U.S. Special Forces, Philippine Service members honor the fallen during "Wild 42" Memorial Observance

By U.S. Air Force Maj. Darrick B. Lee
Joint Special Operations Task Force - Philippines
Public Affairs 


ZAMBOANGA CITY‐ Members of Joint Special Operations Task Force ‐Philippines held a ceremony Feb 22, 2012 observing the 10th anniversary of an aircraft accident that claimed the lives of JSOTF‐P service members serving in support of Operation 

Enduring Freedom. 

Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines joined U.S. Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen at Camp Navarro in paying respects to Special Operations Aviators and Air Commandos who perished when their US MH‐47E Chinook helicopter, call sign "Wild 42," went down in the Bohol Sea while returning from a mission in Basilan in 2002. 

Zamboanga City, Philippines -- A wreath sits at the base of a memorial statue during a ceremony commemorating the crash of "Wild 42." Ten members of JSOTF-P died when their U.S. MH-47E Chinook helicopter went down in the Bohol Sea while returning from a mission in Basilan in 2002. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Darrick B. Lee/Released)

“Ten years ago today Operation Enduring Freedom‐Philippines was well underway, when tragedy struck our nation again,” said U.S. Army Chaplain (Captain) Johnnie lder, while leading a prayer. “Ten American warriors died, bringing the world‐wide war on terror casualty count to 32 that day. Let us bow our heads.” 

An intense, multi‐day search and rescue operation followed. First responders recovered remains of eight of the ten service members a few miles off the southern coast of the Negros Islands. 

During the ceremony, U.S. Army Col. Fran Beaudette, commander of JSOTF‐P, and the JSOTF‐P Senior Enlisted Advisor, Command Sergeant Major Frank Gilliand, laid a wreath at the base of a memorial plaque. A bell rang as each of the names of the fallen was recited. 

Zamboanga City, Philippines -- U.S. Army Col. Fran Beaudette (foreground,) Commander of Joint Special Operations Task Force - Philippines, and Command Sgt. Maj. Frank Gilliand lay a wreath at the base of a memorial statue during a ceremony commemorating the crash of "Wild 42." Ten members of JSOTF-P died when their U.S. MH-47E Chinook helicopter went down in the Bohol Sea while returning from a mission in Basilan in 2002. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Darrick B. Lee/Released)

Lost were: U.S. Army Maj. Curtis D. Feistner; Army Capt. Bartt D. Owens; Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jody L. Egnor; Army Staff Sgt. James P. Dorrity; Army Staff Sgt. Kerry W. Frith; Army Staff Sgt. Bruce A. Rushforth Jr.; Army Sgt. Jeremy D. Foshee; Spec. Thomas F. Allison; Air Force Master Sgt. William L. McDaniel II and Air Force Staff Sgt. Juan M. Ridout. 

“Ten years ago, the lives of ten families changed forever,” said Col. Beaudette as he addressed the crowd, which included a joint formation of U.S. and Philippine forces. “Take time to think about these ten names and those hundreds of thousands of Americans and Filipinos before them who led them home and accomplished their missions, as we’ll accomplish ours.” 

U.S. Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines was established to support the Armed Forces of the Philippines in their fight against trans‐national terrorism. Since its inception, 17 U.S. service members have died while advising and assisting Philippine forces with efforts to secure peace and stability in the Mindanao Region. 

Zamboanga City, Philippines -- A wall inside the headquarters of Joint Special Operations Task Force - Philippines displays biographies of 17 U.S. service members who have died in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.  Included in this group are ten members of JSOTF-P who died when their U.S. MH-47E Chinook helicopter went down in the Bohol Sea while returning from a mission in Basilan in 2002. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Darrick B. Lee/Released)

Hickam Airman Supports Special Forces in Philippines

Captain Darrick B. Lee, Joint Special Operations Task Force Philippines, Public Affairs

ZAMBOANGA, Philippines -- As U.S. Forces continue their drawdown from Iraq, the military is continuing to support counter-terrorism efforts elsewhere around the globe. While Afghanistan remains the more widely-known theater of operations, there are other places where Airmen serve.

One such place is Zamboanga, located in the southern Philippines. Although the United States history in the Philippines dates back to more than a century, the emergence of terrorist groups in the southern part of the country placed renewed emphasis on the region since 2001. A lot has changed since General John “Blackjack” Pershing served as governor-general here at the turn of the century. Still, the U.S. military presence, while temporary, is a fixture in Zamboanga.

Nestled in Camp Navarro, home of the Philippine military’s Western Mindanao Command, is U.S. Joint Special Operations Task Force - Philippines. JSOTF-P is comprised of special operations forces from all four services, including U.S. Army Green Berets, Navy S.E.A.L.s, Marine Special Operations Forces and Air Force Commandos.  Supported by a small staff, JSOTF-P’s mission is focused on providing advice to the Philippine military and assisting them in their fight against terrorism. They are currently focused on pursuing the Abu Sayyaff Group (ASG) and Jemiah Islamiah (JI), two terrorist groups operating in the islands of Mindanao, Basilan and Sulu.

This is not an easy task in a country comprised of more than 7000 islands. Absent here are Hummers and mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles, as military airlift takes center stage. To ensure SOF are able to move freely in the area, JSOTF-P maintains a small fleet of PC-12 and C-12 fixed-wing aircraft, complemented by Bell 214 helicopters for use in the jungle areas where U.S. and Philippine forces are collocated.

JSOTF-P relies on their Joint Special Operations Air Detachment (JSOAD) to fly and maintain the aircraft. JSOAD operates much like Airmen do at any other flight line, scheduling flights and ensuring the safety of air operations that support Special Forces. The unit shares the airfield with Zamboanga International Airport, which doubles as Edwin Andrews Air Base (EAAB), owned by the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant Carrie Volpe, a weather forecaster deployed with Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines, remotely monitors the status of a TMQ-53 weather sensor 30 Nov. Through her computer, Volpe can provide real-time weather forecasting in support of special operations in the southern Philippines. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Matthew P. Troyer/released)

Sharing a runway means sharing the responsibility for flight safety. U.S. Airmen are embedded with the PAF, living and working near the flight line. Shouldering the responsibility for U.S. weather reporting and forecasting is Technical Sergeant Carrie Volpe, JSOAD’s weather forecaster.

TSgt. Volpe’s home station is Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI, where she serves as a forecast supervisor for 20 U.S. military bases in Korea and Japan. There, Volpe performed the same job she performs in JSOAD; she provides detailed weather reports to help mission planners conduct safe flying and ground operations.

In Hawaii, equipped with the latest meteorological tools at the 17th Operational Weather Squadron, her biggest hurdle was simply keeping up with the workload. With multiple airfield forecasts and weather warnings across a 113 million square-mile area of responsibility, the need for up-to-date weather reporting is constant.

When Volpe arrived at Zamboanga in September, she found a similar need. However, as guests of a host-nation airport, with limited meteorological equipment and a separate operating schedule, providing timely and accurate weather forecasts became a challenge.

“We used to receive periodic weather observations from EAAB,” said Volpe, who is originally from Epsom, NH.  “But sometimes, when EAAB reports weren’t available, or their schedule didn’t synchronize up with our operations, we had to give pilots the weather based on our best estimate.”

That’s what she used to do.

When an Air Force Special Operations Command Safety Team paid a visit to the JSOTF-P in October, Volpe saw it as a chance to let the brass know how to improve air operations in the southern Philippines. She recommended the purchase of a weather sensor, capable of providing electronic forecasts and sharing it with aviators world-wide. Not only would the sensor help the U.S. forces operating out of Zamboanga, but it could assist the Philippine Air Force and all aviators who need to know about local weather.

AFSOC liked the idea. However, the Air Force has an almost never-ending list of good ideas … Many of them remain unfunded. With the cost of an average weather sensor running more than $150,000, the current financial picture cast a shadow over the prospect of adding one to Volpe’s office.

Volpe’s boss, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Doug Carroll, in response to AFSOC’s safety assessment, searched for solutions. Carroll serves as the JSOAD Commander, but at his home station, he leads the 353 Special Operations Support Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan.

“I knew the 353 SOSS had the equipment and capability,” said Carroll. “With approval from Special Operations Command Pacific, the 353rd was able to rapidly deploy the sensor to the Philippines.”

Shortly after Carroll’s call, a brand new TMQ-53 Automated Observation System (TMOS) weather sensor arrived, escorted by MSgt. Scott Williams, the 353rd weather flight’s NCO in charge. Shortly after he landed, the sensor was installed and working.

To Volpe, whose primary concern is providing the most accurate forecasts to pilots about to fly into austere conditions, it was the perfect gift, just in time for the holidays.

“The TMOS gives us a credible source of weather information,” explained Sgt. Volpe when describing the sensor. “We can generate our own weather observations, and we can do it independently.”

A recently-installed TMQ-53 sensor collects weather data from the top of a building at Edwin Andrews Air Base, Philippines. U.S. Air Force Airmen support flight operations in the southern Philippines by sharing the runway in Zamboanga, and providing weather forecasts in support of U.S. Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Matthew P. Troyer/released)

The TMOS collects data on current wind conditions, cloud heights, lightning, temperature, precipitation and more. In a joint special operations environment, where weather can have a severe impact on success, Volpe is pleased to have a little help.

The Philippine Air Force will be able to use the new sensor as they pursue the ASG and JI. Whether it’s a combat resupply mission, a request for close-air support, or a casualty evacuation, their operations will benefit from having the real-time forecasting Volpe provides.

“It feels good to know that I can confidently tell pilots and aircrew what to expect prior to take-off,” Volpe added. “I hope it helps build their trust in our support to them.”

U.S. Government employees with a CAC-enabled computer can view current weather conditions in Zamboanga by surfing to https://afweather.afwa.af.mil/weather/met/met_home.html .

Filipino, U.S. troops upgrade local library

By U.S. Air Force Capt. Darrick B. Lee

Joint Special Operations Task Force Philippines Public Affairs

ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (Sept. 27, 2011) –  Members of the Philippine Air Force gave a boost to the Edwin Andrews Air Base Elementary School reading program Sept. 27 with the installation of new bookshelves and the arrival of books donated from U.S. forces.

The Philippine Air Force’s 530th Air Base Wing worked with members of U.S. Joint Special Operations Task Force Philippines (JSOTF-P) to fill the school’s library with new books.

A sample of books donated from around the world rest on shelves built by the Philippine Air Force’s 530th Air Base Wing at Edwin Andrews Air Base in Zamboanga. Engineers from the wing’s Civil-Military Operations Squadron built the bookcases for the students, with help from U.S. Navy Seabees assigned to JSOTF-P. (Official U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Darrick B. Lee.)    U.S. Air Force Capt. Kirsten Gipper, a member of the JSOTF-P, was one of the organizers of the book collection.

“We’ve done civil-military operations with the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) before, but it’s usually in someplace more remote,” said Gipper, who works at the elementary school (EAAB) with the Philippine forces.

“We figured since we live at EAAB, we should try to find a way to do something for the kids here,” she added. “We talked to the PAF and they told us about the school’s needs. Then we began collecting book donations.”

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Kathleen Garcia, a medical logistician with Joint Special Operations Task Force Philippines, reads to students of Edwin Andrews Air Base in Zamboanga Sept. 27. Members of JSOTF-P helped the Philippine Air Force upgrade the school’s library by providing lumber for new bookcases and filling them with an international donation of new books. (Official U.S. Air Force Photo by Captain Darrick B. Lee)

Gipper and a friend, U.S. Army 1st Lt. Erica Anders, a flight nurse with JSOTF-P, created a personal Facebook page to solicit donations. Shortly afterward, books began flowing in from all over the world.

Some of the books came from as far away as the United States; others came from places in the Pacific, such as Japan.  According to Gipper, many people ordered them online and had them shipped to the volunteers directly.

A variety of titles arrived, ranging from picture books for kindergartners to more advanced storybooks for intermediate readers.

 

U.S. Air Force Capt. Kirsten Gipper, a member of the Joint Special Operations Task Force Philippines Liaison Control Element, reads to students of Edwin Andrews Air Base in Zamboanga Sept. 27. Gipper is one of several volunteers who helped the Philippine Air Force upgrade the school’s library by collecting and donating books for children. (Official U.S. Air Force Photo by Captain Darrick B. Lee)

As the book collection grew, the school realized it needed more space to display them. Engineers from the 530th Air Base Wing’s civil-military operations squadron at EAAB built new bookcases for the library. U.S. Navy Seabees donated lumber to help the engineers make the bookshelves.

The volunteers joined Mrs. Victoria Mangeser, the school’s principal, in an informal ceremony to present the new books to the students. Mangeser then invited Anders and other volunteers to read to some of the children.

When the children were asked to choose which book should be read, the majority of the students yelled “Dora” after seeing a storybook bearing a picture of the popular television character. According to the school, many local libraries need books that promote leisure reading, instead of traditional schoolbooks. With more than 500 students at the school, the donations were well-received.

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Erica Anders, a flight nurse with Joint Special Operations Task Force Philippines, reads to students of Edwin Andrews Air Base in Zamboanga Sept. 27. Members of JSOTF-P helped the Philippine Air Force upgrade the school’s library by providing lumber for new bookcases and filling them with an international donation of new books. (Official U.S. Air Force Photo by Captain Darrick B. Lee)

“We are so blessed to receive these books and new shelves,” said Principal Mangeser. “Usually, the private school libraries are regarded as the best. But, these books are unique because they are not just reference titles. They are books that make reading fun … So, now the EAAB library is the best in Zamboanga!”

U.S. Special Forces, Philippine Service members honor the fallen during 9/11 observance

ZAMBOANGA CITY- Members of Joint Special Operations Task Force -Philippines held a ceremony Sunday, observing the 10th anniversary of the events of 11 September 2001.

Members of the Philippine Security Forces joined U.S. Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen in recalling the events that were instrumental in the creation of Operation Enduring Freedom.

“Ten years ago, our nation and the Western democratic way of life was attacked, blood was shed, nations mobilized, battle lines drawn and our lives were changed forever,” said U.S. Navy Master Chief Petty Officer Shane McKenzie during the opening of the ceremony.

Master Chief McKenzie and the JSOTF-P Chaplain, U.S. Army Maj. David Lile, recalled the events as they occurred 10 years ago today.

“ Eight forty-six and twenty-six seconds: Flight 11 crashes at roughly 466 miles per hour into the north face of One World Trade Center, between floors 93 and 99,” read Chaplain Lile.

After the recollection of events, JSOTF-P members shared personal testimonies.

“Ten years ago, I was in high school and we were watching the events unfold on TV,” recalled one U.S. service member. “My Aunt was in the World Trade Center, that day … She was taken away.”

People from many nations lost their lives that day. JSOTF-P leaders said the ceremony not only honors the fallen, but is a reminder to those who currently serve.

“September 11^th was the worst of days, and we remember those fallen on that day, those who served on that day and every day since then,” said U.S. Army Colonel Fran Beaudette, JSOTF-P Commander. “Today is the best of days. We get to do what we do … To continue our nation’s bidding, and continue to help our partners who are focused on the cause of freedom.”

U.S. Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines was established in 2002 to support the Armed Forces of the Philippines in their fight against trans-national terrorism in the southern Philippines. 

AFP Awards Civic Action Medal to JSOTF-P Servicemembers

  ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) honored 15 servicemembers from the U.S. Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) with the Philippine Military Civic Action Medal (CAM) at an awards ceremony held at Camp Navarro, Zamboanga City, Aug. 19.

The award highlights the combined training and humanitarian projects conducted by JSOTF-P members through partnership with the AFP. 
According to the citation, these projects improve the lives of countless Filipinos, helping to reduce support for lawless groups and their safe havens in the southern Philippines. Col. Casiano C. Monilla Jr., Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Chief of Unified Command Staff, presented JSOTF-P’s servicemembers with the award for their contributions made to the Republic of the Philippines.

             “We really appreciate the presence of the U.S. forces here and the assistance you have given us,” Monilla said.

Since January 2011, JSOTF-P has participated in various humanitarian and civil assistance programs, making four visits to the Talon-Talon Orphanage and three to the Women's and Children's shelter.  Members have also raised over $1,400 USD for outreach programs and have donated over 1,000 pounds of clothing. WESTMINCOM recognized them as having earned honor not only for themselves, but for the AFP as well. 

The awardees were also recognized for their dedication and hard work for assisting, training and advising units under WESTMINCOM that ultimately improved the capabilities of Filipino Soldiers and increased their chances of survival in combat. 

 “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to be recognized by a foreign counterpart for your contributions to their country,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Shyla Consalo, the JSOTF-P paralegal.  “I feel so blessed that I’ve had the opportunity to help some local families here.  Every time I look at this medal it will remind me of those families and the opportunity I had to make a difference in their lives.”

Basilan’s leaders host a Civic Action Program in Tairan

LANTAWAN, Philippines (July 28, 2011) – Approximately 1,200 residents of Tairan barangay, Lantawan province, Basilan, gathered July 28 for a combined medical, dental, and veterinary civic action program. The event was coordinated by Basilan’s provincial government, and was the first community outreach program of its kind, completely driven by key governmental organizations.

            Numerous members represented the provincial offices of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Department of Education, and Department of Agriculture; Philippine Medical Association, Philippine Dental Association, Philippine Business for Social Progress and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. By the end of the day, they had donated 300 meals to children through the feeding program, provided medical care to 300 patients, performed 117 dental extractions and vaccinated 113 livestock.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Special Operations Task Force Commander Col. Alexander Macario who attended the event as an observer, briefly helped the task force hand out comic books to children, and interacted with barangay leaders in the area.

The barangay also works as a cooperative to improve quality of life in the community, using proceeds from the barangay-owned rubber plantation to improve roads, schools, and homes.

Commanding General, III MEF and Commander, Marine Corps Bases Japan Visits JSOTF-P

ZAMBOANGA, Republic of the Philippines (July, 14, 2011) – U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Kenneth Glueck, Jr., Commanding General, III Marine Expeditionary Force and Commander Marine Corps Bases Japan and Philippine Marine Brig. Gen. Celestino Pereyra, Western Mindanao Command Deputy for Peace Process, are met with honors upon arrival at Western Mindanao Command. During his visit to the Philippines, General Glueck met with members of the U.S. Embassy, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and U.S. Marines deployed to Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines. (Official U.S. Navy Photo by MC2 Ted Green.)

ZAMBOANGA, Republic of the Philippines (July, 14, 2011) – U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Kenneth Glueck, Jr., Commanding General, III Marine Expeditionary Force and Commander, Marine Corps Bases Japan meets with Marines assigned to Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines at Camp Navarro. During his visit to the Philippines, Glueck met with members of the U.S. Embassy, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and U.S. Marines deployed to Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines. (Official U.S. Navy Photo by MC2 Ted Green.)