Mentorship Makes a Difference

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Karl Anderson, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Public Affairs

GULF OF OMAN (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) are helping one another using a mentorship program that pairs veteran Sailors with less experienced Sailors to help foster career development and professional growth.

Senior Chief Logistics Specialist (SW/AW/EXW) Randy Caras is a mentorship program coordinator. He said it is important to find the right mentor to guide you personally and professionally.

"It's always good to have someone else provide insight from their experiences," he said. "Regardless of where you are in your career, you can always benefit from a mentor."

Caras said mentoring is part of Harry S. Truman's command culture and is an integral aspect of naval leadership.

"Senior Sailors have a responsibility to pass down their experience, wisdom and expertise to junior Sailors," he said.

When Hospitalman Herbert Navarro reported to Harry S. Truman, he knew exactly what he wanted in a mentor.

"I looked for someone to inspire me to push harder and try to do better in all aspects of my life and career," he said. "Someone with experience more than anything else."

He found such a mentor in Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Harold Nance.

"Chief Nance is like a big brother mixed with a career counselor," said Navarro. "He doesn't let me slide and he doesn't shoot from the hip. If he doesn't have the facts he'll find them."

Navarro said he and Nance help each other accomplish their goals.

"Chief Nance makes sure I'm on track to accomplish my goals, but this is not a one-sided relationship," said Navarro. "I help him accomplish his goals as well. Even though he's had a successful career, he still has his own goals and ambitions. I admire that. It keeps me motivated."

Navarro said everyone can benefit from a mentor, regardless of rank or age.

"It's always nice to know that you have at least one person in your corner," said Navarro. "If for no other reason, at least you know you're not by yourself."

Nance said mentorship is not only about professional guidance, but helping Sailors in all aspects of their life.

"When a Sailor is dealing with problems at home, you offer a different perspective to make the situation better," said Nance. "Not necessarily how they can fix the problem, but you give them the tools to make it better."

He said a mentor is pertinent to success-they are the glue that binds everything together. The whole goal of the mentorship program is to set the precedent that you are not alone.

"Nobody can live and operate in the world alone," said Nance. "No matter how successful you are, nobody knows everything. Even as a chief petty officer, I can learn something from the junior Sailors. You have to be open for the opportunity to learn. That is what is rewarding. The return is much more than the give."

AMC names Grand Forks AFB Chaplain Office best small chapel organization for 2013

by Staff Sgt. Luis Loza Gutierrez
319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

3/10/2014 - GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The members of the 319th Air Base Wing Chaplain Office have an extra reason to count their blessings after recently being named the recipient of a major command-level award.

The chapel team won the 2013 Air Mobility Command Outstanding Small Chapel Organization Award.

"I was happy for my entire team--they've worked extremely hard the past year serving the Airmen and family members of Grand Forks Air Force Base," said. Chaplain (Maj.) Steven T. Dabbs, 319th ABW head chaplain. "We celebrated for twenty-four hours, then returned our attentions to serving Airmen and their families. As a team, we embraced the teaching of Jesus that directs, '...when you have done everything you were told to do, you should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'" (Luke 17:10).

The AMC Outstanding Small Chapel Organization Award recognizes wing/installation chapel staffs serving an active-duty military population of fewer than 3,000. The annual award winner is selected based on the strategic priorities of warrior care, advisement to leadership, and care for Chaplain Corps caregivers.

In addition to coordinating 294 worship services and increasing chapel attendance by 24 percent, the team also had other notable activities and accomplishments in 2013 that led to their recent unit recognition.

One notable example took place in November 2013 when the base hosted the first ever Wingman Day that focused on the Spiritual Pillar of the Comprehensive Airman Fitness Program, the service-wide initiative designed to build and sustain a thriving and resilient Air Force community that fosters positive development of a person's mental, physical, social and spiritual fitness.

The chapel team led 11 seminars throughout the base and more than 630 participants rated the event as outstanding.

Tech. Sgt. Jaime Cleveland from the 319th Medical Operation Squadron participated in one of the yoga seminars offered during Wingman Day and was one of the participants who rated the event as outstanding.

"I enjoyed the physical aspect of it and the relaxation that comes from going through motions. In fact it was so relaxing I almost fell asleep... I think this Wingman Day was a complete success, and I hope the base will continue to use the Airmen's feedback to plan future events."

Dabbs was quick to give credit as well to the selfless efforts and dedication of the 95 volunteers they recruited in 2013, who donated more than 12,000 hours saving the Air Force and federal government an estimated $109,000. Five of the volunteers were even recognized with five military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medals.

Although the chapel team saw significant positive results for their actions and events in 2013, Dabbs admitted that some events were more challenging and complicated than others.

"The toughest are those that involve the loss of life or those victimized by criminal activity," said Dabbs.

He said military communities are sometimes like families where tragedy and loss can affect everyone despite the size; and although death and sorrow are a part of human condition, he and the rest of the chapel team are thankful to have the opportunity to serve their fellow Warriors of the North and their families in their time of need.

"We are humbly honored to receive this recognition but also realize it is even more incumbent upon us to continue to live up to the Chaplain Corps' vision to glorify God, serve Airmen, and pursue excellence."

Cold, snowy winter: no match for Dover's Snow Removal Team

by Airman 1st Class Zachary Cacicia
436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

3/11/2014 - DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Old Man Winter sure has punished Dover Air Force Base this winter with snow and bitter cold temperatures, and he may not be finished.

Whether it is the roads or on the runways, the Dover AFB Snow Removal Team has been working hard to keep up with the above average snowfalls and guaranteeing that Team Dover's mission to deliver continues without a hitch throughout this winter season.

Tech. Sgt. Scott Capodice, 436th Operations Support Squadron Weather Flight NCO in charge, said as of March 6th, the total snowfall for Dover AFB during the 2013-14 winter season currently stands at 35.4 inches. This is more than double the average annual snowfall of 16.2 inches.

"I've been stationed here for three years, and this winter has been by far the coldest we've had," said Capodice. "It's also the most snow, I've seen, since I've been here."

This winter has also been notorious for its bitterly cold temperatures. Daily low temperatures from November to March have been recorded to be on average 6.2 degrees colder than the historic weather patterns.

This abnormally difficult winter season has kept a team of Team Dover professionals busy.

The Dover AFB Snow Removal Team is broken up into two sections: the flight line crew and the street crew. The flight line crew is responsible for clearing snow and ice from the 2.2 million square yards of the airfield. The street crew is responsible for clearing 52 miles of roads and streets on base, including dozens of parking lots. Each of these crews is itself split up into day and night shifts.

Staff Sgt. Cesar Salas, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron heavy equipment operator, is the daytime flight line "snowman." Salas stated that he oversees twelve personnel, who are responsible removing snow and ice from the runways, the taxiways, and ramps. He also has, at his disposal, four plow trucks, three broom trucks and three blower trucks. Salas coordinates between his crew and the Air Traffic Control Tower to determine which areas of the airfield need to be cleared. The runways have first priority over the taxiways during snow and ice events.

The phrase "great wall of Dover" refers to Atlantic Street, the main thoroughfare upon which most of Dover's traffic flows. Depending on which side of this street you are on, determines the type of deicing substance used on the roads. IceSlicer is used on all roads and parking lots west of Atlantic Street. It's the reddish colored material that many Team Dover members may be familiar with all over the roads and parking lots. A deicer known as NAAC is used on all roads and parking lots east of Atlantic Street, including the air field. The reason why NAAC is used is because it is significantly less corrosive than IceSlicer. It meets Federal Aviation Administration regulations, allowing it to be safely used on the runways and taxiways. This prevents corrosion and damage to the multimillion dollar C-5M Super Galaxies and C-17A Globemaster IIIs that call Dover, "home." It is also more expensive and that is why it is only used near the flightline.

Staff Sgt. Mitchell Scott, 436th CES water and fuels maintenance, holds the title of the snow removal team's "street boss." He is in charge of a crew of 15 personnel, six plow trucks, two backhoes, and a loader truck. Their mission is to guarantee that Team Dover's roads, streets, and parking lots are clear of snow and ice, to allow the clear flow of traffic across base.

"It's a pretty cool job; not many people appreciate it," said Scott. "If it wasn't for us, many people couldn't go to work."

The members of the Snow Removal Team are comprised of augmentees from throughout the CES Operations Flight. This is a secondary job that they perform throughout the winter season.

Tech. Sgt. Kenneth Ferguson, III, 436th CES Horizontal Shop NCOIC, oversees both the street bosses and the snowmen. According to Ferguson, the main difference between this season and seasons in the past is the extreme cold this year. This resulted in an above average amount of issues with snow removal equipment.

"This couldn't be possible without the help of the different shops," said Ferguson. "If it wasn't for them, it would be almost impossible to carry out the mission."

Face of Defense: Deployed Airman Handcrafts Hockey Rink

By Air Force Senior Airman Desiree W. Moye

386th Air Expeditionary Wing

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Mar. 11, 2014 – A resourceful airman’s idea has resulted in the first outdoor hockey rink in this theater of operations.

Air Force Airman 1st Class Joshua Hanson, 386th Expeditionary Communications Squadron, developed a proposal to build a nearly arena-size hockey rink at his deployed location here.

A new gym floor recently installed in the base fitness center cannot support long-term hockey games, so a plan was put into play to build it at a pavilion near the fitness center.

"We needed a new place, and we had a very ingenious airman who developed a great plan that protected the wing's investment," said Air Force Col. David Sanford, 386th Mission Support Group commander.

"I brought the idea up to my leadership," Hanson said, "then presented my plan of execution to all group commanders of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing." He assured them he had carpentry experience and had helped build public skate parks, he added, so he was confident about the process.

Construction preparation started Jan. 24 in an old bunker near Hanson’s work center. The bunker became his workshop and a gathering point for all donated materials and equipment.

With the support of fellow U.S. airmen and Canadian Master Cpl. Francois Chabot, a Camp Canada carpenter, Hanson was able to bring his rink structure to fruition within four weeks. The 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron and Camp Canada donated wood and structure fasteners, while a nonprofit charity, "Defending the Blue Line," donated a large amount of hockey equipment.

"This will finally give the hockey community, or people wanting to try hockey, a place to play on a daily basis," Hanson said. "Before, we were restricted to the Flex Fitness Center on Friday nights only, and had to borrow the Canadians’ equipment."

The pavilion is centrally located and allows for more spectators than the gym. Passers-by can stop, observe and participate. "Additionally, the rink is larger than the basketball court and more in line with [hockey regulations]," Sanford noted.

A few volunteer artists from the communications squadron created an assortment of paintings along the hockey rink’s perimeter.

Air Force Maj. Roberts Sides, 386th ECS commander, said he was taken aback when he saw the woodworking skills of his airman and all the drawing concepts by civilian contractor Micheal May, 386th ECS client systems technician.

"[Airman Hanson’s] carpentry skill, along with Mr. May's artistry abilities, has made the hockey rink something that folks will be talking about for quite a long time," he said.

After a March 8 ribbon-cutting ceremony, a game between the United States and Canada brought the new facility to life.

"Josh's devotion to this project spilled over to all the volunteers," Chabot said. "I believe that this boost in morale and welfare is essential to our ongoing joint success here."

USS Kidd supports MH370 Search Mission

By Ensign Brooke Schaffer, USS Kidd Public Affairs

GULF OF THAILAND (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Kidd (DDG 100) was one of the first responders in the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 that was lost sometime March 8, 2014.

Kidd is among several other Pacific-Nation naval air and surface platforms conducting the search mission that is being coordinated by the Malaysian government.

The Kidd's crew is utilizing all capabilities and assets to assist in the search of MH370. The ambiguity of the potential crash site makes the area to be searched expansive but the two MH-60R helicopters deployed on Kidd provide a much improved search capability than ships alone.

"Kidd's ability to respond so quickly is a testament to the importance of the U.S. Navy's presence in this vital region," said Lt. Cmdr. Eli Marshall, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 78's air detachment officer in charge. "Our combination of rescue swimmer training, sensor capabilities, and search and rescue mission expertise allows us to be one of the most capable and flexible platforms to respond."

Kidd continues to work alongside other navies present in the region in sharing search tactics, exchanging information, and assisting in the collective effort to locate MH370 and respond to this tragedy.

"The entire USS KIDD crew is dedicated to this operation," said Cmdr. Gabe Varela, Kidd's commanding officer. "If our families were on that flight, we would hope others would do the same. It is just fortunate we were already operating in the South China Sea, allowing us to get on station in a timely manner."

Air Force officials announce FY15 force structure changes

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Air Force officials released force structure changes today resulting from the fiscal year 2015 President’s Budget announced March 4.

To ensure the service successfully transitions to a leaner force that remains ready, the Air Force plans to remove almost 500 aircraft across the inventories of all three components over the next five years.

“The FY15PB request favors a smaller and more capable force – putting a premium on rapidly deployable, self-sustaining platforms that can defeat more technologically advanced adversaries,” said Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, at a fiscal 15 budget preview on Feb. 24.

“As we built the force structure plan associated with the FY15 President’s Budget request, we attempted to strike the delicate balance of a ready force today and a modern force tomorrow, while working to ensure the world’s best Air Force is the most capable at the lowest possible cost to the taxpayer,” said Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James. “This force structure plan balances capability, readiness and capacity and prioritizes global, long-range capabilities and multi-role platforms required to operate in a highly-contested environment.”

Air Force officials also said they plan to divest entire fleets, such as the A-10 Thunderbolt II and U-2 and focus on the multi-role aircraft that can deliver a variety of capabilities combatant commanders require.  Divesting entire fleets will save the Air Force billions versus millions of dollars, because divesting fleets also saves the costs associated with infrastructure, logistics, personnel and base operating support.

“In addition to fleet divestment, we made the tough choice to reduce a number of tactical fighters, command and control, electronic attack and intra-theater airlift assets so we could rebalance the Air Force at a size that can be supported by expected funding levels.  Without those cuts, we will not be able to start recovering to required readiness levels,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III.

The service also developed an analytical process to help determine the proper mix of people and capabilities across the three components to meet current and future requirements. Leaders from the active duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, and two state adjutants general contributed to the process with the intent of preserving capability and stability across the total force.

“Wherever possible the Air Force leveraged opportunities to rebalance personnel and force structure into the Reserve component,” James said.  “For that reason, at most Air Reserve component locations where we divested aircraft, we replaced the existing flying missions with a new mission and preserved the majority of the manpower to ease the transition.”

Officials said this effort will help the Air Force maintain combat capability within mandated budgetary constraints by using the strengths and unique capabilities of the Guard and Reserve components to make up for capabilities lost as active duty end strength declines.

Reserve pararescueman earns Bronze Star with Valor Medal

by Tech. Sgt. Peter Dean
920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs

3/10/2014 - PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Tech. Sgt. Dan Warren received the Bronze Star with Valor Medal in front of a standing room only crowd of fellow 920th Rescue Wing Airman at the base theater here March 2.

Warren was recognized for his heroic actions during the night of Sept. 14, 2012, at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan. In what was the most damaging attack on a NATO installation in Afghanistan, 15 insurgents dressed in U.S. military gear attacked Camp Bastion, killing two Americans, wounding nine and destroying six aircraft.

It all began on what was to be a restful night off for the pararescuemen (PJs). At about 10 p.m., a distress call squawked over the radio, "HC-130 crews receiving small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades, bunkering down."

Aware of resulting casualties, conflicting intelligence reports and an intense battle underway, team members Maj. Matthew Komatsu, the group's combat rescue officer, Chief Master Sgt. Paul Barendregt, Master Sgt. Kyle Minshew and Warren set out to treat the wounded. Jumping into the closest vehicle, they headed straight into the throat of the firefight.

Attacking in groups of five, the insurgents caused havoc on the camp, turning a fuel pit into a raging inferno and firing on all that moved. Once on site the team treated the wounded, and then went on the hunt for insurgents.

Equipped with night vision, the PJs tracked an element of the enemy to a bunker, where they secured the perimeter as a British unit went in for the kill. Five insurgents down. The team continued to track the remaining insurgents.

Locating four more, the team established command and control and radio contact with attack helicopters, guiding them in for the kill. Result: four more insurgents down.
The team then moved to clear several close quarter areas considered hazardous. During the search, Warren encountered an insurgent clutching a grenade. Warren instinctively engaged and neutralized the threat.

Lt. Col. Christopher Raible, the Marine Attack Squadron commander, was killed while attempting to fend off the deadly, six-hour attack, armed with only an M9 pistol. All members of the team attended Raible's dignified transfer ceremony, paying their final respects.

For their actions, each team member received the Bronze Star with Valor Medal.

Defense budget proposal includes big changes for Tinker reserve units

by Maj. Jon Quinlan
507th Air Refueling Wing public affairs

3/10/2014 - TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla, -- Proposed Air Force structure changes resulting from the Department of Defense fiscal 2015 budget could result in big changes to reserve units here.

If enacted into law, the DOD budget request would direct an increase of four KC-135R Stratotankers to the 507th Air Refueling Wing and inactivate the 513th Air Control Group, whose personnel fly and maintain the E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System.

"These force structure changes are significant, but they ensure the Air Force Reserve remains an integrated, flexible and combat-ready force," said Brig. Gen. William "Buck" Waldrop, director of plans, programs, requirements and assessments for Air Force Reserve Command.

The increase of four KC-135R's would bring the 507th ARW from eight to 12 total aircraft. The 507th went from 12 aircraft down to eight last year as a result of force structure changes from 2013 Department of Defense strategic guidance.

The 513th ACG is the only reserve unit that performs the AWACS mission. They are currently partnered with the active duty 552nd Air Control Wing in a classic association construct. The active duty unit maintains control of the E-3 Sentry aircraft while reservists from the 513th ACG provide qualified crews to fly with them. The inactivation of the 513th means the AWACS mission will continue with the active duty force solely flying all the required missions.

"The vast majority of our people serve locally on a part-time basis, and force structure changes pose significant challenges for reservists," said Lt. Gen. James F. Jackson, commander of Air Force Reserve Command. "I will ensure that reserve leaders at every level are doing everything they can to help reservists through the transition."

The overall proposed authorized end strength for the Air Force Reserve in fiscal year 2015 is expected to decrease 4.7 percent from 70,400 to 67,100 authorized reservists. Specific manning number changes for reserve units at Tinker are not yet known.

"We understand the Air Force has to make tough choices in an extremely difficult fiscal environment. The inactivation of the 513th is part of these tough choices," said Col. David Robertson, 513th Air Control Group commander. "We currently have 345 citizen Airman in our unit who support and operate the E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System. These citizen airmen have extended America's global power worldwide for over 15 years. Most of them work and live in the local Oklahoma communities and have for most of their career. Until the proposal is enacted into law, we will continue to perform our command and control mission while staying committed and focused on the future of our Airmen."

Some of those members in the 513th ACG could transfer to other reserve units if the 513th inactivates. Air Force Reserve Command will operate a clearinghouse to assist affected reservists in finding new assignments.

The annual fiscal 2013 estimated economic impact summary showed the total economic impact of the 513th ACG to Oklahoma was $32,901,438. That figure included an annual payroll of $17,807,519, local annual expenditures at $1,108,623 and dollar value of jobs created at $13,985,296. However, the possible loss of that economic impact to Oklahoma may be lessened by increases in other units or missions.

507th ARW staff agencies and 507th Mission Support Group administratively support reservists in the 513th ACG. That role is expected to continue regardless of other force structure changes.

"Our fellow reservists in the 513th ACG play a huge role in the defense of our nation providing quality command and control," said Col. Brian Davis, 507th ARW commander. "We stand ready to serve those reservists who may need assistance if this transition happens and we may have opportunities in our unit as Airmen look to transfer."

While the 513th ACG may shut down operations, the adjustment of the reserve mission at Tinker means more KC-135Rs in the 507th ARW and leadership is embracing this move.

"Our team looks forward to the possibility of more KC-135 'iron' on our ramp. The increase in aircraft will enhance our daily air refueling and alert mission capability," Col. Davis said. "The Air Force Reserve and this unit are very efficient and that will ultimately help as the Air Force maintains a smaller yet more capable force for today and the future."

The 507th ARW is currently authorized 1,010 positions and with the increase of four aircraft they anticipate total authorizations for the unit may increase although the exact numbers are not yet known. The fiscal 2013 estimated economic impact summary showed the total economic impact of the 507th ARW to Oklahoma to be $110,233,971.

AFRC announces 940th Wing to gain KC-135s

by Dana Lineback
940th Wing Public Affairs

3/10/2014 - BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Department of Defense budget request for fiscal year 2015 includes a major change for the 940th Wing here.

The Air Force Reserve Command confirmed today that proposed changes for the Air Force Reserve structure include the addition of eight KC-135R Stratotankers to the reserve wing's mission set.

"That's welcomed news," said Col. Kevin Cavanagh, 940th Wing commander. "We've been through a few difficult years of budget and manning uncertainties. We're extremely happy at the prospect of gaining the tankers."

The unit is one of only three across the command slated to add a mission under the force structure changes Air Force officials presented to Congress this week.

"Whenever possible the Air Force leveraged opportunities to rebalance personnel and force structure into the Reserve Component. For that reason, at most Reserve Component locations where we divested aircraft, we replaced existing flying missions with a new mission and preserved the majority of the manpower to ease the transition," said Secretary of the Air Force, Deborah Lee James, in an Air Force website article posted today.

The 940th Wing, a classic associate unit at Beale, has provided command and control, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, as well as mission support, since July 2009. This past fiscal year, the wing's two intelligence squadrons were realigned under a new intelligence group. The reserve unit's Global Hawk squadron is still slated for deactivation in September.

Historically, the 940th Wing flew the KC-135 Stratotanker for more than three decades until the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission re-missioned the unit. An air refueling wing since 1977, the unit moved from Mather AFB, Calif., to McClellan AFB, Calif., in 1993, and then here in 1998.

The Air Force's proposed FY15 force structure plan balances capability, readiness and capacity and prioritizes global, long-range capabilities and multi-role platforms required to operate in a highly contested environment, according to Air Force officials.

The proposed force structure changes ensure the Air Force Reserve remains an integrated, flexible and combat-ready force, said Brig. Gen. William "Buck" Waldrop, director of plans, programs, requirements and assessments for Air Force Reserve Command.

"The men and women of the 940th Wing are proud to continue a heritage of dedicated service to our nation here in Northern California," said Cavanagh. "The Reserve Command's proposal to bring the tankers back to this unit is a testament to the outstanding community support for this base and recognition of the commitment of the citizen airmen who serve here, along with their families and civilian employers."

Budget: Colorado Reserve wing would lose four C-130s, active duty association

by 302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

3/10/2014 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo.  -- The Air Force force structure proposal for fiscal year 2015 includes a decrease of four assigned aircraft for the Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd Airlift Wing and the end of the wing's association with the active duty 52nd Airlift Squadron.

The proposal would decrease wing's inventory from 12 to eight C-130H3 aircraft. This reduction is part of the Air Force's plan to realign its overall C-130 inventory.

"We will continue to train, fly and deploy -- keeping in perspective this is a proposal in the very beginning stage," said Col. Courtney J. Arnold, 302nd AW commander.

The defense budget proposal also calls for the association with the 52nd AS which began in October of 2009 to end. During the nearly five-year association the approximately 200- member 52nd AS has become fully operational capable and fully integrated its training and flying operations, aircraft maintenance and aerial port with the Reserve wing.

"We have a mission today," said Lt. Col. Jason Terry 52nd AS commander. "We will continue to integrate with the 302nd AW and meet our nation's airlift requirements."

Challenging rescue mission provides inspiration for children's book

by Master Sgt. Luke Johnson
943rd Rescue Group Public Affairs

3/10/2014 - DAVIS MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz.  -- A challenging, multi-day mission in the backcountry of Alaska tested the limits of one U.S. Air Force rescue team and provided the inspiration for a unique, nonfiction children's book.

During the summer of 2010, the Alaska Air National Guard was tasked to rescue a family after their plane crash-landed high on a remote Alaskan glacier during blizzard conditions.

An HH-60 Pave Hawk and an HC-130 Hercules quickly launched to provide assistance. Once overhead, they attempted to drop emergency supplies to the survivors below. Unfortunately, hurricane-force winds blew each of the bundles down the glacier and the packages disappeared into crevasses.

The Guardian Angel team on the Pave Hawk helicopter consisted of a Combat Rescue Officer, Maj. Jesse Peterson, and three Pararescuemen; Senior Master Sgt. Alan Lankford, Master Sgt. Christopher Uriarte and Tech. Sgt. Angel Santana. These Airmen, specially trained in rescue and recovery operations, knew the survivors needed assistance quickly. They volunteered to pack emergency supplies into sleds, land beneath the storm and ski upwards towards the family in distress.

"Initially, we estimated it would take six to eight hours to cover the four miles up to the crash site," said Peterson, now assigned to the 306th Rescue Squadron at Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz.

It ended up taking the men nearly twenty-four hours of constant climbing to get there. Tied together for safety, they avoided crevasses in pitch black, whiteout conditions and overcame numerous challenges during their ascent.

Peterson, an experienced endurance athlete, compared it to "competing in two Ironman triathlons back-to-back. It was the most physically challenging event we had ever tackled, and most of the time we couldn't see past the tips of our skis."

During their climb, all available rescue assets from the 176th Wing were diverted to another challenging rescue mission; one that took the life of former Alaska Senator Ted Stevens. For that reason, an Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter was sent up the glacier to evacuate the family and PJ's.

"As it hovered about 100 meters from our location and tried to land, its rotor blades smacked the surface of the glacier and it fell out of the sky, rolling a few times before coming to a stop," said Peterson. "Amazingly, all three crew members were ok, and after a quick medical assessment we set up another tent for the Army personnel."

Once the weather improved slightly the next day, Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawks from the 210th Rescue Squadron were able to fly up to 8,500 foot elevation to pick up all eight of the survivors and the PJ's.

When the mission was over, Peterson looked forward to telling his daughter about the events that unfolded on the glacier. As a two year-old toddler, she enjoyed hearing about the adventure while falling asleep at night.

Two years later, Peterson was deployed to the Joint Personnel Recovery Center, which is an agency that oversees rescue and recovery operations of isolated service members.

"I had some time on my hands and decided to write the story down for her," he said. It started out as a make believe story about a rescue dog on a mission to save a family stranded high on a mountain."

As he began to share drafts of it with friends and family, everyone seemed more intrigued by the actual rescue mission.

"People encouraged me to tell the story as it is really happened," said Peterson. "I went back and changed it to reflect the actual mission as accurately as possible."

He finally found the perfect way to convey the team's mission to his young daughter; he would self-publish a nonfiction, illustrated storybook. The next step was to find a talented, reputable illustrator to bring his team's experience to life. After researching dozens of candidates, he settled on a very talented Italian artist named Manuela Soriani.

"As the book came together over the next year-and-a-half, one image at a time, I became more excited about sharing the story with kids, since very few children have heard any stories about the Air Force rescue community," he said.

As completion of the project neared, Peterson reached out to the "That Others May Live Foundation," a non-profit organization that provides tragedy assistance and resources to those involved in the U.S. Air Force Rescue community. Together, they came up with a lofty goal of raising $10,000 for the foundation through the sale of the book.

"In the months leading up to the holidays, we made $1000 for the foundation through the sale of approximately 200 books," said Peterson. "Everyone seemed to enjoy the unique, adolescent twist on the glacier rescue."

"It may take a few years, but I believe we will eventually reach our goal," he said. "Even if we don't come close, we know that the story has already opened the eyes of many youth to opportunities within the Air Force rescue community."

The civilian pilot of the downed aircraft, Mr. Don Erbey of Wasilla, Alaska, purchased 50 copies of the book and is in the process of disseminating them to middle schools and public libraries.

"A lot of people don't know that we exist," said Peterson. "What is a PJ? What is a CRO? What do SERE Specialists do? Answering questions like those and sharing adventurous stories from our rescue community with children is what has made this project worthwhile," said Peterson.

Guardian Angel is the Air Force's only non-aircraft, human based weapon system. Made up of Pararescuemen, Combat Rescue Officers, SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) Specialists and a combat support team, they specialize in conducting personnel recovery operations across the entire spectrum of military operations.

The children's book by Maj. Jesse Peterson called "Guardian Angel, Rescue on Glacier," is available online and can be found by doing a search for the title.

Turkish students visit base facilities

by Senior Airman Nicole Sikorski
39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

3/11/2014 - INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey  -- With wide eyes and smiling faces, Turkish students from the 10th Tanker Base Child Development Center, visited the 39th Force Support Squadron fabric care facility and the 39th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department Feb. 27 and March 6, here.

The children received a tour of the entire dry cleaning and washing facility, to include the machine workshop where the hanger machine was made. During their visit to the fire department, the children got to climb inside of a fire truck and tour the fire department, as well as visit a fire fighter who was fully dressed in his fire protection gear.

"Seeing the fireman was a great experience," said Dora, 6. "I imagined myself as a firefighter when I got on the fire truck."

The speed and urgency of how fast the fire fighter got dressed to respond left the children in awe.

"I had lots of fun today," said Damla, 5. "The fireman looked big and strong when he dressed up! I wish I could get dressed so quick."

As well as the experience of visiting a fire department, the children were given hats for souvenirs.

The Turkish students visit an on-base facility every Thursday to get a better understanding of what happens on the installation.