Bill Walker of Northrop Grumman provided April luncheon attendees with a presentation on the MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system. During the presentation, Walker discussed how the MQ-4C was designed and built to meet the Navy's maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) mission requirements. He highlighted the robust signals intelligence and communications relay capabilities that the platform will provide. Walker discussed the value that High-Altitude, Long-Endurance (HALE) systems provide to warfighters. Because of their high altitude, they are clear of commercial traffic and weather. The altitude also allows better sensor coverage and reduced risk. Also during April, the chapter distributed three Science Teaching Tools grants. Winning schools were Carlsbad, High Tech High North County, Rancho Buena Vista and Fallbrook high schools.

The chapter hosted its annual charity golf tournament in February at Maderas Golf Club in Poway, California. The event, which raised $8,000, attracted 132 golfers. These funds will be used to support Wounded Warrior scholarships and Science Teaching Tools awards. The chapter thanks all of the golfers who participated and the staff of Maderas Golf Club. A special thanks goes to the Bragunier brothers for their ongoing support each year for this event.

Col. Roger Standfield, USMC, assistant chief of staff G-6, I Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), was the guest speaker for the December luncheon. Col. Standfield spoke on Expeditionary Force-21 (EF-21) initiatives that the MEF is currently testing and training to. These include improving how the MEF supports the requirements of Geographic Combatant Commanders as well as the flexibility to accomplish diverse missions across the range of military operations. Col. Standfield spoke on the changes to command and control execution required to meet the objectives/goals of EF-21. Some of these changes include: exploration and development of a Naval fly-in command element and Cyber Electromagnetic Warfare Coordination Cell (CEWCC); reduce systems with redundant/overlapping capabilities; and the capability to control air and surface landing sites across the modern littoral environment. Chapter guests for the luncheon included Gunner Sgt. Matthew Klepsa, USMC, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Ba … Read more

The chapter's September luncheon began with AFCEA Southern California Regional Vice President Shirley Adams presenting the chapter with its 2014 Model Chapter Award. Adams thanked the chapter officers and members for all their support of AFCEA International initiatives and chapter efforts with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs and scholarships. Lt. Col. Scott Voigts, USMC, deputy AC/S G-6 Marine Corps Installations West-Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, served as the guest speaker and delivered a presentation on “Cybersecurity and the Supporting Establishment.” Col. Voigts discussed the mission of the Marine Corps Installations West-Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton (MCIWest-MCB Camp Pen) G-6 in relationship to cybersecurity. MCIWest and MCB Camp Pen recently completed a merge of their respective CIS departments to form the MCIWest-MCB Camp Pen G-6; additionally, MCIWest-MCB Camp Pen recently completed the handover of the garrison network from being con … Read more

Col. Charles Dowling, USMC, assistant chief of staff G-6, First Marine Division, was the guest speaker at the chapter's June luncheon. During his presentation, Col. Dowling spoke of the superb performance put forth by the communicators of the division during Operation Enduring Freedom 12-1. He provided his vision of the future of tactical communications within the division and spoke of the need to transition back to a maneuver-type mindset after many years of operating in a static environment within operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, and to include integration of support wide area network (SWAN) terminals, adaptive networking wideband waveform 2(ANW2) and Network on the Move into that maneuver mindset. During his discussion with attendees, Col. Dowling acknowledged the assistance received from the supporting establishments in the areas of acquiring more bandwidth for division exercises and ANW2 training. His vision of the road ahead for the First Marine Division includes … Read more

The chapter's March luncheon began with the presentation of two $1,000 Science Teaching Tools (STT) awards to Steve Kleinrath, chemistry and physics teacher at Rancho Buena Vista (RBV) High School, and Jill Frank-Aldrich, Science Department chair also from RBV. Kleinrath will utilize his STT award to cover the cost (entry fees and transportation) of participation in the annual Science Olympiad, which consists of test taking, laboratory tasks and engineering events in all branches of science (earth science, biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, computer technology and engineering). Frank-Aldrich will use her award to begin a pilot program to incorporate digital technology in her biology classrooms. She intends to revise many of the lab experiments and activities by using new software and sensors/probes to gather data and display results on electronic media devices (iPads or tablets). The Technology Spotlight speaker, James Gunn, president of CredoGov, discussed the virtual desktop in … Read more

The chapter hosted the 11th Annual Buck Bragunier Golf Tournament at Maderas Golf Club in Poway, California, in February. More than 130 golfers participated in the event, which raised $9,600. These funds will be utilized to support two Wounded Warrior scholarships along with Science Teaching Tools awards. The chapter wishes to thank all of the golfers who participated, the staff of Maderas Golf Club and the tournament sponsor: Lucas Oil. The chapter gives a special thanks to the Bragunier Brothers for their ongoing support each year for this event.

Pete Copeland, assistant chief of staff G-6, Marine Corps Installations West (MCI-West) and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, was the guest speaker for the December luncheon. Copeland provided a presentation on the organizational structure and mission responsibilities of the G-6. He also spoke about the many military construction projects aboard the base and the associated telecommunications requirements. Gunnery Sgt. Matthew Klepsa, USMC, and Staff Sgt. John Farrell, USMC, of the 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, representing the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots, spoke about the 2013 Toys for Tots drive. The luncheon raised $840 in toys and cash.

Col. Roger Standfield, USMC, assistant chief of staff G-6 for the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (I-MEF), delivered a presentation on I MEF Forward's operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) 12 command, control, communications and computers (C4) architecture for the chapter's August luncheon. Col. Standfield highlighted the resiliency and stability of the network utilized throughout the Regional Command (Southwest) area of responsibility as well as the increased capacity and capabilities that were obtained from use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) equipment and systems. Regional Command (Southwest) uses full motion video platforms throughout the region, which provide near real time video to decision makers anywhere on the battlefield in order to facilitate rapid decision-making and response. The Mobile Modular Command and Control vehicles provided commanders with complete network access while on the move via wideband satellite access. This capability enabled high-quality communication bet … Read more

In May, Lt. Col. John Lewis, USMC, Marine Air Control Group 38, delivered a presentation on the Marine Air Command and Control Systems (MACCS). Lt. Col. Lewis highlighted the role of each squadron within the MACCS in providing the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Air Combat commander with the ability to monitor, supervise and influence the application of Marine aviation's functions. He spoke on the modernization of the command and control (C2) systems unique to the MACCS as well as the interoperability challenges this modernization presents. The chapter presented the Camp Pendleton Chapter Wounded Warrior Leadership Award to Gunnery Sgt. Benjamin Holmes, USMC, of Wounded Warrior Battalion West for the exceptional leadership and mentorship he provides as first sergeant for the Balboa Naval Hospital Detachment. During the month, six scholarships were awarded to graduating high school seniors within the San Diego North County area. Each of the following students were awarded $1,000 scholar … Read more

Great weather and an excellent golf course welcomed participants to the 10th Annual Buck Bragunier Golf Tournament hosted by the chapter in February. In the spirit of giving, 86 golfers came together to help raise more than $10,000 for AFCEA Education and Wounded Warrior scholarships. The chapter would like to thank all of the golfers, as well as the following sponsors: Tachyon Networks, Northrop Grumman, AVI Systems, Creston, Dixon Golf, Polara Golf and a special thanks to the Bragunier Brothers for their ongoing support each year for this event. These funds will enable the chapter to support three STEM Teacher scholarships, the AFCEA International Wounded Warrior Fund and the launch of two new scholarships: Paul W. Wickstrom and the chapter's Leadership Award for local wounded warriors' post-service education.

Lt. Gen. John Toolan, USMC, commanding general, I Marine Expeditionary Force, was the keynote speaker for the December luncheon. Gen. Toolan provided his thoughts on the complexities and future challenges of command and control within the Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF). He noted positive improvements in new technologies to effectively communicate on the move but a need still exists to maintain proficiency in basic communication systems such as high frequency radio to the MEF's advantage. In the arena of amphibious capabilities, he emphasized that there must be the assumption that large communication pipelines will not be available to embarked units and that command and control issues associated with ship-to-shore and ship-to-objective communications must be solved. Staff Sgt. Jon Swanson, USMC, Camp Pendleton Toys for Tots coordinator, also briefed the attendees on the 2012 Toys for Tots Drive. The luncheon raised $800 in toys, which were donated to the Toys for Tots Drive.

The Communications Training Center (CTC) 1 located at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, conducted a graduation ceremony for the Radio Supervisor Course (RSC) and Telecommunications Supervisor Course (TSC) in April. The mission of the CTC supervisor courses is to provide non-commissioned officers within the Marine Corps radio and wire military occupational specialties (MOS) the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful supervisors within their respective MOS. Mark Witzel, chapter president, was on hand to observe the ceremony and to make presentations to the course's top three graduates. The RSC Honor Graduate was Cpl. Coty Thompson, USMC, 1st Marine Regiment. The second place graduate was Sgt. Miguel Machado, USMC, Air and Naval Gunfire Liaison Company. Sgt. Jamie Kubik, USMC, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, was the third place graduate. The TSC Honor Graduate was Cpl. Huber Basurto, USMC, 1st Battalion 1st Marine Regiment; second place TSC graduate was Sgt. Christ … Read more

Dr. Scott Wells, co-founder of the Ultimate Knowledge Institute, spoke on the subject of social media foundations and security concepts at the April meeting. During his presentation, Wells highlighted the impact that social media has on today's society from posting photos for family and friends to its role as a mechanism for political change. Wells also spoke on vulnerabilities within social media such as hackers, data profiling/leakage and identity theft. He also gave pointers on methods for protecting yourself, such as restricting who can view personal information (birthday, high school attended) within your social media page. Angie Knappenberger of El Camino High School and Victor Zonana of Mission Hills High School received $1,000 each for their school's submissions to the 2012 Science Teaching Tools Award program.

Pete Copeland, assistant chief of staff, Communication Information Systems Department (CISD), Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, provided the January luncheon attendees with a presentation on the organizational structure and mission responsibilities of the CISD. The Area Control Center (one of seven divisions within the CISD) is responsible for all active duty Marine units west of the Mississippi River. Additionally, the CISD provides network connectivity for Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and all tenant units. Copeland provided a snapshot of the ongoing military construction projects aboard the base and the associated telecommunications requirements. Capt. David H. Grundies, USN (Ret.), regional vice president, was on hand to present the chapter with its 2011 Model Chapter banner. The chapter paid respects to the late Paul Wickstrom, a former chapter president who passed away in December. Wickstrom turned over chapter president duties in 2009 but remained active within the chapter … Read more

Col. David Terando, USMC, chief of staff for Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Pendleton and former commanding officer of the Marine Corps Communications School, served as the guest speaker at the December luncheon. Col. Terando spoke about technology advancements employed on the current battlefield that provide advanced capabilities down to the platoon and squad level. He also provided an overview of the mission and capabilities of the support organizations within MCB Camp Pendleton. He highlighted the new training facilities, which include the Regimental Urban Facility, Urban Close Air Support sites, Improvised Explosive Device Lane Training Complex and Infantry Immersive Trainer. The colonel also emphasized the quality of life improvements with construction of new Bachelor Enlisted Housing, Single Family Housing, Big Box Post Exchange, Child Development centers, naval hospital and recreational facilities on the base. The luncheon raised more than $800, which was donated to the Marine … Read more

Maj. James Robinson, USMC, future operations officer, I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF)/G-6, provided a presentation on “Operation Enduring Freedom Wideband Networking to the Small Unit” at the September luncheon. Maj. Robinson discussed the multiband radio (MBR) architecture that I MEF Forward implemented during its recent deployment. In addition, he highlighted the requirement for the MBR wideband network, which was born from the need to accurately deconflict fires based on accurate position location information for friendly forces, as well as the ability to utilize live video to provide situational awareness between units in contact and their higher echelons of command. The end desire was to extend this capability down to the squad and fire team levels. Additionally, the chapter presented one-year AFCEA memberships to the honor, second- and third-place graduates of Communication Training Center 1 Telecommunication Supervisor's Course. The honor graduate also received a copy of … Read more

For its August luncheon, the chapter received a briefing from Gunnery Sgt. Alonzo Lawton, USMC, information assurance manager, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force-Forward (I MEF-Forward), regarding information assurance and computer network defense during the force's recent deployment in support of operation Enduring Freedom. Sgt. Lawton provided an overview of significant information assurance events that occurred during the deployment and the issues they presented. He spoke on three challenges: upgrading firewalls and network sensors; implementing Host Based Security System (HBSS) on the deployed network; and helping I MEF-Forward communicators adjust to network accreditation.

The biggest goal for the communicators was to integrate information assurance and computer network defense measures without affecting combat operations while maintaining their situational awareness in regards to possible compromises on the network. Lt. Col. Matthew Limbert, USMC, operations officer, 1 Mari … Read more

In May and June, the chapter presented 11 local high school graduating seniors with $1,000 scholarships. The chapter works with school counselors from the Camp Pendleton and North San Diego communities to select a deserving senior from each high school. Each candidate must be pursuing a degree in either science or engineering at a four-year university. Chapter officers attended the award ceremonies to present the scholarship to the winners.

Pete Copeland, assistant chief of staff, Communication Information Systems Department (CISD), Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, provided the January luncheon attendees with a presentation on the organizational make up and mission responsibilities of the CISD. Disseminating roughly 49,000 defense messages per month, the Camp Pendleton Area Control Center (one of seven divisions within the CISD) is responsible for all active duty Marine units west of the Mississippi River. Additionally, the CISD provides network connectivity for Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and all tenant units.

Copeland provided an operational snapshot of the many ongoing military construction projects aboard the base and the associated telecommunications requirements. Luncheon attendees included two of the 2011 AFCEA Camp Pendleton Chapter Science Teaching Tools Award winners: Lorry Peacock of Carlsbad High School and Stephen Klienrath of Rancho Buena Vista High School. The chapter also had a great turno … Read more

Jeff Mercer, director, Strategic Communications Joint Program Executive Office for the Joint Tactical Radio System (JPEO JTRS), served as the guest speaker at the chapter's October luncheon. Mercer briefed attendees on the current status of the JTRS program. He spoke on new networking capabilities enabling increased operational flexibility through multichannel, multiwaveform, cyber hardened, route/retransmit networked-capable radios that JTRS provides. Mercer stated that individual unit costs would be decreased through competitive acquisition strategies in production. He also spoke on the Small Business Innovative Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs utilized by the JTRS program to stimulate technological innovation. Since the initiation of both programs, more than 80 contracts have been awarded to a diverse selection of small companies and universities in 18 states. He concluded by stating, "Continuous innovation and insertion of new warfighter capabilities is c … Read more

In September, David Robbins, information assurance manager, Marine Corps Installations West, provided a follow-up to his April presentation on information assurance (IA). He focused on command support (table of organization and contractor support); funding for training, equipment and salaries; and IA policies, doctrine and procedures. He also spoke about the five phases of the Defense Department Information Assurance Certification and Accreditation Process (DIACAP), along with the process for accessing department information technology systems and networks. Chapter members also participated in the Camp Pendleton Fall Career and Education Expo by distributing information concerning AFCEA International Educational Foundation scholarships.

Ronald Buschur, president and chief executive officer of Powerwave Technologies, served as the guest speaker for the chapter's August luncheon. Buschur briefed luncheon attendees on Powerwave Technologies' capabilities for providing mission-critical, secured wireless networks for government, military, homeland security and public safety agencies. Powerwave's solutions and services can help public agencies and governments reduce their capital and operating expenses; speed rollout of services; improve coverage and capacity; and reduce environmental impact. Buschur provided information on several of his company's products, including the Ultra Smart Pico Broadband Base Station and the Ultra Broadband Secured Adaptive Software Defined Network. Additionally, the Powerwave team provided a static display of their RapidFlex ™ Rapid Mobile Deployment Unit (RMDU). A self-contained transportable communications site, the RMDU is capable of providing network connectivity in support of emergency s … Read more

The chapter's July luncheon focused on "The State of Cloud Computing: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow." Scott Dowell, enterprise technologist, Navy and Marine Corps Technology Center, Computer Sciences Corporation, served as the guest speaker and began his presentation by discussing the potential of cloud computing. Dowell touched on service types and deployment models along with private cloud and community cloud projects within the Defense Department, federal and state governments. He explained that organizations want a process to safely integrate cloud services as part of their enterprise architecture, and he concluded by describing the power of cloud computing in the future. In this architecture, Dowell explained that cloud services increasingly use policy-driven automation or orchestration to enforce service-level agreements enabling the net-centric vision. Dave Grundies, regional vice president, then presented the chapter with its 2010 Model Chapter banner. Albert Gunnarson III, … Read more

In May, the chapter presented $1,000 to both High Tech High North County and Rancho Buena Vista High School as winners of the chapter's Science Teaching Tools Award. Chapter officers also presented $1,000 senior scholarships to local seniors planning to pursue science and technology majors. This month, recipients included Geoffrey Leeds of San Marcos High School and Travis Smith of San Clemente High School. The chapter was very grateful to receive a $5,000 donation for the AFCEA Educational Foundation from the Florence Gunnarson Foundation. Craig Benson, director, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps business development, AeroVironment, provided an informative presentation on small, unmanned aircraft systems (SUAS) and their use on the modern battlefield. He briefed attendees on current Marine Corps' requirements for SUAS, as well as how these systems are currently being employed down to the squad level in operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom.

At the chapter's April luncheon, guest speaker David Robbins, information assurance manager, Marine Corps Installations West, discussed information assurance (IA) and briefed attendees on Defense Department IA policies and procedures. He focused on the responsibilities that the various command IA workforces play in protecting the network. Additionally, with the new authorization to access social networking sites, such as Facebook, creation of local unit policies is vital in educating network users on their part in protecting the network, said Robbins. Regional Vice President Dave Grundies was on hand to accept a $5,000 donation to the chapter's Wounded War Veterans Scholarship fund from Rick Hancock, vice president, business systems, QinetiQ – North America.

In February, the chapter hosted the 6th Annual Buck Bragunier Golf Tournament, supported by the San Diego Chapter, to raise funds for the AFCEA Educational Foundation. Approximately 150 golfers participated in the tournament, which was held in conjunction with AFCEA West 2010. More than 15 corporate sponsors supported the tournament, including ITT providing overall support and QinetiQ-North America sponsoring a barbecue dinner. Additional sponsors included American Systems, AVI-SPL, CDW-G, Copper River, General Dynamics C4 Systems, General Dynamics Information Technology, Harris Corporation, IBM, L-3, Leggett and Platt, Military Officers Association of America, Scalable Networks, Smart Solutions Incorporated and Ultimate Knowledge Systems. The tournament raised $21,000 toward AFCEA Educational Foundation activities.

Chief Warrant Officer Benino Guerrero, USMC, a motor transport officer for the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, served as the January speaker. He discussed mine resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicles and the MRAP all terrain vehicle (M-ATV). He shared that the deployment of both is key to increasing the survival rate of personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan. He explained the requirements for operator, maintenance, vehicle recovery and EGRESS training. CWO Guerrero pointed out that a maintenance advantage of the M-ATV is that it incorporates parts currently in the military supply system; this decreases maintenance backlogs. Michael Murphy, team lead for the Joint Interoperability of Tactical Command and Control Systems (JINTACCS), Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity (MCTSSA) Interoperability branch, provided the Technology Spotlight on MTCSC, a woman-owned business that provides technical support to the MCTSSA, the Marine Corps Systems Command Program Manager Intelligence, … Read more

Casey Roberts, business management officer, Marine Corps Installations West (MCIWest), served as the keynote speaker in December. He provided an overview of the organizational structure and the bases and agencies that comprise the MCIWest. Roberts focused on the procedures that small business owners can use to conduct business with MCIWest. Harry Melkerson, public relationships committee member for the San Diego Holiday Bowl, shared the event's history and this year's game participants. Debra Anderson, Camp Pendleton's coordinator for the Toys for Tots Drive, also spoke to the audience. The luncheon raised more than $700 toward the program.

More than 40 attendees from Camp Pendleton and the local defense community attended the chapter's first networking social in November. The event included active-duty service members as well as civilian and retired personnel. The event's goal was to provide an opportunity for transitioning military personnel to meet and discuss employment opportunities with local industry. It also gave local defense industry members the chance to meet and exchange ideas in an informal setting. The networking social was the result of efforts from Vicki Hines, chapter vice president for programs, and Kim Smith-Rohlfs, chapter vice president for membership.

The chapter's November luncheon focused on counter radio controlled improvised explosive device electronic warfare (CREW). Doug Boots, ITT Corporation's program manager for the force protection systems (FPS) division, gave a presentation on the division, and Barbara Tinetti, also from FPS, provided an overview of the CREW vehicle receiver jammer system that is currently in use supporting operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Kent Schneider, president and chief executive officer of AFCEA International, and Lt. Gen. John A. Dubia, USA (Ret.), AFCEA's executive vice president, discussed upcoming events, including West 2010 in February.

Matthew Wagner, C4 systems analyst and team lead at Alion Science and Technology, focused his presentation at the October meeting on "Amphibious Considerations." He discussed the importance of preparing the U.S. Navy's amphibious fleet for use by U.S. Marine Corps operational forces. Quoting Gen. James T. Conway, USMC, commandant of the Marine Corps, Wagner noted the need to "reinvigorate our amphibious warfighting capability and the Navy and Marine Corps' amphibious relationship at all levels, from developing enhanced concepts, policies and doctrines to fully training our operating forces and ensuring their constant readiness." He said this must be done without losing sight of the Marine Corps' responsibility to effectively operate in all environments, and he highlighted the need to "consider the ships" whenever developing requirements, systems or employment concepts.

Andrew Meares spoke at the chapter's September meeting on behalf of iBotics. iBotics is a nonprofit, student-run engineering group that focuses on research-based engineering projects. It has strong ties with the University of California, San Diego Jacob's School of Engineering. Meares discussed the group's project, called the Stingray--a compact, lightweight autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). The iBotics team entered the Stingray in the 2009 Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International and the Office of Naval Research Annual International AUV Competition. The group spent three years designing and building the AUV for the competition. The requirements are to develop a vehicle that is capable of completing a number of realistic underwater challenges that focus on navigation, vision, sonar and environment manipulation. At the conclusion of the competition, the iBotics team placed 12th out of 30 teams.

The topic for the chapter's July meeting was "Military Use of Free Space Optical Communications (FSOC)." Steve Sampson, vice president, advanced programs, Cubic Defense Applications Incorporated, provided a presentation on Cubic's FSOC development and products, including military laser products and recent FSOC technology advancement. Sampson shared that Cubic has created a small, low-power, solid-state, intelligent laser retro-reflector that can create new data communications options without a radio frequency signature. Marty Paulsen, chapter vice president for education, presented a $5,000 check to Dave Grundies, regional vice president, for the AFCEA International Educational Foundation's scholarship foundation. AFCEA International will match the donation. The foundation will provide educational assistance to wounded veterans.

Master Gunnery Sgt. Byron Bissessar, USMC, communications chief at Headquarters Marine Corps Command, Control, Communications and Computers, served as the keynote speaker for the June meeting. His presentation, "Net-Centric World," touched on the future for Marine communicators and noted the advancements in the fields of communications and information technology. The sergeant stressed the need for continuing education, and he highlighted the training that is available through Marine Corps Communications-Electronics School's e-University and the communication training centers located within each Marine expeditionary force. Dave Grundies, regional vice president, presented the chapter with its AFCEA International 2009 Model Chapter of the Year award.

The guest speaker at the chapter's May luncheon was Col. Joseph Granata, USMC, commanding officer, Combat Logistics Regiment, 1st Marine Logistics Group (MLG). His presentation, "Marine Corps Logistics in Support of Operation Iraqui Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom," provided an overview of how the 1st MLG conducted logistics operations in support of I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF) (Forward) combat units in both operations. The colonel noted the challenges of providing reliable and timely logistical support, and he emphasized the role information technology plays in providing reliable and accurate tracking of supplies and repair parts. The chapter presented three $1,000 scholarships and year-long AFCEA members to recent graduates of the I MEF Communications Training Center wire supervisor course.

The chapter invited Capt. Susan Tincher, USMC, a data planner for the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW)/G-6, to speak at its April meeting. The captain discussed the ongoing telecommunications commercialization of Al Asad Air Base, Iraq. She explained the directives outlining the commercialization efforts. She also shared the challenges faced and the lessons learned during the process. Lt. Col. Michael Schutte, USMC, assistant chief of staff/G-6, 3rd MAW, also addressed the audience, emphasizing the commercialization would not have succeeded without constant communication, coordination and daily interaction among the Marines and the civilian contractors of the 3rd MAW and the Marines of the Marine Wing Communications Squadron 38. The chapter also presented a $1,000 Science Teaching Tools Award to Charlene Parsons, a high school science and mathematics teacher.

Lt. Col. Peter W. Hart, USMC, director, Systems Engineering and Integration Support Division, Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity, was the featured speaker at the June luncheon. Col. Hart discussed the network and systems architectures that allow U.S. Marine Corps decision-makers to make objective assessments.

Master Sgt. Paul McMichael, USMC, staff non-commissioned officer in charge, Communications Training Center 1 (CTC-1), 1 Marine Expeditionary Force, spoke to the chapter in March on the mission, organizational structure and capabilities of Marine Corps CTCs. The CTC was created to provide communications training to regional commands, including Marine Corps Reserve units, to bridge the gap between entry- and career-level communications training courses. Master Sgt. McMichael described the relationship of the CTC between the Marine Corps Training Command, which is responsible for curriculum development, and the three active Marine Expeditionary Forces, which are the primary customers of each CTC. He also noted CTC efforts to enable students to obtain certification as Cisco Certified Network Associates and in Network+, IT Essentials I & II and Security+. Chapter members discussed upcoming the upcoming 2008 Science Teaching Tools Awards, along with plans to award $1,000 student scholarsh … Read more

In December the chapter conducted a joint luncheon with the San Diego Chapter in support of the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots drive. Price of admission was donation of a new toy and on hand to receive donations was Sgt. Edgar Villa, USMC, 4th Tank Battalion, 4th Marine Division. The guest speaker was Col. Christopher O'Connor, USMC, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. He spoke on command and control challenges currently affecting the Air Station. In particular he emphasized interoperability issues with local civilian agencies that occur in response to emergency situations such as the recent wildfires in Southern California, where the Air Station and elements of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing provided support to local and state agencies. Col. O'Connor also highlighted capabilities and activities the Air Station currently is providing to support current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Dave Brannon, service account manager, CISCO Incorporated, spoke about his company's three-to-five-year business strategy at the May chapter meeting. Brannon also discussed the "CISCO on CISCO principle" of full testing and utilization of products within the corporation prior to placement on the market. Additionally, the Florence Guenther Foundation made a $5,000 donation toward the Injured Marines Educational Scholarship Fund; in May and June the chapter presented scholarships of $1,000 each to graduating seniors from seven high schools in the North San Diego/South Orange County region.

Dr. Rajive Bagrodia, founder and president, Scalable Network Technologies (SNT), provided an overview of the history and foundation of SNT. He also gave a demonstration of SNT's flagship product, QualNet. The chapter additionally presented a check for $1,000 to Tracy Markham, science department head, Fallbrook Union High School. Her department submitted the winning proposal for classroom science requirements.

The Camp Pendleton/North County Chapter conducted a round table discussion at its October luncheon, listing topics for inclusion at AFCEA/U.S.Naval Institute 2007 Western Conference. U.S. Naval Institute representative Laura Johnston presented an overview of products and services available from the Naval Institute. Fred Rainbow, vice president for education, AFCEA International, and Steve Strippoli, director of events, AFCEA International, were on hand to assist.

Col. Stewart Navarre, USMC, chief of staff, Marine Corps Installation-West, GS14; Pete Copeland, director, Communications Informations Systems, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton; Maj. Thomas Bell, USMC 1 Marine Expeditionary Force/G-6, regional plans officer; and Dave Grundies, AFCEA regional vice president for Eastern Florida-Caribbean Region, were all in attendance.