Schriever to host Wingman University

by Staff Sgt. Debbie Lockhart
50th Space Wing Public Affairs

10/13/2015 - SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo.  -- On Oct. 27, Team 5-0 can expect something a little different from the typical Wingman Day events.

Wingman University will kick-off with a commander's call hosted by Col. DeAnna M. Burt, 50 Space Wing commander, in the fitness center at 9 a.m., but this is one of the only similarities the day will have with past Wingman Days.

"The difference between Wingman University and a regular Wingman Day is the Airmen can pick what classes they go to," said Tech. Sgt. Tawny Devine, 50th Space Wing chaplain's assistant and Wingman University coordinator. "We're giving people the freedom to choose their courses."

Briefings will be held inside and outside the restricted area to encourage Airmen to walk to areas they may not spend much time in, thus creating the feel of a college campus.

"We didn't want to do just another Wingman Day," said Tech. Sgt. Abifarin Scott, 50 SW resiliency training assistant and Wingman Day coordinator. "We thought 'what about a Wingman University?' -- make it an inclusive effort for all the different agencies on base, as well as creating a campus-like atmosphere for the Airmen."

The time needed to walk from one briefing to another serves to break up the monotony of the day.

"We wanted to put a stipulation where you sign up for one class in the RA and one outside the RA," said Scott. "It will give everyone the opportunity to take a break and walk around."

Not only will this event allow Airmen to choose which briefings they attend, but Wingman University will also give the choice of who to attend the briefing with, including spouses.

"Airmen don't have to go [to the briefings] with their squadrons -- they can go with their friends," said Devine.

Each Airman will select three briefings supporting the whole-person concept.

"We have our four pillars - spiritual, social, mental and physical, and we have classes that touch on all four of those," said Scott. "That is what [Wingman University] is here for - supporting the four pillars of Comprehensive Airman Fitness."

The following classes will be offered:
- Accomplishing Goals - Mindfulness
- Alcohol Education - Physical Resilience
- Balance Your Thinking - Sleep Class
- Capitalizing on Strengths - Spiritual Resilience
- Count Your Blessings - Stress Management
- Disaster Preparedness - TSP
- Identity Theft -Acceptance
- Listening

"It's going to be fun and informative," said Scott. "Yes, it is three hours of briefings, but you get to control what you are briefed. We're putting the control in your hands.

Hone awareness, prevention this month

by Monique Fontenot
50th Space Wing Public Affairs

10/13/2015 - SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, aside from skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. In 2012, 224,147 women and 2,125 men were diagnosed with breast cancer. Combined, more than ten percent of women and men died of the disease. Awareness and prevention are the best deterrents. Here are some awareness and prevention tips to keep you healthy!

1. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends performing regular breast self-examinations. BSEs can bring awareness to the changes in breast size or shape and pain, all of which are symptoms of breast cancer.

2. The World Health Organization urges to make healthy choices including keeping a healthy weight, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep. Maintaining a healthy weight has contributed to lower risk of cancer, particularly breast cancer.

3. The National Cancer Institute requests, if possible, new mothers should opt to breastfeed. Mothers who breastfed exhibit lower incidence of breast cancer than those who did not.

4. The American Cancer Society proposes refraining from excessive exposure to chemicals, such as carcinogens. Carcinogens can be found in tobacco products and naturally in the environment e.g., ultraviolet light.

5. The CDC promotes avoiding consumption of more than one alcoholic beverage per day. All types of alcohol are carcinogens and the more quantities consumed, the higher the risk of breast cancer.

6. According to the United States Prevention Services Task Force, women 50 to 74 years old should receive regular mammograms every two years. Women between 40 and 49 years old should consult their doctor about when they should begin mammogram screening. In comparison, the American Cancer Society recommends women 40 years old and older receive mammograms annually.

7. The CDC advises reducing exposure to radiation during medical and dental testing such as CT scans, mammograms and panoramic x-rays. To accomplish this, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration advocates the use of personal protective equipment.

8. The International Agency for Research and Cancer encourages you to discuss with your physician the impact of consuming hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives on your risk of breast cancer.

9. Know your family history. The CDC suggests if you have a family history of breast cancer, talk to your doctor about prescribing antiestrogen and other medications or preventive surgery, such as a mastectomy.

10. Early detection is the key to prevention

Carter: U.S., Australia Are 'Cornerstone' of Peace, Prosperity

By Lisa Ferdinando DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, October 13, 2015 — Australia is a strong partner to the United States and is making valuable contributions to peace and security around the world, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said in Boston today.

"Our alliance remains strong, its reach is global, and our nations remain a cornerstone of peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific and in the world," Carter said after two days of discussions for the 2015 Australia-U.S. ministerial consultations.

Carter co-hosted the talks in Boston with Secretary of State John Kerry.

The United States and Australia face a full spectrum of complex threats, Carter said, citing as examples illegal trafficking, cybersecurity and the threat posed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and violent extremism.

Australia has been with the United States since the start in Afghanistan, and has expanded its critical role in Iraq and Syria to "deliver ISIL a lasting defeat," Carter said, noting that Australian pilots have recently begun flying in Syria.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and Australia, Kerry said.

"Good friends are vital all the time, but they are especially welcome in turbulent, challenging times," the top U.S. diplomat said. "That is why the United States' partnership with Australia is so important."

Carter and Kerry spoke in a news conference with the visiting Australian dignitaries, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Defense Minister Marise Payne.

U.S., Russia to Discuss Air Safety Protocols

"Our counter-ISIL fight will proceed unchanged, as we continue to urge Russia to change its failing strategy," Carter said.

Russia must act professionally in the skies over Syria and abide by basic safety procedures, he said. U.S. and Russian officials will have another conversation on the topic tomorrow, he added. In a statement after the news conference, Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said U.S. defense officials will hold a third secure video conference tomorrow with Russian Defense Ministry officials. "The focus of these discussions is on specific safety protocols for aircrews flying over Syria. Those discussions are progressing, but nothing has been finalized," Cook said.

"Even as we continue to disagree on Syria policy, we should be able to at least agree on making sure our airmen are as safe as possible," Carter said at the news conference.

The Syrian crisis requires a political solution, Kerry said. "A military component can help you get to that solution,” he added, “but Syria is literally being destroyed in the process."

Deepening the Alliance

Carter said he and Payne signed a bilateral statement on defense cooperation that includes increased intelligence sharing, improving multilateral and defense industry engagement, and fine-tuning interoperability.

The foundation of the U.S.-Australia relationship is built on values of freedom, democracy and rules-based order, Carter said. "Today, by deepening our alliance, we renew those values and stand resolved to defend them together," he added.

Since 2013, the U.S. rotational force near Darwin has expanded more than five-fold to 1,150 Marines, he said. "Australia and America both want to sustain and renew an Asia-Pacific regional security architecture where everyone rises and everyone prospers," Carter said. "That's the essence of the U.S. rebalance toward the region."

Tensions in South China Sea

The United States and Australia share an interest in upholding basic international norms such as freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce, Carter said.

"Together, our nations favor peaceful resolutions to disputes and oppose coercion and infringement on well-established international norms, especially in the face of rising tensions in the East and South China Sea," he said.

The United States will continue to "fly, sail and operate" wherever international law allows, explaining that, the "South China Sea is not and will not be an exception."

Anchoring Regional Stability

"The United States stands ready to continue our role as a pivotal security partner in this region, as we have done for over 70 years," Carter said. The strong U.S.-Australia defense partnership will continue to "anchor regional stability and strengthen our capacity in a variety of other areas, including disaster relief, and response to humanitarian crises," he added.

AFMC wingmen continue to take action

by Kim Bowden
Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs

10/13/2015 - WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio  -- Air Force Materiel Command's culture of respect and resiliency is still going strong, and Airmen across the command continue to prove their dedication to that culture through their actions as wingmen.

"In AFMC, and across the Air Force, we accomplish our mission as a dedicated team committed to our core values and to each other," said Jennifer Treat, AFMC Community Support Coordinator. "Every Air Force officer, enlisted member and civilian is an Airman. The term wingman stems from a time-honored tradition within our Air Force flying community that essentially says a wingman will always stay with and protect the lead pilot, watching his or her back. It is a promise, a pledge, a commitment between Airmen. We're proud to have so many true wingmen in our command who look out for the welfare of their colleagues and community."

In one example of successful wingman intervention, an employee displayed increasing distress over a period of three days and mentioned to a co-worker that she was considering suicide. The co-worker called the Employee Assistance Program and escorted the employee to meet a counselor. The concerned behavior of the wingman prevented a potentially tragic outcome.

In another situation, a deputy flight commander received a call from one of his Airmen who was on leave and also enrolled in the ADAPT program. The Airman was clearly under the influence, so the wingman drove to the Airman's house and found him in a vehicle with nine empty beer cans. The wingman took the Airman to the emergency room, mental health and ADAPT, where the Airman received in-patient care for addiction. By creating a rapport with his Airmen that made them comfortable in reaching out for help, the deputy flight commander was able to stay engaged, prevent the Airman from driving under the influence and limit the severity of the Airman's relapse.

In a third example, a male active duty dependent texted his friend, another dependent, with threats of suicide. The friend immediately notified her active duty sponsor, who notified security forces. When they were unable to reach the male dependent, security forces traced the signals from his cell phone and contacted police in his location -- 60 miles away. Local emergency services got in touch with the male dependent and his parent and took the dependent to get help. Thanks to the vigilance and resourcefulness of the friend and security forces, the male dependent received the care he needed.

In yet another circumstance, while TDY two wingmen provided physical and emotional support to a classmate who had a serious allergic reaction to food. The wingmen first tried to assist with over the counter medication but as the reaction worsened they called 911 for directions to the emergency room, taking the classmate immediately. The doctor explained that without the medication the wingmen initially provided, the victim would have died within minutes. The attentive and determined attitudes of the wingmen ensured medical treatment to avert the life-threatening event.

AFMC has been consciously building the concept of wingman intervention since 2013. The goals are to raise awareness of helping behaviors, increase the motivation to help, develop the skills and confidence to intervene safely and assist when necessary, and ensure the safety and well-being of self and others.

If you become aware of situations in which personnel have recognized at-risk behaviors and proactively intervened, please contact your local Community Support Coordinator.

NATO program develops tactical leaders

by Capt. Sybil Taunton

10/9/2015 - ALBACETE, Spain -- Fighter pilots from seven allied countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, Czech Republic, Greece, Poland and Italy, completed the NATO Tactical Leadership Programme, Oct. 9, in Albacete, Spain.

Six F-15C Eagles and more than 100 personnel from the 48th Fighter Wing at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, contributed to the program.

"I think it's important for our graduates to be well versed in the capabilities of NATO partners," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John Stratton, 493rd Fighter Squadron commander. "For us to remain 'Forward, Ready, Now!' it requires the entire team to be efficient in deploying, executing the mission and redeploying to any location at any time."

Throughout the program, NATO and allied pilots prepare to become mission commanders by leading coalition strike packages, instructing allied flying as well as non-flying personnel in matters related to tactical air operations.

"We have tactics, techniques and procedures that NATO stipulates, and this program is how we put those into practice," said Royal Air Force Flight Lt. Nick Critchell.

From the pilots operating in the air to crews keeping things running on the ground, the Airmen from participating countries worked together at all levels.

"The working relationships have been excellent," said Senior Airman Dylan Wheeler, 748th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief. "It feels like we have similar goals, and everyone works well together."

Switzerland, France and Belgium also contributed personnel to the programme with instructor pilots, search and rescue ssets, and aerial reconnaissance experts.

"This program is a validation of baseline procedures and is a testament that we can turn up and perform from the same sheet of music," Critchell said.

HQ AMC hosted fall U.S. Air Force commander's conference

by Headquarters Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

10/9/2015 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Air Force senior leaders from across the globe came together to discuss current and future challenges central to the Air Force during the Fall 2015 CAF/MAF Commanders' Conference here at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, Oct. 7-9, 2015.

Combat Air Forces, known as CAF, encompasses all Air Force aircraft that drop precision munitions.  Mobility Air Forces, known as MAF, aircraft handle all airlift, air refueling and aeromedical evacuation  missions. Both have to work together to ensure the U.S. maintains global air superiority.

"Our adversaries are catching up.  We must think strategically to ensure the United States maintains what we've enjoyed for the past 68 years: air superiority," said Gen. Carlton "Dewey" Everhart II, Air Mobility Command commander.  "We use CAF/MAF to put some of our most knowledgeable Airmen together in an effort to develop plans that will improve our readiness, cut costs and efficiently leverage and unite our Combat and Mobility Air Force capabilities," he said.  "We know tough choices need to be made and we are at our best when we work together."

During the conference, CAF and MAF subject matter experts presented numerous topics, ideas and challenges for discussion and proposed solutions.

"It's important that we continuously evaluate our infrastructure, aircraft capabilities, and force employment processes so that we can employ our forces efficiently and effectively," said Gen. Hawk Carlisle, commander of Air Combat Command.  "Last month, we successfully showcased our rapid force deployment concept by sending CAF and MAF resources together to train with allied forces in Europe.  It's just one example of how we are looking at integrating CAF and MAF capabilities to improve our Air Force.  It's really about finding ways to provide improved capabilities with a shrinking budget and fewer Airmen in an effort to remain best Air Force on the planet."

"We have a responsibility to make the critical decisions that will help advance the Air Force in this difficult fiscal environment," said Everhart.  "We owe it to the tax payers and our Airmen to find solutions now."

USS Porter Pulls into Odesa, Ukraine

From U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

ODESA, Ukraine (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) arrived in Odesa, Ukraine, for a scheduled port visit Oct. 9, 2015.

Porter's presence in Ukraine reaffirms to NATO allies that the U.S. Navy shares a commitment to strengthen ties while working toward mutual goals of promoting peace and stability in the Black Sea region.

Quote:

"During our port visit, the crew will have the opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of Ukraine as well as strengthen bonds between our maritime forces. Ukraine is a key partner for the U.S. and our presence here demonstrates the U.S. commitment to maintaining a persistent presence in Eastern Europe." - Cmdr. Blair Guy, commanding officer, USS Porter (DDG 78)

Quick Facts:

During the visit, Porter is scheduled to host a reception onboard for Ukrainian guests. Strengthening alliances during the port visit will demonstrate the shared commitment the U.S. has to promote safety and stability within the region.

Porter's port visit will also provide Sailors an opportunity to meet with naval counterparts in order to strengthen bonds for an enhanced partnership.

Porter entered the Black Sea in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve on Oct. 6. The ship's presence in the Black Sea is meant to enhance maritime security and stability, readiness, and naval capability with our allies and partners.

The United States continues to demonstrate its commitment to the collective security of our NATO allies and support for our partners in Europe. All DoD efforts in support of our NATO allies in Eastern Europe fall under the umbrella of Atlantic Resolve.

Porter, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is on a routine patrol conducting naval operations with allies and partners in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in order to advance security and stability in Europe.

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.

Sailors in Korea Celebrate 240th U.S. Navy Birthday

By Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Korea Public Affairs

BUSAN, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Korea joined more than 300 military and civilian guests in a celebration of the U.S. Navy's 240th birthday during a reception in Busan, Republic of Korea (ROK), Oct. 10.

Every year, U.S. Navy commands across the world celebrate the birth of the Navy when, on Oct. 13, 1775, the Continental Congress approved legislation for two vessels to be equipped and armed with 10 carriage guns as well as crews of 80 Sailors charged with intercepting transport ships carrying munitions and stores to the British army in America.

The celebration, held in Busan for the first time since CNFK shifted its headquarters from Seoul in order to support a closer relationship with the ROK Navy, featured speeches by the evening's host, Rear Adm. Bill Byrne, commander of CNFK, and the guest speaker, Vice Adm. Um, Hyung-Seong, the commander of the ROK Fleet.

"Tonight we come together to honor the men and women who have chosen to proudly wear the Navy uniform," said Byrne. "For 240 years we have been there when it mattered, where it mattered, around the world and around the clock."

Byrne also made note of Korea's naval history and the importance of a strong U.S. and ROK alliance.

"We are joined tonight in our celebration by our esteemed ROK Navy partners and it is not lost on me that, while we celebrate over 200 years as a maritime nation, our Korean partners look back proudly at over 2,000 years," said Byrne. "As a nation built upon the water, the Republic of Korea shares our values and understands the importance a strong Navy plays in national security and regional stability."

During his remarks, Um reinforced the importance of the alliance and praised the heritage of the U.S. Navy.

"It has been an honor to work alongside the U.S. Navy, who has such a rich sense of heritage and continues to provide dedication and display professionalism here in the Republic of Korea," said Um.

The celebration concluded with Byrne echoing the sentiment heard during the recorded Navy Birthday message from the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Adm. John Richardson.

"The CNO's message was very clear," said Byrne. "While the ships, submarines, and aircraft make up the muscle and bones of our Navy, you make up the heart and soul. I thank you for everything you've done, everything you continue to do, and everything you're going to do."

Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Korea is the regional commander for the U.S. Navy in the Republic of Korea and provides expertise on naval matters to area military commanders, including the Commander for the United Nations Command, the Combined Forces Command, and Commander, U.S. Forces Korea.