Travis welcomes hero home

By Senior Airman Nicole Leidholm, 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs / Published September 05, 2015

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) -- Airman 1st Class Spencer Stone, the Airman who helped foil a terrorist attack on a train in France Aug. 21, arrived at Travis Air Force Base Sept. 3, with his mother and brother by his side.

"We're thrilled to welcome A1C Spencer Stone back to America," said Col. Joel Jackson, the 60th Air Mobility Wing commander. "He's here at Travis Air Force Base for continued medical care and rest and recuperation with his family in the local area. We ask that everyone please respect the Stone family's privacy as he continues to heal."

Stone returned home on a KC-10 Extender from Germany with 25 redeployers from Southwest Asia and was greeted by about 300 Airmen and their families from the base.

"We're extremely proud of A1C Stone; it takes tremendous courage and selflessness to place others' safety above your own -- he put into action our core value of 'service before self'," said Chief Master Sgt. Alan Boling, the 60th AMW command chief. "Again, we are extremely proud of these men for their willingness to take action and stop what could have been a terrible tragedy."

Stone was previously assigned to the 60th Medical Operations Squadron pediatrics flight as an aerospace medical services technician.

"A1C Stone is an energetic medical technician and I'm sure he was hoping for more 'action' than he found in the pediatric clinic as his first duty section," said Master Sgt. Tanya Hubbard, the 60th MDOS family medicine residency and pediatric clinics superintendent. "However, he fit into our team seamlessly and always had a great attitude. He is a hard worker and I was happy he was part of our team."

Hubbard added that Stone's Air Force training influenced how the events in France played out.

"I think his awareness training helped him to be sensitive to potential dangers and kept him on his toes as he toured throughout Europe," Hubbard said. "I'm sure that when it came down to the moment, he was able to act on impulse due to those protection skills. In the end I believe it was the core values, Air Force and personal, that guided him that day."

Stone's life forever changed two weeks ago when he and his childhood friends, Oregon National Guard Spc. Aleksander Skarlatos and Anthony Sadler, a Sacramento State college student, were on vacation when an armed gunman entered their train carrying an assault rifle, a handgun and a box cutter. The three friends, with the help of a British passenger, subdued the gunman after his rifle jammed.

"Our Airmen live in an environment of constant change, we learn to adapt quickly and take action; fortunately, Stone's experience and training allowed him to put these lessons into action onboard the train," Boling said. "Stone and his friends did what they thought was right and stopped a dangerous attack and for that we thank them. We wish Stone and the others who were injured a speedy recovery."

Stone is currently an ambulance service technician with the 65th MDOS stationed at Lajes Field, Azores. The Sacramento, California, native will be reassigned to Travis AFB in October.

"We are all very proud of A1C Stone," Hubbard said. "He is humble and will tell you that he doesn't deserve all of the fuss, but that's what makes him special. He acted on survival instincts, but he is naturally a protector and we're thankful that he was in that place at that time."

Travis, Army train in case of emergency

by Airman 1st Class Amber Carter
60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

8/13/2015 - TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The California Army National Guard 49th Military Police Brigade trained with the 821st Contingency Response Squadron and the 22nd Airlift Squadron Aug. 7 at Travis Air Force Base, California.

Loadmasters and aerial porters from Travis helped Army military police load their vehicles and mobile command post onto a Travis C-5M Super Galaxy to be transported and unloaded at Moffett Federal Airfield, California.

Eagle walk is a two day exercise, but mobility Airmen only participated in day one. After the equipment reaches its destination on day one, the Army will unite at the staging area. On day two, transportation companies are going to pick up elements of the infantry companies and take them to a consolidated training area.

"Our mission as the Homeland Response Force and California Task Force 49 both require that we are prepared to begin movement of critical assets at the six hour mark [after initial notification]," said Army Master Sgt. Jerry Davis, 49th MP Brigade plans NCO in charge. "So, whether that means getting on the highway and driving to Redding, California, or boarding an aircraft at Travis to be transported somewhere else, that's what we have to be ready to do."

According to Davis, having a clear understanding of the air movement process, knowing each specialized area requirements and points of contact, gives the Army the ability to maintain a practiced proficiency and enhances their ability to self-validate and prepare loads properly.

"Next year, the plan is to be bold and aggressive as far as the timeline," said Army Maj.  Eric Sharyer, 49th MP Brigade plans officer."

The key mission of the National Guard is to provide civil support in emergencies and disasters.

Davis said, "I believe joint training with Travis is critical to the readiness of the brigade and allows us to be better prepared for both of our civil support missions.

Travis' last C-5 departs for upgrade

By Airman 1st Class Amber Carter
60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

8/7/2015 - TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  -- Travis Air Force Base, California, sent its last C-5 Galaxy to Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, Aug. 4 to be upgraded to a C-5M Super Galaxy.

This will mark Travis from a transition base to a completed C-5M base.

"[The transition includes] upgrades to avionics, electrical, bleed air, pressurization, auxiliary power systems and new engines that are more powerful and more fuel efficient," said Master Sgt. Scott Horant, 22nd Airlift Squadron training superintendent. "The power increase is equivalent to adding a fifth engine to a legacy C-5."

The first C-5M arrived at Travis in April 2014. It has taken approximately 18 months for the 22nd Airlift Squadron, 60th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 349th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and the 312th Airlift Squadron to jointly accomplish the conversion.

"The final C-5M will arrive back at Travis [in] December 2017," said Tech. Sgt. Samuel Callison, 22nd Airlift Squadron C-5M flight engineer and NCO in charge. "This will increase the capability of our mission planners to fulfill combatant commander requirements more effectively."

A Travis C-5M broke records this past April, setting 45 new world records for a total of 89 for the aircraft.

"The C-5M has a higher reliability rate which means less time and money is spent repairing the aircraft," Callison said. "It can reach cruise altitude quicker, which means increased fuel efficiency and it can fly farther than ever before."

The new engine upgrade is also quieter than its predecessors.

"This allows the aircraft to be flown in areas that the C-5B was restricted due to noise ordinances around the world," Callison said.

The upgraded C-5M is expected to be in service well beyond 2040.

"It is a great investment because it saves the taxpayers money and ensures cargo will reach the warfighter in the combat zone and our fellow citizens during a natural disaster," Callison said.

9th Air Refueling Squardron recogonized as best in Air Force

by Senior Airman Charles Rivezzo
60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

7/30/2015 - TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The 9th Air Refueling Squadron was recognized July 18 as the "Top Air Refueling Section in the Air Force" after being presented the Albert L. Evans award during the 36th annual Boom Symposium at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.

Refueling squadrons across all major commands and refueling platforms compete for the prestigious award. The Evans award was established in memory of Senior Master Sgt. Albert L. Evans, a pioneer in the history of Strategic Air Command's air refueling operations. The purpose of the trophy is to annually recognize, on a rotational basis, the most outstanding Boom Operator section in the Air Force, based on the accomplishments and professional qualities of the assigned Boom Operators.

"I think this achievement punctuates a tremendous year for our squadron and especially our Boom Operators," said Senior Master Sgt. Shane Hickman, 9th ARS superintendent. "Our Boom Operators are now part of a select few that have won this prestigious award and no one will ever be able to take that away from them."

Throughout 2014, the 9th ARS served as the cornerstone unit for Operations Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve, maintaining a significant worldwide presence and ensuring U.S. objectives were met. Duing this period of activity, the 9th ARS executed more than 1,700 combat missions, offloading 41.8 million pounds of fuel to U.S. Air Force, joint and coalition aircraft over Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria.

The squadron engaged in multiple Department of Defense capstone missions within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, including leading the coalition strike group conducting the first air strikes on Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant forces in Syria - a mission that featured the first female Emirati flight lead.

The men and women of the 9th ARS have maintained what they refer to as the "Gucci standard." A mantra they say epitomizes "executing the mission safely, swiftly and with pride."

"Gucci is a symbol of excellence and prestige that our squadron truly exudes each and every day," Hickman said. "The Gucci standard is always performing at the highest possible level. It is always setting the bar high and going above it. It is always pushing yourself and the team to the limit and never being satisfied with mediocrity. It is having a mindset that no one individual is bigger than the team."

Gucci aircrews also provided crucial air-to-air refueling support for the first Iraqi offensive to reclaim the Mosul Dam - a significant asset - in northern Iraq.

But offloading fuel wasn't the only mission-set the squadron was called upon for. The iconic "triple-threat" of the KC-10 Extender was similarly on display as the 9th ARS transported 3.9 million pounds of cargo and moved more than 3,000 passengers.

With a considerably high operations tempo and approximately 45 Boom Operators within the in-flight refueling section, these Airmen spent roughly 200 days of the year away from home.
According to squadron officials, this is the third time the 9th ARS has earned the Albert L. Evans award and the first time since 2006.

"We could not have achieved this award if it were not for the efforts of our entire Gucci team," said Hickman.  "This achievement is just another example of "upholding that standard and mindset."

Joint Exercise Brings Together Port Opening Experts

By Cynthia Bauer

U.S. Transportation Command

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J., July 24, 2015 – A military and civilian joint service team deployed here this week for U.S. Transportation Command's assessment of Joint Task Force Port Opening airport and distribution operations.

The team of about 200 members, from the 821st Contingency Response Group on Travis Air Force Base, California; 690th Rapid Port Opening Element on Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia; and the Defense Logistics Agency, participated in Turbo Distribution 15-7 here from July 18 through today.

The exercise challenged JTF-PO forces to provide humanitarian aid and disaster relief to meet an urgent need, without the necessary logistics infrastructure. The JTF-PO is Transcom's unique global capability that meets that challenge in real-world operations, most recently for Ebola relief efforts in Africa, through Operation Unified Assistance.

Ready to deploy within 12 hours of notification, a JTF-PO aerial port of debarkation forces are among the first forces on the ground to support geographic combatant commanders during initial phases humanitarian or contingency operations, officials said. JTF-PO provides initial port and distribution capabilities, including tracking cargo that arrives into an area of responsibility and distributing those supplies based on priority of need.

Train, Assess Readiness

Army Lt. Col. Adrain Jackson, Transcom’s Joint Exercise Control Group director, said the Turbo Distribution exercises provide JTF-PO component forces the opportunity to train and assess their readiness to conduct operations and provide the best possible support for combatant commanders.

He said the exercises also provide joint force components a snapshot of their ability to perform the JTF-PO mission and what areas need more training to meet Transcom requirements.

"Our Turbo Distribution 15-7 focused on command initiatives from the Transcom commander and Defense Logistics Agency director, with the integration of the DLA Support Team into JTF-PO operations," Jackson said. "Turbo Distribution also helped us with enhancing in-transit visibility capability using the Cargo Movement Operations System, and demonstrating the use of the Expeditionary Tactical Automated Security System."

Turbo Distribution not only shows how well forces can work together for mission accomplishment, it helps Transcom to find ways improve overall JTF-PO operations, officials said.

Defense Logistics Agency Support Team

One improvement to overall operations unique to Turbo Distribution 15-7 was the addition of the Defense Logistics Agency Support Team to bring added capability and expertise to contracting, warehousing and forward node distribution.

Four DST members became part of the joint assessment team, the initial force that determines the DLA laydown for the operations. Their efforts make inroads with international contacts and contracts for such things as warehousing, fuel, food and other goods and services with an eye toward the sustainment of forces that may be called in after the JTF-PO mission is complete.

Stan Olsen, a joint logistics planner for DLA and the agency's representative on the Turbo Distribution Joint Exercise Control Group, said the exercise shows that the addition of the DST to the JTF-PO will be of great benefit.

"The DST here is helping us with a proof of concept to show how we can complement operations, move quickly and bring tremendous capability to combatant commanders to establish vital logistics lifelines," Olsen said. "We see things differently as far as what's needed. For example, we bring warehousing and fuels expertise -- how to get fuels through contracts -- and that may be overlooked in the rush to get the JTF-PO into position. We are in it for the long haul and work to build a foundation for the initial forces that follow on forces can also use."

The value of the joint service team wasn't lost on the exercise JTF-PO commander, Air Force Col. Rhett Champagne, who is the commander of the 821st CRG at Travis Air Force Base.

"There are two CRGs that will share the alert with three RPOEs, so we are going to see each other again and again over a two-year period for any commander that's going to be there,” Champagne said. “You see the same faces so when you actually go out in the field and work together; you know each other's tactics, techniques, procedures, processes."

Building Relationships Among Partners

He described the relationship among the partners as building trust.

"We have different cultures,” Champagne said. “As we begin to understand each other we begin to trust we are all doing the right things ... and makes one team."

Army Maj. Anthony Freda, 690th RPOE commander, was pleased about how his soldiers worked within the joint environment and how well they worked under field conditions.

"I've been an infantryman for over 13 years, and these [RPOE] soldiers achieved infantry standards," Freda said. "I have a huge sense of satisfaction knowing that the RPOE mission will continue to be in capable hands after I've moved on."

Exercise director, Air Force Maj. Gen. Giovanni Tuck, Transcom's director of operations and plans, summed up Turbo Distribution 15-7.

"Our nation has come to rely on the unique capabilities provided by Joint Task Force-Port Opening," Tuck said. "It is our duty and responsibility to keep these capabilities current and continue to improve our JTF-PO processes to support our U.S. national whole-of-government approach in the international community, especially during humanitarian crises. Turbo Distribution helps us do just that."

Northcom Operation Helps Families Relocating From Japan

From a U.S. Northern Command News Release

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo., March 23, 2011 – U.S. Northern Command is leading “Pacific Passage,” an operation for the voluntary return of military family members from Japan in the aftermath of the deadly March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

Northcom is the joint combatant command formed in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to provide homeland defense and defense support of civil authorities.

U.S. Army North defense coordinating elements led by a defense coordinating officer in Federal Emergency Management Agency Regions 9 and 10 have established joint reception coordination centers, work closely with federal, state, tribal and local officials to determine unique Defense Department capabilities that may be needed to assist civil authorities.

Arrival locations have been established at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Washington state and at Travis Air Force Base, Calif. The arriving families, including their pets, are being met by military representatives from U.S. Army North, who help them with follow-on arrangements such as temporary lodging, food and other support requirements.

Air Forces Northern’s national security emergency preparedness directorate has deployed two emergency preparedness liaison officers to the Seattle-Tacoma airport and is ready to support with others if needed, officials said. Joint reception coordination centers have been set up at both locations.

Northcom's Standing Joint Force Headquarters is on standby to establish an additional arrival location, as necessary, officials said.

More information on Pacific Passage and useful information for returning family members is available at http://www.northcom.mil/japan.

Navy Family Members Arrive at Travis Air Force Base

Melinda L. Larson, NAS Lemoore Public Affairs

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (NNS) -- Hundreds of military family members were welcomed to Travis Air Force Base (AFB) following an 11 hour flight from Yokota Air Base, Japan, as part of an authorized voluntary departure of DoD dependents and Navy civilians, March 22.

"We take care of our Sailors. Our job is to make this transition as smooth and efficient as possible for families during this arduous time," said Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore Command Master Chief Matt Laing, who spearheaded the Navy's relief effort at Travis AFB. "These families have been under a lot of stress since the tsunami and we want to make sure they get to where they need to be as quickly as possible."

When the flight arrived at the terminal, weary family members were helped down the aircraft's stairs and assisted through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection process. Orders were written, needs assessed and final destinations determined. The importance of enrollment in the Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System (NFAAS) was also stressed.

"This is an unusual circumstance for these family members, so it's important they have all the information they need to make a successful transition," said Garland Whetzler, an exceptional family member liaison from NAS Lemoore's Fleet and Family Support Center. "NFAAS is a vital tool for staying connected and informed, especially now."

Of the 330 Navy family members who arrived, 155 were under the age of 12. For one Navy wife traveling with three kids and a dog from Yokosuka, Japan, the reception at Travis AFB was a welcome relief.

"Everyone has been real friendly getting us through this situation. All the help and the smiles have been wonderful. They've really been catering to the kids," said Angelica Hogan, who was happy to have someone read to her 3-year old at the terminal.

Hogan said she left the island with mixed emotions.

"It was a hard decision to leave," Hogan said.

The trip wasn't quite as emotional for her 12-year old daughter, Chardanae, who's looking forward to getting to her grandmother's house in Jacksonville, Fla.

"I'm just hoping grandma cooks us a Sunday dinner," she said.

The Navy will continue to support relief efforts at Travis AFB.

For more information on the voluntary authorized departure for eligible DoD family members from designated areas in Japan, read NAVADMIN 093/11 at www.npc.navy.mil>

All Sailors or family members who are in need of assistance should utilize the NFAAS support site at www.navyfamily.navy.mil to ensure the Navy can track and assess support requirements for all parties affected.

Navy Fleet and Family Support Center has a 24-hour hotline available to provide family support information at 866-854-0638.

U.S. Forces Provide Relief Aid to Japan

By Fred W. Baker III

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 13, 2011 – U.S. military forces are working alongside their Japanese counterparts to provide aid as the country digs out in the aftermath of the massive 8.9 magnitude earthquake and tsunami that struck March 11.

"Because of the longstanding and close working relationship between the U.S. military and its Japanese counterparts on a daily basis, the United States military has humanitarian assistance capabilities positioned in the affected regions that are ready to support emergency relief efforts and minimize human suffering," U.S. Ambassador to Japan John V. Roos said in a statement to the media yesterday.

Dubbed Operation Tomodachi -- Japanese for "friendship" -- U.S. military assets mobilizing in the area include a wide range of equipment, air, sea, and ground capability and expertise.

"We have units from all of our services, with a multitude of capabilities, from medical to communications to civil engineering, poised and ready to support where needed," Roos said.

Yokota Air Base in Japan was instrumental in recovering airline traffic in the hours immediately following the earthquake, Roos said. Also, Yokota is being used as an alternate airfield for planes that cannot land at Tokyo's Narita Airport. The air base is also providing food and shelter for displaced Japanese, according to reports.

U.S. Air Force and Marine helicopter and transport aircraft were moved from Okinawa to the U.S. military bases on Honshu.

Two SH-60 Seahawk helicopters from the U.S. Naval Air Facility Atsugi have already delivered 1,500 pounds of rice and bread to people in the town of Shiroishi, in one of the worst-hit parts of Japan, according to reports.

Marines and sailors from III Marine Expeditionary Force are supporting relief operations and its subordinate units are providing command and control, aviation and logistics support, according to Marine Corps officials.

The troops are capable of providing food, water, transportation and other relief support.

The proximity of aviation assets at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa has allowed Marines from III MEF to quickly deploy critically needed supplies and aid to areas that need it most, officials said.

“In a matter of hours supplies, gear and manpower began flowing into mainland Japan with more to follow,” said Marine Lt. Col. Karl C. Rohr, the assistant chief of staff of current operations for III MEF.

Yesterday, CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265, III MEF, departed Marine Corps Air Station Futenma bound for Naval Air Facility Atsugi on mainland Japan.

A squadron from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma in Arizona also has been tapped to help with the relief efforts.

The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan is now off the coast of Japan’s main island of Honshu and the USS Tortuga is expected to arrive today.

According to reports, the Reagan is serving as place for Japanese helicopters to land and refuel. There are two escort ships with the Reagan and four more destroyers on the way to conduct search and rescue, according to reports.

The Tortuga is loaded with two heavy lift MH-53 Sea Stallion helicopters. The USS Essex, an amphibious ship carrying a 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit is still a couple days away.

The USS Blue Ridge, a command ship loaded with relief supplies, has left Singapore but it will get to Japan after Essex.

The U.S. Air Force's Air Mobility Command forces are poised to support relief operations in Japan, according to AMC officials.

Numerous AMC aircraft and crews have been placed on alert, according to officials, positioning forces to take-off within hours of receiving the call to support the humanitarian relief effort.

Tanker and airlift aircraft are included in the alert posture. Forces from the 615th Contingency Response Wing at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., are poised to deploy to open and operate airfields and receive and off-load humanitarian relief supplies, according to a release.