Five Things You Need to Know about Vella Gulf's Time in the Black Sea

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jacob D. Moore, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) departed the Black Sea Aug. 26, after a series of engagements in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. Here are five things you need to know about Vella Gulf's time in the Black Sea:

1. This was Vella Gulf's third time in the Black Sea. She first entered the Black Sea May 23. She departed June 12, entered again July 7, and departed July 14 after participating in the Bulgarian-led exercise Breeze 2014. Her most recent period in the Black Sea began Aug. 6.

2. Vella Gulf's port visits in the region included: Varna and Burgas, Bulgaria; Constanta, Romania (twice) and Batumi, Georgia. Sailors had the opportunity to explore the local cultures, conducted community service projects and hosted ship tours.

3. Vella Gulf has participated in numerous exercises with NATO allies and partners in the Black Sea since May. In addition to Breeze 2014, Vella Gulf conducted separate bilateral engagements with the Romanian navy's frigate ROS Regina Maria (F 222) and the Turkish navy corvette TCG Bykada (F-512), a division tactics exercise with the Turkish navy fast attack craft TCG Tuzla (P 1200) and participated in Romanian navy day, which involved landing a Romanian navy SA-330 Puma helicopter on the flight deck. Vella Gulf also participated in a joint training exercise with the Georgian coast guard, following her departure from Batumi.

4. Vella Gulf hosted distinguished visitors including U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, and Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili.

Hagel, while speaking to Sailors over the ship's 1MC, June 5 in Constanta, said: "I want to thank all of you, especially with what you're doing on this mission particularly. As we partner with Romania and the rest of our NATO allies, I want all of you to know that I am proud of you, and the President of the United States is proud of you."

Garibashvili, in his speech to the crew in Batumi, said, "Partnership with the United States of America is one of the top priorities in our country's foreign policy. We prize the U.S. support of Georgia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, democratic development, and integration into European and Euro-Atlantic institutions. The friendship and support of America is of utmost importance to us."

5. Vella Gulf and the U.S. Navy's presence in the Black Sea represents efforts by the United States to reaffirm its commitment to strengthening ties with NATO allies and partners, while working toward mutual goals of promoting peace and stability in the region.

"It is important to support and reassure our partners, we hope our presence in the Black Sea continues to strengthen those bonds," said Vella Gulf's Commanding Officer Capt. Robert Katz.

Vella Gulf, homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, returned to the Aegean Sea yesterday, where she 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 the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

PASM and AMARG set new record

by Airman 1st Class Betty R. Chevalier
355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

8/28/2014 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz.  -- The Pima Air and Space Museum (PASM) and the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG) set a new record for tours administered in the month of July.

The non-profit museum and D-M's "Boneyard" brought in 2,060 visitors, surpassing the previous record of 1,740 set in July 2008.

The PASM, run by the Arizona Aerospace Foundation, operates tours through AMARG Monday through Friday year round. Bus tours run twice daily throughout the summer, and four times per day during th cooler winter months.

"It's all about the heat," said Yvonne Morris, Arizona Aerospace Foundation executive director. "Our tourism season peaks in the wintertime because we get a lot of snowbird visitors from out of town."

AMARG opened in 1946 as a housing location for B-29s and C-47s. D-M was chosen for the group due to the low humidity and hard soil. Today, AMARG stores nearly 4,000 aircraft and 7,000 engines on more than 2,600 acres of land for all branches of service. About 15 years ago, the museum, D-M and AMARG worked out an agreement which would allow PASM to run the bus tours through the boneyard.

The tours cost $7 for adults, $4 for children and run about 90 minutes. Guests cannot leave the bus during the tour, but can take photos through the bus windows. During the tour, the guide goes over the history of AMARG and PASM as well as each aircraft and how and why they are preserved.

"We drive this highway all the time and never knew what [the Boneyard] was," said Ovida Scales, a tour participant. "We had some extra time and thought we'd stop for the tour."

Cecil Scales, a former Navy-Air aviation electrician and tour participant, said he was glad to hear the aircraft are preserved and still used for parts even after they are decommissioned.

Morris expressed that most of those who visit Monday-Friday, are from outside Tucson's local area. When Col. Robert Lepper, former AMARG commander, realized this, he started to work with the base commander and Morris to make a day available where AMARG and PASM could reach the local community.

"We have wanted to do Saturday tours because we knew we could reach Tucsonans," Morris said. "Last year we ran our first 'Labor Saturday' tour and it was a big success, so we are repeating it this year."

According to the museum's press release, the once-per-year Saturday tour will operate August 30 with four different run times. Last year, tickets sold out.

CNO Visits NAS Key West

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian Morales, Naval Air Station Key West Public Affairs

KEY WEST, Fla. (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert visited Naval Air Station Key West for an all-hands call and tour of enlisted housing, Aug. 27.

Greenert's visit was part of a Southeast U.S. tour, which included stops at Southern Command, Joint Interagency Task Force-South, Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Central Command, and Special Operations Command. At each of the stops Greenert met with leadership and Sailors to listen and learn what was on their minds.

During an all-hands call, Greenert reenlisted 19 Sailors and presented awards to 11 Sailors and one civilian assigned to NAS Key West and its tenant commands. Being reenlisted by the CNO was a unique experience, according to Electrician's Mate 2nd Class Jesse Oakes, of NAS Key West.

"I feel it's a very rare opportunity; something that you don't get to do every day," said Oakes.

Oakes' wife Kurumi and other reenlistee family members present were called up by Greenert to join their Sailors as he presented them with their certificates of reenlistment.

After the reenlistment and awards presentation Greenert thanked Navy civilians, Sailors and their family members for their service in Key West before continuing on with the big picture of today's Navy and where Key West comes into play.

"This place is incredibly crucial to our training," said Greenert. "We can do our most advanced air wing tactics here and here is where we will develop our future for our air wings. Key West is a part of our future, as far out as I can possibly see."

The CNO took questions from Sailors concerning personnel detailing, the CNO's Navigation Plan, commissioning programs, selective reenlistment bonuses and upcoming changes to the final multiple score on advancement exams.

Greenert ended the visit with a call to be good shipmates.

"Lastly, we've got to take care of each other," he said, imploring the audience to be vigilant in suicide awareness and overall mental health in order to keep our Sailors and Navy strong.

Airmen guard honor of tradition

by Gina Randall
100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

8/26/2014 - RAF MILDENHALL, England  -- Traditions are a valued part of the Air Force and its history. Traditions must be passed down from generation to generation -- otherwise they may be lost forever.

Currently entrusted with teaching Airmen the Air Force traditions are honor guard trainers U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Michael Sternberg, 100th Civil Engineer Squadron pavement and construction equipment operator from Panhandle, Texas; U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. James Stay, 100th Logistics Readiness Squadron flight service center supervisor from Chicago, Illinois; U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Aaron Klarenbach, 352nd Special Operations Maintenance Squadron aerospace propulsion journeyman from Vancouver, Washington; and U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jesse Dunsmore, 100th Maintenance Squadron aerospace ground equipment journeyman from Wichita Falls, Texas.

These Airmen are looking for more service members to become part of their elite team. Everyone is welcome to try out.

"No matter who comes in, we can always train them up. It doesn't matter how fast or slow someone learns. We have individuals here who will work closely with them to help them," Dunsmore said. "Come along to a few practices. Try it out. We're not going to come and hunt you down. Basically if you want to join it's on you. We're looking for those individuals who want to be here. We want that enthusiasm."

It takes dedication to represent the Air Force at public events, and the team trains hard. The role of an honor guard can be challenging and the trainers ensure their Airmen are prepared.

"One challenge is the unknown, we train a specific way to do a detail the same every time but no detail is ever the same," Stay said. "It's always different so we have to adapt to or overcome. That's the biggest challenge, but it also makes it interesting. Nothing is ever the same twice."

The trainers don't take their duties lightly. They know the importance of training the next generation of Airmen entrusted with the responsibility of Air Force history and culture at ceremonies. They are a huge part of events such as funerals, where a grieving family will look to the honor guard to represent the career, and life, their loved one was a part of.

"I enjoy being a part of the tradition. Knowing that I can make the retirement ceremony, funeral or whatever ceremony that we are doing a little more meaningful for those involved is important to me," Sternberg said.

For many people who join the honor guard, it's the families they want to help. To make a somber day a little more bearable and memorable using the honor and traditions their loved one was a part of.

"Seeing that grateful expression on somebody's face, that's why I joined -- to make a small difference to someone's life," Dunsmore said.

The skills these Airmen learn can continue when they move to another base. Once learned these skills stay with them for life. The enthusiasm that brought them to the honor guard in the first place stays with them for their career. Klarenbach has prepared well for his time in the honor guard.

"Read the honor guard manual. It gives you everything that you will ever need to know," Klarenbach said. "The honor guard is something I hope to do my entire career so I wanted to be prepared."

It's not an easy skill to learn and it takes a great deal of practice and teamwork. Everyone must work as a unit and help the other Airmen.

"It's about keeping everyone together. I know everything as far as details and training, so it's getting everyone on the same page so we all perform as a cohesive unit, making sure all our movements are exactly the same -- standardizing," Klarenbach said.

This training serves the Airmen well, not only when all eyes are on them at a public event, but also in their primary role on base and in their lives in general. What makes these people great Airmen also makes them great honor guard members.

"I would say to stay flexible. Things can change at the drop of a hat, and you will have little to no control over it. The places you go and the people you work with are always changing. So stay focused on the things you can control. Don't stress about the things you can't change," Sternberg said. "It's not for everyone. Just like the military isn't. It takes a lot of dedication, a lot of commitment. A lot of times we are spending our weekends and time after work to go train. But it's definitely worth it."

Practice is held Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Training is all day the second Tuesday of each month.

Reserve C-5, C-17 airlift wings join forces in Patriot Express exercise

by Senior Airman Alexander Brown
439th Airlift Wing, Public Affairs

8/26/2014 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Flexible is defined as the ability to easily modify and respond to altered circumstances or conditions. That's exactly what the 47 Westover and March Air Reserve Base and Joint Base Charleston Airmen exemplified during "Patriot Express," a periodic Air Force Reserve Command air mobility exercise that took place here, Aug. 13-18.

Nine different units from the Massachusetts, California and South Carolina reserve wings made this exercise possible.

The goal of the exercise was to prepare and train Airmen for potential deployments, making them even more proficient at their jobs. The goal of the mission was to coordinate between all members in a mock deployed location between the aircraft, ground crew, and communication elements.

"A contingency response element is the front line of command and control, comprised of experienced airlift and operations personnel to manage coordinate and control air mobility assets," said Lt. Col. Gilbert Kesser, director of operations.

Even when having to juggle a multitude of different tasks, this group of Airmen successfully completed 33 landings and take-offs in 72 hours. Other tasks included landing and parking the aircraft, on and offloading equipment, creating loading plans, weighing cargo, creating manifests, participating in active shooter drills and much more.

The challenges began as soon as the crew landed. Either a voice or data connection to home base had to be made within 30 minutes of landing. Meanwhile, Airmen are off-loading all their equipment and setting up the Hard-sided Expandable Lightweight Air Mobility Shelter. This is the primary communication hub for air-to-ground transmissions.

"It's a group effort, everyone needs to understand and complete their roll but be willing help everyone else in theirs," Tech Sgt. Lui Puga, who worked in communications.

A load planner must carefully create a plan to ensure the safety of the aircraft when transporting cargo.

"Plans constantly change and we all have to be flexible," said Senior Airman Lyndsay Snow, 42nd Aerial Port Squadron.

Training involved Airmen who had never previously participated in any real-world exercises. At any time, an Airman was doing something for the first time with a trainer behind him or her.

Out of the 47 Airmen who participated in the exercise, nine were in training status and still were able to on and offload more than 330 tons of cargo during "Patriot Express."

Esprit de corps was evident throughout the exercise.

"All of the people here are great to work with," said Tech Sgt. Steven Frost, a load planner with the 42nd APS.

As the last aircraft took off at the end of the exercise the "Patriot Express" Airmen had successfully and safely processed and completed all the missions.

"This is the first time there have been no delays during one of these exercises," said Kesser.

507th ARW gains a new squadron, air mobility training mission

by Maj. Jon Quinlan
507th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

8/26/2014 - TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The 507th Air Refueling Wing gained a new squadron and a new training mission assuming command over the 730th Air Mobility Training Squadron, Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma.

The 730th AMTS is an Air Force Reserve Command unit charged with training aircrew on the C-17 Globemaster III, KC-135 Stratotanker and in the future, the KC-46 Pegasus aerial refueling aircraft. The reservists work with active duty Airmen of the 97th Air Mobility Wing, training aircrew members for Air Education and Training Command.

The transition just made sense due to the proximity of the 507th to the "off-site" squadron at Altus, according to wing leaders.

"We are so excited to be working with these outstanding Airmen and happy to be gaining a new mission," said Col. Brian Davis, 507th ARW commander. "This training is vital for the Air Force Reserve and with the addition of the KC-46 mission in the coming years, I can't think of a better team of reservists to train on the newest aerial refueling aircraft and the C-17 and KC-135."

The training squadron is made of up of a mix of traditional reservists and air reserve technicians who support over 2,100 KC-135 and C-17 students a year in 22 formal training courses for active, guard, reserve and international students. Nearly 25 percent of the instructor force at Altus is provided by the 730th. The squadron is split by weapon system as roughly half instruct in the C-17 and the rest in the KC-135. Initially, a handful of positions will transition to begin work with the new KC-46 training squadron when it comes online.

"This unit is another example of the Air Force commitment to Total Force Integration ... we are infusing TFI in our training every day and it starts at the school house," Col. Davis said. "These reservists work directly with active duty training units augmenting the instructors and they bring a tremendous amount of experience which enhances the training pipeline."

A familiar face, previous 507th Operations Support Squadron commander, Lt. Col. Michael Remualdo took command of the 730th AMTS as the unit transitioned to its new chain of command.

Administrative control of the 730th AMTS now falls with the 507th Operations Group here with operational direction coming from AETC and the 97th AMW due to the training mission. The 730th was previously assigned to the 452nd Operations Group, March Air Reserve Base, Calif. This classic associate unit was the first of its kind mixing reservists with active duty.

The 730th AMTS activated in 1943 during World War II, and performed a variety of missions to include bombardment, night photo, tactical reconnaissance, troop carrier, tactical and military airlift in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf War. The unit first saw reserve duty when activated in the reserve on Aug. 1, 1947.

On Mar. 25, 1968, the 730th Military Airlift Squadron became the first associate reserve unit, which is when a reserve unit shares facilities and aircraft with an active duty unit. It was redesignated the 730th Airlift Squadron (associate) on Feb. 1, 1992 and then deactivated on March 19, 2005.

The 730th has flown many aircraft including the B-17 Flying Fortress, T-6 Texan, T-7 Navigator, T-11 Kansan, B-26 Marauder, F-51 Mustang, C-46 Commando, C-119 Flying Boxcar, C-141 Starlifter and now the C-17 and KC-135.

Air Guardsmen serve as cadre leaders for ROTC during overseas training

by Staff Sgt. Vicky Spesard
123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

8/22/2014 - LOUISVILLE, Ky.  -- One Air National Guard Airman didn't know a single word of French when she arrived in West Africa country of Burkina Faso in early June, traveling not as a tourist but as a mentor to the eight Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps cadets who accompanied her.

In support of the U.S. Army Cadet Command's Cultural Understanding and Language Proficiency Program, Master Sgt. Zakiya Taylor mission was to serve as their cadre leader, aiding the young cadets in bridging cultural divides between themselves and African officer cadets from the Georges Namoano Military Academy.

"I was really excited to be chosen for this mission," said Taylor, a Kentucky Air National Guardsman who normally serves as dining facility manager for the 123rd Airlift Wing in Louisville. "This gave me an opportunity to mentor young people and to test my leadership skills."

While in Burkina Faso, Taylor and the cadets lived in barracks alongside their African counterparts, attended classes with them and visited a local population whose dominant language is French.

"Some of their cadets could read and write our language, but had little understanding of it," Taylor explained. "Our cadets went through English language workbooks with them and provided teachable moments. It was a wonderful experience for both groups."

The idea behind the CULP Program, which is headquartered at Fort Knox, is for young Army leaders to develop more cultural awareness and foreign language proficiency skills. According to the program's website, cadets experience up to three different "venues" during immersion, learning about humanitarian service, host nation military-to-military contact, and the social, cultural and historical aspects of a country.

In 2013, more than 1,200 ROTC Cadets traveled across the world to participate in CULP. As the program has grown, the Army discovered it did not have enough personnel to accompany the cadets, according to Air Force Lt. Col. Shawn Keller, so other services were invited to provide cadre leaders. The 2014 effort marked the second year of participation for the Kentucky National Guard.

Keller, a Kentucky Air Guardsman and director of the Kentucky National Guard State Partnership Program, became a bridge between the Cadet Command and the Kentucky Guard in 2013, serving as a test case by accompanying a group of cadets to Burkina Faso last year. Upon his return, he knew the mission could be fulfilled by the state's Army and Air Guard members.

"The program sends cadets to more than 40 countries around the world each summer for a period of approximately three weeks," Keller said. "When the program reached out to the Kentucky Guard, they found qualified people with life experience and experience working with young people. When the Army asked for the Guard's assistance, I knew where to get it."

This partnership between the Army and the Kentucky Guard is an invaluable asset to the continued growth of the program, according to Cadet Command officials.

"We recognize and appreciate the outstanding support we get every year from the Kentucky National Guard and other National Guard partners across the United States," said Army Col. Brian Mennes, deputy commanding officer for U.S. Army Cadet Command. "This year 75 percent of our culture and language proficiency missions are supported with National Guard NCOs and officers, who are acting as cadre, providing essential coaching, mentoring and training to our future leaders.

"Missions such as these," he continued, "are good examples of the experience and knowledge our cadets gain from their time with members of the National Guard."

Besides Taylor, two additional Kentucky Air Guardsmen and two Soldiers from the Kentucky Army Guard accompanied cadets overseas this summer. Air Force Lt. Col. Brian McMorrow, medical plans and operations officer for the Kentucky Air Guard's CBRNE Enhanced Response Force Package, accompanied one group to the Democratic Republic of Congo, while Air Force 1st Lt. Jessica Ellis, medical liaison officer for the CBRNE Enhanced Response Force Package, took another group to Croatia. Air Force Lt. Col. Dallas Kratzer, director of military personnel for the Kentucky Air Guard, traveled to Bosnia where his group of cadets experienced all three venues of the CULP Program.

"Originally, my group of cadets was going to go to another location when record rains turned into devastating floods throughout Bosnia," Kratzer explained. "We were rerouted to Bosnia to help with flood-relief efforts. The operation became a multi-nation effort as military forces from around Europe came to help.

"Working side by side with so many different militaries was an invaluable learning experience," he continued. "The students were focused on getting to know the other service members as well as assisting local Bosnians. When we ended the mission with one-on-one contact with the cadet officers, it gave our cadets a true sense of immersion into different cultures. It was a truly fantastic mission."

McMorrow's mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo mirrored Taylor's mission to Africa, with U.S. cadets visiting foreign military cadet installations and teaching English language and culture to their foreign counterparts.

"It was truly fabulous watching our young Army cadets leading their (Congolese) cadet officers and building relationships with each other," McMorrow said. "The give and take between the two vastly different groups on such a human level was an experience that I and my group of cadets will never forget."

Taylor echoed those sentiments.

"This was a great leadership opportunity for me," she said. "I was solely responsible for these cadets, getting them to their mission location and taking care of them from start to finish. The mission didn't improve my French, but it has made me a better leader. I know the cadets' experiences will make them better leaders, too."
 

Air Guard dedicates C-130 'Spirit of Mansfield' during airport event

by Tech. Sgt. Joe Harwood
179th Airlift WIng Public Affairs

8/22/2014 - MANSFIELD, Ohio  -- An Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft from Mansfield's 179th Airlift Wing joined about a dozen other aircraft at Mansfield Lahm Airport during an event July 5.

The event is dedicated to aviation and aircraft of past and present, as well as chance to showcase a couple hundred classic cars and other vehicles.

The "Spirit of Mansfield" is a name that embodies the community support for the 179th Airlift Wing. It represents everything that has been done in the past to preserve the base in hard times, as well as the continued support of the community into the future. Col. Gary McCue, 179th AW commander, kicked off the event with an aircraft dedication ceremony, a dedication of a C-130H, being christened the "Spirit of Mansfield". Wife of Congressman, Bob Gibbs, Jody, was honored with the christening of the aircraft.

State and local representatives attended the event; Congressman Bob Gibbs, David Howard representing the office of Senator Sherrod Brown, Richard Spicer, representing the office of Congressman Pat Tiberi and Mansfield Mayor Timothy Theaker.

"I can't say enough about how proud I am to be here," Congressman Bob Gibbs said. "I want to thank all the men and women that serve here. They are always ready for us, to serve our nation and our state. These planes are not exactly new; the maintenance crews here deserve a round of applause because they keep them flying. They are always ready. We're committed to keeping them flying here, and hopefully to getting them some upgraded ones. This unit has served us in Afghanistan, Iraq and all over and I think we should all recognize the value they have to us here."

The District 12 Ohio Senate sent a proclamation stating it's approval of this "On behalf of the members of the Senate of the 130th General Assembly of Ohio, we are pleased to applaud the 179th Airlift Wing. This is indeed an important occasion and provides an ideal time to acknowledge the exceptional work done by the 179th Airlift Wing of the Ohio Air National Guard. This remarkable unit has diligently striven to sustain the highest levels of integrity and professionalism while serving Ohio and the United States of America." The proclamation is signed by Senator Keith Faber, President of the Ohio Senate and Senator Larry Obhof, the Majority Whip.

Richard Spicer, representing the office of Congressman Pat Tiberi, presented a proclamation from Congressman Tiberi, recognizing the dedication of this aircraft.

"It truly is an honor to be a part of this event, it is tremendous everything you do for us," Spicer said, who is a former Marine and wounded warrior. "And as a former Marine, I learned two things about these aircraft, you can always fit one more in the back, and if you gave it to the Marines, it's just a matter of a time before we try and strap some guns to it."

There on behalf of the city of Mansfield to accept a framed photograph of the aircraft in flight over Mansfield was Mayor Timothy Theaker.

"The support we get from Washington, Senator Brown, Congressman Tiberi, Congressman Gibbs and at the state level with Representative Romanchuk, Senator Obhof, Senator Faber, along with the citizens of Mansfield, it's great," Mayor Theaker said. "The 179th is an important part of our local and state economy, but they are a very important part of the defense of this country."

After the dedication ceremony, the public lined up to tour the C-130H, a line that stayed busy for the remainder of the day. The plane's crew engaged visitors at the rear ramp and onboard. Visitors of all ages took turns looking out the windows, climbing on the seats, and exploring the cockpit.

Airport Day is not an event hosted by the 179th AW, although its members love to get involved. Col. Michael Howard, vice commander, volunteered to be one of the judges of the car show, and many members of the unit attended the event with their families.

The day hosted beautiful weather, contributing to the largest crowd that Airport Day has seen to date.