"It doesn't get dirtier than this"

by Senior Airman Matthew Lotz
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

9/8/2014 - AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- "I can't think of a job being dirtier than ours," he says jokingly just seconds before an unwelcoming aroma fills the air as he lifts the cover off a manhole. "I mean come on; we are constantly around sewage lines, fuel, and used toilets and urinals."

The men and women responsible for managing these unfriendly smells are the Airmen with the 31st Civil Engineer Squadron water and fuel systems maintenance team. They are in charge of making sure Aviano has clean water, unclogged sewers and clean fuel for the aircraft.

According to Senior Airman Robert Young, 31st CES water and fuel systems technician, they work on water running to every building, fire systems, the base pool, and of course, toilets and urinals.

When asked what their biggest job on base is, he laughs and replies, "cleaning urinals."

"Although it seems like we are doing that every day, we are much more than that," explained Senior Airman Leontre Harris, 31st CES water and fuel systems technician. "Over in billeting, if there is a minor leak, it could potentially end up ruining that entire room's ceiling, light fixtures and floors. So not repairing that minor problem can be detrimental to a building. And that's where we come in."

These Airmen get more than just their hands dirty for these jobs, but also, most of their uniform.

"No day is the same, which makes it interesting," says Harris. "We don't just sit in an office, but instead get to go out and meet new people. I can't see myself doing anything else in the Air Force."

While these water and fuel system technicians are able to handle a variety of jobs around base far beyond plunging toilets, their spouses have a different view.

"My wife understands what I do and would definitely say I'm just a plumber," Young says. "She's been with me since the beginning [of my career]so I know my wife gets more angry with me when I leave pens in my uniform when she does laundry, than the actual smell I bring home."

According to Harris, they are very aware of the smell they bring home. First thing he does, since he has a newborn, is take off his boots. On the days he works with fuel, he takes off everything to ensure the baby doesn't inhale anything from his clothes.

"I know my husband's job is dirty, but it's an important asset to this base and its mission," said Senior Airman Deja Harris, 31st Comptroller Squadron. "Without him we would have a lot of backed up sewage lines, no clean running water and without them inspecting the fuel, the jets wouldn't do their mission."

At the end of the day, these Airmen arrive home with boots and uniform in hand, often wear the unpleasant smell that followed them from work.

"My husband is the type of person that likes to be outside and get his hands dirty," explained Harris. "I would never ask my husband to change jobs.

"As long as he doesn't get my house dirty, I really don't mind," she joked.

Buzzard F-16's support AvDet rotation, Ample Strike

by Tech. Sgt. Eric Donner
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

9/5/2014 - LASK AIR BASE, Poland -- Seven F-16 Fighting Falcons from 510th Fighter Squadron and approximately 150 support personnel from the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base, Italy, arrived at the U.S. Air Force Aviation Detachment here, Sept. 4 and 5.

Service members from U.S. Air Forces in Europe and the Polish air force will conduct joint training over the next several weeks, upholding long-standing commitments to allies and ongoing efforts to increase interoperability of NATO forces.

"Our main goal here is to increase our partnership with our Polish allies," said Maj. Freddie Helton, 510th Fighter Squadron Detachment commander. "Our continued training with the Polish air force allows us to enhance our tactics and increases interoperability if needed for a real-world event."

The opportunity to train with NATO allies not only gives units the ability to employ fighter aircraft and pilots, but also provides training for aircrews and support personnel in a forward location.

The Aviation Detachment in Poland, activated November 2012, makes it possible for U.S. Air Force aircraft and personnel to participate in joint training exercises and host a regular rotation of aircraft.

"The continued training here helps the Airmen of the 510th Fighter Squadron stay forward, ready, now and strengthen our relationship with the men and women of the Polish air force," said Helton.

As part of the rotation at the AvDet, the 31st Fighter Wing will support the NATO close air support exercise Ample Strike. The exercise, hosted by the Czech Republic, will allow the 510th and USAFE to work with a planned 11 nations. The purpose of the exercise is to test the ability for close air support and evaluate aircraft and personnel capabilities and increase military relationships and NATO interoperability.

"Poland is a key ally in Central Europe, and has been one of the United States' strongest supporters," said Helton "Exercises like Ample Strike and the continued rotations here, allow us and our NATO allies to develop the tactics and relationships needed to enforce NATO priorities in Europe."

Colonel Webb takes command of 603rd AOC

by Staff Sgt. Ryan Crane
USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs

9/8/2014 - RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Col. Michael Webb took command of the 603rd Air and Space Operations Center from Col. Jeffery Marker during a change of command ceremony here Sep. 4, 2014.

Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, 3rd Air Force commander, who officiated the ceremony, spoke highly of Marker just prior to awarding him the Legion of Merit.

"Without the 603rd doing the job," said Roberson, "we would not be able to answer the request for airpower when the combatant commanders call. Magic [Marker], you have embraced innovation to overcome any challenge your team was met with."

The 603rd AOC is home to 600 Airmen, Soldiers and Sailors who are responsible for executing command and control of air, information and space operations throughout 32 million square miles of air space in U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa

Command. The AOC responded to numerous events on the global scale to include the attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, air operations over Mali and the U.S. Embassy evacuation in Tripoli.

"I have said several times how much it has meant to me to serve with this team," said Marker. "I have had the opportunity to have a front row seat and be witness to all of the great things these Airmen have accomplished.

"When they read that award citation," he said to the Airmen in attendance, "those accomplishments they attributed to me, those are your accomplishments."

Marker, who took command of the AOC in 2012, retires from the Air Force after 27 years of service.

Roberson took time to convey his appreciation for the leadership Marker displayed during his tenure in the AOC.

"Europe and Africa are both in a better place because of your command in the AOC," said Roberson. "You are the definition of a selfless leader, and we are grateful for that."

Embracing the future of the 603rd, Roberson welcomed Webb as the new commander of the 603rd AOC. Webb's previous assignment was at U.S. Special Operations Command, Macdill Air Force Base, Fla., as a strategic planner.

"I am proud of our Air Force and proud to have Col. Webb come in and take command," said Roberson. "And I challenge you to these three priorities: motivational mission accomplishment, compassionate care of Airmen and their families, and the drive to constantly improve and innovate."

Webb, a master navigator in the F-15E Strike Eagle with more than 2,200 hours and 240 combat hours expressed his appreciation to Gen. Roberson for entrusting him to the position of command.

"Thank you for putting your trust in me to lead such an amazing team," said Webb. "Thank you for trusting me with the men and women of the 603rd Air and Space Operations Center who, when called upon, expertly command and direct our nation's air power and the air power of our NATO and coalition allies."

Webb turned his attention to the men and women he is now charged with leading.

"This tremendous geographic responsibility is accompanied by an even more diverse set of challenges that vary across the entire spectrum," Webb said. "You, the men and women of the 603rd must find innovative ways to continue to dominate our adversaries to gain and maintain air superiority."

Webb said that he is dedicated to the team and the mission.

"I look forward to working with each and every one of you over the next few years as we tackle these challenges together as a team," Webb said.

Volcanos are just the tip of the iceberg

by T.G. Kistler
Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

9/8/2014 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- 

Air Mobility Command led a technical information exchange recently to study damage to aircraft engines caused by volcanic ash and airborne dust.

 

Scientists from the United States and Canada met in person and virtually with operators from AMC and Air Force Global Strike Command to share research and discuss policies and procedures for aviation encounters with ash and dust.

 

"Volcanic eruptions are, fortunately, fairly rare events," said Dr. Donald Erbschloe, AMC chief scientist. "We have a good idea where volcanic activity is located or concentrated, but we can't predict well in advance when those eruptions will occur, their severity or character. One thing is certain though, sufficiently intense eruptions can cause major disruptions to our operations and to overall flight safety."

 

While it's well known to aviators that volcanic ash can cause a turbine engine to shut down, this gathering also focused on the long-term effects on engine components.

 

Dr. Prakash Patnaik, National Research Council Canada principal research scientist, spoke about his research, which explains why maintainers might not discover gas turbine hot section damage until two years after an aviation ash encounter. He said that during short exposures to volcanic ash, problems may not be easy to see. However, small concentrations of sulfur and other alkaloids in the ash can start a chemical reaction on engine components at high temperatures that can lead to catastrophic metal failure after hundreds or thousands of hours of operation.

 

In an attempt to combat these long-term problems, Dr. Patnaik and his Canadian colleagues are researching erosion resistant coatings for gas turbine compressor blades and the usefulness of protective coatings and filters at air inlets.

 

"Our studies have shown where to look for damage and what to look for," said Patnaik. "Now is the time to extend our studies to identify the risk, and cross-leverage information across agencies to develop mitigation strategies and create a win-win situation."

 

Capt. Eric Lyall, Air Force Research Laboratory, gave a briefing on aircraft maintenance procedures. He said on-going studies will help Air Force personnel determine how the amount and length of ash exposure affects the maintenance needed.

 

Both Lyall and Patnaik also spoke about the costs associated with volcanic ash. Even small amounts of exposure can shorten the life of aircraft engines.

 

During  a discussion on the effects of the 2010 eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland, Brig. Gen. Brian Robinson, 618th Air and Space Operations Center (Tanker Airlift Control Center) vice commander, noted that costs are also inflated when aircraft have to modify their flight paths to avoid volcanic ash.

 

Because of widespread ash over the European continent, the Tanker Airlift Control Center routed flights to Afghanistan through Spain rather than Germany. This added time, used more fuel and cost more money. When the second eruption made those secondary routes unusable, AMC was forced to fly the opposite direction and travel two-thirds of the way around the world, or twice as far, to get to the destination. While aerial refueling was not used on the Pacific route, if it had been necessary, Robinson said, it would have required three or four times the number of tanker aircraft and cost much more.

 

In addition to volcanic ash, scientists have also studied the effects of dust on aircraft engines.

 

"Our nuclear deterrence mission holds the nation's highest priority," said Dr. Christopher Yeaw, Air Force Global Strike Command chief scientist. "At events like these, we share our scientific knowledge of atmospheric contamination and the effects debris like volcanic ash, atmospheric dust or even nuclear contamination might have on our forces. Sharing that technical knowledge and operational procedures, better prepares Global Strike Command to defend the nation and ensure a safe, secure, and effective deterrent force."

 

Elaborating, Colonel Joel Dickinson, Deputy Commander of the 608th Air and Space Operations Center said, "Atmospheric contamination can force us to alter our strategic bombers' routes of flight, or altitudes, or affect our ability to command and control our forces. Understanding these atmospheric phenomena, and their effects on our operations, is crucial to our demonstrated ability to hold at risk any target anywhere in the world."

 

Dr. John Lekki, from NASA's John Glenn Research Center, spoke about the vehicle integrated propulsion research studies he conducted involving the ingestion of controlled quantities of volcanic ash into an operating engine, which will replicate the conditions of what aircraft would have been exposed to while flying through volcanic ash. He said results from the studies will reduce the cost of operations as agencies share information and cooperate to arrive at a solution faster, cheaper and better than trying to do it alone.

 

Lekki hopes the gathering will result in a combined enthusiasm among many agencies, which will generate interest and funding for a long-term study.

All-AF Men's Softball Team focused on winning gold medal after two-year drought

by Jose T. Garza III
JBSA-Lackland Public Affairs

9/5/2014 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas. -- The All-Air Force Men's Softball Team announced its 15-player roster Sept. 2 from its training grounds here.

Representing the Air Force in the Armed Forces Men's Softball Championships:

Senior Airmen Johnny Allen, Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, Chadon Bowman, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and Cody Marshall, Tyndall AFB, Florida.
Staff Sgts. Jose Otero, March Air Reserve Base, California, and Will Twaddell, Scott AFB, Illinois, Tech Sgts. Kevin Cumbie, Spangdahlem AB, Germany, Antonio Rivera III, Hill AFB, Utah and Travis Wollison, Wyoming Air National Guard Base, Wyoming. Master Sgts. Rich Burley, Ellsworth AFB, North Dakota, Travis Herrell, MacDill AFB, Florida, Dexter High, Nellis AFB, Nevada, Lenny Myers, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Roger Stewart, Tyndall AFB, Florida, Chris Markey, Vandenberg, AFB, California, and Mike Charvat, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.

The team will compete against All-Army, Marine Corps and Navy men's softball teams in a triple round-robin tournament Sept. 14-19 at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and will attempt to win its first championship since 2011. The All-Air Force Men's Softball Team took home silver medals in 2012 and 2013, losing both years to the All-Army team.

Training camp began Aug. 28 at JBSA-Lackland with 26 players, and Coach Steve Shortland said it was a difficult decision process picking the best 15 players to represent the team. He is happy with the final roster, adding that this year's squad is "a special team."

"There is more talent here than we've ever had," the coach said. "It seems like their chemistry is pretty good. As a coach, you can select the best players, but you have to go to be on bended knee every night hoping that the chemistry is right and that is the part you can't put into an equation."

Shortland hopes good team chemistry equates to a gold medal victory because he is accepting nothing less. The coach said that two consecutive second place finishes has left a sour taste in the team's mouths.

"We are going in there with the mindset of being super focused to win it all," he explained.

Two players who are extra focused on winning the Armed Forces Men's Softball title are Master Sgts. Dexter High and Chris Markey. Both Airmen, who are veterans on the team, will retire from the active duty Air Force at the end of the year, and want to end their careers on a high note.

"I would be absolutely elated (to win one final gold medal," said Markey, 30th Medical Group superintendent of education and training, who has been selected to the team eight times since 2002. "I will be the happiest man on the planet. There is not a team I would want to win a gold medal with than this one."

"It will be bittersweet to win a final gold medal in my final year on the All-Air Force Team, after winning a gold medal in my first year in 2002," said High, 57th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron specialist section chief, who has made seven All-Air Force Men's Team appearances since 2002. "Hopefully my veteran leadership can help this team win."

AMC brings the Strykers

by Senior Airman Damon Kasberg
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

9/6/2014 - RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Air Mobility Command's mission is to provide rapid, global mobility and sustainment for America's armed forces, a capability demonstrated during Steadfast Javelin II, a large-scale, joint, multinational exercise held on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, from Aug. 31 through Sept. 11.

The exercise further focuses U.S., NATO and partner forces on concepts such as decisive and sustainable land operations.

Aircrew from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, boasted AMC's airlift abilities when they loaded Strykers and Soldiers from the 2nd Calvary Brigade into their C-17 Globemaster IIIs and rapidly deployed them to Latvia as part of the exercise.

"I absolutely love flying the C-17," said U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Brian Dunlap, 7th Airlift Squadron C-17 co-pilot. "We can transport cargo, Soldiers and equipment anywhere in the world and our missions can vary from airlift and airdrops to medical evacuations. For Steadfast Javelin II, each of our aircraft airlifted three Strykers along with vehicle crew members from Ramstein to Latvia, allowing the Army to accomplish their objectives."

U.S. Army Strykers are vehicles designed to quickly and safely transport Soldiers throughout their area of responsibility. They also provide vehicle-borne weapon systems, enabling them to engage a wide variety of threats. Unlike heavy armored vehicles, Strykers have low logistic requirements, allowing them and their crew to rapidly deploy in great numbers.

"Our Strykers are very fast and quiet, so they can maneuver stealthier than heavily armored vehicles," said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. David Chadburn, 2nd Calvary Regiment platoon sergeant. "The Air Force enables us to put our Soldiers where ever we're needed."

"It's awe inspiring to see so many Strykers loaded in an aircraft," he add. "It really shows how far we can reach out and put Soldiers on the battlefield."

The success of airlifting Soldiers and equipment to every corner of the world begins long before getting in the air. Training together ensures everyone knows how to safely and properly load cargo into the C-17s. Stryker crew members and C-17 loadmasters spent time prior to takeoff working together to make sure the vehicle drivers knew exactly how to enter the aircraft.

"It's not just about speed," Dunlap said. "It's about making sure people are safe and equipment doesn't break."

It's during these types of exercises that different military branches learn to appreciate each other's strengths and come together to accomplish the mission.

"The Air Force has been great," Chadburn said. "They welcomed us with open arms and trained us on what to do. Our unit's mission is to be deployable anywhere in a short notice; we couldn't do that without the Air Force."

"I learned that there's a lot more than just Air Force during this exercise," Dunlap said. "Working with our Allies and the Army is essential when we're executing operations to perfection."

Preventing Suicide: The ‘Power of 1’ Could Save a Life

By Shannon Collins

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Sept. 8, 2014 – As Suicide Prevention Month and year-long Defense Department and Department of Veteran’s Affairs efforts continue to combat suicide, Pentagon officials emphasize the importance of the power of one, peer support and resources.

The DoD, in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs, has launched “The Power of 1" campaign in observance of Suicide Prevention Month during September 2014. The theme underscores the belief that one person has the power to teach resilience, recognize warning signs, intervene, chat, or make a call; it only takes one person or one act to save another person's life.

Secretary emphasizes collective responsibility

“Watching out for each other every day is a collective responsibility for the Defense Department’s military and civilian workforce,” Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said.

“Preventing military suicide is one of DoD’s highest priorities and something I’m personally committed to as Secretary of Defense,” Hagel said. “As we observe Suicide Prevention Month, we must rededicate ourselves to actively working not only every month, but every day to fulfill our collective responsibility to watch out for each other and take care of each other.”

One way service members and DoD civilians can take care of each other is by using the “The Power of One” theme, said Jacqueline Garrick, director of the Defense Suicide Prevention Office.

“One conversation, one text, one chat, could save a life. Know the resources out there,” Garrick said. “Reach out, find the person who can help you; don’t be afraid to have these kinds of conversations, whether you’re the one who needs help or you see someone who needs help. One conversation can save a life.”

Helping those at risk

Suicide is currently the 10th-leading cause of death in America, and the second- and third-leading causes of death among young adults, Garrick said. Some of the indicators of persons considering suicide, she said, could include talking about suicide, making plans, stockpiling medications, and withdrawing from people and activities that were previously enjoyable. Persons at risk could also be going through a significant loss, relationship issue, financial problems, drug and/or alcohol problems or legal or punishment issues.

The key is that whatever issue someone is facing, suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem, officials said.

And Pentagon leaders encourage leadership at all levels to reduce the stigma for those needing help.

“When someone is going through challenges and comes to you for help, it doesn’t make them weak,” Hagel said. “It means they’re strong, because asking for help when you need it takes courage and strength. What we need to remember -- what our entire country needs to remember -- is that these brave individuals shouldn’t be avoided or stigmatized. They need to be embraced.

“Whether you’re a service member, a veteran, a DoD civilian, or a friend or family member of someone who is, you have the power to make a difference,” the secretary continued. “It only takes one person to ask one question or make one call -- and that single act can save a life.”

Garrick echoed Hagel’s sentiment, noting that leaders at all levels should be “open to having these kinds of conversations” with potentially troubled troops and civilians.

“You have to be able to ask the question,” she said. “One small act can save a life and that’s what you want to do. You just want to be able to reach out, let people know what you’re concerned about them. If you see something that doesn’t look right, say something and get involved. Provide those resources that are out there.”

Resources are available to help

Garrick encourages those needing help to use the many resources available, such as chaplains, military family life consultants, mental health clinics, peers, community support organizations, Vets4Warriors and the Military Crisis Line.

“We want to encourage people to seek help when and where they need it and know that those resources are there for them,” Garrick said of the Military Crisis Line and Vets4Warriors programs. “You don’t have to have a diagnosis. A peer is there because they understand what someone is going through because they have gone through it themselves and can talk you through the situation.

“The peers on the line are veterans themselves,” she continued. “We have some spouses on the line who can work with family members about family issues. Our peers are just good to be able to talk to, whatever your problem is, whether you’re having a financial problem or a relationship issue.

“You can talk through the issue with a peer who understands what it’s like to access healthcare, find a good provider, talk to your command and talk to other unit members,” Garrick added. “They’ve had to do those things themselves, so they can really guide you and help you make those decisions.”

When people call the Military Crisis Line, 1-800-273-8255, and press 1, they can speak to a confidential peer responder specifically trained to deal with any crisis or stresses the service member, veteran or family member may be facing, Garrick said. People can also reach it via an online chat or text message or online at http://www.militarycrisisline.net. It is free, confidential, and trained professionals are there 24 hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year.

Vets4Warriors is also free and confidential for service members, their family members, veterans and DoD civilians. It can be reached at 1-855-838-8255 or by visiting http://vets4warriors.com. Peer support is available 24 hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year.

Aircrews deliver on time, target for Steadfast Javelin II

by Airman 1st Class Jordan Castelan
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

9/6/2014 - RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- More than a dozen C-130 and C-17 aircraft from two continents and six states are providing tactical airlift from the power projection platform known as Ramstein Air Base for Exercise Steadfast Javelin II.

The NATO-led exercise, taking place Aug. 31st through Sept. 11th here, includes active-duty and Air National Guard Airmen collaborating with paratroopers from the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne) and multinational forces to prepare U.S., NATO Allies and European security partners to conduct unified land operations.

Combat airlift plays a pivotal role in the exercise's overall mission success, however the flying mission begins well before takeoff.

"Our timeline begins regularly five hours or more before we take to the air," said Tech. Sgt. Mathew Merkley, 37th Airlift Squadron loadmaster. "Before an aircraft can take to the skies, loadmasters and crew chiefs examine the aircraft from tail to nose."

Operation specifics vary widely from mission to mission, but the responsibility of the aircraft lies with the aircrew operating it.

"I'm responsible for this [C-130J] Super Hercules," said Senior Airman Christian McDevitt, 37th AS loadmaster. "Pilots, passengers and cargo rely on me to ensure the safe and proper packaging and distribution of whatever we might be carrying. It is up to me and my fellow loadmasters to safely deliver our manifest."

Airmen remaining properly positioned are also a factor when handling real-world and exercise situations.

"We at the 37th AS stand constantly on alert and ready for whatever life may throw our way," said Capt. Clayton Martin, 37th AS pilot. "Operationally speaking we are called upon to supply safe, accurate, fast and successful airlift power within our area of operation and we make it our duty to do so."

By maintaining an always ready posture, the 37th AS prepared themselves to fluidly and effectively work with the 1st Bn., 503rd Inf. Regt. while refreshing their interoperability with multi-national forces.

"The constant training and interactions with the people we support allows us to understand the needs and necessities of the Army, or any partners to successfully complete their objectives," said Martin.

As the propellers stop spinning, the loadmasters complete final checks and the pilots stretch their legs after a long flight, once again the loadmasters and pilots of the 37th AS completed another mission successfully.

"Tonight we were able to drop 4,000 pounds of cargo along with 36 paratroopers quickly, accurately and most importantly safely," said Airman 1st Class Emily Mitchell, 37th AS loadmaster. "It's a thrilling experience to know I'm bringing these soldiers and their fight to the drop zone."

Whether it is cargo, passengers, humanitarian aid or paratroopers the 37th AS and their aircrew are ready to deliver on time and target wherever they are tasked to fly.

Following her father's flightplans

by Airman 1st Class Dillon Johnston
100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

9/8/2014 - RAF MILDENHALL, England -- Some families have a history of military service, whether it be cross-service or within the same branch. It is somewhat less common however, to have two consecutive generations not only serve in the same branch of the military, but to pursue the same career field.

This is the case with U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Danielle Repp, 351st Air Refueling Squadron boom operator from Spokane, Washington, and her father, Daniel Repp.

Both Repps chose to be boom operators, with Danielle entering the Air Force in 2012 and Daniel entering in 1981.

Danielle's desire to become a boom operator stemmed from her father's career, which she got to observe first-hand growing up.

"Boom operator was definitely number one on my list," Danielle said

Her first exposure to the boom operator world was all it took to peak her interest in the career field.

"I got to fly space-available once on a flight from Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, to Hawaii and I got to watch (my dad) during the (refueling)," she recalls. "Seeing pictures and hearing how much he likes the job made me think 'You know, I don't want to sit at a desk all day, I want to be out there doing something.'"

Daniel, now a retired chief master sergeant, supported Danielle in her decision as soon as he heard about it.

"I'm proud my daughter chose to serve her country in a job that motivates and challenges her to be her best," he said. "It's been fulfilling for me to see the community I served for 30 years is solid, with a sound formal education process, and filled with strong leaders, instructors, and professional aviators."

Although they were never stationed together, they have a bond through their mutual love of the career field.

"Our enlisted aviators are a little closer to the pointy end of our nation's will than many, and being a boom operator provided a sense of mission and purpose," Daniel said. "The support of our tankers enables our nation to feed the hungry, protect the threatened, and bring hope to the despondent."

"It's such a cool job," Danielle said. "I love when you take passengers on a flight and you get to see their eyes get all big when they see the jet behind us. It reminds you how cool the job actually is."

While they are both familiar with the same job, things have changed since Daniel joined.
"When I was a senior airman, we flew with navigators, the boom operator made celestial observations with a sextant to aid the navigator in position keeping, and night lighting for air refueling was poor and unreliable at best," he recalled. "There weren't the high-fidelity simulators we have today for pilots or boom operators; training relied on more live-flight learning."

"It's still the same job, but the mission is a lot different," Danielle said. "I can still call my dad up any day and be like, 'This happened on the jet today and I thought that was weird' and he will sit there and talk me through everything, break it down and put it into terms that I'll understand a lot better."

In the end, it's still the same over-arching mission. The father and daughter duo helped enable global reach and made the Air Force a more capable force. They just happened to do it decades apart.

Airman 'catches planes,' saves lives

by Gina Randall
100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

9/8/2014 - RAF MILDENHALL, England  -- "For lack of a better term, we catch planes!" exclaimed Senior Airman Brian Magkasi, 100th Civil Engineer Squadron Power Production journeyman from Great Mills, Maryland.

Installed on the RAF Mildenhall runway are two aircraft arresting systems designed to act as a "second chance" for any fighter aircraft having an in-flight emergency. These aircraft arresting systems, more commonly called "barriers," are installed to primarily support the F-15s from RAF Lakenheath, but are capable of supporting any transient aircraft in need of a safe place to land.

"We stop them with these barriers," the Maryland native explained. "I personally like that aspect of the job because I get to say 'Hey I've saved two pilots lives, or I've saved one pilot's life and $15 million worth of aircraft."

The Airmen in the 100th CES maintain these safety barriers to ensure that in the event of an emergency they are ready. If an F-15 attempts to land and its brake system is unable to stop the jet, the barriers are engaged by a tailhook catching the cable, stopping the aircraft before it reaches the end of the runway.

But this vital task is not the only mission-critical aspect of Magkasi's work.

"Day-to-day I pretty much run the generators," the journeyman said. "We have a set schedule on when the generators run. We run it for one to two hours and do a scheduled operations check to make sure everything is in good working order, just in case a power outage does happen. These generators will allow all important missions to continue without skipping a beat."

Though all offices on base are important, and the service members and civilians working in those offices require power to perform their duties, tough choices must be made on which missions are supported and which are not. In the present economic climate there has to be decisions made on what offices cannot be without power, even for a few minutes. The 100th CES, in coordination with wing leadership, must prioritize these limited government assets.

A few examples of these mission-critical work stations include the 100th Operations Support Squadron air traffic control tower, 100th CES Fire Department, 100th Security Forces Squadron dispatch, 100th Air Refueling Wing command post and the 100th ARW headquarters building. These key facilities must have a constant power supply to keep aircrew safe while airborne and to maintain the communication network to launch a mission if required.

Magkasi takes pride in his work to keep the generators used by these buildings operational.

"I like having that satisfaction of (saying), 'Hey, I fixed a generator so that facility is now covered just in case a power outage does happen'," the 100th CES Airman reflected.

Magkasi enjoys his time stationed in England, but has hopes for the future.

"Right now it's my goal to become an officer and see where the road takes me from there. You need at least a bachelor's degree which is exactly what I'm working towards, so slowly and surely I'll get there. I'm in no rush because right now I'm in England," the Maryland native laughed. "When I get there, I'll get there and I'll press forward."

He enjoys working with NCOs who have taught him a great deal during his time at RAF Mildenhall. He also knows he couldn't perform his tasks without the aid of fellow squadron members.

"Being civil engineering, we take care of the team," Magkasi explained. "Different shops work well together and assist each other for the common goal. We help each other out: Engineers lead the way!"

Magkasi's leadership is proud of the young Airman as well.

"Every Airman is a valuable asset to the world's greatest Air Force," said Staff Sgt. Jose Vargas, 100th CES NCO in charge of barrier maintenance from El Paso, Texas, "and Senior Airman Magkasi is no exception."

Controlling an air war; what it takes

by Senior Airman Gustavo Castillo
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

9/8/2014 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany - -- Fourteen enlisted Airmen and officers work 24/7 to control an air war by staring at computers with a plethora of shimmering dots passing over a map showing 251,000 square miles of airspace.  This is the job of the air battle managers and weapons directors, also known as 606th Air Control Squadron operators.

These operators maintain a real-time picture of the area of operations while communicating with air and ground assets. The three-dimensional airspace management includes allocation, de-confliction and integration of aircraft around the clock.

"All the unmanned aerial vehicles, surveillance aircraft, air drops; when the joint terminal attack controllers request kinetic support, show of force and show of presence - All that stuff is run through guys like us," said U.S. Air Force Capt. Michael Acanas, a 606th ACS air battle manager and native of Sacramento, California.

The 606th ACS developed a six-week plan in order to prepare Airmen for the long hours and stressful work they will face. The constant training Airmen undergo allows them to be ready to deploy at a moment's notice

"It was six months of a crawl, walk and run phase," Acanas said. "Each ramping up in difficulty and making it so each crew position got to see certain things that would get them prepared for contingent operations."

There will be no time for a slow start. They will be thrown into 12-16 hour days of constant work that will require extreme concentration and attention to detail.

"From talking to the new people, they said it was like drinking through a fire hose," said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kristian Brown, a 606th ACS weapons director and native of Amarillo, Texas. "I believe them because that is how I felt last time. I think a little stress is good; it keeps you on your toes. When it comes to controlling aircraft, if you get relaxed you are much more likely to make a mistake."

The program consisted of 3,000 total man hours of academics, tests and simulations, including 100 simulated hours of maximum capacity aircraft representing the deployed environment supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

"We gave them weekly tests to prepare them with call signs they will see, JTACs they will work with, the airfields and the air traffic control air route names and points," Brown said. "I think we gave them really good training and we had a bunch of really good controllers and surveillance personnel to get them ready, now it will be up to them."

Veteran operators oversaw the training and certification process. Having deployed at least once before, they have the knowledge and expertise of exactly how operations run in a deployed location. This allows them to give laser-targeted training points to the Airmen.

"We have a lot of experience so people know what to expect, but even then you don't know what the area of operations is going to be like," said Acanas. "Even six months later it could be completely different, so that is what we did, we built that framework."

The training has prepared the 606th ACS Airmen to perform at their best. Operators emerging from this six-week crash course will be able to provide timely, decisive airpower to meet emerging challenges and execute the mission during any contingent situation down-range. These forward, ready forces will be able to support combatant commanders and global operations.

914th Airmen particpate in Feds Feed Families Program

by Tech. Sgt. Andrew Caya
914th Airlift Wing

9/6/2014 - NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. -- Members of the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station donated non-perishable food items to a local food pantry under a federal food donation program September 5.

Using the program Feds Feed Families, 914th Airlift Wing Airmen and their civilian counterparts donated 315 pounds of food to Heart, Love and Soul Inc. Food Pantry and Dining Room located in Niagara Falls, New York.

Heart, Love and Soul Inc. Operations and Personnel Manager Michael Daloia said in the summertime the pantry purchases lots of fresh fruit however, the non-perishable food items donated by the Wing are the pantry really needs.

"It's great," said Daloia of the donation. "We can't do this without community involvement and community support, and the (NFARS) has been such a fantastic partner with us; whether it's coming in to serve a meal or doing grounds work for us or doing maintenance--and collecting the food is another fantastic thing that they've done for us in the past."

According to the website of U.S. Department of Agriculture, since the Feds Feed Families campaign began in 2009, Federal workers have donated and collected 24.1 million pounds of food and other non-perishable items to support families across America.

While members from different units across the Wing contributed to the cause, the Fire and Emergency Services donated the most food. This outcome was due to a friendly competition within the ranks, according to John Schultz, assistant chief of fire prevention .

The base fire department is always involved in working with charities, said Schultz. When the notification of the Feds Feed Families came out, the firefighters wanted to make a challenge out of it.

"We wanted to see which shifts, also known as pods, could donate the most to the cause," said Shultz. The fire chief gave a gift card to a local super market to the pod that contributed the most food, however the winning Pods chose to donate the cards to the Food Pantry to buy the food they needed, said Schultz.

Schultz said overall, the firefighters contributed $50 in gift cards and nearly 250 pounds to the food pantry.

This year 4,933,000 pounds of food have been collected so far by federal employees to the Feds Feed Families program.

"During the summertime we've seen our need increase because kids have been out of school, and it's just a busier time for the food pantry, so we've needed to replenish...so to have our shelves restocked it just a fantastic feeling." said Daloia.

CARCAH manages storm requirements

by Master Sgt. Brian Lamar
403rd Wing Public Affairs

9/5/2014 - KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- A man sits in a small side room of the National Hurricane Center in Miami and scans a bank of computer monitors that stream satellite information, communications from weather reconnaissance aircraft, and the flight path data, when the phone rings with news of aircraft being denied clearance into Hurricane Cristobal.

The plate is full for John Pavone, a supervisory meteorologist and aircraft coordinator with the Chief, Aerial Reconnaissance Coordination All Hurricanes (CARCAH) cell, who is coordinating with air traffic control during an investigative mission off the coast of Texas while dealing with Hurricane Cristobal off the coast of North Carolina.

"This is a busy day. We are having a lot of fun today," said Pavone, who has been working in CARCAH for 27 years.

CARCAH is a three-man unit, located at the NHC and is a subunit of the 53rd WRS, whose main mission is to act as a single point of contact to coordinate all the reconnaissance flight requirements into the storms.

The middle of the Atlantic Ocean can be a frustrating place for the NHC hurricane forecasters due to the data sparse environment.

One of the best ways to get the ground-truth data from a storm out in the wild blue yonder is to send a WC-130J from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron or a P3 Orion with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration into the storm, according to Pavone.

CARCAH handles all the requests for reconnaissance flights from the NHC and Central Pacific Hurricane Center forecasters to satisfy the requests with the 53rd assets.

"Managing the data from several aircraft at one time especially when flying more than one storm can be a real challenge," said Pavone.

The flights typically cover the areas of the Atlantic, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Missions are given priority based on their location and threat to make landfall and then assigned to the 53rd WRS for operational data collection purposes to get the latest weather information to assist the NHC with providing the forecasting models.

Every 10 minutes, the reconnaissance aircraft send volumes of weather data via satellite.

The CARCAH cell members also act as quality control for the data pouring in during a storm reconnaissance flight making sure it is correct before it is sent it to the world.

"We check the information coming in from the aircraft to make sure it is meteorologically sound and accurate before we release it," said Pavone.

Another job that can pop up during a weather flight that keeps the men of CARCAH hopping is helping coordinate with Air Traffic Control to gain flight permissions in certain areas.

During the invest mission into a storm designated as AL98 off the coast of Texas, the aircraft has trouble getting into an operational altitude because of all the traffic coming into the Texas coast airports.

Pavone worked with Air Traffic Control to gain access to the area and the 53rd WRS was able to determine that the storm was not likely to develop into a tropical depression.

During the winter season, CARCAH also coordinates winter storm requirements in support of the National Winter Storm Operations Plan. Winter storms are flown to gather information for forecasters to help predict impact areas of where heavy snowfall will occur.

The other two members of the CARCAH cell are Steve Feuer, who came from the NOAA's Hurricane Research Division and Warren Madden, who had recently been working with Lockheed Martin as a software developer.

"An added benefit of hiring Madden was his computer skills. Madden took the software that we use to plot reconnaissance data and fixed it," Pavone said.

According, Dr. Rick Knabb, the director of the National Hurricane Center, the relationship between the forecasters and the 53rd is important to the livelihood of those affected by a storm.

"So many of our operations decisions are based on the aircraft data. In my view, the aircraft data is not a nice to have, it is a must have, and CARCAH does a great job to facilitate our requests for data," said Knabb.

At the end of the day, Pavone began briefing Feuer giving him details of the reconnaissance flights completed during his watch and a look to what was planned for the next day.

As Pavone grabs his things to go home for the night, he smiles and says, "It's been a great day. We had lots of excitement".

"I do this everyday because it is fun. I love it. When it stops being fun, I will stop, but I am still here so it must be fun," said Pavon

Global Strike Command holds first ARC focus day

Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs

9/5/2014 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Air Force Global Strike Command hosted its first Air Reserve Component focus day here, Aug. 26 - 27.

The ARC is comprised of the Air Force Reserve Command and Air National Guard, and it complements the Air Force's active duty capabilities. In a time marked by shrinking budgets, AFGSC is increasingly leaning on its Reserve components to bolster mission effectiveness.

The inaugural AFGSC ARC focus day brought together regular Air Force, Reserve and Guard leaders from around the command to participate in discussions regarding their operations and the way ahead.

"The ARC is important because it can offer a lower-cost alternative," said Lt. Gen. James Jackson, commander of Air Force Reserve Command. "We offer many of the same capabilities that the active duty component does, but we can do it for less in some circumstances because of our lower associated manpower costs."

The ARC achieves their lower manpower costs by not maintaining full strength at all times, Jackson explained.

In the ANG for instance, members sometimes serve as little as one weekend per month and two weeks sometime during the year. During those periods, guardsmen receive training comparable to that received by their active duty counterparts. During the rest of the year, many guardsmen work in the private sector.

Throughout the ARC focus day, attendees heard from unit representatives from the 307th Bomb Wing, 131st Bomb Wing, 102nd Air Operations Group and 219th Security Forces Squadron. AFGSC leaders including Lt. Gen. Stephen Wilson, AFGSC commander, were briefed by these representatives on matters affecting their respective units such as training schedules and manning.

"Our active duty units need to listen closely to what their ARC counterparts have to say," Wilson said. "Many of the issues that they deal with can be found in their own units as well. It's important that we learn from each other."

In a broader perspective, attendees were presented with information on topics such as AFGSC's Force Improvement Program, the upcoming Presidential Budget and the National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force. They also participated in open discussions on ARC initiatives and future programs.

The ARC focus day also served as an opportunity to network with peers.

"Look at the person to either side of you," said Wilson. "Chances are you'll be working with at least one of those people in the coming years. The first time you meet shouldn't be during a crisis."

As the government and Department of Defense continue to cut budgets and limit spending, the Total Force concept will play a progressively more prominent role in the Air Force's future, Jackson explained.

"As we move forward, programs like the ARC focus day will become more important," Jackson said. "If we are to operate seamlessly together -- active duty, Reserve and Guard -- we need to stay informed on what each component has going on."