AF sends aircraft to support disaster-assistance operations in Nepal

By DoD News, Defense Media Activity, / Published April 26, 2015

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The U.S. has sent an Air Force aircraft to Nepal to deliver personnel and cargo in support of disaster-relief operations, according to Pentagon spokesman Army Col. Steve Warren.

A 7.9-magnitude earthquake hit the country yesterday, reportedly leaving almost 2,500 dead, about 6,000 injured and thousands more still missing. In addition, thousands of people are currently reported to be without food, water or shelter.

"This morning at approximately 11:18 a.m., a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster (III) departed from Dover Air Force Base bound for Nepal," Warren said in a statement released April 26. "The aircraft is transporting nearly 70 personnel, including a USAID Disaster Assistance Response Team, the Fairfax County Urban Search and Rescue team and several journalists, along with 45 square tons of cargo."

The flight is expected to arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, on April 27, according to Warren.

The initial estimated cost for the U.S. Defense Department's support is approximately $700,000, and there are currently no additional requests for DOD support, officials said on background.

There are 26 DOD personnel and one U.S. C-130 Hercules in Nepal who were there to conduct a previously scheduled training exercise. All DOD personnel in Nepal are accounted for, officials said.

Kunsan takes flight at Max Thunder 15-1

by Senior Airman Taylor Curry
8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

4/26/2015 - GWANGJU AIR BASE, Republic of Korea  -- Wolf Pack Airmen joined other members of U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps and Republic of Korea Air Force units at Gwangju Air Base, ROK, for Exercise Max Thunder 15-1 April 10 through 24.

"This is the seventh year of Max Thunder, and its core principles remain much the same today as when it began," said Col. Brian Carr, 51st Fighter Wing vice commander and Max Thunder 15-1 deployed forces commander. "These intricate scenarios continue to focus on the combined and joint integration of air power across many disciplines while enhancing the capability of ROKAF and U.S. flying units to conduct combat air operations together."

Max Thunder is a regularly scheduled flying exercise held twice per year and is the largest flying exercise held on the Korean Peninsula. This latest exercise included more than 750 U.S. personnel, approximately 170 of those hailing from Kunsan Air Base.

"This iteration of Max Thunder was a great opportunity for Wolf Pack Airmen to work alongside our fellow Air Force, Marine and ROKAF counterparts at an unfamiliar base," said Col. Ken "Wolf" Ekman, 8th Fighter Wing commander. "Practicing realistic combat scenarios in a different environment not only sharpens our own capabilities, but makes us stronger as a combined force. This ultimately enhances the Alliance's ability to fight tonight."

A major objective of this large-scale employment exercise involved increasing U.S. and ROK interoperability with dissimilar aircraft, enabling aircrew members to be battle-ready for any potential situation.

"This was a golden opportunity to mission plan together and to better understand each other's capabilities," said Lt. Col. Elika Bowmer, Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 225 commanding officer. "Putting all these units in one place and having face-to-face conversations forces us to break down communication barriers and exchange ideas, making us more tactically fit to counter any threats."

While Max Thunder exercises generally aim to strengthen interoperability between U.S. and ROK airpower assets, a particular goal for this exercise was to increase combined command and control and intelligence coordination.

"This was the first time we co-located our U.S. and ROKAF exercise staff intel representatives, and this integration had an extremely positive impact on our exercise scenarios," said Maj. Erik Axt, 7th Air Force chief of training and Max Thunder 15-1 exercise director. "We were able to plan and execute more sorties than at any previous Max Thunder, which provided ample training opportunities for our pilots to practice combined operations."

While Wolf Pack pilots flew multiple sorties throughout the two-week period, maintainers focused on getting the jets in the air.

"My mission is to make sure these jets fly," said Staff Sgt. Christopher Conley, 8th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron jet engine mechanic. "It's an amazing feeling being able to operate here at Gwangju with our ROKAF brothers and sisters. I really appreciate the opportunity to learn from them and see the differences between our operations. I look forward to participating in future exercises with them."

Fire, emergency services wins Air Force-level award

by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Sutton
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

4/27/2015 - OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea  -- Team Osan's fire emergency services flight recently won the Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Ralph E. Sanborn Fire Department of the Year award for the Medium Base category.

They will now represent the Air Force in the upcoming Department of Defense Fire & Emergency Services Annual Awards which Program recognizes the accomplishments and honors of Department of Defense fire departments, fire officers and firefighters.

"This award is significant for us because we pride ourselves on being the best and that means being mission-ready all day, every day," said Tech. Sgt. Kevin Henderson, 51st Civil Engineer Squadron assistant chief of plans and programs. "In fire protection it's our passion to protect those who live and defend them as members of Team Osan. Being recognized at the Air Force level is quite an honor as it illustrates the true spirit of what we do as a fire department and as a team."

Henderson, a native of Grand Rapids, Mich., explained the Team Osan fire department is responsible for protecting the more than 10,000 personnel and dependents assigned to the 51st FW, Headquarters 7th Air Force, and other U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps units.

"Our department has the opportunity to provide expert services to such a wide-range of units," said Henderson. "One unique aspect of our department is the relationship we have with the Korean National Firefighters. It's very important as they are truly the continuity allowing our department to be successful. Like every organization here, the turnover rate of the average one-year tour can make things difficult, however we couldn't ask for more professional Korean Nationals than what we have in our department."

Currently there are 13 Korean National firefighters working alongside Airmen assigned to the 51st CES fire emergency services flight.

"We like to work alongside the military firefighters and get along well with them," said Chong Kyu Han, 51st CES firefighter. "I wish they could stay longer than one year so we can keep the teams together longer."

Short tours are one challenge Team Osan firefighters deal with while operating in settings unlike any other, and therefore require fire protection specialists with training unlike any other.

"Simply put, we train... whether it's an aircraft, vehicle, in-doors or outside, we carry a mindset not just to train until we get it right, but rather until we can't get in wrong," said Henderson. "The Airmen in our department are not told to be simply firefighters; they choose to follow their passion to save life and property."

The fire department provides assistance to the base and local community through an average of 700 emergency responses each year.

"Those you sweat and bleed with become like family in a short period of time," said Henderson.  "I need to know and trust that my brothers and sisters can and will perform, especially when my life depends on how well they trained and are able to execute."

Even the brand-new fire protection specialists assigned here have to train, endure, battle and manage a range of potentially destructive and hazardous fires.

"This is my first assignment and I couldn't be more excited," said Airman 1st Class Harley Love-Hall, 51st CES fire protection apprentice from Sullivan, Mo. "Our department and the Wing's missions are so important to the Korean Peninsula. I'm proud to be a part of defending the freedom of over 51 million people."

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.