CNP Responds to Sailors' Questions in Worldwide All Hands Call

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Elliott Fabrizio

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Chief of Naval Personnel (CNP) talked with Sailors around the world in an All Hands Call, broadcast from the Defense Media Activity at Ft. Meade, Md., March 5.

Vice Adm. Bill Moran, CNP, and Fleet Master Chief for Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education (MPT&E) April Beldo, updated Sailors on Navy subjects including pay, the Career Intermission Pilot Program (CIPP), advancement and Tuition Assistance (TA).

CLICK HERE to watch the full video of the All Hands Call.

"Fleet and I are always interested in hearing what Sailors are hearing in the Fleet and what questions they have," said Moran. "This gives us the opportunity to give them the right information and beat back any bad information that is circulating."

Sailors asked live questions via satellite, telephone and social media.

The Secretary of the Navy approved raises to Career Sea Pay allowance and a Sailor from San Diego asked via satellite when the increases would show up in Sailors' paychecks.

"We think within the next 60 days we're going to start improving the pay of anybody on Career Sea Pay today," said Moran.

Via telephone, a Sailor from USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) asked if the Navy had plans to fully adopt the Career Intermission Pilot Program.

"The answer is absolutely," said Moran. "The results we've gotten from this program have been very positive. People have been able to go out and get a college degree, start a family, or start another job and have come back into the Navy and picked up right where they left off."

He added that the Navy is seeking congressional permission next year to remove the 'pilot' moniker and institutionalize it across the Navy.

Sailors aware of plans to change the advancement process had several questions about the details, such as removing the point value of Good Conduct Medals and the timeline.

"The things that we are focusing on is evaluations, performance and the advancement score," said Beldo. "Right now we are not changing the points you are given for awards."

Moran added, "There's a lot being talked about and discussed with advancement exams and I think it's important for Sailors to know that while we're talking about it, nothing is being implemented in this March cycle. It's more likely to be a year from now that you'll see these changes take place, and we will communicate that to all of you."

From in-studio, a Sailor had a question about the TA program.

"The Navy has been 100 percent on TA for the longest time, and even when the other branches of service dropped TA, the Navy kept it at 100 percent; but, I've heard talk of them possibly going down to 75 percent-Have you heard anything about that?" asked Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Xander Gamble.

TA is funded at 100 percent through fiscal year 2014, but Beldo confirmed that Navy TA may see a 25 percent contribution from Sailors in the next fiscal year.

"We believe if there is an investment in there from the Sailor, they will be more committed," said Beldo. "I think it will still be a good deal for Sailors."

CNP also busted several rumors that Sailors had heard in the fleet.

He said there are no plans to increase the length of boot camp, the Navy is not eliminating the Command Advancement Program (CAP) and there are no current plans to add advancement points for warfare pins or fitness exams.

More questions Sailors submitted that were not answered during the All Hands Call will be addressed next week in All Hands Magazine.

5k honors Airman

by Airman 1st Class Kiana Brothers
375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

3/5/2014 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- A memorial run was held in honor of Airman 1st Class Zachary Cuddeback March 1 at Scott Air Force Base--the base he was born at in 1989.

Cuddeback was a vehicle operator stationed at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, when he was killed by a gunman at Frankfurt Airport, March 2, 2011.

Master Sgt. Matthew Hicks spoke during a ceremony before the run at Scott's passenger terminal. Hicks and other vehicle operators attended Cuddeback's funeral in 2011.

"I remember the outpouring of support from the community and I was proudest to be an American, an Airman, and a vehicle operator that day," said Hicks.

After Hicks' opening remarks, runners lined up outside at the starting line. At 9 a.m. the run began and by 9:45 a.m. all the runners made it back to the finish line.

Medals were given to the winners based on age and gender, and a raffle was held following the race. The 5k memorial run, held also at Ramstein, had 18 sponsors, and the USO providing support with free food and drinks for the participants.

All the proceeds were donated in Cuddeback's name to charities.

Next year, the hosts of the event said they hope to have the 5k memorial run bigger and better, and off base to get more community support.

Maintainer keeps C-40s ready to fly

by Staff Sgt. Maria Bowman
375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

3/5/2014 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Many teachers spend their days mentoring students in a classroom, focusing on math, English and science. Master Sgt. Jennifer Glaspell's classroom is an airplane.

Glaspell, a 30-year veteran with the 932nd Airlift Wing (Reserve), is the only female instructor for the C-40 Engine Operator's Course at Scott Air Force Base. She has been teaching military students how to work on the engines for five years, providing them the knowledge to troubleshoot and check repairs to the engines prior to a flying operation.

"I am in charge of teaching the brand-new Airmen basic tasks," Glaspell said. "As a maintainer, we are responsible for preflight inspections, which is checking the entire aircraft to make sure it is safe to fly. We check the tires, inside and outside of the airframe, the hydraulics, instruments and the lights."

In her teaching career, she has taught around 150 students in eight different courses for the C-9C and C-40 B/C aircraft.

Glaspell said she has an impact on all Airmen and the mission that they will do after completion of their training. She is one of four C-40C engine run certifiers in the group and the primary initial engine run qualification trainer. The flying crew chiefs are required to be engine run certified in case the planes have problems anywhere in the world.

She isn't only concerned with operating an engine. As the NCOIC of the 932nd Maintenance Group Maintenance Qualification Training Program section, she teaches a variety of C-40C aircraft maintenance courses, including the 3-skill level awarding follow-on technical school for C-40B/C crew chiefs.

While some Airmen prefer working in a temperature-controlled environment, this maintenance instructor said she loves her job because it doesn't involve sitting at a desk all day.

"I love being outside and doing something physical, as opposed to sitting at a computer tracking data," Glaspell said. "We don't know what we're going to do every day. We have a routine that we do, but we don't really know, day-to-day, what it's going to be."

When she joined nearly three decades ago, the Air Force put her in the maintenance career field. According to Col. James McDonnell, 932nd Maintenance Group commander, women are out-numbered by men in the Air Force by about 4-to-1. In the 932nd MXG, the ratio of male to female maintainers is closer to 12-to-1. Even in a male-heavy career field, he says gender doesn't really play a role in performing the job well.

The 932nd MXG, currently has a total of 27 females across all Air Force Specialty Codes, 16 of which are aircraft mechanics of various specialties, including crew chiefs, propulsion technicians, Aerospace Ground Equipment mechanics and Non-Destructive Inspection technicians.

"Glaspell is a highly experienced crew chief," McDonnell said. "She takes her instructor duties seriously, and conducts herself both in the classroom and on the flight line in a highly professional manner. Excellence in one's profession is not gender-dependent; I'm fully confident she is teaching our Airmen the right way to perform maintenance tasks on our aircraft. Noncommissioned officers of her caliber are a perfect example of how we're lucky enough to be members of the world's greatest air force."

Glaspell said being a woman in her job has never been a hindrance; in fact, it has benefitted her and the mission. She said she accomplished things that her male counterparts couldn't do, including having to crawl into a small space while flying in Germany during Operation Allied Force.

"Behind the pilot's seat, there was this little, tiny door that led down into the electronic department. The pilot came back before we went into Bosnia and said, 'I need you to go down in there and put in the (IFF) identification, friend or foe code,' So, I went down there and did it. The code enables military interrogation systems to identify the aircraft as friendly. It was the one time being little was a good thing. I don't think the pilots could have fit down there."

The maintenance instructor said that regardless of being male or female, both genders bring skills or assets to the team. While someone might have more strength than another, someone else might be smaller and be able to complete tasks that no one else can accomplish.

Glaspell said, "This job really has nothing to do with male or female. Overall, realize that you are doing the same job, and so you just go do it. You will get the respect based on what you do."

New Airmen are welcomed into the Air Force family every day. Glaspell said she would advise the young women who might be considering whether to become a maintainer, to really look at themselves and decide if this career is the right fit for them, as it is for her.

"Not all women or men belong in this career field," she said. "Some people are mechanical and can understand certain things, or like working outside. If that's who you are, then this is a great career field.

"Maintainers work on every Air Force plane," Glaspell added. "Without the maintainers, the mission wouldn't be possible or planes couldn't fly. We try to teach them the foundation the best we possibly can, so they can be reliable as soon as possible."

Program Executive Officer Describes F-35 Progress

By Amaani Lyle

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Mar. 6, 2014 – Progress remains steady in the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter’s operational testing, reprogramming, fueling, and stand-up training, the F-35 program executive officer told an audience at Aviation Week’s Defense Technologies and Requirements Conference here March 4.

Air Force Lt. Gen. Christopher C. Bogdan said software development is a key factor as the program progresses.

Software is, by its very nature, difficult to develop, the general said, especially when adding to it the complexities of multiplatform fusion, one of the main modification goals for the aircraft.

Even the smallest change to the software can have a big effect, Bogdan said, so repeated testing is required to ensure any software modification works properly.

Interim capability currently allows the F-35s to survey the battle space, absorb information and give the department a clear picture from an individual perspective, the general said. Meanwhile, he added, the software development aims to ensure not only that two jets can assess and fuse the information, but also that multiple systems can share and process the data -- systems such as F-22 Raptor fighters, Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft, B-2 bombers, satellites and ground stations.

Bogdan explained that finishing interim capability as quickly as possible with the resources at hand will help the program move to the next development phase. So far, he said, airframe and engine production schedules are stable and predictable, measuring milestones in days and weeks, not months and years.

“It’s more important to know when those lines will come out so we can get them to those bases and start that stand-up,” the general said.

The developmental test program is 50 percent complete for 28 F-35s, Bogdan said. At this time last year, he added, the program office delivered about 36 airplanes, with plans this year to deliver 36 to 38.

“In the next two years, that’ll go up to about 43, and then up into the mid-60s and then three years from now, over a hundred,” the general said. Most of the 58 operational F-35s in the field are in use for training at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Operational units are at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz.; Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.; and Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.

Affordability continues to be critical, Bogdan said, as officials devise plans to drive costs down in research, development, technology and engineering without requesting any further funds from Congress or the Defense Department. “The enterprise simply cannot tolerate us asking for more money,” he added.

Cost-cutting ideas include an integrated master schedule to synchronize and manage tasks, assess risks assessments, and determine critical paths, the general said. He cited examples including the Marine Corps’ initial operational capability, scheduled for fight testing completion in October and for developmental testing completion in November 2015.

“The [integrated master schedule] has shown us the critical path to both of those events is not software, … but modifications to the airplanes,” Bogdan said. This requires balancing aircraft availability with the need to take jets off the line for modifications.

Progress in a program as complicated as the F-35 requires discipline in the business model, Bogdan said.

“We simply cannot afford to have to do things twice on this program,” he told the conference audience. “We don’t have the time, and we don’t have the money. We know what our commitments are, and we’re going to do everything we can to deliver them.”

NATO air commander visits US, Greek training operations

by Staff Sgt. Thomas Trower
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

3/4/2014 - SOUDA AIR BASE, Greece  -- The commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Air Forces Africa and Allied Air Command visited Souda Air Base, Greece, to witness multinational training between the U.S. and Hellenic air forces Feb. 28.

Gen. Frank Gorenc's visit marked the end of flight operations for the flying training deployment.

The 494th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron brought F-15E Strike Eagles from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Feb. 13. The training presented an opportunity for NATO's air component commander to speak with U.S. Airmen and the HAF's F-16 Block 52 fighter pilots.

"I've been watching what's happening here very closely," Gorenc said. "We're really turning some sorties [flying training missions] and getting the job done. Successful partnering activities like this lead to tangible benefits during peacetime contingencies and crises."

The partnering is meant to allow both nations to enhance interoperability and readiness. Greece offers unrestricted, live ranges, as well as access to infrastructure and support facilities.

"Any opportunity our forces have to fly in new airspace with one of our NATO partners is unique in and of itself," Gorenc said. "As you know, no nation can confront today's challenges alone."

"These training opportunities help expand relationships with key NATO allies while sustaining our readiness to be fully prepared to meet tomorrow's threats together," he added. "USAFE-AFAFRICA is 'forward, ready, now,' to provide capabilities and execute missions."

During his visit, Gorenc answered questions on topics ranging from fiscal constraints to ongoing reduction-in-force programs. "Readiness remains and will always be, the primary focus," he said. "So, we must invest more strategically to protect military capability and readiness. This FTD is a great example of how we can come together to enhance this."

"We're going at this together," Gorenc added. "I think with the training we've done here, we're better able to provide precise combat power from the air. This saves lives."
Gorenc also challenged all Airmen at Souda AB to improve.

"I ask every one of you to find ways to do things faster, better and cheaper," he said., "Don't make rash decisions or compromise safety; but if there is a way to improve programs, processes or tactics, we need to look at it and see what we can implement.

"Be the best Airman you can be every single day," he added. "At the end of the night I want you to go home knowing you gave it your all."

USS Truxtun Departs Souda Bay for Black Sea

By U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

SOUDA BAY, Greece (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG 103) departed Souda Bay, March 6, en route to conduct combined training and theater security cooperation engagements in the Black Sea with Romanian and Bulgarian Naval forces.

While in the Black Sea, the ship will conduct a port visit and routine, previously planned exercises with allies and partners in the region. Truxtun's operations in the Black Sea were scheduled well in advance of her departure from the United States.

Truxtun, with a crew of approximately 300 Sailors, is currently on a scheduled deployment as part of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.

The U.S. Navy is committed to helping enhance the security and stability of all European and African Nations, and our forward-presence, activities and engagements in this region are routine.

U.S. military operations and exercises are a part of a forward-presence posture to strengthen our transatlantic security and economic relationships.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts a full range of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation missions in concert with coalition, joint, interagency, and other parties in order to advance security and stability in Europe and Africa

Raptor crews preserve mission through adversity

by Staff Sgt Angela Ruiz
355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

3/5/2014 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz., -- Four F-22 Raptors in transient from Savannah Ga. to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, were diverted here March 1.

The Raptors were diverted due to a complication in meeting with their refueling tanker.

"When the Hickam birds were coming in, it just so happened that we had F-22 crew chiefs already on the flightline for the Heritage Flight Training Course" said Tech Sgt. Harrison Southworth, Air Combat Command F-22 Raptor crew chief. "We jumped at the opportunity to help out our brethren."

The F-22 Demonstration team from Langley Air Force Base, V.A. was here participating in Air Combat Command's Heritage Flight Training Course 2014 and was able to recover the aircraft upon arrival.

Three of the Raptors' right side tires deflated as a safety precaution upon landing due to an increase in tire pressure caused by both the weather conditions and landing friction.
In order to make it to their destination, a maintenance recovery team from Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., traveled six hours to replace the F-22's tires since Davis-Monthan AFB isn't equipped to support Raptors.

The team brought an F-22 specific tripod jack, axel jack and three tires in order to complete the repair.

"The F-22 is very specific. It has a lot of its own type of equipment," said Master Sgt. Jason D. Wollerton, Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron production superintendent.

The ACC Demonstration team worked with the Holloman crew to replace the tires. Once all of the equipment arrived, each tire took an average of 30 minutes to replace.

"It was a pleasant surprise to see the Raptor Demo crew chiefs and specialists out there to meet us," said Lt. Col. Robert Jackson, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, 19th Fighter Squadron commander, and pilot of one of the diverted aircraft. "They were a huge help."

The combined team effort between the ACC Demonstration Team, Holloman AFB and D-M allowed the four F-22 Raptors to complete their mission the following day.

USAFE-AFAFRICA Surgeon General takes home prestigious humanitarian assistance award

by Staff Sgt. Ryan Crane

U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa

3/6/2014 - RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa international health specialist branch earned the 2013 Annual Meeting of the Society of Federal Health Agencies Humanitarian Assistance award for their contributions to improving medical programs in Europe and Africa.

"It is a tremendous honor for the team and recognition for all of their hard work," Col. Colin Smyth, USAFE-AFAFRICA surgeon general medical readiness director, said.

The award recognizes an organization, team or individual for a direct meritorious, out of the ordinary participation in a significant act or operation of a humanitarian nature, according to Smyth.

Their team's accomplishments were highlighted in an award package that would compete against six different government agencies including the Army, Navy and Public Health Service. Despite the stiff competition from vastly larger organizations, the USAFE IHS team proved to be the best in 2013.

"This award recognizes the efforts of our international health specialists and highlights our work above those of other U.S. federal agencies," said Lt. Col. Enrique Rosado, IHS team chief. "I am very proud of leading this team of medics which with limited resources, frequently in austere environments has accomplished extraordinary deeds."

This award comes as no surprise with the resume of outstanding accomplishments the team was responsible for.

The team oversaw 68 building partnership capacity missions in 57 countries throughout Europe and Africa, which comes out to a new mission every five days. These missions included events such as the African Partnership Station where the IHS coordinated a team to interface with the Cameroon Naval Forces, training on medical practices including primary care, HIV/AIDS prevention and family planning.

The team was also recognized for their innovative plan which identified more than $1.1 million worth of medical equipment and supplies that were slated to be turned in. They made sure the equipment was safe and operational so it could be packaged and shipped to various African and European partner nations to be used for patient treatment. However, the team didn't stop there. They integrated the delivery of these packages with building partnership capacity events where they would teach and share information with their counterparts on how to use the equipment.

"All these activities help to strengthen our partner nations' humanitarian and disaster response capabilities while enriching the medical skills of local medical providers and improving the lives of local populations," said Rosado.

"[Winning this award] provides independent, external affirmation that our International health specialist team is making a positive difference," Smyth said. "They continually strive to support the USAFE-AFAFRICA commander's strategic priorities, goals and objectives - which, in turn, support the strategic priorities of our two combatant commanders in strengthening theater security cooperation."

The IHS team isn't satisfied with resting on its laurels, however. Rosado explained that they have a busy year ahead in 2014.

"For this year we have plans to continue working agencies in 19 European and 21 African countries," Rosado explained. "We plan to address a wide variety of topics from public health initiatives to the development of medical assets as part of disaster preparedness. We are looking forward to a very productive year."