Restored aircraft signifies recovery from disaster

by Airman 1st Class Jordyn Fetter
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

4/27/2015 - MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- In the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami in 2011, Japan Air Self-Defense Force members walked dazedly through the remains of Matsushima Air Base, Japan. The remains of aircraft lay flooded along the flightline, many of them F-2 Fighter jets destroyed by massive waves.

Two months after the disaster, an Airman from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force approached one of these F-2 Fighter aircraft and climbed onto its wing. He pulled out a cloth and began cleaning it, unknowingly beginning the recovery process of the beloved aircraft.  

Now, more than four years after restoration began, the first fully-repaired F-2 Fighter aircraft was welcomed to Misawa Air Base, Japan, during a ceremony April 21 that signified more than just a restoration of hardware. It was another mark of a country bouncing back from a period of partial devastation.

It was a recognizable step in Japan's recovery from the disaster because it was the first of 18 damaged aircraft belonging to the JASDF's 4th Air Wing from Matsushima AB to be restored. The F-2 showcased at the ceremony was one of six repaired aircraft scheduled to be deployed to Misawa, which will be the new location for some upcoming JASDF pilot training as Matsushima continues the rebuilding process.

"I was in Aomori, Japan, when [the earthquake] happened," said Yuuki Nara, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management liaison officer. "I followed the news and watched as Matsushima Air Base was washed out. It was devastating."

The disaster struck Japan with a 9.0-magnitude earthquake March 11, 2011, and caused a wall of 30-foot-high water to obliterate parts of the northeastern coast.

In response to the disaster, the JASDF, U.S military and other personnel were deployed to help with rescue efforts. Monetary support, restoration efforts and supplies were among the different types of aid Misawa provided during Operation Tomodachi -- the U.S. operation to support Japan in disaster relief.

"After base matters were resolved, Misawa reached out to the community to offer their service to the victims of the disaster," said Nara. "All I continue to hear about this base from Japanese citizens are good things, especially because they helped us in our time of need."

During the ceremony, members from various JASDF units around the country gathered on the Misawa flightline and welcomed the F-2 Fighter back with roaring applause.
"This shows Japan has being recovering," said Maj. General Hirohide Inoue, JASDF Misawa installation and 3rd Air Wing commander, while addressing the crowd. Inoue said work is underway to ensure all repairable F-2s affected will be restored to full condition.

Since the disaster, thousands of JASDF and U.S military members have volunteered to work at Matsushima Air Base in an effort to restore it to its previous condition. The recovery efforts of those affected shows yet another sign of hope revealed in the remains of a tragedy.

Canadian Navy's Top Officer Hosts Fleet Week New Orleans Reception

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin Wolpert, USS Wasp Public Affairs

NEW ORLEANS (NNS) -- The Royal Canadian Navy's top officer hosted allied participants of Fleet Week New Orleans April 25 aboard the Royal Canadian Navy Iroquois-class destroyer HMCS Athabaskan (DDG 282).

Vice Adm. Mike Norman, commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, welcomed aboard Sailors and Marines from the U.S. and U.K. who are in New Orleans until April 29.

The Fleet Week is a weeklong celebration and collaboration between six ships representing the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, Royal Navy, Royal Canadian Navy and the community of New Orleans.

U.S. Navy ships participating in Fleet Week NOLA include the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Cole (DDG 67) and USS James E. Williams (DDG 95). The Royal Navy sent the Duke-class British frigate HMS Lancaster (F229).

Events throughout the week allow the community an opportunity to learn more about the represented navies and provide Sailors with a chance to learn more about allied Sailors.

With Wasp docked next to the Athabaskan, Capt. Kurt Kastner, Wasp's commanding officer, talked about the friendship between the U.S., Canada and the U.K.

"Any time we get to work with our partners we not only get to show off our naval power but also we get to learn more about our allies and our similarities and differences," said Kastner. "This helps contribute to the strong legacy and relationship our countries have through coordination and cooperation."

Vice Adm. Mike Norman also spoke to assembled Sailors about the importance of cooperation between the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and other allied nations.

"I can't think of partners that have any more in common," said Norman. "We have more in common, more shared history, more shared interests and responsibilities in the future of global security than anyone."

Cmdr. Matt Plaschka, the commanding officer of Athabaskan, also highlighted the interaction with the community and each other. Plaschka reflected on the importance of sharing concepts, practices and traditions to create a well-rounded and strong allied force.

"It is an honor to be here in New Orleans," said Plaschka. "Myself and my crew value the time spent and look forward to all future endeavors with our partners, friends and allies."

International Delegation Honors ANZAC Day in Singapore

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jay C. Pugh, Commander, Task Force 73 Public Affairs

SINGAPORE (NNS) -- Senior officials from Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, the United States and countries across the Asia Pacific region gathered for a sunrise ceremony April 25, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) Day at the Kranji War Memorial Cemetery.

ANZAC Day is a national day of remembrance shared by Australia and New Zealand and commemorates the Australian and New Zealand service members who fought in the Gallipoli Campaign in Turkey, against the Ottoman Empire during World War I. More than 8,000 ANZACs were killed and more than 18,000 injured in the campaign. While the operation ended in failure for the allies and a great loss of life on all sides, for the ANZAC nations it became the genesis of their national day of remembrance, and was also commemorated in Turkey with widely attended ceremonies over the weekend.

"Saturday was special as it was the centenary of the actual landings at Gallipoli. There were over 10,000 actually at Gallipoli this year including warships from New Zealand and Australia. Most of our countrymen and women make an effort to get there at some point in their lives - almost a pilgrimage for those who have completed their schooling," said Col. Craig Stewart, New Zealand Defense Advisor to Singapore.

The Singapore commemoration commenced at 6:30 a.m. at the Kranji War Memorial Cemetery to pay homage to the dawn landings at Gallipoli. Civilian and military representatives from the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore also participated in a wreath-laying ceremony.

According to Stewart, Kranji Cemetery is a Commonwealth War Cemetery. Around 2,100 Australian and 15 New Zealanders are buried there and a further 120 New Zealanders and Australians are listed on the memorial walls as missing. Normally around 1,000 attend the ANZAC service, but this year nearly 3,000 attended.

Among the delegation was Bernadette Cavanagh, High Commissioner of the New Zealand Embassy, and Philip Green, High Commissioner of the Australian Embassy. Rear Adm. Charlie Williams, commander, Task Force 73, and Rear Adm. Giam Hock Koon, commandant, Singapore Armed Services Military Institute, also attended.

"We remember the many service members who lost their lives during World War I and celebrate the enduring partnerships that bring our nations together," said Williams. "Today is also about honoring our longstanding alliance with Australia and our growing partnership with New Zealand with whom we share a common heritage in the Asia Pacific."

Capt. Bernard Wang, Naval Attache for the U.S. Embassy in Singapore participated in the ceremony on behalf of the U.S. Ambassador to Singapore.

"ANZAC day is a day for me to remember all who have sacrificed in war, and how it is our duty to recognize those lives that were forever changed by conflicts of men and nations," said Wang.

AFRL thruster experiment to fly on X-37B

4/27/2015 - WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The Air Force Research Laboratory, Space and Missile Systems Center, and Rapid Capabilities Office are collaborating to host a Hall thruster experiment onboard the X-37B flight vehicle.

The experiment will be hosted on Orbital Test Vehicle mission 4, the fourth flight of the X-37B reusable space plane.

The first three OTV flights have accumulated a total of 1,367 days of on-orbit experimentation prior to successful landings and recoveries at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The X-37B program performs risk reduction, experimentation, and concept of operations development for reusable space vehicle technologies, and it is administered by RCO.

The Hall thruster that will fly on the X-37B experiment is a modified version of the units that have propelled SMC's first three Advanced Extremely High Frequency military communications spacecraft.  A Hall thruster is a type of electric propulsion device that produces thrust by ionizing and accelerating a noble gas, usually xenon. While producing comparatively low thrust relative to conventional rocket engines, Hall thrusters provide significantly greater specific impulse, or fuel economy. This results in increased payload carrying capacity and a greater number of on-orbit maneuvers for a spacecraft using Hall thrusters rather than traditional rocket engines.

This experiment will enable in-space characterization of Hall thruster design modifications that are intended to improve performance relative to the state-of-the-art units onboard AEHF. The experiment will include collection of telemetry from the Hall thruster operating in the space environment as well as measurement of the thrust imparted on the vehicle. The resulting data will be used to validate and improve Hall thruster and environmental modeling capabilities, which enhance the ability to extrapolate ground test results to actual on-orbit performance. The on-orbit test plans are being developed by AFRL and administered by RCO.

The experiment has garnered strong support from AFRL senior leadership.

"Space is so vitally important to everything we do," said Maj. Gen. Tom Masiello, AFRL commander. "Secure comms, ISR, missile warning, weather prediction, precision navigation and timing all rely on it, and the domain is increasingly contested.  A more efficient on-orbit thruster capability is huge. Less fuel burn lowers the cost to get up there, plus it enhances spacecraft operational flexibility, survivability and longevity."

Dr. Greg Spanjers, the AFRL Space Capability Lead and Chief Scientist of the Space Vehicles Directorate, added, "AFRL is proud to be able to contribute to this research teamed with our partners at SMC, RCO, NASA, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Aerojet-Rocketdyne.  It was great to see our Gov't-Contractor team identify an opportunity and then quickly respond to implement a solution that will offer future Air Force spacecraft even greater capabilities."

La. Air Guard deploys to Bulgaria for NATO training exercise

by Master Sgt. Toby Valadie
Louisiana Army and Air National Guard

4/27/2015 - PLOVDIV, Bulgaria -- The Louisiana Air National Guard's 159th Fighter Wing from Naval Air Station-Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, is participating in a bilateral Flying Training Deployment with the Bulgarian Air Force at Graf Ignatievo Air Base, Bulgaria, April 16 - May 5, 2015.

Approximately 150 Airmen from the 159th FW, with other U.S. Air Force assets, are participating in Thracian Eagle 2015 to increase joint readiness and build interoperability with the Bulgarian forces.

Lt. Col. Matt Rippen, 159th Operations Group commander, said the strengthened relationships and engagements with allies would demonstrate the U.S. and NATO's shared commitment to a peaceful, stable and secure Europe.

"We are here to demonstrate our commitment and resolve to our NATO Allies," said Rippen. "Conducting these bilateral training events helps us strengthen our relationships and improve capabilities.

"The efforts of the 159th Fighter Wing bring the vital contributions of the Air National Guard to enable the Air Force to maintain our global presence and forward presence in Eastern Europe," Rippen concluded.

The training missions include U.S. Air Force F-15C/D Eagles, Bulgarian MiG-29 fighters, Su-25 ground-support aircraft and anti-aircraft missile complexes. During the missions, pilots will train on air-to-air fighting and on the Balkan country's anti-aircraft missile defense infrastructure.

"We are going to fly and work together to exchange experience and improve interoperability between our two countries," said Bulgarian Brig. Gen. Ivan Lalov, Graf Ignatievo Air Base commander. "It is very important to understand each other's techniques, tactics and procedures."

48th RQS trains for the real deal

by Senior Airman Betty R. Chevalier
355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

4/27/2015 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- While many Airmen from D-M were finishing up their day, some Pararescuemen were beginning theirs, on the evening of April 14.

The 48th Rescue Squadron conducted a pre-deployment training exercise to teach, train and test Airmen on mass casualty treatment, evacuation, extrication, confined space and collapsed structure rescue.

"This mass casualty (exercise) was different simply because of the complexity of each scenario and the total number of patients," said Staff Sgt. Blake, 48th RQS Pararescueman and a team element leader.

This type of exercise was not one the unit usually practices. The unit combined two rescue teams who were tasked with two missions back-to-back, instead of a single mission. The unit also incorporated the use of realistic helicopters and conex, used as buildings, which gave them the ability to create the effect of a collapsed building.

The initial challenge the Airmen faced during this exercise was to respond to two downed helicopters with casualties. Upon arriving on the crash site, the team came under brief enemy fire. After eliminating the enemy, the Airmen split into two groups to provide attention and care to both downed aircraft.
Once the team was able to remove the patients from the crash site, they then provided initial medical treatment and radioed in two HH-60 Pavehawks from the 55th RQS to provide casualty extrication.

"This was a unique training mission," said Blake. "I haven't experienced anything this complex since becoming a PJ."

The team then shifted to a follow-on mission where they separated again. The first group focused on a 6-story collapsed structure where the PJs gained access through the roof. The few team members who entered the structure had to remove all their gear due to the confined space,. Once inside, they searched, located and removed casualties through small windows and lowered them off the roof.

Simultaneously, the second group handled a 5-vehicle site that was the result of vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices. The Airmen had to work through the vehicles, collecting the patients. They also had to dismember a vehicle to recuse four casualties from a mine-resistant, ambush protected vehicle. By the end of the 6-hour exercise, the team had successfully recovered 42 patients.

"Everyone received experience working as a team in a mass casualty (scenario by) performing a number of (Pararescue) skills that are crucial to be able to execute downrange," Blake said.

The rescue team ranged from Airmen who have never see combat to Airmen who have deployed multiple times.

"The younger guys gain knowledge of their capabilities, limitations and their role within the team," Blake said. "The older guys learn how to become more effective leaders and how to deal with unique situations."

Some of the benefits from this training included communication development, equipment familiarization and adapting as a team to an ever changing environment, Blake said.
This exercise gave the team a glimpse at what challenges may lie ahead in their careers.

"This exercise provided realistic training in a controlled environment allowing the team to work through the elements of stress and complexity that come with the aforementioned types of missions," Said Capt. Ben, 48the RQS Combat Rescue Officer. "It was an overall display of the multitude of mission sets Pararescue could be tasked with performing in any given theater. "

(Due to security concerns, the Airmen's last names are withheld.)

Anderson Sentenced to 42 Months Confinement

by Senior Airman Leah Ferrante
49th Wing Public Affairs

4/27/2015 - HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Major Clarence Anderson III was sentenced April 22 following a three-day general court-martial trial by a military judge to 42 months confinement and dismissal from the Air Force.

Anderson was found guilty of committing six offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice - sexual assault and abusive sexual contact in violation of Article 120; aggravated assault and assault consummated by battery in violation of Article 128; and communicating a threat and kidnapping in violation of Article 134. The offenses were committed in Florida, Alabama and New Mexico against one victim as Anderson changed stations.

"Major Anderson has been held accountable for his action in accordance with the Uniform Code of Military Justice," said Col. Robert Kiebler, 49th Wing commander. "Holloman Air Force Base holds our Airmen to the highest standards and will continue adhere to our Core Values and standards of behavior in order to eliminate sexual assault and other inappropriate behavior."

Anderson was found not guilty of committing two other assaults consummated by battery under Article 128 and one other kidnapping in violation of Article 134.

According to Capt. Ewa Dawson, 49th Wing chief of military justice, Anderson elected to have the trial heard by military judge alone instead of a panel of officers.
Anderson has the option to appeal the conviction.

Lt. Col. Marvin Tubbs II from the Air Force Trial Judiciary presided over the court-martial and sentencing. He was selected by the Central Docketing Office based upon his experience, the nature of the case and his availability. Capt. Peter Havern from Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. served as the senior trial counsel with Dawson assisting with prosecution of the case for the government.

Anderson was represented by a military and civilian attorney. Leonard Morales, a civilian attorney from El Paso, Texas and Capt. Trenton Norman from Randolph Air He was arraigned Feb. 9, 2015 followed by a hearing for pre-trial motions. The trial took place from April 20 to April 22. Anderson faced a maximum punishment of life
in prison without a chance of parole.

"The military justice system is fair and just. We ensure our military personnel are
held to high standards and are made accountable for their actions," Kiebler said. "In
keeping with good order and discipline, military personnel must strive for an environment where professional values and respect define how we treat one another
throughout our Air Force Family."

The UCMJ was established in 1951 as the law that governs military personnel.
Unlike civilian courts, which use Article III of the Constitution, for their authority to
prosecute, the UCMJ derives its authority from Article I of the Constitution and the laws passed by Congress.

For the love of running, charity

by Liz Jacobson
USAFE-AFAFRICA

4/27/2015 - RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Gasping for air. Pushing himself. Going the extra mile. Fighting the exhaustion. Loving those gel packs. Thinking of all his support. Smiling as he crosses the finish line. Knowing he has benefitted his community.

Tech. Sgt. Ioan Gaitan took the challenge and ran the 2014 Air Force Marathon as a representative for the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing and the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa on the Air Force Enlisted Village team. Gaitan viewed the marathon as a personal fitness challenge and a perfect opportunity to give back to the community. Because of his dedication to the AFEV cause and work to spread the cause throughout his unit, USAFE asked Gaitan to run as a representative in the race.

The Air Force Enlisted Village, according to their mission statement, is a non-profit organization that primarily provides a home for surviving spouses of retired military personnel. AFEV focuses on providing worry free living and camaraderie.

The late retired Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Binnicker, AFEV CEO, expressed his appreciation to Gaitan in a letter written last year. "The kindness and commitment of individuals like sergeant Gaitan help us continue our mission to provide a home for retired enlisted spouses."

Running a marathon takes a great amount of dedication. Gaitan trained for four months before the marathon. He said, "My spouse always encouraged me and prepared the healthiest food; by having a balanced meal with plenty of fruits and veggies, I always felt strong during the training phase."

After every physical training session with his squadron, Gaitan ran an additional 10 kilometers. He trained during lunches and on weekends.

Gaitan received enormous amounts of support from his family, friends, and leadership. His wife, Lucia, and their children, Alexander, Philip, and Rachel gave unconditional moral support.

"Our three children are too small to run, but they offered me good company and cheered for me every time I went out jogging with them in the evenings. It was an absolute delight pushing the stroller and singing along with them," said Gaitan.

His leadership was very supportive, offering a great deal of freedom regarding his schedule, which allowed Gaitan to train even harder.

"The fact that my leadership allowed more flexibility to work out a training schedule and then participate in the marathon did not mean that the mission became second priority. Every day I put in the required amount of work hours day like my peers did; moreover, I was even more motivated and strove to deliver good quality work in the timeliest manner possible," said Gaitan.

"The run went great because of the rigorous training program adopted allowed me to finish strong." said Gaitan.

The final stretch of the race was more of a mental battle, than a physical one.

Gaitan had to think to himself, "I am prepared and deserve to cross the finish line."

His constant thoughts of his leadership and the support of his family kept him going. The sideline supporters were a great morale booster and took away the pain of the race, even if just for a short time. Gaitan especially identified with a sign that read, "I bet this was a great idea four months ago."

Gaitan finished second out of the forty-six Air Force runners, only two minutes after the first place finisher.

The run was successful and Gaitan raised $2,613 in support of the AFEV, which is almost 10% of the total funds raised, $30,967. Gaitan believes everything went so successfully because he, along with his organization, adopted the mantra, "The sky is the limit." Gaitan and AGOW achieved their goals five times over.

"It has been a privilege and honor to represent 435th AGOW and the entire USAFE in the 2014 Air Force Marathon! However, I could have not done this on my own. I owe it to my great squadron and wing leadership, my family, the professional organizations like Top 3, Chief's group, and the Deuce Club, as well as the 20 volunteers across the wing."

100th LRS roll out new DUI prevention application

by Gina Randall
100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

4/23/2015 - RAF MILDENHALL, England  -- The issue of preventing drunk driving incidents is ongoing for all commanders and their units. The Air Force can't afford a single loss of an Airman or their family members through a DUI.

The 100th Logistics Readiness Squadron leadership aim to ensure their members are practicing prevention of any future fatalities on the roads on or off-base through drink driving.

"It is my opinion that as leaders we often attempt to address problems for a generation that we often do not understand," said Maj. Michael Boswell, 100th LRS commander. "Since the millennial generation is defined by their dependency on technology, it stands to reason that technology may be the best avenue to deal with this pervasive issue."

Boswell is passionate about the issue and entrusted a member of his unit to come up with an idea.

"Maj. Boswell came to me and asked me to find out a way to make (a tool everyone could use)," said Airman 1st Class Tynisha Spencer, 100th LRS traffic management journeyman from Fairfield, California.

Drunk driving is unacceptable in the Air Force and society, and Spencer saw there needed to be a way forward.

"We had several DUI incidents in our squadron," Spencer said. "We were wondering why we were getting DUIs as people know they need to use Airmen Against Drunk Driving or use a taxi. The DUI application is a way to say you don't have to drink and drive, there are other alternatives, and this is one of the alternatives."

Spencer thought about a simple tool anyone could use when they weren't in control after one too many drinks.

"It's a designated driver application for people who have a plan and their first plan failed," said Spencer. "The application allows the user to call anyone on it without having to go through their whole address book in their phone. It's in one simple place, and it's easy."

There is never an excuse to get behind the wheel while drunk, and not knowing a number to call is no longer a reason in the 100th LRS.

"It's an application on your phone that you press, the icon is always on your screen, you just tap it when you need it," Spencer said. "If you want to click AADD then you just click their button and it asks you if you want to make the call, and you hit call. You don't have to memorize numbers with the application."

The application can be made specific for each person so they can choose who they need to call.

"There's a number for AADD or a taxi company, or whoever you want to pick you up, your supervisor, or if need be, the commander," she added. "It just calls straight to them."

Some people may not call a taxi if they are unsure where their location is, or the taxi cannot find them if they have given an incorrect location, so they feel as if they have no choice but to drive themselves home, even when they know they shouldn't. For people new to a base and country, they may not know the name of the place they are located. This application can help.

"It also maps out your location," Spencer explained. "So if you don't know exactly where you are you can easily send your location in a text message so you can be found. The text message is a map with a pin to show where you are."

The 100th LRS know there is a long way to go to eradicate drunk driving. However, if this application saves just one life, then it will have been worth the effort.

"We can't fully prevent DUI's, but we definitely want to lessen them within our squadron and hopefully one day the Air Force," Spencer stated. "Just now it is open to the 100th LRS to see how the trial run goes and how the squadron works with it. We hope that the whole Air Force will use it in the future and save lives throughout the world."

Boswell is proud of what his Airman has achieved.

"As Airmen we often celebrate renovation of ideas vice embracing and fostering innovation," Boswell explained. "Airman Spencer has exhibited true innovation and creativity and has excelled far beyond my expectations."

Currently the application is completed but in the testing stage to iron out any problems before rolling out across the squadron, and potentially the world.