Whiteman AFB B-2 bombers deploy to Guam

by Headquarters Pacific Air Forces

8/10/2015 - JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- Three B-2 bombers and approximately 225 Airmen from Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, deployed to Anderson Air Force Base, Guam, Aug. 7 to conduct familiarization training activities in the Pacific region.

This training deployment demonstrates continuing U.S. commitment to regular, global strategic bomber operations throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Air Force Global Strike Command continues to routinely deploy bombers to Andersen, providing commanders from Pacific Air Forces and U.S. Pacific Command a global strike capability and extended deterrence against potential adversaries.

For more information, please contact the PACAF Public Affairs office at 808-448-3219.

Marines Help With Typhoon Relief in Saipan

By Cheryl Pellerin

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Aug. 10, 2015 – U.S. Marines and sailors have been helping local and federal agencies in Saipan with relief efforts since Aug. 7, after Typhoon Soudelor struck the island Aug. 2-3, Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. Jeff Davis said here today.

More than 48,000 people live on Saipan, the largest island of the 300-mile archipelago that makes up the Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. commonwealth in the western Pacific Ocean.

Marines and sailors from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the USS Ashland, a forward-deployed amphibious dock landing ship in the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group, have been working since they arrived in Saipan to distribute relief supplies there, Davis said.

Delivering Needed Aid

“Marine Corps MV-22 [Ospreys] from the 31st MEU based in Guam and the USS Ashland have delivered a total of five water bladders to the island,” he added, noting that Marines are manning the 3,000-gallon water containers 24 hours a day.

The Ashland also delivered Federal Emergency Management Agency generators from Guam, and personnel from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are helping set up power wells on Saipan, Davis said.

Four MV-22B Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, 31st MEU, are staged in nearby Guam and are providing airlift support as part of relief efforts, according to a statement released by the 31st MEU.

So far, the 31st MEU has delivered more than 11,400 gallons of water and 48,300 individual ready-to-eat meals to five distribution sites across the island. Marines also have set up a water purification system to produce more drinking water for the people of Saipan, the statement said.

The Ashland returned to Guam and will bring back to Saipan a high-production tactical water-purification system, multiple mobile water containers, equipment to repair and restore power and about 10,000 pounds of Red Cross relief goods, the statement said.

When it arrives in Saipan, the Ashland will produce up to 40,000 gallons of drinking water a day to be distributed by the 31st MEU Marines. The 31st MEU was conducting scheduled training in the Asia-Pacific region when it was redirected to support Saipan relief efforts, the statement said.

Boom simulator preps students for refueling mission

by Senior Airman Dillon Davis
97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

8/10/2015 - ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Altus Air Force Base is home to one of the most advanced systems used to train future U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft boom operators.

The Boom Operator Weapons System Trainer is a simulator used by boom operator students here at Altus AFB to provide hands-on training before they even leave the ground. The simulated training allows the students to run through nearly any scenario possible and tests their abilities to respond appropriately to a variety of challenges they may encounter during an actual refueling mission.

"The BOWST saves approximately $217,603 per student in flight hours," said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Thomas Vesser, 97th Training Squadron boom operator instructor. "This is because we were able to reduce our flying requirement by three sorties and move that training into the BOWST."

Aside from the obvious cost-saving reasons for simulator training, the BOWST ensures that boom operator students are better prepared to handle in-flight refueling. The students are able to hone their skills in a risk-free environment; therefore, they are able to make "rookie" mistakes without endangering lives or Air Force assets.

"As a boom operator, you are not only responsible for accomplishing the mission, but you are predominantly responsible for the lives onboard your aircraft and the receiving aircraft," said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Mary Claire Bolo, 203rd Air Refueling Squadron boom operator student, Hawaii Air National Guard. "Like anything else, things can go wrong and the BOWST gives us the opportunity to recognize, be aware and calmly correct the conditions that are deemed unsafe."

Each boom operator student completes a total of 16 BOWST training simulations before they take to the skies. The required simulations test the Airmen on a variety of different possible scenarios they may encounter while refueling other aircraft.

"This is where we apply what we've learned in the classroom setting on a KC-135 boom operator simulator," said Bolo. "We go through multiple abnormal and normal operating procedures until our instructors feel we are proficient and ready for the real deal. Being in the BOWST broadens our situational awareness in all aspects of flight for when we, the boom operators, are in control of the aircraft."

The classroom instruction gives students the knowledge necessary to safely perform the air refueling mission, however, it is not until they reach the BOWST portion of their training that they are able to put that knowledge into action and reaction.

"The most important thing I'll be taking away from the BOWST is the malfunction procedures," said Bolo. "We work closely with our instructors, who are prior boom operators, and they share with us their knowledge and expertise on what to expect once we become operational."

The boom operators in training get to learn their craft from highly qualified and experienced instructors who were previously boom operators.

"The BOWST also gives the instructor an opportunity to explain in detail and even pause the scenario to discuss the procedures throughout the training event," said Brian Buss, boom operator instructor.

Simulators, in conjunction with expert instructors, have not only improved training efficiency, but also the quality of training received here at the 97th Training Squadron.

"The BOWST portion of training, I feel, is absolutely necessary to accomplish as a boom operator student," said Bolo. "If I didn't first fly the BOWST, I wouldn't feel comfortable at all stepping on an aircraft."

Soldier Missing From Korean War Accounted For

The Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a serviceman, missing from the Korean War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Army Cpl. Nehemiah E. Butler Pocomoke City, Maryland, will be buried today in Arlington National Cemetery. In late December 1950, Butler and elements of Company C, 19th Infantry Regiment (IR), 24th Infantry Division (ID), were deployed near Seoul, South Korea, when their unit was attacked by enemy forces. During the attempt to delay the enemy forces from advancing, Butler was separated from his unit while moving towards a more defensible position. Butler was reported missing Jan. 1, 1951.

On July 19, 1951, a Republic of South Korea military officer told U.S. Army Graves Registration Services (AGRS) personnel about the remains of a U.S. serviceman, who, died and was buried near the village of Chik-Tong-ni. The AGRS team located the remains. Due to lack of documentation, the remains were declared unidentified. The remains were interred as unknown at the U.N. Military Cemetery in Tanggok, and were later disinterred and transferred to the Central Identification Unit (CIU) in Kokura, Japan. In 1955, the remains were transferred to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (NMCP), commonly known as the “Punchbowl”.

In 2009, the Department of Defense (DoD) re-examined records and concluded that with advances in technology, the possibility of identification of some of these unknowns buried in the Punch Bowl now existed.

In the identification of Butler’s remains, scientists from the DPAA and the Armed Forces DNA Laboratory (AFDIL) used circumstantial evidence, dental and chest radiographs comparison, and mitochondrial DNA analysis, which matched his sister.

Today, more than 7,800 Americans remain unaccounted for from the Korean War. Using modern technology, identifications continue to be made from remains that were previously turned over by North Korean officials or recovered from North Korea by American recovery teams.

MIB initiative promotes resilience '4 Teens'

by Senior Airman Brittain Crolley
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

8/7/2015 - SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C.  -- Every day brings new challenges for our Airmen, whether it's in the form of an upcoming deployment that will take them away from their family, or a hurdle at work they must overcome. Fortunately, they continue to find a way to handle this adversity through training, teamwork and wingmanship, all for the sake of progressing the mission.

However, these Airmen are not the only ones fighting the good fight. While they are busy working 12-hour shifts, on remote TDY, or deployed, their families stay steadfast at home. They too have their own adversity to deal with, but aren't necessarily provided the same training as their service members to teach them how weather difficult situations.

To help arm these family members, especially children, with the life skills needed to battle unforeseen obstacles, the base youth center partnered with Make It Better leaders and master resilience trainers to create the Make It Better 4 Teens program.

"We teach these [resilience] skills to our Airmen, teaching them how to cope," said Tech. Sgt. Stan Williams, 4th Component Maintenance Squadron jet engine mechanic and assistant MIB4T coordinator. "Well think about it, what if we started teaching those skills at a younger age to our children, so when they experience adversity they'll have some of the skills to be able to cope?"

The MIB4T team ventured out to answer that question by holding a weeklong Youth Resilience Camp Aug. 3-7 at the youth center to teach teens these valuable skills and how to live a more resilient lifestyle.

Throughout the week, children participated in a variety of events testing their mental, physical, spiritual and social resilience, identical to the Comprehensive Airman Fitness program. From challenging memory tasks to learning how to fly a kite, the group used teamwork, problem solving and other life skills to accomplish tasks.

"My favorite part was the mental games," said Hunter, a camp participant. "I know it will help me with school and memorizing stuff for tests."

With the success of the foundational camp, the MIB4T leaders said they hope to push the program curriculum forward to continue making a bigger impact in the lives of military children. Williams said they plan to conduct more events like this when children are out of school and during holiday breaks, with an ultimate goal of pushing the program Air Force-wide.

"These skills work," Williams exclaimed. "They basically saved my life and I think it's important that we pass these skills down to our younger kids so that maybe it'll help save someone else's life."

At the conclusion of the camp, the MIB4T team believed they made a lasting impact on the children who participated and set them up for a brighter future.

"These young people are literally youth wingmen," said Richard Lambert, 4th Fighter Wing community support coordinator. "They're wingmen to one another, wingmen to their families and wingmen to the community. They are our future leaders of tomorrow and we need to make sure they have the skills to succeed in the face of adversity."

Intel Airman sets record

by Staff Sgt. Rachelle Blake
55th Wing Public Affairs

8/10/2015 - OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb.  -- For the average Airman, the beginning of their career looks pretty similar: complete basic military training and technical school and then at their first duty station, knock out career development courses.

When Airman 1st Class Nathan M. Dunster, 55th Intelligence Support Squadron electronic warfare systems apprentice, arrived at Offutt in August 2014, after finishing basic training and technical school, he had already set the bar high.

"It did not surprise me to learn he graduated top of his class from his six-month-long technical school and prior to that, earned honor graduate at BMT," said Staff Sgt. Raymond Holmer, 55th ISS RC-135 systems maintenance instructor, and Dunster's supervisor.

It wasn't long before he set it even higher. After tackling four volumes of CDCs, comprised of 562 pages, Dunster took his end of course exam.

He earned a 95 percent, the highest EOC score ever recorded in his career field. But, it was no easy feat.

"I studied at least an hour a day and did in-depth reviews with my supervisors," Dunster said. "I knew I wanted to do well on my CDC's. I felt that the Air Force was paying me to perform and so I should do the best job I can."

And that is exactly what he did.

"Getting the EOC score he did is awesome," Holmer said. "Throughout his CDCs he was also going through eight months of RC-135 systems training, scoring equally as high with an average of 94 percent and graduating top of class. From day one, Airman Dunster has shown a lot of motivation to learn our complex system and help out whenever he can. He always goes above and beyond."

Dunster is grateful to his leadership and said he still has a few things he would like to achieve in the near future.

"I am proud of my leadership for encouraging and empowering me to do my best," he said. "Next I would like to work on becoming an officer or at least earning my bachelor's degree."

But whatever he decides to do, his supervisor is confident he will go far.

"Dunster has under one year of time on Offutt Air Force Base, but I believe he will shine in the 'RJ' program and the Air Force," Holmer said. "He truly strives for excellence in all we do."

First-rate hot-pit refueling helps Lakenheath stay Forward, Ready, Now

by Senior Airman Dawn M. Weber
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

8/7/2015 - ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England - --

Hot-pit refueling systems give aircrafts the ability to land and refuel with engines still running, similar to a stock car making a pit stop in NASCAR. This feature allows for jets to reduce the time it usually takes to refuel POL by an estimated 66 percent.

Airmen from the 48th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Petroleum Oils and Lubricants flight, assisted Airmen from the 48th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron in performing hot-pit refueling, Aug. 5.

According to Airman 1st Class Corey Baxley, 48th LRS fixed facilities operator, hot-pit refueling allows for quicker turnaround for jets returning to flight.

"When refueling is done this way, we issue directly to the aircrafts while they're still running, one engine at a time," Baxley said. "It improves the mission by being able to send jets back into the air faster."

During a normal week, POL Airmen assist in refueling about eight jets per day. Despite minimal manning, Airmen from the POL flight and crew chiefs are refueling more than double that in a day, refueling two squadrons per day, twice a day. Over the past week, POL Airmen have assisted in refueling 81 aircraft, totaling 272,204 gallons of JP8. The highest hot-pit output ever, according to Master Sgt. Nathaniel Nelson, 48th LRS fuels operations section chief.

"With the Airmen we have, despite low manning, if we're asked to support, we will," said Staff Sgt. Phillip Jones, 48th LRS fuels distribution supervisor. "When it comes to getting the mission done and providing fuels support, POL will always be there. Essentially without POL, you're SOL."

RAF Lakenheath is home to four flying squadrons with non-stop operations, having deployed more than 100 aircraft in the past year. These hot-pit refueling systems are an essential step in helping the 48th Fighter Wing remain Forward, Ready, Now.

USAFE-AFAFRICA leadership visits Liberty Wing

by Senior Airman Erin O'Shea
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

8/7/2015 - ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England  -- Distinguished guests visited units across RAF Lakenheath to discuss hot topic issues and processes at units across the Liberty Wing. Select Airmen were also recognized for their accomplishments within their respected career fields.

Gen. Frank Gorenc, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander, and his wife, Sharon, along with Chief Master Sgt. James E. Davis, USAFE-AFAFRICA command chief, were three of the distinguished guests.

Some topics Gorenc discussed with Airmen were work processes, innovation factors and budget efficiency.

The 48th Component Maintenance Squadron egress section was one of the first stops during the visit. This section is responsible for maintaining egress equipment, with F-15 fighter aircraft ejection seats being a main component.

Sharon later departed from the group to visit other parts of the wing, such as the 48th Medical Group's  labor and delivery section, followed by the base's simulation center.

"I'm grateful for her to be here," Gorenc said. "And by every indication, what she saw here at the Liberty Wing was simply fantastic."

According to Gorenc, her role while visiting the Liberty Wing was to look at all the units that support the families and ensure the programs are up to par.

At the end of the visit, Gorenc and Davis ended with a commander's call where they discussed topics such as force management, budget constraints and Air Force challenges. Finally, the floor was opened up for Airmen to ask questions.

"This wing is hitting on all cylinders," Gorenc said. "I want you to thank your families for sacrificing all of those things they sacrificed to allow you to serve in our Air Force."

A loud "We are Liberty" filled the aircraft hangar as Gorenc prepared to depart.

"I came in for the airplanes, I stayed for the people... and I hope to work with you as long as I can to make our Air Force better," Gorenc concluded.

Breaking a sweat: An Airman's HVAC journey

by Airman 1st Class Deana Heitzman
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

8/7/2015 - AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- The sweat gleams across his forehead as he steps out into the sauna-like air. With, tools in hand, he begins walking toward his objective, providing the greatest of summer relief, air conditioning.

Airman 1st Class Jedadiah Floyd, like his coworkers from the 31st Civil Engineer Squadron heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration shop, focuses on improving quality of life to ensure overall mission effectiveness here.

"I have a hand in everyone's mission by making sure Team Aviano is doing their job in a comfortable environment," said Floyd. "Also, we ensure all machines in shops are operating in the correct temperature to maximize their performance."

As an HVAC technician, Floyd is responsible for ensuring all base facilities are functioning at the proper temperature. He is part of a 19 Airmen crew who maintain more than 1,700 HVAC systems.

Although HVAC wasn't Floyd's primary choice when he enlisted into the Air Force, he learned to love the trade during his six-month technical training school.

"I had no idea what HVAC was when I was selected for the job during basic training," said Floyd. "I knew I wanted a job that can help people and would transition into civilian life."

According to Floyd, there will always be a demand for comfortable heating or cooling and the skills the Air Force is teaching him, he will keep forever.

Due to the high tempo, Aviano was the perfect place for Floyd to practice his craft. Throughout the summer months his shop completes 150 weekly work orders ranging from preventative maintenance to equipment installation.

Floyd explains how although work orders are important, the jobs requested cannot be completed immediately due to the HVACs shop policy of precedence.

"Sometimes our customers may think we are not taking care of them if a problem is not resolved that same day, but that isn't the case," said Floyd. "There is an order of precedence we have to follow that correlates with mission readiness. Buildings that have vital equipment come first-- like the communication squadron buildings, then we focus on main quality of life facilities, like the Child Development Centers, lodging and the dorms."

No matter which job they set to accomplish, HVAC Airmen always find themselves in tight spaces. The most challenging part of his job isn't the "dirty work," but finding and putting together all the right pieces during a project.

At the end of the day, Floyd relies on his coworkers to ensure he is being the best HVAC Airman he can be.

"I always try to do my little part to contribute to the mission," said Floyd. "My supervisors and fellow Airmen inspire and motivate me to do better every day. While completing the mission, regardless of how exhausted we are at the end of the week, we still find enjoyment together as a shop."

Deployed husband's wife finds strength within squadron

by Airman 1st Class Cary Smith
31st Fighter Public Affairs

8/7/2015 - AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy  -- A woman sits in a crowded conference room with her baby girl curled up in her arms and a six-year-old son on her lap. The room is filled with family members learning what their Airmen do at the 31st Munitions Squadron.

On the day Anna Bledsoe, wife of U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Troy Bledsoe, toured the squadron, she sat through a brief and looked at munitions equipment without her husband by her side. He, like many of the 31 MUNS Airmen that day, was deployed.

Through eight years of marriage, Mrs. Bledsoe has discovered what helps her make it through re-locations and difficult experiences is a network of friends and community.

"My husband and I have been through a lot together during our marriage," said Anna. "Active spouses help provide a strong community during our time at a new base."

The Bledsoe's relationship began before he enlisted; and as high school sweethearts, the two realized they wanted to spend their lives together and start a family.

"We married after high school and we were soon off to our first base." said Anna. "We have been stationed in Arizona, England, Ohio, and my husband was stationed in South Korea for a year."

During that time, the family grew from two to four, which created new challenges by having to integrate themselves and their children to new surroundings.

Now stationed in Italy, Mrs. Bledsoe reflects on past assignments and the possibilities Aviano provides for her family.

"Italy is a new and different adventure," said Bledsoe. "I'm excited for us to see new places and immerse ourselves with other cultures."

She may be excited for new experiences, but the first deployment for her family has been challenging to adjust and overcome, especially for her son who depends on his parents for consistency.

"I wish my dad was here," said Bledsoe's son, Lane. "I'm happy we had my birthday before he left."

Lane walked outside with his mom after the briefing to get an up-close look at the type of equipment his father works with.

The 31 MUNS organized a family day for Airmen and families to better understand why they are in Italy and the importance of the squadron's success.

"Having an event like [family day] is important to show spouses what the Airmen do every day," said Master Sgt. Michael Clark, 31 MUNS maintenance armament back shop NCO in charge. "It is also important for the Airmen because events like this get families involved since they help carry a lot of the burden."

Anna stands outside with her little girl strapped to her and watches her son in the back of a truck where munitions are loaded for transportation. Finally for the first time, she is able to experience firsthand her husband's work.

Families finished the day with a cookout after they toured different work stations and previewed duties munitions Airmen provide.

"This is the first base I have been to that has allowed spouses to come and see the work being done," said Anna. "The spouses here are very active and worked with the squadron to make this day happen."

According to Anna, she has made friends with more spouses at Aviano than any other base. Having other families around helps keep her spirits up when weeks away from her husband seem long.

"Spouses here are really close and having this support is so good for my son too," said Anna.

Until Troy and other 31 MUNS Airmen return, family days and playdates are what the families have to look forward to each week.