Briefs
Advertiser Staff and News Services
NAVY
USS Fletcher gets crew from Kinkaid
On Jan. 23, sailors from the recently decommissioned destroyer USS Kinkaid will assume duties in Fremantle, Australia, on the Pearl Harbor-based destroyer Fletcher.
The unique arrangement, called "Sea Swap," allows ships like the Fletcher to be at sea longer, and to reduce the usual transit time between deployments.
The 27-year-old Spruance-class destroyer Kinkaid was decommissioned in San Diego last week.
In early August, the Fletcher left Pearl Harbor for the last time as part of an 18-month deployment.
Following its triple time service — normal deployments are six months — the 22-year-old Fletcher also will be decommissioned. The Kinkaid's decommissioning a year early was expected to save the Navy $86 million in labor costs.
The new arrangement provides for crews to fly home rather than sail back into home port.
The Fletcher is part of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier battle group, which may be part of a war against Iraq. The battle group, which includes the destroyer Paul Hamilton, frigate Reuben James and attack submarine Honolulu, all based at Pearl Harbor, was previously expected to return home this month.
However, the Navy confirmed the battle group was remaining on duty through the month.
MARINES
Kane'ohe troops ready if needed
Brig. Gen. Jerry McAbee, commander of Marine Corps Base Hawai'i, told a military and business member audience gathered last week for the annual Hawai'i-U.S. Military Partnership Conference that about 1,500 of his 8,000 Marines are deployed to three primary areas.
McAbee, speaking at the conference organized by the Chamber of Commerce of Hawai'i, said those areas include the Philippines, the Middle East and Okinawa.
"Right now, our plans are to continue to rotate those people," he said. "If we get orders to deploy more, I will tell you, the rest of the Marines are ready."
AVIATION
More grant money flows to museum
The Military Aviation Museum of the Pacific has received the third installment of a $15,000 grant from the Alexander & Baldwin Foundation.
The money will go toward continuing pre-development efforts for the museum planned for Ford Island that will focus on U.S. military aviation history from World War I through the present.
A $46 million capital campaign is being launched this month for the museum, which is expected to open on Dec. 7, 2005, on Ford Island.
RESERVES
Job benefits data available on Web
Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao has released updated information to help Reserve and National Guard units preparing to deploy to understand their rights and health benefits coverage through private-sector employees.
"Military reservists should have confidence that while they are serving their country in active duty, their job pension and health benefits will continue for their families," Chao said.
A copy of frequently asked questions and answers can be obtained at the Labor Department's Web site at www.dol.gov/pwba.
