To everyone in the communities surrounding Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, “Hello!”
I’m “the new guy” here at Miramar and my name is Brigadier General Carl Jensen. Periodically, I’d like to take advantage of this venue to discuss issues or events going on at Miramar that may interest you.
The United States military has long-enjoyed a special bond with the enormously supportive and patriotic San Diego community, and I now find myself beneficiary to that relationship. I pledge to do everything in my power to strengthen those bonds during my stewardship, and will endeavor to ensure that the Marines and Sailors of Miramar become even more closely woven into the community fabric. We take great pride in being soccer moms and dads, scout leaders, church members, PTA volunteers, and net contributors to our communities. And, as an integral member of the “at large” community, I believe it’s my duty to keep you informed of ongoing activities at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
As the steward of Miramar, my primary objective is to ensure that your Marines and Sailors are provided the finest training and support possible, as many will soon find themselves on the front lines of the global war on terror, heeding this great Nation’s call to arms. In order to best prepare these heroes to go in Harm’s Way and return safely, they’ve got to have top-notch, tough, and realistic training. Simultaneously, we strive to provide outstanding support to the families of those left behind in our communities, and care for those returning stalwarts who have borne the weight of their Nation in battle. At the end of the day, our principal job here at Miramar is to enhance and sustain combat readiness, and also the quality of life that Miramar Marines, Sailors, and their families enjoy, all of which is integral to readiness. In that vein, the community support and encouragement for those deployed -- and to the families of those serving overseas -- is our lifeblood. I am indebted to your enthusiastic and unstinting support and understanding as the Nation sends her sons and daughters to war. I’m convinced that there is no other community in the world quite as patriotic, generous, and supportive as San Diego. Thank you!
In August, a near-continuous stream of Marines and Sailors deployed to and returned from overseas combat assignments. That pattern will continue unabated in the coming months, and the requisite combat training associated with that rotation accounts for the increased air operations activity around Miramar that you may have observed. Also, as many of you may be aware, your Navy/Marine Corps team has adopted a new concept that seeks to better integrate naval aviation forces, called Tactical Air Integration. Henceforth, each Navy aircraft carrier that departs for operations will have aboard it one squadron of Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets. This integration will significantly bolster our ability to rapidly and appropriately respond to disparate contingencies requiring aviation support, and increases overall mission efficiency, effectiveness, and cohesion. I ask for your forbearance if the sound of our training is occasionally disturbing -- there are currently three carriers in port and the absolute requirement to train prior to redeployment remains tantamount. Much of this training occurs at night, and Miramar Air Station conducts continuous operations for 16 _ hours a day to accommodate (7:30 AM till 12 midnight).
To all our friends and supporters in the communities surrounding Miramar, I offer again my thanks and gratitude for your encouragement and cooperation. I look forward to working closely with you in order to better serve our communities, our state, and our Nation. Semper Fidelis.
Carl B. Jensen
Commanding General, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar
All information Copyright Scripps Ranch Civic Association