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The halls of the temple were filled with the crimson robes of the Order and the dark platemail of Dragon Knights. Every monk bowed in respect to the figure on the throne dominating the far wall, while the knights stood in the alcoves at attention. Drakk, in his dark robes,, sat in pride as he gazed upon his warrior monks. Commander Trask, dressed in the finest of the Queen’s armor and carrying his powerful magic sword, stood near the throne in conversation with Drakk.
“I have spilled much blood in the name of those lost in the purge. And your Queen has paid well. My time on the mainland has been very satisfying.”
“Well I’m glad you're satisfied.” The commander responded. “Meanwhile our Queen barely has any foothold left!”
Anger flashed across Drakk’s face. “Careful Trask. These orders from your Queen state that I now command your soldiers.” A smug look replaced the anger on Drakk’s face. “Another satisfying reward from the Queen.”
“Yes sir,” he replied. A seasoned soldier, Trask respected and obeyed orders.
“That is why I have decided to further commit my forces to her cause. I shall return to the Northland with the Order at my back. The drunken barbarians will fall like saplings before a storm.”
Drakk turned to his zealots, led by the most skilled killer he had ever met (and a close personal friend of course) Solomon the Changeling. These men needed no words of encouragement, no hand holding like the weak mainlanders. Simply an order from their master and they obeyed with silent fervour.
“The time has come. We make for Garheim.”
Lt. Gen. Darryl A. Williams assumed command as the 60th Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
A member of the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Para-Commandos parachute demonstration team flies in the US Marine Corps flag at the 2016 Oregon International Air Show held August 5-7, 2016, in Hillsboro, Oregon.
20160729-USAN-2743W-010 - SALAMIS, Greece (July 29, 2016) - Members of Standing NATO Mine Counter Measures Group Two (SNMCMG2) participate in an Operational Handover of Command ceremony between Turkey and Greece. Captain Ramazan Kesgin of the Turkish Navy turned command over to Captain Panagiotis Papageorgiou of the Hellenic Navy. SNMCMG2 is a multinational integrated force that provides a constant and visible reminder of the Alliance's solidarity and cohesion afloat. Greece and Turkey became members of NATO on the same day, 18 February 1952. Photos by US Navy LT Mikel Weigel/Released.
Hogg takes command of U.S. Army Africa
10 June 2010 - By Rick Scavetta, U.S. Army Africa Public Affairs
VICENZA, Italy – During a ceremony today at Caserma Ederle’s Hoekstra Field, Maj. Gen. David R. Hogg assumed command of U.S. Army Africa.
Gen. William E. Ward, commanding general of U.S. Africa Command presided over the ceremony, which signaled the departure of outgoing commander, Maj. Gen. William B. Garrett III.
Hogg, who recently served as deputy commanding general of Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan, said he is delighted to become part of the Vicenza military community.
“After 29 years of service and six overseas assignments to include Germany, Panama and Belgium, this is our first opportunity to be in Italy,” Hogg said. “We are absolutely thrilled to be here.”
Hogg said he is excited to be a part of U.S. Army Africa, the Army's newest service component command, challenged with developing relationships with land forces in Africa and supporting U.S. Army efforts on the African continent.
Ward reminded the crowd that U.S. Army Africa has accomplished some great things since Dec. 2008, when it began its transformation to becoming the Army service component command for U.S. Africa Command.
“In that short time, the command has formed, grown, and matured into an active and effective outfit and has established strong strategic relationships with the ground forces in Africa,” Ward said. “U.S. Army Africa not only succeeded, they excelled. In fact, they thrived on the opportunities they were given.”
Garrett took command of the Southern European Task Force in 2008. He commanded SETAF throughout its transformation to U.S. Army Africa. Garrett now heads to Iraq, where he will serve as the chief of staff, U.S. Forces Iraq.
“We look forward to building upon the systems that Maj. Gen. Garrett and Mrs. Garrett have developed,” Hogg said. “We are truly thankful for the warm welcome that we have received from the community and, especially, the Garretts.”
TOKYO BAY (May 8, 2015) - USS Houston (SSN 713) transits Tokyo Bay en route to Fleet Activities Yokosuka for a port visit as part of the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine's Western Pacific deployment. Houston is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, naval special warfare involving special operations forces, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare and mine warfare. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian G. Reynolds) 150508-N-ED185-008
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Lt. Gen. Stephen G. Fogarty (left) recites the oath of service during his appointment to the rank of lieutenant general by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley (right) in a ceremony at Fort Belvoir, Va., June 1, 2018. Immediately following his appointment Fogarty assumed command of ARCYBER. To read the full story on the event, go to www.army.mil/article/206278 (Photo by Pfc. Elijah Foster)
SOUTH CHINA SEA (June 2, 2015) - Sailors assigned to Surface Warfare Mission Package, Detachment 4, currently embarked aboard the littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3), enter the waterborne mission zone in an 11-meter rigid hull inflatable boat after a visit, board, search and seizure drill. Currently on a 16-month rotational deployment in support of the Indo-Asia-Pacific Rebalance, Fort Worth is a fast and agile warship tailor-made to patrol the region's littorals and work hull-to-hull with partner navies, providing 7th Fleet with the flexible capabilities it needs now and in the future. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joe Bishop/Released) 150602-N-MK881-295
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KTIX (Space Coast Regional Airport) - 28 AUG 2022
This static aircraft is located in the Vietnam Hangar at the Valiant Air Command, Inc Warbird Museum.
Los Angeles Firefighters responded to a multi-patient traffic collision that took 2 lives in the Hollywood Hills area of Los Angeles, California on May 26, 2008. © Photo by Scott La Rue
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Inf. Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Inf. Division and the Senegalese Army's 1st Paratrooper Battalion rehearse mortar crew drills July 12, in Thies, Senegal as part of Africa Readiness Training 2016. ART 2016 is a U.S. Army Africa exercise designed to increase U.S. and Senegalese readiness and partnership through combined infantry training and live fire events. (U.S. Army Africa photo by Spc. Craig Philbrick)
To learn more about U.S. Army Africa visit our official website at www.usaraf.army.mil
Official Twitter Feed: www.twitter.com/usarmyafrica
Official Vimeo video channel: www.vimeo.com/usarmyafrica
Join the U.S. Army Africa conversation on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ArmyAfrica
PYEONGTAEK, Republic of Korea (Oct. 7, 2014) - Vice Adm. Thomas Rowden, Commander, U.S. Naval Surface Forces, views an exhibit from wreckage of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Ship Cheonan (PCC-772) which was sunk by a North Korean torpedo in 2010 with Sailors assigned to ROK Navy Second Fleet. During his visit to the Republic of Korea, Vice Adm. Rowden met with military and government officials to discuss the continuing friendship between the U.S. and ROK navies. (Courtesy photo by ROK Navy)
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Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, commander of the U.S. Army Installation Management Command and Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management, recognized nine Army Civilians for exemplary leadership and performance April 20.
The U.S. Army Installation Management Command Stalwart Awards recognize individuals who distinguish themselves among their peers and supervisors as outstanding IMCOM Soldiers and Civilians.
"You all are the future of IMCOM," said Lynch. "You have been recognized by IMCOM leaders as the best of the best."
Lynch, Katherine Hammack, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and the Environment, and IMCOM Command Sgt. Maj. Neil Ciotola awarded each Stalwart a medallion during a midday general session at the U.S. Army Installation Management Symposium in San Antonio.
Wanda Stover received the Stalwart Award for the IMCOM Europe Region. Stover, supervisor of the alcohol and drug abuse control program for U.S. Army Garrison Grafenwoehr, Germany, was cited for exceeding expectations and striving to improve the quality of life for Soldiers and their Families.
Other nominees from IMCOM-Europe were Ron Joseph, director of human resources, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, and Jan Meert, director, Army Community Service, Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation, Wiesbaden, Germany.
Dawn Jones, administrative officer for the Camp Humphreys Department of Public Works, received the Stalwart Award for the IMCOM Korea Region. The award cited Jones' high standards and commitment to Soldiers, Civilians and Families.
Also nominated from IMCOM-Korea was James North, supervisor and strategic planning specialist in the USAG Yongsan Plans, Analysis and Integration Office.
Martin Venturo, acting Deputy to the Garrison Commander and director of the Resource Management and Plans, Analysis and Integration offices for Fort Monmouth, N.J., took the Stalwart Award for the IMCOM Northeast Region. Venturo received recognition for his ability and leadership while taking on many additional responsibilities.
Also nominated from IMCOM-Northeast was Carrie Mead, chief of the Plans, Analysis and Integration Office for Detroit Arsenal, Mich. Douglas Farrington, fire inspector for Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., received a posthumous nomination.
Dennis Drake, supervisory public affairs specialist for Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, won the Stalwart Award for the IMCOM Pacific Region. Leadership, resourcefullness, skills and attitude made significant contributions to the garrison's public affairs mission, according to the award citation.
Also nominated from IMCOM-Pacific were Brenda Braswell, supervisor and equal opportunity specialist for USAG Japan, and Michael Meeks, director of public works for Fort Wainwright, Alaska.
Leo Stolfi, supervisory emergency services manger for Fort Polk, La., was named Stalwart Award winner for the IMCOM Southeast Region. Stolfi was cited for dedication, perseverance, performance and serving as a role model for others.
Other IMCOM-Southeast nominees were Melinda Jo Berry, budget analyst for the Resource Management Office at Fort Gordon, Ga., and William Leyh, director of plans, training, mobilization and security for Fort Rucker, Ga. Ted Freeman, Army Substance Abuse Program manager for Fort Riley, Kansas, received the Stalwart Award for the IMCOM West Region. Through Freeman's persistence, Fort Riley was the first Army installation to develop a "Save a Soldiers Life" program by installing a computerized DUI simulator. Fort Riley is the only installation to develop a battalion-level breath-testing program.
Also nominated from IMCOM-West were Daniel Dougherty, motor transport officer at Fort Hood, Texas, and Gregory Harrell, supervisor and air traffic control specialist at Fort Huachuca, Ariz.
Shaunya Murrill, chief of the Outreach and Strategic Integration Division, Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command, Alexandria, Va, won the FMWRC Stalwart Award. Murrill made it possible to extend standardized programs and services to Soldiers and Families of the Total Army, both in the communities where they live and to the geographically dispersed.
Pratya Siriwat, operations officer in the U.S. Army Environmental Command Mission Integration Cell won the USAEC Stalwart Award. Siriwat's leadership enabled the successful relocation of the USAEC Headquarters and more than 60 percent of the command's staff from Aberdeen to San Antonio.
Kathy Aydt, chief of strategic communications for IMCOM, received the Stalwart Award for headquarters and region staff. Aydt initiated, spearheaded, and implemented an enterprise-wide campaign that resulted in the creation of a new installation management logo. She works to ensure strategic communications staff members embed imcom values in every message transmitted to internal and external customers, key stakeholders, congress, and the army family.
Also nominated were Jerry Bennett, operations specialist in the Northeast Region Operations Division, Jonathan Hunter, chief of the Southeast Region Installation Support Team at Fort McPherson, Ga., Gordon Hurd, chief of the Budget Execution and Integration Branch for Europe Region, Primasita Seery, supervisory logistics management specialist for the Pacific Region, Jerry Vesey, general engineer for IMCOM West Region.
ABOUT the U.S. Army Installation Management Community:
IMCOM handles the day-to-day operations of U.S. Army installations around the globe - We are the Army's Home. Army installations are communities that provide many of the same types of services expected from any small city. Fire, police, public works, housing, and child-care are just some of the things IMCOM does in Army communities every day. We endeavor to provide a quality of life for Soldiers, Civilians and Families commensurate with their service. Our professional workforce strives to deliver on the commitments of the Army Family Covenant, honor the sacrifices of military Families, and enable the Army Force Generation cycle. Our Mission: Our mission is to provide Soldiers, Civilians and their Families with a quality of life commensurate with the quality of their service. Our Vision: Army installations are the Department of Defense standard for infrastructure quality and are the provider of consistent, quality services that are a force multiplier in supported organizations' mission accomplishment, and materially enhance Soldier, Civilian and Family well-being and readiness.
To learn more about IMCOM:
Homepage: www.army.mil/imcom
www.facebook.com/InstallationManagementCommunity
www.youtube.com/installationmgt
Allstar Weekend wows Kaiserslautern
By Rick Scavetta, U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern
KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany – When Athena Balderas got picked up from Ramstein Intermediate School last Friday, she thought her mom was taking her to rent some movies.
“No, I have something better,” her mother Michelle Stevens told her. “I have a surprise for you.”
Earlier, Stevens told Facebook friends she would see Allstar Weekend, the latest American teen music sensation, with her daughter at the band’s Jan. 21 stop in Kaiserslautern. A friend, who had won premium seats and backstage passes from the American Forces Network, offered them to Stevens.
They bought Allstar Weekend’s debut album “Suddenly Yours” and found the band’s videos online. That evening they were in the front row at Vogelweh’s Galaxy Theater.
“It’s really cool to see an American band,” said Athena, 8, who first heard about the band while visiting relatives last year in upstate New York.
In mid-January, the San Diego-based Allstar Weekend – who got their start on the Disney Channel in 2009 – toured U.S. military bases in England, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands, courtesy of Armed Force Entertainment. The show, sponsored locally by U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern’s Directorate of Families and Morale Welfare & Recreation, was better than driving to Frankfurt to watch a concert, Stevens said.
“Here it feels like home, we’re celebrating together with our military family,” Stevens said. “Plus, it’s nice to have something American to do.”
The band launched into their set of pop rock songs to include; “Journey to the End of My Life,” “Here With You,” “The Weekend,” and “Dance Forever.” They also covered of Shania Twain’s “You’re Still the One” and Bowling For Soup’s “1985.”
They also offered some songs on acoustic guitars and even rapped a little. During the piano-based ballad “Amy,” the band invited a teenage girl to sit onstage. Afterward, another teen jumped onstage to offer hugs.
Each song ended with the high-pitched shrill of screaming young girls, dozens who crowded the stage during the show. Like many parents, Air Force Master Sgt. Ron Russo sat in the back of the theater. His wife Sibel sat up front with daughters Anatolia, 8, and Kayra, 2.
One morning he heard on AFN, “The next caller had a chance to win.” Russo dialed the station, knowing nothing about the contest or the prize.
“He asked the easiest question about Justin Timberlake, about how he started with the Mickey Mouse club and then was with a famous boy band,” the 40-year-old Virginia Beach-native said. “I said ‘C’mon, the answer’s J.T.’”
After the show, Lt. Col. Kevin Hutchison and Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Jessup, the command team from U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern, thanked the band and presented each player with a command coin.
“We know you have to leave home and live on the road to offer performances to our Soldiers, airmen and their families,” Hutchison said. “We recognize things of excellence and this was and an excellent performance.”
As a kid, singer Zach Porter’s father was in the Navy and he remembers living on bases and moving a lot, he said. He can relate to the audience of military members and their families, he said.
“It’s a big part of who I am today,” Porter said “I understand it’s hard every two years packing up and start new schools and make new friends. So, I’m glad we got to do this.”
While military audiences overseas may have missed Allstar Weekend’s stateside television appearances, their presence on the Internet gives new fans a chance to further explore the band’s music, Porter said.
“It’s good for us to play for a new audience,” Porter said. “We covered a few songs that we thought people would know, if they don’t know all of our songs. It warmed up the audience to our own music and bridged the gap.”
Touring military bases was also a chance for the band to give back something to those serving overseas, said bass guitarist Cameron Quiseng. He especially enjoyed feedback from the crowd, when they signed autographs after each show.
“The crowds are amazing, chanting and singing along,” Quiseng said. “For us to come and perform for them and give them a good time, it really means a lot to us.”
(Photos by Rick Scavetta, U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern)
TACLOBAN, Philippines (May 12, 2017) - U.S. Navy Construction Electrician 2nd Class Greg Lewis, Underwater Construction Team 2, enters the water during an underwater surface-supply dive in support of Balikatan 2017 at Ipil Port in Ormoc City, Leyte. The surface-supply dive training prepares Philippine and U.S. service members to clear debris in ports and open up supply lines for victims of natural disasters and crises. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alfred A. Coffield) 170512-N-ON977-0097
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NATO warships, FS Latouche -Treville, TCG Orucreis, HCMS Ville de Quebec, HNLMS De Ruyter (Standing NATO Maritime Group Two flagship are berthed alonside prior their participation to Exercise Trident Juncture 2018.
Trident Juncture 18 is designed to ensure that NATO forces are trained, able to operate together and ready to respond to any threat from any direction. This year this exercise takes place in Norway and the surrounding areas of the North Atlantic and the Baltic Sea, including Iceland and the airspace of Finland and Sweden.
With more than 50,000 participants from 31 nations Trident Juncture 2018 is one of NATO’s largest exercises in recent years. Around 250 aircraft, 60 ships and more than 10,000 vehicles are involved in the exercise to perform and conduct air, land, maritime, special operation and amphibious drills.
NATO Photo By WO FRAN C.Valverde
In loving memory of
THOMAS ARTHUR DIXON
(Lt.Colonel R.A.M.C.)
????????????????Death unto life
?????????? 1924 Aged 71
ELLEN, his wife Dec.15th 1932 A.D.
Peace Perfect Peace
1853 – Birth and baptism of Thomas
Based on the census, death records and the age on the headstone, the most likely birth was that of a Thomas Arthur Dixon which was registered in the Guisborough District of Yorkshire in the January to March quarter, (Q1), of 1853.
The baptism of a Thomas Arthur Dixon took place at Egton, Yorkshire on the 1st July 1853. His parents were Thomas Harrison and Frances Dixon.
familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N5SG-QB2
1861 Census of England and Wales
Based on the information in the 1911 census, (see below), I was then able to back-track and find an 8 year old Thomas A, born Guisborough, who was recorded at a dwelling in Church Yard, Guisborough, (either next to or part of the Hospital of Jesus). This was the household of his parents, Thomas H, (aged 36 and a M.A., Incumbent of “Wilextham” and Master of the Grammar School, originally from Fylingdale, Yorkshire), and Frances, (aged 38 and from Hull, Yorkshire). As well as Thomas their other children living with them are:-
George……..aged 9………born Guisborough
Benjamin…..aged 6……….born Guisborough
Marianne…..aged 5………born Guisborough
Frances……..aged 1………born Guisborough
Anna……aged 1 month………born Guisborough
This reaches the bottom of that particular page and I flicked over as it seemed odd they didn’t have any domestic servants. The first lines on the next page appear to be a continuation of this household, starting with an Anne M Brooks, aged 36 and unmarried, originally from Hull, who is described as the sister-in-law of the head of the household. There are then four boarders aged between 19 and 13, a nephew Benjamin Brooks, (aged 12 and from Hull), and then two live in domestic servants. These extra members of the household are said to live at the Hospital of Jesus.
1865 – Birth of Ellen
Based on the census, death records and the age on the headstone, the most likely birth was that of an Ellen Young which was registered in the Wimborne District of Dorset in the October to December quarter, (Q4), of 1865.
1871 Census of England and Wales
Having found him on the 1861 census, it then proved possible to find him on the 1871 Census. The family were now recorded at The Grammar School, Church Street, Guisborough. Father Thomas H, (46), is now shown as the Vicar of Upleatham and Master of the Grammar School. Also in the household is wife Frances, (48), and children George J, (19 – Bank Clerk), Thomas A, (18 – Student of Medicine), Benjamin, (16 – Scholar), Margaret L, (20), Mary A, (15), Frances E.M., (11), Emma, (10) plus three boarders and two live in servants.
The most likely match for his future wife is a 5 year old Ellen Young, born Hinton Martel, Dorset, who was recorded living at the Grocers Shop, Hinton Martel. This was the household of her parents Henry, (aged 36 and a Baker and Grocer from Witchampton, Dorset) and Emily Jane, (aged 31 and “past not known”). Ellen has 4 siblings – Henrietta, (8), Edward, (4), William Henry, (2) and Lizzie, (1).
1881 Census of England and Wales
I initially struggled to find Thomas on this census but then it turned out his place of birth has been mis-transcribed as “Gainsborough”, Yorkshire on at least two popular Genealogy sites. (In my experience they all tend to use the same original transcription service, so the mistake is probably also on the likes of FindMyPast and Ancestry). He was recorded living as a lodger at 8, Esplanade, Dover. Aged 28, he was employed as a Surgeon in the Army Medical Department and was unmarried.
His parents were living at The Vicarage, Upleatham, Yorkshire, where his father, Thomas Harrison Dixon, (56), is recorded as the Vicar. Along with wife Frances, (57), he has 4 of his unmarried daughters living with him – Margaret Louisa, (30), Marianne, (25), Frances Elizabeth Mary, (21) and Emma, (20). They also have one live in servant.
The Young family were still living at Hinton Martel, Dorset, although no specific address is shown. Henry is still recorded as a Baker and Grocer. He is shown as married but his wife was not home on the night of the census. He has 8 children living with him, including the 15 year old Ellen who is said to “Help in the House”. Additions to the family since the last census are Annie, (9), Bessie, (7) and Louie, (5).
1891 Census of England and Wales
No obvious match for this man.
His father, mother and unmarried sisters Marianne, (35), Frances Elizabeth Mary, (31) and Emma, (30) were still living at The Vicarage, Upleatham.
Ellen Young, aged 25 and a Professional Nurse from Hinton Martel, Dorset, was recorded living in the household of her then employer, Charles and Charlotte Smith, at 59, Abbey Road, Marylebone, London.
1901 Census of England and Wales
No obvious match for this man.
The 35 year old Ellen Young, still single, was recorded as the Matron of a Nursing Home at 24 Devonshire Street, Marylebone, London. The home has 5 resident patients, plus 2 additional nurses and 3 live in servants. Ellen is recorded as an Employer, working from home, so presumably the business belongs to her.
1901 – Promotion to Lieutenant-Colonel
A Thomas Arthur Dixon M.D. was included in a list of Majors in the Royal Army Medical Corps who were promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel, which appear in the edition of the London Gazette dated 29th March 1901. The promotion was effective 4th February.
www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/27300/page/2199/data.pdf
(On the 1901 Army List Major Thomas Arthur Dixon is listed serving with the Royal Army Medical Corps in the Punjab. His qualifications are LRCP, Edinburgh, and MRCS. He had the rank of Surgeon from the 5th February 1881, being promoted Surgeon-Major on the 5th February 1893.
digital.nls.uk/british-military-lists/pageturner.cfm?id=1...
By the time of the 1904 Army List he was no longer listed as actively serving with the Royal Army Medical Corps).
1904 Marriage
The most likely marriage was that of a Thomas Arthur Dixon to an Ellen Young, which was recorded in the Marylebone District of London in the October to December quarter of 1904.
1906- - Birth of daughter Helen Theodora
The birth of a Helen Theodora Dixon was registered in the Maidstone District of Kent in the April to June quarter, (Q2), of 1906
1911 Census for England and Wales
A Thomas Arthur Dixon who was a 58 year old Retired Lieutenant-Colonel in the Royal Army Medical Corps was recorded as the married head of the household at “The Lawns”, Briston, Norfolk, He was originally from Guisborough, Yorkshire. He and his wife Ellen, (aged 45 and from Hinton Martel, Dorset), have been married 6 years and have had just one child. This was the 4 year old Helen Theodora, born Maidstone, Kent. The family also have two live in servants.
1914-1918 Great War
The University of St Andrews Roll of Honour and roll of service 1914-1919 (Published 1920) records that Thomas became a M.D. in 1897. He was a Lieutenant Colonel, R.A.M.C. (Retired). He served as the President of the Travelling Medical Board in the Scottish Command.
digital.nls.uk/rolls-of-honour/pageturner.cfm?id=10057500...
However the 1910 Calendar of the Royal College of Surgeons recorded that an Arthur Thomas Dixon who was then serving in the R.A.M.C., had been a member since 1875.
www.myheritage.com/research/collection-90100/compilation-...
1924 – Death of Thomas
The death of a Thomas A Dixon, aged 71, was recorded in the October to December quarter, (Q4), of 1924 in the Erpingham District of Norfolk.
The 1924 Probate Calendar records a Thomas Arthur Dixon, of Newlands, Alexandra Road, Sheringham, who died 17th November 1924. Probate was granted at the Norwich Court on the 29th December 1924 to Ellen Dixon, widow. Effects were valued at £2,557 0s 4d.
probatesearch.service.gov.uk/Calendar?surname=Dixon&y...
1932 – Death of Ellen
The most likely death of Ellen was recorded in the Cheltenham District of Gloucester in the October to December quarter of 1932. She was aged 67.
The 1933 Probate Calendar records an Ellen Dixon of 6 Malvern Place, Cheltenham, widow, who died 15th December 1932 at Amulree Nursing Home, Malvern Place. Probate was granted at the London Court on the 16th March 1933 to Barclays Bank Limited and Ernest Ivamy, college principal. Effects were valued at £4,624 10s 2d.
probatesearch.service.gov.uk/Calendar?surname=Dixon&y...
Postscript
It may be a co-incidence, but the London Gazette edition dated 21st October 1985 includes a notice requesting claims on the estate of a Helen Theodora Dixon, Spinster, who died on the 9th July 1983 at Braemar Nursing Home, 21-23 Richmond Avenue, Bognor Regis, Sussex.
www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/50293/page/14639/data.pdf
The death of Helen Theodora Dixon was registered in the Chichester District of Sussex in the July to September quarter of 1983. She was born in 1905.
SINGAPORE (April 6, 2018) - Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Jonathon Powell, left, and Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Jeremiah Gutierrez lower the national ensign on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) during a regularly scheduled port visit to Singapore. Theodore Roosevelt is deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Michael Hogan) 180406-N-NG033-1160
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KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea (April 27, 2017) - A Republic of Korea Air Force F-15K Slam Eagles from the 11th Fighter Squadron, Daegu Air Base, ROK, takes off during Exercise MAX THUNDER 17 at Kunsan Air Base. In Max Thunder, U.S. and ROK air forces consistently train together to be ready around-the-clock to defend the Republic of Korea. The interoperability and trust developed between the allies in training is critical to ensure U.S. and ROK are prepared for any challenge. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Colville McFee/Released) 170427-F-IF848-021
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Hogg takes command of U.S. Army Africa
10 June 2010 - By Rick Scavetta, U.S. Army Africa Public Affairs
VICENZA, Italy – During a ceremony today at Caserma Ederle’s Hoekstra Field, Maj. Gen. David R. Hogg assumed command of U.S. Army Africa.
Gen. William E. Ward, commanding general of U.S. Africa Command presided over the ceremony, which signaled the departure of outgoing commander, Maj. Gen. William B. Garrett III.
Hogg, who recently served as deputy commanding general of Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan, said he is delighted to become part of the Vicenza military community.
“After 29 years of service and six overseas assignments to include Germany, Panama and Belgium, this is our first opportunity to be in Italy,” Hogg said. “We are absolutely thrilled to be here.”
Hogg said he is excited to be a part of U.S. Army Africa, the Army's newest service component command, challenged with developing relationships with land forces in Africa and supporting U.S. Army efforts on the African continent.
Ward reminded the crowd that U.S. Army Africa has accomplished some great things since Dec. 2008, when it began its transformation to becoming the Army service component command for U.S. Africa Command.
“In that short time, the command has formed, grown, and matured into an active and effective outfit and has established strong strategic relationships with the ground forces in Africa,” Ward said. “U.S. Army Africa not only succeeded, they excelled. In fact, they thrived on the opportunities they were given.”
Garrett took command of the Southern European Task Force in 2008. He commanded SETAF throughout its transformation to U.S. Army Africa. Garrett now heads to Iraq, where he will serve as the chief of staff, U.S. Forces Iraq.
“We look forward to building upon the systems that Maj. Gen. Garrett and Mrs. Garrett have developed,” Hogg said. “We are truly thankful for the warm welcome that we have received from the community and, especially, the Garretts.”
Photo by SFC Kyle Davis USARAF PAO
Gen. David M. Rodriguez, commander of U.S. Africa Command, mentions a need for flexibility, innovations and creativity, resourcing and regionalization during his brief to attendees of the U.S. Army Africa Senior Leader Strategy and Orientation Session in the Golden Lion conference center, Aug. 19 at Vicenza, Italy. The session is designed to help the USARAF team share ideas and experience, as well as an opportunity to get the latest information from U.S. Africa Command and European partners. The session also offers a venue for fresh perspectives as new personnel and Spouses are introduced. Some of the other topics discussed during this session include security cooperation, role of and responsibilities of an Army Service Component Command, and various briefings from fellow AFRICOM units. (U.S. Army Africa photo by Mike Whetston)
To learn more about U.S. Army Africa visit our official website at www.usaraf.army.mil
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U.S. Army Africa photo by Sgt. 1st Class Kyle Davis
U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) hosted its second annual C4ISR Senior Leaders Conference Feb. 2-4 at Caserma Ederle, headquarters of U.S. Army Africa, in Vicenza, Italy.
The communications and intelligence community event, hosted by Brig. Gen. Robert Ferrell, AFRICOM C4 director, drew approximately 80 senior leaders from diverse U.S. military and government branches and agencies, as well as representatives of African nations and the African Union.
“The conference is a combination of our U.S. AFRICOM C4 systems and intel directorate,” said Ferrell. “We come together annually to bring the team together to work on common goals to work on throughout the year. The team consists of our coalition partners as well as our inter-agency partners, as well as our components and U.S. AFRICOM staff.”
The conference focused on updates from participants, and on assessing the present state and goals of coalition partners in Africa, he said.
“The theme for our conference is ‘Delivering Capabilities to a Joint Information Environment,’ and we see it as a joint and combined team ... working together, side by side, to promote peace and stability there on the African continent,” Ferrell said.
Three goals of this year’s conference were to strengthen the team, assess priorities across the board, and get a better fix on the impact that the establishment of the U.S. Cyber Command will have on all members’ efforts in the future, he said.
“With the stand-up of U.S. Cyber Command, it brings a lot of unique challenges that we as a team need to talk through to ensure that our information is protected at all times,” Ferrell said.
African Union (AU) representatives from four broad geographic regions of Africa attended, which generated a holistic perspective on needs and requirements from across the continent, he said.
“We have members from the African Union headquarters that is located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; we have members that are from Uganda; from Zambia; from Ghana; and also from the Congo. What are the gaps, what are the things that we kind of need to assist with as we move forward on our engagements on the African continent?” Ferrell said.
U.S. Army Africa Commander, Maj. Gen. David R. Hogg, welcomed participants as the conference got under way.
“We’re absolutely delighted to be the host for this conference, and we hope that this week you get a whole lot out of it,” said Hogg.
He took the opportunity to address the participants not only as their host, but from the perspective of a customer whose missions depend on the results of their efforts to support commanders in the field.
“When we’re talking about this group of folks that are here — from the joint side, from our African partners, from State, all those folks — it’s about partnership and interoperability. And every commander who’s ever had to fight in a combined environment understands that interoperability is the thing that absolutely slaps you upside the head,” Hogg said.
“We’re in the early stages of the process here of working with the African Union and the other partners, and you have an opportunity to design this from the end state, versus just building a bunch of ‘gunkulators.’ And so, the message is: think about what the end state is supposed to look like and construct the strategy to support the end state.
“Look at where we want to be at and design it that way,” Hogg said.
He also admonished participants to consider the second- and third-order effects of their choices in designing networks.
“With that said, over the next four days, I hope this conference works very well for you. If there’s anything we can do to make your stay better, please let us know,” Hogg said.
Over the following three days, participants engaged in a steady stream of briefings and presentations focused on systems, missions and updates from the field.
Col. Joseph W. Angyal, director of U.S. Army Africa G-6, gave an overview of operations and issues that focused on fundamentals, the emergence of regional accords as a way forward, and the evolution of a joint network enterprise that would serve all interested parties.
“What we’re trying to do is to work regionally. That’s frankly a challenge, but as we stand up the capability, really for the U.S. government, and work through that, we hope to become more regionally focused,” he said.
He referred to Africa Endeavor, an annual, multi-nation communications exercise, as a test bed for the current state of affairs on the continent, and an aid in itself to future development.
“In order to conduct those exercises, to conduct those security and cooperation events, and to meet contingency missions, we really, from the C4ISR perspective, have five big challenges,” Angyal said.
“You heard General Hogg this morning talk about ‘think about the customer’ — you’ve got to allow me to be able to get access to our data; I’ve got to be able to get to the data where and when I need it; you’ve got to be able to protect it; I have to be able to share it; and then finally, the systems have to be able to work together in order to build that coalition.
“One of the reasons General Ferrell is setting up this joint information enterprise, this joint network enterprise . . . it’s almost like trying to bring together disparate companies or corporations: everyone has their own system, they’ve paid for their own infrastructure, and they have their own policy, even though they support the same major company.
“Now multiply that when you bring in different services, multiply that when you bring in different U.S. government agencies, and then put a layer on top of that with the international partners, and there are lots of policies that are standing in our way.”
The main issue is not a question of technology, he said.
“The boxes are the same — a Cisco router is a Cisco router; Microsoft Exchange server is the same all over the world — but it’s the way that we employ them, and it’s the policies that we apply to it, that really stops us from interoperating, and that’s the challenge we hope to work through with the joint network enterprise.
“And I think that through things like Africa Endeavor and through the joint enterprise network, we’re looking at knocking down some of those policy walls, but at the end of the day they are ours to knock down. Bill Gates did not design a system to work only for the Army or for the Navy — it works for everyone,” Angyal said.
Brig. Gen. Joseph Searyoh, director general of Defense Information Communication Systems, General Headquarters, Ghana Armed Forces, agreed that coordinating policy is fundamental to improving communications with all its implications for a host of operations and missions.
“One would expect that in these modern times there is some kind of mutual engagement, and to build that engagement to be strong, there must be some kind of element of trust. … We have to build some kind of trust to be able to move forward,” said Searyoh.
“Some people may be living in silos of the past, but in the current engagement we need to tell people that we are there with no hidden agenda, no negative hidden agenda, but for the common good of all of us.
“We say that we are in the information age, and I’ve been saying something: that our response should not be optional, but it must be a must, because if you don’t join now, you are going to be left behind.
“So what do we do? We have to get our house in order.
“Why do I say so? We used to operate like this before the information age; now in the information age, how do we operate?
“So, we have to get our house in order and see whether we are aligning ourselves with way things should work now. So, our challenge is to come up with a strategy, see how best we can reorganize our structures, to be able to deliver communications-information systems support for the Ghana Armed Forces,” he said.
Searyoh related that his organization has already accomplished one part of erecting the necessary foundation by establishing an appropriate policy structure.
“What is required now is the implementing level. Currently we have communications on one side, and computers on one side. The lines are blurred — you cannot operate like that, you’ve got to bring them together,” he said.
Building that merged entity to support deployed forces is what he sees as the primary challenge at present.
“Once you get that done you can talk about equipment, you can talk about resources,” Searyoh said. “I look at the current collaboration between the U.S. and the coalition partners taking a new level.”
“The immediate challenges that we have is the interoperability, which I think is one of the things we are also discussing here, interoperability and integration,” said Lt. Col. Kelvin Silomba, African Union-Zambia, Information Technology expert for the Africa Stand-by Force.
“You know that we’ve got five regions in Africa. All these regions, we need to integrate them and bring them together, so the challenge of interoperability in terms of equipment, you know, different tactical equipment that we use, and also in terms of the language barrier — you know, all these regions in Africa you find that they speak different languages — so to bring them together we need to come up with one standard that will make everybody on board and make everybody able to talk to each other,” he said.
“So we have all these challenges. Other than that also, stemming from the background of these African countries, based on the colonization: some of them were French colonized, some of them were British colonized and so on, so you find that when they come up now we’ve adopted some of the procedures based on our former colonial masters, so that is another challenge that is coming on board.”
The partnership with brother African states, with the U.S. government and its military branches, and with other interested collaborators has had a positive influence, said Silomba.
“Oh, it’s great. From the time that I got engaged with U.S. AFRICOM — I started with Africa Endeavor, before I even came to the AU — it is my experience that it is something very, very good.
“I would encourage — I know that there are some member states — I would encourage that all those member states they come on board, all of these regional organizations, that they come on board and support the AFRICOM lead. It is something that is very, very good.
“As for example, the African Union has a lot of support that’s been coming in, technical as well as in terms of knowledge and equipment. So it’s great; it’s good and it’s great,” said Salimba.
Other participant responses to the conference were positive as well.
“The feedback I’ve gotten from every member is that they now know what the red carpet treatment looks like, because USARAF has gone over and above board to make sure the environment, the atmosphere and the actual engagements … are executed to perfection,” said Ferrell. “It’s been very good from a team-building aspect.
“We’ve had very good discussions from members of the African Union, who gave us a very good understanding of the operations that are taking place in the area of Somalia, the challenges with communications, and laid out the gaps and desires of where they see that the U.S. and other coalition partners can kind of improve the capacity there in that area of responsibility.
“We also talked about the AU, as they are expanding their reach to all of the five regions, of how can they have that interoperability and connectivity to each of the regions,” Ferrell said.
“(It’s been) a wealth of knowledge and experts that are here to share in terms of how we can move forward with building capacities and capabilities. Not only for U.S. interests, but more importantly from my perspective, in building capacities and capabilities for our African partners beginning with the Commission at the African Union itself,” said Kevin Warthon, U.S. State Department, peace and security adviser to the African Union.
“I think that General Ferrell has done an absolutely wonderful thing by inviting key African partners to participate in this event so they can share their personal experience from a national, regional and continental perspective,” he said.
Warthon related from his personal experience a vignette of African trust in Providence that he believed carries a pertinent metaphor and message to everyone attending the conference.
“We are not sure what we are going to do tomorrow, but the one thing that I am sure of is that we are able to do something. Don’t know when, don’t know how, but as long as our focus is on our ability to assist and to help to progress a people, that’s really what counts more than anything else,” he said.
“Don’t worry about the timetable; just focus on your ability to make a difference and that’s what that really is all about.
“I see venues such as this as opportunities to make what seems to be the impossible become possible. … This is what this kind of venue does for our African partners.
“We’re doing a wonderful job at building relationships, because that’s where it begins — we have to build relationships to establish trust. That’s why this is so important: building trust through relationships so that we can move forward in the future,” Warthon said.
Conference members took a cultural tour of Venice and visited a traditional winery in the hills above Vicenza before adjourning.
To learn more about U.S. Army Africa visit our official website at www.usaraf.army.mil
Official Twitter Feed: www.twitter.com/usarmyafrica
Official YouTube video channel: www.youtube.com/usarmyafrica
SATTAHIP, Thailand (March 28, 2014) Hull Maintenance Technician 2nd Class Brandon Callow, right, shows students from the Mosaic School Program in Thailand, objects produced in the pipe shop onboard the submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40). The students toured various workshops on the ship where Sailors explained more about their occupations and answered any questions. Frank Cable, forward deployed to the island of Guam, conducts maintenance and support of submarines and surface vessels deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility and is currently on a scheduled underway period. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Gabrielle Joyner)
140328-N-WC566-010
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SEOUL -- A “Back to School” shopping trip to Dongdaemun Market, sponsored by the Middle School/Teen Program, was held Aug. 7. About a dozen Humphreys Garrison youth battled torrential rains while trying to shop Korea’s largest retail shopping district. For more information about Middle School/Teen-sponsored trips, call 753-5614.
U.S. Army photos by Megan Clancy
For more information on U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys and living and working in Korea visit: USAG-Humphreys' official web site or check out our online videos.
Hogg takes command of U.S. Army Africa
10 June 2010 - By Rick Scavetta, U.S. Army Africa Public Affairs
VICENZA, Italy – During a ceremony today at Caserma Ederle’s Hoekstra Field, Maj. Gen. David R. Hogg assumed command of U.S. Army Africa.
Gen. William E. Ward, commanding general of U.S. Africa Command presided over the ceremony, which signaled the departure of outgoing commander, Maj. Gen. William B. Garrett III.
Hogg, who recently served as deputy commanding general of Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan, said he is delighted to become part of the Vicenza military community.
“After 29 years of service and six overseas assignments to include Germany, Panama and Belgium, this is our first opportunity to be in Italy,” Hogg said. “We are absolutely thrilled to be here.”
Hogg said he is excited to be a part of U.S. Army Africa, the Army's newest service component command, challenged with developing relationships with land forces in Africa and supporting U.S. Army efforts on the African continent.
Ward reminded the crowd that U.S. Army Africa has accomplished some great things since Dec. 2008, when it began its transformation to becoming the Army service component command for U.S. Africa Command.
“In that short time, the command has formed, grown, and matured into an active and effective outfit and has established strong strategic relationships with the ground forces in Africa,” Ward said. “U.S. Army Africa not only succeeded, they excelled. In fact, they thrived on the opportunities they were given.”
Garrett took command of the Southern European Task Force in 2008. He commanded SETAF throughout its transformation to U.S. Army Africa. Garrett now heads to Iraq, where he will serve as the chief of staff, U.S. Forces Iraq.
“We look forward to building upon the systems that Maj. Gen. Garrett and Mrs. Garrett have developed,” Hogg said. “We are truly thankful for the warm welcome that we have received from the community and, especially, the Garretts.”
Photo by SFC Kyle Davis USARAF PAO
PACIFIC OCEAN (April 14, 2018) - An MH-60S Sea Hawk, assigned to the "Chargers" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 14, prepares to on load cargo during a vertical replenishment-at-sea operation between the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Henry J. Kaiser (T-AO 187). John C. Stennis is underway with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 conducting routine training as well as tailored ships training availability and final evaluation problem. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class William Ford) 180414-N-YF227-257
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Hogg takes command of U.S. Army Africa
10 June 2010 - By Rick Scavetta, U.S. Army Africa Public Affairs
VICENZA, Italy – During a ceremony today at Caserma Ederle’s Hoekstra Field, Maj. Gen. David R. Hogg assumed command of U.S. Army Africa.
Gen. William E. Ward, commanding general of U.S. Africa Command presided over the ceremony, which signaled the departure of outgoing commander, Maj. Gen. William B. Garrett III.
Hogg, who recently served as deputy commanding general of Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan, said he is delighted to become part of the Vicenza military community.
“After 29 years of service and six overseas assignments to include Germany, Panama and Belgium, this is our first opportunity to be in Italy,” Hogg said. “We are absolutely thrilled to be here.”
Hogg said he is excited to be a part of U.S. Army Africa, the Army's newest service component command, challenged with developing relationships with land forces in Africa and supporting U.S. Army efforts on the African continent.
Ward reminded the crowd that U.S. Army Africa has accomplished some great things since Dec. 2008, when it began its transformation to becoming the Army service component command for U.S. Africa Command.
“In that short time, the command has formed, grown, and matured into an active and effective outfit and has established strong strategic relationships with the ground forces in Africa,” Ward said. “U.S. Army Africa not only succeeded, they excelled. In fact, they thrived on the opportunities they were given.”
Garrett took command of the Southern European Task Force in 2008. He commanded SETAF throughout its transformation to U.S. Army Africa. Garrett now heads to Iraq, where he will serve as the chief of staff, U.S. Forces Iraq.
“We look forward to building upon the systems that Maj. Gen. Garrett and Mrs. Garrett have developed,” Hogg said. “We are truly thankful for the warm welcome that we have received from the community and, especially, the Garretts.”
140129-N-EC099-109 PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 29, 2014) – The Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200) and the frigate USS Ingraham (FFG 61) conduct a replenishment at sea alongside the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan is currently underway conducting training. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Charles D. Gaddis IV/Released)
Authority is not shouted—it is worn, carried, and reflected in every movement. True power is not frantic nor forceful; it is poised, calculated, and undeniable.
A uniform is more than fabric—it is discipline woven into every thread, precision tailored into every line. The weight of command is not a burden, but a privilege borne by those who shape the world.
“The man who controls himself commands all others.”
Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) hosted the 2nd Annual Maritime Operational Commanders Conference (MOCC) at the Northwood headquarters March 2, 2017. Thirty-six Fleet Commanders and senior NATO command representatives from Allied and Partnership for Peace nations attended to discuss a variety of topics including reviewing recent operations, process improvement, information sharing and enhanced collaboration and exercising to strengthen NATO’s maritime response.NATO Photo by MARCOM/FRA N CPO Christian Valverde.
20150515 update: Government officials have requested this image to be taken down due to various security and/or safety related issues. I have updated it with a blurred version of the original (thanks, ImageMagick!).
I was invited to shoot some pictures at the former PTT (PTT, Nederlands) NCO Arnhem communications atomic bunker, built under the "De Leuke Linde" playground during the Cold War (Koude Oorlog). After the Cold War ended, it was used as a high-secure relay station for the Nationaal Noodnet emergency communications network.
Some of my photos will be used for the Stichting NCO Arnhem & Nationaal Noodnet website, brochures and other PR stuff.
I have spent many hours underground, the place is a treasure-trove of history, science, (communications) technology and architecture. It is absolutely amazing. The place will be opened to the public in 2014 and I can highly recommend taking the guided tour.
I have made a couple of mistakes during the first photography session; I should have made more use of my white/greycards, my lenses gathered quite a bit of dust, which I failed to notice.
I think I could spend a week inside, photographing every little detail and awesome piece of technology and history, but you should really go and see for yourself.
CAMP SAMOUD, Kuwait – Soldiers from the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) raced against the clock as they ran, jumped, climbed and waded their way through an obstacle course at the Kuwait National Guard’s headquarters in Camp Samoud, Kuwait.
The Dec. 18 competition featured two six-man teams from the 143d ESC and six teams from the Kuwait National Guard. Soldiers from both nationalities donned helmets and slung M4 carbines around their backs.
The war fighting equipment added an extra layer of complexity and realism as the men navigated through the quarter-mile path lined with logs, walls, ropes, ladders, monkey bars and a shallow pool.
The 143d ESC led the way when one of its teams volunteered to attack the course first. The six Soldiers set the pace for their Kuwaiti counterparts with a time of 3 minutes, 16 seconds. The second team brought the inaugural event to a close when its fifth man crossed the finish line at 4 minutes, 20 seconds.
Regardless when and how he crossed the finished line, every American Soldier received a gift bag courtesy of the Kuwait National Guard.
The race sprouted from the collaborative partnership between the 143d ESC’s civil affairs section and the Kuwait National Guard’s special event coordinators. Both parties plan to host a variety of contests between the Kuwaitis and the U.S. military to include team sports, physical fitness challenges and shooting competitions.
Photo by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)
A U.S. Marine with Marine Special Operations Command and a special agent with the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service posts security in support of a key leadership engagement exercise during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-19 at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, April 11, 2019. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), which emphasizes operational integration of the six functions of Marine Corps aviation in support of a Marine Air Ground Task Force. WTI also provides standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Auburne D. Johnson)
TOKYO – When Army Maj. Gen. James F. Pasquarette assumed command of U.S. Army Japan (USARJ) July 8, 2015, he immediately took initiative to personally meet the troops under his command as well as key leaders from his host nation partners.
Pasquarette's tour of his area of responsibility began in earnest when he and members of his staff boarded a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter July 10 from Camp Zama, Japan. Flying hundreds of feet above the congested highways at sometimes at level with Japan's sea of skyscrapers, Pasquarette acquired a bird's eye view of the American and Japanese military installations scattered among the urban jungle.
“We overflew Sagami General Depot, Yokohama North Dock and Hardy Barracks, said Milton Jackson, garrison manager at Camp Zama. “Our new commander now has clearer picture of the facilities, equipment and watercraft managed by the Army, and he can better understand where and how these individual installations interact with one another.”
According to Jackson, the USARJ primary mission comprises the rapid deployment of troops and materiel from one theater to another. As the Army's largest logistical hub in Asia, the command must maintain a streamlined sustainment system capable of moving thousands of tons of supplies and equipment via land and sea.
“Sagami Depot has rolling stock and Yokohama North Dock has watercraft,” said Jackson. “We must overcome the challenges posed by Japan's dense population centers by developing methods that rapidly move and load stock onto our watercraft so that we may better project our presence in the Pacific. Fortunately, our Japanese allies are willing to support us if a major threat or disaster called for a sudden mass movement.”
After a brief stop at Yokota Air Base to meet with Air Force Gen. John L. Dolan, commanding general, U.S. Force Japan, Pasquarette touched down near the heart of Tokyo where members of America's staunchest allies welcomed him with the pomp and circumstance befitting a general.
“On behalf of the JGSDF (Japan Ground Self-Defense Force), welcome to Japan,” said Gen. Kiyofumi Iwata, chief of staff, JGSDF, to Pasquarette after the two commanders sat in a decorative conference room inside Japan's Ministry of Defense. “We look forward to continuing our dialog of bilateral coordination between our two countries as JGSDF pursues its transformation into a dynamic joint defense force.”
The dialog consisted of one-on-one conversations with not only Iwata but also Adm. Katsutoshi Kawano, chief of staff, Japan Self-Defense Force, and Hideshi Tokuchi, vice minister of international affairs, Japan Ministry of Defense. The four men discussed previous achievements, current operations and potential challenges facing their respective commands and presented ideas on how to strengthen interoperability among their forces through combined training exercises and expanded service member exchange programs.
“We currently have several dozen JSDF service members embedded with [U.S. military] units,” said Pasquarette. “I believe extending this program so that our Soldiers can work within the JGSDF will further enhance our partnership.”
Pasquarette also ensured his hosts that the United States Army remains committed to its allies in the Pacific despite looming force reductions and ongoing operations in Europe and the Middle East.
“The Army recently announced that it will cut the number of troops in the active component from 450,000 to about 410,000,” said Pasquarette. “This rebalance of the force has no effect on our strength and readiness in the Pacific. Our alliance is more important than ever. That's why we're keeping our best trained and best equipped Soldiers in Japan and Korea.”
After a two-hour visit that started with with a JSDF band playing “The Star-Spangled Banner” and ended with a warm exchange of plaques and handshakes, Pasquarette and his team boarded a helicopter bound for Camp Zama.
“I have worked extensively throughout the Pacific during my Army career,” said the former armor officer and chief of staff of U.S. Army Pacific. “The JSDF consists of some of the world's most capable and professional men and women in uniform. I look forward to building stronger relationships with them and become a valuable partner in its transformation."
U.S. Army photos by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, U.S. Army Japan