Navy

FORT DETRICK, Md. – The 46th U.S. Army Surgeon General, Lt. Gen. Mary K. Izaguirre, met with key medical logistics leaders Dec. 16 to discuss the service’s capacity to sustain operational health care during large scale combat operations, or LSCO.

The surgeon general, leaning into her integrator role, underscored the importance of medical logistics and its mission to ensure ready medical equipment and supplies – an area where shortfalls could cost lives.

“Army Medicine must transform to effectively care for our Soldiers, Families and retirees, at home and abroad, across the conflict continuum,” Izaguirre emphasized. “We must address current gaps in the capability to execute force health protection, health service support and [command and control] functions at scale in LSCO.”

The engagement at Fort Detrick included key leaders from U.S. Army Medical Logistics Command, the Army’s Life Cycle Management Command for medical materiel, as well as the 6th Medical Logistics Management Center, which synchronizes medical logistics operations during specified Army or joint force missions.

AMLC Commander Col. Marc R. Welde briefed on AMLC’s overall mission and key efforts led by its direct reporting units, including the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Agency, U.S. Army Medical Materiel Center-Europe and U.S. Army Medical Materiel Center-Korea.

AMLC’s Civilian Deputy to the Commander Derek Cooper provided an update on MEDLOG in Campaigning, or MiC, that aims to optimize processes and systems and integrate medical materiel management and maintenance into the sustainment enterprise.

“We are integrating – with intention – at echelon to enable Army readiness,” Welde said.

Integration remained a pivotal theme during discussions. MEDLOG units have historically worked closely together and even share the same headquarters within Fort Detrick’s Defense Medical Logistics Center. The center houses AMLC headquarters and USAMMA, as well as the 6th MLMC, Air Force Medical Logistics Command, Navy Medical Readiness Logistics Command Detachment, Defense Health Agency Medical Logistics and Defense Logistics Agency-Troop Support.

During the strategic engagement, the surgeon general also updated medical logistics leaders on her efforts to transform Army Medicine – by way of form, function and policy – using data strategy to generate decision advantage. With current Army-wide resource constraints, the general said the focus must be on prioritization based on risk.

“We must focus on our true medical requirements and then look at the most effective ways to meet those requirements. Effectiveness first, and then efficiency,” Izaguirre said. “If we focus on efficiency first, we’ll undercut effectiveness.”

AMLC is a subordinate command under the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, which is part of the U.S. Army Materiel Command. As the Army’s LCMC for Class VIII, AMLC delivers medical logistics, sustainment and materiel readiness from the strategic support area to the forward tactical edge to increase survivability and sustain fighting strength.

LANDOVER, Md. – Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division provided personnel and resources as part of a collaborative multi-agency law enforcement partnership effort for the 125th Army-Navy game taking place at Northwest Field in the Washington, DC area.

Army CID worked alongside the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), Prince George’s County Police Department, FBI, U.S. Secret Service (USSS), Pentagon Force Protection Agency (PFPA) and agencies across the Washington, D.C. area for detailed planning and coordination leading up to and during the Army—Navy game on December 14, 2024.

CID provided executive protection for Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr., Secretary of the Army Christine E. Wormuth and Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Randy A. George as part of its daily mission providing protection for key military leaders and other high-risk personnel.

“Meticulous planning with law enforcement partners begins well in advance and it takes a great deal of coordination and preparation behind-the scenes to support the Army-Navy game and the events leading up to it,” said Special Agent in Charge Jacob Cameron, of Army CID’s Washington Field Office. “Dedicated CID Special Agents work seamlessly with local, state, and federal partners day in and day out to stay ahead of the threat and maintain the operational readiness of the Army.”

During Army-Navy game weekend, CID conducted proactive patrols and interacted with military personnel to raise awareness about local criminal threats.

CID is the Department of the Army’s federal law enforcement agency with 3,000 personnel at 124 locations worldwide working to prevent and investigate criminal activity targeting Army people, resources, capabilities, and communities. Army CID encourages individuals to Submit a Tip and anonymously report crime or suspicious activity via CID.army.mil/tips

The U.S. Army’s 5th Transportation Company, part of the 765th Transportation (Terminal) Battalion under the 10th Support Group, joined the Marine Corps in a combat training exercise on Dec. 12 at White Beach Naval Facility in Okinawa, Japan. This exercise focused on improving combat boat operations in a region vital to the United States and our ally’s security and prosperity.

“As the commander of the 10th Support Group, I’m certain our mission set is vital to enabling a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said 10th Support Group commander, Col. Torrance G. Cleveland. “Every exercise we complete sharpens our joint capabilities and reinforces our commitment to regional security. We aren’t just training; we are building the foundation of peace and stability through interoperability, which is focused on collaboration, resilience, and shared security goals.”

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Amanda F. Hurley, the vessel master of the U.S. Army boat LCU 2032 Palo Alto and her crew practiced launching and recovering the Marines’ enhanced – combat rubber reconnaissance crafts (E-CRRCs), from a white beach pier. This training was designed to ensure readiness and prepare for real-life combat situations. The Army and Marines additionally worked together to practice a night raid near Nagasuku Bay. These types of exercises help both sister services improve their skills and learn how to work better together.

Hurley said she was impressed with the capabilities showed throughout the exercise. “The crew did a fantastic job. They knew exactly what to do and kept the Marines safe during their training. Even when we had a mechanical problem that could have stopped the mission, the crew showed their skill and determination to fix it quickly.”

Hurley added she will continue to look for ways to improve upon the lessons learned during the exercise. “We will train our [Army] mariners and enhance their equipment proficiency to be better equipped to support similar missions like this in the future. We were able to identify several areas for sustainment and improvement to better prepare our Mariners to conduct these types of operations.”

Marine Capt. Johnathan C. Weber, Company Commander, Company F, Battalion Landing Team 2/4, said teaming up with Army mariners was a pleasure with Chief Hurley’s team incredibly accommodating and professional despite the challenges of the mission.

“Amphibious operations present difficulties and require prior detailed planning and subsequent adaptability in execution,” said Capt. Weber. “Together as an Army and Marine team, we were able to face those challenges on the water and still accomplish the mission.”

Capt. Weber added continued interoperability exercises will be on the docket.

“Through additional training, we will make further refinements to our tactics, techniques, and procedures to achieve success always,” said Capt. Weber. “In large scale combat operations, joint operations are ubiquitous and interoperability like we exhibited during this training event help us prepare for the future operating environment.”

The Palo Alto and its crew left their home port in Yokohama, Japan, on Dec. 6, arriving in Okinawa on Dec. 11. The next day was spent on daytime and nighttime training missions. Hurley said this opportunity for Army mariners to experience joint training with a sister service demonstrated the operational reach of her crew.

“This is the first time the 5th Composite Watercraft Company conducted this type of training with the Marine Corps,” said Chief Hurley. “This training captured the multi-use capability that our Army watercraft bring to the Pacific area of operations.”

After the training, both the Army and Marines agreed that the exercise helped sharpen their skills and discover new ways to work together. Col. Cleveland said these exercises demonstrate how the 10th Support Group enhances joint operations by seamlessly integrating with partner forces. They highlight the vital role of logistics in ensuring mission success across the Indo-Pacific region.

“In the vast and unpredictable Indo-Pacific, our ability to coordinate logistics and communication determines our success,” said Col. Cleveland. “The 10th Support Group stands as the bridge between services, ensuring no mission falters — no matter the complexity or the conditions. As we continue to develop our capabilities, it’s about building trust, enhancing communication, and uniting diverse strengths to secure a prosperous future.”

Training like this helps the Army and Marines stay ready, strengthen their partnership, and ensure they can support missions in the Indo-Pacific region.

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. After 25 years of unwavering dedication and exemplary service, Command Master Chief Jonas Marnick recently took part in an official retirement ceremony hosted by the Naval Small Craft Instruction and Technical Training School (NAVSCIATTS).

In a time-honored U.S. Navy tradition, a formal ceremony was held on Dec. 13, along the banks of the Pearl River on the John C. Stennis Space Center in South Mississippi, featuring Marnick’s family, friends, long-serving teammates from the U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command (NSW) community, local law enforcement personnel, and a hot extraction featuring a two-boat Special Operations Craft-Riverine (SOC-R) formation.

Marnick’s career began almost 25 years ago when he enlisted in the Navy as a gunners mate. Shortly after, he received orders to attend Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewman (SWCC) training, where he graduated with Class 36 in early 2001. Marnick continued his career focusing on the mission to protect his country and ensure the safety of its waters. Rising through the ranks, he distinguished himself as an exceptional enlisted leader within the SWCC community, known for his tactical expertise, leadership skills, and unwavering commitment to mission success.

In remarks to the more than 100 in attendance, retired senior chief and fellow SWCC training classmate Eric Shuman recounted memories and achievements in Marnick’s career, leaving an indelible mark on the Navy and the men and women who served alongside him.

“At 17 years old, Jonas came in, and stayed in,” Shuman explained. “Everyone else in our class faded out or retired. I met Jonas in 2001 as we were in the same SWCC class,” he continued. “So, I’ve known him quite a long time. One thing I’ll say about the Naval Special Warfare community are the bonds, friendship, and brotherhood.”

Shuman continued his remarks reminiscing on Marnick’s illustrious career, excelling in various roles and settings, showcasing his versatile capabilities in amphibious warfare and riverine operations, to include selection for the Maritime Craft Aerial Delivery System (MCADS) as an air trainer and examiner, SWCC instructor for Crewman Qualification Training with the NSW Basic Training Command, and Special Boat Team (SBT) 22, where he served as detachment chief in a four-boat SOC-R Riverine troop.

While assigned to SBT 22, Marnick, a native of Honesdale, Penn., served with current NAVSCIATTS Cmdr. Robert LeClerc, who performed the duties of presiding officer for the ceremony. LeClerc recounted Marnick’s service as the troop senior enlisted advisor for Riverine Troop Two and how Marnick was instrumental in the stand-up of NSW Group Four’s Non-Standard Maritime program as a program of record for U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).

“Let me say a few words about the Jonas Marnick I know,” said LeClerc, who has served in the Navy for almost 20 years, and is a graduate of Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Class 286. “A fit, smart, funny, incredibly capable, and stoic operator, whose ability to lead was dynamic at all times in an incredibly frustrating situation. It left me in awe and forced me to up my game as a naval officer and a SEAL operator. I was blessed to have served with Jonas, like many of you, down here in the great state of Mississippi, in Special Boat 22, and again here at NAVSCIATTS. It’s a small, yet thunderous community.”

As command master chief at NAVSCIATTS, LeClerc credited Marnick for his integral role in navigating the command through talks of potential divesture to now being the Navy’s premier security cooperation training command.

“I won’t go over the drawn-out saga of the Phoenix that is this man, rising from the ashes,” he expressed. “But I will give credit to the command master chief, who ever so dedicated, led, and shaped the organization from divestment.

“Like people were gone,” LeClerc continued regarding talks of potential closure of the command. “There may have been 40-percent of the manning here and no budget…to investment, where he procured a $22 million yearly budget and a full complement of crew. He also co-authored our driving imperative, the three pillars NAVSCIATTS uses to operate globally. Under Jonas’s leadership, NAVSCIATTS is thriving, and I would argue one of the most exciting O-5 commands in the Navy.”

During Marnick’s three-year assignment to the historic international training command, the senior enlisted leader played a pivotal role in supporting the training and mentoring of foreign security force professionals from all over the world. His commitment to excellence ensured that almost 900 international students from 81 countries left the school fully equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide support to the full spectrum of operations in global maritime environments.

As Marnick hangs up his uniform after nearly three decades of service, he paid homage to the support of his family for ensuring his successful career.

“The path began with my dad, a man whose integrity, strength, and dedication to serving others profoundly shaped the man I am today,” an emotional Marnick expressed regarding his father, a U.S. Army Vietnam War veteran. “From an early age, he instilled in me the values of hard work, honor, and commitment to something greater than myself. It was his unwavering example that inspired me on my journey, and his quiet wisdom that guided me through the darkness in those challenging times.

“My dad passed away two years ago,” he continued. “Not a day goes by that I don’t think about him. I’m deeply saddened that he can’t be here today. But I carry his spirit within me, and I know he would be proud. He didn’t just teach me how to lead. He showed me how to live with purpose, resilience, and heart.”

With all the support from his family, friends, and teammates, Marnick gave full credit to his family and wife, Jennifer. “To my family: wife Jen, children Rae, Landon, and Tobias, thank you for your love, your support, and your sacrifices, because without you, none of this would be possible.”

“Jen, you’ve been my rock, my anchor, my greatest source of strength throughout my journey. You’ve stood by me through countless deployments, sleepless nights, moments of uncertainty, offering love, support, even when the road was difficult. Your sacrifices are often silent, but never unheard. You’re what allowed me to pursue the calling with focused dedication. You have been constantly guiding me along, the foundation on which I built everything. Now as I step into the next chapter, I look forward to our new adventure. One where we face the future together, side by side, finally enjoying the life we built.”

Other assignments in Marnick’s honorable career include a tour at Special Boat Unit 20 in Virginia Beach, Vir., where he deployed in support of maritime interdiction operations and special reconnaissance in the Northern Arabian Gulf, in April 2002. He conducted several more deployments and earned the SWCC senior designation on the 11-meter Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boat.

Marnick found his niche in the MCADS program before transferring, in 2008, to NSW Basic Training Command. Prior to his assignment to NAVSCIATTS, he served at Headquarters, USSOCOM in Tampa, Fla., at the Joint Special Operations University as an instructor for the Joint Special Operations Senior Enlisted Academy. Proudly, Marnick is one of only five SWCC master chiefs to serve in this capacity.

As Marnick transitions into retirement, he leaves behind a legacy that will resonate with both his peers and the next generation of Sailors to pursue a career as deputy sheriff with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office. While the Navy will surely miss his service, the legacy he leaves at NAVSCIATTS and within the NSW community is a testament to the power of dedication, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.