Friday, August 15, 2014

Transcom to Examine Vehicle Staging Facilities



DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Aug. 15, 2014 – The commander of U.S. Transportation Command has directed that site survey teams be sent to privately owned vehicle staging facilities next week as part of a series of steps to restore the confidence of service members and their families in the POV shipping process.

The site survey teams will focus on verifying the location of service members’ vehicles in the POV supply chain and observe and evaluate location capacity concerns, according to a Transcom release.

These actions will be taken as a result of information gathered during multiple site visits by Transcom representatives, said Air Force Brig. Gen. Paul Guemmer, Transcom’s POV fusion cell team leader.

After visits to several vehicle staging facilities by senior members of Transcom, and a review of figures provided by International Auto Logistics, the fusion cell determined it would be necessary to significantly increase oversight of the contract transition, Guemmer said.

The site survey teams will be at the vehicle staging facilities for about a week to gather additional data regarding contract performance.

The information gathered by the teams will help Transcom validate IAL’s data and develop a better understanding of the company’s supply chain. “The teams will not be doing IAL’s job, but [will] provide additional contractual oversight, which is a function of contract administration,” Guemmer explained.

Transcom’s increased focus on IAL’s supply chain and its contract compliance will lead to more accurate information for service members. Better data will lead to better accountability.

This latest action reinforces Transcom’s long-standing commitment to service members and their families, the release said.

Military moves are stressful enough, Guemmer said, and service members must have the most accurate information possible about their vehicles and a concrete plan to move those vehicles to their final destinations.

“We have service members waiting on delivery of their vehicles past the required delivery dates, and it is unacceptable. Their issue is our issue. We are treating each service member’s vehicle as it were our own,” Guemmer said.

Dempsey Building Trust in Vietnam Visit



By Jim Garamone
DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Aug. 15, 2014 – Building trust and confidence is the theme for the first visit by a chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to Vietnam since 1971.

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey met with his Vietnamese counterpart Lt. Gen. Do Ba Ty in Hanoi. The two men discussed the future of the military-to-military relationship between their countries, but also the legacy of the Vietnam War. The chairman will also visit Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City during his visit.

Dempsey’s visit is a message to the region that the United States is serious about the rebalance to the Asia-Pacific, even as the American military is confronted with challenges in other parts of the world, defense officials said.

Dempsey said in an interview with USA Today’s Tom Vanden Brook that his formative years were colored by the specter of the war in Vietnam. Dempsey graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 1974 -- too late to serve in that war.

“I said to General Ty that ‘I spent the first four years of my military career preparing to fight you,’” Dempsey said. “There’s something profound about being here now trying to build a relationship on the basis of common interests.”

And the two countries do have common interests. Vietnam’s geostrategic position -- sitting between straddling China and Southeast Asia -- makes the nation an important factor player in finding a peaceful solution to the territorial issues in the South China Sea, the chairman said.

“They probably have more influence on the South China Sea and how it evolves than any other country,” he noted.

The two military leaders also discussed longstanding issues related to the Vietnam War, including the U.S. Agent Orange remediation program, finding and recovering U.S. personnel and addressing the problem of leftover unexploded ordnance. The two countries cooperate closely on all these issues, Dempsey said. “We owe it to each other to keep making progress on those [issues],” he said.

These programs were more prominent in discussions a year ago than they are today, Dempsey said. “We’re moving beyond those legacy war issues and toward a new relationship,” the chairman said.

All relationships are founded on trust “and that doesn’t happen overnight,” the general said.

The U.S. and Vietnamese militaries are working together in maritime security, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance. “We’ve made a tentative agreement to increase the frequency and depth of our staff talks so we understand each others’ long-term strategies for the region,” Dempsey said. “That’s the place where we can make the most progress.”

Dempsey said he’s seeing more information sharing happening between the United States and Vietnam in the maritime domain as well as more work with maritime law enforcement.

“We’re working most closely right now with their coast guard, to establish a law enforcement capability to protect their economic exclusion zone … so they don’t get militarized,” he said.

U.S. officials are also working with Vietnamese counterparts to enhance the training program for maritime operations.

Dempsey stressed that the U.S. interest in Vietnam is not all about countering China. “The shadow of China hangs over the region,” he said. “Everyone thinks our interest here is just about China. It’s not.”

The rebalance toward the Asia-Pacific region is inevitable as the area grows and expands in economic, political and diplomatic clout, he said.

“This is important and we do have our shoulder behind it,” the chairman added.

This was Dempsey’s first visit to Vietnam and he said he was struck by the vibrancy of life and the colors of the city.

“…Standing on the platform for the honor ceremony, listening to the two national anthems and seeing the two national flags flying side-by-side, it occurred to me that often adversaries in the past can become our closest friends,” the chairman said. “That won’t happen without some effort, but I think there’s a possibility there.”

Portland Air National Guard Base recognized by Energy Trust of Oregon

by Tech. Sgt. John Hughel
142nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs


2/3/2014 - PORTLAND AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ore. -- Emphasizing the benefits of energy saving and sustainability, the 142nd Fighter Wing was recognized by Energy Trust of Oregon during a presentation ceremony held here Thursday.

Speaking before members of the FW and others in attendance, Peter West, Director of Energy Programs for Energy Trust of Oregon, formally acknowledged the Oregon Air National Guard members for their service.

"First of all I want to say thank you from all of us [at Energy Trust of Oregon] for what you do both in combat and in peace time," West said.

Energy Trust of Oregon is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping customers benefit from saving energy and generating renewable power.

During the past two years the 142nd FW has been working with Energy Trust of Oregon to implement efficiency standards with projects on exterior lighting, flight line lighting, and aircraft hangar interior lighting and vehicle maintenance facilities.

It was during the ceremony that West, along with his staff presented a cash incentive check to the 142nd FW for $166,324.

"The lighting specific project, will save you [the 142nd Fighter Wing] over a million kilowatt hours in the next 17 years. It will pay off in about six years so that will be more than 10 years of free power," said West.

The benefits to the local community works as a "Double Kicker" as the savings keeps the money invested locally helping to create jobs and reduces electric rates to customers at the same time.

"Nearly 14,000 jobs are regularly employed doing these types of jobs annually," said West.

The collaborative effort between Oregon Energy Trust and the 142nd FW enables the Portland Air National Guard Base to meet a 2005 Executive order, directing a reduction in energy consumption by 30 percent for more than a ten year period.

"Beginning in 2012 we began to work with Energy Trust of Oregon to implement many of the changes with lighting, which includes changing over 1,000 fixtures," said Col. Rick Wedan, the 142nd FW commander.

Almost immediately the results began to make a difference in energy computation.

"In 2013 we [Portland Air National Guard Base] spent over half million dollars in electricity at this base, yet we saved more than $60,000 through the upgrades we accomplished," said Wedan.

The savings in energy and cost to tax payers also helped reduce the carbon footprint of the Portland ANGB.

"Over 385 tons of carbon dioxide emissions were reduced in 2013 as well," said Wedan.

The cash incentive will allow for future projects here at the Portland ANGB.

"Now we can move ahead with aggressive interior lighting projects, and also begin enhancing our HVAC control systems in our buildings," Wedan said while described how the incentive check will be used. "We want to thank Energy Trust of Oregon for helping us do our part to help us decrease our demand on our very precious environmental resources."

188th Wing's Barr family named ANG Family of the Year

by Maj. Heath Allen
188th Wing Executive Officer


8/15/2014 - NORMAN, Okla. -- An Arkansas Air National Guard family from the 188th Wing in Fort Smith, Arkansas, set the national standard for volunteerism and was recognized for their accomplishments Aug. 13 during the National Military Family Association volunteer conference here.

Retired Senior Master Sgt. Scott Barr, his wife Cindy, and the couple's two children Isaak and Andrew were recognized for the achievement with the with the National Military Family Association 2014 Family of the Year award for the Air National Guard.

Gen. Frank Grass, National Guard chief, and Maj. Gen. William Wofford, Arkansas National Guard adjutant general, presented the award to the Barr family.

Scott Barr, a former member of the 188th Wing maintenance squadron's munitions element served 22 years in the wing before retiring in May 2014. Cindy has served with the 188th Airman and Family Readiness Office's Key Volunteer program for more than two years.

"This is an amazing honor," Cindy Burr said. "The 188th has been like a family to us and we just wanted to give back. Working with the other key volunteers has been a great experience. It's unbelievable; it really is. I'm so proud that we are representing the 188th."

The Barrs were named the 188th Wing Family of the Year and the Arkansas Air National Guard Family of the Year earlier this year. The Barrs beat out 91 other families for the national prize.

"We're extremely proud of the family atmosphere we're continuously improving at the 188th," said Col. Mark Anderson, 188th Wing commander. "The Barrs have been instrumental in helping the wing build that positive environment for our families. We're tremendously appreciative that their hard work was recognized. It was certainly deserving of this prestigious honor."

Scott Barr has deployed to Balad, Iraq, and trekked on multiple excursions to Bagram and Kandahar in Afghanistan. He cited the key volunteer program as the primary fuel behind the 188th's robust family readiness effort that benefits service members during deployments and annual temporary duty assignments.

"To be able to not worry as much about your family back home when you're out doing your job is a huge deal," he said. "That's what the key volunteers do for the Guardsmen. The key volunteers take care of the families during deployments. You can focus on whatever you're supposed to do in theater and know that your home situation is sound. That's a comforting feeling."

For Cindy Burr, it's the service-before-self mindset that inspires her.

"It means a lot for me to be able to serve," she said. "Scott serves in everything he does. He is the epitome of service. Just being able to keep up with him is a big thing, being able to continue that legacy with the 188th."

Though Scott Barr retired from the 188th in May, Cindy Burr said she doesn't anticipate her role as a key volunteer ending any time soon.

"He thinks it's hysterical that I have to come to Guard drill and he gets to stay home," she said. "Once a key volunteer, always a key volunteer, I've been told."

Wing Inspection Team test unit readiness

by Tech. Sgt. John Hughel and Staff Sgt. Brandon Boyd
142nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs


8/14/2014 - PORTLAND AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ore. -- The Wing Inspection Team conducted a readiness exercise here July 31 - Aug 3. that challenged 142nd Fighter Wing members under a variety of conditions that focused on the overall mission capabilities.

This was the first exercise to use the Wing Inspection Team members, which is part of the U. S. Air Force inspection system helping to restructure how inspections are now conducted. The goal of the WIT is to offer the wing commander an impartial assessment on the wing's ability to accomplish the mission.

"Instead of focusing on an external event, we've been given the approval to build something that exercises more likely scenarios," said Lt. Col. Frank Page, 142nd Fighter Wing inspector planner.

Some of the test scenarios involved elements of the Civil Engineer Squadron's Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Base Fire department, as well as medical and security forces members.

"The Wing Inspection Team members come from the units we are testing and the benefit of this exercise is to build a stronger and more effective unit," said Page.

The overall plan and implementation of these types of exercises now resides at the wing-level Inspector General office with support from the Wing Inspection Team. These subject matter experts were sworn in last year by Col. Rick Wedan, the wing commander. They conduct independent evaluations through inspections and other means of testing the Wing's readiness.

"It's so refreshing to see the new Air Force Inspection System change the way we think about evaluation and exercises," said Wedan. "Putting outdated and irrelevant evaluation scenario in the rear view mirror is a step in the right direction."

In previous Phase I and II inspections, the wing would ramp up months before and spend significant time and resources over several UTA periods preparing for that inspection. By managing the process at the wing level, manpower and budgetary savings were important considerations to the new inspection process.

"We were spending extraordinary resources preparing for inspections to make ourselves "Inspection-Ready." The Air Force realized this, and decided it was time to shift the focus to being Mission-Ready every day", said Wedan.

The change in the inspection procedure challenged many members of the wing to get past the old "Base X" mindset. Going forward Wedan noted, "We'll need to take a close look at the way we disseminate critical, timely mission-oriented information in this new environment."

Some areas of the base saw more action than others during the four days of the inspection.

Overall, Wedan said that he saw, "the team with their game faces on, doing their level best to make the weekend a success."

173rd Fighter Wing Eagles fly over wildland fires

by Tech. Sgt. Jefferson Thompson
173rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs


8/13/2014 - KINGSLEY FIELD, Ore. -- An aerial photographer joined a routine training mission out of the 173rd Fighter Wing at Kinglsey Field here destined for the range over the eastern part of the state July 31.

James Haseltine of HIGH-G Productions noticed a number of wildland fires as the aircraft made their way back to the base and snapped photos of the Air Force F-15 Eagle aircraft flying in front of the billowing, opaque clouds.

He did not know at the time how much attention these images would garner. No one really knows how, but in the information age the photos quickly went viral, finding their way through cyber space to the Today Show broadcast on national television Aug. 5.

Images of Kingsley's own F-15 Eagles made the round from KDRV's 5 p.m. news out of Medford to Mashable.com, and all the way to the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies.

Firefighters on Oregon's Gulch Fire have battled the blaze for more than two weeks and officials posted the photos in camp early in their efforts. They contacted the 173rd FW Public Affairs office saying they wanted to verify the photos hadn't been enhanced or altered, given their dramatic nature.

Weather scientists were particularly interested in these clouds as they are a phenomenon called pyro cumulus clouds, caused by the rising heat of the fire carrying ash and water vapor into the atmosphere where it condenses. Experts typically utilize satellite imagery to view these cloud formations but expressed their delight to have an up close and personal view from an aircraft.

Although the 173rd FW's mission does not include wildland fire photography, these aircraft were in the vicinity by happenstance and provided images that furthered science and the public interest.

CMSAF encourages Airmen on his recent visit to Tinker

by Michael S. Della Vecchio Sr
Tinker Public Affairs


8/15/2014 - TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody and his wife Athena visited Tinker Airmen Aug. 1-2. During an Airman's Call, Chief Cody said that although challenges lie ahead, he is confident in the Air Force's ability to maintain its elite status.

"The inability to predict the future creates some challenges, especially when you know that sequestration continues to loom out there," said Chief Cody. "At the end of 2015, we will be the smallest Air Force since we became an Air Force in 1947, but we will still have phenomenal Airmen doing phenomenal work. We will still be the world's greatest Air Force."

While there were many questions throughout the visit, Airmen often asked about the upcoming changes to the Enlisted Evaluation System and promotion criteria.

"The most important thing in all of this is the Airman Comprehensive Assessment," said Chief Cody. "That was the first of many steps we're taking to evolve our system so that job performance is the most important factor when we evaluate and identify Airmen for promotion."

In a Letter to Airmen sent a day before the visit, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Cody announced several modifications to the EPR process.
"Starting this November, we will use static, or fixed, annual close out dates for each rank tied to regular Air Force promotion eligibility cut-off dates," they wrote in the letter. "The static dates will enable the implementation of the forced distribution and stratification policy and result in better performance-based evaluations."

The letter also announced changes to promotion criteria to ensure performance is the primary factor in promotions, including the draw-down of time-in grade and time-in service points.

"We'll do the necessary analysis every year to ensure there aren't any unintended consequences of the reduction," said Chief Cody, "but the intent is to gradually remove them over the next three years until we remove them completely."

Chief Cody said he was impressed with the Airmen on Tinker, including civilian Airmen. He said Team Tinker is a great example of the Air Force because all of the components are well represented.

"We have our active duty Airmen, our civilian Airmen, our reserve Airmen and guard Airmen, all of which reside here," he said. "It takes all of us to be the world's greatest Air Force; there is no ability for one component alone to do what it is that our nation expects its Air Force to do."

Chief Cody also touched on the topic of sexual assault. Although the Air Force has taken steps to educate and bring awareness to the issue, he said no one should be satisfied until the crime is eradicated completely.

"We have made significant strides when you think about our special victim's council, the fidelity that we are putting behind the training and how we continue to adapt it in meaningful and purposeful ways," he said. "We are not going to allow ourselves to lose sight of the importance of creating an environment built on dignity and respect. We want it to be impossible for this crime to be perpetrated amongst the men and women who serve."

Hagel Speaks With Russian Defense Minister



DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Aug. 15, 2014 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel spoke by phone today with Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said.

In a statement summarizing the call, Kirby said Hagel and Shoygu discussed the ongoing situation in Ukraine.

“Specifically, Secretary Hagel requested clarification regarding the Russian humanitarian convoy,” he said.

“Minister Shoygu guaranteed that there were no Russian military personnel involved in the humanitarian convoy,” Kirby said, “nor was the convoy to be used as a pretext to further intervene in Ukraine. He acknowledged that the goods would be delivered and distributed under the International Committee of the Red Cross. Minister Shoygu assured Secretary Hagel that Russia was meeting Ukraine's conditions.”

The two defense leaders discussed the need to have bilateral follow-on meetings of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty and agreed to maintain open lines of communication, the admiral said.

General Hyten takes control of AFSPC

by Auburn Davis
Air Force Space Command Public Affairs


8/15/2014 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- General John E. Hyten became the 16th commander of Air Force Space Command, in a change-of-command ceremony here today, replacing General William L. Shelton.

General Mark A. Welsh III, Air Force Chief of Staff, presided over the ceremony.

General Hyten attended Harvard University on an Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarship, graduated in 1981 with a bachelor's degree in engineering and applied sciences and was commissioned a second lieutenant. General Hyten's career includes assignments in a variety of space acquisition and operations positions. He served in senior engineering positions on both Air Force and Army anti-satellite weapon system programs. General Hyten became AFSPC Commander after serving as vice commander.

The general's staff assignments include tours with the Air Force Secretariat, the Air Staff, the Joint Staff and the Commander's Action Group at Headquarters Air Force Space Command as Director. He served as mission director in Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station and was the last active-duty commander of the 6th Space Operations Squadron at Offutt AFB, Neb.

In 2006, he deployed to Southwest Asia as Director of Space Forces for operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. General Hyten commanded the 595th Space Group and the 50th Space Wing at Schriever AFB, Colo. Prior to assuming his current position, he served as Director, Space Programs, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Washington, D.C.

As commander of AFSPC, General Hyten is responsible for organizing, equipping, training and maintaining mission-ready space and cyberspace forces and capabilities for North American Aerospace Defense Command, U.S. Strategic Command and other combatant commands around the world. General Hyten also oversees Air Force network operations; manages a global network of satellite command and control, communications, missile warning and space launch facilities; and is responsible for space system development and acquisition.

Created on Sept. 1, 1982, AFSPC provides military focused space capabilities with a global perspective to the joint warfighting team and is the Air Force lead in developing cyberspace capabilities. Providing an integrated constellation of space and cyberspace capabilities at the speed of need, the command delivers responsive, assured and decisive power to America and its warfighting commands. AFSPC is comprised of more than 42,000 professionals, assigned to 134 locations worldwide.

Joint-service color guard represents Guard during national PGA Championship TV coverage

by Master Sgt. Phil Speck
123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office


8/15/2014 - FRANKFORT, Ky.  -- Airmen and Soldiers from the Kentucky National Guard were featured in a national television spot last week, presenting the state colors during CBS Sports' coverage of the Professional Golfers' Association of America Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville Aug. 4-10.

The spot, which was pre-recorded in Frankfort Aug. 5, shows a joint Kentucky Army and Air National Guard team performing the posting of the colors with a Kentucky state flag.

Paul Kramer, a videographer for CBS Sports, said the network wanted to brand the PGA Championship with something that "captured the spirit of Kentucky." They considered using horses but finally decided on highlighting the state flag.

The idea got started when CBS called Gov. Steve Beshear, who in turn called Air Force Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, the adjutant general of Kentucky.

"It was great, and everyone was incredibly helpful," Kramer said. "We got way more than we thought we were going to get. It was really neat to see the guys in full dress, and what makes it more special was the reverence paid to the flag and what it means to those guys."

Air Force Master Sgt. Eric Hamilton, the Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge of the Kentucky Air Guard component of the joint team, said the squad performed the ceremony several times in order for the videographer to get the shots he needed.

"They get a redo, we don't," Hamilton said, smiling. "We have to get it right the first time.

"The team and I enjoyed this event, and we genuinely got a taste of what life would be like in Hollywood," Hamilton added. "It was great to experience what takes place behind the scenes in order to produce an awesome product on television."

The Kentucky Army and Air National Guard Color Guard Teams perform at hundreds of civic functions every year, presenting the state and national colors with honor and respect. The teams also perform hundreds of Honor Guard ceremonies annually, providing funeral honors for the families of fallen veterans.

ANGRC leadership recognizes top performers, shares story of heroism

by Master Sergeant Marvin R. Preston
Air National Guard Readiness Center Public Affairs


8/15/2014 - JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- The Air National Guard Readiness Center recognized the outstanding work and accomplishments of their top performers during the 2nd Quarter Awards Ceremony and Commander's Call Aug. 14 at the ANGRC here.

The ceremony was hosted by Air Force Brig. Gen. Michael R. Taheri, the commander of the ANGRC, and focused on the accomplishments of the ANGRC staff.

"The ANGRC team has proven their dedication to defending the nation by leaning forward and accomplishing the mission every day," said Taheri.

The top performers for the 2nd quarter were:

● Civilian of the Quarter Category 1, Gloria Fernandez, Installations and Mission Support
● Civilian of the Quarter Category 3, James A. Guevara, Logistics
● Airman of the Quarter, Brittney S. Bankston, Air Reserve Personnel Center
● Non-Commissioned Officer of the Quarter, Technical Sgt. Kristin N. Schultz, Human Resources
● Senior NCO of the Quarter, Senior Master Sgt. Angel L. Luna, Logistics
● Company Grade Officer of the Quarter, Capt. Jessica R. Gruver Koefod, Air Operations
● Field Grade Officer of the Quarter, Maj. Drew D. Roper, Plans and Programs

Taheri also used the occasion to talk about Master Sgt. Michael Sears, an Explosive Ordinance Disposal technician assigned to the 177th Fighter Wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard. Sears was recently awarded the Silver Star Medal, the nation's third-highest award for valor.

As part of a three-man EOD team, Sears was engaged with enemy forces September 29, 2012, in Ghazni province, Afghanistan, when a rocket-propelled grenade hit a Polish mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle and seriously injuring the driver. Leaving cover behind, Sears repeatedly sprinted 150 yards through enemy gunfire to direct his team in returning fire.

Sears fired more than 190 rounds from his M4 rifle, and is credited with saving the life and protecting the wounded Polish soldier, and protecting a Polish medic.

Taheri talked about how directorates at the ANGRC play a direct role in mission success through equipping, properly training and adequately funding ANG Airmen around the world.

"This is someone who clearly deserves the Silver Star, but I would tell you that you have a lot do with that," said Taheri. "At the end of the day, it's fundamentally the team here that resources the 105,400 and supports them in every way. I'm proud to know that it's this [ANGRC] team that stands behind and supports those people conducting those combat operations worldwide."

ANG paves way for Airman with eyes on the sky

by Tech. Sgt. Matt Hecht
177th Fighter Wing Public Affairs


8/14/2014 - Atlantic City, N.J. -- One Air Force Airman who normally works as a crew chief for high performance fighters had an opportunity this year to been seen high over the skies of Atlantic City Aug 13 during the 2014 "Thunder Over the Boardwalk" Air Show as a demonstration pilot.

Since Senior Airman Austin Daniel was 5 years old, he knew he wanted to fly.

"For his 5th birthday, all he wanted was for me to take him up," said Austin's father, Jeff Daniel, a former Air Force T-37 instructor pilot. "Once he was up in the air, he was hooked."

The junior Daniel began his flying career at 14, and at 16 had a base tour here at the 177th Fighter Wing.

"That tour was a huge influence," said Daniel. "I got to talk to a fighter pilot, and I asked him, what do I need to accomplish to do what you do? He told me to enlist in the Air National Guard, and that's exactly what I did when I graduated high school."

In 2009 Daniel graduated from Air Force Basic Training as well a technical training to become an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft crew chief. At the same time, he had already gotten his commercial pilot's license and began flying with the Raiders Demonstration Team, based out of Lumberton.

"The Guard is the best opportunity in the military," said Daniel. "To have so many options, full-time, part-time, it's so flexible. I was able to work as a crew chief part-time, finish my college degree in Aviation Flight Technology, and fly!"

As a member of the Raiders, Daniel relies on skills he learned in the ANG.

"The Air National Guard was my first experience working in such a large organization, and the skills I learned as a crew chief, like aircraft systems management, have helped me out immensely as a pilot, and also as a team member," said Daniel. "Being a crew chief and flying as a demonstration pilot actually have a lot in common; there is a huge amount of trust and comradery in both."

At 23 years old, Daniels has accumulated an amazing 2,000 flight hours. While flying with the Raiders Demonstration Team as a solo pilot, he flies the Yak-52 aircraft, a hardy Russian-made training aircraft.

"It's a great aircraft, very fuel efficient and great in formation flying with basic aerobatic maneuvers," said Daniel.

Daniel recently achieved one of his goals: being hired by a regional airline as a pilot.

"He started flying with the Yak-52, a very complex aircraft," said his father Jeff. "It was a unique way to learn how to fly, and it translated well with flying crop dusters and now the airlines."

"Flying in shows like 'Thunder Over the Boardwalk' here in Atlantic City is exciting," said Daniel. "I used to be that kid, looking up at planes and getting inspired, and it's an honor that it's me up there inspiring kids today. Flying the AC air show feels great, it's real 'seat of the pants,' and it's a beautiful view!"

For the future, Daniel is still looking to the sky, hoping to one day fly fighters for the ANG.

CNIC Visits Guam, Addresses Service Members, Civilians



By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Timothy Wilson, Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs

SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- The commander of Navy Installations Command addressed service members and civilians during an all-hands call aboard Naval Base Guam Aug. 14.

Vice Adm. William D. French focused on four tenants outlined by Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert, the chief of naval operations, during his brief. Specifically, continued dominance of the seas, cyber technology and security, the Navy's continued relationship with the Marine Corps and lastly the rebalance to the Pacific.

"The Navy and Marines, our relationship is strong here and will become stronger as we continue to move more Marines here to Guam from Okinawa," said French. "What is done is Guam is critical to what our posture is across the Navy and across all the services, and the missions that we execute in this part of the world. We could not do that without the support from here."

French said the military's support in Guam for homeported and visiting submarines as well as surface ships, the Marine buildup and the collaboration with the Air Force directly effects military operations spanning the western Pacific.

He also spoke about changes to military pay charts, uniform changes, water safety and new opportunities for Sailors wanting to serve at sea and Sailor resiliency, namely the quality of life for Sailors necessary to remain healthy and mission capable.

"The concept of resiliency deals with the challenges of life," said French. "This is how to eat healthier, how to avoid alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and this includes sexual assault prevention. We encourage folks to live their lives healthier to make the long-term health risks go down, feel better and be more effective at what you do. There are a lot of opportunities here. Continue to look out for shipmates."

French encouraged Sailors to leave the fence line and engage the culture of Guam, namely with the people and enjoy the family atmosphere of the island.

"There are great opportunities to enjoy this great place," said French. "Thank you for what you do every day to make this a better place. What you do in Guam is very important and the importance of this place will only grow with time as we bring more Marines, more Navy personnel and their families. Please do everything you can to feel a part of the wining team."

French reiterated that he was proud of the collaboration and cooperation between all the military services on Guam and the civilians who support the overall mission. He said the value of Guam is not only recognized by the Navy but by all departments that help govern.