Marine Corps

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. – The “Black Knights” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314 returned to their home base with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar following a five-month deployment with Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 3 to the U.S. 7th and 5th Fleet areas of operation, Dec. 14, 2024.

Following completion of a four-week composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX), VMFA-314 deployed with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, July 11, 2024, and embarked aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).

The Black Knights played an instrumental role in supporting U.S. Central Command objectives, participating in dual-carrier operations with the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and supported critical efforts to degrade Iranian-backed capabilities, ensuring the safety of deployed U.S. Forces and deterring regional escalation.

While in CENTCOM, VMFA-314 conducted multiple strikes on Houthi weapons storage facilities within Yemen, marking the first use of the F-35C Lightning II in combat operations. These facilities housed conventional weapons, including anti-ship missiles and one-way attack drones, used by the Iranian-backed Houthis to target U.S. military and civilian vessels navigating international waters in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

“The capabilities and determination of what our team can do amazes me. We made history during our time in the Middle East all due to the tireless work of our Marines and support of the Carrier Strike Group and U.S. forces,” said Lt. Col. Jeffrey Davis, commanding officer of VMFA-314. “This deployment was not easy, and yet the squadron overcame challenging circumstances and continued to set the standard for Marine Corps fixed-wing aviation. We held our steadfast commitment to excellence day in and day out and I will always be proud of their accomplishments. After months of hard work, we are excited to return home to our loved ones.”

The Abraham Lincoln Strike Group used every opportunity to work with more than 10 allied nations to strengthen joint maritime capabilities. The Black Knights participated in the first bilateral Multi-Large Deck Event held in the Indo-Pacific by the U.S. and Italian Navy on Aug. 9, 2024, and conducted joint flight operations with Italian F-35Bs, showcasing the ease of integration available across the F-35 enterprise.

VMFA-314 flew more than 1,400 flight hours across 770 sorties during the five-month deployment. Of these, 195 hours and 61 sorties were in direct support of combat operations in CENTCOM, where the squadron delivered more than 72,000 pounds of ordnance. While not engaged in combat operations, the Black Knights developed three Division Lead and three Section Lead qualifications across their pilot cadre, thanks to the execution of more than 27,000 maintenance man-hours.

The Black Knights were led by their commanding officer, Lt. Col. Jeffrey “Wiki” Davis, and their executive officer, Maj. Nicholas “Pwee” Koza.

CVW-9 consists of nine squadrons flying the F-35C Lightning II, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, E-2D Hawkeye, C-2 Greyhound, and MH-60R/S Sea Hawk . The squadrons are the “Tophatters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14, the “Black Aces” of VFA-41, the “Vigilantes” of VFA-151, the “Black Knights” of VMFA-314, the “Wallbangers” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 117, the “Wizards” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133, the “Raptors” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71, the “Chargers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 14, and the “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40.

The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group consists of the flagship USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), embarked staffs of CSG-3 and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21, CVW-9, Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121), and DESRON 21’s USS Spruance (DDG 111) & USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112).

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS O’Kane (DDG 77) and USS Stockdale (DDG 106) remain deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations supporting global maritime security operations.

FORT BUCHANAN, PUERTO RICO- The Fort Buchanan new housing complex construction, the first Army housing development in the installation since World War II, continues to move forward with steady progress, according to Caleb E. Santiago-Morales, Resident Engineer at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Caribbean District.

“The project is currently at 55 percent overall completion. Ongoing activities include masonry installation, cement plastering, tile installation, doors and windows installation, and site utilities,” said Santiago-Morales.

Despite some challenges, the $32 million project is scheduled to be finished in January 2026.

“Skilled labor shortages represented by low production rates and schedule delays have been challenging. However, the contractor is actively bringing new workers to the project site to mitigate the possible delays related to this issue,” added Santiago Morales.

The complete military housing project consists of tearing down 27 old family housing units, building 26 new units, and providing supporting facilities, including site work, all required utility systems, storm drainage, street lighting, and information systems to conform with construction standards.

According to Santiago-Morales, the project incorporates a USACE three-phase control system to maintain the highest standards. The contractor must also develop and maintain a quality control system and a safety program to ensure quality and safety throughout the project execution.

“USACE also provides Subject Matter Experts through its Engineering Division to inspect the project features and provides guidance as needed during the project planning, design, and construction phases,” added Santiago-Morales.

The new Fort Buchanan homes will have energy conservation technology and resiliency capabilities in the event of high winds or seismic events, which is critical in hurricane-prone regions such as the Caribbean.

The construction project reflects how the only U.S. Army installation in the region provides safe, healthy, and adequate housing for military personnel and their families as part of its commitment to enhancing Soldiers’ quality of life. This project will increase on-post housing from 29 to 55 units.

Fort Buchanan serves a diverse military community of approximately 15,000 active-duty Reserve, National Guard, Marine Corps Reserve, and Navy Reserve personnel. Fort Buchanan’s mission is to serve as a readiness enhancement platform and facilitate the deployment of military personnel to any place at any time.

For more information about Fort Buchanan and its relevance in the Caribbean, please visit https://www.facebook.com/FortBuchananofficial

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII – Former U.S. Marine Corps master sergeant traded in her Marine green for Navy blue, commissioning as an officer into the U.S. Navy, marking a monumental turning point in her career, Dec. 6, 2024.

This event was not only a change in uniform, but symbolized the culmination of 16 years of service in the Marine Corps.

For Louisiana native – Chantise Robinson – this is the beginning of a new chapter, one where she not only transitions to a different branch of service but also to a new role as a medical officer – a path that requires a fresh start in her career in a new demanding field.

“When I initially joined the Marine Corps, I did not plan on staying more than four years,” said U.S. Navy Lt. j.g. Robinson. “I wanted to be a pharmacist.”

In 2013, Robinson’s horizons expanded when she learned about the Medical Service Corps In-Service Procurement Program, which offered a pathway into the medical field. She was faced with a critical choice – start training with the Navy and pursue a career in the medical field or complete her education on her own while continuing to serve in the Marine Corps and applying for the MSC-IPP.

Robinson earned her undergraduate degree in 2019 while continuing to serve in the Marine Corps and promoting to the rank of gunnery sergeant. By then, she had spent nearly a decade in the service, realizing her career was at a crossroads.

“When I was in high school, I saw the Marine Corps as a steppingstone to get my degree, but I’ve just grown to love it,” explained Robinson “However, I always did have that goal of being educated and trying to progress higher.”

As a part-time student attending Louisiana State University, Robinson earned her master’s degree in just 18 months. While attending her graduation ceremony, she eagerly awaited the results of her package for the MSC-IPP. But when the news came in, it was not the answer she had hoped for – she hadn’t made it into the program.

“I almost gave up,” Robinson admitted. “But my recruiter told me to keep trying.”

While debating the decision between staying in and getting promoted to master sergeant versus getting out and pursuing this career as a civilian, it was the encouragement from her leaders that kept her going.

In October 2024, Robinson’s perseverance paid off when she discovered she was accepted into the program. She prepared to transition out of her billet as the security chief of Headquarters and Service Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific.

Just two months later, she made the decision to transition out of the Marine Corps, stepping into a new role as a commissioned officer in the Navy at the rank of lieutenant junior grade.

“I’m excited, eager, and anxious,” Robinson admitted. “The Marine Corps is all I’ve known for the past 16 years, but I’m looking forward to it.”

For Robinson, this transition is more than a career change; it’s the fulfillment of a lifelong dream to serve in the medical field. Blending her passion for healthcare with her fidelity to serve the nation, her journey serves as a powerful reminder to never stop chasing your dreams.

“Don’t ever give up on your goals,” she said. “No matter how far-fetched or out of reach they may seem, let perseverance take you far, not only in your career but in life.”

Military leaders who enter service with the primary goal of improving behavioral healthcare are a rare find. Dedicating oneself to improving the mental well-being of fellow service members is an extraordinary undertaking and precisely the challenge Lieutenant Commander Patrick Baker has accepted. Baker is not just a leader; he is a pioneer, breaking down barriers and creating a culture of care within the military while pursuing an evolving and innovative delivery of mental health care.

Baker currently serves as the Department Head of Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program at Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Patuxent River. In addition, he concurrently serves as the Installation Director of Psychological Health for Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River and shoulders the responsibility for the psychological health of 52 tenant commands; and as the Deputy Medical Service Line Lead for Behavioral Health, National Capital Region.

Baker was recently awarded and celebrated as the 2024 recipient of the Southern Maryland Chapter Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Admiral Merlin O’Neill award. The Southern Maryland Chapter of MOAA established the Admiral Merlin O’Neill award in 1981 to recognize exemplary junior officers assigned to duties at Naval Air Station Patuxent River. This award is named in honor of Admiral Merlin O’Neill, Commandant of the Coast Guard from 1950 to 1954, who was a southern Maryland resident in his later years. U.S Army Colonel (Ret) Neil Johnson presented Baker with the Admiral Merlin O’Neill Award at the November NAS Patuxent River All-Hands recognition event for his exemplary service to the NAS Patuxent River community.

A native of Long Island, NY, Baker’s journey began once he graduated from Providence College with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. He completed his master’s in social work and was selected for the Health Services Collegiate Program for Clinical Social Work. Baker completed his clinical training requirement at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD, where he served primarily in the Department of Oncology, providing counseling and medical advice for acutely ill patients and their families.

Deciding to embark on a career in the navy was a result of a transformative experience during Baker’s graduate studies while working with veterans at Northport VA Medical Center, in Northport, NY. Baker remarked, “I was inspired by the sacrifices and resilience of the Veteran population and felt the need to do something more proactive to help them heal.” Recognizing opportunities to provide solutions tailored to the unique mental health needs of the military community, Baker was compelled to promote catalytic change, for good. It was after his clinical training that Baker accepted a commission to the United States Navy.

Baker’s decision to pursue a naval career has been a measurable and significant success. He served as part of the Operational Stress Control and Readiness (OSCAR) Team at 1st Marine Division where he was the principle Mental Health Staff Officer responsible for the psychological resiliency of approximately 3,500 marines and sailors.

As the mental health advisor to the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) Surgeon, and Commanding General, Baker established embedded mental health capability for the 3rd MEF Information Group in Okinawa, Japan. During his tenure, he also served as the lead medical planner for the cooperative health engagement under the Humanitarian Civic Assistance component of Exercise Balikatan 2017. He completed the Plans, Operations, and Medical Intelligence (POMI) course and was subsequently the first Licensed Clinical Social Worker awarded the POMI sub-specialty.

Baker was then assigned to the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) and served as the Deputy Chief of the Naval Center for Combat and Operational Stress Control (NCCOSC). At NCCOSC, he worked to optimize the psychological readiness of sailors and marines through the development, aggregation, and dissemination of best practices and innovations in preventing psychological injuries. Baker fully developed Navy Medicine’s first comprehensive One Navy Medicine Mental Health Strategy which received unanimous concurrence from the Surgeon General and Navy Medicine Executive Staff.

The following awards and honors offer an additional glimpse of Baker’s distinguished service to date:

* 2024 Admiral Merlin O’Neill Award
* Navy Clinical Social Worker of the Year in 2019
* Meritorious Service Medal
* Two Navy Achievement Medals
* Two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals
* Armed Forces Service Medal
* Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
* Global War on Terrorism National Defense Medal
* Navy Marksmanship Ribbon (Sharpshooter)
* Navy Marksmanship Rifle (Expert) Medal

In his short time at NAS Patuxent River, Baker continues to advance and advocate for progressive behavioral health care and administer quality services in his role as a provider. As service members face chronic stress, operational fatigue, sleeplessness, and the challenges of adapting to rapidly changing technologies and mission requirements, it is important for them to know there is a path to mental wellness. Education and communication are key to spreading the message of prioritizing mental health and Baker has presented to multiple commands and executive leadership groups on the topic. One of Baker’s most significant discourses concerns the art of “Embracing Stress” as he speaks to discovering opportunities for growth, self-reflection, and balance in recognizing and leaning into perceived stressful situations. Stress has grown into a word with significant negative connotation and Baker is determined to flip the script and promote a positive and impactful relationship with stress. As Baker explains, “Stress can be a positive force that increases focus, builds resilience by overcoming challenges, and strengthens one’s ability to cope with stressors which leads to personal growth.”

Captain Jeremy J. Hawker is the Commanding Officer of (NMRTC) Patuxent River and serves concurrently as the Director of the Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River. Hawker speaks to the significance of Baker’s impact, “LCDR Baker is a talented provider, who we cannot be more grateful for in supporting our community here at NAS Pax. His multifaceted approach in the management of behavioral health issues in the region is truly one of a kind and noted from the Flag level down to the deck plate. I have had senior level leaders tell me after listening to his briefs and engaging with him, that they sought behavioral health treatment because of him, and they want to share the message that it is okay to seek treatment. He is truly a diamond in the rough, who provides support 24/7 for this community and we cannot appreciate him more.”

Through community education, professional engagement, and a relentless pursuit of quality treatment processes, Baker is dedicated to leaving a lasting positive impact. His commitment to fostering a culture of mental health awareness and support is inspiring, and his efforts are poised to significantly enhance the well-being of military personnel. He is a well-deserved recipient of the Admiral Melvin O’Neill Award. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, “To leave the world a bit better . . . to know that even one life was breathed easier because you have lived – that is to have succeeded.” According to Emerson’s standard, Baker has, indeed, succeeded as there are many who have breathed easier for crossing his path.