Airmen complete assessment to qualify for Army Air Assault School

by Airman 1st Class Lauren M. Johnson
23d Wing Public Affairs

12/21/2015 - MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Thirty-nine Airmen from the 820th Base Defense Group here and the 1st Special Operations Security Forces Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla., completed a bi-annual Army Air Assault assessment, Dec. 16.

The Army Air Assault assessment is a voluntary, three-day test consisting of six events, each of which must be passed in order to qualify to attend Army Air Assault School at Camp Blanding, Fla.

"We hold assessments to accurately evaluate members who wish to go to Army Air Assault School," said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Joseph Weidenbach, 820th Combat Operations Squadron group air assault program manager. "This ensures the 820th BDG sends the most qualified Airmen to properly represent the Air Force at sister-service schools."

Day one of the assessment consists of a Swiss-seat test, where Airmen are tested on their ability to tie an emergency rappel harness. They then, perform a series of rappels which will prepare them for the Army Air Assault School.

During day two, Airmen went to Camp Blanding, Fla., to complete an Army physical-training test and an obstacle course with nine obstacles.

"I thought it was really fun, but extremely hard and exhausting at the same time," said Airman 1st Class Cristian Ring, 822d Base Defense Squadron fire team member. "Plus, it was raining so that made it even more challenging, but giving up was not an option."

The Airmen returned to Moody for the final day of the assessment where they started out with a 12-mile ruck. After the ruck, Airmen were evaluated on the appearance and order of mandatory items inside their ruck to test their attention to detail.

Although it was an assessment that is designed to be difficult and many were not able to persevere, 17 of the 39 contenders qualified for the Army Air Assault School.

The Army Air Assault School is an 11-day course which consists of physical training as well as education of specialized career skills.

"Airmen should attempt to complete air assault school because upon graduation, you are now part of a unique family," said Weidenbach. "As an Airman, you are then able to provide vital skills to rotary-wing transportation of personnel and equipment."

Vigilant Ready to support the Navy

by Tech Sgt. Efrain Sanchez
156th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

12/18/2015 - CAROLINA, Puerto Rico  -- The 156th Airlift Wing provided logistical and maintenance support to the Navy at Puerto Rico Air National Guard Base Muñiz, Dec 5 thru 11.

Two  C-2 cargo planes flew in from the USS George Washington Aircraft Carrier to drop off navy personnel, and pick up pre-ordered supplies and equipment for the vessel.

The Transportation and Management Office within the156th Logistics Readiness Squadron arranged the unloading, and staging of equipment and supplies as the aircraft arrived on base from the aircraft carrier. The TMO team also assisted the Navy crew in preparation of documentation for hazardous material.

Air Transportation Unit Superintendent Chief Master Sgt. Harry Capó said his team allocated a clear clean working space, and an area for the air crew members to meet and review their flight plans and manifest information.

"We supported them with forklifts to move their cargo," said Capó. "Also we gave them access to the ramp for aircraft maintenance and the156th Security Forces provided around the clock surveillance of the C-2 planes on the flight line."

During their week stay, Senior Master Sgt. Julie Figueroa, Flight Services manager, 156th Operations Support Squadron, coordinated the ramp space and fueling of the aircrafts.

"The ground support provided by the wing went smoothly without any irregularities," said Figueroa. "I have not received any concerns from the Navy and that is a positive sign that we are tracking."

Lt. Desmond Fournier, VRC-30 Detachment 2, Fleet Logistics Support Squadron, U.S. Navy Public Affairs officer said the Navy aircrafts provide logistical support for the USS George Washington by moving needed equipment parts and supplies not readily available on ship.

"The parts are ordered and received here on Muñiz," said Fournier. "We are the connecting link that transports the parts to the ship."

"The reason for our visit is to set up a short term forward logistics site for several days for our needed supplies, cargo and transport of personnel," he said.

"The mission is to provide logistical support for the vessel's journey from San Diego, California to South America and ending on its last leg in Norfolk, Virginia."

The 156th Airlift Wing is always on mission and vigilant ready to give support to its Navy counterparts with essential logistical operations.

Horsham's Attack Wing extends holiday cheer to handicapped adults: First-class festivity delights attendees, Guardsmen

by Tech. Sgt. Andria Allmond
111th Attack Wing Public Affairs

12/14/2015 - HORSHAM AIR GUARD STATION, Pa. -- Volunteers from the 111th Attack Wing provided a generous dose of holiday cheer to nearly 60 severely-handicapped adults from the local area during a holiday party at the dining facility here Dec. 13.

The Guardsmen fashioned a full-tilt party complete with a traditional holiday dinner; music and dancing; a visit and photo with Santa Claus; and gifts provided by local Scouting units and personal donations.

"This event is a community outreach partnership with the (111th Attack Wing's) Chiefs Council and KenCrest Community Homes," Tech. Sgt. Danielle Heidrick, part of the 111th Air Operations Group commander's support staff. "The early 1980's is roughly the first time that anyone can date back this event. It started out as just a small get-together with the community hosted by the 913th Airlift Group (a Reserve unit formerly stationed here) serving some snacks - pretzels and popcorn - and small gifts bags for the patients."

Heidrick said that the event evolved from a tiny gathering held in an aircraft hangar to a full-fledged festivity that now serves close to 100 handicapped patients and their caretakers.

"I started helping out back in 1995, so today marks my 20th year doing this," said Capt. Daniel Taylor, the logistics plans officer for the 111th Attack Wing. "When I began, they did this annual party and it was held in a room no bigger than a large office. We used to bring about 20 to 30 [patients in residential services] in and we would have simple snacks; we'd have Santa Claus and give them some hygiene products. But over the past 20 years, how big this has gotten and the amount of support we've received from people is unbelievable."

Taylor said that each year the guests ask volunteers if the Wing will be continuing the tradition for the next year.

So far, it appears the 111th ATKW will preserve the practice of presenting holiday cheer for those who appreciate it most - patients and Guardsmen alike.

"The way the guests look when come in, when they get to have a gift, when they get to sit with Santa Claus, when they take home a hygiene bag - these are the reasons we put our time and our hearts into this event each year," said Heidrick. "This might be the only holiday event they have to get out to attend each year. That's why we do it."

After enjoying their meals, the guests were treated to a visit by Santa Claus, who posed for pictures and distributed the donated gift bags and toys.

While the visitors waited to meet with Father Christmas, they were entertained with holiday-themed and popular music, with many attendees boogying to the tunes.

Members from the 111th Services Squadron and other units prepared for the event months prior and, with the help of other unit volunteers, served the food during the occasion.

"We not only had plenty of food for everyone here today, but we're are actually going to send them home with trays and trays of food," said Senior Master Sgt. Lauren Paul, the service superintendent of the 111th ATKW. "We started preparing for this around September in order to be sure we'd have everything that we'd need, from the food to the gift bags. Everything worked out great; and it seems like everyone is having a great time."

While the guests rejoiced in the food, music and gifts, the Guardsmen reveled in the progression of the event from a simple gathering to a substantial soiree.

"It's awesome," said Taylor. "We're truly blessed to see that we can give back; being able to watch the faces of the individuals. It gets better every year."

Commander of 19th Air Force visits JBSA

by Staff Sgt. Mindy Bloem
149th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

12/16/2015 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO - LACKLAND, Texas -- Maj. Gen. James Hecker, 19th Air Force commander, visited Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Dec. 10, to observe the people and progress of the 149th Fighter Wing.

The 149th FW was number 17 of 19 visits on the general's schedule before the close of the year.

During his visit, Hecker held an all call where he addressed the members of the wing and praised them for the work they're doing to support the F-16 aircraft mission.

"We couldn't produce the number of fighter pilots we produce without you," Hecker said. He recognized the diversity and varied skills that Air National Guard members bring to the fight, but also challenged them on suicide prevention.

Suicides in the Total Force, including civilians, climbed from 85 in 2014 to 105 in 2015.

"The best leadership advice I've ever gotten is to treat them like your son or daughter...or like your brother or sister," Hecker said.  He explained that by treating people in this way, you'll always have someone's best interest at heart, especially in regards to correction, thereby fostering a more respectful and understanding work climate.

The 19th Air Force commander also didn't shy away from other real issues facing the force today, namely, sexual assault, substance abuse and child predators.

"The people who do this won't listen to what I'm saying, but I'm talking to the 99.9 percent of people who don't do this," Hecker said. "If you witness this, have the moral courage to step in and do something about it because it's cancer to our Air Force."

After Hecker's presentation, wing members had the opportunity to ask questions that ranged from transgender issues to the recent terrorist attacks.

Hecker's advice on the latter was to stay especially alert to your surroundings.

"What we can't do is let them win," he said. "If we hide away in our house and never go out, we let them win. Be vigilant. Don't be scared, but just know your surroundings. Be your own guard for you and your family."

The general concluded saying that the airmen he visits regularly are among the finest, and the active duty force recognize the Guardsmen's superior performance out in the field and the skills they bring to the table.

Many U.S. Troops Serving Overseas During the Holidays

By Jim Garamone DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, December 22, 2015 — Thousands of U.S. service members and Defense Department civilians are serving around the world during the holidays to protect America, its interests and its allies.

Around 9,800 Americans are deployed to Afghanistan. And roughly 3,500 Americans are deployed to Iraq and Syria to assist in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. The Army's 82nd Airborne Division forms the nucleus of the deployment there.

All told, there will be roughly 220,000 American service members serving overseas this holiday season. They operate in more than 100 countries, on every continent.

"I want you to know that you are what I wake up to every morning," Defense Secretary Ash Carter told troops Dec. 19 aboard the USS Kearsarge. "You're what I think about all day. I'm so proud of you and 100 percent, 1,000 percent behind you."

Snapshot of Troops Around the World

The U.S. Navy has 36 ships deployed around the world. The largest is the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, which has transited the Suez Canal and is headed for operations in the Arabian Gulf. There are more than 5,000 personnel aboard the ship. The Truman will be accompanied by destroyers, each with about 300 crew members. Submarines and resupply ships are also usually part of the equation.

The amphibious ready group centered around the USS Kearsarge is operating in the Arabian Gulf. There are 5,000 sailors and Marines aboard.

Navy ballistic missile submarines operate 24/7 around the world. The submarines are part of America’s nuclear triad, and there are around 150 crew members.

In the Pacific, there are roughly 50,000 American service members based in Japan. Another 28,500 troops are based on the Korean Peninsula.

About 500 service members will be celebrating the holiday season in Australia and more celebrating in Singapore.

Africa has one large base -- Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti -- and there are around 4,000 service members assigned there. Roughly another 1,000 service members are deployed elsewhere on the continent.

More than 64,000 U.S. service members are stationed across Europe -- from Rota, Spain, to the Baltic Republics. The highest number is in Germany, followed by Italy, the United Kingdom and Spain. There are another 3,000 based in Turkey, which is a NATO ally with most of its territory in Asia.

In Central and South America, there are roughly 5,500 service members deployed. U.S. airmen may also be operating to resupply scientists in Antarctica during the holidays.

'The Noblest Thing'

But it is not just overseas that U.S. service members are serving. Some Air Force missileers man the ICBM silos across the American heartland, while other airmen vigilantly defend the space, airspace and cyberspace. Coast Guardsmen must stay ready for incidents at sea.

And while many bases try to limit operations during the holidays, units still have to have on-call duty members prepared to be called to work at a moment's notice. Military police still have to guard the gates, and thousands of military and civilian specialists still have to care for those in hospitals.

America's military members are away from their families "doing the noblest thing you can possibly do with your life, which is protect our people and make a better world for our children," Carter said.

NATO AGS arrives at Edwards

by Rebecca Amber
412th Test Wing Public Affairs

12/19/2015 - EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- NATO's first Alliance Ground Surveillance aircraft arrived here Dec. 19, completing its first flight. The test flight marks the start of six months of ground and airborne testing at Edwards before the aircraft is sent to its new home in Sigonella, Italy.

NATO AGS is a derivative of the wide-area surveillance Global Hawk, with a few small changes in the communications software to meet certain criteria for operation in Europe.

"They've got a [few] differences, but it's very similar to a USAF Global Hawk," said Roberto Garnica, Global Vigilance Combined Test Force, NATO AGS project manager.

The first flight allowed the test team to observe the flying characteristics of the aircraft during a variety of flight performances and at varying altitudes.

According to Garnica, this test varies from other Global Hawk testing because the Global Vigilance CTF is not the executing test organization. While Edwards Range Control and safety officers will be present, responsibility for the test and aircraft falls on Northrop Grumman's team including the pilots, test conductors and directors.

"Because it is a Direct Commercial Sale to NATO, the Air Force is never going to own or possess it. So we are a participating test organization," said Garnica.

The first flight was an important milestone for Northrop Grumman Corporation and NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance Management Organization members of NATO's Alliance Ground Surveillance Management Agency.

Northrop Grumman is scheduled to begin ferrying the first NATO AGS aircraft to Italy in 2016. The NATO AGS system will include five aircraft and European-sourced mobile and transportable ground stations that will provide data link connectivity, data processing and exploitation capabilities to multiple deployed and non-deployed operational users.

All 28 Alliance nations will take part in the long-term support of the program, but it is initially being procured by 15 NATO nations: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and the United States.

The final product will be used for collective defense, crisis management and cooperative security.

Like the Block 40 RQ-4 Global Hawk, the unmanned aircraft has the ability to fly for up to 30 hours at a time. The high-altitude long-endurance system will perform all-weather, persistent wide-area terrestrial and maritime surveillance in near real-time. The NATO-owned and operated system will provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities to support a range of NATO missions such as protection of ground troops and civilian populations, border control, maritime safety and humanitarian assistance.

The aircraft is equipped with leading-edge technology, including the Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program sensor. The MP-RTIP sensor will provide critical data to commanders during operations, in any weather, day or night. Utilizing the MP-RTIP sensor, the NATO AGS system will be able to fuse sensor data, continuously detect and track moving objects and provide imagery of selected objects.

DOD CIOs visit area to discuss innovation and collaboration

by Patty Welsh
66th Air Base Group Public Affairs

12/22/2015 - HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- The Chief Information Officer for the Department of Defense and the Chief Information Officers for the Joint Staff, Air Force, Army, Navy and Coast Guard, along with more than 20 senior representatives from DOD, Cyber Command and the intelligence community, visited the local area Dec. 10 and 11 to see how Massachusetts and its local tech companies and military bases pursue technology innovation.

This visit was a part of a regular series of engagements to ensure DOD senior leadership is informed by and connected to the cutting edge of cyber and information technology activities.

Senior DOD officials who visited Massachusetts included Dave DeVries, DOD principal deputy CIO; Army Lt. Gen. Mark Bowman, Joint Staff CIO; Army  Lt. Gen. Bob Ferrell, Army CIO; Air Force Lt. Gen. Bill Bender, Air Force CIO; Rob Foster, Department of the Navy CIO; and Vice Adm. Ted Branch, Navy deputy CIO.

"Partnerships across government and industry are vital to DOD's success," said DeVries. "Visits like this help DOD CIO and other Department senior leaders engage on important issues, like innovation, technology transfer and collaborative acquisition strategies."

Numerous high-level Air Force officials from Hanscom participated in many aspects of the visit, including Maj. Gen. Craig Olson, Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence and Networks program executive officer; Steve Wert, Battle Management PEO; Maj. Gen. L. Scott Rice, Massachusetts adjutant general; and Dr. Tim Rudolph, Life Cycle Management Center chief technology officer.

Topics ranged from information technology of the future and cybersecurity to public-private partnerships and best practices, as well as innovation opportunities and challenges. The visitors expressed specific interest about the state's Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force, which Hanscom has partnered with on workforce development, infrastructure and energy efficiency projects. Highlighted throughout the presentations were the benefits of the area -- from world-class educational institutions and high-tech corporations to the critical work done for warfighters at Hanscom AFB and the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center.

During the two-day event, the visitors heard from myriad organizations about how they address innovation. A meeting at the State House in Boston with Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, Rice, state economic development officials and staff from U.S. Rep. Niki Tsongas' office focused on economic development and strengths. The Massachusetts National Guard provided a briefing on their cyber initiatives. The delegation also learned about Hanscom's Collaboration and Innovation Center, described as a "hub" that integrates efforts between various parties.

During the event, Rudolph offered his take on partnerships and encouraged the DOD CIO delegation to continue making these types of visits.

"Massachusetts and the leading companies in emerging sectors housed near Hanscom Air Force Base bring expertise and a history of innovation to our efforts," he said.

And according to Hanscom personnel, collaboration is crucial.

"Collaboration among the DOD, the services, academia, labs and industry represents a force multiplier for transformational change that individual institutions cannot achieve on their own," said Adam Freudberg, support contractor and senior advisor to the CTO for innovation and collaboration. "Much of what we are trying to achieve at Hanscom is being made easier and more effective by the partnerships we have established."

Also during the visit, the representatives participated on a panel discussion with industry, academic and government personnel about leveraging existing partnerships. Panel participants were from the University of Massachusetts, Northeastern University, Massachusetts Open Cloud, and the Advanced Cyber Security Center.

Companies in the local area known for innovation were also on the agenda. Personnel from IBM, State Street, Allied Minds, 406 Ventures and EMC all shared their experience and expertise with the visitors.

The executive director of the ACSC said he believes the opportunity to highlight the state's support for military missions along with government-industry-university partnerships will provide benefits.

"Meeting in the Commonwealth was a valuable opportunity for the DOD CIO delegation and our state thought leaders to share best practices on critical cybersecurity issues," said Charlie Benway. "The Pentagon was able to learn first-hand how our global companies and world-class universities transform IT, institutionalize innovation, reduce costs and develop talent. We hope that this engagement will lead to expanded partnerships with the Pentagon to more broadly leverage the unique intellectual capital that defines this region."

Rudolph said the visit went well, but he wished it could have been longer.

"My only disappointment is that the DOD CIO delegation's visit was too short. We look forward to the opportunities this trip created to give us the chance to continue to connect DOD to the breadth and depth of the New England region's innovation economy and the mechanisms we at Hanscom Air Force Base are working on, like Cyber PlugTest, in our pursuit to get rapid capabilities and agile tools to the warfighter."

Marilyn Thomas selected as Presidential Distinguished Rank Award winner

By Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs Command Information, / Published December 21, 2015

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The deputy chief management officer, Office of the Under Secretary of the Air Force, was named the Air Force’s top Presidential Rank Award winner and recognized at the “Unlocking the Full Potential of America’s Federal Workforce” event hosted by the Office of Management and Budget Dec. 15.

Marilyn Thomas, who was selected as a Presidential Distinguished Rank Award winner, is responsible for improving effectiveness and efficiency of business operations and serves as the Director of Business Transformation, overseeing implementation of continuous process improvement initiatives.

The Presidential Distinguished Rank Award is limited each year to only 1 percent of the Air Force's senior executives and only 5 percent of SES employees may receive the Presidential Meritorious Rank Award.

“This award is really the pinnacle award for an SES career,” Thomas said. “To be recognized by the President with the distinguished award is unlike any other recognition that a civilian can get.”

Thomas said she was humbled to receive the award.

“The only reason I was able to receive this award is because all of the other SES employees, the general officers, and of course all of the workforce and people I’ve served with over the years,” Thomas said. “They taught me and helped with any success I’ve managed to have. “

She also had some advice for civilians seeking mentorship.

“Every day is a job interview,” Thomas said. “You can have a great resume, you can put together a great reference letter, a great package to submit for a position, but what people are really impressed with is your day-to-day performance”