Officials Acknowledge, Work on Solving Vehicle Shipment Issues

By Mark Diamond

Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill., Aug. 4, 2014 – Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command and U.S. Transportation Command are standing up a team of transportation experts this week to quickly address the most significant challenges and concerns military customers are facing when shipping their privately owned vehicles.

On May 1, International Auto Logistics, known as IAL, assumed responsibility for the Global Privately Owned Vehicle Contract, also known as GPCIII. Under the terms of the contract, IAL is responsible for processing, transporting and storing vehicles owned by military personnel and Department of Defense civilian employees bound for, or returning from, overseas duty assignments.

SDDC officials acknowledge the transfer to the new POV contractor did not go as smoothly as it could have. They want customers to know that SDDC is aware of and understands the issues some of them have experienced while shipping their privately owned vehicle, adding that solving those issues is the command's No. 1 priority.

They also want their customers to know what SDDC and U.S. Transportation Command are doing to help resolve these issues and facilitate a smoother and more effective transition to the new contractor.

SDDC serves as the POV program manager, whereas Transcom is the global POV contract administrator. These two commands work closely together in managing and monitoring this critical quality of life contract.

"We are well aware that our customers continue to experience challenges in shipping their vehicles," said Navy Capt. Aaron Stanley, personal property director for SDDC.

The Transcom contracting office and the SDDC program management office continue to provide program oversight, while daily performance is monitored by contracting officer's representatives, or CORs, assigned to vehicle processing centers.

Stanley said about three dozen CORs are globally dispersed to provide daily oversight of IAL operations. "According to the CORs, IAL is responding to their feedback and has begun to make improvements," he added. "That said, we believe that one unhappy customer is one too many. We want to assure our military and civilian partners and their families that SDDC, U.S. Transcom and IAL are actively taking steps to improve the POV shipping process for them.

“We will continue to use their feedback and observations as we work to deliver their vehicles during the busy peak moving season,” he continued, “and we apologize to those who have experienced frustrations during the initial months of the new contract."

Stanley said that although these challenges won't go away overnight, service members should know the steps they can take to help ease the stress of shipping their vehicles. Military personnel and DoD civilian employees who are experiencing delays with their vehicle arrival time should call IAL at 1-855-389-9499 and choose Option 2, or visit IAL's website at http://www.pcsmypov.com, he said.

"We must give IAL the chance to resolve an issue," Stanley added. "We understand our customers' frustrations; however, we are optimistic that once the peak moving season is complete, IAL can and will make the necessary adjustments to refine their processes and ensure a quality POV experience consistent with the quality standards reflected in the contract."

Stanley said rental car expenses are one of the main concerns customers have when their vehicle is delayed, and that they can be reimbursed for rental car fees incurred after their vehicle's original required delivery date is missed.

While the first seven days of rental car fees are handled by the member's local military or government claims office, he added, rental car fees incurred after the initial seven-day period will be reimbursed by IAL via an "inconvenience claim."

For military claims, eligible personnel may rent a car at government expense for up to seven days if their privately owned vehicle transported at government expense for their use does not arrive at the authorized destination by the required delivery date. Reimbursement is limited by law to $30 per day, with a maximum reimbursement of $210. Stanley said that authority expires on the date their POV is available for pick-up at destination.

"If a member is inconvenienced because of a missed required delivery date, temporary lodging and rental car expenses beyond the initial seven-day period are IAL's responsibility," he said. "IAL will review each claim on a case-by-case basis and, based on the circumstances, reimburse the member accordingly."

According to the IAL website, there are three options for filing a claim, including "Site Settlement," "IAL Claims," and "Inconvenience Claims," with each option offering a different level of service and convenience. For more details on each option, visit the website’s FAQ section

Stanley said that in an effort to further reduce the customer's financial burden, if a customer is inconvenienced because of a missed delivery date and cannot pay for a rental car, IAL has coordinated with Avis and Budget for direct billing from those rental car companies to IAL.

"As a military service member who has conducted many military moves during my career, I understand the stress involved in moving," he added. "Rest assured, SDDC will continue to do what we can to help lessen that stress on our military personnel and their families."

Team Shaw goes to training camp

by Airman 1st Class Jensen Stidham
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

8/4/2014 - SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Team Shaw members visited the Carolina Panthers football training camp in Spartanburg, S.C., July 31.

Sponsored by the United Services Organization of North Carolina, four Airmen and a soldier spent the morning watching the Carolina Panthers team practice for their upcoming season.

"We have a long working history with the Carolina Panthers," said John Falkenbury, USO-NC president. "We bring military members the opportunity to interact with the players, as well as give the players the opportunity to thank the military members for their selfless service to the nation."

During their visit, Team Shaw members watched the team practice, received autographs, ate lunch with the players and toured the training camp.

"My favorite part of the day was watching them practice," said Senior Airman Veronica Giles, 20th Comptroller Squadron customer service technician. "Getting to go seems like a pat on the back and a job well done."

A pat on the back it was, these Team Shaw members were not randomly selected for the event.

"The Airmen and soldier were chosen to go by their supervision because of their superior performance within their workplace," said Mater Sgt. Jeffrey Van Strydon, 20th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron first sergeant.

Yorktown Navy Exchange Wins Bingham Award

By Mark O. Piggott, Naval Weapons Station Yorktown Public Affairs

YORKTOWN, Va. (NNS) -- The Navy Exchange (NEX) at Naval Weapons Station (WPNSTA) Yorktown was awarded the Bingham Award by the Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM), July 31, Sales Category 6 ($3-$7 million) for superior performance in 2013.

The Bingham Award program was established in 1979 to recognize excellence in customer service, operations and management at NEX activities.

This was the first time in 23 years that the mini-mart was recognized with the Bingham Award, thanks to the work of store manager Monica Brown and her team of associates and senior management.

"It is not an easy award to win," said Brett Haftel, NEXCOM Tidewater District operations manager. "The store competes with all the similar sales volume stores around the world. What makes it all the more impressive is that, during the end of 2013, this team's focus was really dual-hatted, not only having to deal with the fourth quarter here, but having to put in long hours on the Cheatham Annex NEX remodel."

"Winning this award represents a tremendous achievement on the part of all of our store associates and managers as well as the base," retired Rear Admiral Robert J. Bianchi, chief executive officer of NEXCOM added. "Monica and her team take to heart the mission of our command at NEXCOM ... To provide quality goods and service at a savings and to support Navy Quality of Life programs. Quality customer service, and more importantly customer satisfaction, is what the Yorktown associates deliver every day."

In 2013 the Yorktown NEX customer satisfaction index survey rose 1 point to 92 while the Associate Survey Index rose up 5 points to 83 by offering outstanding services like staying open late for ship's arrivals at WPNSTA Yorktown, making special trips to other area NEX stores to get merchandise for customers, and expanding barber shop services for the military personnel at the installation.

Additionally, Yorktown NEX supported the base with a Customer Appreciation Day and a special social event, recognizing the new CPO selectees. The Yorktown NEX is an integral part of the installation, participating in exercises like HURREX and Solid Curtain/Citadel Shield as well as supporting Fleet and Family Support Center initiatives.

"Even though this is a small exchange, it acts like a big exchange," said Captain Paul Haebler, commanding officer, WPNSTA Yorktown. "Monica and her team of associates make this exchange feel bigger than the footprint here at the installation. They go the extra mile for our Sailors and Marines. I am extremely proud to be a part of this."

The Yorktown NEX has made vast improvements across the board to enhance the shopping experience for each customer, including expanding space for sports nutrition, tactical gear and knives, sporting goods and hydration bottles.

In addition, due to increased demand and customer feedback, the Yorktown NEX added more greeting cards, Navy/Marine Pride merchandise, athletic apparel and uniform items to meet the needs of the Sailors, Marines and their dependents.

"I find myself extremely honored to be receiving such an important award, the Bingham Award," said Monica Brown. "Though I must admit that, somewhere deep inside, it was one of my goals. I am very grateful for the recognition the Yorktown NEX management and employees are receiving for their hard work today. I also promise that we will continue to get better and, hopefully, we won't have to wait another 23 years for another Bingham Award."

Louisville area youths learn about aviation careers in Air National Guard

by Senior Airman Joshua Horton
123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

7/30/2014 - LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- About 80 youths from the Louisville area spent June 20 touring the 123rd Airlift Wing at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base here to learn more about aviation-related careers in the ANG.

The tour, which included a static display of an Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and simulations that allowed participants to operate an explosive ordnance disposal robot, was part of a week-long Summer Aviation Career Education Academy sponsored by the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals.

"The 123rd Airlift Wing pulled out the red carpet and exposed not only the jobs, but the career paths that people can take," said Lt. Col. Jeff Harrison, a C-130 pilot in the Kentucky ANG and a member of OBAP. "We communicated how the kids needed to start assembling their steps in order to obtain the same career track. It was a great showing."

According to Harrison, exposing the youth to what the Air Guard has to offer nurtures both communities.

"We start at the ground level," Harrison said. "If you pique the interest of the youth while they're in their formative years, you have a semi-finished product by the time they come out of high school. Then in turn, the community replenishes the attrition the Guard normally gets with retirements."

The Kentucky ANG has been a part of the aviation camp for almost two decades now, promoting aviation opportunities to inner-city youths, said Col. Ken Dale, the 123rd's maintenance group commander and an instrumental leader in forming the partnership between the Air Guard and camp organizers.

"The kids come in and get excited about aviation and flying and continuing their education because they want to be a pilot or they want to be in aviation," Dale said. "Sometimes, the kids don't have the means to go to college. We tell them about our program that can help pay for their educations and they come join the Guard."

Founded in 1976, OBAP is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing, advancing and promoting educational opportunities in aviation and aerospace, as well as developing and sustaining a process for the ongoing mentoring of youth. In addition to the aviation camp, OBAP offers scholarships, aviation education programs and flight training instruction.

Flying Razorbacks bid farewell to A-10 aircraft

by Maj. Heath Allen
188th Wing

7/31/2014 - FORT SMITH, Ark. -- It was a somber sendoff for the newly re-designated 188th Wing here that exchanged a fond farewell with its last two remaining Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft during a ceremonial final salutation June 7 at Ebbing Air National Guard Base here.

The departure capped the wing's Conversion Day event and marks the first time in more than 60 years the 188th will have no assigned aircraft.

The ceremony featured myriad changes to the wing's structure as a result of the conversion to remotely piloted aircraft and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

Col. Mark Anderson, 188th Wing commander, and Maj. Doug Davis, 188th Detachment 1 commander, flew the final two A-10s "Warthogs" from Ebbing ANG Base. The two aviators transported the Warthogs to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, for modifications before returning back to the 188th commercially. The two A-10s were later delivered to their new owners ... the 23rd Wing at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia.

"It was a solemn moment taking off and seeing the crowd of supporters below," Anderson said. "The A-10 is an exceptional close-air support aircraft and we're going to miss it tremendously. While we're undoubtedly going to miss flying over the best military community in the world, the future looks extremely bright for our wing and its Airmen."

The wing's on-going mission conversion was prompted by the 2013 Defense National Appropriation Act. The 188th was one of five ANG wings that flew the A-10, an inveterate close-air support aircraft for the Air Force for more than 30 years. But as part of the NDAA, the 188th was the only outfit of those five ANG wings slated to lose its A-10s.

The first two A-10s left Sept. 10, 2013, as part of the conversion divestiture. Approximately two Warthogs departed per month until the finale in June.

The 188th flew the A-10 for just seven years but achieved new heights in combat action since it received the aircraft April 7, 2007. The 188th quickly upgraded its A-10As to A-10Cs and later deployed nearly 300 Airmen and 10 Warthogs to Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan, in 2010. Two years later, the 188th ventured to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, for its largest deployment in unit history with 12 A-10s and nearly 400 Airmen trekking to the area of responsibility in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The 188th's combat production soared to an all-time high with more than 7,600 combat hours flown on 1,850-plus combat sorties while in Bagram. The wing logged deployment records with more than 250 bombs dropped, 250-plus rockets employed and more than 65,000 30mm rounds fired. These actions helped save countless coalition lives in nearly 500 troops-in-contact missions while maintaining a 100 percent air tasking order completion rate.

"We saved a lot of lives in the A-10 and we accomplished amazing feats in some pretty austere conditions," Davis said. "We sent a lot of ground troops back home safely to their families. A lot of that was a result of the outstanding training we received here at the 188th. Flying the last sortie out of Fort Smith was an emotional moment. It really set in as we're flying over the base and I realized that this is it. This is the last time we're going to fly A-10s off this installation."

Campbell Stresses Relationships, Discusses Upcoming ISAF Tour

By David Vergun

Army News Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2014 – Building personal relationships -- whether with lawmakers, with state governors or with political and military leaders of nations engaged in the war on terror -- is just as important, sometimes even more so, as the ability to project force, Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. John F. Campbell said Aug. 1.

Campbell spoke during a farewell media roundtable at the Pentagon. He departs for Afghanistan later this month as the next International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces Afghanistan commander.

As the drawdown continues, the process of notifying soldiers that they will be involuntarily separated will be done through the chain of command with dignity and respect, he said. The Army considers those leaving, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, to be "soldiers for life," he added.

That's why "we've got to do this right," Campbell said.

While building these soldier-to-soldier relationships up and down the chain of command during the drawdown is important, it's also critical to establish rapport with legislators. He, along with Army Secretary John M. McHugh and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno, have been candid with lawmakers regarding the deleterious effects continued sequestration will have on readiness and the Army's ability to carry out national security objectives, he noted.

Besides senior leader visits to Capitol Hill, the Army has been sending teams of soldiers, including personnel from the National Guard, to meet with governors to discuss the Army's Aviation Restructuring Initiative. ARI is the plan to swap National Guard Apache helicopters for active Black Hawks, a move the Army says will save money and increase overall readiness.

"We've sent teams … to talk to some 25 to 30 governors about ARI, above and beyond the nine states that have Apaches, and asked them the question, 'Governor, what do we have to do to convince you or the people in your state that the Black Hawk or Chinook is much better for your state mission than an Apache?'" Campbell said.

While the Army wants the Guard to remain an operational reserve component, the effects of the budget and drawdown "just don't allow that to happen," he added. "We're going from 13 active combat aviation brigades to 10."

As Campbell prepares to go to Afghanistan, he said, he's been getting intelligence briefings, and earlier this year, he made a full circuit through the country, meeting with commanders on the ground to get their feedback.

That person-to-person relationship with his commanders will continue when he returns to Afghanistan this month for his third tour of duty there, the general said. Since the effort is international, he’ll also be meeting with NATO and regional leaders, he added.

The importance of personal relationships during this period of transition in Afghanistan where the United States is drawing down and the Afghans are stepping up to the fight is critical, he said, adding that the insurgents cross back and forth along the porous Afghan-Pakistan border so the discussions and efforts to root them out is important to the leaders and people of both countries.

Pakistan and Afghanistan need to remove the terror "that threatens their people and their way of life," Campbell said. The conversation, he added, should be, "This is what they're doing to civilians. This is how bad it is. Let's work together to figure out solutions. What we'll try to do is continue to work this [military-to-military] relationship."

Campbell commended Pakistan for its recent operation in Waziristan and he said he hopes efforts like those will continue. He also said he hopes there will be an agreement that allows U.S. and NATO forces to stay in Afghanistan until the country becomes more stable. "Ninety-nine percent of the Afghans want us to stay," he said.

Finally, Campbell provided an example of how relationships matter. While serving as the commander of Regional Command East in Afghanistan in 2010, he said, he visited the 11th Corps commander in Pakistan, a lieutenant general who was a 2006 graduate of the National Defense University here.

The general also knew others who'd graduated from NDU, Campbell said, which helped to build a personal relationship with him right from the outset.

"That means if we have something going on, on the border, I can get on the phone and call him up,” he said. “It helped immensely, and I think we've got to continue working on relationships like those."

Goodwin assumes command of 2 BW

by Staff Sgt. Jason McCasland
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

8/1/2014 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Col. Kristin Goodwin assumed command of the 2nd Bomb Wing during a change of command ceremony at Hoban Hall on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Aug. 1.

As the new 2nd BW commander, Goodwin is responsible for providing B-52H Stratofortress aircraft, aircrew, and associated support personnel and resources to conduct global bomber operational taskings.

Maj. Gen. Scott Vander Hamm, 8th Air Force commander, was the presiding officer.

"Make no mistake, Kristin knows Airpower. She has advocated long range combat airpower in many circles," said Vander Hamm. "There is no doubt the B-52 will see the results of those efforts in the coming years."

After accepting command, Col. Goodwin addressed the Airmen of the 2nd BW.

"I am honored to lead and be a part of this mission and to take command of one of the most historic bomb wings in the Air Force," Goodwin said. "I can't think of anywhere I'd rather be. I am excited to see the heights we will achieve as we continue to be, 'Second to none.'"

Col. Goodwin also expressed her commitment to the men and women of Team Barksdale.

"To Team Barksdale, I promise you will always be my top priority," Goodwin said. "I will have your back, and I know that you will have mine. So continue to bring your expertise, talents and enthusiasm to our mission."

This first of August signifies a historic day for the 2nd BW as Col. Goodwin becomes the first woman to command a bomb wing, and today marks the 20th anniversary of the wing's historic 47-hour nonstop flight around the world.

GWCSG Builds Trust, Partnerships during Kainan-so visit

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paolo Bayas, USS George Washington Public Affairs

SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- Thirty-six Sailors from the George Washington Carrier Strike Group participated in a community relations (COMREL) project at Kainan-so Nursing Home in Sasebo, Japan, August 2.

Sailors from the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), Ticonderoga-Class guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67) and Arleigh Burke-Class guided missile cruiser USS Stethem (DDG 63) were invited to visit more than 50 senior citizens to showcase life in the Navy during their scheduled port visit in Fleet Activities Sasebo.

"Today's COMREL really gave us an opportunity to really connect with the older generation," said Lt. Allan Bushnell, staff chaplain, Destroyer Squadron 15. "Especially here in Sasebo, a place we consider a home here in Japan. It was really fun that we were able to do something in an area that has meant so much to the U.S. Navy."

According to Kazushi Ideguchi, care manager and advisor at Kainan-so, the COMREL marked the very first time Sailors were able to interact with their residents.

"I am very happy that Navy Sailors are here to interact with us more closely," said Ideguchi. "Usually, Sailors come and help us with the grounds keeping. However, the interaction between Sailors and our residents provided us with a new experience and we hope that we can continue to provide similar opportunities in the future."

During the visit, Sailors sang songs to the group of citizens and received a song in return.

"There was definitely a language barrier," said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Harmony Blevins, from Washington D.C. "Other than actually understanding words said, it was apparent that everyone enjoyed the time we spent together. It felt good to do something meaningful."

George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its partners and allies in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

GW Hosts 'Welcome' Reception in Sasebo, Japan

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chris Cavagnaro, USS George Washington Public Affairs

SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), hosted a "welcome" reception for local guests while anchored in Sasebo harbor, August 1.

During the reception, Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery, commander, Battle Force U.S. 7th Fleet, and Capt. Greg Fenton, George Washington's commanding officer, welcomed Vice Adm. Ikeda Tokuhiro, commander-in-chief of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), among other guests and highlighted the continuing partnership between the U.S. and Japan.

"I greatly appreciate the hospitality of everyone on board George Washington for inviting me to this occasion," said Tokuhiro. "The U.S. and Japan have maintained a very close relationship and I'm happy we have this great opportunity to celebrate with one another."

George Washington's hangar bay set the stage for allied friendship and interoperability between the U.S. Navy and JMSDF. Gigantic draped flags from both nations served as backdrops along with two static F/A-18 Super Hornets to symbolize the U.S. longstanding commitment to providing security in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

"Our port visit to Sasebo and this reception present a wonderful opportunity to further the ties between the United States and Japan," said Fenton.

Guests were treated to food prepared by George Washington's culinary specialists and a presentation by the ship's color guard as they performed on an aircraft elevator in front of an EA-18G Growler from the "Shadowhawks" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141.

"I would like to give a special thanks to the ship's color guard for providing a wonderful performance on our first night in Sasebo," said Fenton. "This is the ship's first return to Sasebo in almost three years and I can think of no better way to mark the occasion than tonight's celebration."

Montgomery provided concluding remarks during the ceremony, celebrating the bi-lateral partnership between the two nations.

"I can't speak more passionately of the great relationship between our two navies," said Montgomery. "I really want to thank the people of Japan for allowing us to live in Yokosuka and Atsugi and conduct our operations. It's a great honor."

George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.