2000

Training and missions The training year for the 29th SIB began with three division level command post exercises (CPX). The last was the 25th Infantry Division (Light) Warfighter exercise. In March 2000, cadre from Fort Leavenworth, Kan., flew to Oahu and provided Combat Refresher training for the brigade staff. In May 2000, the commanders and staff members participated in the Brigade Command and Battle Staff Training (BCBST) seminar at Fort Leavenworth. BCBST is a high-paced training event that teaches commanders and staff the art of the military decision making process. . .

In March, Company D, 29th Support Battalion, soldiers got hands-on training repairing vehicles and equipment at Camp Dodge, Iowa. In June, Combat engineers from the brigade’s 227th Engineer Company deployed to Camp Morena in San Diego, Calif., to build fences and roads along the Mexican boarder. The project aids in the U.S. Boarder Patrols war against drugs. The final training event was the 29th SIB Warfighter in September 2000. Over 330 soldiers participated in this exercise. Soldiers of the 29th flew in from Hawaii, American Samoa, California, Oregon, and Minnesota.

Units of the 103rd Troop Command conducted year-round annual training to support various exercises and other units’ annual training.

The 25th Infantry Detachment Rear Operations Cell participated in the 25th Infantry Division’s (Light) two Command Post exercises and also the Warfighter exercise during the first quarter of the fiscal year.

The Hawaii Guard’s Keaukaha Military Reservation (Hilo) facilities were treated to a facelift by the electricians, plumbers, carpenters, masons, and other technicians of the 298th Engineer Detachment. Roads and driveways were resurfaced or built; bathroom fixtures replaced; lamps and wiring were removed and replaced; a 20- person hootch was constructed; and numerous other home improvements were accomplished during annual training.

The 12th Personnel Service Detachment participated in the Exercise SILVER SIMITAR. Thirty-eight soldiers deployed to Fort McCoy, Wis. for annual training from July 29 to Aug. 12, 2000.

– 2000 Annual Report pp. 12

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

• Exercise ULCID FOCUS LENS ’99: 291st Combat Communications Squadron was selected as the lead communications unit, with augmentation from HQ 201st CCG, 292nd CBCS and 293rd CBCS deployed to the Republic of Korea from July to August 1999 in support of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Exercise ULCHI FOCUS LENS ’99. Deployed personnel primarily participated as “wargamers” in support of the Pacific Air Forces Modeling and Simulation Program.
• Exercise FOAL EAGLE ’99. From mid October to early November 1999, 201st CCG personnel again deployed to Korea with 292nd CBCS as the lead unit to participate in the Joint Chiefs of Staff Combined Forces Exercise FOAL EAGLE. 201st CCG provided tactical communications UTCs personnel only and used in-country equipment assets maintained by the 607 ACOMS from 7th Air Force (PACAF). Primary emphasis of the exercise was rear area battle operations as well as other exercise objectives for several major bases in the Republic of Korea. Once the main body arrived at Osan Air Base, they traveled to Camp Humphreys to meet the 201st CCG Advon Team to pickup major communications equipment. They convoyed to Taegu Air Base, a 6-hour trip. Once equipment was setup, they were tasked to provide tactical communications for command and control for active duty flying units deployed to Taegu.
• Reception, Staging, Onward Movement & Integration (RSO&I) ’99. In April 2000, personnel from the 291st Combat Communications Squadron provided PACAFs Modeling and Simulation Program requirements in the Republic of Korea.
• Exercise COBRA GOLD ’99. From May to June 2000, personnel from 293rd CBCS departed for Korat, Kingdom of Thailand, to provide TSC-l00A (SATCOM) support to the Joint Chiefs of Staff combined Exercise COBRA GOLD ’99. The deployment was in support of the U.S. Army’s tactical communications requirements at Combined Joint Task Force Headquarters at one of the Royal Thai military installations in the Korat area.

– 2000 Annual Report pp. 17

Maintenance company hones skills at Camp Dodge, Iowa

By Pfc. Brandon T. Bocanegra

Iowa -Annual Training in this state might sound like as much fun as watching the com grow there. The Midwest just does not have the flare of other places Hawaii Army National Guard soldiers have traveled to in the past such as California, Japan or Australia. For over 100 members of Company B, 29th Support Battalion, solitude amidst the rustic, little towns and cornfields provided an ideal place to focus on their training. Rising out of the flatlands is the National Maintenance Training Center (NMTC) at Camp Dodge, the foremost maintenance training center of the National Guard.

In May, the soldiers deployed to Camp Dodge with the goals of developing leadership, strengthening their primary military occupational specialties, cross-training in similar fields and, most importantly, learning how to function more effectively as a company. The unit was also brought up-to-date with a rotational training plan designed by the Forces Command to improve and fine-tune maintenance units. This includes a possible deployment to Italy next year to test their training. Givenway the soldiers performed at Camp Dodge, passing the test seems very likely.

Leadership development practiced

“The team leaders really took charge,” said Capt. Lynn Ishii, the commander of the maintenance company. “All of the soldiers hit the ground with a lot of motivation and it is evident by their work.”

By the company’s second day of training, they were already three days ahead of the average unit’s schedule. Soldiers attribute their motivation and high level of activity to the environment of Camp Dodge.

“The facilities are excellent,” said Sgt. Michael Romeo, one of the company’s team chiefs. “The workshop alone is worth the trip.” He emphasized that it is important to train in a well equipped environment where soldiers can focus on the jobs they are trained to do. “I am not worried about guard duty or digging foxholes. I can focus on training my soldiers,” he said.

The smooth completion of those jobs was the basis of the entire operation according to the NMTC’s pyramid plan. The plan stresses the strong communication between leaders and developing individuals’ areas of expertise and responsibility. Soldiers repair, inspect, troubleshoot, rebuild and replace vehicles and equipment in accordance to standards rather than time. Senior soldiers are charged to supervise the juniors in performing the tasks as well as teach them to perform more advanced work. Good communication and knowledge sharing gives every soldier a better understanding of the entire operation and what their role is.

”Working with a large group takes a lot of patience and understanding, but the big picture is that we work pretty good together,” he said. “My guys are not going to rotate, leaving me to retrain another. In my eight years on active-duty, no one who I worked with ever called me by my first name. When you have this type of family environment, you care more about getting your work done.”

The training at Camp Dodge not only brought the Hawaii soldiers closer together, but it was also a reunion with a California slice detachment of the unit.

“We are just one big, happy family,” said Spc. Harold Harris, a Hawaii soldier. “The California soldiers are hard workers. They come prepared to do the job.”

Company B’s understanding of the pyramid plan and ability to complete their work efficiently brought praise from the company’s officers as well as Camp Dodge’s.

Ishii said, “Our section sergeants have shown their expertise, and the soldiers have an outstanding attitude and motivation. We are building our credibility here.”

“There is an awful lot of talent in this unit,” said Lt. Col. Dennis Danielson, the NMTC commander. “Most units do a decent job of the mechanical stuffbut struggle with the leadership. Leadership is vital to a company-run shop compared to one that just does one or two work orders at a time. The Hawaii guys are great at it.”

He continued by saying, “if leaders are knowledgeable in these areas: individual jobs, orders, forms and paperwork, the larger picture of operations and mission goals; the mechanics should be running at 100 miles an hour as soon as they get here.”

Danielson called this a “tum-key” training environment. It is the NMTC’s mission to provide this for general and direct support maintenance units to train collectively, meaning a setting that is fully-prepared and equipped for a unit to begin operation immediately, according to Danielson.

First class facilities promote positive training environment

The maintenance shops are constantly filled with a stockpile of vehicles and equipment from active-duty stations such as the National Training Center in California and the Joint Readiness Training Center in Louisiana. Resources for the maintenance are available to the unit as soon as it arrives. As the work is conducted, supplies for future jobs are shipped in, leaving the proper resources for the next project and further units that come to train.

Primary emphasis is on training

“The NMTC is the only place in the world whose primary emphasis is on training,” said Danielson. “Training is the priority here. Cost and production are complimentary, but it has all been efficient so far.”

However, some minor problems arose due to the soldiers’ unfamiliarity with the workshops. Regardless, the soldiers were appreciative once they got organized.

“Training in this maintenance shop can get slow because we often need to improvise in a different work environ

– 2000 March – June Pūpūkahi pp. 4

California, Hilo welcome back Hawaii Guard assistance

Soldiers continue engineering projects off island

By Pfc. Brandon T. Bocanegra

Hawaii Army National Guard’s 298^th Engineer Detachment and 227^th Engineer Company (Combat) deployed for construction and repair missions off island this year.

During the first weeks of June, the Pearl City-based 298^th flew to Hilo to continue its on-going mission of renovation and construction of facilities at the Keaukaha Military Reservation in Hilo.

The Pearl City-Hilo-based 227^th flew to San Diego, Calif., to work on fences and roads along the Mexican border during the latter of June.

Home improvements made at Hilo Guard facility

The 298^th Engineer Detachment deployed carpenters, masons, electricians and plumbers to the Big Island facility.

Their primary mission: improvements at the KMR billeting area, the primary consolidation and staging point for units that plan to train in the Hilo, as well as the Pohakuloa Training Area. The area, also used by active military components and civilian organizations such as Boy and Girl Scouts and the Civil Air Patrol, could house more than 250 personnel.

The engineers have made the KMR projects a regular part of their training schedule, usually performing upgrades and repairs in the islands one year then training overseas the following year.

Capt. Neal S. Mitsuyoshi, the unit’s commander who deployed for his first time with the detachment, was impressed with the working conditions at the Hilo facility, as well as the soldiers’ attitudes.

“I do notice a difference in this unit. The members are not just tight professionally, but personally. There is more of an ohana (family) atmosphere because they work together but also hang out together,” he said.

Mitsuyoshi, who is also the Hawaii Guard full-time engineering officer, said the soldiers also enjoy helping out the Guard units at home because of the appreciation they receive.

Maj. Darryl Lindsey, the facility manager at KMR, said, “they are doing a good job, I am impressed. It is a worthwhile arrangement because they get training and, this year, are saving us more than $7,000. Other projects included replacing sinks and plumbing at billeting bathrooms, replacing light pole fixtures and lamps, repairing roofs, pouring a cement driveway, grading service roads, and clearing debris from roadsides.”

“We receive good and practical training, as well as helping out the department,” said Mitsuyoshi. “Many units will benefit from our efforts.”

California-Mexico border project continues

For the second time, the 227^th Engineer Company deployed to San Diego’s Camp Morena to lend their hand to an ongoing project of building a more secure border between the U.S. and Mexico.

The 227^th‘s mission was to continue the previous efforts of servicemembers from around the nation. Their assignments included replacing the old, rusty, barbed wire border with a 10-foot tall fence made of prefabricated steel landing mat, as well as cutting and filling the former spiderweb of eroded trails into an all-weather road system. This contribution made Hawaii’s combat engineers and other units has aided the California National Guard’s counterdrug program and the U.S. Border Patrol in the war against drugs and smuggling of other illegal contraband.

To combat this problem of nationwide importance, active and reserve units from around the country have come together with the plan of halting outside drug traffic before it can even hit our streets.

Over one million illegal immigrants come to America every year, mostly from Mexico, Central America and China, according to a Time magazine article entitled, “Border Clash.” This flood of people produces economic problems for our government, but the main concern is the drug traffic that slips through our borders.

Capt. Jeffrey Kawakami, 227^th commander and a Hawaii Guard counterdrug official, said, “this program is not to deter legal immigration, but to deter drug smugglers. We want to prevent bringing in drugs, guns or anything illegal.”

A key element in this effort is to establish better barriers around the U.S. The California Innovative Readiness Training or Task Force Grizzly is the National Guard operation currently charged with upgrading the border between California and Mexico, a task that requires aid from all over the country.

According to Chief Warrant Officer David Clark, former operations officer of TF Grizzly, approximately 20 National Guard units with various specialties participate in the operation yearly.

“The training opportunity is a winwin situation … everyone does their part,” said Sgt. Mark Powell, a contractor from Hilo.

However, the atmosphere on the border was not entirely relaxed. One platoon working on the borderline was forced to shut down for a period of time when Mexican nationals began throwing rocks at the soldiers from across the border, but due to a quick response to the incident, no injuries or serious damage to equipment occurred.

“It was scary because if they can throw rocks, they can shoot you,” said Spc. Jed Uson, a full-time student at Leeward Community College, who was working on the border.

“This is real,” explained Kawakami. “This is the closest that a unit can come to a deployment in another country without actually deploying to another country, because you come across all the same situations. You have international incidents that can happen.”

“The fence and road the Hawaii National Guard and the other units before them have built has decreased the amount of crimes because it allows the border patrol to respond to areas of incident quickly, rapidly, and safely,” said Clark. “San Diego used to be the busiest sector for arrests within border patrol. It is no longer.”

According to Clark, officials confiscate over one ton of drugs a month across the nation. However, this is only an estimated 8-13 percent of the drugs that make it through.

“This is not just a California project,” said Clark. “We will probably wind up going across the four border states (Arizona, New Mexico and Texas).”

Based on the success of the border project, the enthusiasm of the Hawaii engineers and the large amount of work left, the Hawaii unit will most likely return in years to come.

– 2000 July – September Pūpūkahi pp. 4

Annual Training 2000 Hawaiian Style

Hawaii’s Army National Guard trained in numerous locations this summer, including the Big Island of Hawaii, Oahu, California and Wisconsin.

Our engineers were in Hilo, Hawaii and Camp Morena, San Diego, Calif.m in June (see story on page 4). Second Battalion 299th Infantry soldiers from the neighbor islands came to Oahu to train with Company D at Schofield Barrack’s East Range, while 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery visited their second home at the Pohakuloa Training area on Hawaii.

The 29th Support Battalion’s Company C preformed missions at Tripler Army Medical Center and still had time to host an open house with St. Timothy’s Pre-School. Company A was able to beef up their driver training and work on their vehicle upgrades and reconditioning.

103rd Troop Command’s aviation units Provided aviation support at PTA as well as fire suppression missions in central Oahu. The 12th Personnel Service Detachment deployed to Exercise SILVER SCIMITAR at Fort McCoy, Wis., where they participated in a simulated personnel mission in hostile Middle East country.

– 2000 July – September Pūpūkahi pp. 5

2001

In October 2000, the 25th Infantry Division (Light) (Rear Operations Cell) participated in Exercise CASCADE MIST at Fort Lewis, Wash. In January 2001, the Guard’s 227th Engineer Company participated in National Training Center (NTC) rotation at Fort Irwin, Calif., and provided engineering support for the opposing force.

During February through April 2001, Company C (Medical), 29th Support Battalion, participated in two rotations and provided medical site support during Exercise NEW HORIZONS in Gracias, Honduras. Company D, 1st Battalion, 207th Aviation, also sent two UH-60 Blackhawk rotations to provide airlift support for the Honduran mission.

In May 2001, elements of the headquarters company and Company C of the 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry, conducted their annual training at the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) in support of the 25th ID (L), in Fort Polk, La. Company A, 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry, participated as the opposing force at the NTC, and the 93rd CST conducted lanes training for validation at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.

In June 2001, the 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery, conducted annual training at Fort Lewis, Wash. Company B (Maintenance), 29th Support Battalion, provided direct support services to the 22nd Area Support Group during two rotations at Vincenza and Camp Darby, Italy. The military police platoon of the 29th SIB provided law enforcement augmentation to the United States Army, Europe.

– 2001 Annual Report pp. 13

Throughout the state fiscal year recurring exercises are conducted locally to maintain and enhance our combat ready capabilities equal to that of the active duty Air Force.

• SENTRY ALOHA (4) – 199th Fighter Squadron, main player. The 154th Wing hosts visiting ANG flying units. These exercises integrate forces and maximize field training in a SAFE, realistic scenario. Mission objectives include some or all of the following: engaging and fighting dissimilar aircraft; defending Hawaii and the surrounding Pacific islands from airborne threats; and air refueling in offensive and defensive scenarios.
• COPE CAGE & COPE CHOW (6) – 169th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron, main player – live-fly or simulated air defense exercise in battle management coordination, air weapons control, and air defense surveillance for the state of Hawaii.
• September 2000: Brig. Gen. Albert P. ”Putt” Richards Jr., assumed command of the 154th Wing vice Brig. Gen. Michael H. Tice; 154th Medical Squadron conducted a mass casualty exercise here locally to better train and familiarize the medical personnel on their role during a mass casualty. . .
• April 2001: 154th Support Group conducted the first ever group-wide local field Exercise ASSURED SUPPORT. This brought all the support units: communications, security forces, civil engineering, services, and military personnel together as a cohesive team. Family members and employers were invited to learn more about the Support Group’s mission and role in the Air Force.
• May 2001: . . . In conjunction with their participation in Balikatan 2001 held in the Philippines, members of the 204th Airlift Squadron collected, donated and airlifted much needed education supplies to a new elementary school as part of the National Guard State Partnership Program. The school was built by Philippines and U.S. Armed Services.

– 2001 Annual Report pp. 17-18

Soldiers train away from home

It has been a very busy spring for us, and our department has a number of important events corning up. The soldiers of Company C and Company D of 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry, recently returned from their Annual Training(AT) at the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC)atFortPolk, La., where they performed outstandingly. They were used as opposing forces going up against some of the best units in the U.S. Army. By the time this issue is published, the 487th Field Artillery will be in Fort Lewis, Washington, the Military Police Platoon from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 29th Separate Infantry Brigade, will have been to Germany, and Company B, 29th Support Battalion, will have gone to Italy. The 298th Engineer Detachment will be going to Japan in July, and Company B, 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry, will deploy to Australia that same month. That is just a list of units that will be heading outside the state for AT.

– 2001 April – June Pūpūkahi pp. 2

Fort Lewis fire mission accomplished

By Spc. Brandon T. Bocanegra

Amidst rolling hills and acres of lush forest, all is quiet. Three artillery batteries from the Hawaii Army National Guard are hunkered down in wilderness far from home. In the crisp Washington air of Fort Lewis, all is relatively silent except for the chirps of little birds and the occasional radio transmission. Suddenly, a loud ”beep” interrupts the silence and immediately call is sounded, “fire mission!” The firing points erupt into a frenzy of activity with commands rapidly barked out and soldiers are “moving like jack rabbits,” according to one battery’s commander. Within seconds, the area of operation is erupting with the blasts of 105mm Howitzers, and the impact areas’ explosions are heard thundering for miles around, a trademark sound of the Kings of the Battlefield.

This June, approximately 250 soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery, deployed to Fort Lewis for their annual training. During the course of training, the unit conducted live-fire exercises, was evaluated on their ability to react to direct fire, direct and indirect ambushes, MED IV AC (medical evacuation) casualties and perform proper maintenance on equipment. “They were trained and tested on their ability to shoot, move and communicate,” said Maj. Keith Y. Tamashiro, 487th commander.

New commander seeing productive training

“Our focus is to ensure that we can deliver effective fires on to targets. That is our ability to shoot,” said Tamashiro. “Our ability to move, includes being able to occupy terrain in support of whatever maneuver or operation there is. And communicating involves the process from the time the forward observer down on the battlefield sees the target, to the time its processed by our fire direction center and from there relayed to our guns and the target is actually being shot.”

Part of the challenge was adapting to a foreign environment, but the more the soldiers became accustomed to the terrain, the better they performed.

“I receive daily feedback, “he said. “Each day, more challenges are added but these soldiers are tough and know how to get their adrenaline flowing. It has become a building-up process, and we are steadily improving.”

Active duty impressed

Improving on an already efficient job seems difficult, but according to the active component observer-controllers from the 1st Battalion, 196th Infantry Brigade, the 487th has done well.

“They are just as proficient as any unit on active duty,” said Sgt. 1st Class Bruce Hall, a forward observer-evaluator. “These guys are locked in solid, and this is due to their training program and outstanding senior enlisted leaders.”

Unit overcomes equipment failure, sickness

“Despite early setbacks, morale continues to be high. The soldiers have learned how to adapt thanks to excellent leadership that keeps the soldiers motivated,” said Tamashiro, the commander since April

The unit met with obstacles like acclimatizing to the brisk northern weather, equipment problems, and an epidemic of strep throat also took their toll, but motivated leaders have continued to drive on.

Sgt. David Howard, a gun chief from Battery B who was stricken with strep throat and taken out of the field, said, “I’m here to make things go boom. If we could fire all night, we’d be happier than pigs in slop.”

The unit’s leadership was impressed with the dedication of the younger, enlisted soldiers.

Sgt. Henry Pilanka, a gun chief in Battery A, said, “I got lucky because I have highly-motivated privates, willing to learn and do the mission. Our guys are giving 110 percent, from dusk until dawn.”

“This is a high-speed unit,” said Sgt. Norman Yleizah, a gunner in Battery B who served on active-duty. “You wouldn’t expect it from weekend warriors, but they have no problem maintaining their knowledge.”

The intensity of the 487th is something that seems inherent with line units, but Tamashiro explained that there is a unique quality about the battalion that allows them to work efficiently.

“Everything is exciting,” said Tamashiro, “this is what we live for. It’s not just the thrill of hearing the boom, but the coordination and seeing how everything works through.”

Sgt. Shane Vendiola, a gunner in Battery A, said, “Once the adrenaline starts going, we are living moment by moment, round by round.”

– 2001 July – September Pūpūkahi pp. 6

2002

In 2002, 103rd Troop Command was involved with one of the largest Army aviation exercises in Hawaii’s history. Operation PACIFIC LIFT, headed by the 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Light), was the culmination of a year’s worth of training, planning, and the focus of every drill weekend for the 103rd. Company C, 193rd Aviation, flew 10 CH-47 Chinook helicopters, a feat praised by all involved. The team, made up of the combined resources of 12 reserve and active units from the Army and Air Force, lifted 500 troops and 40 equipment sling loads over a 72-hour period. . .

The battalion completed its annual training (AT) at the Pohakuloa Training Area on the Big Island. The 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry, also supported the airport security team’s mission on the neighbor islands and executed a consolidated mortar live-fire exercise, TOW gunnery (anti-tank weapon), MK 19 (grenade launcher), sling-load operations, and a battalion-level deployment to Oahu for AT at the Kahuku Training Area.

– 2001 Annual Report pp. 9-10

Hawaii Guard soldiers prepare for urban battlefield

By Staff Sgt. Curtis H. Matsushlge
117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

More than 3,000 part-time Hawaii Army National Guard soldiers traded their civilian attire for camouflaged military fatigues to participate in annual training in July.

On Oahu, the 29th Separate Infantry Brigade’s Hawaii, Oregon, and California units were joined by a platoon of Australian Army reservists.

The soldiers honed their infantry skills in company-sized (approximately 100 soldiers} and smaller units at a variety of training sites throughout Schofield Barracks. The Schofield plateau, which is nestled between the Waianae and Koolau mountain ranges, is slightly elevated with wind and rainy conditions that tested the mettle of the soldiers living out in the elements. The infantry soldiers from Hawaii’s 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry; California’s 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry; and Oregon’s Troop F, 82nd Cavalry; rotated through training sites comprised of live-fire ranges, wooded areas, and urban terrains.

Training tests decision-making

Soldiers trained in a mock village, called Military Operation in the Urban Terrain (MOUT). The
MOUT site tested their decision-making and fastreaction abilities in the confines of an urban setting. Soldiers trained in teams of four. The teams breached doors and barricades to enter buildings possibly hiding terrorists or civilians seeking shelter. Hawaii Guard soldiers teamed with Australian Reservists, during the MOUT training.

The soldiers of the Hawaii Army National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry, are comprised of Company A from Kauai, Company B from the Big Island of Hawaii, and Company C from Maui and Molokai. The Headquarters Company is located in Hilo on the Big Island.

Back in the fields and forests of Schofield Barracks’ East Range, the soldiers of one company’s units dug-in and prepared fighting positions in a defensive perimeter. A firing position is a home away from home, a new and improved version of the old Army foxhole. Soldiers continually work to improve their firing positions.

Each of the line companies took part in a combined live-fire exercise (CALFEX). Maui’s Company C, 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry, dug-in, holding a defensive position. Automatic guns, 60-millimeter mortars and a variety of other weapons were at their disposal. After careful rehearsal, preparation and safety checks, the battle began.

The live-fire went off without any mishaps and provided the opportunity for seasoned citizen-soldiers to teach and mentor the younger recruits.

In the foothills of Kahuku, Oahu’s Company D practiced their stealth and maneuvering. The tube-launched, optically wire-guided missiles or TOW platoons emerged to show their stuff in the CALFEX. Delta combined their firepower with the mortars and the M249, an automatic grenade firing gun to give the infantry companies some “Umf!”

Support units test recovery operations, upgrade medical skill levels

The 29th Support Battalion underwent evaluation under various combat situations at Dillingham Airfield, Oahu. The battalion’s training involved combat supply and transport operations. During the convoy, the trucks got ambushed and simulated breakdowns tested their recovery operations.

Medics of Company C, Support Battalion, and Detachment 4, Headquarters, State Area Command, went through rigorous medical training. Soldiers of the 91B Field Medic Military Occupational Specialty spend ten days training to achieve 91 W, which is comparable to an Emergency Medical Technician.

A highlight at Dillingham, where the Support Battalion erected a secure perimeter and defense, was the sling-load operations. Support Battalion vehicles were airlifted by CH-47D Chinook helicopters of the 103rd Troop Command’s Company C, 193rd Aviation.

Troop Command units train away from armories

The 103rd Troop Command, which ran its field headquarters out of Area X on Schofield Barracks, trained on both Oahu and the Big Island.

Co-located in Area X with Troop Command was the 12th Personnel Service Detachment. The personnel soldiers tested their new laptops under less than optimal conditions.

The Hawaii Army Guard’s new 297th Fire Fighting Team kicked off their first annual training at Area X. After days of classroom education, they got to wear their fire suits and douse staged petroleum fires.

On the Big Island, the 298th Engineer Detachment continued renovations on the Keaukaha Military Reservation in Hilo. “Our soldiers build a house or repair a road. And that’s what they did,” said Capt. Neal S. Mitsuyoshi, their Hilo-born commander. The unit completed seven projects the masons and heavy equipment operators laid yards of concrete, and did road grading and pothole repairs. Around the mess hall, the masons and electricians built a sidewalk and upgraded the lighting and electrical wiring. The carpenters completed a tropical hut from the ground-up, while the plumbers started to upgrade latrines with shower heads. Piping for an electrical conduit was also laid across a road and an entire vehicle maintenance service bay was demolished and the debris removed.

Artillery visits PTA

The 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery, returned to the Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA). Lt. Col. Keith Y. Tamashiro commands the battalion. The soldiers of 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry, from Modesto and Sacramento, California augmented the battalion’s Fire-In-Support Teams (FIST).

Pohakuloa gives the artillery the space to execute “hip shoots” or run-and-gun missions. An artillery battery will be on convoy and a fire mission will be called into them. The unit finds a suitable area, sets-up, and sends steel down range. Hip shoots may sound simple but it is a challenging and precise maneuver even in daylight. But do it in darkness and you’ve kicked it up notch. The 487th Field artillery met Army standards. According to Lt. Col. Tamashiro, the active duty evaluation said that the 487th executed their missions better than any of the previous eight artillery units evaluated this year, active or reserve component.

The two weeks of intensive annual training concluded and soldiers returned home and to their civilian jobs.

– 2002 July – September Pūpūkahi pp. 4

2003

The 29th Separate Infantry Brigade headquarters and units from its California, Oregon and Minnesota Task Force conducted Hawaii Army National Guard annual training at Schofield Barracks. First Battalion, 487th Field Artillery, completed its training at the Pohakuloa Training Area on the Big Island . . .

Second Battalion, 299th Infantry, conducted a battalion-level deployment to Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif, which also included an ESGR Bosslift hosted by the deputy adjutant general. . . .

In April, 27 soldiers from the 298th Engineer Detachment deployed to Tagaytay City, Philippines, to participate in Exercise BALIKATAN. They continued the Hawaii National Guard’s commitment to the National Guard Initiative State Partnership. The engineers worked alongside airmen of the Filipino Air Force to repair a home economics classroom.

Journalists from the 117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment joined the other half of their unit in Anchorage, Alaska, to rover Exercise NORTHERN EDGE, in March

This summer, two medics from the Medical command deployed to the Philippines along with U.S. active duty medics to teach a modified combat Lifesavers course to soldiers and airmen of the Philippine military. The Guard soldiers’ Filipino language skills helped to convey an understandable message to their military counterparts.

– 2003 Annual Report pp. 9-10

When HIANG airmen weren’t forwarded-deployed, participating in operational contingencies, they where on the road participating in multinational exercises. An example was the 204th Airlift Squadron’s deployment to India for Exercise COPE INDIA in October 2002. The C-130 aircrews worked with their Indian Air Force counterparts in such activities as paratroop and cargo container airdrops.

– 2003 Annual Report pp. 14-15

Public Affairs trains with other half of split state unit in Alaska

By Sgt. Wendy M.H. Miller

In March, ten soldiers from the Hawaii Army National Guard’s 117^th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment embarked on a nine-day annual training mission to Anchorage and Valdez, Alaska.

This was the first time they were to meet and train with the Alaska half of their split-state unit. It was also the first time the unit deployed together in its new configuration and for Sgt. 1st Class Wayne T. Iha, it was to be his first time working in snow.

Their mission was to cover Northern Edge 2003, Alaska’s premier joint training exercise that includes 1,600 airmen, soldiers, sailors, Marines and coast guardsmen from active duty, reserve and national guard units. This year’s training emphasis was on homeland defense.

The first order of business was the issuance of cold weather gear. Their Alaskan counterparts showed them how to suit up layer-by-layer and also prepped them on cold weather survival and driving.

A media operations cell was set up in the Alaska National Guard Headquarters to provide media coverage of the Guard’s involvement.

As scenarios unfolded, teams were sent out on story assignments. They rummaged through their cold weather issue contemplating how much was enough to withstand their new elements. Erring on the side the caution, they resembled little children bundled from head to toe, as seen only on television, waddling their way to their missions.

With temperatures in the teens, events were covered and uploaded to a website set-up for the first time by unit webmaster, Capt. Angela F. Young. Beside creating a site to host the deployment products, Young made time to teach a website development course.

Four Alaska and Hawaii journalists drove to Valdez, 300 miles away, to cover homeland defense scenarios.

After a full day of driving, they rolled into the darkened city, met by 70 mile per hour winds and temperatures below zero degrees. “Locals were saying it was the worst winter in 13 years,” said Spc. Michael J. Coleman, broadcastjournalist.

Team leader, Staff Sgt. Curtis H. Matsushige, fought the blistering winds to make his way to the humvee where journalists Spc. Valerie J. Resciniti and Sgt. Wendy M.H. Miller sat waiting for his instructions. Matsushige yelled out, “Wait here, I’ll check with the units and let you know.”

They watched him attempt to make his way to the Alaska Guard Armory, inching across the slick, icy ground, pushed back by high winds, with arms flailing, looking like a bad Michael Jackson impersonation.

This was to become his signature mode of maneuver nicknamed the “arctic ice dance” by Resciniti.

Although challenged by the wicked weather conditions, and intermittent equipment failure, the print and broadcast journalists persevered and accomplished their mission and returned safely to Anchorage with stories in hand.

Reunited with their unit, their mission finally over, visions of warm Hawaii now danced in their heads.

Future plans include bringing the Alaskans to Hawaii.

– 2003 January – March Pūpūkahi pp. 3

Soldiers deploy to California for realistic training

By Cadet Nicole C. Kosel
29th Separate Infantry Brigade (Enhanced)
Public Affairs Officer

FORT HUNTER-LIGGETT, Calif. – Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry, traded in their civilian jobs and Hawaiian weather for their mission at Fort Hunter-Liggett, for the unit’s twoweek annual training in August.

The infantry battalion’s mission during the training was “to mobilize, deploy and conduct combat, stability and support operations in support of a higher headquarters,” according to Col. Joseph J. Chaves, 29th Separate Infantry Brigade (Enhanced) commander.

The battalion commander, Lt. Col. Bruce Oliveira, added that the goal is also “to provide trained and ready units in the event of a national emergency.”

Unlike the individual drill training he soldiers receive once a month, this deployment gave them a more realistic training experience. The soldiers not only had to deal with the higher temperatures and many forms of wildlife California offered, but they also got to perform live-fire exercises that they would not normally get to do on Oahu.

Live-fire training opportunities

“Oahu doesn’t have a [50-caliber machine gun] qualification range. I can’t remember the last time we qualified on the 50-cal,” said Sgt. 1st Class Philip M. Umali, Co. D platoon sergeant.

The soldiers also got to train with other weapons during a battalion livefire exercise that culminated the annual training. This allowed all “aspects of personnel, intelligence, maneuver and logistics to be exercised,” said Maj. Kurt Jackson, brigade plans officer.

According to Staff Sgt. Steven R. Cardinez, Co. A platoon sergeant, the live-fire is the event the soldiers look most forward to.

“We like live-fire exercises, and we take them very seriously. Safety is a big factor. Everyone knows his job, and we work well together,” said Cpl. Douglas E. Freitas, Co. A M240B machine gunner.

Team building

Another important part of annual training is the ability for the teams and squads to become part of the larger group, up to the battalion-level, to train.

“During AT, our commanders have the opportunity to do team building. During normal drills you do individual tasks like qualifications, but during AT, you build a team. That is an important part of what we do in the military,” said Chaves.

This is reiterated by Freitas. “We get more involved during summer AT. The whole platoon comes together as one. The longer we’re out here, the closer we get. Not only our platoon, but the whole company.”

This closeness and teamwork paid off after the live-fire exercise. Chaves said the soldiers “had a very successful AT period. The soldiers did an outstanding job of executing the tasks that were given to them.”

– 2003 July – September Pūpūkahi pp. 3

Field artillery trains in their sandbox

By Spc. Benjamin T. Donde

“Realistic and harsh terrain similar to what soldiers would see if called to the desert,” said Maj. Robert W. Lesher, 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery officer, “is why we like to train at Pohakuloa Training Area.”

PTA is nestled in the “saddle” between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on the Big Island of Hawaii.

“Fine volcanic dust all over and the wind in the midst of the training area make for some nasty conditions, but it prepares us in case we ever deploy to somewhere like Iraq,” said Sgt. Matauai Saole, a section chief for one of the M-119 howitzers. “Even though the conditions are bad, we still have to perform our mission.”

The artillerymen from the Hiki No battalion, which means “can do,” put their Mission Essential Task List to the test. Training consisted of everything from establishing effective battery perimeters using engineers to dig in, to employing massive firepower and ensuring daily maintenance is performed.

Unit’s goal is to exceed the standard

“The 487th goal is to be the best battalion in the Hawaii Army National Guard, always ready to shoot, move and communicate,” said Lesher.

“We train hard to exceed the standard and support any mission of the 29th Separate Infantry Brigade (Enhanced) and have fun as a family.”

“We’ve been very successful,” said Lesher, “we have had good evaluations from the observer controllers, and our morale is high.”

The Hiki No battalion isn’t the only unit involved though. They have external support from six different units.

Aside from the 240 soldiers participating in the 487th, 63 other personnel from various units are contributing, to ensure the success of the mission.

Lingle, ESGR visits 487th at Pohakuloa

This AT was marked by a visit from Gov. Linda Lingle and employers of the Guard soldiers in support of what they do in defense of the State of Hawaii and the nation.

Gov. Lingle and members of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) organization flew into Bradshaw Army Airfield on a C-130 for the visit, which is only minutes away from the training area.

The National Committee for ESGR is an agency within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs. Established in 1972, they promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve component members and their civilian employers and assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee’s military commitment.

They were taken out to the field and shown exactly what goes on out there. Gov. Lingle pulled the trigger on one of the M-119 howitzers during an actual firing mission.

The governor later signed a statement of appreciation and support of the Guardsmen saying, “I couldn’t be prouder to sign.”

When presented with a Hiki Not-shirt signed by the unit, she said, “to me, it’s priceless.”

– 2003 July – September Pūpūkahi pp. 3

2004

Besides participating operational contingencies, HIANG Airmen frequently took part in multinational exercises. The 203rdAir Refueling Squadron deployed one aircraft and 10 personnel to Iceland in December 2003 as part of an Air Expeditionary Force rotation where they provided refueling support. The 204th Airlift Squadron deployed to Yokota AB. Japan to participate exercise Volant Shogun in September 2004. They deployed one aircraft and 11 personnel and provided Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) with airlift support.

Members from three of the squadrons of the 201st Combat Communications Group (291st Combat Communications Squadron (291 CBCS), 292 CBCS and 293 CBCS deployed to Korea and Alaska to provided Initial Communication Access Package Unit familiarization training and testing for PACAF. The ICAP provided training for various networking and voice data capabilities. National Guard units from all over the nation fly to Hilo to receive this same training from the 291 CBCS.

Stateside exercises were also on the agenda. In November/December 2003 the 154th Logistics Group participated in the Combat Archer/ Combat Sage deployment to Tyndall AFB, FL. Teamed with an F-18 unit from Canada and an F -16 unit from Wisconsin they successfully accomplished numerous live-fire exercises performing air-to-air missile shoots. Altogether they deployed nine F-15 aircraft and approximately 115 personnel. The 203 ARS provided aerial refueling and troop transport support, while the 204 AS provided heavy lift for war kits and spare engines.

– 2004 Annual Report pp. 13-14

2005

The 154th Wing wrapped up participation in the joint and combined multi-lateral training Exercise Cope Tiger, in Thailand Feb. 4, 2005. The 203rd Air Refueling Squadron deployed one KC-135 as the 203rd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, the 204th Airlift Squadron deployed two C-130s as the 204th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, and the 199th Fighter Squadron deployed eight F-15s as the 199th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron. Additionally, the efforts of three KC-135s from the 203th ARS were used to air refuel the 199th FS F-15s and two C-130s from the 204th AS were used to provide airlift of Wing support equipment and personnel from Hawaii to Thailand and back. The exercise is designed to improve interoperability between allied forces while sharpening air combat skills and promoting closer relations between the United States, Thailand and Singapore.

– 2005 Annual Report pp. 15-17

2006

Hilo-based unit takes of over medical evacuation mission on Oahu In early 2006, State officials announced that the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters and crews from Company B, 1st Battalion, 168th Aviation, would temporarily take on Oahu’s aeromedical transportation mission from the 25th Infantry Division (Light). The 25th ID had provided medical evacuation services from rural communities, transporting severely injured patients to trauma centers in urban Honolulu for three decades. However, the aviation unit had to end its Med-Evac flights by April 1, 2006, due to its training requirements for an impending deployment to Iraq. The Hilo-based aviation unit was able to take on the aero-medical transportation mission by moving five of its UH-60s from Hilo to Wheeler Army Airfield and mobilizing unit members under State Active Duty.

– 2006 Annual Report pp. 5-7

The very next month, the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear or High-Yield Explosive-Enhanced Response Force Package participated in a joint exercise called COYOTE CRISIS involving, the Federal Emergency Management Agency Region IX, local civilians and military teams. During the exercise, the teams practiced working together to respond to large scale emergencies and disasters. The 154th Medical Group, which makes up most of the CERF-P, worked with the California Army National Guard to decontaminate, triage, and treat 200 patients in three members of our 204th Airlift Squadron used one of Hawaii’s own C-17 Globemaster III aircraft to evacuate 29 patients. The mission provided the medical and airlift personnel with hands on training of air evacuation procedures.

– 2006 Annual Report pp. 14-16

2007

In November, 1st Squadron, 299th Cavalry Soldiers, trained Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force soldiers during Exercise RISING WARRIOR IV.

In December, Soldiers from the 29th Infantry BCT traveled to Japan for three weeks to participate in a Joint Chief of Staff Exercise YAMA SAKURA with the Japanese military. Troop Command-based Soldiers traveled to Fort Lewis, Wash., to support the mission stateside. Yama Sakura, a computer simulated command post exercise, is designed to strengthen military operations and ties between the U.S. Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.

HIARNG Soldiers also participated in Exercise COBRA GOLD 2007 in Thailand, Exercise TIGER BALM 2007 in Singapore, Exercise GARUDA SHIELD 2007 in Indonesia, and Exercise ULCHI FOCUS LENS 2006 in Fort Lewis, Wash.

– 2007 Annual Report pp. 11-13

Fourteen deployments occurred during the past year. Of particular note is the wing’s tremendous organic capability in moving its own combat power and personnel as demonstrated during Exercise COPE TIGER ‘07 in Thailand. Ten F-15s, two KC-135s, two C-17s and 250 personnel deployed over a three-week period in this multilateral exercise involving three countries (U.S., Thailand and Singapore) and three services (U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps).

The 154th Security Forces Squadron, the wing’s “Road Warriors,” participated in five of these deployments throughout the year to Kirkuk, Kyrgyzstan and other locations.

The 154th Medical Group’s annual training event to Robert C. Byrd Training Center, in West Virginia, provided the hazardous materials training and certification of the medical component of the CERF-P mission, as well as fulfilling many of the recurring medical training requirements. The training culminated with a mass casualty exercise incorporating the local West Virginia Youth Challenge Cadets as simulated casualties.

– 2007 Annual Report pp. 16

Deployed one enlisted forecaster to Thailand to serve as the joint Metoc (meteorological and oceanographic) officer for Exercise COPE TIGER with the 199th Fighter Squadron.

– 2007 Annual Report pp. 18

Hawaii takes on Southwest border mission

Story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Stephen M. Lum
117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

More than 180 Soldiers from the Hawaii Army National Guard’s 29th Brigade Special Troops Battalion spent annual training on the Southwest Border of Arizona supporting Operation JUMP START in May. The Battalion conducted surveillance and countermobility operations to disrupt and prevent illegal border crossings.

Special Troops Soldiers Task Force Tucson entry identification teams (EIT) performed surveillance missions while Task Force Diamondback engineers built roads and fences. The National Guard’s presence frees up U.S. Border Patrol personnel to concentrate on their law enforcement mission.

The new battalion, commanded by Lt. Col. Moses Kaoiwi Jr., is composed of former separate elements of the 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. The units are Headquarters and Headquarter Company (military police, medical, administrative and logistic personnel), Company A (227th Engineers), Company B (229th Military Intelligence) and Company C, the new signal unit.

Engineers work on again

More than 60 engineers from Company A cut new roads, rebuilt fences and improved the drainage in the Tucson sector’s border towns of Nogales and Sierra Vista.

“The roads being cut through the rolling small mountain range well improve access for the border personnel,” said Capt. Auredith T. Tumpap, the Co. A commander, “while the 20-foot pipe walls being erected will replace some of the older aircraft landing ramp walls. Our Hawaii Air Guard engineers were part of a team erecting the Yuma fence line last fall.”

“The mission has given the veterans an opportunity to share their expertise, especially in heavy equipment operation and welding to our newer Soldiers,” said Sgt. 1st Class Ian S. Ross, a member of the unit when it was an engineering battalion more than 30 years ago. “We’re not new to this mission either. We’ve done similar work twice on the Mexican border, south of San Diego, Calif., the last time in 2000.”

Mission differs from Iraqi

‘Most of the battalion Soldiers were divided into 10 EITs supporting Task Force Tucson,” said Kaoiwi. “After two days of briefings and a paintball exercise, the Soldiers were more than ready to go on with the mission. Our observation posts were on clearlyvisible locations on hilltops facing the border. The 24-hour mission uses binoculars and infrared sensors to detect undocumented aliens (UDA) during the day or at night.”

“During one of our construction missions, we spotted a dozen UDAs trying to cross the border,” said Tumpap. “We called in a report while they backtracked into Mexican half of the split city of Nogales.”

“This mission has provided an opportunity for our new battalion to test our mobilization operation in a real world mission,” said Kaoiwi.

– 2007 April – June Pūpūkahi pp. 1 & 8

2008

Throughout the year, the 29th IBCT has been receiving new equipment and new equipment training for items such as vehicles, weapon systems and support systems. During January 2008, Brigade personnel have supported clean up efforts on the island of Maui. Completion of pre-deployment training requirements and preparing soldiers and families become priority for inactive duty training and annual training periods. . .

The Soldiers from 29th IBCT and 103rd Troop Command staffs continued to participate in joint and combined command exercises to hone their skills and to foster partnerships with staffs from different nations.

• In July 2007, they travelled to Singapore and trained with members of the Singapore military during Exercise TIGER BALM.
• In September 2007, the IBCT staff participated in a Brigade Warfighter Exercise conducted at Schofield Barracks.
• In December, Soldiers from the 29th Infantry BCT traveled to Japan for three weeks to participate in a Joint Chief of Staff Exercise YAMA SAKURA with the Japanese military. Troop Command Soldiers traveled to Fort Lewis, Wash., to replicate a brigade combat team as part of the 40th Infantry Div. Exercise YAMA SAKURA is a computer simulated command post exercise designed to strengthen military operations and ties between the U.S. Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.
• In March 2008, the Hawaii Army Guard Soldiers travelled to Indonesia to participate with members of the Indonesian military in Exercise GARUDA SHIELD.
• HIARNG Soldiers also participated in Exercise COBRA GOLD in Thailand, Exercise TIGER BALM in Singapore and Exercise GARUDA SHIELD in Indonesia.
• The Hawaii National Guard deployed 65 Soldiers and Airmen in response to an “emergency request for assistance” in Reno, Nev. The large-scale earthquake disaster response Exercise VIGILANT GUARD was held in June. Soldiers came from Joint Forces Headquarters – Hawaii, Deputy Chief of Staff for Information Management, 103rd Troop Command staff, 230th Engineer Co. and 297th Firefighting Team. Airmen came from the 154th Wing, 154th Medical Group and the 293rd Combat Communications Squadron.

– 2008 Annual Report pp. 10-12

The Hawaii Air National Guard continued to serve the residents of Hawaii as well as the United States at large in Fiscal Year 2008, by supporting civil authorities at home and U.S. military commanders and allies overseas.

Wing deployments and exercises included the 199th Fighter Squadron sending F-15 Eagle aircraft and pilots and maintenance personnel to Australia for an exercise with the Australian Air Force.

The 203rd Air Refueling Squadron supported three separate Air Expeditionary Force (AEF) rotations with its KC-135 tanker aircraft, going to Germany, Guam and Ecuador. The AEF is the U.S. Air Force’s construct to support various contingency operations around the word. Typically, Air National Guard units would expect to deploy for one AEF rotation every few years. To deploy aircraft and personnel for three AEFs in a single year is far above and beyond the call of duty. . .

The 154th Wing also supported U.S. Air Force missions by sending 154th Security Forces Squadron and 154th Civil Engineer Squadron airmen to Korea and Japan, respectively, for exercises. The 154th Medical Group organized three Medical Innovative Readiness Training (MIRT) opportunities during the year. MIRTs were conducted in partnership with the Department of Health and visiting Guard and reserve medical units from the mainland. The medical personnel provided free health screenings, physicals and eye and dental exams for school children and homeless veterans along the Waianae Coast, Kalaeloa and Kahuku. . .

Finally, the Medical Group also participated in Exercise VIGILANT GUARD in Nevada. The airmen are part of the CERF-P which has three missions: capability to locate and extract victims from a contaminated environment, perform mass casualty/patient decontamination, and medical triage and treatment.

– 2008 Annual Report pp. 16-17

The 293rd CBCS also provided NGCE (National Guard Communications Equipment) support to Vigilant Guard 08 in Reno, Nev. and sent personnel to Arizona in support of Operation Jump Start, the National Guard operation supporting civil authorities along the U.S. Mexico border.

– 2008 Annual Report pp. 18

2009

Key training events continue to keep the JFHQ staff postured to take on the threat of All-Hazards. No other exercise sets the conditions for the challenges of a disaster like that of Hawaii’s marquee annual “Makani Pahili” hurricane exercise traditionally held before the beginning of each hurricane season in May. This exercise serves as the standard for Joint-Interagency collaboration facilitating a dynamic exchange of operational activity that fosters solid partnerships among key stakeholders during a scenario- based disaster. The Category IV hurricane modeled in this exercise serves to stress all facets of the response community. This year the State of Hawaii’s Civil Defense in coordination with FEMA Region IX established a first-ever Joint Field Office (JFO) to replicate the interagency Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) as a means to codify the newly developed Catastrophic Hurricane Readiness Response Plan for the State of Hawaii. A critical piece of this effort was the significant role the JFHQs played in receiving and processing Mission Assignments that the Hawaii Guard units would be activated to support. The lessons learned from this exercise enhanced the readiness of both the Joint Staff as well as the HING units that participated. The importance of Makani Pahili and the lessons derived from this exercise played out as Hawaii experienced one of the most busy storm season of recent memory in 2009.

– 2009 Annual Report pp. 5

The 93rd CST also conducted Search and Recovery, assisted FEMA communication teams, and provided support to the Red Cross emergency supply distribution efforts Over 500 Soldiers, state, federal and civil officials participated in a joint CBRNE exercise event on Kauai, spearheaded by the 93rd CST on Sept. 17, 2009. The scenarios took place aboard an Norwegian Cruise Line ship at the Nawiliwili Harbor, Wilcox Memorial Hospital, and the Pacific Missile Range Facility. During the State’s first Kaimalu O Hawaii (protected waters of Hawaii) maritime exercise, the 93rd demonstrated their maritime response capabilities to a CBRNE event in the Honolulu Harbor in collaboration with more than 20 local, state, and federal first response agencies and DoD units.

The 93rd CST deployed to Aloha Stadium on Feb. 8, 2009 to provide Special Security Event (SSE) support to the Honolulu Police Department and Unified Command in preparation for future Pro Bowls. The 93rd CST conducted pre-game CBRN Survey of Aloha Stadium, it’s parking lot, personnel and vehicles entering Aloha Stadium and obtained air samples in the vicinity of the field and seating area. The samples were analyzed on site in the EMS mobile laboratory in conjunction with CST analytical support. No significant readings were found for the duration of the event.

The 93rd deployed to Salt Lake City, Utah (above) via a C-5 Galaxy aircraft to conduct interoperability training with the Utah, Colorado and Guam Civil Support Teams as well as local fire, police, EMS and FBI. The 93rd is trained and prepared to conduct CBRNE operations under the most extreme conditions as shown by the four inches of snow during the joint Urban Search and Rescue mission in Salt Lake City.

The 93rd CST in collaboration with Norwegian Cruise Line conducted a disaster exercise to integrate joint operations with over 500 participants on Kauai.

– 2009 Annual Report pp. 6

The 103rd Troop Command’s mobilization activity was in high gear as two units redeployed and other units prepared to deploy for the second time. The Soldiers from the Hawaii Guard also participate in joint and combined command exercises to hone their skills and to foster partnerships with staffs from different nations.

In December 2008, Soldiers from the 103rd Troop Command traveled to Japan for Exercise YAMA SAKURA (Japanese for mountain cherry blossom), an annual, joint/bilateral computer simulated command post exercise that is designed to strengthen military operations and ties between the U.S. military and the Japan Ground Self-­Defense Force.

In January 2009, 30 Soldiers from 230th Engineer Co. supported joint engineering civil assistance mission in Thailand for Exercise COBRA GOLD, a regularly-scheduled joint/ combined exercise U.S. – Thai military exercises designed to ensure regional peace and strengthen the ability of the Royal Thai Armed Forces to defend Thailand or respond to regional contingencies. The Hawaii engineers worked with 19 Royal Thai Marine engineers to build classrooms and bridges. The engineers have since been preparing for a second deployment to Afghanistan in 2010.

In July, Soldiers travelled to Singapore for Exercise TIGER BALM, a regularly scheduled command post exercise involving the U.S. and Singapore, which involves a scenario that begins as a high intensity battle and as the scenario progresses, it transitions to a stability and reconstructive operation.

– 2009 Annual Report pp. 10-11

The 154th Medical Group organized three Medical Innovative Readiness Training (MIRT) opportunities during the year. The MIRTs were conducted in partnership with the State Department of Health and visiting Guard and reserve units from the mainland. Medical personnel provide free health screenings, physicals and eye and dental exams for school children and low-income residents in Waimanalo, the leeward coast and in Kahuku. The August 2008 MIRT in Kahuku helped set the stage for a large-scale community-based disaster exercise at Kahuku Hospital as part of the annual Makani Pahili drill in June 2009. The exercise, involving hundreds of Hawaii National Guard troops, State and county first-responders as well as community volunteers, was the largest ever disaster drill conducted for a North Shore community. . .

– 2009 Annual Report pp. 17

Aviators train in Texas

Story and photos by Pfc. James M. Wilton, 117th MPAD

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Hawaii Army National Guard’s Bravo Company, 777th Aviation Support Battalion, traveled to Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD), in May, for the most advanced level of hands on training available in their field.

The 777th’s mission is to provide corps and intermediate level aviation maintenance support for the HIARNG’s helicopters. “CCAD is the next level up of that maintenance support chain. CCAD provides complete breakdown, repair, assembly and maintenance of the Army’s entire helicopter force,” said Chief Warrant Officer Russell Bishop, Bravo’s production control officer.

“Can you answer this question,” Bishop asked his Soldiers. “Right now, today, am I capable of doing my job to the fullest extent, giving the unit I am supporting a fully mission capable aircraft? I hope the answer is yes, if it isn’t then this will be the beginning of your journey to become technically proficient.”

The two weeks the 777th spent in Texas included hands-on instruction conducted of the factory floor. Each Soldier was teamed with a CCAD employee and placed in the shop area that corresponded to their military occupation specialty (MOS). Once there, the Soldier began work as a regular employee involved in every part of the process being performed at that station. The training program was designed to provide the Soldier with a self-driven learning environment, one that allowed each participant to discover every facet of the apparatus he is working on. “You get out, what you put into the program, if you are willing to learn then the instructors are here to teach and will help you to accomplish your goals,” said Mitchell R. Holmes, CCAD’s Reserve Training Components training coordinator.

“I was able to come in on the front end of tearing a UH-60 Black Hawk down completely and I have been able to touch everything in the aircraft, even things that when we were in school, had already been torn down by the instructors and or were just training aids or model representations,” said Pfc. Thomas P Spellman II, a Co. B Black Hawk helicopter repair technician.

On average, about 50 Soldiers attend each CCAD training mission which allows the coordinator to place them in an area that matches their particular area of expertise without over whelming the factory floor with uniformed personnel. Some of the Soldier’s training is split into one week of hands-on training and one week of classroom instruction. “We try to provide the Soldiers with every opportunity available to improve their skills and know ledge including our onsite schoolhouse,” said Holmes.

“Attending this training gave us a certain confidence level. So when we go back to our unit and work on the aircraft, we know what to be looking for and how the machine looks both inside and out. We can take that confidence and transfer it into our job and then it is transferred to those we are working around and the entire mission becomes better because of it,” said Spellman.

Annual Training is an opportunity for drillstatus Soldiers to spend an extended amount of time with their fellow service members, both on the job and off. “We are able to share this experience with each other and get to know people that I only see for two days a month. Now I am here with them for two weeks, and I am learning who they truly are, learning about their families and really seeing them as person,” said Spellman.

A Soldier proficient in his field, with the ability to adapt and learn, taking the initiative and not waiting for someone else to tell him/her what to do next, this is the Army’s new objective for training its Soldiers. Taking the chance on advanced training options like the 777th did at CCAD, is one way for a unit to achieve this goal.

– 2009 April – September Pūpūkahi pp. 9-17