Department of Defense

In December 2001, an additional 150 members of the 154th Wing were mobilized to provide air-refueling services for Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Tankers from the 203rd Air Refueling Squadron refueled U.S. bombers and transports on their way to missions in Afghanistan and elsewhere within Central Command’s area of responsibility (CENTCOM AOR).

In March 2002, 23 members of the Hawaii Air Guard’s 291st Combat Communications Squadron, based in Hilo, were mobilized for Operation Enduring Freedom. Members of the unit were deployed to two locations under the command of U.S. Central Command for six months or longer tours of duty.

In May 2002, 39 members of the 154th Security Forces Squadron, HIANG, were placed on active duty in support of OEF. Those personnel were forward deployed to several locations within CENTCOM AOR.

In total, more than 900 members of the Hawaii Army and Air National Guard personnel were placed on active duty for Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and NOBLE EAGLE. Approximately 600 were from the Air Guard.

– 2001 Annual Report pp. 13-14

Command Notes

We’ve recently passed the six-month anniversary of the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks – more than six months of protecting Hawaii’s airports, airspace and critical infrastructure.

Proactive protection

I want to say thank you to the soldiers and airmen of the Hawaii National Guard and the men and women of State Civil Defense who have been working hard to protect Hawaii since Sept. 11th. I know I’ve said that before in previous columns, but I cannot say it enough. Just in the last several months, we’ve completed vulnerability assessments of critical civilian facilities in Hawaii to ensure that we can protect those assets. We also were on hand at Aloha Stadium during the Pro Bowl game, to assist authorities with security. On Mar. 12th, Tom Ridge, the nation’s Homeland Security Director, unveiled a new color-coded security implementation plan for civilian first responders, law enforcement and government officials. That color-coded matrix, now used nationally, had its genesis here in Hawaii, at State Civil Defense. So we have been assisting with security issues in some rather profound ways as well as some on a smaller scale – but all contributions are important. You don’t have to be on the frontlines of Afghanistan, firing at an Al Qaeda trained terrorist, to be making a valuable contribution. For instance, on Mar. 6th, I was privileged to have flown with a flight crew from the 203rd Air Refueling Squadron, as they refueled an Air Force B52 on its way to within striking distance of Afghanistan. I can assure you that you will not find a better trained, more professional tanker crew in the nation. But it’s not just the flight crews who are doing a great job. It’s the men and women on the flightline, the airman in the supply chain, the soldier cutting the orders, the planner at Civil Defense. Everybody wants to contribute to the total effort, and everybody counts. We are a great nation, because we have the freedom to pursue great things and to worship or not worship as we see fit. We have that freedom because we have safety and security. We have that safety and security because of you.

– 2002 January – March Pūpūkahi pp. 2

Combat Communications, Security Forces, support Enduring Freedom

By Maj. Charles J. Anthony and Tech. Sgt. Darlene Foote

Airmen from the Hawaii Air National Guard have been deploying overseas as part of the war against terrorism.

In March, 23 members of the 291st Combat Communications Squadron, based in Hilo, and in May, 39 personnel from the 154th Security Forces Squadron, based at Hickam Air Force Base, were called to active-duty as part of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Members of those units have been forward deployed or are in the process of being deployed to various undisclosed locations within Central Command’s area of responsibility.

Before Sept. 11th, Tech. Sgt. Dawn Marie Tafaoa, was a drill-status member of the 154th Security Forces Squadron and a full-time Honolulu Police Department Officer, working in the Pearl City District. Now she will be providing security for U.S. military personnel as part of the war against terrorism. “I’m a little nervous. I really don’t know what to expect as this is my first wartime mobilization,” said Tafaoa. Before deploying for Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, many members of the security forces squadron were supplementing active-duty forces at Hickam AFB as part of Operation NOBLE EAGLE (Homeland Defense). Previous 154th Security Forces Squadron deployments include time at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, as part of Operation NORTHERN WATCH (Northern no-fly zone of lraq).

Master Sgt. James Patao and Tech. Sgt. Jimmy Kuwahara, both from the Hilo unit, are currently providing radio communication for the 40th Air Expeditionary Wing and 60th Air Expeditionary Group command and control. This includes repairing and maintaining radios, pagers, land mobile radios and IBtra High Frequency (UHF) air-to-ground systems.

“We must ensure reliable communications exist so aircrews, maintainers and those loading the bombs can coordinate efforts efficiently,” said Patao. “I’m proud and happy to contribute to the effort to rid the world of terrorist aggression … the things that we do today will make the world better for our children tomorrow.”

Tech. Sgt. Nan Proctor, was working full-time as a data processing analyst at Hilo Medical Center, when she received the call to active-duty. The 291st airman is now at another undisclosed location working in communications operations. “I feel it’s an honor to be selected and support the mission, the HIANGand the U.S. Air Force,” said Proctor.

– 2002 April – June Pūpūkahi pp. 1

Vincent’s ENDURING FREDOM closeup

By MaJ. Charles J. Anthony

Col. Edwin “Skip”Vmcent, 154th Support Group commander, 154th Wing, has come face-to-face with capturedAl Qaeda detainees and has seen the best the U.S. military has to offer.

For three months Vincent served as the principle advisor to the Joint Task Force Southwest Asia and the Combined Forces Air Component commander for all matters concerning the force employment, health, morale, welfare and compensation of the reserve forces in Central Command’s area of responsibility.

During that three-month period, Vincent estimates he met almost 3000 Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve personnel in the Middle East.

“Operation ENDURING FREEDOM is the most successful Total Force partnership that I have experienced in my 28 year career,” said Vincent. “It didn’t make any difference to anyone whether the individual was active duty, Guard or Reserve. There are a lot of heroes out there. I’ve never been around so many professional, dedicated young men and women. But these airmen serving in the war against terrorism in and around Afghanistan are just like the young men and women I see walking around the HIANG.”

Much of what Vincent experienced and some areas that he visited remain close hold, but it can be revealed that he went inside the Al Qaeda detainee camp in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

“Contrary to some news reports, the detainees are being treated very well,” said Vincent.

He also sent a few souvenirs from Hawaii to Al Qaeda terrorists. While on board a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, Vincent placed some golf balls autographed by HIANG members into several 2,000-pound bombs. Presumably those autographed golf balls fell on Al Qaeda targets along with the 2,000-pound laser-guided ordnance. “I thought it would be pretty cool to have a little something from Hawaii to send a message,” said Vincent.

– 2002 April – June Pūpūkahi pp. 3

Hawaii Guard forces returning from active duty missions

By Maj. Charles J. Anthony

Nearly all of the 154th Security Forces Squadron airmen, who deployed in the spring to an undisclosed location in Central Command’s theater of operations, have returned home. Although these traditional Hawaii Air National Guard members are back in Hawaii, they will remain on active-duty, working for Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) until May 2003.

Staff Sgt. Damian Loo was working as a Kauai County police officer when he was called to active duty shortly after the Sept. 11 attacks. He was then sent to “the desert” to help protect U.S. military forces. “The most interesting part of the deployment was that we knew there was a threat to our perimeter. We were constantly being watched,” said Loo. However, Loo says that in the location he was stationed at “it didn’t feel too hostile”

Senior Airman Levana McMillian, another HIANG member sent to the desert agrees. “The people are more westernized and friendly than I thought they’d be,” said McMillian. “We had a little more freedom of movement than U.S. forces further down range.”

McMillian will also remain on active duty until May of next year. She plans to finish her associates degree in nursing at Kapiolani Community College after being released from active duty.

McMillian and Loo are two of thirty-nine 154th Security Forces Squadron personnel who deployed overseas as part of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. At press time, the HIANG members continue to. serve in “the desert”. Operational security restrictions prevent the Hawaii National Guard from revealing forward deployed unit locations.

– 2002 July – September Pūpūkahi pp. 1

Chinook unit in Iraq

By 1st Lt. Jeffrey D. Hickman and Master Sgt. Stephen M. Lum

More than 200 Hawaii Army National Guard soldiers from Company C, 193rd Aviation, departed in March for a one-year deployment to Iraq in direct support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.

The CH-47D Chinook heavy lift helicopter company joins its sister unit, Company B, 193rd Aviation (Afghanistan), in the Central Command theatre.

“Charlie 193rd completed more than two months of grueling seven-days-a-week training in preparation of this mission,” said Capt. Joseph C. Laurel, company commander. “In addition to the medical and logistical requirements, the unit logged long hours on the weapons qualification ranges and convoy training.”

Unit guidon bearer, Spc. Dwayne Torres, a refueler from Waipahu, is excited to go. “They may send us to Iraq, but they will never be able to take us away from Hawaii,” said Torres. “Home will always be with us.” Torres is a political science major at the University of Hawaii and a third-year ROTC cadet. The advice Torres would like to pass on to anyone going through deployment exercises: “Keep an open mind, stay focused, and the time will fly faster.” And Charlie Company, a helicopter unit, will fly.

Iraq mission possible

Spc. Gene Muller, a full-time Guard member, kept his wife, Stacy, informed about the possibility of being deployed. “For months, he kept saying they might go, so when it finally happened, it wasn’t that big of a surprise. We were expecting it,” said Stacy.

Flexibility keeps head cool

One of the lessons that can be learned from this deployment is the “Big F’ – Flexibility. Within the last month of deployment preparations, changes occurred daily. The instability was hard for the families because events were planned and time-off scheduled, but it was for the good of the unit. The last thing anyone would want is for the soldiers to be unprepared once incountry. What everyone wants is for all the members to come home safely.

Deployment day comes

On March 18, Co. C joined the 411th Engineer Battalion from the U.S. Army Reserve (also going to Iraq), and more than 2,000 other Schofield troops poised to deploy to Afghanistan in a deployment ceremony. The event started out windy and rainy, but by the time Maj. Gen. Eric T. Olson, 25th Infantry Division (Light) commander, inspected the troops in his HUMVEE, the sun was shining bright.

Governor Lingle gives personal aloha

Gov. Linda Lingle, the ceremony’s keynote speaker, walked across the parade field at the conclusion of the ceremony to personally address the members of Co. C, 193rd Aviation. She first apologized for missing them in the field during their convoy exercises a week prior. “I went to Iraq, and I was surrounded by security. You soldiers will be providing that security. It is a major responsibility,” Lingle added. ”You will share the spirit of Aloha with the people of Iraq. Not the tourist version of Aloha … but the ‘helping a neighbor in trouble’ type of aloha.” The Governor ended her talk with a message that everyone not deploying on the parade field was thinking: I want every one of you to return. Everyday you are gone is a day too long. I am very proud of you.” Two days later, the soldiers from Co. C, 193rd Aviation, said good-bye to their families and friends at their unit headquarters at Wheeler Army Airfield, Wahiawa.

Bravo Forward 2 deploys to Afghanistan

The second rotation of soldiers from Company B, 193rd Aviation (Forward 2), left for Afghanistan after a quiet farewell with their families and friends at the Wheeler facility during the first week of May. The 60 soldiers are led by Maj. Roger T. Pukahi and 1st Sgt. David C. Wallace.

Bravo Forward 1 returns from Afghanistan

Fifty-eight soldiers from Co. B, 193rd Aviation (Forward 1), returned from Afghanistan after a year in “the sandbox” to a ceremony at the Wheeler facility in May. (More about their deployment in the next issue).

– 2003 October – 2004 March Pūpūkahi pp. 1 & 4

Command Notes

The global war on terrorism has challenged our military resources like no other time since World War II. The 25th Infantry Division (Light), from Schofield Barracks, has soldiers in Iraq and will soon have thousands more in Afghanistan. Virtually every active duty combat arms unit has spent at least one tour of duty in Central Command’s area of responsibility. My counterpart in Idaho, Maj. Gen. John Kane, recently told me that the only Army Guard unit that has remained intact in that state for service is the band. Here in Hawaii, we sent off another 60 soldiers from Company B, 193rd Aviation, to Afghanistan and nearly 200 soldiers from Company C, 193rd Aviation, are in Iraq for a year of duty. Although the U.S.-led Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq has held firm on a June 30 deadline to turn over control to the Iraqis, U.S. military forces will be needed to maintain stability there for some time . Do all of these indications mean that the 29th Separate Infantry Brigade will be called to active duty? We don’t know what the future will bring, but it would be prudent to prepare for a possible deployment.

I had the privilege to visit our first group of aviation soldiers in Kandahar, Afghanistan, around Christmas time to see their living and working conditions. I can tell you that the living conditions are spartan, but livable, and the Army is taking good care of our soldiers. They did a magnificent job keeping the 10th Mountain Division helicopters flying so that our forces can continue anti-terrorism efforts in Afghanistan and I’m sure the Bravo Forward 2 will do the same.

I am also very proud of the soldiers from Company C, 193rd Aviation. They were mobilized in early January and worked very long hours in preparation for their deployment to Iraq. I know it has not been easy, especially since those soldiers had little time to spend with their families, but I’d rather send soldiers into Iraq who are over prepared rather than underprepared.

I want to mention that there were four airmen from the 154th Wing, Hawaii Air National Guard, currently in Iraq. They are working logistics issues for the U.S. military there.

We wish all of our soldiers and airmen who are heading to Southwest Asia the very best and we will keep all of them in our thoughts and prayers until they return home safely. I also want to assure their families that we will do everything we can to take care of our own. If the family of one of our deployed soldiers or airmen needs assistance, they should not hesitate to contact our Family Support Group at 732-1823.

– 2003 October – 2004 March Pūpūkahi pp. 2

On Oct. 17, 2002, the HIARNG’s 25th Infantry Division (Light) Detachment-Rear Operations Center (D-ROC) came off a one-year activation as part of Operation NOBLE EAGLE. The D-ROC supported the 25th ID (L) at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

In June 2003, personnel of Company B, 193rd Aviation, was mobilized for up to 18 months to provide aviation maintenance support to elements of the 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan.

– 2003 Annual Report pp. 9-10

Members of the 291st Combat Communications Squadron, 292nd Combat Communications Squadron and 293rd Combat Communications Squadron deployed to several locations in Southwest Asia for Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. The HIANG airmen helped lay communications cable, establish short-range radio and set up secure satellite and internet connections. Locations where these airmen deployed remain undisclosed to the public.

– 2003 Annual Report pp. 14-15

Hawaii Guard’s direct support in war on terrorism

Army Guard unit to-deploy as Air Guard personnel return

By Spc. Benjamin T. Donde and Maj. Charles J. Anthony

Both Hawaii Army and Air National Guard personnel are on the move, as the Guard continues to make positive contributions to the war on terrorism. In early July, more than 50 soldiers from Company B, 193rd Aviation began gearing up for deployment to an undisclosed location in Afghanistan, for Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. The Hawaii Army National Guard soldiers will provide, helicopter maintenance for U.S. Army forces fighting Taliban and Al Qaeda holdouts in the mountainous country.

Aviation maintenance to deploy

The deployment is expected to last for an extended period, meaning the soldiers will probably be away from home for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Sgt. Gregory Lum Ho Jr., a structural repair technician, has deployed to several different locations during his eleven years with the Hawai Army Guard. The Big Island resident and his wife are spearheading the family support group for the neighbor island soldiers deploying. “The families are the ones with the hardest job, worrying about what’s going on with us,” said Lum Ho.

Air Guard units return home

While the HIARNG was preparing its soldiers for departure, the HIANG was welcoming home its airmen who had deployed earlier for Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Members of the 297th Air Traffic Control Squadron (ATCS), Hawaii Air National Guard, based at Kalaeloa (formerly Barbers Point NAS) returned home in late June after supporting missions related to the Iraqi war campaign. Twenty-four unit members departed Hickam Air Force Base on March 8, and served on active duty at an undisclosed location within U.S. Central Command’s Area of Responsibility. The Hawaii National Guard is not authorized to disclose the location where unit members deployed to due to host nation agreement. The mission of the 297th is to provide air traffic control and radar approach control for U.S. military aircraft. During Operation IRAQI FREEDOM the Hawaii Guard airmen were responsible for more than 3,000 bomber take-offs and landings.

“We were running pretty much steady ops, the entire time we were over there,” according to Master Sgt. John Murakami, an air traffic controller. “We were handling all flight operations at that airfield.”

Unit member Senior Airman William “Mika” Chang was selected as Airman of the Month among the entire 40th Air Expeditionary Wing. The 40th was the parent organization for nearly all B-1, B-2 and B-52 air strikes during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.

Fourteen members of the 292nd Combat Communications Squadron and other units of the 201st Combat Communications Group also deployed in March to several undisclosed locations, for Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. At press time, most of those airmen had returned home.

– 2003 April – June Pūpūkahi pp. 1

Deployments

As we go to print, another Hawaii National Guard unit is getting ready to deployB Company, 193rd Aviation (see related story on page one). I know that these Hawaii Army National Guard soldiers will do their jobs well and will do us proud while in Afghanistan. All of our thoughts and prayers go with them and we look forward to their safe return.

– 2003 April – June Pūpūkahi pp. 2

Aviation maintenance Afghanistan mission on track

By Spc. Geoffrey Glbayan

The sky explodes in rich hues of pink and orange as dawn breaks over an empty expanse of sand. A dust devil races across the flightline, a testament to the desert’s harsh environment. In the distance, the spire of a mosque looms over a city of tents like many soldiers, I never thought I would wake in Afghanistan.

Even though we conduct aircraft maintenance, there are daily reminder of the fact that we are in a very active combat zone. No matter what direction you look, there are bunkers dug into the dusty earth. The hanger in which we work, in is scarred with gaping bullet holes. Our rifles are never far from us, and the rounds always ready. The constant beating of rotors in the night sky makes sleep difficult. We never know when the rocket will slam into our camp.

Why we are here

There is not a single day that passes in which our mission is not clear. Helicopters provide fire power and support to sustain operations in the theater. Most importantly, helicopters bring our troops home. Army Aviation is a lifeline to service members beyond the security of the fence that encompasses our camp. Due to the limited resources in the area, every helicopter must be maintained to the highest standard. This is why aircraft maintenance plays such an integral role to the success of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

Security dictates not putting all eggs in one basket

Maintenance can be difficult at times. We do not have the luxury of being close to our support facilities (the close proximity would be a security issue). We continually find ourselves waiting for parts. Though we may not have work in a particular shop, the pace does not slow. lt is not uncommon to find an engine mechanic assisting in the powertrain shop. Without this teamwork, some shops would be inundated with a mountain of work orders.

Frontline deployment missions don’t stop for weekends, holidays

As is with any deployment, daily stress is compounded by the separation from friends and family. We will miss birthdays, anniversaries and many holidays days. Though it is hard being so far away, we have found a way to cope. All of the soldiers are learning to depend on each other for more that just the mission at hand. We help each other maintain our sanity. When it comes to morale, no one is overlooked or ever left behind. A simple gesture, like a quick chat, does wonders for some. The bond that is being formed between soldiers: will last long after our camp bas been covered by the shifting sands of time.

Most places are within walking distance

The post size is scaled to the space required to Perform the mission in a secured area. Most of the commuting is done on foot. A mile may not seem far Except when the midday sun-beats down on you.
To make matters even worse, there is continually dust in the air that chokes, every breath. Conducting physical training is equally difficult under these conditions. Thankfully, there is a gym open 24 hours.

Keeping your sanity

The Army has done an extraordinary job of providing amenities to ease the yearning of home. There is a tent solely dedicated for communication to those we have left behind. The Internet connection may be slow, but soldiers can read their emails nightly if they want to. The Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) tent has a pool table, ping pong tables, foosball table, some video game systems television for current events and a big screen television that soldiers can watch movies on. Though it may seem minuscule, any opportunity to escape the reality of the situation is wholeheartedly embraced.

Local products available to purchase

Weekly, there is an opportunity to go to the local bazaar. It is a breath of fresh air to go beyond the wire in a controlled setting, To see the expressions of those peddling their wares is quite fulfilling. A few dollars may not mean much to the soldiers, but to the locals,” it can feed their families for days. You
can find a plethora of goods ranging from antique bayonets to the latest in digital entertainment. Many of the items are attached to stories of a war-torn country, There are foreign monies for sale that attest to the generations of instability of the area. Many goods are off limits and cannot be taken home.

We’re proud to be serving our country

Though we must endure hardships by being so far from-our homes, we all realize that our presence in Afghanistan is necessary. By providing support to Army aviation, we are helping to ensure the success of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. One consolation of being in this desert is seeing America’s flag flying proudly over the country that hasn’t seen freedom for awhile. United, we will not fail.

– 2003 July – September Pūpūkahi pp. 4

Sixty soldiers from Company B, 193rd Aviation deployed to Afghanistan in April 2004 to replace an earlier rotation of soldiers who deployed in 2003. Tue Bravo Company soldiers have been providing helicopter maintenance to the 10th Mountain and 25th Infantry Divisions in Afghanistan. An “Operation Ohana” welcome home ceremony was held for retuning soldiers at Wheeler Army Airfield in May, just one of the ways in which the State of Hawaii recognized the contributions of its citizen-soldiers.

– 2004 Annual Report pp. 5-6

Hawaii Air National Guard personnel participated in numerous deployments all over the globe in support of the War on Terrorism.

In the fall of 2003 one member of the 154th Aircraft Control Squadron deployed to Afghanistan to serve as the alternate battle commander for air control operations at Kandahar air Base.

ln May 2004 the 154th Services Flight deployed a nine-person team for 90 days to Al Udeid AB, Qatair to provide support for Operation Enduring Freedom. The airmen spent their time in Qatar providing food. lodging, fitness and recreation services to the men and women at Al Udeid. When not deployed, the services flight provided these same services to Hickam AFB while filling in for deployed active duty members.

Two members of the 154th Mission Support Flight joined the Services Flight members for 30 days at Al Udeid, in June 2004, to provide the base additional personnel assistance.

– 2004 Annual Report pp. 13-14

Brig. Gen. Vern T. Miyagi’s troop message

Aloha to all:

Quite frequently, people come up to me and, seeing my uniform, say thanks for what I am doing in the war against terrorism. I am proud to wear the uniform, however, I don’t deserve this appreciation. My response is that the recognition must go to the thousands of men and women who are already deployed, or are preparing, for deployment. To our deployed and deploying soldiers and their families – thanks for what you do!

Deployments, mobilizations

The Hawaii Army National Guard is fully engaged in both Operation ENDURING FREEDOM (Afghanistan) and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM (Iraq). This past July, our Co. B (Intermediate Aviation Maintenance), 193rd Aviation (Forward 1, 60 soldiers) led by Maj. Margaret Rains and 1st Sgt. James Bailie were welcomed home and honored in a formal ceremony at their armory. Presently, there are 60 Co. B, 193rd (Forward 2) soldiers in Afghanistan, led by Maj. Roger Pukahi and 1st Sgt. David Wallace and 200 Co. C (Heavy Lift), 193rd Aviation soldiers in Iraq, led by Capt. Joe Laurel and 1st Sgt. John Gollero Jr. Both units are doing outstanding jobs. In August, the soldiers of the 29th Enhanced Separate Brigade, led by Brig. Gen. Joseph Chaves and Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Inouye were mobilized for duty in Iraq. The 29th was redesignated as the 29th Combat Team. This will be the largest call-up of the Mawaii Army Guard in the history of the state. Soldiers in the 298th Engineer Detachment and the 117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment have also been alerted for mobilization.

Soldiers, families

There are a few things that I need to emphasize to our soldiers and their families. First, our soldiers are being mobilized, trained, and deployed as units. There will be some cross-leveling required as most units are not up to 100 percent of their required personnel strength, however, our soldiers will arrive in theater with basically the same teams that they have trained with and comrades that they know. In the 1968 29th Brigade call-up, mobilized soldiers were individually levied as replacements to active component units -already deployed to Vietnam. The 29th Brigade did not go to Vietnam as a unit.

It’s our time

Second, it is Hawaii’s turn. Thirteen of the 15 Army National Guard Enhanced Separate Brigades have already been mobilized for operations in Iraq. Other states have had more than 80 percent of their soldiers mobilized and other Army Guard soldiers are already on their second deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan. As one of the later deploying units, the 29th will benefit from the lessons learned by the many units and personnel that have served before us.

Third, as opinion polls reflect declining support for the war and movies, such as Fahrenheit 911, question our presence in Iraq, I ask that we understand the basic reason we are going there. It is to provide security support to the legally formed interim government of Iraq so that they have time to organize, hold free elections, and establish a strong democratic government subject to the rule of law.

Take care each other

Finally, I ask all of our soldiers to focus on their mission, become experts in their specialties, take care of their teammates, support their leadership, and most of all, come back safely. There have been many noncombat casualties including vehicle and pedestrian accidents, accidental discharges, and even drowning deaths. Be safe.

To our soldiers and families – thank you for your commitment and service. We are so proud of you.

– 2004 April – September Pūpūkahi pp. 2

In April, Hawaii said goodbye to two more units — the 117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment and the 298th Engineer Detachment deployed for one year tours in Afghanistan. At its peak in 2005, five out of every six soldiers in the Hawaii Army National Guard were on active duty.

– 2005 Annual Report pp. 5-6

Command Notes

We’ve had the opportunity to welcome back our hometown heroes who’ve completed their, one-year rotations as part of the Global War on Terrorism. C Company, 193rd Aviation spent a year in Balad, Iraq flying vital missions in their CH-47 Chinook helicopters while B Company, 193rd Aviation soldiers completed their stint in Kandahar, Afghanistan keeping helicopters fit for flying. Both units have made us exceptionally proud and the U.S. Army knows what the Hawaii Army National Guard is capable of doing. In April, after the units marched in the Merrie Monarch Parade through downtown Hilo, we held a Freedom Salute ceremony at the Hawaii Army National Guard’s Aviation Support Facility # 2 for our neighbor isle soldiers. Mayor Harry Kim gave a stirring speech and several hundred family members and well wishers were on hand to show their support for the returning heroes. Each soldier being honored was presented with an American flag, a coin and other keepsake items as tokens of appreciation for their service. The following day, we bid “Aloha Oe” to “Task Force Pacific” at Schofield Barracks. The 117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment and the 298th Engineer Detachment, two units that fall under the 103rd Troop Command, joined other soldiers from Alaska and Guam, for a send off ceremony before they deployed to Afghanistan. They are expected back around April of 2006.

Currently four out of every five Hawaii Army National Guard soldiers are serving on activeduty, but the Hawaii Air Guard is making important contributions to the Global War on Terrorism as well. Members of the 297th Air Traffic Control Squadron, based at Kalaeloa, just returned from a rotation as air traffic controllers in Mosul, Iraq. Once again, members of the HING showed that they are among the best trained soldiers and Airmen in the entire U.S. military. Two of the unit members even volunteered for a second rotation and are currently serving at Baghdad International Airport.

The past few months have been among the busiest in Hawaii National Guard history, yet we have met the challenge and continue to stand ready to defend our state and nation. Thank you all for your sacrifices and for all your hard work.

– 2005 June Pūpūkahi pp. 2

Bronze Stars awarded to aviation soldiers

Accomplishing the “mission” and returning back safely was always first and foremost in the minds of Hawaii Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officers Daniel Chang and Russell Bishop. The Company B, 193rd Aviation (Forward 1), soldiers received Bronze Stars for their service in Afghanistan from 2003 to 2004.

Under the guidance of CW3 Chang, the aircraft production control officer in charge (OIC) and company executive officer (XO), and CW2 Bishop, the aircraft maintenance and service shops platoon leader, the Hawaii based intermediate aviation maintenance (AVIM) unit was operational within 48 hours of arriving at Kandahar Air Base.

As production control OIC, CW3 Chang assigned the AVIM and pass back Aviation Unit Maintenance (AVUM) work to the appropriate shop and phase team areas. His keen ability to prioritize and delegate the maintenance tasks resulted in less time spent on management and more time spent on maintenance. Chang also developed a maintenance task flow plan that resulted in a nine month projected aircraft phase completion for nine AH-64 Apache, six UH-60 Blackhawks, and ten CH-4 7 Chinook helicopters. He served as liaison for a smooth transition to support the twenty-five-man contractor team. He also made an exclusive contractor work hours plan used to project a management work cycle by the commander and to forecast the company training schedule events such as, annual weapons qualification, common training task (CTT), driver training, and provides for R&R trips to Qatar for soldiers.

CW3 Chang served as the Supply Support Activity (SSA) accountable officer for three months until the supply system technician arrived. He served as chief trainer to two SSA civilian contractors to ensure they continued the program of a consolidated PLL (phases-locked loop) effort as directed by Task Force Eagle. Chang was the driving force to ensure a DODAAC (Department of Defense Activity Address Code) was initiated to provide a common denominator for future units to use, to prevent interruptions of parts requisition and receipt. He continuously tracked aircraft status and critical parts needed to return aircraft to flight.

Chang orchestrated and developed a tactical standard operating procedure (SOP) for deployment. This SOP ensured smooth uninterrupted AVIM operations during the unit’s transfer of authority to the second half of Bravo soldiers continuing the mission. Uninterrupted AVIM support is critical to keep the momentum moving to fight the war against terrorism.

Working in concert with CW3 Chang, CW2 Bishop utilized his outstanding skills as a supervisor, and his knowledge of logistics and maintenance to maintain a high OPTEMPO Aircraft Maintenance program in support of Task Force Eagle. CW2 Bishop’s three maintenance teams provided maintenance support for CH47D, AH-64, and UH-60 aircraft. CW2 Bishop orchestrated the Operational Readiness Float of two AH-64 aircraft from the Idaho Army National Guard into the AVIM at Kandahar and established a direct liaison with the Attack Helicopter unit to enhance aircraft availability to support combat operations.

Bishop provided the workflow, attitude, and momentum needed to sustain the demanding maintenance support required by Task Force Eagle. The logistics tracking program he established and maintained for the unit and his streamlined version of the Army Oil Analysis Program (AOAP) at Kandahar, which provided quicker response time for helicopter component oil analysis results, are examples of the initiatives he took to ensure mission support.

In addition to his streamlining initiatives, Bishop expedited a cost effective purchase of Stanley Vidmar Cabinets for the Supply-Support Activity (SSA). The initial cost of cabinets was $140,000. His extra effort and in-depth research in maximizing available space and minimizing quantity needed, lowered the total cost of cabinets to approximately $84,000. He then secured Task Force Warrior board approval for the purchase of the Vidmar Cabinets for the technical supply enhancement operation project.

Bishop’s superior performance on working critical parts issues for ALQ-144s, ALQ156s, and High Frequency Radios ensured the assets were available to maintain a high Fully Mission Capable (FMC) rate. He improved the overall maintenance by researching and ordering special tools and equipment to support the AVIM operations.

Bishop’s knowledge of the ULLS-G and ULLS-A computer systems enhanced the overall logistical operations of this unit. He was instrumental in establishing the ULLSA system and a SOP to improve the unit’s bench stock operations.

The initiative shown by Chief Warrant Officers Daniel Chang and Russell Bishop enabled Bravo Company to maintain the maintenance support requirements in support of Task Force Eagle during all combat operations. Their extraordinary performance in increasing efficiency during their tenure and making the transition easier for those that followed during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM IV clearly demonstrated the duty, professionalism, and mission focus of these exemplary soldiers.

– 2005 June Pūpūkahi pp. 8

204th Airlift Squadron’s mission in the Middle East: First-person account of Combat Missions

By Master Sgt. Eric Daldo, 204 AS

More and more Hawaii Air National Guard Airmen are finding themselves deploying-in support of Operation lraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Members of the 204th Airlift Squadron and I have been taking part in these operations.

The 204 AS is currently converting from the C-130 to the new C-17. Because of the conversion, the unit is split between Aircrew members still flying the C-130 and other aircrew members flying the C-17.

As part of the conversion training, members have been flying missions with the active duty.

Tech. Sgt. Lester Hirano and I, both newly qualified C-17 loadmasters and former C-130 crew members. spent three weeks with the 62nd Airlift Wing flying missions in and out of Iraq The missions were long and tiresome but it gave us a really good training platform.

The highlight of the mission was a surprise visit to Egypt where the crew received a day off and toured Cairo and the pyramids. Climbing on the pyramids and seeing the Sphinx in person was awesome. We really lucked out by being able to take the short break and experience riding camels and climbing pyramids.

Hirano, a city building inspector, and I a state firefighter, flew a total of six combat sorties in Iraq. It was the first time in my flying career that I was running the combat entry checklist and putting on my body armor for real. It was a bit unnerving but falling back on my training. I was confident in my actions.

We were proud to serve our country and represent Hawaii in the Middle East. !t gave us appreciation of what life I like in the desert and what so many of our fellow National Guard members are going through in various area throughout the Middle East. The deployment makes you feel that you are a part of something much larger. We were helping with the war effort and not JUSt watching it from the sidelines. We were able to go in country and put to use all that we learned during our training.

Other 204 AS members continue t fly in and out of Iraq and Afghanistan to train as well as to support the war on terrorism.

Our 204 AS has a rich history of representing the HIANG and the U. S. Air Force around the world. lts future wiU be different, but just as important, as the active duty and Guard work together to successfully meet any and all missions that arrive with the C-17 Globemaster.

The first of the eight aircraft w are scheduled to receive is due to arrive at Hickam Air Force Base in early 2006

– 2005 July – September Pūpūkahi pp. 3

Security Forces: securing assets in the desert

By 1st Lt. Regina Berry

Thirteen 154th Wing members voluntarily deployed Jul. 13 to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan to support the Global War on Terrorism by providing flightline security and protection for Air Force personnel and assets.

For eight of the airmen, this will be their first deployment to the desert.

The other five have been there before but not to Afghanistan. “As with each deployment you got to adjust to your surroundings ” said Master Sergeant William Makaneole III, 455th Expeditionary Security Force Squadron, operations superintendent. ” And since this is everyone’s first time being deployed to Afghanistan it’s no different.”

Our biggest challenges here are the obvious, Improvied Explosive Devices and land mines …. hundreds of them are still being found, and that’s just on base, said Makaneole who deployed previously to Dhahran and Prince Sultan Air Base.

“We also get involved in one off base security stuff like the Adopt A Village program, where we provide security as member of the Air Base here hand out donated items to the local school and village elders,’ said Makaneole.

Since the Global War on Terrorism has begun, the integration of active duty. reserve and guard has continued to reinforce the Total Force Policy. Makaneole and his crew are experiencing this firsthand a members of the 455 ESFS.

The Hawaii Air Guardsmen are completely integrated with the active duty Air Force. “A the operations superintendent I think I’m lucky to have these guys working for me during this six month rotation, I’m refering to both the active duty and my guard guys. It makes my job a whole lot easier. ‘

– 2005 July – September Pūpūkahi pp. 3

Girl Scouts send cookies and aloha to the troops

By James Young

With six lines of volunteers working feverishly while the Little League Baseball Championship game was being shown on television, volunteers from the Family Readiness Groups (FRG) and about 50 Girl Scouts and their leaders packed 423 U.S. Postal flat rate boxes.

Each box contained seven boxes of donated cookies and letters from Girl Scouts across Hawaii. In a little over two hours, 2,951 boxes of cookies were ready for shipment to the deployed units in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan.

The Girl Scouts, through Operation Girl Scout Cookies, sold an estimated 7,000 boxes of cookies for Hawaii’s deployed troops.

“This is the third year that Girl Scouts have shipped out cookies to troops stationed overseas,” said Tammy Yamanoha, Girl Scout director of communications.

“This is a joint effort by both the Girl Scouts who provided the cookies and the Hawaii National Guard and Family Readiness Group who are paying the postage, an estimated $3,000,” said Capt. K. Mark Takai, Hawaii Army National Guard.

– 2005 July – September Pūpūkahi pp. 5

Company B (AVIM), 193rd Aviation (Forward 2) Freedom Salute

By James Young and 1st Lt. Reginca Berry

Soldiers and family members of Bravo Company, 193rd Aviation Regiment were publicly honored Jul. 9 at the Pearl City High School auditorium during a freedom Salute Ceremony recognizing their participation in Operation Enduring freedom

The Freedom salut Ceremony is one of the largest Army national Guard recognition endeavors in history. It is designed to publicly acknowledge Army guard soldiers, who have supported Operation Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. lt also recognizes family members and employer who have supported the soldiers during ONE, OEF, and OlF

At the ceremony the soldiers were presented with an American Flag in a wooden display case a special commemorative coin. a “Defender of freedom” certificate and a set of lapel pins for the soldier and spouse The lapel pins, which represent the soldier’s selfless service and the spouse tremendous support are presented during a special pinning ceremony, where the soldier and spouse are able to pin the lapel pins on one another.

May 2004, the Bravo Company 193rdAviation Regiment was joined by Army Guardsmen from Arizona, California and our own Charlie Company, 25th Aviation forming the Forward 2 The Forward 2 deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan under the command of the 25th Infantry Division (Light) providing invaluable aviation maintenance for the UH-60 Blackhawk, CH-4 7 Chinook, AH-64 Apache. and OH-58 Kiowa helicopters as part of Task Force Diamond Head.

While deployed, they processed over 4,700 work orders which resulted in an additional 27,000 flying hours. This is the highest amount of work orders and additional flying hours by any unit that has been deployed. They also participated in five Downed Aircraft Recovery Team (DART) missions.

All soldier of Forward 2 returned home safely in Apr. 2005.

– 2005 July – September Pūpūkahi pp. 6

Public affairs, engineers redeploy In April 2006, units from the 103rd Troop Command returned from a yearlong Afghanistan deployment in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. The 117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment and the 298th Engineer Detachment, along with the Guam Army National Guard’s 1224th Engineer Detachment, were mobilized as part of Task Force Pacific.

The 18-member 117th unit provided public affairs support based out of five locations. More than 100 articles were written (published and posted on the web), 27,000 digital images shot, and 2,000 hours of video production (shooting, editing or satellite transmission). Additional missions included numerous planning, presenting and/or coverage of numerous ceremonies and memorial services, briefings, and media accreditation/ escorting.

The 53-member engineer unit completed more than 90 vertical and horizontal engineering projects supporting Regional Command-South, based in Kandahar. In addition to building base infrastructure at eight locations in and outside the wire, they were instrumental in the construction of the 117-kilometer (72-plus miles) Tarin Kowt Road. The 298th road crew operated equipment and trained personnel. They helped complete the construction of more than 43 miles of the road (including cutting through a mountainous pass) in four months.

– 2006 Annual Report pp. 5-7

Command Notes

We recently passed the fifth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of 9-11 and the fifth anniversary of the start of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan (Oct. 7, 2001). So much has happened in these last five years that would have been impossible to predict before 9-11. Since 2001, more than 3,300 Hawaii National Guard soldiers and Airmen have performed at least one Title 10 tour of active duty. About nine out of ten Hawaii Army National Guard soldiers have served in a combat zone. Currently, several dozen Hawaii Air National Guardsmen from the 201st Combat Communications Group are serving in Iraq and other countries within Central Command’s Area of Responsibility. This “long war” or Global War On Terrorism has already surpassed the total length of time of our nation’s involvement in World War II.

Why has it taken so long and why will it continue on for the foreseeable future? There are no easy answers but our efforts will need to continue long after Osama bin Laden has been captured or killed. We are not engaged in a conventional war like WWII where several countries on one side were pitted against several other nations on another side. We are, of course, engaged in a fight to protect our homeland from another terrorist strike, but we are also engaged in a battle of ideologies. We are fighting to protect the Muslim world from plunging into a dark abyss that also threatens to destabilize modern, progressive democracies. Wars of ideologies can be long in duration. The Cold War against the Soviet Union and its satellite states lasted for an entire generation-virtually from the end of World War II until the fall of the Berlin Wall and the breakup of the Soviet Union. One can predict that the Global War on Terrorism will also last a long time, although exactly when we can declare victory is anyone’s guess.

What does all this mean for members of the Hawaii National Guard? Looking into the future I know we are part of the vanguard that helps to keep relative stability throughout the world in the same way that the previous generations of veterans helped to protect our county and our allies against the threats of fascism and communism. I can also predict with 100 percent certainty that we will ultimately prevail against this latest threat. That’s because we are part of the best trained, best equipped, most highly motivated military force on the planet and we are on the side of freedom. Those on the side ofrepression-those who try to control what people believe and think-never win. You can be extremely proud of your service to Hawaii and our nation.

One mission that will never end is our commitment to protect the lives and property of Hawaii’s residents. Too many people won’t think about a natural disaster until its right on top of them. We cannot afford to ever let our guard down when it come to performing our state mission because our friends and neighbors are depending on us. Whether it’s fighting brush fires on Maui, preparing for an improvised nuclear device like we did during our August exercise or helping to stabilize a hillside or clear out blocked drainage culverts after torrential rains like we did this past spring, we must always be ready. Too much depends on it.

– 2006 July – September Pūpūkahi pp. 2

Wing supports Air Expeditionary Forces in Turkey

By 1st Lt. Regina Berry, HING PA

More than one hundred 154th Wing members wrapped up a month long deployment May 4 to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey supporting the Global War on Terrorism.

The Airmen, aircrew members and maintenance personnel, prepared and supported air refueling missions for aircraft flying in and out of the Middle East as the 385th Air Expeditionary Group’s 90th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron.

The HIANG members and four of their KC-135 Stratotankers successfully completed 86 sorties and off loaded over 6.1 million pounds of fuel creating a constant air bridge for cargo aircraft to move in and out of combat areas during the deployment.

“Flying out oflncirlik greatly enhances our capability to off load fuel in minimum time to where it is needed,” said Lt. Col. Michael Akiona, 90th EARS commander. “Our mission allows for optimal delivery of critical, time sensitive supplies to the frontline warfighter.”

Although the Airmen refueled a variety of aircraft the majority were C-17s and C-5s.

“Besides allowing the receiver cargo aircraft to get to their destination, the air refueling allows them (C-17s/C-5s) to spend minimum ground time at high threat airfields,” said Akiona.

Incirlik has one of the Air Force’s largest C-17 cargo hub operations in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM delivering supplies such as add-on armor, tires, engines and more to U.S. Forces in theater

– 2006 July – September Pūpūkahi pp. 4

Contingency support mission: C-17 combat sorties

By Lt. Col. Milt Davis and Capt. Paul Theriot

At the end of August two blended aircrews (Active Duty and Hawaii Air National Guard) deployed to Diego Garcia, a staging base in the Indian Ocean, where they flew several missions into Afghanistan. This was a significant event because it was the first time Hawaii crews deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM flying Hawaii’s new C-17 Globemaster aircraft. The Hawaii contingent was part of a larger effort that included two C-5 Galaxy’s from Kelly Air Force Base, Texas and two other C-17s from McGuire AFB, New Jersey, so it was truly a national Total Force effort.

Enroute to the staging base, the Hawaii C-17 and crews passed through Australia and picked up part of the Australian force that was being moved from their home station to Afghanistan. The Australians were contributing troops and equipment to the Afghanistan multi-national force called ISAF (International Security Assistance Force). On this flight, the Hawaii crews transported a CH-47 Chinook helicopter and crew.

Two days after departing Hickam, the C-17 crews arrived in Diego Garcia where they began flying missions in and out of Afghanistan. The flight routes took them just west of Indian airspace and through Pakistani airspace. Even though the crews only flew one mission a day into Afghanistan, each mission was almost 24 hours long, including 13 hours in the air and multiple sorties in the Afghanistan combat zone.

The overall flow of cargo began with the Texas C-5s moving cargo out of Australia and into Diego Garcia. As soon as a cargo load was ready to move out of Diego Garcia, a Hickam C-17 crew was alerted to fly the mission.

Another unique part of this mission was that the airfield the Hawaii crews were flying into was not made of concrete like most C-17 landing strips are. The runway was carved out of the harsh Afghanistan landscape and made exclusively of dirt and rocks.

The dirt field operations, or SPRO (Semi Prepared Runway Operations), was a real learning experience. Our active duty counterparts had already flown into similar dirt strips in the C-17, but this was a first for the Guard crewmembers and a great learning experience! We can now take that knowledge back to our unit and prepare for flying into the dirt ourselves.

Aircrew involved during these operations were active duty: Maj. Landon Henderson, Capt. Paul Theriot, Capt. Brian Hinken, Capt. Corey Akiyama, 1st Lt. Sean Huss, Staff Sgt. Andre Stollenwerck, Staff Sgt. Allen Culbreth and Airman 1st Class Myles Taylor and Hawaii Air Guard: Lt. Col. Milton Davis, Senior Master Sgt. Darren Morris, Master Sgt. Todd Knight and Tech. Sgt. Kimo McKee.

– 2006 July – September Pūpūkahi pp. 4

Freedom Salute celebrates deployed troops return

By Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Lum,
117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

In July, the latest group of returning Hawaii Army National Guard combat veterans were recognized at the National Guard Freedom Salute ceremony held at the 103’d Troop Command headquarters in Pearl City, Hawaii.

Soldiers from the 298th Engineer Detachment, 117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment and three individual augmentees were presented certificates, coins, flags and other keepsakes in thanks for serving our nation in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.

The soldiers’ families, family support coordinators and employers were also recognized and presented with pins, certificates or statuettes for their support and sacrifice during the year long deployment.

More than 70 engineering and public affairs soldiers return from Afghanistan in April. Major accomplishments of the engineers included completion of the 250-kilometer Tarin Kowt Road and building the infrastructure of forward operating bases in Kandahar, Oruzgan and Zabul Province.

The MPAD soldiers were spread in numerous Afghan provinces. They operated from bases in Kabul, Bagram, Kandahar, Heart and Salerno. They provided a gambit of public affairs support, to include news acquisition and release; media accreditation, planning and escorting; briefing military, government and civic leaders; live satellite video transmissions.

Hawaii Army Guard Chief of Staff Col. Gary Hara and Lt. Col. Robert Kauhane worked for the MultiNational Force-Iraq. Hara served as the chief of the Reserve Corps division, while Kauhane, the Hawaii Guard’s new G3 (Plan, Operations and Training Officer), worked in the future operation section. Lt. Col. Walter Cheshire was employed with the embedded training teams in Ramadi, Iraq

Lieutenant Gov. James “Duke” Aiona lead a list of speakers, presenters and guests. Major Gen. Robert G.F. Lee (the adjutant general), Maj. Gen. Darryl Wong (Hawaii Air Guard commander), Brig. Gen. Joseph Chaves (Hawaii Army Guard and 29th Infantry Brigade commander), Maj. Gen. Vern Miyagi (Mobilization Assistant to the Commander, U.S. Pacific Command) lead the list Hawaii Guard’s distinguished military attendees.

– 2006 July – September Pūpūkahi pp. 5

Engineers bring Aloha to Afghanistan

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

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Fifty-three Hawaii National Guard Soldiers from the 298th Engineer Detachment made a difference in Regional Command-South during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM VI. The vertical and horizontal engineers deployed to Afghanistan last April and completed more than 90 projects in eight locations.

Marching orders evolve

The 298th was initially attached to and got their assignments through the lead engineering element in RC-South, the 864th Engineer Combat (Heavy) Battalion (Task Force Pacemakers). In the first month, the Hawaii engineers completed more than a dozen assignments on Kandahar Airfield without organic tools and equipment, which were still on milvans (military van) making their way up through Pakistan.

”The vast knowledge and experience of the Soldiers enable the 298th to know which selective tools and equipment to scrounge for the variety of projects requested,” said Staff Sgt. Julie-Ann Lo, the full time administration sergeant from Nanakuli, Hawaii. “Through much improvising and without sacrificing standards or safety, the unit was able to complete projects for the Vicenza, Italy based 1 73rd Airborne Brigade (Combined Task Force Bayonet) units, 864th out of Fort Lewis, Wash., military police, British and KAF base operations.” The first month’s construction projects included setting up detainee holding cages; building a balcony with stairs, awning, rails and benches; repairing walls and trim for offices; building 10 coffins; building numerous desks and shelves; installing electrical panduits; and put up concertina wire fences. The heavy equipment operators used borrowed equipment to cut, grade, roll and or backfill a motor pool, camp ground, mobility ramp and an entry control point.

In May, the vertical sections, which include carpenter/ masons, electricians and plumbers, were officially attached to CTF Bayonet, while the horizontal remained with TF Pacemaker. The command-operations section continued to report and coordinate missions with both task forces and, the supply and maintenance sections quietly performed the routine mission without skipping a beat.

Going outside-the-wire increased risk

In addition to KAF, missions started to move outside the wire to small, barely built forward operating bases and road projects not even half complete. “Our crews were a blend of Soldiers who are journeymen trades’ workers in their civilian jobs, those who have their basic military specialty school training and 11 Inactive Ready Reserve augmentees,” said Sgt. Kirk K. Halemano, the Hawaii unit’s full time training NCO from Kalihi, Hawaii. “Job requirements lead to cross training and mentoring of carpentry, electrical and heavy equipment operation skills.”

“Prior to moving to missions in Oruzgan and Zabul Province, as well as Kandahar,” said Sgt. 1st Class Sonny Patoc, the 298th’s first shirt from Aiea, Hawaii, “the unit built an observation deck for rotary wing force, refurbished office interior, built more desks, and leveled and rolled area for a motor pool. We also started prefabricating guard shacks, showers and latrines that would be trucked to various foreword operating bases (FOB) and to Kandahar City, and an on-going project of converted 15 milvan’s into kitchens, bathrooms, and offices.”

The 298th sent the first of three vertical teams out and established operating and living quarters for the barren FOB Wolverine. Within two weeks, the team assembled a shower stall, toilet stalls, tactical operations center tent, dining facility tent, first aid tent, morale welfare recreation tent, 24 Tier-1 tents, and motor pool office with deck and shelves. The electricians set up the generator power distribution, and hooked up power, lighting and air conditioning units to all the newly constructed facilities. The team also encountered rocket attacks from the insurgents while performing their missions out at Wolverine.

“With planning, coordination and prefabrication, most of the missions lasted an average of two weeks,” said Sgt. Joel B. Ballestros, a carpenter from Waianae, Hawaii. “Some projects came with plans and blueprints, while many were visions and wish lists which took a bit of planning on our part. Our only regret is we were never really challenged with what we consider a big project like a school or a hospital.”

– 2006 July – September Pūpūkahi pp. 5

The year began and ended with a high operational tempo. More of the Hawaii Army National Guard personnel and units were mobilized in support of the global war on terrorism for Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan and for Operation IRAQI FREEDOM in Iraq and Kuwait.

After returning from deployment in support of OIF III and OEF VI, the Hawaii Army Guard was challenged with the reorganization/transformation of the Brigade to a unit of action or modular combat force and the reorganization of most of the Troop Command units. Despite the transformation, the Hawaii Soldiers continued to participate in deployments, exercises and community-service projects.

More than 65 infantry Soldiers, mostly from Troop C, 1st Sqdrn., 299th Cav., augmented Arizona’s 1st Bn., 158th Infantry, OEF Afghanistan mission beginning in April.

Also, in September, more than 15 Soldiers were mobilized for OEF to form an Embedded Training Team to train and mentor the Afghan National Army and Police. The team is scheduled to return in Fall 2008.

– 2007 Annual Report pp. 11-13

The 201st Group sent over 70 personnel in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM to forward operating bases in Iraq, Afghanistan, Qatar and Kuwait. Members from every unit within the 201st sent volunteers for the four-month Air Expeditionary Force rotations in Southwest Asia. This was the first time a Combat Communications Group sent this many volunteers to support any one Air Expeditionary Force. Normally, an Air National Guard Group will send 30- 35 volunteers staying for approximately 60-day rotations.

– 2007 Annual Report pp. 17

This year, more Hawaii Army National Guard units and personnel were mobilized in support of the global war on terrorism (GWOT) for Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan and for Operation IRAQI FREEDOM in Iraq and Kuwait. The 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team began preparation for its second mobilization and deployment, in support of the GWOT, in four years while select Brigade Soldiers deployed for missions in Afghanistan and the Philippines.

More than 65 infantry Soldiers, mostly from Troop C, 1st Squadron., 299th Cavalry, volunteers augmented Arizona’s 1st Bn., 158th Infantry, OEF Afghanistan mission from March 2007 to March 2008. The Soldiers tasks were training Afghan National Security Forces, providing security for Provincial Reconstruction Teams and providing Soldiers for Bagram Air Base’s quick reaction force. In addition to training and security missions, they also provided humanitarian and medical aid.

The Hawaii Soldiers combined to participate in more than 1,000 mounted and dismounted fighting missions. Sixty of the Soldiers received either the Combat Infantry Badge or Combat Action Badge for being under fire and engaging the enemy in combat. One Soldier received a Purple Heart for injuries sustained when his vehicle was hit by a rocket propelled grenade.

Nine Hawaii Soldiers assigned to Bagram’s QRF participated in the rescue of three U.S. Senators (John Kerry, Joseph Biden, and Chuck Hagel) from a downed helicopter in the Afghanistan mountains. The aircraft was forced to land due to blizzard-like conditions, and Hawaii and Arizona Soldiers were dispatched to escort the Senators back to base, while a team stayed overnight to secure the helicopter.

More than 15 Soldiers were mobilized for OEF to form an Embedded Training Team to train and mentor the Afghan National Army and Police. Most of the team is returning in Fall 2008. . .

– 2008 Annual Report pp. 10-12

297th Air Traffic Control Squadron personnel continued to support AEF requirements with personnel deploying to both Iraq and Afghanistan. Nearly 300 ATCS airmen have supported operations in Iraq and Afghanistan multiple times since Sept. 11, 2001.

– 2008 Annual Report pp. 18

This past year, most Hawaii Army National Guard personnel joined the ranks of Soldiers with multiple deployments. Some Soldiers served on their third and fourth rotation in support of the global war on terrorism (GWOT) for Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan and the Philippines and for Operation IRAQI FREEDOM in Kuwait and Iraq. . .

– 2009 Annual Report pp. 10-11

Soldiers redeploying

Over the next several months, we will welcome home roughly three hundred soldiers from CENTCOM AOR. The HIARNG soldiers who volunteered for duty in Afghanistan with Arizona’s 1st. Battalion, 158th Infantry have already redeployed after performing their jobs as Afghan National Security Forces trainers in exemplary fashion. Company C, 1st Battalion, 207th Aviation and the soldiers from the 12th Personnel Services Detachment are due back in May and June. Welcome back and a job well done!

– 2007 November – 2008 March Pūpūkahi pp. 2

Guard Soldiers brave Afghan winter in stranded U.S. Senators rescue

By William Cole, Honolulu Advertiser writer
Reprinted from March 10, 2008 article

U.S. Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts was fairly nonchalant about the U.S. military helicopter he was in having to make an emergency landing in a snowstorm in the mountains of Afghanistan.

Two Black Hawks were forced down by bad weather on Feb. 21. Kerry and two other senators, fellow Democrat Joseph Biden of Delaware and Republican Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, had been visiting some forward operating bases.

“We sat up there and traded stories,” The Associated Press reported Kerry joking afterward. “We were going to send Biden out to fight the Taliban with snowballs, but we didn’t have to do it.”

Kerry added that, “Other than getting a little cold, it was fine.”

Easy for him to say.

There’s another side to this story. One that involves 10 Hawai’i National Guard soldiers who helped rescue the trio and spent the next 18 hours shivering in temperatures in the high teens or low 20s securing the temporarily grounded choppers.

Hawaii Soldiers attached to Arizona Guard

The Hawai’i soldiers are attached to the Arizona National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 158th Infantry, and have been in Afghanistan for nearly a year.

About 75 of Hawai’i’s citizen soldiers left for Afghanistan last spring to fill out the more than 600-member Arizona battalion.

Another 16 were sent to work with Afghan National Police. About a half dozen Hawai’i Air National Guard airmen also are deployed to Afghanistan.

Spc. Ian M.Y.H. Yee, 25, who grew up on O’ahu, had just returned to Bagram Airfield from a six-hour driving and foot-patrol mission when he and other soldiers were told to rescue the senators and their aides.

“We had just pulled into our camp and gotten everything off, and we got the word that everything was back on and we had to head back out,” Yee said by phone.

A total of 42 soldiers in the platoon headed out in a convoy of Humvees and trucks.

According to officials here, the other nine from the Hawai’i National Guard who were involved in the rescue were: Spc. Danen L.K. Holi-Kunishige, Spc. Daniel Granger, Staff Sgt. Jon K.K. Miyajima, Pvt. 2 Jerome L. Uyematsu, Spc. Aaron A . Snakenberg, Spc. Vernon K. Tatsuno, Spc. Jefferson Mayo, Spc. Glenn R.A. Ponce and Pfc. Alvin K. Ainoa.

Quick Reaction Force just returning from patrol go back out

It took an hour to an hour and a half to drive the approximately 15 miles to the landing spot.

Afghanistan’s mountain roads are extremely dangerous under the best of circumstances. Shorn up by rock piles on steep hillsides, they are just barely wide enough for Humvees.

To the left is often a sheer rock face, and to the right is often a drop-off.

That danger was compounded by snow and icy road conditions. To top it off, it was dark.

“There were some portions that the snow on the side would come up to the doors on the Humvees,” Yee said.

When they reached the Black Hawks, there wasn’t much in the way of interaction.

“Our primary purpose was to secure the area first, and the senators’ own personal security pushed them towards the trucks so they could hurry up and get out of the cold,” Yee said. “None of us actually got to talk to them. They were whisked away pretty quickly.”

One squad transported the senators back to Bagram. Yee and the rest of the other soldiers wouldn’t be so lucky. They had to watch over the helicopters.

“Nobody really slept because the helicopter crews . . . couldn’t keep the helicopters on to generate heat because of (the possibility of running low on fuel), and we couldn’t bring in any more fuel,” Yee said. “The Humvees (couldn’t run) for the same reason. We didn’t know how long it would take for the weather to clear up.”

Yee said because of the mission they were on, “everyone was pretty anxious” on the way out, and “everyone definitely had a fire under their butt.”

Morales-Frasier base, home away from home

Yee is part of an element that often operates off the base.

For the past seven to eight months, he said, he and other soldiers had been operating out of a base called Morales-Frasier doing clearing operations and trying to counter Taliban influence.

According to an account of the rescue put together by the Arizona battalion, the platoon to which Yee and the others belong has been in more than 100 engagements with enemy forces, primarily in the Tag Ab Valley.

Yee said he is to leave Afghanistan in a few weeks.

– 2007 November – 2008 March Pūpūkahi pp. 4

On virtually any given day, HIANG Airmen and units were deployed throughout the world in support of operational contingencies. 154th Security Forces Squadron teams deployed to Iraq, marking the seventh deployment for the Security Forces since 9-11. One of the unit’s duties while deployed to Baghdad, was to assist in the protection of Air Force One during Pres. Obama’s trip in April 2009.

Flying the C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft, 204th Airlift Squadron flight crews transported personnel and equipment to places including, but not limited to: Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Qatar, the Philippines, Germany, Japan and Korea. The 203rd Air Refueling Squadron’s KC-135 Stratotankers flew to missions in support of U.S. Force objectives to points on the map including, but not limited to: Thailand, Japan, Germany and Korea. More than one hundred 201st Combat Communication Group Airmen deployed to Iraq and several other locations within U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility supporting Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM. These deployments were typically six months in length.

– 2009 Annual Report pp. 17

This past year, more Hawaii Army National Guard units were mobilized for a second time in support of the global war on terrorism (GWOT) for Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan and the Philippines.

Operation ENDURING FREEDOM

The 230th Engineer Company continued their year long deployment to Afghanistan providing vertical engineering support throughout the theater of operations and is postured to return in Winter 2010. The unit completed over 25 major projects and numerous other small projects and repairs. The Hawaii engineers were augmented by Soldiers from the Montana and Delaware Guard and the U..S. Army Reserve’s 411th Engineer Battalion.

One hundred-twenty aviators from the Co. B, 1st Bn., 171th Aviation (CH-47 Chinooks) deployed to Afghanistan in Fall 2010 and are expected to return in mid-2011.

– 2010 Annual Report pp. 11-12

During FY 2010, the men and women of the HIANG performed timely and highly skilled missions on behalf of the U.S. Air Force and provided relief to people in need here at home and around the world. . .

The 169th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron, for the first time implemented the Presidential air defense protection plan in support of a presidential visit to Hawaii, while the 203rd Air Refueling Squadron provided aerial refueling services to support aircraft Shortly after the presidential visit members of the 203rd Air Refueling Squadron and 154th Maintenance Squadron deployed to a publicly undisclosed air base in Central Command’s Area of Responsibility in support of contingency operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The HIANG’s tankers have also deployed multiple times to other points on the map in 2010, including in support of aero-medical evacuation missions from Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan.

The 204th Airlift Squadron was also on the road this year, deploying personnel to Iraq and transporting more than 1200 passengers and 1700 tons of cargo in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Many other HIANG airmen also participated in AEF deployments. The 154th Security Forces Squadron sent several teams to Iraq and Afghanistan, the 154th Communications Flight and 154th Logistics Readiness Squadron deployed personnel to CENTCOM and the 201st Combat Communications Group deployed more than one-hundred airmen on six month rotations to various CENTCOM locations including Iraq and the United Arab Emirates.

– 2010 Annual Report pp. 17-18

This past year, more Hawaii Army National Guard units were mobilized for a second time in support of the global war on terrorism (GWOT) for Operation ENDURING FREEDOM inAfghanistan and the Philippines.

Operation ENDURING FREEDOM

The 230th Engineer Company continued their year long deployment to Afghanistan providing vertical engineering support throughout the theater of operations and is postured to return in Winter 2010. The unit completed over 25 major projects and numerous other small projects and repairs. The Hawaii engineers were augmented by Soldiers from the the Montana and Delaware Guard and the U.S. Army Reserve’s 411th Engineer Battalion. One hundred-twenty aviators from the Co. B, 1st Bn., 171th Aviation (CH-47 Chinooks) deployed to Afghanistan in Fall 2010 and are expected to return in mid-2011.

– 2011 Annual Report pp. 11-12

Last year, Hawaii Army National Guard units were again deployed in support of the global war on terrorism (GWOT) for Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan and the Philippines; as well as numerous exercises in Hawaii and around the world.

Operation ENDURING FREEDOM

One hundred-twenty aviators from the Co. B, 1st Bn., 171th Aviation (CH-47 Chinooks) deployed to Afghanistan return in August 2011. In May 2012, 20 officers and journalist from the 117th Mobile Public Affairs Det. deployed to Afghanistan. The unit went down range in 2005, this time they were in multiple Regional Command South locations. . .

In July 2012, helicopter maintenance Wheeler Army Airfield-based Soldiers from Co. B, 777th Aviation Support Bn., also made a return Afghanistan. Hawaii Guard’s first unit deployed in support of OEF, sent
two teams from 2003 to 2005.

In March 2012, the Brigade Headquarters formed sixteen Security Force Assistance Advisory Teams (SFAAT) to advise and assist Afghan National Security Forces. Comprising of approximately 200 officers and senior enlisted primarily from the 29th IBCT, the SFAAT conducted rigorous pre-mobilization training from March to July and mobilized in end of July 2012. The SFAAT deployed to and conducted postmobilization, before deploying to Afghanistan in November 2012.

– 2012 Annual Report pp. 10

29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team . . . 152 total personnel from all 29th IBCT units deployed in support of the Security Forces Assistance Training mission.

Operation ENDURING FREEDOM Afghanistan July 2012 to August 2013

– 2013 Annual Report pp. 9

103rd Troop Command . . . Numerous units have recently or are currently deployed in direct support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan.

– 2013 Annual Report pp. 10

Beginning in January 2015, the 154th Security Forces Squadron deployed dozens of Airmen to Southwest Asia, including Afghanistan and Qatar to provide base security for U.S. and coalition forces
fighting the Taliban and ISIS terrorists.

– 2015 Annual Report pp. 19

Throughout the year, the 204th Airlift Squadron’s C-17s and flight crews flew multiple missions in support of Operation FREEDOM SENTINEL (the current name for operations in Afghanistan).

– 2015 Annual Report pp. 19

Company B, 777th Aviation Support Battalion deployment ceremony

– 2016 June Pupukahi pp. 4

The 297th Engineer Detachment Fire Fighting Team Deployment Ceremony

– 2017 Fall Pupukahi pp. 8

Sixty Hawaii Army National Guardsmen receive the Combat Action Badge.

HI-DOD PA | Story by Tech. Sgt. Andrew Jackson | Friday, November 22, 2019

Sixty members of the Hawaii Army National Guard recently received the Combat Action Badge (CAB) for their actions during an ongoing deployment in Afghanistan. These Soldiers are members of the 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery Regiment (1-487 FA), also known as the “Hiki No” (Can Do!) Battalion. Although the Hiki No Battalion is a Field Artillery unit, the battalion is deployed to conduct the Counter-Rocket Artillery Mortar (C-RAM) mission which focuses on preventing enemy mortar attacks on fixed positions like bases and airfields. The unit first mobilized in March of 2019 and conducted training for this mission at Fort Sill, Oklahoma for three months prior to deploying overseas to Afghanistan. There are currently about 350 1-487 FA Soldiers deployed to various locations throughout Afghanistan.

Since assuming the mission in July, the battalion has engaged nearly 150 enemy rockets while protecting U.S. and coalition military and civilian personnel and strategic critical assets across Afghanistan. Their efforts have protected millions of dollars of critical assets and have saved countless lives. For their efforts 23 of the assigned Soldiers of the 1-487 FA were awarded the Combat Action Badge (CAB) in early October 2019. The CAB is awarded to those Soldiers personally present and actively engaging or being engaged by the enemy, and performing satisfactorily in accordance with the prescribed rules of engagement.

“The award of the Combat Action Badge signifies that our Soldiers have performed their duties to standard while being engaged by and engaging the enemy,” stated Lt. Col. David Hatcher, 1-487 FA Commander. “It really is testament to their dedication and commitment and their ability to maintain focus on the mission. I am so very proud of all of our Soldiers. Not all of our Soldiers will be awarded the CAB, it is not something automatic. These Soldiers who have been recognized have been tested under fire. The CAB signifies that fact.”

The CAB is awarded to Soldiers who personally engage the enemy, or are engaged by the enemy in combat operations, therefore it is not a ribbon that is only shown while the Soldier is in dress uniform. The Badge is displayed on the uniform above the “U.S. Army” tape immediately after the Soldier receives it and will be worn on every uniform that Soldier wears for the rest of their career.

“I only wish that we could award the CAB to all of our Soldiers, but that is not the case with this badge,” said CSM Norbert Baluyot, Battalion Command Sergeant Major “I am very proud of all of our Soldiers and what they have accomplished together. These Soldiers performed admirably in the presence of danger, and have been battle tested.”

This is a different kind of mission for the Soldiers of the 1-487 FA. They are responsible for the maintenance and operation of the C-RAM systems which are effectively land adapted versions of the U.S. Navy’s Phalanx CIWS radar-controlled rapid-fire gun for close-in protection. The system is used to knock down or obliterate incoming indirect fire from enemy positions off base. It also contains a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) camera to allow a Soldier to visually identify these target threats before engaging the targets. The rounds the C-RAM systems fire explode on impact or after the tracer burns through, greatly reducing the risk of collateral damage from rounds that fail to hit their target.

“Our mission is going well,” said Capt. Joseph M. Ortega, Alpha Battery Commander. “Our Soldiers have become professionals in their new duties as Air Defenders, but we all get a little jealous when we hear our redleg brothers and sisters sending (artillery) rounds down range. They were awarded the CAB for providing defensive fires while being engaged by enemy indirect fire. Today validated their 24/7 dedication to perfection and attention to detail that helps everyone here sleep well at night.”

The battalion is in the fifth month of its nine-month deployment and is expected to return to Hawaii in the spring of 2020. While the mission has been a successful and eventful one, the 1-487 FA soldiers are encouraged by the support they have received from their families and eagerly await their return home.

“To the great people of the State of Hawaii, we take great pride and honor in being able to represent the state and defend our country on your behalf,” said 1LT Joneal Anthony V. Altura – C-RAM Battle Captain.

– 2019 Winter Pupukahi pp. 6

117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment . . . Deployed in support of OEF Afghanistan, March 2012 through
January 2013.

– 2020 Annual Report pp. 12

C-17 aircraft flown by members of the 204th Airlift Squadron were busy performing vital missions around the world. Numerous flights in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM were flown in and around Afghanistan through the Spring and Summer of 2013

– 2020 Annual Report pp. 12

152 personnel from Brigade units deployed in support of the Security Forces Assistance Training mission – Operation ENDURING FREEDOM Afghanistan July 2012 to August 2013

– 2020 Annual Report pp. 12

103rd Troop Command . . . Numerous units have recently or are currently deployed in direct support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan

– 2020 Annual Report pp. 12

Company B, 1st Battalion, 171st Aviation (heavy lift – CH-47 Chinook) . . . Deployed in support of OEF Afghanistan, August 2013 to May 2014.

– 2020 Annual Report pp. 12

1950th Contingency Contracting Team . . . Deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Afghanistan, August 2013 to May 2014.

– 2020 Annual Report pp. 12

Thirty-eight members of the 154th Civil Engineer Squadron deployed to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM from November 2013 to June 2014. The engineers’ primary
responsibility was to help reconfigure base structures as U.S. forces began drawing down from Bagram.

– 2020 Annual Report pp. 12

In addition, 204th Airlift Squadron personnel provided more than 6,600 mandays in direct support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM during FY 2014.

– 2020 Annual Report pp. 12

1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery currently mobilized to various areas of operations throughout Afghanistan, conducting C-RAM protection mission.

– 2020 Annual Report pp. 12

Company B, 1st Battalion 171st Aviation Regiment deployed in support of Operation Freedom Sentinel from Apr. 2018 – Feb. 2019.

– 2020 Annual Report pp. 12

Company B, 1st Battalion, 171st Aviation Regiment deployed ISO Operation Freedom Sentinel from Apr. 2018 – Feb. 2019.

– 2020 Annual Report pp. 12

1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery returned from a yearlong mobilization in support of Operation Freedom Sentinel (OFS) and Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) from various areas of operation throughout Afghanistan and Iraq.

– 2020 Annual Report pp. 12

1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery Regiment . . . During FY20, the 1-487 FA concluded deployment at various areas of operations throughout Afghanistan conducting the CounterRocket Artillery & Mortar (C-RAM) protection mission.

– 2020 Annual Report pp. 12