Face of Defense: Pilot Logs 500th Flight Hour in F-35

By Air Force Airman 1st Class Ridge Shan, 56th Fighter Wing DoD News, Defense Media Activity

LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz., February 4, 2016 — The 56th Fighter Wing chief of safety -- a pilot attached to the 61st Fighter Squadron -- made history here Feb. 2 as the first “Thunderbolt” to achieve 500 flight hours in an F-35 Lightning II.

Air Force Lt. Col. Matthew Hayden achieved the milestone flying his 270th sortie, a routine training mission.

“This is a testament to Luke and all the work we’ve done here to build up our experience and operations,” Hayden said. “This is a reflection of our efforts to set up a high-quality training program for new pilots.”

Hayden is one of the most experienced F-35 pilots in the world, and has flown and instructed new pilots at Luke since the program’s inception.

“The [61st Fighter Squadron] ‘Top Dogs’ are incredibly lucky to have an F-35 instructor pilot who has been with the program since the beginning, flying with us on a daily basis,” said Air Force Lt. Col. Aaron Jelinek, the squadron’s director of operations.

“Lieutenant Colonel Hayden's depth of knowledge when it comes to both F-35 systems and tactics adds incredible value to squadron operations each and every day. This is an impressive milestone for Lieutenant Colonel Hayden as he continues leading the way when it comes to experience flying the F-35.”

Significant Leap in Program’s Progress

As Luke transitions from its mission of training F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots, maintainers and support specialists to training airmen in equivalent operation of the new F-35 platform, Hayden’s 500th hour in the air marks a significant leap of progress in the development of Luke’s F-35 program, Jelinek said.

“When our most experienced instructor pilot only has 500 hours in the plane, it goes to show the F-35 program is still young,” he added. “However, it also shows that we are reaching a point where operations are normalizing, and we are able to transition our syllabus from training initial cadre to training less-experienced fighter pilots.”

Luke airmen are among the first in a global generation of pilots to fly the F-35, and will continue to reach milestones such as this for the duration of the aircraft’s development.

“The fabulous thing about this is that there are a lot of guys who are right behind me, who are really close to getting the same kind of milestone in their flying experience,” Hayden said.

As today’s pilots become more experienced with the F-35 platform, they position themselves to become the instructors and mentors of future generations of pilots flying more advanced versions of the fighter jet as they are developed and produced, he noted.

“As we build our cadre of instructors here, they’ll be able to look back at their experience flying the airplane and have credibility and a solid background that they can use to teach their students,” Hayden said.

Maintaining success through Total Force Integration at Red Flag 16-1

by Senior Airman Alex Fox Echols III
325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

2/3/2016 - NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev.  -- It's a given that no aircraft leaves the ground unless it is working properly.  But that challenge is multiplied during the three-week Red Flag 16-1 exercise. Hundreds of aircraft maintainers assigned to flying squadrons from around the world work long hours to ensure all training sorties are executed safely and efficiently.

Maintainers are the lifeblood of the flightline and with almost 80 planes taking off twice daily during Red Flag, they have their work cut out for them. It is their primary duty to keep everything running safely and ensure every mission essential aircraft leaves the ground and returns safely.

"Anytime we take aircraft on the road we face challenges because we're away from our facilities and our normal lanes for parts and supplies," said Capt. Matthew Goldey, 95th Aircraft Maintenance Unit officer in charge, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. "This exercise is pretty accurate to what you would see downrange. This is about as real as it gets and this is how we fight."

Red Flag 16-1's training is centered on readiness through completing realistic combat missions in a contested, degraded, operationally-limited environment. Despite these challenges, the participating maintainers come together as a team to take care of daily maintenance operations and each other.

"There is no one out here saying, 'that's not my job.' Instead it's, 'What do you need? Okay, let's get it done. This is broke? Okay, let's fix it.'" said Master Sgt. Marc Neubert, 325th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron first sergeant from Tyndall. "That is one of the coolest things that I have seen so far."

Red Flag brings diverse units and countries together from all over the world and across the services. One thing they all have in common is the need for experienced maintainers to take care of their fleets.

"It's a satisfying feeling to know that I'm part of a bigger picture and that I am making a difference," said U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Christian Gonzalez, VAQ-138 plane captain, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington. "I'm really enjoying learning the way the different branches do their maintenance and it's very interesting to see the different aircraft."

Total Force Integration is a key component of training during Red Flag 16-1. Capt. Goldey is a U.S. Air Force reserve officer from the 44th Fighter Group, Tyndall Air Force Base, but during the exercise, he is embedded in the 95th AMU as the officer in charge.

"We are one unit, and we are totally integrated," Goldey said. "There is no 'us and them' anymore. We're all one team. We all wear the same uniform and we're all out here to accomplish the same mission."

There is a loss of knowledge and continuity when active-duty airmen rotate from a base and new ones come in. The U.S. Air Force alleviates that problem through Total Force Integration with the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard.

"A TFI unit brings continuity to the active duty force," Goldey said. "Being in the Reserve, you have the opportunity to hang around in a particular location longer than most active-duty members so we bring some continuity and experience to the fight."

While most maintainers are not working directly with the other units outside their organization, the augmentee airmen fueling the aircraft for the exercise are the exception. They work with most of the units on the flightline.

"We have really good comradery with everyone," said Airman 1st Class Alexis Aragon, 7th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels specialist, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. "Fuels is the lifeline of every aircraft, and without fuel these aircraft can't go anywhere. I love it because I know we're helping get the mission done, and I'm glad we augmentees could come out here from different bases to help do that."

During exercises like Red Flag, the maintainers are able to shed any weight they may carry during normal operations at their home base, like special duties and office work, and just concentrate on their main objectives.

"Our Airmen are killing it right now," Goldey said. "Out here on the flightline it's total mission focus. Out here it's just about putting planes in the air. Anytime you get an opportunity to do that, it is great."

With the collaboration between military branches and multiple units from around the world along with the Total Force Integration, the maintainers of Red Flag 16-1 know they have an entire flightline backing them up.

"I have learned here that you have to support one another," said Staff Sgt. Matthew Brown, 44th Fighter Group weapons loader form Tyndall. "You have to consistently do what you can to make sure everyone gets what they need to accomplish the mission."

ANG's 90th wing activated in California

by Maj. Bryan Williams
195th Wing executive officer

2/4/2016 - BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  -- On November 7, 2015, history was made for the California Air National Guard, as the 195th Wing was officially activated.

The activations activation bring the total number of wings in the Air National Guard to 90, and the fifth in California, making it one of only two states in the nation with five ANG Wings.

The activation is the result of eight years of hard work by leaders and past unit members to gain federal recognition as the 195th Wing, formerly the 162nd Combat Communications Group.

"The question has been asked for years, as to if we are going to become a wing...and the answer is YES!" said Maj. Gen. Jon Kelk, California ANG commander, during the activation ceremony.

The 195th Wing's mission is to serve as a hub for all non-flying, non-kinetic global effects operations in the California ANG, and lead the way in cyber, intelligence and space mission areas. It provides expeditionary communications and network warfare services in both a Federal and State capacity. This organization is the only wing in the Air Force that is completely composed of geographically separated units, (GSU) which receive limited support from sister ANG wings. It embraces the Air Force's Total Force Integration initiative as partners with regular and reserve component units on daily operations from space to intelligence missions.

With evolving missions and the downsizing of organizations, past leadership of the group sought new ways to keep its missions and remain relevant to meet current and future Air Force needs.  The 195th Wing is a culmination of that vision.

"The 195th Wing is a one-of-a-kind organization," said Col. Rick Hern, 195th Wing commander. "This wing is a template for how to consolidate other Air Force units and GSUs under a wing structure. Our multiple mission sets make this organization an incredible asset to many emerging missions and requirements the Air Force may have. It is an honor to serve and lead this organization into the future."

The 195th Wing is the first non-kinetic flying wing in the California ANG. It comprises the Wing Headquarters and seven GSUs spread over 500 miles throughout California. The wing headquarters for the 195th Wing is located at Beale AFB with two recently activated groups: the 195th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group (ISRG) at Beale AFB and the 195th Operations Group at Van Nuys ANG Station in Southern California.

The 195 ISRG is comprised of the 222nd Intelligence Support Squadron and the 234th Intelligence Squadron stationed at Beale AFB. They provide intelligence capability and support to the regular Air Force at Distributed Ground Station-2 and the 548th ISRG, both here.

The 195th Operations Group consists of four units located across the state. The 148th Space Operations Squadron and the 216th Space Control Squadron are co-located on Vandenberg AFB and with our regular Air Force partners, operate the MILSTAR satellite constellation and provides space control capabilities at Vandenberg AFB. The 147th Combat Communications Squadron is located in San Diego, and provides combat communications and unclassified satellite imagery from its sophisticated Eagle Vision III system. Finally, the 261st Cyber Operations Squadrons is located in Van Nuys providing network defense.

"The 195th Wing is the right mission at the right time for the Air Force," said Hern. "This organization is nearly complete with its transition from combat communications into missions that are emulating the emergence of technology and intelligence. This is only the beginning for the 195th Wing. As the 162nd Combat Communications Group redefined combat communications in the modern era, the 195th Wing will definitely redefine how we are able to contribute to the overall mission of the Air Force to 'Fly, Fight and Win in Air, Space and Cyberspace!'"

Face of Defense: NCO Strives to Establish All-Marine Ice Hockey Team

By Marine Corps Sgt. Jonathan Wright 1st Marine Corps District

LEWISTON, Maine, February 3, 2016 — The teams set up in formation. Their minds are on their objective and the opposition that lies before them. The moments before initial actions are tense, curtailed breaths emerging in quick wisps from beneath their helmets. A resounding “thump” is heard as both sides execute their battle plans.

Marine Corps Sgt. Thomas Adams punches through the opposition’s defenses to carry the puck around the net, shooting it past the goalie’s leg to score.

Adams is a member of the 15-man Marine Corps Ice Hockey Team, which played together here for the first time Jan. 15, during the weekend-long International Fire, Police and Military Winter Games hockey tournament. But, what’s truly important isn’t the competition, but that Adams is a Marine stationed in Hawaii who traveled more than 5,000 miles to compete in the hopes that he and other Marines can share his love of ice hockey.

“So how did I end up in Maine in the dead of winter to play a few games of ice hockey?” Adams asked. “It’s because I love the sport, and I love the Marine Corps. Being able to represent both parts of my life at once means a lot to me.”

Life-long Love of the Game

Adams, born and raised in Lynn, Massachusetts, was introduced to ice hockey at the age of three. He said opportunities to skate were frequent, with winter freezes coming early and lasting well into spring, so he was almost always in his skates.

“Every school I was at, I was on their ice hockey team,” he said. “No matter if I was sick or had bad grades or whatever, I could get on the ice and let it all go away; I felt free skating around.”

Adams continued to play even after graduating high school and becoming a Marine. Being stationed in the warmer climate of North Carolina did not deter him from continuing to indulge in his passion. He played on the varsity ice hockey team on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, eventually becoming team captain.

Opportunities to get on the ice were scarce during his two deployments to Afghanistan, but he hadn’t lost his edge when he returned.

Adams became more active in ice hockey when he was sent to Hawaii, playing in a local adult league as well as coaching three youth hockey teams with players ranging in age from 5 to 17.

Being stationed in Hawaii means he hasn’t had an opportunity to skate on his home ice in a while, Adams said.

“The last time I was in this neck of the woods was during leave before heading out to Hawaii, which was almost two years ago,” he said. “So when this opportunity came up, I jumped at the chance.”

Forming a Team

That opportunity was when team coach Marine Corps Maj. Scott Kleinman advertised about playing on the Marine Corps Ice Hockey Team. Kleinman approached the Marine Corps three years ago with the intention of establishing an official All-Marine Ice Hockey Team. His plan was to model it after the All-Marine Football Team, where players are on orders to the team to practice and play. Kleinman learned that financial concerns meant the team could not be supported by the Corps.

“I wasn’t going to stop there,” said Kleinman, the operations officer for Marine Corps Western Recruiting Region. “There is a lot of interest in a hockey team from players across the Marine Corps, so I was still going to see my goal through.”

Kleinman published a memo last August accessible to everyone in the Marine Corps seeking applications for an unofficial Marine ice hockey team. Forty applications quickly came in, enough to form a complete team that drew players from every corner of the Corps.

“Hawaii, Alaska, South Carolina, Virginia, California -- all coming together out of this common interest to play and represent the Marine Corps through sport,” said Marine Corps Sgt. Tyler Bluder, an aviation ordnance technician at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas. “We all took leave in conjunction with each other to make up this team to play this weekend; we haven’t even been together for more than 24 hours, and we’re about to take on our first game.”

In addition to being a composite team, it is entirely self-funded. Each team member paid his own way to Maine from their respective duty stations. “That’s how much we want to see this team work and become something bigger,” Adams said. “We get to do what we’re passionate about and represent the Marine Corps in areas that may not have a Corps presence.”

The first day of the tournament was the first time the team had even met, much less played together. It is that spirit and passion for the game that Adams said he hopes to spread across the Corps.

“There’s unique camaraderie both in the Marine Corps and the hockey community; not having played with each other before is more of a formality at that point,” he said. “We instantly meshed and worked with each other’s skills. I have high hopes for the team, and I’m excited to help take this as far as it can go.”

Planning is already underway for the team to play in future tournaments, and Adams said he intends to participate in as many as he can.

Scott JA hosts annual symposium

by Airman Gwendalyn Smith
375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

2/4/2016 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- The 375th Air Mobility Wing legal experts held their 6th annual symposium Jan. 29 to assists commanders and first sergeants handle legal situations they may encounter.

"We invited leaders not only from the wing, but also from our mission partners on base--and anyone who may have been interested in coming. We hit on the hot topics we thought would be be the most helpful and gave them as much information as we could," said Capt. William Breslin, 375th AMW chief of military justice.

The 5-hour event focused on providing leaders with the tools necessary to deal with military discipline across a broad spectrum of misconduct. The event was an open discussion forum, which also helped legal personnel understand not only issues that leadership were having but also situations other units may be experiencing.

"I think the discussion is always the most useful part," said Breslin. "We get such great questions, and it's always useful for people to see what other units are dealing with."

Master Sgt. Brenden Leahy, 375th Comptroller Squadron first sergeant, attended the symposium and said he enjoyed the opportunity to network with the legal personnel and learn from his peers in an open forum.

"It was absolutely more beneficial because you get to hear a few stories and scenarios that you wouldn't have heard if it was just 'death by power point alone,'" said Leahy.

Capt. Marta Kolcz-Ryan, 37th AMW acting deputy staff judge advocate,  added, "It's a great opportunity because we learn the issues they are encountering to better tailor our advice. The more we have the ability to engage in a discussion, the better we are equipped to provide the best advice and counsel."

Predator crashes in southern Turkey

By USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs, / Published February 03, 2016

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFNS) -- An Air Force MQ-1B Predator remotely piloted aircraft crashed in an unpopulated area in southern Turkey at approximately 1:40 a.m. local time, Feb. 3.

The initial assessment is that the aircraft experienced mechanical failure. An investigation is underway to determine the specific cause of the crash.

No military members or civilians were injured. The U.S. military and Turkish officials have positive control of the crash site.

For more information, contact U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Public Affairs at 049-6371-47-6558 or email at usafepao.pao@us.af.mil.