DOD Expands Role of Security Professionals

By Terri Moon Cronk
American Forces Press Service

LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, Md., Feb. 22, 2013 – With ever-changing technology and increasing cyber threats that can affect the nation’s security, Defense Department officials are stepping up security professionals’ training to help in determining potential risks before they occur, defense officials said here.
DOD has taken the lead to standardize the security professional’s knowledge to protect more than classified and sensitive information, said Denise Humphrey, deputy director for Defense Security Service’s Center for Development of Security Excellence.

Security also touches people, equipment, facilities, information technology and operations in the services and defense organizations, she added.

Now, for the first time, DOD’s thousands of military and civilian security professionals can earn certification in their job series to gain proficiency in an all-encompassing field through the Security Professional Education Development Program, a Defense Department initiative to professionalize the department’s security workforce.

DOD officials for many years have wanted a joint security environment among the services and defense organizations, said Kevin Jones, director of the center.

“As resources decrease, it's increasingly becoming [important] for different components to work together routinely, and agencies have to support the whole apparatus of defending the nation,” he said, emphasizing the need for building a professional cadre of security professionals.

But certifying security professionals doesn’t just apply to those in a security job series, Humphrey noted, because security affects all DOD employees.

“We are now facing unauthorized disclosure training requirements across DOD, and around the corner is the requirement for controlled unclassified mandatory training,” Humphrey said. Security professionals will be responsible for ensuring their workforces are capable of protecting such information, she added.

Humphrey said DOD’s former paper-based society offered fewer security risks compared to today’s rapidly changing technology.

“Years ago, when security was just a support function, there were just a few people who actually had computers on their desks, and the amount of information that could be leaked was minimal,” she said.
But in today's world, she added, DOD needs a cadre of security professionals who are savvy in identifying vulnerabilities.

“Now we have to deal with a cyber environment where information flows faster than you can stop it, and we’ve got to have highly trained professionals capable of addressing these issues to prevent these things from happening -- rather than chasing a security issue after it's already occurred,” Humphrey said.

“Fundamentals of Security Certification” is now available for security employees, and defense officials are working on three more levels of certification education and training.

And security certification has to be maintained with ongoing education, Humphrey said.

“Security professionals cannot rest on their laurels,” she added. “They have to keep up with the changing state of the art of security.”

'Your life is our business'

by Sue Sapp
78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

2/15/2013 - ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga.  -- The 339th Flight Test Squadron's 43 aircrew members -- comprised of pilots, co-pilots and flight engineers -- perform test flights on F-15s, C-130s and C-5s here before they are returned to their home bases.

During those flights, the aircraft are put through their paces to ensure they'll hold up to the rigors of any mission -- regardless if it's in a combat zone or in an area in need of humanitarian support.

The squadron's four-person Aircrew Flight Equipment Shop makes sure the test aircrews are protected.

They're responsible for inspecting, maintaining and repairing lifesaving equipment such as parachutes, anti-G suits, helmets, oxygen masks, survival vests and safety harnesses.

"The 339 AFE personnel are unique in that they maintain their skills in three different types of aircraft," said Lt. Col. Dan Badia, 339th Flight Test Squadron operations director. "We depend heavily on our AFE personnel; when we use the equipment they maintain, it has to work 100 percent of the time."

Tech. Sgt. Brandi Bray, AFE technician, said the techs check parachutes every 30 days.

That involves checking the deployment mechanism, an oxygen bottle, signal beacon and making sure the small survival kit within the chute is intact. They also repack the parachutes every 180 days, which takes six to eight hours.

Some of the equipment -- like anti-G suits -- is custom-fitted to an individual.

"The suits blow air to keep circulation moving so the pilot doesn't pass out while pulling Gs," said Master Sgt. Sara Glass, an AFE technician. "It's important to test for pressure and leaks."

AFE techs conduct aircrew continuation or refresher training, including water survival, land survival and parachute descent.

"In an emergency, aircrews put their lives in our hands," Glass said. "If we don't do our jobs correctly, it puts lives at risk. We have to constantly stay on top, one step ahead and train properly. As our motto states, 'Your life is our business.'"

Father, Son Become African-American Military Pioneers

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

WASHINGTON, Feb. 21, 2013 – In the early stages of American military history, it was rare to find a high-ranking African-American leader, considering the civil inequalities and unrest prevalent in those times.
But an African-American father and son -- Benjamin O. Davis Sr. and Benjamin O. Davis Jr. -- broke racial barriers and led honorably, leaving an indelible mark on America’s military heritage.

The Davis family, fittingly, hailed from the nation’s capital, and perhaps this foreshadowed their impact on U.S. military history. The elder Davis studied at Howard University before entering military service in the 8th U.S. Volunteer Infantry on July 13, 1898, during the Spanish-American War.

Following that service, he enlisted as a private in the regular Army on June 18, 1899, serving as a corporal and squadron sergeant until Feb. 2, 1901, when he earned his commission as a second lieutenant in the cavalry.

Davis Sr. served in a variety of positions, ranging from border patrol duty in 1915 to a professor of military science and tactics at Wilberforce University in Ohio. He also served in the Philippines from 1917 until 1920 as a “Buffalo Soldier.”

Then, as a lieutenant colonel, he taught military science and tactics at the Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, Ala., until 1924, in the first of his two teaching stints there. He also served on special duty with the State Department in Liberia, and as a special advisor on race relations in Europe during World War II.

The elder Davis made history when he was promoted to brigadier general Oct. 25, 1940, the first African-American to wear the star insignia in the U.S. military. He retired on July 14, 1948, after 50 years of service. He died Nov. 26, 1970.

His son, Davis Jr., was the fourth African-American graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., and became the U.S. military’s second African-American general officer. He graduated from West Point on June 12, 1936, commissioned as a second lieutenant in the infantry, and was first assigned to Fort Benning, Ga.

Like his father, Davis Jr., served as a professor of military science at the Tuskegee Institute. In May 1941, he entered advanced flying school at nearby Tuskegee Army Air Base and received his pilot’s wings, along with four other African-American officers, in March 1942 -- later to be joined by almost 1,000 Tuskegee Airmen.
Davis Jr., now in the Army Air Corps, assumed command of the 99th Fighter Squadron. Although he finally was permitted to serve as a pilot, he still faced racial discrimination.

Nearly 90 days into his command, and after the squadron had flown many combat missions under Davis's leadership, the 33rd Group commander accused the Tuskegee Airmen of not having the same desire to fight as white pilots. The group commander recommended removing Tuskegee Airmen from combat.

The general who reviewed the report endorsed it, according to records, and commented that "the Negro type has not the proper reflexes to make a first-class fighter pilot."

After the proposal reached Washington, Davis Jr. was called to testify on his unit’s behalf before the War Department's permanent Advisory Committee on Negro Troop Policies. Davis Jr. provided examples of his unit’s flying acumen, and maintained that his men were as eager for combat as white pilots.

He noted that because they were undermanned, they flew more often -- up to six more combat missions per day. Davis Jr. convinced the advisory committee, and his unit remained in place and displayed exemplary service in North Africa and Sicily.

Unlike his father, who spent a majority of his career as a military professor, the younger Davis served as a commander for a variety of units. He attended the Air War College in 1949, and upon graduation, served as the Air Force’s deputy chief of staff for operations.

Davis Jr. joined his father in the general officer ranks Oct. 27, 1954, when he was temporarily promoted to brigadier general. The promotion became permanent May 16, 1960. He continued to serve as a commander in a variety of capacities, and he became a lieutenant general on April 30, 1965.

After 33 years of service, Davis Jr. retired in 1970. He continued his public service as Cleveland’s director of public safety. He later was director of civil aviation security and an assistant secretary at the U.S. Transportation Department.

On Dec. 9, 1998, Davis Jr. received his fourth star from then-President Bill Clinton. He died July 4, 2002.
(Brittainy Joyner, office of the assistant to the secretary of defense for public affairs, contributed to this article.)

Network of ranges instrumental to flight test

by Laura Mowry
412th Test Wing Public Affairs

2/7/2013 - EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  -- Each and every day, the Edwards community works to develop and test the war-winning capabilities of the future. It's an important role that requires a great deal of support from the 412th Range Squadron, as well as additional backing from a group of ranges located throughout the southwestern United States.

In addition to supporting the 412th Test Wing's mission, the Southwest United States Range Alliance brings together experts from Edwards; Naval Air War Station China Lake, Calif.; Naval Air Station Point Mugu, Calif.; Vandenberg AFB, Calif.; and the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center to ensure that ranges are working together and supporting one another to accomplish flight test.

"We all really know each other and work together well. That's important because the better we work together, the more money we save and the more efficient testing becomes. We are all interested in preserving this network of ranges and maintaining our compatibility; because if we don't - we can't get the mission done. We have to be seamless," said Doyle Janzen, 412th Range Squadron director.

The collaborative efforts from range personnel extend beyond R-2508 Complex, which includes more than 20,000 square miles of restricted airspace used by Edwards, the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif., and NAS China Lake in the Upper Mojave Desert region.

Personnel work together supporting the network all the way from the White Sands Missile Range, located in New Mexico to the sea test range off the coast of California.

"Less than half of the testing occurs in the R-2508 Airspace. The other half goes to the other ranges, which includes the sea test range that Point Mugu and Vandenberg manage. Although the R-2508 is a tremendous asset, there are times when the testing requires support from ranges outside the airspace," said Janzen.

"For example, many data points require supersonic flight. The High Altitude Supersonic Corridor in the R-2508 Airspace is only 240 miles long. At 1.7 Mach, that's still pretty cramped; so we use the sea test range instead. Right now, there is a lot of this testing going on with the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter," he added.

Making it possible for Edwards to test at various ranges, is the impressive infrastructure of strategically placed microwave receivers and transmitters, as well as a vast network of fiber optic cables that relay data to a control room, where on average, anywhere from 20 to 30 flight test professionals are supporting and monitoring the mission with only a fraction of a second delay.

"It really is an impressive network. While there are only two or three hops from the ocean to Edwards, there are 29 towers between here and New Mexico. And even with the old microwave technology, it only takes 10 milliseconds to see the data. We are currently in the process of phasing out the old technology and changing over to fiber optics because it is better and cheaper. Additionally, there is less maintenance because we don't have to dedicate money and time to tower maintenance throughout the year," said Janzen.

While the technology has been used since World War II, it is capable of capturing and relaying data with 250,000 parameters at a rate of 1 million samples per second.

The ongoing collaboration between ranges in the southwest United States continues to benefit the flight test communities for the Air Force, sister services and allies. Whether its over-water testing, electronic warfare, bombing or strafing; the 412th Range Squadron is committed to providing top-notch support.

"I'm extremely proud of the men and women of the 412th Range Squadron. They do incredible work and I think the range is the heartbeat of Edwards. We are absolutely committed to providing top-notch, seamless support, as well as building and maintaining successful partnerships with all those we work with," said Janzen.

Face of Defense: Sergeant Takes Responsibility for His Marines

By Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Glen Santy
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C., Feb. 21, 2013 – Because they are the future of his craft, and each one is a direct reflection of himself, Marine Corps Sgt. Bradley A. Hoover said, he takes personal responsibility for each Marine he is charged with leading.

Marine Corps Sgt. Bradley A. Hoover, a fixed-wing aircraft power plant mechanics instructor at the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., stresses communication when training fellow Marines. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Glen Santy   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Hoover, a fixed-wing aircraft power plant mechanics instructor with the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training here, guides new Marines through a three-month training period, which includes daily physical training and Marine Corps martial arts courses.

The job gives him a high level of personal satisfaction in sending highly-trained Marines to the fleet, Hoover said.

“One thing I want these Marines to remember is to never stop excelling and to try their best at everything they do,” he added. “I want these students to absorb this knowledge.”

In the engine technician field, the sergeant said, communication sustains a productive workflow, so he stresses that aspect of the job.

“I want to get them to speak out loud and think out loud and get them to work together,” Hoover said. “The more they learn here, the less they have to learn in the fleet.”

Heroes welcomed home

by 45th Space Wing Public Affairs

2/21/2013 - MELBOURNE, Fla. -- A total of 18 members from the 45th Civil Engineer Squadron returned to Melbourne Interational Airport Feb.16 after a six-month deployement to Camp Marmal, Afghanistan.

Among those deployed were Staff Sgt. Alexander Colburn, an Electrical Journeyman, who was greeted by his wife Holly and 10-month-old daughter Haliey; and Staff Sgt. Jason Lester, a Power Pro Journeyman, who was welcomed by his wife Yvonne and his 2-year-old daughter Ja'Nelle.

The 45th Civil Engineer Squadron commander was also there to welcome the returning Airmen. 

"Once again, members of the 45th Civil Engineer Squadron have not only made  our unit proud, but, more importantly, they have done our service proud with  another tremendous effort during this six-month-long deployment to  Afghanistan," said Lt. Col. Susan Riordan-Smith, 45th CES commander. "It's  Airmen like you who make a difference, and we are all so glad you are back  home with us and your families. This was a job well-done!" she said.

2013 Okinawa Marathon yields most runners, Kadena volunteers to date

by Tech. Sgt. Amanda Savannah
18th Wing Public Affairs

2/20/2013 - KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- More than 500 Kadena volunteers helped hydrate and cheer on the more than 14,000 runners participating in the 2013 Okinawa Marathon and 10-km race Feb. 17.

The number of volunteers and runners was the most for the 21st annual event.

"I'd like to say thank you to the volunteers," said Okinawa mayor Hiroshi Toyama. "Without the support from Kadena Air Base and its volunteers, this marathon could not be successful."

Though the races start and end at Prefectural Comprehensive Sports Park in Okinawa City, about a 1.5-mile stretch of the marathon weaves from Gate 2 through Gate 5 of the base.

Tech. Sgt. Rick McGinnis, of the 554th RED HORSE Squadron, led a cheer and water station on Kadena during the marathon.

"It was first mentioned to me by my first sergeant. He had mentioned that the RED HORSE unit usually sets up a water station," McGinnis said. "I've never seen a marathon or participated in one before. I thought it would be interesting, so I volunteered to be the point of contact for a station."

Masanao Ishihara, executive administrator of the Okinawa Marathon Executive Committee, said the committee also appreciates Kadena's involvement.

"In hosting the Okinawa Marathon every year, we greatly appreciate the total cooperation from Kadena Air Base such as permitting the usage of the roads in the base, setting up water stations, publicizing this event and providing volunteers," he said.

Ishihara added that marathon runners also enjoy the volunteer support.

"The enthusiastic cheers in the base are the motivation to runners," Ishihara said. "We have received comments from runners that 'the cheers inside the base are so lively that it can really give us energy.' Moreover, we are blessed with support and cooperation from many volunteers in the base every time. The most wonderful thing is that we are livening up this event together."

Col. Jeffrey Ullmann, 18th Mission Support Group commander, officiated at the opening ceremony.

"The Okinawa Marathon is an excellent opportunity for Kadena Air Base to give back and to demonstrate how close the ties are between ourselves and the local Okinawan community by opening our gates and welcoming the runners through," Ullmann said. "It's just tremendous to join with the mayors and other dignitaries in cheering the runners at the start of the race, and then encouraging them as they continue along the route."

McGinnis said he was awed by the event.

"I thought it was really amazing," he said. "Just to see that many runners was breathtaking.

"It was nice to be able to do something for the community," he added. "I was really glad to be a part of something positive so we could give back."

NATO Meetings Focus on Capabilities, Readiness

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

BRUSSELS, Feb. 21, 2013 – Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta spent today discussing NATO capabilities and readiness during the two-day alliance defense ministers gathering under way here.
Pentagon Press Secretary George Little, who is traveling with Panetta, said the secretary also took part in one-on-one meetings with the Italian and Afghan defense ministers.

A key theme of Panetta’s meeting with Afghan Defense Minister Bismullah Khan Mohammadi, Little said, was that Afghan forces are quickly increasing capability and strength, while assuming greater responsibility across a wide range of security missions.

“The secretary expressed confidence in what the Afghans themselves are doing to build a sustainable framework for growing their own capacity to tackle ongoing challenges in their own country,” Little said.

Panetta also met with Italian Defense Minister Giampaolo Di Paola and discussed the NATO International Security Assistance Force mission in Afghanistan along with budget concerns closer to home, Little said.

The two defense leaders had “a productive and warm meeting” that followed up on Panetta's visit to Rome in January, Little said.

“They discussed the transition process in Afghanistan, this year's fighting season, and the path to an enduring presence beyond 2014,” he added. “The secretary noted Italy's strong participation in ISAF.”

Panetta and di Paola also discussed NATO capabilities, budget pressures in Europe and the United States, and the looming prospect of sequestration, Little said. “The secretary emphasized how devastating sequestration would be for U.S. defense and national security,” he added.

Panetta also attended a meeting of the NATO North Atlantic Council, the alliance’s political decision-making body. In an opening statement before the session, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said the alliance must maintain a high level of capability and readiness.
“These have been the hallmarks of our alliance for over six decades,” he said. “To retain them in the years to come, we need to maintain our political, military and economic investment in defense.”

NATO must hold the line on defense spending, work together “to make the best of what we have,” and consider what more the alliance needs to and can do as member nations’ economies recover, Rasmussen said.

During a news conference following the council meeting, the secretary general said a NATO “connected forces” initiative will join the “smart defense” program NATO adopted at its Chicago summit last year. Smart defense aims to pool countries’ buying power to equip the alliance with shared capabilities, he said, while the newer initiative will “be at the forefront of delivering the modern, tightly connected, high readiness forces we need.

Rasmussen elaborated on the concept during a briefing for reporters this afternoon. The connected forces initiative aims at using NATO’s common funds in specific areas such as improving multinational deployability, interoperability and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance technologies, he said.

Improving interoperability among NATO nations’ militaries will mean greater focus on training, exercises and education, he said.

“Exercises will still be a national responsibility, financed by member states,” Rasmussen noted. “But we can facilitate NATO exercises by using common funding for some parts of it.”
The defense ministers will meet again tomorrow, when the focus of discussions is scheduled to be the mission in Afghanistan.

Outgoing Commander Cites Progress in Southwestern Afghanistan

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 21, 2013 – As he prepares to conclude a year of command in one of the most challenging regions of Afghanistan, Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Charles “Mark” Gurganus said he’s optimistic about the progress his forces have helped to bring about as they overcame challenging circumstances and an evolving mission.

Gurganus is scheduled to transfer command of the International Security Assistance Force’s Regional Command Southwest next week to Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Walter Miller Jr., wrapping up a year overseeing operations in Helmand and Nimroz provinces.

Talking by phone with American Forces Press Service from his headquarters in Helmand province today, Gurganus reflected on the challenges he and his 15,000 U.S. and coalition forces faced during a transitional year.

“We came over here and were clearly still leading the counterinsurgency fight,” he said. But the mission evolved over the course of the deployment, with Gurganus’ forces conducting more joint operations with their Afghan national security counterparts, then moving into advisory and mentoring roles as the Afghans took on more security responsibility.

Now, a new step in the evolution is under way – a process focus on developing the logistics systems, training programs and other institutions. “That is really a key part of the evolution, because I think that is where we leave behind capabilities that are sustainable,” Gurganus said, posturing the Afghans for future challenges.
“This will not always be a counterinsurgency fight they are in, and they will have to shift more and more to being able to defend their country against external aggression,” he said. “So I think this next evolution is pretty important.”

Recognizing that “Marines still love a good fight, there is no doubt about that,” Gurganus credited his Marines with embracing every phase of the transition. “They have shown a tremendous deal of flexibility in what they bring to the nation’s defense and whatever is asked of them,” he said.

In doing so, “they have really seen the power of their assistance to the Afghans,” he said. “They have seen what that really means in terms of advising, assisting, training and helping them to integrate new capabilities. It has become something that the Marines and our coalition soldiers have taken a lot of pride in, being able to watch these guys step up more and more and take the lead responsibility for security.”

Meanwhile, coalition troops have juggled other challenges, including the drawdown of more than 10,000 Marines and other ISAF forces and their equipment in the midst of the fighting season. As part of the surge recovery, two Marine regimental combat teams were reduced to one, six battalions were reduced to two, and 143 bases were closed or transferred.

“That made the mission more difficult,” Gurganus conceded. “But once we laid out what needed to be done, the commanders got after it and the Marines just got on with doing it.”

These experiences have enabled the Marines to develop skills Gurganus said will easily transfer to security cooperation missions they could be called on to support anywhere in the world. “I think these experiences are going to be key to being able to execute those missions with a great amount of professionalism.” he said. “I don’t think we will ever run out of a needing the skills that we developed here -- at least not in the foreseeable future, anyway.”

Gurganus reported “a laundry list” of progress during the past year. The Afghan army and police have demonstrated that they’re up to the task of increasingly challenging roles. “They’re certainly not perfect yet,” Gurganus said, “but they have developed, and their capabilities have gotten stronger.”

He cited particular progress within the police force, which is putting the concepts of community policing and evidence-based criminal processes into action. “That’s been a huge step in a province where 85 to 90 percent of the people are illiterate,” Gurganus said.

But the most promising development, he said, is the growing – albeit it slow – support of the Afghan people for their government. Sustainable development projects are benefiting the population, and people have a voice that simply didn’t exist a decade ago, he noted.

“I won’t tell you it is wholesale yet, that everybody thinks the government is great,” Gurganus said. “But I think probably that is the part that is most heartening.”

Despite “a lot of good-news stories,” Gurganus recognized that many challenges remain. “I told Lee Miller I think he will have plenty of work to do over the course of the next year or so, but I think we have some good progress,” he said.

Among those challenges is the expectation that the Taliban will attempt to resurge as coalition forces draw down – just as they did during the past year’s drawdowns. But based on Afghans’ response, Gurganus said, he’s confident they’re prepared to take the Taliban on.

“We saw the Taliban actively target and take on the police and Afghan National Army and have seen them, quite frankly, step up to the plate and handle the threat,” he said. “It was not without casualties and not without trouble. But at the end of the day, they took the day. And it is really troublesome, I think, for the Taliban.”

Afghans are leading all operations, from planning to resourcing their activities, he said. Coalition forces provide support only when the Afghans absolutely need it, such as medical evacuation capabilities they have not yet developed.

As his Marines prepare to return to Camp Pendleton, Calif., Gurganus credits them for the role they have played in Afghanistan’s future. Gains made haven’t come without sacrifice, he recognized. So even before he leaves Afghanistan, Gurganus already is planning a memorial service to be held April 11 at Camp Pendleton to honor the 75 Marines, sailors and coalition soldiers in Regional Command Southwest killed during the past year.

The ceremony not only will honor them and recognize the magnitude of their sacrifice, he said, but also will help to give closure to the Marines who served and sacrificed alongside them.

Gurganus recognized the U.S. and coalition forces who sacrificed before them in Helmand province and helped set the conditions for his forces to build on.

“It goes back not only to the things we have done. It goes back to every soldier, sailor, airman and Marine who has served out here,” he said. “The conditions were well set for us to pick up this mission. And hopefully, we will have taken it to another level, where now General Miller just picks it up and goes right on from here.”

What that future will look like remains unclear, he acknowledged. But the way Garganus defines success – and encourages his Marines and coalition forces to define it – is through the opportunity they have given the Afghans.

“Ten years ago, the Afghan people had no opportunity. They had nothing resembling a chance to have a better future,” he said. “Our job is to help create that opportunity. And what they decide to do with it is ultimately going to be their decision.”

By this measure, Garganus declared the current deployment and previous ones it has built on a success.
“I really do believe that the work that has been done over the course of the last 10 years by all of the coalition has given the Afghans the opportunity now to really step up and be a country for which they determine its future,” he said.

JTF-Civil Support tests deployment readiness ahead of Presidential State of the Union Address

by U.S. Navy Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class Brian Dietrick
Joint Task Force-Civil Support Public Affairs

2/20/2013 - FORT EUSTIS, Va.  -- Joint Task Force-Civil Support conducted a deployment readiness exercise, or DRE, Feb. 11 to ensure the unit's preparedness to support the Presidential State of the Union Address.

The exercise tested the command's readiness and ability to respond quickly to a National Special Security Event within two hours of notification of a catastrophic event in the homeland, whether man-made or a natural disaster.

"The DREs ensure the command is at a higher level of readiness for the events in order to respond rapidly to an incident in accordance with established guidelines," said U.S. Marine Col. David Olszowy, deputy commander of JTF-CS. "Periodic DREs, whether they are deliberate or no-notice evaluations, will help instill and reinforce an expeditionary mindset throughout the command."

After the simulated notification of a catastrophic event, JTF-CS members received a mission brief, inspected bags, packed vehicles and accounted for all responders to ensure readiness within the two-hour window.

Following inspections, responders split up into deployment teams, loaded bags into trucks, conducted a convoy brief and awaited the order to deploy.

The result? JTF-CS was ready to respond quickly in the event of a crisis in the Washington, D.C. area.

Along with the readiness exercise, JTF-CS deployed a team of medical, logistical, communications and response experts to Washington D.C. on Feb. 10 to assist Joint Task Force National Capitol Region with response planning efforts for the State of the Union Address.

JTF-CS plans to conduct additional DREs in the coming months. "These exercises give us the opportunity to hone our deployment procedures and processes to ensure that we are prepared for rapid deployment at all times. This is critically important if the NSSE will take place after hours, on weekends or holidays," Olszowy said.

As with any response, time is a critical factor -- the quicker the response, the quicker life-saving and life-sustaining personnel and equipment can be employed. Regular exercises to test the command's response ability help ensure readiness, according to Olszowy. Gear can be pre-packed and pre-staged, vehicles inspected and fueled, and teams assembled in pre-determined locations at pre-designated times. All this allows JTF-CS to cut down on the time needed to respond. Further, these exercises simulate response to a natural disaster or a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear incident, the command's primary mission.

When directed, JTF-CS provides command and control of 5,200 federal military forces - known as the Defense CBRN Response Force - located at more than 36 locations throughout the U.S.

Although CBRN and NSSE incident response are the command's primary focus, the unit also has the expertise and training to respond to natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes.

In November 2012, JTF-CS rapidly deployed to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., in support of Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. During the command's two-week deployment, JTF-CS coordinated a variety of federal military support to aid relief efforts, including 80 strategic airlift missions conducted by the Air Mobility Command, 600 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers personnel currently pumping 11 tunnels and waste water treatment plants in both New York and New Jersey, and more than two million meals delivered by the Defense Logistics Agency.

Dyess engineers hone warrior skills

by 1st Lt. Forrest McLain
7th Civil Engineer Squadron

2/20/2013 - Fort Bliss, Texas -- Nine Airmen from the 7th Civil Engineer Squadron at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, joined 172 engineers from across the Air Force to complete the Army's Combat Skills Training course Feb. 4, 2013, at Fort Bliss, Texas.

The 22-day course focused on providing deployed engineers the ground combat skills necessary to operate and prevail in a wartime environment.

The course utilized Fort Bliss' 992,000 acre maneuver area, to teach field medical care, mounted land navigation, small unit tactics, convoy operations and base defense. Throughout the course, engineers were certified as Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected drivers, crew serve weapon gunners and combat life savers.

The curriculum was taught by Army personnel with years of first-hand combat experience. The engineers were presented the information in an academic situation where they learned the specified skill set. From there, they were plunged into a hands-on exercise to ensure the skill set was understood and the muscle memory was developed.

Another unique lesson was the Short-Range Marksmanship course. Through the SRM course, engineers practiced firing and reloading an M-4 and switching to their M-9 when needed, all while maneuvering on foot without breaking their focus on simulated enemy combatants only yards away.

"CST allowed Airmen to train in a controlled environment which allowed us to focus mentally and physically on our wartime skills in order to prepare us for any type of contingency," stated Lt. Col. Michael Harner, 7th CES commander.

Harner took command of the 577th Expeditionary Prime BEEF Squadron, responsible for troop labor construction throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Upon completion of CST, the Dyess engineers deployed to undisclosed locations imbedded within the 1st Expeditionary Civil Engineer Group which operates over-the-horizon missions as Air Force's sole theater engineer force throughout Southwest Asia. The 1st ECEG works directly for the Air Force's U.S. Central Command commander providing engineer forces across the entire area of responsibility.

Pentagon Revamps Approach to Industrial Base, Official Says

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

WASHINGTON, Feb. 20, 2013 – The Defense Department has revamped its approach to communicating and interacting with the defense industrial base after applying lessons learned from previous economic downturns, a senior defense official said here today.

Brett B. Lambert, deputy assistant secretary of defense for manufacturing and industrial base, spoke during an Atlantic Council panel session.

Lambert said he was asked in 2009 to figure out a perception that DOD’s communication with the defense industry was lacking.

A lot of people thought it was political, he said, but that proved not to be the case.

“It became obvious to me very, very quickly it had nothing to do with politics or parties,” he said. “It had everything to do with 10 years of double-digit, year-over-year growth. There was no need to talk to each other. Everyone was happy. When we had a program that was bleeding, we cauterized the wound with money, because we had it. Expediency was the most important thing.”

Lambert said the defense industry delivered what was asked of it, but that over time, the interaction between DOD and the industrial base broke down.

“So we came in with strategic guidance to try to re-establish, if you will, communications -- specifically with industry,” he said. “But I came in with another specific task.”

The deputy assistant secretary said then-Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates was aware of the coming downturn. “He knew well the times of double digit growth were over,” Lambert said. “And so we knew we were entering a time of downturn.”

With that in mind, Lambert said, officials reviewed the four previous downturns’ effects on the industrial base.

“Basically we were 0-4,” he said. “We got it wrong in every case. We got it wrong for a variety of different reasons, so we went back to look at what we could do better.”

That effort made clear the need to engage industry up front, Lambert said. “And we needed to understand how dramatically the industry has changed since the last downturn -- the post-Cold War downturn,” he added.

Lambert said the department reviewed lessons learned and crafted a plan, agreed to by Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter, and Frank Kendall, undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, to act on those lessons.

“One: better communications,” he said. “We’re doing that through outreach -- through working with organizations like the Atlantic Council to communicate, to get our ideas out, and to get feedback.”
The Defense Department received more than 500 inputs from industry from the “Better Buying Power 1.0” initiative, Lambert said.

“Many were implemented,” he added. “We have even more industry inputs for Better Buying Power 2.0. And they are being reviewed, and many of our changes you’ll see coming out in the final document will reflect the industry’s comments.”

The second element, he said, places more emphasis on internal mechanisms and what the Defense Department could do better in working with industry partners, such as educating the DOD workforce on what those partners are all about.

“The third thing I was asked to take on was policies that were both enduring and flexible,” Lambert said, noting that a new Defense Department acquisition instruction will be issued in the coming weeks. Lambert said the new instruction represents a new way to look at industrial base analysis and policy, and that every major program will be affected.

“Instead of thinking about industrial base as an afterthought once program decisions are made,” he added, “industrial base will now be … part of major decisions.”

Lambert said he believes the department now is well prepared, despite changes in the defense industrial base over the past decade.

“Moving forward, I feel comfortable that we have the tools to deal with some of the more complicated industrial base issues, including the transaction issues we’re going to see,” Lambert said.

“At the same time,” he added, “cuts are coming across the board, or likely to come across the board to the whole department,” referring to a mechanism in budget law that will take effect March 1 unless Congress comes up with an alternative plan.

“Those cuts will also come to the very institutions we’re trying to set up to mitigate the effects of those cuts,” Lambert said, “so on that regard, I’m not terribly optimistic right now.”

U.S. Air Force aircraft to perform at Avalon Air Show

from Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs

2/20/2013 - JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- The U.S. military will be represented at Australian International Airshow International Air and Aviation Trade show at Avalon Airport, Victoria, Australia, from February 26 through March 3.

A cross-section of U.S. military aircraft and equipment are scheduled to be present through static displays and aerial demonstrations including the USAF F-22 Raptor, C-17 Globemaster III, F-16 Fighting Falcon, B-52 Stratofortress, and KC-135 Stratotanker, and a U.S. Marine CV-22.

Through participation in airshows and other regional events, the United States is able to demonstrate its commitment to the stability and security of the Asia-Pacific region, promote the standardization and interoperability of equipment, and display capabilities critical to the success of military operations. It also serves to strengthen long-standing mil-to-mil relations between the U.S. and Australia.

Gen. Herbert J. "Hawk" Carlisle, Commander, Pacific Air Forces, will attend and speak at the aerospace symposium held in conjunction with this event.

Face of Defense: Airman Leads Multinational Hockey League

By Air Force Senior Master Sgt. George Thompson
386th Air Expeditionary Wing

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Feb. 19, 2013 – A force protection airman with the 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineering Squadron serves as a player, referee and commissioner of a multinational floor hockey league to keep his favorite sport up and running at his deployed location.

Air Force Senior Airman Daniel Nester takes a break during a floor hockey match-up between the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing’s U.S. team and Team Canada at a deployed base in Southwest Asia, Feb. 15, 2013. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Staff Sgt. George Thompson   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

"I started playing hockey in my neighbor's driveway when I was 5, and I played ice hockey in junior high school," Air Force Senior Airman Daniel Nester said. "My cousin took me to my first St. Louis Blues game, and I've been a hockey and Blues fan ever since."

An evening physical training session reunited Nester with his favorite sport in the most unlikely of places -- Southwest Asia.

"I found out about the league in early December 2012 when I just happen to be in the gym on a Friday night and they were playing hockey," he said. "I went out and played the next couple of Fridays, and I got a lot of positive compliments about my knowledge and insight for the game of hockey."

When the redeploying commissioner asked him about taking over the league, Nester jumped at the opportunity. Over the next couple of weeks, he got his feet wet with the administrative side of the game while also playing and refereeing matches.

"I had to organize the schedule, keep the statistics, set up the games, [and] organize the playoffs, the championship game and the All-Star game," he said.

While he would rather simply play the game he loves, Nester said, he knows being an active commissioner will keep the league going. "Everything reflects on the commissioner," he said. "You are responsible for keeping it at a professional level, yet making it exciting to where people want to get out there."

The seemingly endless turnover of personnel during deployments is another challenge the young commissioner soon will face.

"The hardest part, which is coming soon, is keeping people in the league despite rotations," he said. "It's hard to get the word out when you have over half of your league redeploying back to the states or to their home stations."

Fortunately for Nester, he receives a lot of support from coalition service members whose national pastime just happens to be hockey. "The Canadians are always a great help," he said. "They arrive early when they have late games, and they are always willing to come down and offer some expertise."

The league's final match of the season pitted the undefeated Canadian team against the 12 best players from the league's other four teams in an all-star type of match-up for bragging rights and the coveted hockey trophy.

"The Canadians are a very skilled hockey team, but it is possible to put a team together to beat them," Nester said.

While Nester's all-star team fell short in a 7-3 loss to the Canadian team, the camaraderie and sportsmanship contributed to Nester's determination to make the hockey league a success.

"I love the game of hockey, and if I leave the league better than I found it -- better than when it was given to me -- then I would say I was successful as commissioner," he said.

COMACC visits Team Dyess

by Capt. Trisha Guillebeau
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

2/19/2013 - DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Budget, Air Force culture and Comprehensive Airman Fitness were main themes during the Air Combat Command commander's first visit to Dyess AFB, where he engaged with Airmen, NCOs and officers alike Feb. 12 and 13.

The general's immersion began with breakfast, where he discussed one of his top priorities with commanders and first sergeants.

"We must continually care for our Airmen and their families," said U.S. Air Force Gen. Mike Hostage, commander of ACC. "Get to know your Airmen personally - they are the cornerstone of your organizations. As leaders, we must take time to continually develop the men and women in our Air Force so that we can continue to deliver combat airpower in support of our nation's interests."

Following breakfast and a visit to the Dyess Museum, Hostage received several briefs to include the Dyess mission brief, the B-1 Day in the Life and squadron mission briefs.

"Dyess and the B-1 community have written a very impressive chapter in Air Force history," Hostage said. "Dyess has a great reputation, and I'm very impressed with what I've seen."

Hostage entertained questions from Airmen during a luncheon following the briefs on topics ranging from education benefits to physical training to changing the culture of the Air Force.

"One of the cultures we are trying to change now is the culture of fitness," Hostage said. "What I need you to do is think in terms of fitness all the time, not just right before a PT test, because your life will be a higher quality, you'll live longer and you'll be healthier."

He also offered his opinion of Dyess.

"Dyess is a huge base with tremendous capacity, but it's underutilized. If it was my choice, I would close every third base and put all of the personnel and equipment at other bases," Hostage said.

One Airman reflected on Hostage's comments.

"Lunch with General Hostage was informative and uplifting regarding PT standards and the overall positive rating of Dyess AFB as a whole," said Airman 1st Class Tiffany Mullen, 7th Mission Support Group. "It was refreshing to hear a senior leader's candid opinion on some of the major issues that we are facing today, such as combat roles being opened to women and budget cuts."

Congratulations were in order for a few shops on base. The general stopped by to offer his compliments on the recent achievements and visit with the Airmen and civilians in those sections. The 7th Contracting Squadron won the Air Force's 2012 Small Business Achievement Award. The 7th Bomb Wing Legal Office won the 2012 Best Legal Office in ACC and the 7th Communications Squadron was awarded the Lt. Gen. Harold W. Grant Award as the Best Communications Squadron in 12th Air Force. The Child Development Center also won the ACC 2012 Child Development Program of the Year Award.

"It was an honor, and I appreciated him taking the time to recognize our accomplishments," said Senior Master Sgt. Gary Virtue, 7th CS.

Hostage took a hands-on approach when he visited the 7th Security Forces Squadron Dog Kennels and the 7th Equipment Maintenance Squadron Fabrication Shop, where he had the opportunity to see how the metals technology flight manufactures highly precise aircraft parts out of aluminum. After receiving an overview, the general entertained questions from Airmen regarding the recent budget issues.

"We've been operating under the continuing resolution for six months now and, at the same time, we are facing sequestration as a result of not finding money in the budget to cut," Hostage said.

Concluding his visit to the 7th Bomb Wing, Hostage thanked the men and women of Team Dyess.

"The fact that we continue to live the way we live is because one-tenth of one percent of our society is willing to fight and die for our freedom," Hostage said. "We all grew up free to make our own choices because generations ago someone put on a uniform and fought and died to protect that freedom for us. I have kids and grandchildren who will grow up with that freedom because each one of you chose to put on a uniform. It doesn't matter how long you serve, every bit of service is important because you are preserving something that really is unique in the history of humanity - freedom. Thank-you for serving. Thanks for wearing the uniform and thanks for all that you do."

Reserve Airman in training helps save infant

by Airman 1st Class Madelyn McCullough
446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

2/15/2013 - MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. -- A McChord Reservist saved his first life when a baby went into cardiac arrest at the Madigan Army Medical Center emergency room Feb. 12.

Airman 1st Class Barrett Rayan, aeromedical evacuation technician in training at the 446th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, was near the end of his 12-hour night shift when a baby was brought in because of low oxygen levels.

"The baby was having what are called retractions, which looks like their skin is being sucked under their ribs because they are trying aggressively to breathe," Rayan said.

In the ER, a team of two resident doctors, an attending physician, three nurses and Rayan, the only medic, began pumping oxygen into the infant's lungs to try and raise his oxygen level back to normal.

Multiple efforts were made to insert tubes and create an airway for him but nothing was working. They had to insert a paralytic so that the baby's muscles would relax enough to accept the tubing. When doing so, the doctor knew the baby's oxygen level would plummet, but he was not expecting cardiac arrest.

"The baby turned blue," Rayan said. "I saw his O2 stats hit zero; zero oxygen."

It's a rare occurrence, he said. One nurse, who'd been working in the ER for five years, had never before seen a pediatric cardiac arrest.

To keep the child's heart beating, they had to perform CPR, which is different than doing CPR on an adult. They wrap their hands around the baby's body and place their thumbs on his chest.

Rayan, who has never done CPR on a live person before, took the second turn.

"They told me I was up next and I went in," he said. "Your training kind of takes over when you're in a situation like that."

After continuous compressions at 100 beats per minute for nearly 15 minutes, the baby's body finally accepted the tubes. He could breathe normally again and his oxygen levels shot back up to the healthy level.

Aside from the shaky start, the effort was a success and the team handled it the best way an emergency situation can be handled, Rayan said. Everyone stayed calm, on point, and did what they needed to do.

"The fact that they can do their job and yet still keep such a lighthearted mood in such a serious situation is really important thing because if the kid had not made it, it's hard on a lot of people," he said.

Rayan has been at Madigan nearly three weeks out of the three month training period he is assigned. So far he has completed five and a half months of medical technical training and one and a half months of training at a hospital. He still has seven months of total training left. Even though he is a beginner in the field, he was successful in helping save a child's life.

"It's a good feeling knowing everything I learned really can make a difference" he said. "We have a lot of info we have to learn during tech school; it's very fast paced. When the time comes you either know or you don't, and I knew."

Air Force celebrates the Year of the B-2

by 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

2/19/2013 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo.  -- Team Whiteman and Air Force Global Strike Command are celebrating a major milestone in Air Force history in 2013 by marking the 20th anniversary of the delivery of the first B-2 Spirit bomber to Whiteman Air Force Base.

"2013 is a significant year for the 509th Bomb Wing, Team Whiteman, and the entire United States Air Force," said Brig. Gen. Thomas Bussiere, commander of the 509th Bomb Wing. "For 20 years, the B-2 has defended America as a strategic deterrent, and when called upon by the commander-in-chief, the B-2 has led the way in combat for each of our nation's past four armed conflicts."

The B-2 program traces its origins back to the Advanced Technology Bomber of 1979, which was born at a time when the United States was interested in developing a new strategic bomber capable of striking targets in the Soviet Union.

Central to the new bomber was the concept of 'stealth,' or the ability to evade enemy radar through a combination of advanced materials and innovative aircraft design. These new capabilities would ensure that the bomber leg of the nuclear triad would remain a viable strike option, even in some of the world's most heavily defended airspace.

The 31st anniversary of a notable B-2 milestone occurred earlier this month; in 1981, Northrop Grumman Chief Test Pilot Dick Thomas flew the technology demonstrator TACIT BLUE for the first time, from a classified location in Nevada. TACIT BLUE was the first airplane to demonstrate low radar cross-section using curved surfaces. This flight came a year after Northrop Grumman was awarded a contract for a planned fleet of 127 aircraft.

Design and production continued through the 1980s, and the B-2 was first unveiled in 1988. Only a few years later, however, the collapse of the Soviet Union and subsequent cuts to the defense budget saw the planned fleet size drop first to 75 aircraft, then to its current size of 21 aircraft.

Each one is named for a state, except for two - the Spirit of Kitty Hawk and the Spirit of America.

"The introduction of the B-2 into America's arsenal truly can be considered a revolution in military aviation," said Dave Easley, 509th Bomb Wing historian. "The combination of its unique survivability and its tremendous bombing accuracy really marked the first time when the fundamental calculus of air combat changed from the number of aircraft sorties required to destroy a target, to how many targets could be destroyed by a single sortie."

The first major anniversary this year will be April 1, when the 509th Bomb Wing celebrates 20 years of service since its activation in 1993. April 1 will also be the 16th anniversary of the wing's declaration that the B-2 had achieved initial operational capability.

Throughout the year, the Air Force will celebrate other key milestones in the B-2 program, including each of the four combat deployments the B-2 has contributed to since its delivery to Whiteman Air Force Base.

Although it was originally designed as a strategic bomber, one of the earliest modifications to the B-2 enabled it to deliver conventional munitions, as well. Those capabilities were put to use in Kosovo in 1999, when B-2 bombers flew 1 percent of NATO sorties, but struck 11 percent of the alliance's targets.

The B-2 was America's first response to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, striking Taliban positions in Afghanistan and opening the way for additional American forces to enter the country.

In 2003, B-2s dropped the first bombs in the "shock and awe" campaign that opened Operation Iraqi Freedom. B-2s were responsible for dropping more than a million pounds of bombs in total on Saddam Hussein's forces.

Most recently, the B-2 led the way in Libya during Operation Odyssey Dawn, when three B-2s flew more than 25 hours from Whiteman AFB to destroy virtually the entire Libyan air force on the ground. The bombers dropped 45 2,000-pound Joint Direct Attack Munitions on hardened aircraft shelters, destroying the planes and helicopters inside and removing Muammar Qaddafi's ability to harm his people from the air.

The year's most significant date will be Dec. 17, when the wing will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the delivery of the Spirit of Missouri, the first B-2 bomber to arrive at Whiteman. Dec. 17 was also the date when the 509th Composite Group, commanded by Col. Paul Tibbets Jr., was activated at Wendover, Utah, in 1944, and the date in 1903 when the Wright brothers made their first powered, heavier-than-air flight at Kitty Hawk, NC.

"The weapon system has come a long way from the simple spruce flyer of the Wright brothers," said Bussiere. "The B-2 remains our nation's most modern and effective form of defense, and will continue to protect our interests here and abroad for many years to come."

Maintenance group returns T-33 Shooting Star to static 'flight' status

by Air Force Staff Sgt. Robert Barnett
JBER Public Affairs

2/15/2013 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Every day the sun rises over JBER. The timing of when it rises, whether it gets filtered through clouds, how long it lasts, and when it goes down again are all subject to time of the year and weather conditions in Alaska. But when it does light up the sky, over time it affects what it touches. For humans, it provides vitamin D. For plants, it provides a source of food.

For aircraft, such as the planes on display in Heritage Park, it slowly causes paint to fade, while rain and other factors play at corrosion and general wear on the static metal birds.

Aircraft maintainers from the 3rd Maintenance Squadron work hard maintaining the historical displays.

"The Airmen are doing a superb job on this jet," said Marc Horn, 3rd Maintenance Squadron sheet metal painter and worker. "It's just a testament to the quality of work that they do. We're really proud of it."

The maintenance crews do the refurbishing jobs when they have down time, so the projects don't impact the mission.

The Lockheed T-33A Shooting Star is the first of the historic symbols to get refurbished since it arrived at the park in June of 1999.

"We want to keep them for a long time and we don't want to wait until the last minute when there're a lot of problems, so we're bringing them in one at a time right now," he said. "We're doing what they need, so they are well preserved."

The aircraft were added to the park at different times, so the condition of each will vary, he said.

Inspectors look over the planes annually searching for corrosion or paint fading.
"We make any other repairs with holes or anything like that, that we may find, and get it structurally sound," he said. "Then we actually sand it right down to the metal and repaint the entire aircraft."

The sanding takes the old paint completely off, as well as the local markings, symbols and stencils. The aircraft is then wiped clean before a primer is applied.

The colors, symbols and stencils are all reapplied in coats. Finally, a clear coat is used as additional protection.

"It'll stay looking real nice for a long time," he said.

The Airmen working to preserve the T-33 said they understood the significance behind their efforts.

"To me, it means quite a lot because these are part of our past," said Airman 1st Class Justin Howard, 3rd Maintenance Squadron structural aircraft journeyman.

"It kind of makes it a little more special to you because we've flown these, they were our jets. These jets are part of our heritage, they are very important to us because they used to fly them. They trained, some of them fought in combat, so it's good to restore them to their former glory."

Alaskan Air Command's units, including the 5021st Tactical Operations Squadron, flew the T-33A. Air Force Col. William Povilus, 21st Tactical Fighter Wing commander, requested the plane be retained in Alaska.

It was then added to the Air Force Museum inventory in 1987.

Povilus originally had it placed in JBER's Paxton Memorial Park, near the Government Hill gate, named after Air Force Col. Pat Paxton, a former commander of the 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing killed in an F-15 crash in 1985.

The 3rd Equipment Maintenance Squadron repaired and refurbished it back to its arctic markings of the 1970s and mounted it in Heritage Park.

The T-33 made its first flight in 1948.

Production continued until 1959 with 5,691 T-33s built.

In addition to its use as a training aircraft, the T-33 has been used for such tasks as drone director and target towing, and in some countries even as a combat aircraft.
The RT-33A, a reconnaissance version made primarily for use by foreign countries, had a camera installed in the nose and additional equipment in the rear cockpit.

The T-33 is designed with two .50-caliber machine guns in the nose. It has a maximum speed of 525 miles per hour, and a maximum cruise speed of 455 miles per hour.

It is one of the world's best-known aircraft, having served with the air forces of more than 20 different nations over the course of several decades. It is a proud feature of Heritage Park, Horn said.

"We have a lot of visitors that come on base every year," the painter and operator said.
"One of the highlights of the base is going to Heritage Park and seeing jets there were actually in operation here at one point and there are actually some people that come who knew and flew these jets," Horn said.

"The jets are 40 to 60 years old and there are a lot of people that are veterans from that era who really enjoy seeing them. It means a lot."

Wolf Pack tested during Beverly Bulldog 13-2

by Capt. Sheila N. Johnston
8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

2/15/2013 - KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Exercise! Exercise! Exercise!

Beverly Bulldog 13-2 tested the abilities of more than 2,600 Wolf Pack members--Airmen and Soldiers, from U.S. and Republic of Korea forces--to respond to casualties and threats during a weeklong exercise, Feb. 11-15, 2013.

Scenarios including an aircraft crash, facility fires and contamination, flying and maintaining a rapid turnover of F-16 Fighting Falcons, and their general ability to survive and operate in a complex wartime environment were some of the challenges members faced.

"We cannot predict exact situations we might be called to respond to at the Wolf Pack," said Col. John W. Pearse, 8th Fighter Wing commander. "That's why we exercise a variety of scenarios that encompass defending the base and accepting follow-on-forces while knowing we may be called to take the fight north at a moment's notice."

During these exercises, base members rely on a variety of communication avenues to receive and transmit information. Maj. Andy Grab, 8th Comptroller Squadron commander, emphasized the importance of unit control centers to track alarm conditions and disseminate information to Airmen from leadership and emergency responders while also providing information on conditions and Airmen around base back to leaders.

"UCCs (Unit control centers) are integral to the success of Wolf Pack exercises as they are the command and control conduit for the wing," said Grab. "Their swift response and coordination with the EOC (emergency operation center) ensures alert notifications are communicated across the base and emergency procedures are immediately put into action."

"This vital flow of information ensures wing leadership has visibility on the entire base. Should we have to fight tonight, our UCC's validate our wing's capability to (complete our mission)."

While unit control centers are important, that is not the only way members receive information. American Forces Network-Korea broadcasts radio transmissions which are repeated on closed-circuit television pumped throughout buildings and dorms, and the 8th Fighter Wing's command post makes giant-voice announcements and sends email notifications to cover other communication lines.

Kunsan's 'Cyber Warriors' play a big role in a variety of communication efforts.
"We maintain and monitor all communication media across the base enabling communication and C2 (command and control) for the 8th FW," said Maj. Ray Champion, 8th Communications Squadron commander. He added these systems are not just a priority during exercise, but also for daily operations.

A central purpose of these exercises is to test the 8th Fighter Wing's ability to respond to wartime scenarios. This includes all facets of the base mission, which is to: 'Defend the base, accept follow-on forces,' and when all else fails, 'take the fight north .' The base mission is part of the greater 7th Air Forces mission to 'Deter. Defend. Defeat.'

Part of defending the base includes a host of force-protection initiatives accomplished around the clock.

"With the amount of training security forces receives prior to these exercises, we are prepared to deal with any scenario," said Tech. Sergeant Venessa Brown, 8th Security Forces Squadron. "Regardless of the time, terrain and weather, the defenders at Kunsan are always prepared to protect the pack."

Another important element in defending the base is keeping them healthy or treating any injuries. The 8th Medical Group staff takes care of exercise scenarios as well as any illness or injury that might occur to members while participating in exercise events.

"The men and women of the 8th Medical Group have a critical role in preparing the Airmen of the Wolf Pack to fight tonight," said Col. Jill Scheckel, 8th Medical Group commander. "Our focus is on sustaining and enhancing performance of the human weapon system. Readiness underlies everything we do." She added the Airmen did a great job in responding to mass casualty injuries and demonstrating their ability to survive and operate in a simulated wartime environment.

Furthermore, the logistical elements of both exercising and maintaining real-world capabilities simultaneously would not be possible without Airmen from the 8th Civil Engineer Squadron, the 8th Logistics Readiness Squadron, and the 8th Force Support Squadron.

"The Red Devils--military and mission-essential civilian personnel--provided critical firefighting, emergency management, explosive-ordinance disposal, shelter management, airfield management repair, and expedient maintenance and repair required to keep the base infrastructure and facilities operational," said Lt. Col. Deron Frailie, 8th CES commander. "The team effort required to accomplish all these tasks, while Herculean, could not have been accomplished without the essential augmentees from both the 8th MDG and 8th CS. It truly is a team Wolf Pack effort to support taking the fight north."

Senior Master Sgt. Travis Goodman, 8th Logistics Readiness Squadron said logistics Airmen provide a variety of support prior to and during exercise conditions.

"As Airmen arrive at Kunsan, we issue their IPE (individual protective equipment) gear. That's priority one for exercising and responding if there is a chemical attack threat." He added LRS Airmen also maintain a fleet of vehicles and transport Wolf Pack members during exercise conditions and daily operations; and they provide vital support to the Wolf Pack through movement of personnel and cargo on to and off of the peninsula.

"During exercises, we practice our ability to track and receive Airmen. We also exercise receiving supplies of all kinds to support the on-going Wolf Pack mission," Goodman said.

Responsible for maintaining base support while also exercising the Wolf Pack's ability to 'accept follow-on forces,' the 8th Force Support Squadron deals with everything from issuing Meals Ready to Eat to mortuary and casualty affairs.

"Force support Airmen are multi-faceted to do casualty reports, search for and possibly process human remains and still make sure everyone is accounted for and has a place to sleep," said Maj. Karalyne Lowery, 8th Force Support Squadron. "I am proud of how the FSS Airmen accomplished their jobs despite the variety of new and persistent scenarios this exercise."

Col. James Sturgeon, 8th Operations Group commander, said that ultimately, if the 8th Fighter Wing is called to 'take the fight north,' the 8th Maintenance Group and the 8th Operations Group exercise their ability to generate sorties, maintain a rigorous aircraft maintenance schedule, and destroy priority targets during exercises of this nature. The 8th OG in coordination with the 8th MXG generated and flew more than 160 sorties in support of Beverly Bulldog 13-2.

While Airmen in the 8th MXG generate aircraft routinely, their ability is scrutinized during exercises of this kind where aircraft are needed at a rapid rate.

"Our pilots and maintainers continue to impress me with their teamwork and unity of effort in one of the most strenuous conditions possible," said Col. Ray Lindsay, 8th MXG commander. "Our continued focus and team work only guarantees the 8th FW's ability to wreak havoc upon our adversaries."

Colonel Pearse expressed his pride in leading the Wolf Pack and said the general sense of urgency and ability of Kunsan Airmen to maintain their readiness is not just important, but essential.

"The Wolf Pack is here to deter enemy aggression and to help defend the Korean peninsula alongside our Republic of Korea partners," said Pearse. "We continue to routinely exercise our abilities and maintain our readiness to fight tonight."

PACAF command chief addresses Andersen Airmen

by Senior Airman Robert Hicks
36th Wing Public Affairs

2/15/2013 - ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam  -- The Pacific Air Forces command chief spoke to Airmen during an enlisted call here Feb. 12.

During the enlisted call, PACAF Command Chief Master Sgt. Steve McDonald discussed several topics, beginning with the Air Force's Comprehensive Airman Fitness initiative, which seeks to give Airmen the skills they need to overcome adverse or traumatic events in their lives. CAF consists of four main pillars: mental, physical, social and spiritual fitness.

Chief McDonald explained how the CAF program has master resiliency skills in place that serve as tools service members can use on a daily basis to help maintain resiliency.

The PACAF command chief moved on to address the suicide rate in the Air Force and the initiatives in place for suicide prevention, as well as securing more family time for Airmen.

Chief McDonald identified the severity of the issue of suicide in the Air Force and explained ways in which the military has tried to prevent suicide and provide help to service members throughout his 27-year career.

"No one knows what their darkest hour in life looks like. I know I don't, but sometimes people face this hour, and whatever it may be, you have to be prepared for it," he said. "Everyone must know their purpose and reason to press on before that darkest hour arises."

The chief also stressed the importance of service members and their families to the military and how senior leadership works to find ways for Airmen to spend more time at home with their loved ones.

"With every new addition that comes up, whether it's adding more training or changing the way we do things, senior leaders in today's force ask, 'What is this going to do with Airmen's time? How much time are they going to be losing with their families and how much extra time will they be spending at work?'"

In his parting words to Team Andersen, Chief McDonald talked about how impressed he was with the job the Airmen are doing within the Pacific area of responsibility.

Chief McDonald also provided an opportunity for Airmen to ask questions and have a discussion about the issues that are important to them.

"I'm always impressed by the Airmen," he said as he concluded his discussion with the Airmen. "The job you're doing here, with the strategic importance at Andersen and all the exercises and real-world missions you support, shows it's pretty important that you're here."