Kearsarge, 26th MEU Complete ARG Exercise

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aren Everett, USS Kearsarge Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Sailors from the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (KSGARG) returned to homeport at Naval Station Norfolk July 2, after participating in the KSGARG/MEU (Marine Expeditionary Unit) Exercise off the U.S. Atlantic coast.

The KSGARG consists of the Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 4, 26th MEU, the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), the amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51).

"Our major objective is to make sure we get the Marines where they need to go," said Chief Warrant Officer James Edward Gray III, Kearsage tactical information warfare officer. "In order to do that, you've got to protect the ship from being damaged, hit or attacked. Every ship has a role to play in all of that."

During the exercise, the ARG was tested in every possible type of warfare situation. One of the last exercises was a strait transit, which was like the capstone of ARGMEUEX, according to Gray.

"They threw everything at us," said Gray. "Just watching the communication flow through combat, to the bridge, and then to the warfare commanders, made me think we were doing well. We weren't taking any damage; there was no reason for us to set GQ, so everything was happening pretty smoothly."

"For a person who doesn't know what they're getting into, going on the watch, knowing that it's going to happen, is kind of unnerving," said Gray, "but once you get there and sit in the seat it becomes more like an opportunity to be on the varsity team and play in the big game, so to speak. Once you start doing it you don't want to stop. It's pretty fun."

The KSGARG is scheduled to participate in the composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX), which is the final certification before deployment. Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 4 oversees and conducts both ARGMEUEX and COMPTUEX.

Gray said that this will be the seventh COMPTUEX of his career.

"It's like ARGMEUEX on steroids," said Gray. "There'll be a lot of what they call 'free play' involved, where they'll get off the script and maybe one night you'll wake up to hearing that we're in the middle of doing something with other ships that are not necessarily on our team. It's going to be interesting."

The KSGARG is scheduled to deploy in fall 2015.

121 ARW hosts 3rd Pilot for a Day

by Airman Ashley Williams
121st Air Refueling Wing

7/13/2015 - RICKENBACKER AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ohio -- Airmen with the 121st Air Refueling Wing hosted Madalyn Charles, a 13-year-old from London, Ohio, as Pilot for a Day June 18, 2015.

"Today was our third Pilot for a Day event," said Capt. Cassandra Seward, the executive officer with the 121st ARW. "When Capt. Wonn and I decided to try it at our base, I had no idea how great this experience would be for the honorary pilot, the wing members or for me. It has truly been one of the most rewarding and humbling experiences in my military career."

Charles was diagnosed with Tricuspid Atresia, a form of congenital heart disease where the tricuspid valve is missing, causing the right ventricle in the heart to be underdeveloped.

"Many people take their lives and health for granted," said Seward. "Being able to serve in the Air National Guard is an honor and a privilege that many children like Madalyn will never have."

Charles spent the day at Rickenbacker, experiencing what it would to be like in the various squadrons here.

"This has been amazing," said Barbara Charles, mother of Madalyn. "The military is not something that she's able to do in her future, so for her to be able to experience those opportunities for a day has been really awesome."

Activities included taking a tour of the KC-135 Stratotanker, marshalling an aircraft, taking a tour of the fire department which included a ride on the fire truck, learning about emergency management and interacting with security forces personnel.

"I have been so blessed to be able to spend one day with each of them," said Seward. "I hope we are able to carry on this partnership with Nationwide Children's Hospital and the community for years to come. It is so amazing to see how this unit comes together to support this event."

Working Group to Study Implications of Transgender Service

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, July 13, 2015 – A Defense Department working group will study the policy and readiness implications of welcoming transgender persons to serve openly in the military, and its work will presume they can do so unless objective and practical impediments are identified, Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced today.

In a statement announcing the working group, Carter said that over the last 14 years of conflict, the Defense Department has proven itself to be a learning organization.

“This is true in war, where we have adapted to counterinsurgency, unmanned systems, and new battlefield requirements such as [mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles],” Carter said. “It is also true with respect to institutional activities, where we have learned from how we repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," from our efforts to eliminate sexual assault in the military, and from our work to open up ground combat positions to women.

“Throughout this time,” he continued, “transgender men and women in uniform have been there with us, even as they often had to serve in silence alongside their fellow comrades in arms.”

Outdated Regulations Causing Uncertainty

The Defense Department's current regulations regarding transgender service members are outdated and are causing uncertainty that distracts commanders from DoD’s core missions, the secretary said.

“At a time when our troops have learned from experience that the most important qualification for service members should be whether they're able and willing to do their job, our officers and enlisted personnel are faced with certain rules that tell them the opposite,” he added. “Moreover, we have transgender soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines - real, patriotic Americans - who I know are being hurt by an outdated, confusing, inconsistent approach that's contrary to our value of service and individual merit.”

Carter said he issued two directives today to deal with this matter.

First, DoD will create a working group to study over the next six months the policy and readiness implications of welcoming transgender persons to serve openly. Brad Carson, acting undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, will lead the group, which will be composed of military and civilian personnel representing all the military services and the Joint Staff and will report directly to Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work.

“At my direction,” Carter said, “the working group will start with the presumption that transgender persons can serve openly without adverse impact on military effectiveness and readiness, unless and except where objective, practical impediments are identified.”

Elevated Decision Authority for Administrative Discharges

Second, the secretary said, he is directing that decision authority in all administrative discharges for those diagnosed with gender dysphoria or who identify themselves as transgender must be elevated to Carson, who will make determinations on all potential separations.

“As I've said before, we must ensure that everyone who's able and willing to serve has the full and equal opportunity to do so, and we must treat all our people with the dignity and respect they deserve,” Carter said. “Going forward, the Department of Defense must and will continue to improve how we do both. Our military's future strength depends on it.”

Summer of five transitions encourages innovation

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

7/10/2015 - DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas  -- What if, instead of muting and storing your cell phone during a commander's call, you took it out of your pocket and began typing and texting in plain sight?

At a commander's call hosted by Col. Michael Bob Starr, 7th Bomb Wing commander, that's exactly what happened.

Starr invited Airmen of all ranks to join him for an interactive commander's call by using their mobile devices to view his presentation in a web browser. In addition to putting the presentation in the palm of the audience's hands, the web-based program allowed Starr to perform live polls, display real-time results and allow the audience to submit questions.

To begin his call, Starr acknowledged the numerous transitions the wing will soon experience. "I am referring to this season, for us, as the summer of five transitions," Starr said. "This transition will provide a chance to relook at how we do business."

These transitions include: the B-1B Lancer's transition to the Block-16 upgrade, which is the largest hardware and software modification ever performed on the aircraft, the standing up of an Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center, the establishment of a B-1 classic reserve association at Dyess, the 7th BW's transition from Air Combat Command to Air Force Global Strike Command, and the introduction of the new Enlisted Evaluation System.

"Anytime you go through a transition, it is a good time to reassess where you are and what you are doing," Starr said. "This will help create an innovative culture."

He then took the opportunity to highlight innovative things happening across the installation, including the introduction of a smartphone application created by a Dyess Airman that streamlines data collecting and work order processing for damaged runway sections by geo-tagging the specific damaged areas and the reorganization of the aircraft parts store to more effectively accomplish the mission.

"This is what we do," he said. "We are driven by the need to find creative solutions to problems."

Continuing to encourage innovation, Starr promoted the Big Country Innovation Challenge 1.0. The challenge is an entrepreneurial pitch contest that gives Airmen six minutes to propose their innovative idea for the chance to win $5,000 to put towards executing their solution. The first challenge was held June 26, and there will be and more challenges to come over the course of the year.

After his briefing, he took questions from the audience using the questions submitted to him from the web-based program. In total, there were nearly 300 questions submitted to Starr over the five commander's calls throughout the day. These questions ranged from serious concerns to simple questions.

One common concern was the 7th BW's upcoming transition from ACC to AFGSC. Starr expressed that very little would change with this transition to a new major command. Some questions were about upcoming changes to the Enlisted Evaluation System and Weighted Airman Promotion System. One audience member asked if Chief Master Sgt. Aaron Bennett, who recently became the 7th Bomb Wing command chief, was required to shave his head in order to take the job. Bennett took the floor to assure a clean-shaven head was not a requirement, just a coincidence, since he and Starr both sport the look.

To bring the commander's call to a close, Starr left the Airmen with some motivational words.

"Innovation is part of Airmen's DNA," he said. "This is who we are. It's branded into our culture. It's branded into our tradition. It's part of our core values. It's inherently part of excellence."

Mental health, "To go or not to go"

by Airman 1st Class Christian Clausen
432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

7/13/2015 - CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nevada  -- The clinic buildings themselves aren't scary; add the words mental health and the image of being studied like a frozen caveman, and most people will avoid them like a tiger were on the loose. That's why the 432d Wing Human Performance Team was stood up--to alieve that stigma, provide help and make those who can help easily available.

In the minds of some service-members, there is a false image of the mental health clinic as a dark hole where clearances are lost and careers are ruined. This very connotation ran through the mind of Capt. David, 432nd Wing RPA pilot, as he prepared to make an appointment.

In the previous months David battled depression on a daily basis, his motivation slowly wilted away until he found it a struggle to even find the energy to enjoy playtime with his children.

"I love my kids with all my heart," he said. "It just got to a point where I was under so much stress and felt so depressed. I didn't want to do much of anything."

His troubles began while on deployment. As if being away from his family and missing birthdays and holidays weren't enough, he faced problems with his daily duties.

"While on deployment it felt as if I wasn't a part of the team and while I was doing great work, for some reason I had a negative reputation. On top of that I was having some marital issues," he said.

His frustrations seemed to follow him home, opportunities to make instructor pilot or flight commander passed him by and he saw junior officers with less experience fill these slots instead.

"I felt I was getting ignored for no reason," he said. "I tried my best, I did great work, but I was being bad-mouthed and I didn't know why."

Everything seemed to keep piling up, daily struggles of shift work, lack of sleep, and time away from family combined with a million other things led his mind to start to wander.

"I thought about committing suicide," he said, trembling with the memories. "I couldn't do that to my family. I also remembered hearing that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. I knew deep down my feelings of despair would subside. For the time of despair, it really hurt."

He and his wife decided he needed to get help immediately. While David was still hesitant for fear of career repercussions, at the time, he decided that was the least of his worries.

"I finally had to accept that I was most likely going to lose my clearance and not be able to fly. At that point I knew I just needed help," he said.

David sought out the chaplain for guidance where he learned about the other services of the human performance team. The HPT is unique to Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, and is comprised of the chaplain corps, operational psychologist, operational physiologist, and flight medicine doctor and aims to help Airmen in the spiritual, psychological, physical, emotional, and intellectual areas of wellness.

The chaplain determined David needed psychological help and referred him to the operational psychologist. David met with him for weekly sessions but ultimately it wasn't enough.

"(The psychologist) recommended I go to the mental health clinic," he said. "I was still really nervous, I really didn't want to be put on DNIF (Duty Not to Include Flying) status."

After the nerve-wracking visit to the clinic, David was diagnosed with depression and his fear of being DNIF became a reality.

"When they put me on DNIF I was angry," he said. "I was angry at the chaplain, the psychologist, just everyone."

While he was no longer on flying status, David retained his clearance and was transferred from his flying squadron to the 432nd Operations Support Squadron as the chief of operational planning and exercises.

His frustration and uneasiness started to subside. His new assignment gave him the opportunity to support the operations rather than fly them.

"The change gave me a much needed break," he said. "Now I work a normal day shift with weekends and holidays off which let me spend some much needed quality time with my wife and kids."

Couple a new mission with his ongoing treatment and David began to notice a positive change.

"I felt refreshed, I have more self-confidence, self-esteem, and I'm more sociable and motivated at work," he said. "I even won company grade officer of the quarter for my squadron and I'm getting praise from my bosses. It's been a total change."

If not for the advice and counseling he received from the HPT, as well as, the support from his family, it's possible he wouldn't be here show that he wouldn't have seen this positive change in his career.

"I was very hesitant following the advice from the HPT to go to mental health," he said. "In the end they were right, and I'm very thankful to them and my family."

In light of his new success, David talks about the HPT and shares his experiences to help others who may be going through similar struggles.

"The HPT is a great tool for Creech and ultimately the entire Air Force," he said. "Having all of the members together in one team and each one having high level clearances means they can go into the squadrons and talk to Airmen about how they're doing. They're unique because we're unique."

Along with the HPT, David also wants Airmen to know even if they're on a medication they can apply for a waiver to get back to flying.

"I personally know a pilot who is on a depression medication and was able to get back to flying," he said.

David went on to say, "If anyone is going through hard times and needs help, don't hesitate because in most cases your career won't be affected and you will actually improve it."

David is now back on track both in his personal and professional life and currently has a waiver to get back on flying status in the works.

"I'm so thankful for everyone who has been there to help me and I'm really excited to get back to flying," he said."

1st FW gains new commander

by Senior Airman Kimberly Nagle
633rd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

7/13/2015 - JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. -- U.S. Air Force Col. Peter Fesler assumed command of the 1st Fighter Wing from Brig. Gen. Kevin Huyck, during a change of command ceremony at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, July 10, 2015.

More than 100 Airmen, including Maj. Gen. H.D. Polumbo Jr., 9th Air Force commander and presiding officer, attended the ceremony to celebrate Huyck's time at the wing and its future under Fesler.

Fesler, a pilot with more than 2,000 flying hours, came to the wing after serving at the Pentagon as the Chief of Staff for the Joint Staff and will now take responsibility for the worldwide rapid deployment and employment of F-22 Raptor air dominance fighters in support of combatant commanders around the globe.

While Fesler is new to his assumed position, he is not new to Langley. After completing the F-22 transition course in 2008, joined the 94th Fighter Squadron as the director of operations, and later took command of the 27th Fighter Squadron where he lead the unit during a Theater Security Package deployment to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

Finally, Fesler acted as the deputy commander of the 1st Operations Group before attending the National War College in July 2012.

During the ceremony, Polumbo welcomed Fesler and his family while highlighting some of Fesler's accomplishments throughout his career as well as his qualities to enable the wing's success.

"[Fesler] has a leadership style that enhances, promotes commitment to service and has an impressive track record of success," said Polumbo. "These qualities are essential for leading the 1st Fighter Wing."

Next, Fesler greeted the men and women of the 1st FW for the first time.

"It is an honor to be back here in the 1st Fighter Wing," said Fesler. "Men and women of the 1st Fighter Wing, you are a part of [a] tradition, you are upholding that standard, and as your commander, I am extra proud of that."

Fesler continued to say, he is ready to work with his surrounding partners and community members.

"Thank you for the opportunity to lead the 1st Fighter Wing," said Fesler, "and [help] represent its historical significance."

After two years at Langley, Huyck will continue his career at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, as the deputy of staff operations at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Headquarters Allied Air Command after spending two years serving with the Fighter Wing.

Minot B-52 sortie confirms regional commitment during Colombia mission

7/13/2015 - OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb.  -- A B-52 Stratofortress assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, N.D., embarked July 9 on a 16-hour, non-stop mission to Colombia.

During the mission to the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) area of responsibility, which was closely coordinated with the Colombian Ministry of National Defense, the aircraft conducted a flyover demonstration at the Feria Aeronautica Internacional Rionegro (F-AIR) Colombia 2015 International Air Show.

"USSTRATCOM aircraft regularly conduct training with and in support of the Geographic Combatant Commands, our Allies and regional partners around the world," said Adm. Cecil D. Haney, U.S. Strategic Command commander.  "The aircraft's participation in this airshow and the training conducted alongside our Colombian partners allow our strategic aircrews to maintain a high state of readiness and crew proficiency."

According to Gen. John F. Kelly, USSOUTHCOM commander, the flight also demonstrates the U.S. commitment to regional security and the recognition of Colombia as a key regional partner.

"Our support to Colombia is based on more than just a shared history; it is based on Colombia's enduring importance to our national security. Training missions such as these ensure effective cooperation between our countries," said Kelly.

This is not the first time a B-52 has flown to or conducted partnered training in the Central American, South American or Caribbean regions. A B-52 participated in USSOUTHCOM's annual Exercise PANAMAX in August 2014. The U.S. also participated at the F-AIR Colombia International Air Show twice in the past decade, with participation of a B-52 in 2006 and a B-1B Lancer in 2008.

Face of Defense: Marine Serves His New Country

By Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Garrett White

Marine Corps Forces Central Command - Forward

SOUTHWEST ASIA, July 13, 2015 – Although some families can trace their heritage back to the days of the founding fathers, more recent arrivals often hear the call of duty just as keenly.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Edwin Maldonado emigrated from Honduras to Miami as a child, and now he continues a recently founded family tradition of service in the U.S. military.

“For the first five years of my childhood I didn’t know my mother or father because they had already moved to the United States,” said Maldonado. “In 1993, when I was about six years old, the rest of my family began to get their visas and we all moved to the U.S.”

Maldonado said his cousins were the first members of his family to join the U.S. military.

“I always knew growing up I wanted to join the military, I just didn’t know what branch I wanted to join,” he said. “I had cousins that were already in the Navy and Army, but I wanted to do more than that, be better than them.”

From Recruit to Marine Recruiter

Maldonado set foot on the yellow footprints of Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, January 21, 2004, to begin his career in the Marine Corps.

“Graduating was the proudest moment of my life,” Maldonado said. “My friends and family all came to my graduation … It was a very emotional time. Part of that was because I did this for them -- I wanted to do something that they would be proud of, and when I came home everyone was very proud of me.”

He completed his military skills training as a warehouseman and reported to Okinawa, Japan.

“I think I enjoyed my first two years in the Marine Corps on Okinawa the most,” he said. “It’s where I got to know the Marine Corps, and I had a lot of fun there. It’s also where I decided that this was the career for me.”

Maldonado said he and his fellow Marines in Okinawa talked about the idea of becoming drill instructors. Soon after, he had an assignment to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, South Carolina. He worked there in his primary specialty, but he said he saw firsthand what life was like for the DI's there.

“I saw how hectic the life would be and decided it didn’t fit my personality," he said. "Although I love to teach and train, that just was a different side than what I wanted to do.”

Instead, he decided to become a recruiter, and he submitted his special duty assignment request. Before long, he was on his way to attend the Basic Recruiter Course.

The school was very demanding, Maldonado said. Though he struggled academically, he said it was ultimately his personality and attitude that got him through. After graduating, he moved to Tucson, Arizona, as a recruiter. He met his wife while stationed there, and they now have a young daughter.

Task Force Warehouse Chief

After four years of recruiting, Maldonado is now deployed with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Central Command as a warehouse chief.

Sgt. Adam Becker, SPMAGTF Command Element supply chief, said for the seven months he has known Maldonado, his leadership skills and motivation have made for a lively but effective work environment.

“It was a bit rough at first,” he said. “Two sergeants coming together, both wanting to be sergeants of Marines, but we have since worked things out and now work well together.

“He has a very uplifting attitude so it breaks up the monotony of working behind a desk all day,” Becker added. “It’s pretty good to know that if we need to do something, I can just tell him what needs to get done and he will do everything he can do to help me accomplish it. He is a very hard worker, when he sets his goals he hits them on the mark every time.”

Now in zone for promotion, Maldonado said he plans on submitting another recruiting package once his current deployment is over.

“I always told my [recruits] that if you want to do something, why not go for it?” Maldonado said. “The Marine Corps might not be for everyone, but even if you do only four years, eight years or make it a career, you can take what the Marine Corps has given you and be successful.”