Briefs
Advertiser Staff
ARMY
Soldiers gear up for Iraq, Afghanistan
Soldiers from Division Artillery, 2nd Brigade, and other Army units trained with Air Force and Air National Guard components recently at Pohakuloa Training Area on the Big Island.
During the "Sentry Strike II" exercise — observed by Adm. Thomas Fargo, head of U.S. Pacific Command — soldiers trained with the 25th Air Support Operation Squadron from Wheeler Army Airfield.
The training was tailored toward next year's deployments of 25th Infantry Division (Light) soldiers to Iraq and Afghanistan.
"I just got back from Afghanistan last January," said Air Force Tech Sgt. Tom Gorski. "This terrain, and the area out here, is just like Afghanistan, so this is the best kind of training we're going to get for our upcoming deployment."
Two F-16 aircraft from the Texas Air National Guard used simulated bombs during the exercise.
SEA SERVICES
Event to honor best in U.S. sea services
Seventy outstanding officers and enlisted personnel representing the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard will be recognized Friday at the 43rd annual Sea Services Awards luncheon.
The event starts at 11:30 a.m. at the Ala Moana Hotel.
Presented by the Honolulu Council of the United States Navy League, the luncheon will feature keynote speaker Adm. Walter Doran, commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet.
"We are privileged to acknowledge the contributions of so many outstanding young men and women in the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard in the mid-Pacific," said Richard Fahrenwald, president of the Honolulu council.
Tickets are $35, or $400 for a table of 10. Call 422-9404.
NAVY
USS Reuben James fires new torpedo
The Pearl Harbor-based frigate USS Reuben James participated in an experimental torpedo shoot recently off the coasts of Maui and Lana'i.
Although the torpedo shoot involved P-3 Orion and SH-60B aircraft, the Reuben James was the only surface ship to fire the new torpedo.
Military and civilian personnel from the Department of Defense were flown in from around the country to evaluate the event.
