Malmstrom Air Force Base completes final MMIII reconfiguration

by Carla Pampe
Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs

6/18/2014 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Air Force Global Strike Command met a major milestone June 16, when maintainers at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, removed the last multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle in the Air Force intercontinental ballistic missile inventory from a Minuteman III.  

The reentry vehicle is the portion of the missile that houses the nuclear warhead. Re-configuring the missile to carry only a single reentry vehicle helps bring the Air Force towards compliance with the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty and comply with direction from the 2010 Nuclear Posture Review, Steve Ray, Air Force Global Strike Command missile maintenance division, said.  

"This was the last Minuteman III in the Air Force to be 'deMIRVed,' and this is a major milestone in meeting the force structure numbers to comply with the New START requirements," Ray said. "This is historic because we've had MIRVs in the field for more than 40 years, since 1970 when the first Minuteman III came on alert."  

The New START, signed by the United States and Russia in April 2010 and entered into force on Feb. 5, 2011, limits the number of deployed strategic warheads to 1,550, and limits the number of nuclear capable deployed and non-deployed delivery vehicles to 800. Of that, 700 can be deployed. These numbers must be met by Feb. 5, 2018.

"The NST sets treaty limits on the number of deployed strategic warheads and strategic delivery vehicles each party to the treaty is allowed, but does not direct the composition of that party's strategic assets," Kenneth Vantiger, AFGSC senior arms control analyst, said.  

It was the 2010 Nuclear Posture review which dictated that all MMIIIs go to a single reentry vehicle. It states:  

"The United States will deMIRV all deployed ICBMs, so that each Minuteman III ICBM has only one nuclear warhead. (A 'MIRVed' ballistic missile carries Multiple Independently targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRVs). 'DeMIRVing' will reduce each missile to a single warhead.) This step will enhance the stability of the nuclear balance by reducing the incentives for either side to strike first."  

In April of this year, the U.S. Administration adopted the baseline NST implementation plan that the Air Force has been advocating since 2010, Vantiger said.  

That plan calls for the U.S. forces to go to 400 deployed ICBMs with a single reentry vehicle, 60 deployed nuclear-capable bombers, and 240 deployed submarine-launched ballistic missiles. Non-deployed forces will consist of 54 ICBM launchers (silos not containing a missile), 40 SLBM launch tubes (20 tubes on two submarines in non-deployed status for overhaul) and six heavy bombers for a total of 100 non-deployed launchers and heavy bombers. This balanced force structure fully supports U.S. national security objectives, including strategic stability and deterrence, extended deterrence guarantees, allied assurance, and the ability to implement the President's nuclear weapons employment strategy.  

While this final deMIRV was part of meeting NPR and New START requirements, Ray said the Air Force has been moving toward single reentry vehicles on all MMIIIs for some time.  

"F.E. Warren had actually already converted to all single reentry vehicles before the New START was even signed," he said. "This was just one part of several actions we'll be doing to meet New START requirements."  

While the Air Force was the primary agency responsible for overseeing the deMIRV, it took multiple agencies to make this process happen, Ray said. Coordination was done with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, which maintains a database of where all missiles are located, with the Department of Energy for shipment of the weapons, and with U.S. Strategic Command, who must be notified of how many weapons they have supporting them at all times.      

"At the base, it took a five-man missile mechanical team to go out and pull the top off the missile, and they were supported by a large security forces team and helicopters, which ensured safe transport to and from the base," he said. "The missile operators also played a role, as they maintain command and control at the missile sites. Everyone at the heart of the missile operations team was involved. It was a real team effort."    

Being a part of that team was something the maintainers and others were very proud of, Assistant Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of Missile Maintenance Teams at Malmstrom AFB, Master Sgt. Joshua Schoenbein, said.    

"It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of something this big in the ICBM community to comply with the new START requirements," he said. "It feels awesome to complete the deMIRV program, and I know the technicians couldn't be happier to finish and move on to the next program whatever it might be."

Schoenbein added, "Overall, it takes many people and hours of planning and work to accomplish even one mission."  

From munitions technicians at the weapons storage area and members of the missile maintenance team to security forces members, a convoy response force and helicopter support, everyone has a role in making the mission a success, he said.  

Back at the base, Master Sgt. Jason Thompson, NCOIC of weapons maintenance at Malmstrom AFB, oversaw the team which did the disassembly of the MIRV.  

"It's a great historical event, especially for nuclear weapons technicians, to be a part of," Thompson said. "We're a relatively small career field, so to be a part of something so significant is a great morale builder for the Airmen."  

A team of 12 people at the weapons storage area were involved in the process of disassembling and reconfiguring the system to a single reentry vehicle, making sure the maintenance was done in a safe and secure manner.  

"There were numerous safety measures in place during the entire process, and there was a lot of coordination between security forces and maintenance personnel to move the weapon from the missile to here for us to do the maintenance," Thompson said. "That ties back to the significance of our Airmen being a part of this. We put a lot of special trust in our 18 or 19-year-old Airmen to do this type of maintenance, where in other countries it's left to the officers to do."  

In addition to the hard work by the maintenance teams throughout AFGSC who worked the deMIRV process, Ray said multiple agencies worked together to make it a success.  

"It takes a lot of planning and teamwork both at the base and the headquarters to make this happen in a safe, secure manner while still meeting our other mission requirements," he said.  

Those who worked the process should be proud of their accomplishments, Ray said, because they're a part of history that will help maintain stable deterrence for the U.S. and its allies.  

"We're reducing the number of weapons from a Cold War high in conjunction with the Russians," he said. "To take these multiple independent reentry vehicles to a single reentry vehicle is a significant milestone in stability and arms control."  

VA Begins Monthly Inspections to Restore Scheduling Integrity

From a Department of Veterans Affairs News Release

WASHINGTON, June 18, 2014 – Acting Veterans Affairs Secretary Sloan D. Gibson today directed all of the department’s medical center and health care system directors to conduct monthly in-person reviews of scheduling practices in every clinic within their jurisdiction.

Site inspections will include observing daily scheduling processes and interacting with scheduling staff to ensure all policies are being followed to deliver veterans the timely care they have earned, VA officials said.

“Our top priority is getting veterans off of wait lists and into clinics,” Gibson said. “We need our folks in the facilities to work directly with staff, answer all questions, and ensure our veterans receive the timely care they have earned.

“Veterans must trust their health care system,” he continued, “and these reviews are an important step towards restoring integrity in all our scheduling activities.”

In addition to monthly reviews of more than 900 Veterans Health Administration facilities nationwide, Veterans Integrated Service Network directors will conduct similar visits to at least one medical center within their area of responsibility every 30 days, completing visits to all medical centers in their network every 90 days, officials said.

This action follows the VA’s release of results from its nationwide access audit, along with facility-level patient access data.

USS Lake Erie Returns from Final Hawaii-to-Western Pacific Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Diana Quinlan,

Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Detachment Hawaii

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- The Hawaii-based Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70) returned June 16 from a four-month deployment to the Western Pacific.

This is the last time the ship and crew of Lake Erie returns home to Pearl Harbor as they are scheduled to change homeports.

"Capt. Banigan and his team have made a difference," said Commander, Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific Rear Adm. Rick Williams. "The crew of Lake Erie stepped up and filled a critical need on this deployment. They represent the epitome of the CNO's tenets: warfighting first, operate forward, be ready. I couldn't be prouder."

Commanding Officer Capt. John S. Banigan spoke about the deployment and ship's mission in the Pacific.

"While on deployment, Lake Erie leveraged her accomplishments and proficiencies on the test range and defended the homeland and our allies on multiple Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) operations," said Banigan. "We were always begging to go forward deployed and we got ourselves ready and we were able to surge and prove that we aren't just a test ship, that we are fully mission capable."

According to Banigan, he knows that regardless of homeport, Lake Erie Sailors will lead the way. "It's bittersweet, we will miss Hawaii," said Banigan, "but whatever the mission - we will succeed."

Lake Erie is expected to replace USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) this summer as a rotational BMD deployer from San Diego, as John Paul Jones takes Lake Erie's place in Hawaii as the nation's BMD Test Ship.

"Hawaii's great," said Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Andrew Wolk, assigned to USS Lake Erie. "This is our best port, returning back to Hawaii is always beautiful."

Port visits during the deployment included locations in Korea, Japan and Guam. Lake Erie Sailors were able to participate in several community relations projects including visiting homes for children and assisting the elderly.

The deployment was designed to promote peace and security, preserve freedom of the seas and conduct theater security operations with partner nations.

"The mission was very successful," said Operations Specialist 1st Class Hunter Taylor, assigned to USS Lake Erie. "The morale is high right now, everyone is just so glad to be back in Pearl Harbor."

U.S. Navy guided-missile cruisers are multi-mission surface combatants capable of supporting carrier strike groups, amphibious readiness groups, surface action groups or operating independently.

U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Eastern Pacific from the West Coast of North America to the international dateline and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy.

USS Peleliu Departs San Diego for Western Pacific Deployment

From Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) departed Naval Base San Diego June 17 for a deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

Peleliu will participate in exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), a large multinational naval exercise, as the command ship for the expeditionary strike group. Following RIMPAC, Peleliu will conduct a scheduled deployment to the 7th Fleet AOR as part of Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11.

"Peleliu is ready for all assigned missions and any possible mission that could arise," said Capt. Paul C. Spedero, Jr., Peleliu's commanding officer. "While forward deployed, we are prepared to handle contingencies that may arise from conducting operations to supporting humanitarian assistance/disaster response or delivering combat power ashore, when necessary."

During RIMPAC Royal Australian Navy Commodore Peter Leavy will command the amphibious task force. PHIBRON 3 and a Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) will embark Peleliu with approximately 1,200 Marines and troops from partner nations.

Peleliu and its crew of nearly 1,050 Sailors provides deterrence, promotes peace and security, preserves freedom of the seas, and provides humanitarian/disaster relief.

U.S. 3rd Fleet leads Naval Forces in the Eastern Pacific from the West Coast of North America to the International Dateline.

176th Wing provides air component command during JFEX

by Air Force Staff Sgt. N. Alicia Halla
176th Wing Public Affairs

6/17/2014 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- The office bustled with olive green jumpsuits, the smell of pizza, and a dozen conversations dropping terms such as "sorties" and "objective." At the white board near a high table covered in maps, a 6-foot-plus commander in a flight suit bearing the 144th Airlift Squadron patch scribbled information and directed various personnel.

Ring, ring. "Mission planning cell," a serious face answered one of the uniformly black office phones.

The mission planning cell was the eyes and ears of the air and ground forces commanders, assigned to the task of command-and-control for the Joint Forcible Entry Exercise's many moving parts.

More than 1,500 service members drawn from Alaska, Oregon and Guam came together for a large joint-force exercise at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and at Fort Greely, near Delta Junction, last week.

The Joint Forcible Entry Exercise - a sizable undertaking by the Alaska Air National Guard's 176th Operations Group, U.S. Army Alaska's 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, the Oregon Air National Guard's 125th Special Tactics Squadron, and the Air Force's Guam-based 36th Contingency Response Group - demonstrated close cooperation and the ability to project combat power.

The six-day event involved a mock airfield seizure from enemy forces, multiple airdrops, and airlift transport of more than 500 tons of cargo and more than 650 Soldiers and Airmen. It included a jump with more than 400 paratroopers, intelligence and reconnaissance operations, simulated firefights, a medical evacuation exercise, air traffic control and more.

Exercise organizers attributed its success to the flexibility and positive attitudes of the entire team.

"Sometimes people focus on why we can't," said Army Col. Matt McFarlane, the JFEX ground forces and 4-25th IBCT commander. "We focused on how we can."

Planning began in October 2013 and required considerable cooperation between participants and critical support from other agencies such as the 3rd Operation Group; the 176th, 773rd and 673d logistics readiness squadrons; and the 176th Maintenance Group.

The Alaska Air National Guard's 176th Wing, with its wide range of missions, was able to furnish support normally requiring several wings. For example, the original plans called for preparing only 12 aircraft, wing maintainers were able to provide 16 mission-ready aircraft - including the C-17 Globemaster III, C-130 Hercules, HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter and HC-130 King aircraft - for more than 70 flying missions during the exercise. They were able to repair aircraft in 45 minutes - work that usually takes four days, according to Air National Guard Lt. Col. Michael Griesbaum, the 176th Operations Group deputy commander, who served as deputy air forces commander for the exercise.

Unforeseen factors required speedy cooperation by support agencies. Changes included moving the original drop zone for the paratroopers from Allen Army Airfield at Fort Greely to Malemute Drop Zone on JBER due to unsafe wind conditions.

The organizations achieved interoperability - working together to achieve service-specific training, learning each other's terminology, and building stronger relationships.

"The intention is to continue these mutually-beneficial large force exercises in the future," said Air National Guard Col. Blake Gettys, the 176th Operations Group commander, who served as the exercise's air forces commander.

Brigade leans on Air Force, National Guard support

by Sgt. Eric-James Estrada
4-25th IBCT Public Affairs

6/17/2014 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- More than 400 paratroopers and Airmen participated in a large-scale exercise at Fort Greely June 7 to Tuesday. The Joint Forcible Entry Exercise included an airborne jump and trained paratroopers to get on the ground quickly and efficiently.

Spartan paratroopers with 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, hosted the three-day JFEX at the Donnelly Training Area.

The JFEX included interoperability training to jointly seize an airfield, establish and expand a lodgment to include follow-on missions. Airmen of the Alaska National Guard's 176th Wing provided airlift support, the Oregon National Guard's 125th Special Tactics Squadron controlled the aircraft, and the 736th Security Forces Squadron, 36th Contingency Response Group, based out of Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, provided security and running the airfield in terms of marshaling the aircraft and unloading and offloading all vehicles, pallets and equipment.

"Today demonstrates one, the capability of the joint force, but two, the flexibility," said Army Lt. Col. Tobin Magsig, a native of Nashville, Tenn., and commander of the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 501st Infantry Regiment.

The JFEX started off with a heavy-equipment drop of howitzers and military vehicles parachuting to the ground at the Donnelly Drop Zone for the 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment. The Spartan Steel Battalion provided counter fires capability in the event of indirect fire on the airfield. During the drop, three of the 11 loads received some damage as heavy winds pushed them before they landed on the drop zone. The heavy winds, which were within the limits for a heavy drop, were not within safety measures for personnel. A nearby forest fire that began to escalate within the area of the planned airfield seizure forced the Spartan paratroopers and Air Force jumpers to come up with a new plan, and quickly.

"We changed the location of the drop zone over 200 miles away in less than three hours based on hearing word on the severity of the fires," Magsig said. "After the force conducted its airborne operation, we reconvened a team and conducted an air land here at Allen Army Airfield. Although we're getting here a little later then we planned, we're still going to be able to conduct our training and achieve our training objectives."

Since coming back from their recent training rotation at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, La., Magsig said the brigade has found some areas they can improve on.

"Last month, the battalion went to the [JRTC] and that was fantastic training, but like all our training events there were some things that we could have done better," Magsig said.

"There are several ... training objectives that each company has that we're going to work and weave into this exercise from a groundside. The air component brings their own set of training objectives. What's important is that we work together and maximize our interoperability to achieve each other's training objectives."

For the 36th CRG stationed at Guam, this is their first time working with the Spartan Brigade and training in Alaska.

"This is a new partnership that we have been building, but we do have other airborne units that are security forces that have jumped in through [JFEX] at Fort Bragg and with the 75th Ranger Regiment out of Fort Benning," said Air Force Master Sgt. Somchai Rollins, a member of the 36th CRG. "So for this theater, this is the first time we've done this; but throughout the Air Force, we have done it before."

The 36th CRG is a rapid-deployment unit designed to aid airborne units in securing an airfield and establishing and maintaining airfield operations. Coming from tropical weather, Rollins said he and the rest of the 36th CRG met with some interesting challenges.

"Coming from a tropical island, Guam, and coming here and [54-degree temperature] is a little cold for us, but apparently people are around here having fun," he said. "And the sunlight, that's another thing too. As you can tell, right behind me (sunset) it's about [1:30 a.m.]. For us in Guam we're used to it being dark at [6:30 p.m.] So that's another challenge, we're trying to sleep and get acclimated. It's a little tough."

Air Force Master Sgt. Scott Geisser, an Air Force combat controller, and native of Townsend, Mont., with the 125th Special Tactics Squadron out of Portland, Ore., provides the connection between Army, Navy Special Forces and the Air Force.

"We're the link," he said. "Everything from calling in airdrops of personnel and/or equipment to providing air-traffic control services to bring that equipment into austere landing zones, ... and close air support to bring air power to the ground forces. This is not new to me. It's different because it's a much larger scale than we're used to, but it's been a good experience overall."

Magsig said when it comes to airfield seizures, it can't be done without them.

"The special tactics squadron provides air traffic control and controls the aircraft as it comes in and clears the runways and taxiways, and the contingency response groups helps us set up and run the airfield in terms of marshaling the aircraft and unloading and offloading all of our vehicles, pallets and equipment," the battalion commander said. "They run the aerial port of embarkation and debarkation, marshal aircraft as they arrive, park them, and receive the equipment, and they help us in the security of the airfield as well."
As the Spartan Brigade continues to train, this exercise served as a certification of the Army's contingency-response force for the Pacific Theater.

JBER library enlists service dogs, ferrets for a “Paws to Read” activity day

by Airman 1st Class Tammie Ramsouer
JBER Public Affairs

6/17/2014 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- For the past five years, the Department of Defense has been encouraging children, teens and adults to read during the summer through the iREAD Program at base libraries.

The initiative endeavors to create resource guides and animal-themed materials and activities to provide a way to keep up with children's literacy through the summer.

Participants can log their reading hours when they sign up for the summer reading program on the DoD website or through the JBER Consolidated Library's website.

"This year's theme is 'Paws to Read' and during the six-week period, the readers will be reading books that are animal-themed," said Marcia Lee, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson librarian.

During these six weeks, the library will host events for the participants of the program, such as craft projects, reading sessions and animal presentations.

"They will also be receiving a take-home craft when they sign up," Lee said. "It's a time for families to do a little crafting together."

The program breaks up into three categories. The first is for younger children at an age when they can be read to or they can read to a parent. The next category is for the pre-teens and teenagers, and the third is for adults.

"All of the categories are age-appropriate," Lee said.

"To keep track of how many books the children read, we give parents a bookmark with four Paws to Read logos on it and we punch the logos out when the parents tell us their children have read four books," Lee said.

For adults to receive incentives at the end of the six weeks, they must read at least three books, but there is no upper limit.

"The children's incentives are by the minutes they read (or are read to), up to 500 minutes," Lee said. "It's amazing how many children exceed that amount of time. I always ask them if they have done any chores this week because of how many minutes I see they have read."

"So far the summer reading program has been great; it encourages the kids," said Crystal Powell, wife of Air Force Staff Sgt. Steven Powell, 673d Aircraft Maintenance Unit. "The library does a wonderful job at getting the kids interested in reading with all the events and incentives they do."

By reading four books, children and teens earn a free game of bowling at Polar Bowl.
At the end of the six-week program, the library submits the top three readers, one in each age group, to Air Force Libraries in San Antonio, where a name will be drawn for a grand prize.

"My philosophy is that I don't like to call them prizes," Lee said. "They are incentives to encourage children, and all of us, to read and to learn and develop a curiosity through reading."

1 Geronimo Soldiers honor WWII legacy of 501st veterans

by Army Maj. Adam Hallmark
4-25 IBCT Public Affairs

6/17/2014 - SAINTE-MERE-ÉGLISE, France -- Seventy years after the launch of the largest air- and seaborne operation in the history of warfare, paratroopers with the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson took part in a ceremony to commemorate the actions of one of its units in the small French village of Angoville-au-Plain June 7.
The 501st Infantry Regiment (of which today's 1st Battalion is assigned to the Spartan Brigade) fought as the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment under the 101st Airborne Division during World War II.

The 501st PIR played a key role in all of the division's engagements, including Operation Overlord in Normandy and Operation Market Garden in Holland, and the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium.

However, it was during the Normandy campaign that the 501st got its first real taste of combat.

Activated at Camp Toccoa, Ga., in 1942 and built upon the Army's famed parachute test platoon, the 501st was commanded by Col. Howard "Jumpy" Johnson until his death during Operation Market Garden in October 1944.

In Normandy, the 101st Airborne Division tasked Johnson and the 501st to drop in north and east of the town of Carentan in order to secure the La Barquette locks on the Douve River.

That plan did not survive initial contact with the enemy.

Intense German anti-aircraft fire over Normandy forced many C-47 Skytrain pilots to take evasive action, leading to missed drop zones for soldiers of both the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions.

So erratic were the drops, some paratroopers found themselves a staggering 21 miles from their planned drop zones.

The error forced paratroopers from various units to form hodgepodge fighting outfits until the confusion could be sorted out, leading to what later became known as little groups of paratroopers, or LGOPs for short.

To the dismay of German forces, the initiative, adaptability and the "can-do" fighting spirit of the American paratrooper won the day despite the initial setback.

"These men knew what they had to accomplish," said Robert Wright Jr. of Port Richey, Fla., and the son of one of Angoville-au-Plain's two celebrated heroes.

"When my father was here on D-Day, he worked alongside soldiers from not only his own regiment (501st), but even the 506th [Parachute Infantry Regiment] as well."

Robert Wright Sr., a senior line medic with Dog Company, 501st PIR, jumped from his C-47 and came down near a stream running through a farm field roughly 150 yards from the town's 11th-century church.

That building would become the location for a pivotal moment in his life, the actions within and around it forever etched in his memory.

As action with the occupying German forces intensified around Angoville-au-Plain, the village church soon found a new role as a makeshift casualty collection point and aid station.

Wright Sr., along with Able Company, 501st PIR senior line medic Kenneth Moore, took charge of first aid operations within the church.

Meanwhile, the battle outside raged for three days.

The church, along with Wright Sr. and Moore's personal safety, changed hands a number of times, but it's what they managed to accomplish in conjunction with their primary duties that proved remarkable.

"It was Dad's idea to bar any weapons whatsoever from being brought inside the church," said Wright Jr.

Easy enough when you're working alongside friendly forces; difficult to impossible when enemy forces are entered into the equation.

However, that's exactly what Wright Sr. and Moore accomplished.

"When a German officer walked into the church, dad told him he had to leave his weapon outside," said Wright, Jr.

"The German hesitated at first, but when he saw that dad and [Kenneth] Moore were also treating wounded German soldiers, he complied and the church was marked with a red cross and made off-limits to military action."

At one point, a mortar round came through the roof of the church and landed inside without exploding.

Wright Jr. said that his father, without a second thought, picked it up and threw it outside.
Wright Sr. and Moore's courage and devotion to duty during the action, which finally subsided on June 8, 1944, earned them both Silver Stars.

When it was finally over, Wright Sr. and Moore had treated 80 wounded American and German soldiers, losing only three in the process. They also treated a very young boy from the village, who survived.

The broken windows were replaced later with stained-glass depictions of paratroopers, but the building still bears bullet scars - and the blood-stained wooden pews that served as hospital beds.

Although separated by an ocean, the Wright family and the people of Angoville-au-Plain share a special bond.

"Many of the people here today are the children and grandchildren of those who lived here on June 6," explained Wright Jr.

Like many World War II veterans, Wright Sr., who passed away last December, was not one to openly talk about his wartime experiences.

"Growing up, I didn't have an appreciation for what my father did during the war because he never talked about it," said Wright, Jr. "It wasn't till later in life . . . that he began to open up - but the people here [in Angoville-au-Plain] knew what he did.

The June 7 ceremony wasn't Wright Jr.'s first - he's attended others.

When asked why he keeps coming back, he explained that such ceremonies were important to his father and that it's important to carry on his legacy.

More importantly for Wright Jr., there's another reason why he keeps coming back.
"If anything, these people [of Angoville-au-Plain] helped me to learn who my father was," he added.

Seventy years after the action that took place there, the impact that Wright Sr. and Moore had on this rural French community and surrounding area is still visible.

Only about 50 people call Angoville-au-Plain home these days.

But on June 7, 500 people turned out to remember what two young privates of the 501st PIR accomplished all those years ago.

673d FSS hosts annual JBER car and bike show

by Airman 1st Class Tammie Ramsouer
JBER Public Affairs

6/17/2014 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- The 673d Force Support Squadron hosts the seventh annual Military Appreciation Car and Bike Show on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Joint Military Mall.

This year, the show will have vendors, bouncy houses, door prizes, food and other entertainment venues.

"We have had as many as 115 cars and trucks," said Bill Miracle, 673d Force Support Squadron Warrior Zone program manager. "Right now our current number of entries for the show is 50, including approximately 25 bikes."

Individuals can enter their car in one of nine categories, or their motorcycles in one of three, free of charge. Classic, custom, sports car, hot rod, muscle car, low rider, antique, military and people's choice are the car categories and custom, classic and sport bike are the motorcycle categories.

Attendees are encouraged to vote for their favorite car or bike. Those entries will also be used in a drawing to win a 50-inch TV.

Food and craft vendors will also be at the show to help raise money for different organizations on JBER, such as Joint Base Against Drunk Driving, Better Opportunities for Single Service Members, the Warrior Zone and other clubs on base.

"It's a great, fun event," Hardin said. "Everything from outside vendors to inside arcades, we have something for every age."

For information, call 384-9006.

Generating Airpower: The heart of an F-16

by Senior Airman Derek VanHorn
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

6/17/2014 - MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  (This article is part of a series featuring the 35th Maintenance Group on their ability to generate airpower for the 35th Fighter Wing's Wild Weasels. The 35 MXG is compiled of 22 career fields that support the mission of the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses, the only SEAD wing in Pacific Air Forces.)

When Airman 1st Class Ashton Youngblood was 17 years old, he spent an entire year rebuilding a Ford F-150 pickup truck from the ground up. He didn't know it at the time, but it was just a minor tune-up for what his career had in store.

A couple years later, he traded his backyard garage in Missouri for one in northern Japan that stores a little more horsepower. When he walks into work these days, he's surrounded by huddles of hulking F-16 Fighting Falcon engines. Today, there are 10 engines in the hangar and a combined 1 million horsepower between them.

They're the heart and soul of a fleet of 44 F-16s stationed at Misawa, and it's up to Youngblood and his fellow aerospace propulsion maintainers to bring them to life.

"These engines are what the jets are built around," Youngblood said. "The work we do back here is what really sends them off the runway."

Aerospace Propulsion is commonly referred to as "props," and every day around 80 props Airmen ripple into their hangar, ready to repair engines and set the frame for mission-ready fighter jets. They'll use hundreds of tools, utilizing things like bore scope cameras to see hard-to-reach places inside the engine, dry ice to condense specific parts and basic wrenches for bolt turning.

Youngblood works in the Jet Engine Intermediate Maintenance section in the props back shop, where the vast majority of props Airmen work. It's one of three major areas that fall under aerospace propulsion, and they work hand-in-hand with flightline engine troops and engine test cell maintainers.

Following each flying day at Misawa, flight line props run extensive tests on each F-16 engine using computer programs to analyze and monitor different parameters to ensure they're functioning properly, said Staff Sgt. Jeremy Howard, 35 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

With Misawa pilots flying more than 6,000 sorties annually, the cohesion of back shop and flight line maintainers must remain solid and fluent.

It's a story of two different worlds working together. While Howard and about 10 other flight line props troops battle the elements and fast pace, the back shop digs into depths of the engines seen by no other maintainers.

"It's a higher tempo out here [on the flight line]. We have to constantly push sorties so the pace is a little faster," said Tech. Sgt. Keith Wright, 35 MXS. "We all work well together and everyone plays their part."

Following testing and downloads on the flight line, Howard said they'll review the information and either perform maintenance on the fly or turn to their counterparts for more advanced and hard-to-reach help.

"Basically, anytime the flight line has more maintenance than quick fixes on the engines or identifies upcoming long-term maintenance, they'll send it to us at the back shop," said Airman 1st Class Hannah Stout, 35 MXS, who has spent the past year fixing engines at Misawa.

Once at the back shop, the elaborate hands-on dissection begins.

"What we'll do is receive an engine, tear it down, inspect any parts, and replace them," Youngblood said pragmatically.

It's hardly that simple - unmasking a 5,530-pound engine is no easy task, but it's one props troops take on wholeheartedly.

"It's a big deal - the F-16 is a single-engine jet, so everything we do must be exact," said Staff Sgt. Rubiani Navarrette, 35 MXS. "It's very complex at first and a lot to take in, but after a while you get used to it and take pride in going in there and doing your job with no problems."

Back shop maintainers practically swarm an engine to break it down -- some on wheeled seats deconstructing the underside, some scaling the engine's sides and top, and others reviewing technical orders and supervising the process. They're patient and methodical, calling others in for opinions and assistance to ensure perfection.

"The most challenging part is what you face mentally," Youngblood said. "You're always learning something new and relying on coworkers to get the job done."

Disassembling an engine usually takes around a week, and putting one back together takes about double that. Along with faults and fixes, scheduled maintenance as part of a service life extension program requires that each engine be inspected thoroughly and necessary parts be replaced after a certain amount of flying hours.

On top of supporting Misawa's Wild Weasel mission of the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses, the props back shop is a designated Central Repair Facility, meaning it also takes on the bulk of engine responsibilities for both Osan and Kunsan Air Bases in the Republic of Korea.

"We support the entire Pacific theatre," Youngblood said. "It means a lot to know we're part of the bigger picture. We have a hand in every jet that flies out here."

When all their hard work comes to a head, the final piece of the trio - the engine test cell maintainers - bring the engine to life.

About once every week, an F-16 engine is loaded into the test cell's "Hush House," a warehouse-like structure designed to muffle the roaring sound of jet engines. It's the final test after hours, days and months of laboring work.

"It's our goal to catch any last issues and have each engine ready to go before it reaches the flight line," said Staff Sgt. Joseph Martinez, 35 MXS. "It's imperative to have our end squared away so maintainers aren't spending any more time troubleshooting and making repairs."

A 15-foot flame on full afterburner and an engine thrust up to 30,000 pounds signifies a job well done and another engine ready to support the mission of Misawa.

"That one pilot is putting his or her life on the line to keep the rest of us alive," said Staff Sgt. Mitchell Morelos, a 35 MXS test cell maintainer. "It means everything to us to know that props is the reason those jets are in the air."

It's a demanding job, complete with incomparable satisfaction. While some just see it as another day at work, Youngblood said his life around engines takes on another meaning.

"I see these engines go into jets and watch them take off," Youngblood said. "We take a lot of pride in knowing we played a part in protecting our people on the ground."

Air Force reservist recognized as AFRL's best in Colorado

By Tech. Sgt. Rob Hazelett

6/16/2014 - DENVER, Colo. -  -- Aurora Chamber of Commerce officials, and other local organizations, honored Staff Sgt. Iris Morales as the Reservist of the Year in the Air Force Reserve category during the 38th Annual Armed Forces Recognition Luncheon at the Double Tree by Hilton hotel here June 13.

"I want everybody here to remember that because of our armed forces, we continue to enjoy a free country," said Kevin Hougen, president and CEO of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce. "For those of you who are seated with a service member, please take this opportunity to thank them for their service to continue to uphold the great traditions of our great nation."

The luncheon, sponsored by Colorado Technical University, included an awards ceremony that honored 11 military members and one civilian from the community for their outstanding achievements during the past year.

Morales, an Air Reserve Personnel Center contact center technician, said the award is just the beginning in her aspiring career.

"As a proud resident of Aurora, it is great to know that although you should never do things for the recognition, it feels amazing when your efforts are recognized by your community," the four-year Air Force veteran said.

As a contact center technician, Morales is responsible for providing world-class support for "Generations of Airmen" throughout their careers. Morales's civilian employer is Jackson Memorial Hospital where she directs the functions of the physician services department.

During her spare time, she completed her master's in health services administration and is currently enrolled in Masters of International Business Administration, which enabled Morales to be meritoriously selected as a 2nd lieutenant in the Air Force Reserves. In addition, she was also elected by her peers as the president of the ARPC Junior Enlisted Advisory Council, contributed as a squadron physical training leader, unit honor guard member and Aurora Youth Mentor.

The guest speaker for the luncheon was Kelly Sullivan Loughren, the granddaughter of Albert Sullivan, one of the five famed Sullivan brothers from Waterloo, Iowa who were killed during World War II when their ship sank Nov. 13, 1942. Albert was killed along with George, Frank, Joe and Matt.

Other ARPC finalists were:

Air Force Active Duty - Staff Sgt. Andrew Johnson
Air National Guard - Tech. Sgt. Amy Szpak
Air Force Reserve - Tech. Sgt. Bridget Smith and Senior Airman Lawrence Watson

ARPC finalists competed against members in their respective category from the 460th Space Wing, Aerospace Data Facility-C, 233rd Security Forces Squadron and 140th Air National Guard.