Fairchild, McConnell tankers fuel NORAD exercise

by Staff Sgt. Benjamin W. Stratton

92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

6/3/2015 - EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- A Tanker Task Force assembled from the 92nd and 22nd Air Refueling Wings from Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, and McConnell AFB, Kansas, respectively, joined approximately 300 military personnel and 15 aircraft in exercise AMALGAM DART 15-2 May 26 through June 1.

This North American Aerospace Defense Command exercise is an annual training opportunity affording American and Canadian forces field training aimed at improving NORAD's operational capability in a bi-national environment.

"It's a great training event that equips our forces, American and Canadian alike, with real world experience working alongside our NORAD partners in a safe training environment," said Royal Canadian Air Force Capt. Stephen Hinks, a 437rd Transport Squadron pilot from Trenton, Ontario. "It's great to see how well we work together as a Tanker Task Force in the High Arctic."

Hinks, along with several tanker crews from Fairchild and McConnell, said the exercise was a great success, and it prepared and trained them for most contingencies that support NORAD's mission.

"It was a great experience working with the Canadians and really honing in on how we can best support each other at home and downrange," said Staff Sgt. Shawna Sims, a 92nd Air Refueling Squadron boom operator from Fairchild AFB.

The exercise spanned two forward operating locations in Canada's Northwest Territory, two U.S. Air Force bases in Alaska and a mobile radar site in Resolute, Nunavut, as well as the sky over much of NORAD's area of responsibility.

U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotankers alongside RCAF CC-130T Hercules and CC-150T Polaris tanker crews had numerous opportunities to practice bilateral aerial refueling with aircraft ranging from U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagles and RCAF CF-18 Hornets to F-22 Raptors, an E-3 Sentry (AWACS) and a B-52H Stratofortress.

"AMALGAM DART helps to strengthen our homeland defensive strategies by practicing the plans we have developed and identifying where we can improve," said Maj. James Lamb, the co-TTF detachment commander and a 22nd Operations Group member from McConnell AFB.

This year's AMALGAM DART built on previous years' training successes when deploying air assets to the north exercising sovereignty operations in North America's northern aerospace and in the High Arctic.

Lamb said the team benefited by the many good lessons the exercise provided.

"This exercise brought together multiple U.S. tanker bases and forward operating assets placing us side-by-side with our Canadian allies," he said. "We've had a great time putting this exercise together and executing the mission. With both countries working together, we can support more of the assets available to commanders for strategic homeland defense."

Carter, Indian Prime Minister Discuss Issues in New Delhi

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, June 4, 2015 – Defense Secretary Ash Carter met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi yesterday, according to a DoD news release issued today.

Carter is on a 10-day trip focused on the U.S. rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region.

The two leaders discussed President Barack Obama’s successful January 2015 visit to New Delhi and agreed to follow up on key outcomes from that visit, the release said.

Defense Technology, Trade Initiative

They agreed to continue to build momentum under the Defense Technology and Trade Initiative, including the completion of two "pathfinder" project agreements, the release said.

Carter also reaffirmed support for the Knowledge Partnership in Defense Studies, pointing to education as a strategic enabler and voicing enthusiasm for working with India to shape the strategic thinking of the next generation of military leaders, according to the release.

The two leaders agreed that the strategic convergence between the U.S. rebalance and India's "Act East" opens more opportunities for engagement, the release said.

They also discussed many issues of mutual concern, including the Asia-Pacific, regional security, and counterterrorism, according to the release.

Carter also commended India's rapid humanitarian assistance following the tragic earthquake in Nepal, and expressed gratitude for India's assistance in searching for the missing U.S. Marine Corps UH-1 Huey helicopter, the release said.

Barksdale unit wins DOD-level award, tops 1,640 agencies

by Airman 1st Class Curt Beach
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

6/4/2015 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- When striving for excellence is the expectation for all Airmen, standing out in the Air Force is quite an accomplishment. One Barksdale squadron has found a way to make this happen in resounding fashion.

The 2nd Force Support Squadron was chosen above more than 1,640 Department Of Defense agencies to win the Fiscal Year 2014 Real-time Automated Personnel Identification Data System Site of the Year Award in recognition of their commitment and dedication to excellence in customer service.

The award is presented to a site that greatly exceeds standards by adopting new procedures or tools that benefit customer service. Mary Dixon, Defense Manpower Data Center director, awarded the Barksdale team a certificate of appreciation from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense Personnel & Readiness for outstanding support of the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System.

"This award is the most prestigious award given to members of our profession," said Nate Waters, Hyperion Biotechnology site leader. "It sets us apart from more than 2,500 professionals competing at over 1,600 locations around the world."

RAPIDS deals with the hardware and software used to produce Common Access Cards and retiree and dependent identification cards for active duty, retired, reserve, civilian and contractor personnel around the globe. The criteria by which a site is chosen for the award are production rate, low card issuance failure rates, training currency, personnel and hardware management, cardstock management, proactive troubleshooting, process innovation, and customer service.

"We as leaders feel comfortable every day when we have teams like this serving our people," said Col. Kristin Goodwin, 2nd Bomb Wing commander. "I want to extend a personal thanks to all of you for making a real difference. People are now looking to you as the benchmark for excellence, and I know you'll continue to keep that standard held high."

Waters says his team has worked diligently to provide world-class service and support, and they are honored to have been chosen from such an elite field of candidates.

"This award is handed out each year but winning the award is a based on a culmination performance and best practices that took several years to develop and implement," said Waters. "We are laser-focused on one simple goal: to take care of the folks who proudly serve the best fighting force on the planet!"

Pregnancy, infant loss group offers support to grieving families

by Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

6/2/2015 - AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- When Brooke El-Attrache and her husband, 1st Lt. Ethan El-Attrache, 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron, arrived at Aviano Air Base, Italy, in 2014, she noticed something was missing.

In late 2013, her older sister, Bridgett, experienced the tragic loss of her stillborn son, Mason.

"She was 40 weeks and three days [pregnant]," El-Attrache started. "She'd gone in that day for her appointment and everything was normal. After her appointment, I took her to Olive Garden and she started going in to labor."

El-Attrache rushed her sister to the hospital.

"Nobody was worried ... until they couldn't find the heartbeat," she said with tears in her eyes. "Then the doctor came in and told us [Mason] was gone."

In addition to El-Attrache's family and friends who consoled her sister during her tragedy, several non-profit organizations helped her with funeral costs, created keepsakes; and most importantly, connected her with others who had experienced similar tragedies.

"I can't imagine anyone [at Aviano] going through that and not having their family here or the support they need," said El-Attrache.

The truth was, when she arrived here, many resources were available for those grieving the loss of their loved ones, like the Airman and Family Readiness Center, chaplains, Military and Family Life Consultants, first sergeants, key spouses, and others; but support from those who'd experienced similar loss were harder to find.

"I started meeting people on base who shared their stories with me," said El-Attrache.
"When I met Ally [Salinas], who suffered three miscarriages, I realized that the support wasn't there."

That's when she established Airborne Angels, a local, non-profit organization, focused on connecting people grieving the loss of a small or unborn child.

"When I lost Chandler it was really hard," said Salinas. "I couldn't leave the house. Here it's really easy to alienate yourself, but I had to come to my own form of healing. When I knew that support was there and that other people had similar stories, it helped me."

Today, Salinas serves as the vice president of the organization, so she can share her story to encourage others and continue healing.

"Talking about this is very hard and some people need to talk about it in their own time," admits Salinas. "We want to be there to let people know support is there and so others know where they can come to offer support."

The group now boasts 44 members and recently held their second major event.

"We hosted a balloon release event, mid-way between Mother's and Father's day, to honor our loved ones," El-Attrache said.

The organization's first event was held Oct. 15, 2014, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. The event, a local International Wave of Light, helped honor the memories of lost infant and unborn loved ones.

Brooke wants everyone to understand that the group isn't simply for the grieving mother, but everyone in the family who mourns over the loss of their son, brother, nephew, cousin, friend, etc.

"We want people to bring their families," El-Attrache said. "Loss isn't something anyone should experience alone."

If you're grieving the loss of a loved one or think you can offer support to someone who is, call 345-425-0032, 342-198-7781, email airbornangels@gmail.com

Team Dover bonds with the Monster Mile

by Airman 1st Class Zachary Cacicia
436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

6/3/2015 - DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del.  -- From the flight deck of a C-17A Globemaster III to pit road at Dover International Speedway, the interactions between Team Dover Airmen and NASCAR professionals May 27 to 31, 2015, led to new experiences for both.

Twice a year, NASCAR races into Dover, and twice a year, Team Dover shows up in force. The Spring races saw NASCAR crew members touring Dover AFB and Team Dover Airmen working side-by-side as honorary pit crew members during the races.

"We're extremely fortunate for all the great opportunities Team Dover Airmen and their families can take part in during NASCAR race weekend, from the race weekend social held here at the base to all the events that take place at Dover International Speedway throughout the weekend," said Col. Michael Grismer, 436th Airlift Wing commander. "We can't say enough thanks for the many ways Team Dover is able to interact with the both the NASCAR and local communities during race weekend."

Team Dover hosted two tours. A tour on May 27, saw Jennifer Jo Cobb, driver of the No. 10 Chevrolet Silverado, and nine of her crew members tour Dover AFB's Air Traffic Control Tower, the Isochronal Maintenance Dock, the military working dog kennels and a static display of a C-17A Globemaster III.

The tour on May 28 saw NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Matt DiBenedetto, No. 83 Dustless Blasting Toyota, his BK Racing team crew members, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series drivers Ryan Ellis, No. 1 Advanced Payment Services Chevrolet, and Travis Kvapil, No. 50 Burnie All Wood Self-Burning Grill Chevrolet, both of MAKE Motorsports, take an incentive flight on a C-17 for a training aerial refueling mission. DiBenedetto and his team also toured the Isochronal Maintenance Dock and the military working dog kennels.

"It was awesome; it was cool to ride in the C-17, especially being up in the cockpit," DiBenedetto said. "It was a lot different being that close to another airplane, for me, it's a lot more sketchy than being that close to another race car."

As the weekend approached, the action moved from Dover AFB to Dover International Speedway. Chaplain (Capt.) Quentin Genke, 436th AW Chapel Lutheran chaplain, gave the invocation before the start of the Buckle Up 200 presented by Click It or Ticket.

"This was the most people I've given an invocation in front of and being on TV," said Genke. "I've gotten texts and phone calls from family and friends across the country saying that they saw me on TV."

The race weekend also saw 60 Team Dover Airmen work as honorary pit crew members for several of the NASCAR teams.
For one of the honorary pit crew members, Senior Airman Brady O'Neill, 436th Comptroller Squadron financial analyst, this was a memorable experience.

"It was amazing to be there for the Sprint Cup race," said Brady. "The availability and access to the crews, the pits, the garages and the drivers was really amazing."

When asked which part of the race stuck out most to him, Brady, without hesitation said the start of the race.

"Just the sound of all the cars starting up and going is something I've never heard," he said.

Looking over communities: Airman rallies friends and family to volunteer

by Airman 1st Class Erica Holbert-Siebert
375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

6/3/2015 - 6/4/2015 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- -- Senior Airman Joshua Rose's view spans 18 miles where he works in the Air Traffic Control Tower at Scott Air Force Base. The communities around the base are nestled in every direction and his job is to track the specks that appear in and out of view in the sky above. His job knowledge is extensive, and lengthy training is required to accomplish his job, but his dedication to his work doesn't stop at his job. He has a passion for giving his time to the towns he sees from 14 floors up.

Rose and his wife Alyson--high school sweethearts from Acushnet, Massachusetts--started seeing a significant need in the community after moving to Scott more than two years ago.

"Whether it was in a school, church, non-profit organization, making lunches at homeless shelters, or a pet rescue, we try to do what we can together," said Joshua Rose. "We grew up in a small town, so when we saw issues like hunger or poverty or disrepair, we thought, wow, we can really do something about this. It's been an eye-opening experience."

He seeks out causes he cares about, rather than just organizations, to fix problems he sees in the community with real influence. He also believes strongly that Airmen should want to help out of their own volition, and not to sign up just to fulfill some volunteer bullet on an enlisted performance report.

Rose said raising your hand is key, but enjoying what you sign up for is important too, and help is needed everywhere.

"You have to believe that even if you help out for a day, you're making a difference. If one person goes to help for every day of the year, then they have help all year round," said Rose. "Even if the difference is small, you've made a permanent impression on folks you've helped, and that's just as important."

He created a squadron community outreach program to gather more members to make a greater and organized impact to help where it's needed.

Master Sgt. Charles Cunningham, Rose's supervisor at the 375th Operations Support Squadron, said even as a new senior airman, he's already shown leadership capabilities far past what is expected, especially through the squadron-wide outreach program.

"He recruits not just active duty members for opportunities, but spouses and friends as well," said Cunningham. "It promotes a camaraderie and a cohesion that's superior. His proactive attitude is just contagious. It's something that reinforces the relationship we have with the outside community as a priceless commodity that we have to maintain at Scott."

The most recent opportunity Rose has found is at the Chakota Therapeutic Riding Center, a nine-horse stable that offers riding sessions to children and adults with cerebral palsy, down syndrome, spina bifida, traumatic brain injury, autism and other disabilities. He brought a crew and volunteered multiple times to enhance the facility by building and tidying up. Evidence of their efforts can be seen in stained wood banisters and the resurfaced ground of a covered arena that riders can use when it's raining.

"I really enjoy bringing others and helping there, because you really feel like you're making a significant difference," said Rose. "Some of the work we've done there is permanent and makes it all the better for riders and their families."

Rose said he has been very fortunate in life, and believes that both karma and his military service are factors in his desire to volunteer.

"I've not had a lot of hardships in life, and I feel if we have the time and assets to help, it's our obligation to help to others that are struggling. If I was in that position, I would want someone to be there to help me," said Rose, "Besides, to be in the military is to be public servants, we fight the wars overseas, but at the same time, if we're stateside, we can't forget about how we can positively affect lives right here in our community."

He said connecting with people in the local communities while volunteering is a good way to strengthen the impact Team Scott has in the area, but that isn't the only benefit.

The thanks he gets for donating his time and rallying co-workers and friends come in small messages, such as when a child comes to him and thanks him for their lunch. The Roses have seen riders at Chakota open up and talk to the horses they're connecting with when they won't talk to anyone else.

Kay Langenhorst, Executive Director of Chakota, said, "Without the volunteers, we wouldn't be able to do what we do for the riders--they keep Chakota going."

Rose said, "You know, at the end of the day, that is why we're here volunteering--to truly make an impact."

ANG Airman receives Air Force Safety Hall of Fame Award

by Senior Airman Jonathan Wooden
150th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

6/3/2015 - KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M.  -- The Air Force Safety Center awarded Chief Master Sgt. Frederick Glass, Air National Guard's chief of occupational safety and career field manager, the Air Force Safety Hall of Fame Award during the Mishap Prevention Workshop in Albuquerque May 12.  He is the first ANG enlisted member to be inducted into the U.S. Air Force Safety Hall of Fame.

Glass is the 15th enlisted military member to receive the Hall of Fame Award, which recognizes individuals who have made singularly unique contributions to safety in general and the U.S. Air Force Mishap Prevention Program in particular.

The award has been given 77 times since its inception in 1977. According the award selection criteria, the achievements of award recipients will enhance the Air Force's mishap prevention program as a sustained superior safety performance, now and in the future.

Glass is responsible for the management of the mishap prevention programs that support 89 Air National Guard wings.  For Glass, what makes one a safety professional is a willingness to share one's experience with those who seek his or her help.

"If we do our job really well, most people will never know what we did," Glass said. "We do not do what we do for recognition by any organization, military or civilian, however, being recognized by your peers in your profession across an entire country is an extraordinary moment and a huge honor for all.  It's a very humbling experience and, on a personal note, validates all the hard work, time and effort we put into our Air Force and Air National Guard  Mishap Prevention Programs across the entire nation."

Deployed JSTARS E-8C mission surpasses 100,000 combat flying hours supporting USCENTCOM

by Tech. Sgt. Julie Parker
116 ACW Pubilc Affairs

6/4/2015 - ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Team JSTARS set a major milestone Friday when they surpassed 100,000-combat flying hours in support of the U.S. Central Command while flying the E-8C Joint STARS out of Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar.

Earlier in 2014, the joint and total force team comprised of the 116th Air Control Wing, from the Georgia Air National Guard; the 461st Air Control Wing; and the Army's 138th Military Intelligence Company, surpassed 100,000-flying hours collectively in support of all combatant commands across the globe.

"Surpassing 100,000-combat-flying hours in direct support of CENTCOM has come about through the dedication of the JSTARS team of Airmen and Soldiers along with support of our government and industry partners," said Col. Kevin Clotfelter, commander of the 116th Air Control Wing.

"The tasking in the CENTCOM Theater during the last 13 years is a clear indication of the value and capabilities that the E-8C brings to the manned command and control, battle management, intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance mission.  This milestone is not ours alone.  Our families and communities that support us every day play a key and critical role," he said.

During the last 13 years of continuous deployments to CENTCOM, the Airmen and Soldiers of Team JSTARS have seen action in six different operations including: Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn, Inherent Resolve, and Freedom's Sentinel.

"Our aircrew, maintainers, and support personnel have proven their ability
to rise above every challenge," said Col. John Verhage, commander of the 116th Operations Group. "They've seen this weapon system through numerous changes for more than a decade; adapting and staying focused on the current fight continuously."

The 116th Air Control Wing is the host wing for the one-of-a-kind E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System. The platform provides the ability to track ground vehicles, maritime and some aircraft, collect imagery, and relay tactical data to ground and air theater commanders.

50 SW Changes Command

by Staff Report
50th Space Wing Public Affairs

6/3/2015 - SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The 50th Space Wing welcomed new leadership during a change-of-command ceremony held here May 29 at 2 p.m.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. John W. "Jay" Raymond, commander, 14th Air Force (Air Forces Strategic) and Joint Functional Component Command for Space presided over the ceremony today that transferred command of the 50 SW from Col. William J. Liquori Jr. to Col. DeAnna M. Burt.

"The role of the 50 SW is vital to the safety and security of the United States," Raymond said. "The capabilities you provide allow commanders to see the battlespace with clarity, strike with precision, navigate with accuracy, communicate with certainty, and operate with assurance over global distances. To the Airmen of this Wing, you are the very best at what you do, you make it look easy and we all know it is not."

Prior to relinquishing command, Liquori addressed his fellow leaders, wing members and community partners.

"I have nothing to say today but thank you," said Liquori. "It was a privilege to lead a wing of this size and importance. You (Team Schriever) are going to go higher, farther and faster than you already have. You're in great hands."

Burt returns to Schriever, leaving her post at Air Force Space Command as Director of the Commander's Action Group. Burt was previously assigned to the installation as the 2nd Space Operations Squadron commander and has commanded at the flight and group levels along the Front Range.

"It is an honor and a privilege to be selected as the 50th Space Wing Commander and I am humbled by the opportunity," said Burt. "This is my third assignment to Schriever Air Force Base, so it feels like I'm coming home."

As wing commander, Burt will be responsible for more than 4,200 military, Department of Defense civilians and contractor personnel serving at 14 operating locations worldwide and operating 69 surveillance, navigation and timing, space situational awareness and communication satellites valued at more than $66 billion. The wing's Air Force Satellite Control Network supports a total of 175 satellites from multiple government agencies. Burt will also serve as the installation commander hosting approximately 20 mission partners whose combined economic impact is approximately $1 billion.

"The 50th Space Wing's Airmen work shoulder-to-shoulder with the 310th Space Wing and are at the heart of our space warfighting capability operating 69 payloads providing game-changing effects to warfighters around the globe," said Burt. "Space operations are a total force endeavor and we are proud to have such a close relationship with our Reserve partners. Together we will continue to advance space capabilities to improve warfighting operations, while denying our potential adversaries the same."

After two years in command here, Liquori is transitioning to his new post as the Senior Military Assistant to the Under Secretary of the Air Force in Washington D.C.

3rd AF commander visits Sweden, speaks with Airmen

by Staff Sgt. Evelyn Chavez
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

6/4/2015 - KALLAX AIR BASE, Sweden -- Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander visited Airmen from the 31st Fighter Wing participating in Arctic Challenge Exercise 2015 here, June 1.

"We have a hugely valuable range space here," said Roberson. "We are able to bring nine countries together, operate from three different locations and put an air war [exercise] together with over 100 aircraft."

During the visit, Roberson was briefed on operations by Col. Klute Erdstrom, Norbotten wing commander, observed mission takeoffs, recognized Airmen for their superior performance and spoke about the importance of ACE 15.

"The importance of these partners coming together is to ensure we can operate jointly down the road," said Roberson. "The efforts of these countries during these two weeks are significant because it shows everyone what our combined capabilities are."

Roberson also discussed how the uniqueness of this type of exercise, in which more than 115 combat aircraft from different nations are flying together in 180,000 square kilometers of airspace, enhances the interoperability amongst Partners for Peace and NATO allies.

"One of the biggest advantages with ACE 15 is the airspace," added Roberson. "We have the largest training space for us to operate in the European theater. Here we have been able to set up our communication systems and network to share data amongst all the aircraft in the three countries the exercise is operating from: Norway, Finland and Sweden."

Participation in an exercise of this magnitude requires teamwork not only amongst U.S. Airmen but also between the other nations. Roberson highlighted and recognized the Airmen whose efforts contribute to interoperability, readiness enhancement and the building of U.S., allied and partner's collective defense through this training.

"Our Airmen here are doing extremely well," said Roberson. "It has been very positive from both sides, with nothing but help from our Swedish partners. It takes a whole team to make this happen. All of the interaction, understanding and building of relationships will pay big dividends for us if we have to work together in the future."

337th TES operationally tests Block 16, INS-R in Asia-Pacific

by Airman 1st Class Autumn Velez
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

6/4/2015 - DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- On May 18, the last of two 337th Test and Evaluation Squadron B-1B Lancers returned to Dyess from a training mission to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, during which the B-1's Block-16 upgrade and inertial navigation system replacement (INS-R) were evaluated on long-duration and trans-hemispheric sorties.

The primary purpose of these sorties was to test the Block 16A upgrade alongside the INS-R to validate the aircraft's latest software upgrades before releasing it for operational use by the B-1 platform.

"The number one benefit of these sorties was that we proved we can take off from the continental United States, fly to a completely different theater, set up our own datalink, mission planning cell, and maintenance contingent and execute missions from this deployed location in an extremely short period of time, with a relatively small logistical footprint," said a 337th B-1 instructor pilot.

Block-16 is an overarching software update that controls and integrates all hardware modifications under the integrated battle station program, which is comprised of the vertical situation display upgrade, central integrated test system and the fully-integrated data link.

By introducing Block-16A, it is making interface for pilots and weapons officers of the B-1 more intuitive.

"Block 16 and its refinements will prove to be a game changer for the B-1," said the 337th TES director of operations. "Not only does it add capabilities and increase situational awareness within the jet but it adds invaluable situational awareness on where we are and what we are doing."

Block-16A has improved upon the Block-16 upgrade, easing the crew's interface with the new software and making the B-1's integration with other air assets more seamless.

"The 337th TES has spent a considerable amount of time running the jet through the wringer at multiple integration opportunities," said 337th TES director of operations. "In almost every case, package players routinely commented on how much easier it was for them to integrate with us, based simply on having continuous, accurate information on our location and situation."

Prior to these sorties, a B-1 outfitted with Block 16A INS-R had not yet crossed the equator or the international date line.  In the past, other aircraft have experienced navigational issues on their first global sorties.

"As we make the transition from Air Combat Command to Global Strike Command, these sorties demonstrate the global capabilities of the B-1B Lancer, which is our mission," said 337th TES director of operations.

In addition to demonstrating the B-1's long-range strike capability, the training mission provided an opportunity for B-1 aircrews to develop tactics, techniques and procedures for maritime air operations.

Also while in the Asia-Pacific region, the 337th TES had the chance to integrate with the B-52H of the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron. During their integration, the aircraft simulated close-air support and Joint Air to Surface Standoff Missile strikes, enhancing the interoperability of the bombers in preparation for the B-1's transition to Global Strike Command. 

"While in Guam, we were able to mission plan with the B-52s in their environment, garnering insight into abilities, limitations and factors that go into planning and executing a B-52 mission," said a 337th B-1 instructor pilot. "We were also able to open the eyes of the B-52 unit to our current and future capabilities."

The 337th is set to complete testing on Block-16A by the end of the summer.

Face of Defense: ‘Captain America’ Rescues Motorists From Fiery Crash

By Ben Abel

Fort Bragg Garrison Public Affairs Office

FORT BRAGG, N.C., June 4, 2015 – Army Capt. Steve Voglezon can only laugh when asked how he feels about the nickname that he received when he risked his personal safety on May 17 to help rescue three badly injured motorists from a terrifying car crash and fire.

Given that Voglezon was wearing a Captain America T-shirt in the course of his heroics, his new nickname, “Captain America,” was bound to happen after video of the accident and rescue scene were broadcast on a national morning news program.

The video went viral online within minutes of the broadcast.

Voglezon, a missile defense officer assigned to the 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, was traveling north on his way from the Fort Bragg area for a day of shopping when he drove up to the scene of two badly mangled vehicles on a rural road.

Approaching the Accident Wreckage

Voglezon approached a damaged silver sport utility vehicle and found the driver to be alert, but injured.

“As we were pulling him out we saw that he had an open fracture on his right ankle. I grabbed his torso and two others grabbed one leg, then the other leg, and we took him about one hundred yards from the crash and the fire,” Voglezon recalled.

“I talked to him and said, ‘Hey, what’s your name?’ He said it was Marc and I asked him, ‘Where are you from?’ and he said, ‘Cary (North Carolina).’ I said, ‘Hey, I’m Steve, nice to meet you.’”

Voglezon said he then put a tourniquet below the man’s knee.

“I heard an explosion afterwards, and I looked up and saw Sgt. Green from the Chatham County Sheriff Department over by the red car, by himself, trying to get in the car,” Voglezon added.

Extracting an Injured Driver

Both doors were jammed, so Voglezon and Green decided to use fire extinguishers provided by homeowners in the area to break the red car’s windows. The driver was extracted soon afterward, and Voglezon and the deputy turned their attention to the driver’s wife, who was wedged into the crushed side of the car, now consumed in flames.

The passenger was eventually freed by first responders who relieved Vogleson and Green from their rescue efforts.

A Soldier’s Duty

When asked why he took the action he did, in spite of the obvious danger of explosions, Voglezon said it was his duty as a soldier.

“I realized I was the only one there who could help. So I ran forward to see what I could do,” Voglezon said.

“I’m not a medic, I’m not infantry ... just the basics. We go through training annually, combat lifesaver, that’s all I have,” he said of his medical experience.

The air defense officer will relinquish battery command in the coming weeks and will attend training to become an Army acquisition officer.

When asked how he feels about being called a hero, the captain is quick with modesty.

“I’m not [a hero]. I was there with at least 10 other people helping as well,” Voglezon said. “We have first responders, police, firefighters, EMS and military all over the world who do this every day. I just happened to be there with a camera rolling.”