Category: Wrightstown

Burlington, McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, Wrightstown

Mission of Honor holds 36th Ceremony at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery

September 11, 2021

WRIGHTSTOWN, NJ (BURLINGTON)– The 36th New Jersey Mission of Honor ceremony was held at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Wrightstown, N.J., on Sept. 9, 2021. The cremains of World War II U.S. Army veteran Edward T. Hopkins, World War II U.S. Army veteran Steven L. Horvath and his Margaret, World War II U.S. Army veteran Henry J. Korzeniewski, World War II U.S. Army veteran Philip W. Lehn, Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Frederick Sawade Jr., Cold War era U.S. Army veteran William Stern, and Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Paul G. Strongin, were honored during the ceremony.

Some of these cremains had gone unclaimed for as long as 45 years. NJMOH’s mission is to identify, retrieve, and intern the cremated remains of veterans forgotten in New Jersey funeral homes. 

  • U.S. Army and Air Force Honor Guard members carry American Flags and urns containing the cremains of a veteran during the 36th New Jersey Mission of Honor (NJMOH) ceremony at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Wrightstown, N.J., Sept. 9, 2021. The cremains of World War II U.S. Army veteran Edward T. Hopkins, World War II U.S. Army veteran Steven L. Horvath and his Margaret, World War II U.S. Army veteran Henry J. Korzeniewski, World War II U.S. Army veteran Philip W. Lehn, Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Frederick Sawade Jr., Cold War era U.S. Army veteran William Stern, and Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Paul G. Strongin, were honored during the ceremony. Some of these cremains had gone unclaimed for as long as 45 years. NJMOH’s mission is to identify, retrieve, and intern the cremated remains of veterans forgotten in New Jersey funeral homes. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen)
  • U.S. Army and Air Force Honor Guard members carry American Flags and urns containing the cremains of a veteran during the 36th New Jersey Mission of Honor (NJMOH) ceremony at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Wrightstown, N.J., Sept. 9, 2021. The cremains of World War II U.S. Army veteran Edward T. Hopkins, World War II U.S. Army veteran Steven L. Horvath and his Margaret, World War II U.S. Army veteran Henry J. Korzeniewski, World War II U.S. Army veteran Philip W. Lehn, Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Frederick Sawade Jr., Cold War era U.S. Army veteran William Stern, and Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Paul G. Strongin, were honored during the ceremony. Some of these cremains had gone unclaimed for as long as 45 years. NJMOH’s mission is to identify, retrieve, and intern the cremated remains of veterans forgotten in New Jersey funeral homes. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen)
  • U.S. Army Pfc. Jeremy B. Peguero, right, 1-114th Infantry Regiment, places an urn containing the cremains of a veteran while Sgt. Aldo A. Posas, Joint Force Headquarters, both with the New Jersey Army National Guard, waits to place an American flag in front of it during the 36th New Jersey Mission of Honor (NJMOH) ceremony at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Wrightstown, N.J., Sept. 9, 2021. The cremains of World War II U.S. Army veteran Edward T. Hopkins, World War II U.S. Army veteran Steven L. Horvath and his Margaret, World War II U.S. Army veteran Henry J. Korzeniewski, World War II U.S. Army veteran Philip W. Lehn, Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Frederick Sawade Jr., Cold War era U.S. Army veteran William Stern, and Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Paul G. Strongin, were honored during the ceremony. Some of these cremains had gone unclaimed for as long as 45 years. NJMOH’s mission is to identify, retrieve, and intern the cremated remains of veterans forgotten in New Jersey funeral homes. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen)
  • U.S. Army Sgt. Aldo A. Posas, left, Joint Force Headquarters, places an American flag in front of an urn containing the cremains of a veteran while Pfc. Jeremy B. Peguero, 1-114th Infantry Regiment, both with the New Jersey Army National Guard, stands at attention during the 36th New Jersey Mission of Honor (NJMOH) ceremony at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Wrightstown, N.J., Sept. 9, 2021. The cremains of World War II U.S. Army veteran Edward T. Hopkins, World War II U.S. Army veteran Steven L. Horvath and his Margaret, World War II U.S. Army veteran Henry J. Korzeniewski, World War II U.S. Army veteran Philip W. Lehn, Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Frederick Sawade Jr., Cold War era U.S. Army veteran William Stern, and Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Paul G. Strongin, were honored during the ceremony. Some of these cremains had gone unclaimed for as long as 45 years. NJMOH’s mission is to identify, retrieve, and intern the cremated remains of veterans forgotten in New Jersey funeral homes. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen)
  • U.S. Army Pfc. Jeremy B. Peguero, 1-114th Infantry Regiment, New Jersey Army National Guard, carries an urn containing the cremains of a veteran during the 36th New Jersey Mission of Honor (NJMOH) ceremony at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Wrightstown, N.J., Sept. 9, 2021. The cremains of World War II U.S. Army veteran Edward T. Hopkins, World War II U.S. Army veteran Steven L. Horvath and his Margaret, World War II U.S. Army veteran Henry J. Korzeniewski, World War II U.S. Army veteran Philip W. Lehn, Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Frederick Sawade Jr., Cold War era U.S. Army veteran William Stern, and Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Paul G. Strongin, were honored during the ceremony. Some of these cremains had gone unclaimed for as long as 45 years. NJMOH’s mission is to identify, retrieve, and intern the cremated remains of veterans forgotten in New Jersey funeral homes. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen)
  • U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Airman 1st Class Bertha E. Paul-Odionhin, places an urn containing the cremains of a veteran while Senior Airman Jai A. Williams, both with the 87th Air Base Wing Honor Guard, waits to place an American flag in front of it during the 36th New Jersey Mission of Honor (NJMOH) ceremony at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Wrightstown, N.J., Sept. 9, 2021. The cremains of World War II U.S. Army veteran Edward T. Hopkins, World War II U.S. Army veteran Steven L. Horvath and his Margaret, World War II U.S. Army veteran Henry J. Korzeniewski, World War II U.S. Army veteran Philip W. Lehn, Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Frederick Sawade Jr., Cold War era U.S. Army veteran William Stern, and Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Paul G. Strongin, were honored during the ceremony. Some of these cremains had gone unclaimed for as long as 45 years. NJMOH’s mission is to identify, retrieve, and intern the cremated remains of veterans forgotten in New Jersey funeral homes. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen)
  • U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jai A. Williams, left, places an American flag in front of an urn containing the cremains of a veteran while Airman 1st Class Bertha E. Paul-Odionhin, both with the 87th Air Base Wing Honor Guard, stands at attention during the 36th New Jersey Mission of Honor (NJMOH) ceremony at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Wrightstown, N.J., Sept. 9, 2021. The cremains of World War II U.S. Army veteran Edward T. Hopkins, World War II U.S. Army veteran Steven L. Horvath and his Margaret, World War II U.S. Army veteran Henry J. Korzeniewski, World War II U.S. Army veteran Philip W. Lehn, Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Frederick Sawade Jr., Cold War era U.S. Army veteran William Stern, and Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Paul G. Strongin, were honored during the ceremony. Some of these cremains had gone unclaimed for as long as 45 years. NJMOH’s mission is to identify, retrieve, and intern the cremated remains of veterans forgotten in New Jersey funeral homes. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen)
  • U.S. Army and Air Force Honor Guard members carry American Flags and urns containing the cremains of a veteran during the 36th New Jersey Mission of Honor (NJMOH) ceremony at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Wrightstown, N.J., Sept. 9, 2021. The cremains of World War II U.S. Army veteran Edward T. Hopkins, World War II U.S. Army veteran Steven L. Horvath and his Margaret, World War II U.S. Army veteran Henry J. Korzeniewski, World War II U.S. Army veteran Philip W. Lehn, Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Frederick Sawade Jr., Cold War era U.S. Army veteran William Stern, and Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Paul G. Strongin, were honored during the ceremony. Some of these cremains had gone unclaimed for as long as 45 years. NJMOH’s mission is to identify, retrieve, and intern the cremated remains of veterans forgotten in New Jersey funeral homes. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen)
  • U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Airman 1st Class Bertha E. Paul-Odionhin, places an urn containing the cremains of a veteran while Senior Airman Jai A. Williams, both with the 87th Air Base Wing Honor Guard, waits to place an American flag in front of it during the 36th New Jersey Mission of Honor (NJMOH) ceremony at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Wrightstown, N.J., Sept. 9, 2021. The cremains of World War II U.S. Army veteran Edward T. Hopkins, World War II U.S. Army veteran Steven L. Horvath and his Margaret, World War II U.S. Army veteran Henry J. Korzeniewski, World War II U.S. Army veteran Philip W. Lehn, Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Frederick Sawade Jr., Cold War era U.S. Army veteran William Stern, and Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Paul G. Strongin, were honored during the ceremony. Some of these cremains had gone unclaimed for as long as 45 years. NJMOH’s mission is to identify, retrieve, and intern the cremated remains of veterans forgotten in New Jersey funeral homes. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen)
  • U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jai A. Williams, left, and Airman 1st Class Bertha E. Paul-Odionhin, both with the 87th Air Base Wing Honor Guard render honors during the 36th New Jersey Mission of Honor (NJMOH) ceremony at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Wrightstown, N.J., Sept. 9, 2021. The cremains of World War II U.S. Army veteran Edward T. Hopkins, World War II U.S. Army veteran Steven L. Horvath and his Margaret, World War II U.S. Army veteran Henry J. Korzeniewski, World War II U.S. Army veteran Philip W. Lehn, Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Frederick Sawade Jr., Cold War era U.S. Army veteran William Stern, and Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Paul G. Strongin, were honored during the ceremony. Some of these cremains had gone unclaimed for as long as 45 years. NJMOH’s mission is to identify, retrieve, and intern the cremated remains of veterans forgotten in New Jersey funeral homes. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen)
  • U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Bertha E. Paul-Odionhin, 87th Air Base Wing Honor Guard, places an urn containing the cremains of a veteran during the 36th New Jersey Mission of Honor (NJMOH) ceremony at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Wrightstown, N.J., Sept. 9, 2021. The cremains of World War II U.S. Army veteran Edward T. Hopkins, World War II U.S. Army veteran Steven L. Horvath and his Margaret, World War II U.S. Army veteran Henry J. Korzeniewski, World War II U.S. Army veteran Philip W. Lehn, Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Frederick Sawade Jr., Cold War era U.S. Army veteran William Stern, and Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Paul G. Strongin, were honored during the ceremony. Some of these cremains had gone unclaimed for as long as 45 years. NJMOH’s mission is to identify, retrieve, and intern the cremated remains of veterans forgotten in New Jersey funeral homes. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen)
  • U.S. Army Sgt. Aldo A. Posas, left, Joint Force Headquarters, and Pfc. Jeremy B. Peguero, 1-114th Infantry Regiment, both with the New Jersey Army National Guard, unfurl the American flag during the 36th New Jersey Mission of Honor ceremony at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Wrightstown, N.J., Sept. 9, 2021. The cremains of World War II U.S. Army veteran Edward T. Hopkins, World War II U.S. Army veteran Steven L. Horvath and his Margaret, World War II U.S. Army veteran Henry J. Korzeniewski, World War II U.S. Army veteran Philip W. Lehn, Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Frederick Sawade Jr., Cold War era U.S. Army veteran William Stern, and Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Paul G. Strongin, were honored during the ceremony. Some of these cremains had gone unclaimed for as long as 45 years. NJMOH’s mission is to identify, retrieve, and intern the cremated remains of veterans forgotten in New Jersey funeral homes. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen)
  • U.S. Army Sgt. Aldo A. Posas, left, Joint Force Headquarters, tucks the American flag while Pfc. Jeremy B. Peguero, 1-114th Infantry Regiment, both with the New Jersey Army National Guard, holds it during the 36th New Jersey Mission of Honor ceremony at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Wrightstown, N.J., Sept. 9, 2021. The cremains of World War II U.S. Army veteran Edward T. Hopkins, World War II U.S. Army veteran Steven L. Horvath and his Margaret, World War II U.S. Army veteran Henry J. Korzeniewski, World War II U.S. Army veteran Philip W. Lehn, Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Frederick Sawade Jr., Cold War era U.S. Army veteran William Stern, and Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Paul G. Strongin, were honored during the ceremony. Some of these cremains had gone unclaimed for as long as 45 years. NJMOH’s mission is to identify, retrieve, and intern the cremated remains of veterans forgotten in New Jersey funeral homes. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen)
  • U.S. Army Pfc. Jeremy B. Peguero, 1-114th Infantry Regiment, salutes the American Flag held by Sgt. Aldo A. Posas, Joint Force Headquarters, both with the New Jersey Army National Guard, during the 36th New Jersey Mission of Honor ceremony at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Wrightstown, N.J., Sept. 9, 2021. The cremains of World War II U.S. Army veteran Edward T. Hopkins, World War II U.S. Army veteran Steven L. Horvath and his Margaret, World War II U.S. Army veteran Henry J. Korzeniewski, World War II U.S. Army veteran Philip W. Lehn, Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Frederick Sawade Jr., Cold War era U.S. Army veteran William Stern, and Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Paul G. Strongin, were honored during the ceremony. Some of these cremains had gone unclaimed for as long as 45 years. NJMOH’s mission is to identify, retrieve, and intern the cremated remains of veterans forgotten in New Jersey funeral homes. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen)
Burlington, Fort Dix, McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, Wrightstown

Operation Allies Welcome and Task Force Liberty Update

September 5, 2021

WRIGHTSTOWN, NJ – JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST –Operation Allies Refuge has turned into Operation Allies Welcome. As part of Task Force Liberty Joint Base McGuire-DIX-Lakehurst is taking a part supporting the Department of State and Homeland Security in hosting Afghan guests that have been evacuated from Afghanistan.

The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for at least 50,000 Afghans at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan.

  • A contractor working at the dining facility in Liberty Village on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, wipes down the food line before Afghans arrive for breakfast, Sept. 5, 2021. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for up to 50,000 Afghans at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jake Carter)
  • A contractor working at the dining facility in Liberty Village on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, prepares her food area before Afghans arrive for breakfast, Sept. 5, 2021. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for up to 50,000 Afghans at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jake Carter)
  • Afghans select their breakfast meal at the dining facility in Liberty Village on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Sept. 5, 2021. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for up to 50,000 Afghans at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jake Carter)
  • Afghan children play on a playground swing set in Liberty Village on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Sept. 5, 2021. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for at least 50,000 Afghans at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jake Carter)
  • Afghan children swing on a playground swing set in Liberty Village on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Sept. 5, 2021. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for at least 50,000 Afghans at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jake Carter)
  • Afghan children swing on a playground swing set in Liberty Village on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Sept. 5, 2021. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for at least 50,000 Afghans at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jake Carter)
  • Two Afghan children hold hands walking to play with other children at the playground in Liberty Village on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Sept. 5, 2021. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for at least 50,000 Afghans at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jake Carter)
  • Afghan individuals’ clothing hang out to dry on a metal fence in Liberty Village on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Sept. 5, 2021. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for at least 50,000 Afghans at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jake Carter)
Afghans play a game of cornhole in Liberty Village on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Sept. 5, 2021. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for at least 50,000 Afghans at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. –Construction workers continue to build Liberty Village 3 on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Sept. 5, 2021. Video by Master Sgt. Joseph Vigil

Task Force-Liberty FAQs

Burlington, Fort Dix, State of NJ, Wrightstown

Task Force Liberty provides relief for Afghans at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst

August 30, 2021

WRIGHTSTOWN, NJ (BURLINGTON)- Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst – The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for up to 50,000 Afghans at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible.

At Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst personnel have set up Liberty Village and in the process of a Liberty Village expansion for temporary housing on the base. All branches of services from around the country have deployed at various bases including MDL in support of Task Force Liberty.

Governor Murphy on Friday signed Executive Order No. 256, establishing the Task Force on Afghan Refugee Assistance to report directly to the Office of the Governor. The task force will be chaired by Adjutant General and Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA) Brigadier General Dr. Lisa J. Hou and will serve to coordinate State efforts to appropriately prepare for and respond to the arrival of Afghan refugees and SIV holders in New Jersey.

“As Afghan refugees arrive at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, we must act to ensure that the State is prepared to adequately receive and assist these individuals that courageously assisted our country in the War on Terror,” said Governor Murphy. “Our newly established task force will oversee efforts to welcome refugees and their families to their new lives in the United States and New Jersey. I have full trust and confidence in the Adjutant General to lead this task force in coordinating our response to the ongoing arrival of refugees to our state.”

“The Task Force stands ready to support our mission partners,” said Adjutant General and DMAVA Commissioner Brigadier General Dr. Lisa J. Hou. “We recognize the sacrifice of our Afghan allies and American and NATO service members these past 20 years. We pledge every effort to alleviate the human tragedy unfolding in Afghanistan.”

Adjutant General and DMAVA Commissioner Hou is a veteran of the War in Afghanistan, where she served as a field surgeon and sole medical provider on an Afghanistan National Army base and was responsible for providing routine and advanced emergency medical care in the combat theater for more than 600 coalition soldiers, contractors, and foreign nationals.

In addition to Commissioner of DMAVA, the Task Force will consist of the Chief of Staff to the Governor, the Chief Counsel to the Governor, the Chief Policy Advisor to the Governor, the Executive Director of the Governor’s Disaster Recovery Office, and the Commissioners or other heads of the following Executive Branch departments and agencies, or their designees:

  • The Department of Law & Public Safety;
  • The New Jersey State Police;
  • The Department of Health;
  • The Department of Human Services;
  • The Department of Children & Families;
  • The Office of Homeland Security & Preparedness;
  • The Department of State;
  • The Department of Community Affairs;
  • The Department of Transportation; and
  • The Department of Labor and Workforce Development.  

The task force will be responsible for:

  • Developing a mechanism for identifying Afghan refugees who arrive in New Jersey and plan to remain for some period of time;
  • Managing internal efforts among Executive Branch departments and agencies to welcome and provide support to Afghan refugees and SIV holders as they arrive and/or resettle in New Jersey;
  • Coordinating communications with representatives of the federal government, including the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Defense, regarding the relocation of Afghan refugees;
  • Overseeing the provision of vital support and emergency healthcare services for those who need it upon arrival in New Jersey, including COVID-19 testing and vaccination as needed;
  • Creating an intake mechanism for organizations and individuals seeking to provide aid and support to Afghan refugees to contact the Task Force, evaluating and keeping track of such organizations and individuals, and connecting such organizations and individuals with those in need of assistance; and
  • Providing any other necessary supports to ensure the safe entry and relocation to New Jersey of Afghan refugees.

Copy of Executive Order No. 256

The Big Red One and Fort Riley troops deploy in support of Afghan evacuees

The Department of Defense recently approved a request for assistance from the State Department to provide temporary housing, sustainment, and support inside the United States for vulnerable Afghans at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin; Fort Bliss, Texas; Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey; and Fort Lee, Virginia.

Approximately 500service members from the 1stInfantry Division and Fort Riley will provide support to Fort McCoy, Fort Lee, and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst to assist in these efforts as part of the task force located there. The soldiers from Fort Riley will be joining service members from Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Bliss, Texas; Fort Carson, Colorado; and Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri as part of III Corps’ overall mission, which was announced earlier this week. U.S. Northern Command is the Department of Defense’s lead combatant command for this mission in the continental United States and is providing oversight in support of the Department of State. U.S. Army North, as U.S. Northern Command’s Joint Force Land Component Command, is the lead operational command for this mission. The task forcesat Fort McCoy, Fort Lee and JBMDL will provide housing, medical, logistics, and transportation support.

“When our Nation calls, The Big Red One and Fort Riley always answer with action; our troops are highly trained and ready to respond to any mission, anytime and anywhere,” said Lt. Col. Alex Tignor, 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley spokesperson. “The Big Red One, military police, medical professionals, and logistics soldiers—men and women—deploying to these temporary housing sites are proud to join task forces U.S. Army North, U.S. Northern Command and the Department of Defense teams at Fort McCoy, Fort Lee and JBMDL in supporting the State Department with this mission.”

The Department of Defense authorized Fort Lee, Va.; Fort McCoy, Wis.; Fort Bliss, Texas; Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey; Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va.; Fort Pickett, Va.; and Holloman AFB, N.M. to provide temporary housing and support for vulnerable Afghans in support of Operation Allies Refuge.

The New York Air National Guard is sending 117 Airmen to assist in this mission at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

The 105th Airlift Wing at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh is sending 45 Airman.

The 106th Rescue Wing at F.S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach is sending 33 Airmen.

The 107th Attack Wing at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station is sending 13 Airmen.

The 109th Airlift Wing at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia is contributing 13 Airman.

And the 174th Attack Wing at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in Syracuse is sending 13 Airmen.

  • Dr. Karl Spinnenwebber, left, Amentum President, U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Mark Camerer, center, Task Force Liberty commander, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Green, right, TF Liberty command chief, walk through the expansion of Liberty Village at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Aug. 28, 2021. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for up to 50,000 Afghans at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Docleia Gibson)
Dr. Karl Spinnenwebber, left, Amentum President, U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Mark Camerer, center, Task Force Liberty commander, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Green, right, TF Liberty command chief, walk through the expansion of Liberty Village at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Aug. 28, 2021. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for up to 50,000 Afghans at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Docleia Gibson)
  • U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Diane Dunn, Joint Force Headquarters Maine Assistant Adjutant General, meets U.S. Navy Capt. Frank Ingargolola, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst deputy commander, during a visit with Task Force Liberty at JBMDL, New Jersey, Aug. 28, 2021. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for up to 50,000 Afghans at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Docleia Gibson)
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Diane Dunn, Joint Force Headquarters Maine Assistant Adjutant General, meets U.S. Navy Capt. Frank Ingargolola, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst deputy commander, during a visit with Task Force Liberty at JBMDL, New Jersey, Aug. 28, 2021. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for up to 50,000 Afghans at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Docleia Gibson)
  • U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to Task Force-Liberty sort donated clothes for Afghans at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Aug. 28, 2021. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for up to 50,000 Afghans at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Docleia Gibson)
U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to Task Force-Liberty sort donated clothes for Afghans at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Aug. 28, 2021. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for up to 50,000 Afghans at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Docleia Gibson)
  • U.S. Army Soldiers and U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to Task Force Liberty look over paperwork for in-bound Afghans at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Aug. 24, 2021. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for up to 50,000 Afghan evacuees at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jake Carter)
U.S. Army Soldiers and U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to Task Force Liberty look over paperwork for in-bound Afghans at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Aug. 24, 2021. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for up to 50,000 Afghan evacuees at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jake Carter)
  • While being supported by Joint Task Force Liberty, an Afghan mother gave birth, Aug. 29, 2021, in Liberty Village at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. They were transported to a local hospital, where doctors said they are both doing fine. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for up to 50,000 Afghans at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Docleia Gibson)
While being supported by Joint Task Force Liberty, an Afghan mother gave birth, Aug. 29, 2021, in Liberty Village at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. They were transported to a local hospital, where doctors said they are both doing fine. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for up to 50,000 Afghans at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Docleia Gibson)
  • A provider assigned to the 87th Medical Group reviews notes for Afghan evacuees at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Aug. 28, 2021. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for up to 50,000 Afghans at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jake Carter)
A provider assigned to the 87th Medical Group reviews notes for Afghan evacuees at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Aug. 28, 2021. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for up to 50,000 Afghans at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jake Carter)
  • U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to Task Force Liberty transport Afghan luggage at the Joint Readiness Center on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Aug. 28, 2021. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for up to 50,000 Afghans at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jake Carter)
U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to Task Force Liberty transport Afghan luggage at the Joint Readiness Center on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Aug. 28, 2021. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for up to 50,000 Afghans at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jake Carter)
  • Brand new donated toddler shoes wait for Afghans at Task Force Liberty, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Aug. 28, 2021. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for up to 50,000 Afghans at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jake Carter)
Brand new donated toddler shoes wait for Afghans at Task Force Liberty, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Aug. 28, 2021. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for up to 50,000 Afghans at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jake Carter)
  • A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to Task Force Liberty loads a bag of health and hygiene products for an Afghan family at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Aug. 28, 2021. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for up to 50,000 Afghans at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jake Carter)
A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to Task Force Liberty loads a bag of health and hygiene products for an Afghan family at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Aug. 28, 2021. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for up to 50,000 Afghans at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jake Carter)
  • U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Austin Cramer, a health service manager with 87th Medical Group assigned to Task Force Liberty, reads notes to a medical provider at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Aug. 28, 2021. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for up to 50,000 Afghans at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jake Carter)
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Austin Cramer, a health service manager with 87th Medical Group assigned to Task Force Liberty, reads notes to a medical provider at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Aug. 28, 2021. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for up to 50,000 Afghans at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jake Carter)
  • U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to Task Force Liberty sort donated clothes for Afghans at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Aug. 28, 2021. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for up to 50,000 Afghans at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jake Carter)
U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to Task Force Liberty sort donated clothes for Afghans at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Aug. 28, 2021. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for up to 50,000 Afghans at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jake Carter)
Burlington, Fort Dix, Wrightstown

Joint Base McGuire-DIX-Lakehurst Takes Part In “Operation Allies Refuge”

August 24, 2021

WRIGHTSTOWN, NJ (BURLINGTON)– Joint Base McGuire-DIX-Lakehurst, is taking part in the Department of State-led “Operation Allies Refuge” Service members are providing support in Kabul, Afghanistan and also back home getting ready to support the arrival of vulnerable Afghans.

In photos released today by the U.S. Airforce, the 305th Air Mobility Wing at Joint Base McGuire-DIX-Lakehurst who is responsible for delivering Rapid Global Mobility to the U.S. and its allies throughout the world is providing opperations support with the C-17 Globemaster fleet in Kabul, Afghanistan.

At the Joint Base service members are working around-the-clock to prepare as the base is set to receive vulnerable Afghans in the coming days. The Department of Defense, in support of the Department of State, is providing transportation and temporary housing in support of Operation Allies Refuge. This initiative follows through on America’s commitment to Afghan citizens who have helped the United States, and provides them essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan.

  • Airmen assigned to the 305th Maintenance Group prepare to launch a C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 305th Air Mobility Wing at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Aug. 18, 2021. The 305th AMW is responsible for delivering Rapid Global Mobility to the U.S. and its allies throughout the world. The unit’s C-17 fleet was relocated to support operations in Kabul, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Azaria E. Foster)
  • A C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 305th Air Mobility Wing sits on the flightline at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Aug. 18, 2021. The 305th AMW is responsible for delivering Rapid Global Mobility to the U.S. and its allies throughout the world. The unit’s C-17 fleet was relocated to support operations in Kabul, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Azaria E. Foster)
U.S. Air Force Photos
  • Task Force McGuire-Dix Airmen set up medical facilities for arriving Afghan civilians in support of the Department of State-led Operation Allies Refuge on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Aug. 21, 2021. Service members are working around-the-clock to provide support as the base postures to receive vulnerable Afghans in the coming days. The Department of Defense, in support of the Department of State, is providing transportation and temporary housing in support of Operation Allies Refuge. This initiative follows through on America’s commitment to Afghan citizens who have helped the United States, and provides them essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Morales)
  • Task Force McGuire-Dix Airmen prepare personal protective equipment to aid in the arrival of Afghans in support of the Department of State-led Operation Allies Refuge on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Aug. 21, 2021 The Department of Defense, in support of the Department of State, is providing transportation and temporary housing in support of Operation Allies Refuge. This initiative follows through on America’s commitment to Afghan citizens who have helped the United States, and provides them essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Morales)
  • Task Force McGuire-Dix Airmen prepare medical equipment for transport to aid in the arrival of Afghans in support of the Department of State-led Operation Allies Refuge on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Aug. 21, 2021. The Department of Defense, in support of the Department of State, is providing transportation and temporary housing in support of Operation Allies Refuge. This initiative follows through on America’s commitment to Afghan citizens who have helped the United States, and provides them essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Morales)
  • Task Force McGuire-Dix Airmen are briefed on the arrival of Afghans in support of the Department of State-led Operation Allies Refuge on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Aug. 22, 2021. Service members are working around-the-clock to provide support as the base receives vulnerable Afghans in the coming days. The Department of Defense, in support of the Department of State, is providing transportation and temporary housing in support of Operation Allies Refuge. This initiative follows through on America’s commitment to Afghan citizens who have helped the United States, and provides them essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Morales)
  • Linens are prepared for the arrival of vulnerable Afghans in support of the Department of State-led Operation Allies Refuge on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Aug. 22, 2021. The Department of Defense, in support of the Department of State, is providing transportation and temporary housing in support of Operation Allies Refuge. This initiative follows through on America’s commitment to Afghan citizens who have helped the United States, and provides them essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Morales)
  • Task Force McGuire-Dix Airmen cordon off an area that will be used for temporarily housing Afghans in support of Department of State-led Operation Allies Refuge at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Aug. 22, 2021. The Department of Defense, in support of the Department of State, is providing transportation and temporary housing in support of Operation Allies Refuge. This initiative follows through on America’s commitment to Afghan citizens who have helped the United States, and provides them essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Austin Knox)
  • Task Force McGuire-Dix Airmen cordon off an area that will be used for temporarily housing Afghan citizens in support of Department of State-led Operation Allies Refuge at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Aug. 22, 2021. The Department of Defense, in support of the Department of State, is providing transportation and temporary housing in support of Operation Allies Refuge. This initiative follows through on America’s commitment to Afghan citizens who have helped the United States, and provides them essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Austin Knox)
  • Task Force McGuire-Dix personnel deliver loads of linen to temporary housing in support of Department of State-led Operation Allies Refuge at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Aug. 22, 2021. The Department of Defense, in support of the Department of State, is providing transportation and in support of Operation Allies Refuge. This initiative follows through on America’s commitment to Afghan citizens who have helped the United States, and provides them essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Austin Knox)
U.S. Air Force Photos
Burlington, Fort Dix, North Hanover, State of NJ, Wrightstown

Joint Base MDL Will Provide Temporary Housing, Sustainment And Support For Specified Afghan Special Immigrant Visa Applicants

August 23, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–According to the U.S. Northern Command in a Tweet earlier today they stated that Joint Base MDL-McGuire, Dix and Lakehurst at the request of the U.S. State Department will be providing temporary housing, sustainment, and support for specified Afghan special immigrant visa applicants and their families, and other vulnerable Afghans. The base will provide housing, medical, logistics, and transportation support.

Governor Phil Murphy shared the tweet this morning and also sent a letter to President Joe Biden yesterday to welcome the Afghans to New Jersey.

“We will welcome Afghan refugees with open arms here in New Jersey at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. Our state has always served as a s​​hining beacon of hope to the world, and we will do everything in our power to help these refugees rebuild their lives.” — Governor Phil Murphy

This morning’s Tweet from U.S. Northern Command:

The @DeptofDefense recently approved a request for assistance from @StateDept to provide temporary housing, sustainment, and support inside the U.S for specified Afghan special immigrant visa applicants and their families, and other vulnerable Afghans, @jointbasemdl, N.J.


U.S. Northern Command@USNorthernCmd·The task force at @jointbasemdl, N.J. will provide the housing, medical, logistics, and transportation support. #OperationAlliesRefuge

  • A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III safely transported 823 Afghan citizens from Hamid Karzai International Airport, Aug. 15, 2021. The initial count of 640 passengers included only adults, inadvertently leaving off 183 children seated in laps as passengers were transported from the flight line. The correct total passenger count of 823 is a record for the C-17. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III safely transported 823 Afghan citizens from Hamid Karzai International Airport, Aug. 15, 2021. The initial count of 640 passengers included only adults, inadvertently leaving off 183 children seated in laps as passengers were transported from the flight line. The correct total passenger count of 823 is a record for the C-17. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)
  • 210818-M-JM820-1048 HAMID KARZAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Afghanistan (August 18, 2021) – A U.S. Marine assigned to 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit interacts with children during an evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Afghanistan, Aug. 18. U.S. service members are assisting the Department of State with an orderly drawdown of designated personnel in Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Nicholas Guevara)
  • 210818-M-JM820-1066 HAMID KARZAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Afghanistan (August 18, 2021) – A U.S. Marine assigned to 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit checks in evacuees before their flight, during an evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Afghanistan, Aug. 18. U.S. service members are assisting the Department of State with an orderly drawdown of designated personnel in Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Nicholas Guevara)
  • 210818-M-JM820-1162 HAMID KARZAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Afghanistan (August 18, 2021) – U.S. Marines assigned to 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit escorts evacuees during an evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Afghanistan, Aug. 18. U.S. service members are assisting the Department of State with an orderly drawdown of designated personnel in Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Nicholas Guevara)
  • 210818-M-JM820-1174 HAMID KARZAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Afghanistan (August 18, 2021) – Evacuees stage before boarding a C-17 Globemaster III during an evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Afghanistan, Aug. 18. U.S. service members are assisting the Department of State with an orderly drawdown of designated personnel in Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Nicholas Guevara)
  • 210818-M-JM820-1182 HAMID KARZAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Afghanistan (August 18, 2021) – A U.S. Marine assigned to 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit fists bumps a child evacuee during a military drawdown at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Afghanistan, Aug. 18. U.S. service members are assisting the Department of State with an orderly drawdown of designated personnel in Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Nicholas Guevara)
  • 210818-M-TU241-1001 HAMID KARZAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Afghanistan (August 18, 2021) Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) search luggage during an evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 18. U.S. Marines are assisting the Department of State with an orderly drawdown of designated personnel in Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Isaiah Campbell)
  • 210818-M-TU241-1009 HAMID KARZAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Afghanistan (August 18, 2021) Marines with the 24th Expeditionary Unit (MEU) guide an evacuee during an evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 18. U.S. Soldiers and Marines are assisting the Department of State with an orderly drawdown of designated personnel in Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Isaiah Campbell)
  • 210818-M-TU241-1015 HAMID KARZAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Afghanistan (August 18, 2021) A Marine with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) provides security during an evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 18. U.S. Marines are assisting the Department of State with an orderly drawdown of designated personnel in Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Isaiah Campbell)
  • U.S. Air Force Airman from the 380th Expeditionary Contracting Squadron, 380th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, and the 380th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron gather humanitarian relief supplies at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, Aug 20, 2021. The 380th ECONS team generated the order of a humanitarian relief supplies that was purchased, palletized and ready to be sent within 36 hours to support qualified Afghan refugees currently being evacuated by the U.S. Military. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Wolfram M. Stumpf)
  • U.S. Air Force Airman from the 380th Expeditionary Contracting Squadron, 380th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, and the 380th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron gather humanitarian relief supplies at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, Aug 20, 2021. The 380th ECONS team generated the order of a humanitarian relief supplies that was purchased, palletized and ready to be sent within 36 hours to support qualified Afghan refugees currently being evacuated by the U.S. Military. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Wolfram M. Stumpf)
  • U.S. Air Force Airman from the 380th Expeditionary Contracting Squadron, 380th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, and the 380th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron gather humanitarian relief supplies at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, Aug 20, 2021. The 380th ECONS team generated the order of a humanitarian relief supplies that was purchased, palletized and ready to be sent within 36 hours to support qualified Afghan refugees currently being evacuated by the U.S. Military. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Wolfram M. Stumpf)
  • U.S. Air Force Airman from the 380th Expeditionary Contracting Squadron, 380th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, and the 380th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron gather humanitarian relief supplies at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, Aug 20, 2021. The 380th ECONS team generated the order of a humanitarian relief supplies that was purchased, palletized and ready to be sent within 36 hours to support qualified Afghan refugees currently being evacuated by the U.S. Military. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Wolfram M. Stumpf)
  • U.S. Air Force Airman from the 380th Expeditionary Contracting Squadron, 380th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, and the 380th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron gather humanitarian relief supplies at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, Aug 20, 2021. The 380th ECONS team generated the order of a humanitarian relief supplies that was purchased, palletized and ready to be sent within 36 hours to support qualified Afghan refugees currently being evacuated by the U.S. Military. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Wolfram M. Stumpf)
  • U.S. Air Force Airman from the 380th Expeditionary Contracting Squadron, 380th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, and the 380th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron gather humanitarian relief supplies at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, Aug 20, 2021. The 380th ECONS team generated the order of a humanitarian relief supplies that was purchased, palletized and ready to be sent within 36 hours to support qualified Afghan refugees currently being evacuated by the U.S. Military. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Wolfram M. Stumpf)
  • U.S. Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command, provide assistance at an Evacuation Control Checkpoint (ECC) during an evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 21. U.S. service members are assisting the Department of State with a non-combatant evacuation operation (NEO) in Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Victor Mancilla)
  • 210821-M-GQ845-1035 HAMID KARZAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Afghanistan (August 21, 2021) Evacuees load on to a U.S. Air Force Boeing C-17 Globemaster III during an evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 21. U.S. service members are assisting the Department of State with an orderly drawdown of designated personnel in Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Samuel Ruiz).
  • 210821-M-GQ845-1041 HAMID KARZAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Afghanistan (August 21, 2021) Evacuees load on to a U.S. Air Force Boeing C-17 Globemaster III during an evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 21. U.S. service members are assisting the Department of State with an orderly drawdown of designated personnel in Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Samuel Ruiz).
  • 210821-M-GQ845-1042 HAMID KARZAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Afghanistan (August 21, 2021) Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command (SPMAGTF-CR-CC) guide evacuees on to a U.S. Air Force Boeing C-17 Globemaster III during an evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 21. U.S. service members are assisting the Department of State with an orderly drawdown of designated personnel in Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Samuel Ruiz).
  • 210821-M-GQ845-1043 HAMID KARZAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Afghanistan (August 21, 2021) A Marine with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command (SPMAGTF-CR-CC) provides assistance during an evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 21. U.S. service members are assisting the Department of State with an orderly drawdown of designated personnel in Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Samuel Ruiz).
  • 210821-M-GQ845-1045 HAMID KARZAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Afghanistan (August 21, 2021) A child smiles as she awaits to board her flight during an evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 21. U.S. service members are assisting the Department of State with an orderly drawdown of designated personnel in Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Samuel Ruiz).
  • 210821-M-GQ845-1048 HAMID KARZAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Afghanistan (August 21, 2021) A Marine with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command (SPMAGTF-CR-CC) calms an infant during an evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 21. U.S. service members are assisting the Department of State with an orderly drawdown of designated personnel in Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Samuel Ruiz).
  • 210821-M-GQ845-1052 HAMID KARZAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Afghanistan (August 21, 2021) A Marine with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command (SPMAGTF-CR-CC) calms an infant during an evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 21. U.S. service members are assisting the Department of State with an orderly drawdown of designated personnel in Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Samuel Ruiz).
  • 210821-M-GQ845-1059 HAMID KARZAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Afghanistan (August 21, 2021) A Marine with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command (SPMAGTF-CR-CC) opens a meal ready-to-eat for the children to eat during an evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 21. U.S. service members are assisting the Department of State with an orderly drawdown of designated personnel in Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Samuel Ruiz).
  • 210821-M-GQ845-1060 HAMID KARZAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Afghanistan (August 21, 2021) A Marine with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command (SPMAGTF-CR-CC) opens a meal ready-to-eat for the children to eat during an evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 21. U.S. service members are assisting the Department of State with an orderly drawdown of designated personnel in Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Samuel Ruiz).
  • Afghan passengers board a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III during the Afghanistan evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA), Afghanistan, Aug. 22, 2021.
  • Afghan passengers board a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III during the Afghanistan evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA), Afghanistan, Aug. 22, 2021.
  • A U.S. Air Force loadmaster, assigned to the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, readies a cargo bay for qualified evacuees aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III in support of Operation Allies Refuge at an undisclosed location, Aug. 22, 2021. The Department of Defense is committed to supporting the U.S. State Department in the departure of U.S. and allied civilian personnel from Afghanistan and to evacuate Afghan allies to safety. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brennen Lege)
  • U.S. Air Force aerial porters prepare to load cargo aboard a C-17 Globemaster III, deployed with the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, in support of Operation Allies Refuge at an undisclosed location, Aug. 22, 2021. The Department of Defense is committed to supporting the U.S. State Department in the departure of U.S. and allied civilian personnel from Afghanistan and to evacuate Afghan allies to safety. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brennen Lege)
  • A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III, deployed with the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, prepares for landing in support of Operation Allies Refuge at an undisclosed location, Aug. 22, 2021. The Department of Defense is committed to supporting the U.S. State Department in the departure of U.S. and allied civilian personnel from Afghanistan and to evacuate Afghan allies to safety. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brennen Lege)
  • A U.S. Air Force security forces raven, assigned to the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, maintains a cordon around a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III in support of Operation Allies Refuge at Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA), Afghanistan, Aug. 22, 2021. The Department of Defense is committed to supporting the U.S. State Department in the departure of U.S. and allied civilian personnel from Afghanistan and to evacuate Afghan allies to safety. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brennen Lege)
  • U.S. Air Force aerial porters unload pallets of water from a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III in support of Operation Allies Refuge at Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA), Afghanistan, Aug. 22, 2021. The Department of Defense is committed to supporting the U.S. State Department in the departure of U.S. and allied civilian personnel from Afghanistan and to evacuate Afghan allies to safety. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brennen Lege)
  • A U.S. Air Force security forces raven, assigned to the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, assists qualified evacuees boarding a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III in support of Operation Allies Refuge at Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA), Afghanistan, Aug. 22, 2021. The Department of Defense is committed to supporting the U.S. State Department in the departure of U.S. and allied civilian personnel from Afghanistan and to evacuate Afghan allies to safety. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brennen Lege)
  • A U.S. Air Force security forces raven, assigned to the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, maintains a cordon around a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III in support of Operation Allies Refuge at Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA), Afghanistan, Aug. 22, 2021. The Department of Defense is committed to supporting the U.S. State Department in the departure of U.S. and allied civilian personnel from Afghanistan and to evacuate Afghan allies to safety. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brennen Lege)
  • U.S. service members provide assistance during an evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Afghanistan, Aug. 22. U.S. service members are assisting the Department of State with a non-combatant evacuation operation (NEO) in Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Victor Mancilla)
  • U.S. Marine with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) calms a crying toddler during an evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Afghanistan, Aug. 22. U.S. service members are assisting the Department of State with a non-combatant evacuation operation (NEO) in Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Victor Mancilla)
  • A U.S. Marine assigned to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command hands a helmet to a child awaiting evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Afghanistan, Aug. 22, 2021. The U.S. is assisting the Department of State with a Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) in Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Melissa Marnell).
  • A U.S. Marine assigned to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command shows his video camera to children awaiting evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Afghanistan, Aug. 22, 2021. The U.S. is assisting the Department of State with a Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) in Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Melissa Marnell)
  • Marines assigned to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit monitor the air traffic control center at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Afghanistan, Aug. 22. U.S. service members are assisting the Department of State with a Non-combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) in Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Davis Harris)
  • A Marine assigned to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit monitor the air traffic control center at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Afghanistan, Aug. 22. U.S. service members are assisting the Department of State with a Non-combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) in Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Davis Harris)
  • A Corpsman assigned to the 24th Marine Expeditionary unit (MEU) and a Medic assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division assists an evacuee during an evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 22. U.S. service members are assisting the Department of State with a Non-combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) in Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Isaiah Campbell)
  • A Marine with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) provides fresh water to a child during an evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 20. U.S. service members are assisting the Department of State with an orderly drawdown of designated personnel in Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Samuel Ruiz).
  • Families begin to board a U.S. Air Force Boeing C-17 Globemaster III during an evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 23. U.S. service members are assisting the Department of State with an orderly drawdown of designated personnel in Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Samuel Ruiz).
  • Families begin to board a U.S. Air Force Boeing C-17 Globemaster III during an evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 23. U.S. service members are assisting the Department of State with an orderly drawdown of designated personnel in Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Samuel Ruiz).
  • A Marine with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command (SPMAGTF-CR-CC) guides families during an evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 23. U.S. service members are assisting the Department of State with an orderly drawdown of designated personnel in Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Samuel Ruiz).

Bordentown Twp, Burlington, Burlington Twp, Carteret, Chesterfield, Cranbury, East Brunswick, East Windsor, East Windsor, Florence, Fort Dix, Hamilton, Hamilton, Mansfield, Mercer County, Middlesex County, New Brunswick, North Brunswick, Old Bridge, Robbinsville, Robbinsville, South Brunswick, State of NJ, Wrightstown

Update: Colonial Pipeline Back Online

May 13, 2021 –Updated again at 4:40 p.m.

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–As we reported Saturday on the Colonial Pipeline that runs though New Jersey and supplies gasoline, diesel fuel and aircraft fuel to the eastern part of the country has announced that the entire pipeline should be operational by noon today. There is no need to hoard gasoline or other fuel and disrupt the local supply chain as seen and reported in other parts of the country.

Locally the pipeline runs though Burlington, Mercer County, Middlesex County on its way to Linden, New Jersey and was shut down to a ransomware cyber attack.

System Restart and Operational Update #2
Update: Thursday, May 13, 4:40 p.m.

Colonial Pipeline has continued to make substantial progress in safely restarting our pipeline system. We can now report that we have restarted our entire pipeline system and that product delivery has commenced to all markets we serve.

Following this restart, it will take several days for the product delivery supply chain to return to normal. Some markets served by Colonial Pipeline may experience, or continue to experience, intermittent service interruptions during this start-up period. Colonial will move as much gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel as is safely possible and will continue to do so until markets return to normal.

This would not have been possible without the commitment and dedication of the many Colonial team members across the pipeline who worked safely and tirelessly through the night to get our lines up and running. We are grateful for their dedicated service and professionalism during these extraordinary times.

See update below from the Colonial Pipeline:

Update: Thursday, May 13, 9 a.m.

Colonial Pipeline has made substantial progress in safely restarting our pipeline system and can report that product delivery has commenced in a majority of the markets we service. By mid-day today, we project that each market we service will be receiving product from our system. The green segments on this map are operational, meaning product delivery has commenced. Blue lines will be operational later today.

This would not have been possible without the commitment and dedication of the many Colonial team members across the pipeline who worked safely and tirelessly safely through the night to get our lines up and running. We are grateful for their dedicated service and professionalism during these extraordinary times.

Colonial Pipeline Company, founded in 1962, connects refineries – primarily located in the Gulf Coast – with customers and markets throughout the Southern and Eastern United States through a pipeline system that spans more than 5,500 miles. The company delivers refined petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, home heating oil, and fuel for the U.S. Military. Colonial is committed to safety and environmental stewardship across its operations.

Colonial Pipeline is the largest refined products pipeline in the United States, transporting more than 100 million gallons or 2.5 million barrels per day. Colonial transports approximately 45 percent of all fuel consumed on the East Coast, providing refined products to more than 50 million Americans. 

Specifically, Colonial transports various grades of gasoline, diesel fuel, home heating oil, jet fuel, and fuels for the U.S. military through a pipeline system. The system is connected refineries in the Gulf Coast and in the Northeast. The majority of the system is underground, with tankage and other facilities at key receipt, storage and delivery points.

Related MidJersey.news coverage on Colonial Pipeline incident here:

Colonial Pipeline initiated the restart of pipeline operations today; Several days to return to normal

Colonial Pipeline Works To Restore Service, US FMCSA Issues Emergency Declaration In 18 States To Control Shortages

Update: Colonial Pipeline System Disruption

Cyber Attack Shuts Down Colonial Pipeline

Locally the Colonial Pipeline runs though Burlington, Mercer and Middlesex Counties on the way to Linden, NJ
Burlington, Wrightstown

Wrightstown, NJ Native To Command Los Angeles-Class Fast-Attack Submarine USS Cheyenne (SSN 773)

January 22, 2021

Photo and Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Michael B Zingaro

WRIGHTSTOWN, NJ (BURLINGTON)–PEARL HARBOR, HI — The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Cheyenne (SSN 773) conducted a change of command ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Jan. 22.

Cmdr. Samuel Bell, from Wrightstown, New Jersey, relieved Cmdr. John Gonser, from Amityville, New York, as Cheyenne’s commanding officer, during the ceremony which was held in the Submarine Squadron 1 War Room.

“USS Cheyenne has a storied legacy in the submarine force,” said Gonser. “Sailors are rightfully proud to join that tradition. When I took command, I challenged the crew to make those who came before us, who built that legacy, proud of us. For the past 41 months, this crew did just that. I am humbled and awed to call each and every one of them a shipmate.”

Under Gonser’s command, Cheyenne completed two Western Pacific deployments, in which they conducted five missions vital to national security and five exercises that expanded undersea warfighting experimentation. Cheyenne received the Battle Excellence (“E”) Award in 2020, the Navigation (“N”) Award in 2018, 2019, and 2020, and the Retention Excellence Award in 2018 and 2019. Over 150 submariners earned their Submarine Warfare designators with Gonser at the helm.

“Thank you for staying positive and connected through a schedule that would have been challenging even if COVID-19 did not exist,” said Gonser. “While I cannot discuss the nature of the operations, these Sailors helped preserve our national defense for today while building the next generation of undersea warriors.”

Gonser is going to the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Policy at the Pentagon.

Capt. Michael Majewski, commodore, Submarine Squadron 7, presided over the small ceremony, consisting only of essential personnel due to COVID-19 mitigations and safety procedures in place.

“Cheyenne has been my go to boat since I became commodore of Squadron 7 last year, but she was the go to boat long before that,” said Majewski. “She is the most capable 688 in the fleet and has proven it time and again with her performance.”

Bell comes from the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Policy.

“The Cheyenne is well known in the submarine force as a command where Sailors want to be, and has recently been recognized for continued excellence,” said Bell. “I look forward to becoming a part of the legend.”

Cheyenne was commissioned Sept. 13, 1996 and is the third ship to be named after Cheyenne, Wyoming in the United States Navy. Measuring 360 feet long and displacing more than 6,900 tons, Cheyenne has a crew of approximately 140 Sailors. Cheyenne is capable of supporting various missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

  • A graphic created to announce the change of command for USS Cheyenne (SSN 773)
Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Michael B Zingaro
  • JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (July 15, 2020) — The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Cheyenne (SSN 773) departs Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for a regularly-scheduled Indo-Pacific deployment, where they will perform a full spectrum of operations, including anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. Cheyenne was commissioned on Sept. 13, 1996 and was the last of the 62 Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines to be built. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael B. Zingaro/Released)
File photo by: U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Michael B Zingaro

Allentown, Allentown, Englishtown, Jackson, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Millstone, Millstone, Monmouth County, New Egypt, New Hanover, North Hanover, Ocean County, Old Bridge, Plumsted, Plumsted Twp, Roosevelt, Roosevelt, Trenton, Upper Freehold, Upper Freehold, Wrightstown

Lawmaker Wants Restoring Public Utilities In Rural Areas To Be A Top Priority

October 1, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The lengthy process of restoring public utilities after a major storm has been an issue plaguing rural residents for quite some time. Assemblyman Ron Dancer wants to ensure rural areas are given the same level of priority as the rest of the state and has introduced two bills speed up restoration after thunderstorms, snowstorms, and other major events. 

The first bill (A4761) would give public utilities and cable television companies the ability to use drones to survey damaged infrastructure.

“Drones are a powerful tool in assessing damage and assisting with repairs after a major storm,” said Dancer (R-Ocean). “Other states have allowed utility companies to use drones with much success. We cannot afford to continue to have slow restoration times, so it makes sense to allow the utility companies to use drones to speed up the process.”

Dancer’s second bill (A4763) would require the Board of Public Utilities to create new regulations to require that electric companies prioritize communities where at least 40 percent of residents rely on private wells for drinking water and septic systems for sanitary disposal of waste. Additionally, watering stations would also be required.

“Many people do not realize when a home in a rural area loses power, they often lose access to drinking water, as well as, flushing and refilling toilets,” said Dancer. “A priority restoration plan must be put into place to avoid leaving rural areas without access to their basic life essential necessities.  When people are without basic necessities for days, it could lead to major public health and safety issues.”

NJ Legislative District 12 covers: Allentown, Chesterfield, Englishtown, Jackson, Manalapan, Matawan, Millstone (Monmouth), New Hanover, North Hanover, Old Bridge, Plumsted, Roosevelt, Upper Freehold, Wrightstown

  • Assemblyman Ron Dancer
Assemblyman Ron Dancer
Burlington, Mercer County, Monmouth County, Neptune, New Hanover, Trenton, Wrightstown

Mid-State Correctional Facility, Correctional Police Officer Charged With Falsifying Reports Concerning His Unauthorized Use of Pepper Spray Against an Inmate

On June 16, 2020, Jovanny Galindo, 32, of Neptune City, N.J, a Senior Correctional Police Officer at Mid-State Correctional Facility, allegedly confronted a seated inmate and sprayed OC spray into the face of the inmate without any apparent justification. 

September 4, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal today announced that a criminal charge has been filed against a senior correctional police officer at Mid-State Correctional Facility who allegedly falsified two New Jersey Department of Corrections reports concerning his unauthorized use of oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray, commonly known as “pepper spray,” against an inmate.

Jovanny Galindo, 32, of Neptune City, N.J., was charged yesterday, Sept. 3, 2020, by complaint-summons with third-degree conspiracy to tamper with public records or information.  The charge is the result of a joint investigation by the New Jersey Department of Corrections Special Investigations Division and the Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA).

On June 16, 2020, Galindo, a Senior Correctional Police Officer at Mid-State Correctional Facility, allegedly confronted a seated inmate and sprayed OC spray into the face of the inmate without any apparent justification.  In the “special custody report” and “use of force report” Galindo filed on the incident, he stated that the inmate ignored an order, became argumentative, and verbally threatened Galindo, which prompted him to use the spray.  It is alleged that Galindo’s statements in the reports were false and his use of force against the inmate was not authorized under the Department of Corrections’ Use of Force Policy. 

Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000.  The charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case is being prosecuted by the OPIA Corruption Bureau.  Attorney General Grewal thanked the Department of Corrections Special Investigations Division for its work on the investigation.

Defense Attorney: Undetermined.

Burlington, Pemberton, Southampton, Vincentown, Wrightstown

Ex-Operator of Wrightstown Municipal Utilities Authority Pleads Guilty to Crime Related to His Use of the Authority to Dump Septic Waste from His Private Firm- Aqua Clean Toilet Systems, LLC.

August 12, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal today announced that the former operator of the Wrightstown Municipal Utilities Authority pleaded guilty today to a criminal charge for using the municipal authority to dispose of waste from his private septic disposal company without proper authorization and failing to report that waste disposal to the state as required.

Rodman Lucas, 62, of Pemberton Township, N.J., pleaded guilty today to an accusation charging him with third-degree conspiracy to tamper with public records before Superior Court Judge Terrence R. Cook in Burlington County.  Under the plea agreement, the state will recommend that Lucas be sentenced to a term of probation, with a condition that he serve up to 364 days in the county jail.  He will be permanently barred from public office and employment.  Sentencing for Lucas is scheduled for Sept. 30, 2020.

Deputy Attorney General Brian Uzdavinis took the guilty plea for the Corruption Bureau within the Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA).  The investigation began with a referral from the New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller, which initially investigated the matter.

“We formed OPIA to root out the type of misconduct and abuse of trust that undermines faith in government,” said Attorney General Grewal.  “This case was referred to OPIA after an initial investigation by the Office of the State Comptroller, which began when local residents complained about what they saw happening at the Wrightstown Municipal Utilities Authority.  We urge members of the public to contact our corruption tipline – 844-OPIA-TIPS – if they have reason to suspect that a public official is abusing his or her position and authority.”

Lucas was hired in October 2012 as the Wrightstown Municipal Utilities Authority’s (WMUA) plant operator/operations manager.  Within a few months of taking the job, Lucas, who also owns a private septic waste disposal company called Aqua Clean Toilet Systems LLC, began dumping septic waste collected by his company’s trucks directly into a manhole at the WMUA without proper authorization.  The WMUA at that time only processed incoming wastewater from the local sewage system, and it had not officially accepted septic waste privately collected from residential and commercial septic tanks for several years.  When the WMUA previously accepted such waste, it was always tested and documented, and if deemed acceptable, it was received through a special filtration line or channel.  Lucas continued regularly dumping his firm’s septic waste at the WMUA in this improper manner for about five years until complaints about the conduct were raised at a WMUA board meeting in September 2017.

Lucas ceased dumping at the WMUA a few months later, but the issue triggered an investigation by the Office of the State Comptroller.  That investigation and the subsequent OPIA investigation determined that over a period of approximately five years from early 2013 through early 2018, Lucas disposed of more than 600,000 gallons of Aqua Clean’s septic waste at the WMUA.

Wastewater management facilities like the WMUA must regularly file various reports with the state Department of Environmental Protection, including monthly “residuals transfer reports” (RTR’s) showing the amounts of incoming and outgoing waste, including the total amount of any septic waste received.  All of the RTR’s filed by the WMUA during Lucas’s tenure as plant operator, while he was dumping septic waste from Aqua Clean from 2013 through 2018, show only outgoing waste, but no incoming septic waste.  That is the basis for the criminal charge to which Lucas pleaded guilty. 

Attorney General Grewal created the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability in September 2018 to combat corruption and strengthen public confidence in government institutions.  In December 2019, the Attorney General issued a directive codifying OPIA and making it a permanent part of the Attorney General’s Office.  That directive established the OPIA Corruption Bureau as the lead office within the Department of Law & Public Safety for the investigation and prosecution of state criminal violations involving corruption and abuse of public trust.

OPIA has a toll-free Tipline 1-844-OPIA-TIPS for the public to report corruption.  The AG’s Office has an Anti-Corruption Reward Program that offers a reward of up to $25,000 for tips leading to a conviction for a crime involving public corruption.  Information is posted at: http://nj.gov/oag/corruption/reward.html.

Defense Attorney: Robert M. Perry, Esq., Rosenberg Perry & Associates, Mount Holly, N.J.

Bordentown Twp, Browns Mills, Burlington, Burlington City, New Hanover, Wrightstown

Freedom Wing Flyover

May 13, 2020

BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ — The 514th Air Mobility Wing including a C-17 Globemaster III Aircraft and a KC-10 Extender Aircraft flew over the following hospitals in a salute to healthcare workers and first responders today:

Virtua Willingboro Hospital
Virtua Memorial Hospital
Freedom Park, Medford, New Jersey
Virtua-Marlton
Virtua Vorhees Hospital
Deborah Heart and Lung Center

The 514th Air Mobility Wing salutes and thanks all healthcare workers, first responders, and other essential personnel serving on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19.

See other recent flyovers here:

NJ Salutes Fly Over on May 12, 2020

Operation America Strong April 28, 2020

Photos taken at the Virtua Marlton Hospital. Photos by: Dennis Symons, Jr.
Bordentown Twp, Browns Mills, Burlington, Burlington City, New Hanover, Wrightstown

Freedom Wing Flyover For Burlington County Wednesday May 13, 2020

UPDATE: PHOTOS AND STORY HERE FOR MAY 13, 2020 FLYOVER

May 12, 2020

See May 12, 2020 flyover photos here

BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ — The Air Force 514th Air Mobility Wing announced a flyover for tomorrow in Burlington and Camden Counties.

The Freedom Wing is flying high bringing our support through your towns!

Tomorrow between 1-1:20 P.M. keep your eyes to the sky as aircraft from the 514th Air Mobility Wing including a C-17 Globemaster III Aircraft and a KC-10 Extender Aircraft conduct operations in your backyard airspace!

We will be flying over the following locations in this order:
Virtua Willingboro Hospital
Virtua Memorial Hospital
Freedom Park, Medford, New Jersey
Virtua-Marlton
Virtua Vorhees Hospital
Deborah Heart and Lung Center

The 514th Air Mobility Wing salutes and thanks all healthcare workers, first responders, and other essential personnel serving on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19.

Burlington, Burlington City, East Windsor, Ewing, Hamilton, Hightstown, Hopewell, Lawrence, Mercer County, New Hanover, Pennington, Princeton, Robbinsville, Trenton, West Windsor, Wrightstown

Thunderbirds and Blue Angels Fly Over In “Operation America Strong”

April 28, 2020

TRENTON AND MERCER COUNTY, NJ–The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, and the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, honored frontline COVID-19 responders and essential workers with formation flights over New York City, Newark, Trenton and Philadelphia today.

Previous MidJersey.News story on the event

Photos of Operation America Strong from the Trenton Area today:

  • The NJ Attorney General’s Office At The Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex
  • Workers at a new construction site near NJ Department of Community Affairs paused to watch the fly over.
  • Thunderbirds and Blue Angels over the Trenton Makes Bridge en route to Philadelphia
  • Thunderbirds and Blue Angels over the NJ State House, Trenton, NJ
Allentown, Allentown, Bordentown Twp, Burlington, Burlington City, East Windsor, East Windsor, Ewing, Hamilton, Hightstown, Hightstown, Hightstown-East Windsor, Hopewell, Lawrence, Mercer County, Monmouth County, New Hanover, Pennington, Princeton, Robbinsville, Trenton, Upper Freehold, Upper Freehold, West Windsor, Wrightstown

Flight Plan For Operation “America Strong” For April 28, 2020 Released

April 27, 2020

NAS PENSACOLA, Fla. – The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, and the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, will honor frontline COVID-19 responders and essential workers with formation flights over New York City, Newark, Trenton and Philadelphia April 28. The flight plans have been released to the public this morning and can be viewed below.

See previous Stories on the event here:

Thunderbirds, Blue Angels to Salute New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania COVID-19 Responders Tuesday April 28, 2020

President Donald J. Trump Announces “Operation America Strong” Thunderbirds and Blue Angels Fly Over Airshows Coming To A City Near You

Blue Angels and Thunderbird Combined Fly-By Event Is In “Planning Stage” – Will Not Be Today

Burlington, Lakehurst, Mercer County, New Hanover, Ocean County, Trenton, Wrightstown

President Donald J. Trump Announces “Operation America Strong” Thunderbirds and Blue Angels Fly Over Airshows Coming To A City Near You

April 22, 2020

WASHINGTON, DC–President Donald J. Trump has confirmed there will be airshows over America’s major cities from the USAF Thunderbirds and the Navy Blue Angels as announced today during his daily COVID-19 press conference.

President Donald J. Trump said, “I am excited to announce that in the coming weeks the Airforce Thunderbirds they’re  incredible and the Navy Blue Angels equally incredible will be performing airshows  over America’s major cities and some of the cities that aren’t major cities, they are going to be doing a lot of work and a lot of dangerous flying, its dangerous you know the odds when you start going massive speeds and your 18 inches away from each other, that’s dangerous work. (Looking over at VP Pence) Your son is a great pilot and a, I don’t know if he could be, could he be a Thunderbird? (VP Pence, “We’ll See.) I don’t know? I think he probably could be from what I hear, I don’t know if I would want him to be. Its incredible what they can do and to sacrifice. What we’re doing is paying tribute to our front line health care workers confronting COVID and its really a signal to all Americans to remain vigilant during the outbreak. This is a tribute to them, to our warriors because the are equal warriors to those incredible pilots and all the fighters we have for the more traditional fights, that we win, and we win and when we want to we always win. Sometimes we don’t want to win so we just go to a standstill but that’s always a, that’s not the way this country works.

Operation America Strong was the idea of our great military men and women the Thunderbirds and the Blue Angels crews who wanted to show support to the American medical workers who just like military members in a time of war are fiercely running toward the fight. Its going to be great, I want to see those shows and I seen them many times and I can’t get enough of them. On July 4, we will be doing what we had at the mall as you know, last year was a tremendous success and I would imagine and I can use the term forever. That was a great success as you remember even thou it was pouring it was raining so hard, it was raining, it was hard as I have seen in a while, but it was an amazing success. It didn’t bother the pilots I didn’t bother the military it didn’t bother the crews that we had there. So were going to be doing that again on July 4th”

President Donald J. Trump’s announcement starts at 23:30 in the video posted by C-Span

As MidJersey.news accurately reported the event was in the “planning stage” from information obtained from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakurst Facebook page when someone asked a question if it was going to happen today. This is the response:

“Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst The Blue Angels / Thunderbird flight in this region is still in planning phases. Each of the demo teams and our base Facebook page will release the information at the appropriate time. It’s not happening today. Thanks for reaching out.“

MidJersey.news showed a possible leaked draft document that was making its way around social media and creating quite an Internet buzz. The document includes quite a bit of information and a possible flight path. We have no way to confirm that document is real, but with President Trump’s announcement today it could be a possibility so stay tuned.

The only way we will know when it is, the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst will post official information about the flight as well as the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels I suggest you follow all three Facebook pages and any other social media outlets from each group.

Once MidJersey.news finds out more details we will let you know.

Photos from the US Navy Blue Angels and USAF Thunderbirds Facebook pages.