Sheppard wins MAJCOM, AF level awards

by Airman 1st Class Jelani Gibson
82nd Training Wing Public Affairs

3/14/2014 - SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Two Airmen at Sheppard were congratulated here on their accomplishments at both the Air Force and major command level.

Frank Carter, 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs photographer, earned the Civilian Photographer of the Year award at the Air Force level and Stephen Paxton, a 363rd Training Squadron maintenance instructor, won the Lieutenant General Leo Marquez award for Air Education and Training Command.

The Civilian Photographer of the Year award is a part of the Air Force Media Contest, a public affairs competition that recognizes excellence in the print, photography, broadcast and musician career fields.

The Lieutenant General Leo Marquez award recognizes base level military and civil service aircraft, munitions and missile maintenance personnel who perform hands on maintenance or manage a maintenance function.

For Carter, he was always drawn to the arts and the creativity it fostered into a career that would span over 22 years.

"Every class that was open, I'd take it," he said.

When he joined the U.S. Army in 1974, his hobby was noticed by his commander and he ended up becoming a special duty brigade photographer. He left in 1977 and attended the Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara, Calif., where he built upon his hobby and made it into a profession.

Soon enough he finished his bachelor's in three years and graduated at the top of his class in 1991. He credits the skills he learned here as what elevated him to his current level of photography today.

"I just worked day and night," he said. "I ate, slept and breathed photography."

For Paxton, his award was a confirmation of the passion he holds for his job.

"It's an individual award, but no one does it alone" he said. "You need the support of the people you work with and I work with great people."

A former maintenance officer himself, Paxton uses that experience to impart words of wisdom to his students.

"It enhances their perspective," he said. "I've been where they're going."

While both recipients received high profile awards, they remain humble about their achievement.

"It's an honor," Carter said. "I went up against some pretty tough competition. It was a surprise to me."

Paxton just saw the award as a way of putting in maximum effort.

"Grow where you are planted, do the absolute best you can and the career will take care of the rest," he said.

Dynamic duos: Sheppard, Eglin team up for F-35 hurricane evacuation exercise

by Airman 1st Class Jelani Gibson
82nd Training Wing Public Affairs

3/14/2014 - SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Hurricanes. It's no secret tropical storms can cause devastating damage across the landscape and lives of those it touches, which is why Sheppard and Eglin teamed up for a hurricane evacuation exercise March 11-12.

The F-35 Lightning II, the military's newest fifth generation multirole fighter jet flying from Florida, is no exception to the wrath of Mother Nature. Sheppard was picked in part for its geographical location out of the direct path of tropical systems that haunt the Emerald Coast.

The base flight line capability and its proximity to Fort Worth, where the jet was originally manufactured by Lockheed Martin, makes it a potential resting place for an entire fleet in the case of an evacuation and additional maintenance support is needed.

For 1st Lt. Christina Merritt, a 58th Air Maintenance Unit assistant officer in charge out of Eglin, the jet itself is a pleasure to take care of.

"It's a cool looking plane, that's my baby," she said with a smile.

For Merritt, even the subtle details and nuances of the plane awaken a passion for her job.

"I love when it takes off," she said. "The noise it makes, the ground shaking and the fact that my crew chiefs got it up there."

According to official manufacturer stats, the fifth generation fighter combines advanced stealth with speed and agility, fully fused sensor information; network enabled operations and will serve as a replacement for the current A-10 Thunderbolt II and F-16 Fighting Falcon. Capt. Dan Haley, one of the pilots, looks at the hurricane evacuation effort as being good for both bases.

"It shows two bases wanting to help each other out," he said.

Merritt credits the jet evacuation exercise as something that definitively shows how much hard work her fellow team members have done.

"It feels awesome because we did it," she said. "All those man-hours pay off when those wheels leave the ground."

While rapidly moving one of the Air Force's most advanced jet fighters is no easy task, cooperation was paramount to things going smoothly.

"Everyone works really well together," said Staff Sgt. Matthew Phillips, a 58th Air Maintenance Unit dedicated crew chief from Eglin Air Force Base. "I couldn't ask it to be much better."

For high category hurricanes, they can cause untold damage to the F-35 fleet; According to the National Weather Service, Atlantic hurricane season is from June 1st to November 30th. Philips counts Sheppard as a safe haven for the aircraft in emergency circumstances.

"The fact that we can rely on Sheppard if something happens at Eglin says something about the leadership," he said.

U.S. Forces Board ‘Morning Glory’ Tanker Ship

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 17, 2014 – American forces yesterday boarded and took control of a commercial tanker ship that was seized earlier this month by three armed Libyans, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said in a Defense Department news release issued today.

"No one was hurt tonight when U.S. forces, at the request of both the Libyan and Cypriot governments, boarded and took control of the commercial tanker ‘Morning Glory,’ a stateless vessel seized earlier this month by three armed Libyans,” Kirby said in the release.

The boarding operation, approved by President Barack Obama and conducted just after 10 p.m. EDT on March 16 in international waters southeast of Cyprus, was executed by a team of U.S. Navy SEALs attached to Special Operations Command Europe, Kirby added.

"The SEAL team embarked and operated from the guided missile destroyer USS Roosevelt,” Kirby said in the release. The USS Roosevelt provided helicopter support and served as a command and control and support platform for the other members of the force assigned to conduct the mission, he said.

"The ‘Morning Glory’ is carrying a cargo of oil owned by the Libyan government National Oil Company,” Kirby said in the release. “The ship and its cargo were illicitly obtained from the Libyan port of As-Sidra.”

The “Morning Glory” will be underway soon to a port in Libya with a team of sailors from the USS Stout embarked, Kirby said. The sailors will be supervising the transit, he added.

The USS Roosevelt is homeported in Mayport, Fla. and is deployed as part of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group, Kirby said, adding that the USS Stout is homeported in Norfolk, Va.

12 Aviano F-16s, support personnel arrive in Poland

by Airman 1st Class Ryan Conroy
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

3/17/2014 - LASK AIR BASE, Poland -- At the invitation of the government of Poland, twelve 555th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcons and approximately 200 personnel assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base, Italy, arrived at the U.S. Air Force Aviation Detachment here, March 14-15.

Over the next several days, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and the Polish Air Force will be conducting an off site bi-lateral training event that demonstrates the U.S.'s commitment to collective defense responsibilities under NATO's objectives.

"One of our objectives is to develop bonds so if something happens, and we have to take action in a real-world environment, you want to have trained together in advance," said Lt. Col. John Peterson, 555th Fighter Squadron commander. "You want to develop those tactics, techniques and procedures before you're in a combat environment."

Peterson explains that without a consistent training platform, the U.S. risks reducing its interoperability and its capability to develop and analyze strengths and weaknesses with partnering countries.

"The devil is in the details," said Peterson. "Unless you figure out how to work together at a tactical level--from the squadron commander to the junior Airman turning wrenches--you lose out on the opportunity to know each other's strengths and develop your weaknesses."

The objectives for the off site training are in line with the aviation detachment's original intent, which is to remain ready to operate across the range of military operations with precise, full-spectrum capability, according to Maj. Matthew Spears, U.S. Air Force Aviation Detachment commander.

"The aviation detachment consists of a small team of U.S. Airmen, in country, on a prolonged basis to act as a coordinating element for joint training between the U.S. and Poland," said Spears. "This is why the AvDet is in place and this is why we are an active detachment."

The detachment was activated in November 2012, and marked the first enduring presence of U.S. military members on Polish soil. The Aviation Detachment's presence in Poland makes it possible to host multiple allied Air Force elements and serve as a regional hub for air training and multi-national exercises. They also facilitate and enable combined U.S. and Polish training and exercises to increase air support to NATO.

The recent arrival of common assets augmenting the detachment marks another milestone in the rotational deployment of U.S. military resources since 2012.

"With the arrival of the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the C-130 Hercules in Poland we have seen a strengthening in our partnership between the U.S. and Poland, which is in line with making us interoperable," said Spears.

USS Kidd Continues Search for Missing Airliner

By Navy Ensign Brooke E. Schaffer

U.S. 7th Fleet

INDIAN OCEAN, March 17, 2014 – The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Kidd and its crew are stepping up search efforts for the missing Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370 in the Indian Ocean with round-the-clock coverage.

The USS Kidd has been searching for six days, and the additional measures taken during its mission are apparent both above and below decks. Extra lookouts have been posted for 24-hour coverage topside and the two MH-60R helicopters from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 78 are flying additional sorties each day. The ship’s engineers have rigged additional lighting to aid in the search and are maintaining the engineering plant to its highest efficiency to ensure the ship is able to meet her mission.

“The crew has responded to everything that has been asked of them,” senior watch officer Navy Lt. Cmdr. Melissa J. Szurovy said. “Additional lookout watches are being stood by non-traditional watch standers, and sailors of their own volition are helping topside in our search for any sign of the aircraft. It is a true testament to the crew’s fortitude to find this airliner."

The air department, comprised of seven pilots, three rescue swimmers, and 18 enlisted maintainers has divided into day and night teams consisting of 12-hour shifts to support round-the-clock flight operations.

“Our maintenance teams work long hours to ensure our helicopters are operationally ready at all times to meet the mission,” HSM-78 air operations officer Lt. Andrew Hoffman said. “This allows us to constantly have our helicopters in the air to continue our search for the missing airliner. Further, our team is able to configure our helicopters to provide more space for this specific mission set, which allows us to remain in a continued state of readiness for any sign of the aircraft."

The responsibility of the safe launching, recovering and flight of the two MH-60R helicopters involves sailors not only from the air department, but from a variety of other departments from the ship as well.

Boatswain’s mates, medical personnel, and engineers are among the many sailors involved in the helicopter operations to provide refueling, firefighting support, emergent repairs, assistance and supervision of all personnel and equipment to ensure the helicopters are able to safely remain in the air to continue the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370.

Air Force continues force management programs

3/17/2014 - WASHINGTON (AFNS)  -- Air Force leaders announced a resumption of all force management programs March 15 following a recently discussed strategic pause.

"After providing senior leadership a chance to evaluate the programs and assess our early progress, we are ready to resume immediate processing of voluntary applications in most categories and begin notifying Airmen of their status," said Lt. Gen. Sam Cox, the Air Force deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services. "We expect to receive final approval authorities early next week for a select few categories, like rated and health professions, at which point we will be actively processing all voluntary applications."

Notifications to Airmen could start as early as next week, the general added.

Cox also confirmed previously-announced force management boards would proceed as currently scheduled. The eligible populations for those boards will remain the same with the exception of a small group of about 500 Airmen who will no longer be eligible for the current voluntary or involuntary programs. Those individuals will be personally notified of their eligibility status by the Air Force Personnel Center.

"Resuming the current programs on the previously announced schedules and under the same basic criteria means minimal changes for our Airmen," Cox said.

One item assessed during the pause was the pace of the programs and whether or not the Air Force could achieve required reductions on the original schedule. The analysis revealed the need to include a second round of programs in 2015.

"Airmen who were eligible for programs during the first round in 2014 will not be eligible for the retention boards in 2015, unless they have specific negative quality force indicators," Cox said.

Ensuring well-performing Airmen are not subject to multiple involuntary programs is key, according to the general.

Details on the nature and timing of the second round of programs will be announced in the coming weeks.

The general continues to encourage eligible officers and enlisted Airmen to apply for the Temporary Early Retirement Authority and Voluntary Separation Pay programs. The current TERA application window remains open to March 26 and the VSP application window is open to May 1.

For more information on force management, force shaping, reduction in force and other personnel programs, go to the myPers Web site at http://mypers.af.mil.

USS KIDD Expands Search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 into Indian Ocean

By Ens. Brooke E. Schaffer, Public Affairs Officer, USS KIDD (DDG 100)

INDIAN OCEAN (NNS) -- U.S. Navy assets continue to search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 as the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Kidd (DDG 100) expands its patrol area from the northwest entrance of the Strait of Malacca into the Indian Ocean and Andaman Sea, March 16th.

Upon receiving the updated tasking, Kidd and the two embarked MH-60R helicopters immediately transited to the new search area to continue the search and rescue mission. Kidd is covering more than 300 square miles of water space every four hours and is meticulously investigating anything that may be evidence associated with aircraft debris.

"Our helicopters are an extension of the ship's capabilities and provide us with the best chance of finding airplane debris," said Lt.j.g. Eric Bachtel, of Phoenix, Ariz., the ship's Combat Information Center Officer. "With extra watch standers in place, we are able to comb through any debris spotted from the ship or the aircraft and if needed retrieve the objects via grappling hook, small boats, or with our Search and Rescue swimmers deployed from the ship or helicopters."

Kidd searches more than 1,500 square miles of ocean each day, investigating any possible debris that may be linked to the airliner's crash. Kidd continues to support the overall Malaysian government search effort by sharing information and investigating possible leads. The Kidd crew remains persistent and hopeful that they will find indications as to the possible disappearance site of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 in order to shed some light on this tragedy.

VCNO Visits Norfolk-based COs, CMCs

By Defense Media Activity - Washington

Norfolk (NNS) -- The Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO), Adm. Mark Ferguson spoke with waterfront commanding officers and command master chiefs on Naval Station Norfolk, March 13.

The VCNO asked the assembled command leadership teams to share their views on fleet readiness, manning, and Navy's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) program. Questions and discussion ranged from surface training programs to manning in key ratings, to suggestions for improving the SAPR training. USS Barry (DDG 52) Command Master Chief Charles Jones said he enjoyed the lengthy and frank discussion.

"I didn't expect him to address the group the way he did. He really let the questions drive the discussion, which made for a very informative and enjoyable session," said Jones.

Capt. Rick Cheeseman, commanding officer USS Monterey (CG 61) appreciated senior leader focus on readiness issues.

"I was very happy to hear the VCNO confirm that readiness accounts are getting the attention they deserve. A decade of war and contingency ops has eroded a lot of our readiness," said Cheeseman.

Adm. Ferguson wanted to hear directly from shipboard COs and CMCs the impact funding constraints are having on the waterfront. "This is about giving deckplate leaders an opportunity to communicate directly with senior leadership. Hearing, first-hand, the impact of fiscal constraints on the safety, readiness, and morale of our Sailors is critical," Adm. Ferguson said. "This direct feedback allows Navy leadership in Washington to make better and informed decisions about current programs and the future of our Navy."

For USS Cole's (DDG 67) Command Master Chief, Michael Fisher, having the opportunity to speak directly to the Navy's top leadership in an open forum is vital to the health of the Navy.

"It's very important for senior leadership to have face-to-face time with Sailors on the waterfront," said Fisher. "(Navy senior leaders) are deciding policy and determining what programs get funding, and it's up to the Sailors on the waterfront to implement those policies and programs. I think these types of engagements are the difference between success and failure."

‘1 Geronimo’ snipers shoot from Black Hawk platform

by Army Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Smith
4-25th IBCT Public Affairs

3/14/2014 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Infantry scouts with Hatchet Company, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 501st Infantry Regiment, carried out a week-0long arctic field training exercise designed to hone skills in mountaineering, arctic survival, sling load and air assault operations, and sniper precision fire from high-0angle and aerial platforms last week at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
The purpose of the training was to provide immediate, safe, accurate, and lethal sniper fire in support of ground commanders. Scouts sharpened individual and collective skills while planning and executing missions with enabling partners from the Alaska Army National Guard, allowing for improved interoperability.

Hatchet Company's scout platoon leader, Army 1st Lt. Matthew Mitchell, said the training will help his platoon provide sniper support capabilities at the battalion's upcoming Joint Forcible Entry Exercise at Fort Greely, while also improving their arctic operational abilities.

"At the end of this training, we will be better at basic skills, such as [pre-combat checks and pre-combat inspections], and planning and preparation for a mission, and also following through with growing capabilities," Mitchell said.

Alaska Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters with the 1st Battalion, 207th Aviation Regiment, sling loaded a Small-Unit Support Vehicle and a completely gutted 1989 Chevrolet Camaro to the scouts' mountainside location.

Spc. Kyle Lupenski, a cavalry scout who was on the mountain to receive the equipment, said, "We are training in arctic proficiency, and this is a good experience for us to get out and shoot. We will be climbing these mountains with a lot of weight, and shooting down at the Camaro."

The Camaro spent the week on the mountainside as a target for high-angle fire. On March 7, it was airlifted to JBER's Malemute Drop Zone for use as a target for the aerial firing range.

The training mutually benefitted both Army components. The Alaska National Guard pilots logged flight time, and the scouts received the unique aerial platform precision fire training.
Alaska Army National Guard Capt. Brendon Holbrook, a pilot with 1-207th Aviation said, "We don't get to do this every day. It was really good to be able to support the ground element, and do some great training."

Other key training events during the week included operating the SUSV in a mountainous arctic environment, and conducting long-distance and night-fire ranges.

Hagel Discusses Ukraine With French Defense Minister

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 15, 2014 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel spoke by phone this morning with French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian to discuss the situation in Ukraine, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby reported.

"Secretary Hagel and Minister Le Drian affirmed the solidarity of the NATO alliance and discussed the importance of the United States and France continuing to working closely with one another to support Central and Eastern European allies,” Kirby said in a statement summarizing the call.

The two defense leaders discussed their respective reviews of bilateral military cooperation with Russia, he added, and they pledged that senior officials from both the United States and France will continue to remain in close touch on those matters in the days ahead.

Hagel and Le Drian also discussed ongoing U.S. assistance to French operations in Africa, Kirby said.