C-17 crews demonstrate joint, international capabilities

by Tech. Sgt. Sean Tobin
62nd Airlift Wing

2/21/2014 - PATTAYA, Thailand  -- Five C-17 Globemaster III aircraft departed from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, and dropped more than 380 U.S. and Royal Thai paratroopers into Lopburi Airfield, Thailand, Feb. 15 in support of multi-national military exercise Exercise Cobra Gold.

The airdrop operation flown by aircrews from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska; Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.; and Joint Base Charleston, S.C. The 18-hour flight across the Pacific not only provided an opportunity for C-17 crews to gain experience conducting combined airdrop operations, but also gave them experience executing large-formation air refueling operations.

"This exercise demonstrates our commitment to working with our Thai partners - our longest-standing ally in the Pacific - and provides valuable training for everyone involved," said Joint Base Charleston's Col. Tony Schenk, the 437th Operations Group deputy commander and Air Force mission commander for the operation.

Participating in an exercise of this scale is the best way to gain experience while learning valuable lessons, said Capt. Buddy McNeal Jr., a 7th Airlift Squadron instructor pilot from Joint Base Charleston and one of the formation's aircraft commanders. McNeal praised the unique opportunity the exercise offered for crews to fly in formation with their counterparts from other bases into unfamiliar airfields with unique terrain and weather considerations.

Aircrews were not the only participants who benefited from the exercise. Royal Thai and U.S. armed forces paratroopers also praised the valuable experience gained from the exercise.

After landing into an area just 1,400 yards by 2,500 yards, the nearly 400 paratroopers conducted operations including eliminating opposition forces, seizing and turning over the airfield to the host nation. and assisting with local area humanitarian operations.

"These exercises hone our abilities to defend our nation, as well as help our allies, at any time and in any location across the globe," said Army 1st. Sgt. Jason Woodbury, 3rd Battalion (Airborne), 509th Infantry jumpmaster.

Upon conclusion of the exercise, aircrews made the return trip to JBER, executing further large-scale formation and air refueling operations along the way. Once over Alaska, paratroopers conducted a return airborne operation , further enhancing their forced entry proficiency.

"With any exercise of this scale, there will always be lessons learned and things we will be able to do better next time," said Schenk. "But to be able to fly five C-17s thousands of miles, refueling twice along the way, and drop nearly 400 troops on target, on time, is truly a tremendous accomplishment."

Friends of Veterans: Appreciating past heroes

by Senior Airman Kristoffer Kaubisch
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

2/24/2014 - MINOT, N.D. -- Veteran's Day is a day to remember and show our appreciation to our nation's military members who have fought for our country and freedom. Whether they are retired or currently serving, many appreciate the courage and bravery these men and women have expressed or are currently displaying.

Friends of Veterans, an organization comprised of Minot Airmen from the 791st Missile Security Forces Squadron and the 91st Missile Wing Security Forces Squadron, visited veterans living at Edgewood Vista, an assisted living community in downtown Minot, Feb. 15.

The organization was started by Senior Airmen Andrew Magathan and Tyler Britton, defenders from the 791st MSFS, as a way to give back to the veterans in the local community and show appreciation.

Magathan and Britton started the organization at Trinity Homes, a retirement community in downtown Minot.

During one of their visits, the Friends of Veterans program found out about 32 veterans who moved from Trinity Homes to Edgewood Vista. Magathan then approached Senior Airman Erica Radcliffe and Airman 1st Class Jasmine Horton, defenders from the 91st MW SFS, about starting another Friends of Veterans program at Edgewood Vista.

Bridging the gap between yesterday's Air Force and today's Air Force is important, said Radcliff.

"The veterans get out of the service, go back home, or they go to an assisted living community," said Radcliffe.

Sometimes veterans are forgotten about, but the Friends of Veterans program helps ensure Veterans are appreciated for everything they have done for this country.

"They have so many Veterans here and it's just a great program," said Radcliffe. "If we can do the same event at two different places and make it more convenient for the veterans, it's just better."

The goal of the Friends of Veterans program will decide on one event and split it between the two veteran communities. Overall, the smaller aspect will be decided by the committee that runs the building.

"We have the socials at Trinity Homes and Edgewood Vista around the same time," added Britton. "The smaller details may be different, but overall the goal is the same."

As president and vice president of the program, Magathan and Britton stop in occasionally to see how things are going with the new program at Edgewood Vista.

"Here at Edgewood Vista, it's assisted living, so everyone here is able to move on their own and do things for themselves," said Horton. "We come in here and talk to them, it's a great experience."

Friends of Veterans host many events throughout the year to include an ice cream social and a barbeque. The ice cream social will take place in a couple months.

Ramstein makes history with first sergeant symposium

by Tech. Sgt. James M. Hodgman
U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa Public Affairs

2/22/2014 - RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- More than 120 military members from nine nations took part in the Kaiserslautern Military Community First Sergeant Council's Annual First Sergeant Symposium here Feb. 18 - 21.

The symposium featured 10 international attendees for the first time in its history, including representatives from Belgium, Estonia, France and three from Germany.

During the symposium, Airmen interested in serving as first sergeants were given an in-depth look into what life is like in the special duty position.

The four-day event was filled with presentations about first sergeant responsibilities including family care plans, administrative actions and counseling. The symposium also featured a current and former first sergeant panel and international attendees were given a tour of the Kisling NCO Academy.

Chief Master Sgt. Janis Jallai, Air Surveillance Wing command chief master sergeant and senior enlisted leader of the Estonian air force, said he wanted to attend the first sergeant symposium since 2011, when he first learned of the first sergeant position.

Jallai met with Chief Master Sgt. David Williamson, then U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa command chief and Chief Master Sgt. Adam McNair, USAFE-AFAFRICA Headquarters Squadron first sergeant.

During that meeting, Jallai said he was intrigued by the first sergeant role and wanted to incorporate the position into the Estonian air force.

He said he's taking everything he learned during the symposium back to his leadership, but the briefing on first sergeant responsibilities was his favorite.

"It gave me a very good picture of what they do," Jallai said. "What I liked most was hearing from former first sergeants and how they handled their responsibilities. In those moments I got some ideas on how to deal with my Airmen, because they had some difficult situations and they developed solutions quickly."

It's very nice to know that the U.S. Air Force has the first sergeant position, Jallai added.

"You take care of your people, first sergeants are people focused, I'm very impressed with the passion U.S. Air Force first sergeants have," he said.

Chief Master Sgt. Rolf Gemünden, a German air force NCO Academy instructor and advisor, echoed Jallai's sentiments.

Gemünden, a former first sergeant himself, said that first sergeants in the German air force are similar to first sergeants in the U.S. Air Force; however, he said he was greatly impressed with the passion U.S. Air Force first sergeants display.

"The first sergeants in the U.S. Air Force have a great standard, they perform a great duty. The vision they have and what they want to do for their units and their Airmen is something I'll definitely take back."

"This passion first sergeants have in their duties; I want to pass along that to my NCOs," Gemünden said.

Gemünden also said it's important for USAFE to continue building partnerships with events like the symposium.

"There is so much we can share and so much we can learn from each other," Gemünden said. "Doing so may give you hints on how you can improve yourself or your service or help understand differences between one another."

Building partnerships is a must, he added.

"The world is changing and many burning points are popping up and basically we share the same goals. We want to get better and we're working together on the battlefield in these parts of the world, so why not improve our partnership as well."

"The more we learn from each other, the better we'll function together," he said.

Master Sgt. John Carbon, 721st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron first sergeant and one of the symposium's organizers, said he enjoyed putting the event together, the first in USAFE's history to host international attendees.

"Any time you can say first ever in the Air Force is a big deal," he said. "I'm happy it's the first and I hope it's not the last. I hope we can go to their countries and teach them more and have an even greater audience of their enlisted folks.

"I would love to be a part of the growth of another country's enlisted corps, that would be historic in so many different ways," he added.

Carbon has been a first sergeant for nearly a third of his 19-year-career and said he loves the job, especially when he can share what he does with others.

"We don't turn the wrenches, we don't build the houses, we don't draw the blood, but we take care of the people who do," he said. "As first sergeants we take care of things behind the scenes, we're kind of like roadies for a concert; we make sure the sound system works so when the band gets out there and plays nobody misses a beat."

CTF 76 Completes Cobra Gold

By Lt. Cmdr. Brian Wierzbicki, Task Force 76 Public Affairs

UTAPHAO AIR BASE, Thailand (NNS) -- Commander, Task Force (CTF) 76 and assigned forces completed Cobra Gold 2014, the U.S./Thai-led annual combined-joint training exercise aimed at developing interoperability and unity among participating nations, as closing ceremonies were held Feb. 21.

This year's Cobra Gold exercise, the 33rd iteration, involved the United States, Kingdom of Thailand, Singapore, Japan, Republic of Korea, Indonesia, and Malaysia working together in a command post exercise (CPX) and a field training exercise (FTX).

Active duty and reserve force Sailors and Marines assigned to CTF 76 and forward-deployed amphibious transport dock ship USS Denver (LPD 9) participated in the exercise.

"This exercise was a fulfilling experience to watch all countries working together," said Rear Adm. Hugh Wetherald, Commander, Amphibious Force Seventh Fleet and deputy commander for Combined Naval Force (COMNAVFOR) for Cobra Gold 2014. "We learned just as much as you did."

These sentiments were echoed by Wetherald's Royal Thai Navy counterpart, Rear Adm. Tanin Likitawong, commander, Amphibious and Combat Support, and commander of the COMNAVFOR for the exercise.

"The Royal Thai forces are extremely pleased with the results of this exercise and are very grateful for U.S. participation. We have seen great unity between all participating nations both as part of the CPX and as our Sailors and Marines worked jointly in the field. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the U.S. Navy for their efforts in Cobra Gold 2014," said Likitawong.

One of the greatest markers of nation-to-nation unity was displayed at the CNAVFOR headquarters in Utapao, where the United States, Kingdom of Thailand, Singapore, Japan, Republic of Korea, Indonesia, and Malaysia navies worked together for both real-world and simulated results. Staff members jointly planned amphibious and air operations, which were conducted flawlessly from the sea. While in simulation, as part of the CPX, staff members coordinated together a peace-keeping scenario. Using combined naval assets, a Maritime Exclusion Zone (MEZ) was created for merchant traffic, and troops were deployed from ships to shore to help keep the peace on the ground.

"This exercise was truly a joint effort of staffs working together towards a common goal," said Wetherald. "Peace and stability in the Pacific cannot be achieved by a single nation. This effort takes all countries working together as a combined force. Cobra Gold and other exercises conducted throughout the region bring our nations closer to achieving that goal."

Beyond the training, Sailors and Marines participated in a Thai Navy sponsored ice breaker reception, a joint Thai-U.S. community relations project at Chongsamaesan School, and hosted a reception to foster the unity and build relationships between our countries.

The U.S. and Thailand have been working together for 181 years. CG 14 is the latest in a continuing series of exercises designed to promote peace and security in the Western Pacific.

Task Force 76 is the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force and is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan.

Living history: Buffalo Soldiers, Tuskegee Airmen, Code Talkers visit PAFB

by Staff Sgt. J. Aaron Breeden
21st Space Wing Public Affairs Office

2/19/2014 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo.  -- Bustling with last-minute Valentine's Day shoppers, the Peterson Base Exchange played host to second-generation Tuskegee Airmen, the local Buffalo Soldiers chapter, and a small group of original Navajo Code Talkers Feb. 14.

Swarms of patrons grinned brightly for photos and stood anxiously in line waiting to meet these American heroes and hear their stories.

Jay Lamb, 20-year Army retiree and secretary of the Colorado Springs Buffalo Soldiers chapter, said his motorcycle club's mission is to continue to spread the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers, who earned their name for the fierce nature in which they fought during battle, and the role the soldiers had in building the United States.

Wrapped in a leather vest adorned with weathered patches, Lamb stayed busy sharing short history lessons with passers-by.

"A lot of people don't know about the Buffalo Soldiers because they aren't taught in the history books like they once were," said Lamb.

Alfred Newman, a former Code Talker with the 3rd Marine Regiment who served throughout the Pacific theater in World War II, said ever since he was a young boy he admired the Marines and their mission. It was this admiration that led him to volunteer to join the Corps prior to becoming draft-eligible.

Newman sat under a bright red cap, trimmed in yellow and dotted with Marine-themed pins as he dutifully signed books and photos for eager visitors who had never met a Code Talker in person.

He said events like these remain significant because it was the Navajo who helped gain strategic advantage during World War II, which ultimately lead to the defeat of the Japanese. Newman added that ensuring this story is shared with today's youth is something he believes is very important, which is why he continues participating in these events.

Across the hall, wearing the unmistakable crimson jacket and hat, sat retired Chief Master Sgt. Loran Smith, second-generation Tuskegee Airman, who stayed busy signing shirts and reminiscing about his final Air Force days, which he spent here at Peterson.

Smith served 29 years in the Air Force during which he flew 266 combat missions in Vietnam earning him 10 Air Medals and several other decorations making him the most highly decorated member of the aerospace medicine career field.

Their goal that day was the same as it has always been, to keep the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen alive, Smith said.

He acknowledged the Tuskegee Airmen who served before him saying that they were heroes who paved the way for people of color, proving their mettle in battle and that they could indeed fly an airplane.

Teenage pilots get chance to soar with CAP

by Airman 1st Class Samantha Saulsbury
460th Space Wing Public Affairs

2/20/2014 - BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- A regular high school student, but a pilot outside of the classroom walls: for Civil Air Patrol cadets, that's just another day.

CAP is an Air Force sponsored, all-volunteer organization dedicated to providing not only emergency assistance to the community, but also education and leadership training to teens between the ages of 12 and 21.

The program focuses on aerospace education and has more than 60,000 members nationwide.

Buckley's Mile High Cadet Squadron has 25 cadets and 19 senior leaders. The squadron meets every Tuesday night for formation and an educational class.

"The reason I joined is I want to be a pilot," said CAP Cadet 1st Lt. McKade Clark. "We actually get free flight lessons. We get to go up and take the controls and fly around for a little bit. I thought to myself, 'I get to fly planes. Are you kidding me?'"

The cadets in the program have big dreams, with many striving to enroll at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

"About 10 percent of the entrants at the Air Force Academy come from Civil Air Patrol ranks," said Maj. Sam C. Turner, Mile High CAP senior leader.

The program doesn't just bring enrichment to the cadet's lives, it's provides a safe place to grow and learn.

"We're a family," said Maj. Judy Huff, Mile High CAP squadron commander. I care about them. With the bullying and the pressure of school, I think we need a family element, and that's what we are."

Like any strong family, the senior leaders act as mentors, bringing valuable lessons to the table.

"My primary role is drug reduction," said CAP 2nd Lt. John E. Goodman, Mile High CAP 2nd Lt. "When I come in to teach my classes, I don't just come in and say, 'Don't smoke. Don't drink.' I try to leave in their minds some basic principles on how to live life."

The CAP program also gives teens opportunities they may not have be otherwise able to experience.

"They've gotten a chance to meet the dogs from security forces," Huff said. "We've had the burn trailer. We've had helicopter rides. I even brought in the (Special Weapons and Tactics) team once."

Clark's favorite memory was with the 460th Security Forces Squadron military working dogs.

"I even got to get in the training suit where the dogs chase after you!" Clark said.

The cadets also learn about unique subjects during the classes. The program's most recent class: how to survive on the moon.

While there are many remarkable opportunities, according to Turner, watching the cadets grow and develop is the most fulfilling part.

"Hearing from them later after they've come back from boot camp or hearing that they're going to the Academy, that's the best," Turner said.

Aside from the many benefits of the cadet program, the senior leaders agree joining CAP was one of the best decisions, providing them a chance to give back and pass on their experience and knowledge of the military to the younger generation.

"When you're here, you're not just talking to a recruiter," Goodman said. "You're talking to a vast array of people that have been in the military. They'll help guide you into a career that's going be substantial and fulfilling."

Goodman has nothing but praise for CAP's unique and exciting program.

"Where else would I get a chance to be in an aircraft and working on a real mission?" Goodman said. "Civil Air Patrol is one of the Air Force's best-kept secrets."

Evernham takes command of 315th Ops Group

by Michael Dukes
315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

2/21/2014 - JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Col. Carolina Evernham assumed command of the 315th Operations Group during a ceremony in the base theater here Feb. 21.

As Evernham took command of the 315th OG, Lt. Col. Russell Catanach returned to his original role of deputy commander of the Group.

"To be coming to this great wing is such a fantastic opportunity," Evernham said at her ceremony. "I've known about the 315th for a long time. I'm very aware of your sterling reputation and I'm impressed at all you have accomplished."

Col. James Fontanella, 315th Airlift Wing commander, told Evernham that she was taking the reigns of "the single most effective operations group in [Air Force Reserve Command] - period."

Evernham, a Reserve Officer Training Corps graduate from the University of Arizona, comes to the 315th AW from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., where she commanded the 916th OG.

A 33-year Air Force veteran, Evernham has logged more than 2,000 flight hours on the KC-135 Stratotanker.

"As you all know, we cannot accomplish our mission without the rest of the wing and the rest of Team Charleston," Evernham added. She also acknowledged support of family members "in enabling us to do what we do."

Air Force kicks off High Flyin' BBQ Challenge

by Staff Sgt. Ian Hoachlander
Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs

2/24/2014 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) -- The Air Force Personnel Center Directorate of Services is hosting the inaugural Air Force High Flyin' BBQ Challenge now through September.

The competition is open to all active-duty Airmen and sister service members at Air Force-led joint bases in the contiguous U.S. who think their barbecue is the best in town and want to prove their barbecue prowess.

"The intent of this program is to encourage Air Force member participation in locally sanctioned barbecue competitions in an effort to improve morale and resilience, as well as foster local community involvement," said Scott Black, the AFPC special projects officer.

To apply for the competition applicants must submit an essay by April 18 to AFHighFlyingBBQ@MyAirForceLife.com explaining in 500 words or less why their barbecue skills are the best.

"The top two essay writers from each of the three geographic regions will earn the chance to compete in an officially sanctioned local barbecue competition this summer," Black explained.

AFPC will announce the essay winners April 25, and those winners will be automatically entered to compete in local competitions slated for May 23 through Aug. 23.

"All regional competitions will be held at sanctioned events throughout the continental United States," Black said. "The top three winners from the regional events will win a trip to the Air Force barbecue finals in September."

The three Air Force finalists will compete during the San Antonio Stock and Rodeo Show's Fall Fest, held in September. All participants will receive a commemorative gift for participating in the High Flyin' BBQ Challenge, and additional prizes will be awarded to winners of the regional and grand final competitions.

Marines train, become MCMAP instructors

by Senior Airman David Owsianka
56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

2/21/2014 - LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz.  -- Marines from across the country joined forces at Luke Air Force Base to complete a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program instructor course. The course began Feb. 3 and concluded Feb. 15 with 27 new MCMAP instructors.

MCMAP is a combat system developed by the U.S. Marine Corps to combine existing and new hand-to-hand and close-quarters combat techniques with morale and team building functions and instruction in the Warrior Ethos.

The program trains Marines in unarmed combat, edged weapons, weapons of opportunity, and rifle and bayonet techniques. It also stresses mental and character development, including the responsible use of force, leadership and teamwork.

"The biggest fundamental of MCMAP is that it instills physical and mental discipline into our Marines," said Marine Sgt. James Sabol, Camp Pendleton 1st Law Battalion military working dog handler. "It encompasses the entire Marine idea. It's not only important to be physically fit, but we need to have the mental and character discipline in knowing that if the fight comes to us, we can keep a level head to make the proper decisions for whatever the situation or battle dictates."

During the course, the instructors focused on three areas: academics, combat conditioning and learning techniques.

In academics, the Marines learned components of wellness, how to take care of themselves and other Marines, and how to administer tests to fellow Marines.

The class learned various types of combat conditioning, and how to work under pressure and put combat conditioning programs together for other Marines.

As the Marines learned these techniques, they were also taught the methods contained in all the belt levels, the physical techniques of MCMAP, how to work a bayonet, knife, weapons of opportunity, and how to use leverage to move others around.

During the final day of the course the Marines showed how they had mastered the necessary skills and different areas of combat conditioning. Everything is put together to show the cohesion and teamwork they learned in their time together.

"The biggest thing is the leadership they learned from this course that they will take back and use to train the Marines in their units to be more proficient, not only in their leadership skills but in their combat and character skills," Sabol said.

After completing the course, the Marines became instructors for 7-level black belt and 7-level brown belt in MCMAP.

"I've learned different types of drills to run for combat conditioning, and different techniques to become proficient because I am a smaller-framed female," said Marine Sgt. Chenee Bibian, Engineer Company C administrative chief, who at 4' 11" was the shortest Marine in the training.

"I feel that becoming an instructor is only going to make me a better person and Marine because it's going to instill in me a better mentality to lead Marines not only from behind a desk or in the field, but in martial arts as well," she said.

DOD Stresses Cutting Debt, Saving More in Military Saves Week

By Terri Moon Cronk

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 24, 2014 – Because Defense Department leaders believe personal financial readiness equals mission readiness, officials want service members to “set a goal, make a plan and save automatically” in the Military Saves Week campaign that starts today, a senior Pentagon official said.

Military Saves is a year-long campaign with DOD partner the Consumer Federation of America as part of the larger America Saves effort, said Barbara Thompson, director of the Defense Department’s office of family policy and children and youth.

“DOD over last 10 years has had a very robust financial readiness campaign,” Thompson said of the total-force program, which began in 2003.

Military Saves encourages service members and their families to take a pledge to reduce debt and set up automatic savings programs for necessities such as retirement, emergency and contingency savings.

“The first step in attaining financial security is making a commitment to changing personal spending and savings habits,” Thompson noted.

Financial readiness is equated with mission readiness within DOD, she added, because when a service member has financial difficulty, it can affect job performance.

“DOD feels so strongly about [financial readiness], every major installation and family support center will have personal financial managers to provide counseling and education to service members and their families,” Thompson said, adding that installation banks and credit unions also are committed to increasing financial literacy.

Taking a pledge to reduce debt and save money has become a tradition for service members, families and DOD civilians to make a commitment to themselves, Thompson said. The pledge can be taken online or publicly during a major installation event during Military Saves Week.

“Last year, we had over 29,000 [people] take the pledge, and that’s exciting,” she noted.

Thompson said pledging to save and developing plans to do so are individual. Some people might save a set amount of money each payday, while others devote a percentage, for example.

Thompson also emphasized that developing a financial readiness plan is a family affair, and said the sooner children are introduced to the habit of saving and spending wisely, the earlier they will learn sound financial skills.

“Everyone needs to have financial education,” she said.

The traditional Thrift Savings Plan and its Roth IRA TSP counterpart offer painless avenues to automatically save, and the TSP plans are among DOD’s pillars of its military family readiness campaign, Thompson said.

“The TSP gives you an opportunity to think about your long-term future … [such as] retirement, because we think it’s far away, but it’s not,” she said. “Every day, you need to start thinking about saving for retirement.”

Offering resources such as TSP shows how serious DOD is about its troops saving and reducing debt for their successes in life, Thompson added.

In the past 10 years, the numbers of service members and their families enrolling in the [traditional] TSP and the new Roth TSP have increased, Thompson said, calling that development “very exciting.”

The Military OneSource website is another resource for help with financial planning, offering online financial tools and up to 12 sessions per monetary issue for face-to-face or telephone financial counseling, she said.

About 65 percent of troops and families have emergency savings plans, Thompson said. “That’s important. Our message is getting across about how important savings is,” she added.

Overall, having a family financial preparedness plan is something service members and their families should have first and foremost on their minds, Thompson emphasized.

“Your financial stability is going to make sure your family is secure, and that you don’t have to worry unnecessarily about something you do have control over,” she said.

Ill. Air Guard doctor deploys to Antarctica, takes on helicopter crash

by Staff Sgt. Lealan Buehrer
182nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

2/24/2014 - PEORIA, Ill. -- The commander of the 182nd Medical Group in Peoria, Ill., returned from a rare seven-week deployment to Antarctica Jan. 4, where he provided medical care at the McMurdo Station there.

Two weeks after arriving, Air National Guard Col. Steven S. Norris of Morton, Ill., found himself in the middle of a mass-casualty event when a South Korean Kamov helicopter crashed landed and caught fire on the deck of a research ship.

The doctor deployed to Antarctica as a flight surgeon in support of Operation Deep Freeze's mission to provide airlift for the National Science Foundation. There, the Iraq and Afghanistan War veteran with almost two decades of military service experienced the most limited and remote working conditions of his career.

Norris had just returned to the station from an all-day mission to the South Pole on Dec. 4, 2013, when he received word that four helicopter crash victims were being transported to his clinic from 200 miles away at Terra Nova Bay. When they arrived, it would become Norris and his team's job to keep the critically wounded Koreans alive and fly them on a LC-130 Hercules to the nearest medical center in Christchurch, New Zealand.

At that point, Norris knew his duty day was far from over.

"I had to prepare the hospital, four different trauma bays, and get everyone together and assign teams, and do all the stuff you do in preparation for a mass casualty," he said.

His team that night was one Air Force flight medic and one flight nurse. The event became part of a 38-hour shift that resulted in saving those four lives.

The crash victims suffered burns, spine and pelvic fractures, and internal bleeding. The worst had burns on 40 percent of his body.

When the patient arrived, he was not doing well and his burns were so severe that his body had swollen, Norris said. "The key in those situations is to get them to establish a definitive airway, but with his face and head so swollen, that was very difficult," the doctor explained.

The crash victims survived, despite the limits and difficulties of practicing medicine in McMurdo Station's small, desolate arctic facility.

"It's kind of like an outpatient clinic, or a prompt care, and then some two or three hospital beds," said Norris. "It's really the only hospital on the continent."

Besides the clinic's size constraints, materials were also a commodity. It was a stark difference from Norris's experiences deployed in the Middle East.

"You have limited supplies. You can't be resupplied. You just have to be prepared to do everything and be able to stabilize any sort of situation. You have to be confident in your ability to do that, and be able to do it, because there's nobody else there," he said.

Norris, however, found dealing with stress to be similar to any other intense situation he had experienced in his medical career.

"The number one thing is stay calm," he said. "Support everyone around you so that they feel relaxed and calm, and just concentrate on the task you have in front of you. I think if the physician is calm and speaks calmly and doesn't appear to be rattled or in a hurry, then everyone else feels relaxed."

Norris has had 15 years to practice that philosophy. He received his doctorate of medicine in 1999 from the University of Illinois College of Medicine and received a commission in the Air Force the next year.

He also serves in the civilian sector as a hospital physician at Peoria's OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, having previously worked in family practice, emergency care and executive leadership positions. After serving as the 182nd Medical Group's chief of aerospace medicine, he was promoted to its commander in December 2010.

Norris now oversees 68 traditional and full-time medical specialists that service the more than 1,100 guardsmen responsible for the 182nd Airlift Wing's state and federal missions.

Basic Trainee Dies During Training

37th Training Wing

2/22/2014 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO - LACKLAND, Texas -- Air Force trainee Terron J. Moore died at 9:40 p.m. Feb. 20 after collapsing during physical training at Joint Base San Antonio - Lackland.

Following his collapse, Moore was transported to Southwest General Hospital in San Antonio just after 5 p.m. where doctors were unable to save him.

"This is a tragic event and the men and women of the 37th Training Wing are grieving the loss of a fellow Airman," said Col. Mark Camerer, 37th Training Wing commander. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this very difficult time."

The cause of death is u

Somerset Arrives in Philadelphia for Commissioning

By Chief Mass Communications Specialist (SW/AW) Elena Pence, Somerset Public Affairs Office

PHILADELPHIA (NNS) -- The Navy's newest amphibious transport dock ship, Pre-commissioning Unit Somerset (LPD 25) arrived at its commissioning site of Philadelphia, Feb. 21 in preparation for its commissioning ceremony, March 1.

During the port visit, Somerset Sailors are scheduled to participate in several community outreach events including working with the Boys and Girls Club and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Somerset's Command Master Chief Larry Lynch said the Sailors are really looking forward to the week of activities.

"Every Sailor on board has achieved and encountered many challenges bringing this ship to life," said Lynch. "The commissioning week is giving them an opportunity to show their family, friends, the city of Philadelphia, and especially the family of the United Flight 93 crew and passengers, the amount hard work they have put into this ship."

Somerset Sailors said they are also looking forward to the opportunity to work with the local community.

"I think it is important for us to take every chance we get to help the community," said Petty Officer First Class Michael Caldera. "I think a great way for us to say 'thank you' is by giving back."

Caldera said that community events give Sailors a chance to tell people about the history of Somerset while honoring the passengers and crew of flight 93.

"Our motto says it all - Courage through Adversity," said Caldera.

The third of the three U.S. ships named in honor of those victims and first responders of the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, Somerset will join USS New York (LPD 21) and USS Arlington (LPD 24) which are already a part of the Navy's combat force.

USS Somerset represents the heroic actions of the 40 crew and passengers of United Flight 93 honoring their collective sacrifice and the tremendous courage displayed in the face of overwhelming adversity. Had it not been for their brave actions, the terrorists would have reached their intended target and countless more lives would have been lost.

The March 1 commissioning ceremony is a formal ceremony and time-honored tradition that places a warship in active service as a member of the Navy's operational fleet. The event is not open to the general public. Upon formal commissioning USS Somerset (LPD 25) will proceed to its homeport of San Diego.

Bilateral U.S., Japan missile defense exercise promotes security and integration

by Capt. Justin Billot
Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs

2/21/2014 - JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- Personnel from the U.S. military and Japan Self Defense Forces engaged in the week-long "Integrated Air and Missile Defense Wargame V" here to strengthen ties between the two nations and unite missile defense operations through bilateral training.

Representatives from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Japan Air Self Defense Force and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force descended upon the shores of Oahu to participate in the bilateral and joint exercise.

Japan Air Self Defense Force Maj. Gen. Yutaka Masuko, director of the defense plans and operations directorate at the air defense command headquarters, and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force Rear Adm. Ryo Sakai, commanding officer of escort flotilla one, led a team of japanese air and missile defense planners during the exercise. The 613th Air Operations Center, of Pacific Air Forces, hosted the event.

"The goal of this exercise is to continue bilateral integration between our two nations to promote the security and stability of the Asia-Pacific region," said Maj. Gen. Kevin Pottinger, mobilization assistant to the PACAF commander. "Integration and ally engagements are keys to the success of mutual defense of Japan and continued free access to the Global Commons."

The event is a continuation of previous exercises that provide opportunities for members from each nation to work together as well as enabling important joint U.S. training. Bilateral engagements are central to U.S. and Japanese shared goals of security and regional stability, according to Pottinger.

"We have made great progress working with our Japanese allies to enhance the integration of our air and missile defense operations," Pottinger said. "This exercise strengthened our highly synchronized, bilateral control of integrated air and missile defense."

The high fidelity, table top exercise was ran by the Naval War College's Gravelly Group and challenged Japanese Self-Defense Forces and U.S. forces with a series of simulated events throughout a five day period. Ultimately, these simulations provide realistic training opportunities for defense personnel, while generating actionable and knowledgeable feedback for missile defense planning. For many members, it was the first time working alongside allies in the Pacific.

One aspect that required no simulation was the efforts required to coordinate defense training across two different languages. Even with the outstanding English skills of the visiting JASDF officers, the fast pace of a missile defense exercise and its complex, highly technical vocabulary made the role of key language translators absolutely essential in the bilateral exchanges.

IAMD Wargame V is one of many bilateral exercises this year. These engagements ensure that, when it comes to security and stability in the Pacific, Japanese and U.S. forces are speaking the same language.