Reserve wing cuts ribbon on $4 million aircraft hangar

by 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs

1/22/2015 -  PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 920th Rescue Wing held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Jan. 12  to mark the completion of an addition/renovation project on Hangar 630 - the wing's fixed-wing aircraft isochronal inspection hangar.

The primary incentive for the project was to expand the structure by roughly 10,000 square feet (from the building's original 17,000), in order to fully enclose the wing's HC-130P/N King refueling aircraft.

Prior to the renovation, Hangar 630 was a "nose dock" - large enough to accommodate all but the tail of the C-130 airframe upon which the wing's HC-130 is built.

The ability to fit the aircraft completely inside the hangar and close the doors allows wing maintainers to proceed with aircraft maintenance operations during all types of weather conditions, as well as to reduce corrosion problems for the aircraft caused by the salt air environment.

In addition to the expansion, repairs were made to the existing building's exterior, the existing interior was painted, and repairs were made to the existing fire protection system. Improvements included installation of 100,000 gallon water tank to supply fire-protection system, installation of a 30,000-gallon underground containment tank for firefighting foam (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam), installation of a bridge crane, replacing high-bay light fixtures, installation of fire protection and alarm systems, renovations to existing fire pumps, coating and painting the hangar floor and other general architectural work (kitchens, offices and break rooms).

Some of the equipment required to fully outfit the hangar as an isochronal inspection dock included maintenance platforms ($1.5 million), an Omni Arm landing gear removal and replacement tool ($70,000), and heavy duty tool boxes designed to house the array of tools required to perform ISO inspections ($50,000).

An Air Force ISO inspection is a thorough examination of an entire aircraft, during which aircraft maintainers look for and repair problems in every system--from nose to tail and wingtip to wingtip.

The 920th performs combat search and rescue as its primary mission, which includes rescuing servicemembers trapped and or wounded behind enemy lines.

Additionally, the wing is responsible for civil search and rescue, humanitarian relief and support of rocket launches. To date, the unit has saved more than 4,000 lives, both in peacetime and combat.

Joint Base San Antonio selected to host AFIMSC headquarters

By Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs Command Information, / Published January 21, 2015

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, was selected as the host base for the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center (AFIMSC) Headquarters.

Air Force officials chose the installation after analyzing operational considerations, installation attributes, economic and environmental factors at four candidate locations.

“Following site surveys at the four candidate locations, we ultimately selected Joint Base San Antonio because almost 50 percent of AFIMSC's subordinate unit personnel currently reside at the installation,” said Timothy Bridges, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations. “In fact, two of AFIMSC's primary subordinate units will share the same building with the headquarters. We believe co-locating AFIMSC with a large percentage of its subordinate staff will allow the Air Force to harness operational synergy as the headquarters matures into full operational capability."

The Air Force expects the first personnel assigned to AFIMSC will begin reporting by summer 2015 with most of the staff expected to be in place by fall of 2016.

The decision culminates a deliberate process that included a review of environmental impacts. During detailed, on-the-ground-site surveys of each candidate base, a site survey team led by Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command evaluated the bases against operational requirements, potential impacts to existing missions, housing, infrastructure and manpower.

The site survey teams also developed cost estimates to bed down the center for each candidate base. The results of the surveys were briefed to the Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, who made the selection.

“The new AFIMSC aligns Air Force-wide installation support authorities, responsibilities and resources under one accountable commander. The consolidation will drive standardized processes, reduce overhead and drive down costs,” said Timothy K. Bridges, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Installations. “It makes good business sense to centralize installation support the way we already centralize other support functions such as science and technology, test and sustainment.”

AFIMSC, which reports to AFMC, will consolidate installation management functions currently being performed at every major command and will serve as the single intermediate-level headquarters for the delivery of installation support capabilities.

On Oct. 1, AFMC became the parent organization for several primary subordinate units (formerly field operating agencies) to include the Air Force Security Forces Center, Air Force Civil Engineer Center, Air Force Installation Contracting Agency, Air Force Financial Management Center of Expertise, Air Force Financial Services Center and the Air Force Services Activity. These entities are currently attached to AFIMSC (Provisional).

Children of Fallen Soldiers Lift Their Spirits at Indoor Rock Climbing Event

The Army’s Army and The Climbing Place to sponsor day of fun for Children of the Fallen™

FAYETTEVILLE, NC – JANUARY 22, 2015 – The Army’s Army, in partnership with The Climbing Place of Fayetteville and Mellow Mushroom, will sponsor a fun day of climbing for Children of the Fallen Project youth and their mentors. The day’s activities will include boulder and top climbing, belay instruction, and an introduction to slack lining, all designed to teach cooperation and perseverance, as well as physical strength. The event will take place from 11am-2pm on Saturday, January 24th at The Climbing Place of Fayetteville, located at 436 West Russell Street, and will also include a free lunch provided by Mellow Mushroom.

“The Army’s Army plans events which help these children–who’ve experienced such a devastating loss–feel and sense the support available in their community,” commented Janine West, Executive Director of The Army’s Army. “We are so thankful to The Climbing Place and Mellow Mushroom for taking part in this event, and for contributing both their facilities and great food.”

The Children of the Fallen Project is a mentoring program established by The Army’s Army to help children who have lost a parent or guardian in the war. Through partnerships with local businesses and Army Community Service Fort Bragg Survivor Outreach Services, the program pairs children with supportive mentors and offers regular events and activities for surviving military families to build lasting relationships and learn valuable skills.

“As a retired military owned business, we welcome opportunities to support soldiers and their families and are honored to be sponsoring this event for the second year in a row,” says Martha Pinkston, Co-Owner of The Climbing Place. “We try to provide a positive environment that encourages family relationships and growth, and are thrilled to be able to help these children strengthen their family ties after facing such a terrible loss.”

The Climbing Place opened in 1995 with the mission of teaching climbing that not only produces physical rewards but also challenges the climber's skills in the areas of confidence, problem solving and determination. Children of the Fallen, whose young members have lost a parent or guardian in war, are often in need of assistance to learn these important life skills.

If you would like to make a donation to The Army’s Army to help support initiatives like the Children of the Fallen Project, please contact Janine West at (910) 709-9671 or jlwest@armysarmy.com.

About The Army’s Army:

The Army’s Army is a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer organization made up of citizens and businesses who have pledged their support to those in the military. We do everything we can to make soldiers, veterans and their families feel welcome, appreciated and safe. The Army’s Army is dedicated to “watching over those who watch over us©.” For additional information, please visit www.armysarmy.com or www.brieffromthefront.com.

Pope reservists go 'airplane mode'

by Sameria Zavala
440th Airlift Wing, Public Affairs

1/21/2015 - POPE ARMY AIRFIELD, N.C. -- Air Force personnel from the 440th Airlift Wing here participated in an orientation flight, Jan. 9.

The  flight gave personnel an opportunity to see how their duties contribute to the wing and to observe the aircrew during a training mission.

"As an airlift wing, it is critical for every member of our team - civilian, traditional reserve, air reserve technician and active-duty Airman - to understand how their hard work pays off.  We are all connected through our Air Force Specialty Codes and ultimately generating C-130H2 combat capability to support national security," said Col. Sharon Johnson, 440th Maintenance Group commander.

Participants were given a standard safety brief by Lt. Col. John Gorse, Operations Group commander, to ensure a safe flight. "Make sure to put your phone on 'airplane mode' and by all means, please have fun today," he said.

The route traveled over areas of Lumberton, Pinehurst, Rockingham and Fort Bragg, North Carolina. While on the flight, participants witnessed a 2,600-pound heavy equipment drop onto Nijmegen Drop Zone at Fort Bragg.

After the flight, participants talked about their firsthand experience of the mission.

"It was nice and enjoyable! It was actually my first time in a C-130. It definitely was an adventure and I look forward to going back up again," said Senior Airman Kenton Waring, a personnel technician for the 440th Force Support Squadron.

"No matter what job you have in the wing - it is important and we want everyone to know and experience a flight in our fleet of aircraft.  When things get tough or we get a bit frustrated with our careers, it helps to know that what we do is important and is connected," said Johnson.

The orientation flight took advantage of routine training by allowing military members and civilians on a training mission that was also a check ride for Maj. Kristie Piotrowicz, a navigator for the 95th Airlift Squadron.

Over the last year, five orientation flights were available to personnel in July, August, and October.

AFMC promotes awareness of heart attack warning signs

Air Force Materiel Command Wellness Support Center

1/22/2015 - WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- February is American Heart Month. The National Institutes of Health reports that more than one million people in the United States have a heart attack each year. Of the people who die from heart attacks, about half die within an hour of their first symptoms and before they reach the hospital. When a heart attack happens, delay in treatment can be deadly. It is important to learn the warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack and know the single most important thing you can do to save a life: call 911 immediately for emergency medical care.

According to the American Heart Association, warning signs of a heart attack may include:

· Chest discomfort that feels like pressure, fullness or a squeezing pain in the center of the chest
· Upper body discomfort that extends beyond the chest to one or both arms, back, shoulders, neck and jaw
· Unexplained shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort
· Other symptoms include: feeling of extreme fatigue, cold sweats, light-headedness or sudden dizziness, nausea and vomiting

Chest pain and discomfort are the most common heart attack symptoms for both men and women. But women may experience other common symptoms. These include shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, and back and jaw pain.

Quick action can save a life. If you or someone you are with experiences chest discomfort or other heart attack symptoms, call 911 immediately. Do not wait more than five minutes to make the call. Contacting Emergency Medical Services as soon as possible will allow for the administration of clot-busting and artery-opening medications that can help stop a heart attack.

During the month of February, Civilian Health Promotion Services will be conducting educational briefings on heart disease prevention and the warning signs of a heart attack. For more information regarding CHPS activities for American Heart Month, visit www.AFMCwellness.com or contact your local CHPS team.

Airman pulls woman from burning vehicle

by Staff Sgt. Siuta B. Ika
99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

1/22/2015 - NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- For Tech. Sgt. Justin Mahana, 823rd Maintenance Squadron support section chief, life is about helping those in need.

When the 17-year veteran learned a coworker's truck had broken down two-and-a-half hours away in Lake Havasu, Arizona, he volunteered his truck, trailer and time to help the junior Airman get it back to his Las Vegas-area residence on Jan. 6.

However, the ride back home would not go as smooth or uneventful as the Iola, Texas, native originally planned.

"After loading the truck up on the trailer, we were on our way back and stopped at a gas station to get air in our tires and make sure everything was good to go," Mahana said. "While we were at the gas station, which was literally around the corner from where we loaded up the truck, I heard a loud crack, so I turned to see what happened and I saw a big cloud of dust. I stepped out to look a little closer and saw a black SUV across the intersection that looked like it had hit the median and was immobilized."

After observing the vehicle for about 30 to 45 seconds, Mahana noticed nobody had exited the vehicle.

"That's the first thing that kind of triggered me something wasn't right," he said. "Nobody else stopped or anything and the car was by itself, so I told [Airman 1st Class Morgan Roberts (Mahana's coworker with the inoperable truck)] I'm going to run across the street and see if they need any help."

As he made his way across the intersection, Mahana could hear the vehicle's engine revs reverberating off the cool desert floor, so he hollered back to Roberts to call 911.

"It sounded like the accelerator was stuck, so I kind of picked up my pace a little bit to see if whoever was inside was okay and I could see a lady in the driver seat kind of moving around," Mahana said. "Her windows were up so I was motioning to her to cut off the vehicle, but she wasn't responding to me. About the time I started around the back of the vehicle, the engine rpms were way high, it was just against the rev limiter and then finally the engine let go."

An avid mechanic and car enthusiast, Mahana said he picked up on what was going on with the vehicle, so when the engine blew, he knew it would crack the engine block and released oil would drench the ground below.

"That's when the fire started; like two big puffs of black smoke and then just flames came out from underneath the car," Mahana said. "It didn't engulf in flames or anything, but it was still smoldering underneath. I ran around the car, opened the driver's door, asked her if she was okay, but she didn't want to get out of the car -- she was holding on to the steering wheel with a death grip."

As the flames grew more intense with each failed attempt to coax the shocked woman out of the car with words, Mahana knew they were running out of time, so he took a different course of action.

"I checked the passenger and back seats to see if there was anybody else in the car -- there wasn't -- so I finally just hooked my arm around her and pretty much just yanked her out and got her away from the car," Mahana said. "I don't think she would've gotten out of the car on her own because she was in shock and just didn't know what was going on."

As the first responders arrived on scene, the fire grew worse, but Mahana was only focused on consoling the middle-aged woman he had just pulled from the burning vehicle.

"I was trying to keep her from going further into shock," Mahana said. "There was tons of smoke and the smell of burning plastic was bad."

After being thanked by the first responders, Mahana was back on the road.

"I'm not surprised at all that Sergeant Mahana was able to carry out those necessary actions, because it's part of his mantra to put others before himself in everything he does," said Master Sgt. Heather Gray, 823rd MXS maintenance flight chief. "And you can ask anybody around here and they'll tell you the same thing."

Seventeen years ago, Mahana entered the Air Force because he wanted to make a difference in the lives of others.

While his everyday job ensures he gets to do that -- the 823rd MXS is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of HH-60G Pave Hawks that are utilized by pararescuemen when conducting combat search and rescue missions as well as humanitarian relief operations -- it's his actions away from the job that shows exactly what kind of man Mahana is.

"I help out wherever I can, it's just the way I was raised," Mahana said. "I don't do anything for the recognition, it's just because it's the right thing to do. Whatever is written up about this whole thing is going to be more than I expected and really more than I wanted."

Rescue reservists secure Eastern Range for total force rocket launch

by 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs

1/21/2015 - PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 920th Rescue Wing successfully cleared and secured a portion of the Eastern Range for the Air Force's 45th Space Wing successful launch the U.S. Navy's third Mobile User Objective System satellite at 8:04 p.m. from nearby Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

The 20-story-tall rocket lifted off from Launch Complex 41 after Airmen patrolled approximately 100 square miles beneath the launch hazard area in two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters to secure the area.

The Navy satellite will provide cellular technology to vehicles, ships, submarines, aircraft and troops. The mission is part of a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Boeing.

The range starts at the launch pads at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and John F. Kennedy Space Center and extends eastward over the Atlantic Ocean to 90 degrees East longitude in the Indian Ocean, where it meets the Western Range.

The United Launch Alliance-built Atlas V rocket flew in the 5-5-1 vehicle configuration with a five-meter fairing, five solid rocket boosters and a single-engine Centaur upper stage.

MUOS is the next generation narrowband military satellite communication system that supports a worldwide, multi-service population of users in the ultra-high frequency band. The system provides increased communications capabilities to smaller terminals while still supporting interoperability with legacy terminals. MUOS is designed to support users who require greater mobility, higher data rates and improved operational availability.

MUOS-1 was placed into operational use for legacy terminal users in November 2012. MUOS-2 was launched in July 2013, and the next MUOS launch is planned for August 2015, according to the Navy Communications Satellite Program Office.

The system will undergo Multiservice Operational Test and Evaluation in December 2015 and will achieve Full Operational Capability in 2017.

MUOS adapts a commercial third generation Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) cellular technology with geosynchronous satellites to provide a new and more capable UHF military SATCOM system.

The MUOS program includes a satellite constellation of four operational satellites (plus one on-orbit spare), a ground control and network management system, and the new WCDMA waveform for user terminals.

In addition, MUOS will provide greater than 10 times the communications bandwidth capacity over the current UHF constellation.

Col. Shawn Fairhurst, 45th Space Wing Vice Commander, served as the Launch Decision Authority for this vitally important mission.

"Congratulations to Team Patrick-Cape, our U.S. Navy partners, United Launch Alliance, Lockheed Martin and all our other mission partners for ensuring another successful mission, our No. 1 priority here at the 45th Space Wing," said Col. Fairhurst. "This was the second launch of approximately two dozen missions we have scheduled on the Eastern Range for 2015. The success of every mission is due to the teamwork of all involved."

"We are very proud of the team and mission partners we have here," he said, "who flawlessly deliver vital space capabilities for our Nation."

More information on the 920th Rescue Wing is available on the wing's official site: www.920rqw.afrc.af.mil and Facebook: 920th Rescue Wing (Government).

*Information for this article was taken from a 45th Space Wing online news story.

Nellis gears up for Red Flag 15-1

by 99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

1/22/2015 - NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Red Flag 15-1 is scheduled to begin Jan. 26 and will conclude Feb. 13. Base officials want to remind southern Nevada residents that they may notice increased military aircraft activity during this time period.

Aircraft are scheduled to depart Nellis AFB twice a day and participate in the exercise for up to five hours. Flying times are scheduled to accommodate other flying missions at the base and provide Red Flag participants with valuable training in planning and executing a wide-variety of combat missions.

According to the official Red Flag 15-1 press release -- which can be viewed here: http://www.nellis.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123433350 -- this exercise will include aircraft from 21 different U.S. Air Force squadrons; C-130Js, P-3s from the Royal Australian Air Force; and Typhoons, F-15Cs and E-3Ds from the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force.

The 414th Combat Training Squadron assigned to the 57th Wing is responsible for executing Red Flag. The exercise is one out of a series of advanced training programs administered at Nellis AFB and on the Nevada Test and Training Range by organizations assigned to the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center.

Red Flag is a realistic combat training exercise involving the air, space, and cyber forces of the United States and its allies.

The exercise is hosted north of Las Vegas on the NTTR -- the U.S. Air Force's premier military training area with more than 15,000 square miles of airspace and 2.9 million acres of land. With 1,900 possible targets, realistic threat systems and an opposing enemy force that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world,

Nellis AFB and the NTTR are the home of a simulated battlefield, providing combat air forces with the ability to train to fight together in a peacetime environment to survive and win together.

Since 1975, Red Flag has provided training for more than 440,000 military personnel, including more than 145,000 aircrew members flying more than 385,000 sorties and logging more than 660,000 hours of flying time.

This year also marks the 40th anniversary of Red Flag.

354th Bulldogs improve in-fligh sight

by Airman 1st Class Chris Massey
355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

1/22/2015 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- A-10C Thunderbolt II pilots of the 354th Fighter Squadron Bulldogs began flying with a new helmet mounted integrated targeting system.

The Scorpion Helmet Mounted Cueing System provides pilots with the ability to rapidly cue sensors or weapons and to designate targets with a high degree of accuracy by simply "looking at" the target or point of interest.

"It's an accuracy enhancement system that's worn by pilots to increase the situational awareness and weapons delivery," said Scott Smithers, 355th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment contractor.

The HMIT generates a full-color image in the eye piece in front of the pilot's right eye, which provides information on potential targets, while in flight.

"It gives us a monocle that we're able to look through to rapidly engage, target and designate things that are on the ground," said Lt. Col. Aaron Redfern, 354th FS director of operations. "It's a great leap forward because it allows us, as close air support pilots, to keep our focus on the ground and support the people on the ground."

The addition of Scorpion to an airplane's weapons system reduces the time required to acquire, designate and engage targets. It also provides the ability to share real time battlefield information between aircraft and ground platforms.

"While you're looking outside on the ground, you can see what your targeting pod is seeing at the same location," Redfern said. "Beforehand, what we had to do was look inside the cockpit to try and interpret the scene, then look outside on the ground and then try and figure out where it was looking. Now we can look at a point on the ground, slave the targeting pod to that point."

Smither said that this new system is a big bonus for pilots as compared to legacy systems because it allows for them to transition from day to night and maintain the same system without any changes.

Technicians from the 355th OSS AFE flight have modified and refit each pilots' existing helmets to accommodate the new device.