Community News | Stripes Okinawa

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 attached to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, III Marine Expeditionary Force, takes off from Marine Barracks Gregorio Lim during exercise KAMANDAG 2 at Ternate, Philippines on Oct. 7, 2018. KAMANDAG 2 is an exercise that helps maintain a high level of readiness and enhances combined military-to-military relations and capabilities. (Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Christian J. Lopez)

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MASA 2019 kicks off

Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 19.2, a semiannual U.S.-Philippine military exercise focused on mutual defense, counterterrorism and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, is scheduled to take place in the Philippines from July 15 - 25, 2019.

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Puget Sound MHS plans for a joint medical environment

As the Military Health System transforms, members of the Puget Sound Military Health System are leading the way in integrating care across a joint military environment. Improving the way it handles business planning to optimize health care is the most recent example of collaboration across services.

A sign at Apogama, Okinawa, also known as Mermaid Grotto, warns vistors to conduct "water-related activities at a safer location." AYA ICHIHASHI/STARS AND STRIPES

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Japan Coast Guard rescues another US servicemember swept out to sea on Okinawa

For the second time in a month, a Japanese coast guard helicopter rescued a U.S. servicemember swept to sea Sunday at a popular but often dangerous swimming and diving spot known as Mermaid Grotto.

U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Cameron E. Parks

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USS Wasp and 31st MEU operations during Talisman Sabre

The battle ensign flies aboard the USS Wasp (LHD 1), as ships of Expeditionary Strike Group 7 transit in formation through the Tasman Sea. Wasp, flagship of the Wasp Expeditionary Strike Group, with embarked 31st MEU, is currently participating in Talisman Sabre 2019 off the coast of Northern Australia.

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. D’Angelo Yanez

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Keep Stepping: 12th Marines conducts 10K hike

Marines with Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, participate in a 10 kilometer hike on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, July 12, 2019.

U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Sutton

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Okinawa Vendor Showcase at Kadena AB

In conjunction with the American Consulate General Naha, 18th Contracting Squadron is hosting the Okinawa-First Vendor Showcase July 12, 2019, at Kadena Air Base, Japan.

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124 Years Strong: AAFES Okinawa to celebrate anniversary with special savings

For 124 years, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service has gone where troops have gone to provide goods and services to Warfighters and their families.

Brothers of Sigma Gamma Gamma Graduate Chapter displaying all awards received at the 26th Annual 13th International District Meeting in Atlantic City, New Jersey: Sigma Gamma Gamma Graduate Chapter Adviser John Smith, SGG Basileus Cortez Pree, Eugene Porter and Michael Robinson

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Sigma Gamma Gamma Graduate Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in Okinawa, Japan receives 4th Chapter of the Year Award

The Brothers of Sigma Gamma Gamma Graduate Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. located in Okinawa, Japan were recognized for their outstanding service to the local, district and international communities during the Omega Year from November 1, 2017 – October 31, 2018.

The Dive Medicine and Rescue course is a two-week course, conducted at the Special Forces Underwater Operations School in Key West, Florida, that combines a mixture of nearly 90 hours of classroom, pool and open water training designed to provide the students with a full understanding of the medical issues and responses associated with military water operations. (DoD photo by Derik Crotts)

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Dive Medicine and Rescue course enhances military medical readiness

Readiness is the cornerstone of military effectiveness. It is seen as the main line of effort for the Department of Defense.

An instructor uses a tablet to control the breathing, pulse and noises of a simulated casualty dummy using a tablet during training at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Thursday, July 11, 2019. (CARLOS VAZQUEZ/STARS AND STRIPES)

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Okinawa Marines learn how to save lives on the battlefield using dummies that talk, groan and bleed

Marines in tactical gear moved through a smoke-filled room Thursday, ignoring flashing lights and overwhelming noise to find and treat their wounded comrades.

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Ready-to-eat munchies: Let the commissary cater your next picnic

Summer is the perfect time to lay down those mobile devices, TV remotes and game system controllers and take the family outside for some old fashioned bonding at a perfectly planned picnic.

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Did you know?: Certain kinds of money in certain envelopes for special occasions

According to Japanese tradition, you are supposed to present certain kinds of money in certain envelopes when you attend a wedding, funeral or memorial service.

Retiring United States Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert Neller, left, presents the Marine colors to Gen. David Berger, who became the 38th Commandant of the Corps during a passage of command ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., July 11, 2019. At right is Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Ronald L. Green (EMMA SWISLOW/STARS AND STRIPES)

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Outgoing Marine commandant Neller emphasizes need to prepare for 'very different' conflicts

Gen. David H. Berger became the 38th Commandant of the United States Marine Corps during a passage of command ceremony on Thursday, July 11, 2019. He replaces retiring Gen. Robert Neller.

Minnajima, also known as Croissant Island, is just a 20-minute ferry ride from Okinawa's main island. AYA ICHIHASHI/STARS AND STRIPES

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Okinawa’s Minnajima, or Croissant Island, a quick, satisfying getaway

Hawaii is probably the most iconic and popular vacation destination for people around the world. And yet, I was not surprised to hear that Okinawa welcomed more tourists than Hawaii for the first time in 2017, according to Japan’s Nikkei news service.

Rapper Kid Ink performs during the Camp Foster Festival at the Marine base on Okinawa, Sunday, July 7, 2019. CARLOS VAZQUEZ/STARS AND STRIPES

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Kid Ink, Jason Derulo take their talents to troops in the Pacific

Popular hip-hop artist Kid Ink recently wrapped up a whirlwind Pacific tour, where the “Show Me” and “Main Chick” rapper performed for thousands of troops at bases in Korea and Japan.

USS John S. McCain sailors listen to Adm. John Aquilino, U.S. Pacific Fleet commander, during an awards ceremony aboard the guided-missile destroyer at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, Wednesday, July 10, 2019. WILLIAM MCCANN/U.S. NAVY

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Navy recognizes USS McCain sailors who helped save ship after deadly collision

Fifty USS John S. McCain sailors have been recognized for bravery and damage-control efforts two years after the destroyer’s deadly collision with a commercial vessel near Singapore.