by Airman Ty-Rico Lea
JBER Public Affairs
8/7/2013 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Joint
Base Elmendorf-Richardson personnel practiced securing buildings,
communicating in crisis situations, protecting operational security, and
engaging an active shooter - - all part of Exercise Polar Force 13-5,
July 22-24.
This exercise involved Airman and civilian employees of the 673d Air
Base Wing and 3rd Wing. The purpose was to test, strengthen and develop
the necessary skills all Airmen need when faced with adverse situations.
Some scenarios included securing buildings for safety, practicing
operational security procedures, communicating in strenuous
circumstances and engaging an active shooter.
"Our outstanding security forces responded instantaneously to diffuse
the simulated threat and save as many lives possible during the
exercise," said Air Force Col. Frank Battistelli, 673d Mission Support
Group commander, in reference to the active shooter portion. "They
contained the area occupied by the gunman, evacuated innocent victims
and ultimately neutralized the gunman."
Battistelli said there is a very real purpose for this type of training.
"An active shooter situation is probably one of the most likely
scenarios our base could encounter," Battistelli said. "If you consider
active shooter incidents our country has been faced with over the last
several years, there were very few warning signs. Exercises like this
situation do several things. First, it better prepares our defenders to
respond to these situations in a variety of settings. Next, it allows us
to test the interagency response between our installation, state and
national agencies. Finally, it better prepares the JBER community on how
they should respond during an active shooter crisis."
A JBER Polar Force exercise typically includes two phases, but for the
Polar Force 13-5 exercise only phase one was conducted. The phase one
was designed to test JBER's ability to deploy and redeploy people as
well as mobilize equipment.
"We conduct exercises on a regular basis to ensure readiness," said
Donald Weckhorst, 673d ABW executive director. "This prepares us to to
respond to a variety of contingency or crisis situations" Weckhorst
said. "In our case, the commanders of the 673d ABW, 3rd WG, 176 WG and
477 Fighter Group came together and built an overall plan that enhances
teamwork and readiness in our Airmen. This is truly one of the unique
aspects of JBER."
"The exercise provided an outstanding venue to hone contingency response
skills and processes," Weckhorst said. "In this case, the 673d ABW and
3rd WG Airmen worked together to generate and deploy assets under
realistic conditions and timelines. These types of exercises ensure our
Airmen are prepared to execute their initial response actions and are an
invaluable part of the commander's overall training programs."
by Staff Sgt. Sara Csurilla
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
8/6/2013 - OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Airmen
from the 51st Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment
helped pilots from the 25th and 36th Fighter Squadrons don Aircrew Eye
and Respiratory Protection equipment as part of Operational Readiness
Exercise Beverly Midnight 13-03 at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea,
Aug. 5.
The pilots practice using the protective equipment to ensure they know
how to wear it properly in the event of real world contingencies.
"These pilot's systems that protect them from chemical, biological or
radiological hazards are unique because it is able to be integrated into
the cockpit allowing them to breathe at altitude, communicate and use
existing equipment such as night vision goggles and helmet mounted
targeting systems," said Senior Master Sgt. Jonathan Redfern, 51st OSS
AFE superintendent. "Their AERP gear must also integrate with their
ejection seat and parachute harness."
Although the pilots can usually use the buddy system and help their
wingman put the gear on, it takes a whole team to properly remove the
entire system.
"The AERP is the aircrew's equivalent of MOPP 4," Redfern explained.
"(The AERP equipment) is used to protect the pilot in a potential
chemical, biological or radiological environment. When worn, the pilot
must be systematically "undressed" by AFE technicians."
Once the pilot is fully geared up, plastic bag and all, to face a
potentially contaminated environment, they are then carefully processed
through a decontamination line. Each pilot is processed one-by-one by
being sprayed with water and a bleach solution, coated with charcoal,
and systematically undressed by AFE members to reduce decontamination in
any way.
"Scenarios like these give our Airmen the opportunity to work with the
pilots and ensure that they have confidence in their abilities and in
the equipment we provide to them," Redfern said.
This is the fourth ORE this year where Airmen will undergo several
different scenarios that will test their ability to defend the base and
conduct daily operations during a heightened state of readiness.
"Our AFE Airmen have continually shown a top level of aircrew
contamination control area, or ACCA aptitude and commitment," Redfern
concluded. "I'm excited for this exercise to continue to show off their
skills and expertise."
by Airman 1st Class Lauren Pitts
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
8/7/2013 - MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Gen.
C. Robert Kehler, commander, United States Strategic Command, toured
the base and hosted an All-Call with 91st Missile Wing Airmen here, Aug.
1.
During the All-Call, Kehler said he was pleased to visit Minot, but more
so for the chance to spend time with the Roughriders, who perform the
mission every day. On his quest to spend time with the Airmen, he
reminded them just how incredibly important their mission is to everyone
in the country.
The general spoke about the importance of deterrence, and assured the
members of the missile wing that what they do continues to be a crucial
part of the nation's security.
"It was easy to see the need for deterrence during the Cold War," Kehler
said. "And now it may seem harder to see the need for it, even though
it's more important than ever."
He went on to explain how the wing's primary mission is to make sure
their weapons are never used, by making sure they can use them. As the
U.S. walks softly through the world, it carries the missile wing as the
big stick, he said.
"As long as other nations have the capability," explained Kehler, "we need deterrence."
The general went on to speak to the Airmen about other military-wide issues, including sequestration
"There are parts in life we can control, and parts in life we cannot," Kehler said. "Sequestration is something we cannot."
Kehler continued by explaining that sequestration is something the
nation is pushing uphill, but he is confident the country will overcome.
Another topic he spoke to Airmen about was the issue of sexual assault
prevention and the effect sexual assault and sexual harassment has on
the mission. He said it is nearly impossible for a mission to be
completed successfully in an environment where sexual assault and sexual
harassment threaten the trust and discipline required for combat
effectiveness.
"All Airmen are like a family," he said. "Airmen take care of each other."
He concluded by issuing a challenge for Team Minot Airmen to continue to
uphold the highest of standards in every regard and prove to anyone who
asks, that if they want to see it done right, they should come to
Minot.
by Senior Airman Kristina Overton
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
8/5/2013 - OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- The
base transitioned into a heightened state of defense and readiness as
Beverly Midnight 13-03, the fourth simulated wartime contingency
exercise of 2013, kicked off at Osan Aug. 5.
The week-long exercise tests Airmen's ability to position, employ and
sustain forces as well as to utilize their chemical, biological,
radiological and nuclear training.
"Osan plays an integral role in the defense of South Korea in the event
of North Korean aggression so we develop realistic exercise scenarios to
test our response capabilities," said Lt. Col. Oliver Rick, 51st
Fighter Wing plans and exercises director. "Our rigorous exercise tempo
is critical to keep our focus on the mission, hone our war fighting
skills and understand how teamwork enables us to defend the base,
receive follow-on forces and take the fight to the enemy."
Rotating 12-hour shifts, members of Team Osan provide combat ready
forces for close air support, air strike control, counter air,
interdiction, theater airlift, and communications in the defense of the
ROK. These operational readiness exercises also include day-to-day tasks
essential to mission readiness, and scenarios that include
administering self-aid and buddy-care during a contingency, and
executing essential tasks using operational risk management.
With temperatures getting up past 90 degrees throughout the week, safety
is also a necessity during BM 13-03. The 51st Fighter Wing safety
office makes it a priority to monitor Airmen as they perform, reminding
members to utilize the wingman concept in making sure they are
hydrating, wearing proper gear and mitigating hazards and risks.
"It's going to be hot out there," said Master Sgt. Tanisha Williams,
51st FW ground safety manager. "One of our biggest concerns is making
sure that Airmen are watching out for their buddies, and making sure
that they are hydrating. Each person is important in order to complete
the mission. If something happens to someone, that person has to be
replaced to fulfill those responsibilities, so we have to make sure that
we are taking extra precautions and being safe. We have to be ready.
From a natural disaster to a real world enemy attack, we have to
prepared at all times."
Along with safety, the Exercise Evaluation Team observes Airmen during
the exercise to ensure they are completing their objectives by the book.
"We challenge base personnel to react to a given scenario and evaluate
their response against established standards," said Master Sgt. Thomas
Longworth 51st Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management section
chief. "Deviations from training or policy is recorded, researched and
reported according to the level of mission impact. These deviations, or
"findings," provide us the opportunity to hone an otherwise fine-tuned
machine."
by Staff Sgt. Chad Strohmeyer
374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
8/7/2013 - YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- More
than 30 people filled the hangar checking and rechecking paperwork,
ensuring each pallet was prepared for the weekend departure.
Members from the 374th Logistics Readiness and 730th Air Mobility
Squadrons worked hand-in-hand with their Japan Air Self-Defense Force
counterparts Aug. 1, 2013, to properly inspect and load JASDF cargo
heading to Red Flag-Alaska.
"Anytime we have JASDF cargo we assist them with anything they need,"
said Master Sgt. Froilan Halili, 730 AMS special planning section chief.
"Having extra hands around always gets the job done more efficiently."
In addition to increased efficiency, each nation's cargo professionals
worked to improve their interoperability while providing valuable
training for participating units.
"It's always great to work with the JASDF," said Tech Sgt. Rhommel
Gabrintina, 730 AMS noncommissioned officer in charge of special
planning. "Every time we work together, something new is always
learned."
Gabrintina said the inspection had added importance as the cargo was
headed for Alaska to be used in Red Flag, a multilateral aerial combat
exercise designed to provide realistic combat training environments.
"We all take our job very seriously on any inspection we do," said
Gabrintina. "Knowing we had to get this right the first time for the
exercise, definitely added a little extra pressure and satisfaction."
by Capt. Sybil Taunton
U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center Public Affairs
8/7/2013 - JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Reflecting
real-world contingency operating environments, the U.S. Air Force and
Army partnered with the U.K. Royal Air Force for a Joint Task Force Port
Opening during Exercise EAGLE FLAG held here, July 15-19.
With a partnership that began between the USAF Expeditionary Center's
421st Combat Training Squadron and the RAF in 2011, involving several
visits to observe training and share lessons learned, the RAF
Marham-Coningsby Expeditionary Air Wing sent personnel to participate in
the first Exercise EF to include an international coalition.
"The partnership we have forged with the Expeditionary Center is vital
to our continued success on coalition operations," said Wing Cdr. Rob
Connor, Chief of Staff Operations for the RAF Marham-Coningsby EAW. "Our
integration with the EC has not only enhanced our mutual understanding
of capabilities and doctrine, but has ultimately fostered efficiency of
force when tasked to operate in difficult and challenging environments
on contingency operations."
The five-day exercise consisted of JTF-PO operations conducted by the
818th Contingency Response Group, from JB MDL, and the 688th Rapid Port
Opening Element, from Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, in which
cargo and personnel were flown in to set up an air field in an austere
location.
In the exercise scenario the Joint Task Force was sent to the fictional
country of Dakaar under the direction of U.S. Transportation Command,
responsible for the surface movement of all cargo and equipment within
the JTF-PO mission set. After just three days, the airfield was
established and control was handed off to the RAF to continue
operations.
Flight Lt. Jon Smith, a logistics officer for the RAF Marhman-Coningsby
EAW, discussed the purpose of their visit and the importance of the
training partnership.
"This has been great, and it has been two fold," said Smith. "There have
been formal training elements going on, but the core reason we are here
is to look at your tactics, techniques and procedures; look at your
organization; look at how you configure yourselves to do expeditionary
operations, so that we can take those lessons from the way you operate
and apply them to our approach, our methods and our TTPs."
Smith continued by discussing specific takeaways that he found important throughout the exercise.
"Understanding the capabilities you bring that we wouldn't necessarily
expect to have is very important. For example, we wouldn't typically
have a contracting officer, but it is really valuable to know that you
would have that asset available," said Smith. "You have different people
for different functions and this training is invaluable. Learning who
we need to talk to in an American organization in order to get the
information we need can save us so much time in the future."
To further coalition collaboration, the RAF has expressed interest in
including Expeditionary Center Airmen in their own upcoming exercises as
well, explained Lt. Col. Brandon Casey, 421st CTS commander.
"It has been a great opportunity working alongside the RAF," Casey said.
"The 421st is committed to providing Exercise EAGLE FLAG participants
with challenging and realistic expeditionary skills training through
dynamic scenarios tailored to their operational requirements. Working
with our coalition partners is one of the best ways to develop these
allied tailored scenarios and build upon our valuable partnership."
by Ann Skarban
302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
8/7/2013 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- An
Air Force Reserve Command Modular Airborne Fire Fighting
System-equipped C-130, aircrew and support personnel will rejoin aerial
fire fighting efforts in the Northwestern U.S. today.
Approximately 10 Air Force reservists from the 302nd Airlift Wing here
will partner with a Wyoming Air National Guard C-130 crew in support of
the U.S. Forest Service fire containment operations in Boise, Idaho. A
second 302nd AW MAFFS-equipped C-130 and crew is also expected to deploy
to Boise next week.
The Department of Defense's MAFFS C-130s and crews initially activated
June 11 to assist in fighting fires in Southern Colorado after the U.S.
Forest Service sent a request for assistance to the DOD though U.S.
Northern Command. Since activating, MAFFS aircraft have made 179 drops
on fires in Colorado, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Oregon and Idaho using
437,631 gallons of fire retardant.
The 302nd AW ended its initial activation July 7 after providing support
to wildland fires in Colorado and Arizona. The July inactivation and
this reactivation are part of the normal duty rotation shared by the
three Air National Guard wings and one Air Force Reserve wing that fly
the MAFFS mission.
"The four MAFFS wings typically follow a monthly rotation schedule. In
August, the 302nd is at the top of the list for MAFFS support. We can
and will adapt the proposed schedule as needs arise," said Lt. Col. Luke
Thompson, chief of aerial fire fighting for the 302nd Airlift Wing.
The MAFFS-equipped C-130s are operated by four military units: The 153rd
Airlift Wing, Wyoming Air National Guard; 146th Airlift Wing,
California Air National Guard; 145th Airlift Wing, North Carolina Air
National Guard; and the 302nd Airlift Wing, U.S. Air Force Reserve
Command.
MAFFS is a self-contained aerial firefighting system, owned by the U.S.
Forest Service, that can discharge 3,000 gallons of water or fire
retardant in less than five seconds, covering an area one-quarter of a
mile long by 100 feet wide. Once the load is discharged, it can be
refilled in less than 12 minutes.
The DOD, through U.S. Northern Command at Peterson AFB, provides unique
military support to fire fighting efforts when requested by the National
Interagency Fire Center and approved by the Secretary of Defense. These
diverse mission assets are prepared to respond quickly and effectively
to protect lives, property, critical infrastructure and natural
resources, and can include, but are not limited to, MAFFS, military
helicopters and ground forces capable of supporting the firefighting
efforts.
by Maj. Lennea Montandon
Air Reserve Personnel Center Public Affairs
8/7/2013 - BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- A Team Buckley honorary commander recently visited the Air Reserve Personnel Center here.
Cindy Kreutz, chief executive officer and president of the Spalding
Rehabilitation Hospital in Aurora, Colo., along with ARPC's commander,
vice commander, and command chief, welcomed new senior leadership from
the 460th Space Wing.
Col. Dan Wright III, 460th SW commander, Col. Mitch Stratton, 460th SW
vice commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Craig Hall, 460th SW command
chief, recently moved to Buckley AFB. As part of their orientation, they
received a mission brief and preview of ARPC's responsibilities in
support of Air National Guard and Reserve members.
The honorary commanders program emphasizes one-on-one relationships
between community and Buckley leaders in order to build public trust and
strong community relationships. They act as civilian counterparts to
command leadership and attend events such as picnics and other unit
functions.
"This program allows me as a civilian to gain exposure about how the
military works. I have an appreciation for the military and can see the
end result--our freedom, but it can be easy to forget how complex the
process is. The honorary commanders program makes it very real and
personal to me," said Kreutz.
Twenty civilian leaders are part of Team Buckley's honorary commanders
program; two work closely with ARPC. They are able to gain a clear
understanding of what Buckley AFB brings to the community, and military
leaders have insight into the opportunities offered in Aurora and how
the base impacts the area.
"I am able to get an insider's view and have a greater understanding of
the challenges military members and their families face," said Kreutz.
"I can take that information into the community so others gain
perspective on what goes on at Buckley, its forward progress and its
strategic importance."
Brig. Gen. Jay Flournoy, ARPC commander, stressed the benefits of the relationships formed.
"Having Ms. Kreutz and other community and business partners in
attendance shows our commitment to our partnerships and provides open
lines of communication in the community as a whole," he said.
Kreutz's employer, Spalding Rehabilitation Hospital, works closely with
Buckley AFB as part of the Aurora Chamber's Defense Council, and the
hospital is the premier sponsor for this year's Aurora Veterans Salute,
an annual event recognizing veterans in the metropolitan area. The
rehabilitation hospital has also served individual service members and
veterans through their inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs.
by Senior Airman John D. Partlow
47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
8/5/2013 - LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Newly
promoted Tech. Sgt. Joel Eschenbacher, was rewarded through the Air
Force's Stripes for Exceptional Performers program here July 31, 2013.
Eschenbacher, a manpower and organizational analysis technician in the
47th Force Support Squadron, received the STEP promotion to technical
sergeant due to various money- and time-saving, Air Force-wide ideas and
hard work.
"He is consistently increasing his expertise and continues to grow as an
airman," said Master Sgt. Jason Concepcion, 47th FSS manpower and
organization NCO in charge and Eschenbacher's supervisor. "He'll make a
great tech. sergeant, and he's been on the right path to become one
since the beginning."
While a staff sergeant, Eschenbacher resolved an Air Force Personnel
Center database error by identifying a flaw and correcting the formula
while informing the agency, preventing an omission of more than 150K
deployment records. He also developed an innovative manpower database
that synchronized three distinct personnel reports, slashing 600
man-hours. The new database was named an AF Best Practice.
"I absolutely love my job," said Eschenbacher. "I'm able to change or
affect careers in the Air Force with my current position, and I love
having that responsibility. Whether it's base-level or Air Force-level
decisions, it's still a big role to fill."
Eschenbacher's large role included validating wing deployments and
scrutinizing and processing more than 200 taskings while verifying their
accuracy. These meticulous efforts allowed for five combatant commands
to be armed with mission-ready airmen.
"I treat every report, email, project or anything I create like it's
going to the desk of a 4-star general," said Eschenbacher. "A big lesson
I've learned is that people tend to respond more often when you present
ideas in the most respectful manner possible."
Now that he has acquired his new rank, Eschenbacher is looking to take the next step forward.
"As a staff sergeant, I tried performing at a technical sergeant level
to better prepare myself for a promotion," he said. "Now that I have the
rank I've been preparing for, it's time to look forward to the future."
.jpg)
Posts
