In the Military
For and about Hawaii's servicemen and womenBy Gregg K. Kakesako
See also: For Your Benefit
Coast Guard adopts
new blue battle
dress uniformsThe Coast Guard will be getting new uniforms modeled after the battle dress uniforms worn by other military services, but its version will be in the service's traditional dark blue instead of camouflage and the shirt will be worn tucked into the trousers. The phase-in for 36,000 active-duty personnel, 8,000 reservists, and eventually 30,000 auxiliary members, will be done over a two-year period.
The United States will not build any military base in the Philippines, Adm. Thomas Fargo, commander-in-chief of the U.S. Pacific Command, said in a speech this week during the closing ceremonies of the six-month joint R.P.-U.S. Balikatan 02-1 military exercise. Fargo said the U.S. respects Philippine sovereignty as an ally and partner.
"I want to make it clear that the U.S. respects Philippine sovereignty as allies and partners," Fargo said. "We are not building U.S. bases in the Philippines. In a year, our two nations will jointly assess the need for continued training and we will shape it as we mutually agree. We will only conduct those kinds of activities our treaty relationship defines and supports." He was the most senior U.S. military officer present during the closing ceremonies of the Balikatan 02-1, primarily aimed at hunting down Abu Sayyaf Islamic rebels in western Mindanao. The exercise involved 1,000 Green Beret trainers, support personnel and military engineers.
Second-year West Point cadet Emily La Caille, Kalaheo High School class of 2000, represented the U.S. Military Academy in a parade in Paris July 13 for Bastille Day. She is the daughter of Jon and Bette La Caille of Kailua.
The Air Force command insignia will be awarded to squadron, group, wing and equivalent organization commanders in the ranks of major through colonel. The command insignia, available in both a chrome and subdued version, should be on the shelves of military clothing sales stores this month. The badge is to be worn above the name tag on both blues and battle dress uniforms. While mandatory for people currently in a commander billet, the badge will be optional for those with past command experience.
This month, Tripler Army Medical Center will sponsor a three-hour "Boot Camp for New Dads" seminar that uses veteran dads, who have at least a few months experience as fathers, to help train new or soon-to-be fathers. The Aug. 27 orientation session will be held at the Pearl Harbor Fleet & Family Support Center, and again on Aug. 28 at Tripler and at Schofield Barracks. For more information, contact Capt. David Douglas of Tripler's social work service at 433-6606, or Chet Adessa at Pearl Harbor Fleet & Family Support Center at 473-4222, extension 272.
Moving Up
Pearl Harbor:>> Capt. Cecil E. D. Haney has assumed command of Submarine Squadron 1, relieving Capt. Richard L. Snead as commodore.
Gregg K. Kakesako can be reached by phone at 294-4075
or by e-mail at gkakesako@starbulletin.com.
