FIP vehicles arrive on MAFB

by Airman 1st Class Sahara L. Fales
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

11/10/2014 - MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Minot Air Force Base received three new Dodge Ram 2500s and 12 new Ford F-150s in October as a part of the Force Improvement Program's initiative to provide more positive, rapid and substantial changes within the ICBM and bomber missions.

Minot AFB is expecting to receive nine additional Ford F-150 pickup trucks and two more Dodge Ram 2500s. They will be utilized by 91st Missile Wing Airmen who travel out to missile sites for crew changeover.

"It'll be an enormous improvement for the missile wing," said Art Nyberg, 5th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle fleet maintenance control and analysis manager.

At approximately seven years old, the other vehicles have experienced wear and tear from the unique mission and weather Minot has.

"When the older vehicles have to haul up to four people out at a time, plus all of the winter and survival gear, it can overload the vehicle," said Nyberg. "The new pickups are 4-wheel drive and half-ton, therefore they won't be overloaded. They are a lot safer for the Airmen and a much better fit for our mission."

From a design standpoint alone, the vehicles that are being replaced couldn't handle the mission that was needed of them, said Master Sgt. Jon Hoffman, 5th LRS production superintendent.

Because the old vehicles weren't designed to be on Minot's dirt roads consistently, driving along the roads full of gear and Airmen has worn down the suspension and transmissions over time.

Being able to receive the new vehicles will be a huge boost to morale and improve the logistics of the mission considerably, Nyberg explained.

"The FIP was the momentum we needed to make it happen," Nyberg said.

So far, the FIP initiative has allotted approximately $750,000 for the vehicles supporting the Minot mission.  In addition to the vehicles, Minot AFB also received 21 camper shells for the Ford F-150 trucks.

Ebola-zone Troops’ Health Remains Top Concern, Official Says

By Nick Simeone

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13, 2014 – Ensuring that U.S. personnel dispatched to West Africa to help stop the spread of Ebola don’t contract the deadly disease remains the U.S. military’s top priority, a senior Defense Department official said today, as the first group of military personnel deployed to Africa as part of Operation United Assistance were set to return to the United States.

“Our government has deployed a top-notch team experienced in dealing with disasters and humanitarian assistance,” Michael D. Lumpkin, the assistant secretary of defense for special operations and low intensity conflict, told the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

“In all circumstances, the protection of our personnel and the prevention of any additional transmission of the disease remain paramount planning factors,” Lumpkin told the House panel.

Preventing the Spread of Ebola

The World Health Organization says more than 5,100 people have died of Ebola in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea since March. New cases have now been reported in Mali where at least four deaths are reported, and today Lumpkin described the disease as potentially having an impact on U.S national security.

“Absent our government’s coordinated response in West Africa,” he said, “the virus’s spread brings the risk of more cases here in the United States.”

More than 2,200 U.S military personnel are now in West Africa as part of Operation United Assistance to support U.S. and international efforts to stop the spread of what health care officials have said is the world’s worst Ebola outbreak.

Troops Return from Liberia

The first group of military personnel to return home from the affected area were set to arrive today at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, aboard a military flight after being deployed to Liberia, according to a statement issued today by Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby. He said none of the 84 returning service members show symptoms of Ebola, but that all will be placed under a controlled monitoring regime for 21 days. Even though they have not been involved in directly treating Ebola patients, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has accepted a recommendation made by the Joint Chiefs of Staff that all returning military personnel be monitored for three weeks as a precautionary measure.

In his statement, Kirby said those returning will be medically screened and transported to a controlled monitoring area at a secluded site and will continue to receive twice-daily screenings during the 21-day monitoring period. The 51 Air Force, 27 Navy, four Marines and two Army personnel will be able to communicate with family by telephone and electronic means during the period.

Executive Sweet takes flight during open house

by Airman 1st Class Rachel Loftis
99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

11/12/2014 - NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Nellis hosted an open house Nov. 8 and 9, which celebrated the 21st century Air Force and it's accomplishments in air, space and cyberspace. During this celebration, several military aerial demonstration teams, including the American Aeronautical Foundation with their B-25J Mitchell, participated.

The Mitchell and her crew participated as part of the Legacy Bombers act, who performed a World War II reenactment. The AAF was founded in an effort to preserve the aviation legacy of which WWII veterans and aircraft have created.

"We all do this collectively as a group so that the younger generations can see it," said John Garlinger , volunteer crewman for the B-25J. "It is a tribute to [veterans]."

The North American B-25J was built in Missouri from 1944 to 1945. The B-25J that performed at the Nellis Open House, dubbed "Executive Sweet," saw extensive service throughout World War II as a crew trainer.

The B-25 Mitchell first gained fame as a bomber used in the Doolittle Raid, in which 15 Mitchells bombed targets in Kobe, Yokohama, Nagoya, as well as Tokyo in 1942.

In 1948 the aircraft was converted into a U.S. Air Force VB-25J aircraft and was used as a VIP transport until the end of it service in 1959.

"This is something to showcase," said Garlinger. "To show people how far we have come and to show them what their veterans flew."

Accord to the AAF, the Executive Sweet is equipped with thirteen .50 caliber machine guns, a Norden bombsight, operable bomb bay, authentic insignia and interior detailing down to crash axes and a crew intercom system.

"It's fun. This is still a hands-on thing. There are no computer chips. It's all gas, oil and metal," said Jamie Toombs, volunteer crewman for the B-25J. "This is all about the motors and some guy with a good eye putting a bomb on a target."

The Executive Sweet has been seen by millions of aviation fans at air shows, fly-ins and private aviation events for more than four decades to preserve the legacy previous generations created.

"The biggest reason we do this is to remember the previous generation. To remember the people that gave the ultimate sacrifice," said Toombs. "This is a living, breathing piece of history, which brings history alive, so by using this airplane we can tell the veterans' stories and hopefully bring greater awareness to the cost of freedom for our veterans."

Mission Immersion Day shows Airmen their role in Strike Eagle airpower

by Senior Airman Ashley J. Thum
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

11/12/2014 - SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C.  -- Airmen exchanged their normal Friday routine for a day spent on and around the flightline during the first 4th Fighter Wing Mission Immersion Day here, Nov. 7.

Slated to become a monthly occurrence, the event was designed to give Airmen fulfilling support roles across the base a better understanding of how flying operations are conducted and how their efforts make it possible.

More than 20 Airmen representing a myriad of squadrons participated in the event, making stops at several operations units.

"The purpose of this program is to help people across the base understand why they're doing their job and how they contribute to 4th Fighter Wing mission success," said Capt. Gordon Olde, 333rd Fighter Squadron weapons systems officer.

Participants began their day with a 4th FW mission brief and a description of the F-15E Strike Eagle's capabilities. After touring the 333rd FS, it was time for the group to get hands-on.

Senior Airman Jessica Bailey, 4th Medical Support Squadron medical logistics technician, was one of several Airmen who donned aircrew life support equipment, including a helmet and torso harness.

"I didn't realize how heavy the suit would be," Bailey said. "I can't imagine wearing all of that equipment while flying a plane. It's insane, but it makes sense."

Things didn't slow down from there as the Airmen visited the base operations facility, where they learned who maintains the runway, how the weather flight prepares aircrews for flights, and where radar approach control technicians monitor the base's airspace.

Although Col. Mark Slocum, 4th FW commander, intended the program to show support Airmen how their responsibilities put aircraft in the air, the next stop behind the controls of the 4th Training Squadron's flight simulators was an opportunity to turn the tables and give the Airmen an idea of what pilots and weapons systems officers accomplish while in the air.

"My favorite part was the simulator," Bailey said. "It was absolutely awesome."

The Airmen then made a trip up to the air traffic control tower and watched a demonstration of the bird aircraft strike hazard program. A stop next to the runway was a must to take in the sights and sounds of F-15Es in flight. Finally, the group got up close and personal with a static display of the airframe.

Olde said the itinerary will remain virtually the same for subsequent Mission Immersion Days, with each of the fighter squadrons hosting the event in turn. Airmen will be able to volunteer to participate, and Olde said it's a great opportunity both for new Airmen to learn why their role is important and for more seasoned Airmen who may be new to the base or who just need to be reminded of the importance of their efforts.

"Knowing the end result of your hard work is key for morale and effectiveness," Olde said. "We want to open people's eyes to how this side works, because without support from the entire base, there would be no flying operations."

Bailey said that sentiment was evident throughout her Mission Immersion Day experience. Although the majority of her more than five years in the Air Force has been spent at Seymour Johnson, she said opportunities like Mission Immersion Day are not the norm, and she encourages others to take advantage of the program.

"I've always had an idea of how my job fits into the big picture, but hearing it said and knowing it's appreciated is so gratifying," Bailey said. "It was great to learn more about what they do."

HQ RIO unfurls new unit flag

by MSgt. Timm Huffman
HQ RIO Public Affairs

11/13/2014 - BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- When Brig. Gen. Samuel "Bo" Mahaney, commander of the Headquarters Air Reserve Personnel Center, handed the freshly-minted Headquarters Individual Reservist Readiness and Integration Organization flag to its commander Oct. 28, an ancient ritual was playing out, allowing the ranks to see and recognize the colors around which they rally in a time of battle.

Like the origins of the activation ceremony, the story of the HQ RIO flag began long before it was passed to Col. Christopher Cronce. It started with the design of the official emblem, which was created by Master Sgt. Christian Michael, an individual mobilization augmentee assigned to HQ ARPC public affairs.

In a white field between cobalt-blue stripes, a pair of wings sweeps upward from an encircled Air Force star. Between the wings a long-sword comes to a point just above the star. Beneath this representation, three triangles point skyward, completing the HQ RIO emblem.

Each element in the design has a unique meaning. The sword represents the well-honed skills the reservist brings to the fight.  The wings represent the Air Force Reserve as a whole, signifying that the member, while an individual, is surrounded by, and part of, a larger Air Force.  The wings are spread from the Air Force star, representing the reservist's allegiance to the total force. Below the Air Force star, three deltas point towards the sky, symbolizing the IMAs, participating individual ready reservists and mobilization assistants/reserve advisors supported by HQ RIO.

When the emblem's design was finalized and approved by the Air Force Historical Research Agency, HQ RIO first sergeant, Master Sgt. Jerrod Kester, began the process of ordering the new flag.

According to Kester, the flag is the focal point of a unit. Historically, flags served an important purpose in battle situations. In the confusion of battle, they helped a soldier keep track of where his unit was, and if things went wrong they were a useful rallying point.

While the original, practical applications of the unit flag have largely faded into the past, the symbolism remains and they continue to serve as a symbol of pride for units.

The flag was produced in abot 90 days by the National Capitol Flag Company in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

When the flag was finally delivered to the HQ RIO Command Section, Kester said he felt a variety of emotions.

"Excitement and pride, with the realization I was a part of the creation of a new unit, as well as relief that it arrived on time [for the activation ceremony] and was correct," said the first sergeant.

Now that the HQ RIO flag has been unfurled, it graces the HQ RIO commander's office and is brought out at times when the entire unit is called together, such as commander's calls and promotion ceremonies.

"This flag is truly special," said Cronce. "It's symbolism ties directly to our Individual Reserve force, serving as a great reminder of why this headquarters exists--to facilitate the seamless integration of those IR forces to meet Air Force and combatant commander requirements."

Command Chief Master Sergeant of the ANG 'spreads the aloha'

by Airman 1st Class Robert Cabuco
154th Wing Public Affairs

11/12/2014 - JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- The Command Chief Master Sergeant of the Air National Guard met with Airmen from the Hawaii Air National Guard here Nov. 4-12.

Chief Master Sgt. James W. Hotaling was up to the task of delivering command messages and relaying the pulse of more than 91,000 men and women comprising the enlisted ranks of the Air National Guard ... taking it one unit and one Airman at a time.

"The importance of getting out of Washington, D.C., and actually getting into the operational Air National Guard organizations, from the office of the Command Chief's perspective, is that we have to understand reality" said Hotaling. "The only way that you can do that is by talking and seeing the Airmen in action."

In town-hall styled meetings, Hotaling talked about his key focus areas such as renewing of the commitment to the profession of arms, the health of the force, and embracing the accomplishments of Airmen.

"No matter what status you're in, you're always an Airman, so that's important," Hotaling said. "This profession of arms, the things that we do for our nation, must be the utmost priority for all of us in the Air National Guard."

A second key focus area had Hotaling underscoring the importance of health and how it impacts the mission.

"The second thing I tell Airmen is be healthy," Hotaling said. "It's resilience. Whether it's physical resilience, mental resilience, social or spiritual resilience, you've got to be that whole Airman to be the best Air National Guardsman you can be."

Hotaling's third focus area centered on recognition. He said Airmen must be recognized for the outstanding jobs they do and presented his coin to several deserving Airmen.

"Recognize and embrace the fact that we are awesome in what we do every single day in the Air National Guard," he said. "We need to make sure as supervisors and leadership that we recognize the Airmen for what they do."

The town-hall meetings provided a means and venue to facilitate discussions between Hotaling and large groups of Airmen, there were however, opportunities for Hotaling to connect with Airmen one-on-one as he visited the individual units that comprise the HIANG.

The visits were not limited to the HIANG's main complex on the island of Oahu. Hotaling was able to visit geographically separated units such as the 293rd Combat Communications Squadron on the island of Kauai and the Mount Kaala Air Force Station located on top of Oahu's highest peak.

While visiting the 291st Combat Communications Squadron on the island of Hawaii, Hoteling was able to go through up close what an Airman in the HIANG experiences. Hotaling was able to shadow an Airman as he assisted with security in an area affected by an active lava flow.

"It's been a unique experience spending time with you at the Hawaii Air National Guard," Hotaling said. "We've spent an entire week going to see not only the unique operations within the wing, but out at your GSUs and we see resilient Airmen, we see adaptable Airmen. The Hawaii Air National Guard continues to impress not just locally, but nationally."

Face of Defense: Recon Marines Sharpen Skills

By Marine Corps Cpl. Joshua Murray

I Marine Expeditionary Force

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif., Nov. 13, 2014 – Marines with Force Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, conducted a proficiency exercise here Nov. 7.

The physical training exercise incorporated many different training events including an eight-mile hike with over 50 pounds in the Marines’ packs, an M67 Fragmentation Grenade range, and a pistol and shotgun range.

The exercise would have pushed most Marines to their limits, but for the Marines with Force Company, it’s just another average day of physical training, said Master Sgt. Vincent Marzi, the Force Company operations chief.

Maintaining Proficiency

“Because we are Recon Marines, we are expected to be very proficient in all that we do,” Marzi said. “We conduct PT sessions like this on a regular basis to keep our Marines prepared physically, mentally and tactically for any situation they could find themselves in over the years to come.”

The exercise also enabled the Marines to test and improve their memory as well as their physical prowess.

Marine Corps Cpl. Trevor Pace, a team leader for the event with Force Company, said the first station of the proficiency training enabled the Marines to exercise their mental fortitude in a stressful environment.

“The gas chamber was our first stop during the PT event this morning,” Pace said. “While we were inside and the gas was filling the room, we had to effectively program radios and memorize different target colors and shapes that we would need later on in the event.”

The Marines hiked from the gas chamber to the top of the infamous 700-foot hill known as the Reaper, where they conducted the M32 Multiple Grenade Launcher course of fire. Each team member fired five shots at various targets before gathering their packs and hiking to the next event.

Safety a Top Concern

While the Force Company Marines conduct similar training events regularly, the Marines’ safety is always a huge concern during any type of exercise, Marzi said.

“Every time we have any kind of training event, we do the most we can to ensure that everyone involved is being safe,” he said. “We want to be positive that all of the proper procedures are being followed so no one ends up getting hurt or worse.”

When the Marines reached the next event, the memorization portion of the gas chamber came into play. While shooting .45-caliber pistols and shotguns, the Marines had to properly identify different shapes and targets before shooting them. This drill allows the Marines to practice target identification, which is an important part of fighting in a deployed environment.

“In country, you have to identify your targets,” Pace said. “If you can’t properly identify your enemy from an innocent person, you could kill an innocent person or put your whole team in danger.”

As the first group of Marines crossed the finish line, they weighed their packs ensuring they were still more than 50 pounds and sat down to rest for the first time since the event started.

FIP: New maintenance team stands up at Malmstrom, will focus on LCCs

by John Turner
341st Missile Wing Public Affairs

11/12/2014 - MALMSTROM AFB, Mont. -- Repairs at the 341st Missile Wing's 15 launch control centers are being attended to more expediently and thoroughly now, thanks to a specialized team recently created within the 341st Maintenance Group.

Designated as the Survivable Systems Team, this small section of maintainers was assembled to dispatch rapidly to the missile field and perform work in underground LCCs. This ensures that tasks like blast door maintenance, hydraulic and pneumatic systems upkeep, and operator chair replacements are prioritized separately from missile and launch facility maintenance.

"Our sole job is to work on capsule maintenance," said Tech. Sgt. Sheldon Mason, NCO in charge of the team. "This team is predominantly set up to go out on a moment's notice for LCC maintenance."

The team's first solo dispatch--described by Mason as its 'maiden voyage'--was Oct. 16. In the course of a 14-hour workday the four-man SST visited two missile alert facilities. The team repaired two crewmember seat pans, identified an air leak in a system, performed an unscheduled shoring of the suspended floor in A-01's LCC, and repaired C-01's LCC blast door. The team also advised missile combat crews and MAF facility managers on LCC equipment and periodic maintenance procedures.

"Both sets of crews treated SST like kings, especially when they began working on the [missile combat crew commander] chairs," said Col. Ken Speidel, 341st MXG commander, who accompanied the team to observe the historic first dispatch.

"By the end of the day, the SST guys were pretty excited about their new work center and the impact they were having on capsule crews, as well as the appreciation shown in return by the crew members," Speidel said.

The SST is one of several initiatives this year that have resulted from Air Force Global Strike Command's Force Improvement Program. FIP is an aggressive, grass-roots feedback program designed to quickly provide senior Air Force leaders with actionable recommendations for improvement by conducting one-on-one interviews and surveys with Airmen.

The three intercontinental ballistic missile wings at Malmstrom, Minot, and F.E. Warren Air Force Bases were approved to each stand up an SST--effective immediately--in response to FIP. Each wing has been authorized six personnel. Additionally, AFGSC has designated $300,000 for tools and equipment for these new sections.

The SST shop was culled from the 341st Maintenance Operations Squadron's mechanical and pneudraulics section and is aligned under the 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron's facilities flight, the section responsible for maintenance at MAFs. This creates a unique situation as MAPS technicians are from the Missile and Space Systems Maintenance career field, Air Force Specialty Code 2M0X2, and as missile maintainers have always reported to the 341st MMXS generation flight. Meanwhile, the facilities flight has traditionally been the realm of the Missile and Space Facilities career field, AFSC 2M0X3.

"We're the first X2s to work under the facilities flight," Mason said. "It was kind of a big deal as far as the Air Force was concerned."

In addition to SST's primary task of LCC maintenance, the shop continues to support missile maintenance teams by performing periodic inspections on self-contained breathing apparatuses. Maintenance teams dispatching to LFs are required to have two SCBA units in their trucks when dispatching to missile launch facilities.

Malmstrom's SST currently has five members including Mason. Tech. Sgt. Robert Jovin is the team's trainer and is currently the sole qualified team chief. Senior Airman Joe Gonzalez, already an experienced qualified technician, will eventually be qualified as a team chief.  Airmen 1st Class Joseph Hall and Austin Bridges, both fresh to the career field, complete the shop's roster for now. The final manning authorization is projected to be filled in the near future.

Jovin said that having a small team specializing in LCC maintenance has benefits.

"Because we have so few people in the shop, this allows us to build a stronger team," he said. "We're dispatching with the same group every day. Everyone is receiving the same training and you have the same communications, so the job is being done the same way every time."

Although the team is a new entity, operations have gone smoothly because Mason, Jovin and Gonzalez are familiar with each other from MAPS, Jovin said. Mason was the assistant NCOIC of that section.

"Being under Sergeant Mason, I'm used to the way he works," Jovin said. "We're on the same page on how we want to do maintenance and how we want to set up the shop. We have the same vision. That allows me to train in the field and team chief from the field without worrying about what's going on in the shop."

Just as the team was assembled from scratch, SST's permanent work center is also being built from the ground up. Mason and his team have been busy remodeling a bay in Bldg. 1439 that has been inactive for years. There was 'a learning curve' as the team scrambled to collect equipment and install computers borrowed from other shops.

"It's kind of a new thing for everybody because we're a completely new section," Mason said. "Standing up a new section isn't something that comes along very often."