Fuel Tank Return to Service Completed by NAVSUP FLC Sigonella

From NAVSUP FLC Sigonella Public Affairs

SIGONELLA, Sicily (NNS) -- Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Sigonella successfully completed a fuel tank return to service evolution on July 31, an event that occurs about once every ten years per tank.

The five-day return to service operation for a bulk fuel tank at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella commenced on July 27 and was led by NAVSUP FLC Sigonella Fuels Officer Lt. Rosanne Witt and her team of eighteen Sailors.

Department of Defense fuel tanks undergo a formal inspection program called the American Petroleum Equipment Standard 653 to ensure the integrity of tanks and compliance with all U.S. and host nation environmental standards, and to strive to be good stewards of the environment.

During a fuel tank inspection, a tank is drained so all structural components are visible. A certified tank inspector conducts the inspection and upon completion, the inspector will provide a statement listing necessary repairs. Once the required maintenance is complete, the inspector will certify that a tank is suitable for return to service.

Throughout the inspection and return to service process for the NAS Sigonella bulk fuel tank, Capt. Chris Parker, NAVSUP FLC Sigonella commanding officer, certified that all federally mandated paperwork was thoroughly reviewed and approved all standard operating procedures.

Witt's team returned the NAS Sigonella bulk tank to full operational service over a five-day period, July 27-31. They filled the tank daily with defined increments of fuel and observed for 8 hours. The team also maintained a 24-hour watch bill to observe the tank for any potential leaks.

The Sailors kept vigilance during the procedures and completed the operation successfully despite temperatures higher than one hundred degrees Fahrenheit.

During the evolution, the NAVSUP FLC Sigonella fuel department continued to supply fuel support to aircraft at the facility. Even while experiencing a three-fold increase in normal fuel demand, the team maintained operational support. On average, Naval Air Station Sigonella demands about 1 million U.S. gallons of fuel per month.

In May, NAVSUP Global Logistic Support (GLS) Commander Rear Adm. James McNeal issued a new fuel tank return to service policy in order to better assess contract work completion and provide another set of eyes to review the return to service operating procedures. This policy requires commanding officers are involved in the process and ensures that operations are carried out safely with minimal risks to personnel and the environment.

NAVSUP FLC Sigonella, one of eight fleet logistics centers under NAVSUP Global Logistics Support, provides global logistics, business and support services to fleet, shore and industrial commands of the Navy, Coast Guard, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army and allied forces. Services include contracting, regional transportation, fuel, material management, household goods movement support, postal and consolidated mail, warehousing, global logistics and husbanding, hazardous material management, and integrated logistics support.

NAVSUP GLS provides global logistics for a global Navy. The organization is made up of more than 6,500 military and civilian logistics professionals operating from 105 locations worldwide providing an extensive array of integrated global logistics and contracting services to Navy, Marine Corps, joint operational units, and allied forces across all warfare enterprises.

CNO Hosts Japanese Counterpart

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Julianne Metzger, CNO Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert hosted Admiral Tomohisa Takei, Chief of Staff, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), for a day-long counterpart visit in the metropolitan DC area July 29.

"Admiral Takei is going to bring the Japanese-American alliance into a new chapter," said Greenert. "We are about to move forward, over his tenure, into a really unprecedented opportunity for the security of northeastern Asia and the Asia-Pacific region."

The visit began with a Full Honors Ceremony in Leutze Park at Washington Navy Yard. After short welcoming remarks from Greenert the event featured an inspection of troops by Takei as well as a pass and review.

Afterward, both leaders visited with cadets from the Naval Sea Cadet Band of the West (BOTW) San Francisco Bay area and Henry E. Mooberry Division, United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps.

Following the ceremony, the two naval leaders and respective delegations held a bilateral meeting nearby. The group discussed the ongoing importance that both nations place on maintaining a robust and cooperative maritime relationship to achieve strength and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

"Our alliance with Japan and our relationship with Japan, with the JMSDF, is the most critical element for security for Asia and for this world, today," said Greenert.

Takei also visited U.S. 10th Fleet/U.S. Fleet Cyber Command and met with U.S. Fleet Cyber Command Commander Vice Adm. Jan Tighe, at Ft. Meade, Maryland.

Later, Takei spoke at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. At the event, "From Ocean of War to Ocean of Prosperity," Takei discussed the development of the U.S.-Japan relationship, Japan's role in the region, and the future of a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific.

Greenert, having lived and served in Japan, said the continuing strong partnership between the U.S. and Japan will increase and foster global partnership in maritime security.

"We're moving into multilateral, now we're incorporating India, Australia and with other navies in and around the world," said Greenert. "We are entering a new realm of cooperation."

Team Dover is StormReady

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

8/4/2015 - DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- An Air Force installation, like any type of community, is vulnerable to natural disasters. While Travis AFB, California must prepare for earthquakes, and Offutt AFB, Nebraska must be ever vigilant for the threat that tornados pose; Dover AFB, like all bases along the East Coast must be ready to handle an onslaught of hurricanes and other severe weather.

To recognize Dover AFB's achievement of earning the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration  StormReady certification, Greg Heavener, NOAA meteorologist, presented the base with a StormReady outdoor sign July 29, 2015, at Dover AFB, Delaware.

"On behalf of our agency and the Delaware State Advisory Board, I congratulate you, Dover Air Force Base, for becoming the 89th military installation in the country to become StormReady," said Heavener. "StormReady is a program where we are addressing the need for higher levels of community awareness in order to minimize the loss of life and property from episodes of extreme weather."

The StormReady certification applies to communities, counties, universities, military bases, commercial enterprises and other groups that are better prepared to save lives from the onslaught of severe weather through advanced planning, education and awareness. Each year, Americans cope with an average of 100,000 thunderstorms, 10,000 severe thunderstorms, 5,000 floods or flash floods, 1,000 tornadoes and 2 land-falling deadly hurricanes. Many of these directly affect Dover AFB, its mission and the lives of those who work and live on the base.

Dover AFB is only the 89th U.S. military installation to achieve this certification, a distinction that applies to only 1 percent of all military installations. This initiative to achieve this certification was spearheaded by 436th Civil Engineer Squadron's Readiness and Emergency Management Flight, more specifically the work of the flight's commander, Capt. Ronda Underwood, and Staff Sgt. Joseph Davis, 436th CES emergency manager.

"It was a four-part process," explained Underwood.

First off, the Readiness and Emergency Management Flight filled out an application that was sent forward to NOAA. From there, NOAA officials made a site visit to Dover AFB to evaluate the base's communications, processes and emergency management. Next, emergency management Airmen visited a NOAA weather service station in New Jersey to receive a better understanding of NOAA, the National Weather Service and their functions and process. Once these were complete, the application went up to the StormReady certification board. The members of this board voted and elected that Dover AFB is StormReady.

"The certification lets our off-base emergency management partners know when they see that sign, that we are prepared to handle storms," said Underwood. "And that our folks are educated, that we have plans in place."

The new StormReady sign is scheduled be installed near Dover AFB's main gate.

"The biggest thing is when you drive onto base, you know you're coming somewhere that has taken the time, taken the forethought, and that we've went ahead and prepared," said Davis.

No community is storm proof, but StormReady can help communities save lives.

"What we do here is pretty darn important," said Col. Michael Grismer, 436th Airlift Wing commander. "We are putting ourselves in a window where we've got a very short runway and hurricane season is coming up. I want nothing better than the best chance to do our business, and to do it safely in the event of an East Coast hurricane."

Speaking on the new StormReady sign, Grismer said, "This is good advertising for everyone who comes on base, that we've got our head in the game."

Mobility Airmen provide care to stranger during fire emergency

by Staff Sgt. Stephenie Wade
Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

8/4/2015 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Maj. Jim Cote was driving to his new job at Air Mobility Command Headquarters, July 29, when he saw a man on fire on the side of the road in Shiloh, Illinois.

According to St. Clair County authorities, the riding lawnmower operator attempted to mow too close to a ditch.  The mower overturned, trapping the operator and dousing him with gasoline.  Seconds later, the gasoline ignited.

"Just within a matter of seconds, he burst into flames," said Cote, an Air Force aero-medical nurse. He said the man came running out of the area engulfed in flames.

Cote was the first person on scene and as he instinctively rushed to aid the seventy-four year old victim, he immediately applied his military and medical training.

"I ran across the street ... to put the flames out with my uniform shirt," Cote said. "Then others, including more Airmen, stopped to help.  It took about three ABU [Airmen Battle Uniform] tops before [the flames were extinguished]."

All the while, Cote said the mower was still on fire only ten feet away.  The victim was airlifted from the scene minutes later.

Shortly after, the local community learned that the elderly man did not survive.

Cote has been a nurse for more than seventeen years and says, from his experiences, it helps to talk about these traumatic situations.

Cote concluded, "While I am still not sure how you train for this situation, I think my years of Air Force training probably taught me to just react, despite the danger, to do what [I] can to help someone in need."

From Alpha to Bravo, what it means for Team Malmstrom

by Airman 1st Class Magen M. Reeves
341st Missile Wing Public Affairs

8/3/2015 - MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont.  -- All across the U.S., Airmen, families, and other base personnel are experiencing an increase of the military bases' force protection conditions.

Force protection conditions range from Normal, Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, to Delta. Normal means that there is no threat of terrorist activity. Bravo has a possibility of terrorist activity. And in Delta, a terrorist attack has taken place in the immediate area.

With the increase from Alpha to Bravo, several security measures on base have changed. These changes include, but are not limited to, 100 percent vehicle occupancy ID checks at the gate and random individual vehicle inspections. These changes have not only effected Malmstrom but Department of Defense facilities nationwide.

Base leadership and security forces across the country are stressing the message to the base populace that Force Protection Condition Bravo is in the best interest for the base.

"Increased ID checks are important," said Senior Master Sgt. Mark Chasteen, 341st Security Forces Squadron operations superintendent. "It's important because we need to ensure that there are no unauthorized person or persons gaining access to Malmstrom to keep the base populace safe."

In Bravo, SFS vehicle searchers are looking for anything that is out of the ordinary. The vehicle searches are randomly determined by the time of day.

"We must protect our bases and service members everywhere if we are to be able to protect our country," said Airman 1st Class Jordan Dozier, 741st Missile Security Forces Squadron.

Security forces has increased the manpower at the gate to help off-set the traffic. Multiple lanes are also opened up when the line at the gate becomes too long. Part of the SFS Defenders' mission is to move traffic as quickly as possible but still uphold security requirements to allow people on base safely.

"Security Forces is here to protect personnel and property," said Chasteen. "There's nothing personal behind the random checks. Have patience with the Defenders."

The change in the force protection level occurred due to several reported instances of terrorist threats.

"A generalized warning went out across the U.S. of the possibility of higher threats across military organizations or bases," said Chasteen.

There are several precautions Airmen, families and base personnel can take to minimize the likelihood of being attacked.

"Always stay alert. Keep vigilant. Report anything out of the ordinary," said Chasteen. "Force protection is everyone's job, not just Defenders'."

Suspicious activity includes, but is not limited to, individuals loitering outside the gate or taking pictures of the base from outside the fence. Also, off base encounters should be taken seriously as well. Possible offenders try to gain information by stalking or asking invasive questions about personal lives and base activities. If any of these individuals are seen, report it to SFS or the Eagle Eye program through Operations of Special Investigations.

"The enemy is learning to blend in and they're looking like everyone else," said Dozier.

Force protection conditions are put in place to assure the safety of the base populace. It also serves to deter present and future acts of terrorism against Malmstrom's Airmen, friends and families.

"I think in today's world it is important to take extra precautions," said Dozier. "We have families on base that could be vulnerable, and as the Force Protection Condition Bravo change is DOD wide, it is a response to a changing world and an evolving threat."

Security Forces tryouts seeks 'dangerous dozen' to train for Global Strike Challenge

by John Turner
341st Missile Wing Public Affairs

8/3/2015 - MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- For Malmstrom's Defenders, the road to Global Strike Challenge 2015 starts with a three-mile run -- and that's just getting started.

Tryouts for the 341st Missile Wing's Global Strike Challenge security forces team were held July 27-31 at the fitness center. Each day, candidates from the 341st Security Forces Group submitted to almost three grueling hours of push-ups, pull-ups, crunches, calisthenics, sprints and drills.

Of the 16 hopefuls who tried out, 12 will be selected to continue specialized training to hone their combat skills including land navigation, urban operations, weapons employment and close-quarters battle. After six weeks of training and team-building exercises, including two weeks of working on shooting dynamics at Fort Harrison, Montana, the candidates will vote for the six amongst them who will ultimately represent Malmstrom at Global Strike Challenge 2015.

"What's unique about our process for security forces for this competition is we identify people through tryouts," said Tech. Sgt. Anthony Richards, 341st Missile Security Forces Squadron flight leader and head coach for the wing's Global Strike Challenge forces team. "We compete to train and then we compete to be on the final team. At all times, people are vying for a position and they can never rest because at any time you could be overcome by somebody else."

This process gives trainers a true indication of each candidate's personality, motivation and skill level, Richards said. Under his guidance, last year's team brought home the Charlie Fire Team trophy for Best Security Forces Group and the Best Security Forces M4 Shooter award, overall proof that the system works.

The initial tryouts decide more than each candidate's physical stamina. They also reveal how candidates make decisions under stress, show leadership and followership, and accept opinions from other team members regardless of rank.

At one station during tryouts, candidates had to assemble five weapons laid out on a table and rank them in order of effective range. At another station, candidates memorized the contents of a box to recite back later in the day. Interspersed between were tire flips, bear crawls, flutter kicks, burpees and buddy carries.

"The hardest part is we don't have much time to assess people and I can't assess all the things I'm looking for," Richards said. "We do the best we can to see people's attitudes in stressful situations. Obviously their physical training is a point but as soon as we find out they're fit, it's 'you're fit, we get it.'"

There are specific requirements that will influence the composition of the final team. Two members must be Airmen with less than four years of time in service. No more than two members can be drawn from the wing's Tactical Response Force. The team leader must be a technical sergeant or higher, and can be a commissioned officer. Finally, a new requirement this year is at least one team member must be female.

"Other than that it's kind of fair game," Richards said. "Ranks don't really matter; they can be as high a rank as we want or be the brand new guy right off the boat."

Global Strike Challenge is the world's premier bomber, Intercontinental Ballistic Missile and security forces competition. Through competition and teamwork, the event looks to foster esprit de corps, recognize outstanding Air Force Global Strike Command personnel and teams and improve combat capabilities. More than 450 Airmen from across AFGSC, as well as the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Command, Air Force Materiel Command and Air Combat Command will take part in Global Strike Challenge competitions at various locations throughout the country, culminating in a symposium and score posting event at Barksdale Oct. 20-21.

SEAC visits McConnell

by Senior Airman Victor J. Caputo
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

8/3/2015 - MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- The Department of Defense's top enlisted member and the senior enlisted Soldier in the Kansas National Guard visited here July 30 - 31 to speak with military members about important issues and learn about Team McConnell.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan Battaglia, the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, and U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. James Moberly, visited with Airmen from the 22nd Air Refueling Wing, 931st Air Refueling Group and 184th Intelligence Wing, touring multiple squadrons, learning about the active duty and reserve refueling mission and the Air National Guard cyber intelligence mission.

"Seeing the Airmen and talking to them through town halls, during chow, [commander] calls, and physical training gives me an opportunity to thank troops and share information," Battaglia said.

During a town hall, Battaglia discussed the future of the health care system and benefits within the Department of Defense with Airmen, Soldiers and Marines from the local area.

One of the most important purposes of the visit was to express thanks towards the junior members of the McConnell community and their families from top military officials, said Moberly.

Chief master sergeants and U.S. Army sergeants major from around the local McConnell area were able to meet with Battaglia to discuss issues facing senior enlisted leaders.

"It's not every day that an Airman working out on the flightline is given the chance to talk to the senior enlisted member of the armed forces," said Chief Master Sgt. Shawn Hughes, 22nd ARW command chief. "I think the advice our Airmen received from Sgt. Maj. Battaglia will go a long way to helping them through their careers, and hopefully hearing about their concerns will help him and the chairman [of the joint chiefs of staff] address existing issues."

Some of the places Battaglia visited included the 22nd Maintenance Group complex, where he spoke with maintenance Airmen working the swing shift, the KC-135 Stratotanker Boom Operator Weapons System Trainer, and the 184th IW's 299th Network Operations Security Squadron.

"We are extremely grateful to Sgt. Maj. Battaglia and Sgt. Maj. Moberly for visiting Team McConnell," said Hughes. "Our Airmen did a great job showcasing the variety of missions we have here, and hopefully word of the quality and pride they take in their work will make it all the way back to the Pentagon."

Shwedo takes command of 25th AF and Shanahan gets 3rd star

by Guido Locati
25th Air Force Public Affairs

8/4/2015 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO - LACKLAND, Texas  -- U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Bradford J. "B.J." Shwedo, took command of the 25th Air Force today from Maj. Gen. John N. T. "Jack" Shanahan during a change of command ceremony that Gen. Herbert J. "Hawk" Carlisle, commander of Air Combat Command, officiated here, Aug. 3.

"It is great to be back here in San Antonio," Shwedo said, referencing two previous assignments here as commander of the 67th Network Warfare Group and later as commander of 67th Network Warfare Wing; both of which were part of the Air Intelligence Agency, now 25th Air Force.

Shwedo talked about the pride he said he feels at all of the things the ISR Airmen are doing to protect the U.S. from "the bad guys."

After highlighting several intelligence jobs along Shwedo's career including his background in cyber operations, Carlisle said, "I know we have the right man for the job."

Before he arrived, Shwedo, a 1987 graduate of the Air Force Academy, was the director of capability and resource integration, U.S. Cyber Command, Fort Meade, Md. where he was responsible for acquiring resources to satisfy the command's requirements. To meet the growing demand for offensive and defensive cyberspace operations, Shwedo led the development and oversight for the Cyber Mission Forces' integrated master plan and schedule covering three mission areas: defending the nation in cyberspace, providing support to combatant commands and protecting the DoD information networks.

Immediately following the change of command, Carlisle officiated Shanahan's promotion to the rank of lieutenant general. His promotion is in preparation for Shanahan's new role as Under Secretary of Defense (Intelligence) for Joint and Coalition Warfighter Support: and director, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Task Force at the Pentagon.

During his promotion ceremony, Shanahan made it a point to recognize the men and women of 25th Air Force whose tireless dedication to the mission led to his promotion.

Shanahan becomes the fourth consecutive outgoing commander in the 25th Air Force era to attain a third star.

MQ-9 REAPER ACCIDENT REPORT RELEASED

Release Number: 020815

8/4/2015 - LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va.  -- A pilot's channelized attention resulted in an excessive descent rate and subsequent crash of an MQ-9A Reaper Dec. 11, 2014, at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., according to an Abbreviated Accident Investigation Report released today.

The aircraft was assigned to the 432nd Wing at Creech AFB and was operated by members of the 42nd Attack Squadron and 11th Reconnaissance Squadron. The aircraft, valued at $11.3 million, was destroyed on impact. There were no injuries or damage to private property.

When the accident occurred, the MQ-9A crew was flying a launch and recovery training mission at Creech AFB. During the training sortie, the crew performed 10 practice approaches to a landing. On the final approach, the instructor pilot directed the student pilot to pitch the nose of the aircraft down, which lead to an excessive descent rate. Neither pilot accounted for the increased descent rate nor the location of the aircraft, which was over elevated terrain. Despite subsequent attempts to recover the aircraft by pulling up and out of the descent, the pilots were unable to save the aircraft.

9th AF welcomes new commander

by Capt. Tristan Hinderliter
9th Air Force Public Affairs

8/3/2015 - SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C.  -- Ninth Air Force welcomed a new commander here, as Maj. Gen. Mark Kelly assumed command from Maj. Gen. H. D. Polumbo Jr. in a ceremony officiated by Gen. Hawk Carlisle, commander of Air Combat Command, on July 31.

Ninth Air Force, headquartered at Shaw Air Force Base, is a Numbered Air Force under ACC comprised of eight active duty wings and three direct reporting units primarily in the Southeastern U.S. with more than 400 aircraft and 29,000 personnel assigned. Several of the command's aircraft, which include the A-10, F-16, F-15E and F-22 fighter jets, an HH-60 helicopter and a HC-130J aircraft, were on display outside the ceremony.

Kelly, a 1986 graduate of Southwest Texas State University and a fighter pilot, comes to 9th Air Force from Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, where he commanded the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing. Earlier in his career, he commanded a fighter squadron and two fighter wings. He is accompanied by his wife, Tanya.

"It goes without saying that Tanya and I are excited to be here," Kelly told the audience at the ceremony. "Part of our Airman's Creed talks about our nation's sword and shield. Here at 9th Air Force, that's talking about you."

Kelly thanked the many civic leaders in attendance, including the mayors of Sumter, S.C. and Goldsboro, N.C., for their support for the Air Force.

"Thanks for loving our Airmen enough to hold them to a high standard," Kelly said.  "Thanks for putting a community arm around them and their families so they're ready to succeed in challenging environments.

"In the coming months I look forward to thanking each community, each wing and each Airman eye-to-eye in person, and I look forward to continuing a well-established culture of 9th Air Force excellence."

Polumbo, who is retiring after a 34-year career, said it had been an honor to serve as 9th Air Force commander, a position he held since May 2013. 

"I know 9th Air Force is ready, and will stay ready under the leadership of General Mark 'Grace' Kelly," Polumbo said. "I truly enjoyed being part of everyone's lives." 

Before he relinquished command, Polumbo was presented a Distinguished Service Medal by Carlisle for "exceptionally meritorious service in duties of great responsibility."

"Jake, you have had an incredible career in service to our nation," said Carlisle, using Polumbo's call sign. "Every American owes you a debt of gratitude. Thank you for your service, your friendship, and for being an incredible Airman - congratulations."

Carlisle also offered praise for Kelly.   

"Somehow, every time an incredible, world-class, top-of-the-heap commander steps away, we are blessed and fortunate enough to have a world-class, top-of-the-heap commander step in," Carlisle said.  "That is no different today.

"Grace, you have big shoes to fill, but I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that you will do it and continue what Jake started and make this command even better."

Beale EOD trains, supports Sentry Eagle 15

by Airman 1st Class Ramon A. Adelan
9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs

8/4/2015 - BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, California  -- When you hear the words 'Sentry Eagle,' your first thought might be F-15 Eagles, F-16 Falcons, or F-18 Hornets. You would think of these fighter airframes, but would explosive ordnance disposal cross your mind? It might not.

Members of the 9th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight received hands on training and provided safety support for Sentry Eagle 15 at Kingsley Field National Guard Base, Oregon, July 30 to Aug. 2, 2015.

Sentry Eagle is an air-to-air combat training exercise hosted by the 173rd Fighter Wing. The exercise allows pilots from the 173rd FW to train against different aircraft, to practice aerial refueling and combat operations.

More than 500 troops and approximately 50 aircraft from the Air Force, Air National Guard, Navy, Marines, and the Canadian air force participated in Sentry Eagle.

EOD spent four days at Kingsley Field; their schedule consisted of two days of training, a day on site for emergency response during Sentry Eagle and a day to dispose of ordnance on location.

"Part of our mission is to deal with any aircraft hazards that may occur during a routine flight or aircraft incident," said Master Sgt. Mark Brady, 9th CES EOD Flight non-commissioned officer in charge. "With that we have to be familiar with all the explosive hazards you may find on an airplane, such as the ejection seat and the weapon systems."

The EOD technicians received hands on familiarization training from the 173rd Fighter Wing on the F-15. The training included, the proper way to shut down an airframe, to remove the ejection seat and any ordnance on the aircraft.

"What we provide is protection to personnel and property from explosives ordnances," said Tech. Sgt. Richard Hesse, 9th CES EOD Flight team leader. "We are the closest responding unit and this gives us the opportunity to get the necessary training while providing the base here with a team who can respond on site if an incident occurred during the exercise."

EOD provided on-site emergency support, which reduced response time from more than five hours to mere minutes.

"Every explosive ordnance task we approach is purely 100 percent situational," Hesse said. "After identifying and knowing exactly how it works, I'm able to know if my team is a safe distance away and go through the procedures in my head of what tools I need and how I will approach the ordnance. The training here gave us the familiarization we need for any situation with these aircraft."

Beale's EOD was able to send a six-man team to train and support Sentry Eagle and for some of these technicians it was their first time at the exercise.

"I was able to learn a lot and experience a different environment than what we have at Beale," said Senior Airman Westin Shular, 9th EOD Flight technician. "This isn't my first time working with fighter airframes, but it is a good opportunity to get hands on training and work with other agencies."

The 173rd FW and Beale's EOD has a support agreement, in which EOD trains quarterly at Kingsley Field for aircraft familiarization, egress, munitions load training and conducting ordnance operations.

"Whenever we do anything with the potential for a mishap, whether we fire a weapon or have an exercise like Sentry Eagle, I always reach out to Beale's EOD," said Senior Master Sgt. Daniel Shew, 173rd FW weapons safety manager. "The trainers here are dedicated and know that it's very important that EOD receives the best training in case of a mishap. Their support is invaluable and we thank them for being here."