DoD: Russian Movements Further Increasing Tensions

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2014 – Despite Russian claims of de-escalating tensions with Ukraine, their actions, including movement of heavy equipment across the border continues to increase tension, Defense Department spokesman Army Col. Steven Warren told Pentagon reporters today.

“We’ve seen columns of Russian heavy equipment flow from Russia into Ukraine for the last several weeks,” he said. “I can confirm that there have been numerous columns of Russian heavy equipment including tanks, armored personnel carriers, rocket launchers, air defense equipment and other heavy weapons.

“It’s very concerning,” Warren continued, “and again, we continue to call on the Russians to immediately stop supporting the Ukrainian separatists and begin working towards peaceful resolution.”

The colonel noted the largest column seen entering Ukraine “about two weeks ago” consisted of over 100 pieces of rolling stock which included tanks.

“I don’t have [an] exact breakdown of how many tanks, how many APCs, how many rocket launchers, but again, this is something that we’ve seen now for several weeks,” Warren said.

“[It] is an indication that the Russians are deeply involved in this separatist movement in Ukraine,” he added, “and that they are doing the exact opposite of what they claim they want which is to de-escalate the situation.”

In fact, Warren said, defense officials believe that the Russians’ efforts are increasing the tensions and escalating the situation.

“We’ve already reported that Russian artillery and rockets have fired from Russia into Ukraine in a clear violation of Ukraine sovereignty and a clear escalation of tensions there,” he said.

There have been weapon systems, he said, such as SA-11 missile, flowing into Ukraine as a part of the columns of military equipment.

“We first started seeing those SA-11s, I believe, [at] the beginning of last week,” Warren said.

The colonel noted the department generally believes these pieces of equipment are operated by Russian-backed Ukrainian separatists, although it’s not entirely clear.

“So, again,” he said, “another indication of the Russians’ desire to escalate the situation to increase tensions and continue their support for the separatist movement in Ukraine.”

Missouri Air National Guard pilot reaches 1,000 flying-hour milestone in B-2 stealth bomber

by Tech. Sgt. Traci Payne
131st Bomb Wing Public Affairs

8/26/2014 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- The landing gear touched down and the aircraft skimmed down the runway just as it had many times before. This time, though, a routine flying mission became a major achievement for the 131st Bomb Wing as well as a career milestone for Lt. Col. Ryan "Poacher" Bailey, a Missouri Air National Guardsman who surpassed 1,000 flying-hours in the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber here Saturday.

Bailey emphasized that the milestone is a direct reflection of far more than 1,000 hours of great maintenance by the ground crews.

"Today's flight is about the superb maintenance by Airmen in the 131st and 509th Bomb Wings," Bailey said. "It's really a 100,000-hour flight because it takes well over 100 hours of great maintenance for every flight hour."

Bailey said the average mission on the B-2 ranges from three to five hours, but some can last more than 24 hours. On Saturday's mission aboard the B-2 "Spirit of South Carolina," Bailey flew with Lt. Col. Tim Hale, 509th Bomb Wing Operations Group deputy commander, on a training sortie that covered three specific scenarios and conducted airborne mission transfer training.

"I've known Lt. Col. Bailey for ten years now and flown with him in both his active duty and Air National Guard capacity." said Hale, who achieved 1000 B-2 flying hours in April, "Given all of our previous projects, sorties, and deployments, I was extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to fly with a good friend during his milestone sortie."

The seamless integration of active duty and Missouri Air National Guard Airmen working together ensure the B-2 is always ready for action, Bailey said. In addition to pilots and mechanics, there is a "behind-the-scenes team" of aircrew flight records, combat crew communications, aircrew life support, and intelligence mission planners that work together to keep the mission successful

"It really does take a talented team to make this platform strike-ready for America--24/7," Bailey said. "It's the dedicated work of Airmen who do it right the first time and then check it again. That's what makes the jet so feared by our adversaries around the world."

There are only 20 B-2 Spirit stealth bombers in the United States Air Force fleet. Counting all statuses - actively flying, retired, and non-flying - there are only 330 pilots who have trained to fly the B-2. Only 43 of those pilots have ever reached 1000 or more B-2 flying hours. 15 actively fly the B-2, and currently seven are from the Missouri Air National Guard.

Col. Michael Pyburn, 131st Operations Group commander, who has over 1200 B-2 flying hours logged, explained the importance of the Guard's role in Total Force Integration. "One of the primary things we bring to TFI is stable, experienced, sage pilots, which is evidenced by the number of 1,000-hour pilots we have," Pyburn said.

Bailey stated that working alongside his Team Whiteman active duty counterparts is very rewarding.
"This place is full of great Americans who work really hard," Bailey said. "The 131st and 509th are really one team thanks to the leadership and commitment of a lot of Airmen."

Bailey, a 16-year veteran of the Air Force, spent nine years on active duty before he transferred to the 131st Bomb Wing, but recalled that his passion for aviation began in high school, where he learned to fly a Cessna 152, paying for lessons with money earned by mowing lawns.

"It is such a privilege to be part of the B-2 program," Bailey said. "It is the most feared and respected weapons system on the planet and it's great being part of this talented team that makes it happen."
Bailey said his parents always encouraged him when he was a child to follow his flying dreams and he credits much of his success to his supportive family.

"My wife Angie has been my number-one fan and our kids have supported me and learned that B-2 engine noise is really the 'the sound of freedom,'" he said.

Bailey joins current 1000-plus B-2 flying hour 131st Bomb Wing pilots Col. Michael Pyburn, Lt. Col. Rhett Binger, Lt. Col. Jared Kennish, Lt. Col. Timothy Rezac, Maj. John Avery, and Maj. Luke Jayne.

"As fun as today was, still my favorite job ever is getting to work with the Citizen Airmen of the 131st Operations Support Flight--they are truly America's best."

Hurlburt pilot receives Daedalian award

by By Staff Sgt. Sarah Hanson
1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

8/8/2014 - HURLBURT FIELD, Fla.  -- An MC-130H pilot received an Air Force-level award Aug. 7 at the 15th Special Operations Squadron auditorium here.

Maj. Jeffery Taylor earned the 2013 Daedalian Exceptional Pilot Award for exceptional courage and leadership in support of air operations throughout Afghanistan.

"The linage of the Daedalians goes all the way back to World War I. It started with pilots who took to the air for the first time in defense of freedom...our whole aim at doing this is to support military aviation," said retired Lt. Gen. Nick Kehoe, National Commander of the Order of the Daedalians.

"It's so important that we say thank you to our people and recognized them; it can be an award like this, it can be a simple thank you, it can be a plaque, it can be a number of things but we owe that to our people who do such a great job," said Kehoe.

From January to April of 2013, Taylor played an instrumental part in the overall success of the Combined Joint Special Operations in both air and ground, while deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

On one particular mission Taylor "worked in conjunction with his crew to simultaneously coordinate airspace, a surgical response team, a transload time and location with a helicopter assault force, facilitating the stabilization and life extension of a critically wounded patient," as stated in the citation.

"There's no doubt in my mind that if any other Talon crew were asked to go, they would execute it in the same fashion with the same precision and get it done," said Taylor. "We just happen to be in the right place at the right time. So this is really an award for the 15th SOS, it shows and highlights what we do on a day-in, day-out basis."

During his address to the audience, Taylor reminded his fellow Airmen of fallen comrades and to take time to remember them.

"I bring up [our fallen comrades] because what we do is dangerous, we all know that," he said. "I've talked to you about it and that's why we train a certain way. They were out on a training mission that went a little bit unplanned and they paid the ultimate sacrifice. So, be happy we've made it this far and that we've done great things for our nation."

Taylor added, "I'm honored to win this award, to me this is the highlight of my career and a highlight for the 15th SOS."

'The last ones to let them down'

by Senior Airman Matthew Lotz
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

8/25/2014 - AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- Their motto, "When everything else fails, we are the last ones to let them down," is painted along the wall of the shop, reminding the Airmen who work there of what is at stake.

The 31st Operations Support Squadron's aircrew flight equipment flight is responsible for all of a pilot's flight equipment such as helmet, oxygen mask, harness and all life-saving equipment.

"Our mission is to make sure the pilots come back safe and sound," said Senior Airman Darien Hackett 31st OSS AFE technician. "The pilot trusts us with their lives, it's a tremendous feeling. You have to be confident of what you are doing."

The 11-Airmen flight attached to the 510th Fighter Squadron is broken down into two shops. One prepares pilots' helmets, head-up displays, suits, radios and harnesses. The other shop packs parachutes, life preservers and survival kits, which includes 10-15 different tools.

"We are split into two different shops to help manage all of our pilots' day-to-day equipment, and also, the tools needed for survival that we hope they never have to use," said Airman 1st Class Bradley Byrne, 31st OSS AFE technician. "God forbid something happens and the pilot has to eject - we are the last to let him down."

With the overall mission instilled in the walls of their shop for everyone to see, including the pilots, according to Byrne, the bond needed between a pilot and an AFE technician is similar to a pilot and crew chief.

"With the crew chiefs working on the flightline all the time, it causes a disconnect, but since the pilots' locker room is right next to us, it's easier for us to get to know them as more than just a fighter pilot," said Byrne.

According to Capt. Matthew Zenishek, 510th Fighter Squadron pilot, it's important to establish a great rapport with the AFE Airmen.

"These Airmen are essential to our flying mission, but more importantly to me and the rest of the pilots," said Zenishek. "Safety is paramount and when we step to our jets, all our equipment is ready to go for us and in great working order. Anytime we have issues with our equipment, they have no problem dropping what they are doing to help us."

Before a pilot can step to his jet, he must go through an AFE-conducted preflight check to ensure all their equipment is in working order.

"It's important for the equipment to be checked before they step to ensure everything is working properly," said Senior Airman Matthew Brillion, 31st OSS AFE technician. "This is the stuff they need up there and the equipment that will save their life."
According to Hackett, who packs the life-saving equipment, if the pilot has to eject from an aircraft, once he has cleared the canopy and the parachute opens, two things can happen.

"When the pilot hits the water after about four seconds, the life raft that is installed underneath the seat is automatically opened," explains Hackett. "He then can pull himself into the raft."
Hackett says if the pilot is unconscious though, the life preserver on his survival vest will inflate. Whichever occurs, there is a beacon in the kit that is going off and being relayed back to the base to help find the downed pilot as quickly as possible.

Recently, some of the 510th FS pilots were able to participate in Red Flag at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., which allows the pilots to train with allied forces in a peacetime "battlefield." AFE Airmen accompany the pilots during temporary duty missions and training to continue building upon the trust between a technician and pilot.

"Inspecting a pilots' equipment could easily be done with another AFE crew, but it gives us pride knowing that they trust us and want us to do it," said Byrne. "Most of the time, wherever there is a pilot, there is aircrew flight equipment Airmen."

These prideful Airmen take their job very seriously, and in return, allow for a personal relationship that shows them another side of the people they help protect.

"I wasn't expecting a job like this or the connections you make with the pilots, but after talking with them and getting to know them as much more than a boss, it's very rewarding and helps your work ethic," Byrne said. "We build that relationship with that person to ensure that if they do eject, they will make it safely on the ground, and come home to shake your hand and say thank you."

Training is not a waste of time

by Airman 1st Class Ariel D. Delgado
47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

8/25/2014 - LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- A Laughlin Airman came to the aid of a woman who was struck by a vehicle while walking along Interstate 410 in San Antonio, Texas, on the morning of July 14.

San Antonio native, Airman 1st Class Ashli Harris, 47th Medical Group flight medicine technician, was on I-410, driving back to Laughlin after visiting family when she saw something in the rear view mirror.

"I wasn't sure what it was that I saw," said Harris. "I knew I had a choice, to keep going or turn around. Intuition told me to turn around."

After taking the next exit off the freeway and making a U-turn, Harris quickly realized her intuition was right when she saw a red vehicle on the side of the freeway and stopped to see what had happened, said Harris.

When she approached the vehicle, Harris noticed there was a man holding an injured woman lying on the road in front of the vehicle.

"I couldn't believe what I saw, I've been through training and exercises but it is nothing like the real thing" said Harris. "It was bad. I was in shock and I froze for an instant but I knew what I had to do."

Her training kicking in, Harris quickly assessed the situation and began giving the man, who was at the scene when Harris arrived, instructions.

"I told the man to hold her cervical spine to stabilize her spinal column as I checked her pulse and tried to get her to regain consciousness," said Harris. "I stayed with her until the ambulance arrived."

For about ten minutes, Harris and the man stayed with the woman doing what they could to care for the critically injured woman until emergency services arrived. Unfortunately, the woman's injuries were too grave and she died later that morning at the hospital.

"It is sad that she died," said Harris. "What I learned from this tragic experience is that training is not a waste of time. An exercise is not just for fun. There is a reason for it all," said Harris. "I'm just grateful for my training and I am glad I turned around."

Tyndall's T-38s bring back Beagles

by Airman 1st Class Alex Echols
325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

8/26/2014 - TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla.  -- The American Beagle Squadron returned to Tyndall after being deactivated for four years.

The 325th Operations Group Adversary Air program became the 2nd Fighter Training Squadron during a reactivation ceremony Aug. 22. This marks the return of the famed World War II American Beagle Squadron which originally joined Team Tyndall in 1974.

"The second was chosen because it has historical ties to Tyndall," said Lt. Col. Derek Wyler, 2nd FTS commander. "I am honored and excited to take command of a squadron with such a long, rich history is really an honor."

The new 2nd FTS' mission is to provide would class adversary threat replication enabling Team Tyndall to train and project unrivaled combat power.

The Beagles fly T-38 Talons as adversaries against Tyndall's F-22 Raptors pilots during their training. The T-38 costs around six to seven times less than the F-22 to fly. So, flying the T-38 as threat replication against the F-22 instead of an F-22 versus an F-22 saves thousands of dollars for each hour it is flown.

Flying T-38s not only saves money, it also conserves Tyndall's F-22.

"The Air Force is not getting any more F-22s," said Wyler. "Every hour we fly on that airplane is an hour that we never get back. If we can save all those hours for mission training, it preserves the lifespan of those airplanes."

The 2nd FTS now has 18 T-38s with 16 assigned pilots as well as 20 pilots assigned to other squadrons on base that fly for them.

"Originally the T-38s were embedded within the existing squadrons here at Tyndall, but as our mission grew in both airplanes and pilots, it became clear that the operation had become large enough to create a separate squadron," said Wyler.

The 2nd FTS now makes it easier to manage its operation by streamlining the command and control structure.

"I think it is a huge step forward for this program," said Lt. Col. Karl Schluter, 2nd FTS director of operations. "We've grown significantly from our initial vision both in size and scope. It was the logical next step that this program evolved into a squadron, and we were pretty excited to bring the 2nd back."

Former American Beagle Col. Max Marosko, 325th Operations Group commander, presided over the ceremony.
 

Remembering first living AF Medal of Honor recipient

by Staff Sgt. Steven R. Doty
47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

8/22/2014 - LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- On Aug. 16, 2014, the first living Air Force recipient of the Medal of Honor and the first Air Force member to receive the Medal of Honor for heroism during the Vietnam War, more importantly, an incredible legacy, passed away in Idaho at the age of 87.

When I heard the news of his passing, I was stunned and saddened to know that a part of our history was no longer with us and I retreated to a memory that had a profound impact in my life.

The date, Feb. 26, 2008. The place, Kunsan Air Base, South Korea. This time and place would mark a historical and memorable day for Kunsan, and more specifically, me. I was a senior airman, only four years into my career as a photographer, and I was preparing for the arrival of the first living Air Force recipient of the Medal of Honor, retired Col. Bernard Fisher.

His visit was a matter of circumstance. Fisher was visiting Kunsan to see one of his sons, then-Maj. Steven Fisher. Despite the circumstances, I was overwhelmed with excitement and extreme intimidation. I was about to interact face-to-face with a man I had only read about in my professional development guide and studied in Airman Leadership School.

Leading up to the seconds preceding our interview, one question ran through my mind, "Who am I to gather and share the story of such a hero?" All I had at the time were facts and insight into his reputation.

According to his citation, on March 10, 1966, in the A Shau Valley along South Vietnam's western border with Laos, Colonel Fisher observed a fellow Airman, Maj. Wayne Myers, crash land on the battle-torn airstrip and despite the extreme danger and likely failure, landed his aircraft and rescued the downed pilot. He was exposed to continuous enemy fire throughout this rescue, receiving 19 bullet strikes to his aircraft.

Colonel Fisher was one of numerous heroes of the past who bravely and distinctively displayed the Air Forces' core values of "Integrity First", "Service Before Self" and "Excellence In All We Do". Fisher's actions led to him receiving one of the military's most valued and respected achievements; the Medal of Honor.

The anticipation rose as his envoy pulled up to the building. We greeted each other in a small corner of the officer's club and immediately his humble presence and unique chuckle relieved the overwhelming anxiousness I was feeling at the time.

As we set up the lights, we began to talk about life, planes, Boy Scouts of America and our families in great detail. This was the part of the interview process that would cling to my heart the most.

As the interview began, he spoke softly but with great authority. Everyone within a visible distance leaned forward on their toes to absorb every word. He occupied the first 20 minutes of the scheduled interview time talking about his farm in Kuna, Idaho, his wife of 60 years, Realla, and the pride he had for his six boys, joking that he wouldn't stop unless I asked him another question.

I slowly transitioned into 'the meat' of the interview by asking, "So talk to me about March 10, 1966."

His response, "It was hot, but so was everyday", and then he chuckled and covered his eyes from the studio lights and looked around the room to see if everyone else had heard him.

As he spoke of the events that day in Vietnam, his voice drew us in and no movement or sound outside of his voice could be seen or heard. He spoke of the events matter-of-factly, like it was an everyday occurrence.

We closed the interview and enjoyed lunch, a simulator ride and a tour of the 35th Fighter Squadron.

More inspiring than sharing 60 minutes of uninterrupted time with Fisher, was watching him interact with the various Airmen. He laughed and joked, listened and asked questions and was awed at the professionalism of the military he was proud to still be a part of.

As I wrote the article, the gravity of what had just occurred began to settle in. I had just taken part in something special and historic. I was taught from day one that telling the Air Force story is a force multiplier that creates force projection and presence around the world.

As much as I had been taught that theory, I hadn't succumbed to the belief that it was true or that I would ever truly experience that emotion. However, after learning of his death and recognizing how much his story affected me in so short a meeting, I realized then that telling our story matters and impacts all Airmen.

"What a sad day for America and the United States Air Force to witness the passing of another American hero," said Col. Brian E. Hastings, 47th Flying Training Wing commander. "Reading Colonel Fisher's Medal of Honor citation is awe inspiring and truly embodies the essence of our core values and Airman's Creed. As an A-10 pilot, it is truly an honor to be a part of the continuing legacy of attack pilots. His story is the Airman story. It is our Air Force story, and what a great story it is."

As so many are honored to have served in the continuing legacy of a hero, I am privileged to have had a moment with Colonel Fisher. I will forever have a piece of that history in my interview notes, story and photos that I still keep.

More importantly, I, like so many others, am eager to reach out to others who have an important part of our military's history in their hearts, ready to share for future generations.

I end this tribute with Colonel Fisher's final statement from our interview on Feb. 26, 2008.

"I want Airmen to remember the standards and expectations they were sworn to hold and know that the members before you are very proud," Colonel Fisher said. "Understand that the satisfaction you get from the Air Force does not come in a medal, it comes from knowing that you are a part of something bigger than yourself."

B-2 Spirits depart Andersen AFB following routine deployment

by Senior Airman Cierra Presentado
36th Wing Public Affairs

8/26/2014 - ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam  -- Three U.S. B-2 Spirits redeployed to the continental United States following a deployment here as part of U.S. Pacific Command's continuous bomber presence in the Indo-Asia-Pacific Region.

The bombers, and approximately 200 support Airmen, assigned to the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo, deployed here, Aug. 6, to improve combat readiness and ensure regional stability. Bomber deployments help maintain stability and security in the region, while allowing units to become familiar with operating in the theater according to USPACOM.

The team included maintainers, medical and communications Airmen who deployed with the B-2s to help maintain Air Force operational and support capabilities and evaluating the readiness of these assets through routine training sorties around the Pacific region. The deployment also offered aircrews the opportunity to hone skills in several key capabilities.

"This is an invaluable opportunity that allows us to train and integrate with U.S. Pacific Command," said Maj. Aaron Hager, 509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander. "The training conducted during this deployment ensures our crews stay proficient in crucial skill sets such as command and control, air refueling and weapon load training."

Tech. Sgt. Daniel Youman, 509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron quality assurance inspector, has deployed to Andersen four times.

"Each time I've been here, I've always performed the same specialty; this is my first time being able to use the hot-refueling method on the aircraft," said Youman. "Basically, we are able to refuel the B-2 while it is running."

The hot-refueling capability ensures the B-2's combination of stealth, long range, large payload and precision weaponry can return to the fight more rapidly, providing decision makers with the ability to project power and deliver decisive effects.

From the crew chiefs to the weapons loaders, each specialty is needed for the B-2s to maintain a forward presence and remain a reliable regional partner.

"Each of us has an important role out here," said Staff Sgt. Daniel Jensen, 509th AMXS weapons loader team chief. "Our main goal and mission is to show the world that the B-2 is able to perform and provide global capabilities."

PACOM has maintained a deployed strategic bomber presence in the region for over a decade, but the last extended deployment for the B-2 to Guam took place in January 2012. This deployment allowed Andersen AFB Airmen to exercise B-2 specific support while re-familiarizing the Missouri-based B-2 Airmen with the region.

The B-2 is a multi-role bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions. A dramatic leap forward in technology, the aircraft represents a major milestone in the U.S. bomber modernization program; it brings massive firepower to bear, in a short time, anywhere on the globe through previously impenetrable defenses.

Call for nominations: Portraits in Courage, Vol. IX

8/26/2014 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Nominations are being accepted and reviewed for inclusion in Portraits in Courage, Vol. IX, now through Oct. 13.

"For seven years now Portraits in Courage has told Airmen's stories of courage, valor and heroism," said Lt. Col. Paul Baldwin, the Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs Engagement Division deputy. "Airmen perform incredible feats every day and their stories exemplify our warrior ethos. This is an excellent way to share them."

Air Force officials said packages should focus on leadership, valor, courage, exemplary performance and commitment, or service above self in either a combat, combat support role or extraordinary event outside the normal call of duty.

Submissions should highlight the nominees' accomplishments during the previous two years and appeal to an audience of Airmen, their families and civilians.

The 300-500 word pieces, officials added, should be in narrative format and not only shed light on the Airman's career field, but relate a compelling story that reinforces the service's core values, culture and the Airman's Creed.

Packages must include the nominees' biography, SURF, nomination form and three supporting high-resolution digital photos (no less than 300 pixels per inch), featuring the Airman in action and donned in his or her Airman battle uniform, flight-duty uniform or equivalent tactical uniform.

Individuals wishing to submit a story should contact their base public affairs office and submit their nomination packages to their respective major command, two-letter or direct reporting unit, who can each send up to five packages.

Questions regarding submissions can be emailed to usaf.pentagon.saf-pa.mbx.portraits-in-courage@mail.mil.

To view previous editions of Portraits in Courage, click here.

The following is an example of a narrative submission:

"Veronica [Cox] is an intel Airman. She was acting as an intel analyst when the earthquake devastated Japan and all the aftermath that came. Because she spoke fluent Japanese she volunteered to help any way she could. So one night, sitting on a Pave Hawk helicopter doing damage assessment and intel collection from that helicopter they flew over an area of the local landscape where she saw a bunch of rocks arranged on the ground in the low light that looked like Japanese characters. So she asked the pilot to descend. She saw that no kidding, it was a sign calling for help. She directed him to go lower, and they found 200 isolated civilians. She hoisted down to the roof of the building they were in and when her feet hit the top of the roof she yelled in Japanese, "We're the U.S. Air Force and we're here to help." ...What an incredible story. She helped save 200 lives that night. And on nine more combat search and rescue missions she saved a lot more." - General Welsh, CSAF

Flag Officer Assignments

The Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert announced today the following assignments:

Rear Adm. (lower half) Jeffrey A. Harley, selected for the rank of rear admiral, will be assigned as assistant deputy chief of naval operations for Operations, Plans, and Strategy, N3/N5B, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, District of Columbia. Harley is currently serving as president, Board of Inspection and Survey, Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Rear Adm. (lower half) Michael E. Smith will be assigned as president, Board of Inspection and Survey, Virginia Beach, Virginia. Smith is currently serving as commander, Carrier Strike Group Three, Bremerton, Washington.

Rear Adm. (lower half) Ronald A. Boxall will be assigned as commander, Carrier Strike Group Three, Bremerton, Washington. Boxall is currently serving as deputy director, Joint Strategic Planning, J5, Joint Staff, Washington, District of Columbia.

Capt. Dawn E. Cutler, selected for the rank of rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as Navy chief of information, Washington, District of Columbia. Cutler is currently serving as Navy deputy chief of information, Washington, District of Columbia.

USS Greeneville Returns Home

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steven Khor

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- A crowd lined the submarine piers for a warm aloha welcome as the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Greeneville (SSN 772), returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Aug. 25, following a deployment to the Western Pacific.

Family and friends showed off signs, banners, and leis as the submarine came into view in the harbor.

The submarine's commanding officer, Cmdr. Martin Muckian said the crew was outstanding during deployment.

"I am very proud of the crew," said Muckian. "They performed superbly in every area, from the tactical watchstanders, to the nuclear propulsion plants operators, to the cooks. Every Sailor did his job and did it well, and that enabled Greeneville to do some great things for 7th Fleet on this deployment."

The 150-man crew of Greeneville was forward deployed for more than six months, completing a variety of operations and missions vital to national security.

For a young seaman, it was his very first deployment, while for a seasoned senior chief, it was his 12th deployment.

In addition to gaining the experience of operating in the Western Pacific, the deployment afforded Sailors the opportunity to work on critical qualifications.

Over the course of the deployment, 15 enlisted Sailors and two officers became submarine qualified and are now able to wear their respective submarine warfare insignia, or "dolphins."

"The crew is feeling sky high after this deployment," said Muckian. "They were asked to do some difficult things and they know they delivered. It's a great feeling for them. When you combine that feeling of accomplishment with the joy of seeing your family and friends again, it makes homecoming a great day."

While on deployment, Greeneville's crew helped strengthen community ties in Guam, as well as with foreign allies in South Korea and Singapore.

Muckian said Greeneville Sailors were great ambassadors for the U.S. Navy, and they had a lot of fun on deployment and did everything from mountain hiking in South Korea to scuba diving in Guam.

"It was a memorable experience for everyone," added Muckian.

It became apparent that Greeneville was finally home as the crowd cheered and clapped their hands upon the submarine's return.

For Meghan Scassero, having her husband, Electrician's Mate 1st Class Joshua Scassero, home after such a long time meant the opportunity to enjoy their anniversary together.

"Tomorrow is our anniversary!" said Scassero. "So we're going to spend time together. I've missed him terribly, so it is nice to have him home!"

USS Greeneville is the 61st Los Angeles-class submarine and the 22nd Improved Los Angeles-class attack submarine.

USS Greeneville was commissioned a U.S. naval warship at Norfolk Naval Base Feb. 16, 1996. Greeneville changed homeport to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in March 1997.

USS Vella Gulf Departs Black Sea

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Weston Jones, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East Detachment Europe

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (NNS) -- The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) departed the Black Sea after a series of engagements promoting peace and stability in the region, Aug. 26.

While in the Black Sea, Vella Gulf's mission was to work with NATO allies and partners, demonstrating the United States' commitment to strengthening and improving interoperability while working toward mutual goals in the region.

"Our Black Sea operations were excellent training opportunities for Vella Gulf to work with our maritime partners, and we enjoyed our port visits to Romania and Georgia," said Capt. Robert Katz, Vella Gulf's commanding officer. "Being afforded the opportunity to work together with our partners helps build greater maritime domain awareness in the Black Sea. We look forward to fostering these relationships in the future."

Upon entering the Black Sea for the second time this deployment, Vella Gulf completed a divisional tactics exercise with the Turkish navy, Aug 8.

Vella Gulf made port visits to Constanta, Romania and Batumi, Georgia.

In Romania, Vella Gulf Sailors were treated to a barbeque hosted by the Romanian chapter of the Navy League, and participated in Romanian Navy Day.

In Batumi, Georgia, Vella Gulf hosted distinguished guests including Prime Minister of the Republic of Georgia, Irakli Gharibashvili, Georgian Minister of Defense, Iraklii Alasania, and U.S. Ambassador to Georgia, Richard Norland.

Vella Gulf participated in joint training exercises with the Georgian Coast Guard focusing on visit, board, search and seizure tactics, damage control, and NATO flag signaling.

The port visit to Batumi culminated in a flag signaling exercise with the Georgian navy upon the ship's departure.

Back in the Mediterranean, Vella Gulf is scheduled to finish her deployment after two patrols in the Black Sea.

Vella Gulf, homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, is deployed in a multi-mission role in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations to contribute to regional maritime security, conduct bilateral and multilateral training missions, and to support NATO operations and deployments throughout the region.

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