Fort Gordon to Host Former Commander

General McKnight to address Non-Coms

The general officer who once commanded Fort Gordon , an important Signal Corps center, and who went on to command the entire U.S. Army Signal Corps, retired Lt. General Clarence McKnight will return  to Fort Gordon, the week of March 4, to address the non-commissioned officers at the Sergeant Major Academy.

McKnight has an appreciation for non-commissioned officers. He demonstrated that in his recently published book From Pigeons to Tweets with a dedication “to the sergeants and warrant officers of the Signal Corps who always find a way to get it done.”

And getting it done was also the hallmark of the career that took McKnight from a typical average American home in Memphis to the U.S. Military Academy on the banks of the Hudson to the Pentagon near the banks of the Potomac. Along the way, he picked up  numerous awards from West Point for his work in the military taking the Army Signal Corps from a situation in the Korean War where pigeons were the back-up to radio communications to “Operation Desert Strom” where he led the  implementation of the first-ever computer directed warfare.

U.S. Army recognition did not stop with retirement. He recently received recognition as an Army War College Distinguished Alumnus for his work in education following his retirement from the military. He is presently chairman of the Board of Directors at Community Learning and Information Network

His address to the non-commissioned officers of Fort Gordon who always found a way to get things done, will be the continuity of dedication in and after the military.

Contact: Don Bracken, djb@historypublishingco.com, 845-398-8161

Face of Defense: Marine Biologist Oversees Civil Works Projects

By Isodro Reyna U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District GALVESTON, Texas, March 1, 2013 – Managing federally funded civil works projects through feasibility studies and construction requires leadership -- a skill U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District project manager Sharon Tirpak hones while guiding multidisciplinary teams through complex projects that energize the economy and reduce risks from disasters. Army Corps of Engineers project manager Sharon Tirpak manages federally-funded civil works projects for the Galveston District in Texas through feasibility studies and construction. Tirpak employs her leadership skills as she guides multidisciplinary teams through complex projects that energize the economy and reduce risks from disasters. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. A marine biologist by trade, Tirpak left the world of research to put her people and leaderships skills to use directing Corps projects such as the Freeport Harbor and Texas City Channel deep-draft navigation projects, Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay Storm Damage Reduction Study, and Clear Creek Flood Risk Management Project.   “I lead teams of engineers, biologists, economists and project sponsors through civil works projects that contribute to the economic well-being of the nation,” Tirpak said. “It is a leadership role with many responsibilities and challenges and requires knowledge of Corps processes, with the biggest challenge keeping the projects on schedule and within budget.” A 19-year veteran of the Corps, Tirpak has served in a variety of roles within the district including lead planner and regulatory project manager. “I actually chose marine biology as my field of study while in college and worked as a fishery biologist with the National Marine Fisheries Service for 14 years,” she said. “However, arriving at the Corps, I realized this was one of the best professional moves I could have made. I am much better at working and interacting with people than I was doing research, and I’m thankful to my fellow co-workers who taught me all about dredging and engineering.” According to Tirpak, being a project manager is never dull because there is always something that has to be taken care of. “I like ‘putting out the fires,’ as it makes each day go by fast,” Tirpak said. “I also like the interaction with the project delivery teams and sponsors and the learning aspect. “Working on my projects always affords me the opportunity to learn something new,” she added. One of Tirpak’s most fascinating projects to date was the deepening of the Texas City Channel, which included the removal of Civil War-era artifacts from the busy waterway. “Working with the archeologists that helped bring up the remains of the USS Westfield from the Texas City Ship Channel is probably the most interesting assignment I’ve worked on,” she said. “The Galveston District orchestrated an archaeological recovery of artifacts from the Civil War era shipwreck, which included the removal of 10,000-pound Dahlgren cannon in 2009.” The recovery was part of a larger $71 million project completed in 2011 to deepen the Texas City Ship Channel from 40 feet to 45 feet to allow larger vessels to navigate the channel to transport commodities to various industries. “By completing some of the long-term studies and positioning those projects for potential authorization and funding, or by completing a construction project such as the Texas City Channel Project, I believe my work with the Galveston District is leaving a lasting impact on the nation,” Tirpak said. “I’m proud to say I helped make that happen.” Tirpak received numerous awards, including the Department of Commerce Bronze Medal Award for Superior Federal Service, the USACE Galveston Regulatory Customer Service Award, Regulator of the Year, several Department of the Army Achievement Medals and Commander’s Awards for Civilian Service for her work on various projects. A 1980 graduate of the University of New England and a 2005 graduate of the Army Management Staff College, Tirpak also is a certified scuba diver who enjoys seeing the Pittsburgh Steelers win. She also helps with her son’s scouting and band activities and is involved in her local community.

Pentagon Lifts F-35 Grounding Following Inspections

By Amaani Lyle
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 1, 2013 – The Defense Department lifted its grounding of the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter jet after analysis concluded that a cracked turbine blade in an engine on a single plane resulted from overuse in test operations, according to an official with the F-35 Joint Program Office.
In an email statement, the official, Kyra Hawn, said engineers have so far discovered no other cracks in inspections of the other engines, and no engine redesign was needed.

“This decision concludes a cautionary flight suspension that began on Feb. 21 after a 0.6-inch crack was found on a third stage turbine blade of a test aircraft at the Edwards Air Force Base, [Calif.,] F-35 Integrated Test Facility during a routine inspection,” Hawn said.

The blade also underwent comprehensive tests at the Pratt and Whitney facility in Middletown, Conn., she added.

The engine in question, she explained, is part of the F-35 test aircraft fleet and had been operated for extended time in the high-temperature environment in its mission to expand the F-35 flight envelope.
“Prolonged exposure to high levels of heat and other operational stressors on this specific engine were determined to be the cause of the crack,” Hawn said.

Within the current DOD inventory, 17 F-35s are employed in test and development at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Md., and Edwards Air Force Base. The remaining aircraft are assigned to Eglin Air Force Base, Fla, and Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., and comprise the initial F-35 training fleet.

8th SFS named PACAF Outstanding Security Forces Unit

by Staff Sgt. Tong Duong
8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

3/1/2013 - KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- -- The 8th Security Forces Squadron was selected as Pacific Air Force's 2012 Outstanding Large Security Forces Unit award winner Feb. 21, 2013.

Each year, security forces squadrons around PACAF vie for the distinguished position by submitting awards packages highlighting all the events taking place in their units for the year prior.

"A lot of the achievements I think led to the award were our coordination with the Republic of Korea army and air force, and their Korean Military Police," said Lt. Col. Nathan Schalles, 8th SFS commander. "Also the efforts our Airmen took in securing aircraft crash sites and maintaining law and order here on base directly reflected that."

According to Chief Master Sgt. Jeff Vallery, 8th Security Forces Squadron manager, although this functional award has been around for more than 20 years, the large-unit award was claimed by the 8th SFS for the first time in recent years and is something they are all excited about.

"We are a large security forces squadron, but on the lower end of being qualified as large," Vallery said. "We have less than 300 personnel, as compared to one of our competitors, Osan AB, Republic of Korea, which has more than 400 members in their squadron. It is a heck of a competition when compared to many of our larger competitors, it's outstanding."

For Schalles, the constant change in manpower where members are assigned here for only a year, makes qualifying for the award challenging.

"I was extremely excited for the unit, they've worked hard and done excellent jobs with a unit that has such a high turnover, it's easy to miss a lot of the information and not capture some of it," he said. "With a lot of the great stuff they have done, it is great to recognize their hard work and it hasn't gone unnoticed."

With several units within PACAF much larger than Kunsan's SFS, to win at that level is very rewarding, the commander noted.

"It's the direct reflection of our Airmen, NCOs and officers we have here and the achievements they've accomplished," Schalles said. "We have some outstanding Airmen who have won numerous awards that individually stand out which (in turn) reflects the level of Airmen we have."

Arlington Museum Showcases Military Women’s Contributions

By Terri Moon Cronk American Forces Press Service ARLINGTON, Va., March 1, 2013 – A living legacy to women who served in all branches of the U.S. military honors their service and sacrifice inside the Women's Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery. Donated World War II mementoes, uniforms and recruitment posters on display at the Women's Memorial museum at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., March 1, 2013. DOD photo by Terri Moon Cronk   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. The museum in the memorial depicts the “duty, honor and pride” of the 2 million women who served to defend the United States, from the beginning of the Revolutionary War through today’s war in Afghanistan.   Situated at the ceremonial entrance to Arlington National Cemetery here, the $22 million memorial offers a grand welcome to the sacred military burial grounds with its neoclassical architecture. Following 11 years of construction, the museum was dedicated on Oct, 18, 1997, after the Women's Memorial Foundation spearheaded the effort to educate the public and honor women who defended the nation during all eras and in all services. The museum’s “living” exhibits depict the past, present and future of military women on active duty, in the reserves, the National Guard and U.S. Public Health Service, in addition to the Coast Guard Auxiliary and Civil Air Patrol. Additionally, the women who served in support of U.S. armed forces during wartime overseas in such organizations as the Red Cross, United Service Organizations, Special Services and the PHS Cadet Nurse Corps have a place of honor in the museum. The Women’s Memorial is the only national museum of its kind, according to The Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation Inc. website. Its staff collects, preserves, documents and analyzes the history of women’s military service by gathering official and personal records, oral histories, photographs and memorabilia for its exhibits. “Although women have always volunteered in defense of our nation, many of their contributions have been forgotten and are not recorded in today’s history books,” the website notes. A signature feature of the museum is the Register, a computerized database of information on about 3,500 former military and current active-duty women who voluntarily registered. Each entry shows the service woman’s picture, dates of service, awards received, key memories of her service and other statistics. The foundation registry invites veterans, active-duty, National Guard and Reserve servicewomen to register. Cadet nurses and service organization employees who served overseas during a war also are eligible to register. The museum’s Hall of Honor pays tribute to fallen servicewomen in a somber room amid flags of U.S. states, territories and the military services. A small exhibit displays two books of female casualties while serving in the line of duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The hall also honors women who served with “ … particular sacrifice and achievement. Honored are those who were killed in action, died in the line of duty, were prisoners of war or were recipients of the nation’s highest awards for service and bravery,” a description reads. A marble “Sister Block,” taken from the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery, stands formidably tall and wide, nearly ceiling-high in the room. The glass-enclosed exhibits in the museum’s main section vary by era, and among them are reminders of today’s wars; one depicting “The War on Terror,” and another displaying service uniforms worn in Iraq and Afghanistan with the backdrop of a flag that reads, “We Remember 9/11.” Exhibits titled, “Serving in the Military, from 1901 to 1945” and another “Since 1946,” comprise the work of early servicewomen. The exhibits include World War II dog tags, identification cards, worn photos and service manuals titled, “If You Should be Captured, These are Your Rights,” and “Survival on Land and Sea.” A citation for a Bronze Star medal, awarded to Della Polacek, reads, “In support of combat operations against the enemy in Manila, the Philippines,” for her service from April to July 1945. Today, “The Greatest Generation” of World War II veterans are in their 80s and 90s, and the museum offers a multitude of World War II-era artifacts from 1941 to 1945 in exhibits titled, “Overseas in the Military,” “POWs Under Fire,” and “The War Ends.” A huge wall visual tribute, “The Greatest Generation” displays life-like, hand-painted portraits, taken from old black-and-white photographs. Men also are depicted in this display -- the only mention of male service members in the museum. “The Forgotten War,” exhibit covers women who served during the 1950-53 Korean War. “The Era of Conflict -- the Vietnam War,” tells the story of Army, Navy and Air Force nurses who comprised 80 to 90 percent of U.S. military women in Vietnam working on the ground, at sea and on evacuation flights, from 1964 to 1973. March 4 will mark the opening of "Celebrating 40 Years of Women Chaplains: A Courageous Journey of Faith and Service." The Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation Inc. website says the exhibit “tells the story of the scores of women, beginning in 1973, who answered God’s call to minister to the nation’s military members and their families in times of war and peace.” Of all the meticulously planned exhibits and tributes, however, one extemporaneous display features a painting on an easel of Army Staff Sgt. Jessica Clements, who left the military on a medical retirement following a roadside-bomb explosion in Iraq that left her with such severe traumatic brain injury that she had to learn to walk and talk again. Behind her painting is a large wall, filled with hundreds of notes to her, written by visitors. Resident artist Chris Demarest said it started with a single drawing by a 6-year-old child. One week later, he said, the wall was filled with notes left by visitors, thanking Clements for her service. He calls it “The Wall of Thanks.”

Bronze Star recipient: No matter the job, it is important

by Staff Sgt. Clinton Atkins
Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs

3/1/2013 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- Bronze Star, Army Combat Action Badge, contracting officer; three things the average service member probably hasn't seen in the same sentence, but those three things are true about a particular member of Air Education and Training Command.

A conference room filled with family, friends and co-workers honored the achievements of Capt. Collin Christopherson, who humbly accepted the awards presented by AETC Commander Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr., Feb. 27.

"I've had the honor of officiating a number of ceremonies in this room and I don't think we've ever had a larger crowd so I think it's really indicative of the work he's done and what he's meant to all of us here," said Rice, during the ceremony.

After the Bronze Star and Army Combat Action Badge were presented the crowd erupted with applause, which was followed by an emotional acceptance speech.

"Each one of you played an important part in my preparation," said Christopherson, to the crowd. "If it was warrior ethos, if it was how to effectively negotiate with a contractor, if it was me being able to call you, Colonel Bailey, at 1 a.m. Afghan time ... a lot of people in this room had a lot to do with everything I was able to do."

For six months, Christopherson managed $133 million dollars and 11 contracting professionals who provided construction and services support for the 173D Airborne Brigade Combat Team at Forward Operating Base Shank in a mountainous region of Southeast Afghanistan. Christopherson was deputy chief for Regional Contracting Center Shank, Central Command Joint Theater Support Contracting Command.

During his stay, the base was attacked many times by indirect mortar fire, and rocket fire and even a vehicle-borne IED that breached the FOB perimeter.

"In fighting season, there were days when we wore our gear all day long and couldn't get off the ground or out of the ditch or out of the bunker back to the office to even start working before the sky would start falling in on us again and we'd just catch rockets," he said.

Christopherson experienced many harrowing moments during his deployment, but rather than coming back defeated he came back reinvigorated. He was on the frontlines on the combat operations in Afghanistan and saw firsthand the immediate impact his team's contracting support had on the war-fighting efforts.

Oftentimes, contracting appears to be further back on the chain, but that's just not true, he said.

"I left more charged up about the Air Force and about Air Force Contracting after living in tents and using (portable toilets) with the Army for six months and allowing them to take the fight to the bad guys," said Christopherson.

Also during the deployment, he witnessed how the Air Force delivers Airpower and came away with a better understanding Air Force support functions play a vital role in carrying operational missions.

"The Air Force has a place in the fight and each one of you has a place in putting that Air Force there," said Christopherson. "Don't underestimate what you do.

"Understand that you are in a direct line that can be followed to that E-4 that's taking the fight to them, because that is really happening and you are involved in that," he said.

Valor Website Now Includes Pre-9/11 Medal of Honor Recipients

By Claudette Roulo
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 28, 2013 – The names of Medal of Honor recipients recognized for their battlefield valor before Sept. 11, 2001, now are listed on the Defense Department’s valor website, Pentagon officials announced today.

“Recognizing our brave men and women for their heroic actions is one of the most important things we can do as a department,” said Vee Penrod, deputy assistant secretary of defense for military personnel policy.
“Our service members have shown great courage and sacrifice on the battlefield throughout our nation’s history, and it is fitting that we honor their sacrifice and courage. Expanding this site is one small way to do that,” she added.

The website, at http://valor.defense.gov, lists the name, rank and conflict of recipients of the most prestigious U.S. military awards for valor: the Medal of Honor, Service Crosses and Silver Star Medals.

The site was designed to raise awareness of service members’ heroism and to help deter those who falsely claim military honors, said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Nate Christensen, a Pentagon spokesman.

“Our service members earn their medals with hard work and tremendous sacrifice,” he said. “While lying about these medals may not be illegal, it is shameful and runs counter to the military’s moral and ethical values.”

Officials plan to complete a similar expansion of the Service Cross lists by March 31, Christensen said.

Once complete, the site will list recipients of the Medal of Honor and Service Crosses by service and conflict, dating back to the inception of each medal, as well as Silver Star recipients since Sept. 11, 2001.
For security, privacy and administrative reasons, most, but not all recipients of the valor awards will be named on the website, Christensen said. The absence of an individual’s name from the list is not a declaration by the Defense Department that the individual did not receive the medal.

In addition, Christensen said, the Defense Department and military services still are examining the feasibility of listing recipients of the Silver Star Medal for actions before Sept. 11, 2001.

“Unlike Medal of Honor and Service Cross data, Silver Star Medal data is not readily available, and obtaining information on pre-9/11 Silver Star Medal recipients will likely be much more difficult, costly and time-consuming,” Christensen said.

Silver Star award authority often was delegated below the service headquarters, he explained, and award documents did not always make it into a service member’s military personnel record or reach higher headquarters.

Also, many more service members have earned the Silver Star than have earned the Medal of Honor and or Service Crosses, Christensen said, noting the Silver Star’s lower place in the order of precedence for military decorations.

Finally, he said, historians and others have done extensive research on Medal of Honor and Service Cross recipients, creating a large body of existing knowledge. This is not the case for Silver Star recipients, he added.

Face of Defense: Sergeant Major Keeps Competing in Combatives

By Army Sgt. William Begley
11th Public Affairs Detachment

FORT HOOD, Texas, Feb. 28, 2013 – As he walked onto the mat before his match in the 2013 Fort Hood Combatives Tournament, Army Sgt. Maj. Bradley Cope began the prefight dance that tells his body and mind to prepare to do battle. He lightly bounced up and down on his feet and shook his arms out, signaling to his muscles that it was time to go to work.

Army Sgt. Maj. Bradley Cope listens to instructions given prior to the annual combatives tournament at Fort Hood, Texas, Feb. 21, 2013. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. William Begley   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

It’s a dance he has been doing for a long time.

Cope is the provost sergeant for 1st Cavalry Division’s Operations Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, and has participated in competitive sports since he was 10. The 49-year-old Rapid City, S.D., native grew up playing football, baseball and wrestling.

The 25-year Army veteran said he competes in combatives to satisfy his desire to compete, his desire to constantly better himself, and to continue to keep his body fit despite competing against other fighters who usually are half his age.

Some might think Cope is crazy to compete at his age, he acknowledged, but he said he has a fire to compete and he doesn’t think he’s old.

“Age is just a number,” he said. “At first, I questioned myself and wondered if I should compete. A couple of years ago, I sat on the bench and watched the tournament and really wished that I had competed. I don’t ever want to say that again. If I’m going to compete, I’m going to compete. I’m not going to sit on the bench and say, ‘I should have.’

“To get better, you have to fight the best, and I’m glad I’m here at Fort Hood to experience the best,” he continued. “The coaches at the fight house are just awesome. They pushed me to compete. I’m glad they did -- I enjoy it.”

Despite his competitive nature, Cope is not above sharing the wisdom he has garnered over the years.

Army Pvt. David Duke, assigned to 1st Cavalry Division’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Brigade Combat Team, sparred with the sergeant major in the weeks leading up to the combatives tournament. In a twist of fate, Duke was Cope’s second opponent. Cope is 27 years older than Duke.

“We’ve been rolling at least two to three times a week for the past month now,” the 22-year-old Jacksonville, Fla., native said. “He’s a little bit older, but he’s still got it. He’s got a love for competition, and he taught me a bunch of moves. I actually used some of the moves he taught me to win today.”

Jarrod Clontz, combatives instructor at Kieschnick Physical Fitness Center here, said he encouraged Cope to compete because he noticed something different about the sergeant major that made him think he could win.
“I’m kind of an old guy, and I still compete actively, so I can see a lot myself in Sergeant Major Cope,” he said. “We are like kindred spirits. There’s still plenty of fight left in that guy. That’s what allows him to go out and compete against these young guys. He has a never-say-die attitude.”

Clontz added that he understands the drive it takes to fight at Cope’s age, because more preparation is necessary for someone who is older to be able to compete against the younger, stronger fighters.

“The older you get, the harder you have to work to compete at this level with these guys,” he said. “The younger guys might train two to three days a week, but guys our age have to train five to six just to keep up. We also have to give ourselves more rest, because it takes longer to heal. It takes a lot of dedication and work for us older guys to win.”

Cope finished the tournament with two wins and two losses, which eliminated him from contention, but don’t count him out from competing in next year’s tournament.

“I’m not ready to ride off into the sunset yet, but I’m aware of which way the horse is facing,” Cope said. “I love being around the folks in the Army, and I’m going to miss it, but I’m not done yet.”

Although he didn’t win the tournament, Cope has won the respect of his fellow competitors and his instructors for doing what few people his age and rank would do.

“You could tell he had a deep fire within,” Clontz said. “He never quits. I took a liking to him right away. It’s great to see leadership out there leading the way like he does. Not everyone does that. There are not a lot of guys at his rank that would get on the mat and lead the way by example.”

Combat Archer: Fighter jets, missile systems

by Senior Airman Christopher Reel
325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

2/28/2013 - TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group, a tenant organization, is assigned to Tyndall Air Force Base and falls under the 53rd Wing, Eglin AFB, Fla.

The 53rd WEG recently conducted the air-to-air Weapons System Evaluation Program, known as Combat Archer, which exercises and evaluates the air-to-air weapon system capability of combat aircraft.

The 53rd WEG's 83rd Fighter Weapons Squadron hosts approximately 38 air-to-air WSEP deployments annually, according to their factsheet. Squadron personnel verify weapon system performance, determine reliability, evaluate capability and limitations, identify deficiencies, recommend corrective action, and maintain combat Air Force-wide data. The squadron additionally investigates missile envelopes and evaluates capabilities and limitations to determine future firing requirements. They provide liaison support for pre-deployment, employment, and redeployment of Air Combat Command, U.S. Air Forces Europe, Pacific Air Forces, Air National Guard, U.S. Air Force Reserve and Canadian Forces participating in WSEP and Weapons Instructor Course missile firing programs.

The group's 82nd Aerial Targets Squadron at Tyndall and Holloman AFB, N.M., operates the Defense Department's only full-scale aerial target program, maintaining an inventory of approximately 50 modified QF-4 Phantom II aircraft for this purpose. It also provides BQM-34 and BQM-167 subscale aerial targets to Gulf range customers at Tyndall. Full and subscale aerial targets are provided to Air Force, U.S. Navy and U.S. Army customers for developmental and operational tests. The squadron also provides target support for WSEP.

Navy to Christen First Mobile Landing Platform

            The Navy will christen the Mobile Landing Platform (MLP) Montford Point March 2, during a 10 a.m. PST ceremony in San Diego, Calif.

            The Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James F. Amos will deliver the ceremony’s principal address.  Alexis “Jackie” Bolden, the wife of current NASA Administrator Charles Bolden will serve as the ship’s sponsor. 

            USNS Montford Point (T-MLP 1) is named for the approximately 20,000 African-American Marine Corps recruits who trained at the North Carolina facility from 1942 to 1949.  Their exceptional service prompted President Truman to sign an executive order in 1948 disallowing segregation in the Marine Corps.  These 20,000 Marines were recently recognized with our nation’s highest civilian honor for distinguished achievement, the Congressional Gold Medal.

            “I chose to name the department’s new MLP Montford Point as a way to give some long-overdue recognition to these proud Americans who gave so much in the defense of our nation,” said Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus.  “The courage shown by these Marines helped forge the Corps into the most formidable expeditionary force in the world.” 

            The MLP is a highly flexible platform that will provide capability for large-scale logistics movements such as the transfer of vehicles and equipment from sea to shore.  It will significantly reduce dependency on foreign ports and provide support in the absence of any port, making an MLP especially useful during disaster response and for supporting Marines once they are ashore. 

            The ship will leverage float-on/float-off technology, allowing Montford Point to partially submerge, facilitating easy movement of cargo and craft.  Additionally, the ship’s size allows for 25,000 square feet of vehicle and equipment stowage space and 380,000 gallons of JP-5 fuel storage.

            With this set of capabilities, the ship is able to easily transfer personnel and vehicles from other vessels such as the large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off ships (LMSRs) onto landing craft air cushioned (LCAC) vehicles and transport them ashore.  The platform with its open, reconfigurable mission deck will serve as an important flexible and transformational asset to the Navy as it can be reconfigured to support a wide variety of future operations.

            MLPs will have a maximum speed of 15 knots and range of 9,500 nautical miles.  At 785 feet long, MLPs displace more than 80,000 tons when fully loaded.  MLPs will operate with a crew of 34 Military Sealift Command personnel.

            MLP 1 was constructed by General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Co., (NASSCO) in San Diego, Calif.  Owned and operated by Military Sealift Command, Montford Point will be the first ship in its class.  The ship is expected to be delivered to the Navy in fiscal 2013 and be operational in fiscal 2015.

African, U.S. military forces mark opening of Central Accord 2013

by Master Sgt. Stan Parker
621st Contingency Response Wing Public Affairs

2/27/2013 - DOUALA, Cameroon  -- Hundreds of Cameroon military members stood alongside U.S. and other Central Africa partner nation members at the Douala Air Force Base airfield here, during the opening ceremony for Central Accord 2013, February 20, 2012.

Central Accord is a 10-day joint aerial supply and medical readiness exercise aimed to enhance the Cameroon military and other neighboring Central African partner countries' logistical and resupply capabilities. The exercise also includes air drop and aeromedical evacuations, which could be beneficial during future contingency or humanitarian operations.

Part of the U.S. contingent includes a group of eight Air Mobility Command's advisors from the 818th Mobility Support Advisory Squadron, designed to enhance military-to-military relations between partner nations.

The Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst based MSAS Airmen, assigned to the 621st Contingency Response Wing, arrived in the central African state to take part in the two-week long exercise. Their expertise as air advisors extends AMC's Building Partnership Capacity mission, by fostering key relationships and enhancing partner nation capabilities. The Airmen representing several different Air Force specialties will work side-by-side with partner nation participants in developing competencies in safety, aircraft maintenance, aircrew survival and aerial delivery operations.

The opening ceremony, attended by dozens of senior military and governmental officials, included remarks from Dr. Fritz NTone' NTone', the government delegate to the Douala City Council, Brig. Gen. Peter Corey, U.S. Army Africa Deputy Commanding General and senior U.S. Army exercise official, and Joseph Beti Assomo, the governor of the Littoral Region.

Dr. NTone' addressed the audience and welcomed the visitors, expressing his gratitude on behalf of the citizens of Douala. He added that although the city is striving for continued growth, it may be challenged by preventing and responding to potential problems related to civil security or natural disasters. "So you can understand why we are interested in this exercise, where the heart of the job is developing medical and logistical support for the sub region," he said.

Assomo's remarks echoed similar sentiment and highlighted the commitment it took to reach this momentous occasion.

"Following pre-engagements in Angola and Vicenza, we are now here in the economic capitol of our country to put in play the scenarios that were planned during the planning process," Assomo said. "It's a great honor for our country to host the final part of the planning conferences but also the actual exercise for Central Accord 13 ... This choice echoes the willingness of the Cameroon Chief of State, the Chief of the Army, and his excellence Paul Biya (president of Cameroon) to work toward peace on our continent and our region."

"The United State States' commitment to the central Africa region and to Africa is long term," Corey said. "As part of that commitment, the U.S. Army works to strengthen relationships with our African partners who are cooperating on a regional basis to ensure a more secure and stable Africa."

Of the more than 700 military members participating in the exercise, most are from the Cameroon military with about 160 participants from the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy. Nineteen additional participants from neighboring African countries of Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Sao Tome e Principe, and Gabonese Republic also joined the exercise in Cameroon.

Central Accord is U.S. Army Africa annually sponsored exercise that brings together U.S. military personnel with counterparts from militaries throughout the African continent to enhance military interoperability, providing an opportunity for the sharing of common goals and foster security cooperation. This year the scope was broadened to enhances medical readiness capacity.

DOD, VA Make Progress in Integrating Health Records

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 28, 2013 – The Defense and Veterans Affairs departments are making progress on integrating the health records of service members and veterans, senior government officials told the House Veterans Affairs Committee yesterday.

President Barack Obama directed the two departments to create a seamless system of integration for medical records.

“The direction was clear: When a member of the armed forces separates from the military, their electronic records, medical, personnel and benefits will transition and remain with them forever,” said Dr. Jonathan Woodson, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs.

Woodson detailed the tasks the two departments need to complete. First, they need to integrate health data for individuals into a single electronic health record. Second, they need to modernize the departments’ legacy health information systems.

“We have made tangible progress on a number of critical elements necessary to achieve our vision on the integrated record,” Woodson said. This includes creating a joint health data dictionary, ensuring the two departments use the same precise language to describe health data elements and fields in the combined health record system.

It also means moving VA data centers to the Defense Information System Agency. Woodson called this an important step for efficiency in operations and creating a single repository of data. The two departments also selected a single DOD-VA joint single sign-on and contact management solution that accurately identifies clients in both systems, he reported.

Finally, Woodson said, the two Cabinet agencies are implementing a joint graphical user interface that displays information from both the DOD and VA systems at the same time.

“We also completed an initial life-cycle cost estimate for the integrated electronic health record,” Woodson said. “The cost estimate was significant. And given the increasingly constrained federal budget environment, our secretary has directed us to re-evaluate the planned approach and consider alternatives that could accelerate timelines for interoperability at reduced cost and reduced risk.”

The scope of this project is huge. Valerie C. Melvin, the Government Accounting Office’s director of information management and technology resources issues, said the records are projected to provide coverage to about 9.6 million service members and their beneficiaries and to 6.3 million veterans.

“VA’s and DOD’s systems have many common business needs for providing health care coverage to these individuals,” Melvin told the representatives. “Toward this end, the two departments have an extensive history of working to achieve shared health care resources. Our work has examined the departments’ efforts over the last 15 years to share data between their individual systems and to develop interoperable electronic health record capabilities.”

They have made progress, but problems remain, she acknowledged. “Overall, VA and DOD have relied on a patchwork of initiatives involving their separate health information systems to achieve varying degrees of electronic health record interoperability,” Melvin said.

Circumstances require decisive action, Woodson said, and delay would only increase the cost and risk of this program.

“We believe the path we have chosen best serves the departments, the special populations whom we jointly are responsible for, and the American taxpayer,” he said.

New Components Reflect Northcom’s Development

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 28, 2013 – Ten years after it was established in the wake of the 9/11 terror attacks, U.S. Northern Command is starting to look increasingly like other U.S. geographic combatant commands, with naval and special operations components formally added to its command structure during the past month.

Two weeks ago, Fleet Forces Command was designated officially as Northcom’s maritime component, Navy Capt. Jeff Davis, the Northcom public affairs officer, reported.

The designation is essentially a “paperwork change,” Davis said, formalizing a role Fleet Forces Command has served on an ad hoc basis almost since Northcom’s inception.

Officially adding the NavNorth mission to its existing responsibilities, Fleet Forces Command will continue to support Northcom’s theater security cooperation plan, with includes port visits, training exercises and professional exchanges, Davis said.

“This is now giving us formally a naval component command like every other geographic command has,” he said. “This is part of the continued maturation of Northcom as a full-fledged combatant command.”

The new designation follows then-Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta’s approval last month for Northcom to establish a theater special operations command. Northcom is in the process of standing up Special Operations Command North, and expects it to reach initial operating capability next year, Davis said.

Like NavNorth, that new command is viewed largely as an organizational change, he said, and will focus primarily on theater security engagement efforts Northcom already is supporting in the region.

Northcom already has Army, Air Force and Marine Corps components. U.S. Army North, formed from 5th U.S. Army, is based in San Antonio. Air Forces Northern, from 1st Air Force, is headquartered at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. Marine Forces North is part of Marine Forces Reserve, headquartered in New Orleans.

Ground Accident Investigation Board convened

2/27/2013 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill.  -- The investigation into the February 17, 2013, accident in a building on Joint Base Andrews, Md., is currently underway. One Air Force military member died in the accident. There is not yet enough evidence gathered to draw any conclusions as to the cause of this accident. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Lieutenant General Robert R. Allardice, Vice-Commander, Air Mobility Command, convened a Safety Investigation Board immediately after the accident in order to quickly determine the cause and to recommend measures necessary to prevent a recurrence. The Safety Investigation Board will not produce a publicly releasable report.

Lieutenant General Allardice also convened a Ground Accident Investigation Board to investigate the matter and to produce a publicly releasable report. The Ground Accident Investigation Board President is Colonel Glenn Chadwick, Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.

After Lieutenant General Allardice approves the report; it will be presented to the family of the deceased airman. After the family has an opportunity to be personally briefed, the report will be released to the general public.

Veterans Workshop Announces Blind US Veterans to Help Deaf US Veterans Make Phone Calls in New National Relay Service

The Veterans Workshop announces that training of blind veteran relay operators begins March 4th, with six Blind Oklahoma Veterans training on a Google+ platform to make phone calls for Deaf Veterans.

Washington, DC, February 27, 2013

Imagine for one minute you are deaf and you are a veteran of the United States Armed Forces. You can't hear anything because an IED has left you deaf. You want to call your mom at home and wish her a "Happy Birthday", but that task is next to impossible. Maybe you want to call your daughter at college and wish her well on her exams, but again, that task is too difficult. But now, with the help of the Veterans Workshop, all of that is about to change. A core group of Blind veterans from the state of Oklahoma are in training starting on March 4th with a mission. They are learning how to be "relay operators", where they can actually make relay phone calls for the veteran who has lost their hearing. http://www.VeteransRelay.com

With funding from the Department of Veterans Affairs, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program (VR&E) of Oklahoma City and the State of Oklahoma, Department of Rehabilitation Services, six Blind veterans are embarking on a training that will change the way that deaf veterans communicate.

Ken Coppinger, lead instructor for the training says "These veterans are my brothers, and teaching them how to use Google plus hangout technology to assist deaf veterans in communication is not a job to me, it's a mission".

One Blind Veteran is 90 Year Old, WWII Veteran Emory Finefrock - a Navy veteran who served in the Pacific. When asked why he has requested to join this training, Emory said, "These are fellow veterans, and if I can help just one, then I will have done my job."

The Veterans Workshop, a national veteran’s charity that has programs to teach Blind, Deaf and Paralyzed veterans, has developed a unique and challenging work assignment for the tens of thousands of Blind American veterans who have an unemployment in the low 90% range. This initial group of blind veterans is excited about the training and the opportunities it will bring to them.

About the Veterans Workshop: With offices in Rhode Island and Washington, DC, the Veterans Workshop has developed unique training programs for a subset of the disabled veterans community to include blind, deaf and paralyzed veterans. Training for Blind veterans is underway, with training for Deaf and Paralyzed veterans expected in early fall.

Face of Defense: Airman Serves Country On, Off Court

By Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kenya Shiloh
52nd Fighter Wing

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany, Feb. 27, 2013 – They say the third time's a charm; however, for one noncommissioned officer assigned to Aviation Detachment 1, 52nd Operations Group, six seems to be his lucky number.

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Marico Gray drives the ball to the basket during a basketball game against the Army in May 2012. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class John Collins   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Six is the number of times Air Force Tech. Sgt. Marico Gray, a contracting NCO, was selected for the Air Force basketball team, and six is the number of consecutive times he and his teammates took home a gold medal in the all-services basketball competition. 

Of the 19 players who tried out for this year's team, including nine enlisted members and 10 former Air Force Academy players, Gray was among the 12 selected to represent the Air Force team.

"I started playing basketball at the age of 7," said Gray, who hails from Birmingham, Ala. "I remember sometimes going out in 30-degree weather to play basketball by myself."

All that practice paid off, because it enabled him to earn a spot on the Air Force team playing nearly every position. Even when he was chosen for the all-armed forces team and the all-tournament team, he said, he played multiple positions, such as forward and point guard, allowing him to hone his skills and help to groom younger players who one day will take his place on the court.

Playing in different locations such as Lithuania and Belgium helped him develop a special bond with his teammates, Gray said, not to mention continuing the friendly rivalry with other services’ teams. Gray said playing other services was like playing your closest friend.

"We are friends before we get on the court, joking and laughing with each other," he said. "But once the game starts, the friendship is put to the side. We're trying to do whatever we can within that rectangle to win the game and ultimately take home that gold medal."

Air Force Senior Airman James Lewis, a member of the 52nd Comptroller Squadron and Gray’s teammate, said Gray is "relentless" when it comes to the team. He shows that same passion when it comes to performing his duties as a contracting specialist for the detachment.

"He produces an energy that is seldom matched, and he has a knack for continuing to push when others simply can't anymore, and it’s due to his will to win," Lewis said.

Having the ability to pursue his passion while also serving his country is what Gray said makes him proud to be in the Air Force instead of trying to play in the National Basketball Association.

"I never felt as strong of a desire to play in the NBA like I feel to serve my country," Gray said. "You hear most individuals in the NBA say they love to give back, and they do, but most times it's only to certain individuals who are fortunate enough to receive it. By serving my country, everyone benefits -- it's the ultimate fulfillment."

Despite his grueling schedule of work, practice and travel, Gray said, he wouldn't trade this experience for anything, and he encourages others to pursue their dreams as well.

"If an airman wants to try out for any Air Force-level team sport, I say give it your all and play the game that got you invited to the trials in the first place," Gray said.

Pacific Air Forces wins highest AF safety award

by Master Sgt. Matthew McGovern
Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs

2/27/2013 - Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii -- Pacific Air Forces earned the Secretary of the Air Force Safety Award, Feb. 12, recognizing the most effective safety program in the Air Force for fiscal year 2012.

"Receiving this top safety award is a testament to our professional Airmen, both on and off duty," said Lt. Gen. Stanley Kresge, PACAF vice commander.

Air Force Safety Award Board officials made their selection for the Air Force's highest safety accolade based on the effectiveness of the safety programs of major commands, direct reporting units, and field operating agencies. Pacific Air Forces Airmen demonstrated this with the lowest mishap rates the command has seen in ten years.

"I am extremely pleased that the Airmen of this command are being recognized at the Air Force level," said Col. Robert Jones, PACAF safety director. "It is through their commitment to safe operations that PACAF won this award."

Pacific Air Forces' safety statistics for 2012 included a ground safety mishap reduction of 25 percent, a mishap costs reduction of 21 percent, and a lost duty day decrease of 26 percent.

"Commanders and supervisors at all levels incorporated safety principles into their plans and programs and ensured the application of sound risk management while accomplishing our goals and objectives," Jones said. "Our leaders emphasized the tenants of Commander's focus, supervisor involvement and individual responsibility to energize mishap prevention
efforts."

Proactive safety initiatives in aviation also led to historic minimums and zero fatalities. Class B mishaps, or damage to assets from $500 thousand to 2 million, were at their lowest level in ten years, while class C mishaps, or damage to assets from $500 to $50 thousand, were at their lowest in five years.

Pacific Air Forces has approximately 45,000 military and civilian personnel serving in nine strategic locations and numerous smaller facilities, primarily in Hawaii, Alaska, Japan, Guam and the Republic of Korea. Approximately 340 fighter and attack aircraft are assigned to the command with approximately 100 additional deployed aircraft stationed rotationally on Guam.

USO Tour Sparks Excitement for Sailors in Spain

By Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Travis Alston and Morgan Over
Navy News Service

ROTA, Spain, Feb. 27, 2013 – The USO brought all-star entertainment to Naval Station Rota on Feb. 26, the first stop on a spring tour to visit troops abroad. 



World Series-winning pitcher Curt Schilling talks with a military family on Feb. 26, 2013, at Naval Air Facility Rota, Spain, after Navy Adm. James A. Winnefeld, Jr., the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, decorated three U.S. Navy explosive ordnance disposal technicians with medals they earned during a recent deployment to Afghanistan. Schilling and nine other professional athletes, American Idol performers, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and an NFL coach are travelling with the admiral and his wife, Mary, as part of the USO Spring Troop Visit that began Feb 25, 2013. DOD photo by Air Force Master Sgt. Chuck Marsh   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Navy Adm. James A. Winnefeld Jr., vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, hosted the star-studded group of athletes, coaches and musicians.

"I am thankful for those who wear the cloth to serve our nation and serve our country overseas," Winnefeld said.
The show kicked off with opening remarks from the naval station's commanding officer, Navy Capt. Scott Kraverath.
"I'm honored to have the opportunity to host such a distinguished group of individuals," he said. "Events like these are great for morale and show our service members that their hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed."
During the show, members of the tour thanked service members for the sacrifices and service to the country.

"I'm so honored to be a part of this [USO tour]," said Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson. "This being our first stop, obviously you guys are very special, and I'm excited to be here. I'm a military brat. On the flight over, talking to these guys -- [Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning] and some of the other athletes and cheerleaders -- one way or another, we all seem to be related to someone in the military.

“Whether it's a grandfather or a niece or nephew, brother or sister-in-law, we all know somebody who has served in our military,” he added. “For myself, it was my father."

Jackson talked about his experience moving overseas and experiencing the military life as his father served in the Army.

"I don't like to make a comparison to the military and football -- sports, even, because you guys are on the front lines,” he said. “You're dealing with live ammunition, doing something extreme. You're protecting our freedom, creating world peace and we pretty much, on Sundays, entertain people for four hours.”

However, he added, there are some parallels between the National Football League and the military.

"The leadership, the sacrifice, the communication you guys have, the training, the bonding, the unselfish mentality that you have to have to create a team atmosphere," Jackson said. "Just like a football team, we come from all walks of life. You work together, you train to accomplish that mission, you build bonds and relationships that last a lifetime. That's kind of what we do as athletes."

Four-time World Series pitcher Curt Schilling also spoke of his appreciation.

"‘Thank you’ doesn't even begin to describe what we think, what we feel and how we feel about you and your families," he said. "I grew up the son of an airborne paratrooper. My dad served in the 101st [Airborne Division] for 20 years.

Schilling noted that this tour is his second with the USO.

“The first one was eight days that I'll never forget. This one is starting out to be unforgettable as well,” he said. “Thank you. To the families, I know there's a price to be paid in uniform and by the families. It's just apparent that … when we walk away today, that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. We wish you nothing but the best."

Manning also expressed his appreciation for the commitment service members have for the country.

"Thanks from the bottom of my heart," he said. "The one thing that has always motivated me playing football is being accountable to my teammates. What's really driven me for the past 16 years playing football is being accountable, doing my job at the very best that I can to be accountable to help my teammates. I know that's exactly what you believe in, as it's really what the military is all about."

Manning and Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Austin Collie threw autographed footballs to service members in the audience.

After the performance, members had a chance to meet with Winnefeld and the entertainers for a photo and autograph session.

"This is my third time on a USO tour, and my first time here in Spain," said Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Jackie Bob. "I'm so thankful and honored for you all to come up here and see us. It's an honor for us to be able to say 'thank you' for those that serve us."