Gunship guru saves over $14 million

by Senior Airman Melanie Holochowost
Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs

1/9/2013 - HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Bill Walter, Air Force Special Operation Command Strike Requirements Branch program analyst, has a long history of brainstorming money-saving ideas and seeing them to fruition. His most recent action saved the Air Force more than $14 million.

In November 2011 Walter received a tip from the U.S. Army Ammunition Program Office about possible 40 mm parts in Greece. The modified 40 mm "M2 A1" gun is used on the AC-130 gunship.

"The United States gave a bunch of 40 mm guns to allies during the late 1940s and early 1950s under the Marshall Plan," Walter said. "The Greek Army ended up retiring the weapon in 2005, so parts were just sitting in a warehouse without any purpose."

Walter inquired about the 40 mm parts, and with the help of U.S. Army Lt. Col. Pete Huie, Greek liaison officer, Walter reclaimed the equipment.

"Huie sent me photos of the barrels, which were 1950s vintage," Walter said. "Interestingly, many of them appeared to be in new condition and in the original packaging."

Since AFSOC is the sole remaining user of the 40 mm modified "M2 A1" gun in the United States and among very few users in the world, Walter traveled to Greece to inspect and mark parts for shipment in November 2011.

"The fact that these parts existed was brought to us. We analyzed it and realized that we have the potential to gain on this. The risk was very low," Walter said. They picked me to go because I've been working with that gun since 1978, so I knew exactly what to look for."

Once he arrived in Greece, Walter began putting his experience with the 40 mm gun to use.

"I spent two days combing through several arsenals searching for 40 mm parts," he said. "Once all parts were identified and marked, they were taken to the Port of Athens to await shipment."

The group's efforts were worthwhile. The group reclaimed 139 barrels, 5 breech rings and several other miscellaneous parts.

After identifying the parts, it took just over a year to complete the import paperwork and receive permissions.

In mid-December 2012, Walter said the 40-foot shipping container arrived at Eglin Air Force Base.

"We secured all parts and began the painstaking task of inventory, inspection and coordination to enter the parts into supply," Walter said. "With the exception of shipping, these parts were free of charge."

In 1950, a barrel alone originally cost about $12,000. Today, cost estimates to manufacture new barrels are more than ten times that amount.

"Normally, finding many 'out of production' parts is almost impossible, but in this case, we were very lucky to find a treasure trove of 'brand-new, old parts,'" Walter said.

"The Defense Logistics Agency is responsible for contracting manufacture of common, high-wear parts, but supplies of complex parts such as breech rings and barrels are scarce, unavailable, and economically unfeasible to manufacture," Walter said.

The entire event recovered parts valued over $14 million but only cost $14 thousand for travel and shipping.

In addition to the cost savings, Walter said AFSOC now has more than enough barrels to last for the remainder of the gun's lifecycle on the AC-130 gunship.

"It was just like going into a museum, I just felt awestruck. It was like I stepped into another time, like stepping back fifty or sixty years," Walter said. "It was very nostalgic, but at the same time I was thinking 'wow, we can make good use of this stuff.'"

CINC IEA team visits McConnell AFB

by Senior Airman Laura L. Valentine
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

1/14/2013 - MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- For two days, McConnell AFB highlighted its hard work and dedication to the mission from the past year to a four-man assessment team from across the Air Force.

The base is competing for the coveted 2013 Commander in Chief's Installation Excellence Award and was visited by the assessment team Jan. 7 and 8, 2013.

The CINC IEA recognizes outstanding and innovative efforts of the people who operate and maintain U.S. military installations who have done the best with their resources to support the mission. The award encourages environments that promote innovative and creative ways of enhancing base-level services, facilities and quality-of-life.

While at McConnell, the team visited more than 60 squadrons and agencies, meeting Airmen, civilians and family members from dozens of affiliated organizations.

Chosen as the Air Mobility Command's top installation, McConnell was evaluated by a separate IEA team in September 2012, and went on to compete against nine other bases for the top spot in the Air Force.

"This recognition is a tremendous achievement for McConnell Airmen, their families and our civic partners," said Col. Ricky Rupp, 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander, after winning the AMC nomination. "It represents all the phenomenal teamwork between the 22nd ARW and our Total Force partners, the 931st Air Refueling Group and the 184th Intelligence Wing. It's a huge win for McConnell and the Greater Wichita Area."

In November it was announced that McConnell had advanced to one of the two finalist positions and would compete against Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.

Keesler AFB is home of the 81st Training Wing with a population of more than 12,000 military personnel and civilian employees.

McConnell has a total force population of more than 5,500 active duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian employees.

The two bases advanced through the ranks of 166 other Air Force installations to become finalists.

The IE award is presented annually to one installation from each branch of service, along with a $1 million incentive to invest in quality-of-life projects.

Aspects of the base under assessment include quality-of-life improvements, green initiatives and innovative programs that help create and sustain superior operations and accomplishments. McConnell AFB's relationship and impact on the community were also analyzed.

Following the teams visit, Rupp expressed his appreciation to the base on a job well done.

"You all have worked extremely hard and it has not gone unnoticed, I sincerely appreciate all you've done for McConnell AFB and the Air Force. I couldn't be more proud."

The final results of the 2013 award will be announced in the upcoming months.

Military Innovators and Pain Relief

The February 7, 2013, episode of American Heroes Radio features a conversation with Lou Paradise, a decorated Marine Corps veteran who served two tours of duty in Vietnam as a helicopter combat/rescue crew chief who invented a safe, effective pain reliever to cope with his own pain issues: Topricin Pain Relief and Healing Cream.

Program Date: February 7, 2013

Program Time: 1500 hours, PACIFIC

Topic: Military Innovators and Pain Relief

Listen Live:  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/lawenforcement/2013/02/07/military-innovators-and-pail-relief

About the Guest

Lou Paradise founded Topical BioMedics in 1994 following 25 years of interest in the application of herbal and homeopathic medicines and nutritional supplements to stimulate health and healing. His enthusiasm, insight, and perseverance during a 10-year research and development phase led to the company’s breakthrough product, Topricin® Pain Relief and Healing Cream. Lou was inspired to create Topricin while exploring ways to alleviate his own pain caused by a severe case of bi-lateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - a condition he developed from injuries sustained as a decorated Marine Corps helicopter combat and rescue crew chief in Vietnam

In 2009, Lou developed two new products now manufactured and marketed by Topical BioMedics: award-winning Topricin® Foot Therapy Cream, specifically formulated to treat and help heal foot and ankle issues, and Topricin® Junior, created to address the safety issues and concerns of parents and doctors in the pediatric pain relief category.

Lou frequently serves as an expert speaker on the use of natural medicines, conducts pain management seminars, and has participated in addressing compliance issues related to the regulation of natural medicines as a member of the American Association of Homeopathic Pharmacists. He regularly speaks to clinical audiences on the use of his company’s proprietary technologies in the treatment of acute and chronic pain and trauma injury as a compliment to primary care, bridging natural medicines and the medical community, and other aspects of health and wellness. Formerly, Lou worked in the brokerage and aerospace industries.

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Lou’s is especially interested and active in issues regarding the treatment of the elderly, women, and children, and his fellow veterans in VA medical centers.

About the Watering Hole

The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life.  Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.

About the Host

Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years.  He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant.  He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University.  He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, law enforcement technology and leadership.  Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One.  He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in law enforcement.

Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole:

Listen from the Archive:

http://www.hitechcj.com/americanheroesradio/military_innovators_pain_relief.html

Program Contact Information

Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA

editor@police-writers.com

909.599.7530

Facebook Event: http://www.facebook.com/events/446961742026334

Air Force Leaders Call for End to ‘Budget Gymnastics’

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 2013 – The government’s “ongoing budget gymnastics” are having an effect on service members, Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley said here today.

Donley and Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, the Air Force chief of staff, said the looming “fiscal cliff” as well as conducting government business under repeated continuing budget resolutions create an atmosphere of unease among Air Force military and civilian personnel.

“Failure to enact a settled budget leads to repeated budget iterations, which, along with the overhanging threat of large and largely arbitrary cuts, creates wasteful churn,” Donley said during a Pentagon news conference.

This churn could lead to many airmen voting with their feet and leaving the service, he said. “They see and understand what’s going on in Washington,” he added. “They’re very well-connected. They’re the most educated force we have ever had. And they stay connected to what’s going on in our Air Force and what’s going on in our military [and] what’s happening in Washington. … They are watching this and … making their own judgments about the process.”

The secretary said it is extremely inefficient and disruptive to operate a “$100-plus billion enterprise, which is the United States Air Force, on a budget a month or two at a time.”

Welsh said that although re-enlistment remains solid for the service, the burden of deploying time and again since 1990 and working to keep “antique” aircraft such as the B-52 flying is wearing on airmen.

“They're not begging to get out the door,” the general said. “Our retention rates are great. They’re still proud of who they are and what they do. They express it every single day. But they want to know what’s coming.”
He said he has been working to keep airmen informed. “They're phenomenally engaged, and so we're trying very hard to keep them informed and improve the communication with them.”

“Communication for us right now is absolutely essential internally if we're going to be successful down the road’” the general added. “And so we're working this pretty hard.”

NGA Receives Third Joint Meritorious Unit Award

By Kathi Ghannam
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency

SPRINGFIELD, Va., Jan. 12, 2013 – Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter presented the Joint Meritorious Unit Award to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency during a ceremony at the organization’s headquarters here yesterday.

Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter, right, presents the Joint Meritorious Unit Award to National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Director Letitia A. Long on behalf of her agency during a ceremony at the organization’s headquarters in Springfield, Va., Jan. 11, 2013. Courtesy photo   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

NGA Director Letitia A. Long accepted the award from Carter on behalf of her workforce before a standing-room only audience.

According to the award citation, NGA's dedicated and professional intelligence support to the nation helped to achieve national objectives by skillfully shaping how geospatial intelligence was applied to a broad spectrum of challenges.

"Between 2008-2010,” Carter said, “NGA was a constant source of innovation, aiding our efforts in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations using new intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance sensors and technologies, and analytic methods including full-motion video, hyperspectral imagery, overhead persistent infrared, and light detection and ranging.”

During the surge and the drawdown in Iraq, NGA deployed more than 2,200 personnel, providing direct support at more than 200 locations in 17 countries, Carter said.

“These were all personnel who volunteered to serve overseas, facing the realities of combat up close," he said. "I especially want to thank them."

Carter also praised NGA for its instrumental role in the May 2, 2011, covert operation that resulted in the killing of Osama bin Laden.

"Without the methodical research, imagery, and mapping by the men and women at NGA,” he said, “the SEAL team would not have been prepared to descend on that compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan."
Carter said such achievements only tell part of NGA's story.

"Every single Navy vessel navigates the seas and into foreign ports by charts provided by NGA,” he said. “Air Force jets are able to place precision bombs directly on target from data provided by NGA analysts. Soldiers and Marines gain insight into what is on the other side of that mountain from your reporting. Simply put, NGA provides crucial support to every single Department of Defense mission today."

Carter then highlighted the most-notable portion of the award citation.

"'NGA's success on the battlefield in all phases of operations prompted many tactical commanders to declare that they would never go to war without NGA,'" Carter read from the citation.

"This is the highest compliment you could ever receive," he told NGA’s the assembled workforce.
Carter concluded his remarks by challenging NGA to set its sights on earning a fourth JMUA, a goal which Long seconded.

In addition to extending her thanks to the entire NGA workforce, Long recognized several people for their leadership and support of NGA during the award period, to include Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, who was in the audience, Under Secretary of Defense Michael Vickers, former NGA Director Robert Murrett, and former Deputy Director Lloyd Rowland.

"I can say with pride that in this time period every NGA employee played an important role in NGA's support to the warfighter and the department and the nation," Long said. "It was an unprecedented period of rapid expansion of our expeditionary support as we helped wage two wars.

“At the same time,” she added, “we continued to support the warfighter and intelligence operators with our dedicated efforts in global counterterrorism, counterproliferation, mission readiness, safety of navigation, future weapons development, and humanitarian assistance.”

Long assured Carter that NGA will continue to deliver the highest quality products to the Department of Defense.

The Joint Meritorious Unit Award is presented to organizations in recognition of outstanding achievements performed during periods of war, international tension, national emergencies or extraordinary situations that involve national interests. The award recognizes the combined efforts of every member of an organization and authorizes all civilian and military personnel assigned to NGA during that timeframe to wear the JMUA lapel pin and ribbon.

The JMUA was established in 1981 by then-Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger and is the organizational equivalent to the individual Defense Superior Service Medal.

Center for Service Support Names Instructors of the Year

NEWPORT, R.I. (NNS) -- Center for Service Support (CSS) on board Naval Station Newport announced the selection of its 2012 Instructors of the Year in the Mid-Grade, Senior and Officer categories Jan. 10.

CSS Commanding Officer Capt. Dana Weiner noted selecting winners from the pool of nominees was challenging because "the quality of all nominees was exceptional, as were their contributions to the CSS mission and commitment to their Learning Sites and students. The task of choosing a single individual in each category was extremely difficult."

Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Zachary Wills, a Horn Lake, Miss., native, assigned to the School of Music was selected as Mid-Grade Instructor of the Year. While Wills' primary course of instruction is the French Horn, he took the initiative to qualify as an Advanced Academics and Rehearsal Division instructor, making him one of only a few instructors qualified to teach all three divisions at the School of Music.

Chief Logistics Specialist (SW/AW) Michael Cooke from the Naval Supply Corps School (NSCS) was named Senior Instructor of the Year. Cooke, a Jacksonville, Fla., native, showcased superior technical knowledge and teaching skills while instructing five Joint Aviation Supply Maintenance Material Management (JASMMM) resident and five JASMMM Mobile Training Team courses.

Lt. Carlos Diaz, also selected from NSCS, was named Officer Instructor of the Year. Diaz, a Dorado, Puerto Rico, native, delivered 10 Leadership Management topics and facilitated group discussions for 75 students. He provided each student essential Division Officer/Department Head fundamentals prior to their assuming duties throughout the fleet.

These instructors will now compete for Naval Education and Training Command Instructor of the Year honors in their respective category.

CSS and its seven Learning Sites provide Sailors with the knowledge and skills required to support the fleet's warfighting mission. Each year, the nearly 250 staff and faculty members of CSS deliver training to more than 10,000 personnel serving in the Navy's administration, logistics and media communities.

CENSECFOR Announces New Apprenticeship Trade

By Darryl Orrell, Center for Security Forces Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- The Center for Security Forces (CENSECFOR) announced Jan. 13 that the fourth installment to its list of apprenticeship trades is now available to Sailors for open enrollment.

The new Armory Technician Apprenticeship Trade is available to Sailors, E-4 and above, who serve in a broad range of ratings such as Gunner's Mate, Master-At-Arms, Special Warfare Operator, and more.

"This is an apprentice level trade applicable to personnel who store, inventory, issue, receive and maintain records on assigned arms, ammunition and explosives," said Jose Bautista, Master-At-Arms (MA) programs manager at (CENSECFOR).

Sailors can enroll in this new Department of Labor (DoL) approved apprenticeship trade by visiting United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) online and select the 'Enroll/Reinstate' link to begin.

Bautista went on to point out that this is probably the only apprenticeship trade that covers multiple ratings and provides sailors with improved skills and competencies.

"Sailors desiring to enroll must have completed the Security Force Weapons Personal Qualifications 301, 305, 308, 322, and 323. A Sailor must also possess NEC [Naval Enlisted Classification Code] 0812, 0814, 9525, or 9536," said Bautista.

Sailors who successfully complete the required 2000 hours of documented experience will earn the distinction of being an Armory Technician. The level of experience covers six select skill areas such as maintenance, inventory control, security, and safety just to name a few.

USMAP works closely with the DOL to provide nationally recognized apprenticeship programs that result in journeyman-level certificates of completion for members of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. During their apprenticeship, service members document their military duties while working in their rating or military occupational specialty.

Bautista also alluded to the next wave of apprenticeship trades to be released as being the Criminal Investigator Apprenticeship and the Military Working Dog (MWD) Apprenticeship.

The package for the Criminal Investigator Apprenticeship is currently pending DOL approval with an anticipated release sometime this spring or summer.

"The CIA (Criminal Investigator Apprenticeship) is designed for MA personnel having the military police investigator NEC 2002, as well as appropriate personnel in the USMC and USCG," said Bautista. "The MWD apprenticeship is currently in development stages and its anticipated release date is yet to be determined."

Apprenticeship forerunners to the new Armory Technician Apprenticeship have been highly successful since their debut. For example, the Security Specialist and the Police Officer I (Government Service) apprenticeships have had up to 1,600 active enrollments.

Earning the DOL certificate costs the service member nothing and does not normally require working additional off-duty hours. USMAP has provided sea-service military members with journeyman level certifications for more than 35 years and reached a record 50,000 current active USMAP participants last year.

"These nationally recognized certifications give Sailors the opportunity to perform duties and gain experience they might not otherwise have an opportunity to achieve," said Bautista.

The Center for Security Forces provides specialized training to more than 28 thousand students each year and has 14 training locations across the U.S. and around the world.

Caring and Sharing Program Donates More than 800 Pounds to the United Way

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Commander, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- Caring and Sharing Program representatives at Naval Submarine Base New London donated more than 800 pounds of canned food items to the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut in Groton Jan. 11.

Program representatives continued their long-standing tradition of donating non-perishable food items not used in the annual prepared boxes provided to military members and their families during the recent holiday season. The Caring and Sharing Program began collecting food items last November.

Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/EXW) Jason Perry, assigned to Commander, Submarine Group 2, assists in overseeing the annual program and reflected on continuing the tradition of supporting the local community after the holiday season.

"Last year, we received so many donations that we are able to pay it forward to the communities of southeastern Connecticut," said Perry. "I think this is a great way to continue to say thank you to all those who donated to our program. Their donations essentially serve to also keep the 'neighbors helping neighbors' feeling alive, here in our local area."

Virginia Mason, president and CEO of United Way of Southeastern Connecticut reflected on the generosity of many individuals who together are providing assistance to those who depend on their organization.

"I think the need has never been greater than it is today, as is the need for donations," said Mason. "Here in New London county, one in six children is hungry at least part of the month, whether it is not getting the right food or unfortunately, not getting enough food. Your help makes a very big impact with the children and also helps the local community. We are very grateful and really appreciate your donation."

The Caring and Sharing program was launched in the early 1990s. Each year, Sailors began volunteering every November by collecting voluntary food and monetary donations for this annual drive, which will run through the middle of December.

Wounded Warriors Amputee Softball Team Defeats Navy Commanders

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sean Furey, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Hawaii

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- Members of the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team (WWAST) gathered to play against Navy Commanders, a team comprised of various commanding officers from Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, at Millican Field.

The WWAST is comprised of veterans and active duty soldiers who have lost limbs while serving their country in the military.

"We're playing the Navy officers and in doing this we share our mission that life without limbs is limitless," said retired U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Gregory Reynolds. "I think we are going to portray this really well tonight. We are on a winning streak right now, it feels good."

According to Capt. Wallace Lovely, Commodore of Destroyer Squadron 31, the game was an excellent opportunity to show their drive and determination as they overcome their respective conditions and continue on with their lives in a meaningful capacity.

"The reason for this game is camaraderie always," said Lovely. "It's an opportunity to highlight the skills how capable the Wounded Warrior Community is."

The mission of the team is to raise awareness, through exhibition and celebrity softball games, of the sacrifices and resilience of our military, and highlight their ability to rise above any challenge. WWAST represents some of our nation's bravest and most determined heroes, soldiers and veterans. These young extremely athletic men have sustained severe injuries resulting in amputation while serving in the military/war, and through extensive rehabilitation, they have become competitive athletes again.

The WWAST is comprised of young, competitive, athletic veterans and active duty soldiers who have lost limbs post-9/11, while serving their country in the military/war. The team includes individuals with a variety of amputations of the arm, above knee, below knee, bilateral below knee, and foot. Some are still in the service, others are attending college thanks to the Post-9/11 GI Bill while others have moved on to new careers.

The game concluded with the victory for the WWAST with a score of 20-13.

Amphibious Force U.S. 7th Fleet Turns 70

By Lt. Brian Wierzbicki, CTF 76 Public Affairs

OKINAWA, Japan (NNS) -- The staff of Amphibious Force U.S. 7th Fleet celebrated its 70th anniversary with a ceremony at White Beach Naval Facility.

The Seventh Amphibious Force was known as the Amphibious Force, Southwest Pacific. On Dec. 15, 1942 Rear Adm. Daniel E. Barbey received orders from commander in chief, U.S. Fleet, to establish this force and he assumed command Jan. 10, 1943.

Rear Adm. Jeffrey A. Harley, commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet addressed Sailors and Marines about the history of the amphibious fleet and the significant contributions of our amphibious forces to the Pacific region during the past 70 years.

"We are proud of our history and heritage," said Harley "our legacy throughout the past seven decades has brought peace and stability to this region."

During World War II Amphibious Force U.S. 7th Fleet participated in every assault landing in the Southwest Pacific and took part in the occupation landings following the successful completion of the war.

Since then, the assigned forward deployed naval assets have participated in every major conflict, conducted multilateral exercises supporting the cooperative engagement strategy and provided humanitarian assistance to strengthen our bond with coalition partners.

"We recognize that security and stability are forged in these partnerships," said Harley "we must continue our commitment to our allies and partners in the Pacific."
Amphibious Force U.S. 7th Fleet is responsible for conducting expeditionary warfare operations supporting a full range of theater contingencies including humanitarian and disaster relief operations and full combat operations to help maintain peace and stability and protect our vital interests in the Pacific.

Navy Recruiting Command Honors Top Recruiters

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Sonja M. Chambers, Commander, Navy Recruiting Command Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Navy Recruiting Command (NRC) recognized its FY 2012 Recruiters of the Year (ROY) during a ceremony at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., Jan. 9.

Commander, Navy Recruiting Command, Rear Adm. Earl L. Gay, honored 13 of NRC's top Active and Reserve recruiters from around the world.

Guest speaker, Chief of Naval Personnel, Vice Adm. Scott R. Van Buskirk, said the Navy relies on recruiters to find new talent for the Navy's future.

"There is no Navy without Sailors and there are no Sailors without recruiters," he said. "The successful completion of our Navy's global mission begins by recruiting the best and the brightest of our nation's young men and women to serve. Because of the hard work and dedication of our recruiters, today's force is more intelligent, more fit and more diverse than we've ever seen. Our awardees have separated themselves from among their peers by performing exemplary service in recruiting the next generation Sailor."

Operations Specialist 1st Class (SW) Matthew Tucker, Enlisted Recruiter of the Year, Active, said receiving the honor was a very humbling experience.

"I know there are many people out there just like me grinding and trying to get the job done, so I'm very happy and honored to receive this award," he said.

Gas Turbine System Technician (Mechanical) 1st Class (SW) Duane Curato, Enlisted Recruiter of the Year, Reserve, said mentoring and leadership were key to his success.

"Being a recruiter is not difficult," he said. "You just have to be on top of your game and ask your leaders for guidance because they are always there to support you."

The ceremony was part of a week-long event honoring the ROY. Recruiters and their guests visited many top Navy officials including Secretary of the Navy the Honorable Ray Mabus; Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Mark Ferguson, and Chief of Navy Reserve, Commander, Navy Reserve Force, Vice Adm. Robin R. Braun. They also toured various D.C. sites, including the White House, Pentagon, Library of Congress and Arlington National Cemetery where the two Enlisted ROY placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

Other top recruiters for FY 2012 were: Lt. Lincoln Schneider, Officer Recruiter of the Year, Active; Lt. Stephen Graff, Officer Recruiter of the Year, Reserve; Electrician's Mate 1st Class (SS) Daniel Macomber, Nuclear Field Coordinator of the Year; Navy Counselor 1st Class (AW/SW) Brian Dubose, Station Leading Petty Officer of the Year; Personnel Specialist 1st Class (SW) Benjamin Erdelyi, Jr., Classifier of the Year; Chief Navy Counselor (SW) Dewayne Scott, Division Leading Chief Petty Officer of the Year; Fire Controlman 1st Class (SW) Aurelio Herrera, Diversity Enlisted Recruiter of the Year; Lt. Carolyn Starks-Holman, Medical Officer Recruiter of the Year; Navy Counselor 1st Class (SS) Brian Fields, Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate Recruiter of the Year; Gunner's Mate 2nd Class (EXW) Conner Mastry, Navy Special Warfare/Navy Special Operations Recruiter of the Year; Personnel Specialist 1st Class (AW) Kerri Scranton, Support Person of the Year.

IG checks 21 SOPS twice

by Staff Sgt. Julius Delos Reyes
50th Space Wing Public Affairs

1/9/2013 - SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- After a Consolidated Unit Inspection Nov. 29 to Dec. 1, the 21st Space Operations Squadron will undergo another CUI in January as a tenant unit at the 30th Space Wing at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.

The 30 SW is receiving a CUI Phase 1 and 2, as opposed to the 50th Space Wing's Phase 0. Phase 1 and 2 focuses heavily on readiness, including responses and deployments, while Phase 0 is strictly compliance.

"One of the challenges of being a geographically-separated unit is that you have to work with multiple organizations and bridge the gaps between host and parent unit activities," said Lt. Col. Michael Wulfestieg, 21 SOPS commander. "As a valued mission partner of 30 SW, we will support their inspection at whatever level necessary to prove to the IG that 30 SW can fully execute its mission and all those assigned to this base."

The AFSPC IG team is expected to focus the inspection on 30 SW's readiness and exercises and may visit 21 SOPS to observe its interactions with the wing. This includes how guidance and information from the wing is transmitted to 21 SOPS and how they work together. Individual programs will also be assessed in association with the inspections on the wing-level functional area manager.

"As with any inspection, this allows our team to focus on our programs and tighten up anything that may be lacking," said Kathryn Brady, 21 SOPS unit program coordinator. "It also gives us a chance to interact with our host base functional area managers and IG, which will strengthen our professional connections with Vandenberg."

Wulfestieg said the preparation for the last CUI is beneficial for ensuring another successful CUI because it identified areas that needed work to bring them into compliance.

The 21 SOPS began scrutinizing its programs in October 2011 in an effort to reinvigorate those that had little attention during the 2009-2011 transition effort from Onizuka Air Force Station to Vandenberg.

"Much of the initial groundwork was already complete and since we had already prepared our 50 SW programs, it was easier to flow right into our 30 SW programs," Brady said. "Anything we learned from the 50 SW CUI, we took into consideration with our 30 SW programs. Additionally, we saw what was written up against the 50 SW, so we could use those write-ups as benchmarks in preparation for this next CUI."

The squadron reviewed all the mandatory programs and host-tenant support agreements at each of its six operating locations to determine which programs fell under the authority of host bases versus the 50 SW.

"It obviously took the entire team," Wulfestieg said. "We are actually a fairly small unit, when you look at how many locations we are operating day to day. That means some individuals have anywhere from two to 10 programs they are responsible for, so teamwork was essential to make sure we worked as efficiently as possible during the inspection spin up."

The program managers at the squadron headquarters made the extra effort to consolidate status and updates for all the various locations, which simplified the lines of communication, and helped to distribute the workload across the entire team. The squadrons also partnered with 30 SW units such as communications, safety, Office of Special Investigations, security forces, IG and the 148th Space Operations Squadron to make sure the IG team reception and logistics were successfully executed.

"The 21 SOPS members at Vandenberg, and across all of our locations, have been working hard to bring programs and processes up to a high level of compliance and to maintain that standard. The 50 SW CUI results proved that we were doing extremely well," Wulfestieg said.

The commander said the 21 SOPS team made huge improvements across the board, which was noted during the 50th Network Operations Group staff assistance visit in January 2012, and showed in 50 SW CUI results.

"All of that, day to day mission operations have proceeded without missing a beat, sustaining a fantastic success rate, supporting all of our hosted organizations and missions at our sites, and ensuring access to space for 2nd Space Operations Squadron, 22nd Space Operations Squadron, all the Air Force Satellite Control Network users and ultimately the warfighters," he said. "This squadron spans half the globe, with locations 10,000 miles apart and in five different time zones. But we are an integrated team, closely synchronized to deliver operational excellence while maintaining impeccable compliance."

Detachment 2 of 21 SOPS will be part of the 36th Wing CUI at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, in May, while the 21 SOPS at Vandenberg will have a cyber-readiness inspection in September.

Aragon named best in AFSPC

by Lea Johnson
21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer

1/9/2013 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Most Airmen probably don't notice what goes on around them in the Aragon Dining Facility. They have jobs to do. They need a meal so they can get back to supporting their missions.

For employees at the DFAC, making sure all these people have a good meal is their mission, and at the Aragon Dining Facility, they do it better than anyone else in Air Force Space Command.

The Aragon Dining Facility recently won the AFSPC nomination for the John L. Hennessy Award for Best Food Excellence in the Air Force.

"It's the first time in over 10 years we've had the nomination," said Master Sgt. Jason Merriam, 21st Force Support Squadron food services superintendent.

The last time Aragon won the nomination was in 2001.

The mission of the dining facility may get overlooked by some, but they are an important component of wartime readiness.

"We go to war, we set up food operations and dining tents. We hand out (Meals Ready to Eat)," Merriam said. "People have to eat."

Master Sgt. Porter Gee, 21st FSS section chief, said the Aragon Dining Facility keeps busy serving the Peterson AFB community.

"We're a little bit different because we support Reserve units. We go up against a lot of bases who just have a single war-time mission. We support ourselves, we support the Reserves, we also support Cheyenne Mountain (Air Force Station)," he said.

The staff at the Aragon is also different in another way.

"A lot of bases are going into contracting and what's called food transformation. There's no military, or there's very few military, in those facilities," Gee said. "The majority are military here in our facility. It's pretty unique."

According to Gee, the DFAC serves about 400 people a day during the week and about 100 meals on the weekend.

The Aragon Dining Facility also provides support to Schriever and Buckley Air Force Bases by storing MREs for them. "We hold onto that type of stuff for them, so when they need it we are accountable to it for them," Gee said.

A staff of 65, including 35 civilians and 30 active duty members, keeps the dining facility in tip-top shape.

According to Merriam, to win the western division nomination and move on to compete at the Air Force level, the Aragon Dining Facility must first undergo a thorough inspection of the facility covering everything from cleanliness to management. He said it's important every piece is in order.

Merriam said the 21st Medical Group Public Health already comes in once a month to do their inspection.

"We also do our own self inspections once a week. We're going to bump that up now to twice a week," he said, to prepare for the inspection.

The inspection for the John L. Hennessy Award will happen in late January or early February. The winner will be announced in April.

Regardless of what happens now, Gee and Merriam are both excited to have the trophy for the AFSPC nomination on display at the Aragon Dining Facility.

"We are proud," Merriam said. "We are very, very proud."

Volunteer or not, BMT needs the best

by Nathan Simmons
Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs

1/11/2013 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- Adjustments to the military training instructor selection process will be made in early 2013 - driven by a recent review of basic military training that stressed the need for experienced and talented non-commissioned officers to train America's new Airmen.

AETC Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. James Cody said MTI duty is one of the most significant and rewarding duties an Airman can perform, and that all Airmen should understand this critical point -- by being selected, the Air Force recognizes an Airman's ability to perform a duty that requires the highest level of professionalism.

"We need our very best Airmen as MTIs. We all remember the impact our MTI had on our transformation from civilian to Airman," Cody said. "There is no question, the experience at BMT is the foundation for all enlisted Airmen, and we absolutely need the very best NCOs leading this effort."

A thorough review of BMT was conducted, highlighting the need to institute several changes in various aspects of the program, one of which will be assigning two MTIs to each flight of trainees. The volunteer base for MTI duty will be combined and enhanced with a selection process that includes volunteers and non-volunteers best qualified for the job.

Volunteers for MTI assignments are given first consideration, but the Air Force Personnel Center will review each candidate on a case-by-case basis and select eligible individuals deemed qualified for this special duty assignment from a prioritized roster using the current assignment availability process.

Applicants need to be technical sergeants or master sergeants with no more than 16 years total Air Force military service, have an overall rating of five on their last three performance reports, and must have or be able to obtain three years of PCS "retainability" for an assignment as an MTI. Airmen must have no history of behavioral problems, and must meet the highest professional standards to be selected for MTI duty.

"Three decades of force structure changes have had many impacts on our Air Force and Airmen. We expect a great deal from all Airmen, and we must ensure we strike the right balance of experience, education, and training," Cody said. "MTI duty is one of the areas our Airmen can continue their development; if selected, know you have been given the distinct honor to train our greatest asset -- our newest Airmen."

There are number of incentives that come with the territory, including special duty pay of $450 per month, a supplemental clothing allowance of $227 per year, the AETC Instructor Badge and the MTI ribbon. Master Sgt. Lucan Plata, who trained flights from June 2009 to October 2010 with the 326th Training Squadron, said it's about much more than ribbons and dollars.

"The intangibles here are what make this worthwhile. If you're doing it for extra pay and a ribbon, you're doing it for the wrong reasons," Plata said. "You do this for the future of the Air Force and for the Airmen. It's a selfless job, and if you truly enjoy serving, this is your opportunity to impact many young men and women."

Plata said he's learned more from trainees than he ever could teach them, and they allowed him to learn volumes about himself through teaching.

"This opportunity here is huge -- getting to train the very people you could be fighting side-by-side with one day," said Col. Mark Gaubert, AETC Special Duty Assignments director.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the MTI recruiting team via email at 737trg.mtir@us.af.mil or call 210-473-1018 to speak with an MTI recruiter.

Face of Defense: Airman Strives to Become Pro Fighter

By Senior Airman Micaiah Anthony
2nd Bomb Wing

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La., Jan. 11, 2013 – Many people dream of becoming rich, or of houses with white picket fences, but one airman's dream is to be locked in a blood-stained steel cage with a professional mixed martial artist.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Jeremy Caudillo works as a fitness supervisor at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. During his free time, he trains and competes in mixed martial arts competitions and helps his fellow airmen stay fit to fight. U.S. Air Force photo illustration by Senior Airman Micaiah Anthony   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

For most, this would be a nightmare. But for Air Force Staff Sgt. Jeremy Caudillo, the 2nd Force Support Squadron fitness center supervisor here, his dream of becoming a professional MMA fighter is about to become reality.

"This has been a big dream of mine," Caudillo said. "My goal is to be the Ultimate Fighting Championship champion. I feel like MMA is my destiny."

Caudillo began his fighting career as a wrestler in high school and college. It wasn't until one of his deployments that he decided to pursue a career in MMA.

"I got interested in MMA when I was deployed to Afghanistan," he said. "I saw a few soldiers and some other guys doing combatives and jiu-jitsu, so I asked if I could partake. I started training with them, and it really started my career in MMA."

After Caudillo returned from his deployment, he joined an MMA gym and started competing in local amateur fights. His success in the ring attracted attention from producers of MTV's reality show “Caged.”

"Being on the show was good for publicity," Caudillo said. "It helped me meet a couple of people in UFC and make a lot of great connections."

After more than two years of hard work and training, Caudillo recently finished his amateur career with a 6-3 record.
"I feel like I am ready to go pro," he said. "I'm setting up my first pro fight for March, and I'll make my debut in the 135-pound weight class."

Though his MMA career is taking off, Caudillo still wants to be an airman.

"I still want to keep my Air Force career," he said. "It is nice to be able to work here at the fitness center. My job in the Air Force is to train people and keep them fit to fight."

The training he receives from the Air Force and MMA go hand in hand, Caudillo said, and help him to be a better fighter and airman.

"MMA has helped me learn a lot more as far as different types of workouts [are concerned]," he added. "What I learn at the MMA gym I take back to my squadron and use it to train people. I also use some of the fitness fundamentals that I learned in the Air Force to help me with my strength and endurance training for MMA."

Caudillo uses full-body workouts along with core and strength training to help his fellow airmen pass their physical fitness tests and stay in shape.

"Before, I would just do basic exercises like running, pushups and situps to pass my [fitness] test," said Air Force Staff Sgt. Crystal McElvane, 2nd Force Support Squadron unit deployment manager. "Working out with [Caudillo] is a different level of intensity; it's a total-body workout. I am definitely getting more tone."
In return, Caudillo receives a lot of support from the base community.

"A lot of my co-workers and other airmen come to my fights to support me," he said. "It feels great to have them come and cheer me on."

With his last amateur fight behind him and a promising professional MMA career in front of him, Caudillo will be in the gym doing one of two things: working or training.

Major Awarded Forrest S. McCartney Award

by 2nd Lt. Alicia Wallace
45th Space Wing Public Affairs

1/9/2013 - CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.  -- The first annual Forrest S. McCartney National Defense Space Award was presented to Maj. Kenneth Holmes, Air Force Special Operations Command chief of space training, at the National Space Club luncheon Tuesday.

The award and recognizes significant contributions of Department of Defense personnel on duty in Florida and is newly named for a retired Air Force lieutenant general and former director of NASA's Kennedy Space Center.

Major Holmes was selected for the award based on his ability to provide and integrate space capabilities to support in-garrison and deployed special operations forces world-wide. His contribution during his over 140-day deployment to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, as the Special Tactics Officer Chief and Space Officer In Charge for a Joint Task Force earned him praise as a leader and a technical expert.

Under his leadership, the JTF was able to support over 19,400 task force personnel during 384 direct action missions. He was able to significantly disrupt thousands of hours of enemy lines of communication, which resulted in 1,471 enemies captured or killed, including 166 high value individuals. Major Holmes' technical expertise made possible near real-time updates for task forces that enhanced planning and execution of missions and resulted in the capture of targets and significantly restricting enemy movement.

"It is humbling to receive this award," said Major Holmes. "I'm honored to be able to support those on the ground who risk their lives every day."

Brig. Gen. Anthony Cotton, 45th Space Wing commander, emphasized the important role the National Space Club has in recognizing the individuals who support both the space mission and helping Airmen.

"The National Space Club helps connect us all," said General Cotton, "and recognize the achievements of excellent performers."

Air Force Band, Honor Guard Prepare for Inauguration Day

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

WASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 2013 – Preparation is nothing new to the U.S. Air Force Band and Honor Guard as they get ready for Jan. 21’s 57th presidential inauguration, bringing a total Air Force presence to the massive event.

Air Force Col. Larry H. Lang, commander of the U.S. Air Force Band, conducts during a dress rehearsal for the Inaugural Parade, at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Jan. 11, 2013. DOD photo by Claudette Roulo   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

After a dress rehearsal here today, Air Force Col. Larry Lang, commander and conductor of the U.S. Air Force Band, talked about some of the band’s efforts as the musical airmen prepare to continue the military tradition of support to presidential inaugurations.

 

“We have a ceremonial mission, so we’re always preparing for that,” he said. “We do parades and ceremonies throughout the year, so it’s not something new to us. The difference here is the size of it.”
Lang said the magnitude of the event requires more members of the band to participate.

“The band is 184 members. It’s divided into six different flights – six different ensembles, basically,” he said. “We’re using about 100 of those for this particular parade. So we’ve been rehearsing really hard; we rehearsed all day yesterday.”

Lang said tomorrow’s rehearsal will include the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve, before joining all the military services on the actual parade route Jan. 13.

“I think we’re preparing very steadily, very focused, and by the time the inauguration gets here, we’ll be ready,” he said.

The band commander and conductor, an El Paso, Texas, native and 22-year Air Force band officer, said he looks forward to representing the Air Force in his first inauguration.

“This is exciting,” Lang said. “Even though the band performs for the president and the vice president on a fairly regular basis, I am excited because this is on a worldwide stage. We have the privilege of representing all of our airmen all around the world, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Senior Airman Anthony Wagner, a Cambridge, Ill., native and noncommissioned officer for the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard’s color team, also is participating in his first inauguration.

“I feel pretty honored, pretty proud and a little nervous as well,” he said. “Representing the Air Force to the whole world, you want to put on a good show. I hope I can represent them well, because everyone’s seeing it as me carrying the nation’s colors, representing our country to the world as well.”

Wagner, who has served on the Air Force Honor Guard for three and a half years, said he’ll be nervous, but still confident, because preparation is second nature to the Honor Guard.

“The nerves, they’ll be there,” he said. “It’s not just another job, but at the same time, we’re prepared. And we’ve done many other big jobs as well, so we feel comfortable with what we’re doing.”

Wagner said he’ll advise his younger troops to stay cool and collected and that if they’re doing their job to the best of their abilities, everything will be fine.

“We’re excited and pretty honored that we get this opportunity,” he said.

From a planning and operational standpoint, senior NCOs such as Master Sgt. Kimberly Muhlecke are charged with maintaining the high standards of the Air Force Honor Guard.
 
“I can’t say there wasn’t a time since I got in the Air Force Honor Guard that we weren’t prepping for this day,” Muhlecke said. “Every single ceremony is unique, but they do share some commonalities. I feel like our guys, as sharp as they are, are ready all the time, to be honest.”

The standardizations NCO said the biggest difference is adjusting to the layout of the venue for a particular event, and “making what we do so well fit into that venue.”

One challenge, Muhlecke noted, will be the “nine-by-nine” formation in which 81 airmen march together. Formations for most parades, she added, consist of 15 to 18 airmen.

“This is only the second time we’ve used the nine-by-nine, so we have to get all of our airmen used to marching that large,” she said.

Muhlecke said she enjoys working alongside the “staunch professionals” in the Honor Guard, and that she looks forward to seeing all the military services together during the inauguration.

“I’m looking forward to seeing all the other elite members of my sister services and brother services,” she said. “We always look good when we’re out in full force.”

"Dear Airman" A deployer's Christmas surprise

by Airman 1st Class Marianique Santos
36th Wing Public Affairs

1/10/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- One of the pleasures that most deployed Airmen miss during the holiday season is the company of their beloved families and friends. For those who are parents, it's hard not having their children by their side.

Though most find comfort in technology in the form of live chat and emails, deployed Staff Sgt. David Ramirez, 554th RED HORSE Squadron services technician, received what he considered as the "best Christmas gift ever" this holiday season in an unexpected snail mail-sent package. This is his story:

"It's Christmas Eve, and since I'm deployed I'm missing my family even more than I thought possible. My unit just had an awesome Christmas party. All 12 days of Christmas events planned entirely by yours truly, but with a lot of other people's help in the execution process... thanks, Teasha.

I decided to check my email before going to bed, and I saw that there was a second mail call for today.

Wouldn't you know it, I had mail. I got an awesome package, which included the world's largest bag of potato chips! I have to thank the sender for that.

There was another package. It was addressed to the services NCOIC here, which is me. The package was from a kindergarten class at Andersen Elementary School, the school both my boys go to.

Students from the class made Christmas cards for the troops. After looking through all the names on the cards, I started recognizing some of the senders. They were from my son's class.

That's when I found it: the card my son had made. The card wasn't addressed to me; it came with a note asking to hand the cards out to as many Airmen as I could.

From Guam to Afghanistan, what were the odds that his card would make its way to me?

Here's what the back of his card said, 'Dear Airman, Merry Christmas, Love Michael.' That's it; short and sweet. He had no idea who he was making the card for, and somehow, it reached me. Best Christmas gift ever!"

Though being away from loved ones is one of the challenges that servicemembers encounter in tours and deployments, communities and families find ways to keep their hearts close. From a simple gesture made possible by Department of Defense Education Activity's Andersen Elementary School, a father was able to receive a remarkable Christmas surprise from his son, which made his Christmas on deployment a story worth telling.

Misawa starts New Year double booked

by Airman 1st Class Kenna Jackson
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

1/11/2013 - MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- As the 35th Fighter Wing conducts its Initial Readiness Response Exercise Jan. 10 to Jan. 12 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, it is hard to ignore the busy nature of the flightline.

Despite the fact the flightline plays an integral role during an IRRE, which tests the wing's ability to generate aircraft and deploy combat power, this time it seems to be busier. This is because they are not only simulating going to war, but also preparing for an aviation training relocation exercise next week.

Next week, the 13th Fighter Squadron will deploy to Guam, honing their combat skills and practicing live-munitions drops, which is something they can't do at Misawa.

"We don't have a range here where we can drop live bombs," said Lt. Col. John McDaniel, 13th Fighter Squadron commander. "At our local range, we can only drop inert munitions with a small explosive radius."

However in Guam, the 13 FS will be able to use a range capable of handling much larger explosives, added McDaniel.

Not only will pilots and maintainers gain more experience with their craft, but they will also get out of the bitter cold in Misawa during the winter season.

"When training in a tropical climate, not only are we warm, but we don't have to deal with being delayed during take-off due to snow and the jets have less malfunctions" said Capt. Jason Holmes, 13 FS assistant chief of standardization and evaluation.

Although the two exercises are essentially back-to-back, McDaniel said they aren't having any difficulties completing their tasks. Part of that reason is the 13 FS, 35th Maintenance Group and 35th Logistics Readiness Squadron lead coordinators have developed a way to effectively balance the multiple tasks needed to be mission ready.

"The way things are set up, we have some of the jets and crews getting ready for this simulated combat exercise. The rest are preparing for the training exercise scheduled for next week," said McDaniel.

According to Holmes, this seemingly daunting task is made easier because of the similarities between getting aircraft and people to a simulated war time exercise and an ATR exercise.

"It's true that the exercises are different," said Holmes. "In one scenario we are preparing our pilots and aircraft for a simulated war time setting, while on the other hand we're getting ready for an aviation training exercise. However, despite the differences between the two scenarios, the process of getting our pilots ready for their mission, out-processing procedures and having our maintainers re-configuring the jets for the mission are the similar."

McDaniel added that prioritizing and making sure everything was moving smoothly with the IRRE preparations helped to keep confusion and disorder from occurring within their ranks.

"Although there are times when the lines get a little blurred, we're doing our best to keep the two exercises separated," said McDaniel. "The primary mission, as of right now, is the IRRE and ensuring the 35th Fighter Wing is ready for contingency operations."

AMUs showcase readiness during exercise

by Airman 1st Class Kia Atkins
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

1/11/2013 - MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- The constant bombardment of emails containing the phrase "EXERCISE, EXERCISE, EXERCISE" can only mean one thing: the base is demonstrating its combat knowledge during an Initial Response Readiness Exercise on Jan. 10, 2013.

An IRRE's unpredictable events are used to evaluate the wing's ability to organize and activate from peacetime readiness to wartime posture on short notice.

Some areas the wing is tested on include command and control, deployment processing, employment readiness, information operations and force protection. Not only does the wing have to ensure the readiness of its Airmen, it also has to ensure the readiness of its aircraft.

"What we look for in our aircraft is serviceability and safety in flight, which is the number one thing," said Tech. Sgt. Michael Baker, 35th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron production section. "Every maintainer out here knows that if the call comes down and we must go, these aircraft have to be ready."

During exercises, the 13th and 14th Aircraft Maintenance Units assign aircraft into different sections during exercises called cells. Generally, each cell contains six aircraft.

"Every generation is different, but by working as a team we can achieve our goal," said Baker.

During this exercise, the AMUs came together to achieve their goal of generating safe and reliable aircraft, which helped demonstrate the wing's overall readiness.

"Every exercise is important, none of them are a joke or a game," said Baker. "It's good for Airmen to know that if we need to go to war, we're prepared."