NORAD Exercise Planned for National Capital Region

North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and its geographical component, the Continental United States NORAD Region (CONR), will conduct exercise Falcon Virgo 13-04 beginning Wednesday morning between midnight and 2 a.m. EST in the National Capital Region (NCR), Washington D.C.

The exercise is comprised of a series of training flights held in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Capital Region Coordination Center, the Joint Air Defense Operations Center (JADOC), Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Coast Guard and CONR’s Eastern Air Defense Sector.

Exercise Falcon Virgo is designed to hone NORAD’s intercept and identification operations as well as operationally test the NCR Visual Warning System and certify newly assigned Command and Control personnel at the JADOC.

Civil Air Patrol aircraft and a U.S. Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter will participate in the exercise.

These exercises are carefully planned and closely controlled to ensure CONR’s rapid response capability.  NORAD has conducted exercise flights of this nature throughout the U.S. and Canada since the start of Operation Noble Eagle, the command’s response to the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

In the event of inclement weather, officials will make a decision to postpone or cancel the exercise.

For more information, please contact NORAD and USNORTHCOM Public Affairs at 719-554-6889.

This Day in Naval History - Jan. 8

1847 - The Battle of San Gabriel takes place in California. The Navy, Marines and Army defeat the Mexicans in the battle.
1916 - A permanent Marine base (later named Camp Pendleton) is established in San Diego.
1945 - Task Group 77.2 delivers intensive shore bombardment of landing beaches on Lingayen Gulf. The destroyer/minesweeper, Palmer (DMS) is sunk by conventional Japanese air attack.

Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 41 Celebrates 170,000 Mishap Free Flight Hours

By Seaman Christopher Pratt, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to the Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 41 "Seahawks" celebrated 170,000 operational flight hours without a Class A mishap Jan. 8.

A Class A mishap is defined as an incident with a total cost of more than $1 million, destroyed aircraft, fatal injury or total disability. HSM-41, which began service as Helicopter Anti-Submarine Light 41 in 1983, has accumulated the hours over the course of the fleet replacement squadron's lifetime.

HSM-41's Sailor of the Year, Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 1st Class Cole Lindsay, spoke about the significance of the milestone.

"There are four mishap classes with Class A being the most severe you could have," Lindsay said. "It's amazing that we've flown that exorbitant amount of hours without any serious problems for the amount of time that we have been commissioned. Not many commands get that milestone."

Sailors at HSM-41 work on the MH-60R, an anti-ship, anti-submarine helicopter, keeping them flight ready for any mission they may be tasked with.

"We train all of the replacement pilots and aircrewman for the fleet and then we send them out to their corresponding squadrons," said Lindsay. "We also do search-and-rescue. If there is a ship in distress, somebody in the water, a canyon rescue, or overland rescue, we will go and pick them up."

Lindsay said that his squadron places a huge emphasis on safety and attention to detail, and identified training as a top priority for the squadron's future success.

"It takes everyone here training our junior personnel to do their jobs to keep heading in the right direction," Lindsay said. "As long as we train our replacements the right way, we are going to be successful."

Aviation Machinist's Mate Airman Apprentice Adriane Curran takes pride in the work that she does contributing to the safe flight operations of her squadron.

"I deal directly with all the moving parts of the helicopter that make it fly so it's really incredible to me," said Curran. "It really makes me proud and I hope that I can contribute to the next 10,000 mishap free flight hours."

375th LRS sergeant receives STEP promotion

by Senior Master Sgt. Stuart Camp
375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

1/7/2013 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Getting called in from convalescent leave, Dec. 19, 2012, was well worth the trip for a 375th Logistics Readiness Squadron sergeant - she got promoted.

Tech. Sgt. Alison Caldieraro, NCO in charge of outbound freight section of Traffic Management Office, was promoted by the 375th Air Mobility Wing commander under the Stripes for Exceptional Performers program.

"I'm incredibly grateful for everyone involved - supervisors, commander - it really means a lot," said the Grafton, Ill., native from a town about 55 miles northwest of Scott.

Caldieraro was called in to sign an enlisted performance report for a departing troop and also asked stick around for a pre-operational readiness exercise meeting. She sat in civilian clothes alongside ABU-clad colleagues when Col. David Almand, 375th AMW commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Marty Anderson, 375th AMW command chief, walked into the passenger terminal conference room.

Senior Master Sgt. Edward Atchley, 375th LRS superintendent, was tipped off that his meeting might serve as grounds to promote Caldieraro.

"I was stoked," he said. "She had no idea."

The colonel said he noticed that Caldieraro was out of uniform and called her out.

"Then Chief Anderson pulled out the stripes, and I knew," Caldieraro said. "I didn't know what to say. I was in shock more than anything. I was so surprised."

She missed getting promoted this last cycle by less than a point.

"I've been studying for this year," said the newly minted technical sergeant, who has been in the Air Force just under 10 years.

Caldieraro was the only STEP-promotee this year in the 375th AMW, although there were several nominations considered by wing leaders.

STEP promotions are explained in Air Force Instruction 36-2502 as a means for commanders to promote deserving, hard-charging Airmen for compelling, although not quantifiable, reasons.

Air Force to provide dedicated legal counsel to sexual assault victims

by Rich Lamance
Air Force News Service

1/8/2013 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- A new Air Force pilot program designed to provide legal assistance to victims of sexual assault will begin later this month.

The Special Victims' Counsel Program will give sexual assault victims legal assistance and help them navigate the criminal justice system with lawyers trained to handle their unique needs.

"It takes a strong team to succeed in our mission to protect and defend the nation, and sexual assault undermines that," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III. "It's devastating to those involved. The Special Victims' Counsel will provide victims of sexual assault with a better understanding of the criminal process from an expert who is specially qualified to represent the victim. This program embodies what the Air Force is all about -- taking care of our people."

Experience shows that when victims believe that their actions leading to the assault are the subject of excessive scrutiny, they become upset and less willing to pursue their allegations. Some felt re-victimized by a process designed to hold offenders accountable -- in essence, they felt blamed for what happened to them.

"Victims, who are dealing with a sense of loss of control and sometimes post traumatic stress disorder, are often overwhelmed by what can be a grueling and lengthy criminal process," said Lt. Gen. Richard C. Harding, the Air Force Judge Advocate General. "With legal counsel providing greater support and advocacy throughout the investigatory and trial process, most victims will not walk away feeling victimized a second time."

Harding hopes that the program will help victims combat anxiety and will assist them in navigating the investigatory and military justice processes.

"Building victim resiliency benefits both the victims, who will have someone representing their interests, and the Air Force," the general said. "The program will help uphold victims' rights and services available to support and identify gaps in victims' services."

The program will provide 60 specially-trained attorneys Air Force-wide who will be placed geographically and who are certified trial counsel and expressed a desire to help victims of sexual assault.

According to Harding, the specialized training gives the attorneys in-depth training from experts in military justice and legal ethics, as well as from a civilian expert on counsel for victims. The course also provided practical exercises designed to familiarize the attorneys with potential scenarios they will encounter in the field.

Harding said he sees a three-step process to providing assistance to victims. "First we will begin offering victims counsel services with counsel in existing legal offices starting on 28 January. The program will provide an information sharing network to build upon 'best practices.' Second, we expect to standup a new, independent organization similar to the structure of our area defense counsel with additional manpower this summer. And third, as we gain experience, we will continue to refine and improve our rules of practice and training curriculum."

Harding added that the creation of a program to address the needs of the victim is long overdue, and he feels that this new program will go a long way in supporting victims and their rights while at the same time protecting the due process rights of the accused.

In talking about the courtroom in sexual assault cases, Harding pointed out that, "Prosecutors represent the government and even though the interests of the government and victims frequently align, prosecutors are unable to provide legal representation to victims. Because of the unfamiliarity with the criminal and military justice process, victims can feel overwhelmed with lengthy interviews with law enforcement, prosecutors and defense counsel. Special Victims' Counsel will help them understand the importance of separate interviews with different personnel in the military justice process and help protect their privacy and prevent unnecessary disclosure of intimate details. If you are a victim of sexual assault, the Special Victims' Counsel is your attorney -- you have complete attorney-client confidentiality and they will zealously advocate on your behalf."

U.S., NATO Patriots Deploy to Augment Turkish Air Defenses

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2013 – With advance elements of two U.S. Patriot missile batteries already on the ground in Turkey, additional defenders are prepared to deploy tomorrow in support of NATO’s missile defense mission there.

Airmen from the 721st Aerial Port Squadron loaded equipment for U.S. Army Europe’s 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command and 44th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, and the 32nd AAMDC from Fort Bliss, Texas, aboard a C-5 aircraft today at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, officials at U.S. Army Europe and U.S. Air Forces in Europe confirmed.

The 10th AAMDC will provide command and control for two Patriot missile batteries from the 32nd AAMDC.

Meanwhile, roughly 400 U.S. personnel and equipment from the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Air Defense Artillery, based at Fort Sill, Okla., began flowing into Turkey late last week to man the equipment, U.S. European Command officials said. Additional equipment will arrive by sea later this month.

In Turkey, the U.S. forces will be joined by missile defenders from Germany and the Netherlands, the only other NATO nations with PAC-3 Patriot anti-missile systems, which are each contributing two batteries to the mission.

NATO foreign ministers agreed in late November to provide Turkey the air defense support it had requested. The request came after shells from Syria’s political unrest -– which a new United Nations report estimated this week has claimed 60,000 lives -- spilled into Turkey.

“NATO has decided to augment Turkey's air defense capabilities in order to defend the population and territory of Turkey and contribute to the de-escalation of the crisis along the alliance's border,” the ministers said in a statement released following the meeting.

“Turkey is an important NATO ally, and we welcome the opportunity to support the Turkish government’s request in accordance with the NATO standing defense plan,” said Navy Vice Adm. Charles Martoglio, Eucom’s deputy commander.

Martoglio said the Patriot batteries will fall under NATO command once the systems become operational within the next several weeks.

He emphasized that the deployment will be defensive only, and won’t support a no-fly zone or any offensive operation.

Army Lt. Col. Robert Ozanich, intelligence and security officer for the Kaiserslautern-based 10th AAMDC, said the command-and-control element his command is deploying will interact with the Turkish government and NATO forces to ensure they are providing the protections Turkey has requested.

With experience throughout the European theater under their belts -- including recent deployments to Poland and to Israel during the Austere Challenge 2012 exercise -- the deploying soldiers have the experience and hands-on time with their equipment to carry out the mission, Ozanich said. “One of the biggest pieces is making sure that our soldiers are ready,” he said.

Equally important, he said, they have had the opportunity to work side by side with partner militaries and to develop an awareness of cultural customs, courtesies and sensitivities.

“The people going forward look forward to doing the mission they have trained for,” Ozanich said. “Our expectations are that we will be able to successfully complete this mission and provide the necessary protections to Turkey.”

“It’s good to be in Turkey,” said Army Maj. Brian Carlin, who deployed to Turkey with the advance elements. “We believe the measure of deterrence that we can add makes our soldiers’ time away from friends and families back home worthwhile. Protecting our allies is what this alliance is all about.”
At this point, it’s unclear how long the deployment will last. That, officials said, will be determined by the contributing nations in coordination with Turkey and NATO.

(Jesse Granger and Army Staff Sgt. Joel Salgado from U.S. Army Europe contributed to this article.)

AETC bids farewell to senior enlisted leader

by Tech. Sgt. Beth Anschutz
Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs

1/7/2013 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- The Air Education and Training Command will bid farewell to its senior enlisted leader as he transitions to the highest enlisted level of Air Force leadership Feb. 1.

Chief Master Sgt. James Cody will take the reigns as the 17th chief master sergeant of the Air Force to provide direction for the enlisted corps and represent their interests, a job he is undoubtedly prepared for after his tenure as the command chief master sergeant of the Air Force's "First Command."

On the cusp of the new chapter in his life, Cody took a moment to look back on his time within AETC.

"Like many Airmen in our Air Force, I'd been exposed to AETC throughout my career, but to be honest, only as a recipient of the recruiting process, training and education," he said. "What you learn when you come into AETC is just how much you don't know about what goes into those three critical aspects of our Air Force."

Cody said he believes Airmen learn new things from every assignment, but that his experience in AETC was unique.

"The amount and complexity of what we do in AETC is much larger than you can fathom without being or having been part of it," he said.

Cody joined the Air Force in 1984 as an air traffic control specialist. Throughout his career, he has filled a myriad of roles to include additional duty first sergeant and directorate superintendent. Prior to his tour in AETC, he served as the command chief master sergeant for 18th Air Force at Scott AFB, Ill.

Cody said learning from challenges is important to the future of the command and the Air Force; the greatest challenge here being to have a good grasp of every aspect in the complex mission of AETC and making a positive impact throughout.

"I've certainly learned a lot, but there is still much more to learn," he said. "Working to keep focus on the mission is why we're here and we can never forget that. The challenge becomes ensuring we are also focusing the necessary resources and time on our most important asset - our people."

The chief's attention to the resiliency of Airmen and its impact on the Air Force's future is evident from his speeches in large settings as well as his one-on-one conversations with Airmen throughout the command.

"Airmen and their families are the foundation of all that we do. If we don't take care of them, everything crumbles. I believe we've worked hard on this and will continue to after my departure," he said. "The resiliency of our Force depends on it. We've faced and continue to face several other challenges and this I know: the AETC team is prepared to do it."

Cody said his advice for the Airmen in AETC is quite simple, "keep doing what you're doing."

"Despite several challenges we've faced over the last two years, some we'd wished never occurred, we are extremely fortunate in our Air Force to have a team of dedicated professionals and their families taking care of business," he said. "We can't afford to have the actions of a very few derail the good you do. Stay focused. Do your best every day and seek opportunities to do so. We can ask no more --take care of each other and your families."

Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr., AETC commander, offered words of encouragement and confidence in the chief's future success at a recent event, bidding farewell to the chief and his family.
"I do think that people will look back on this as a very extraordinary time in history," the general said. "I certainly think that the experience the Codys have had here at the Air Education and Training Command is important. If you were to ask me what kind of experience I think the next chief master sergeant of the Air Force should have, a tour here would be very near the top of my list."

As the chief prepares to leave Randolph Air Force Base, he conveys his thanks to all who have touched his and his family's lives.

"The entire tour here has been memorable for both Athena and me, along with our daughter Danielle, but the most memorable experience for us has been the opportunity to spend time with Airmen and their families. The dedication and commitment displayed by the AETC team is inspiring and simply put, amazing. The 'First Command' impacts every Airman in our Air Force, and by this very nature every family member also. There is no question this is a tremendous responsibility that is not lost on anyone is this command," Cody said.

"We certainly would have liked to spend more time with our Airmen throughout the command. While we were fortunate to visit and spend time with many, we missed some and everyone is important. Please know that," he concluded. "Both Athena and I would like to personally thank all the Airmen and their families of AETC for all they've done, do, and will do...you're all just amazing."

The message of thanks was reflected back to the chief from the Airmen of the Air Education and Training Command, during recent events around the base. All wish the best for him and his family, as he has for them during his time as their command enlisted leader.

505th CCW raises Blue Flag for combat training

505th Command and Control Wing

1/7/2013 - HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- During military exercises, realism and dynamic response are essential for proper training.

For air operations centers and Air Force forces staffs, the place to look for realistic operational-level command and control continuation training is the 505th Combat Training Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla.

As part of the 505th Command and Control Wing, the 505th CTS participates in more than 15 joint and multi-national exercises annually.

"The squadron plans and executes realistic scenario events in a constructive environment," said Lt. Col. Glen Shilland, 505th CTS commander. "We emulate higher headquarters staff functions, provide dynamic feedback with professional model and simulation controllers, and deliver high-fidelity targeting and collection reporting inputs with our talented intel flight."

The 505th Communications Squadron and other distributed simulation centers enable this training through the Joint Training Enterprise Network and other joint model and simulations federations.

Blue Flag is the premier training event planned and executed by the 505th CTS. As the name suggests, they have a similar goal to Red Flag exercises - to replicate the first 10 days of combat in a realistic environment.

Where Red Flags are an advanced tactical combat training exercise, Blue Flags enable command and control decision-making for joint and combined air component commanders and their staffs at the operational level of war.

"Since the exercise inception in 1976, Blue Flag planners have tried to duplicate theater conditions and procedures as closely as possible," Shilland said. "They do this by researching friendly and enemy force structures, communications capabilities, logistics support, command and control procedures and current plans and directives."

Squadron personnel rely on theater advisors for exercise scenario validation and proper headquarters and wartime C2 structure allocation.

Using a fictional environment centered on an island named Westland, the 505th CTS provides an infinite variety of situations where training audiences can develop and execute contingency plans to evaluate the readiness of people, processes and systems.

Most recently, the 505th CTS provided essential support for Austere Challenge 12, the largest US-Israeli military exercise ever. The squadron enabled realistic, integrated air and missile defense training for 4,500 U.S. and Israeli forces in live, virtual and constructive environments.

U.S. Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Honorable Daniel Shapiro, U.S. Ambassador to Israel, visited deployed 505th CTS personnel during the exercise. Lt. Gen. Craig Franklin, commander of the 3rd Air Force, personally recognized Rick Ruppard and others for their outstanding support.

JSTARS expands missions across the globe

116th Air Control Wing Public Affairs

1/7/2013 - ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- During November, Team Joint STARS epanded their mission by flying in five unified combatant commands within 13
days.

The Homeland Defense, Counter Terrorism, Counter Insurgency, and Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions-strategically planned at the national level-served customers in all military branches with the Coast Guard, law enforcement agencies, and coalition partners.

"Flying this many operational missions in such a short time period is not the norm," said Col. Dean Worley, commander, 461st Air Control Wing. "This combination can only be done with extremely well-trained operations and maintenance personnel."

The men and women of Joint STARS logged more than 80,000 combat hours in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn, Odyssey Dawn and Unified Protector, in preparation for November's broad mission set.

"As Team JSTARS continues to excel, combatant commanders around the globe have taken notice and recognized the value of the weapons platform." Worley said. "With budget constraints being felt throughout the military, the Air Force's premier command and control, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance asset is being called more often to more locations because we give American taxpayers more bang for the buck."

While maintaining an aging fleet of 16 Boeing 707-300 aircraft, the JSTARS team comprised of Airmen and Soldiers are poised to continue providing a ready and relevant military force to combatant commanders around the globe.

"Our maintainers from 116th and 461st Maintenance Groups have a tremendous sense of pride, dedication, and commitment, which I've witnessed time and time again," said Col. Mike Gaspar, 116th Maintenance Group commander. "The successes of Team JSTARS are a direct result of those men and women ensuring we launch every tasked mission."

Team Osan honors life of MWD

by Airman 1st Class Alexis Siekert
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

1/7/2013 - OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Team Osan defenders came together to commemorate the life of military working dog, CChaos, the second oldest in the Department of Defense, in a memorial Dec. 20, 2012.

"Military working dogs are a special breed that share a bond with their handler and the community like no other," said Senior Airman Bassard, 51st Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler. "The MWD serves many roles throughout their illustrious careers. They protect heads of state, including the president of the United States, participate in overseas contingency operations, conduct counter drug operations and perform force protection missions."

CChaos was a 12-year-old Belgian Malinois who spent more than 11 years in active service with the Air Force, 10 of which on Osan Air Base. He passed away on Nov. 2.

"He still had the fire in his eyes and drive in his mind the day he died," said Lt. Col. Jason Beck, 51st SFS commander. "He was ready to go to work but his body would not cooperate. I would like to say this to MWD CChaos D036, 'Thank you for your commitment, service, loyalty and trust. You will always be in our hearts and in our memories. Rest in peace, defender.'"

Tech. Sgt. Eric Morales, 51st SFS military working dog handler, had the opportunity to work with CChaos on his last tour to Osan from 2008-2009.

"MWD CChaos executed his commands with honesty, and with the greatest dedication and excellence I've ever seen in a MWD," said Morales. "In the K-9 world, CChaos commanded respect and became a living legend at Osan Air Base."

To prove his worth, CChaos helped capture 64 Uniform Code of Military Justice violators, Morales said.

"The most honorable trait that he had was how he would stand by me even as we were posted so very far away from backup or any type of help," Morales said. "He put his life in my hands and I trusted him with mine. Unfortunately, everything that has a beginning has an end and we are here to celebrate the live of MWD CChaos. A life that exemplified the Air Force core values through honesty, dedication and excellence. So rest easy, buddy. I am proud to have called you my partner. "

"We are honored to have served with and beside MWD CChaos," said Master Sgt. Christopher Cook, 51st SFS MWD kennel master. "Though our hearts are broken, we can walk with our chests full of pride for having him on our team. Indeed he was a force to be reckoned with. He is a legend."

Batcats earn Meritorious Unit Award

by Tech. Sgt. Kristine Dreyer
353rd Special Operations Group Public Affairs

1/7/2013 - KADENA AIR BASE, Japan  -- The 353rd Special Operations Group was awarded the Meritorious Unit Award Dec. 16 for their exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service from Oct. 1, 2010 to Sept. 30, 2012.

Superior performance of the day-to-day mission alone does not satisfy the requirements needed to earn this award. The unit must also be able to show how their accomplishments stand out from the rest, and the diverse 353rd SOG mission reflects just that.

"Men and women of the 353rd SOG maintain a continuous combat presence in Afghanistan and the Philippines while also contributing to emergent humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations like Operation Tomadachi, Joint Chiefs of Staff-directed exercises rehearsing contingency operations, and joint combined exercises operationalizing theater engagement strategy," said Col. Brad Sullivan, 353rd SOG commander. "Our personnel are vigilant...we rehearse and train hard year round so we can execute when we are called to do so. This award testifies to our ability to prosecute missions to the highest standards through an empowered combination of SOF-educated decision making and personal accountability."

During the two year period, the group participated in 26 Joint Chiefs of Staff-directed and joint combined exchange training exercises throughout the Pacific. These exercises are what keep the air commandos of the Pacific primed and ready for anything.

In March 2011, the group completed their Operational Readiness Inspection earning an "Outstanding" rating. Just 72 hours later, they deployed six aircraft and approximately 350 people to support exercise Foal Eagle in the Republic of Korea. Less than a week into the exercise, Northwestern Japan was hit by a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and a tsunami soon followed.

From Korea, half of the deployed SOG personnel further deployed to Yokota to provide humanitarian relief. The group's special tactics personnel facilitated the first landing into the heavily damaged Sendai airport. The opening of the airfield created the opportunity to deliver 2.5 million pounds of aid for the disaster victims.

Airmen assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Group during the award period should see their records automatically updated in the Virtual Military Personnel Flight within the next few weeks.

"This award only begins to spotlight the caliber of people we have in the 353rd SOG," said Chief Master Sgt. Gregg Jones, 353rd SOG command chief. "Every day I am proud to be a part of this exceptional organization and our specialized mission. The award is no small feat and very well deserved."

U.S. Air Force supports defense of Turkey

18th Air Force Public Affairs

1/7/2013 - ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Mobility Airmen are enabling their Army counterparts to meet the Secretary of Defense's order to move two Patriot anti-missile batteries and hundreds of soldiers in support of a key U.S. ally.

Working 24 hours a day, Airmen are meeting NATO's request to deploy the Patriots to Turkey as a defensive measure intended to de-escalate the situation along the Syrian border while demonstrating the alliance's resolve, according to officials.

"This operation is a great example of how Airmen support our allies across the globe every day," said Brig. Gen. Larry Martin, 618th Air and Space Operations Center (Tanker Airlift Control Center) vice commander. "The Air Force has the unique means to provide rapid global mobility in support of an important ally to demonstrate the strength and capability of both the U.S. and the NATO alliance."

The operation is expected to extend into early next week, ultimately resulting in the deployment of 400 U.S. servicemembers and equipment. Supported by KC-10
Extender and KC-135 Stratotanker air refueling aircraft, six C-5 Galaxy airlifters will transport the Patriot batteries and much of the equipment and personnel belonging to the 3d Battalion, 2d Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Ft. Sill, Okla., directly from here to Turkey. Additionally, several C-17 Globemaster III aircraft will depart from here to create an air bridge allowing further deliveries into Turkey, officials said.

According to air mobility leaders, an effort of this speed and scope, in the midst of ongoing support to forces in Afghanistan and throughout Southwest Asia, demands a contribution from a total force team: active, Air National Guard, and Reserve Airmen.
That team includes planners, mobility liaisons, contingency response Airmen, air crews, maintainers and dozens of other support personnel.

"Mobility Airmen are proud to be part of an amazing joint team supporting NATO," said Martin. "We take great pride in making complex global mobility requirements a reality."
Participating units include Airmen and aircraft from Bangor, Maine; Pease, N.H.; Joint Base McGuire-Dix Lakehurst, N.J., Pittsburgh Pa., Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, Westover Air Reserve Base, Mass., and Martinsburg, W.Va.

Alaska civic leaders watch Reserve F-22 mission from 20,000 feet for the first time

by Capt. Ashley Conner
477th Fighter Group Public Affairs

1/7/2013 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- A group of Alaska civic leaders got to watch gas pass over Alaska terrain during the 477th Fighter Group's Unit Training Assembly weekend Jan. 5.

The group boarded a KC-135 from the 137th Air Refueling Wing, early Saturday morning and took turns crawling into the boom pod in the back of the plane to watch Chief Master Sgt. Kirk Brinegar, 137th ARW Boom operator, pass up to 10,000 lbs of fuel to the F-22s flown by Reserve Pilots assigned to the 302nd Fighter Squadron.

"We were very excited to have this group of civic leaders who provide so much support to the Air Force Reserve and all of Alaska's military join us on this flight," said Col. Tyler Otten, 477th Fighter Group commander. "Our Reservists live and work in Alaska and it is important for us to enable this group of important individuals to see Alaskan service members in action."

This was the first civic leader flight the 477th Fighter Group has hosted since the unit stood up in 2007. Among those on the flight was Bill Behnke, senior vice president, Strategic Initiatives at GCI, a telecommunications company serving Alaska and the 477th FG Honorary Commander since Jan. 2012.

"The civic leader flight was an excellent opportunity to personally experience and better understand the integration between fighters, tankers and intelligence-surveillance aircraft essential to effectively projecting American air superiority," said Behnke. "I was extremely impressed with the precision flying performed by the Raptor pilots, the boom operator and the KC-135 tanker crew. I came into this with a general understanding that tight formation flying was part of aerial refueling; however, I wasn't really aware of just how tight the tolerances were between the Raptor and the tanker in a refueling operation. The opportunity to actually lay in the "bed" witness a series of aerial refuelings was a truly incredible experience."

The Reserve UTA weekend is the opportunity for all the Reservists -- those who are full time as Air Reserve Technicians and those who are Traditional Reservists and serve one weekend a month -- to come together and train as a unit. During the week the full time ART pilots and maintainers integrate with the active duty 525th and 90th FS in all areas of the F-22 mission.

Phil Cochrane, vice president External Affairs, BP, and the 525th FS Honorary Commander, was part of the group who was able to witness air refueling just a few feet away.

"I have always thought what our Airmen do is special, but seeing air to air refueling up close has given me an even better appreciation for their amazing work," said Cochrane. "It was an incredible experience."

U.S., Australia, Japan militaries prepare for exercise Cope North 2013

Release Number: 010113

1/7/2013 - JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii  -- The U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, and the Royal Australian Air Force are preparing to conduct exercise Cope North 2013 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, scheduled for Feb. 4 through 15.

The exercise is the latest in a long standing, multilateral exercise designed to enhance each countries' air operations. Additionally, the exercise includes humanitarian assistance and disaster relief training objectives for the USAF, JASDF and RAAF.

The U.S. will have approximately 1,000 participants, the JASDF will have approximately 450 participants, and the RAAF will have approximately 300 participants.

The first week will consist of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief training, along with air combat training and air-to-ground weapons training. During the second part of the exercise, the focus will shift to dissimilar air combat tactics, strike mission training, and large force employment training. Also, JASDF squadrons will conduct surface attack training on the Farallon de Medinilla Range.

Since the first Cope North exercise in 1978 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, thousands of American and Japanese airmen have honed skills that are vital to maintaining a high level of readiness.

The RAAF will be attending CN13 for the second time, and their participation will further strengthen regional partner interoperability.

Additionally, the Republic of Korea Air Force will send representatives for the first time to observe the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief portion of the training.

This is the 84th Cope North. Exercise Cope North was held as often as four times a year, but is now held annually.

Kentucky National Guard members help clean Djibouti road

By Capt. Daniel VanHorn
Task Force Longrifles Public Affairs

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti (1/7/13) - People rarely realize how much impact a Department of Public Works has until they live in a country that doesn’t have one.

Such is the case in Djibouti, Africa, where a multi-national force partnered to do some cleaning of the main road which runs in front of Camp Lemonnier and several foreign military compounds.

The cleaning crew consisted of Kentucky Guard members from Task Force Longrifles, Camp Lemonnier staff and military personnel from Romania, South Korea, Djibouti and Japan.

The idea originated with Lt. Col. Robert Larkin, Task Force Longrifles Commander, when he first visited Camp Lemonnier on the Pre-Deployment Site Survey (PDSS) in July of 2012.

“Right away I noticed the trash lining the road and thought how easy it would be to hide an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) along this route," Larkin said. "Cleaning it would add a higher level of security for Camp Lemonnier and be a great opportunity to partner with numerous countries that utilize the road." The area was approximately 100 meters wide by a quarter-mile long and was littered with hundreds of empty plastic bottles, scrap metal, paper bags, and pieces of cardboard.

As word spread around camp about the project, more and more units began volunteering and it became clear that some major planning would be needed to coordinate all the moving parts.

That job fell to Maj. Michael Woodson, Task Force Longrifles Plans Officer. Woodson contacted the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa Japanese liaison officer, Capt. Chrystopher Kim, who informed the Japanese Self Defense Force about the proposed plan. To his surprise, the Japanese informed him that they had had a similar idea a few days before but would love to combine the ideas into one joint project.
The Japanese agreed to coordinate approval and security with the embassy while Woodson obtained the equipment, coordinated unit volunteers and conducted site reconnaissance.

On the morning of Dec. 11, 2012, the project began with volunteers from Camp Lemonnier starting at one end and all other volunteers starting at the other. By noon, both groups linked up for a joint picture that showcased the camaraderie and teamwork created by the event.

Many of the participants felt a great sense of accomplishment after seeing the results of the joint effort.
“The project seemed daunting at first but by the end of the day you could really see a difference!” Woodson commented looking back at the freshly cleaned area.

All the volunteers who participated in the project said they look forward to working togther again in the future.

This Day in Naval History - Jan. 07

1960 - The first fully-guided Polaris missile is launched at Cape Canaveral, Fla. It flew 900 miles.
1967 - The Mobile Riverine Force begins arriving at Vung Tau, Vietnam.
1991 - Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney gives the coup de grace to the Navy's behind-schedule, over-budget A-12 Avenger stealth aircraft. At more than $52 billion, it is the largest defense contract ever canceled.

Naval Air Station Jacksonville Sailor Earns Top Medal for Heroism

By Kaylee LaRocque, Naval Air Station Jacksonville Public Affairs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- The commander of Navy Region Southeast presented a chief the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for heroism during a ceremony Jan. 3.

Chief Gas Turbine System Technician (Electrical) (SW) Bryain Williams of Transient Personnel Unit/Pre-Trial Confinement Facility (TPU/PCF) Jacksonville received the prestigious presidential award from Rear Adm. Jack Scorby Jr. Williams for rescuing 4-month-old Jimmy Knight from a burning house May 11, 2010 in Jacksonville, Fla.

Williams spoke about those intense minutes as he risked his life to save the young child.

"My family and I had gone to the home to look at a dog we were considering adopting. After meeting the dog and his owner, Melinda Knight, we had decided we wanted him. We put him in the car and were leaving when Melinda came running out screaming her house was on fire and she couldn't find her baby in all the smoke," said Williams.

"I ran into the smoke-filled house and located Jimmy in his playpen. I picked him up and found my way back out the front door, handing the infant to my wife. Then I heard Melinda yelling at the back door and went to help. During the confusion, I didn't tell her that I had rescued her son and assumed she had another child inside," he continued. "So I tried to get in the back door but the flames were too intense. After a few minutes, everyone realized no one else was in the house and the baby was safe."

As Scorby presented the award in front of Williams' and Knight's family members and Sailors from his command, he stated, "It's an absolute honor and privilege for me to be here today and present this award. You don't see this award given very often. The only time I've seen this award presented was after 9-11 for some of the rescues at the Pentagon. Chief, I can't say how much admiration and respect I have for what you did by putting your life on the line to save another human being."

After receiving the award, Williams said, "I'm thrilled to be given this award. I just went to Jimmy's third birthday party the other day and am just so happy that he is still here to celebrate it."

"Bryain definitely deserves this award. If it wasn't for him saving my son, he probably would not be here today. Our families have become close and we spend time together. We've been there for one another through some hardships - Bryain's wife, Cathy passed away and although I didn't know her long, she was very special to me. And, Jimmy knows that this is the man who saved his life," said Knight.

USS Thach Departs San Diego for Deployment

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Guided-missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43) will depart San Diego for a scheduled six-month deployment to the 4th Fleet Area of Operations, Jan. 8.

Thach's crew of 220 Sailors and Coast Guardsmen will be performing Counter-Illicit Trafficking operations designed to improve maritime stability within the region and protect free use of the sea lanes by thwarting the activities of drug traffickers and criminal organizations.

"We are really excited to go down to Central America and do our part," said Cmdr. Hans Lynch, commanding officer of Thach. "The crew is anxious to put all their hard training to good use."

Along with the crew of Thach, the drug interdiction team includes an interagency partnership with the ship's organic Visit, Board, Search and Seizure team providing support for the Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment. Thach will be supported by helicopter detachment, HSL-49, Det. 2 based at Naval Air Station North Island.

Joint, interagency and international partnerships strengthen U.S Third Fleet's ability to respond to crises and protect the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners.

Team Battle Axe Welcomes Navy's First Female Air Wing Commander

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Leona Mynes, Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

NAVAL AIR STATION OCEANA, Va. (NNS) -- Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, assigned to the Harry S. Truman Strike Group, welcomed the Navy's first female CVW commander during CVW-3's change of command ceremony Jan 4.

During the ceremony, which was conducted at Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana, Va., Capt. Michael S. Wallace, commander of "Team Battle Axe," was relieved by Capt. Sara A. Joyner.

"We have an amazing air wing and the squadrons make us the lethal fighting force we are," said Wallace, a native of Brookings, Ore. "The air wing is sharp and ready to go. I look forward to watching [Joyner] lead this team we built together."

During CVW-3's most recent deployment with USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), its eight squadrons conducted 3,000 combat sorties with a 99.8 percent sortie completion rate, said Wallace.

"Taking the fight abroad is the business we are in," said Wallace. "I will miss being a part of this team."

At sea, Wallace flew F-14 Tomcats, F/A-18A/C Hornets and F/A-18E/F Super Hornets for the "Grim Reapers" of Fighter Squadron (VF) 101; the "Ghostriders" of VF-142; the "Diamondbacks" of VF-102; and the "Black Knights" of VF-154. Wallace also served as executive and commanding officer of the "Swordsmen" of VF-32.

Ashore, Wallace served at NATO Air Base in Geilenkirchen, Germany, and at the Navy Personnel Command in Millington, Tenn., as PERS-431 commander of tactical air assignments, PERS-432 head detailer for lieutenant and lieutenant commander assignments, and PERS-43 deputy director. Wallace took command of CVW-3 in July 2011.

"I am incredibly honored to be the 57th 'Battle Axe,'" said Joyner, a native of Hooper's Island, Md. "I stand here with great pride because I have been handed the reigns of an exceptional team."

Joyner said she is ready to lead the team in its mission to defend freedom.

"Our upcoming deployment will define our proudest and most difficult moments," said Joyner. "Together, we will go forward to protect our families' way of life. Let us be ready; it is time to bring the fight to the enemy."

At sea, Joyner flew the A-4E Skyhawk with the "Checkertails" of Composite Squadron (VC) 5 and the "Red Tails" of VC-8 before transitioning to the F/A-18A/C Hornet with the "Rough Raiders" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125, the "Argonauts" of VFA-147. Joyner also served as executive and commanding officer of the "Gunslingers" of VFA-105.

Ashore, Joyner served at the U.S. Joint Forces Command in Norfolk, Va., and as the Joint Strike Fighter Requirements officer for the Chief of Naval Operations Air Warfare Division (OPNAV N88).

Before assuming command of CVW-3, Joyner served as its deputy commander.

CVW-3 was established July 1, 1938, and served during World War II, the Vietnam conflict, Korean War, Cold War, Persian Gulf War, and Global War on Terror. CVW-3 has deployed aboard 10 of the nation's aircraft carriers since its inception.

Today, CVW-3 is comprised of eight squadrons: the "Raging Bulls" of VFA-37, the "Gunslingers" of VFA-105, the "Swordsmen" of VFA-32, the "Checkerboards" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312, the "Seahawks" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 126, the "Zappers" of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 130, the "Dusty Dogs" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 7, and the "Swamp Foxes" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 74.

MCPON Releases CPO 365 Training Guidance

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alexandra Snyder, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The role of the chief petty officer (CPO) has long been an integral part of our Navy. When Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Mike Stevens took office last year, he recognized that training chiefs for their new leadership role in six weeks, as the original CPO induction dictated, was hindering them in becoming as successful as possible.

"We recognized that we wouldn't always have the time that we would like to provide the training for our first class petty officers (FCPO) to become chiefs. So two years ago we implemented the CPO 365 training process that would afford them a longer period of time to train," said Stevens.

"What we've done now is said, 'Why should we have a break six weeks prior to pinning and change the way we've been training?' What we've decided to do is continue to train throughout the year, all the way up to the final night, and progressively make the training more intense and more relevant as they get ready to become chief petty officers."

CPO 365, a year-long development and training for FCPOs, was first introduced in 2010 under former MCPON Rick West. It includes two phases, the first of which begins in September each year. Under MCPON Steven's revised program, detailed in his 2012-2013 CPO 365 Guidance, all FCPOs will participate through the duration of Phase One, whether they are board-eligible or not.

"CPO 365 depends a lot on momentum," said Stevens. "It's a continuous process of learning and development. What we don't want to do is have a clean break from CPO 365 where the FCPOs who were not selected to chief, are no longer involved in the training. We want to maintain that momentum, and continue to train. We recognize that there will be some events where all FCPOs won't be able to participate in, but by and large, we'll keep them together and continue to do the training they've been doing, because it's vitally important that all of our petty officers continue to learn and develop."

Phase Two of training begins when CPO selectees are announced and concludes with the pinning ceremony. Upon announcement, each command will hold a congratulatory meet-and-greet for the selectees and their families, after which they will continue with training while maintaining good order and discipline.

Phase Two will continue to contain many time-honored traditions, such as CPO Charge Books and a capstone event focused on teamwork and resilience.

"We wanted to continue a program that set the conditions for every FCPO to be a successful and effective chief, and remove any road blocks that would interfere with that opportunity for success. We'll add in various things that would afford them a greater opportunity to be successful chief petty officers."

One process that will no longer be a part of CPO 365 is the word "induction".

"Effective immediately, we're respectfully sun-downing the word 'induction', and in its place we'll use CPO 365 as the primary term," said Stevens. "I believe that induction is more about a moment in time, and CPO 365 and the development of our FCPOs to become CPOs is not about a moment in time. It's about a continuous time. This is something we're going to do every day, 365 days a year, and so we want to make sure the term we are using is matching what we are doing."

MCPON added that the term CPO 365 was coined by CPOs in the fleet, due to their belief that developing leaders is a year-round process.

"This training is far more by the fleet, for the fleet than it is from folks in Washington," said Stevens. "A couple of years ago, when I was working with then-MCPON Rick West to help develop the CPO 365 guidance, I was overseas talking to a CPO Mess about the program. While I was addressing them, I looked in the corner and I saw their CPO guidon, and on it was written '365'. I asked them what they meant by that and what they shared with me was "we believe that developing FCPOs to become chiefs is a year-round process, so we use the term CPO 365. So, this is a title that was developed by the fleet and we just adopted it."

Additionally, Stevens said that although the CPO 365 is primarily geared towards FCPO and CPOs, all Sailors will benefit from the training.

"To develop great leaders we must have a training process that is ongoing in a Sailor's career," he said. "If everything we do starts and stops with leadership, then every Sailor will benefit from a more effective leader."