Travis Airmen Support Kilauea Volcano Relief Efforts

By Louis Briscese, 60th Air Mobility Wing

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  A C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft delivered a double recirculating cement mixer trailer for use in support of Kilauea volcano relief efforts on Hawaii, the largest and southeastern-most of the Hawaiian Islands.

The aircraft delivered the equipment May 15.

An aircrew from the 22nd Airlift Squadron based here participated in the delivery. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Cole Rehse, a loadmaster, was given short notice for the mission.

“We had less than a 24-hour notice for this trip, which is out of the ordinary as far as notifications go,” Rehse said. “Anytime you have an opportunity to help people out and ensure their safety, that’s always fulfilling.”

The trailer has local ties to the Travis community as the company that owns it is based 20 miles away in Rio Vista, California. Alexander Morris, operations manager in Rio Vista, is grateful for the assistance Travis is providing.

Special Delivery

“This is the first time we’ve ever flown the double RCM trailer,” Morris said. “We normally send this equipment by boat, which takes almost two weeks. With assistance from Travis, we’re cutting that time down significantly.”

Getting the trailer to Hawaii quickly is critical because volcanic activity is disturbing wells at the Puna geothermal power plant. The trailer will help stabilize any potential hazards caused by volcanic activity.

“With the ongoing volcanic eruptions, they’re trying to mitigate any well control hazards,” Morris said. “It’s a preventive measure as well as to shut-in some of these wells.”

Loading the double RCM trailer onto the Galaxy was somewhat challenging because of its size. The trailer weighs more than 55,000 pounds and is almost 100 feet long. Securing the trailer properly took some time because it had never been done before. Air Force Senior Airman Jacob New, 60th Aerial Port Squadron air transportation journeyman, oversaw the loading of the trailer.

“The item was so unique that it was difficult to figure out how to secure it,” New said. “Backing the trailer into the C-5M with the semi-truck then finding the correct tie down locations took a lot of time.”

It took a team of 10 service members to successfully load the trailer. Once the trailer was secured, New reflected on the significance of what he and his team had accomplished.

“It’s always good to be part of the solution,” New said. “It’s what keeps me going.”

Air Force Capt. Thomas Tharp, 22nd AS aircraft commander, takes pride in knowing his crew is assisting people in need.

“It’s great to take a group of guys and do a mission that has a big impact,” Tharp said. “It’s very humbling to pull off a mission with less than 24-hour notification to perfection.”

Face of Defense: Army NCO Faces, Overcomes Adversity

By Annette P. Gomes,  U.S. Army Warrior Care and Transition

ARLINGTON, Va. -- After dealing with a back injury and several autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, Army Master Sgt. Aaron De Los Santos says his body paid a price.

“These diseases have really taken a toll on my health, both physically and mentally. I was not ready to [leave the Army], but my performance was slowing down and I just couldn't hang in with my team anymore,” De Los Santos said.

The Texas native, who is now on transitional leave from the Army, found support with another team: the adaptive reconditioning coordinators, coaches and trainers at the Warrior Transition Battalion at Fort Hood, Texas. The once-active sportsman began to develop a love for adaptive sports.

“I was hesitant at first, even for a guy like me who is active, physically fit and always competitive,” De Los Santos said. “I had issues with trusting those in charge.”

He continued, “I started with yoga and progressed with swimming and then cycling. I owe my success to Susan Wilson, Fort Hood's adaptive reconditioning coordinator; along with Carina Fleeman, my aquatics coach and trainer; and Robin Donald, my nurse case manager. They are awesome.”

Competing at Warrior Games

The first-generation soldier was also able to conquer another goal; making Team Army for the 2018 Department of Defense Warrior Games slated June 1-9 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

“I was scared and felt like I was done with not only the Army, but being active. I turned to my wife for motivation and purpose which ultimately got me back on track to keep on living,” De Los Santos said. “I was able to demonstrate to the Army, and to myself, that I still had what it took to fight, and win that fight.”

Instilled with strong values and family support, De Los Santos says he has a different approach to life when adversity happens.

“I am who I am, and I will never change. I stay humble no matter what. Some call me ‘Hug-a-Joe’ or ‘Softy,’ but that's who I am,” De Los Santos said. “I have learned that life isn't fair and it doesn't care who you are. It's what you're made of that counts.”

He added, “I found out what I’m made of when I was going through tough times.”

De Los Santos will retire in July.

USS Gonzalez Conducts Training With Italian Navy Frigate

By Navy Ensign Monica Prioleau, USS Gravely

ATLANTIC OCEAN -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Gonzalez conducted combined operations with the multipurpose Italian frigate ITS Alpino, May 16-17.

The training is designed to promote camaraderie and collaboration among NATO partners.

The Alpino is making several stops along the U.S. East Coast with Norfolk, Virginia, being the first.

Crew Exchange

"The crew exchange was highly beneficial to both Gonzalez's crew and Alpino's, giving rare insight into each other's daily routine, said Navy Cmdr. Les Sobol, the Gonzalez’s commanding officer.

"The [passing exercise] was an invaluable opportunity to flex multiple skillsets with our NATO partners at sea," Sobol added.

In addition to the passing exercise, Gonzalez and Alpino conducted visit, board, search and seizure exercises and light communication drills off the coast of Virginia, allowing both crews to gain familiarity and proficiency in tactical maneuvering and communications.

"ITS Alpino's high-end technology and air asset, the SH-90, was stunning to view and discuss," said Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Caitlin N. Cannon. "I truly enjoyed our collaboration and I feel training events like this should be encouraged more often.”

Building relationships with allies and working as a warfighting team “is vital to NATO operations," Cannon added.

The USS Gonzalez is conducting basic phase exercises in preparation for a future deployment.