Hagel Presides Over Transcom Change of Command

By Cheryl Pellerin

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 5, 2014 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel today welcomed Air Force Gen. Paul J. Selva as the new commander of U.S. Transportation Command and celebrated the accomplishments of the departing commander, Air Force Gen. William M. Fraser III, who will retire after 40 years of service.

“Today, we gather to honor Will and Bev Fraser, and to welcome Paul and Ricki Selva back to Transportation Command, and to reaffirm Transcom's indispensable role in assuring the global reach of the U.S. military,” Hagel said during the ceremony at the Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, parade field.

“It's no exaggeration to say that our military could not do its job without Transcom's capabilities on the ground, at sea and in the air,” the secretary told the audience. “You help keep our people fed, our equipment fueled, and you help get everyone and everything to where they need to be on a scale that surpasses any organization in the world.”

The current age is one in which people expect immediate gratification, and that's not easy, Hagel said.

“Though Transcom doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves, every field commander, every troop, knows that when it absolutely, positively has to be there -- overnight or not,” the secretary said, mimicking an ad used by a popular global delivery services company, “they can always count on Transcom to deliver.”

Hagel noted that Fraser was a bomber pilot before coming to Transcom, and said that didn't stop him from succeeding at the command. The secretary evoked the words of Transcom's first commander, Air Force Gen. Duane H. Cassidy: "Leadership does not depend upon whether you can operate the equipment. You can be taught how to fly airplanes, operate tanks, or drive ships; you cannot be taught how to be a leader. You have to be willing to make a commitment to somebody other than yourself."

“That's the kind of leader General Fraser is,” Hagel said. “And he made that commitment to all of you because he had a keen understanding of Transcom’s importance [and] its responsibilities, not only in giving his aircraft the midair refueling they needed to complete all missions, but in making sure that the entire military had the mobility, the agility and the flexibility that has always been the hallmark of our force.”

Under Fraser's leadership, Transcom has operated on every continent, from drawing down U.S. forces in Afghanistan to transporting scientists and equipment to and from the U.S. research center in Antarctica, Hagel said.

“What General Fraser says is true: ‘The sun never sets on Transcom,’” the secretary added.

On Fraser’s watch, Transcom has transported more than 1.1 million passengers, flown nearly 950 million pounds of air cargo, dispensed some 300 million gallons of tanker fuel and shipped over land and sea roughly 1.6 billion pounds of cargo and 900 million gallons of fuel, the secretary said.

Fraser also led Transcom in undertaking the most comprehensive and collaborative strategic planning effort in the command's 26-year history, giving his successors the guidance to understand Transcom’s responsibilities, challenges and opportunities, Hagel observed.

“He had a vision that was not only about logistics, but also about relationships,” he said. “Having learned the diplomatic dimension of global affairs as military aide to Secretary of State [Condoleezza] Rice, General Fraser was able to forge new relationships and strengthen existing partnerships, traveling as often as necessary to ensure that Transcom could always accomplish its missions.”

Fraser embraced Transcom's role in DOD's expanded mission of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, he added, helping to make Transcom a force for good around the world whenever disaster struck.

And, Hagel said, when the United States took on the responsibility of a task that had never been done before -- destroying at sea one of the world's largest stockpiles of chemical materials from Syria-- Fraser helped to ensure that the MV Cape Ray was activated and modified for its mission.

“It is now General Selva's responsibility to continue this work,” the secretary said.

“After growing up watching Air Force tanker and cargo aircraft fly in and out of the Azores, he found his future and he found his wife, Ricki, at the U.S. Air Force Academy,” Hagel said. “This began a career of excellence spanning nearly 35 years in uniform.”

In that time, Selva proved himself a unique leader who embraces change and innovation, he added.

“Just recently, as the leader of Air Mobility Command, he oversaw the critical design review for America's newest refueling tanker, the KC-46, and personally delivered the final C-17 to complete the Air Force's fleet,” the secretary said.

Selva helped to deploy new aeromedical evacuation teams that not only get wounded patients out of difficult locations quickly, but also perform critical stabilizing surgery before takeoff or while in-flight, Hagel added. He also brings to the table diplomatic expertise on par with Fraser's, the secretary added, having succeeded Fraser as military aide to Rice and staying on to advise Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton for more than two and a half years.

“General Selva's time in the front seat of diplomacy and his openness to new ideas will be critical assets as he takes command of Transcom at this important time in our history,” Hagel told the audience.

“General Fraser,” the secretary added, “we wish you and Bev and your family all the best as you conclude nearly four decades of distinguished service to your country. Everyone here today knows that together, you delivered.”

23 Nations to Participate in World's Largest Maritime Exercise

By Commander, U.S. Third Fleet Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Twenty-three nations, 47 ships, six submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel will participate in the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise scheduled June 26 to Aug. 1, in and around the Hawaiian Islands.

The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2014 is the 24th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

Hosted by U.S. Pacific Fleet, RIMPAC 2014 will be led by U.S. Vice Adm. Kenneth Floyd, commander of the U.S. Third Fleet (C3F), who will serve as the Combined Task Force (CTF) Commander. Royal Australian Navy Rear Adm. Simon Cullen will serve as deputy commander of the CTF, and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force Rear Adm. Yasuki Nakahata as the vice commander. Other key leaders of the multinational force will include Rear Adm. Gilles Couturier of the Royal Canadian Navy, who will command the maritime component, Air Commodore Chris Westwood of the Royal Australian Air Force, who will command the air component, and Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Richard Simcock, who will command the land component. RIMPAC 2014 will also include a special operations component for the first time, to be led by U.S. Navy Capt. William Stevens.

Two nations, Brunei and the People's Republic of China, will participate in RIMPAC for the first time in 2014.

Also new at RIMPAC this year are two hospital ships, USNS Mercy and PLA (N) Peace Ark which will participate in the exercise.

The theme of RIMPAC 2014 is "Capable, Adaptive, Partners." The participating nations and forces will exercise a wide range of capabilities and demonstrate the inherent flexibility of maritime forces. These capabilities range from disaster relief and maritime security operations to sea control and complex warfighting. The relevant, realistic training syllabus includes amphibious operations, gunnery, missile, anti-submarine and air defense exercises as well as counter-piracy, mine clearance operations, explosive ordnance disposal and diving and salvage operations.

This year's exercise includes forces from Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, People's Republic of China, Peru, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Details of RIMPAC activities and imagery are available at http://www.cpf.navy.mil/rimpac/2014. Media interested in covering the exercise should contact the C3F Public Affairs officer at (619) 767-4387. Contact information for the RIMPAC Combined Information Bureau will be made available prior to the beginning of the exercise.

Dempsey Emphasizes Trust as Selva Succeeds Fraser at Transcom

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 5, 2014 – Trust is at the core of any military, and U.S. Transportation Command is part of the glue of that trust, Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey said at the change of command at U.S. Transportation Command today

Air Force Gen. William M. Fraser III passed the command flag to Air Force Gen. Paul J. Selva during a ceremony on the parade field at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.

“One of our military’s greatest strengths is that our people know … that when they ask for something, they’re going to get it,” the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said. “No matter the danger or the circumstance, they trust that what they need is on the way because it’s in the hands of Transportation Command.”

Dempsey told the men and women of Transportation Command that they are what make the U.S. military a global power, noting that once a combatant commander requests a capability, the men and women of Transcom deliver it. “That trust – even more than the materiel you deliver – makes us the strongest military that the world has ever known,” he said.

The chairman praised Fraser for his 40-year military career. “Regardless of the payload, the constant in your diverse career is that you’ve always delivered excellence,” he said. “Your leadership embodies all that we value in the profession: a commitment to the mission, to people, and to families … and to maintaining the delicate balance between mental, physical and spiritual strength.”

The general thanked the Frasers for their work on behalf of military families, especially for wounded warriors.

The chairman said he is pleased that Selva is moving into the job from the top post at Transcom’s Air Force component, Air Mobility Command. “You bring to Transcom a track record of excellence and a clear passion for the mission, the people and their families,” he said.

Niagara supports WAREX

by Tech. Sgt. Andrew Caya
914th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

5/5/2014 - NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. -- Airmen from the 914th Airlift Wing were tasked with loading equipment on to a transient C-17 aircraft here April 24 bound for a joint exercise in which they will also participate.

Members of the 30th Aerial Port Squadron uploaded an all-terrain forklift and other equipment needed to support U.S. Military personnel at a Warrior Exercise, known as WAREX, in Ft. McCoy, Wisconsin.

WAREX is a joint military training exercise for future contingency missions. The 30th APS has been supporting WAREX and Global Medic since 2009.

While this is Senior Master Sgt. Kenneth Scholz's first time participating in WAREX, he knows this is not going to be like exercises he has participated in before.

"This is not like an operational readiness inspection, where we are graded on how well we do," said Scholz.

WAREX is the perfect opportunity for younger Airmen for training without the pressure of an inspector over your shoulder.

"It's a mock deployment and it will prepare the young Airmen for future deployments, and we deploy all the time." added Scholz.

Aerial Porter Senior Airman Christopher Fleming was one of the 30 APS Airmen who attended WAREX last year.

"It was a lot of fun with great training," said Fleming. "I learned a lot," he added, mentioning the abundant amount of time he was allotted training on mission-essential vehicles and processes.

"It was a good training environment with a good training pace," said Fleming. "I can't wait to get back out there."

Guardian Angels from the 563rd RQG in rescue mission off Pacific coast of Mexico

by Staff Sgt. Adam Grant

ANGEL THUNDER Public Affairs

5/4/2014 - CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO -- Airmen from the 563rd Rescue Group (RQG) responded to a Rescue Mission after being notified of a Venezuelan fishing boat 1,100 nautical miles off the Pacific coast of Mexico with two critically injured Chinese sailors May 02, 2014. While preparing for the world's largest Combat Search and Rescue Exercise, ANGEL THUNDER, Airmen from the 563rd RQG were tasked to execute a real world mission involving the injured sailors.

The Chinese vessel came under distress after a fire injured four personnel and left six missing sailors. The remaining sailors boarded a life raft as their vessel sank and they were later recovered by a Venezuelan fishing vessel. Seven of the Chinese fishermen were in good condition and were transferred with two of their fellow sailors who succumbed to their injuries, to a Chinese-flagged ship in the area, returning to China.

Airmen from the 563rd Rescue Group (RQG) flew in a 79th RQS HC-130J Combat King II for nearly 11 hours, to parachute Guardian Angel teams near the ship, with two inflatable zodiac boat packages and medical equipment, so that they could board the vessel and stabilize the injured sailors. "We were preparing for the training exercise when we were notified of what was going on. As a Guardian Angel, this is what we are trained and equipped to do, so there is no better way to show our capabilities," said 1st Lt. Ben Schmidt, 48th Rescue Squadron (RQS) Combat Rescue Officer (CRO).

The Guardian Angel (GA) is the U.S. Air Force's human-centric and equipment-based weapon system that executes all five tasks of personnel recovery (PR): report, locate, support, recover and reintegrate. GA consists of CROs, Pararescuemen (PJs), and Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Specialists.

GA is considered the ground component within the USAF rescue triad, comprising the HC-130J Combat King II and the HH-60G Pavehawk. As such, CROs and PJs deploy as teams into uncertain or hostile environments. They are trained to operate independently or in conjunction with rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft, watercraft and overland vehicles, in order to locate, authenticate, and recover isolated personnel for return to friendly control. In addition to preparing personnel at risk of isolation, SERE Specialists conduct planning and execution operations across the full spectrum of PR.

"We are prepared to rescue anyone, anytime, anywhere, when tasked by the Air Force," said Col. Sean Choquette, 563rd RQG Commander. "Our Airmen train diligently to execute difficult missions like this one."

"At first glance before I parachuted down into the Pacific Ocean my only thought was That others may live," said Staff Sgt. Chris Peters, a 48th RQS PJ.

"Upon landing in the water, the GA team ensured each member who jumped was okay, as well as accountability for the gear. They then proceeded to the ship by way of their inflatable vessels, to assess and treat their patients. "Once they stabilized the patients, they continue medical treatment of the injured Chinese sailors, while ensuring they are prepared to transport the injured to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, where they will be loaded onto a 79th RQS HC-130J Combat King II aircraft and flown to the La Jolla Burn Facility in California," said 1st Lt. Ben Schmidt, 48th RQS CRO.

"Water rescues are highly complex and the distance, which required multiple aerial refueling operations, present more challenges in this rescue," said Maj. Scott Rein, 563rd RQG Operations Center planner. "Everyone has complicated tasks in this mission; from the Guardian Angels treating injured sailors with equipment they had to parachute in with, aviators who are flying very long missions and support personnel who are executing their roles at a remote airfield in Mexico, everyone is rising to the occasion."

"We have three factors that are in our favor, for this particular mission: the 563rd RQG was ready for Exercise ANGEL THUNDER, which trains Rescue personnel for situations very similar to this mission. The 79th RQS has the HC-130J Combat King IIs, the newest C-130 models in the Air Force, that are capable of aerial refueling, enabling them to travel farther and deliver lifesaving care faster. Finally, the 161st Air Refueling Wing was already part of the ANGEL THUNDER team, and with a telephone call from the exercise director, Mr. Brett Hartnett, immediately supported our need for refueling over the Pacific Ocean," Colonel Choquette said.

Airmen from intelligence, communications, maintenance, logistics, operations and special mission aviators from the 563rd RQG are executing this civil rescue mission due to an AFRCC tasking received 2 May 2014. The Rescue Group is part of the 23rd Wing, out of Moody Air Force Base, Georgia.

"The amount of personnel involved in this rescue mission is standard, in terms of deploying a package capable of maintaining operations in a non-military location, and performing maintenance and logistics operations for the Airmen and aircraft involved," said Lt. Col. Peter White, an HC-130J Combat King II pilot with the 563rd RQG. "The real challenge of this rescue is in the communication realm, in which critical medical and country coordination information needs are complicated with the language barriers."

Navy's Newest Electronic Attack Aircraft Reaches Centennial Milestone

By Marcia Hart

ST. LOUIS (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy officers and distinguished visitors from Missouri and Illinois gathered for a ceremony May 5 in St. Louis, Missouri, to celebrate the production of the 100th EA-18G Growler.

The Growler, the newest advancement in the Navy's electronic attack (EA) arsenal, is a variant of the Block II F/A-18F Super Hornet and is the Navy replacement for the EA-6B Prowler.

The airborne electronic attack aircraft combines modern advances in Airborne Electronic Attack systems and weapons with the tactical versatility, advancements and capabilities of the Block II Super Hornet.

"The EA-18G Growler is a high demand asset that is equally critical in disrupting our enemies operations as it is enhancing our own," said Capt. Frank Morley, program manager for the F/A-18 and EA-18G Program Office (PMA-265) during the ceremony at Boeing.

Next week, Capt. Darryl Walker, commander of the Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CVWP), will accept delivery of the aircraft on behalf of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 in Whidbey Island, Washington, before its transfer to a designated operational squadron in the fleet.

The Growler is designed to perform an array of airborne electronic attack missions, operating from either the deck of an aircraft carrier or land-based fields, similar to the EA-6B Prowler. Through these capabilities, warfighters may jam or suppress enemy radar and communication systems to protect friendly assets in the air and on the ground.

"NAVAIR (Naval Air Systems Command) is continuing to advance the capabilities of the Growler as the U.S. Navy's electronic attack mission becomes more robust and potential adversaries up their game with increasingly lethal air defenses," Morley said.

With new technologies, such as the Next Generation Jammer (NGJ), the Growler will have greater capabilities in the EA arena then its predecessor. Currently, the Growler still uses the Prowler's ALQ-99 Jammer Pods, slated to be replaced with the NGJ in the early 2020s. The NGJ features active electronically scanned array antennas and a lighter, more aerodynamically shaped pod, which can allow for faster airspeed bringing greater lethality and capability to the EA-18G.

The EA-18G program remains on the same schedule and cost projected when the program began in 2003, and the aircraft is projected to serve beyond 2040. The Navy accepted its first Growler Aug. 3, 2006.