Micrometeorites and undetectable bits of space junk (0.4 mm small) pose serious threats to every current and future manned space mission. The particles could travel in as fast 12 miles per second, with enough momentum to melt and vaporize aluminum spacecraft skin. To detect and find small holes, astronauts use handheld ultrasonic devices, such as directional microphones, which is a very time-consuming process. NASA scientists seek other solutions to focus on new wireless technologies that can spot tiny leaks by tracking vibrations across a spacecraft’s metal skin.

“There is turbulence as the air spreads in the vacuum and that reacts against the plate at the edge of the hole”, said Dale Chimenti, a professor at Iowa State University who was developing the inch-long sensors for NASA.

The sensors would stud the inside of the shell of a spacecraft, providing mission controllers a faster way to locate leaks before problems arise. Multiple instruments will be needed to safeguard and protect the entire spacecraft and triangulate the signals to pinpoint a location. The technology may not be funded for use in the International Space Station or shuttle fleet, but interest from future space programs is high. Earthbound applications include monitoring pipelines and pressurized oil tankers.

Held at the 2nd MLG Headquarters, the 2nd Marine Logistics Group retired its colors last February 27, marking the end of a successful combat deployment to Iraq. The Marines recently returned from 13-months in Al Anbar province of Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the nation’s Global War on Terrorism.

Just like in Iraq, the unit supplied combat logistical assistance to all units operating in Al Anbar, helping stabilize the once treacherous region. The logistics group’s support consisted of supply, motor transport, maintenance of vehicles and equipment, medical and dental care, and services such as disbursing and postal delivery. The casing of the unit’s battle colors not only marks the end of combat operations, but it also marks the re-uniting of an organization. Throughout the 13-month deployment, many Marines and sailors remained behind to ensure that all normal operations in the U.S. continued.

“While we’ve been gone, the Marines and sailors back here at Camp Lejeune have been working hard, not only supporting 2nd MLG as we were deployed, but doing all the other things that II Marine Expeditionary Force required of them,” Brig. Gen. James A. Kessler explained. “Just because we were gone doesn’t mean that those requirements were in any way diminished.”
Marines who just got back from Iraq will now join their fellow comrades at Camp Lejeune and start to shift their focus away from the past and toward the future by implementing lessons learned and preparing for future operations.

Sgt. Maj. Carlton R. Green, 2nd MLG sergeant major, pointed out that it is very important to remain vigilant for operations around the world.

“Looking to the future should be our focus. We can learn from our past, but the road ahead is the future. Now is not the time to sit back and boast on our accomplishment, instead, we must focus on how we will be successful in the future.” Green adds.

A recent survey by Geneva-based Airports Council International revealed the world’s top airports. The annual survey, called the Airport Service Quality Awards, polled 200,000 passengers waiting at the gate in 90 airports on 34 indicators ranging from the availability of luggage carts to restroom cleanliness.

South Korea’s Incheon International Airport took the lead for the third year in a row. The best 5 airports in the world are:

1. Incheon International Airport (South Korea)
2. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Malaysia)
3. Changi Airport (Singapore)
4. Hong Kong International Airport (China)
5. Central Japan International Airport (Japan)

With the top 5 all located in Asia, that doesn’t mean that airports in other parts of the globe fair poorly. Regional winners include:

• Europe – Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (Portugal)
• North America – Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (United States)
• Middle East – Ben Gurion International Airport (Israel)
• Africa – O.R. Tambo International Airport (South Africa)
• Latin America and the Caribbean – José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (Ecuador)

During a dodge ball game on February 25, 2008, at Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, a 19-year-old 376^th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron fire protection journeyman suddenly collapsed due to cardiac arrest. Airman Garrett is part of the 376^th Air Expeditionary Wing Staff team February 25, when he collapsed.  Players from both teams pulled together to assist him once they realized what had happened. 

“I really don’t recall what happened.  One moment, I was playing dodge ball and the next thing I knew was I was in the medical clinic and they were sticking needles and things in me,”

Airman Garrett said. 

He fell over and we didn’t think it was anything serious at first.  He just spiraled downhill from there.  I’m just thankful everybody was there,” said Airman 1^st Class Daniel Hogan, a 376^th ECES fire protection journeyman and teammate. The emergency-medical-technician qualified firefighters administered first-aid and helped in assisting medics administer emergency care for Airman Garrett.  The firefighters performed basic life support and the automated external defibrillator was used within five minutes.  Thus, it maximized his chances of survival. 

“Airman Garrett exhibited signs of cardiac arrest.  Starting basic life support and the quick use of the automated external defibrillator to get his cardiac rhythm normalized saved his life,” said Col. Dan Hansen, the 376^th Expeditionary Medical Group commander. Hansen said, “I’ve taken care of a few of these in my time and often this is not the outcome because of delays in BLS or AED use.”  Hansen denoted,

“It was great teamwork.  It was people who knew what to do and the right equipment on hand saved a life.”

Knowing how to administer first-aid and basic life support is essential especially in emergency situations.  It’s a virtue when a man saves another man’s life.