Briefs

Advertiser Staff

AIR FORCE

Hickam 911 calls expedited

Hickam Air Force Base 911 calls are now being routed directly to Hickam dispatchers, saving precious time in an emergency.

For years, the calls were processed through Honolulu first.

New computer terminals in fire and police emergency dispatch centers on base permit the change, with caller information for dispatchers.

New enlisted club open

The new $9.5 million Tradewinds Enlisted Club is open at Hickam Air Force Base, replacing the 63-year-old enlisted club on Porter Avenue.

Hickam's original noncommissioned officers club was destroyed by fire in 1940.

The new 50,000-square-foot club has the JR Rockers Sports Cafe, with more than $50,000 in sports memorabilia and a video game room; a 500-seat ballroom; all-purpose room; and outside eating and cocktail areas.

MARINES

Marines get new commander

Lt. Gen. Wallace C. Gregson Jr. has assumed command of U.S. Marine Corps Force Pacific, Fleet Marine Force Pacific and Marine Corps Bases Pacific at Camp Smith. He took over for retiring Lt. Gen. Earl Hailston.

Marine Forces Pacific is the senior command for nearly two-thirds of the Marines' operational forces and 11 major installations. It handles operations for U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. Central Command, including those in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Gregson most recently was commander of III Marine Expeditionary Force in Okinawa.

While the Pentagon is looking at reshuffling troops in Europe, Gregson said last month that there were no plans to move troops stationed in Okinawa.