24 SOW strengthens force through resiliency programs

by Raquel Sanchez
Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs

1/16/2013 - HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. (AFNS) -- Special Tactics Airmen have held the forefront of combat operations for more than a decade, undertaking the most dangerous missions. These mission-ready operators are the first ones there. They cannot be mass produced and are in great demand.

The U.S. Special Operations Command's Preservation of the Force and Families initiative supports the special operations force's truth that humans are more important than hardware. It provides resources targeted on physical, mental and spiritual aspects of resiliency for Airmen and their families.

Their motto, "First There ... That Others May Live," is a testament to the commitment of a Special Tactics Airman. These battlefield Airmen face multiple deployments and intensive training schedules that impact them and their families.

The 24th Special Operations Wing has led the way to ensure ST Airmen and their families have the resources available to them to deal with the stressors of a demanding operations tempo.

The 24th SOW is the third and newest wing in Air Force Special Operations Command, and the only one comprised of ST Airmen that include officers, combat controllers, pararescuemen, special operations weathermen, tactical air control party operators and specialized combat support Airmen from 58 Air Force specialties.

Their mission is to provide ST forces for rapid global employment to enable airpower success. Special Tactics Airmen are often the first to deploy into crisis situations because of their exceptional capabilities. These include airfield reconnaissance, assessment, and control. They also engage in joint terminal attack control, personnel recovery, and environmental reconnaissance.

"It's a mission that we have to sustain," said Col. Robert Armfield, 24th SOW commander. "We have a generation of people who have 10, 12, 14 rotations of doing this."

"The cumulative effect of this type of lifestyle can cause psychological and physical trauma, and we have to continue to take this highly trained force and employ it on the next 10 rotations," Armfield said. "So how do you do it, how do you invest your resources to take care of your force and their families?"

The 24th SOW is taking care of their force and families through resiliency programs, resources and counseling. Leadership at the wing identified the need for specialized care for their force then assigned caregivers to their units to provide continuity of care and immediate one-on-one treatment to ST Airmen and their families.

The physical requirements of an ST Airman are demanding. No day is the same, and Airmen must be willing to test their physical and mental abilities to get the job done. ST Airmen are trained in parachuting, scuba diving, rappelling, skiing, motorcycling, survival skills and much more.

"The nature of the job is that they take risks," said Lt. Col. Chetan Kharod, the 24th SOW surgeon general. "We study what the most likely types of injury are during training, during deployment and off-duty to come up with prevention measures.

"Physical fitness covers exercise, nutrition, and overall health of the mind and body. Each unit has their own fitness operations with an athletic trainer and strength coach who shapes the building of an ST Airman," Kharod said. "They also have a physical therapist that knows them and who can treat their injuries to ensure an effective recovery."

The 24th SOW hopes to improve their return to duty rates by having caregivers on site who can help identify risks early on and who can provide treatment to get Airmen back to daily life and operational capability.

The wing is also one of the first to embed a psychologist and chaplain into each of their deploying units.

"We are identifying issues very early during the deployment and building rapport with the operators so they feel more comfortable talking about them when they get back," said Lt. Col. James Young, the 24th SOW chief of psychological applications. "This allows us to connect them with resources and provide treatment almost immediately.

"In the past there was sometimes a stigma attached to those who asked for help, and many would continue to struggle and never seek the care they needed. Embedding psychologists into the units has made it easier for Airmen to ask for help," Young said.

"For every deployment rotation that I've done, there have been four to five guys who have sought follow-up care just based off the conversation we had while deployed," Young said.

Chaplains also deploy alongside psychologists to provide counseling to ST Airmen and their families before, during and after a deployment.

"When not on the battlefield with our prizefighters, our main focus is to take care of our families," said Maj. Jason Botts, 24th SOW chaplain.

Family members are just as invested in the mission as the service member, and they are affected by the lifestyle of a career ST Airman. To help care for the needs of their families, the wing has off base resiliency retreats. Each squadron has two per deployment cycle: one mid deployment for spouses and one post deployment for the entire squadron. Retreats provide a setting that encourages interaction, information sharing and access to caregivers.

A psychologist, chaplain, military family life consultant, and doctor are present to educate and consult with members and their families. A psychologist begins the retreat by providing training on stress physiology followed by the chaplain who teaches spiritual resiliency. Both seminars help attendees thoroughly understand the various stressors associated with ST deployments and provide tools for effectively managing the associated stress with the latest psychological techniques and spiritual formation practices.

These resiliency based retreats have proven to have an impact on our Airmen and their families, Botts said.

"We continually receive feedback from spouses that say, 'We've never had anything like this before; now I understand my husband and can more effectively reintegrate my life with his upon returning home.'"

The military family life consultant teaches the latest relational resiliency strategies for adults and recently began a program to help children cope with the continual ST deployment cycle.

"There's not a universal formula for resiliency," Botts said. "However, I do know one truth about keeping people poised under pressure which we try to take advantage of via the retreat paradigm," Botts said.

"The likelihood of bouncing back is much greater when we look out for each other, helping one another bear the stress that comes with ST deployments whether on the objective or at the diaper changing table," Botts said. "So, along with getting high quality training, our retreats provide strategic down time for attendees to build stronger friendships with each other."

The 24th SOW plans to continue to strengthen their force through the POTFF initiative adding personnel and facilities to take care of the Airmen and their families. AFSOC will build its first Resiliency Operations center at Hurlburt Field with a groundbreaking expected in fiscal 2014. The center will provide streamlined deployment processing, integrated physical and mental health care. It will also provide top-tier training for ST Airmen, aviators and medical specialists.

"We hope the results of what we're doing for the 24th SOW will help influence the future of how the Air Force and how special operators across the services train and take care of their people," Armfield said.

The POTFF initiative has been a key component to help enhance mission readiness of the 24th SOW.

"When people join Special Tactics their lives are on the line every day. Since 9/11 we've lost 17 members and have had more than 100 critically injured," Armfield said. "What we're asking them to do is pretty incredible. We owe them the most we can do; to take care of them, to make them ready to be successful in combat, and to take care of the families that we're asking to give so much to us."

NCOs Crucial to Suicide Prevention, Battaglia Says

By Claudette Roulo American Forces Press Service KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss., Jan. 16, 2013 – The senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here today that he can’t succeed at his job without the help of enlisted service members, and he called on noncommissioned officers to know their troops well enough to head off problems. Air Force and Marine Corps first sergeants assigned to Keesler Air Force Base met with Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia and talked about several challenges faced by the enlisted force. “You have a hard job,” he told the noncommissioned officers. “I wish I could give you a pay raise.” Over breakfast, Battaglia answered questions about suicide prevention efforts and whether the position of senior enlisted advisor to the chairman would become an enduring one. The fact that the military suicide rate is lower than that of the population at large shouldn’t be considered a compliment or accolade, Battaglia said. “We don’t use society as a bar,” he noted, adding that instead, the military should stand as a model for society. The military suicide prevention effort will succeed only if suicide is taken out of the decision-making process for service members, Battaglia said. “This is easier said than done,” he acknowledged, but he told the first sergeants they are up to the challenge. “You really have to know your folks,” he said. “I just can’t overemphasize this.” Battaglia said he recently came to the realization that “maybe we’re studying the wrong thing” in the suicide prevention effort. Instead of studying what the military is doing wrong, he said, he is now focusing on what it’s doing right. For example, he told the NCOs, the suicide rate in U.S. Forces Korea is nearly zero. Discussions with the senior enlisted leaders there have shown him that command climate and operational focus are essential tools in battling suicide. As to whether the job of senior enlisted advisor to the chairman continues to exist after he leaves it, Battaglia told the service members it depends on how he performs. The position is resonating well throughout the force, he said, adding that he hopes it continues. Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey’s first official act as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was to swear in his enlisted advisor, the sergeant major said. “That was huge,” he added, because it indicated the value the chairman places on enlisted service members. “I don’t know why he selected me,” Battaglia joked. “I don’t plan on asking. Some things are better left unsaid.”

Beverly Midnight 13-1: Flybys and bug-outs

8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

1/16/2013 - KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- The first operational readiness exercise of 2013, Beverly Midnight 13-1, continued at the Wolf Pack Jan. 16.

Wolf Pack Airmen continued to prove their ability to execute the mission in a wartime environment.

The base's day-to-day operations are carried out along with the base exercises to provide realistic training environments mimicking wartime operations. These exercises include self-aid and buddy care, evacuations, par-sweeps, mass casualty response, aircraft generation and mission-oriented protective posture training.

DOD Health Official Updates Status of PTSD, TBI Care

By Nick Simeone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2013 – A top Defense Department health official told a Pentagon task force yesterday that determining the impact of mental health programs across the military will be a key project this year for the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury.

DCoE’s director, Navy Capt. Paul S. Hammer, listed accomplishments over the past year as well as areas where improvement is needed, including “streamlining functions that effectively accomplish the stated DCoE mission and vision.”

“Our job is to make the system better so that our service members, their families and veterans get better care,” he told the Recovering Warrior Task Force, whose mission is to provide DOD with advice on managing care for post-traumatic stress disorder and TBI.

DOD and the Veterans Affairs Department are “collaborating to shape policies and programs with a long term impact on returning warriors, during military service and after transition to civilian life,” he added. He called for increased screening and referral of service members believed to be experiencing PTSD, and for improved access to quality care for those being treated.

In addition, he called on DOD as well as the services to adopt strategies to better recognize PTSD among returning warriors and to step up efforts to ensure those who need treatment stick with it.

Hammer told the task force members his organization benefits efforts throughout the Defense Department to help those suffering from PTSD and TBI. “We believe that by serving as the principal integrator and authority on psychological health and traumatic brain injury knowledge and standards for DOD," he said, "we are uniquely positioned to accelerate improvement and care.”

Hammer noted that a transition is under way as support responsibility for DCoE shifts from DOD’s TRICARE Management Activity to the Army Medical Research and Materiel Command under a Defense Department directive.

“What we need is leadership to really clarify expectations on what they want for us in terms of our roles and functions,” he said. “I think the challenge or difficulty is ensuring that we are clear on what our role is and what the relationship is with the services.”

The Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury was established in 2007 to develop excellence in prevention, outreach and care for service members with psychological health conditions including TBI. It oversees three centers: the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, the Deployment Health Clinical Center and the National Center for Telehealth and Technology.

Sea Cadets Tour Submarine at Point Loma

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Melissa K. Russell, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Participants from the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps toured the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Jefferson City (SSN 759) aboard Naval Base Point Loma Jan. 12 to see what life is like aboard a U.S. Navy submarine.

Submariner tour guides taught the students how the submarine moves through the water and how it stays balanced, heated, and defensive, along with how the crew lives.

"I enjoy telling people what we do," said Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Jared Sainz, one of Jefferson City's appointed tour guides. "Most people don't understand what happens in a submarine or how a submarine works on a basic level."

Twenty-three children, ranging in age from 11 to 17, toured the vessel along with their chaperones in an effort to better understand what a career as a submariner would be like.

"It's a good eye-opener for these guys to pinpoint what they want to do when they graduate from high school," said Ginny Fessler, a chaperone and parent volunteer. "Some of them said, 'Yeah, I could do this,' and others were like, 'No, I think I'm too tall!'"

The tour allowed the visitors to see virtually all of the unclassified spaces on the nuclear-powered submarine including the control center, sleeping quarters, galley, torpedo space and wardroom.

Hannah Lockmann, a 14-year-old student at Hill Creek Elementary School, said she enjoyed the firsthand experience.

"Today was a lot of fun and I learned a lot." Lockmann said. She added that her career ambition is to become a Navy Corpsman, but not on a sub. "It's just too small!" she said.

Sainz said there was real value for the touring children in familiarizing themselves with actual Navy equipment and culture.

"I wish these opportunities existed when I was younger," Sainz said. "They get to see what's going on in the Navy and they'll understand a little bit better what they're getting into if they do decide to join."

Since 1958, the Naval Sea Cadet Corps has been committed to providing American youth with a drug and alcohol-free environment to foster their leadership abilities, broaden their horizons through hands-on training, and guide them to becoming mature young adults.

For more information on the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps visit http://www.seacadets.org.

CNIC Releases New Online Navy Spouse Orientation Course

From Commander, Navy Installations Command Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Commander Navy Installations Command's (CNIC), Work and Family Life Department released an online training course for new Navy spouses called New Spouse Orientation (NSO), officials announced Jan. 16.

The course is designed to support new Navy spouses that may be geographically isolated or unable to attend this Fleet and Family Support Center workshop in person. The NSO course is available on demand 24/7.

The online training provides information on benefits, support services, military culture and resources to help Navy spouses adapt to the military lifestyle.

According to Dede O'Rourke, CNIC Relocation Assistance Program Analyst, "the NSO course should be at the top of any new Navy spouse's to do list."

For direct access to the course, visit http://learning.zeiders.refineddata.com/course/view.php?id=4502 or http://tinyurl.com/NewSpouseOrientation.

This online training does not replace the Fleet and Family Support Center new spouse workshop; it provides access to those who cannot attend in person.

For more information on New Spouse Orientation please contact the Fleet and Family Support Center. To find your nearest center, visit www.ffsp.navy.mil.

USS Boxer Holds Change of Command At Sea

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Veronica Mammina, USS Boxer Public Affairs

USS BOXER, At Sea (NNS) -- Amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) held a change of command ceremony in the hangar bay while underway Jan. 11.

Capt. John E. Gumbleton relieved Capt. Kevin P. Flanagan as commanding officer.

Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3, Rear Adm. Gerard P. Hueber, flew via helicopter to preside over the ceremony and award Flanagan with a Legion of Merit for his exceptional service as commanding officer.

Hueber thanked Flanagan for his work and added that the Boxer crew gets every job done.

"Boxer gets it done, plain and simple," said Hueber. "There are not many ships on the waterfront who need less help or any help at all than Boxer."

Flanagan expressed his feelings toward the change of command.

"The change of command is designed for the crew," said Flanagan. "I can't be any happier to do it underway."

Under Flanagan's leadership, Boxer successfully completed a Western Pacific Deployment and a nine-month Planned Maintenance Availability. Also, the ship was awarded the Retention Excellence Award for outstanding retention during fiscal year 2011 and the 2011 Battle Effectiveness Award (Battle "E"). His next assignment is at Naval Beach Group 1 in San Diego.

Flanagan expressed his thoughts on his duty aboard the ship.

"I would like to give you all a hearty well done for the last three years because this isn't about my accomplishments, this is about three years of your accomplishments," said Flanagan. "From the bottom of my heart, I'm not going to say thanks, I'm going to give you all a no kidding 'Bravo Zulu.' Well done, shipmates."

Gumbleton complimented Flanagan's ability to command the ship and her crew and said he looked forward to the future.

"Together I know we will meet every challenge, carry out any mission and defeat any enemy," said Gumbleton.

Hueber added his remarks about the ship's new commanding officer.

"I have the greatest respect for Captain Gumbleton professionally and personally," said Hueber. "I think you're all going to get an absolutely tremendous commanding officer." Gumbleton added he is looking forward to getting the ship ready for deployment later on this year.

USS Germantown departs for Spring Deployment

SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- The forward deployed Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), part of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), departed Tuesday, Jan. 15, for its spring deployment in the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility.

Germantown will take part in an amphibious integration training (AIT) and certification exercise (CERTEX), participate in the annual multinational combined joint training exercise Cobra Gold, and conduct various other exercises.

"Training is extremely important for us, not just as a Navy but in our case specifically as an ARG. These types of training exercises allow us to come together, at times with our allies, with the Marine Corps to practice, improve, and evaluate our capabilities," said Lt. Brad Tonder, operations officer aboard Germantown.

AIT and CERTEX are training exercises focusing on the ARG's and 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit's (31st MEU) amphibious assault capabilities, humanitarian assistance capabilities, disaster relief operations, and non-combatant evacuation missions.

Cobra Gold is an annual U.S and Kingdom of Thailand sponsored joint, multinational exercise intended to demonstrate the ability to rapidly deploy a joint task force to conduct combined operations at sea and ashore.

"Joint, multinational operations are a reality of our time. We have strong ties with our allies, but in order to be effective while working together, we must be able to practice in order to understand each other. Cobra Gold allows us such an opportunity," said Ensign Jessica H. Choi, Germantown's electrical officer.

Germantown is the second of three ships from the ARG to get underway. USS Tortuga (LSD 46) departed Jan. 14 and USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) will depart at a later date to meet up with Germantown and Tortuga.

Bonhomme Richard ARG reports to the Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, Rear Adm. Jeffrey A. Harley, headquartered in White Beach, Okinawa, Japan.

Harry S. Truman Strike Group Begins COMPTUEX

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Taylor DiMartino, Harry S. Truman Strike Group Public Affairs

USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, At Sea (NNS) -- Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Strike Group (HSTSG) began its composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) after departing Naval Station Norfolk Jan. 14.

COMPTUEX is a series of training scenarios designed to certify HSTSG as a deployment-ready fighting force capable of completing operations in overseas theaters.

The exercise will be evaluated and graded by Commander, Strike Force Training Atlantic (CSFTA) through warfare scenarios that will include simulated surface, air, undersea, strike and electronic attacks.

In addition, events such as maritime interception operations (such as visit, board, search and seizure [VBSS]), live-fire evolutions, and strike group formations will also be assessed by CSFTA.

"We can always run simulations, but nothing takes the place of real live scenarios with communication between various units and aircraft in real, tactical situations," said Cmdr. Jason Darish, Truman's combat direction center (CDC) officer. "Proficiencies have been built at a very high rate in the months leading up to COMPTUEX and I think our Sailors are ready for this exercise."

Chief Operations Specialist (SW/AW) Michael Masley, CDC's leading chief petty officer said his Sailors are ready for the evaluation after months of training and preparation.

"This is the last time that we can prove we are proficient at our jobs and ready to go on deployment," said Masley. "This scenario will be a final test of the crew's deployment readiness and is intended to make sure everyone has the ability to fight and defend the ship in real-world scenarios."

Intelligence Specialist 3rd Class Erin Maisch, assigned to Truman's intelligence department, said COMPTUEX will verify her department's ability to accurately collect, analyze and disseminate information under stressful conditions.

"We need to be prepared for anything," said Maisch. "Throughout COMPTUEX, we need to show that we can do our jobs with 100 percent accuracy, within rules and regulations and within a certain time frame."
Darish said he has confidence that every member of HSTSG will perform admirably during the upcoming scenarios.

"I have nothing but the highest expectations," said Darish. "I think we're eager to prove ourselves, eager to learn and to train. Everyone is ready and willing to get the job done. We will have the skills right out the door when it comes time to deploy."

Units operating with HSTSG include: Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, 1st Combined Destroyer Squadron (1CDS), USS Barry (DDG 52), USS Gravely (DDG 107), the German ship FGS Hamburg (F220), and the Canadian ships HMCS Ville De Quebec (FFH 332) and HMCS Preserver (AOR 510); USS Monterey (CG 61), USS Gettysburg (CG 64), and USS Kauffman (FFG 59).

Recruiting Duty: Shaping the Future Force

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrea Perez, Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs

MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- Shore special programs detailers are currently looking for Sailors in pay grades E-5 and above to serve as recruiters, said a Navy official Jan. 16.

"The Navy is a rotational force and recruiting is essential to maintaining an experienced 21st Century fleet," said Capt. John Alexander, assistant commander, Navy Personnel Command (NPC) for Career Management.

The mission of recruiting is to recruit men and women for enlisted, officer candidate and officer status in the active duty and Reserve components of the Navy. Interested Sailors should start by talking with their chain of command and command career counselor.

"Recruiters are important to the Navy because we're always looking for the most highly qualified men and women to fill our ranks," said Chief Navy Counselor Russell Custer, lead recruiting detailer for production recruiters, NPC.

According to Custer, there are different types of recruiters. "Some Sailors recruit officers, some recruit enlisted personnel and the Navy even has a Career Recruiting Force (CRF). Once selected for CRF, Sailors will spend the remainder of their career recruiting," said Custer.

Enlisted Sailors in most rates, if eligible, can request to serve as a production recruiter. Production recruiters earn the 9585 Navy Enlisted Classification Code and are considered the classic recruiter for enlisted personnel.

"Recruiting duty is very demanding. It teaches you time management and prioritization unlike any other job in the Navy," said Custer. "It's very similar to a fast-paced sales environment and Sailors are expected to accomplish various goals and expectations on a daily basis."

According to Custer, applicants must have no performance mark averages below 3.0, no alcohol related incidences, no NJPs (non-judicial punishments) within the last 36 months and have a valid driver's license. Sailors must also be within height, weight, or body fat standards and have passed their last three years of regularly scheduled physical fitness assessments and body composition assessments. Lastly, Sailors must have a recommendation from their command master chief and their commanding officer.

A complete listing of eligibility requirements can be found in MILPERSMAN 1306-964. Sailors who meet the requirements and would like to apply for the recruiting duty program should contact their rating detailer when entering their permanent change of station orders negotiation window, nine months prior to their projected rotation date.

"There are recruiting opportunities for Sailors across all 26 Navy Recruiting Districts throughout the United States," said Custer.

Sailors accepted to the recruiting duty program as production recruiters attend the Navy Recruiting Orientation Unit in Pensacola, Fla. for five weeks of training. Students are taught sales skills which will enable them to promote the Navy. Sailors will also learn, develop, and practice competence in the areas of marketing, public speaking and social networking.

According to Custer, recruiters are currently eligible for Special Duty Assignment Pay of $450.00 per month, use of a government vehicle, cell phone and laptop, and Supplemental Clothing Monetary Allowance.

Tour lengths are a minimum of 36 months and begin when a Sailor arrives to their assigned Navy Recruiting District (NRD). A Sailor's NRD will then further assign them to a Navy Recruiting Station (NRS). Therefore, a Sailor's ultimate duty assignment is based on the needs of the NRD. Sailors may not always be stationed in the exact geographic location they request, but most Sailors are assigned to the location they request or as close to the location they request as possible, said Custer.

"I think that every Sailor should apply to be a recruiter at some point in their career," said Custer. "Recruiting gives a Sailor the opportunity to give back to the community. It allows them to promote Navy awareness within their community, talk about what the Navy has done for them and give others the opportunity to achieve their ambitions, goals and dreams by serving in the Navy."

Shore Special Program detailers assign Sailors to more than 20 shore special programs Navy-wide. These programs are not necessarily geared for a specific rating, but manning them with qualified Sailors is still important.

Examples include recruit division commander duty and brig staff duty, service on the USS Constitution or the USS Arizona Memorial, and assignment to the Blue Angels or the Navy Ceremonial Guard. MILPERSMAN 1306-900 contains a complete list of special programs available.

Panetta, in Italy, Addresses Global, Local Issues

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

ROME, Jan. 16, 2013 – Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Italian government officials discussed a range of issues here today, from conflict in Africa to security transition in Afghanistan to Sicilian concerns about a proposed U.S. communications facility there.

The secretary met with government officials including President Giorgio Napolitano, Prime Minister Mario Monti, Foreign Affairs minister Giulio Terzi di Sant' Agata and Defense Minister Giampaolo Di Paola.
Panetta and Di Paolo, the secretary said during a joint conference, “had a very productive session covering a host of bilateral issues -- Afghanistan, our shared concerns about the situation in Mali, and how to strengthen our defense trade and cooperation for the future.”

The secretary noted as the son of Italian immigrants to America, he has always felt a strong connection to Italy. “But as secretary of defense, I have gained a profound new respect for Italy’s significant contributions to regional and global security,” he added.

Italy is a key member of the NATO alliance and the lead nation for NATO’s International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan’s Regional Command West, Panetta said.

“In our session, Minister di Paola and I updated each other on the significant progress our forces are making in building an Afghanistan that can govern and secure itself,” he said. “That progress will enable us to reach a key milestone this spring, when Afghan forces shift into the lead for security throughout the country.”
The United States is very grateful to Italy for its “steadfast support” in the ISAF effort, he said.

“We will never forget the more than 50 Italians who have died carrying out the mission in Afghanistan,” Panetta told the audience.

America is also grateful for Italy’s “extraordinary hospitality” in hosting more than 30,000 U.S. service members, civilians and family members on U.S bases in Italy.

Panetta said Aviano Air Base, in northeast Italy; Caserme Ederle, near Vicenza; Naval Air Station Sigonella, in Sicily; and Camp Darby, in the province of Pisa, “enhance the collective security of the alliance.”
The U.S. presence in Italy, he said, is “critical to our military’s ability to respond to crisis, and to meet challenges in the region and beyond.”

The secretary noted he will travel to Vicenza tomorrow, “to personally thank U.S. military personnel who are stationed there.”

Together with their Italian military counterparts, he said, young American service members are helping to write a new chapter in the long history of friendship between the two nations.

“I know they are inspired by the same goal my Italian father always told me: we must work hard and protect those we love to build a better life for our children,” Panetta said.

During a discussion today with Italian reporters and press traveling with him, the secretary responded to questions on the F-35 joint strike fighter, and on the previously mentioned communications complex in Sicily.
Panetta said the U.S. is fully committed to the fifth-generation F-35, which he called “the future in fighter aircraft.”

Italy has partnered with the United States on the fighter since 1998, when the program was in its concept and development phase. Other international partners include the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Norway, Turkey, Israel and Singapore.

“We have made very good progress in the development of that plane,” the secretary said.
“We believe it’s a very good investment … and we appreciate Italy’s commitment and willingness to participate,” he said. “We believe the F-35 is the plane of the future.”

The planned communications facility in Sicily, Panetta said, is intended to provide U.S. forces with advanced defense communications capabilities. He noted Sicilian residents have expressed concerns about possible health hazards the installation may present.

“I understand the concerns of the people there,” he said.

The secretary said he and Di Paola are working to address those concerns, and that studies performed to date indicate no risks to health will result from the installation.

“But I want to make sure that we do everything possible to address the concerns of those residents,” he said. “They, too, have to be convinced that this is something that can be done without impacting their health or well-being.”

Manassas Woman Indicted After Allegedly Purchasing More Than 25 Firearms in 15 Day

Pistol Purchased on Nov. 17, 2012, Allegedly Recovered on Nov. 30, 2012 During Arrest of Suspected Narcotics Trafficker

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Kimberly Yvette Dinkins, 44, of Manassas, Va., has been indicted by a federal grand jury accused of purchasing more than 25 firearms to illegally sell to others, along with lying to federal agents about those purchases.

Neil H. MacBride, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and James Newman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives‘ (ATF) Washington Field Division, made the announcement after the indictment was returned.

"Kimberly Dinkins is accused of purchasing a high volume of handguns in 15 days, at least one of which made it into the hands of a suspected drug trafficker," said U.S. Attorney MacBride. "Illegal gun dealing is a serious crime, and we applaud the ATF for their quick work in putting this case together."

"When offenders indiscriminately put guns on the streets that can be used against our citizens, our children and our community, ATF takes this very seriously," said ATF Acting SAC Newman. "ATF‘s mission and priority is to deny criminals access to firearms and to protect the rights of law abiding citizens."

On Jan. 10, 2013, Dinkins was indicted and charged with dealing firearms without a license and making a materially false statement, which each carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison, if convicted. She was previously charged through a criminal complaint and arrested on Dec. 13, 2012, and she has remained in federal custody since her arrest pending further court action.

According to court records, Dinkins does not have a license to deal in firearms. From Nov. 17, 2012, through Dec. 1, 2012, she attended three Virginia gun shows on three consecutive weekends and allegedly purchased more than 25 semi-automatic handguns from dealers. One of the firearms allegedly purchased by Dinkins at a gun show in Chantilly, Va., the weekend of Nov. 16-18, 2012, was recovered during the arrest of a suspected narcotics trafficker on Nov. 30, 2012 in Prince George's County, Md.

The indictment alleges that during an interview on Dec. 3, 2012, Dinkins falsely stated that she had sold all of the firearms she had purchased at the three gun shows, despite still being in possession of some of the firearms.

This investigation is being conducted by ATF‘s Washington Field Division. Special Assistant United States Attorney L. Rush Atkinson and Virginia Assistant Attorney General and Special Assistant United States Attorney Marc J. Birnbaum are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

Criminal indictments are only charges and not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Fairchild selected as candidate to fly KC-46A

by Tech. Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

1/15/2013 - FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Air Force officials announced Jan. 9 that Fairchild Air Force Base is a final candidate to be the first active duty-led main operating base for the new KC-46A air refueling tanker.

Other candidate bases include Altus AFB, Okla.; McConnell AFB, Kan., and Grand Forks AFB, N.D.

The Air Force will next conduct detailed site surveys at each candidate base with a primary and alternate location selection announcement projected for spring 2013.

The Air Force is projected to receive 179 KC-46A aircraft between 2016 and 2028. By 2028, the Air Force expects to base KC-46As at one formal training unit and up to 10 main operating bases.

"Our KC-135s are critical to fueling the fight and fueling freedom, now and for the foreseeable future" said 92nd Air Refueling Wing Commander Col. Brian Newberry. "However, the KC-46A offers a variety of advantages over the venerable tankers we fly today. This airframe is an important step in recapitalizing the tanker fleet."

Committees visited several Air Force installations over the last few years with a variety of criteria to select bases to receive the first tankers.

"If indeed Fairchild is chosen to fly the KC-46A, we will do so with the same level of partnership with the Washington Air National Guard's 141st Air Refueling Wing and dedication our Airmen continuously provide," Newberry said.

A new tanker has been the number one acquisition priority for the Air Force for several years. The KC-46A will be built by the Boeing Company, headquartered in Washington State.

Airmen win ACC awards, to compete at Air Force level

by Darren D. Heusel
Tinker Public Affairs

1/15/2013 - TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Two Airmen assigned to geographically separated units with ties to the 552nd Air Control Wing at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., were honored recently by Air Combat Command with the highest awards possible in cyberspace operations.

Staff Sgt. Justin Hein, a member of the 728th Air Control Squadron at Eglin AFB, Fla., was lauded as the Air Combat Command Cyber Systems Operations Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, while Staff Sgt. Matthew Ochoa, with the 726th Air Control Squadron at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, was hailed as the Ground Radar Systems NCO of the Year for ACC.

Both Airmen will now go on to compete at the Air Force-level in their respective categories.

"I am honored to be the ACC (Cyber Systems) NCO category representative for the annual Information Dominance awards at the Air Force level," Sergeant Hein said.
Hein said he was actually surprised to win at the MAJCOM level since he is the sole Cyber Systems NCO in the 728th ACS.

"I'm happy the small and big things my shop does at home station or in a deployed location on a regular basis are having a decisive impact on the war against terrorism through information dominance means," he said. "This award is a testament to my co-workers and supervision. Without them, I would not have won at any level."

Ochoa said being recognized first at the 12th Air Force-level and then the ACC-level means a great deal to him personally.

He said he is looking forward to competing at the Air Force-level, but realizes none of the accolades he's received could have been possible without the top notch leadership appointed over him and the "extremely motivated" Airmen who serve under him.
"Having them working above their station has allowed me to take on more challenging projects," Ochoa said.

He said he is also very appreciative of his wife, Jennifer, whose "dedication to our family lets me focus on the mission."

Col. Greg Guillot, 552nd Air Control Wing commander, said the entire wing is extremely proud of the two staff sergeants, adding, "To earn MAJCOM-level recognition shows these two are truly elite NCOs."

"Moreover," he said, "it shows the excellence of their supervisors and co-workers since success in the military takes a team effort."

Guillot went on to say the outstanding achievement attained by the sergeants is further testament that the Airmen of the 552nd ACW are the best in the world at delivering command and control and battle management to combatant commanders worldwide.

"We wish Sergeants Hein and Ochoa the best of luck in the Air Force-level competition," he said.

554th RED HORSE supports Enduring Freedom

by Airman 1st Class Marianique Santos
36th Wing Public Affairs

1/15/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Airmen from the 554th RED HORSE Squadron, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, are currently deployed downrange in support of U.S. Central Command's Operation Enduring Freedom.

Approximately two months into their deployment, the 554th RHS are executing a critical $31 million construction program spanning from the Middle East to Central Asia. Projects include a tactical operation center, command and control infrastructure, strategic airlift ramp and fuel farm, emergency airfield repairs and several other facilities delivering mission and life-support functions across the CENTCOM area of operation.

Recently, a RED HORSE construction site was visited by the CENTCOM deputy commander, Vice Adm. Robert S. Harward, the of the Army Central Command commander, Lt. Gen. Vincent K. Brooks and the Air Force Central Command deputy commander, Maj. Gen. Lori J. Robinson.

"Leadership from different levels were impressed with the Airmen's work ethic and the capability they bring to the fight," said Master Sgt. David M. Justiss, 554th RHS first sergeant. "They lauded the efforts of our Airmen, who enabled the beddown of a critical new mission capability to CENTCOM."

There are currently over 20 individual RED HORSE construction projects distributed across eight different sites throughout Southwest Asia, with majority of the projects located in Afghanistan. The Airmen have moved over 100,000 tons of dirt and performed countless maintenance actions on AFCENT's largest single-unit fleet worth $85.2 million.

"We are constantly mobilizing equipment, materials and personnel," said Senior Airman Anthony Piña, 554th RHS power product apprentice. "With the scale of the projects we are currently taking on, we have to be considerably more flexible when executing the developmental stages. Most of the challenges we face in theater are usually not a factor at home station, so we need to be more adaptive and resourceful."

For the younger Airmen, the exposure to new locations, different cultures and working with other branches of service have been a memorable learning experience.

"The experience in itself is rewarding," said Airman 1st Class Darren Sharp, 554th RHS structural apprentice. "During my time here, I have had the honors of receiving a coin from an Army Master Sergeant from the 143rd Military Police. I miss home, but I do like the constant work being done out here. There is never a dull moment."

Prior to their deployment, RED HORSE Airmen went through various training, from combat skills to framing and construction, in order to ensure that they were well equipped for the challenges that they may come across downrange.

"I feel that I was well prepared for the deployment," said Airman 1st Class Christopher Baker, 554th RHS structures apprentice. "All the training that RED HORSE provided has helped me prepare mentally and physically for the challenges we face every day."

Base firefighters do more than put wet stuff on red stuff

by Lea Johnson
21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer

1/15/2013 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Firefighters are often associated with burning buildings and big red trucks. However, out of more than 900 calls the Peterson Fire Department responded to in 2012, about 475 were medical calls.

According to James Ragsdale, 21st Civil Engineer Squadron fire prevention and Emergency Medical Technician instructor, Peterson Air Force Base has a mutual aid agreement with the city of Colorado Springs American Medical Response.

"AMR will respond when we call them. They have a 12 minute response time. From the time the 911 call (is made) to the time they show up, we are it," he said.

Of the 475 medical calls the fire department responded to last year, responders saved three lives and delivered one baby on base.

Additionally, the Peterson fire department responds to emergencies at the Colorado Springs airport and within the Cimarron Hills neighborhood.

Each of the firefighters is required to be certified in first aid, CPR and emergency medical response.

In 2011, the fire department started an Emergency Medical Technician certification course. Ragsdale and Staff Sgt. Matthew Quackenbush, 21st CES fire department NCO in charge of special operations, are the two instructors for the EMT class.

"There are more things you can do as an EMT; there are certain procedures you can do that are more advanced," Ragsdale said.

But there's another advantage for Airmen who are EMT certified. In the civilian world, EMT certification has become a requirement at many fire departments. Ragsdale said Airmen who already have the certification will be more employable.

In the first year, 12 Airmen took the course and 8 became certified.

In November, 15 Airmen started the six-week class. "Per student, it's 180 hours of training," Ragsdale said. "They do it all together, eight hours a day, five days a week. Not only were they going to class but they were still doing their jobs. They were still on trucks responding to calls."

Airmen are required to maintain a grade of 75 percent during the course. Ragsdale said the national average is 50 percent but the average for the Airmen here is 87 percent.

To complete the certification, Airmen must take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians exam.

"To be honest, it's the hardest test that I've ever seen in my life. I've been an EMT since 1996 and I would not want to redo that test," Ragsdale said.

Airmen have to pass each of 10 sections of the test with a score of 70 percent in order to become certified. If they fail one section, they fail the whole test. The test can be retaken three times.

After the exam is passed, 72 hours of training is required every two years to maintain EMT certification.

The course is open to everyone in the fire department.

Staff Sgt. Chase Flores, 21st CES firefighter, said, "I wanted to have more understanding when we go on medical (calls) and am not lost when I'm on scene. So I'm actually hands-on and familiar with the medical aspect of firefighting."

Ragsdale said if each of the 15 Airmen would have taken the EMT course within the community, it would have cost $34,000. But because he and Quackenbush are certified instructors, the course is free of charge for the Airmen or the Air Force.

Having more Airmen with specialized technical training on Peterson keeps the community a little safer.

"If it takes AMR 12 minutes to respond and a person isn't getting oxygen, a lot of damage can be done in 12 minutes," Ragsdale said.

The fire department currently has 23 EMTs, though the number fluctuates due to deployments and permanent changes of station. Once the 15 Airmen take and pass their registry exam, they will be an asset not only to Peterson, but to the Air Force.

Group Reports Top Numbers in Wounded Warrior Jobs

By Terri Moon Cronk
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15, 2013 – A national organization has had such a high rate of success in its jobs program for severely wounded warriors, it’s calling on the Defense Department and other agencies to adopt its approach, officials of the nonprofit group announced.

At a news conference conducted by the National Organization on Disability at the Disabled American Veterans headquarters here today, officials said an evaluation of its four-year program shows 70 percent of its seriously wounded warriors are experiencing employment and education success at about twice the rate of veterans who are not in the program.

The findings of the study stem from the organization’s Wounded Warrior Careers program, which has had about 275 wounded veterans under its tutelage since the program became active in 2008 at the Army’s suggestion.

Candidates in the program often have severe cases of post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries, the two signature wounds of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Of those 275 wounded warriors, the organization says the 70 percent represents those who are employed, in training or enrolled in other forms of education.

Organization representatives said veterans not in their Wounded Warrior Careers program have a comparative job rate of about 30 to 40 percent.

“The successful transition of wounded warriors into civilian careers provides an invaluable opportunity for the United States to continue benefiting from the dedication, talent and leadership of its bravest young people,” said retired Army Lt. Gen. Franklin L. Hagenbeck, a member of the organization’s board of directors, who led troops during Operation Anaconda along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border in the months following 9/11. Hagenbeck also is a former Army deputy chief of staff for personnel and U.S. Military Academy superintendent.

“But more fundamentally, making sure that this transition is successful is the ultimate debt we owe to those most severely injured in their country’s service,” Hagenbeck said. “The question, therefore, is not whether such an effort is called for, but how creative, smart, and effective that effort can be.”

Essentially, the organization demonstrates new employment practices, evaluates results and shares approaches for widespread use. Research on disability employment issues also is conducted, and it includes widely used polls on employment trends and the quality of life for people with disabilities.

Experts in disability and employment provide consultation to employers who want to hire people with disabilities because they bring unique talents to the work force, organization officials said.

“The dedicated career specialists at NOD [to whom wounded warriors are assigned] -- many of whom were wounded veterans themselves -- have developed a model that works, at a sustainable cost of about $3,500 per veteran, per year,” Hagenbeck said. “NOD is proud of the work we do on behalf of our veterans, and we wish to see the federal government, particularly the departments of Defense, Labor and Veterans Affairs, as well as providers of career services to disabled veterans, embrace that model and expand its reach to many more deserving veterans.”

The organization works with employers, schools, the military, service providers, researchers and disability advocates. Conducted in three states with high concentrations of veterans -- Colorado, Texas and North Carolina -- the program covers career planning, career preparation, job-seeking support and post-placement support.

The organization’s representatives are scheduled to meet with congressional and Defense officials this week to share their study’s findings. The organization also is encouraging the departments of Labor and Veterans Affairs and others on a national level to adapt its “proven, cost-effective” model that places severely wounded veterans into the civilian workforce, the organization’s officials said.

In Europe Remarks, Panetta Stresses NATO Commitment

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

MADRID, Jan. 15, 2013 – NATO is an alliance that must remain strong and capable to meet 21st century challenges, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta emphasized in two European capitals today.

In a joint newss conference here with Spanish Defense Minister Pedro Morenes Eulate, and in an earlier event today with Portuguese Defense Minister Jose Pedro Aguiar-Branco, the secretary praised NATO allies’ resolve over the past 10-plus years of war, and urged their continued commitment to the transatlantic alliance.

Speaking here, Panetta said Spain is a longtime trusted ally, friend and security partner to the United States. Spain's leadership in NATO, contributions in Afghanistan and efforts to promote security in the Mediterranean basin, he said, have been critically important over the last decade.

“I believe continued Spanish leadership will be essential to the future success of the transatlantic alliance,” Panetta said. “Spain is extremely important to our ability to maintain and strengthen that very important alliance.”

The secretary also paid tribute to the Spanish service members killed in Afghanistan. “On behalf of my country,” he said, “I want to extend to the people of Spain our deepest condolences on the fact that you buried today, as I understand it, the 100th casualty … killed in action that Spain has endured in that conflict. You've paid a high price.”

Because of many such sacrifices on the part of nations with forces in Afghanistan and of the Afghan people, Panetta said, “we are on track to meet the goals that our nations agreed to last year [at the NATO summit] in Chicago,” Panetta said. He added that Afghan forces are set to take over lead security responsibility in the late spring, and full responsibility in 2014.

He pledged continued commitment to develop and sustain Afghan forces past 2014.

“The long-term commitment NATO has made is critical to fulfilling the mission that brave men and women from our two nations have fought and died to carry out,” he said.

Other topics he discussed with Spanish leaders, Panetta said, include countering cyber threats and bolstering maritime security.

“Literally hundreds of thousands of cyber attacks [are] aimed at both the private sector … [and] the governmental sector,” Panetta said. “And for that reason, it is important that we work together to strengthen our capabilities in this wider area.”

The United States already is partnering with Spain to meet the mission of safeguarding the seas, he noted. “The home-porting of four Aegis-equipped destroyers to Rota, which I announced on my first trip to Europe as secretary, is a key U.S. commitment of NATO,” he said. “But more broadly, Rota is a critical gateway for naval and aerial operations into the Mediterranean and beyond.”

The ship-based Aegis ballistic missile defense system incorporates computers, radar, and missiles to detect, track and destroy short- to intermediate-range missiles.

Naval Station Rota, on Spain’s southern coast, is a Spanish base funded by the United States. “As our forces deploy there, we will look to increase our bilateral naval cooperation with Spain,” Panetta said.
Moving ahead with the Aegis deployment to Rota while the United States and many other nations face significant fiscal pressure, the secretary said, “reflects our belief that the transatlantic alliance will remain critical for global security in the 21st century, and we must make investments in order to keep it strong for the future.”

The world’s nations still face a range of challenges, Panetta pointed out.

“That's reality. That's the world we live in,” he said. “From terrorism to nuclear proliferation to the destabilizing behavior of regimes like Iran and North Korea, these are challenges that require us to be ever vigilant and ever ready and, above all, to be leaders in helping to forge a safer and more secure future for the 21st century.”

Earlier today in Portugal, the secretary spoke to many of the same themes, and also noted Pentagon officials will alter the pace of the planned drawdown of U.S. forces at Lajes Field in the Azores.

Aguiar-Branco opened the joint news conference in the Portuguese capital. Speaking through a translator, he said the U.S. decision to cut manning at Lajes is a “situation that causes much concern to the Portuguese government.”

“I explained to Mr. Leon Panetta the delicacy and importance to work together in order to mitigate the consequences of this situation and to lessen the impact on -- in the region of the Azores. … This meeting was a very important stage in the work as allies and partners in our work to reinforce and strengthen our relationship.”

Panetta responded that while budget pressures force a decrease in operations at Lajes Field, “we will do everything we can to minimize the impact and the hardship to that community and, indeed, we will use this as an opportunity to build an even stronger [military-to-military] relationship between the United States and Portugal.”

The secretary said he made clear to Portuguese leaders that U.S. defense leaders will work with Portuguese officials and the local community to mitigate the impact of the decision.

The United States military is committed to Lajes Field, which has important airlift capabilities, he said.
“It will remain a vital part of our global forward posture. We will need to continue to make use of this important base,” the secretary added.

Recognizing Portuguese concerns, Panetta said, the United States has delayed the transition of that reduction to October 2014. “We will maintain, in addition, a 24/7 fire and emergency services there, and we are committed to a 3-to-1 ratio of employees from the local community,” he added. “For every one that the United States employs, we will employ three of the local community.”

The United States also will explore opportunities to expand trade and business in the Azores, the secretary said, noting that U.S. European Command will host a delegation of business executives next month, which will include a visit to the Azores “that may provide opportunities for expanded economic development there.”
Finally and most critically, Panetta said, the United States is committed to expanding the relationship between the U.S. and Portuguese militaries with a focus on the key security challenges of the future.

A joint team of Pentagon and Portuguese defense officials is working to develop “additional opportunities to improve our relationship, and to renew and to re-emphasize the strong relationship between the United States and Portugal,” he added.

Panetta noted close partnership and cooperation among allied nations is even more important when defense budgets shrink.

“The defense strategy the United States released one year ago this month makes clear that in an era of fiscal constraint, it remains essential for us to invest in our historic alliances with countries like Portugal,” he said, “and for all of us to invest in alliance capabilities.”

Airman journeys to top of the world

by Staff Sgt. Robert Cloys
50th Space Wing Public Affairs

1/15/2013 - SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The Tibetans call it "Chomolungma," meaning "mother goddess of the world." Global Positioning System satellite equipment measures its peak at 29,035 feet, and for Capt. Colin Merrin, Mount Everest will soon be a bullet on his mountaineering resume that can't be topped.

Merrin, a GPS operator from the 2nd Space Operations Squadron here, will begin the journey of a lifetime at the end of March. Although, before getting a call from the USAF 7 Summits Challenge, reaching the top of Mt. Everest was not something that appealed to him.

"It's really commercialized," said Merrin. "Everest also has a bit of a weird stigma to it."

Had the call come from anyone else, it's possible he would have declined the invitation, however, after hearing the greater cause, he reevaluated his stance.

The USAF 7 Summits Challenge is an independent Air Force team whose vision since its creation in 2005 has been to reach seven famed summits and plant the American and Air Force flags. They climb to promote camaraderie and espirit de corps among Airmen, highlight personal fitness and growth and honor friends and colleagues who have died in the line of service since 9/11.

The group also supports the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, a charity that provides full scholarship grants as well as educational and family counseling to the surviving children of special operations personnel who have died. The organization also provides financial assistance to those severely wounded and their families.

"My primary motivation was the foundation," said Merrin. "Climbing Everest has become a great way to support them as well as the team."

If successful in their endeavor, they will become the first team of active-duty American military members to have reached its summit. In addition, the USAF 7 Summits team will also be the first from any nation to have reached the top of all seven famous mountains that include Mount Elbrus, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Aconcagua, Mount McKinley, Mount Vinson and Mount Kosciuszko.

The journey to the top of the tallest peak in the world doesn't start at the base. It starts months, sometimes even years, before.

"Everest isn't a mountain you can just go [climb]," said Merrin. "I started training hard three months before the trip to Mount Everest. I try to keep my training as specific as possible. If you want to get better at benchpressing, you benchpress. If you want to get better at climbing mountains, you climb."

For Merrin, Colorado Springs is a perfect training ground. With the base camp of Everest sitting at 17,500 feet, Pikes Peak serves as a good starting point for getting acclimated to higher elevations.

Because of the dangers associated with Mount Everest, climbers are encouraged to have glaciated mountain experience as well as high altitude mountain climbs. In February of 2011, Merrin was able to test his body's response to extremely high altitudes when he reached the 22,841 foot summit of Aconcagua, located in the Andes mountain range in Argentina.

"The human body is not designed to endure the sort of conditions you find past 18,000 feet. There's about 40 percent of the normal amount of oxygen, but my body did well," said Merrin. "Knowing that, it reassures me for Everest."

There are still dangers that are out of Merrin's control, but he feels reassured about those as well.

"The team I'm going with is a strong group of elite climbers," he said. "There's a strong focus on risk management and safety."

Each one of the members has a skill they bring with them according to Merrin, including a paratrooper that will be with them the entire time.

"We want to summit, but we want to do it safely," he said.

Additionally, the 50th Space Wing is extending its support to Merrin and the 7 Summits team.

"I am extremely proud of Capt. Merrin. It's a mind-bending prospect if you think about it -- to have a team of Airmen standing on the top of the world's tallest mountain," said Lt. Col. Thomas Ste. Marie, 2 SOPS commander. "The fact that Colin is a GPS operator is even more fitting."

The first leg of Merrin's journey is set to begin with a two-week long, 40-mile trek to Everest's base camp and an acclimation climb up Mt. Lobuche nearby at the end of March this year.

Panetta Travels to Rome to Meet With Italian Leaders

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15, 2013 – Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta arrived here today on the third leg of his tour of European capitals.

“I guess it goes without saying that it has a lot of tremendous personal meaning for me, since I'm the son of Italian immigrants,” the secretary said yesterday to reporters traveling with him.

“The U.S.-Italian defense relationship is very deep and very enduring,” he added. “And I am very grateful for the strong support that Italy has provided to U.S. troops that are stationed there.”

The United States has key military bases in Italy, Panetta said.

“They've been extremely important to our efforts throughout that region, and we are very grateful for [the Italians’] support,” he said. “Those bases enhance our collective security of the alliance and are critical to our ability to be able to respond to any crisis in the region.”

Panetta said Italy is a strong partner nation in NATO’s International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, where Italians have a lead role in Regional Command West.

“They've played a very important role in the ongoing transition in that region,” he said. “And I'll have an opportunity again to pay tribute to the sacrifices that Italy has made over the last decade with a visit to their war memorial in Rome.”

Panetta also is scheduled for a slate of meetings with Italian leaders, including President Giorgio Napolitano, Prime Minister Mario Monti, Defense Minister Giampaolo di Paola and Foreign Affairs Minister Giulio Terzi di Sant' Agata.

Italy is the third country Panetta has visited this week; earlier stops included Lisbon, Portugal, and Spain’s capital of Madrid. His next stop will be in London, later this week.

Mobility Support Advisory squadrons reach full operational capability

by Tech. Sgt. Lesley Waters
621st Contingency Response Wing public affairs

1/14/2013 - TRAVIS AIR FORCE, Calif.  -- One year after achieving initial operational capability, the Air Force's only two Mobility Support Advisory Squadrons reached full operational capability Dec. 1.

"Achieving full operational capability tells Air Force leaders we are ready to perform our mission in support of national security objectives," said Lt. Col. Gabriel Griess, 571st MSAS commander. "To date, our role has been to train ourselves in the art of air advising. Going forward, we will execute the mission as defined for us by the Regional Combatant Commands and their air components in conjunction with U.S. military groups in each respective country."

Collectively, the two squadrons are a key component of the Air Force support to the Department of Defense building partner capacity efforts. By mentoring, advising and instructing partner nations air forces, squadron members will help achieve the goal set by Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta in last January's strategic guidance, namely to enable partners to share "the costs and responsibilities of global leadership."

The two squadrons belong to the 621st Contingency Response Wing, which is headquartered at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. The 571st MSAS is based here and the 818th MSAS at JB MDL. The 571st MSAS supports U.S. Southern Command objectives in Central and South America while the 818th MSAS supports U.S. Africa Command.

Prior to full operational capability, MSAS Airmen have engaged in extensive training, including: an air advisor course, an academic instructor course, and a survival, evasion, resistance and escape course. Additionally, each MSAS requires language training - Spanish for 571st MSAS Airmen and French for 818th MSAS Airmen - enhancing the ability of Airmen to relate and communicate with partner nation Airmen.

"Our air advisors are language-ready and culturally-trained, so they can respond anywhere in the world," said Paul Judge, AMC Expeditionary Mobility Office. "Our mantra is 'build the Air Mobility System by building partner capacity,' so our mission focuses on sustained visits and hands-on training, until a partner nation operates independently and, when needed, in concert with AMC. It's absolutely imperative we do more than just visit - building capacity with highly-trained and dedicated Airmen results in true partners."

With the two squadrons finally at full operational capability, MSAS Airmen are now focused on forging relationships and sharing best practices with partner nations on an Airman-to-Airman level; a tactical mission with a global impact.

"In a time of fiscal constraint, the partnership between the military and the Department of State that allows us to send air advisors into a country to help enhance their capacity represents a sound investment for the American taxpayer," said Paul Harrison, AMC political advisor.

The 152 MSAS air advisor billets in each squadron bring with them more than 30 different skill sets, enabling them to exchange ideas with partner nations on a host of subjects, including aeromedical evacuation, command and control, communications, airfield operations, aerial support, aircraft maintenance and other related support functions.

"The individual air advisor is the key," said Col. John Cairney, the 621st CRW's vice commander. "They have some equipment, but the value they really bring is themselves. These are well-trained and professional Airmen."

The Air Force has a growing base of air advisors with knowledge and real-world experience overseas. According to Air Force leaders, the goal is to capitalize on this base of talent by providing them with the resources to carry out their mission.

"We must ensure Mobility Support Advisory Squadrons are properly equipped and resourced to deploy to partner nations to develop, enhance and sustain core air mobility operational capabilities such as Command and Control, aerial port and aircraft maintenance," said Maj. Gen. William Bender, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center commander. "This emerging mission set is important because building partnerships is a core USAF function, and these squadrons will play an essential role in establishing and maintaining relationships with strategic partner nations."

AF officials reschedule MilPDS upgrade

by Tech. Sgt. Steve Grever
Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs

1/11/2013 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas  -- Originally slated for December of last year, Air Force officials will perform a major upgrade to the Military Personnel Data System, or MilPDS, in March.

The Air Force Personnel Operations Agency here will upgrade and transfer MilPDS to the Defense Information Systems Agency Defense Enterprise Computing Center. The project is expected to take 23 days. During the upgrade, MilPDS will not be available.

The delay allowed officials to complete testing and validation to ensure the new system performs properly. Upgrades to MilPDS have not been accomplished previously because the system was scheduled to be replaced in 2008 by a new Department of Defense military personnel system. When the DOD program was cancelled, Air Force officials made the decision to bring MilPDS up-to-date in order to reduce risks.

"We are confident that we will be able to upgrade MilPDS in March so we can address security, reliability and sustainability risks with the current system," said Robert Corsi, the Air Force Assistant Deputy Chief Of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services. "We will have processes in place to ensure personnel and pay service providers are able to work critical transactions for their customers during the upgrade."

Total Force Service Center representatives in San Antonio and Denver worked with Air Force component headquarters agencies and base-level personnel and pay service providers to develop procedures to accomplish critical functions for all Airmen during the MilPDS upgrade. Critical personnel and pay processes related to accessions, reenlistments, Guard and Reserve unit training assemblies, mobilization/activation, casualty and immediate separations will continue to function during the scheduled system downtime. Other personnel and pay processes will be held during the cutover period and processed once the upgrade is complete.

Air Force officials will release additional information and guidance to the Air Force's manpower, personnel, services and pay communities and total force Airmen to explain how the service will perform personnel and pay tasks during the upgrade and scheduled system outage.

AF releases new 'vision' document

by Master Sgt. Jess Harvey
Air Force Public Affairs Agency

1/14/2013 - WASHINGTON -- The Air Force released a new document today outlining the force's vision and way forward.

"Focused on 'Airmen, Mission, and Innovation,' I believe this short document captures what today's Air Force is all about, and where I think we ought to focus on for tomorrow," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III in an email to all Airmen.

"We are the greatest air force in the world because of our Airmen -- Active, Reserve, Guard and Civilian -- to remain the greatest, we must make our team even stronger," the Vision states.

The Vision discusses the Air Force's enduring contributions of air and space superiority; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; rapid global mobility; global strike; and command and control and the need to strengthen them.

"We already combine our air, space, and cyber forces to maximize these enduring contributions, but the way we execute these five calling cards must continually evolve as we strive to increase our asymmetric advantage," the Vision says. "Our Airmen's ability to rethink the battle while incorporating new technologies will improve the varied ways our Air Force accomplishes its missions.

"Every Airman should constantly look for smarter ways to do business. The person closest to the problem is often the one with the best solution. Leaders should empower Airmen to think creatively, find new solutions, and make decisions," according to the Vision.

The Vision concludes with a call to action for all Airmen to tell their story, being proud of who they are, what they do, and how well they accomplish the mission.

New resource helps troops, families plan deployments

by Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

1/14/2013 - WASHINGTON  -- The Defense Department launched a new resource to help troops and their families plan for the "before, during and after" of deploying.

Barbara Thompson, director of DOD's office for family policy, explained "Plan My Deployment" during an interview with the Pentagon Channel and American Forces Press Service.

"This is a new, interactive, online tool that supports service members and their families as they prepare for the different stages of deployment," she said.

The new resource guides users through the "ins and outs" of deployment, Thompson said: from power of attorney and legal assistance considerations to financial and emotional issues. Other tips and tools address education and training benefits, she added.

"We modeled this after the very, very popular 'Plan My Move,' which helps with [permanent change of station] moves," she said. "It's the same kind of approach: we look at providing the tools and information, and you tailor it to your individual family's needs."

Plan My Deployment saves the user's information, she said, so people can exit from the site and return at their convenience, picking up where they left off.

Though other deployment planning guides and resources already exist, Thompson said, DOD leaders wanted to offer family readiness assistance to the entire active-duty, National Guard and Reserve force and their families.

While the pace of deployment across the services has dropped since U.S. forces left Iraq and will continue to decline as the combat mission in Afghanistan draws to an end, Thompson said, service members always will face the possibility of deploying for duty.

"Let's face it: military members deploy all the time. ... We've learned a lot of lessons during this long-term conflict, and we want to make sure that our service members and their families are prepared for what's in the future," she said.

Plan My Deployment is available at DOD's Military OneSource website, which also offers a range of other services for military families, she said. Thompson pointed out the site is "outside the gates" in the public domain, so it is available to extended family members who don't have access to military facilities.

Wolf Pack kicks off first exercise of 2013

by Senior Airman Brigitte N. Brantley
8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

1/14/2013 - KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea  -- The Wolf Pack kicked off Beverly Midnight 13-1 here Jan. 13 in preparation for the upcoming Combined Unit Inspection in April.

As the first exercise of 2013, it will set the pace for how both Kunsan and Osan Air Base will conduct exercises in preparation for visits from the Pacific Air Forces' Inspector General team in just a couple months.

At Kunsan, the emphasis is on ensuring the Airmen and F-16 Fighting Falcons of the 8th Fighter Wing are ready to "Defend the Base, Accept Follow-On Forces and Take the Fight North."

"Our fighter wing with two F-16 squadrons and a myriad of base support agencies conducts a full spectrum of missions providing for the defense of the Republic of Korea," said Col. John W. Pearse, 8th FW commander. "We are prepared for any contingency, and we have all trained diligently for this moment."

Bases here on the Korean peninsula are unique in the way they exercise - Kunsan and Osan both practice to the fullest of their capabilities, simulating practically nothing. This provides the best possible training environment for Airmen. Much of the training focuses on preparing for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) training.

Airmen conduct 24-hour operations for nearly a week as they train for any possible scenario. Typical exercise injects include everything from self-aid and buddy care situations to decontaminating personnel. It takes a coordinated effort between every unit on base to make sure the mission happens.

Aircraft generation is one of the most important parts of the exercise, and each unit plays a role in making sure that happens. Medical personnel are on standby ready to take care of any injuries or emergencies. The 8th Civil Engineer Squadron oversees contamination control and shelter management among other things.

At the front line, though, are the maintainers on the flightline.

"During both real-world and exercise operations, our maintainers are constantly working to make sure our F-16s are combat-ready," said Lt. Col. Michael Miles, 8th Maintenance Group deputy commander. "We practice like we fight so that when we 'Take the Fight North,' there will be no disruption in how we conduct our wartime mission. Aircraft maintainers make that mission possible."

In the end, it's about getting the mission done while making clear the Air Force's intentions.

"Wolf Pack Airmen are here at the request of the Republic of Korea government. Our role is essential to ensuring peace and stability in the region," said Pearse. "Together, with our joint U.S. partners and the Republic of Korea Armed Forces, we will ensure a robust defense of the Republic of Korea."