HHS, DOD Collaborate With Johnson & Johnson to Produce Millions of COVID-19 Investigational Vaccine Doses

Aug. 5, 2020

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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Department of Defense (DoD) announced an agreement with the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, to demonstrate large-scale manufacturing and delivery of the company’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate. Under the terms of the agreement, the federal government will own the resulting 100 million doses of vaccine. 

The vaccine doses could be used in clinical trials or, if the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorizes use as outlined in agency guidance, the doses would be distributed as part of a COVID-19 vaccination campaign.

“With the portfolio of vaccines being assembled for Operation Warp Speed, the Trump Administration is increasing the likelihood that the United States will have at least one safe, effective vaccine by 2021,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. “Today’s investment represents the next step in supporting Janssen’s vaccine candidate all the way through manufacturing, with the potential to bring hundreds of millions of safe and effective doses to the American people.”

This manufacturing demonstration project will take place while clinical trials are underway. Working in parallel this way expedites the traditional vaccine development timeline. This step builds toward the U.S. government’s Operation Warp Speed goal to begin delivering millions of doses of safe and effective vaccines to the American people by the end of the year.

The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, collaborated with the DoD Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense and Army Contracting Command, to provide approximately $1 billion to support the manufacturing demonstration project including the ability to deliver vaccine doses to government-designated locations across the country. The government also can acquire additional doses up to a quantity sufficient to vaccinate 300 million people.

The project announced today includes fill-finish manufacturing in U.S.-based facilities. This fill-finish manufacturing step ensures vaccine doses are packaged and ready to ship immediately, subject to successful clinical trials and FDA authorization. 

If these doses are used in a COVID-19 vaccination campaign, the vaccine would be available to the American people at no cost. As is customary with government-purchased vaccines, healthcare professionals could charge for the cost of administering the vaccine.

To date, BARDA has provided approximately $456 million for clinical trials and other vaccine development activities under an existing, long-term partnership with Janssen. The company’s investigational vaccine relies on Janssen’s recombinant adenovirus technology, AdVac, a technology used to develop and manufacture Janssen’s Ebola vaccine with BARDA support; that vaccine received European Commission approval and was used in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda during the 2018-2020 Ebola outbreak that began in the DRC.

About Operation Warp Speed

OWS is a partnership among components of the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Defense, engaging with private firms and other federal agencies, and coordinating among existing HHS-wide efforts to accelerate the development, manufacturing, and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics. 

About HHS, ASPR, and BARDA: 

HHS works to enhance and protect the health and well-being of all Americans, providing for effective health and human services and fostering advances in medicine, public health, and social services. The mission of ASPR is to save lives and protect Americans from 21st century health security threats. Within ASPR, BARDA invests in the innovation, advanced research and development, acquisition, and manufacturing of medical countermeasures – vaccines, drugs, therapeutics, diagnostic tools, and non-pharmaceutical products needed to combat health security threats. To date, BARDA-supported products have achieved 55 FDA approvals, licensures or clearances. To learn more about federal support for the nationwide COVID-19 response, visit coronavirus.gov. 

About the JPEO-CBRND:

The Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND) protects the Joint Force by providing medical countermeasures and defense equipment against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats. JPEO-CBRND’s goal is to enable the Joint Force to fight and win unencumbered by a CBRN environment. JPEO-CBRND facilitates the rapid response, advanced development, manufacturing and acquisition of medical solutions, such as vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics, to combat CBRN and emerging threats such as COVID-19. To learn more about JPEO-CBRND’s COVID-19 response, visit https://www.jpeocbrnd.osd.mil/coronavirus or follow JPEO-CBRND on social media at @JPEOCBRND.

Nuke Sea-Launched Cruise Missile Would Bolster Deterrence, Officials Say

Aug. 4, 2020 | BY Jim Garamone , DOD News

Developing and deploying a sea-launched nuclear cruise missile is essential to deter Russia, U.S. officials have said.

A recent State Department paper says the new weapon would help fill a gap identified in the 2018 Nuclear Posture Review.

The United States retired its last nuclear sea-launched cruise missile in 2010 — one of only two remaining U.S. theater or tactical ("non-strategic") nuclear weapons. In contrast, Russia continued a comprehensive program to modernize and expand its low-yield theater and tactical nuclear weapons. What is more disturbing, officials said, is that Russian strategy actually contemplates the use of these nuclear capabilities in conflict. 

Russian strategic thought mistakenly believes that limited nuclear first use with low-yield weapons could provide Russia with a "coercive advantage" in a conflict, the State Department paper says. 

Russia may have pursued this strategy because the United States, unlike Russia, retired most of its non-strategic nuclear systems. Russia may believe it can use theater or tactical weapons, the paper says, because the United States could not effectively respond and might be reluctant to escalate further by responding with strategic nuclear weapons.. 

The 2018 Nuclear Posture Review calls for adjustments to U.S. nuclear forces to close this perceived gap on the escalation ladder and reinforce deterrence against low-yield nuclear use, DOD officials said. 

A nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile would address alarming developments in the forces and doctrine of nuclear competitors, the posture review says, adding that Russia and China both are investing significant sums to improve and expand their nuclear forces with no clear indication as to where that expansion will stop. 

Russia's "adventurism" is the most immediate concern, officials said. The nation invaded Georgia in 2008 and still occupies two provinces. Russia illegally occupied Crimea in 2014 and sponsors a shooting war in the eastern part of Ukraine today. Russia has propped up the Assad regime in Syria and has prolonged the civil war in that nation. Russia has also sent forces to Libya, and Kremlin-associated contractors have seized two of its largest oil facilities. Finally, Russia has done its best to divide the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, seeking more leeway to intimidate the frontline states of Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, Bulgaria and Romania.

There are credible concerns that theater and tactical nuclear capabilities are central to a Russian approach to regional conflict that envisions the early, limited use of non-strategic nuclear weapons to end a war on terms favorable to Russia. 

"This approach may be premised on Russia's belief that its expanding anti-access/area denial networks will be able to neutralize the airborne nuclear deterrent forces of the United States and NATO," the 2018 U.S. Nuclear Posture Review concluded. "In the future, it is possible that China could adopt a similar doctrine. Developing and fielding (sea-launched cruise missile-nuclear) signal the leaders of nuclear competitors in a concrete way that the United States has the capability and will to maintain operationally effective nuclear options to deter regional aggression."

The SLCM capability could also help allay the concerns of regional allies shielded by the U.S. nuclear umbrella, officials said. 

The United States having such a capability would make any adversary think twice about using nuclear weapons. Without requiring nuclear testing or violating any treaty, the SLCM "will lower the risks of nuclear conflict, bolster the confidence of allies and restore a degree of balance in non-strategic nuclear weapons that could create conditions more conducive to addressing this category of forces through arms control," the posture review says.

Marine March

Members of "The Commandant’s Own," the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, perform during an evening parade at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C. July 31, 2020.

Unheralded DOD Agency is Key to Building International Partners

Aug. 4, 2020 | BY JIM GARAMONE , DOD News

One crucial aspect of the National Defense Strategy is tending to and encouraging allies and partners, and the Defense Security Cooperation Agency is at the heart of that process, said Army Lt. Gen. Charles Hooper, the agency's outgoing director. 

Hooper spoke to retired Army Gen. Carter Ham recently as part of the Association of the U.S. Army's podcast series.

The agency is little known outside Washington, but its effect on allies, partners and friends around the world is profound. The agency is the Defense Department entity responsible for all security cooperation, ranging  from training to equipment to professional military education. Last year, the agency was responsible for more than $55 billion in sales under a myriad of programs, Hooper said. 

Allies and partners using U.S. military equipment makes good sense from strategic and economic viewpoints, he noted. Common equipment leads to greater interoperability. The training foreign service members receive on American equipment also builds close personnel ties. Finally, the U.S. military sales mean jobs in the United States and keeps the defense industrial base healthy.

Hooper said that over the past three years, military sales have grown 16 percent. It has accelerated because the U.S. produces the best military capabilities in the world, he added, and because of streamlining efforts by the administration and Congress.

The agency reorganized as part of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2017. Congress wanted to make the agency more efficient and effective. That legislation also created a civilian career field for security cooperation and a schoolhouse to train them. 

The administration streamlined authorities for conventional arms transfers. This served to ''compress those timelines between the identification of a capability necessary for our partners and its delivery,'' he said. 

''The third thing that really helped was the National Defense Strategy,'' he said, adding that the strategy provided ''clear guidance to me as to what my mission is, and that is to strengthen alliances and attract new partners.''

The change in strategy for the United States military to operate ''by, with and through'' local military forces also gave impetus to the agency. ''I've seen security cooperation become a policy tool of first resort,'' Hooper said. ''Often in the past, it was kind of an afterthought — we'd come up with a security policy, … we'd implement that policy towards a country or an alliance, and then as an afterthought, we consider military capabilities. But with the second line of effort in the National Defense Strategy, security cooperation has become a tool of first resort.'' 

Another change tied to the National Defense Strategy is great power competition. China and Russia are U.S. near-peer competitors, and this forced a different approach at the agency. Hooper had to judge U.S. strengths and weaknesses against those of China and Russia. 

''I came to the conclusion that there is a uniquely American approach to security cooperation, and that distinguishes us from our strategic competitors,'' he said. ''Instead of trying to mimic their procedures, we should leverage our strengths.''

U.S. competitors benefit from an autocratic streamlined arm sales processes and government-subsidized defense industries, he said. ''I have to determine how we maintain our competitive edge and continue to expand our market share when they have systems that allow them to react quickly, and are reflective, frankly, of their governmental systems,'' the general said. 

''We have a democracy. And as we all know, democracy was designed for effectiveness, and not efficiency,'' he said. And that carries its own benefits. 

U.S. high-quality, high-technology systems are in demand, and make American systems competitive. Hooper said he wants the idea of export for these systems built in from the beginning of research and development for the systems.

''We have to improve our ability to engineer exportability into the beginning of our research and development process and not at the end,'' he said. ''Right now, what we do is design a system for our own forces, and then we go back and re-engineered for export, we don't have the time to do that any more.''

Hooper said he also wants to compress decision timelines without sacrificing due diligence. ''Our system is set up to vet whether or not we want to share a capability or a system with our partners over a long period of time, then we finally make a decision and then we export it,'' he explained. ''We must compress those timelines if we're to remain competitive, but we understand there's always a cost-benefit analysis — the benefit of sharing these technologies and systems with our allies or partners against a potential cost of losing our technological edge.''

The American way of sharing is also much different from those of the Russians or Chinese. ''Our approach has always been not only to provide our partners with the systems themselves, but training, education, institutional capacity building, helping them to build the institutions that will help them to maximize the performance envelope with the equipment,'' Hooper said. ''This commitment is to a long-term relationship.''

There is value in this approach. He told about visiting Kenya last year, and seeing the Kenyan air force flying 40 year-old F-5 Tiger jets built by Northrup. The older jets were landing next to 3-year old Chinese grounded helicopters. ''Why are our 40-year-old aircraft still flying, and the 3-year-old Chinese aircraft not? The difference was we made a commitment to the Kenyan air force to help them to develop a culture of maintenance excellence that allows them to continue to repair and maintain their 40-year-old U.S. aircraft,'' he said. ''That's the distinction that separates us from our strategic competitors.''

Hooper is the most senior foreign-area officer in the U.S. Army, and he says that ''dollar for dollar, our international military student programs are the best investment we can make in security cooperation.''

Whether it is foreign students coming to the United States to learn to use U.S. military equipment or senior foreign military officers attending the war college classes, it is a way to build personal relationships. Hooper spoke of being the defense attache in Cairo during a difficult time in U.S.-Egyptian relations. Those relations were smoothed by the fact that many in the Egyptian government had studied at U.S. military war colleges, and there was a baseline of understanding among all. 

''I was in China for seven years,'' he said. ''Very rarely did they answer my phone calls, but there was never a time where the Egyptian senior official did not answer my phone calls.''

U.S. students have an opportunity to forge relationships with the cream of the international military officers because only the best come to the United States. ''Those relationships that are forged here, the way we welcome international students, pays enormous dividends,'' Hooper said.

Helping Hand

Soldiers participate in a joint security forces assistance brigade assessment and selection leadership reaction course at Camp Blanding, Fla., Aug. 3, 2020.

Missile Agency Director Describes Threat, Countermeasures

Aug. 4, 2020 | BY David Vergun , DOD News

In recent years, threats from new missile systems against the homeland, deployed forces and friends and allies have arisen from Russia, China, North Korea and Iran, the director of the Missile Defense Agency said.

Navy Vice Adm. Jon A. Hill spoke today at the Space and Missile Defense Symposium in Washington.

At one time, the MDA focused on the ballistic missile threat. However, adversaries have designed extremely fast and maneuverable advanced cruise missiles and hypersonic weapons that make for "a very tough environment for defense," Hill said. The Missile Defense Review addressed these new threats, laying out a path to follow in developing new offensive and defensive measures, he added.

Though defense is a key part of deterrence, Hill said, "you can't shoot what you don't see." Providing that sight are sensors and radars aboard ships, on the ground and in space.

Space-based sensors are the ultimate, Hill said, because they can provide global coverage. Space tracking and surveillance systems collect data, intelligence and real-world missile testing, he said, but that capability is nowhere near where it needs to be.

Sensors start the kill chain by sending out a warning, the admiral explained. Then, radars track the missile, and fire control launches a defensive projectile.

This projectile can come from a Patriot system or Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, all operated by the Army, or the Standard Missile 3 Block IIA or the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System, both operated by the Navy. Besides those defenses, ground-based interceptors, operated by the Army, are deployed at Fort Greely, Alaska, and at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.

The command and control and battle management system, fully protected with cybersecurity measures, ties these systems together with the operators.

Many missile defense components are in the research, science and technology and demonstration phase, Hill said. For example, work is being done on the next-generation interceptor and long-range discrimination radar, as well as space-based sensors.

"Where we live today is we don't have everything we want deployed in space, nor do we have the terrestrial or mobile sea-based sensors where we want, where we need them at the right time," the missile agency director said.

Besides new, cutting-edge systems, Hill noted that current systems such as Aegis and command and control are receiving important upgrades as they become available.

MDA is working with the Army to integrate the THAAD and Patriot systems so operators can communicate with both and shoot with either, depending on the scenario, the admiral said.

Allies and partners are developing their own missile defense systems or buying them from the United States through the foreign military sales system, Hill said. These systems used by friends and partners furthers global security, he pointed out, and the Defense Department is working to better integrate those systems so they're even more effective.

Though the COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges, Hill said, that hasn't affected MDA's ability to perform its mission: "If you ask me where we took risk during the global pandemic, we never took any risk in supporting the warfighter," he said. "We continue to deliver capability, we continue to support major movements around the globe." Delivery of systems caused some delay, he acknowledged, because assembly lines require people in confined and enclosed places.

Hill termed his MDA team and those in the services as stellar, and he said there's no nobler calling than defending America.

Related Video: Stratcom Commander Speaks at Space and Missile Defense Symposium

Sunset Flight

An Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter flies near Fort Hood, Texas, Aug. 2, 2020

Hornet Launch

An F/A-18F Super Hornet prepares to launch from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford during operations in the Atlantic Ocean, Aug 1, 2020.

Kansas engineers build state-wide readiness through facilities upgrades

Story by Maj. Margaret Ziffer, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Training facilities at the Smoky Hill Weapons Range, Great Plains Joint Training Center, are being enhanced with the addition of a new physical fitness field and irrigation pond, courtesy of the 242nd Engineer Company out of Coffeyville. After a last minute change in training plans, the horizontal construction engineers have wasted no time diving in to complete a project that will ultimately increase readiness for units across the state.

The idea to build a physical fitness training field originated only recently when range personnel at GPJTC observed a unit conducting pre-mobilization training.

“We watched them and they were essentially doing PT anywhere they could,” said Capt. Hans Stephensen, range officer-in-charge. “We realized that we had a need for a PT field out here.”

Stephensen said that realization generated a conversation about picking a site, and the team agreed on an empty space near the range control headquarters that wasn’t being utilized. Selecting the site may have been easy, but then the team became aware of some other challenges they needed to address.

“It was pointed out to us that the site needed to be leveled and we didn’t have enough dirt,” Stephensen said. “Also, we aren’t allowed to use metered water to water it, so we would have to have our own water source.”

After discussing options, GPJTC staff realized that digging a pond would solve both the dirt problem and the water problem, since the pond could be used to irrigate the new field. All they needed was a unit to make it happen. When the 242nd Eng. Co. called searching for last minute training opportunities because their original annual training plan fell through due to COVID-19, it was a perfect fit.

“We asked them what their training objectives were,” Stephensen said. “They asked to do some earth moving projects, so that made us expedite the PT field project. Originally we were looking at a longer timeline, but we saw that there was a great opportunity to seize this as both a training objective for them, as well as accomplishing a major objective for us in providing another training facility and venue for the units that come out here.”

Once they gained all the proper approvals, GPJTC gave the 242nd the green light to get started.

“We came to it with open arms,” said Staff Sgt. Derek Redenius, operations non-commissioned officer for the job site and acting platoon sergeant for 1st Platoon. “We took every piece of equipment we had, supplied all of our Soldiers and made it happen.”

The 242nd equipment inventory included scrapers, dozers, graders and dump trucks. In addition to the PT field, the engineers are also using their time at the GPJTC to complete other heavy construction work, like culvert projects and road maintenance.

“The experience has been great,” Redenius said. “For the last three years or so we’ve done more combat missions than we have construction engineer missions. So for young Soldiers it has been kind of tough for them to learn their jobs as engineers because we’ve been doing more combat type training. With this job, we get to run our equipment and get young Soldiers licensed.”

Redenius said the Soldiers have been enthusiastic about the work, which has been rewarding for him to see.

“My favorite part about being out here has been getting the young Soldiers time in their equipment and seeing the morale raise,” Redenius said. “We give them the chance to stop after dinner chow, and everybody has wanted to come back out and continue until dark.”

Looking ahead, Stephensen said the PT field could potentially be used to conduct the new Army Combat Fitness Test. And in the meantime, GPJTC will be home to a new space open to any unit to facilitate all types of physical fitness training. It will be a space Kansas Guardsmen can call their own.

When combined with all the other facilities at GPJTC, the completion of this project will allow units to increase training efficiency and readiness by having access to everything they need, all in one location.

“The addition of this facility will allow the range complex out here to host not only the ACFT, which is a major training event, but also Soldier Readiness Programs and weapons qualifications,” said Stephensen. “What we want is for units to want to train here and be able to complete everything all in one drill weekend. That would help save commanders training time by not having to break those events up into three separate weekends.”

Schriever chaplains offer counseling, aid

Story by Airman 1st Class Jonathan Whitely, 50th Space Wing Public Affairs

The Schriever Air Force Base Chapel Corps provides spiritual and emotional support to Airmen stationed here to keep morale high and the mission advancing year-round.

The corps is a team of five Airmen who are dedicated to providing counsel to those in need. They are trained in providing spiritual and crisis counseling to support Airmen’s mental and spiritual health.

“The chaplain corps’ mission is to care for others,” said Staff Sgt. Lathaniel Leigh, Schriever Chapel Corps religious affairs airman. “We’re here for spiritual care, religious support and the overall well-being of our Airmen.”

Although the office is only open during the duty day, the Airmen who work in the shop are available 24/7, 365, to counsel and help Airmen in need.

“We’re here to encourage Airmen,” said Capt. Ronald Lawrence, Peterson-Schriever Garrison chaplain. “We’re not defined by the work we do, we want to make sure Airmen know their identity. When you know your identity and know your why, it can really make a big impact on yourself and the people around you.”

The chaplain corps is the only agency in the Air Force to offer 100% confidentiality, which means they do not share anything an Airmen tells them with anyone.

“Airmen don’t have to be religious to talk to chaplains,” Leigh said. “I think that holds a lot of people back, [but] Airmen can talk to us about life questions, relationship problems and confusion at work. The chaplains may not always be the best suited to help with your problems, but they can help guide you in the right direction.”

Seeing a chaplain is completely voluntary, no one can be forced to see a chaplain..

“We’re here to be agents of hope,” Lawrence said. “We want to restore any hope an Airman may have lost.”

The chaplain corps offers a variety of resources and activities for Airmen to enjoy, including the chapel resource room is located in Bldg. 300, Room 146.

One resource the chaplain corps provides as a means to unwind and connect is the Lunch Box Games, which is every Tuesday from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the Bldg. 300 Auditorium. Airmen can enjoy a lunch, play video games, card and board games and watch movies.

Additionally, the chaplain corps records and posts Sacred Space videos on the Schriever Air Force Base Facebook page. Sacred Space is a short series of videos where chaplains aim to inspire Airmen and let them know the chaplains are thinking of them and are available.

“Our office is embedded with the people,” Leigh said. “We want people to be familiar with who we are and comfortable coming to us. Our main mission is the people.”

To contact the chaplain’s office during the duty day, call 567-3705 or visit Bldg. 300, Room 149. If it is after hours, call the command post at 719-556-4555 and they will put you in contact with a chaplain to assist immediately.

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Texas Military Department Best Warrior Winners 2020

Command Chief Master Sergeant Michael E. Cornitius, the Command Senior Enlisted Leader of Texas, announces the winners of the 2020 Texas Military Department Best Warrior Competition, which was held in March 2020. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Mr. John Thibodeau, Charles E. Spirtos, and Staff Sgt. Mark Otte)

2d Tanks roll away

Story by Lance Cpl. Brian Bolin Jr., 2nd Marine Division

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — A sadness radiated as veterans from past battles stood proud with warriors still in uniform, watching as the last set of tanks left Camp Lejeune for the very last time. U.S. Marines with 2d Tank Battalion, 2d MARDIV waved goodbye one final time to M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 31, 2020.
“It’s Hard to see them go away. I grew up in tanks, I became a man in tanks,” said Sgt. Reginald Davenport, a tank commander with 2d Tank Battalion, 2d Marine Division (MARDIV). “Pretty much everything I learned about being an adult, I learned from someone in tanks.
The ceremony was attended by current active duty Marines of the battalion and Marines whom served in the past. In accordance with Marine Corps Force Design 2030, 2d Tank Battalion is being deactivated after 79 years of service to optimize the Marine Corps’ ability to conduct naval expeditionary warfare. This moment, although bittersweet to many, is the next step in the transition of the Marine Corps into a lighter, more reactive force.
“We must divest of legacy capabilities that do not meet our future requirements, regardless of their past efficacy,” noted Gen. David H. Berger, 38th Commandant of the Marine Corps. “There is no piece of equipment or major defense program that defines us.”
Berger said the new force design is his main priority and that it will secure the Marine Corps’ spot as the world’s premiere warfighting institution. As 2d Tank Battalion continues the process of deactivation, hopes for a future for tanks prevails among tankers.
“It breaks my heart knowing that the legacy of Marine Corps tankers will not live on,” said retired Master Sgt. Jason Pittsley, a veteran of 23 years and former Marine Corps tanker.
For many the reality did not sink in until this morning as they watched the tanks slowly roll away on the railroad tracks.
“This is the moment it actually hit me like tanks is really going away, there’s no stopping it now, it’s real after this,” said Davenport.
As for the dedicated tankers of the “Iron Horse Battalion” of 2d MARDIV, they will be given the opportunity to move into other military occupational specialties in the Marine Corps or continuing with tanks in other branches. Leaving behind the long tradition of 2d Tank Battalion won’t prove easy for many but the leadership of the battalion is set to ensure the Marines are well taken care of.
“There are Marines who have fought and died in these tanks; however, these Marines will transition from here to different careers and do wonderful things. It’s a new beginning and I’m happy for them,” said Lt. Col Matthew A. Dowden, commanding officer, 2d Tank Battalion. “I’m anxiously waiting for what’s in store for these Marines because it’s not about the tanks, it’s about the tankers.”

Violent, loud and decisive: A Gulf War veteran recalls his time in the desert, 30 years later

Story by Staff Sgt. Zachary Sheely, 100th Missile Defense Brigade

Late in 1990, then-Army Sgt. Bob Lehtonen received the alert that he was mobilizing to Saudi Arabia to fight in Operation Desert Shield.

Lehtonen was stationed in Baumholder, Germany, as a Howitzer gunner with Charlie Battery, 2nd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery, 8th Infantry Division, and said he remembers the overwhelming feeling that he and his fellow troops were ready to fight.

“Being in Germany at the time, the (Berlin) Wall had just fallen and we were prepared,” said Lehtonen. “That’s what our life was – preparing to go to war. I’ll never forget once we got the alert, as we were loading all of our gear in the motor pool, the battalion commander came to us and said, ‘I bet you guys think this is real now.’

“I remember thinking, ‘I always knew this was real,’” Lehtonen said. “That’s the mentality we had there. It was combat readiness at a very high level at that time.”

Now, Lehtonen serves as the senior military operations analyst contracted to support the 100th Missile Defense Brigade (Ground-based Midcourse Defense) in Colorado Springs. He retired from the Army in 2017 as the command sergeant major of the Field Artillery – the senior enlisted leader to thousands of Field Artillery Soldiers – following a 32-year career.

He served in many roles throughout his career across the globe and on multiple combat deployments, but cited his experience in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm as foundational to his life and Army career.

Some old photos and a threadbare and stained American flag are all that remain from his time in the Gulf. However, 30 years later, Lehtonen is filled with memories from that brief, but critical battle. Operation Desert Shield was the effort of a coalition of 35 nations to defend Saudi Arabia from Iraqi aggression. In the months to follow, Desert Shield transitioned to Operation Desert Storm, the combat phase of the Gulf War in which the allied coalition forces, led by the United States, liberated Kuwait.

Desert Storm began in the air in January 1991 with the relentless bombing of Iraqi strongholds in Kuwait. The subsequent ground war lasted a mere 100 hours from the start of the assault Feb. 24, 1991, until a cease-fire ended the fighting on Feb. 28. It was a conclusive victory for the U.S.-led coalition.

“When the ground war kicked off, it was violent, loud and decisive,” said Lehtonen. “There was a lot of artillery firing and moving at night. You’re with your section and the battery you’ve been training with. It was the culmination of years of hard training.”

He left a wife and young son back home, and remembers the quiet moments when his mind would wander, but credits his leaders for keeping him focused on the mission.

“There are times when you think of the worst, but I had great leadership,” said Lehtonen. “My section chief, retired Command Sgt. Maj Thomas Miller, then a staff sergeant, told us to give ourselves credit. Instead of thinking something bad can happen to us, he encouraged us to know it's the other guys who should be worried.

“This is a fight,” he said. “We were bad. I’m telling you we were bad. And we proved that.”

Lehtonen and his battery were part of the “left hook” ordered by Army Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf to cut off Iraqi retreat and confront the Republican Guard forces in Kuwait. During Desert Shield, Lehtonen said that U.S. military personnel were ordered not to fly the American flag, but that quickly changed at the onset of Desert Storm.

“We were not an occupying force,” he said. “We were told not to display the U.S. flag at first, but when the ground war kicked off, there were American flags going up everywhere. There was an incredible sense of pride, power and unity, not only with Americans, but also our allied forces.”

Lehtonen affixed a small flag to the M109A2 self-propelled Howitzer he was assigned, where it flapped as his battery traversed hundreds of miles of barren desert framed by a blackened sky, blotted out by Iraqi military forces setting fire to Kuwaiti oil wells. He preserves it to this day in a sealed Ziploc bag, frayed, but no less treasured.

“This was before we wore the American flag on our uniforms,” he said. “Seeing the flag over there was a reminder that I was a part of something bigger than myself. To be able to look at this flag today and touch it is amazing to me. All the memories come flooding back when I hold it. I feel like I am part of the American flag and it is part of who I am”

Many of the senior military leaders at the time were Vietnam veterans, which Lehtonen believes helped shape the battle and also the sentiment among Americans back home.

“I’ll never forget the first time I heard the National Anthem when we got back; ‘The rocket’s red glare and bombs bursting in air.’ I lived that. I was delivering that. And it was coming back at us. It was like, ‘Now I get it.’”

Lehtonen said he gained immense trust and respect for military and civilian leaders during the Gulf War that lives with him to this day.

“We’re in the middle of the desert,” he said. “We didn’t have a return date set, but we were told we wouldn’t be there any longer than we needed to be. Sure enough, we did our job and didn’t spend an additional day there before we were sent home.”

Though he briefly considered leaving the Army following his return from the Gulf in the summer of 1991, Lehtonen said the feeling was short lived.

“I could have gotten out soon after we redeployed back to Germany,” he said. “But I couldn’t bring myself to walk away. It was the people. The Soldiers, leaders and civilians who inspired me to stay. How can you not want to be part of this organization?”

Readiness Division's virtual farewell brings 'Family' together

Story by Sgt. Alexandra Shea, 319th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

FORT JACKSON, S.C. – The U.S. Army Reserve's 81st Readiness Division bid farewell to Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Kenneth D. Jones, during a socially distanced relinquishment of command ceremony July 30 at the Headquarters Building on Fort Jackson, South Carolina.

“This is challenging,” Jones said of the current times. “We all have to wear face masks and the people we love can't be here.”

His two daughters tuned into their father's ceremony as it was live streamed on Facebook by the 81st RD. They were joined by the rest of the “Wildcat Family,” who largely are working remotely to help win the battle against the COVID-19 virus.

The U.S. Army Reserve Command Deputy Commanding General Maj. Gen. A.C. Roper was unable to attend the ceremony in person due to travel restrictions. In his stead he recorded a personal message that was played during the ceremony. While Roper virtually hosted the ceremony, Commanding General of the 80th Training Command Maj. Gen. Bruce E. Hackett presided in person.

“It's important that we conduct this ceremony because it represents over 100 years of Army tradition,” Roper said in his video. “Today, it is with great pride that we recognize Ken Jones who has done an amazing job of leading this division through some turbulent times during our most important transformation, command and control re-balance.”

Roper continued by thanking Jones, theWildcat Nation and the Jones Family for their support and service throughout the transformation.

As Roper's video came to a close, Jones approached the podium to give his final remarks, his last official act as he relinquished command to Ricciardi.

“Ricciardi is the deputy commanding general of this command and will be taking the baton here today,” Jones said. “He is the man that will lead this command until another is chosen to take this command. Joe, I know you are ready to lead and I thank you for what you are going to do for this command.”

Jones continued his speech by thanking those who impacted and influenced his life and career. He also addressed the Soldiers of the Wildcat Nation thanking them for their continued dedication and service as the division transformed over the past few years. The mission to provide responsibility of base operations for 81st RD's footprint across nine southeastern states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, while ensuring units and Soldiers are prepared to deploy and fight in multi-domain operations for current and future Combatant Commander Force requirements.

“I'm humbled to assume command of the storied 81st Readiness Division,” Ricciardi said. “Together with the great Soldiers and civilians of the Wildcat Division, we look forward to continuing the momentum on the transformative initiatives that Maj. Gen. Jones has started.”

Ricciardi also said the Wildcats were setting the stage for a smooth transition when a commander is chosen and arrives to continue the work the 81st has begun.

As the ceremony came to a close, Jones gave his heartfelt thanks to those closest to him, his Family. He thanked his wife Cheryl for the past 44 years of support to help pursue his career while helping to raise their two daughters Allison and Amanda.

Cheryl stood at his side during the relinquishment ceremony in addition to his retirement ceremony held the day before.

“I've had to watch you grow up from afar,” Jones said to his daughters, his voice catching. “I want to thank you for your love and support. I wouldn't be where I am in my career today without Cheryl being there for the past 44 years. You all know who the real general is now. Thank you ... Wildcat Six signing off.”

US Navy’s first Black female tactical air pilot earns Wings of Gold in Texas

Story by Lt. Michelle Tucker, Chief of Naval Air Training

The U.S. Navy’s first Black female tactical air (TACAIR) pilot received her Wings of Gold July 31, marking a significant milestone for Naval Aviation.

Virginia native Lt. j.g. Madeline G. Swegle was designated a naval aviator and received her Wings of Gold with 25 classmates during a small ceremony at Naval Air Station (NAS) Kingsville, Texas.

Swegle is assigned to the “Redhawks” of Training Squadron (VT) 21 under Training Air Wing 2 at NAS Kingsville and completed her final undergraduate TACAIR training flight in a T-45C Goshawk jet trainer aircraft July 7. VT-21 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Matthew Maher presented Wings of Gold to each of his graduates during the ceremony.

Amidst the Navy’s response to the global pandemic, instructors and students adjusted to COVID-19 spread mitigation measures including sterilizing surfaces, wearing masks, and social distancing when practical. Despite these challenges, this is the largest graduating class of strike aviators in almost a decade.

Chief of Naval Air Training Rear Adm. Robert Westendorff oversees all undergraduate flight training from the command headquarters at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas.

“We are all incredibly proud of Lt. j.g Swegle and the entire class,” Westendorff said. “This is a wonderful personal achievement but also a testament to their dedication and drive to succeed in the tactical air training pipeline. I wish them all every success at the next level learning to fly our fleet aircraft.”

A 2017 U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Swegle reported to Naval Aviation Schools Command at NAS Pensacola, Florida, where she completed Initial Flight Screening and Aviation Preflight Indoctrination. She completed Primary flight training with the “Boomers” of VT-27 at NAS Corpus Christi, and after selecting the TACAIR, or Strike, pipeline, Swegle progressed to Intermediate and Advanced training with VT-21.

Swegle is part of a new generation of TACAIR pilots to qualify on state-of-the art Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE) unique to aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78): the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG). She completed carrier qualifications in the Atlantic Ocean off the Florida coast, May 20.

“I’m excited to have this opportunity to work harder and fly high performance jet aircraft in the fleet,” Swegle said. “It would’ve been nice to see someone who looked like me in this role; I never intended to be the first. I hope it’s encouraging to other people.”

Chief of Legislative Affairs Rear Adm. Sara Joyner, a career naval aviator, served as guest speaker for the ceremony via teleconference.

“I’m incredibly proud of Lt. j.g. Swegle and her classmates and am excited to welcome them all to the fleet,” Joyner said. “There’s more work to do to make sure that we recruit, train and retain a diverse force that represents the best and brightest of this nation. Everything in Naval Aviation requires teamwork, and you will be judged by your professionalism, demonstrated capability, and leadership.”

Swegle and her classmates will advance to graduate-level flight training at their respective fleet replacement squadrons. Specific platform selection for the TACAIR training pipeline (F/A-18 Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, or F-35C Lightning II) typically occurs shortly before the winging ceremony. Swegle will report to the “Vikings” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 at NAS Whidbey Island in Washington to begin training as an EA-18G Growler pilot. VAQ-129 trains new naval aviators, naval flight officers, and naval aircrewmen in electronic warfare tactics, techniques, and procedures in preparation for their fleet assignments.

Swegle follows in the footsteps of Brenda E. Robinson, the Navy’s first African American female naval aviator. Robinson earned her Wings of Gold June 6, 1980 and was the 42nd woman to be designated a naval aviator.

“Lt. j.g. Swegle has proven to be a courageous trailblazer,” Commander, Naval Air Forces Vice Adm. DeWolfe “Bullet” Miller III said. “She has joined a select group of people who earned Wings of Gold and answered the call to defend our nation from the air. The diversity of that group—with differences in background, skill and thought—makes us a stronger fighting force.”

Chief of Naval Air Training trains the world's finest combat quality aviation professionals, delivering them at the right time, in the right numbers, and at the right cost to a naval force that is where it matters, when it matters.

For more news from Chief of Naval Air Training, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnatra/ or www.cnatra.navy.mil. Get more information about the Navy from U.S. Navy facebook or twitter.

From Satellite Beach to commanding a satellite brigade

Story by Staff Sgt. Aaron Rognstad, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- U.S. Army Satellite Operations Brigade hosted a virtual Change of Command between Col. Tonri C. Brown, outgoing commander, and Col. Stephen Parrish, incoming commander, July 31.

Parrish, who just happened to be born near the central Atlantic coastal beach town of Satellite Beach, Florida, now steps into command of the Army’s only Satellite Operations Brigade, comprising active and Reserve component Soldiers, Department of the Army civilians and Australian military and civilian employees.

“Our Soldiers and civilians represent the best in the Army and space community,” said Parrish in his ceremony speech. “Their intellect, their passion to succeed in their mission, and their professionalism are unmatched.”

Parrish recently earned a Master of Strategic Studies from the Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama – his previous assignment in his 23-year career.

Prior to that he was the chief, Space Concepts Integration Officer for the Capability Development Center and Mission Command Center of Excellence at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, 2017-2019.

Parrish deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and earned a Bronze Star for his role as the theater linguist manager and chief, Counter Vehicle-Borne Improvised Device Task Force, Multi-National Forces, Baghdad, Iraq.

Brown, who served as the leader of the brigade for two years, expressed gratitude for his time leading the brigade.

“It has been an absolute honor and privilege to serve as your brigade commander,” Brown said to his former staff in his ceremony speech. “I enjoyed every single day.”

The U.S. Army Satellite Operations Brigade, which stood up May 1, 2019, consolidates all assigned satellite communication missions under a new major subordinate element to align for efficient command and control. It provides military satellite communication support globally through operations at all elements of the Department of Defense, U.S. government agencies and U.S. allies and partners.

Parrish is the brigade’s second commander.

“Thank you for your trust in me to lead this brigade,” Parrish said to his commanding officer, Lt. Gen. Daniel L. Karbler. “Thank you for the excellent transition and support.”

Due to COVID-19 protocols, the ceremony was recorded and shared with hundreds of viewers who watched worldwide.

Change of Command for Georgia’s 170th MP BN

Story by Maj. William Carraway, Georgia National Guard

The Georgia Army National Guard’s 170th Military Police Battalion bid farewell to outgoing commander Lt. Col. Copeland Rowell and welcomed Lt. Col. Mollie Keith as the incoming commander July 31, 2020 during a ceremony at the unit’s headquarters in Decatur.

“Under Lt. Col. Rowell’s engaged leadership (this battalion) has met every challenge head-on and has been successful at every turn,” said Col. Alexander McLemore, commander of the Marietta-based 201st Regional Support Group. “These incredible Americans have left their mark on history, the National Guard and the nation.”

Keith assumes command of a battalion that traces its lineage to the 19th century. Keith has served in roles of increasing responsibility at National Guard headquarters in Arlington, Va. and in U.S. Army Europe. She commanded an MP company in Iraq and deployed to Afghanistan as the executive officer for Joint Task Force Biometrics. In addition to overseas deployments, Keith’s domestic operational experience includes humanitarian missions following Hurricane Katrina and with Task Force New Horizons in Guatemala.

“Lieutenant Colonel Keith comes highly recommended from many, including one of our own, (Former Adjutant General) Maj. Gen. Joe Jarrard,” said McLemore. “She has come a long way from Iowa, through Michigan, Missouri and Germany to get here… I am confident she will serve this unit well.”

Outgoing commander, Lt. Col. Copeland J. Rowell assumed command of the 170th MP Battalion in March 2018 and led the Soldiers through the Georgia National Guard’s response to Hurricane Michael later that year. In 2019, the 170th MP BN supported exercise Agile Spirit in the country of Georgia and was activated in anticipation of Hurricane Dorian response missions. Since March 2020, Soldiers of the 170th MP BN have been actively engaged in the coordinated response to the Coronavirus and have also been called to active service in response to civil unrest in Atlanta.

“Command of the 170th MP Battalion has been the most rewarding experience of my military career,” said Rowell. “Soldiers of this battalion have had more unique experiences in the past two years than most Soldiers may receive over their entire career.”

Rowell noted several of the accomplishments of the battalion over the years including multiple rotations at the Joint Readiness Training Center and National Training Center. Over the course of the COVID-19 response effort, 170th MP BN Soldiers have provided security for quarantine facilities, manned test sites, and deployed mobile infection control and testing teams to serve citizens across the state.

Keith assumes command at a pivotal time in the battalion’s history.
“Since World War II, this unit has undertaken numerous state activations and served in Desert Shield, Desert Storm and the War on Terrorism,” said Keith. “You have responded to state disasters, and most recently COVID-19, and it is an absolute honor to join the history of such exceptional enlisted, non-commissioned officers, warrant officers and officers.”

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Joins Michigan National Guard for Pass and Review Ceremony at Camp Grayling

Story by Capt. Andrew Layton, Michigan National Guard

GRAYLING, Mich. -- Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan National Guard at the newly-minted National All-Domain Warfighting Center at Camp Grayling for the 2020 Pass and Review Ceremony.

"I'm honored to be a part of this ceremony and celebrate our dedicated Michigan National Guardsmen and women," said Governor Whitmer. "This year especially, the Michigan National Guard has responded to multiple crises with honor and dedication to help aid communities across our state.”

The Pass in Review Ceremony is a time-honored tradition of the Michigan National Guard during which accomplishments of the previous calendar year are acknowledged, outstanding performers are recognized, and deceased and fallen members of the Michigan National Guard are honored.

“Today we gather to pay solemn respect to those Michigan National Guard members who have passed in the last twelve months; in their honor, we also celebrate the accomplishments of the Michigan National Guard during this historic year of 2020, assisting communities across the state with professionalism and exceptional, compassionate service,” said Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers, Adjutant General and Director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “Additionally, we recognize the successful completion of Northern Strike 20 here at the National All-Domain Warfighting Center. The work we do here sets conditions for future readiness of the joint force, and is incredibly relevant to our national security.”

The Michigan National Guard has a long-standing reputation for mission success, which has never been more true than in 2020. Even while hundreds of Soldiers and Airmen are deployed supporting overseas missions, the Michigan National Guard has been an important part of emergency operations across the state, including COVID-19 response missions, recovery operations after the Edenville and Sanford dams failed in May, and community support to ensure the right to peacefully protest in the face of civil unrest.

Over the last two weeks of July, the Michigan National Guard has hosted Northern Strike 20, a premier joint fires readiness exercise, at Camp Grayling and Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center. With nearly 148,000 acres of combined training space, the pristine training facilities of the Michigan National Guard are being renamed the National All-Domain Warfighting Center in acknowledgement of the crucial support these locations in Northern Michigan contribute to the U.S. National Defense Strategy.

Edwards AFB firefighters conduct search and rescue training during foam test

Story by Giancarlo Casem, 412th Test Wing Public Affairs

Firefighters from the Edwards Fire and Emergency Services conducted a search and rescue training session during a foam fire suppression test at Edwards Air Force Base, California, July 23.

The High Expansion Foam Fire Suppression System test was conducted at recently remodeled, 71,700 sq. ft., hangar. The test is one of many validation checkpoints that will ultimately clear the building for use.

“The hangar will have a state of the art fire suppression and fire alarm systems capable for quickly putting out fire without loss of life or damaging aircraft parked in the hangar,” said Bayram Kurbanov, 412th Civil Engineer Group and the project manager for the venture.

The $8.9 million project was a Design-Bid-Build development, meaning design and construction were done by separate companies. The design part was awarded in May 25, 2017, and construction part was awarded in Sept. 28, 2018, Kurbanov explained.

Edwards FES took advantage of the rare opportunity to conduct search and rescue training. The training opportunity does not happen very often said Michael Pinan, Assistant Chief for Fire Prevention, Edwards AFB Fire and Emergency Services.

“Luckily here at Edwards we have been fortunate to have a string of new hangar construction projects,” Pinan said. “Scheduling an event like this takes time and effort as all stages of the training must be coordinated with the contractor. We hope to conduct more training evolutions in the future with more hangars on the horizon.”

The training provided Edwards firefighters with many lessons learned as the training event was a first for many members of the team, Pinan explained.

“We believe the most important lessons learned from this training evolution were the need for better communications, and the realization of the physical challenges associated with this operation,” Pinan added.

He said the team had a “no quit” attitude but faced communications and physical challenges that many had not faced before.

“The other big takeaway from this training evolution was the need for more personnel. Our department is spread out over the vast land mass that is Edwards AFB. We attempted to succeed at this exercise with minimal personnel,” Pinan said. “Because of the extreme physical demand of the operation and the need for more rest/work cycles, the need for more personnel on scene was evident. Overall, the exercise was a success, and as with any training event we will take our lessons learned and turn them into new strategies and tactics to practice for future training evolutions.”

Remembering a 101-year-old legacy

Story by Senior Airman Tessa Corrick 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

A memorial service was held on base to remember and pay tribute to the life-long service and legacy of the director of retiree affairs for Barksdale, July 31, 2020.

Retired Col. Steven L. dePyssler, who served 38 years in the U.S. Army Air Corps and the Air Force, and the past 41 years volunteering with the retiree affairs department, passed away July 25, 2020.

He is believed to be the only known American to have served in World War II, the Korean War, the French Indo-China War, the Bay of Pigs Invasion and the Vietnam War. He celebrated his 101st birthday just four days before his passing

The ceremony consisted of guest speakers who spoke on his accomplishments, his many years of dedication to the Air Force, to the state of Louisiana and the Barksdale community. Barksdale’s honor guard provided the military funeral honors.

“He represents the sacrifice [and] the dedication that is the best of humanity - what we should all want and desire to achieve in our own lives,” said Retired Air Force Col. Michael Dilda, president of the Ark-La-Tex chapter of the Military Officers Association of America and close friend to dePyssler, during the ceremony. “Steve represented an infinite view of the game of life. The infinite view is one that's characterized by a never ending desire to improve. A unique legacy spent over a career of helping others. It was my advantage and distinct pleasure to have the opportunity to work with him and get to know him - to have him call me a friend.”

Since dePyssler was such an influential figure, a decision was made to memorialize his life forever at Barksdale. Last year, during his 100th birthday celebration, a building renaming was announced to pay tribute to him. Then in November of 2019, the newly established Col. dePyssler Mission Support Group building was unveiled.

During the memorial service, Dr. Bruce dePyssler, son of dePyssler, offered the final remarks. Thanking multiple people in and around base for all they have done for his family and telling stories from his life growing up with his father.

“He was loyal to his wife, to his family, to his troops, to the vets, to the Air Force and to the beloved country,” Dr. dePyssler said as he began to be stricken with emotion. “He is fair. He is open. He accepted others.”

“I do not know what natural and divine forces were conjured up to give us this life, this consciousness that we have. This ability that we have to hope, and love, and suffer. This ability to know what we do and do not know. This ability to shape our destiny in large and small ways,” Dr. dePyssler added. “One thing I do know is that I learned from my father that this gift of life and consciousness is not something to be squandered.”

dePyssler held every enlisted, warrant officer and officer rank during his career from the rank of private to colonel. He was awarded the Legion of Merit Medal four separate times for his outstanding service.

“Col. dePyssler loved all veterans, but his heart was always with the Air Force and his heart was always with Barksdale,” said Retired Army Col. Joey Strickland, Secretary of Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, during the ceremony. “His service to veterans brings to mind one of my favorite quotes. General Omar Bradley in 1948 when he was serving as the Secretary of Veterans Affairs said, ‘We are dealing with veterans, not procedures. We are dealing with their problems, not ours.’ That is just what Col. Steve dePyssler did every day. I always knew that I could count on him for anything I needed to get done for veterans, especially here in the Northwest.”

While volunteering at the retiree office, he dedicated his time to helping military retirees, their widows, widowers, parents and children through the process of obtaining and understanding retirement benefits.

“His goal was, and I quote, ‘to help one person a day, for as long as I live. That’s my goal, and it has been for years and years and years,’” said Maj. Gen. Andrew Gebara, Air Force Global Strike Command director of strategic plans, programs and requirements and former 2nd Bomb Wing commander, during the ceremony. “Well to do the math, for the amount of time he was running the retiree affairs office, if you add 365 days a year, and you have to add 10 for 10 leap years mind you, that means Col. dePyssler’s goal was to help 14,975 people. And he did. He spent countless days helping widows navigate the bureaucratic world of the military life without their spouses. And he worked tirelessly to honor veterans.”

Although he has passed, generations today and for years to come will forevermore be able to learn and be inspired through the life and legacy the retired colonel provided everyday since his enlistment in 1940.

“Steve, we all remember that you were here. We remember that you stood up for what was right. And you left this world a better place,” Gebara said as he turned to face dePyssler’s photo on the wall. “I hope you know that the men and women of Barksdale will miss you. And I will too.”

Army Command Prepares for Hurricane Season in Age of COVID-19

July 31, 2020 | BY Army Capt. Matthew Cline

Beginning in March, the Army Reserve's 377th Theater Sustainment Command oversaw a nationwide logistics response effort out of its home station in Belle Chasse, Louisiana, that supported thousands of service members in the fight against COVID-19. The scale of the mission was unprecedented, and required multitiered planning, equipment projection and coordination to achieve. As the response concluded, the command was tasked with a new and far more challenging assignment: preparing for this year's hurricane season in the age of COVID-19.

"Not only do we have to respond to a hurricane, we have to do it in a COVID environment, which is more resource- and planning-intensive on all levels to respond to," said Army Maj. David Finn, a plans officer at the command. "We've been planning this for almost two months now in preparation for it and trying to forecast the sustainment requirements to respond to a disaster event."

The command is in uncharted territory, bridging the gap between its traditional role in support of the Army Reserve Command and its newfound role as the lead logistics supplier for U.S. Army North, which supervises homeland defense and defense support to civil authorities missions throughout North America.

We have more people now than ever before. In previous seasons, we had a far more limited staff, but now we have almost the whole [team] mobilized for the hurricanes because of the complexity of responding during COVID-19.''

Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Dorian Bozza

Hurricane season traditionally poses a logistics challenge to any supporting agency. The unpredictable path and varying severity of storms make long-term projections for placement of responding assets difficult. Despite this, the plans team has conducted coordination across the country to ensure essential capabilities such as water purification, transportation and medical support are able to respond as quickly as possible to the point of impact.

The partnership with Army North has been an invaluable learning process for Finn and his fellow soldiers, who speak highly of the knowledge and experience the Army North team brought to the fight.

"Working with Army North has been a new experience for me, and it's been a learning experience from the start," he said. "It helps me understand our larger responsibility to national defense and disaster support requirements."

Despite the increased coordination, operating in a COVID-19 environment has caused some limitations to the command's ability to prepare for hurricanes, as opposed to previous years. The annual Hurricane Certification Exercise, a mock scenario-based response staged in areas that are historically vulnerable to hurricanes, was cancelled this year over concerns that personnel could be exposed to COVID-19.

"Hurricane Maria completely overwhelmed Puerto Rico in 2017, so we staged the exercise there last year so we could learn from our shortcomings in the response and address those issues there," said Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Dorian Bozza, the senior maintenance technician at the 377th Theater Sustainment Command. "Unfortunately because of COVID, there is no certification exercise this year, but we are still planning and coordinating with Army North to continue to monitor the weather and respond."

This coordination involves sending a command liaison officer to any state that is facing a potential hurricane landfall. The officer then integrates into the logistics planning process to coordinate with the state and federal agencies to ensure any personnel or equipment requirements are met prior to landfall.

COVID-19 has offered up one benefit to the command, however.

"We have more people now than ever before," Bozza said. "In previous seasons, we had a far more limited staff, but now we have almost the whole [team] mobilized for the hurricanes because of the complexity of responding during COVID-19."

After the loss of the full-scale certification exercise, the command held an extensive rehearsal of concept drill July 9 to demonstrate its capability to respond to Army North at its headquarters at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas. The ROC drill covered a series of potential hurricane landfall scenarios and involved contingency planning for the entire continental United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

"There's been a lot of preparation time and a lot of rehearsals where we actually practice how we would respond," said Army Col. Reggie Richardson, 377th Theater Sustainment Command deputy chief of staff for operations. "The ROC drill is a way for all teams involved to be mindful of the intent behind the mission and understand what their counterparts are doing during the mission."

With six Atlantic storms already named by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the projected busy hurricane season has already gotten off to a quick start. The command has nearly doubled its normal staff in preparation for the season, in tandem with a similar increase in staff at the 4th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), the subordinate unit assisting the 377th Theater Sustainment Command in its hurricane response mission.

With increased support and the lessons learned from previous hurricane seasons and the COVID-19 response, Richardson expressed nothing but confidence in the command's ability to respond to the hurricanes both effectively and safely.

"We're transitioning to the speed required and dealing with organizations we have not dealt with before," he said. "New people, new teams, new structures and new organizations…but the positive thing is, it's all coming together."

(Army Capt. Matthew Cline is assigned to the 377th Theater Sustainment Command.)