Military Officers Association of America selected as one of the 2013 “Best NonProfit Organizations to Work for”

Alexandria, Va. (April 1, 2013) — Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) has earned the distinction of being selected as one of the 2013 “Best NonProfit Organizations to Work for.”  A special publication profiling the 50 organizations selected was published in the April 1, 2013 issue of The NonProfit Times.

In order to be selected, MOAA underwent a workplace assessment process that included surveying employees, as well as taking an inventory of organizational benefits, policies and offerings.  The information was processed and analyzed and used to determine the “Best NonProfits to Work for.”

“We are very gratified to receive this distinction,” MOAA President Vice Adm. Norb Ryan, Jr., said.  “We believe our people make us who we are and they are our number one strength.”

In addition to being a part of the list, the program provides each company that underwent the assessment a report of understandable and actionable information.  The information allows participating companies to adjust their policies and activities to meet organizational needs.

MOAA, ranked #32 in 2013, also received the “Best NonProfit Organizations to Work for” in 2011.

About MOAA:

Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) is the nation’s largest officers association with more than 380,000 members from every branch of service, including active duty, retired, National Guard, Reserve, and former officers and their families and survivors. MOAA is a nonprofit and politically nonpartisan organization and an influential force in promoting a strong national defense.  MOAA represents the interests of service members and their families in every stage of their lives and careers, and for those who are not eligible to join MOAA, Voices for America’s Troops is a nonprofit MOAA affiliate that supports a strong national defense. For more information, visit www.moaa.org. or www.voicesfortroops.org/.

New Complex to Support Stratcom’s 21st-century Missions

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb., April 1, 2013 – In the movie, “Field of Dreams,” a Midwestern farmer built a baseball diamond in the middle of his cornfield, convinced that if he did so, the old-time ball players would come.

Defense Department and state of Nebraska officials formally break ground for U.S. Strategic Command’s new home at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., Oct. 12, 2012. The $524.4 million, 915,876 square-foot facility is expected to be completed in 2016 and move-in ready in 2018. DOD photo by Steve Cunningham   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

The exact opposite happened here at U.S. Strategic Command, where new missions and the technologies to support them came one after another, before the shovel ever hit the dirt to make way for them.

Today, Stratcom is bursting from the seams in a headquarters building built in the mid-1950s to accommodate telephones and grease boards, but challenged to deliver 21st-century capabilities that demand state-of-the-art technology systems, Kenneth Calicutt, director of the command’s Resources and Integration and Program Management Office, told American Forces Press Service.

Peek under the ceiling tiles or beneath the floorboards at the Curtis E. LeMay Building, he observes, and you’ll find a riot of multicolored wires, all added over the decades to accommodate new technologies as they were introduced.

Meanwhile, Stratcom’s historic mission, nuclear defense, expanded to include new responsibilities: space, cyber space, missile defense and intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance, among them. All required their own supporting systems and technologies that were incorporated into the headquarters building.

“The infrastructure from the 1950s doesn’t support the global problems we’ve been tasked to support,” Calicutt said. “In today’s world, global planning and global overwatch is primarily communications-driven, but the command’s infrastructure was never set up to accommodate [that].”

So just across the street, in the middle of what was once Offutt Air Force Base’s golf course, a new Stratcom command-and-control complex is slowly taking shape.

Ground was broken for the new facility in October, with Air Force Gen. C. Robert Kehler, Stratcom’s commander, heralding a new milestone in the command’s history.

“The capabilities this facility will provide put us on a path to the future -- a future that secures America and our allies from information-age threats with information-age systems and capabilities,” Kehler told participants at the ceremony.

The new, nearly 1 million-square-foot facility, expected to be completed in 2016 and move-in ready by 2018, will transform the way Stratcom operates, said Robert Madden, program coordinator for the new facility.

Because its networks are being designed from the ground up, they’ll be complementary, rather than stove-piped and often competing systems, he said. Meanwhile, the facility will provide redundancies not available in the current headquarters because the systems were never designed to back up each other.

“This building is an opportunity for us to sort all that out so we can operate more efficiently,” Madden said.
That will have a major impact on Stratcom’s ability to plan and execute its missions, Calicutt said, enabling leaders to better leverage technology to increase their situational and operational awareness.

“Today’s missions require much better information, but you can’t use that better information if you don’t have the [information technology] infrastructure to support it,” he said. “The new command and control complex will provide that infrastructure that is truly the foundation of this command as we plan and conduct missions that require us to be ready to execute on a moment’s notice -- 24/7/365, every minute of every hour of every day.”

The Air Force is funding the project, with the Army Corps of Engineers in charge of construction. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific is responsible for the information technology systems engineering.
“So this is definitely a joint effort here: an Air Force project being constructed by an Army organization and outfitted by a Navy organization,” Madden said. “And when it’s completed, all will benefit from the increased capability it provides.”

"The Aviators" comes to Tinker, highlights KC-135, E-3 missions

by Senior Airman Mark Hybers
507th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

3/28/2013 - TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla.  -- A crew from the popular television series "The Aviators" came to here March 20-21 to highlight the KC-135 Stratotanker and the E-3 Sentry missions for an upcoming episode airing this fall.

The film crew of four spent two days at Tinker filming the KC-135 and E-3 missions in order to highlight the Guard, Reserve and active duty components and the specific mission capabilities of the jets and crews.

Airmen from the 507th Air Refueling Wing, 513th Air Control Group, 552nd Air Control Wing and Oklahoma Air National Guard's 137th Air Refueling Wing were active participants.

The film crew hailing out of Toronto, Canada, came prepared for the type of fast paced, cramped filming needed to effectively demonstrate what the men and women do without hindering any part of the KC-135 or E-3 missions.

"Executing the schedule for the film crew took a total force effort of Guard, Reserve and active duty. We had a lot of support from both sides of the flight line." said Capt. Jon Quinlan, 507th ARW Public Affairs chief. "This documentary coverage will play a huge role in communicating our Air Force missions to the public and recruiting our future aviators. Plus it didn't cost us a penny"

Within five minutes of arriving at the front gate, the crew unloaded and began filming 507th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron members while they worked on a KC-135.

"We were really surprised at how efficient the maintenance process seemed to be," said Anthony Nalli, executive producer. "They were all in different areas working on different things at the same time. They seemed to be a very cohesive team."

Devin Lund, director of photography, who has been with the show since season one, was quite surprised at the size of the aircraft. "There is going to be a ton of great video here," Lund said.

The Aviators crew filmed mission briefs and pre-flight inspections on both the KC-135 and E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System to get a feel for what goes into these missions before the aircraft leave the ground.

Major Mark Povec, 465th Air Refueling Squadron pilot, explained to the film crew what's it's like to be part of a KC-135 crew.

"The film crew was outstanding when it came to the interview. It was great to highlight our ops and maintenance teams." said Povec. "All around it was a good experience."

A highlight during the filming for Megen Andersen, production coordinator, was finding out more about the boom operator position.

"I was really surprised how intense the boom operator's position is," she said. "He or she has to be so precise and attentive during the mission while working on their stomach in a small office."

The "Aviator" series focuses on interesting people, the latest aircraft and coolest technology, both civilian and military. It's currently filming for the fourth season, set to air this fall.

The series airs weekly in the United States with an audience of over 9.3 million in almost 3.6 million television households as reported by Nielsen ratings during the show's second season. Additionally, the show has more than 2 million views or downloads via popular online video subscription sites.

While the show mainly airs on the Public Broadcasting Service, the show is now running in some areas on the Discovery Channel.

The episode filmed here is expected to air sometime in October, according to the producers.

Homestead F-16s make history at Combat Hammer

by Staff Sgt. Lou Burton
482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

3/29/2013 - EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Airmen from Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., showcased their talent and skills at Combat Hammer, a weapons system evaluation program used to determine the validity of munitions products and processes, March 18 through 22.

In the process, the 160 Airmen helped make history by doing something no other unit has done since the program started in 1985.

"The 482nd dropped more bombs in a single day during Combat Hammer than any other F-16 unit in the Air Force participating in the evaluation, ever," said Lt. Col. Scott Briese, Commander, 482nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

The ability to coordinate 160 Airmen and 12 F-16 fighter jets and turn out a history making day was the result of numerous people working together in various jobs.

"The group of Airmen deployed encompasses a wide range of support staff, mechanical experts, munitions staff, and support staff," said Briese. "These Airmen have been exceptional. They have met every challenge by exceeding expectations and performing whatever jobs needed."

Planning and preparation for the deployment required considering all the needed parts for the mission.

"Coordination for this assignment required preparing Airmen for deployment, scheduling training, transporting equipment and troops, and so much more," said Tech. Sgt. Tara Austin, 482nd Operations Group unit deployment manager.

From preparing the munitions, loading weapons, preparing the jets, flying, and recovering, all 160 Airmen deployed played a role.

"Combat Hammer is an excellent place for aircraft maintenance to hone their skills," said Senior Airman Jose Rocha, 482nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief. "We're able to ensure the safety of each jet by paying attention to details and consulting technical orders."

While the testing checks the munitions and processes, each experience offers the Airman an opportunity to train.

"As pilots, we are practicing our accuracy," said Maj. Mark Van Brunt, 93rd Operations Squadron Chief of Weapons. "There are specific targets and our job is to hit those targets."

After recovering the aircraft from flying, ensuring the safety requires thoroughly examining all parts.

"I crawl into the intake of the F-16 to check for cracks," said Tech. Sgt. Elizabeth Sarabia, 482nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron inspector. "Once inside, I investigate possible scratches or cracks on parts."

Regardless of the job, each Airman played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the mission. From those that keep track of the parts of the aircraft, supply fuel to the jet, fix and sometimes create parts to the munitions crew loading bombs, the crew chiefs launching the jets, and the pilots flying them, every part of the process was crucial to making it work.

6th CMSAF offers words of hope to Team Buckley

by Senior Airman Christopher Gross
460th Space Wing Public Affairs

3/28/2013 - BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The sixth chief master sergeant of the Air Force paid a visit while he was in Colorado to Team Buckley members who gathered March 26 in the fitness center for an enlisted call.
Chief Master Sgt. William Ward, 460th Space Wing command chief, introduced retired Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James McCoy as a chief that "led in a time when there were challenges in our Air Force -- challenges in our military that kind of represent where we're at today."

McCoy currently resides outside Omaha, Neb. near Offutt Air Force Base, where he routinely gets involved with the base from time to time. McCoy said it's an honor to still be a part of today's Air Force and his opinions are still taken into account as the Air Force keeps their former senior enlisted leaders involved. He then compared current times to when he joined in 1951 during the Korean War era.

During McCoy's career, as a radar operator and instructor, he saw firsthand many drawbacks as are currently being seen with sequestration and cuts.

"Believe me, this isn't the first time we've been through something like this," McCoy said.
He said he can remember downsizing after the Korean War, the Cold War and the Gulf War and this is nothing new.

The former CMSAF said as the Air Force continues to get through some serious cuts, it needs to be cautious as to how much downsizing is being done. Some of those cuts, such as the ones being looked at for professional military education, cause "a great deal of concern," as members need to be well equipped to continue to be successful. He said he felt confident that no major decisions would be made as leadership understands the importance of the enlisted force development and PME.

Something that has been pleasing to him though, is the reversal of tuition assistance. McCoy said it was a hard decision, but due to circumstances it wasn't much of a choice.

"What made me feel so good is when the Congress of the United States stood up and said, 'No. You will not do that. We will find the money,'" McCoy said. "That says an awful lot to me about how the Congress and the American people feel about our military services."

The biggest thing McCoy said he wants service members to understand is that none of the cuts being made are easy. There's a lot of thought which goes into every decision.

Repurposed simulators provide new training opportunity

by Airman Veronique Henry
30th Space Wing Public Affairs

3/28/2013 - VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The 532nd Training Squadron has recently improved hands-on training for their students.

In February, the squadron received four Air Launched Cruise Missiles Simulators from Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. After the simulators underwent operation test evaluations, students finally had the chance to use them March 27.

"We have needed new simulators for years," said Senior Master Sgt. Gregory Gallup, 532nd Squadron superintendent. "When I was first here as an instructor back in 1996 my first question was, when will they be replaced and changed? Our old simulators are worn-out and not realistic for training.'"

Leadership was concerned with the training quality that students were receiving and acted accordingly.

"We requested the simulators in 2007 at a utilization training workshop," said Barbara Lefebvre, 532nd Squadron Training Manager. "In 2010 the request was approved."
Although there were stalls with request after it was approved, the simulators eventually arrived.

"These simulators are vital and needed," said Staff Sgt. Thomas Garcia, 532nd Squadron Instructor. "They help train the students for what they'll be doing in the field. We focus hours on end on theory but until students have hands-on training they aren't fully prepared to do their job. The instructors are really excited to have these."

The students also appreciated receiving the simulators.

"I have trouble just looking at a book," said Airman Saskia Miller, 532nd Squadron Student. "With the simulators you can see what you're actually learning. I try to use caution like I'm using a real missile."

As for the Squadron's old simulators, Air Force Global Strike Command is paying to have them shipped and will use them for other purposes.

Disabled Veterans Sports Clinic Opens in Colorado

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

SNOWMASS VILLAGE, Colo., April 1, 2013 – An Iraq war veteran now serving as a senior Department of Veterans Affairs official opened the world’s largest and longest-running disabled sports event here last night, and he challenged almost 400 veterans to reach for new heights through teamwork and mental and physical toughness.

“We all know the importance of sports and the incredible results that they can play in not only healing our minds and bodies, but our spirits as well,” Tommy Sowers, VA assistant secretary for public and intergovernmental affairs, told participants at opening ceremonies for the 27th annual National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic.

“Sports are more than just activity and competition,” he said. “They improve us, they teach us, they challenge us and make us stronger -- and they do it in ways that we cannot imagine.”

Sowers urged the participants, including many that were wounded during operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, to push their limits as they tackle events designed to help them discover new abilities.
“It is you and the mountain,” he said. “Good luck. Have a wonderful week -- with determination, with toughness, and with joy.”

The clinic, co-sponsored by VA and the Disabled American Veterans, is open to U.S. military veterans with disabilities ranging from spinal cord injuries and orthopedic amputations to visual impairment and neurological conditions.

During the six-day program, veterans learn adaptive Alpine and Nordic skiing and are introduced to rock climbing, scuba diving, trapshooting, snowmobiling, sled hockey and other sports and activities.

But Larry Polzin, the DAV national commander, emphasized that the clinic is no vacation.

“You came here with a mission. Your job is to learn something new [and] to take that and make the most of it,” Polzin told the veterans. “When you leave here, it is going to be a totally different feeling for you.”

Those new discoveries will remain with the participants and help in their rehabilitation long after they return to their communities, Sower told American Forces Press Service.

“These sorts of events are absolutely critical, not just for the one week that they are here, but for the 51 other weeks [of the year] as well,” he said. “We see the benefits going forward -- not just for the veterans themselves, but also for their caregivers and families.”

As the veterans cheer on and inspire each other during the winter sports clinic, Sowers said they’re also setting an example for others.

He noted, for example, that disabled athletes around the world benefit from adaptive equipment pioneered at the winter sports clinic, and the techniques taught here.

Sowers offered high praise to the DAV, the Snowmass Village and Aspen communities, and the hundreds of volunteers and sponsors who come together to make the clinic a success.

“It is not an example, it is THE example of the right type of public-private-local partnership,” he said.

Military Child Month Salutes Children’s Contributions

By Terri Moon Cronk
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 1, 2013 – During April’s Month of the Military Child, the Defense Department recognizes the support provided by and sacrifices made by military children, said Barbara Thompson, director of DOD’s office of family policy/children and youth.

Since 1983, DOD has recognized military children for the support they provide to their families. There are now 1.8 million children in the military system, Thompson said.

“Military children, youth and teens are an integral part of their military parent because they stand by them, they’re proud of them, they recognize their sacrifices and they take on additional responsibilities to meet the needs of their families,” she said.

Military children also receive national-level recognition, Thompson said. Following a presidential study directive in January 2011, she said, the cabinet secretaries signed a letter of support from their departments to military communities.

Based on that directive, DOD has partnered with the Department of Agriculture and Health and Human Services to increase the availability of high-quality child care off the installation, she said, adding that 66 percent of military families live off base.

Thompson said she hopes civilian communities will also reach out to military children.

“Our military children are embedded in their school systems and their neighborhoods,” she said.

Military installations will celebrate the Month of the Military Child with activities such as parades, face painting, carnivals and other events that children enjoy, Thompson said. Activities information, she said, will be available through base newspapers, youth centers, child development center and family support centers.
Even though the number of children with a deployed parent has decreased because of the U.S. military’s drawdown in Afghanistan, military families continue to face deployments, humanitarian missions and training, Thompson said.

Regardless of the mission, military families are separated during times of holidays and children’s birthdays, she said.

“That’s why we recognize that children serve, too,” Thompson said.

AFNIC engineers play key role in CSAF's Unified Engagement 2012 Wargame

by Mark Hizer
Air Force Network Integration Center

3/28/2013 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- For the Air Force Space Command's Air Force Network Integration Center Dynamic Network Analysis (DNA) team, the future is always now. That's because engineers Keith Jeffery, Sameep Sanghavi and Matt Schramm are experts in performing analysis and designing communications models and cyber simulations to support Air Force wargames that envision the world as it might be 12 years from today.

For the past eight years, the AFNIC DNA team has played a crucial role in Unified Engagement (UE), a series of wargames held in two-year cycles at the direction of the Chief of Staff of the Air Force. The purpose of the wargames is threefold: first, to educate, train and equip current and future leaders so they're better-prepared to develop strategies and make critical decisions in wartime; second, to test the effectiveness of new technologies and concepts, and third, to provide input to the CSAF based on findings from game play to support and validate AF programs.

Planning for Unified Engagement 2012 (UE 12) began almost two years ago, with a variety of scenario development and partnership-building activities culminating in a capstone event that took place Dec. 3-14, 2012 near Ramstein Air Base in Germany. More than 300 military and civilian representatives from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Poland, Italy, France, Denmark and the Netherlands participated.

Early in 2011, even though UE 10 had just concluded, Jeffery, Sanghavi and Schramm were already hard at work preparing for UE 12. Their focus: analyzing requirements and developing a comprehensive worldwide model to demonstrate the critical role of cyber capabilities in the scenarios to be played out during the event.

"With our experience and successful involvement in past UE events, we felt AFNIC was uniquely qualified to not only model communications for the games, but to provide critical, insightful analysis of how it affects critical capabilities such as Command and Control (C2); Missile Defense; and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR)," said Jeffery, AFNIC's DNA team and wargames lead. "If those capabilities are impaired, the ability to fight a war can be significantly degraded."

In the months leading up to the capstone event the AFNIC team studied all aspects of cyber, from the location and capacity of the primary "backbones" of the worldwide terrestrial network, to the types of airborne and space assets that could be realistically placed in theater where UE 12 conflicts unfolded. Once this was determined, they considered every possible occurrence that could adversely impact cyber capabilities, for example, an undersea fiber cable suddenly failing.

According to Jeffery, two specific objectives for UE 12 were: to see how effectively participants could deal with two major conflicts happening simultaneously; and to analyze how new concepts such as the Joint Aerial Layer Network (JALN), a high-capacity aerial communications "backbone," can enable better integration of space, land, sea and air assets.

Helping the players of the wargame understand the realities of cyber--what's possible and what's not--was a key role for AFNIC's DNA team.

"We assisted participants in prioritizing their mission needs and better defining their communications requirements based on the scenarios to be played out," said Matt Schramm, Lead Model Engineer. "Then we helped them understand exactly what capabilities they can expect to have available as they plan and execute the moves of the wargame,"added Sameep Sanghavi, Wargames Software Development Lead.

At the capstone event, UE 12 "players" were divided into multiple teams with varying roles, including the "Blue" coalition team, the "Red" team representing the enemy, and a "Yellow" team serving as adjudicators to determine the effectiveness and impact of each move by the Blue and Red teams during the game.

Jeffery was a member of the Yellow adjudication team, where his role included providing technical support for the sophisticated models the AFNIC DNA team developed for use during the game. In addition to his Yellow team responsibilities, he also served as a "Trusted Agent", consulting separately with both the Blue and the Red teams on cyber-related issues.

Wargame moves were delivered as PowerPoint slides displaying the actions taken in response to the continually changing scenarios. After the "good guys" (Blue team) and "bad guys" (Red team) submitted their moves, the Yellow adjudication team evaluated the moves and provided a revised "view of the world" for the next move sequence. Throughout the game, player moves emulated rational actions that combatants could employ given similar real-world circumstances.

"Our efforts for UE 12 and over the past eight years in previous wargames have served to highlight the critical role cyber plays on the battlefield. We've helped ensure that senior leaders view cyber as an essential capability, and that it is in fact a major and vital weapon system." said Jeffery.

The UE 12 Capstone event concluded with a comprehensive briefing with all 300 participants on lessons learned, including key communications findings.

One indication that that cyberspace is a key warfighting domain and a critical enabler is reflected by a comment made by a senior leader during the briefing. Lt. General Craig A. Franklin, Commander, 3rd Air Force, said, "In the future I think comm [Cyber] is going to win wars!"

Col. Rizwan Ali, AFNIC Commander, echoed this sentiment, highlighting how the importance of cyber continues to grow.

"The last two games have seen an increase in cyber play and the havoc it can cause on so many levels," said Ali. "We're proud to be part of a mission to help prepare our senior leaders to manage such dire situations with confidence."

Little: U.S. Seeks ‘Peace and Stability’ on Korean Peninsula

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr. American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, April 1, 2013 – The U.S. will continue to conduct military exercises such as Foal Eagle 2013 with South Korea as part of its commitment to that nation and its desire to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the region, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said here today. Speaking to reporters, Little emphasized the United States’ commitment to peace and stability in the region, and discussed North Korea’s recent provocations. “The focus of our military exercises, and what we’ve been saying publicly, is all about alliance assurance,” he said. “It’s about showing the South Koreans that we are deeply committed to our alliance with them,” Little said. “We’re committed to their defense, committed to the defense of our forces in South Korea and we’re also committed to peace and stability in the region.” Little noted that two F-22 Raptors, as previously planned, have deployed from Kadena Air Base, Japan, to Osan Air Base, South Korea, to participate in the two-month-long Foal Eagle exercise which began March 1. “This exercise has been planned for some time and is part of the air component of the Foal Eagle exercise,” he said. And as part of U.S. Pacific Command’s theater security package, Little said, deployments of U.S. Air Force fighters to the Pacific region have occurred since March 2004, allowing for a more “prudent deterrent capability and combat-ready forces.” And the dispatch of F-22 Raptors to participate in this year’s Foal Eagle exercise in South Korea “strengthens the Pacific Command’s military interoperability with the Republic of Korea,” he said. “We believe that this exercise has been extremely successful in shoring up our cooperation with our South Korean allies,” Little said, “and we’ll continue to engage with them closely.” Little said exercises in South Korea “send an important signal, not only to South Korea, but to friends like Japan. So that is the focus of our recent efforts.” Little said North Korea has a choice of continuing to “engage in provocations with bellicose, over-heated, irresponsible rhetoric,” or choosing a path of peace. “We think it’s time for them to switch lanes,” he said. “We seek peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. And we think that’s in the best interests of everyone in the region.” North Korea has recently engaged in “rhetoric and recent actions that are self-defeating and isolating for the North Koreans,” Little said. North Korea could decide to play a constructive role in the region, but it has decided to play an unconstructive role, Little said. “And we believe that should change,” he said. Little said he could envision “any number of scenarios” where other countries might pursue dialogue with North Korea if they changed course. “The regrettable fact is, at this point, they have shown a propensity toward provocation, and not toward constructive behavior or words,” he said. North Korea needs to “come into compliance with their international obligations,” Little said, including their nuclear and missile programs. “I can envision any number of scenarios under which, if they acted constructively and abided by their obligations, that the United States would consider, at some point, talking to them about a whole range of issues, to include nuclear issues,” he said. Little reiterated it is the United States’ goal to preserve peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula while engaging in “alliance assurance.” “The choice is really for North Korea to make,” he said. “They can be a constructive player or they can continue to be [a] … regime that acts and speaks irresponsibly.”

Hagel Hosts Singapore's Prime Minister at Pentagon

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 1, 2013 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel hosted Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore for a working lunch at the Pentagon today, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said.

U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, left, hosts an honor cordon and working lunch for Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Pentagon, April 1, 2013. The two leaders met to discuss issues of mutual concern. DOD photo by Glenn Fawcett   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

"The meeting was an opportunity for Secretary Hagel to hear the Prime Minister's views on regional security issues, including how nations can work with one another to peacefully resolve territorial issues in the East and South China Seas,” Little said.

Hagel thanked the Prime Minister for Singapore's strong ties of friendship and close collaboration on a number of shared interests, including Afghanistan, counterpiracy and counterproliferation efforts, Little said.

The secretary also thanked the Prime Minister for hosting up to four forward-deployed littoral combat ships on a rotational basis in Singapore, Little said. The first of these ships, the USS Freedom, he said, is currently en route to Singapore and will arrive later this month.

"Secretary Hagel made clear the United States and the Department of Defense remain committed to the rebalance towards the Asia-Pacific region,” Little said, “and that in the future there will be even more opportunities for closer collaboration between the United States and Singapore.”

Little said Hagel accepted an invitation from the prime minister to travel to Singapore for the Shangri-La dialogue next month.

“Secretary Hagel looks forward to visiting with allies and partners from around the region and addressing the conference," Little said.

Silent flight makes 'boom' in refueling mission

by 2nd Lt. David J. Murphy
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs

4/1/2013 - JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Four KC-10 Extenders from the 305th Air Mobility Wing fly to a rendezvous point to meet with four KC-135 Stratotankers from the 6th Air Mobility Wing, out of MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. The KC-10s and the KC-135s flew to a designated point in a straight line a mile behind and 1000 feet above the preceding aircraft, in what is known as an En route-Trail Formation.
The two sets of aircraft then shifted 60 degrees to the right placing two miles of open air between each other in their respective formations. The aircrews began the air-refueling portion of the mission with miles between each other.

The KC-10 pilots took the aircraft off autopilot approximately a mile away from the KC-135s, and with all checklists complete, proceeded to fly toward the KC-135s, stopping 50 feet to stabilize. The KC-10 pilots then approached the KC-135s at about one-foot per second until the two aircraft were 10 feet apart.

The four KC-135s boom operators then lowered their booms to the KC-10s to begin the refueling portion of the mission. The aircraft conducted this maneuver in a 6,000-foot moving bubble of protected airspace between 24,000 and 30,000 feet above ground.

The KC-135 boom operators then moved their 15-foot booms into an approximate eight-inch air refueling receptacle on the KC-10s. The aircraft must stay connected for the duration of the refueling operation which takes approximately 15 minutes to transfer 13,000 gallons of jet propellant 8, while both aircraft maintain speeds in excess 420 mph. The KC-10 maintained this stable position while fighting turbulence and other weather conditions.

The KC-10s then perform a Waterfall Maneuver once the refueling operation was complete. This extremely precise maneuver involved the KC-10s slowly backing away from the KC-135s, one after another, beginning with the lead aircraft, and reforming back into En route-Trail Formation. Without precise timing, and attention to detail, aircraft could collide during this maneuver.

A mission like this requires precise timing, planning and execution and can test the mettle of any aircrew under normal circumstances. Now imagine performing this intricate mission in complete radio silence.

Student pilots from the 305th Operation Group's KC-10 Flying Training Unit, and members of the 32nd and 2nd Air Refueling Squadrons, conducted this radio-silent training mission, known as an Emissions Control 3 (EMCON III) large-formation operation, March 19, 2013.

The 6 hour-long EMCON III training mission is designed to enable pilots to deliver an air-strike package undetected while flying into hostile enemy airspace.

EMCON III is one of four EMCON statuses. EMCON I is completely open transmission. EMCON II limits voice communication reducing it completely while certain aircraft are in range. EMCON III restricts all radio communication and allows aircrew to use only specific emitters, such as transponder codes and navigational aids. EMCON IV limits all radio communication and emitter use.

"All aircraft emit infrared and electromagnetic energy through their engines, radios, radar, navigational aids and transponder codes," said Maj. Todd Swanhart, 305th Operational Support Squadron tactics KC-10 chief. "Radios put out the most useful energy to the enemy because it gives them direct information about the nature of the mission through voice communication, so we practice EMCON missions to prevent unnecessary emissions when needed during real-world scenarios."

An EMCON III mission requires a very high level of preparation and planning because timing is everything, explained Swanhart, who hails from Johnstown, Pa.

"It's a ballet in the sky and it's choreographed just like a dance," Swanhart said.

The 305th OG has worked with multiple wings to re-emphasize the strategic importance of flying in an EMCON-restricted environment, but the 305th AMW has taken the lead on refining this skillset and mission, Swanhart explained.

"We are literally writing the tactics, techniques and procedures for operating in a restricted environment," said Swanhart. "Eighty percent of JB MDL tanker aircrews have been exposed to this and we're currently working to develop the program for the KC-135 weapons school and tankers across Air Mobility Command."

An EMCON III or IV mission can take an aircrew a week or more to prepare for because every phase of the flight needs to be meticulously thought out, due to the fact that no one is talking to one another other. Normal missions can be planned the day prior, Swanhart noted.

The pre-mission briefings are essential to successful missions and allow teams to identify crunch points, or areas in the mission that could cause problems, and resolve them ahead of time, explained Capt. Seth Pelletier, 32nd Air Refueling Squadron Chief of Tactics, and KC-10 pilot.

"I think an EMCON III or IV mission is easier than a regular mission because the complicated areas have been analyzed more thoroughly, but it demands a higher level of crew-resource management," said Pelletier, a China Village, Maine, native. "It forces air crews to push their comfort zones and identify holes in their plan before the mission brief. Last-minute contingencies require an experienced aircrew for a successful mission."

EMCON III or IV missions challenge every member of the aircrew and put their skills to the test, but are not impossible to complete.

"If you fly to what you're briefed, trust the lead, are a good wingman and backup the lead, then an EMCON mission can be flown flawlessly," Swanhart said.

EC honors veteran military painter

by Lt. Col. Laurie A. Arellano
U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center

4/1/2013 - JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Everyone in John Witt's art has a name, and every piece of art has a story. In fact, John Witt himself has a story, though he's reluctant to talk much about the man behind the latest contributions to Air Force Art Program's collection at the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center, March 15, 2013, here.

Officials unveiled eight works of art by three artists, including five by Witt, a military artist since 1963. Two of Witt's paintings will be permanently installed at the EC following Air Force CORONA, where all of the paintings will be turned over to the Air Force after being displayed for Air Force leadership.

"These are opportunities to educate," said Witt. "Seeing these pieces enables people to construct a larger picture of the Air Force story."

Witt's most recent works focused on the EC's training mission. He spent an initial visit at the EC sketching the people who represent many of the missions trained there, and then followed it up by traveling to Afghanistan to sketch people in those same missions doing their jobs in the theater.

"There's a historical significance," Witt said. "History is art."

Witt takes his contributions to history seriously. He's witnessed events that have steered his career as an artist from his 1963 enlistment in the Army and two Vietnam tours as a civilian commissioned by the Marines, to his recent tours in Afghanistan and Iraq and in Thailand during the Asian tsunami.

"The experience does something to you," Witt said.

In Vietnam, Witt sometimes had to resort to ink and spit sketches, and he carried a wood block in his map case to, he said, hopefully to protect him from shrapnel. He eventually carved it for one of his works.

"I wanted to record every aspect of what they did there," Witt said.

During the unveiling ceremony, Greg Hannon, EC chief registrar and unit historian, said the ceremony is an important reminder that military service is noble and worth remembering and art sustains our culture and contributes to our heritage.

"Paintings that were commissioned half-a-millennia ago still inspire to this very day," Hannon said. "Look at museums all over the world and people flock to see art, captured by the human hand and inspired by the human soul."

Hannon expressed the Air Force's gratitude to all of the artists who give their talents and time on a completely volunteer basis to help tell the Air Force story.

"There is something timeless and enduring about taking a piece of canvas, and through the God-given inspiration of the subject and the talent of the artist, something synergistic can be produced that speaks to the dignity of human beings and the human spirit," Hannon said.

During his 50 years and hundreds of paintings with the military art program, Witt has focused on the people not only of the Air Force, but also of the countries in which the Air Force is operating.

"My feeling is this is history," said Witt. "The country needs to see what the people of the military are doing in these countries.

Witt's paintings begin with a sketch. Something tells him to draw, and from there, a piece of art begins to take shape.

"The important thing is the concept," Witt explained. "What do I want to say with this piece?"

Every one of his thousands of sketches contains the names of the people he sketched and they're all signed by the person he sketched. Witt said he sketches people because they help tell the Air Force story.

"Sometimes a lot is written on the face," he said.

Even foreign civilians help educate people about what the Air Force is doing abroad. He wants people to get a feeling of the country the Air Force is operating in.

Sometimes he sees an opportunity to make a bigger statement or convey a message through the people he sketches and the environment he visits. Good art lets people bring in their own emotion and experiences and draw their own conclusions, Witt explained.

The Military Art Program began in the 18th century in the U.S. and continues today via the heritage programs of the five services. The artists deploy into a country, and with no instructions and no restrictions, create works that, unlike a photo taken in the moment and reliant completely on the time and place it is taken, are composites of their experiences and the statement they hope to make.

Maj. Gen. William Bender, EC commander, said at the unveiling ceremony all of the artists in the military art program are patriots, and that he was grateful for the paintings of Airmen they donated as a result of their time at the EC.

"The focus is on the people," Bender said, "where it should be."

McChord receives its final C-17

by Tech. Sgt. Sean Tobin
62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

3/29/2013 - JOINT BASE LEWIS MCCHORD, Wash. -- Team McChord celebrated nearly 14 years of flying and maintaining the C-17 Globemaster III during a ceremony on the flightline here March 27, just moments after receiving its final C-17 delivery.

McChord received its first C-17 aircraft July 30, 1999. That aircraft, named "The Spirit of McChord," was also on hand for the most recent ceremony. Parked nose-to-nose on the ramp, the two aircraft provided the backdrop for the afternoon's event, which was attended by Airman and community leaders.

Since that first delivery in 1999, McChord C-17s have played a critical role supporting the nation's global airlift capability. C-17s based here have flown missions in a variety of operations, to include humanitarian relief and contingency operations.

"Whether it's bringing equipment and supplies to hurricane or earthquake victims, or dropping medical supplies at the South Pole or ammunition to soldiers in Afghanistan, for more than a decade, McChord Airmen have saved lives all over the world," said Col. Wyn Elder, 62nd Airlift Wing commander.

Lt. Gen. Darren McDew, 18th Air Force commander, and the plane's delivery official, echoed Elder's sentiments on the impact of the C-17 at McChord.

"While the C-17 has supported our commanders across the globe for nearly two decades, you have really made it shine here at McChord," McDew said. "Because of that, it is a privilege to bring this brand new aircraft to you."

In a gesture signifying the transfer of ownership of the C-17 to McChord, McDew handed over the aircraft's "keys" to Tech. Sgt. Justin Reeves, 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron flying crew chief.

"As I turn over this aircraft, I charge you to do great things with it," McDew told the crowd. "And I have no doubt you wil

446th AES trains for casualty movement

by Army Spc. Loren Cook
20th Public Affairs Detachment

3/29/2013 - JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- When personnel are injured in Afghanistan, help is no farther away than a medic's tactical field care, a nine-line medevac request, and a helicopter flight to a forward operating base. Depending on the severity of an injury, a wounded service member may be sent to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany or stateside for additional treatment.

But how do these wounded warriors get from a field hospital to a fixed facility halfway around the world? The Army simply doesn't have the capability to move personnel across such vast distances. Instead, that responsibility lies with the Air Force, and the Air Force has aeromedical evacuation squadrons for just that purpose.

The 446th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, part of the Air Force Reserve's 446th Airlift Wing based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, recently held an initial training exercise for its aeromedical technicians - the first of many training events that will certify these airmen as ready to assume their duty of safely transporting casualties out of the combat zone.

"This is part of basic qualification for our new airmen, and a requalification for some who are just returning to flight status," said Lt. Col. Ken Winslow, director of operations for the 446th AES. "We have to fly every 60 to 90 days to maintain our qualification, and we also have a flight evaluation by a flight examiner every 12 to 16 months. There's training going on all the time."

The training allowed new airmen to practice loading litters into the aircraft and tying everything down and to become familiar with emergency egress procedures. True to the "crawl, walk, run" training philosophy, this training, part of the "crawl" phase, was conducted on the ground.

"We were learning how to set things up in a C-17 and what to do if anything should go wrong," said Airman 1st Class Xochil Avila, an aeromedical technician with the 446th.

Trainers also incorporated one emergency scenario into the training. Avila played the part of a disoriented and traumatized patient, who posed a danger to the medical personnel and flight crew and had to be restrained.

As Avila flailed her limbs and screamed like a woman possessed, aeromedical technicians quickly regained control of the situation and put her in restraints.

"It would have been different if I was a real patient and was a 300-pound, beefy guy, but they took me down pretty fast," Avila said.

It was the first of several training exercises for certification, and future exercises will increase in intensity and stress. Winslow, however, expressed confidence in his new airmen.

"It's great to see them coming in after their schools and seeing how smart they are, how much they remember, and the appropriate questions they ask," Winslow said. "They're doing very well."

47th OG ARMs recognized as AETC's outstanding small unit

by 2nd Lt. Lyle T. Ratcliffe
47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

3/28/2013 - LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 47th Operations Group Aviation Resource Management team was awarded the Sergeant Dee Campbell Outstanding Small Unit award for 2012.

This award is given to the best ARM team in Air Education and Training Command that operates with 29 or less members.

"This is a huge accomplishment," said Tech. Sgt. Sonya Moran, 85th Flying Training Squadron ARM team member. "We support the busiest airfield in the Air Force, and it is very rewarding to receive recognition for the amount of work our team has done."

Aviation resource managers are responsible for in- and out-processing pilots, monitoring flight pay, standardizing processes and training plans, and basically everything that pertains to a pilot's career while they're at Laughlin, said Moran.

"The mission requires a collective effort from all the ARMs," said Chief Master Sgt. Carl Tennyson, 47th OG command chief. "Everyone has to do their part and be willing to fill in for other tasks if needed."

Some of the major accomplishments by the aviation resource managers include receiving an excellent on the consolidated unit inspection with three professional performers and standardizing the wing's Go/No-Go program.

"This is a true testament to the dedication and hard work put in by our ARMs," said Col. Andrew Brabson, 47th OG commander. "The level of performance across the group is so high that it is great to see our team be recognized by AETC."

AETC Top Operations Squadron awarded to 87th FTS

by 2nd Lt. Lyle T. Ratcliffe
47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

3/28/2013 - LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 87th Flying Training Squadron won the Top Operations Squadron Award in Air Education and Training Command for the first time in 12 years.

The 87th FTS stood out from about 45 operational flying training squadrons across AETC this year.

"This has been a challenging year for the Red Bulls, and I'm very proud of the efforts and positive attitudes of each and every member of our team," said Lt. Col. James Keen, 87th FTS commander. "We faced a series of difficult challenges this year, and they stepped up every time."

Specifically, the squadron overcame a 30 percent instructor manning shortfall, a 116 percent student load, and severe maintenance limitations due to budget restrictions.

"Our instructor pilots, maintenance and support personnel were working long hours and sacrificing their personal time to achieve the mission," said Keen. "That's the epitome of dedication, and safe operations were never sacrificed to attain results."

The 87th FTS also has a reputation as committed volunteers and good citizens by their involvement with a variety of events and programs in the Del Rio community. Squadron members volunteer in youth and prison outreach programs, church functions and charity fundraisers. They also helped with the Running with the Bulls 5K, which had more than 500 participants and raised more than $56,000 for Val Verde Loaves and Fishes, a local food bank.

"The folks in our squadron work hard to maintain a positive relationship between the Del Rio and Laughlin communities," said Lt. Col. Randy Oakland, 87th FTS director of operations. "They not only work hard, but they participate and volunteer."

The 87th FTS has been honored with various awards this year at the group, wing, and AETC levels. However, this award was the number one goal set out for the squadron, said Keen.

"We are just so pleased our squadron is receiving recognition for all the hard work and sacrifice they put in this year," said Keen. "It was a total team effort up and down the line and we are thankful for the support and positive relationship with the Del Rio community and Team XL."

Air Force system improves homeland air defense

by Patty Welsh
66th Air Base Group Public Affairs

3/27/2013 - HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- An Air Force system designed in the wake of Sept. 11 to provide comprehensive air surveillance and defense for North America recently got even better.

The Battle Control System-Fixed program reached a major milestone with the full deployment of Increment 3. The BCS-F, produced by ThalesRaytheonSystems, is a modern real-time battle management command and control system. Fielded at the North American Aerospace Defense Command's Air Defense Sectors, BCS-F provides NORAD commanders with a highly interoperable and reliable platform in support of the nation's homeland defense air mission.

Following the 2001 terrorist attacks, NORAD and its force provider, Air Combat Command, realized there was an enormous need to upgrade the legacy equipment in the sectors to provide their commanders with an increased capability to see not only the traditional air defense approaches to North America, but also as much of the internal airspace over the continent as possible.

NORAD Sectors are located in New York, Washington, Alaska, and in Canada. There is also a BCS-F System in Hawaii that reports to the Pacific Command commanders.

"BCS-F is the sole tactical command and control system for North America's air sovereignty and air defense missions," said Lt. Col. Lisa Tucker, BCS-F program manager. "And Release 3.2 brings several mission critical improvements to the system."

Some of the enhancements include: a new hardware suite of equipment improving system capacities and processing, significant data links improvements that expand the quantity and quality of data shared with other DoD systems, and improved interoperability with systems in the National Capital Region.

Additional improvements are increased capacities for a sector to "cover" another sector's area of operations and an ability for the sector operators to automatically receive, process and use the Air Tasking Order and Airspace Coordination Order, significantly reducing the operator workload. Previously, the ATO and ACOs would have been performed manually.

"From my perspective as a sector commander, the deployment of Increment 3 allows the sector to finally normalize operations with our primary C2 system, the BCS-F," said Col. Dawne Deskins, Eastern Air Defense Sector commander.

"Operators and maintainers from the sector have been intimately involved in the testing and development of the latest software every step of the way. The successful deployment is a direct result of the partnership between those of us in the field, ACC and the program office."

To get to Increment 3, the team faced some significant challenges along the way.

"We had schedule constraints, funding cuts ...," said Tucker. "The team met with the stakeholders, creatively thought and strategized opportunities to do parallel testing and took advantage of collaboration to field the capability on time and with reduced funding."

As NORAD is a bi-national organization, the U.S. and Canada strategically partner together on the BCS-F program. In fact, Canadian personnel are integrated into the BCS-F team. One example of the cooperative nature of the work was a development solution to provide multi-day flight plan data. When it was discovered that there may be an issue with the plan the U.S. team was working, they were able to switch to a plan that the Canadians were using.

"We're constantly looking at best practices and where we can synergistically work together to best affect the warfighter," said Tucker. "They have been great to work with."

Since the fielding of BCS-F Spiral 1, which replaced the legacy equipment that was fielded in the 1980s, to the operational acceptance of Increment 3, Release 3.2, the program team here has increased the capabilities, capacities and usability of the BCS-F for sector operators.

"We have a great relationship with our stakeholders," said Tucker. "We are constantly communicating with NORAD, ACC, our test community, our sectors, our contractor and others that have a vested interest in the BCS-F mission and in consistently bringing more capability to our warfighters."

And even though the system currently has an operational availability of 99.98 percent, the team is always looking for improvements.

In fact, program managers already have another set of capabilities in test for delivery later in 2013. As the program moves into sustainment, there are several additional improvements under way, including an improved information assurance and security posture, an increased training capability for the operators with the Auxiliary System Suite and a number of fixes to improve the operator's mission effectiveness.

"As the NORAD mission evolves and technology moves forward, I am working with my stakeholders to position BCS-F to respond to changes for years to come to be a critical part of protecting our nation's sovereign airspace," said Tucker.

Coordination and cooperation have been the keys to ensure a successful program.

"I am totally impressed with the teamwork displayed in providing this operational capability to the warfighter," said Col. Scott Owens, Theater Battle Control Division chief. "In addition to the tremendous effort by Lieutenant Colonel Tucker and her program office team, this accomplishment could not have happened on schedule without the commitment and shared sense of urgency from the developer, user, acquisition and test communities involved in the BCS enterprise."

Luke reaches millionth hour milestone

by Stephen Delgado
Thunderbolt staff writer

3/22/2013 - LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Translating a million hours into years equals 114 years and one month. Going that far back in time places a person in February of 1899.

Luke Air Force Base reached an F-16 milestone March 13 when a Fighting Falcon took to the skies marking a million flying hours in this venerable aircraft at Luke.

The historic flight was flown by 1st Lt. Matthew Wetherbee, 309th Fighter Squadron student pilot, and Capt. Joseph Walker, 309th Fighter Squadron instructor pilot and assistant chief of weapons.

"I was Lieutenant Wetherbee's instructor pilot of record and flew in the rear cockpit," Walker said. "The flight went very well, with Lieutenant Wetherbee performing tactical intercepts to achieve a visual identification of a simulated enemy aircraft and employ weapons. My role was to ensure safe execution and provide airborne instruction to ensure that the desired learning objectives were met."

Col. John Hanna, 56th Operations Group commander, said that Luke is the first base to achieve the 1-million-hour mark.

"This feat was quite an historic event, and I was honored to be part of it," he said. "I started flying the F-16 with the 62nd Fighter Squadron in 1989 when we used to do much of the F-16 training at MacDill AFB, Fla.

"As an instructor in the 309th FS from 2002 to 2003, it was neat to have a young lieutenant be the one to actually hit the mark. He'll be able to carry that his whole career and it was fitting that a student be the one, since the milestone was reached at the premier F-16 training base in the world. It was even more special since this great event occurred in the same squadron where I was previously assigned."

What's more, Walker praised the quality of students who train at Luke, and said he looks forward to continuing this legacy.

"The caliber of students we receive here makes my job much easier and very rewarding," he said. "Their motivation and desire to learn is remarkable. I am very pleased to have a part in the mission of training the fighter pilots of tomorrow. I hope Luke continues to fly fighters and train fighter pilots for another million hours, if not in the F-16, then in other fighters, continuing the tremendous history and legacy of this base."

The F-16 arrived at Luke Dec. 6, 1982, and since then thousands of students have been trained here.

JBSA-Randolph clubs earn Air Force-level award

by Alex Salinas
Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

3/28/2013 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- The Parr and Kendrick Clubs at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph were chosen for a top Air Force-wide distinction as the Best Food Operations Program of the Year in 2012.

With $4.9 million in revenue from sales and more than 1,800 events hosted in 2012, the Air Force's No. 1 income-producing clubs "confirm the hard work and dedication of the hospitality operations team," Terrye Heagerty, 902nd Force Support Squadron director, said. The clubs support a variety of events including weddings, conferences, farewells, community bingo nights and poker tournaments.

This is the fourth Air Force-level award for Randolph's clubs, along with the Kendrick Club's title of Best Enlisted Club in 2003 and 2006, and the Best Club Program in 2009 when the clubs consolidated operations.

"This is a tremendous accomplishment because the competition is getting tougher and tougher," Merilyn Gove, 902nd FSS clubs general manager, said. "We owe it to our programs and thinking outside the box."

The competition, which includes business outside of Randolph, is a driving force when it comes to creative club programming.

"It's all about keeping up with the times and trends," Gove said. "We look at what's happening in the civilian world to help modernize the clubs."

Be it serving cupcakes or sponsoring community events like "top chef" wars and the upcoming singing competition, Idol Factor, the clubs jump at opportunities to "invest in the future," Aaron Cox, 902nd FSS clubs assistant manager, said.

"The goal is to cater to everybody, but we've especially done a great job of capturing the active-duty audience," Cox said, citing the Kendrick Club's popular Gil's Pub and the recently renovated Air City Bar and Grill at the Parr Club.

The latter establishment, which was formerly two rooms, was completely gutted and remodeled with fresh carpet, furniture, flat-screen TVs and a brighter color palette than before.

"Our lunch business is taking off," Cox said, with Air City Bar and Grill's sales doubling since reopening in July.

Currently, the Kendrick Club is in the process of receiving its own refurbishment of "popular wall colors and new furniture," Gove said.

The menus at both clubs also reflect a more "health-conscious and fit-to-fight Air Force," Gove said.

Customers are responding with 98 percent satisfaction ratings in all club areas through the interactive customer evaluation.

"Sometimes, it's frustrating to deal with so many different customers day in and day out, but it's paid off," Heagerty said.

To contact the Parr Club, Building 500, call 652-4864. To contact the Kendrick Club, Building 1039, call 652-3056.

Art of the Possible: 546th PMXS achieves monumental accomplishment

by Brandice J. O'Brien
Tinker Air Force Base Public Affairs

3/29/2013 - TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The 546th Propulsion Maintenance Squadron embraced change and recently achieved a monumental accomplishment, epitomizing the "Art of the Possible."

The unit completed a task in record time and exceeded a goal that had never before been met. The group gave life to the Air Force Sustainment Center motivational phrase when it produced an F108 engine, which the KC-135 Stratotanker, in 49 total flow days. The squadron achieved the feat by changing one of their processes.

"This is a huge accomplishment compared to history," said Chad Curl, 546th PMXS Production Support Flight chief.

The F108 has a history of being a constrained weapon system, meaning there weren't enough available spares for the mission. Over the past four or five years, the group really struggled to produce enough war-ready engines. The requirement called for 120 available engines, but it was a goal that had never been met.

In July 2012, senior leaders asked the squadron to develop a standard process to increase the production of engines and meet a recurring deadline. In this case, the goal was to send an engine to the test cell every 2.2 days and finish an engine in 55 total flow days.

"When we started this, our tact time to the test cell was all over the place from more than one engine a day to an engine every four to five days," said Tom Leinneweber, 544th Propulsion Maintenance Squadron deputy director. "And, we were averaging 106 flow days per engine."

Leinneweber said in order for the process to be effective, there had to be employee buy-in. Instead of directing orders at the workforce, the F108 engine line employees were told about the standard process development tasking and explained its importance. The squadrons then created a team to brainstorm and enact changes.

Harry Klempan, an F108 mechanic with the 546th PMXS, volunteered to be a member of the team. With fellow mechanics, first- and second-level supervisors, planners, material personnel and engineers, he was one of 14 people.

"I had good ideas and wanted to make a contribution," he said.

The team studied the cradle-to-grave approach that was customary within the shop and realized it had to change. Instead of assigning a single mechanic to care for every task on a whole engine as it came into the shop, it would be more effective to break down the engine into more manageable pieces and assign incremental tasks to particular mechanics, who would become subject matter experts in those fields. The learning time would be reduced and tasks would be completed in a matter of days.

"I have a crew of two people who only pull the quick engine connection off the whole engine; that's all they do, every two days," Leinneweber said. "So, what that's done is shorten the learning curve by giving continuous repetitions of the task. And that makes an employee's assets faster, because I don't have to have someone stand over his shoulder for six or eight months trying to teach him about a variety of tasks. The employee can have the individual task down in three to four weeks."

By dividing up the tasks, the team rearranged the process into four phases, or gates, -- disassembly, materials/kitting, assembly and test/preparation. It took eight weeks to set up initial process and the shop now runs like an assembly line.

Adam "Tiny" Davis, an F108 mechanic with the 546th PMXS on the team, said he was really impressed and surprised at how quickly the shop embraced the changes.
"Change on anyone is hard," he said.

While changing the floor plan is the biggest transformation to come from the team's suggestions, there are others that have been implemented; one of which came from Klempan.

"One of my ideas was organizing the kitting carts to make sure the hardware -- bolts and nuts -- are accounted for by being placed in their corresponding cutout holes," he said. "That way we can tell if anything is missing."

The results have paid off.

At the end of the fiscal 2012 fourth quarter the average flow days were 106, the first engine to go through the new process was completed in 92 flow days. In the first quarter of fiscal 2013, the average flow days were 84. Additionally, the squadron produced 28 of the requirement of 30 engines, a first-ever achievement. In the previous year, the squadron produced three fewer engines in the same amount of time.

In the second quarter of fiscal 2013, the unit averaged an engine every 59 days. Yet, in February, the unit produced four engines in 55 flow days or less, a 50 percent reduction since fiscal 2012. One engine was finished in 49 flow days.

Additionally, the shop reduced from three shifts to one and the amount of overtime has been reduced from upwards of 25 percent to 7 percent.

"The results are outstanding. We lowered our flow days and have more production and more focus on the constraints," said Michelle Greene, team member and a former 546th PMXS supervisor on the F108 line. "I'm very happy with the outcome."

Curl said the F108 has shown the center the possibilities that the process can do.
"The process is proven and it makes sense for everyone to do it," he said. "And it's a generic process; it's not customized for a single purpose. It can be implemented in any situation."

AF to implement force structure changes

by Jennifer Cassidy
Air Force Public Affairs

3/29/2013 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The Air Force released its plan Mar. 28 to implement force structure changes mandated by the Fiscal Year 2013 National Defense Authorization Act.

The bill authorized the service to complete actions approved in previous years, such as aircraft retirements, and directed execution of Congressionally-approved force structure actions.

Some of these changes were outlined in the Air Force's Total Force Proposal, developed in coordination with the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve. Others were congressionally-directed.

"Our Air Force continues efforts to maximize the strength of our Total Force, and we are pleased with the progress that is being made on this front," said Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley. "This implementation plan illustrates the Air Force's continued commitment to transparency as it completes the force structure requirements directed and authorized by the NDAA."

The NDAA directs a reduction of 65 aircraft and approximately 1,400 military billets from the Air National Guard, 57 aircraft from the Air Force Reserve, and 122 aircraft and approximately 6,100 military billets from the active-duty Air Force.

"Working together we can combine the personnel, equipment and readiness necessary to build a total Air Force equal to all the challenges our nation faces," said Lt. Gen. Stanley (Sid) E. Clarke III, director of the Air National Guard.

The Air Force's implementation plan includes a state-by-state description of changes for each base and the associated timeline. Each major command developed activation, reassignment, re-missioning or divesture options.

"We've developed guiding principles to ensure that as we make decisions, we continue to have a strong foundation for what is best for our Air Force," said Lt. Gen. James F. Jackson, chief, Air Force Reserve and commander, Air Force Reserve Command. "We must leverage regular and reserve component strengths and align our decisions with a commitment as one total force team."

Key principles include: ensure personnel readiness, training and retention for transitioning units to remain at the highest level practicable and minimize mission gaps for units transitioning to new or different missions. Each of the components embraces these principles.

The Air Force will apply this collaborative approach to facilitate open communication with key stakeholders on future total force efforts. Recently, the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Air Force created a Total Force Task Force.

TF2 will create an enduring strategic process to determine how to correctly balance the strengths of each component to sustain capabilities required to defend our nation now and into the future.

"Our active, Reserve and Guard components are increasingly integrated --training, deploying and conducting a full range of missions together as one Air Force," said Donley, "and we're committed to ensuring that our active and reserve component mix correctly balances the strengths of each component, meeting our strategic requirements and our fiscal demands as well. The FY13 implementation plan gets us on a path toward that end."

Hawaii State Legislators Honor Fallen Service Members

By Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Cynthia Clark
AFN-Pacific Hawaii News Bureau

HONOLULU, March 29, 2013 – Hawaii state legislators gathered at the capitol here March 27 to present the Hawaii Medal of Honor to 19 families of Hawaii-born or -based service members who were killed in combat over the past year.

Left to right: Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie, Senate President Donna Mercado Kim, Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Justin Neal, House Speaker Joseph M. Souki and Air Force Maj. Gen. Darryll D.M. Wong, adjutant general of the Hawaii National Guard, pose for a photo during the Hawaii State Medal of Honor ceremony held at the capitol in Honolulu, March 27, 2013. Neal accepted the medal on behalf of his friend and colleague Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Nicholas S. Johnson. This year 19 fallen service members posthumously received the HMOH from the Hawaii State Senate and House of Representatives. DOD photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Michael R. Holzworth   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

“We do this, a public ceremony, because we wish to express in more than just a symbolic way what it is we regard as most fundamental to recognition of what it takes to enable us to be a free people,” Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie said at the ceremony. “Why are we in such a solemn regard? It’s because we understand that in ceremonies such as this we are engaged in a public expression in what constitutes our fundamental values.”

The families of ten soldiers and nine Marines were presented the medal, which has been given at the Hawaii state capitol since House Bill 8, designated as Act 21, Session Laws of Hawaii of 2005 was passed. According to the bill’s language, “The purpose of this Act is to provide for a Hawaii Medal of Honor that would help express the deep appreciation and gratitude of the People of Hawaii to the loved ones of members of the military who sacrificed their lives in defense of our nation and its freedoms.”

Prior to presenting the medal to the family members, Hawaii National Guard Adjutant General Air Force Maj. Gen. Darryll D.M. Wong expressed his gratitude to the family members and fellow service members in attendance.

“There is no honor higher that our state can bestow upon a member of our armed forces than the Hawaii Medal of Honor,” Wong said. “This is not an honor we bestow with joy, but rather we do so with heavy hearts and solemn resolve.

“Collectively, as a state, we have made it our mission to express our deepest appreciation to these brave men and women,” he continued. “We resolve to ensure the families of our service members shall always be a part of our Hawaiian Ohana, and that the ultimate sacrifice made by their loved ones will always be remembered.”

In Hawaiian culture Ohana means family, and Wong’s usage of the word connotes extended family.

Among those honored at the ceremony were six Marines from Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, who were killed in action in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan’s Helmand province. As each of the fallen were mentioned, a family member or friend received the medal and a certificate in addition to the appreciation of the state of Hawaii, whether they grew up here or were stationed here.

Hawaii state legislature Rep. K. Mark Takai, Chairman of the Committee on Veterans, Military and International Affairs, stressed the significance of this program.

“In 2005, when we first passed this legislation, I just don’t think we understood how important this was going to be, not only to the families, but more importantly to the people of Hawaii,” said Takai, who also serves as a commissioned officer in the Hawaii Army National Guard.

Takai also highlighted the significant role the U.S. military plays in Hawaii.

“The military has been such an important part of our history,” he said. “Even pre-dating the start of World War II, the military has played a pivotal role in our state’s history. We are a unique state because of everybody coming together, including the military families, so we pay particular attention to our military.”
This is the eighth year that the Hawaii state legislature has honored people with Hawaii ties that died in wars overseas.

Little: North Koreans ‘Need to Dial the Temperature Down’

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 29, 2013 – The world cannot afford a miscalculation when dealing with North Korea, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little told CNN last night.

North Korea’s flouting of international agreements has made that nation a pariah. Recent rhetoric emanating from Pyongyang has increased tensions on the Korean Peninsula and in the region, and this needs to stop, Little said.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ratcheted up the rhetoric since taking power after his father died. North Korea has tested long-range rockets, launched a satellite into orbit and tested nuclear weapons -- all in defiance of its pledged word to the United Nations.

And, North Korea continues to escalate the war of words by saying the 1953 armistice between North Korea and the United Nations is null and void. Kim has threatened to attack local, regional and international targets.

Little emphasized that the United States stands shoulder-to-shoulder with its South Korean ally.

“I’m not going to speculate on what we may or may not do,” Little said. “Our desire is peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. The North Koreans have two choices. They can choose the path of peace or they can choose the path of provocation. One is better than the other for everyone involved, including the North Korean military and the North Korean people.”

South Korea is hosting a joint military exercise now. Following North Korea’s saber rattling, nuclear-capable B-52 Stratofortress and B-2 Spirit bombers have participated in the maneuvers.

Kim has said North Korea is targeting U.S. bases in South Korea and said its tube- and rocket-launched artillery can range Seoul -- a city of 20 million.

Meanwhile, the United States is maintaining a sober, calm, cool, collected demeanor.

“That’s what we’re doing right now,” Little said. “And we are assuring our South Korean allies day-to-day that we stand with them in the face of these provocations.”

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is concerned about the risk of miscalculation in view of current events on the Korean Peninsula, Little said.

“We have guarded against miscalculation on the Korean Peninsula for over 60 years,” the press secretary said. “And the secretary and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, it's their job to ensure that our military is prepared to respond to any threat or contingency. We are.

“We hope to avoid miscalculation,” Little added. “We think we can. The North Koreans simply need to dial the temperature down.”

The men I left behind

Commentary by Capt. Belena S. Marquez
Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs

3/27/2013 - HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. (AFNS) -- I'm one of the thousands of women who have gone to war.

I'm neither unique nor exceptional. If you ask around, you'll hear stories similar to mine.

In the past, expectations for girls didn't include the possibility of growing up to be veterans. We aren't born warriors. We've been brought up in a way that makes it possible.

To me, Women's History Month isn't only about recognizing the trailblazers of my gender; it's also about celebrating the change in our culture that makes the men in my life, who support me as an Airman, the norm instead of the exception.

Father, brother, husband and friends; these are the men I left behind that early morning when I headed to Afghanistan.

It was cold outside, but I made a quick phone call.

"Daddy, I'm headed over now," I said, when the line connected. We talked for a couple of minutes, and before we hung up my dad whispered, "Be safe, sweetie."

Then I left.

My dad stood behind me from the beginning. Growing up, he always told me that I could do and be whatever I wanted, as long as I worked hard for it. He made me believe in myself.

I ended up needing that belief on the days when I felt like I wasn't making a difference, when the mission seemed too tough to handle. When things were hard for me, my thoughts invariably went to the encouragement my dad always seemed to have just for me.

On the days when I needed to keep my chin up and stay positive, I thought of my brother.

My little brother was always trailing along behind me. When we were younger, he was always copying me and following my lead. He taught me that someone is always watching and learning from you.

That lesson came in handy when I interacted with a culture so very different from my own. For some of the Afghans I worked with, I was an oddity. As a member of Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul, I was a woman decked out in multi-cam when they were used to seeing the sun-bleached burkas that made the Afghan women in our area look like ghosts floating down the streets.

But, thanks to my little brother, I was used to being observed. I knew that they were learning about my culture through my actions, just as I was learning about theirs.

I discovered that the women I'd initially thought of as apparitions in the town were actually vibrant, opinionated and courageous as we worked together to build up the female journalist program.

For those in the service, it isn't a shock to discover someone who is both a woman and a service member. Though sometimes it's hard for people who don't understand the military to fathom that my husband stayed and I left.

Throughout my deployment, my husband had my back. While I was doing convoys and key leader engagements, he was taking care of our household. He was the one responsible for staying positive when I called. During those conversations, I relied on him to remind me of the world outside of my deployment. He sent care packages and waited for me to return. He brought me flowers when my plane touched down and I was finally home.

The trip to Afghanistan and back reminded both of us that service is more significant than gender, but not everyone understands that.

When I was enjoying my post-deployment vacation, I remembered someone else I left behind. I thought about a conversation I had with an ex-boyfriend when I was in high school. We were talking about what we wanted to do when we grew up and I mentioned that I wanted to join the Air Force.

"Sweetie," he said. "I don't think that'll be good for you. I don't think you're really tough enough for that."

Well, he can kiss my Combat Action Badge.

Defense Women’s Advisory Committee Adds New Members

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 29, 2013 – Six new appointees have joined the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services, according to a Defense Department news release issued today.

DACOWITS members include prominent civilian women and men representing a distribution of demography, academia, industry, public service and other professions, according to the release. Selection is on the basis of experience in the military or with women's-related workforce issues.

"The committee's work continues to be vital to the Department of Defense, especially as we move forward integrating women into previously closed occupational specialties and units within the U.S. military," Acting Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Jessica L. Wright stated in the release. "I am thankful for the service of these new committee members as they join the ranks of those who have been catalysts for change in our Armed Forces."

The committee, established during the Korean War in 1951 by Secretary of Defense George C. Marshall, is an independent advisory committee that provides the department with advice and recommendations on matters and policies relating to the recruitment and retention, treatment, employment, integration, and well-being of highly qualified professional women in the Armed Forces.

Previously comprised of 11 members, the 2013 charter authorizes a total of 20 committee members.
The incoming members include:
-- Retired Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Bernise Belcer, Columbia, S.C.;
-- Teresa Christenson, Newport, R.I.;
-- Retired Coast Guard Capt. Beverly Kelley, Chester, Md.;
-- Rev. Dr. Cynthia Lindenmeyer, La Vista, Neb.;
-- Donna McAleer, Park City, Utah; and
-- Retired Army Lt. Col. Hae-Sue Park, Springfield, Va.

DACOWITS members are selected for a four-year term, without compensation, to perform a variety of duties including visiting military installations each year, conducting a review and evaluation of current research on military women, and developing an annual report with recommendations on these issues for service leadership and the secretary of defense.