AF, Navy, Coast Guard, GovGuam participate in joint training

by Airman 1st Class Mariah Haddenham
36th Wing Public Affairs

5/1/2013 - ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam  -- First responders from both Guam's military installations and community agencies participated in water rescue training near Sirena Beach here, April 25, 2013.

The five agencies, including the 36th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire and Emergency services, Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Guam, Guam Fire Department and Guam Police Department, worked together to rescue simulated victims from the ocean to train on effectively responding to real-world situations. Each agency conducts this training annually, but joined together for this scenario to get accustomed to each other's equipment, personnel, capabilities and processes.

"This unique scenario enabled us to successfully mitigate water rescue emergencies with our fellow first responders to protect Guam's Northern region," said Master Sgt. Crispin Pacificar, 36th CES Fire and Emergency Services operations assistant fire chief.

After receiving qualification in water rescue, the first responders must continue annual training in order to keep their certifications valid.

"I ensure everyone is proficient with their training," said Fire Capt. Jason Crandall, 36th CES Fire and Emergency Services water rescue team leader. "These joint-training scenarios help us identify and solve challenges in a safer, controlled training environment so that we can be prepared for what we may encounter during a real joint-agency emergency."

Water rescue certification requires first responders to show competent swimming skills, abilities in operating assigned water craft, understanding advanced life rescue techniques, effectiveness in various weather conditions and safety practices on scene.

"The training consisted of practicing the basic skill sets needed to accomplish a successful water rescue," said Crandall. "During this training we try to closely simulate the environment we have to face during a real emergency."

The training also served as an opportunity for each department to share operational knowledge and experiences, and provided a chance for first responders to improve their water rescue capabilities, both as individual services and as a joint-service effort.

Hickam recognizes Key Spouses

by Rebecca Whitecotton

5/1/2013 - Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HAWAII  -- A group of unsung heroes were serenaded with appreciation on April 25 at the Key Spouse Appreciation Dinner held at the Tradewinds Enlisted Club. More than 120 Key Spouses and Key Spouse Mentors were recognized and praised for their support of military families and the Air Force squadrons their spouses serve.

"The unsung heroes of our military and our Air Force are our families and our spouses," said Gen. Herbert "Hawk" Carlisle, commander of Pacific Air Forces at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam at the appreciation dinner. He praised Key Spouses for their role in acting as a liaison between commanders and spouses as families face the many challenges of military life, including deployments, frequent moving, and emergencies.

The Key Spouse program, which is similar to the Navy's Ombudsman program, enhances mission readiness by facilitating the flow of communication between spouses, leadership and base agencies. The Key Spouses are volunteers who are appointed by the squadron commander to provide a framework for stability and family support by maintaining regular contact with family members, especially during times of deployment.

"In the two years I have been here I have seen a huge commitment on the part of the Key Spouses," said Col. Dann Carlson, deputy commander, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) and host of the event. He called attention to the importance of the program and how it has helped Air Force families through rigorous training, deployed spouse events, supporting family members in emergencies, and even supporting other Air Force families who have been medically evacuated to Hawaii.

For more information on the Key Spouse program, or to find out who the Key Spouse for your squadron is, contact the Military Family Support Center or the squadron's First Sergeant.

Cold War radar sites an integral part of Alaska history

by Air Force Master Sgt. Mikal Canfield
11th Air Force Public Affairs

5/1/2013 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- More than 200 people filled the Bureau of Land Management Campbell Creek Science Center April 17 for a free history lesson on Alaska's historic radar sites.

Karlene Leeper, an Air Force archaeologist with the 611th Air Support Group, spoke for more than an hour about the role Alaska played in protecting the skies of North America during the Cold War.

This speaking engagement was part of a robust effort to bring more attention to these historic sites, many of which have been decommissioned and are in the process of being demolished.

"Since the end of the Cold War and because of advances in technology, the Air Force has down-sized and demolished many obsolete facilities, some of which are significant because of their functions during the Cold War," Leeper said. "These sites are an important part of our heritage and our past."

The outreach effort serves two purposes: to educate Alaskans about an important part of the state's history and to allow the Air Force to move forward with environmental remediation and demolition projects.

"Many of the radar sites are eligible for the National Register of Historic Places so in order to move forward on demolishing them, agreements with the Alaska State Historic Preservation Office and other interested parties require that we take pictures, create drawings, and conduct public education in lieu of continuing to maintain the sites," she added.

The outreach efforts included an informational poster, provided to schools throughout the state.

The posters feature text, photos, and a map highlighting the sites and what life was like for the servicemembers and civilians who operated the sites, many of which were in remote locations. Additionally, the 611th ASG is designing an educational booklet to provide additional details to people interested in these sites.

"The Cold War's effects on Alaska's culture, economy and landscape are things that we live with today," Leeper said. "Outreach projects help people understand that our security, technology, living standards and society have roots in our past history."

According to Leeper, the National Historic Preservation Act requires the Air Force to consider the effects of its projects on historic properties, which includes buildings, districts, archaeological sites, and landscapes deemed important to history.

Many sites are still operational; the Air Force continues to operate and maintain 14 long-range radar sites throughout Alaska.

Due to the remote locations, posters and booklets are the only way most people will see the sites and get a glimpse of what life was like during the height of the Cold War.

"People are excited to learn about the history of these sites," she added. "We've received a lot of positive feedback regarding the posters we've sent to the schools.

"Lots of veterans and former employees of the radars and communications sites attended the presentation and there was some great discussion."

Financial Wingmanship

by Senior Airman Camilla Griffin
355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

5/1/2013 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, ARIZ.,  -- Members of the Desert Lightning Team have until May 17 to contribute to the Air Force Assistance Fund. The deadline has been extended to allow for more contributions.

AFAF supports four charities whose benefits are available only to those in the Air Force family - the Air Force Aid Society, Air Force Village, Air Force Enlisted Village and the Gen. and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation.

"This program is very important, because if there is an Airman in need of financial aid, the funds are already there to assist them," said Senior Airman Danielle McLucas, 355 Comptroller Squadron financial analyst. "It isn't a matter of trying to gather money last minute."

AFAF is an Air Force-wide program, but every base is issued a certain amount of the funds raised each year. The amount raise by the Desert Lightening Team does not affect the funds the base receives, McLucas explained.

"For example, last year we raised about $141,000 and we were allotted over $200,000," McLucas said.

As of right now, DLT members have raised $68,000. The base wide goal is $123,000.

Those interested in contributing to the AFAF should contact their squadron
representative for more information.

Joint forces simulate airfield seizure

by Airman 1st Class Peter Thompson
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

5/2/2013 - DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Dyess B-1Bs and C-130Js made their presence known April 25, 2013, over Winston Field Airport in Snyder, Texas, as part of a joint force integration exercise coordinated by the 77th Weapons Squadron here.

The first-of-its-kind exercise combined Dyess B-1s and C-130s, Joint Terminal Attack Controllers from Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., and F/A-18 Hornets from Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, Texas, working together to clear and take an enemy-controlled airfield.

Aircraft were targeted by simulated tracking radar, anti-aircraft artillery and surface-to-air missiles from the Snyder Electronic Scoring Site, adding to the realism of the scenario.

After B-1s from the 9th Bomb Squadron and 77th Weapons Squadron destroyed known anti-aircraft artillery in the area, simulated C-17 Globemasters dropped heavy machinery and pallets of equipment for incoming troops.

"We are trying to mirror the way we train to the way we would actually fight a war," said Maj. Timothy Griffith, 77th Weapons Squadron. "B-1s and C-130s will never go to war alone, so we are trying to match capabilities of different assets to make it as realistic as possible."

Moments after equipment was on the ground, a 12-ship formation of C-130s from Dyess flew overhead, simulating a drop of 720 Army Rangers and Air Force JTACs.

"We are learning how the different aircraft operate and can work together," said Capt. J Meinhard, 9th Bomb Squadron. "It is important for us to know each other's capabilities so we can support one another's missions."

From the ground, JTACs communicated with B-1s to eliminate remaining threats on the ground, allowing the ranger regiment to sweep and claim the airfield.

"Our job is to control air strikes and put bombs on target to kill bad guys," said Tech. Sgt. Jason Meek, 66th Weapons Squadron. "I have the best job in the Air Force. I get to keep my brothers and sisters safe and out of harms way, bringing strength and honor to our community."

F/A-18 Hornets arrived to aid in close air support, relieving the bombers.

The intent of the mission was to establish and maintain air superiority, eliminate simulated surface-to-air threats, successfully airdrop a ranger regiment onto the airfield, establish communications with ground force commanders and eliminate enemy ground forces.

"This training is critical for the future of the Air Force because in the future, when we are serving alongside other branches and countries, we will know each others capabilities and we can work better together," Meinhard said.

From take off to drop off: Antarctic medical evacuation in only 60 hours

by Capt. Kim Bender
Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs

5/3/2013 - JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- A C-17 Globemaster III crew from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, together with Aeromedical Evacuation and Critical Care Air Transport Team Airmen, safely evacuated an ailing individual from McMurdo Station, Antarctica Apr. 22 after responding to a request from the National Science Foundation, the manager of the U.S. Antarctic Program,

"This mission was the perfect example of air mobility and global reach at its finest," said Lt. Col. Brent Keenan, 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron commander. "A C-17 team composed of active duty and reserve aircrew members, maintenance, support personnel, and medical personnel from multiple units and locations, dropped everything they were doing, integrated a solid team, and rapidly deployed to Antarctica, the most isolated and remote location on the planet in the world's most extreme operating conditions."

Planning immediately began once NSF notified Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica of the possible medical emergency mission. The Air Force-led JTF-SFA is in charge of Operation Deep Freeze, which provides the Department of Defense's logistical support to the U.S. Antarctic Program.

On Apr. 18, it was determined the patient needed to be evacuated.

To determine the required medical support, the Pacific Air Forces Surgeon General's office, the 613th Air and Space Operations Center and the U.S. Transportation Command's Theater Patient Movement Requirements Center-Pacific offices coordinated with NSF's lead medical team on-scene at McMurdo Station. All agreed aeromedical evacuation and CCAT teams would be needed for the mission.

"Every person and organization involved in determining the medical requirements dropped what they were doing to support this mission to deliver the medical capabilities needed," said Lt. Col. Brendan Noone, JTF-SFA lead flight surgeon.

Several types of aircraft-both civilian and military--were considered for this mission, but the overall capability of the C-17 with its extended flight range and ability to operate at night with no airfield lighting, made it the optimal choice for the mission.

The C-17, assigned to the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, and all the Airmen involved, departed and arrived in the staging area in Christchurch, New Zealand, Apr. 20. From there, the C-17 headed to McMurdo Station.

Keenan also praised the efforts of the ground staff employed by Lockheed Martin / ASC, NSF Colorado-based support contractor, for rapidly preparing to receive the aircraft.
"The airfield operation and ground teams at McMurdo Station completed the airfield preparations much quicker than expected, which included the preparation of an ice runway," said Keenan. "This airfield preparation was vital to safely landing and taking off in the harsh weather there."

McMurdo Station normally closes in early March, and no flight operations are scheduled until the start of the next austral summer scientific research season. The C-17 crew prepared to execute night-vision goggle operations, as it is normally utilized in a mid-winter operation, but due to this quick airfield preparation, the crew was able to exploit a narrow window of daylight.

After the C-17 safely landed at McMurdo Station, there was an exceptionally fast 35-minute ground time in which the patient was transferred to the aircraft. The patient received in-air medical care from the AE and CCAT crews aboard the C-17.

"The decision to execute this type of aeromedical evacuation is not taken lightly, as it represents a major investment in resources from the NSF and the DoD. In this case, however, the patient's life was in danger and this operation was the most viable course of action to preserve a human life, our most valuable resource," said Maj. Gen. Russ Handy, Commander of JTF-SFA. "While we talk a lot about the lengths we go to in order to save our service members injured in combat, this NSF-led, DoD-supported event demonstrates this commitment to our people is not just a part of our military culture--it's a part of being an American."

It took only 60 hours to complete the mission from take off in Washington to the final arrival of the patient in Christchurch, New Zealand.

"The mission was truly a Total Force, inter-agency mission planning and execution success. From NSF leadership in Washington, D.C., Air Force Reserve Command and Air Mobility Command air and medical crews, and contracted staff at McMurdo Station, to PACAF support from the 15th Wing based at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam acting as a backup for the 304th EAS's aircraft, these mixed teams all worked together to support Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica and get the mission done," said Chief Master Sgt Connie Hoffman, JTF-SFA superintendent.

NSF has a presidential mandate to manage the U.S. Antarctic Program, through which it coordinates all U.S. scientific research on the southernmost continent and aboard vessels in the Southern Ocean and provides the logistical support to make possible the research.

The U.S. military is uniquely equipped to assist NSF in accomplishing its USAP mission. The U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army and the Coast Guard provide specialized aircraft, ships and skilled crewmembers to ensure the safe delivery and passage of program personnel and cargo.

Operation Deep Freeze is the logistical support provided by the DoD to the USAP. This includes the coordination of strategic inter-theater airlift, tactical intra-theater airlift and airdrop, aeromedical evacuation support, search and rescue response, sealift, seaport access, bulk fuel supply, port cargo handling, and transportation requirements supporting the NSF.

RANS Airmen strive for self-sufficiency everywhere

by Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

5/1/2013 - MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho  -- The art of warfare and how it is waged has changed constantly throughout the course of history.

One squadron's mission is to employ those enemy tactics as training tools to better prepare Airmen and military personnel from across the branches of service.

"Our squadron provides world-class training threats in the Mountain Home Range Complex and around the world," said Master Sgt. Scott Groggett, 266th Range Squadron sagebrush threat director. "Our personnel provide a training environment for aircrews to hone their skills against simulated enemy assets and are capable of simulating a wide variety of them from multiple locations simultaneously."

By copying these enemy threats, Airmen provide a training environment unmatched throughout the country.

"Once we have all the information, we go out and simulate that specific type of warfare for the coalition forces that come here to train," said Senior Master Sgt. Allen Sapp, 266th RANS branch chief. "However, we constantly push to find other areas where we can assist the base as well.

"When we deploy a fighter squadron and maintenance unit, our guys are part of the planning and scheduling process," he continued. "In the winter when the heavy snows come, our guys volunteered to step up and assist in the snow removal of the flight line and housing areas as well."

As a tenant unit the squadron is self-sufficient and has their own maintenance, administration and communications sections.

"Relying on other agencies to solve our problems isn't how we do business here," said Sapp. "We will ask for help as needed but our team helps each other as much as possible to complete the mission which includes regular rotations to Guam, where Airmen operate and maintain the Joint Threat Emitters."

The JTEs travel wherever necessary to train military personnel from every service in any state and even a few from other countries.

"Our Airmen really get an opportunity to do some very unique things like go on convoys throughout the country and volunteer to be the opposing force for Special Forces missions on the range," said Sapp. "We have more than 130 vehicles and sometimes drive as much as 30,000 miles a month working those range missions."

Many of these extremely remote sites are more than three hours away causing RANS personnel to utilize robust generators to ensure mission success.

"There are more than 50 generators of all sizes and some of them are even mobile," said Tech. Sgt. Keith Hribek, 266th RANS generator maintenance technician. "They are the sole power supply and require some extremely complex maintenance to remain running at full strength while out at the remote sites."

Communication across the vast expanse of range is also a challenge the RANS members are quick to take on.

"Inside our communication center we have monitors across an entire wall with camera shots from all corners of our range," said Sapp. "This enables us to have communication across the range as well as shoot our radar signals in any direction necessary for training purposes.

"There's plenty of sun in the Idaho desert so a few of our Airmen basically recycled spare parts into a solar-powered battery charger," he continued. "This saves everyone money while providing us with a necessary function because these batteries power equipment at our numerous remote sites which in turn, saves us even more money because we don't have to use a generator."

Along with the cost-saving measures RANS personnel have introduced, many Airmen are avid volunteers and in some cases heroes, in the local towns.

"During the long drives across southern Idaho, our Airmen have encountered and assisted with a variety of motorist issues and vehicle accidents," said Groggett. "They provide life-saving first aid and quickly contact emergency response crews in areas that have no cell phone coverage. RANS personnel consistently volunteer to be members of community organizations such as Operation Warmheart, the MHAFB Chiefs group and many other base programs.

"Since the squadron is part of the Idaho Air National Guard, its personnel are members of the local community," he continued. "We are proud to help ensure that

Schriever CATM range set to open

by Scott Prater
Schriever Sentinel

5/1/2013 - SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo.  -- The 50th Security Forces Squadron Airmen will be firing M9s, M4s and maybe even some medium machine guns here Friday afternoon.

That's when certification testing for the base's new Combat Arms Training and Maintenance range will take place inside Building 810, a former industrial warehouse on Schriever's far south side.

If everything goes as planned, the much anticipated range is slated to open to 50 SFS members, security augmentees and 4th Space Operations Squadron mobile security Airmen.

"Security forces members must qualify annually and complete sustainment firing semi-annually," said Lt. Col. Jasin Cooley, 50 SFS commander. "In the past, we've had to travel to the U.S. Air Force Academy range to accomplish these tasks, which involves a significant logistical requirement as we transport weapons and personnel across town."

The new CATM range is 25-meters long and holds six shooting lanes.

"This will save us a lot of money, simply through travel and man hours," said Tech. Sgt. Ryan James, 50 SFS NCO in charge of combat arms. "It's a two-hour round trip from Schriever to the Academy and when you add in the night-fire requirement we're going saving a lot of time as well."

Members of the 50th Civil Engineer Squadron constructed the facility. It includes concrete walls and floors, baffles on its ceiling and a reinforced steel and granulated rubber backstop designed to stop bullet fragmentation. Firing areas include a standard T-post configuration that allows shooters to simulate a variety of firing positions.

The range has been in the works for more than a few years. It was initiated in 2011 and was funded by the 50th Space Wing with fiscal 2011 funds.

"Night firing at the range will be especially advantageous for weapons qualifiers," James said. "The range at the Academy is outdoors, so whenever we've needed to night fire in the past, we were forced to wait until dark out there. Here, we can simply turn the lights off. "

Cooley mentioned that a military construction contract to build a full-scale, 21-lane range has also been planned for Schriever AFB, but that the timeline for completion and funding for such a project is still years away.

"This is a fully functional and effective range," he said. "But, we do have a desire to host a full-scale range here that could serve us as well as Peterson AFB and other front range installations."

James will head a staff of five CATM range managers, three of which are already on station, with two more scheduled to arrive this summer. Besides easing travel and man hours, the range will also allow users to go right from training to practice.

"Weapons training and qualification standards have expanded and increased throughout the Air Force and during the last 10 years as we've learned from combat operations," James said. "Not only must security forces members fire more rounds down range, but a lot of new aspects have been incorporated into qualifying. So, this facility is really going to ease the training and qualifying process for the squadron. We're all looking forward to its opening."

Eglin munitions unit creates ammo linker for AFSOC

by Samuel King Jr.
Team Eglin Public Affairs

5/2/2013 - EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- A new lighter, mobile 30mm ammo linker system is set for delivery to Air Force Special Operations Command units in May.

The 89-pound apparatus that feeds 15 unattached 30mm rounds into MK-15 links via a crank system was created and designed by Eglin's Munitions Materiel Handling Equipment Airmen. The MMHE Focal Point, a section under the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center's Armament Directorate, specializes in developing locally manufactured equipment for the Air Force ammo and weapons communities.

"The MMHE receives taskings via the major commands as well as through customer support visits," said Chief Master Sgt. Dennis Tangney, the MMHE focal point chief. "Our Airmen and engineers visit ammo and weapons sections and talk with maintainers and weapons crews. We explain to them how we can develop support equipment and tools that could make their jobs easier."

Those ideas and concerns are defined and passed up the chain of command for approval. If the idea is feasible, cost-effective and to the benefit of the Air Force, a design team begins the creation process on the product.

The initial AFSOC request was for a hand-held de-linker to easily and safely remove the 30mm ammunition rounds from the links.

"The previous method of using the force of your hands was slow and potentially dangerous," said Tech. Sgt. Mike Stratton, the linker project manager.

Engineers and drafters went to work creating a new product to meet the specific requirements to accomplish the task.

The result became a seven-pound de-linker tool that resembles a very large set of plyers, but fit the 30mm round perfectly. The de-linker reduces the amount of force to remove the ammo to a minimum.

After trying out the de-linker prototype, Stratton and his team received feedback that AFSOC Airmen could use a quicker, deployable way of connecting the ammo into the MK-15 belts.

"We evaluated the linking process at Hurlburt Field, and the ammo troops told us the current machine is too large, expensive , complex and not very mobile," said Ben Chambliss, the linker project engineer.

Again the MMHE developers began designing to meet this new requirement.

MMHE created a new linker that weighed and cost one-tenth of that of the current linker in use. The linker requires no electricity with the use of a hand crank, but it can also be controlled with an electric drill for faster speed. It is 58 inches long and 18 inches wide.

"(The linker) can be tossed in the back of a truck or on an aircraft and taken to wherever it's needed," said Chambliss.

An MMHE project goes through two main phases, the prototype phase and first article phase. The prototype phase is the creation by MMHE and the testing of the designed product by the customer. In the first article phase, another product is created with the changes and corrections provided from the customer testing. The new (first article) product goes back to the customer for final validation. Once it's cleared by the customer and approved by an Air Force safety board for operational use, the blueprints become available to DOD personnel via a secure website.

The linker/de-linker prototypes are already in use by the 27th Special Operations Maintenance Squadron at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M.

"These tools allow AFSOC munitions personnel to support AC-130W and future AC-130J Gunship 30mm operations in a safe and rapid manner at home station or deployed to austere locations world-wide providing outstanding munitions support to the special operations force mission, 'Any Time, Any Place,'" said Richard McDonald, AFSOC armament systems section chief. "Both tools can stand up to the wear and tear of daily operations at home station or in the field, be locally manufactured and parts can be easily and rapidly replaced as needed."

At any time, the MMHE Airmen have as many as 25 new pieces of equipment in development for Air Force warfighters.

U.S., Britain Look to Strengthen Already Strong Alliance

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 2, 2013 – The United States and the United Kingdom are looking for ways to deepen an already close military-to-military relationship, American and British defense leaders said following a Pentagon meeting today.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and British Defense Secretary Philip Hammond told Pentagon reporters that they discussed the situations in Syria, Iran and Afghanistan.

The two men also discussed shared acquisition programs and ways to operate in fiscally constrained times.
With respect to Syria, the U.S. military continues to examine all options, including arming those opposed to the regime of Bashar Assad. “That’s an option,” Hagel said.

The international community’s objective in Syria is to stop the violence, promote stability and help the Syrian people transition to a post-Assad government, Hagel noted.

“Any country, any power, any international coalition, any partnership is going to continue to look at options, how best to accomplish those objectives,” he said. “This is not a static situation.”

U.S. officials constantly are evaluating the fast-changing situation in Syria and one of those options -- among many -- is arming the rebels, Hagel said.

The two men agreed that a diplomatic solution in Syria is preferred.

“We continue to believe that a diplomatic solution is needed to end the bloodshed and that Assad and his close associates can have no place in the future of Syria,” Hammond said. “We in the U.K. are stepping up our support to the national coalition and remind the regime that nothing has been taken off the table in the light of the continuing bloodshed.”

There is some evidence that someone in Syria used a nerve agent, and both men said they are concerned about this.

“We remain increasingly concerned at the emerging evidence of the use of chemical weapons, and we demand that the regime allow the U.N. to investigate these allegations,” Hammond said. “Assad should be in no doubt that the world is watching and will hold him … and anyone else to account who is found responsible for the use of chemical weapons.”

Hagel voiced his sympathy to the British people for the loss of three soldiers in Afghanistan’s Helmand province yesterday. He and Hammond discussed the ways the United States and the United Kingdom will work together through the end of the combat mission in Afghanistan in December 2014 and the way the two countries will support Afghanistan after that.

Hammond got a chance yesterday to see a British pilot flying the F-35B joint strike fighter being tested at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Md.

“The United Kingdom’s continued commitment to this program, and our growing cooperation in new priority areas like cyber, is helping ensure this alliance has the kind of [cutting-edge] capabilities needed for the future,” Hagel said.

“The U.K. and the U.S. remain in lock step on these projects, and as we take them forward, we will ensure the continuity of those vital capabilities,” Hammond said.

The two men will continue discussions here tonight and will meet at NATO next month.

AF awards KC-46A Aircrew Training System contract

88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

5/1/2013 - WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio -- The Air Force today awarded a contract to FlightSafety Services Corporation, taking a major step forward in achieving the service's top acquisition priority - delivering a new aerial refueling capability to the warfighter.

The contract, a Fixed Price Incentive Firm (FPIF) and Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract of $78,369,818 which includes an initial obligation of $1 million, is for engineering, manufacturing, and development of the KC-46A Aircrew Training System (ATS). The remaining amount will be incrementally funded. The contract contains options for production, training, operations and sustainment that if exercised will increase the value of the contract. The aircrew training devices and courseware are scheduled to begin arriving at the formal training unit and operational air bases in 2016 and will be used to prepare flight crews to operate the new tanker. Work under this contract is expected to be completed by 2026 if options are exercised.

"This is a vital step in the development of KC-46A," said Maj. Gen. John Thompson, Program Executive Officer for Tankers. "We have reached an award that is the product of a disciplined, meticulous and transparent source selection and delivers real value for the warfighter."

Like the KC-46A contract itself, this contract is the product of robust competition and uses fixed pricing and incentives to share risk between the Air Force and industry.

"Everyone recognizes the need to get value for our money," General Thompson said. "Strong competition clearly benefits the taxpayer and, I think, benefits our industry partners as well. Effectively managing costs and schedule puts everyone in a winning situation."

The Air Force contracted with Boeing in February 2011 for 179 KC-46A tankers to begin recapitalizing the KC-135 Stratotanker fleet by 2028. The program is working toward completion of the critical design review later this year, setting the stage to build and fly the first KC-46A Tanker in 2015.

The first aircrew training device delivery, as required by the contract, is anticipated for February 2016.

Face of Defense: Amputee Soldier Completes Air Assault School

By Army Sgt. Joe Padula
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky., May 2, 2013 – For almost 12 miles, he has been carrying about 35 pounds of gear. He sees a clock in the near distance with red digital numerals closing in on the three-hour mark, the time limit for the near half-marathon march. He wants to sprint to the finish line, but his face winces with every right step taken. His breaths are heavy, and pain can be heard with each inhale.

Afghanistan combat veteran Army Sgt. 1st Class Greg Robinson is the first soldier with an amputated limb and prosthetic to complete the grueling Air Assault School at Fort Campbell, Ky.   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

His left leg is in full stride, but his right leg -- amputated more than six years ago -- now pushes forward on a damaged prosthetic; a piston broke a few miles back, eliminating fluid motion. He picks up a faster, but still a limping, pace. Sweat drips into his eyes, and his fists are clenched tight as he approaches the finish line with two minutes to spare.

He stops before crossing, pulls out his canteen, pours water on his helmet and face. He takes a giant step with his left foot and says two words: "Air Assault." He then takes another step with his prosthetic, exhales and accomplishes his mission.

He has just completed the Army's Air Assault School, on one leg.
Sgt. 1st Class Greg Robinson, a 34-year old combat engineer assigned to 101st Airborne Division’s Company A, 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, pinned on his Air Assault badge during a graduation ceremony at Sabalauski Air Assault School here April 29.
According to the school's records, Robinson is the first soldier with an amputated limb and prosthetic to complete the Air Assault School.

"It's a really good feeling, and I just hope this can inspire other amputees and other people with disabilities that they can accomplish things," said Robinson, who lost his lower right leg during a firefight while deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan, Oct. 3, 2006.

"My biggest thing today is to let that someone who is laying there wounded in that hospital bed know not to get down on yourself,” he said. “You can still continue despite missing a limb. A disability is only a disability if you let it hold you down."

The Army's Air Assault School is a 10-day course that qualifies soldiers to conduct air-assault helicopter operations, sling-load missions, fast roping and rappelling, and aircraft orientation. It ends with a fast-paced, heavy load, 12-mile march. Designed to push a service member's limits mentally and physically, it has been called the hardest 10 days in the Army.

"That was the toughest part, but it's over with now," Robinson said moments after completing the 12-miler. "I had problems with my leg during the Tough One, but fixed it and continued." An air valve was knocked off during the obstacle portion of the course.

The school's staff ensured that a professional standard was maintained in their grading of Robinson, and that there would be no bias for or against the amputee soldier.

"The instructors were a bit nervous when he first started, but they did their job just as if it were any other student. And on that note, I am very proud of them. They didn't see him as a disabled soldier and treated him just like anyone else coming to school to earn the Air Assault wings," said Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Connolly, a senior instructor. "We are very proud of him, and I think others need to look at him as a mentor and an example of what you can accomplish when you set your mind on something."

Prior to attending the physically demanding school, Robinson needed a waiver from the unit's medical staff. Robinson's accomplishments continue to surprise and inspire those medics.

"Some of these guys never even learn to walk on a prosthesis, let alone go through the Air Assault course," said Capt. Gregory Gibson, the brigade nurse, who has worked with amputee soldiers at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., before coming to the Strike Brigade. "He's had this thing happen to him that most would see as a career-ender. He's a shining example that life can carry on."

Robinson's momentum continues as he now looks to attend the school's master rappel course, which qualifies Air Assault school graduates in the skills and techniques necessary to rappel from moving aircraft. His wounded friends are still in his thoughts.

"When I was at Walter Reed, I looked around [and] felt sad for myself, but the more I looked, the more I realized there were so many who had it harder, who had it worse than me -- triple amputee, a quad amputee -- and watching them work and push so hard inspired me," Robinson said. "A disability is only a disability if you let it hold you down."

PACAF Commander conducts transnational dialogue at APCSS

by Staff Sgt. Nathan Allen
Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs

5/2/2013 - JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- Gen. Hawk Carlisle, commander of Pacific Air Forces, visited the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Honolulu, Hawaii recently, to discuss security cooperation in the Pacific theater and beyond with "international fellows" from several partner nations.

The APCSS, established Sept. 4, 1995, is a Department of Defense institute that addresses regional and global security issues while building relationships among future leaders and decision-makers within the region through a comprehensive program of executive education and conferences.

During the briefing, Carlisle discussed topics including PACAF strategy, the military's rebalance to the Asian-Pacific region, and the importance of transnational coordination and cooperation to overcome challenges.

"The size and diversity, the cultural differences, the climate differences, the environments that everyone lives in in the (Pacific) theater does make this a unique theater," he said. "Despite the differences, most nations understand that international cooperation when covering just about any threat is dependent upon interaction with your fellow nations. We know all these are the things we face every day."

Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan Leaf, APCSS director, said involving Carlisle, as well as other PACOM component command leadership, is extremely beneficial to the international students who participate in APCSS events.

"We work closely with (Pacific Command) and all of the components to support their missions and conduct our work consistent with their priorities and objectives," he said. "We have been fortunate to have all of them participate in various events at the center."

One benefit of holding these kinds of transnational dialogues, Carlisle said, is the development of a shared strategy to overcome the borderless challenge of combating non-state actors.

"We still have sovereign issues on borders and state to state discussions," he said. "Non-state actors - piracy, terrorism, trafficking - do not. If we, as a group of nations, are going to deal with these things, we have to be more transparent. We have to be more interoperable and we have to work more closely together."

Leaf said APCSS alumni are currently leading countries as heads-of-state, chiefs of defense, and other key diplomatic and ministerial posts. With that in mind, he said, the exchange was valuable both for Carlisle and the international fellows.

"Exchanges give senior Air Force leadership the opportunity to get perspectives from a wide array of up-and-coming regional and world leaders," Leaf said. "Gen. Carlisle demonstrated the transparency that we stress in our courses, and gave direct answers to some very difficult questions. I believe that he left a lasting impression on the class, demonstrating the U.S. Air Force's commitment to peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region."

When discussing how to devise a security strategy, Carlisle re-emphasized finding a way to work with neighboring nations - an endeavor that requires multiple parties to find common ground.

"The defense of your nation is largely dependent upon your ability to interact with nations around you. Building cooperation, building whatever common ground there is, building a strategy for what you want to look like in the future, and then bringing that to fruition," he said. "I can guarantee that every nation in this theater can find common ground. At the very least, (our shared) objective in life is to hand to our children, and our children's children, a better world to live in."

Kentucky Air Guard's Contingency Response Group named the top CR unit in the Air National Guard

by Senior Airman Vicky Spesard
123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

4/30/2013 - KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The Kentucky Air National Guard's 123rd Contingency Response Group has been named the Air National Guard Contingency Response Unit of the Year for 2012.

The group was chosen for the honor over six other contingency response units, including five airlift control flights, said Col. Mark Heiniger, commander of the 123rd CRG.

He credited the group's recent performance in the movement of a Patriot Missile Battery for helping win the award. Airmen from the 123rd deployed to Oklahoma in December to prepare the battery for shipment to Turkey, eventually loading 21 aircraft with more than 300 personnel and over two million pounds of equipment in six days.

"That was a tremendously important mission because it helped ensure the Turkish government's self-defense capabilities in response to the ongoing Syrian civil war," he said.

The group also set new standards of excellence last spring when it moved a record amount of cargo while becoming the first contingency response unit in the Air Guard to be verified by the U.S. Transportation Command as fully capable of operating a Joint Task Force-Port Opening -- a logistics hub that combines an Air Force Aerial Port with an Army trucking and distribution unit.

"Getting the USTRANSCOM verification took a lot of work and effort from all members of the unit," said Maj. Ashley Groves, director of operations. "We are very proud of that accomplishment.

"Getting recognition from the National Guard Bureau is validation that our unit's willingness and ability to grow is important," he continued. "It takes each member of our unit working above and beyond their normal duties to achieve this award."

Described as an "airbase in a box," the 123rd CRG is designed to be an early responder in the event of a terrorist attack, natural disaster or other major emergency.

It has all the personnel, training and equipment needed to deploy to a remote site, open a runway and establish airfield operations so aid can flow in.

The group, which was formally stood up just four years ago, is comprised of the 123rd Global Mobility Squadron and the 123rd Global Mobility Readiness Squadron. It provides personnel trained in command and control, aerial port operations, maintenance, security, logistics, fuels and intelligence.

Airmen from medical, finance, contracting, transportation, air operations and civil engineering are also elements of the award-winning group.

"The men and women in this unit are amazing," said Lt. Col. Dave Mounkes, deputy commander of the 123rd CRG. "We can call them at any hour, and they will respond immediately. When we get the call for assistance, our mandated response time is 36 hours, but our folks get it done in less than 24 hours."

It is this dedication and belief in the CRG mission that gained the attention of the National Guard Bureau.

"The 123rd CRG is a very strong group with a vast array of capabilities," said S. Scott Duke, chief of Airfield Operations Division at the NGB. "The airfield operations board was very pleased to select the unit and recommend that they compete at the national level for this prestigious award."

Sentry operators keep 'eyes in the sky'

by Senior Airman Maeson L. Elleman
18th Wing Public Affairs

5/1/2013 - KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) -- In the quiet darkness surrounding the flightline here, the awaiting aircraft roars to life with an escalated screech, and cool air rushes to fill the newly-lit cabin.

As the chill meets the lingering humid air within the aircraft, a smoke-like fog diffuses into the nooks and crevices around the computer stations and throughout the cockpit.

While it sounds like a mysterious and menacing science fiction movie, this is a commonplace occurrence for the E-3 Sentry crew from the 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron.

Once the airborne warning and control system takes toward the horizon and the dense fog begins to disperse, the cabin isn't the only thing that becomes more visible to the crew, but rather the entire encompassing airspace.

With its command and control capabilities and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission, the E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft assigned to the unit opens the crew's and Kadena AB's eyes to virtually everything in the air. It's this capability that allows Kadena AB and other Air Force assets to project superior force for any contingency.

"If a contingency kicks off in the area, we're the eyes in the sky," said Maj. Cliff King, the 961st AACS electronic combat officer. "It's important to have AWACS in the sky for protection of our assets and allies in the region."

Operating as the largest overseas combat wing, Kadena AB hosts multiple airframes ranging from F-15 Eagles to HH-60G Pave Hawk search and rescue helicopters.

However, AWACS crews provide essential air battle management and comprehensive information on visibility and direction of practically all aircraft in the region. Without this ability, all Air Force airborne units would be blind to other aircraft in the battlespace.

Lt. Col. Trey Coleman, the 961st AACS director of operations, said that capability is something that sets the Air Force apart from other nations.

"I think that air battle management is a direct correlate to the rise of American air power since the Vietnam War," Coleman said. "It's one of those integral things that makes American air power unique and makes it the best in the world."

Since its establishment here more than a decade ago, the 961st AACS has provided unwavering and unmatched air battle management in the Pacific area of responsibility.

There are 32 Sentries currently in the Air Force inventory. Air Combat Command hosts 27 E-3s at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., while Pacific Air Forces features four of the aircraft between Kadena AB and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.

However, Coleman, who's been on Kadena AB since September last year, said its expansive mission and strategic location make Kadena one of the most important bases for deterring conflict in the region.

"I believe Kadena AB is the best and most important place in the world to conduct air battle management," Coleman said. "In today's geo-strategic context in the Pacific coupled with the downsizing of our fleet, nowhere else is it more important to have effective and efficient ABM."

Though the 961st AACS has only claimed the iconic "ZZ" tail codes of the 18th Wing since 1991, the squadron hosts a lineage as the 61st Bombardment Squadron commissioned in 1940, which predates those of its fellow Sentry-laden sister units.

Despite altering its mission and equipment since it began in World War II to the advanced systems it boasts now, Coleman said the equipment isn't what gives American Airmen the deciding advantage.

Rather, he said, it's the legacy preceding the formation of the Air Force, exemplified by Medal of Honor recipients and predecessors in training and command.

"Our technology is fantastic, but it'll be out-aced in time," he said. "What we bring to the table as American Airmen is a corporate wealth of knowledge that spans all the way back to (retired Brig. Gen.) Billy Mitchell and the Air Corps Tactical School."

Dover reservist battles brain cancer

by Tech. Sgt. Charles Walker
436th AW Public Affairs

4/30/2013 - DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del.  -- Sometimes a headache is just a headache. Other times it can be the sign of something much worse.

Just ask Maj. Shawn Boyle, an Individual Mobilization Augmentee reservist with the 436th Airlift Wing Judge Advocate office.

Boyle, who lives outside of Pittsburgh, Pa., was experiencing what he thought were severe migraine headaches. Over time the headaches and the pain from them continued to grow worse. Boyle had been to the doctor several times and he was taking aspirin.

He went to the local doctor in October 2012, and they told him it was his sinuses. In early February of this year, Boyle was at the fitness center working out, when the pain from the headaches became unbearable. He was sent to a specialty doctor and that's when he got the proper diagnosis ... brain cancer.

Boyle was diagnosed with a slow-growing cancer in his brain. It is inoperable, and the outlook for he and his family is going to be a rough and bumpy one.

"The doctor said unless you knew what you were looking for, when you hear about headaches in the front of the head you assume it is sinus," Boyle said. "The cancer is an inoperable astrocytoma. They can't operate, but they can try to slow its growth with radiation."

Boyle began radiation treatment last week at the John Murtha Cancer Center at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, D.C. He will undergo aggressive radiation treatment for six and a half weeks and then he will be checked again to see what his and the cancer's reaction was to the radiation. Boyle said his doctor is telling him if the treatment goes well he can live as much as 10-to-15 years.

Boyle's wife Sarah said it's been a rough couple months for her and her family since getting the news in February.

"Obviously the diagnosis has been difficult," Sarah said. "Our sister-in-law had a brain tumor and died last year leaving behind her two daughters. So the diagnosis was not a happy thing, it felt like a blow. But the amount of care and concern we've received, it's amazing. I never expected such an outpouring, I'm truly grateful."

Sarah, who is a family therapist with Family Services of Western Pennsylvania, said the news has been especially hard on their daughter Cathleen, who is staying with Sarah's parents while Sarah and Shawn stay at the Fisher House near Walter Reed.

"She is very stoic, it has hit her very, very hard," Sarah said. "She tries very hard to protect her dad and keep a stiff upper lip, but she has already broken down a few times. We got the school involved once we got the diagnosis and they are keeping tabs on her. Even though she is staying with my parents, the split has been very difficult."

Shawn said that since his diagnosis, his other family, the Air Force, has stepped in to help him in ways he never would have imagined, namely his bosses Lt. Col. Scott Boehne, staff judge advocate with the 436th AW and Carmel Feliciani, also from the same office.

"My co-workers have been wonderful," Boyle said. "Ms. Feliciani has been on the phone every day seeing if I need anything. Lt. Col. Boehne has been taking care of things as well. They've both been really great. I can't say enough on how everyone has been treating me. It has been wonderful."

Boehne said that he and his office have tried to do everything they could to keep Shawn stress free as he and his family begin their battle with cancer.

"We tried to do everything we could on our end so he would not worry about his status with the Air Force," Boehne said. "We had to learn a bit, about who are the right points of contact, but we have been working those bureaucratic hurdles. We've tried to shield him from stress so he could focus on treatment and recovery."

Sarah said Thomas Krug deserves a lot of thanks for the care her husband has received so far. Krug, who is a recovery care coordinator with the Wounded Warrior Program, is basically making sure Shawn and Sarah are cared for and that their needs are met.

"He has meant everything," Sarah said of Krug. "In many ways, he has saved our lives. I wouldn't know where we would be without Tom, and we can't thank him enough. The Wounded Warrior Program is just wonderful. Everybody who works for them should be thanked."

Boyle, who began his 20-year career as an enlisted soldier in the Army, before switching to the Air Force and joining the JAG Corps, began his chemotherapy last Tuesday and will continue with radiation treatment for the next six weeks.

His love for his family and the Air Force he said means the world to him.

"Sometimes an event in your life changes so much" Boyle said. "One minute your life can turn upside down. A lot of people step up and offer you so much love and so much hope, how do you say thank you? You can't say thank you enough.

"My military family means so much to me. Me and my family, we're holding up well. I'm just going to enjoy them as much as I can for as long as I can."

AMARG held Boneyard 5k

by Airman 1st Class Christine Griffiths
355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

4/30/2013 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, ARIZ.,  -- The 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group hosted the Desert Boneyard 5K here, April 28.

AMARG, commonly known as the Boneyard, is a one-of-a-kind, specialized facility within the Air Force where aircraft retire.

Prior to the run, participants watched as Airmen from the D-M Honor Guard performed the opening ceremony and told the Air Force story, as well as the history of the Boneyard.

This was the first year AMARG held the 5k, knowing that the local community and active duty military from around Tucson would enjoy the chance to run among the aircraft at the Boneyard.

"In the initial planning stages we were actually preparing for 300 people," said 1st Lt. Michele Tempel, 355th Civil Engineer Squadron Civil Engineer Readiness Emergency Management flight commander. "And we really passed that up fairly quickly and ended up with 810 registered participants; we far exceeded our expectations!"

Capt. Michael Miller, Bravo Company 209th Military Intelligence commander at Fort Huachuca, was the first place winner in the first 5k event.

"This event was really well organized and well supported. I can tell the Air Force put a lot of effort into it," Miller said. "It was a lot of fun and it was great to see the whole community out here having a good time."

With the positive response from the base and local community, AMARG is looking to hold this event annually.

"Hopefully in the years to come it becomes and Air Force tradition," Tempel said. "We have a lot of interest, so I can definitely see that happening in the future."

Moody holds F-86L Sabre dedication ceremony

by By Senior Airman Eileen Meier
23d Wing Public Affairs

4/30/2013 - MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Members of Team Moody came together to attend the F-86L Sabre dedication ceremony in honor of fallen U.S. Air Force pilot Maj. Lyn McIntosh at the President George W. Bush Air Park at Moody Field April 27, 2013.

The ceremony began with a prayer from U.S. Air Force Chaplain (Capt.) Donald Bridges, who spoke about McIntosh and his brave actions as a fighter pilot.

"May this memorial serve to remind all those who pass by those scriptured words," said Bridges. "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for friends."

McIntosh was killed in a collision with two aircraft during Operation Eagle Claw in 1980. It was a mission ordered by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter to end the Iran hostage situation.

Members of the McIntosh family were introduced at the ceremony, followed by the unveiling of McIntosh's name stenciled on the side of the F-86. His three sons Mark, Stuart and Scott McIntosh joined Col. Edward Ford, 23d Mission Support Group commander, on the stage to unveil the plaque dedicated to their father.

Col. Billy Thompson, 23d Wing commander, took the podium to say a few words.

"Two days ago we marked 33 years since (McIntosh) gave his life during Operation Eagle Claw, a rescue attempt of 52 American hostages held in Tehran, Iran," said Thompson. "His heroic actions and this aircraft will forever leave Major McIntosh and the Flying Tigers with Moody AFB .

"Major McIntosh embodied the motto by which our rescue community lives: These things we do, that others may live," said Thompson. "We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the McIntosh family and the city of Valdosta for allowing Major McIntosh's legacy to be a part of ours. It's truly an honor."

In 1961 the F-86 was loaned to the city of Valdosta from the U.S. Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base , Ohio, to be displayed as a monument representing the close community ties with Moody.

Shortly after McIntosh was killed on April 25, 1980, it was rededicated in his honor because of his native ties with the town. Twenty-two years later, consent was received from assigned custodians of the F-86 and the McIntosh family to relocate the vintage aircraft to Moody AFB.

With a group effort of base and local agencies, the F-86 arrived at Moody April 25, 2012, the 32nd anniversary of McIntosh's death.

"I think this aircraft and memorial does nothing more than strengthen the bonds between the base and our city," said Thompson. "We truly appreciate how much of a piece of history this F-86 is.
"I say it all the time, but I truly believe we couldn't do what we do at Moody without the unfailing support of the local communities," he added.

Andersen wheel, tire shop improves capabilities, minimizes time, money spent

by Staff Sgt. Veronica McMahon
36th Wing Public Affairs

5/1/2013 - ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -  -- The 36th Maintenance Squadron Aircraft Wheel and Tire shop recently installed new equipment to fully accommodate the B-52 Stratofortress and any other aircraft using the flightline on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, while saving roughly $32,000 annually.

This capability is due to the installation of universal adapters for the aircraft tire bead breakers. The universal adaptor allows the bead breaker to separate the rubber from the rim on various tire sizes.

"Previously, we only repaired tires for the RQ-4 Global Hawk, but now we've begun expanding our capabilities to assist with the B-52s," said Staff Sgt. Tyler Ambrose, 36th MXS Wheel and Tire Shop specialist. "Now that we have installed this adapter we are able to work on any aircraft in the Air Force inventory, saving us time and money."

Ambrose and Staff Sgt. Jan Stevens, 36th MXS wheel and tire shop specialist, run the two-man shop and are thankful to have the new ability to repair tires here.

"Until recently, brand-new tires were flown into Guam completely assembled," Ambrose said. "Now that we have the capability to work on them, the parts can be shipped in by boat and assembled here. All repairs can also be conducted right here at the shop.

"It's a major cost benefit considering that we are in the remote location of Guam," he continued. "The tires are so heavy it cuts down tremendously on shipping costs alone."

Since the equipment was installed so recently, the team has not yet repaired a B-52 tire, but they have repaired Global Hawk tires, along with tires from other aircraft during recent exercises.

"During Cope North, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, U.S. Navy and other U.S. Air Force units were able to use the shop to do minor repairs here instead of shipping in completely assembled tires from their home station units," said Stevens.

According to Stevens, tires for the JASDF Mitsubishi F-2s and F-15 Eagles, U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornets and the Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons were all repaired using the new equipment, and so far, the tools have worked to the shop's expectations.

"Having the universal adapter makes the process a lot quicker, smoother and now we can accommodate anything we come across," said Stevens. "This new capability also allows us to provide more services during joint exercises and support our international allies."

While they are now capable to support any aircraft tire, Ambrose and Stevens said they expect most of their repairs to be on the Global Hawk and B-52 tires.

Along with repairs, the B-52 tires will soon be built on Andersen as well. The shop has already received 49 different parts that make up a B-52 tire and is equipped with roughly 75 percent of the parts to build the tires in-house. According to Ambrose, in the next few months the shop will have the ability to fully outfit an aircraft in a day if need be.

When the B-52 units deploy in for their six-month rotations, six maintainers will accompany the unit and assist with tire repairs to assist with the increased work load.

"The Global Hawks are always here, the B-52s are constantly deploying in and other aircraft are always using the flightline, so whatever tire problems come up we are ready," Ambrose said. "Any tire obstacle we come across on Andersen, we are ready and able to play our part to keep the mission going."

Face of Defense: Training Helps Mechanic Save Fellow Paratrooper

By Army Sgt. Mike MacLeod
1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division

FORT BRAGG, N.C., May 1, 2013 – Army Sgt. James Hayes has one piece of advice for soon-to-deploy mechanics: take your training seriously.

Army Sgt. James Hayes stands in front of a vehicle-recovery wrecker at Fort Bragg, N.C., on April 30, 2013. Hayes and his team used a wrecker to lift a damaged vehicle off a fellow paratrooper a year ago in Afghanistan, saving the paratrooper’s life. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Mike MacLeod   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Hayes, a mechanic who deployed with the 82nd Airborne Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team to Afghanistan in 2012, said that the first time he had to rely on his training to right a flipped armored vehicle, everything worked exactly as he had trained.

At stake was the life of a fellow paratrooper, Army Spc. Justin Lansford, a turret gunner who was pinned under the top of a mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle after it was flipped by an exploding improvised explosive device. Lansford was critically wounded and was bleeding heavily from femoral arteries.

“I remember thinking it was going to turn bad quick if I didn’t do it right,” said Hayes, a freckle-faced former German citizen and son of an American soldier.

When Hayes, Army Cpl. Joshua Dobson and two other mechanics arrived at the attack site, medics were treating Lansford, and the damaged vehicle was on fire, Hayes said.
After extinguishing the fire, the mechanics determined the correct lifting points and amount of winch force to apply based on the vehicle’s weight, and gently lifted the wreckage high enough to extricate the pinned paratrooper.

“I can’t even explain to you how rewarding that feeling was,” Hayes said.

Lansford was airlifted from the battlefield, eventually recovering from his injuries at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. Although Lansford lost both of his legs above the knee, he was glad to be alive, he said.

During Hayes’ six-month deployment, he and his team recovered 15 to 20 vehicles. Most were for mechanical failures or driver inexperience, or a combination of the two, he said.

On one convoy, three vehicles, including Hayes’ wrecker, were struck by IEDs within seconds of each other. He and Dobson escaped injury, but soldiers in both of the other two vehicles were medically evacuated by helicopter.

The wrecker had been towing a damaged vehicle when it was hit, so mechanics used a larger truck to tow both vehicles in-line, Hayes said. The train of towed vehicles may have looked odd, he said, but it worked to take them off the battlefield.

“The training really works,” Hayes said.

Hagel Discusses Partnership With Colombian Defense Minister

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 1, 2013 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel met with Colombian Defense Minister Juan Carlos Pinzón this morning at the Pentagon to discuss the close security partnership between the United States and Colombia, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel welcomes Colombian Defense Minister Juan Carlos Pinzon at the Pentagon, May 1, 2013. The two defense leaders met to discuss issues of mutual concern. DOD photo by Marine Corps Sgt. Aaron Hostutler   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

In a statement summarizing the meeting, Little said Hagel commended Colombia for continuing to make significant progress in its campaign against the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, a group known by its Spanish acronym FARC.

Hagel noted that while the fight continues, the United States will support Colombia in its efforts to defeat a common threat and achieve a lasting peace, the press secretary added.

The leaders also discussed ways the U.S. and Colombian militaries can work with one another on regional long-term defense planning and other future opportunities for collaboration, Little said, and Hagel noted that Colombia provides significant capabilities that have helped increase stability in the region.

Hagel stressed the importance of working with Colombia’s Defense Ministry to identify opportunities for closer collaboration ahead of additional high-level bilateral security meetings this summer, Little said.

DOD Continues to Refine Options for President on Syria

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 1, 2013 – Defense Department leaders continue to work on options and refine plans to respond to the situation in Syria if called upon, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said here today.
Since opposition to the Bashar Assad regime burst into war, DOD officials have been developing options for a wide range of contingencies, Little said.

“We continue to refine those plans based on how the conflict is unfolding and based on information we receive,” he added. “That’s our responsibility, and we believe it is important to have options on the shelf to pull off in case the president looks to us to execute those options.”

Little stressed that U.S. government officials and international partners not only are looking at ways to aid the opposition, but also are considering the “day after” the Assad regime falls.

“This is not just about bringing an end to the Assad regime,” he said. “It’s also working with Syrians and partners in the region and other partners in the international community to help the Syrian people define for themselves what a post-Assad Syria will look like.”

U.S. concern in the region is not just about chemical weapons or extremist groups in Syria, Little said.
“This is a very complex, challenging environment, and those are factors that you have to weigh when you are working with others to define the day after,” he added. “We stand ready to provide updated options to the president whenever he asks for them. That’s our job.”

Little said DOD is involved with all interagency partners and is following the White House’s lead to bolster humanitarian assistance and determine how to engage even more closely with the opposition.

“We are fully engaged inside the government and with international allies and partners on how to look at the situation in Syria and act if necessary,” he said.

While the United States is fully cognizant of the role extremist groups are playing inside Syria, Little said, “we also understand that there are a large number of moderate opposition groups inside Syria that are trying to define a path toward a post-Assad Syria.”

The U.S. government’s policy on Syria hasn’t changed, he said: The United States is providing nonlethal aid to the opposition.

U.S. officials continue to look for further corroborating evidence of chemical weapons use in Syria, Little said.

Misawa fighter jets break new training barriers

by Senior Airman Derek VanHorn
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

4/30/2013 - MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- An F-16 Fighting Falcon's radar warning receiver emits an eerie, distinct pattern as it soars over the Northern Pacific Ocean, moving closer and closer toward hostile territory. The warning tone means one thing -- missiles are inbound.

More alert now than ever before, with adrenaline pumping through every part of the pilot's being, it's time for action. The flight suits they wear -- originally created to keep the pilots warmer -- now serve an opposite purpose, soaking up feverish sweat in preparation to suppress the enemy.

This can end two ways -- a surface-to-air missile rips through the jet or the enemy radar SAM site is fiercely rendered useless, putting it to an immortal sleep.

This intense training scenario is the new norm for 35th Fighter Wing pilots as it provides the most effective real-life training they have encountered in more than 50 years here.

A team effort between the U.S. Air Force and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force has brought this robust simulated combat environment to the fight, implementing field training exercises for both U.S. and joint forces and setting the stage for Large Force Employment training.

The 35 FW is home of the Wild Weasel, the only Suppression of Enemy Air Defense assets in the Pacific Air Forces theater.

Previous SEAD training was primarily executed during biannual Red Flag exercises which have since been suspended due to recent Department of Defense budget constraints.

Although in its early stages, Capt. Chris Behrens, 35 FW weapons systems commander, said the capabilities this training provides can be monumental, adding that the wing has been actively moving in this direction for some time now.

"It's good both ways -- (JGSDF) get to defend themselves and simulate shooting at F-16s, and they have a great time doing that, and we get to react and simulate shooting back at them," Behrens said. "It's a great training opportunity, it's huge."

Because of the previous lack of SAM sites for WW pilots to train with, which were none, the JGSDF have knocked down a barrier that now allows pilots to track and identify emitters put out from Japanese SAM sites, allowing U.S. pilots to train to save their jet while simulating shooting back.

As a result of this joint effort, these types of defensive exercises now have the capability to take place daily, whereas previous operations were limited to only a few times a year abroad or were entirely simulated.

When simulated training took precedence, Behrens said "pilots would literally tell their wingmen, 'hey, you're being targeted', and instead now we actually have a missile site simulating shooting at us and showing up on our real-life systems so we can react and simulate engaging."

A critical ingredient that has accelerated the training process was gaining access to the Gaicho airspace, an area over the Northern Pacific Ocean that connects the airspace over the ocean to the mainland.

The Gaicho airspace hosts an area known as Draughon Range, a location where pilots are authorized to drop live ordnance.

"This airspace allows us to train for our full Wild Weasel mission, using real targets to drop bombs for realistic training and mission employment," said Capt. Thomas Mueller, 35th Operations Support Squadron chief of wing training. "We will fly every type of mission here and use it regularly."

The benefits of this addition have already made their mark, as 35 OSS Commander Lt. Col. Dave Lyons said he thinks the acquisition of this airspace has had the biggest impact on 35 FW combat training since the arrival of the F-16 at Misawa.

It's an asset that serves a dual purpose.

"Japanese air and ground forces benefit greatly as well, as the Gaicho airspace connects Bravo airspace to these SAM emitters, allowing the JGSDF to train on real air threats too," Mueller added. "Training against real threats will increase the capability of both Japanese and U.S. forces."

"This may be the most important thing that has happened here in the last 20 years," Behrens said. "We now have some great training moving forward to continue to be the best."

Flight sergeants: Pillars of law enforcement, security

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

4/30/2013 - ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- ALPHA. BRAVO. CHARLIE. DELTA. Some recognize these as the first four letters of the phonetic alphabet. But for the 36th Security Forces Squadron's four flight sergeants, these are the teams of Airmen and civilians they guide to ensure protection of residents and resources on Andersen Air Force Base.

"Our flight sergeants are of extreme importance because they provide control and coordination for our security and law enforcement mission," said Capt. Stephen Zeglen, 36th SFS operations officer. "These NCOs provide guidance and leadership to accomplish our mission every hour of every day."

Flight sergeants are charged with coordinating all security and law enforcement duties for their shift and are required to be on scene for all incidents. They are in charge of command and control, determining the proper course of action and initiating response until relieved by higher authority.

"You have to have the ability to adapt to a situation, asses the scene and make a split-second decision on a positive course of action," said Tech. Sgt. Scottie Boyd, 36th SFS Law Enforcement and Security bravo flight sergeant. "You have to make sure the scene is safe for emergency responders and is blocked off from public access. It's also important that you have confidence in yourself and in the decision you make at that point in time."

The flight sergeants also have administrative responsibilities which are necessary to keep the squadron running. This includes rating enlisted performance reports, keeping track of training and providing documentation for record.

"They are not only tactically in command, they are also administratively responsible for the Airmen assigned to their flight," Zeglen said. "It is not unusual to see flight sergeants in during their days off to finishing paperwork and reports."

To qualify for a flight sergeant position, a security forces NCO must have at least six years of law enforcement experience and a critical duty certification. The certification is achieved through two months of on-the-job training and passing verbal, written and practical examinations.

"Flight sergeants are the senior members of their flights," Zeglen said. "They serve as the voices of experience and wisdom and provide mentorship to all Airmen under them. It's a huge responsibility."

With the plethora of responsibilities that range from command and control, administration and looking out for their Airmen's well-being, flight sergeants have managed to lead their teams effectively and ensure the safety of Team Andersen so Airmen can focus on the mission at hand.

The Inspection team you've never heard of

by Senior Airman Mark Hybers
507th Air Refueling Wing public affairs

5/1/2013 - TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The 1st Aviation Standards Flight is a small team of reservists performing critical inspections to ensure aircraft take off and land safely, not only at Tinker Air Force Base, but locations all over the globe.

The 24-member flight, located at the Federal Aviation Administration center at Will Rogers World Airport is a little known part of the 507th Air Refueling Wing. This unique flight augments the FAA in their mission and works hand in hand with their active duty counterparts.

This small team of inspectors spends a great deal of time flying in either the Bombardier Challenger 601 or 605 running tests on everything from takeoff and landing systems to flight routes as well as low level routes.

Missions are typically flown every two weeks. Planning for these inspections involves a great deal of preparation.

"A four or five day trip typically has two full days of planning," said Senior Master Sgt. Brian Davie, 1st ASF mission specialist superintendent. "Then there is a couple days of post trip reporting. So the whole process for one inspection can take quite a bit of our time."

While the normal two week planning, performing and post reporting takes place, this team also prepares for their annual inspection at McMurdo Station, a U.S. Antarctic research center located on the southern tip of Ross Island.

Inspections in Antarctica take place at the beginning of the summer season, which is normally in October or early November. The teams from 1st ASF are the only teams in the world qualified to inspect McMurdo Station.

"One of the reasons we go on this trip every year is because there is a microwave landing system there which is almost extinct now," said 1st ASF Commander, Lt. Col. Dustin Welsh. "There are still some military installations that use this same system, so it's good training for us."

The lack of qualified inspectors isn't the only challenge when it comes to the yearly McMurdo mission. The environment creates many problems.

"Operations are conducted in extremely cold temperatures, and in an area where weather patterns are constantly changing," said Maj. Brett VanMeter, 1st ASF standards team. "Due to these extreme conditions, the aircraft is operated 24 hour-a-day, stopping only for fuel and a change of crew."

Ensuring navigation aids are performing correctly is crucial in an environment where storms, often referred to by the locals as "herbies," could last for days.

"These storms take visibility down to zero," said VanMeter. "Even vehicle operations are conducted by driving flag to flag."

VanMeter said when a "herbie" is too strong, flight operations cease altogether, however, maintenance crews are required to stay with the aircraft and periodically start the engines to keep them warm so that all aircraft and electronic systems operate normally.

An operation conducted in an environment where there is no discernible horizon is called a 'flat light.' VanMeter said this type of flying makes it hard for pilots to visually determine how high they are above the ground.

"When we fly in an environment like that, a safety pilot is normally aboard to help monitor the radar altimeter and provide another set of eyes for safe operations," he said.

Several runways at McMurdo Station are inspected each year. There is an ice runway that aircraft like the Challengers used by 1st ASF fly. There are also two ski runways and one emergency ski runway that are used during the summer months by ski-equipped C-130s for primary air support.

To further solidify the need for these annual inspections and ensure all systems are working properly, the location at Antarctica has a magnetic variation that is approximately 167 degrees VanMeter said.

"That means when pilots look at their flight instruments on approach, the normal system shows the airfield is behind the aircraft," he added. "That means the pilot has to mentally turn the plane around in their head in order to approach."

All of those variables, plus the constant slow movement of the ice pack on which the runway is, increase the need for yearly inspections.

The small team also deploys on a regular basis to overseas combat zones performing inspections on mobile ground systems ensuring NATO aircraft are getting in and out of theater safely.

"The reason we are part of the Air Force is because the FAA does not have the capability to perform inspections in combat zones," said Welsh. "After being dismantled for many years, the Air Force re-instated these inspection teams in the early 90s because we are a critical part of the mission."

59th Medical Wing supports Army South exercise in Panama

by Army Capt. Sarah Harris

4/30/2013 - PANAMA -- Airmen of the 59th Medical Wing based out of Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, were in the municipality of Veraguas, Panama, for the start of the Beyond the Horizon medical readiness training exercise April 16.

BTH 2013 is a U.S. Army South exercise deploying military engineers and medical professionals to Panama for training, while providing services to rural communities. Conducted annually, these missions are part of U.S. Southern Command's humanitarian and civic assistance program.

The 11-day medical readiness training exercise, or MEDRETE, provided medical and dental care to residents in Cerro De Plata, Los Valles and Calobre. The exercise focuses on key health issues in the area, including children's care, nutritional education, basic dental services, hypertension and eye surgery.

"Our goal is to continue to forge that operating team success between the Air Force and Army," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Randy Ivall, who is serving as the officer in charge of this Panama MEDRETE, "Ultimately, at the end of the day, this also prepares us for future missions as well."

"We're expecting about 8,000 patients total by the end of the exercise," said Ivall. "Between the Soldiers and Airmen, we'll get it done."

The exercise was made possible with joint collaboration from the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, the Panamanian Ministry of Health and the Panamanian security forces.

Issues such as medication and supplies arriving on time, as well as the language barrier have been a small challenge for the group.

"Our job is to see and take care of as many people as we can," said Master Sgt. Rhonda Bradley, who is in Panama on her second BTH mission, "Although crowd control and language barriers exist, we're still able to make it work."

The exercise brings together Airmen and Soldiers who are experiencing their first BTH as well as those returning for a second and third time.

"It's been great so far," said Maj. Larissa Weir, an OBGYN here on her first BTH mission. "We converted a school into a temporary clinic, so we are now able to take care of the citizens. I'm really enjoying it."

"The most rewarding experience is the appreciation shown by the citizens," said Capt. Karla Dennard, an OBGYN here on her second BTH mission, "My hope is to be able to promote education and self-care in these young females."

The teams will spend three days in Cerro De Plata, another three days in neighboring Los Valles, and finally five days at the final location of Calobre.

"Numbers are important, but they can't tell the entire story," said Ivall, "That cultural exchange that makes us better officers and noncommissioned officers is invaluable."