Kadena NCO named FAPAC meritorious award winner

by Airman 1st Class Keith A. James
18th Wing Public Affairs

3/13/2013 - KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- An 18th Civil Engineer Squadron NCO was recently recognized by Pacific Air Forces for his superb efforts in serving the community.

Tech. Sgt. Erick Lizarraga, 18th CES structural craftsman, received the 2012 Federal Asian-Pacific American Council Military Meritorious Service Award.

The FAPAC award honors military members who have fostered an innovative and harmonic environment between the military, Asian-Pacific American civilian community and the Department of Defense mission , or whose attributes best epitomized the qualities and core values of their respective military service or DOD component.

"He's a very motivated noncommissioned officer; a natural born leader and an over achiever," said Master Sgt. Billy Cox, 18th CES vertical shop NCO in charge.

Lizarraga said he was honored to win the award and it spoke volumes to not only be nominated but to win. It allowed him the opportunity to represent his senior brothers and sisters and show what they're all about, he said.

In 2012, Lizarraga managed more than 45 military and local national employees in the construction and maintenance of 4,800 facilities worth $7.9 billion. He and his team completed more than 450 base civil engineer work requests totaling $521,000, which supported the wing's $225 million support and flying mission.

Ensuring Airmen and their families were safe, he and his team also assessed the damage and safety of base real estate and identified approximately 197 facilities needing repair after the typhoon Jelawat devastation.

Serving as a scoutmaster for the Boy and Girls Club of America, Lizzarraga trained 18 scouts and coordinated several community events where under his mentorship and guidance, his youth earned 16 field badges.

"I gained a whole new view on responsibility," Lizarraga said. "People in the community were relying on me and not being there wasn't an option. To see the look on those kid's faces who were looking up to me and the value that was instilled in them -- it was well worth it."

Cox said since Lizarraga arrived at the shop, he has improved processes and made things run a lot smoother. He is well on his way to a becoming a chief master sergeant in the Air Force, he said.

Oldest U.S. military flying unit celebrates centennial

by Senior Airman Shawn Nickel
9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs

3/12/2013 - BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  -- The 1st Reconnaissance Squadron at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., celebrated its 100th anniversary March 7-9 as the oldest flying unit in U.S. military aviation.

The squadron opened its doors to the base populace and special guests for tours, and two days of historical symposiums were held featuring former SR-71 Black Bird pilots, commanders and history experts.

In addition, a plaque was dedicated to the squadron at Heritage Park, and a military dining-out commemorated the event.

"It's an honor to be part of this historic occasion," said current 1st RS commander Lt. Col. Stephen Rodriguez. "We stand on the shoulders of giants here as we continue the proud tradition of providing [intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance] to war fighters."

One speaker at the symposiums, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Patrick Halloran, was one of the first pilots for the U-2 and SR-71. Halloran gave vivid descriptions of missions during the Cold War, training and being commander of the 1st RS.

"The U-2 and SR-71 are the biggest long-term contributors to the 1st," he said. "Those two airplanes made tremendous contributions to history, and I am proud to have been part of this outfit."

Paintings of 1st RS aircraft, unveiled for the Air Force Art Program, were donated and prints were sold during symposiums to help supplement the cost of the celebration.

"These presentations were a very interesting perspective into the history of the 1st RS and the history of aerial reconnaissance from some of the top experts in the field," said Col. (Ret.) Dave Pinsky, Pacific Coast Air Museum executive director and former 9th Reconnaissance Wing commander.

The plaque at Heritage Park rest in the shadow of an SR-71 static display and reads, "This site honors the men and women of the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron, oldest flying unit in the United States military, and commemorates its unbroken heritage since its founding on the 5th of March 1913."

The squadron has maintained an unbroken heritage from its founding. Originally organized in anticipation of a potential breach in security along the border between the U.S. and Mexico, General John Pershing directed the 1st Aero Squadron to become the first tactical aviation unit to participate in American military action.

The 1st RS has flown 47 different airframes while being stationed worldwide at 52 locations, including four stints at sea.

Col. Phil Stewart, current 9th RW commander, noted that the events were held without using Air Force funds, as funding came from registration fees, ticket fees, memento sales and donations.

"Much of this wouldn't have been possible without the donations from the local community, and the countless hours volunteers put into planning," he said. "I have never been more proud to be part of a celebration and am continuously impressed by our Airmen."

Hagel Orders Review of Sex Assault Case, Convening Authority

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 12, 2013 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has directed two separate reviews to ensure that the U.S. military justice system is appropriately protecting victims of sexual assault as well as dispensing justice to the accused, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said here today.

The orders are an outgrowth of a case against Air Force Lt. Col. James Wilkerson. Last year, a panel of military officers at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, found the colonel guilty of a sexual assault. The judge sentenced him to a year in prison and dismissal from the service.

Lt. Gen. Craig Franklin, the 3rd Air Force commander, was the convening authority for the court-martial and reviewed the finished case and sentence. The general reviewed the case over a three-week period and used his authority under Article 60 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice to dismiss the charges against Wilkerson.

“He concluded that the entire body of evidence was insufficient to meet the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt,” Hagel wrote in a letter about the case to California Sen. Barbara Boxer.

Dismissing charges like this is rare, officials said, but not unheard-of. A commander is not required to give a reason for the decision, and the commander’s decision is final.

Hagel ordered the Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley and Robert Taylor, the Defense Department’s acting general counsel, to review the case against Wilkerson. He asked them “to assess whether all aspects of the UCMJ were correctly applied and to make recommendations on how the convening authority’s decision in this case could be more transparent,” Little said. Their report is due back to Hagel on March 20.
Hagel also ordered the acting general counsel to conduct a review of Article 60 of the UCMJ -- the article covering the actions of the convening authority. Hagel is asking Taylor to provide an assessment of whether changes should be made in Article 60, and this assessment is due March 27.

Hagel has made it clear to military and civilian leaders that “eliminating sexual assault in the military is one of his top priorities,” Little said.

“Sexual assault is a serious crime that has no place in the department and he will not tolerate it,” he added. “Any member of the military that is convicted of sexual assault -- no matter his rank or position -- must be held appropriately accountable.”

U.S. service members must know that “they are protected from criminal assault by a system of laws that function promptly, fairly and justly,” Little said.

National Security Advisor Explains Asia-Pacific Pivot

By Amaani Lyle
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 12, 2013 – The strategic pivot toward the Asia-Pacific region will help to rebalance the projection and focus of U.S. power, President Barack Obama’s national security advisor said yesterday.

In a speech at the Asia Society in New York, Tom Donilon specified challenges the United States faces as its ties to the economic, strategic and political order emerging in the Asia-Pacific solidify.
The need to focus on regions that will shape global order in coming decades led the administration’s national security team to conduct a global, strategic assessment of U.S. priorities and make key determinations, Donilon said.

“It was clear that there was an imbalance in the projection and focus of U.S. power,” he said, adding that the president deemed U.S. military power to be over-weighted in the Middle East, yet under-weighted in regions such as the Asia-Pacific.

Further propelling the rebalance are leader and public interests in U.S. leadership, sustained attention to regional institutions and defense of international rules and norms across the Asia-Pacific region, he said.

Donilon said the United States will realize this vision by implementing a comprehensive, multidimensional strategy: strengthening alliances; deepening partnerships with emerging powers; building a stable, productive, and constructive relationship with China; empowering regional institutions; and helping to build a regional economic architecture that can sustain shared prosperity.
The shift in focus toward the Asia-Pacific region isn’t just a matter of military presence, he said. Rather, he added, it’s an effort to harness all elements of U.S. power: military, political, trade and investment, development and values.

In addition to continued participation in summits, bilateral meetings with leaders in Southeast Asia, and engagement with China at an unprecedented pace, the United States will ensure alliances in the region remain the foundation of the strategy, Donilon said.

“Our alliances are stronger today than ever before,” he said, noting military solidarity with Japan and South Korea, where new leaders are firmly committed to close security cooperation with the United States.

“It is clear that, as we look forward, maintaining security in a dynamic region will demand greater trilateral coordination from Japan, Korea and the United States,” Donilon said. He also cited long-standing alliances with Thailand and the Philippines to address counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Still, Donilon acknowledged the notion that difficult fiscal times have made some question the sustainability of the rebalance.

“After a decade of war, it is only natural that the U.S. defense budget is being reduced,” he said. “But make no mistake: President Obama has clearly stated that we will maintain our security presence and engagement in the Asia-Pacific.”

Specifically, he said, defense spending and programs will continue to support key priorities from the Korean Peninsula to strategic presence in the Western Pacific.

Sixty percent of the U.S. naval fleet will be based in the Pacific by 2020, Donilon said, and U.S. Pacific Command’s modern capabilities focus will shift to submarines, fifth-generation fighter jets such as F-22s and F-35s, and reconnaissance platforms.

“We are working with allies to make rapid progress in expanding radar and missile defense systems to protect against the most immediate threat facing our allies and the entire region: the dangerous, destabilizing behavior of North Korea,” he said.

An ongoing commitment to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula means the United States must protect its allies and deter North Korean aggression.

“It means the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula,” Donilon said. “The United States will not accept North Korea as a nuclear state, nor will we stand by while it seeks to develop a nuclear-armed missile that can target the United States.”

Donilon noted the international community has made clear there will be consequences for North Korea’s violation of its international obligations, and the U.N. Security Council approved new sanctions in response to North Korea’s recent provocative nuclear test.

“By now it is clear that the provocations, escalations and poor choices of North Korea’s leaders are not only making their country less secure, they are condemning their people to a level of poverty that stands in stark contrast not only to South Korea, but every other country in East Asia,” Donilon said.

Still, the United States will continue to encourage North Korea to choose a better path, Donilon said, emphasizing that North Korea must change its current course and respect international law.
“The United States is prepared to sit down with North Korea to negotiate and to implement the commitments that they and the United States have made,” he said.

Along with heightening a military presence in the region, U.S. policy will include close and expanded cooperation with Japan and South Korea, Donilon said. “The days when North Korea could exploit any seams between our three governments are over,” he said.

Donilon also underscored the importance of close U.S. coordination with China, whose interest in stability on the Korean Peninsula, he said, argues for a clear path to ending North Korea’s nuclear program. A deeper U.S. and China military-to-military dialogue, Donilon said, can address many sources of insecurity and potential competition.

“We need open and reliable channels to address perceptions and tensions about our respective activities in the short-term and about our long-term presence and posture in the Western Pacific,” he said.

Fostering alliances and continued military presence in the Asia-Pacific region has set the stage for the centerpiece of U.S. economic rebalancing, the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

The United States, Donilon explained, is crafting a high-standard agreement with Asia-Pacific economies from Chile and Peru to New Zealand and Singapore, and has grown the number of TPP partners to 11 with Vietnam, Malaysia, Canada and Mexico joining the partnership over the last four years.

“Together, these 11 countries represent an annual trading relationship of $1.4 trillion,” Donilon said. “The TPP is … attractive because it is ambitious, but achievable.” Overall, existing free-trade agreements around the world could account for more than 60 percent of world trade, he added.
The full potential impact of the Asia-Pacific pivot will require sustained commitment over the coming years, the national security advisor said. Ultimately, he added, the United States will work to uphold the universal rights of citizens in the Asia-Pacific and to ensure the region becomes a place where the rise of new powers occurs peacefully, with free access to sea, air, space, and cyberspace.

Hagel Directs Review of Distinguished Warfare Medal

By Amaani Lyle
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 12, 2013 – In light of recent discussions concerning the new Distinguished Warfare Medal and its order of precedence relative to other military decorations, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has ordered a review of the award, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said here today.

Little said Hagel directed Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to conduct the review and expects to make a decision about the medal’s fate after assessing the findings.

“Secretary Hagel consulted with the chairman, the Joint Chiefs and the service secretaries and knows that the decision to establish the medal was carefully and thoroughly analyzed within the Department of Defense,” Little said.

Opponents of the medal question the hierarchy of technology-driven warfare such as unmanned aerial vehicles, unmanned underwater vehicles, missile defense and cyber capabilities, as the operators may not be anywhere near a combat zone.

“Production of the medal has stopped,” Little said, adding that there are so far no nominations for it, allowing time to make a final decision.

Little noted that the secretary has a long history of involvement and membership with veteran service organizations, including a stint as head of the USO.

“He’s heard their concerns, he’s heard the concerns of others, and he believes that it’s prudent to take into account those concerns and conduct this review,” Little said. “His style as a leader is to be [decisive] and also to be a ready listener.”

U.S. Urges North Korea to Tone Down Threats

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 12, 2013 – U.S. and South Korean forces remain “postured for any contingency” on the Korean Peninsula, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said today as he called on North Korea to tone down its rhetoric and comply with its international obligations.

Little condemned North Korea’s destabilizing activities the day after North Korea declared that it had nullified the 60-year-old armistice agreement there.

“North Korea’s bellicose rhetoric and threats follow a pattern designed to raise tensions and to intimidate others,” Little told reporters at a Pentagon news conference.

“North Korea will achieve nothing by threats or provocation,” he added, saying they “will only further isolate North Korea and undermine international efforts to pursue peace and stability in Northeast Asia.”

Little reiterated President Barack Obama’s call for North Korea’s leadership to “choose the path to peace” and comply with its international obligations. The message from the U.S. government has been “clear and consistent for a very long time,” he said.

But Little acknowledged North Korea’s track record that shows an unwillingness to conform with the international community’s requirements -- through nuclear tests and most recently, a ratcheting up of threatening language.

“The fact of the matter is that their rhetoric is bellicose and the rhetoric is a bit too high,” Little said. “So let’s take this down a notch, I would say to them, and engage the right way.”

U.S. Forces Korea, and other U.S. troops from U.S. Pacific Command and about 10,000 South Korean forces are currently participating in the Key Resolve exercise that promotes their ability to work together to defend South Korea.

Little offered assurance that they are ready to fend off an attack, should one come.
“U.S. Forces Korea, working closely with our South Korean allies, remains postured for any contingency, and we stand ready to protect U.S. and South Korean interests,” he said.
 

Aircraft launch at Cope Tiger 13

by 2nd Lt. Jake Bailey
Cope Tiger 13 Public Affairs

3/12/2013 - KORAT ROYAL THAI AIR FORCE BASE, Thailand -- Aircraft from the U.S. Air Force, Royal Thai Air Force and Republic of Singapore Air Force launched operations here March 11 during Exercise Cope Tiger 13.

A multilateral effort is underway to execute airborne and land-based control of mission packages, electronic warfare, tactical airlift, search and rescue procedures, mission planning and in-flight interoperability.

Two joint teams consisting of flying forces from each participating countries are conducting air-to-air and air-to-ground combat missions using a variety of weapons systems.

During Cope Tiger 13, participating forces train together to improve coalition strike capabilities against transnational threats.

352nd SOSS shares medical knowledge with British Army

by Karen Abeyasekere
100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

3/12/2013 - STANFORD TRAINING AREA, England -- British Army Joint Tactical Air Controllers with the 19 Regiment Royal Artillery from Tidworth, Wiltshire, and 3 Battallion The Rifles, from Edinburgh, Scotland, learned about U.S. methods for treating combat injuries March 5 and 6, 2013, when U.S. Air Force personnel from the 352nd Special Operations Support Squadron Medical Element conducted combat medical refresher training at Stanford Training Area near Thetford, England.

The training enabled the U.S. and U.K. participants to share medical knowledge and information relating to combat injuries and treatment practices in a field environment, said Maj. Michael Hall, 352nd SOSS Medical Element chief of medical plans.

"We learned much from each other and found similarities in knowledge and information, but with some nuances in technique and equipment," Hall said. "It's the knowledge of these nuances that makes both parties better prepared to face injuries on the battlefield."

Working in conjunction with a U.K. exercise conducted at STANTA, Team Mildenhall members shared their expertise and medical knowledge, passing on many techniques to the British soldiers, including different positions for placing a tourniquet, and performing a needle decompression on a collapsed lung.

The 352nd SOSS Medical Element supports special operations forces in a medical capacity. They also provide medical coverage for the crew going out on missions.

"That's our main 'bread-and-butter,' for the (352nd) SOG," Hall said. "We also perform casualty evacuations, moving casualties from what could be the point of injury to hospital care, which is usually at a forward operating base or staging base where we have more medical assets."

These advanced medical assets are used to then stabilize and treat patients, preparing them for evacuation to safer areas.

"Our typical team is a special operations forces medical element; it's a three-person team consisting of a flight surgeon and two independent duty medical technicians," Hall explained. "The IDMTs (enlisted medics) are more of a 'super-medic,' because they have many certifications that your typical paramedic may not have."

Hall said because of the medical element, they like to train with U.K. special forces.

"We're sharing our knowledge with them in the hopes that when we're downrange together, we each have a knowledge and appreciation of the other's skills and training," the San Antonio native said. "One of the biggest things out in the field is that we don't know if we're going to be saving the life of a U.K., U.S., or other partner-nation soldier. At the same time, our forces don't know if they're going to have a U.S. or U.K. medic, or other partner-nation medic saving their lives - that's why it's important that we get out and get to know our partner nations and their medical capabilities and skills."

Hall emphasized how joint training is a force multiplier, establishing knowledge and trust between forces achieving a common goal.

During this training event, U.S. medics put the JTACs in different field scenarios, including having them under fire and coming across casualties. The medics then split into teams, each working together to provide immediate medical attention to those injured, firstly in the form of a mannequin, followed by the 352nd SOSS members role-playing as patients.

The British Army JTACs said they also appreciated the chance to learn from their American counterparts.

"The way things are going in Afghanistan has really identified the need to work within coalition forces," said Lt. Rob Fidler, 19 Regiment RA officer-in-command. "As JTACs, we work with different nations and for us this is a nice little 'cherry on the top' for our week's training (at STANTA), and I think this is the way it's going to go in the future.

"(Regarding our work method) - we get a casualty, we react, treat and move them off - the way (Americans) do it is very similar to how we do it," the British officer from Aberdeen, Scotland, said. "We've just come back from Afghanistan, but we're building up our training again as we move to the future; the way it's going to work is with other nations, so it seemed (wise) to bring these guys in."

Fidler said during the exercise at STANTA, he and his soldiers had been working with Fast Air and Apache helicopters.

"Working with Apaches is our core trade, but it's always good to mix it up," the JTAC said. "This week we've also been working with Typhoons and Tornados, all British aircraft, though from time-to-time we work with U.S. F-15s and F-16s."

The officer-in-command emphasized how the two nations working alongside each other can only be a win-win situation.

"Our training requirement is ever-ongoing and I see this as building up relationships and working with other nations," Fidler said. "The Americans are a massive resource, so (it's good) to tap into that, and also they're good fun. They want to work with the host nation and we want them to work with us."

Hall agreed.

"Camaraderie between forces is also a benefit of learning from each other as we did this week," the major said. "In the end, it's all about saving lives."

307th Bomb wing sits on precipice of history

by Master Sgt. Mary Hinson
307th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

3/11/2013 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- The 307th Bomb Wing will become the first nuclear certified Reserve wing if it successfully completes an Initial Nuclear Surety Inspection here March 14.

The 307th BW, tasked to support the 2nd Bomb Wing's nuclear and conventional missions through the auspices of the Total Force Initiative, will undergo five days of inspection to certify it is qualified to perform the U.S. Air Force nuclear mission.

Before a wing can have a certification to perform nuclear duties, they have to be identified by the commander of their major command as ready to undertake this mission, explained Col. Jon Ellis, commander of the 307th BW.

Inspectors from the Air Force Global Strike Command Inspector General office will perform process reviews and hands-on evaluations of the 343rd Bomb Squadron and 707th Maintenance Squadron. They will also conduct inspections of the 307th BW reservists assigned to the Command Post, Safety office, and those who administer the Personnel Reliability Program.

"This is a historic moment for our total force team," said Col. Andrew Gebara, 2nd Bomb Wing commander. "I appreciate all the hard work that has gone into preparing for this inspection to ensure the 307th BW receives its nuclear certification, further strengthening both our nuclear capability and the close partnership of our two wings."

With Reserve personnel already integrated into daily operations with the active duty 2nd BW, the 307th BW's successful completion of the INSI is only a first step. In June, the 2nd BW and the 307th BW will accomplish the Defense Nuclear Surety Inspection as an integrated team.

Initial preparation for the INSI began in 2011. The 307th BW conducted four Nuclear Surety Exercises in 2012, two NSEs in 2013, and hosted multiple staff assistance visits from the Air Force Global Strike Command Safety and PRP Functional, the AF Safety Center, and AFRC A3N (Nuclear Operations Branch) and safety throughout this time frame, said Maj. Ben Bowman, 307th BW chief of Safety.

According to Chief Master Sgt. Richard Young, maintenance superintendent of the 707th MXS, the MXS has been manning and preparing for the inspection for years. The squadron, who will have a four-member crew tested on an integrated weapons load, has been preparing with multiple loading exercises each week. In addition to the load test, all 31 PRP personnel in the 707th MXS will complete a written test proving their knowledge of the nuclear surety requirements and showing that all the preparation paid off.

"This is a must-not-fail environment. The INSI will prove we can thrive in this environment," added Col. Joe Jones, vice commander of the 307th BW and head of the 307th Nuclear Surety Inspection Steering Group.

As with anything new, seeing the idea come to fruition has been met with challenges, said Ellis. Since this is a first for the AFRC, Air Force Global Strike Command and the Steering Group have been working closely together to make sure the evaluation is designed to properly test the nuclear capabilities of the 307th personnel.

"We are working together very carefully to figure out the right answers," said Ellis. Once the 307th BW has completed the INSI and shown that it can be done, the process can be used as a model for other Reserve and Air National Guard units to achieve certification.

Carter Reassures Defense Industry Amid Budget Uncertainty

By Nick Simeone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 12, 2013 – Deputy Defense Secretary Ash Carter pledged today that the Pentagon will not allow a $46 billion cut in spending and uncertainty over future funding to keep it from focusing on challenges facing the nation even though the current fiscal situation will lead to “perverse, unsafe and wasteful consequences.”

While calling the current budget sequester and the continuing lack of a defense appropriation bill harmful to the entire defense industry, Carter sought to reassure defense industry representatives attending a conference here that the department intends to “think and act ahead of today’s turmoil” by making strategic budget decisions for the future.

“We must continue to look above and beyond this year to the future, to the great strategic transition that is before us and to providing the country the defense it needs for the amount of money that it has to spend,” he said.

That transition comprises ending more than a decade of conflict and shifting focus toward the Asia-Pacific region, “where America will continue to play its seven-decade-old pivotal stabilizing role in the future,” he said.

At the same time, Carter said, “threats to the United States have not been sequestered,” mentioning North Korea, Iran, cyber threats and al-Qaida.

Carter acknowledged the ongoing budget uncertainty likely will create “second-order effects” that will last for years, with one of them perhaps being a pivot of the defense industry itself.

“The act of sequestration and longer-term budget cuts and the prolongation of uncertainty could limit capital market confidence in the defense industry,” he said, adding that “companies may be less willing to make internal investments in their defense portfolios. “Some of them have certainly told me that,” he added.
A $46 billion across-the-board cut in defense spending through the Sept. 30 end of the fiscal year took effect March 1 after Congress failed to reach an agreement on how to reduce the federal budget deficit. As he has in the past, Carter predicted the impact the cuts will have on everything from military readiness across the force to furloughs for the department’s 800,000 civilian employees.

“[Defense] Secretary [Chuck] Hagel and I and the entire DOD leadership are committed to doing everything in our power under this deliberately restrictive law to mitigate its harmful effects on national security,” the deputy secretary said. But he called the sequester and the ongoing continuing resolution now funding government operations in the absence of a federal budget a “double absurdity.”

Barksdale dedicates building in memory of fallen hero

by Master Sgt. Sabrina D. Foster
2nd Bomb wing Public Affairs

3/8/2013 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- More than 100 Team Barksdale members, community leaders, family and friends, gathered at the Fitness Center March 8 to pay honor and tribute to the legacy of a hero who gave his all in the defense of his country.

The Fitness Center was officially renamed "The Senior Airman Bryan Bell Fitness Center" during a dedication ceremony.

Bell, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician assigned to the 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron, was killed Jan. 5, 2012, by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Col. Andrew Gebara, 2nd Bomb Wing commander, talked about the accomplishments of Bell.

"First and foremost Bryan was a member of the Deuce. In many ways when accomplishing his impressive feats he was a symbol of the 2nd Bomb Wing.

Now, I never met Bryan, but I wish I had. I've heard said that nobody ever had a better outlook towards life. He joined the Air Force in 2007, and in his four short years in the Air Force, Senior Airman Bell directly contributed to more than 209 successful counter-IED missions; cleared IEDs from an area of over 745 miles of supply routes; trained local Iraqi and Afghan units on CIED tactics, techniques, and procedures; earned the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, the Air Force Combat Action Medal, both the Air Force and Army Commendation Medals and the Purple Heart.

Bryan would do anything he could to help those around him, even if it meant putting aside his own needs and wants.

Men and women of the Barksdale family-that is why we are here today. Not to grieve over Bryan... to simply honor his sacrifice and his legacy by providing a way to remember Senior Airman Bell's example for years to come.

Future Airmen will walk through the front entrance of the Bell Center and see Bryan's picture and his bomb suit. They will learn of his legacy. When they do, they will remember Bryan as a man with a wonderful smile and the courage to tackle a tough job so that our nation could remain safe and free. I can't think of a better way to remember a man than that."

Senior Airman Candice Bell, Bryan's sister, stationed at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, shared remarks on behalf of the Bell family.

"Wow, this is an amazing turnout. I can't believe you all are taking time out of your busy schedule to be here," said Bell.

"Thanks to everybody who had anything to do with this. Even though it has taken a year, we still can't believe it, it's amazing and there are no words to express how much we thank you."

Candice recalled Bryan as a kind, loving individual who cared about those around him and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Because of his size, she referred to him as a "big, friendly giant."

After the remarks, Bell's family unveiled the new name on the side of the Fitness Center in big, brown, bold letters - "SrA Bryan Bell Fitness Center".

Immediately following the first unveiling, the crowd, led by Gebara and the Bell family, gathered at the main entrance of the facility to unveil the official Air Force memorial plaque that will be seen by thousands as they make their way in and out of the Bell fitness center.

The plaque, affixed to its permanent structure outside Building 3800 reads:

Bell Fitness Center
Named in Honor of
Senior Airman Bryan R. Bell
KIA Afghanistan, January, 5, 2012
A Courageous Gentle Giant....
Loved and Respected by All Whom He Touched

Dedicating a building does not happen overnight, and a lot of behind the scenes paperwork has to be accomplished in order to make this a reality.

In accordance with Air Force Instruction 36-3108, "The intent of the Air Force Memorialization Program is to provide lasting honor and pay tribute to deceased as well as living Air Force military and civilian personnel with records of outstanding and honorable service. This program also fosters favorable relations between the public and the Air Force. All memorializations should be carefully evaluated to ensure that only the most deserving persons are selected. These selections should bring honor and goodwill to the Air Force and local communities."

A memorialization request, along with a biography, supporting data reflecting the association of the person with the installation, a base map indicating the real estate (facility) considered for naming, and a memorandum from the wing commander or vice commander stating sources reviewed to verify the individuals background, and that no derogatory information was found that would preclude memorialization honors had to be submitted to Air Force Global Strike Command for this request to be considered.

"The idea to rename a building in Bell's honor was a collective decision," said Steven Vincent, 2nd CES deputy commander. "It involved the 2nd CES, 2nd Mission Support Group and 2nd Bomb Wing leadership."

AFI 36-3108 lists facilities on installations that may also be considered for memorialization such as clubs, libraries and service centers, but the Fitness Center held the most significance to rename in Bell's honor.

"The Fitness Center was chosen because it is an extremely visible facility," said Vincent. "Virtually every active duty member as well as many civilians and retirees visit the facility on a regular basis. Also, fitness is of paramount importance to the EOD mission. These two factors made it an obvious choice in honoring the first combat fatality from the 2nd Bomb Wing since World War II."

All gave some, but Senior Airman Bryan R. Bell, gave all. Gone, but not forgotten. His legacy will live on forever at Barksdale Air Force Base.

First sergeants find value in Air Guard's Warrior Network

by Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith
I.G. Brown Training and Education Center

3/8/2013 - MCGHEE TYSON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Tenn. -- When Chief Master Sgt. Michael Kennedy wanted to communicate to more than 800 first sergeants across the Air National Guard as their functional manager this week he turned to the I.G. Brown Training and Education Center.

The Center told him, no problem.

Its Media Engagement Division and "Warrior Network" here broadcast Kennedy live from an anchor desk, in high definition. They set him up in a state-of-the-art video broadcast, while at the same time fielded questions to him via email, text and phone.

Subject matter experts and top Total Force leaders were also connected in live via high definition video teletraining systems or telephonically, creating a virtual conference that was pushed out to all of the Air Guard's first sergeants.

If that's not enough the broadcast went out via satellite to the entire Air Guard, nationwide, through base cable networks and directly to some Airmen's desktop computers.

Maybe best of all, it cost Kennedy's department little more than a plane ticket and a hotel stay for one.

"I think we are capturing all the facets here at this jewel and really making it sparkle today," said Kennedy. "It's very cool, and I'm pretty excited about it."

The Warrior Network and its dedicated satellite television system beams out to all of the Air Guard's sites, for a total of 186 downlinks, for the purpose of delivering news, command information and professional training, among other creative uses.

Managers of the advanced television studio network said the recent fiscal constraints are proving the value of having a combined physical and virtual campus with conferencing capabilities.

It's a center of learning that has grown toward its golden age for decades.

"I think the Warrior Network is at the start of a level of usage that has not been seen," said Maj. Gabe Johnson, division chief. "It's cost effective ... really the only travel is for you to come to TEC, your audience doesn't have to go anywhere, and that's a huge benefit."

As the physical school house and satellite campus for the Air Guard's enlisted academies, members at the Center are working hard to serve the field with innovation and technology to "be the all-encompassing place for knowledge, comprehension and application levels of learning," said Johnson.

Having been a participant in the Center's satellite Noncommissioned Officer Academy back in the '90s, Kennedy said he knew right away the Air Guard was "bringing a very unique perspective to professional training."

"Working with the crew here and what they bring to the fight every day, it's just quality, bar none," said Kennedy.

The award-winning media team consists of Air Guard and Air Force active duty Airmen on special assignment, as well as civilian studio engineers and technicians.

Every duty day, the studio broadcasts its signature "Minuteman Report" - a news story from the field - to the National Guard as well as to the Department of Defense's Pentagon Channel and American Forces Network, reaching millions of viewers around the world.

The studio is preparing to deliver the next Airman Leadership School via satellite to sites all across the nation on Monday. The Air Guard's Senior Leadership Conference was broadcast live through the studio, and Chief Master Sgt. James W. Hotaling, command chief of the Air Guard, recently recorded and broadcast his introductory message to the field here.

Johnson said the Center and its Warrior Network see endless opportunities for innovative communications for all of the service components and Departments.

"At the very basic level we are willing to work with customers to put out computer-based training or a recorded video, all the way up to producing interactive broadcasts and hosting campus workshops and classrooms with live coverage," said Johnson.

"This is our third time using the Warrior Network," said Kennedy. "It's a low-cost, high impact way to reach 100 percent of our Wings."

Kennedy said he once brought a cadre of instructors here, even the Air Guard's command chief, who was scheduled to broadcast with him that afternoon.

"I can hold a Total Force broadcast here with just a few phone calls and speak to the entire Air Force, worldwide," said Kennedy. "To me, that's just an awesome venue to take advantage of."

North Korea Nullifies Armistice, Key Resolve Kicks Off

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 11, 2013 – U.S. and South Korean forces kicked off the annual Key Resolve exercise today, with the North Korean army’s supreme command reportedly responding by nullifying the armistice agreement that has maintained peace on the Korean Peninsula for six decades.

Army Gen. James D. Thurman, commander of Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea, opened the annual combined and joint command post exercise today, calling it “a critical exercise in strengthening the readiness of combined Republic of Korea and U.S. forces.”

The exercise, which will continue through March 21, begins during a particularly tense time in Korea. North Korea, angered by tighter sanctions the U.N. Security Council approved in response to its latest nuclear test in February, has increasingly ratcheted up its threats over the past week to invalidate the armistice agreement.

Today, the North Korean press reported that “the U.S. has reduced the armistice agreement to a dead paper.” North Korea also reportedly cut off a phone line between North and South Korea that provided immediate communication when required to reduce tensions.

Meanwhile, under scenarios developed for Key Resolve 2013, more than 3,000 U.S. participants are working with about 10,000 of their South Korean counterparts to hone the skills necessary to defend South Korea. This, officials said, includes improving the operational capabilities of combined U.S. and South Korean forces, coordinating and executing the deployment of U.S. reinforcements and maintaining South Korean military combat capabilities.

Key Resolve is part of an ongoing effort to increase the alliance’s readiness, protect the region and maintain stability on the Korean Peninsula, officials said. U.S. Pacific Command, which is heavily involved in Key Resolve 2013, plans to participate in naval training exercises around Korea and other activities to improve the alliance’s capacity to deter aggression, they reported.

Thurman declared this year’s exercise a major step in advancing the alliance. “This year is particularly important, because it is the first time the [South Korean] Joint Chiefs of Staff have planned and executed this combined exercise,” he noted. “In doing so, they are taking great strides to assume wartime operational control of forces in December 2015.”

Swedish and Swiss Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission observers are on the ground to monitor the exercise to ensure it complies with terms of the armistice agreement, officials said. Five United Nations Command states also are participating: Australia, Canada, Colombia, Denmark and the United Kingdom.
Foreign ministers from 27 European Union nations are meeting in Brussels today to discuss a range of diplomatic issues, including imposing fresh sanctions on North Korea for its latest provocations.

Thurman emphasized last week the importance of the armistice that has kept an uneasy peace on the peninsula since it ended Korean War hostilities in 1953.

“For 60 years, the armistice agreement has ensured peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula,” he said in a statement released from the South Korean capital of Seoul. “It concerns me when any signatory to a mutual agreement makes a public statement contrary to that agreement..

“As the UNC commander, I am charged to fully enforce the conditions of the armistice,” Thurman continued. “The success of the armistice has enabled the Republic of Korea to become a vibrant democracy, and we remain ready to defend the Republic of Korea.”

435th FTS and 12th OSS bring home AETC Top Ops Awards

by Capt. Ashley Walker
12th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

3/8/2013 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas  -- The 435th Fighter Training Squadron and 12th Operations Support Squadron were recognized as Air Education and Training Command Top Operations Squadrons for 2012.

"We can all be proud of their outstanding accomplishments," said Col. David Morrissey, commander of the 12th Operations Group. "The 12th Operations Group exists to forge the world's best remotely piloted aircraft pilots and sensor operators, fighter candidates, and flight instructors. The 435th is integral to that mission, and sets the standard for the 12th Flying Training Wing and AETC. It doesn't happen without the world-class support provided by the 12th Operation Support Squadron. Both of these squadrons are shining examples of what the 12th OG does every day - Airpower's Blacksmith, forging aviators for our great nation."

The 435th Fighter Training Squadron earned the title of Top Operations in the fighter category and went on to be named the overall Top Operations Squadron for all categories in all of AETC.
The 435th FTS, which conducts initial Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals instructor and student training, was honored for their seamless integration of 20 aircraft into their squadron and a 41 percent increase in flying following the consolidation of the IFF program in 2012.

Undeterred by the consolidation initiative and 30 percent of their officers deployed, the squadron went on to earn an "Outstanding" rating during AETC's aircrew standardization and evaluation visit and an "Excellent" rating during AETC's combined unit inspections. The 435th FTS also transitioned to a new syllabi hallway through the program to eliminate 54 sorties total and save $162,000 in the flying hour program.

"The 435 FTS is exceptionally honored to even be considered for these awards," said Lt. Col. Ki Jackson, 435th FTS commander.

"We recognize that no one organization earns such accolades by itself; multiple organizations contributed to these accomplishments, including the 12th FTW Maintenance Directorate and the 12th OSS, among others," he said. "The total force of Active Duty, Reservists, and Civilian workforce provide a world-class combination in the 12th FTW and in the 435th FTS. We are humbled by these AETC honors."

The 12th Operations Support Squadron was named the AETC Top Operations Squadron in operations and training support category.

The 12th OSS is responsible for simulator training, scheduling, air traffic control, airfield management, flight records, registrar, weather, airspace management, international training and aircrew flight equipment for all 12th Operations Group training.

During the award period the 12th OSS supported more than 38,000 flying hours and 27,000 sorties for five different squadrons, three unique aircraft and three airfields. Their air traffic control towers are the busiest in the Air Force with more than 220,000 flying operations per year. The towers were also recognized as Ray D. Harding ATC Facility of the Year. The hard work of the 12th OSS was also recognized with an "Excellent" rating in the 2012 AETC's CUI.

"We are extremely humbled to be selected as the number one of 21 operations and training support squadrons in the command for 2012," said Lt. Col. David Nyikos, 12th OSS commander. "I'm very proud of the men and women of the 12th OSS. The award is a testament to their experience and professionalism shown each and every day."

AETC commander presents Duckworth Award to 558th FTS

by Capt. Ashley Walker
12th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

3/8/2013 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO - RANDOLPH, TEXAS  -- Gen. Edward Rice Jr., commander of Air Education and Training Command, presented the 2011 Col. Joseph B. Duckworth Annual USAF Instrument award to the 558th Flying Training Squadron here March 8.

The award recognizes an individual or unit who has made the most significant contribution to aerospace instrument flight over the previous year. Submissions usually include new or improved flight instructional methods, use of existing equipment, aircraft instrumentation, and development of equipment.

The 558th developed a flight training program that satisfies Federal Aviation Association and International Civil Aviation Organization requirements for instrument flight. The evolutionary training program leverages existing joint primary pilot training courseware and extensive use of simulators. The remotely piloted aircraft instrument qualification team was chosen for their efforts in developing the first pilot instrument qualification course for RPA operations.

"When undergraduate RPA training was first developed students were able to use existing T-6 simulators that all undergraduate pilot training students use, but as the number of RPA pilot students increased the simulator time became scarce," said Lt. Col. Scott Cerone, 558th FTS commander.

In 2011 the subject matter experts in the 558th FTS teamed with SimiGon to develop and improve a flying training device, or FTD, that would meet the squadron's training needs. The FTD they developed was not only certified by the FAA as a level five training device, it was built at less than one tenth the cost of a traditional flight simulator.

"Our FTDs cost the Air Force $270,000 versus a traditional T-6 simulator which has a price tag of $3 million and it still provides a level of fidelity where traditional flight requirements can be accomplished," said Cerone.

Cerone credits the squadron's expert instructors with the evaluation and operational development of the FTD and its FAA certification.

"The device we developed has capabilities that are almost like a traditional aircraft yet costs less than a simulator," said Chris Schweinsberg, 558th FTS lead civilian simulator instructor.
"This process took more than a year to design and implement with an additional three months of evaluation and improvements," said Schweinsberg. "Our civilian simulator instructor team continued to work with SimiGon to improve simulated aircraft handling, T-6 flight modeling and avionics, graphics, and hardware improvements."

"We are very fortunate to have a motivated instructor cadre who believe there is always room for improvement," said Schweinsberg of his team who are all former Air Force instructor pilots, who flew aircraft ranging from the F-4s and F-111s, to the MC-130, B-52 and C-17.

"This is a tremendous honor for the squadron and all credit goes to the instructors of the 558th FTS and their dedication to the mission," said Cerone.

"This advancement of instrument training is a testament to the high caliber training that occurs here. Our instructor cadre is innovative and looks for every opportunity to drive forward and push the boundaries of training. We are honored that General Welsh acknowledged the efforts of our instructors."

While presenting the award to the 558th FTS, Rice commented "Job exceedingly well done. You not only represent your squadron, but the wing and AETC well as you continue to produce quality pilots and aviators."

Andersen saves $25 million with contamination cleanup concept Posted 3/10/2013 Updated 3/11/2013 Email story Print story Share by Senior Airman Robert Hicks 36th Wing Public Affairs 3/10/2013 - ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- The 36th Civil Engineer Squadron Environmental Flight is currently working on containing contamination to protect the environment at Site 14 on Andersen Air Force Base. The site, located in the southeastern corner of the base, was contaminated with harmful substances such as polychlorinated biphenyl and asbestos since the 1970s when it was used for a construction waste site. The cleanup effort is estimated to be completed later this month. "Before we started the project, our biggest worry was if the contaminated soil had gone over the cliff edge and infected the marine biology below," said Gregg Ikehara, 36th CES environmental restoration manager. "We did find some small concentrations of PCBs in the fish tissue, but it did not trigger any risk to the occasional fisherman." Ikehara added that the Site 14 area is part of the Pati Point Preserve, which means certain activities, such as fishing, are restricted to protect coral reef habitats and aquatic animals such as fish. After brainstorming about ideas to do away with the contaminated soil, the environmental flight developed a cost-effective plan that would save the Air Force millions of dollars. All of the affected soil was removed from Site 14 and buried in an engineered cell at an on-island base consolidation unit and sealed to prevent further contamination. Rather than sending the soil back to the U.S. for processing, the environmental flight saved the Air Force approximately $25 million, Ikehara said. After the affected soil was removed, they sloped dirt around the original area and constructed a trench to divert storm water away from the site, so as not to risk trace amounts of contaminated soil flowing over the edge of the cliff. During the early 1990s, the Environmental Protection Agency identified Andersen on the National Priorities List. Since then, Andersen has been mandated by Congress to have a remedy in place for 80 sites by 2014. The National Priory List identifies known releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants throughout the United States and its territories. The sites on Andersen consist of chemical weapons storage areas, landfills, firefighting training areas and other items that can affect the environment through releases or mishaps. Restoring sites here has been an ongoing process since 1993. Including the restoration to Site 14 Team Andersen is down to its final eight sites. The expected completion date of those remaining eight sights is 2014. "Team Andersen is fully dedicated in protecting the environment by promoting conservation and sustainable actions throughout the 36th Wing," said Joe Vinch, 36th CES Environmental Flight chief. "Environmental stewardship is everyone's responsibility."

by Senior Airman Robert Hicks
36th Wing Public Affairs

3/10/2013 - ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam  -- The 36th Civil Engineer Squadron Environmental Flight is currently working on containing contamination to protect the environment at Site 14 on Andersen Air Force Base.

The site, located in the southeastern corner of the base, was contaminated with harmful substances such as polychlorinated biphenyl and asbestos since the 1970s when it was used for a construction waste site. The cleanup effort is estimated to be completed later this month.

"Before we started the project, our biggest worry was if the contaminated soil had gone over the cliff edge and infected the marine biology below," said Gregg Ikehara, 36th CES environmental restoration manager. "We did find some small concentrations of PCBs in the fish tissue, but it did not trigger any risk to the occasional fisherman."

Ikehara added that the Site 14 area is part of the Pati Point Preserve, which means certain activities, such as fishing, are restricted to protect coral reef habitats and aquatic animals such as fish.

After brainstorming about ideas to do away with the contaminated soil, the environmental flight developed a cost-effective plan that would save the Air Force millions of dollars.

All of the affected soil was removed from Site 14 and buried in an engineered cell at an on-island base consolidation unit and sealed to prevent further contamination. Rather than sending the soil back to the U.S. for processing, the environmental flight saved the Air Force approximately $25 million, Ikehara said.

After the affected soil was removed, they sloped dirt around the original area and constructed a trench to divert storm water away from the site, so as not to risk trace amounts of contaminated soil flowing over the edge of the cliff.

During the early 1990s, the Environmental Protection Agency identified Andersen on the National Priorities List. Since then, Andersen has been mandated by Congress to have a remedy in place for 80 sites by 2014.

The National Priory List identifies known releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants throughout the United States and its territories.

The sites on Andersen consist of chemical weapons storage areas, landfills, firefighting training areas and other items that can affect the environment through releases or mishaps.

Restoring sites here has been an ongoing process since 1993. Including the restoration to Site 14 Team Andersen is down to its final eight sites.

The expected completion date of those remaining eight sights is 2014.

"Team Andersen is fully dedicated in protecting the environment by promoting conservation and sustainable actions throughout the 36th Wing," said Joe Vinch, 36th CES Environmental Flight chief. "Environmental stewardship is everyone's responsibility."

Dyess maintainer named 2012 AMC crew chief of the year

by Airman 1st Class Charles V. Rivezzo
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

3/11/2013 - DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas  -- Staff Sgt. Jamie Febus, 317th Maintenance Squadron, was recently named one of three Air Mobility Command crew chiefs of the year.

"I am honored and privileged to represent the 317th Maintenance Squadron as their crew chief of the year," Febus said. "Working alongside my fellow maintainers would definitely be why I enjoy coming to work. I couldn't have done much without their help, and it shows as we see how the maintenance we perform takes off and lands safely. They're always a pleasure to work with."

As a top member in one of the Air Force's premier mobility units, Febus played a critical role in transitioning the 317th AG from the C-130H to the C-130J, as well as generating more than 500 sorties with an 88 percent mission capable rate.

"My primary duties are the supervision and organization of great maintenance on the flightline," the Augusta, Ga., native said. "Also, since I serve as a flying crew chief, I'm considered a jack of all trades for the aircrew. I need to be able to diagnose and troubleshoot any issues that may happen while we are flying or off-station."

"I'm very proud of Jaime for all the hard work he did to support our mission," said Col. Walter H. Ward, 317th Airlift Group commander. "Through his dedication to the culture of Airman excellence and putting the mission and team first, he received a significant individual recognition."

As an AMC nominee, Febus will go on to compete for the prestigious Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Thomas N. Barnes Award, which is awarded to the Air Force's crew chief of the year at the Air Force Association National Convention later this year in Washington, D. C.

USO honors two Scott reservists

by Public Affairs
932nd Airlift Wing

3/10/2013 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill -- Two members from the 932nd Airlift Wing were honored by the USO of Missouri during their ninth annual "Armed Forces Salute" event that was held March 7 in St. Louis.

Master Sgt. Kelly Lawless, is a senior weather forecaster assigned to the 12th Operational Weather Flight.  Staff Sgt, Blake Witte, an explosive ordnance disposal specialist,  is assigned to the 932nd Civil Engineer Squadron.

Lawless and Blake were among 13 area servicemembers who were recognized by the USO of Missouri as among "the best and brightest" military men and women. 

Lawless was recognized for excellence in her military duties and her community service.  As a senior forecaster, Lawless lead a 24-member team that supports commanders, aircrews and ground forces for the past four years. Her community involvement includes being a Brownie troop leader, serving breakfast to the needy at her local church and mentoring young gardeners and the base teen center. 

Witte, as an EOD specialist, successfully executed 90 combat missions, helped mitigate 42 improvised explosive devices and removed 3,500 pounds of explosives from the battlefield, while deployed to Afghanistan.  Additionally, while deployed, Witte received the Air Force Combat Action Medal. for having been under hostile fire and engaging hostile forces with lethal fire during military operations.  He also was named as the 932nd Airlift Wing NCO of the Year for 2012. 

Navy EA-6B Crash Kills Three in Washington State (Updated 2 p.m. PST)

From Naval Air Forces Public Affairs

CORONADO, Calif (NNS) -- All three crew members aboard a Navy EA-6B Prowler jet assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 129 (VAQ-129) at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash., were killed when the aircraft crashed this morning in an unpopulated area approximately 50 miles west of Spokane, Wash.

The names of those killed in the crash will not be released until 24 hours after family members have been informed.

The aircraft was conducting a training flight prior to the crash.

A safety investigation is underway to determine the cause.

Japanese officers: Columbus' pilot training is 'impressive'

by Senior Airman Chase Hedrick
14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

3/8/2013 - COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Two Japanese Air Self-Defense Force officers visited Columbus AFB Feb. 26 to 28.

Col. Masaharu Iwaoka and Maj. Satoru Oshima of the Personnel and Education Department traveled from Japan to gain a better understanding of the Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Mission here.

"It was great; a very useful experience," said Iwaoka after touring training facilities and meeting with commanders, instructor pilots and Japanese students in training here.

The JASDF colonel said the system for pilot training at Columbus AFB is impressive, noting the base's consolidated training process as a point of interest.

"In Japan one base has one kind of airplane so we need to move the students across bases," he said. "In Columbus there are three kinds of aircraft so it's very easy for students to study. "

Select students from Japan are trained through Foreign Military Sales, a program that allows allies to train their student pilots alongside U.S. Air Force student pilots using an identical syllabus.

"I really appreciate the United States Air Force's hard work to give the students a better education," said Iwaoka. "The system of education here is very good for students; it improves both their skills and motivation."

Currently nine JASDF student pilots are training at Columbus AFB. A portion of the visit was dedicated to allowing those students to speak with Iwaoka and Oshima about the training environment and their experiences so far.

"The Japanese students here said that they really appreciate not just the instructor pilots but also the supporting personnel," said Iwaoka. "They especially appreciate their U.S. classmates, who are always taking care of Japanese students and studying with them to help teach concepts."

It is interactions between classmates in the international training environment at Columbus AFB that will strengthen the countries' joint operations he said.