MCPON Makes First Visit to Naval Air Station North Island

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Stephen Votaw, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(AW/NAC) Mike D. Stevens visited Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI) Dec. 14.

This marked Stevens' first visit to NASNI since assuming the role of MCPON earlier this year.

"It is always good to be back at North Island," Stevens said. "In 2000 I got here as a senior chief petty officer stationed on the flight line with one of the helicopter squadrons and at that time all I was worried about was the next deployment and taking care of my guys.

"I never imagined I would ever be back here as MCPON," said Stevens. "I am very happy that I can be here today and can learn what I can do to help you as we all work together to continue to make this the greatest Navy in the world."

MCPON used the visit to discuss topics impacting today's Navy and the Sailors who make it run. He also highlighted his "Zeroing in on Excellence" initiative.

"My initiative provides us with a universal theme we can apply to our respective positions without distracting from or adding to our existing individual roles," said Stevens. "The initiative provides a solid framework around which we can build sound and lasting readiness."

Stevens also highlighted areas such as deployments and uniforms before opening the floor to a question-and-answer session with the Sailors.

Fleet engagements are intended to provide senior leadership with a frontline assessment of Sailors and what they are doing in the fleet.

X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System Completes First At-Sea Tests

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Taylor DiMartino, USS Harry S. Truman Public Affairs

USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, At Sea (NNS) -- The X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) demonstrator completed its first at-sea test phase aboard the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Dec. 18.

The first aircraft of its kind aboard a Naval vessel, the X-47B was put through myriad trials designed to assess the viability of an unmanned system's operation aboard a carrier.

Among the multitude of tests, the X-47B was towed using carrier-based tractors, taxied on the flight deck via its arm-mounted control display unit (CDU), and had its digital engine controls tested within environments pervaded by electromagnetic fields.

"The system has performed outstandingly," said Don Blottenberger, program manager for the N-UCAS Program Office (PMA-268). "We've learned a lot about the environment that we're in and how compatible the aircraft is with a carrier's flight deck, hangar bays and communication systems."

"We validated our capabilities on an aircraft carrier," said Mike Mackey, Northrop Grumman's program director. "We gained a lot of knowledge that we could never have gotten anywhere else except on a carrier. It was perfect for the team. We demonstrated the program's maturity and our team's ability to interact with Sailors and the ship, which was one of the most important things for us to do."

Mackey said data collected from the aircraft's performance throughout its two-week test period aboard Truman will contribute to future unmanned aviation programs.

Although the X-47B, as a demonstration aircraft, will never be put into production, Blottenberger said Sailors may one day see similar aircraft aboard ships.

"There are a lot of people aboard Truman that will take this experience with them," said Blottenberger. "I think that all of this interest will help different programs both manned and unmanned. Hopefully, its impact will benefit future technologies."

Sailors aboard Truman were offered working experience with the X-47B as crew members directed the aircraft on the flight deck and handled it in the hangar bays.

Lt. Cmdr. Larry Tarver, Truman's aircraft handling officer, said his experience with UCAS-D during its testing was very interesting.

"I believe our Sailors integrated with the system very easily," said Tarver. "Getting Sailors to help out and participate was very easy as everyone was curious and excited to work with it. Apart from those minor differences, the aircraft moved much like any other carrier-based aircraft while taxiing under its own power."

Tarver said he believes aircraft like the X-47B will easily fit into a carrier's environment in the future.

"Moving the UCAS-D around with a spotting dolly was very similar to how we move other aircraft," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Daniel Colon, a supervisor in air department's V-3 division aboard Truman. "Being the only carrier to have experience with this system so far, I am proud to be among the first Sailors to test this aircraft. I know my whole team feels the same way."

Blottenberger attributed much of UCAS-D's success to the Truman crew's open communication and support.

"Approximately 40 percent of our test team onboard had never been on a Navy ship before," said Blottenberger. "I think it was eye-opening for the team to see the complexities involved in running and organizing a ship effectively. The Truman has been outstanding. There are countless examples of support from a list of Sailors too long to count from almost every department on board. I could not imagine a better experience for the test team."

Capt. S. Robert Roth, Truman's commanding officer, said Sailors benefitted equally from N-UCAS's embark.

"There was obvious curiosity about the aircraft and tremendous enthusiasm from the entire crew to be part of the revolutionary testing," said Roth after an event honoring the partnership built between Team Truman and N-UCAS. "These tests were the perfect match of a crew that knows the environment and the operation of aircraft at sea and a team with impressive new technologies. Our crew has taken great pride in being part of Naval aviation history."

Mackey, a retired Marine with more than 20 years of experience, said he loved being back aboard a Naval vessel to work with Sailors.

"Every minute of the underway was an opportunity to see how far the Navy has grown," said Mackey. "It's awesome to see the caliber of today's warriors. It's been a great experience for me aboard Truman."

With X-47B's deck testing completed, Blottenberger said the aircraft will return to Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River for further testing and is scheduled to embark another carrier in mid-2013.

"I'm a believer that this is only the beginning," said Blottenberger. "We're taking UCAS-D into next year with what we learned aboard Truman. We are planning to get it back on a carrier to complete catapult launches, arrested landings and aerial refueling tests. There is a lot ahead for our program and a lot of hard work behind us. I look at Truman as the beginning of future unmanned integration with the fleet."

DDG 1000 Program Successfully Integrates Deckhouse

From Team Ships Public Affairs

BATH, Maine (NNS) -- The Navy's next generation destroyer, the future USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000), completed a major ship milestone with the successful lift and integration of the deckhouse on to the ship's hull Dec. 14.

The 1,000-ton deckhouse was fabricated by Huntington Ingalls Industries in Gulfport, Miss., and delivered to the Navy in October 2012. The deckhouse was then transported to Bath, Maine for integration with the ship's hull, which is under construction at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works.

"This is a major milestone for the program as this ship construction progresses," said Capt. Jim Downey, DDG 1000 class program manager, Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. "The successful integration of the deckhouse and hull is a testament to the tremendous design and planning efforts that were instrumental to this program."

With the successful lift and integration of the deckhouse, 9 of 9 ultra units are now on land level at BIW.

"The industry government team meticulously planned the 100' static lift of the deckhouse and translation of the 610' hull into position under the deckhouse," said Downey. "The deckhouse was then lowered into position and the resulting ship moved back into the construction position on the land level facility. Working with our industry partners, we look forward to delivering this highly capable ship to the Fleet."

Construction on DDG 1000 began in February 2009 and is currently 80 percent complete, with ship launch and Christening planned for 2013. The ship is scheduled to deliver in 2014 with an initial operating capability in 2016. Zumwalt will be 610 feet in length, have a beam of 80 feet, displace approximately 15,000 tons, and will have a crew of 130 officers and sailors plus an air detachment. The deckhouse, which is built from steel and composite materials, is 155 feet long and over 60 feet high and will house the ship's bridge, radars, antennas and intake and exhaust systems.

Progress on the DDG 1000 Zumwalt class guided missile destroyers continues to go very well, with all three ships now under construction. Construction on the second ship of the class, Michael Monsoor, began in 2010 with delivery planned in 2016. DDG 1002, the future USS Lyndon B. Johnson, is expected to deliver to the Navy in 2018.

The multi-mission DDG 1000 is tailored for sustained operations in the littorals and land attack, and will provide independent forward presence and deterrence, support special operations forces, and operate as an integral part of joint and combined expeditionary forces.

As one of the Defense Department's largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships, an affiliated PEO of the Naval Sea Systems Command, is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all major surface combatants, amphibious ships, special mission and support ships, and special warfare craft.

Purple Heart Society meeting teaches thankfulness for veterans organizations

Commentary by Lt. Col. Paul Birch
4th Operations Support Squadron

12/18/2012 - SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. (AFNS) -- The North Carolina chapters of the Military Order of the Purple Heart invited the 4th Fighter Wing to send a representative to their state-wide meeting in Goldsboro, N.C. the first weekend in December. As that representative, I was honored to address the assembled chapter representatives and state organizational leadership of this national organization that dedicates itself primarily to ensuring proper care for wounded warriors.

Our generation of service members injured in combat enjoys unparalleled care and support throughout our society. It is easy to lose sight of just how much an organization like the Military Order of the Purple Heart does for wounded veterans. My time with them made me reflect on how much support returning veterans over the past decade received not just from the government, but from volunteer organizations and citizens. Though wounded veterans face serious challenges upon their return to civilian life, from a recent historical viewpoint now is a good time to be a veteran. This is particularly true in communities like Goldsboro who are ardent supporters of their local bases and the men and women who serve.

Pondering the breadth of our support made me realize that this has been a cyclic phenomenon in the United States. Although we are a generation removed from the Vietnam conflict, the memory of veterans spurned and scorned upon homecoming still appears vividly in the press, at meetings of veterans' groups, and other forums. How did our country get there? How did we, in bridging the generation between World War II and Vietnam, go from welcoming veterans with open arms and thankful adulation to jeering them and worse? Most importantly, will the cycle continue, returning us to those dark days?

I hope the answer is an emphatic "no." A primary difference within our society since the Vietnam era is that most are able to separate those who voluntarily serve their country from their political viewpoints about the conflicts in which these people serve. This beginning of this sentiment is captured by the bumper sticker "I support the troops," completed by the unstated second half: "...no matter what I might think about the war." This healthy framework for public discourse avoids personal attacks against service members while allowing reasonable debate about national interests and political motivations. It is this collective emotional maturity more than anything else that allows veterans to enjoy the gratitude of their nation for their service independent from political polarization or interest group overtones.

The other way we can hope to keep alive the current favorable state of affairs is through organizations and events that keep alive the memories of what has happened in the past. The next time I see the MOPH float in the annual Veterans' Day parade, I'll have a better appreciation for what that organization stands for and why it is important. The same sentiment applies to visiting The Vietnam Wall Memorial and other reminders of those who provided national service whether the nation's business was popular or not when they served.

While proud of my service and my small contributions, I am somewhat self-conscious at events honoring veterans or military service members. Several other active duty Airmen have shared the same sentiment. Above all else, we would like the attention to go toward veterans who have finished their military careers and those who were wounded or killed in the line of duty. But I think seeing the MOPH meeting a few weeks ago helped me see a bigger part of the reason for these events and may temper some of my typical unease. Having veterans visible and honoring their service does a collective good for society in the way it makes us think about and deal with armed conflict. This is especially important as our nation fights and wins its conflicts with an all-volunteer force.

At the next Veterans' Day parade, I'll proudly honor the sacrifices of veterans with a renewed sense of purpose. And I'll have the example I witnessed at the Military Order of the Purple Heart meeting to thank for that.

Thank you to the ladies and gentlemen who have earned the Purple Heart for their selfless service to our great nation.

Neal assumes command of 188th Maintenance Group

by Senior Airman John Hillier
188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office

12/13/2012 - FORT SMITH, Ark. -- With a hulking A-10C Thunderbolt II "Warthog" at his side, Lt. Col. Anderson Neal Jr. assumed command of the 188th Maintenance Group at a ceremony in at the 188th Fighter Wing Dec. 2.

"We're excited that Lt. Col. Neal is here," said Col. Mark Anderson, 188th Fighter Wing commander. "Lt. Col. Neal recounted several times growing up when others went out of their way to tell him what he couldn't do. Instead of lowering his expectations, he used these doubters as motivation to achieve. His leadership and devotion, in concert with the finest group of maintainers in the world, will carry him through any obstacles in his path."

Colonel Neal began his military career as an F-4 Phantom crew chief with the 188th Maintenance Group in May 1985. He said it was the roar of the F-4 Phantom that got his attention and led to his decision to join the 188th.

"Chief [Master Sgt.] Hershel White escorted a potential recruit out on the flight line, just outside the hangar doors," Colonel Neal said. "Then they fired up one of those F-4 Phantom jets, and I said, 'Where do I sign up?'"

As he thanked the many friends and family members in attendance, Colonel Neal called this event one of the most special and humbling days of his 27-year military career.

"I am the same person as crew chief A1C Neal that began his career 27 years ago," said Colonel Neal. "But now I am responsible for the successes and failures of maintenance. With your help and support, Col. Anderson and our operators can continue to count on us. You are an outstanding group of motivated Airmen. I hope to see that one of you is the 188th Maintenance Group commander one day."

Colonel Neal previously served as director of maintenance, Arkansas National Guard Joint Force Headquarters, Camp Joseph T. Robinson, North Little Rock, Ark.

Colonel Neal enlisted in May 1985 with the 188th Fighter Wing as an Airman 1st class. He completed Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, and subsequently began technical training in aircraft maintenance (crew chief), Sheppard AFB, Texas, where he also served as senior student leader (red rope). He received his noncommissioned officer certification in April 1988.

Colonel Neal attended the Academy of Military Science, McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Knoxville, Tenn., and was commissioned in 1989 as a transportation officer. In 1990, he completed the Reserve Officer Transportation Training Course at Sheppard AFB, Texas.

Colonel Neal completed Squadron Officer School by correspondence in 1994. In 1996 he was assigned officer-in-charge of the 188th Management and Systems Office in supply until January 2001, when he was assigned as chief of supply until April 2001.

Colonel Neal assumed command of the 188th Maintenance Squadron in April 2001 and served until 2005. He was activated with the 188th for one year in support of Operation Noble Eagle following the Sept. 11, 2001, attack on the World Trade Center in New York.
Colonel Neal served as Inspector General for the 188th Fighter Wing from December 2005 until being assigned as Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, 189th Airlift Wing, Little Rock AFB, Ark., in March 2007.

"This is my guard family," Colonel Neal said. "They are why I and others have answered our state and nation's call one weekend a month and numerous other days of the past 27 years. It's because we are the Air National Guard."

Panetta, Dempsey Mourn Hawaii Senator

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18, 2012 – The Defense Department’s top civilian and military officials issued statements paying tribute to U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye of Hawaii, a World War II veteran and Medal of Honor recipient, who died at age 88 yesterday at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.
Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said the senator’s life “embodied the essence of the American Dream and the heroism of the greatest generation.”

"A World War II veteran of the legendary 442nd Regimental Combat Team, his display of leadership and valor in a gun battle that cost him his arm rightfully earned him the Medal of Honor,” Panetta said. “His determination to recover and his extraordinary career that followed continue to inspire wounded warriors today.

“In the U.S. Senate,” the secretary continued, “he was one of the most stalwart and effective advocates of the Department of Defense, and a relentless champion of our men and women in uniform and their families. I was honored to have the opportunity to work closely with him when I served as a member of Congress, and in the Clinton and Obama administrations.”

Inouye’s legacy will endure in the better quality of life he helped to bring to generations of service members and their families and the people of Hawaii, and for his contributions to a stronger national defense, Panetta said. “The thoughts and prayers of all of us at the Department of Defense are with the Inouye family in this time of grief and remembrance," he added.

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Inouye “exemplified the role of servant-leader, both in and out of uniform, and served as a role model for so many Americans.”

“As a member of the greatest generation, he gave what many would consider the best years of his life to oppose tyranny in Europe, where he received the Medal of Honor while serving with the famed 442nd Infantry Regiment,” the chairman said. “After losing his arm, he could have finished his service to our nation, but that was just the beginning.”

While serving in the Senate since 1962, Dempsey said, Inouye was a friend to the military and to those who have served the nation in uniform. “His tireless efforts on support for our veterans, particularly in health care and education, will greatly benefit thousands of military service members and our families for years to come,” he said.

7th Contracting Squadron named Air Force small-business award winner

by 2nd Lt. Nicole Ferrara
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

12/17/2012 - DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 7th Contracting Squadron was named the Secretary of the Air Force small-business special achievement award winner Dec. 3.

SAF small-business awards are presented each year to individuals and organizations that exhibited exemplary accomplishments in support of the Air Force Small Business Program.

Between Oct. 1, 2011, and Sept. 30, 2012, the 7th CONS accomplished its mission with a maximum degree of war readiness while still achieving mandated small business goals. The squadron obligated more than 95 percent of contracts to small businesses, spending in excess of $64 million.

"The unit was completely committed to meeting the objective and vision of the Secretary of the Air Force Small Business Program by nurturing strong relationships with community leaders, counterparts and base employees to facilitate better networking," said Maj. Kenric Phillips, 7th Contracting Squadron commander.

"Working with small businesses to accrue assets for Dyess is a win-win for the base and the community, and we are incredibly grateful for the continued support provided by the business owners of Abilene," he said.

The 7th CONS conducted four outreach events to meet personally with small business owners, including an In-Reach Luncheon, which many leaders from the local Abilene community attended. In addition, the squadron continuously trained local buyers in the base contracting office, thereby increasing the proficiency of the CONS small-business program.

"We proactively sought to identify opportunities for small businesses early by working with the Small Business Development Center and Small Business Association," said Ron Miller, 7th Contracting Squadron director of business operations.

On Dec. 17, a ceremony to honor award winners was held in conjunction with the Fiscal Year 2012 Air Force Small Business Meeting at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.

Washington Nationals Pitcher Salutes Troops’ Service

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service

BAGRAM, Afghanistan, Dec. 18, 2012 – For nearly 72 years, the USO has joined U.S. military leaders in bringing a small piece of home to troops deployed or stationed abroad.

Ross Detwiler, a starting left-handed pitcher with Major League Baseball's Washington Nationals franchise, talks to a young, aspiring baseball player and his coach during a visit to Patch Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany, Dec. 17, 2012. DOD photo by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

This year, Ross Detwiler, a left-handed starting pitcher with the Washington Nationals, joined the USO holiday tour, traveling with Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia, the chairman's senior enlisted advisor, and USO President Sloan D. Gibson.

“This is on a major level,” Detwiler said. “This is like the biggest thing you could possibly do. Just to see the reaction of the troops [because] of us being out here -- it's pretty incredible. It's really loud.”

Detwiler, a St. Louis native, who is touring with his teammate, Craig Stammen, and fellow professional athlete and National Hockey League player, Matt Hendricks, who plays center for the Washington Capitals, said he didn't assume anything before joining the tour.

“I had no expectations,” Detwiler said. “I've never been through anything like this. I really just didn't know what to expect at all. We've seen what the soldiers go through and it's just been great.”

“It's really kind of unspeakable unless you're over here,” he said. “All we have is media coverage, and they kind of tend to tell you whatever they want you to know.”

The southpaw pitcher, who at times last year touched 97 mph with his fastball, has shared his USO experiences with comedian Iliza Schlesinger, winner of NBC's Last Comic Standing; Country music singer Kellie Pickler, and her band, and Shane Hudella, of “Defending the Blue Line,” an organization that donates hockey equipment to military families.

Detwiler expressed how moved he was during a visit to some excited wounded warriors during this tour.
“We got to go to a hospital, one of the most powerful things we've actually seen,” he said.

“It was so awesome seeing” the wounded service members,” Detwiler said, noting the troops “were pretty pumped.”

Detwiler, who was married Dec. 1, interrupted his honeymoon to join the USO tour.

“Well, you know, when I got the phone call asking to come here, I knew it was going to cut my honeymoon off a little bit,” he said. “But when else am I'm going to get a chance to give back like I am now?

“My wife, my family -- they all understood,” Detwiler continued. “They all thought the same thing. So we made the decision we had to drop everything and get over here because this is my only chance.”

Detwiler expressed his gratitude to U.S. service members for the sacrifices they’re making.

“We couldn't be doing what we're doing without you guys,” he said. “This is really just incredible. We thank you for everything and you make our country the best country in the world.”

Air Force Cross recipients honored at Pope Field

by Maj. Lisa Ray
440th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

12/14/2012 - POPE FIELD, N.C. -- Four bronze busts in the likeness of Air Force Cross recipients were unveiled during a ceremony honoring the Airmen  at the Combat Control School at Pope Field, N.C., Dec. 6 The busts honor Tech. Sgt. John Chapman, Senior Airman Zach Rhyner, Staff Sgt. Robert Gutierrez, and Capt. Barry Crawford.

Crawford and Gutierrez were in attendance, as well as the widow and the mother of Chapman. He was awarded the Air Force Cross posthumously.

"Nowhere else in the Air Force will you find a memorial like this," said Col. Robert Armfield, 24th Special Operations Wing commander and guest speaker for the event.

The ceremony was as unique as the exhibit. When it was time to learn about the heroic actions that warranted the award of the Air Force Cross, Combat Conrol instructors appeared out of the shadows in full combat gear and recited from memory accounts of those fateful days.

"This display will serve as a permanent reminder to all the Airmen, families and public which pass through these halls of the sacrifices and heroism of those that have come before them," said Armfield.

The Air Force Cross was established by Congress in July 1960. It recognizes individuals for extraordinary heroism and is second only to the Medal of Honor.

"This is a great day for the Air Force the Airmen at Pope Field. It is important for people to remember that not only are there still Airmen at Fort Bragg, but that heroes are trained here and this school is something to be proud of," said Brig. Gen. Norman Ham, 440th Airlift Wing commander.

The busts were donated by the Combat Control School Heritage Foundation and were funded by the Combat Control Association, private donors and the CCS Heritage Foundation.

The Air Force Cross display is now a part of the school's museum maintained by the CCS Heritage Foundation and the Combat Control Association. The museum is an extension of the Air Force museum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Historian Ron Brown is the volunteer curator.

More information about the Combat Control School Heritage Foundation can be found at: www.ccshf.org. 

N.C. governor and governor-elect visit 4th FW

by 2nd Lt. Keavy Rake
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

12/17/2012 - SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- North Carolina Governor Bev Purdue and Governor-elect Pat McCrory visited the 4th Fighter Wing Dec. 14 on a tour of military installations across the state in a continuing effort to build and maintain strong community relations.

Purdue and McCrory met with base and community leaders to discuss the significant impact Seymour Johnson AFB has in North Carolina.

"The men and women here are part and parcel of Goldsboro, Wayne County and the state," Purdue said. " You are invaluable. There are no words and no dollar amounts that can reflect how important you are to our state."

U.S. Air Force Col. Jeannie Leavitt, 4th FW commander, briefed the 4th FW mission highlighting Total Force Integration as vital to mission success, and the constant support of the 4th FW in overseas contingency operations since 1990.

"Seymour Johnson AFB is absolutely critical to the economy and to the Nation's defense," Purdue agreed. "For the last 30 years I have seen this base be part of every major deployment around the world, when planes are put into action there is somebody from Seymour Johnson involved."

Military Affairs Committee president, Ben Seegars, recapped a recent visit to 9th Air Force headquarters for a Civic Leaders' Forum where North Carolina was recognized as "the most military friendly state in the nation" and how the local Goldsboro and Wayne County community are dedicated to continuous support of Team Seymour and their families.

"The fact is that we have tried to make this state continue to be known as the most military friendly state in America," Purdue said. "The relationship has really grown because of the community advisory committees that we've worked so hard with, and the work of the Military Affairs Committee."

Purdue spoke of partnership with schools, Pre-K programs and touched on the importance of healthcare programs; particularly the social services needs of families and service members who have been deployed off-and-on for the past 15 years.

"We have tried to be a good neighbor and a good partner and to make people understand that Seymour Johnson is not just behind the walls of the base," Purdue said. "These are the men and women we call 'neighbor' and 'friend'."

Purdue has strived to make North Carolina a great place to work and live for Airmen and families already stationed here and for those that may be stationed here in the future.

"We will do anything that's legal to change some laws to make sure the educational and economic workforce opportunities for spouses and retiring military personnel are fully engaged in our state," Purdue said. "We want you to live here and work here as you serve; and then we want you to stay here, to live here, and be a North Carolina citizen as well."

McCrory revealed three main goals for his upcoming tenure as governor to build and maintain the strong community ties between the state and military installations.

"I want their (military personnel) incredible leadership and technical experience to bring new businesses and industry to North Carolina," McCrory said. "My major emphasize is maintaining and growing the existing investments in the military, in North Carolina."

McCrory stated his second objective is to help the cities around military installations with their infrastructure needs to continue the presence, and increase growth of, existing bases. He stressed military-family support and educational needs as his final and most important objective.

"I want to support the families, especially as people come home from overseas, and help them integrate into the community." McCrory said. "We support the military families as a unit, and I want to help with their educational needs."

NORAD elves ready to track Santa’s flight

NORAD Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (12/17/12) – At the North American Aerospace Defense Command, they're gearing up to track Santa's yuletide journey.

 

The NORAD Tracks Santa website http://www.noradsanta.org/ features a holiday countdown, games and daily activities, video messages from students around the world and more. The website is available in eight languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, and Chinese.

Official NORAD Tracks Santa apps are also available in the Windows Store, Apple Store, and Google Play, so parents and children can count down the days until Santa's launch on their smart phones and tablets! Tracking opportunities are also offered on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Google+. Santa followers just need to type @noradsanta into each search engine to get started.

Starting at 12 a.m. MST on Dec. 24, website visitors can watch Santa make the preparations for his flight. Then, at 4 a.m. MST (6 a.m. EST), trackers worldwide can speak with a live phone operator to inquire as to Santa's whereabouts by dialing the toll-free number 1-877-Hi-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) or by sending an email to noradtrackssanta@outlook.commailto:noradtrackssanta@outlook.com. NORAD's “Santa Cams” will also stream videos as Santa makes his way over various locations.

NORAD Tracks Santa is truly a global experience, delighting generations of families everywhere. This is due, in large part, to the efforts and services of numerous program contributors. New to this year's program are Bing, HP, iLink-Systems, Kids.gov, Microsoft's Windows Azure, BeMerry! Santa, and SiriusXM. Returning collaborators include the 21st Space Wing, Acuity Scheduling, Air Canada, American Forces Network, Analytical Graphics Inc., Avaya, Citadel Mall, Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Council, CradlePoint, Defense Video Imagery Distribution System (DVIDS), Federal Aviation Administration, First Choice Awards & Gifts, Globelink Foreign Language Center, Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Meshbox, National Tree Lighting Ceremony, Naturally Santa's Inc., Newseum, OnStar, PCI Broadband, Pentagon Channel, RadiantBlue, Space Foundation, TurboSquid, twtelecom, UGroup Media, Verizon, and VisionBox. Santa's Countdown Calendar and the Santa Cam videos will feature music by military bands, including the Naden Band of the Maritime Forces Pacific, Air Force Academy Band, Air Force Band of Liberty, Air Force Band of the Golden West, Air Force Band of the West, Air Force Band, Air Force Heartland of America Band, U.S. Army Ground Forces Band, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Band, Air Force Band of Mid-America, and the West Point Band. Santa trackers can also purchase official NORAD Tracks Santa licensed goods by visiting the “Official Licensed Products” link on the site.

It all started in 1955 when a local media advertisement directed children to call Santa direct – but the number was misprinted. Instead of reaching Santa, the phone rang through to the Crew Commander on duty at the Continental Air Defense Command Operations Center. Thus began the tradition which NORAD carried on since it was created in 1958.

Annual Toys for Tots kicks off holiday season around Yokota AB

by Osakabe Yasuo
374th Airlift Wing public affairs

12/17/2012 - AKIRUNO CITY, Japan  -- The holidays are a time of enjoying time with family and friends and most importantly spreading kindness and goodwill to all.

At Yokota Air Base, Japan, a group of Marines extended their goodwill by delivering toys to children at the Ajiro orphanage in Akiruno city, Tokyo on Dec. 14 for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program.

Every year, October through December, Marines collect new, unwrapped toys to be given as gifts to underprivileged children through the Toys for Tots program. This year at Yokota, approximately 1500 toys have been collected to give to communities throughout Japan.

"It was a great feeling to see how excited the kids got when they received new toys. Giving back to the community makes me proud to be a Marine," said Sgt. Jeremiah Crane, U.S. Forces, Japan.

Toys for Tots began in 1947 when retired U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Maj. Bill Hendricks, and a group of Marine reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children.

For more than six decades, Toys for Tots has delivered a message of hope to less fortunate children through the gift of new toys, games, and sports equipment during the holiday season. Gifts offer children hope, recognition and a positive memory they can cherish for a lifetime.

"It was really great to see how happy the kids were when they got new toys," said Corp. Crystal Greene, American Forces Network. "Events like this remind me why I joined the Marines... I joined to help people."