Marine wins 'Give Em Hell Hero' Award aboard Truman

[thedrifter]

Marine wins 'Give Em Hell Hero' Award aboard Truman
Submitted by: MCAS Beaufort
Story Identification #: 200462113164
Story by Lance Cpl. Justin V. Eckersley



USS HARRY S. TRUMAN(June 18, 2004) -- A Marine from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 received the “Give ‘Em Hell Hero Award” June 13 for discovering a potentially deadly problem with one of the squadron’s F/A-18 Hornets.

While loading an Identify Friend or Foe monitor in the jet, Lance Cpl. Brandon C. Monday, avionics technician, VMFA-115, conducted a final check of the components in the cockpit.

While tightening screws and checking panels, he noticed that the mission computer had become loose.

“The mission computer controls the ship,” Monday said. “It’s the brains and the heart of the jet.”

When the computer was originally installed, the technician working on it did not properly fit the unit into a groove, according to Monday. The vibration of the Hornet’s engines eventually knocked it loose.

“I just put it back in right, and tightened down the screws,” Monday said.

Without his careful attention to detail and last-minute inspection, the aircraft could have encountered a major malfunction, which had the potential to injure or kill the pilot of the aircraft and those around it, according to Lt. Col. Peter D. Ponte, executive officer, VMFA-115.

Though Monday did not mention finding the loose unit, witnesses to the event reported it through the chain of command, according to Monday. The Marine was awarded the “Give ‘Em Hell Hero” for the quarter, which was presented to him by Navy Capt. Michael R. Groothousen, commanding officer, USS Harry S. Truman.

“The ‘Give ‘Em Hell Hero Award’ was presented to Lance Cpl. Brandon C. Monday for exemplifying exceptional character and dedication to duty,” Groothousen said.

“He did a good job,” Ponte said after the ceremony. “The whole squadron’s proud of him for winning that award.”

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/2004621131951/$file/115hero_small.jpg

Lance Cpl. Brandon C. Monday, avionics technician, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115, receives the "Give 'Em Hell Hero Award" from Navy Capt. Michael R. Groothousen, commanding officer, USS Harry S. Truman. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Justin V. Eckersley

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/378218331FDACD7185256EBA005EDACF?opendocument


Ellie

[thedrifter]

Silver Eagles test new cash system aboard Truman
Submitted by: MCAS Beaufort
Story Identification #: 200462113267
Story by Lance Cpl. Justin V. Eckersley



USS HARRY S TRUMAN(June 18, 2004) -- In an effort to solve the logistics problems of having paper money on the USS Harry S. Truman during their current deploymen, the Marines of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 are testing a new cash system.

The Silver Eagles will be the first squadron in the Marine Corps to use the new system, which will replace cash with smart cards. The Navy and Marine Cash program eliminates the need for paper money aboard ship, which caused a logistics nightmare previously, according to Cpl. Matthew A. Taylor, disbursing clerk, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115.

Automated Teller Machines would cause problems frequently, according to Staff Sgt. Bryan K. Crawford, admin chief, VMFA-115. The paper used by the machines to issue receipts would run out early on deployments, and constantly refilling them was difficult.

“Every time one of those ATMs ran out of money, you had to have a whole group of armed guards come by to guard it while it was being refilled,” Crawford said. “The ATMs just caused more problems and were high maintenance.”

The new cash cards are simple and efficient, according to Taylor. They only contain as much money as a servicemember needs, change is never a problem, and they are the size of a credit card.

When a Marine or Sailor signs up for the cash card, a new account is opened for them. After putting money into the account, they can use a K-80 machine, which looks and operates similarly to an ATM, to put money from that account onto the smart chip on the card.

The chip is used on ship to purchase items from the ship stores or snack and soda machines. Without a cash card, it is impossible to pay for anything on ship. The chip only works on Navy ships, according to Taylor.

“It’s a lot easier on the disbursing side of the house,” Crawford said. “Before, they had to deal with counting the money, sorting the money, storing the money. With the cash card, all of that goes away.”

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/07FD6994BBD2C7E085256EBA005FC6B1?opendocument


Ellie