Russian Aircraft Flies Near U.S. Navy Ship in Black Sea

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 14, 2014 – A Russian attack aircraft repeatedly flew near the USS Donald Cook in international waters in the Black Sea on April 12, a Pentagon spokesman said today.

The USS Cook was patrolling in the western Black Sea when an unarmed Russian Su-24 Fencer attack aircraft repeatedly flew near the Navy ship, Army Col. Steve Warren told reporters.

“The aircraft did not respond to multiple queries and warnings from Donald Cook, and the event ended without incident after approximately 90 minutes,” Warren said. “This provocative and unprofessional Russian action is inconsistent with international protocols and previous agreements on the professional interaction between our militaries.”

Two Russian aircraft were present, but only one took part in the provocative actions, Warren said. The aircraft flew from near sea level to a couple of thousand feet, he added, but never overflew the U.S. Arleigh Burke-class destroyer.

“The Russian plane made a total of 12 passes,” he said.

The wingman stayed at a considerably higher altitude, Warren said.

Officials later said the aircraft approached within about 1,000 yards of the ship. The USS Cook was never in danger, Warren said.

“The Donald Cook is more than capable of defending itself against two Su-24s,” the colonel said.

Warren said he does not think this is an example of a young pilot joyriding. “I would have difficulty believing that two Russian pilots, on their own, would chose to take such an action,” he said. “We’ve seen the Russians conduct themselves unprofessionally and in violation of international norms in Ukraine for several months, and these continued acts of provocation and unprofessionalism do nothing to de-escalate the situation in Ukraine, which we called on the Russians to do.”

109th AW participates in Canadian Forces Arctic exercise

by Tech. Sgt. Catharine Schmidt
109th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

4/10/2014 - STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.Y. -- Nearly 40 Airmen and two Air Force LC-130 Hercules ski-equipped aircraft from the 109th Airlift Wing will be demonstrating their vast capabilities on the Arctic ice as they join the Canadian Forces April 11 to participate in Canada's annual Operation Nunalivut Exercise.

Canada's Joint Task Force-North has been conducting this exercise in and around the area of Resolute Bay, Nunavut, Canada, since 2007.

This will be the first year the 109th will participate. This year more than 250 people will be involved in the exercise, including the Canadian Army, the Royal Canadian Navy Fleet Diving Unit, and the Royal Canadian Air Forces 440 (Transport) Squadron.

The New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing team, which will consist of maintainers and aircrew, will be operating out of Resolute Bay and Thule Air Base, Greenland during the weeklong exercise. Shortly after arriving, maintainers and operations Airmen will establish a "skiway" camp in the vicinity of Resolute Bay to support LC-130 flight operations.

"We see on the horizon the need for aircraft capabilities to meet Arctic taskings," said Lt. Col. Clifford Souza, 109th Operations Group who will be the lead 109th officer on the exercise. "We're trying to get out ahead of it and demonstrate LC-130 capabilities. So we're taking advantage of this exercise - we want to develop joint capabilities and interoperability with the Canadian Arctic Forces because they have a need to maintain an airlift reach throughout the high Arctic."

The Canadians have ski-equipped CC-138 Twin-Otter aircraft which don't have the lift capacity or range the 109th LC-130s have. The 109th will help bring fuel and supplies to the forward-deployed locations during the exercise. Normally Canadian aircraft would do this, but the LC-130 is able to do in one trip what they would need to do in 10, Souza said.

"That shows interoperability and integration between the U.S. and Canada to jointly develop capabilities for the future to operate in the Arctic," Souza said.

"The Canadians are very interested in what we can provide," he said. "We're also taking advantage of the opportunity to demonstrate those capabilities to set up an expeditionary skiway on the sea ice. That has significance for search and rescue, because now we have the ability to go somewhere where there's no runway, set up a ski landing site on sea ice which can provide a forward staging area for personnel, supplies and fuel to increase the operating radius of other aircraft."

While the 109th AW's primary mission is to support the National Science Foundation in Antarctica and Greenland, in the past "the unit existed to support military customers from the high arctic," Souza said. This is the opportunity for the 109th AW to show that they can still support those missions if needed.

In 1975, the 109th received their first ski-equipped LC-130s and assumed the responsibility of resupply missions for the Greenland ice cap's radar stations.

Since then, the 109th Airlift Wing has provided the U.S. military's only ski-equipped aircraft, which has been supporting polar research in the Arctic and Antarctic since 1988. Since 1999, the unit has been the sole provider of this type of airlift to the National Science Foundation and U.S. Antarctic research efforts.

ANG command chief pays 188th Fighter Wing visit

by Maj. Heath Allen
188th Fighter Wing executive officer

4/11/2014 - FORT SMITH, Ark. -- The 188th Fighter Wing here received a visit from the Air National Guard's top enlisted Airman April 5.

ANG Command Chief Master Sgt. James W. Hotaling made a stop at the 188th FW and met with 188th Command Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Bradley and Arkansas Air National Guard Command Chief Master Sgt. Asa Carter before addressing the 188th's enlisted force.

Hotaling spoke about the 188th's on-going conversion from fighters to an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, space-focused targeting and remotely piloted aircraft mission. Hotaling said he understands the challenges the 188th faces as it ventures into unchartered territory.

"We really just try to do a temperature check and I understand this is a very stressful moment in time right now," Hotaling said. "But your wing is very resilient."

The 188th is no stranger to change, flying 16 aircraft, including nine primary mission aircraft, in its 60-year history.

"As I came in I saw many mission set changes," Hotaling said referring to the row of static aircraft that lines the street adjacent to the 188th headquarters facility. "The air park that's there right now represents a mission set change that you've experienced during your entire history here at the wing. So I have pride, confidence that you're going to get over this mission set change."

While the 188th has without question endured the gamut of transformation, this mission transition is the most complex in the 60-year history of the 188th. Hotaling said the wing should be proud that the Air Force has entrusted it with such a cutting-edge assignment.

"We are entering into a new era of warfare and you're going to be on the leading edge of that," Hotaling said. "We like to say that the Air National Guard is the first choice for homeland operations; you prove that at the 188th."

Hotaling also lauded the 188th's combat performance. The wing shattered deployment records in combat hours, munitions expended and mission capability metrics in its last two Air Expeditionary Forces deployments to Afghanistan. Hotaling also praised the 188th's community outreach and the support exhibited by the local community.

"You have a wonderful combat record and something that you will do again in the future," Hotaling said. "And you have enduring voices in the community and partnerships overseas; you're a great partner in this community for sure. The 188th is a resilient wing with a great future."

Bradley, the 188th's top enlisted advisor, said Hotaling's visit came at just the right time for the wing.

"I think it was good for our enlisted force to hear from Chief Hotaling," Bradley said. "We're happy that he took the time to pay us a visit and see what the 188th has to offer. It's important for our future leaders - those young Airmen and junior noncommissioned officers - as well as our senior enlisted to have the opportunity to sit down with the ANG's top chief and catch a glimpse of what's on the horizon for us all. With the challenges we've been through over the past year, his visit was perfect timing."

Following his enlisted call, Hotaling met with 188th chief master sergeants and first sergeant before sitting down with the wing's director of psychological health, Airmen and Family Readiness reps and the chaplain office.

After enjoying lunch with 188th members in the Citizen Airman Dining Hall, Hotaling also popped in to sundry offices at Ebbing Air National Guard Base to visit with Airman across the wing before sitting down with 188th senior leadership and a Special Forces representative to receive a mission and capabilities briefing.

Hotaling then hopped on an Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter from the Arkansas Army National Guard's 77th Theater Aviation Brigade and took an aerial tour of nearby Fort Chaffee Maneuver Training Center before landing at the 188th's Detachment 1 Razorback Range. While at the range, he met with 188th pilots and representatives from the 22nd Special Tactics Squadron who were conducting close-air support training with the 188th's A-10C Thunderbolt II "Warthogs". Hotaling observed the A-10s dropping ordnance and firing its 30mm Gatling gun before departing for the 189th Airlift Wing, the second leg of his Arkansas Air National Guard tour.

Reserve security forces squadrons hone combat basics at Air Force Academy

by Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Fitzmorris
310th Space Wing Public Affairs

4/11/2014 - SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo -- The Air Force Reserve's 710th and 310th Security Forces Squadrons sharpened their deployment skills April 7-9 at the U.S. Air Force Academy Jack's Valley training range in southern Colorado.

More than 15 of the SFS "Defenders," from here and Buckley AFB, Colo., took part in the Combat Leaders Course, teaching security forces members to lead Airmen under the stress of combat conditions. With a majority focus on the non-commissioned officer ranks, members took turns in leadership positions while a variety of scenarios challenged each SFS Airmen to think critically under fire.

The three-day course was broken down into multiple teaching environments and scenarios, including improvised explosive device discovery training, camouflage and concealment, ambush retaliation, enemy combatant searches, rescuing injured personnel from downed aircraft and land navigation. All the while, successfully executing the scenarios as cohesive teams.

Keesler Reserve security forces element comes home

by Master Sgt. Brian Lamar
403rd Public Affairs

4/11/2014 - KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Even during an annual emergency management exercise, the Biloxi-Gulfport International Airport was filled with smiling faces, laughter and cheers as a dozen Airmen passed through the terminal doors and into the arms of their loved ones April 10.

The 403rd Security Forces Squadron Airmen had just finished a voluntary five-month deployment to Qatar in support of Operation Enduring Freedom where they missed holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year, as well as, anniversaries and in the case of Senior Airman Justin Jackson, the birth of his son.

"This is my first time seeing him. This is surreal, when I left I didn't have a child, now I am coming back to my son," said Jackson. "It was hard knowing that I was missing his birth, but as soon as he was born, I was notified by Red Cross and was relieved of duty so I could go and call my family," Jackson explained.

The deployment came at a good time for the squadron. A lot of experience was gained by a handful of Airmen who had never experienced a deployment. That experience will come in handy on their next assignment," said Master Sgt. Lucas Applewhite, the 403rd Security Forces Operations NCO in charge.

ANG command chief pays 188th Fighter Wing visit

by Maj. Heath Allen
188th Fighter Wing executive officer

4/11/2014 - FORT SMITH, Ark. -- The 188th Fighter Wing here received a visit from the Air National Guard's top enlisted Airman April 5.

ANG Command Chief Master Sgt. James W. Hotaling made a stop at the 188th FW and met with 188th Command Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Bradley and Arkansas Air National Guard Command Chief Master Sgt. Asa Carter before addressing the 188th's enlisted force.

Hotaling spoke about the 188th's on-going conversion from fighters to an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, space-focused targeting and remotely piloted aircraft mission. Hotaling said he understands the challenges the 188th faces as it ventures into unchartered territory.

"We really just try to do a temperature check and I understand this is a very stressful moment in time right now," Hotaling said. "But your wing is very resilient."

The 188th is no stranger to change, flying 16 aircraft, including nine primary mission aircraft, in its 60-year history.

"As I came in I saw many mission set changes," Hotaling said referring to the row of static aircraft that lines the street adjacent to the 188th headquarters facility. "The air park that's there right now represents a mission set change that you've experienced during your entire history here at the wing. So I have pride, confidence that you're going to get over this mission set change."

While the 188th has without question endured the gamut of transformation, this mission transition is the most complex in the 60-year history of the 188th. Hotaling said the wing should be proud that the Air Force has entrusted it with such a cutting-edge assignment.

"We are entering into a new era of warfare and you're going to be on the leading edge of that," Hotaling said. "We like to say that the Air National Guard is the first choice for homeland operations; you prove that at the 188th."

Hotaling also lauded the 188th's combat performance. The wing shattered deployment records in combat hours, munitions expended and mission capability metrics in its last two Air Expeditionary Forces deployments to Afghanistan. Hotaling also praised the 188th's community outreach and the support exhibited by the local community.

"You have a wonderful combat record and something that you will do again in the future," Hotaling said. "And you have enduring voices in the community and partnerships overseas; you're a great partner in this community for sure. The 188th is a resilient wing with a great future."

Bradley, the 188th's top enlisted advisor, said Hotaling's visit came at just the right time for the wing.

"I think it was good for our enlisted force to hear from Chief Hotaling," Bradley said. "We're happy that he took the time to pay us a visit and see what the 188th has to offer. It's important for our future leaders - those young Airmen and junior noncommissioned officers - as well as our senior enlisted to have the opportunity to sit down with the ANG's top chief and catch a glimpse of what's on the horizon for us all. With the challenges we've been through over the past year, his visit was perfect timing."

Following his enlisted call, Hotaling met with 188th chief master sergeants and first sergeant before sitting down with the wing's director of psychological health, Airmen and Family Readiness reps and the chaplain office.

After enjoying lunch with 188th members in the Citizen Airman Dining Hall, Hotaling also popped in to sundry offices at Ebbing Air National Guard Base to visit with Airman across the wing before sitting down with 188th senior leadership and a Special Forces representative to receive a mission and capabilities briefing.

Hotaling then hopped on an Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter from the Arkansas Army National Guard's 77th Theater Aviation Brigade and took an aerial tour of nearby Fort Chaffee Maneuver Training Center before landing at the 188th's Detachment 1 Razorback Range. While at the range, he met with 188th pilots and representatives from the 22nd Special Tactics Squadron who were conducting close-air support training with the 188th's A-10C Thunderbolt II "Warthogs". Hotaling observed the A-10s dropping ordnance and firing its 30mm Gatling gun before departing for the 189th Airlift Wing, the second leg of his Arkansas Air National Guard tour.

Face of Defense: Army Infantryman is Proud to Serve

By Army Sgt. Antony S. Lee

Regional Command South

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, April 14, 2014 – Clark Cepeda, now serving as an infantry private first class in the U.S. Army, was a civilian when he took his two sons to get their hair cut near their home in Marlton, N.J., in 2013.

Cepeda came across a military recruiting station close to the barber shop.

It had been less than a year since he moved his family from the Philippines to the United States, and Cepeda’s dream as a child growing up in the Philippines was to serve in the military.

His grandfather, whom he helped to care for, was a decorated veteran who fought for the Philippines during World War II and survived the Bataan Death March. His service, Cepeda said, was a major influence for his childhood dream.

Cepeda said he tried to join the Philippine navy years ago, but was turned down. “I thought I could no longer be in the military because of my age,” he added, noting that he was 34 when he decided to look into joining the U.S. Army. Despite his doubts, he said, he talked to a recruiter. When he learned he could join and pursue his childhood dream, he wasted no time scheduling an appointment to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery.

“When [the recruiter] told me I could still join, I didn’t believe him at first,” he said. “This [was] my last chance. This was my dream since I was a kid.”

Cepeda enlisted May 20, 2013, and shipped to Fort Benning, Ga., to complete his training as an infantryman. After graduating in September 2013, he was stationed at Fort Carson, Colo., to serve with the 4th Infantry Division’s 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. He recently arrived here with the unit for his first deployment.

“I’m now with one of the most prestigious military organizations in the world,” he said.

Cepeda’s time in the Army thus far has provided him several valuable experiences, including his participation in a naturalization ceremony. Three days before he graduated from infantry school, he officially became a U.S. citizen -- a moment he said was “very much” a big one for him. He was promoted to private first class shortly after arriving here.

Army Staff Sgt. Benjamin Kimball, Cepeda’s supervisor, said Cepeda is one of the hardest-working soldiers he has ever worked with. “He is an excellent soldier,” he said. “As soon as he understands his task, he completes it and excels at it.”

Though trained as an infantryman, Cepeda has been working as a training room clerk, and he has adapted to his new job, Kimball added.

Cepeda said he serves in the Army in large part because he and his wife, a nurse, want to provide better lives for their children than they had growing up. His first son recently told him that he wants to join the Army one day.

“It makes me very proud, because he already knows what he’s doing,” Cepeda said. “He knows I’m fighting for the country that provided us the opportunities and accepted us wholeheartedly.”

Cepeda said his dream of serving in the military became even greater after seeing the Sept. 11 attacks on television while he and his wife were preparing for their son’s first birthday in 2001.

“You [could] feel the pain,” he said. “It [made] you angry at whoever did this.” More than 12 years later, Cepeda reflected on the opportunity to serve his country in Afghanistan.

“This is my dream -- to be in the military,” he said. “I love my job.”

Colorado Reservists share C-130 flight, military experience with civilian employers

by Maj. Corinna Moylan
302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

4/9/2014 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Traditional Reserve Airmen have the challenge of balancing three elements in their lives: family, the military and their civilian employment. To say "thank you" to civilian employers and inform prospective employers, the 302nd Airlift Wing welcomed 43 employers during the Wing's Annual Employer Day April 4.

The participants included 13 employers of 302nd AW Citizen Airmen ranging from medical professionals to a supervisor with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management as well as Denver-area employers hosted by Colorado Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. ESGR is a Department of Defense organization that promotes cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers and assists them in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment.

The employers experienced first-hand how Reserve Airmen support the wing's primary mission of tactical airlift and learned about other mission capabilities such as C-130 aerial firefighting, aeromedical evacuation and survival, evasion, resistance and escape. The day's events included experiencing a C-130 Hercules orientation flight over Pikes Peak, Waldo Canyon and back to Peterson Air Force Base.

"I didn't know what to expect, but was delighted to be invited," said Cheryl Parrish, vice president of programs for the Alzheimer's Association.

Parrish, who employs Staff Sgt. Teresa Black from the 39th Aerial Port Squadron, said she did not realize the scope of how actively involved Reservists are not only far away, but "right here in our own state."

"I was moved. I happened to be here for the recent fires and have such a great respect," she said. "I have a new perspective of what my employee does and how hard reservists work. It's pretty amazing."

Immediately following the ESGR hosted lunch the employers took part in a visit to North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command.

"It was a tremendous experience and very informative," said Wesley Cox, the director of pharmacy for palliative pharmacy of Pikes Peak-Pikes Peak Hospice and the employer of Master Sgt. Deborah Eaton from the 302nd Aeromedical Staging Squadron.

To acknowledge the importance of reaching out to employers of Reservists, Col. Courtney Arnold, 302nd AW commander explained that, for a traditional reservist, it is like sitting on a three-legged stool. Arnold said each leg represents the Reservist's family, civilian employer and their military commitment.

"It is a constant balancing act to keep the stool from falling over. But it can be done and it is done with the support of employers like you," Arnold said addressing the visiting employers.

At the end of the day, Arnold presented each employer with a certificate of appreciation and an Air Force employer pin, signifying the important relationship between civilian employers and the members of the Air Force Reserve.

AF Reservists conduct critical emergency preparedness training with Army

by Tech. Sgt. Carlos J. Trevino
433rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

4/10/2014 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND -- 

Despite the cold winds, rain and fog, a training exercise between the 74th Aerial Port Squadron and Army North's Task Force-51 from Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston proved to be invaluable training for the Airmen and Soldiers here on April 5-6.

The units, Air Force Reserve's 74th APS and the 68th Airlift Squadron, and the  U.S. Army North's (Fifth Army), Joint Task Force-51, took advantage of being in the same area to train. The training goal is to improve unit preparedness to move Task Force-51's vehicles onto a C-5A Galaxy aircraft to deploy in case of a natural or manmade disaster anywhere in the United States.

Task Force-51 is a full-time deployable command post, who assists local, state and federal responders with disasters in the United States, who have seen catastrophic natural or manmade disasters that exceed their capabilities.

"This is the first time we are doing a joint training exercise with Army North here in a Reserve capacity," said Chief Master Sgt. Debra Kelly, 74th APS superintendent.  "The aerial porters are learning about the Army's vehicles and training the Soldiers on center of balance, and how to prepare Air Force documents, such as shippers declaration for when they need to go on a mission."  

In addition, the aerial porters trained the Soldiers on making load plans, safety, weighing vehicles and coordinating with loadmasters on the first day.In a real world scenario, it is common for both services to work together. 

"We always say the Army is our biggest customers because we move most of their cargo, " said Senior Airman David Castro, a 68th AS loadmaster.  "Training like this is great. It helps both of us see what we could do better and what needs to be worked on more.  There is always something new, especially with new equipment. It helps us build camaraderie because we don't get to work and train together a lot."

On the second day of training, the biggest challenge was loading the "Sentinel,"  an ominous, dark-colored  truck which houses a command, communications and control module.   It was the first time the units attempted to load it on a 433rd Airlift Wing C-5A.

Loadmasters from the 68th AS, who provide the pilot with precise weight and balance calculations to determine the plane's center of gravity, scurried back and forth to place shoring, small wooded tiles, under the vehicle's rear tires to lift the monstrous truck onto the C-5A's front ramp.

"It (the Sentinel) is built on a freightliner (cargo truck chassis)," said Army Maj. Jamaal A. Mack, Task Force-51's logistics planner. "We have practiced loading it onto a C-17 Globemaster III, but we didn't know if the top would clear (the top) of the C-5. It cleared it by five inches."

Task Force-51 usually travels to disaster stricken areas within the continental United States.  The exercise was an opportunity to for the Army and the Air Force to practice loading the aircraft, in case they need to use airlift.

"For us, we don't often use an aircraft, so having everything together like our hazardous declarations, labeling and marking, gives us that practice we need." Mack said. "I really think this gives good training for both the Army and the Air Force. It gives our Air Force brothers great training for whenever Task Force-51 is called, we can get out the door."

"On a Reserve weekend, we don't have this kind of equipment here to train our members, so this was a win-win opportunity to train with the Army," Kelly said.

Hagel Speaks With New Egyptian Defense Minister

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 13, 2014 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel spoke today with Col. Gen. Sedki Sobhy, Egypt's new defense minister, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said.

In a statement summarizing the call, Kirby noted it was the first conversation between the two leaders.

“Secretary Hagel congratulated General Sobhy on his promotion and expressed his desire to maintain close contact as the general settles into his duties,” he said.

During the 20 minute call, Hagel and Sobhy discussed a range of regional security issues, the press secretary said, including the ongoing threat of terrorist networks, as well as the importance of free and fair elections for Egypt's political transition.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strong U.S.-Egyptian relations, Kirby said.

USAFE-AFAFRICA Airman wins missile defense award

by Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Wilson
USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs

4/11/2014 - RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany  -- The Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance recognized Kenneth Dustin, 603rd Air and Space Operations Center senior ballistic missile defense program analyst, as an example of excellence during the first-ever European Missile Defender of the Year ceremony in Kaiserslautern, Germany, April 4.

Dustin was one of six people selected from multiple nations and service branches to be recognized for European missile defense during the ceremony, which took place on the 65th anniversary of the founding of NATO.

"I am truly humbled to have been selected for this award," he said. "It would not have been possible without the work by the folks responsible for ballistic missile defense operations in (U.S. Air Forces in Europe, U.S. Army in Europe, U.S. Naval Forces Europe, and U.S. European Command) coming together as a cohesive team. I am honored to have been nominated by my peers and selected by my superiors to receive this award on behalf of USAFE."

Prior to his tenure as a program analyst, Dustin spent almost 28 years in the U.S. Army specializing in air and missile defense.

During his assignment at the 603rd AOC, he has been part of a select team that shaped and evaluated the first-ever Integrated Air and Missile Defense Course at the 505th Training Group. He has also led more than 50 conferences in the European missile defense community and built a training course to certify flag officers as Regional Air Defense Commanders.

For those reasons and more, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa leadership selected Dustin for the award.

Lt. Gen. Tom Jones, USAFE-AFAFRICA vice commander, who represented the command during the ceremony, emphasized the importance of the event.

"This was an outstanding event that recognized the critical nature of the ballistic missile defense mission and the superb men and women of NATO who accomplish it daily," he said. "I'm extremely grateful to Mr. Ellison and MDAA for pulling this together."

According to the MDAA's website, the European ceremony was the first international event, with four nations represented, and the 10th Missile Defender of the year event worldwide.

Face of Defense: Marine Wife Writes of Military Lifestyle

By Marine Corps Cpl. Melissa Echenbrenner

3rd Marine Aircraft Wing

MIRAMAR, Calif., April 11, 2014 – Adjusting to the stresses and challenges of the Marine Corps lifestyle may seem overwhelming, but for one spouse, finding peace amidst the struggles comes through creative expression.

Jessica Mastorakos, an active volunteer with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323 “Death Rattlers”, remained inspired by the people around her who share experiences unique to military couples. Through the strength of the community around her, Mastorakos wrote and published her own novel.

“The obstacles that I’ve faced as a Marine wife are probably pretty standard to many military spouses,” Mastorakos said. “We’ve been separated on birthdays and most holidays, cancelled planned trips and even our own wedding. But the single-biggest obstacle was having a complication-riddled pregnancy and the birth of our first son while my husband was deployed. You never know just how much you can handle or just how strong you are until you have no other option.”

She published her book and is working toward others, hoping to inspire military couples and teach civilians about the hardships associated with the military lifestyle.

“I wrote it for military spouses who, like me, were looking for a love story that was similar to their own,” she said. “Being in love with someone in the military offers unique struggles that civilian couples simply do not experience, and I feel that it is important to highlight these relationships.”

Mastorakos explained that the family readiness officer helped to support her during the difficult times. She hopes to “pay it forward” through her volunteer efforts and by making sure those who need help receive assistance.

“My favorite part of volunteering with the Marines is the feeling of paying it forward or everything coming full circle,” Mastorakos said. “We all need support at one time or another, and when I provide support to my fellow ‘Snake’ families I do it with a grateful heart knowing that I have been supported in the past as well. I like that I can repay those who helped me by also helping whereever I can.”

She hopes to encourage other spouses to volunteer or help out in any way possible.

“You don’t have to start with a marathon -- just go for a short jog,” she said. “There are many squadron-hosted events that would be fun to participate in. However, even just supporting fellow military families by being a good friend or neighbor can go a long way toward a productive unit. Start a girls’ night or join an established one, go to a L.I.N.K.S. (Lifestyle, Insights, Networking, Knowledge and Skills) class, or even bake cookies and send them to work with your Marine. All of these things can lift your spirits and connect you with others just like you.”

Mastorakos plans to continuing writing books and volunteering, with no foreseeable end in sight.

“I hope that as new Marines and their families join the Snake family, the sense of community will welcome them as it did for us,” she said. “All I want is for that spirit to continue.”

Dacian Viper 2014: US, Romanian air forces partner for 2-week exercise

by Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

4/11/2014 - CAMPIA TURZII, Romania  -- U.S. and Romanian Airmen met during the Dacian Viper 2014 opening ceremony at the 71st Air Base in Campia Turzii, Romania, April 10, 2014.

Romanian air force Cmdr. Petrus Marian, 71st AB commander; Cmdr. Adrian Motorga, 711th Squadron commander; and U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Christopher Austin, 510th Fighter Squadron commander, greeted the crowd as a dozen Romanian reporters captured the ceremony's events.

From April 10-17, 71st AB and 31st Fighter Wing Airmen will conduct bilateral training to enhance interoperability and readiness through combined air operations, including air-to-air, air-to-ground and joint tactical air controller training.

"This exercise has been planned for over a year now," said Austin. "We're here to conduct range operations and joint exercise sorties with our NATO partners to enhance interoperability."

Six 31st FW F-16 Fighting Falcons and several MiG-21 Lancers will be flown by their respective country's pilots throughout the training. Team Aviano maintainers, crew chiefs, firefighters, aerospace ground equipment technicians, air traffic controllers, and supply, logistics and support personnel will also participate.

Dacian Viper 2014 will also aid the Romanian air force in gaining knowledge about the F-16 flying program. In 2013, Romania signed a contract to acquire 12 F-16s from Portugal to replace their MiG-21s.

The exercise is the latest example of the high level of military cooperation between the NATO partners and reflects the strength of the partnership, according to officials.