “real world” engineering projects, and I’m confident they will perform to their usual high standards. The balance of the HIARNG units will perform AT in July at Schofield Barracks and Pohakuloa Training Area, and, like the units which have performed AT to date, I am sure that their performance will also be outstanding.

– 1993 June – July Pūpūkahi pp. 6

Small Unit training emphasized during Hawaii Army Guard’s 15-day exercise

More than 1,800 Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG) soldiers from around the state finished their two weeks of Annual Training (AT) at Schofield Barracks, July 31. The purpose of Annual Training is to improve HIARNG’s tactical proficiency and unit cohesion for its federal wartime mission and state security mission.

Units of the 29th Infantry Brigade (Separate) from all islands trained at the platoon and squad levels. Soldiers trained to improve their combat skills, including weapons firing, land navigation using a map and compass, nuclear, biological and chemical warfare training, bayonet assault and night operations.

During the first week, rain from tropical storms Dora and Eugene dampened the ground but not the troops’ spirits.

“Rain or shine, we must still carry on with our mission,” said 2nd Lt. Reid Nakamura, Company C, 299th Infantry, based at Honokaa, Hawaii. “Although the mission comesfirst, safety is a major concern when we train.”

“The wet weather was actually a plus for us,” said 1st Lt. Wayne Yamashita, executive officer for Company B, 1st Battalion, 299th Infantry, based at Kapaa, Kauai. “The rain keeps the troops cool during nuclear, biological and chemical training when they wear masks and chemical protective suits.”

Gov. John Waihee, accompanied by Maj. Gen. Edward V. Richardson, state adjutant general, visited
with soldiers of the Hawaii Army National Guard, July 23.

He traveled to the Army’s East Range and Kahuku training areas where he was briefed on HIARNG training missions and requirements. He also visited with members of the 29th Support Battalion; 1st and 2nd Battalions, 299th Infantry; 227th Engineer Company; and Troop E, 19th Cavalry.

Company D, 1st Battalion, 299th Infantry, was the first unit in the state to be evaluated in an operational readiness exercise (ORE). The unit spent its two weeks at Pohakuloa Training Area on the Big Island of Hawaii.

An ORE consists of three phases, and this year’s AT allowed Delta Company to successfully complete Phase III. ORE evaluators studied the unit’s capability to perform selected collective tasks required by the unit’s Mission Essential Task List. With the completion of Phase III, the company continues to conduct multi-echelon battle focus training.

Also training at PTA was the 1st Battalion, 193rd Aviation, assisted by the Hawaii Air National Guard’s 199th Weather Flight. The aviation unit practiced AH-lS Cobra helicopter firing, while the Weather Flight provided current flying condition reports.

– 1993 July – August Pūpūkahi pp. 4

Hawaii Army National Guard

Congratulations to all HIARNG members for a successful Annual Training (AT) 1993!

The 29th Infantry Brigade (Separate), 1st Battalion 487th Field Artillery and elements of Troop Command performed AT at Schofield Barracks on Oahu and the Pohakuloa Training Area (Pl’A) on Hawaii.

The 29th ”hit the ground running” and performed two weeks of intensive training. Despite the rainy weather, which turned everything into a thick, mucky mass of mud, the spirits of the soldiers were especially high. Hats off to the officers, NCOs, DTA personnel and especially to the soldiers of the Brigade for doing a super job.

The Brigade headquarters operated in the field and, in addition to providing command and control to its battalions and separate units, conducted a command post exercise for its staff.

The 1st Battalion, 299th Infantry, started AT at the confidence, bayonet assault and hand grenade courses. Soldiers, despite being thoroughly wet and muddy, were really “charged up” and exceeded standards in these events as reported in their squad evaluations. HUA!

The 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry, focusing on its external squad evaluations, performed lane training and situational training exercises. Soldiers fired their newly acquired 60mm mortars, and invited employers from the Big Island to visit their training. These employers were very impressed by what they saw.

The 29th Support Battalion went straight to the field and also had external evaluations for two of its companies. Continual improvement in all areas was noted by evaluators and Brigade personnel.

At Schofield, soldiers of the 227th Engineer Company refined their skills in demolition and clearing; Troop E honed its skills through night firing and situational training exercises; and the 129th Signal Detach ment had, for the first time in memory, all three of its radio teletype (RATT) rigs up and operational.

Headquarters, Troop Command, conducted training and transition. The 193rd conducted maintenance and transition training a tits home station and also added realism to the aerial assaults of the 29th by escorting troop carriers. Company C flew to PTA for aerial gunnery.

Headquarters ST ARC provided immediate logistical, personnel and training assistance to the soldiers in the field. Problems were resolved quickly before they became “show stoppers.”

Gov. John Waihee spent time with the 2nd Battalion, from his home island, July 23. He received ‘hands-on” training with a small emplacement excavator (SEE) and fired some rounds from a 50 caliber and an M-60 machine gun. He and his staff remarked at how much more technical the requirements of the soldiers had become.

I want to thank each and every one of you and your families for your super performance during AT ’93. We did the right things, and we did them right! Keep up the good work!

– 1993 July – August Pūpūkahi pp. 6

Hawaii Air National Guard

On July 10, 113 HIANG members deployed to Kadena Air Base to perform base recovery after attack training and air base operability training. The contingent was made up of members of the 154th Mission Support Squadron, 292nd Combat Communications Squadron and the 298th Air Traffic Control Flight. They returned to Hickam, July 23.

On July 21, members of the 154th Group, under the leadership of Col. Michael H. Tice, deployed with six F-15s and required support personnel to Singapore to participate in “Commando Sling,” where they flew Dissimilar Aircraft Combat Training missions with the Singapore Air Force. After two weeks in Singapore, Tice and his contingent were replaced by Col. Kenneth P. Wicks and his people. They returned to Hawaii the weekend of Aug 21. Members of the 154th GP not only received valuable training while deployed but had the opportunity to work with our Singapore allies. . . .

In September, 63 members of the 154th Tactical Hospital will be deploying to Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea. While in Korea, they will train with the 51st Medical Group to enhance the unit’s capability in patient care and ancillary services. The Tactical Hospital will be deployed for two weeks.

– 1993 July – August Pūpūkahi pp. 6

154th deploys to Kadena Air Base, Japan

Our apologies to the members of the 154th Civil Engineering Squadron (CES) and Services Flight (SVF), who we inadvertently deleted from Brig. Gen. Rodrigues’ column last issue.

Members of the 154th CES, SVF and Mission Support Squadron/ Air Base Operability travelled to Kadena Air Base, July 11. More than 100 airmen successfully completed base recovery afterattack training during the first week.

During the second week Service Flight airmen worked at Morale, Welfare and Recreation facilities.

“We felt really good about our training, now we can do a lot more stuff for the Guard, said Master Sgt. Stanley T. Tanigawa, Prime RIBS (Readiness in Base Services) supervisor.

The Mission Support airmen worked at the base disaster preparedness shop. The engineers built a volleyball court, a warehouse mezzanine and two picnic pavilions, gutting four dog kennels, repainting an entire building and constructing a kitchen work area.

Kadena troops were impressed with the 154th’s work. Master Sgt. Chuck Yezza commented that the Guard members were “the most impressive Guard or Reserve team we’ve ever had come through Kadena.”

– 1993 September – October Pūpūkahi pp. 6

1994

HIARNG units participated in a wide range of training activities throughout the year. Troop Command units used year round annual training to prepare units for new missions after pending activations. Brigade units trained at various times to capitalize on opportunities both in and out of the state. . .

In June, 95 soldiers of company B (Maintenance), 29th Support Battalion, deployed to Sagami Army Depot, Japan, to perform their annual training. Their mission was to repair the war reserve equipment for U.S. Army, Japan. The unit repaired various types of vehicles as well as communications equipment and small arms. In June, the 297th Supply and Service Battalion, 12th Personnel Services Company and 291st Maintenance Company performed their annual training at the Barbers Point Naval Air Station and South Range Training Areas on Oahu. The focus of the training was tactical field operations. Also in June, soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery, conducted their annual training at Pohakuloa Training Area. Their objectives were to recertify their firing batteries. In August, they received new equipment training on the Initial Fire Support Automated System (IFSAS).

The 451st and 452nd Aviation Detachments performed their annual training at Pohakuloa Training Area, July 16-30. The units provided aviation support for the 29th Infantry Brigade (Separate) and Troop E, 19th Cavalry. Camp Rilea, Ore., was the annual training site for 385 soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 299th Infantry. The battalion conducted training on infantry tasks which included live fire exercises. Company D conducted a live fire exercise at the Yakima Firing Center, Wash., with five tubelaunched, optically tracked, wireguided (TOW) anti-tank missiles. The remainder of the brigade conducted annual training at Schofield Barracks and Pohakuloa Training Area, July 16-30. The 129th Signal Detachment provided the brigade with communications support during annual training.

In late July, soldiers of the 298th Engineer Detachment performed their annual training. They constructed a warehouse office and storage shed for the USPFO-Hawaii, renovated a Hawaii State Motor Pool office and replaced light fixtures in OMS #2 service bays.

– 1994 Annual Report pp. 11-12

The 154th Group continued its impressive training schedule in FY ’94. In July 1993, membersof the 154th CES, 154th SVF and 154th MSS, deployed to Kadena Air Base (AB) in Okinawa for Base Recovery After Attack (BRAAT) exercises. In July and August 1993, members of the 199th FS and 154th CAMS deployed to Singapore for exercises with the Singapore Air Force.

Throughout the year, the Fighter Squadron hosted units from the active duty Air Force and Air National Guard for exercises flown from Hickam Air Force Base (AFB). In September, personnel from the 154th Tac. Hosp. deployed to Osan Air Base, Korea, to train with their active duty counterparts from the 51st Medical Group. In October 1993, several members of the 169th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (ACWS) deployed to Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, for Amalgam Warrior exercises. In October and November, the 203rd ARS participated in Amalgam Warrior exercises in Alaska and Cope North exercises in Japan.

In April, a tanker and crew from the 203rd deployed to Keflavik, Iceland, to stand alert with the active Air Force and the Icelandic Defense Force for 17 days. The 203rd also deployed to many other locations worldwide, such as Anderson Air Base, Guam; Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea; and Edwards AFB, Calif. While at Edwards in October, the 203rd ARS refueled the new B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. In May, the 154th CES deployed to Bellows Air Force Station for bivouac training. In June, 154th Tac. Hosp. personnel deployed to Alpena, Mich., for training under field conditions.

– 1994 Annual Report pp. 17

201st keeps Cobra Gold players communicating

Story and photo by Capt. Martin P. Moerschell

Hawaii Air National Guard (HIANG) members from 201st Combat Communications Group deployed to Thailand for Exercise Cobra Gold ’94, April 23. They departed from Hickam Air Force Base on board a New York Air Guard C-5.

Cobra Gold is a joint/combined exercise designed to improve the abilities of U.S. and Royal Thai forces to work together to deter aggression and encourage prosperity and democratic ideals in the region. More than 13,000 U.S. and 11,000 Thai service members participated in the land, sea and air operations, making it the largest exercise involving U.S. Pacific Command forces this year.

Included in the Group’s staff were airmen from the Big Island’s 291st, Maui’s 292nd, and Hickam’s 293rd Combat Communications Squadrons.

The airmen arrived in Korat, Thailand, after a grueling 19-hour flight, which included a layover at Anderson Air Force Base, Guam. From Korat, some 201st personnel continued on to Utaphao, in central Thailand.

Guard members unpacked equipment and set up communications for inbound forces which included laying communication cables, setting up generators and pitching and camouflaging tents. In a few days, 96 communications circuits were brought on-line.Members from the 201st worked side by side with their active duty counterparts from Guam and Japan and Air Guard members from Alaska and California.

Airmen drank large quantities of water to prevent dehydration during the long hours working in sweltering desert-like heat, under beautiful but torrid blue skies.

– 1994 April – May Pūpūkahi pp. 7

Hawaii Army National Guard

The 1994 “season” for Annual Training (AT) has started on an extremely good note.

The 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery performed its AT at Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA)inJune. The weather was beautiful save the period that I visited. I seemed to have brought the rain up from Hilo. Despite the rain, the spirits of the men were outstanding, and the training I observed was super. The gun sections were going through section certification, and the men in the various sections were really up to the challenge. They understood the standards and the criteria for evaluation. As I’ve said in previous articles, this gives our soldiers a challenge which is fair and understood, and they respond by being more than up to the task. Of note was the gun section out of Battery A led by Sgt. Leonard H. Ventura. They displaced their gun in under 4 minutes. For those of you unfamiliar with this accomplishment, let me give an abbreviated description of the task. Displacing requires packing the various equipment, pulling up at least four of the three-foot stakes which hold the gun plate to the ground, cranking down the wheels of the howitzer, hooking up the gun to the two-and-a half ton truck, clearing the camouflage net from the truck, and pulling out of the emplacement. To do all of this under four minutes is super, and Ventura and his men have much to be proud of. The other sections performed well. I commend them all for their spirit and performance.

Company B (Maintenance), 29th Support Battalion traveled to Sagami Army Depot in Japan, and they had plenty of work waiting for them. The soldiers made the best of this opportunity (the first time this unit has trained outside of Hawaii), and they performed in a super manner. The soldiers report that other than the high cost of living in Japan, they had a super time getting “culturally oriented. ”The 297th Supply and Services Battalion completed their AT, June 25. In addition to conducting an field training exercise, AT provided much needed time to prepare for the conversion of the 292nd Supply and Service Company to an aviation intermediate maintenance company.

Remaining units of the HIARNG performed their AT during in July and August, or are performing their AT on a year-around basis. The balance of the 29th Infantry Brigade (Separate) performed their AT at Schofield Barracks, PTA, or at Camp Rilea, Ore. The Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 129th Signal Detachment, and the balance of the 29th Support Battalion were at Schofield, and the Troop E, 227th Engineer Company, and 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry were at PTA through July 30. The 1st Battalion, 299th Infantry traveled to Rilea in late July. 1st Battalion, 193rd Aviation will continue its conversion from an attack battalion to a medium lift company, the 298th Engineer Detachment will construct needed improvements at the Hawaii Military Academy, the 451st Aviation Detachment will support the brigade, the 452nd Aviation Detachment will continue its transition planning to a medical evacuation detachment, and 25th Division Rear Tactical Operation Cell will continue their participation in the Tropic Lightning series of exercises. The 111th Army Band and the 117th Public Affairs Team will be providing continuing morale and welfare support throughout this period that they do so well.

It’s a ‘full plate” of activities which offers our soldiers a challenge and opportunity at the same time. As in the past, and based on the performance of the early units, rm positive that all of our units will be up to the challenge, and take this opportunity to really shine.

– 1994 June – July Pūpūkahi pp. 6

Waihee visits troops in the field one last time

By Spc. Jonathan M. Shiroma and PA staff

Hawaii Army National Guard’s infantry units trained on the Big Island of Hawaii and in Oregon during the second phase of annual training 1994 The Big Island’s 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry, trained in their own backyard at Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA), while the 1st Battalion traveled to Oregon.

Bosses watch training

Thirty business and community professionals flew aboard a Hawaii Air National Guard KC-135R Stratotanker to Oregon to watch the Maui headquartered 1st Battalion train. The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve bosslift program gives local bosses an opportunity to witness what their employees do during their two weeks of military leave.

Governor visits troops

Gov. John Waihee, joined by Maj. Gen. Edward V. Richardson, the adjutant general, flew to Pl’A in the governor’s last annual training visit as commander-in-chief of the Hawaii National Guard (Waihee’s term as governor ends in December). Waihee tested the small emplacement excavator’s (SEE) scoop loader and chainsaw capabilities.

Northwest exploration

First Battalion soldier’s from Maui, Kauai, and Molokai arrived at Camp Rilea, Ore. July 23rd, while soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry reported for duty, Aug. 16.

“The number one objective of this year’s training is to safely conduct battle-focused training to standard at platoon level,” said Lt. Col. Walter A Sullivan Jr., 1st Battalion commander. Sullivan is a civilian worker with the 25th Infantry Division (Light) at Schofield Barracks. “Training at this level, versus squad level, helps bring soldiers to a higher level of preparedness with the ability to mobilize in 60 days,” he adds.

Camp Rilea is located near the Washington-Oregon border, in the pristine timberline of the Northwest. Its evergreen environment presents a change in terrain for Hawaii soldiers who normally train in the rugged lava fields of the Big Island’s Pohakuloa Training Area or the muddy slopes of Schofield Barrack’s East Range and Kahuku training areas.

“The infantry has to be able to train in any type of terrain and weather,” said Sullivan. “It tests our adaptability.”

Spc. Armando L. Medina of Bravo Company says that besides being “a lot flatter” than Kauai, the Oregon terrain “reminds me a lot of where I’m from.” A resident of Hanamaulu, Medina works as a cab driver on the Garden Isle. He also notes that the lava and dust found at Hawaii training sites are absent from the Oregon terrain.

Kauai soldiers took courses covering the M-203 grenade launcher, Light Anti-Tank weapon (LAW), grenade, confidence, obstacles, assault and bayonet while at Camp Rilea.

Realism is part of any annual training within the Hawaii Army National Guard.

“In the midst of our training, we need to be prepared for an attack of the Op 4 (opposition forces),” said Staff Sgt. Phillip Kamakua of Alpha Company. “My men train hard and I believe they would be ready if we were ambushed now,” he adds.

Maui’s Charlie Company had a chance to prove themselves in just that way.

“We were ambushed last night by opposing force,” said Spc. Freddie Busto. The company had been setting up their perimeter defense when aggressors from Schofield Barracks began their attack. “You can never be too prepared for anything since anything can happen in war.”

Backyard maneuvers

At Pl’A soldiers ran through mock nuclear biological and chemical (NBC) training which meant wearing a chemical protection suit while firing weapons and going through maneuvers. Big Island soldiers used the Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES). In the MILES system, a soldier wears a sensor harness on his body and helmet. The sensor picks up a light beam fired from an attachment on the soldiers rifle. If the light beam is detected, a buzzer will sound, and the soldier will be out of the war game.

Training critique

This year women were included in the battalion’s deployment. Although infantry units in the active and reserve components do not allow women to serve in combat roles, six women were attached to the 1st Battalion to help in support services.

While most of the Kauai platoons trained at Camp Rilea, soldiers in the mortar platoons ventured to the Yakima Firing Center in the neighboring state of Washington for training. Yakima’s desert terrain provided a good backdrop for these soldiers who needed training at a larger range facility.

“I think the battalion is doing super well as AT progresses,” said Sullivan. “All of our soldiers are here because they want to be here.” He adds the battalion’s strength is at about 92 percent. “It helps when soldiers are motivated to do the job since a reserve component, such as the HIARNG, has to try and train as proficiently as possible during the two weeks of annual training,” Sullivan said. “We need to perform to active army standards and I’m proud that our Hawaii soldiers are proving to do just that.”

– 1994 August – September Pūpūkahi pp. 4-5

Hawaii Air Guard practices combat skills at Cope Thunder’94

By 1st Lt. Charles J. Anthony

A total of 167 personnel from the 154th Group participated in Cope Thunder exercises in Alaska, July 13-31.

Eight F-15s from the 199th Fighter Squadron (FS), two KC-135s from the 203rd Air Refueling Squadron (ARS) and an active duty KC-10 assisting with airlift, deployed to Elmendorf and Eielson Air Force Bases.

The HIANGtankers and fighters worked hand in hand during Cope Thunder even though they were flying out of two different bases. The F-15s, based at Elmendorf, would fly 250 miles to the combat zone which required at least one aerial refueling, per mission, with the KC-135s.

Lt. Col. Pete Pawling, from the Fighter Squadron said Cope Thunder provided several of the younger pilots with their first opportunity to train as mission commanders on such a large scale. “This was the most time-consuming and toughest deployment for new mission commanders that I’ve ever seen,” said Pawling. “This was an exercise, in an austere environment, that was very close to what it would be like in the first few weeks of a war-time scenario.”

The HIANG F-15 pilots, maintenance and support crews were challenged with a demanding schedule, flying more than 100 sorties. The first week, the 199th played a defensive role, switching to an offensive role in week two.

The Refueling Squadron tankers also had a busy schedule, flying a ‘total of 17 sorties out of Eielson AFB in support of the HIANG F-15s as well as F-15s and F-16s from the active duty Air Force.

A complicated refueling operation involving the 199th FS and the 203rd ARS occurred on July 31, as the HIANG F-15s were returning to Hawaii. Because of a shortened runway at Eielson AFB, an active duty KC-10 was not able to carry enough jet fuel to fly the F-15s all the way to Hawaii. The solution was to have a HIANG KC-135 depart Hickam around dawn, head north, then accomplish a “point parallel” rendezvous with four F-15s in the middle of the ocean about 600 miles from Alaska. Close preflight planning and communication- with one another once they reached the general vicinity, allowed the KC-135 to make a 180 degree tum, then roll out about two miles in front of the advancing F-15s.

“We did it without even seeing each other, because we were in heavy cloud cover the whole time,” said Capt. Dano Robinson, the KC-135 pilot.

Once on station, the KC-135 relieved the KC-10 of its air refueling duties then completed the mission by bringing the F-15s home.

– 1994 August – September Pūpūkahi pp. 6

1995

Hawaii Army National Guard units participated in a wide variety of training activities throughout the year. Troop Command units conducted year-round annual training to prepare units for deactivations and provide support to thebrigade during exercises and their annual training. Brigade units trained at various times to capitalize on opportunities both in and out of the state.

The 291st Maintenance Company deployed to Camp Dodge, Iowa, Nov. 5- 19, for its annual training. The brigade deployed 24 soldiers to Kyushu, Japan, in January to participate in the IX Corps (U.S.) joint command post exercise, Yama Sakura XXVI. Troop E, 19th Calvary, deployed to Fort Richardson, Alaska, during Feb. 11-25 to conduct cold weather tactics and training. The brigade staff participated in Brigade Command and Battle Staff Training (BCBST) in December. The training was realistic and rigorous. It conducted simulated training exercises at Schofield Barracks’ East Range and Wheeler Army Airfield.

Units of the 1st Battalion, 299th Infantry, and 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery, trained at the Big Island’s Pohakuloa Training Area in July. Infantry companies from Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and Molokai practiced small unit lane training while the soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery, trained on their new M119 105mm Howitzers and new computer firing system. The new weapons will increase the battalion’s fire support range from 11,500 meters to 14,500 meters. Company D, 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry, deployed to the Puckapunyal Training Area outside of Melbourne, Australia, in May. This was an opportunity for a HIARNG combat unit to participate in a unit exchange with Australia, which occurs every other year.

The 227th Engineer Company and the Military Police platoon from the brigade deployed to San Diego, Calif., in June, for their annual training. The MPs helped curtail illegal immigration and the smuggling of contraband across the U.S./Mexico border. The Hawaii MPs worked with the California National Guard’s counter drug program and various federal agencies including the Departments of Treasury, Justice, and Agriculture. HIARNG MPs accounted for six seizures that confiscated an estimated 800 to 1000 pounds of marijuana. The Hawaii engineers supported the California Guard’s Counterdrug Program by constructing a road for the border patrol along the border in Tecate and San Ysidro. The 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry, deployed to Camp Rilea, Ore., during August for annual training. It was an opportunity for HIARNG soldiers to train at a premiere training facility and refine their combat skills

– 1995 Annual Report pp. 12-13

In January 1995, the communications group again hosted and conducted its Mobility Survivability Training with assistance from its Air Force technical advisors providing the instructor cadre. Twenty-nine Hawaii Air Guard personnel and seven airmen from the active component’s 15th Communications Squadron attended this intensive course conducted at Hickam. The first ten days consisted of classroom and practical training covering important areas of responsibilities such as deployment management, first aid, buddy care, chemical warfare training, convoy procedures and associated field survival skills. The final four days consisted of a field exercise involving troop movement to set up and secure a bare base at a remote site on the air force base.

During its deployment to the Pohakuloa Training Area in July, the 199th Weather Flight provided airfield and ground weather support to its primary customer, the 29th Infantry Brigade (Separate), and other active and reserve components of the Army and Air Force. Other weather flight personnel supported the brigade at staff training exercises held at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and Keen Edge ’95, held in Kumamoto, Japan.

– 1995 Annual Report pp. 19

Hawaii Guard soldiers train in Hawaii, California and Oregon

Cayetano visits troops at PTA

By the 117th Public Affairs Team

Maui-headquartered battalion performs last annual training, Oahu unit tests new artillery

From the air, the Pohakuloa Training Area on the Big Island looked more like some western deserts with its sparse vegetation and dry-dust bowl terrain, rather than the green tropical island touted in most Hawaii travel brochures.

But for more than 1,200troops of the Hawaii Army National Guard’s 29th Infantry Brigade (Separate) who invaded the lava scarred Pohakuloa last month, the trip was all business.

Saddled between MaunaLoa and Mauna Kea, Pohakuloa with its challenging terrain and unpredictable weather, ranging from dry-desert heat during the day to cool alpine weather that dropped into the 40s (degrees Fahrenheit) at night, proved to be an ideal environment to test the brigade for its two weeks of annual training.

Units of the 1st Battalion, 299th Infantry and 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery, led the way to Pohakuloa from Hickam Air Force Base on July 15 aboard Hawaii and CaliforniaAir National Guard C-130H “Hercules” transports.

Infantry companies from Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and Molokai practiced small unit lane training while the soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery trained on their new M119105mm Howitzers and new computer firing system. The new weapons will increase the battalion’s fire support range from 11,500 meters to 14,500 meters, according t.o Maj. Bruce D. Spear, 487th commander.

Governor visits PTA

During the first week Gov. BenjaminJ. Cayetano and Maj. Gen. Edward V. Richardson, the adjutant genera), flew into Pohakuloa for the new governor’s first annual training visit as commander in chief of the Hawaii National Guard.

Cayetano received hands on training with theM-60machine gun and 60mm mortars. Cayetano then had lunch, eating meals-ready-to-eat (MREs) with Maj. Gen. Richardson, Guard soldiers and more than 10 representatives from local media.

“My first inspection of the Hawaii Army National Guard impressed upon me the dedication of so many man and women who serve so well in Hawaii and our nation,” Cayetano said.

He added that the visit helped him appreciate the growth in importance of the military presence in Hawaii and training given at Pohakuloa as the military reduces its presence overseas.

Brig. Gen. Eugene S. Imai, the Hawaii Army Guard commander, also found time to see his troops train in Oregon and California

Big Islanders train In Oregon

The cool atmosphere of the Pacific Northwest provided the backdrop for annual training for more than 300 Big Island Hawaii Army National Guard soldiers this year. These soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry deployed to Camp Riles, Ore., for 15 days of training in August.

“Our mission was to maximize this time to learn our roles in a tactical scenario as an enhanced readiness brigade,” said Maj. Melvin S. Tamaye, the new 2nd Battalion commander.

Hawaii’s 29th Infantry was chosen last year as one of the 15 elite enhanced readiness brigades within the National Guard. This distinction means that island soldiers must be able to deploy anywhere in the world within 90 days should they be activated into federal duty.

Like the troops at PTA, Big Island soldiers focused on small unit (platoon level) lane training. “The soldiers are given a collective task, meaning they’re assigned one task and continue doing this for an assigned period of time,” said Capt. Darryl K Lindsey, signal officer for Headquarters and Headquarters Company.

According to Lindsey, a meat inspector for the state in civilian life, the tasks involved in the training lanes included performing a hasty ambush, executing an assault and knocking out a bunker.

“What lane training provides is repetition,”he said, “this helps our soldiers learn from their mistakes and improve as they continue in their training.”

“I think this type of training helps boost our level of confidence in what we are doing as infantry soldiers,” said Staff Sgt. Joseph K Delaries of Bravo Company’s Detachment One. “On one lane, we went over the task several times,” he said, “and although it first proved to be difficult, the repetition helped us iron out mistakes and improve”. Delaries, a resident of Waikoloa, is a grounds keeper supervisor at the Waikoloa Bay Chili.

“In order for our soldiers to be ready for a deployment,” said Lindsey, ‘”they need to know how to perform tactically in an unknown area, “he adds, “and that’s why an AT away from Hawaii, such as Camp Riles, is so important”

Located near the Washington-Oregon border, Camp Rilea is just a few miles away from the maritime town of Astoria. Astoria’s claim to fame include housing the largest U.S. Coast Guard base between Seattle and San Francisco. The Arnold Schwarznegger movie, “Kindergarten Cop was filmed there and historically, Astoria was the first U.S. settlement west of the Rockies when fur traders landed in the early 1800’s.

While the temperatures in the region are similar to that of PTA’s, the terrain is much different. Absent are the various landmarks, island shrubbery, lava rocks and feral pigs. Instead, Riles is made up of pine tree forests, soft sand, and mossy ground with deer grazing in surrounding timberline.

“I think just by being here helps motivate our soldiers since it’s something different,” said Capt. Victor K Regidor, commander of Honakaa’s Charlie Company. “You can see it in the men,” he adds.

Looking over his troops, Maj. Tamaye echoes Regidor’s comments. “Our soldiers have responded well to the training,” he said, ” … they’re focused, communicating well and have formed a cohesiveness that I’m pleased with.”

Tamaye is also quick to point out that a lot of work lies ahead as the battalion continues to evolve into an enhanced brigade. “Come October 1st of this year, this designation will require us to be prepared in a much higher level,” said Tamaye, “but based on what I’m seeing, I am confident we will be able to accomplish this.”

Military Police inspect at Mexican border

Skipping Pohakuloa for other climes were 20 soldiers of the Brigade’s Military Police Platoon which held its annual training in June at the Otay Mesa Border Inspection station and Cargo Inspection Facility in San Diego.

The MPs help curtail illegal immigration and the smuggling of contraband across the United States/Mexico border.

The Hawaii MPs worked with the California Guard’s counter drug program and various federal agencies including the Departments of Treasury, Justice, and Agriculture.

Our MPs accounted for six seizures that produced an estimated 800 to 1000 pounds of marijuana, according to 1st Lt. Misty Heath, an Aiea resident and platoon leader for. the Hawaii contingent. The estimated street value of the seizures was between $640,000-$800,000.

“The guys are learning where to look and what to look for,” added Heath, a manager at KMart in Halawa Inspections were aided by x-ray located at the cargo inspection facility. This x-ray system is designed to inspect large trucks and tractor-trailer vehicles rapidly and efficiency.

The Hawaii soldiers also inspected vehicles at the Otay Mesa Border Inspection Station utilizing a Buster, a device that works by using density perception, and other techniques taught by the U.S. Customs Inspectors.

The MPs also worked at the San Ysidro Border Inspection Station at the south end of interstate 5, the most active entry point in the U.S. Interdictions made there can be dangerous so the MPs wore body armor for protection.

Danger was also present at the Otay Mesa facility according to Pfc. Wayland Woodard, a Salt Lake resident. “I discovered a fake panel on the bed of a pick-up truck and when I lifted it up, this face just stared at me,” said Woodard, a security employee at first Hawaiian Bank. “He could have easily pulled a gun and shot me,” addedWoodard,”I was shocked he was there, I just stared back at him.”

Engineers build at Mexican border

More than a hundred 227th Engineer Company (Combat) soldiers in California along the U.S. Mexico border in June.

The Hawaii engineers supported the California National Guard’s Counterdrug Program by constructing a road for the border patrol along the border in Tecate and San Ysidro.

“We hope to complete this road from the Pacific ocean to Arizona in the next eight years,” said Capt. Wade D. Rowley, commander of Team Engineer, one of 12 teams in the counterdrug program. “We rotate National Guard, Active Army and Reserve engineering units year-around to help with different sections of this project and would welcome the Hawaiian soldiers back anytime,” added Rowley, from Willow Creek, Calif.

Soldiers of 227th Engineer’s 1st Platoon built a foundation
for a 3-hole box culvert and a
vertical wing wall in Goat Canyon, San Ysidro.

“This is a big difference to what they’ve been doing in a long time,” said Staff. 1st Class Ian Ross, the 227th’s operations sergeant. Tying rebar and pouring concrete is not part of our Mission Essential Task List, so for the combat engineers to be working so efficiently says a lot for their ‘can do’ attitude.” The engineers adapted to their new surroundings quickly. The upper SO degree weather was similar to Hawaii’s climate. Working in contaminated soil however, made hand washing a must before eating. The soil is contaminated because this area is a large stream bed during the rainy season and raw sewage flows over from Mexico said 2nd Lt. Shawn Tsuha, 1st platoon leader. ‘The border patrol cannot cross the area since the water washes out the road, we’re over-engineering this river bed to facilitate mobility for the border patrol,” added Tsuha, a Honolulu resident.

About 40 miles east of SanYsidro and 4000 feet above sea level in Tecate, Hawaii engineers were t.asked with a cut and fill mission. They completed about a half-a-mile of the project using heavy equipment such as the bulldozer, scraper, motor grader, 5-ton dumptrucks and a scooploader.

Keeping these vehicles operating were the responsibility of the maintenance section of the 227th. After one week the section had already repaired faults on ten vehicles. ‘Tm impressed with how they all work together,” said Spc. Rick Zimmer of Campo, Calif.

“Everyone is proficient in their job,” added Zimmer, Team Engineer’s light-wheel mechanic., “they are the best rotation by far.”

Also at Tecate were 12 infantrymen who recently transferred into the 227th and are cross-training to be qualified as combat engineers. Classes in basic demolitions, use of mines, types of demolitions and how t.o use them, and how to do a bridge reconnaissance were held at Camp Morena.

Capt.· Curtis H. Matsushige, Sgt.1st Class StephenM. Lum, Sgt. Lance M. Kamisugi, Sgt. Frank Cho and Spc. Jonathan M. Shiroma contributed to this report.

– 1995 July – September Pūpūkahi pp. 8

1996

Hawaii Army National Guard units participated in a wide variety of training activities throughout the year. Troop Command units conducted year-round annual training to prepare units for deactivations and to provide support to the brigade during exercises an annual training. Brigade units trained at various times to capitalize on opportunities both in and out of the state. The 298th Engineer Detachment traveled to Panama in April, as part of a humanitarian assistance/civil action exercise “Nuevos Horizontes (new horizons) ’96 – Panama” to build foundations for two classroom buildings and a medical clinic.

A platoon from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry (Hanapepe, Kauai) was the first unit to have a chance to train at the premier light infantry training facility in the U.S., the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) in May. The soldiers from Company A served as a security platoon in one of the brigades of the 25th Infantry Division (Light). Company B, 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry, conducted it’s Annual Training at Schofield Barracks. The 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery trained at Yakima Training Center, Wash., in June and were visited by employees as part of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Lift. Elements of Company B, 193rd Aviation, the Aviation Intermediate Maintenance (AVIM) company along with the Hawaii Air National Guard supported the Cobra Gold Exercise in Thailand during April and May.

– 1996 Annual Report pp. 14

Throughout FY 1996, the Hawaii Air National Guard trained for its vital Federal and State missions, and supported active duty military units at home and abroad. . . Deployments and exercises included missions in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Alaska, and the U.S. mainland. . . .

In September 1995, the 154th Security Police Squadron deployed to Osan Air Base, Korea, to provide support to the 51st Fighter Wing. Less than a week later, elements of the squadron deployed to the Philippines for Exercise Balikatan ’95. Also, in October 1995, three personnel from the 201st CCG departed to Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, on a 45-day tour of duty in support of Foal Eagle ’95. . .

In January 1996, the 199th Fighter Squadron participated in Sentry Aloha exercises conducting air defense and offensive counter air exercises with F-16s from the Virginia Air Guard, B-ls from the Kansas Air Guard, and active duty B-52s. From Jan. 23 to mid February, one NCO from the 201st CCG deployed to Cope Tiger 96 to provide Land Mobile Radios (LMRs) support to the USAF commander at Korat, Thailand.

In February 1996, the 203rd Air Fueling Squadron teamed up with the active duty to aptly demonstrate the U.S. Air Force mission: “Global Reach, Global Power.” Two KC-135s accomplished a mid-ocean refueling of two B-2 “stealth” bombers from the 508th Bomb Wing, Whiteman AFB, Mo, during the bombers’ non-stop flight around the world. The following month, in March, a KC-135 from the 203rd ARS refueled U.S. Navy aircraft from the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Independence in the Taiwan Straits. The Navy aircraft was monitoring Chinese live-fire exercises near Taiwan. . .

In April, the 291st CBCS was designated as the lead 201st CCG unit for Cobra Gold 96, a Joint Forces Exercise in the Kingdom of Thailand. The 204th Airlift Squadron provided tactical airlift support for Cobra Gold. Also that month, members from the 169th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (169 ACWS) participated in the first ever “Top Scope ’96,” a multi-regional “Top Gun” air defense competition. In June 1996, the 154th Civil Engineer Squadron and the 154th Services Flight were deployed to Kadena Air Base, Japan, for Silver Flag exercises. From May 20 to June 28, 1996, members of the 169th ACWS, 199 FS, 203 ARS and 201st CCG participated in “RIMPAC ’96” exercises with other U.S. military and multinational forces.

– 1996 Annual Report pp. 18-19

299th Infantry soldiers train at Schofield

By Spc. Jonathan M. Shiroma

Summer time. ‘When the living is easy. If only it were so for the more than 400 soldiers of the Hawaii Army National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry, as they left; the comforts of home and their civilian jobs for annual training, Saturday, May 18.

These citizen soldiers, from the five major islands of Hawaii, got down and dirty as they spent two weeks sharpening their infantry skills at Schofield Barracks and various locations on Oahu.

Less than a year ago, the 29th Infantry Brigade (Separate) made the transition into an enhanced readiness brigade. This elite distinction means that island soldiers must be prepared to deploy anywhere in the world within 90 days should they be activated for federal duty. This restructuring eliminated the Guard’s 1st battalion and consolidated the Brigade’s two battalions into one.

“‘This really is the first time we are all training together as the new 2nd Battalion,” said Capt. Richard Matsumoto, the battalion’s intelligence officer. “Since we now have a company on each island under this new command, it is easier for us to identify our strengths and weaknesses.” Matsumoto works as a meat cutter for SackN-Save Supermarket in Hilo.

“This year, we have returned to basics,” said 1st Sgt. John Kahalehoe of the battalion’s Charlie Company based in Kahului, Maui. “What this means,” he says, “is that all soldiers will go through infantry exercises including individual thorough platoon tasks just as if they are learning it for the first time.” Kahalahoe explains this helps in that every me is brought to the same level and works from the ground up.

“There are many things we need to know as soldiers,” said Staff Sgt. Lemuel Magayam of Kona, “but most importantly, we need to be proficient in our soldiering skills.” Magayam says that’s why the rehearsing of exercises are incorporated into training. “This way, we can see what we did wrong and learn from our mistakes and hopefully, the next time we go through a certain exercise, we would have improved.”

“Being in the Guard, we need to make the most out of our two weeks of training,” said Staff Sgt. Adams Bulosan who is with Kauai’s Alpha Company. “Our men already know this when they head into the field and they make it a point to train hard in order to get the most bang for their buck while they’re on AT.” When Bulosan is not training with the troops, he works as an electrician for Tri-Young Electrical in Lihue.

Other highlights of this year’s AT included several road marches, some stretching close to 10-miles at a time. While this may not seem to be very long, but with the additional weight of a rucksack and all the equipment packed on a soldier’s back, the task was sometimes very challenging.

Aside from providing training for soldiers, the Hawaii Army National Guard also provided an upclose and personal look into what Guard members do while on AT for civilian employers. During their trip to Schofield, the employers viewed live-fire demonstrations and participated in a CH-4 7 Chinook helicopter orientation flight to see the Guard’s air assault and re-supply capabilities.

“Our soldiers really did an excellent job,” said Lt. Col. Melvin Tamaye, battalion commander. “They’ve been highly motivated and they showed they could really kick some butt while training.”

The soldiers wrapped up training, Saturday, June 1, when they returned to their civilian jobs and families.

“Being in one battalion has presented some changes in training, however, it has not changed our mission within the Guard and that is to be ready for battle,” said Staff Sgt. Rego Erorita, a truck driver for Big Save Supermarkets on Kauai. “I find that the best thing we can do when there is a change in the way we train is to keep our troops informed.” Erorita explains that when you establish and maintain good communication skills, it alleviates confusion and enhances training.

“My expectations have been met,” says Pvt. 2 James K. Perreira of Haliimaile after experiencing AT for the first time with the Guard. Perreira, who works for Armitage Construction Company, describes his training as “real-life”. “It’s great to be able to use what I learned and not have a drill sergeant yelling down your throat. Also, the support I have been getting from my fellow soldiers has been a motivating factor.”

For Staff Sgt. Regan K. Pelekai of Kahului, his 12th AT training was filled with both old and new experiences.

We may be doing some of the same exercises we’ve done in the past, however, some of the old routines now have new names or a new way to execute them. That makes training anything but routine,” said Pelekai.

Pelekai also welcomed the many new faces he saw at this AT. “It’s important for us older soldiers to pass on our mana’o (thoughts) to these younger guys cause that’s the only way they’re gonna learn. My middle name is “Kumu” and that means teacher, so I like to teach what I know.”

– 1996 April – May Pūpūkahi pp. 1 & 3

Hawaii Army Guard engineers build facilities in Panama

By Stephen M. Lum

Forty-one soldiers from the Hawaii Army National Guard’s 298th Engineer Detachment spent two weeks in April building better relations with our Latin American neighbors in Panama. The Diamond Head-based engineers assisted in the construction of two schools as part of the humanitarian assistance/civil action exercise “Nuevos Horizontes ’96 – Panama” or “new horizons.”

Hawaii Army Guard engineers worked in humid 90 degree weather to build a new school in La Gloria, a remote village northeast of the Panama Canal, in the Bocas Del Toro province. The vertical engineering projects (buildings are vertical verses roads and bridges, which are classified as horizontal engineering) was one of nine schools and medical clinics being built or repaired in the region.

The 298th Engineers, whose mission is the provide facilities engineering at fixed installations and to be able to provide organizational maintenance of organic equipment, deployed without their heavy equipment. Personnel include carpenters, masons, electricians, plumbers, heavy equipment operators, drivers, and mechanics.

Good construction starts with a solid foundation and the Hawaii Guard engineers were tasked with accomplishing that task by laying the concrete slab and tile.

The heavy equipment operators and drivers were kept busy hauling gravel, grating the grounds, and mixing concrete. The gravel was used to back fill (level) the frame the carpenters laid for the foundation of the new Bella Vista School. The electricians and plumbers cross trained with carpenters and masons to complete the laying of the concrete slab.

“We were joined everyday at the job site by a medic ( who could speak Spanish) and three men from the village,” said Staff Sgt. Jonathan Funtanilla, 298th training NCO. “The medic made sure we did not suffer from heat exhaustion or sunburn. They encouraged us to wear hats and sunscreen, drink lots of water, take breaks, and to stay in the shade whenever possible. Camouflage pattern scarfs were worn by many to shade their necks from the burning sun rays of the Panamanian skies.”

The three local villagers worked side by side with the Hawaii Guard carpenters and masons, hauling lumber and pounding nails.

The 298th Engineers were not required to bring any heavy equipment, but the rebar bender they decided to bring proved invaluable when building the rebar frames of the 114 by 56 foot concrete slabs.

Everyday after school at noon, about 12 children would hang out at the job site. According to Funtanilla, the engineers would take their noon lunch break and often times they’d end up giving some of their lunch away to the kids.

Evening rains slowed the drying of the concrete,” said Funtanilla, “so the North Dakota Army Guard project officer decided to fly us to a second location to lay the foundation for the Valle Risco School.” Sixteen soldiers were rotated in and out for two days, flying via CH-4 7 Chinook helicopter. The Hawaii engineers flew over with needed construction supplies and personnel to help the Waco, Texas, engineers lay a concrete slab.

The rain delayed concrete setting prevented the 298th from laying tiles, but the Hawaii engineers kept productive by preparing the Bella Vista site for the next engineer team. They stacking concrete tiles at staging areas on the slab.

“We spent our evenings cooling off by taking three to four showers,” said Funtanilla, “until we discovered the pool.”

“A couple of the guys brought ukuleles,” said Sgt. Eugenia S. Gansit, “and our hooches became the entertainment capital of the engineering encampment, as troops from the other states joined us for after hours relaxation.”

The base camp had the usual video and game room for after hours amusement, but the live music really bonded the troops,” added Funtanilla.

Before they left. La Gloria, the engineers distributed 50 stuffed animals, donated by Spc. Michelle T. Pangelinan, to the local kids. Pangelinan, a University of Hawaii student, was not able join the deployment team because of school. The stuffed toys, all her own, were accumulated over the years.

Also, Sgt. Gansit, one of two Hawaii Guard females to deploy, gathered the uneaten MRE (Meals-Ready-to-Eat) food packets and left them with a neighboring family before the Hawaii Army Guard engineers returned home, April 21.

Nuevos Horizontes, which began in January, will continue through June. National Guard and other reserve component personnel from 20 states and U.S. territories are rotating through Panama every 15 days. More than 6,000 U.S. military personnel will participate in the exercise over a six-month period. Nuevos Horizontes is a peacetime exercise designed to provide training opportunities to reserve components, while promoting continued good relations between the United States and Latin America. The exercise objectives are to build new roads, bridges, schools and medical clinics, and drill fresh water wells. Structures are being built to meet more stringent building standards and to withstand the harsh tropical environment.

Nuevos Horizontes ’96 is the latest of a series of reserve component engineering exercises that have taken place in Latin America. The exercise is at the invitation of the Panamanian government and is sponsored by U.S. Southern Command.

– 1996 April – May Pūpūkahi pp. 4

Command Notes

1st Battalion, 487th trains in Washington

The 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery, will be training at the Yakima Training Center in Washington in June, and will be visited by employers as part of the Employer Support to the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Boss lift. The 487th continues to improve its proficiency with their new M119105mm Howitzers and IFSAS fire control system.

Elements of Company B, 193rd Aviation Battalion, the Aviation Intermediate Maintenance (AVIM) company, supported the Cobra Gold exercise in Thailand during the months of April and May.

The balance of the 29th Brigade trained on Oahu with the 2nd Battalion 299th Infantry training in May, and the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, the 29th Support Battalion, the 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry and the 227th Engineer Company will be training in July. Remaining units of the 103rd Troop Command will be providing aviation and other support in the 29th Brigade.

The leaders of the HIARNG have planned a complex schedule of training, and one which I feel will provide our soldiers with challenging and valuable training opportunities.

– 1996 April – May Pūpūkahi pp. 6

HING completes ”Cobra Gold ’96” exercises

Members of the Hawaii National Guard (HING) deployed to Thailand for “Cobra Gold” ’96” exercises. A total of 54 personnel from the 201st Combat Communications Group: five from the 204th Airlift Squadron, and five soldiers from Company B, 193rd Aviation, Hawaii Army National Guard, were involved in the exercise.

Cobra Gold ’96, (April 29 to May 24), was one of the largest training exercises involving U.S. forces in the Pacific this year. The joint/combined exercise· included land and air operations, combined naval operations, amphibious operations and special operations.

201st Combat Communications Group personnel from Hilo, Kahului, and Hickam Air ForceBase provided local area and satellite communications in support of U. S. Marines. The 201st Combat Communications Group has primary responsibility for combat communications within the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF).

The Hawaii Army National Guard soldiers from Company B, 193rd Aviation, provided helicopter maintenance support to the active-duty Army’s 68th Aeromedical Detachment.

The 204th Airlift Squadron, which flies C-130 “Hercules” transport aircraft, provided tactical airlift support. Hawaii National Guard personnel deployed to Thailand beginning April 20.

– 1996 April – May Pūpūkahi pp. 8

Orient Shield ’97 more than just an exercise

Story and photos by Sgt. Curtis Matsushige

More than 450 Hawaii Army National Guard soldiers from Kauai, Maui, Oahu and the Big Isle left the warmth of Hawaii to for two-and-a-half weeks of training in the cold and mountainous Hijyudai Training Area in Kyushu, Japan in operation Orient Shield. This was the first time a battalion sized National Guard unit deployed to train with the active Japanese Army.

“We proved that the bilateral association does work,” said Lt. Col. Melvin S. Tamaye, commander of the 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry, Army National Guard and commander of Task Force 2/299 as the unit was designated during its annual training in Japan.

On arrival, TF 2/299 bunked in large General Purpose Medium tents. Fortunately, the Japanese were cordial hosts, and placed floor boards in these 20 man tents, separating the soldiers from the moisture and cold. But not for long.

The soldiers were soon marching out to the field carrying their pup tents or shelter-halves, that would be home for the next few days of functional training. As the companies set up their pup tents they were extra careful.

“They got poison brown snakes and poison ivy,” said Staff Sgt. William Malakaula, of Company B, from Kona.

The units were briefed on safety, so leather gloves, sleeyes down and use of an entrenching tool or shovel was the order. Some soldiers wore bandannas and scarves over their camouflaged faces to protect themselves from the unfriendly vegetation and the more hostile freezing cold that first greeted the soldiers the moment they arrived in Hijyudai.

During the functional training Hawaii Guardsman and Japan Ground Self Defense Force, as the Japanese Army soldiers are called, met and trained together in the field environment. Each Hawaii National Guard company was teamed with a company of the 40th Infantry Regiment Japan’s Western Army. At first there was a language barrier, but as the soldiers worked together, communications between the soldiers improved.

“After all, we’re infantry, and actions speak louder than words,” said Spec. Edwin Rivers of Company D, antitank unit of TF 2/299 of Wahiawa, Hawaii.

Soldiers examined each Other’s equipment, shared combat skills and trained together in small unit tactics. Hawaii and Japanese units displayed their weaponry.

Hawaii Army National Guardsmen from Hilo demonstrated the Dragon, a hand held missile similar in idea, but smaller than, the old bazookas of WWII.

Delta Company soldiers from Wahiawa showed their skill on the TOW (Tube Launched, Optically Wire Guided) missile hitting two out-of-four bulls eye at about 5,000 meters: Not bad, considering they were using 20-year-old training ordinance. During meals, the soldiers exchanged foods and got to taste each other’s rations. One Hawaii Guard soldier was surprised and happy to find Vienna sausage in the Japanese canned rations. The sausage was a little smaller, but the taste was right-on!

One fine example of bilateral training occurred on the last day of functional training. A mortar team made of Hawaii Army National Guard 2nd Battalion soldiers from the Big Island, and Japan Ground Self Defense Force executed a fire mission sending high explosive rounds down range. The fire mission went well and both teams had a tremendous look of accomplishment on their faces.

“The Japanese are very disciplined,” said SPC Cheyenne Perry of Headquarters and Headquarters Company from Milolii on the Big Island

The units marched back to base camp for one day of preparation and maintenance before returning to the field for the field training exercise or war games.

During the FTX, Hawaii Guard companies executed attack and defense maneuvers. The Japanese defended one flank and mixed light armor with their missile and. infantry assets. Japanese combat engineers detonated large simulators, laid mine fields and constructed obstacles and barriers.

A unique situation occurred during the war games. One platoon of the Hawaii Army National Guard was recruited into being the Opposition Forces, or OPFOR. The soldiers of Company D’s TOW gunners dressed in dark greens and “fought” against their buddies.

To simulate realism, the soldiers wore MILES, or Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement Systems gear. The MILES system simulates shooting a weapon and soldiers wear detectors which register a laser hit.

Together, the units developed tactical and technical proficiency to a high level.

The Task Force was augmented by Hawaii National Guard teams from the 227th Engineers, 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery FIST (Fire-in-support Teams), 29th Support Battalion, Medics from the 325th Army Reserve Field Hospital, and interpreters from the California National Guard and Utah Army Reserve.

Fort Lewis Regional Training Brigade provided evaluators and trainers, and Hawaii’s 25th Infantry Division, based at Schofield Barracks, Oahu, provided a company ofOPFOR soldiers.

“We learned a lot from the Japanese and gained a lot ofrespect for the Japan Ground Self Defense Force,” said Lt. Col. Tarnaye. “They demonstrated their discipline, are highly skilled and have a tremendous organization.”

“Valuable lessons learned,” said Lt. Col. Tamaye, “Coordination is a key, it must be done effectively so that we can support each other in time of need.” He summarized the Orient Shield exercise by reemphasizing that the bilateral association does work and that training was accomplished without major injuries.

As Spec Fernando Fronda of Company C, warehouse worker from Kahului, Maui put it “There was good terrain and awesome training.”

Another part of the bilateral training was the home visit. Soldiers participating, in Orient Shield were able to meet with Japanese citizens in Kyushu.

Hawaii Guardmembers were given the opportunity to have dinner in a Japanese home on the first and last days of the exercise. The comments of the soldiers and the host accentuated the value of the experience.

“The Japanese are different and nice,” said Spec. Laureano Santiago, Company A from Kekaha, Kauai, a machinist with Amfac.

“It’s something like Hawaiian style but more disciplined,” said Spec. Jerome Akiona of Company C, Maui.

“I came to Japan and discovered the Aloha Spirit,” said Command Sgt. Major Arthur W.K. Mandequit, TF Command Sgt. Major from the Big Island after a home visitation.

Many soldiers enjoyed their home visit so much, they wish they could return for a second visit. Families in turn requested that the Task Force soldiers stay beyond the allotted time.

The bilateral training with the Japan Ground Self Defense force was a successful and memorable experience from both the military and cultural expect.

“I learned more this annual training then ever before,” said Spec. Rey Cabico of Company A who lives in Hanamaulu, Kauai.

“The Japanese culture is good, the soldiers do good bilateral training and I would like to do this again,” said Sgt. Janelito Corpuz of Company C from Lahaina, Maui, a building maintenance person for Kapalua Land Company.

– 1996 December Pūpūkahi pp. 1 & 4

487th Field Artillery trains at Yakima Training Center

Story and photo by Spec. Jonathan Shiroma

More than 240 soldiers of the Hawaii Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion 487th Field

Artillery took to the ranges of the Yakima Training Center, Washington on Saturday, June 15th, for their two weeks of annual training (A 1).

Located on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountain Range and the banks of the Columbia River, the Y akirna Training Center is used by active and reserve units for artillery, armor and infantry training.

“The Yakima range was chosen because of its unique terrain features not found in Hawaii,” said Lt. Col. Bruce Spear, commander of the 487th’s four battery units based in Wahiawa, Oahu.

“For many of our soldiers, Hawaii train ing sites like the Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA) on the Big Island have become all too familiar,” he added.

Spear explains that this poses a problem because soldiers have memorized land features and do not use their navigational skills.

“This training opportunity will broaden our versatility if and when we are called to defend our county.”

The mission of the 487th at this AT was to sharpen their firing skills with the British made 105mm Howitzer cannon that they received last year.

With more than 260,000 acres of land, the Yakima Training Center provides a vast area for units like the 487th to fire their cannons.

The Hawaii soldiers returned to their families and their civilian jobs on Saturday, June 29th.

– 1996 December Pūpūkahi pp. 8

HING participates Cope Thunder

Story and photo by Sgt. Jim Young

Airman from the 203rd Air Refueling Squadron (203 ARS) and 169th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (169th ACWS), Hawaii Air National Guard and soldiers from the Air Defense Artillery (ADA) Platoon, 29th Infantry Brigade (Separate) deployed in July to Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska for “Cope Thunder” exercises.

Cope Thunder provides a realistic training environment that simulates the first few weeks of a major war-time contingency. Soldiers and airman are put to the test, training up to 12-16 hours per day under simulated combat conditions. The 203 ARS deployed to Alaska with three KC-1 35 tanker aircraft and 63 personnel. The ADA platoon deployed with 34 soldiers.

Flying an average of four missions per day, the 203rd ARS tankers refueled US Air Force, Navy, Marine, and multi-national fighter aircraft for the exercise.

The 203rd routinely provides aerial refueling services for the Air National Guard and for virtually all types of US Air Force, Navy and Marine fixed-wing aircraft.

While in Alaska, the air defense platoon trained in a field environment with its Stinger anti-aircraft missiles. If called to active-duty during a war or other contingency, the mission of the ADA would be to shoot down incoming enemy aircraft using the shoulder-mounted Stinger missile system.

“Training under these conditions is very important for our airmen. Cope Thunder provided a critical tactical training for our crews enhancing their ability to survive and operate in a tactical air combat environment,” said Lt. Col. “Skip” Vincent 203rd commander.

“During this Cope Thunder, 203rd mission planners ran the tanker operations for the entire exercise. This is the first time a visiting unit has done that. According to Cope Thunder cadre, tanker operations planning was outstanding and effective. Both cadre and 203rd mission planners gained valuable experience which contributes to our combat capability, said Lt. Col. Vincent.

“Here in Alaska, we have been doing a lot of air defenses for different positions, and have been receiving realistic training with the Air Force and the foreign air forces. We have been doing Iive tracking, simulated engagements with the Stinger weapon systems and actually doing Stinger missions,” said Spc. Joshua Hale, ADA platoon gunner.

– 1996 December Pūpūkahi pp. 8

29th lnfantry Brigade (S) conducts July AT

No one needs to tell the soldiers of the 29th Infantry Brigade (Separate) it was a hot summer. Soldiers in both Hawaii and California performed their maneuvers across ‘tierra caliente’ in temperatures fluctuating in the 90s. The heat and humidity, though, didn’t put a damper on spirits for Hawaii’s Army Guard members during Annual Training 1996.

An addition to the 29th SIB, under the enhanced brigade configuration, is the 1 st Battalion, 184th Infantry located in Modesto, California. A handful of soldiers from Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 29th SIB were on hand to participate in the training July 13-27 in the dry and dusty expanses of Ft. Hunter-Liggett, California. “The conditions here are a good preparation for JRTC (Joint Readiness Training Center),” said Master Sgt. Aloysius Witzell, NCOIC of the Brigade Tactical Command Post (TAC.) “I’m very proud of the support we’ve provided for these exercises and the level of involvement that we participated in.”

Meanwhile, back on Oahu, the soldiers of HHC, 29th SIB set up their Tactical Operations Center (TOC) at McCarthy Flats, Schofield Barracks to participate in a Command Post Exercise (CPX) with the 25th Infantry Division. The CPX is designed to develop the Brigade’s organizational and operating efficiency at all levels of command. Battlefield information is collected at the TOC and presented to the brigade commander who provides guidance in the execution of the decisions and orders process.

The Army Guard’s 227th Engineers (Combat) were also in force at Schofield Barracks during A T’96. The engineers started their AT with a course in drown-proofing at the Schofield Barracks pool and culminated with platoon level missions in minefield breaching and tank ditches.

“The highlight of our AT was platoon level training with the Readiness Training Division (RTD) and the Readiness Group,” said SFC Ian Ross, full-time readiness NCO for the 227th Engineers.

The HIARNG’s 29th Support Battalion deployed to Mokuleia on July 20 which meant two weeks of hard-core tactical exercises.

Located on the northern end of Oahu, Mokuleia is known for its beautiful beaches, polo matches, hang-gliding and parachuting adventures. That, however, was not the Mokuleia the soldiers came to know as they participated in their AT. Instead, the soldiers took to the bush near Dillingham Airfield to do combat with the enemy which included not only the Opposing Forces (OPFOR) but insects and the sweltering summer heat.

“All told, we have over 300 soldiers participating in this AT,” said Sgt. 1st Class Mark Dela Cruz, a full-time Guard member of the battalion’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC). “I would say that everyone is functioning very well and I see a lot of motivated individuals giving their all for training.”

With paratroopers and beachgoers just a stone’s throw away, it would seem that the distractions would be great, however, the soldiers of this battalion kept their mission in mind and that was to complete a successful two-weeks of AT.

“We have to make the most of our two weeks on the field,” said Spc. Mario A. Cabigon also with the HHC. “Unlike our active-duty counterparts, we don’t have months and months to go over our skills and that is why we try to really stay focused on what we are out here for.” In civilian life, Cabigon works at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. The 29th Support Battalion’s primary mission is to backup infantry units in the field. This includes providing food, transportation, medical and communication support. One section that had its work cut out for it was the battalion’s Alpha water section. They provided all of the drinking water for this AT by drawing salt water from the ocean and desalinizing it for consumption.

According to Company A’s (water section) Sgt. Thomas Rodrigues, who works for Catholic Services for the Elderly in his civilian life, the section draws water from the ocean off of Mokuleia Beach and sends it through a filtering system to take out the salt. It is then stored in a rubber tubelike storage tank and sent back into the filtering system for a second time.

“If we were drawing water from a fresh water source, it wouldn’t take this long,” says Rodrigues, “but since it is from a saltwater source, just to be sure, we send the water through the system a second time.” After the salt is removed the water is ready to drink.

“In the course of 24-hours, we can produce up to 6,000 gallons of fresh water,” said Spc. Ely Macadangdang who is employed by the City and County ofHonolulu’s Wastewater Management Department outside of Guard duty. “With the water-buffaloes coming in and taking 500 gallons at a time, we have our work cut out for us,” he says. Despite that, Macadangdang explains that he and five other soldiers are keeping up with the water demands.

On the communications end of the battalion, HHC Signal Officer 1st Lt. Henry N. Sakata says all systems have been running smoothly.

“We haven’t had many problems communicating via the tactical operations center,” (TOC) says Sakata. The 29th Support Battalion soldiers finished their AT on August 3.

– 1996 December Pūpūkahi pp. 10

1997

HIRANG Units conduct training throughout the year in a variety of locations:

• Units from the 103rd Troop Command conducted year-round annual training to support the 29th Separate Infantry Brigade, the 25th Infantry Division (Light) and USARPAC units during exercises and annual training.
• The 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry, participated in Exercise ORIENT SHIELD in Kyushu, Japan, during November 1996. ORIENT SHIELD, conducted with the Japanese Self-Defense Force, exercised the interoperability between United States and Japanese forces.
• An element from B Company, 193rd Aviation, provided aviation maintenance support for Exercise COBRA GOLD in the Republic of Thailand, during May 1997.
• The staff of the 29th Separate Infantry Brigade conducted command post exercises in Sendai, Japan (Exercise Y AMA SAKURA), Fort Leavenworth, Kan., and Schofield Barracks.
• The brigade’s Air Defense Artillery platoon deployed for Exercise COPE THUNDER to train at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska.
• The 29th Separate Infantry Brigade conducted an ambitious annual training at the Pohakuloa Training Area on the island of Hawaii. The exercises involved coordinating the brigade’s round-out units from Oregon, California, and American Samoa. The annual training was in preparation for the brigade’s visit to, and evaluation at, the Joint Readiness Training Center in 1999.

– 1997 Annual Report pp. 11

Personnel and aircraft from the 154th Wing kept up with the rapid pace of deployments in FY 1997, which included numerous assignments in Europe, Asia, and the U.S. mainland, while at the same time, preparing for a major inspection in August 1996.

The 201 st Combat Communications Group continued to experience an increase in its operations tempo, in addition to challenges with conversions to new communications equipment. Training to improve proficiency with TRI-TAC digital communications equipment also continued to meet requests to participate in exercises and support of real world taskings in the Pacific theater and elsewhere.

In July 1996, 201 st personnel deployed to Australia to support Air Force flying units in Exercise PITCH BLACK 96. Also that month, KC- 135 aircraft from the 203rd Air Refueling Squadron and maintenance support crews from the 154th Logistics Group deployed to Eielson Air Force Base, while controllers from the 169th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron deployed to Elmendorf AFB, Alaska for Exercise COPE THUNDER. Also in July, personnel from the 154th Services Flight deployed to Kwanju Air Base, Korea, for Exercise RED HORSE. In August, 201st personnel deployed to the Republic of Korea, to augment 7th Air Force units for Exercise ULCHI FOCUS LENS (UFL) 96. Also in August, one ATC Specialist and one Radar Maintenance Technician from the 297th Air Traffic Control Flight, participated in Exercise SENTRE VIGIlANCE to provide support at Alpena, Mich., for ANG fighter activities. In September, refueling and logistics personnel deployed to Geilenkirchen, Germany, to refuel NATO AWACS aircraft. In September, personnel from the 154th Security Police Squadron deployed to Indian Springs, Nev., for Exercise SILVER FLAG ALPHA.

In mid-October, two air traffic control specialists from the 297th deployed for three weeks to Taegu Air Base, Republic of Korea, in support of Exercise FOAL EAGLE 97. In January 1997, one TRC-170 (Tropospheric Scatter Radio) NCO from the 291st Combat Communications Squadron, inHilo, deployed as a volunteer for Operation DESERT FOCUS, the follow-on mission to Operation DESERT STORM in Southwest Asia. His assignment was to Eskan Village, Saudi Arabia. He returned to Hawaii in February.

From Jan.13-17, 1997, mobility/survivability training was conducted at Hickam AFB for 24 personnel from the 201st communications units covering academic and classroom training to learn survival skills for deployments and real world taskings. In February 1997, 201st personnel and equipment began deploying to support Joint Chiefs of Staff Exercise TANDEM THRUST ’97 at four sites in Australia. Personnel from the refueling, logistics, security police and communications units deployed for the exercise and returned in late March. Also in March, volunteers from the 154th Civil Engineer Squadron deployed to Cambodia to assist with the construction of schools.

– 1997 Annual Report pp. 16

Hawaii Infantry Brigade prepares for Louisiana in 1999

By 2nd Lt. Jeffrey D. Hickman

Nestled between Mauna Kea and Mauna loa on the Big Island of Hawaii’s Pohakuloa Training Area-home to dust, chilly nights, lava and more several thousand soldiers for the HawaiiArmy National Guard’s annual training exercises held in July. With the Joint Readiness Training Center deployment right around the comer, the 29th Separate Infantry Brigade’s mission is to prepare for training year 1999. Brigade units from American Samoa, Oregon and California joined forces with ”Hawaii’s Own,” and a unit fromAustralia, to make this year’sAT a training success.

Civilian, as well as military commanders, visited their troops during annual training. Maj. Gen. Edward V. Richardson, the adjutant general, and Brig. Gen. Edward L. Correa Jr., Hawaii Army Guard commander, led a list of VIPs who were escorted into the field to see how training was being conducted. Maj. Douglas Jackson, 103rd Troop Command personnel officer, kept up with more than ten generals wanting to mingle with the troops. “It was a challenging fast-paced job but all requirements were met and all VIPs were able to see the very best of the HawaiiArmy National Guard,” said Jackson.

The National Guard also provided the civilian employers ofHawaii’s citizen/soldiers an opportunity to witness their employees perform their military duty. The bosses were able to see and experience for themselves the type of training that Army Guard soldiers go through by participating in “Guardlift ’97 .” The employers flew to Hilo on a Hawaii Air National Guard C-130 Hercules transport, then to Pohakuloa Training Area via a Hawaii Army Guard CH-47D Chinook helicopter. After an orientation briefing at Bradshaw Airfield they were trucked out to an artillery demonstration held by the 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery. Following the “fire for effect,” the employers were separated.and then taken to their employees units for a hearty MRE (meals-ready-to-eat) lunch. The last event of the day for the energetic group was an orientation fire with M-16’s. Their day ended with a Chinook ride back to Hilo and the return flight to Oahu on the C-130.

Both the 298th Engineer Detachment and 227th Engineer Company were kept busy. The 298th spent their AT at Keaukaha Military Reservation, Hilo Armory and on Maui (engineers story in detail on page 1). The combat engineers of the 227th had a very busy AT up at PrA, as well as the road building mission on Maui. They supported the brigade with the laying the of barbwire, the constructing fighting positions and the improving of roads with cinder.

Also supporting operations at PTA were Company C (Medium Lift), 193rd Aviation. Their Ch-4 7D Chinook helicopters were busy flying soldiers up and down the hill and from Hilo to Oahu.

– 1997 Fall Pūpūkahi pp. 4

1998

Units of the 103rd Troop Command conducted year-round annual training to support the 29th Separate Infantry Brigade, the Army’s 25th Infantry Division (Light), and units of the United States Army, Pacific, during various exercises and annual training.

The 29th Separate Infantry Brigade conducted a series of training events in preparation for the Brigade’s 1999 rotation through the Joint Training Readiness Center at Fort Polk, La.

– 1998 Annual Report pp. 10

Personnel and aircraft from the 154th Wing continued the rapid pace of deployments during this period, which included numerous missions around the globe. Units from the 154th Wing participated in Sentry Aloha 97-5. This exercise is conducted three times a year and provides dissimilar aircraft training (DACT) and high value airborne asset (HVAA) employment/protection training for aircrews and supporting units of the 154th Wing.

Thirty-five 201st Combat Communication members joined the 154th Wing personnel at Exercise FOAL EAGLE, an annual Joint Chiefs of Staff exercise sponsored by PACAF in the Republic Korea. The communications personnel provided tactical communications support for 7th Air Force units.

Exercise COMMANDO SLING involved six F-15s, and two KC-135s. Operation DELIBERATE GUARD was conducted in Pisa, Italy and involved several KC- l 35s. Exercise COMBAT ARCHER exercise involved eight F-15s.

Exercise COPE THUNDER is a PACAF brokered exercise designed to provide realistic training for Pacific Command aircrews, operations/logistics personnel and selected command and control operators in a simulated PACOM enemy integrated air defense system. This deployment involved F-l 5A Multistage Improvement Program (MSIP) and KC-13 5 aircraft.

During Exercise COMMANDO SLING, F-15s and KC- l 35s deployed to Republic of Singapore. The purpose of this Combined Joint Chiefs of Staff sponsored deployment was to exercise the combat employment capabilities of the F-l 5s and the KC-135s in coordination with the Singapore Air Force, and allow the HIANG to strengthen its relationship with the Singapore military and civilian population.

The operations tempo for the 201st Combat Communications Group continued at an accelerated pace in FY98. . . the units of the 201st participated in a number of exercises in the Pacific Theater and the continental U.S. . . Throughout FY98, 201st units continued training for deployable global command and control system, air warfare simulation, and initiated computer-based training for information operations. In March, the communications group conducted its mobility/survivability training involving 41 HIANG airmen. Training focused on providing students with the necessary skills to survive and operate in deployed field conditions. Classroom and hands-on training were evaluated under field conditions on deployment to “Base X” for 72 hours, which included “attacks” by aggressors who posed as the “enemy” in a variety of scenarios. For most of May, personnel from the 201st units were deployed to the Republic of Thailand in support of Exercise COBRA GOLD. The 293rd Combat Communications Squadron was the 201st’s lead unit for the exercise. In May, communications personnel and equipment also supported the HING emergency operations center during Exercise MAKA NI P AHILI, the statewide civil defense hurricane preparedness exercise.

– 1998 Annual Report pp. 16-18

Hawaii soldiers perform well at Joint Readiness Training

Story and photo by Sgt. 1st Class Stephen M. Lum

One hundred, Maui-based, Hawaii Army National Guard soldiers returned triumphantly from annual training at Joint Readiness Training Center in March.

Soldiers from Company C, 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry, augmented with a platoon from Kona’s Company B, assumed the role of opposing forces (OPFOR) verses the active duty 1st Battalion, 504th Infantry (Airborne), 82th Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C., blue force (Americans).

After a few days of land navigation familiarization, zeroing in weapons, fine tuning of equipment and other logistics, the Hawaii Guard OPFOR, commanded by Capt Paul Tamarabuchi, set off for five days in the JRTC “box” (exercise field).

The JRTC mission is: to provide realistic joint and combined arms training focused on developing soldiers, leaders and units of our nation’s joint contingency forces for success on future battlefields; train under tough, realistic combat-like conditions across a wide range of likely tactical operations; and missions rehearsal exercises capable of fully integrating into higherlevel exercises and scenarios.

“We were out numbered three to one,” said Staff Sgt. Virgilio B. Marzon Jr., a squad leader who works full-time as a retail shop manager. “Our leadership stressed working independently and by teams.

”We’re often on our own and we depended on our survival skills to maintain an offensive edge. Soldiers average 50 pounds of gear on their back, including food, shelter and ammunition during the operation in which temperatures sometimes dropped to as low as 20 degrees.

“With the cold temperature we could have been the blue force, but the 504th Red Devils had that honor,” said Marzon.

“In the next four days,” said Tamarabuchi, “they lost five companies, numerous vehicles (including the feared German Weasel), a battalion commander, an operations and plans officer, a fire support officer, company commanders and first sergeants. We rendered the Fort Bragg unit combat ineffective at least twice during the last 10 hour battle.”

The returning Hawaiian warriors were greeting at the Honolulu Airport by Maj. Gen. Edward V. Richardson, the adjutant general; Brig. Gen. Edward L. Correa Jr., HawaiiArmy Guard commander; Brig Gen. Dennis A Kamimura, 29th Infantry Brigade (Separate) commander; State Command Sgt. Maj. James A. Kahalehoe Jr.; Command Sgt. Maj. Arthur Mandaquit from the 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry; and the family support coordinator, who echoed messages of congratulations to the 299th Infantry soldiers for showing what Hawaii’s brigade can accomplish

Kamimura and Mandaquit, former 82nd Airborne soldiers, were especially proud the Hawaii warriors bested their old unit.

– 1998 February – March Pūpūkahi pp. 4

Brigade paves road to Joint Readiness Training

By 2nd Lt. Jonathan M. Shiroma

It may be a year away, but like any world class team preparing for a high-profile event, the Hawaii Army National Guard’s 29th Separate Infantry Brigade has begun training for what is known as the “Superbowl” of tactical exercises, JRTC.

In June of 1999, the 29th will travel to the Joint Readiness Training Center in Fort Polk, La., for three weeks of grueling training.

“This will be the most realistic type of training on the battlefield, with the exception of war, our Hawaii soldiers will have to date,” said Brig. Gen. DennisA Kamimura, 29th Brigade commander. “That’s why it is so important that we train hard and fast during annual training (AT) this year.”

According to the JRTC mission statement, “JRTC provides tough, realistic combat-like conditions across a wide range of likely tactical operations and mission rehearsal exercises capable of fully integrating into higher level exercises and scenarios.”

With that in mind, more than 3,000 Hawaii Guard soldiers made the trek to the Pohakuloa Training Area, known as PTA on the Big Island, this June for two weeks of AT. Approximately 1,600 of these soldiers were from the brigade

“What we are doing is going over all of what we train for during our weekend drills, because when it comes right down to it, the more we practice, the better the outcome once we get to JRTC,” said Spc. Scott K. Nakamura. Nakamura is a member of the brigade’s antitank platoon’s Company D, 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry, based in Wahiawa, and works for Long’s Drugs in Kaneohe in his civilian life. ”We are all looking forward to the JRTC challenge and, hopefully, we will do well.”

“What we are learning is that we need to function as a team,” said Sgt. William Liboy, another member of Co. D. Liboy, who works for the City and County of Honolulu as a maintenance man in his civilian life, says that this unity keeps the morale within his platoon high. “We are highly motivated and we are ready to move out and react at any time.”

PTA is located in the middle of Mauna Loa and MaunaKea. Its desert-like terrain, unforgiving lava rock formations, numerous hills and open ranges provide great training opportunities for soldiers. While many of the Hawaii-based soldiers are quite familiar with PTA, it does present a unique challenge if you are training here for the first time as in the case of nearly 500 California National Guard soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry.

“This is foreign terrain and that’s what JRTC is going to be, and so, it’s good to get use to having to adapt to things that you’re not expecting and so I see this as a good training opportunity,” said Spc. David Bryson, a lab technician for Lenscrafters in Sacramento in civilian life.

Staff Sgt. Lanny Barnes, also with the 184th, says it is important for California soldiers to train in foreign and unfamiliar terrain. “It’s difficult, but being in the military, you have to adapt and overcome,” said Barnes, who works as a full-time adult corrections officer at the Dublin Federal Penitentiary, Calif. “We are motivated to train hard and well here in Hawaii since next year at this time, we will be at JRTC and that’s where we prove ourselves and we want to go there to kick butts and not get our butts kicked.”

With all that motivation in the air, it doesn’t hurt to hear some encouraging words from the Hawaii Guard’s commander in chief. Gov. Benjamin J. Cayetano paid a visit to the troops during this AT and was very impressed with the training.

“I am very proud of the HIARNG. Wherever I go, I always hear such good things about our civilian soldiers and I know that they worked hard during these two weeks,” said Cayetano who was accompanied on the trip by Lt. Gov. Mazie Hirano. Together, they visited various units, fired the 105 millimeter howitzer and even had MRE’s with the troops for lunch.”

“Many island residents don’t realize just how hard these soldiers train, but I know everyone knows that the guard provides a valuable service to the community when they are needed such as the case of Hurricane Iniki,” said Cayetano.

Of course, many other units aside from the infantry, performed their annual training at PTA this year. Medics, administration, motor pool and the mess crews all played an important role in making up this outstanding group of soldiers.

AT ’98 was a training success and will serve as more than a memory for the entire brigade. The road of JRTC is just around the corner and will no doubt present a tremendous challenge for our leaders and soldiers … but as long as these soldiers keep the brigades motto “Ka Oihana Mamua”

– 1998 April – August Pūpūkahi pp. 1

Command Notes

I want to take this opportunity to offer my congratulations to all our soldiers who recently completed their annual training exercises on the Big Island.

I had the opportunity to visit and meet with many of you at Pohakuloa Training Area, when I accompanied. Gov. Benjamin J. Cayetano and Lt. Gov. Mazie Hirono, in June. Everyone was in high spirits and conducted themselves in a highly professional manner.

The governor relayed to me how impressed he was with the high caliber of our personnel.

The Hawaii Army National Guard soldiers in the field received very high marks from the active-duty Army evaluators.

Once again, the Hawaii Army Guard has demonstrated that it has a close working partnership with the active component.

– 1998 April – August Pūpūkahi pp. 2

Lava Brigade prepares for JRTC

The 29th Separate Infantry Brigade is going to the Joint Readiness Training Center in Louisiana – that’s a decision that no commander makes lightly.

It just isn’t cost effective use of our resources unless a unit demonstrates a proper level of proficiency prior to deployment. For the 29th Brigade, it means lethal platoons, effective fires, command and control, a staff that can produce a timely and reasonable order, and a log capability to feed its parts on time and at the right place.

Maj. Gen. Edward V. Richardson, the adjutant general, decided after annual training last year that the brigade was going to JRTC. He determined that the performance demonstrated during AT ’97 ambitious training schedule leading to JRTC placed the brigade on a path for success. He was right.

AT ’98 demonstrated the 29th Brigade’s resolve to stay on course. They performed extremely well. It was the strongest signal and the ultimate expression of our soldiers will to be trained and ready to fight and win.

Our enhanced brigade included units from Troop F, 82nd Cavalry, Oregon; 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry, California; and Companies B and C, 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry, American Samoa, as well as the Lava Brigade’s JRTC task force units from Pennsylvania, Alabama and Washington Guard.

Critical to the 29th Brigade success at AT ’98 was the support provided by active duty:

• 196th Training Support Brigade, U.S. Army Pacific
  • Training Assessment Model evaluation
• 1st Training Support Brigade from Colorado – conducting lanes training
• 501st Infantry, 25th Infantry Division (Light) – providing opposing forces

Special kudos to out Hawaii Guard units:

• 103rd Troop Command that moved our soldiers safely on so many missions. The CH-47D Chinook helicopter and C-26 Metroliner, as well as the Hawaii Air National Guard’s C-130 Hercules aircraft crews that moved thousand of troops from Honolulu to Hilo and Pohauloa Training Area.
• Headquarters State Area Command staff that ran base camp and provided logistical support that allowed the brigade to focus on training.

In all it was a team effort that paid off.

– 1998 April – August Pūpūkahi pp. 6

1999

Units of the Troop Command conducted year round annual training to support the 29th Brigade’s JRTC rotation, the Army’s 25th Infantry Division (Light), and units of the U.S. Army, Pacific (USARPAC), during various exercises and annual training.

– 1999 Annual Report pp. 12

Personnel aircraft and equipment from the 154th Wing and 201st Communications Group continued the rapid pace of deployments during this fiscal year, which included numerous missions around the globe.

• A “first time” milestone achievement for the HIANG deploying all three flying units combat. communications resources, and over 220 guard members in support of FOAL EAGLE, an annual Joint Chiefs of Staff exercise sponsored by PACAF at military locations throughout Korea, Okinawa, and Japan during October and November 1999 Airmen from the 201st Combat Communications joined the 154th Wing personnel at Exercise FOAL EAGLE. The communications personnel provided tactical communications support for 7th Air Force units.
• When political and military tensions built up in Southwest Asia, a KC-135R and guard members from the 203rd Air Refueling Squadron and 154th Logistics Group were deployed to Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska to support Operation PHOENIX SCORPION in November 1998. . .
• The 154th Operations Group flying units and aircraft control and warning systems continue to play an active role in RIMPAC, the larges exercise sponsored by CINCPACFLT involving military assets from the U.S., Canada, and Pacific-theater countries. . .
• Quarterly SENTRY ALOHA exercises were held involving both Guard and Reserve fighter units and active duty Air Force units to train with the 199th Fighter Squadron and aircraft control and warning units providing dissimilar aircraft training.

– 1999 Annual Report pp. 18

Lava Brigade returns from Louisiana

By Spc. Wendy R. Cook

The conflicts in the world today are increasingly changing from limited war to peacekeeping operations like Bosnia, Somalia and Haiti. For the Army to adapt to such missions and to prevent the fatal mistakes from happening, it needed to train its soldiers, not just in basic war, but in peace, civil unrest, natural disasters and other emergencies.

Hawaii deploys to Cajun country

Soldiers from the Hawaii Army National Guard’s 29th Separate Infantry Brigade were deployed in June to the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) at Fort Polk, La. JRTC is the Army’s premiere infantry training center for combat and peacekeeping operations.

Since learning of the JRTC rotation five years ago, the brigade intensified training and preparations to boost their readiness for the mission.

The scenarios were based on a U.S. task force being sent to a small island nation to help them face an invading military force.

The mission of the 29th Brigade and counterparts, or BLUFOR, was to restore democracy to the fictitious islandnation of Cortina while putting the opposing force of the rebel army, or the opposition force (OPFOR), to OPFOR was played by active duty soldiers stationed at Fort Polk.

The Brigade had nine days on offensive and defensive maneuvers in the country. The first five days were movement to contact, where the troops started the occupation of Cortina, and the final four days were on the defensive from OPFOR attacks.

Even though the brigade is larger then the OPFOR battalion, it fought a smaller, quicker force that guarded its own turf. The situation simulated the conflicts and peacekeeping operations the Army is involved in today. The brigade’s mission: to overcome learn and improve against obstacles they face.

JRTC Rotation 99-08 has international flavor

The combined task force, nick-named the Lava Brigade, included soldiers from U.S. Army’s National Guard, Reserve and active components in 27 states; U.S. territory soldiers from American Samoa (Company C, 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry (U.S. Army Reserve), Guam and Puerto Rico; allied soldiers from Australia and Lithuania; and airmen from the Hawaii Air National Guard’s 199th Weather Flight.

Training experience tested

“JRTC provides the soldiers with the most challenging training experience they can ever receive short of combat. The more we can create a training environment like JRTC, the better the 29th and reserve units will be for it,” said Col. Joseph J. Chaves, 29th Brigade deputy commander. ”The soldiers were given the opportunity to learn a lot of things. It’s important now to continue to build and grow from their experience.”

Post JRTC remarks

Now that the mission is over and soldiers are back to work at home, the brigade can look to some highlights. They deployed to Louisiana, ran the mission, and redeployed in less than three months, including the shipping of equipment and vehicles. The soldiers of the Hawaii Guard had no heat casualties, no small feat with the soaring temperatures and humidity in Louisiana and they received excellent reviews in the AARs. They can also look forward to a return to JRTC in the next four to eight years.

“The soldier in the trenches, at the platoon and company level, they’ve al ways done their job,” said Brig. Gen. Dennis A. Kamimura, 29th Brigade commander. “JRTC put to the test our ability to coordinate at full brigade level. One of the objectives of the opposing force was to capture my command’s tactical operations center and the brigade support area. However, they didn’t get through. I attribute it to all the troops and leaders.”

“We’ve grown so much during our road to JRTC,” said Maj. Gen. Edward V. Richardson, the Hawaii State Adjutant General. “Before we even showed up at Fort Polk, we had already proven our ability to work as a team. The teamwork and the attitude of our troops was simply outstanding. They did a wonderful job. We are really proud of them.”

“I think the defensive battle was a significant highlight, we had the brigade fighting a motivated enemy and doing very well,” Chaves said. “The 29th did outstanding, I think we surprised a lot of people and exceeded any expectations the JRTC operational group had for a reserve component unit. Our mobilization readiness is also at a much higher level than it was prior to JRTC. I think the brigade in the future needs to work harder on fighting as a combined arms team so we can fight better as a team. The soldiers were motivated. If we told the soldiers they could go back out and fight the OPFOR some more, they would have gone.

“The 29th Brigade was a great rotation,” said Brig. Gen. Thompson. “They exhibited a great warrior spirit, I’m very proud of them.”

Lava Brigade adjusts fighting scenarios

Experts agree the key to doing well at JRTC is being flexible and willing to make changes after an AAR and the training the unit does before coming to Fort Polk.

“They (29th Brigade) have a plan that’s focused on fighting in the box, they are very aggressive. They have a very good field craft at the level of the individual soldier and small unit leaders. This is very important, if the soldiers at the lower level are up to par then it’s very easy to teach them other tasks,” Hawley said. “My advice to soldiers coming through the rotations is to study, study your CTT (common task training) and soldiers tasks, the Brigade obviously did this and this is very important to unit success.”

The JRTC rotation lasted three weeks, with preparation, operations and recovery. Taking an additional week away from the soldiers’ families and employers.

Employers visit troops at JRTC

To combat misunderstanding between civilian employers and the soldiers, the Employer Support of the
Guard and Reserve (ESGR) created the Boss Lift to help employers understand what the Guard and Reserves are all about. Each year soldiers may nominate their employer to join the Boss Lift. The lift flies employers to the area where soldiers are performing annual training for about three days. The lift includes some interesting activities such as firing a M-16 rifle, watching live fire missions, tours of the area, eating an MRE, seeing the living conditions and seeing their soldiers in action. For many employers this was the first chance they had to get a good look at the National Guard and many say the lift helped them to develop a greater understanding for their soldiers when they need time off to serve.

This year for the first time, a Bosslift toured JRTC.

“It means a lot to my employee that I came on the Boss Lift. It shows my support to him. He wants me to come out and see what he does and what the Guard is all about,” said Greg Kawasaki of the Waipahu Post Office whose employee is Sgt. Francisco Santos, 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery. “Basically they are the ones who protect us. He’s keeping us safe, that’s the main thing I look at.”

This year the lift was flown to JRTC by the Hawaii Air Guard’s 203rd Air Refueling Squadron, where they were greeted by Brig. Gen. Samuel Thompson III, Fort Polk and JRTC commander. They were given several briefings, a trip to the Fort Polk Army Air field to see foreign aircraft and an MRE lunch at Alligator Lake and a bus trip through the box to see the soldiers during the exercise. The evening included a Cajun meal hosted by Brig. Gen. Edward L. Correa Jr., Hawaii Army National Guard commander.

“JRTC has truly been a crossroad to the Brigade’s future,” said Correa. “It’s been a real opportunity for soldiers to strengthen their respect for each other, for their leaders, and especially their battle buddy.”

”The Lava Brigade was recognized as only the second rotation in JRTC history to complete the exercise without a major class A to E accident. Last year, Hawaii’s 25th Infantry Division (Light), our active duty training partner, was the first to earn the safety certificate.”

After action reviews are key to learning experience

The battle was played out complete with casualties, Prisoners of War, logistical and other support operations. Each soldier, vehicle and weapon was fitted with Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES). The soldiers who were hit were considered casualties and were sent to the Aid Station and vehicles hit were considered damaged and out of commission. Like any conflict, the opposing forces could also make use of captured of weapons, people and vehicles. The weapons and vehicles could be used by the capturing force and the soldiers were sent to a POW camp where they filled sandbags and sorted trash until the end of the nine days.

At the end of the nine day exercise the Lava Brigade was given a final comprehensive after action review (AAR) on safety, number of casualties, number of objectives met and how well combat and support missions were run. During the field exercise, each unit was accompanied by an Observer/Controller (O/C) who oversaw the battle and advised those units based on what they saw.

“For the BLUFOR it has been a real difficult fight. The first day there wasn’t a lot of action because they were coming into an area that was already secured. But by the second and third days they were receiving some pretty rapid contact down Artillery and Youngstown Roads,” said Lt. Col. Steve C. Hawley, senior maneuver observer/controller who assists the brigade commander and operations staff. ”We do not grade the rotational units. There is no pass or fail about this training. We will deliberately stress the organization at their weak points until it fails. This makes them stronger. It’s a lot like weight training. You lift until you reach muscle failure; you’re sore but after a day resting those muscles you stressed are stronger than last time. We try to look at what we can do in the future as an organization. If they are going to make mistakes and take casualties we’d rather have them make it here so we can work on it.”

The JRTC rotational exercise are similar to the real world, except after every confrontation between the BLUFOR and OPFOR there is usually an AAR with the O/Cs and even the OPFOR contributing.

“The Guard and Reservists that come through on rotations do make some simple mistakes,” said Sgt. John E. Goforth, 1st Battalion, 509th Airborne Infantry, OPFOR soldier. “But they correct those mistakes as soon as we point them out, unlike an active unit that is usually a little more stubborn to change. The Guard and Reserves still have a lot more combat veterans that are actually a very experienced senior leadership, this helps them a lot.”

– 1999 Summer – Fall Pūpūkahi pp. 5 & 8

Maui Guard soldiers go ”down under” in July

By Pfc. Brandon T. Bocanegra and Sgt. Lance M. Kamisugi

This summer 55 Hawaii Army National Guard soldiers got a little taste of “down under” by deploying to Australia to participate in a training exercise with Aussies of the 6th Royal Australian Army Regiment.

Company C, 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry out of Maui, was chosen to represent the Hawaii Army National Guard in Exercise Pacific Reserve at Shoalwater Bat Training Area, Queensland, Australia.

’98 Louisianan training successful

The Hawaii Guard sent the Maui unit to participate along with other Guard units at Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC), Fort Polk, La., as the opposition force against soldiers from the 82nd and lOlstAirborne Divisions, active duty components.

“We took them apart,” said Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth D. Manuel, Company C readiness noncommissioned officer. They successfully used hit and run tactics against the airborne units until they regrouped and pursued the Guard soldiers. They were eventually pinned down, facing 10 to one odds, but “Hawaii’s Best” held their position, eliminating targets that strayed too close until the 82nd sent one large, final wave across.

This achievement was followed by an evaluation of the infantry companies from three battalions. The companies were tested on common tasks such as preparing for combat, executing an assault, employing fire support, maintaining operation security and treating/ evacuating casualties.

“Charlie Company scored well, displaying great teamwork and enthusiasm in meeting objectives,” Manuel said.

Based on Charlie’s accomplishments, it was chosen to deploy to Australia rather then return to JRTC this year with the rest of the 29th Separate Infantry Brigade. The company also sent a 22 volunteers to Fort Polk with the 29th Brigade to augment the task force.

“Down under” tactics differ

The contingent sent to Australia was composed of two modified, reinforced rifle platoons with a headquarters support cell.

The Pacific Reserve is an exchange program designed to strengthen bonds of friendship and understanding between the U.S. and Australian soldiers. In return the Australian Army sends one rifle platoon to train with Hawaii Guard soldiers annually.

”The objectives of the exercise were” … to develop an appreciation for the tactics used by the U.S. Army and enhance military experience and knowledge in a different training environment,” said Manuel.

“The training was excellent. We were hosted very well and the coordination between the Australian and U.S. armies worked in a timely manner,” said Staff Sgt. Roderick L. Cabaccungan.

“The Australians were cool,” said Spc. Jesus C. Sijalbo, Maui infantryman. “They were tall, the average soldier was six feet tall.”

The Australian soldiers had equipment similar to the Guardsmen, but it was built proportionally for them and their environment.

“They had scopes on their mini-machine guns, which were similar to our SAWs (Squad Automatic Weapon),” said Sijalbo. “Their Styres are a lot like the M-16s, but instead of a selector lever, the rate of fire is controlled by the amount of pressure on the trigger. It’s mean.”

To prepare for the Australian deployment, Charlie endured some rigorous training in the months before hand. In May they conducted a live fire exercise at Schofield Barracks, becoming the first guard unit to participate in a livefire on that trench warfare range. The training they experienced was similar to the drills they had been practicing. However, this exercise was designed to familiarize the soldiers to new situations and settings.

“We had to learn to move tactically their way,” said Sijalbo. ”They have a different fighting style, for a different terrain. There’s a lot of wilderness. They don’t have ranges like we do, they just find an area they like, set up flags and make their own ranges.”

“The region was hilly and forested,” said Manuel. “Its similar to Kula (Maui). It’s winter over there right now so it was really cold too. It wasn’t a problem for our boys though, but the terrain proved a problem with transporting supplies.”

“Logistically it was a challenge, supplying across a river,” said Cabacungan. “The Australians had an excellent support system, but in all my career, I had never used a river to resupply. We first began by ferrying supplies, vehicles and equipment across with pontoon boats. Then we had to deal with the tide. The river made 20 to 30 foot changes throughout the day. We had to readjust our plan, using a makeshift rope pulley to pull the supplies across, it was something to see.”

The exercise lasted 12 days in the field, during which the soldiers completed several types of training. It included day and night fire squad defense shoots, blank squad attacks, platoon ambushes and live fire sneaker practice with an individual, paired and platoon groups.

Families, employers supportive

The annual training proved to be a beneficial, learning experience for the soldiers, but it was also hard to put their civilian lives aside for those with jobs and families. But most employers understand how valuable and important of a role the Guard soldiers plays.

“It becomes a burden on my wife, she needs to make adjustments,” said Cabacungan. “But she supports the Guard all the way.”

“Our general manager, Thomas Steinhauer, is very supportive of the National Guard and the military,” said Staff Sgt. Scott A. Cribbes who is the director of purchasing for the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. “He has always allowed me to fulfill my Guard obligation. He even donated our Christmas party table cloths last year.”

Even with the strains on their civilian lives, many of the troops still thought this was some of the best training they had ever received in the Guard and the time was well worth it. In addition, they thought the opportunity of training away from Hawaii is more then just to improve soldiering skills.

“Training in Australia is also a cultural experience for these soldiers,” said Capt. Paul S. Tamaribuchi, the company commander. “It may be a once in a lifetime chance to go on a deployment

– 1999 Summer – Fall Pūpūkahi pp. 9