Criteria The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal may be awarded to service members who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievem... The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal may be awarded to service members who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement or meritorious service (but not of sufficient nature to warrant a higher decoration). MoreHide
Comments
End of tour with VP-8 and end of service with the Navy.
Criteria The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 r... The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 required four years of service. MoreHide
Criteria This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who have been assigned, attached, or mobilized to units operating in the area of eligibility for thirty consecutive or for six... This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who have been assigned, attached, or mobilized to units operating in the area of eligibility for thirty consecutive or for sixty non-consecutive days, or who meet the following criteria: Be engaged in combat during an armed engagement, regardless of the time in the area of elibility; Is wounded or injured in the line of duty and requires medical evacuation from the area of eligibility; While participating as a regularly assigned aircrew member flying sorties into, out of, or within the area of eligibility in direct support of military operations. Each day that one or more sorties are flown in accordance with these criteria shall count as one day toward the 30 or 60 day requirement; Personnel who serve in operations and exercises conducted in the area of eligibility are considered for the award as long as the basic time criteria are met. Due to the extensive time period for KDSM eligibility, the non-consecutive service period for eligibility remains cumulative throughout the entire period. The Area of eligibility encompasses all land area of the Republic of Korea, and the continuous water out to 12 nautical miles, and all air spaces above the land and water areas. MoreHide
Description Operation Unified Assistance is the name of the United States military's response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
On 28 December, the first elements of the Combined Support Force (CSF-536) were depOperation Unified Assistance is the name of the United States military's response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
On 28 December, the first elements of the Combined Support Force (CSF-536) were deployed to Utapao, Thailand following that country's approval of the use of that base.
More than 12,600 Department of Defense personnel were involved in the relief effort.
The United States offered assistance from its troops stationed in Japan.
The United States dispatched numerous C-5 Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlifters and ten C-130 Hercules tactical airlifters containing disaster supplies, nine P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft for search and rescue support, and several teams from the Departments of State and Defense to coordinate additional assistance. They are using Utapao Naval Air Base in Thailand as their regional hub. The deployment of the 615th Air Mobility Operations Group from Travis Air Force Base, California, established a tanker airlift control element where personnel assisted with the safe movement of 6,685 passengers, 5,444 cargo tons of relief supplies and medical aid on 817 airlift missions.
Ships
Carrier Strike Group Nine, led by the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, which was in port in Hong Kong, was dispatched to the coast of Sumatra to provide support to the Indonesian province of Aceh. Other ships in the group were the guided-missile cruiser Shiloh; the guided-missile destroyers Shoup and Benfold, and the fast combat support ship Rainier.
Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) Hovercraft from the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) delivering supplies to the citizens of Meulaboh Indonesia during Operation Unified Assistance.
In addition, an Expeditionary Strike Group led by the amphibious assault ship Bonhomme Richard, scheduled for a port call in Guam, was dispatched to render assistance. A total of 48 Navy and Marine Corps helicopters were involved. Each ship could produce around 90,000 US gallons of fresh water per day. Other ships in the group were amphibious transport dock Duluth, the guided-missile destroyer Milius, the dock landing ship Rushmore, the guided-missile frigate Thach, the nuclear-powered submarine Pasadena, guided-missile cruiser Bunker Hill, and the coast guard cutter Munro.
The US Navy also deployed the Mercy, a 1,000-bed hospital ship (initially staffed to support 250 patient beds).
Other logistics ships were also employed such as the combat stores ships San Jose and Niagara Falls.
In January 2005, 24 Navy ships and one Coast Guard vessel were in the area. Among those ships was the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) which relieved the USS Bonhomme Richard and assumed the duties as the primary rotary wing platform for the operation. The USS Essex brought helicopter detachments from US Navy helicopter squadrons HM-15 and HC-5 as well as Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 (HMM-262), the Flying Tigers (commanded by Lt.Col. Kevin "Doogie" Wild). The last ship, Mercy, departed the region in April 2005.
During a short-fused change of command on 30 December 2004, LtCol Kevin H. Wild assumed command of HMM-262 and promptly received a Warning Order to deploy to Sumatra, Indonesia for its second consecutive short-notice deployment in two months. The squadron worked around the clock over the New Year’s weekend preparing for the deployment. Two CH-46Es were flown to Kadena AB on 31 December and broken down for C-5 transport to Singapore, and six more were flown aboard the USS Fort McHenry (LSD-43) on 3 January. With a detachment of the squadron in Singapore, and the majority of HMM-262 aboard the Fort McHenry, HMM-262 set sail as part of Combined Support Force 536 (CSF-536) to support the largest humanitarian assistance/disaster relief (HA/DR) operation in history – Operation Unified Assistance/JTF-536.
HMM-262 "The Flying Tigers" conducted a mission rehearsal in Phuket on 16 February, followed by mission rehearsals in Banda Aceh on 17–18 February. HMM-262 flew the two former Presidents of the United States (FPOTUS), several ambassadors, numerous diplomatic personnel and members of the Secret Service along the western coast of Thailand north of Phuket on 19 February. Once mission complete, the aircraft recovered aboard the Fort McHenry as it pushed south towards Sumatra to fly FPOTUS Bush and Clinton around the Banda Aceh area on 20 February. The highlight of the mission occurred when FPOTUS Bush and FPOTUS Clinton were flown aboard the USS Fort McHenry to visit the Marines and Sailors of HMM-262 and the Sailors of the USS Fort McHenry. The Flying Tigers enjoyed an unscheduled liberty port in Phuket from 21–24 February once the FPOTUS missions were complete. On 25 February, the USS Fort McHenry began the trip back to Okinawa, Japan. The morning of 3 March, the USS Fort McHenry was approximately 50 miles south of Okinawa as HMM-262 flew six CH-46Es ashore for its return to Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma. The remainder of the aircraft and personnel returned via C-17 from Singapore.
Effect
Indonesian public opinion of the United States markedly improved in the year after the tsunami, jumping from 15% in 2003 to 38% in 2005, going against the general trend of less favorable attitudes towards America in that time period. Many Indonesians surveyed indicated that American relief efforts generally improved their view of the United States.... More
Criteria The Joint Meritorious Unit Award is presented in the name of the Secretary of Defense to Joint Activities of the Department of Defense for meritorious achievement or service, superior to that which is... The Joint Meritorious Unit Award is presented in the name of the Secretary of Defense to Joint Activities of the Department of Defense for meritorious achievement or service, superior to that which is normally expected, under one of the following conditions: During action in combat with an armed enemy of the United States, For a declared national emergency or Under extraordinary circumstances that involve the national interest. MoreHide
Criteria The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous ... The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous or meritorious achievement which renders that unit outstanding compared to other units performing similar service, but not sufficient to justify the award of the Navy Unit Commendation. MoreHide
Criteria The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 r... The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 required four years of service. MoreHide
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Natio... The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Nations or friendly foreign nations MoreHide
Criteria The Southwest Asia Service Medal is awarded for service in the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees North latitude and west ... The Southwest Asia Service Medal is awarded for service in the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees North latitude and west of 68 degrees East longitude, as well as the total land areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Individuals serving between January 17, 1991, and November 30, 1995, in Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Syria, and Jordan (including their air space and territorial waters) are also eligible; however, they must have directly supported combat operations (e.g., embassy guards are not eligible). MoreHide
Criteria Service members must be bona fide members of a unit participating in, or be engaged indirect support of, the operation for 30 consecutive days in the area of operations or for 60 non-consecutive days ... Service members must be bona fide members of a unit participating in, or be engaged indirect support of, the operation for 30 consecutive days in the area of operations or for 60 non-consecutive days provided this support involves entering the area of operations or meets one of the following criteria: Be engaged in actual combat, or duty that is equally as hazardous as combat duty, during the operation with armed opposition, regardless of time in the area of operations; While participating in the operation, regardless of time, is wounded or injured and requires medical evacuation from the area of operations; While participating as a regularly assigned aircrew member flying sorties into, out of, within, or over the area of operations in direct support of the military operations. MoreHide
Criteria Individuals authorized the award of this medal must have been deployed abroad for service in the Global War on Terrorism operations on or after September 11, 2001, and to a future date to be determine... Individuals authorized the award of this medal must have been deployed abroad for service in the Global War on Terrorism operations on or after September 11, 2001, and to a future date to be determined MoreHide
Criteria Individuals authorized the award of this medal must have participated in or served in support of Global War on Terrorism operations on or after September 11, 2001 and to a future date to be determined... Individuals authorized the award of this medal must have participated in or served in support of Global War on Terrorism operations on or after September 11, 2001 and to a future date to be determined. MoreHide
Criteria The Humanitarian Service Medal is an individual award, presented to individuals who are physically present at the site of immediate relief and who directly contribute to and influence the humanitarian... The Humanitarian Service Medal is an individual award, presented to individuals who are physically present at the site of immediate relief and who directly contribute to and influence the humanitarian action. The Humanitarian Service Medal is only awarded for service during the identified "period of immediate relief;" eligibility for the Humanitarian Service Medal terminates once (if) the humanitarian action evolves into an "established ongoing operation beyond the initial emergency condition." MoreHide
Criteria The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, f... The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, for 12 months accumulated sea duty, or for duty with the Fleet Marine Force that includes at least one deployment of 90 consecutive days. MoreHide
Criteria This ribbon is awarded to officers and enlisted personnel of the Navy, Naval Reserve, Marine Corps, and Marine Corps Reserve for 12 months consecutive or accumulated duty at overseas shore-based duty ... This ribbon is awarded to officers and enlisted personnel of the Navy, Naval Reserve, Marine Corps, and Marine Corps Reserve for 12 months consecutive or accumulated duty at overseas shore-based duty stations. Each Service has distinct criteria that delineates eligibility; Navy personnel assigned to Marine Corps units follow Marine Corps policy, and vice-versa. MoreHide
Criteria Awarded to members of the Military Coalition who served in support of Operation Desert Shield or Desert Storm in one or more of the following areas between 2 August 1990 and 31 August 1993: Persian Gu... Awarded to members of the Military Coalition who served in support of Operation Desert Shield or Desert Storm in one or more of the following areas between 2 August 1990 and 31 August 1993: Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees north latitude and west of 68 degrees east longitude, as well as the total land areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. MoreHide
Criteria The U.S. Navy has issued two marksmanship ribbons: the Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon and Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon, since 1920. The pistol ribbon is currently awarded for qualification on the B... The U.S. Navy has issued two marksmanship ribbons: the Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon and Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon, since 1920. The pistol ribbon is currently awarded for qualification on the Beretta 9mm pistol, while the rifle ribbon is currently awarded for qualification on the M14 and M16 assault rifle variants. The Navy issues the marksmanship ribbon in three levels, that of Marksman, Sharpshooter, and Expert. The basic ribbon is awarded for the Marksman level while the specific Marksmanship Device is awarded for qualification as a Sharpshooter or Expert. Those receiving an Expert qualification receive the Marksmanship Medal, in addition to the Marksmanship Ribbon. MoreHide
Comments
Qualified while with RIA-One at NAS Whidbey Island.
Description In July 1976, in anticipation of the establishment of a Combined Forces Command, the annual ROK government mobilization exercise ULCHI was combined with UNC/USFK/EUSA’s CPX FOCUS LENS. Exercise ULCHI-In July 1976, in anticipation of the establishment of a Combined Forces Command, the annual ROK government mobilization exercise ULCHI was combined with UNC/USFK/EUSA’s CPX FOCUS LENS. Exercise ULCHI-FOCUS LENS was institutionalized to enhance ROK-US interoperability by training commanders and staffs from both nations in wartime planning, command and control operations, intelligence, logistics, and personnel procedures required for the successful defense of the Republic of Korea. The name of the exercise was changed in 2008 to ULCHI-FREEDOM GUARDIAN. ULCHI FOCUS LENS (UFL) was a ROK-US Combined Forces Command (CFC), ROK government, simulation driven, OPLAN-oriented command post exercise (CPX) conducted annually. UFL was held in the late summer, August / September time frame. The timing was such that the bulk of the summer personnel rotations are complete.
Ulchi Focus Lens was CFC's large scale warfighting command post exercise (CPX). It was an annual ROK-US combined forces government military exercise designed to exercise, evaluate, and improve crisis action measures and procedures for the combined war plans in the defense of the Republic of Korea in accordance with OPLAN and Supporting plans. It provides an opportunity for commanders and staffs to focus on strategic, and operational, issues associated with general military operations on the Korean peninsula. Ulchi Focus Lens was a CPX with the tactical situation portrayed through the use of computer simulation models and master scenario events list.
Ulchi Focus Lens was the world's largest computerized command and control exercise.
The exercise focuses on how U.S. and South Korean forces would defend against a North Korean attack. North Korea usually denounces the exercise, calling it a preparation for war. While Team Spirit field-tested ROK-U.S. military capabilities, Ulchi Focus Lens looked at readiness from the command post perspective. Still held annually, Ulchi Focus Lens trains Combined Forces Command personnel and major component, subordinate and augmenting staffs using wargaming computer simulations and support infrastructures.
The exercise combines the Republic of Korea's annual National Mobilization Field Training Exercise "Ulchi" with the annual theater level Command Post Exercise "Focus Lens." The scenario of the exercise was a coordinated land, sea and air attack by conventional forces against friendly forces on the Korean peninsula. Ulchi Focus Lens was a computer-based war game exercise with few field activities. Ulchi Focus Lens was the world's largest dynamic, simulation-driven battle staff training exercise. The target training audience was corp-level (or service equivalent) battle staffs and higher. UFL was designed to train the Battle Staffs of CFC and its component command's staffs. The simulations used are designed to train procedures for the new staff, and are not analytical. The simulation architecture includes the Air Force model (AWSIM), the Army model (CBS), the Navy model (RESA) and the Marine model (MTAWS) lashed together, and sharing common forces, targets and Battle Damage Assessments (BDA).
The purpose of UFL was to exercise joint and combined plans and procedures associated with the execution of the OPLAN for the defense of the Republic of Korea. The focus was on the strategic, operational, and tactical aspects of military operations on the Korean Peninsula; and demonstrates US resolve to support the ROK against external aggression while improving US/ROK combat readiness and interoperability. This joint and combined political-military training exercise emphasizes flexible deterrent options, ROK mobilization, U.S. reinforcement, and synchronization of deep, close, and rear battles.
The Ulchi Focus Lens Exercise was a comprehensive command post exercise (CPX), designed to enhance the conduct of war and specific warfare capabilities as well as to ensure a mastery of the procedures for specific warfare fighting capabilities. The exercise has been performed annually since its inception in 1976. It was the combination of the Focus Lens Exercise, which has been conducted under the control of the United Nations Command since 1954, and the Ulchi Exercise that has been held by the ROK since the attempted raid on the Blue House on January 21, 1968.
During the Ulchi Focus Lens Exercise, the ROK government's crisis management and ROK-US combined crisis management processes during the early stages of war are depicted through various situations from each operational phase.
'Ulchi' was a famous Korean general's last name. His full name was Ulchi, Munduk. He was the Commander-In-chief of Army of Kokuryu (ancient Korean nation that existed through B.C. 37 to A.D. 668). According to Korean history book, he was Commander in Chief at the time of Soo Chinese empire. Over three hundred thousands Chinese soldiers attacked Kokuryu in 612 A.D., but at that time Kokuryu didn't have that much military might, yet Kokuryo had Gen. Ulchi. During the fighting, Ulchi commanded his army to pretend to be losing. Reacting to what they thought was to be an easy victory, the Chinese forces advanced inside Kokuryu territory. This was what Gen. Ulchi wanted, since he was more familiar with the local terrain. He then wrote a poetic, satirical letter to the Soo commander. Ulchi was an eloquent writer and poet. He said something like, 'You have won as much you ever will, so why don't you save yourselves and take back your forces?'
The enemy was a bit confused. Taking advantage of their confusion, Gen. Ulchi attacked the Soo's forces at the Salsu River. There, Gen. Ulchi waited for the Soo's forces and attacked when they were halfway across the river. Only about two thousands Chinese soldiers ever crossed the river. This was one of the greatest victories of Korean history, which made Gen. Ulchi one of the Korea's great generals.
Description Operation Southern Watch was an air-centric military operation conducted by the United States Department of Defense from Summer 1992 to Spring 2003.
United States Central Command's Joint Task Force SOperation Southern Watch was an air-centric military operation conducted by the United States Department of Defense from Summer 1992 to Spring 2003.
United States Central Command's Joint Task Force Southwest Asia (JTF-SWA) had the mission of monitoring and controlling the airspace south of the 32nd Parallel (extended to the 33rd Parallel in 1996) in southern and south-central Iraq during the period following the end of the 1991 Gulf War until the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
Operation Southern Watch began on 27 August 1992 with the stated purpose of ensuring Iraqi compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 688 (UNSCR 688) of 5 April 1991, which demanded that Iraq "immediately end this repression and express the hope in the same context that an open dialogue will take place to ensure that the human and political rights of all Iraqi citizens are respected." Nothing in the resolution spelled out the Iraqi no-fly zones or Operation Southern Watch.
Iraqi bombing and strafing attacks against the Shi’ite Muslims in Southern Iraq during the remainder of 1991 and during 1992 indicated Saddam Hussein chose not to comply with the resolution. Forces from Saudi Arabia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France participated in Operation Southern Watch. The commander of JTF-SWA, an aeronautically rated United States Air Force (USAF) Major General, assisted by an aeronautically designated United States Navy (USN) Rear Admiral, reported directly to the Commander, United States Central Command (USCENTCOM).
Military engagements in Southern Watch occurred with regularity, with Coalition aircraft routinely being shot at by Iraqi air defense forces, though they were usually only reported in the Western press occasionally. An intensification was noted prior to the 2003 invasion of Iraq, though it was said at the time to just be in response to increasing activity by Iraqi air-defense forces. It is now known that this increased activity occurred during an operation known as Operation Southern Focus.... More
People You Remember
Served with VAQ-135 onbaord the USS Lincoln. Deployed there in 1991 and 1993.
1992
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2003
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (1961-2016)
Criteria The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces in the grades of lieutenant commander (or major) and below. It is awarded for meritorious service or achieveme... The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces in the grades of lieutenant commander (or major) and below. It is awarded for meritorious service or achievement in either combat or noncombat based on sustained performance or specific achievement of a superlative nature but which does not warrant a Navy Commendation Medal or higher. It may not be awarded for service involving participation in aerial flight after January 1, 1969. MoreHide
Criteria The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces in the grades of lieutenant commander (or major) and below. It is awarded for meritorious service or achieveme... The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces in the grades of lieutenant commander (or major) and below. It is awarded for meritorious service or achievement in either combat or noncombat based on sustained performance or specific achievement of a superlative nature but which does not warrant a Navy Commendation Medal or higher. It may not be awarded for service involving participation in aerial flight after January 1, 1969. MoreHide
Comments
End of Tour award from RIA-One from December 1999-November 2002.
Criteria The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 r... The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 required four years of service. MoreHide
Comments Comments Pending
2000
Joint Service Commendation Medal (1963-2016)
Criteria The Joint Service Commendation Medal is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces who, while assigned to a joint activity, distinguish themselves by outstanding ac... The Joint Service Commendation Medal is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces who, while assigned to a joint activity, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not to an extent that would justify award of the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. MoreHide
Comments
Locked
1999
Joint Service Achievement Medal (1983-2016)
Criteria The Joint Service Achievement Medal is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces below the grade of colonel (or captain in the Navy) who, while assigned to a joint... The Joint Service Achievement Medal is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces below the grade of colonel (or captain in the Navy) who, while assigned to a joint activity, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not to the degree that would warrant award of the Joint Service Commendation Medal. MoreHide
Best Friends
Ralph Vogt, SSG, USA; MAJ Pigman, USMC;
1997 - 1999
Joint Service Achievement Medal (1983-2016)
Criteria The Joint Service Achievement Medal is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces below the grade of colonel (or captain in the Navy) who, while assigned to a joint... The Joint Service Achievement Medal is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces below the grade of colonel (or captain in the Navy) who, while assigned to a joint activity, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not to the degree that would warrant award of the Joint Service Commendation Medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Joint Service Achievement Medal is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces below the grade of colonel (or captain in the Navy) who, while assigned to a joint... The Joint Service Achievement Medal is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces below the grade of colonel (or captain in the Navy) who, while assigned to a joint activity, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not to the degree that would warrant award of the Joint Service Commendation Medal. MoreHide
Comments
Awarded as end of tour from JICPAC. Served there Aug 9, 1994 to Aug 14, 1997.
Criteria The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 r... The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 required four years of service. MoreHide
Criteria The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 r... The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 required four years of service. MoreHide
Criteria The Joint Meritorious Unit Award is presented in the name of the Secretary of Defense to Joint Activities of the Department of Defense for meritorious achievement or service, superior to that which is... The Joint Meritorious Unit Award is presented in the name of the Secretary of Defense to Joint Activities of the Department of Defense for meritorious achievement or service, superior to that which is normally expected, under one of the following conditions: During action in combat with an armed enemy of the United States, For a declared national emergency or Under extraordinary circumstances that involve the national interest. MoreHide
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Description Between 10 May and 13 June 1991 Joint Task Force Sea Angel, one of the largest military disaster relief forces ever assembled, was sent to the aid of the people of Bangladesh in the wake of the destruBetween 10 May and 13 June 1991 Joint Task Force Sea Angel, one of the largest military disaster relief forces ever assembled, was sent to the aid of the people of Bangladesh in the wake of the destruction of the tropical cyclone Marian. Cyclone Marian (29-30 April 1991) was one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in recent times. Marian's 140 mile-per-hour winds and an eight-meter tidal wave devastated Bangladesh, killing nearly 140,000 people and leaving over 5 million people homeless. Within 24 hours of a request for support from the government of Bangladesh, Operation Sea Angel was launched, and advance teams from the III Marine Expeditionary Force arrive in country for initial liaison. Operation Sea Angel began on 10 May and involved over 7,000 US soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen. A fifteen-ship amphibious task force composed of Amphibious Group 3 and the 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, homeward bound from five months of operations in the Persian Gulf, was diverted to the Bay of Bengal to assist. Over the next month, 6,700 Navy and Marine Corps personnel working with U.S. Army, Air Force, and multinational forces, provide food, water, and medical care to nearly two million people. The relief efforts of U.S. troops are credited with having saved as many as 200,000 lives.
Bangladesh has traditionally been one of nature's favorite targets. Tornadoes, cyclones, and monsoons occur with alarming regularity in this country, which contains the world's second largest delta region at the confluence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Magma rivers. While this tremendously fertile region supports over 120 million people, damage from natural disasters is often severe, mainly due to the low terrain, the high density of the population, and a poorly developed infrastructure.
Cyclone Marian struck this delta on the southeast coast during the evening of 29 April 1991 with winds in excess of 235 km/hr and tidal surges between 15 and 20 feet. Well over 100,000 people died and millions were left homeless. Over 1 million cattle (essential for pulling plows and providing transportation) died. Crops on 74,000 acres of land were destroyed; another 300,000 acres of cropland were damaged, and fields were covered with salt water, contaminating the soil and corrupting the drinking water.
Infrastructure destruction was widespread. Bangladesh's major port, Chittagong, was severely damaged and was nonoperational for several days. Damaged/sunken ships, many of them belonging to the Bangladeshi Navy, blocked the port. Several key bridges, including the main bridge to Chittagong, were washed out or otherwise damaged. Throughout the storm-affected area, sea walls collapsed, jetties disappeared, dirt roads were flooded, buildings were ravaged, and transportation was virtually destroyed.
For the government of Bangladesh (GOB), the cyclone could not have come at a worse time. After years of military rule, Bangladesh had installed its first civilian government, under Prime Minister Zia, less than two months earlier. Therefore, the young, inexperienced government, sensitive to appearing weak or incompetent and struggling domestically to develop bureaucratic cohesion, faced serious problems in reacting to the cyclone.
Strangely, one of the problems was not one of relief supplies availability. Adequate emergency supplies existed either in government storage houses, called "Go Downs," or stored and owned by nongovernmental organizations (NGO) such as Cooperative American Relief Everywhere (CARE) and the Red Crescent. The GOB, however, was hindered by the lack of cooperation from the NGO, which remembered martial law and were wary of the new regime. Further, the bureaucrats that controlled the grain in the "Go Downs" were similarly reluctant to hand over control to other agencies.
Notwithstanding these political hurdles, the most serious problem was one of distribution. The combination of a poorly developed infrastructure and the havoc wreaked by the cyclone effectively cut off Chittagong for several days. Further, once relief supplies were brought to Chittagong, the GOB Operation SEA ANGEL virtually had no means to distribute them to isolated islands off the coast where needs were most acute.
On 10 May 1991, the President directed the US military to provide humanitarian assistance. A Contingency Joint Task Force (CJTF) was immediately formed under the command of Lieutenant General Henry C. Stackpole, commander of the III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) based in Okinawa. A US Navy Amphibious Task Force (ATF) returning from the Persian Gulf war was redirected to Bangladesh. A Bangladesh citizen, spotting the ATF approaching from the water, allegedly called them "Angels from the Sea." Regardless of whether this incident ever occurred, news of it spread and Operation SEA ANGEL had begun.
The relief effort truly was an international operation. Besides the indigenous GOB forces and the international and local NGO, several countries joined the United States in participating. The United Kingdom sent a supply ship with four helicopters. The Japanese government sent two helicopters. India, Pakistan, and China also provided assistance.
Two days after the President's order, LtGen. Stackpole arrived with a small CJTF element. A Special Operations Forces (SOF) Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) arrived later that day. The next day five UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters arrived from Hawaii, along with a Navy Environmental and Preventive Medicine Unit. Other joint assets continued to flow into the area, as required. Fifteen soldiers of B Company, 84th Engineer Battalion, already deployed to Bangladesh to construct schools, were diverted to Chittagong. The bulk of US forces were from the ATF consisting of the 4,600 Marines of the 5th MEB, 3,000 sailors of Amphibious Group 3, and 28 helicopters. The MEB also brought four Landing Craft Air Cushioned (LCAC) vehicles, which proved invaluable in delivering aid to isolated islands. Immediately upon his arrival in the capitol city of Dhaka, LtGen. Stackpole began an assessment of the situation, and identified three critical concerns: First, the intelligence needed to adequately assess the situation was unavailable; Second, the problem of distribution quickly became apparent, and was considered the most pressing by the Joint Task Force (JTF) staff; Finally, the issue of Bangladeshi sovereignty required that the GOB be clearly viewed by the populace as being "in charge".
LtGen. Stackpole proceeded to develop a Campaign Plan consisting of three phases. After initial survey, liaison, and reconnaissance, Phase I (one week) entailed initial stabilization of the situation (delivery of food, water, and medicine to reduce loss of life). Phase II (two weeks) entailed restoring the situation to the point where the Bangladesh government could take control of relief efforts. Phase III (two weeks) was the consolidation phase in which the Task Force would depart and the Bangladesh government would take complete control of all relief efforts.
The distribution problem clearly was the most demanding task and it's accomplishment was most critical to the success of the operation. There were two aspects: first, supplies had to be moved from Dhaka to Chittagong; second, these supplies then had to be moved to the devastated islands. The decision was made to fly supplies by fixed-wing to Chittagong, then via helicopter to the islands. The MC-130 aircraft that brought the special operations forces provided the fixed-wing capability until Air Force C-130s arrived. A JTF augmentation cell (including the five Blackhawk helicopters) was dispatched from Hawaii. The 5th MEB and its helicopters and LCACs arrived three days later.
In the final analysis, Operation SEA ANGEL proved to be unique in several respects. It was almost entirely sea-based, with no more than 500 service members on shore at night. It was conducted in a benign environment; no weapons were carried by US forces, except for some sidearms carried by guards of cryptographic materials. It was also the first time that a Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF) was used as a joint task force nucleus. Finally, a unique effective command and control structure was used to synchronize the efforts of US, British, Bangladeshi, and Japanese nongovernmental organizations, and other organizations such as the US Agency for International Development (AID) and a Chinese assistance element.... More
Criteria The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 r... The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 required four years of service. MoreHide
YN1 Steve Johnson, YNC Sally Dee, LCDR Torres