Dyess readiness tested, proven

by Airman 1st Class Damon Kasberg
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

4/15/2013 - DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Through rain, hail, heat and high winds, Airmen from throughout the 7th Bomb Wing tirelessly engaged in an Operational Readiness Exercise at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, April 8-11.

An ORE is one of many realistic exercises designed to test a base's ability to deploy at a moment's notice.

"It's a wing-wide inspection that involves almost every unit on base," said Master Sgt. Corey Riley, 7th Bomb Wing Plans and Programs. "This is a way to see if the wing is ready for contingency operations."

The first two days of the exercise were conducted as a Phase I exercise and the last two as a Phase II exercise.

"Phase one is all about getting the personnel and cargo to the deployed location," Riley said. "In Phase two, the scenario is that we've been at the deployed location for 'X' amount of days or months. The main difference is during phase one we see if we can get to base 'X' and during phase two we test our ability to survive and operate in a contested environment."

Once the exercise kicked into Phase II, Airmen traveled to Ray Rangel Air Base, Dyess' mock deployment location, where Airmen were tested on their ability to function in a deployed environment.

"For us, the purpose of this training was to act as a deployed medical facility," said Maj. Andrew Allen, 7th Aerospace Medicine Squadron. "We're practicing for a deployment where we have to go to an austere location and set up a few small tents to take care of an expeditionary force. When the base is attacked, we perform our alarm black or alarm red procedures, then we prepare for our casualties to come in. Once they've come in, we train on how to treat battle casualties."

While at Ray Rangel, Airmen faced many challenges in the form of injects, which are scenarios that can vary from unexploded ordinances to opposition forces attacking the base.

"There've been a variety of injects," said Senior Airman Tory Lyde, 7th Medical Operations Squadron. "We saw shrapnel in a sucking chest wound, allergic reaction to food, shrapnel to the lower legs, heat exhaustion, labor and delivery. We also had a mass casualty exercise, which was designed to overwhelm our facility and teach us how to prioritize and treat the most critical wounds first."

This kind of training gives new Airmen the opportunity to learn from seasoned servicemembers. It also sharpens skills that are implemented in a deployed environment and helps train Airmen to support and accomplish the Dyess mission which is to "provide dominant air power and combat support to combatant and joint force commanders... anytime, and anywhere!"

"I've learned quite a bit from my NCOs," said Airman 1st Class Zachary Shives, 7th Security Forces Squadron. "Even though I've had training, those guys have been in real-world situations. A lot of the things we're doing here now, they're doing overseas. It's good to see it firsthand, because we'll be able to take it overseas with us."

Exercises such as these not only prepare Airmen for deployments, but also prepares them for the Operational Readiness Inspection next year.

"A successful inspection and culture of compliance was one of my top priorities when I took command," said Col. Glen VanHerck, 7th Bomb Wing commander. "This exercise was a successful step forward in preparation for next year's ORI as well as providing our Airmen valuable training and experience for any contingency operation."

AFNORTH commander chooses new command chief

by Mary McHale
AFNORTH Public Affairs

4/11/2013 - TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region and 1st Air Force (Air Forces Northern) commander has chosen the command chief master sergeant from the 113th Wing, District of Columbia Air National Guard to be the next CONR-1 AF (AFNORTH) command chief.

Lt. Gen. William Etter chose Chief Master Sgt. Ronald Anderson Jr. who entered the Air Force in 1987. The chief has a background in vehicle and aircraft maintenance, recruiting and several assignments throughout the National Guard Bureau.

"The opportunity to serve the men and women of CONR-1st Air Force is incredibly humbling," Anderson said. "I am honored and looking forward to not only the opportunity to work at the numbered Air Force level, but more importantly to remain engaged in the defense of the homeland. Like my fellow 113th Wing Capital Guardians who have scrambled over 4000 times since 9-11, I understand the incredible responsibility of our no-fail mission. I will bring that steadfast mission focus to my new position."

As the command chief, Anderson's responsibilities will include advising the CONR-1 AF (AFNORTH) commander on matters regarding the health, morale and welfare of assigned enlisted personnel and their families. First Air Force is one of three numbered air forces assigned to Air Combat Command and has the responsibility of ensuring the air sovereignty and air defense of the continental United States (CONUS). As the CONUS geographical component of NORAD, it provides airspace surveillance and control and directs all air sovereignty activities for the continental United States.

"Given the outstanding caliber of applicants, this selection proved to be a challenging decision," said Etter. "But in the end, Chief Anderson is the right person and I very much look forward to working with this exemplary chief."

131st Bomb Wing Chaplain receives Samuel Stone Award

by Staff Sgt. Traci-lyn Payne
131st Bomb Wing Public Affairs

4/11/2013 - WHITEMAN AFB, Mo -- Chaplain Lt. Col. Michael T. Butler, 131st Bomb Wing, was recently awarded the 2012 Samuel Stone Award, recognizing him as the Chaplain of the Year for the Air National Guard.

"The Missouri National Guard is proud of Lt. Col. Butler and his service as chaplain with the 131st Bomb Wing," said Maj. Gen. Steve Danner, adjutant general of Missouri. "Chaplains have a key role in our warrior support and resiliency programs, which ensure our Soldiers and Airmen are able to complete their missions. To have Lt. Col. Butler recognized on the national level is a testament not only to his hard work, but to the dedication and professionalism of all of our chaplains."

The Samuel Stone Award is named for the late Chaplain Samuel Stone, the first recorded chaplain to serve in the militia of colonial America. The annual winner is chosen based on training accomplishments or contributions to mission support, exhibition of and enrollment in off-duty programs dedicated to professional self-improvement.

"This award is an impressive accomplishment that is so richly deserved," said Col. Michael J. Francis, 131st Bomb Wing commander. "Chaplain Butler's consistent passion and dedication to not only the mission, but the men and women he serves with, truly epitomizes the ideal Citizen-Airman."

Currently, Butler is deployed to the Transit Center at Manas AFB, Kyrgyzstan, serving as the wing chaplain. He volunteered for the 6-month deployment, which is a follow-on to his 13-month volunteer deployment to Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, as the wing chaplain and Catholic priest.

"I believe in the end, this award recognizes the 131st Bomb Wing's outstanding leadership and chapel team, not just myself as an individual," said Butler.

Ordained into the priesthood in 1989, Butler received his commission as a Catholic chaplain with the 131st Bomb Wing in 1991. In 2008, he joined the active-duty Air Force as the deputy wing chaplain, and later wing chaplain, at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. In 2010, he rejoined the 131st Bomb Wing where he serves on extended active duty.
"I love being a priest and I certainly am honored and privileged to be member of the Missouri Air National Guard," said Butler. "That is truly the best award I have received."

After his deployment, Chaplain Butler plans to return to the Archdiocese of St. Louis, where he is a priest, and to continue as a chaplain for the 131st at Whiteman.

180th FW serves Toledo's homeless

by Senior Airman William Winston
Public Affairs

4/14/2013 - Toledo, Ohio -- Volunteers from the 180th Logistics Readiness Squadron served dinner to more than 200 of Toledo's homeless on Feb. 25 at the Cherry Street Mission.

The 180th LRS increased the visibility of the Ohio Air National Guard in the Toledo area by working with the Cherry Street Mission Ministries to provide coats and meals for the homeless.

Established in 1947, the Cherry Street Mission Ministries provides services to help the less fortunate in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. This organization also supports two local homeless shelters: the Cherry Street Mission, a men's shelter, and the Sparrow's Nest, a females' shelter.

In November, the 180th LRS kicked off their volunteer efforts at Cherry Street Mission with a coat drive that replaced their annual holiday gift exchange. "At the end of the year we always do a gift exchange and people don't know what to get," said Senior
Master Sgt. Joy Chittum, 180th Fight Wing distribution flight supervisor.

Also, "everyone in LRS was receptive to the idea of the coat drive because it was for a good cause," said Senior Master Sgt. Annie Menchaca-Bratton, a Toledo native, and member of 180th HazMat Pharmacy. "Not to mention, it was the Christmas season."

"I had expected people to donate only a few coats, but every time I turned around the bin was full," said Chittum. "It was pretty amazing delivering the coats because the Cherry Street staff was so overwhelmed and amazed by the number of coats we gave. Seeing that made us feel good about what we were doing."

"LRS donated approximately 75 coats to Cherry Street Mission," said Lt. Col. Frank Dailey, 180th FW LRS commander.

Having walked away with good feelings, the members of the 180th LRS decided to donate their time again at Cherry Street Mission in February, during a week of annual training.

"We went to Cherry Street Monday, Tuesday and Thursday," said Chittum. "We fed the homeless two of the nights, and we did a non-perishable food drive on the last day."

When told they could be feeding up to 300 people, Menchaca-Bratton said, she felt overwhelmed initially. However, things went smoothly once they got to Cherry Street because of the good planning and coordination by leadership at LRS.

Furthermore, Menchaca-Bratton said, it was remarkable to witness the volunteers bringing food out to the women at the Sparrow's Nest, almost restaurant style. This moment was all about putting service before self, one of the Air Force core values. Those women were so appreciative of how our service made them feel special.

"When Rosilyn Goodwin, director of Stewardship Services at Cherry Street, first came out to give the 180th FW was in the area," said Chittum. "I think it is important to get out in the community to let them know we are here."

"The 180 FW has a proud history of supporting our local community through numerous events, volunteerism and donations," said Col. Steve Nordhaus, 180th FW commander. "We are committed to protecting and serving our nation at home and abroad."

LRS's community service work has inspired other squadrons at the 180th FW to get involved at Cherry Street Mission.

"The 180th must have had a huge impact on Cherry Street and Sparrow's Nest because they want us to come back," said Menchaca- Bratton. "Volunteering at Cherry Street Mission was something I had always wanted to do, and now it is something that I will continue to do."

Face of Defense: Army Trumpeter ‘Swings’ With Salvadorans

By Air Force Tech. Sgt. Mark Wyatt
U.S. Army South

SONSONATE, El Salvador, April 15, 2013 – Music provides many things to many cultures. It is important everywhere. But here in El Salvador, music is big. Really big.

New Hampshire Army National Guard Warrant Officer Sean Pinsonneault, the Joint Task Force Jaguar base operations officer in charge, performs during an evening concert with the Salvadoran Military District Six Band in Sonsonate, El Salvador, April 11, 2013. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Mark Wyatt   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

So, for a soldier from the New Hampshire Army National Guard, an opportunity to perform with the Salvadoran army band while here on a training mission was a big deal.

 

“I was invited to rehearse and perform with the Military District Six Band here on base,” said Army Warrant Officer Sean Pinsonneault, the Joint Task Force Jaguar Base operations officer in charge. “They are putting on a concert here for soldiers participating in Beyond the Horizon-El Salvador, and invited me to perform alongside their talented musicians.”

According to his Salvadoran counterpart, Pinsonneault was given an opportunity that has never happened before.

“It was a pleasure because it's the first time someone has joined us, to carry forward the art of music,” said Salvadoran army 1st Lt. Fabricio Hernandez.

Being able to read music is a universal language, Pinsonneault said.

“I speak very little Spanish, and they speak very little English. The beauty of music is that we speak a universal language,” said Pinsonneault. “I didn’t need to understand what the conductor was saying in Spanish, I knew what he meant just by his actions and by what the musicians next to me were playing, so I didn’t actually need to understand Spanish, I could understand his music.”

The Salvadoran conductor was grateful for the opportunity.

“We enjoyed it. We've never had such an experience,” Hernandez said. “We enjoyed the experience we've had with each other.”

Pinsonneault said he appreciated the opportunity to play with the Salvadoran military musicians.

“I was honored,” Pinsonneault said. “I was concerned about not playing my instrument for three months while assigned here, but having a band that I can actually practice with is amazing. So when they asked me to join them, I was honored to sit in with them.”

Pinsonneault and other U.S. service members are here as part of Beyond the Horizon-El Salvador 2013, an annual humanitarian and civil-assistance exercise. The exercise provides construction and medical assistance to partner nations throughout Central and South America and the Caribbean.

While in El Salvador, active duty, National Guard and Reserve service members will conduct civil-military operations, including humanitarian civic assistance and medical, dental and engineering support, and participate in cultural exchanges.

A trumpeter himself, Pinsonneault said he was impressed by the Salvadoran trumpet players.

“Their trumpet players are amazing,” he said. “They are really good. It was a little intimidating sitting next to them because of how good they play.”

A tradition with concert bands, the feature performance is a way to recognize talented musicians.

“The conductor of the band wanted me to play a solo on a song I didn’t know very well,” Pinsonneault said. “I tried to practice it, but I didn’t really know the song and didn’t have much time to practice it, so the conductor graciously chose a song I knew well, ‘In the Mood.’”

Later that night, the band performed for more than 150 Salvadoran and U.S. personnel at a local bazaar. The bazaar was an opportunity for the first rotation of BTH soldiers to experience some Salvadoran culture mixed in with American music.

“While U.S. soldiers were buying souvenirs at the bazaar, the Salvadorans chose American music to make us feel more at home while here building schools and providing medical and dental care to local communities alongside our Salvadoran partners,” Pinsonneault said.

The American military trumpet player said he would like to play with the Salvadorans again.

“I hope I get the opportunity to come back and perform again with their talented musicians,” Pinsonneault said. “I would really like to bring my [Army] band down here and have a cultural exchange with the bands. I think that it would be beneficial to my band and beneficial to the Salvadorans as well.”

Cyber Tops Intel Community’s 2013 Global Threat Assessment

By Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 15, 2013 – National security threats are more diverse, interconnected and viral than at any time in history, the director of national intelligence said last week in a statement for the record delivered to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

“This year, in content and organization, this statement illustrates how quickly and radically the world and our threat environments are changing,” James R. Clapper said in the statement’s introduction.

At the top of the U.S. intelligence community’s 2013 assessment of global threats is cyber, followed by terrorism and transnational organized crime, weapons of mass destruction proliferation, counterintelligence and space activities, insecurity and competition for natural resources, health and pandemic threats, and mass atrocities.

“This environment is demanding reevaluations of the way we do business, expanding our analytic envelope and altering the vocabulary of intelligence,” Clapper said in his statement.

The 30-page statement, based on information complete as of March 7, also lists threats in terms of regions such as the Middle East and North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, East and South Asia, Russia and Eurasia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Europe.

As the top-listed global threat, cyber is discussed in terms of increasing risk to U.S. critical infrastructure, the erosion of U.S. economic and national security, information control and Internet governance, and other areas.

“We judge that there is a remote chance of a major cyberattack against U.S. critical infrastructure systems during the next two years that would result in long-term, wide-scale disruption of services such as a regional power outage,” Clapper stated.

The technical expertise and operational sophistication needed for such an attack is out of reach for most actors, he added, and “advanced cyber actors like Russia and China are unlikely to launch such a devastating attack against the United States outside of a military conflict or crisis that they believe threatens their vital interests.”

But, he stated, isolated state or nonstate actors might deploy less sophisticated cyberattacks as a form of retaliation or provocation.

In terms of eroding U.S. economic and national security, the director said in his statement: “We assess that highly networked business practices and information technology are providing opportunities for foreign intelligence and security services, trusted insiders, hackers and others to target and collect sensitive U.S. national security and economic data.”

Such activities are allowing adversaries to close the technological gap between the U.S. military and their own, he added, slowly neutralizing a key U.S. advantage internationally.

In the area of online information control, he said, some countries, including Russia, China and Iran, focus on cyber influence and the risk that Internet content might contribute to political instability. The U.S. focus is on cyber security and the risks to network and system reliability and integrity.

This fundamental difference in defining cyber threats was a core part of discussions as countries negotiated a global telecommunications treaty in Dubai in December, Clapper said.

“The contentious new text that resulted led many countries, including the United States, not to sign the treaty because of its language on network security, spam control and expansion of the U.N.’s role in Internet governance,” the director added.

Negotiations showed that such disagreements will be long-running challenges in bilateral and multilateral engagements, he said.

“We track cyber developments among nonstate actors, including terrorist groups, hacktivists and cyber criminals,” Clapper noted, adding, “We have seen indications that some terrorist organizations have heightened interest in developing offensive cyber capabilities, but they will probably be constrained by inherent resource and organizational limitations and competing priorities.”

In Clapper’s statement to Congress, he said terrorism is divided into subcategories that include the evolving homeland threat landscape, the global jihadist threat overseas and its affiliates, allies and sympathizers in Iran and Lebanese Hezbollah.

Terrorist threats, the director observed, are in transition as the global jihadist movement becomes increasingly decentralized.

“The Arab Spring has generated a spike in threats to U.S. interests in the region that likely will endure until political upheaval stabilizes and security forces regain their capabilities,” Clapper said.

The nation also faces uncertainty about potential threats from Iran and Lebanese Hezbollah, which see the United States and Israel as their principal enemies.

For al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, attacks on U.S. soil will remain part of its transnational strategy and the group continues to adjust its tactics, techniques and procedures for targeting the West, Clapper said.
The intelligence community assesses that al-Qaida-inspired homegrown violent extremists will continue to be involved in fewer than 10 domestic plots per year and will be motivated by global jihadist propaganda to engage in violent action, he added.

For core al-Qaida, the director said, “senior personnel losses in 2012, amplifying losses and setbacks since 2008, have degraded that organization to a point that the group is probably unable to carry out complex, large-scale attacks in the West … [but] its leaders will not abandon the aspiration to attack inside the United States.”

Iran, North Korea and Syria figure prominently in the statement’s discussion of weapons of mass destruction.
“We assess Iran is developing nuclear capabilities to enhance its security, prestige and regional influence and give it the ability to develop nuclear weapons, should a decision be made to do so,” Clapper said.

“We do not know if Iran will eventually decide to build nuclear weapons,” he added.

North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missile programs pose a serious threat to the United States and to the security environment in East Asia, a region with some of the world’s largest populations, militaries and economies, the director said.

“North Korea’s export of ballistic missiles and associated materials to several countries, including Iran and Syria, and its assistance to Syria’s construction of a nuclear reactor, destroyed in 2007, illustrate the reach of its proliferation activities,” Clapper said.

“… Although we assess with low confidence that the North would only attempt to use nuclear weapons against U.S. forces or allies to preserve the Kim [Jong Un] regime,” he added, “we do not know what would constitute, from the North’s perspective, crossing that threshold.”

Syria has an active chemical warfare program and maintains a stockpile of sulfur mustard, sarin and the nerve agent VX. The intelligence community assesses that Syria has a stockpile of missiles, aerial bombs and possibly artillery rockets that can be used to deliver these agents, the director said.

“Syria’s overall CW program is large, complex and geographically dispersed, with sites for storage, production and preparation,” Clapper said.

“This advanced CW program has the potential to inflict mass casualties,” he added, “and we assess that an increasingly beleaguered regime, having found its escalation of violence through conventional means inadequate, might be prepared to use CW against the Syrian people.”

Some elements of Syria’s longstanding biological warfare program may have advanced beyond the research and development stage and may be capable of limited agent production, the director said.

Syria is not known to have successfully weaponized biological agents in an effective delivery system, he added, but it has conventional and chemical weapon systems that could be modified for biological agent delivery.

In this threat environment, Clapper said, “… The intelligence community must continue to promote collaboration among experts in every field, from the political and social sciences to natural sciences, medicine, military issues and space.”

He added: “Collectors and analysts need vision across disciplines to understand how and why developments -- and both state and unaffiliated actors -- can spark sudden changes with international implications.”

192nd Fighter Wing Fights the 'Aggressors' at Red Flag

by Master Sgt. Carlos J. Claudio
192FW Public Affairs

4/12/2013 - Langley Air Force Base, Va. -- The 192nd Fighter Wing pilots and maintainers recently put their skill and capabilities to the test. 42 members of the 192nd traveled with the 27th Fighter Squadron to Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada to participate in a three-week, large-force exercise known as Red Flag.

"Red Flag is a unique training opportunity that is intended to prepare our pilots to survive the first few days of combat in a major theater war," said Lt. Col. McAtee, pilot participant and 192nd Maintenance Squadron Commander. "Red Flag brings together a myriad of assets from the blue air side (or coalition forces) and the red air side (also known as "aggressors") to create giant, real life war games that involve many different aircraft types performing many different missions, all of which are choreographed to achieve specifics affects that emulate large-scale combat."

Red Flag missions were conducted during daylight hours and at night, and contained up to 100 aircraft, fighting to win control of the air space and accomplish their missions. The U.S. Navy, Marines and Britain's Royal Air Force also participated. Each mission was fought against approximately 40 to 50 enemy aircraft. These "Aggressors" are Nellis AFB permanent staff pilots who fly in camouflage-painted F-16s and F-15Cs to look like a threat-type aircraft. The mission of the Virginia Air National Guard team was to protect the blue forces from these aggressors and establish "air dominance" with their F-22 Raptors.

"We were responsible for protecting all of the airplanes out there so they were able to do their mission," explained McAtee. "Whether the airplanes were finding high-value targets, bombing pre-planned targets, finding mobile SCUD launchers, or conducting intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, we were responsible to make sure the aggressors didn't shoot any of them." McAtee said the F-22s successfully established dominance over the aggressors enabled the blue air to conduct their missions.

This is McAtee's fifth Red Flag exercise and although they don't use real bombs, he says a lot has evolved. Today's' modern aircraft and technology make aerial combat training extremely realistic with the use of training emitters and sensors.

"With the advent of data links and advance sensors on our airplanes, we have the ability to keep global situational awareness of what is going on around us and it's a huge advantage," McAtee said, "because the enemy aircraft don't have nearly this much awareness."

McAtee flew nighttime missions and put in some long days while he was there. The missions were complicated and usually involved an entire day of planning preceding each sortie. "Everyone gave it their all to launch and fly these missions. From the flight line and back shop maintainers, to the ammo, weapons and support personnel- it was a total team effort."

Aircraft maintainers in the low observables paint section made sure the aircraft were ready to fly.

"We tailored our swing shift around the flying schedule, so when the aircraft landed during my shift, it was my job along with two other active duty air force airmen to go out and perform OMLS (outer mold line) inspections of all the jets," said Master Sgt. David Buckley, 192nd FW maintenance squadron. "You're looking for any outward damage to the outside of the aircraft and to the coatings."

Master Sgt. David Dehart was the maintenance squadron non-commissioned officer in charge. This was his fourth time at Red Flag.

"As the maintenance squadron NCOIC (non-commissioned officer in charge), I coordinated with fabrication, accessories, fuels, NDI (non-destructive inspection), low observables, egress and other shops, to keep the jets flying."

The Virginia Air National Guard has flown the F-22 aircraft in Red Flag exercises since 2007.

Hagel Eliminates Distinguished Warfare Medal

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 15, 2013 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has eliminated the Distinguished Warfare Medal, DOD officials announced today.

Instead, the military will recognize service members who directly affect combat operations without being present through distinguishing devices that will be affixed to already existing awards.

Soon after being sworn in as defense secretary Feb. 27, 2013, Hagel asked Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to lead a review of the medal.

“The Joint Chiefs of Staff, with the concurrence of the service secretaries, have recommended the creation of a new distinguishing device that can be affixed to existing medals to recognize the extraordinary actions of this small number of men and women,” Hagel said in a written release.

“I agree with the Joint Chiefs’ findings, and have directed the creation of a distinguishing device instead of a separate medal,” Hagel said in the release.

Hagel added: “The servicemen and women who operate and support our remotely piloted aircraft, operate in cyber, and others are critical to our military’s mission of safeguarding the nation.”

The distinguishing devices will serve to recognize these service members’ achievements, he said.

The undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness will develop the award criteria in close coordination with the services and the Joint Staff, officials said.

DOD announced the creation of the Distinguished Warfare Medal Feb. 13, 2013.

“I’ve always felt -- having seen the great work that they do, day-in and day-out -- that those who performed in an outstanding manner should be recognized,” then-Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said during a news conference announcing the medal.

“Unfortunately,” Panetta added, “medals that they otherwise might be eligible for simply did not recognize that kind of contribution.”

Members of veterans’ service organizations and others objected to the Distinguished Warfare Medal, officials said. The medal’s order of precedence was to be just below the Distinguished Flying Cross and just above the Bronze Star. Some commentators objected that it would rank higher than the Purple Heart -- awarded to those wounded or killed in action.

“When I came into office, concerns were raised to me about the Distinguished Warfare Medal’s order of precedence by veterans’ organizations, members of Congress and other stakeholders whose views are valued by this department’s leadership,” Hagel said.

The distinguishing devices can be affixed to awards at different levels, so, once written, the criteria for the awards must reflect that, officials said. For example, the criteria for affixing a device to an Army Commendation Medal would be different than those for a Meritorious Service Medal -- a higher award.

Laughlin XLer earns NCO of the Year award

by Airman 1st Class John D. Partlow
47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

4/12/2013 - LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Tech. Sgt. Mitchell Valentine, 47th Operations Support Squadron NCO in charge of weather operations, earned the NCO of the Year award out of all weather operators in the Air Force.

The purpose of the award is to acknowledge Air Force military and civilian individuals and units for exceptional performance in the line of duty.

"I'm really excited I won the award," said Valentine. "I think this reflects well on the shop and the base as a whole."

Valentine, a native of Atlanta, Mich., has served in the Air Force for 12 years and has spent the last eight years in weather operations.

Valentine says the best part of his job as a weather operator is working with student pilots.

"Interacting with the student pilots lets you know how important your job can be," said Valentine. "These pilots usually have very little experience, so predicting the right weather for their flight is very important."

Tech. Sgt. Brian Aragon, 47th OSS NCOIC of weather systems and one of Valentine's coworkers, said the award could not have gone to a more deserving person.

"He's a hard charger," said Aragon. "Many things that were done here couldn't have been accomplished without him. In the short time he's been here, I've learned a lot from him."

One of Valentine's accomplishments was his creation of the weather page on Laughlin's official website to deliver accurate and up-to-date weather information to Team XL and the Del Rio community.

Valentine originally joined the Air Force for its educational benefits, but now plans to make the Air Force a life-long career.

As far as winning the award, Valentine credits the work to his coworkers and fellow Airmen.

"The shop has done all of the work behind this award," said Valentine. "I've had a lot of hard-workers around me and some great mentors."

Two Laughlin controllers named "Best in Command"

by 2nd Lt. Evan M. Ross
47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

4/12/2013 - LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Two air traffic controllers from Laughlin's 47th Operations Support Squadron earned Best in Command accolades from Air Education and Training Command for 2012.

Tech. Sgt. Donald Dalrymple, 47th OSS NCO in charge of air traffic control training, was named the best ATC trainer in AETC, and Staff Sgt. Benjamin Murphy, 47th OSS ATC watch supervisor, was named the best ATC of the year in AETC.

Both were lauded by their supervisors who submitted the paperwork for these men to be awarded.

According to his supervisors, Murphy, a former John Levitow Award recipient from Airman Leadership School, excels in more ways than just his job duties. He finished his associate's degree from the Community College of the Air Force recently with a grade point average of 3.9 and says that he plans to begin his bachelor's degree soon.

Murphy also, along with several other controllers, consistently embodies the Air Force's second core value by volunteering in the community and helping the needy.

The command singled Murphy out for his excellence in his job duties. Over the last year, Murphy coordinated and helped bring a safe conclusion to three emergencies requiring cooperation with local law enforcement agencies and aircraft in Laughlin's airspace.

Much like Murphy, Dalrymple has also been recognized by his supervisors and AETC for his excellence.

In his duties as NCOIC of ATC training, he has ushered in the lowest withdrawal rate from ATC training in AETC. The quality of training that Laughlin controllers receive allows more student controllers to get to Air Force standards than any other AETC base, which saves the Air Force money in additional training and reclassification of airmen.

During Laughlin's most recent Consolidated Unit Inspection, Dalrymple earned the title of "AETC benchmark" for ATC trainers due to his tireless efforts and adherence to standards.

His excellence in training also extends beyond ATC duties, however, as he also created his squadron's self-aid and buddy care medical training and tracking programs while supervising the training and qualifications for more than 90 airmen.

Dalrymple and Murphy were both quick to give the credit for these achievements to their coworkers instead of taking it for themselves.

"The team as a whole is responsible for everything we've been able to accomplish to this point," said Dalrymple. "The people I work with are great at their jobs, which makes my job a lot easier."

Chief Master Sgt. Howard Teesdale, chief of ATC, was quicker to give credit where credit was due.

"Both of these men are exactly what you want as a supervisor," said Teesdale. "They're excellent at their jobs, excellent role models for our younger men and women and truly embody all of our core values."

Performance program strengthens battlefield Airmen

by Tech. Sgt. Kristine Dreyer
353rd Special Operations Group Public Affairs

4/14/2013 - KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) -- "Humans are more important than hardware" is a saying heard continuously throughout the special operations community. One special tactics squadron has a facility that turns these words into action.

The 320th Special Tactics Squadron's Human Performance Training Center here offers battlefield Airmen an opportunity to ensure they remain mission-ready.

"Much like our aircraft have dedicated crew chiefs and our aircrews have flight medicine, our battlefield Airmen here in the Pacific now have their own dedicated team working to ensure they are in peak physical and mental condition," said Chief Master Sgt. Mark Smith, the senior enlisted manager at the 320th STS the senior.

The HPTC houses the Human Performance Program, which is part of Preservation of the Force and Family, a U.S. Special Operations Command initiative. The HPP focuses not only on physically strengthening a battlefield Airman, but also rehabilitating them to ensure they are performing to their maximum potential for as long as possible.

"While deployed, we are doing direct and close combat on a daily basis and that is the nature of our mission. We are extending ourselves, both body and mind, to the limit," said Maj. William White, the 320th STS commander. "We have got to do more to preserve the force, so we can continue to provide the same caliber of combat skills for years to come."

In an effort to preserve the force, the HPP includes a seven-person team of medical personnel who provide each STS Airman with an individual plan making this facility more than just a gym. The staff includes a physical therapist, social worker, operational psychologist, strength and conditioning coach, athletic trainer, physicians assistant, and a flight doctor. Each of these specialists ensure Airmen are constantly challenged or correctly rehabilitated.

"If I have one Airman who is running 12 miles an hour at a 15 percent incline, I need to be able to challenge him. If I have another who is coming back from an injury, I need to rehabilitate him," said Maj. Mark McElroy a physical therapist 320th STS. "With the equipment here like the force treadmill and the antigravity treadmill, I can individualize each workout, making each workout count."

As a combat controller who has deployed nine times, White knows how important this specialized approach is to the STS community. After his last deployment, his back issues finally caught up with him, he said. Even after surgery, his pain persisted. He also didn't see the improvement needed to continue meeting the demands of his mission.

"Structurally they fixed me," White said. "But without the proper rehabilitative workouts, it was just a band-aid that was covering up the problem."

Finally, White visited the athletic institute, which was used as a benchmark to create the program in the HPP.

"In just three-and-a-half weeks, I went from running assisted to completely healed," White said.

While this facility is a huge step in the right direction for the special tactics community, the program is just getting started.

"This facility is a bridge to the future," Smith said. "The long-term vision is to increase the size of the facility, so we can continue to preserve of force and enable the Air Force to ensure a continuum on its investment."

Global Strike announces 2012 Outstanding Airmen of the Year, Annual Operations Awards

by Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs

4/12/2013 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Air Force Global Strike Command announced its 2012 Outstanding Airmen of the Year, along with AFGSC Operations Awards, in the Global Strike Headquarters Building April 10.

"This is our opportunity today to recognize our top performers and top units in the command," said Lt. Gen. Jim Kowalski, AFGSC commander. "Our success as an Air Force and our success as a major command depend on success at the tactical level."

The winners were announced during the annual AFGSC Spring Commander's Conference via a virtual teleconference. Each winner was recognized in-person by leadership at their respective bases.

"When the Chief [of Staff of the Air Force] was here at Barksdale last week he talked about the nuke mission. He said that it's the backstop to everything that we do." Kowalski said. "For the winners, hopefully this award encourages you to be a leader and be the example of excellence."

Congratulations to the 2012 AFGSC Outstanding Airmen of the Year:

Outstanding Airman of the Year: Senior Airman Joseph C. Senteno, 2d Comptroller Squadron, Barksdale AFB, La.

Outstanding Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Tech. Sgt. Gregory L. Bailey, Jr., Headquarters Air Force Global Strike Command, Barksdale AFB, La.

Outstanding Senior NCO of the Year: Senior Master Sgt. Donald S. Gallagher, 620th Ground Combat Training Squadron, Camp Guernsey, Wyo.

Outstanding First Sergeant of the Year: Master Sgt. Christopher A. Owen, 5th Civil Engineer Squadron, Minot AFB, N.D.

Outstanding Honor Guard Member of the Year: Senior Airman Hope M. Dabney, 509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Whiteman AFB, Mo.

Outstanding Honor Guard Manager of the Year: Tech Sgt. Gary S. Wayland, 90th Force Support Squadron, F. E. Warren AFB, Wyo.

Congratulations to the 2012 AFGSC Operations Awards winners:

Brig. Gen. Frederick W. Castle Memorial Award for Outstanding Bomb Wing: 5th Bomb Wing, Minot AFB, N.D.

Col. Lee R. Williams Memorial Award for Outstanding Missile Wing: 90th Missile Wing, F. E. Warren AFB, Wyo.

Gen. Samuel C. Phillips Award for Best Overall Missile Squadron: 320th Missile Squadron, F. E. Warren AFB, Wyo.

Brig. Gen. Kenneth N. Walker Memorial Award for Best Overall Bomb Squadron: 69th Bomb Squadron, Minot AFB, N.D.

Maj. Charles J. Loring, Jr. Memorial Award for Best Overall Bomber Operations Support Squadron: 2d Operations Support Squadron, Barksdale AFB, La.

Col. Lowell F. McAdoo Award for Best Overall Operations Support Squadron with ICBM mission: 90th Operations Support Squadron, F. E. Warren AFB, Wyo.

Col. James P. Fleming Award for Best Overall Helicopter Squadron: 40th Helicopter Squadron, Malmstrom AFB, Mont.

320th STS facility strengthens battlefield Airmen

by Tech. Sgt. Kristine Dreyer
353rd Special Operations Group Public Affairs

4/11/2013 - KADENA AIR BASE, Japan  -- "Humans are more important than hardware" is a saying heard continuously throughout the special operations community. One special tactics squadron has a facility that turns these words into action.

The 320th Special Tactics Squadron's Human Performance Training Center offers battlefield Airmen an opportunity to ensure they remain mission-ready.

"Much like our aircraft have dedicated crew chiefs and our aircrews have flight medicine, our battlefield Airmen here in the Pacific now have their own dedicated team working to ensure they are in peak physical and mental condition," said Chief Master Sgt. Mark Smith, 320th STS senior enlisted manager.

The HPTC houses the Human Performance Program, which is part of Preservation of the Force and Family, a U.S. Special Operations Command initiative.The HPP focuses not only on physically strengthening a battlefield Airman, but also rehabilitating them to ensure they are performing to their maximum potential for as long as possible.

"While deployed, we are doing direct and close combat on a daily basis and that is the nature of our mission. We are extending ourselves, both body and mind, to the limit," said Maj. William White, 320th STS commander. "We have got to do more to preserve the force, so we can continue to provide the same caliber of combat skills for years to come."

In an effort to preserve the force, the HPP includes a seven-person team of medical personnel who provide each STS Airman with an individual plan making this facility more than just a gym. The staff includes a physical therapist, social worker, operational psychologist, strength and conditioning coach, athletic trainer, physicians assistant, and a flight doctor. Each of these specialists ensure Airmen are constantly challenged or correctly rehabilitated.

"If I have one Airman who is running 12 miles an hour at a 15 percent incline, I need to be able to challenge him. If I have another who is coming back from an injury, I need to rehabilitate him," said Maj. Mark McElroy, 320th STS, physical therapist. "With the equipment here like the force treadmill and the antigravity treadmill, I can individualize each workout making each workout count."

As a combat controller who has deployed nine times, White knows how important this specialized approach is to the STS community. After his last deployment, his back issues finally caught up with him. Even after surgery, the pain persisted.  He also didn't see the improvement needed to continue meeting the demands of his mission.

"Structurally they fixed me," said White, "but without the proper rehabilitative workouts, it was just a band-aid that was covering up the problem."

Finally, White visited the athletic institute, which was used as a benchmark to create the program in the HPP.

"In just three-and-a-half weeks, I went from running assisted to completely healed," said White.

While this facility is a huge step in the right direction for the ST community, they are just getting started.

"This facility is a bridge to the future," said Smith. "The long-term vision is to increase the size of the facility, so we can continue to preserve of force and enable the Air Force to ensure a continuum on its investment."

Air National Guard participates in AF Community Assessment

by Courtesy Story

4/12/2013 - JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- "We're listening" is the call from the Air Force Integrated Delivery System (IDS). The AF IDS is sponsoring the 2013 Air Force Community Assessment Survey. For the first time, the Community Assessment Survey will be administered to the Total Force: Active Duty members and their spouses, Reservists and their spouses, civilian employees, and for the first time, Air National Guardsmen and their spouses. The survey plays a key role in identifying where resources are needed most to enhance the well-being of the entire AF community.

The Community Assessment Survey will sample members of the Air Force at installations worldwide along with key Reserve Installations and Air National Guard Wings. Active duty members, Reservists, Guardsmen and civilian employees will be notified by e-mail to participate in this survey. Spouses will be contacted by postcard with an invitation to participate. Each invitation will include a link to the online survey. The anonymity of survey participants is assured as no personal identifying information is linked to responses. This means that no one - the Air Force, the government, nor the contractor - will be able to link any aspect of your responses to your personal identifiable information. The overall success of this survey relies on the full cooperation and participation of each survey respondent. Guardsman and spouses are strongly urged to take part in this important study.

"Everything we do depends on our people, the living engine of our Air Force. The entire Air Force leadership team is committed to doing all we can to support our Total Force Airmen and their families. We know that through your valuable input, the state of our Air Force will remain strong, ready and capable of delivering airpower, whenever and wherever the Nation calls."
-- Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley

Opinions and comments made from the previous waves of the Community Assessment Survey have directly influenced support activities and family services throughout the Air Force. The benefits of participating in the survey can influence policies and programs that directly impact services and support to members and their families. Policies and programs impacted by this survey include better financial counseling programs, increase support for Guardsman and their spouses, and reduction of ancillary training requirements, to name just a few of the benefits participation in this survey will produce.

We, ANG are listening, but we need you and your spouse to complete the survey.

If you have any questions regarding the Community Assessment Survey 2013, contact your Wing CAIB/IDS POC or Airman and Family Readiness Program Manager.

Face of Defense: ‘Simply Sammy’ Celebrates Nestico Legacy

By Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Amanda Simmons
“The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band

WASHINGTON, April 12, 2013 – Fifty years ago he joined the U.S. Marine Band, and this week legendary composer and arranger Sammy Nestico will return to the Washington, D.C., area for a concert celebrating his legacy as part of the Marine Band’s Living History concert series.

Sammy Nestico, former chief arranger with the Marine Band. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Amanda Simmons   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

At 2 p.m., Sunday, April 14, “The President’s Own” will present “Simply Sammy,” a concert featuring the music of the Grammy Award-winner Sammy Nestico, who also formerly worked as chief arranger for the Marine Band and arranger for Count Basie and Quincy Jones. The program will include music Nestico composed or arranged while he was a member of the Marine Band from 1963-68 and feature works for concert band, orchestra, and dance band.

 

“I’ve been wanting to do a Nestico concert for a number of years and thought this year would be perfect since we’re celebrating our 215th anniversary,” Marine Band Director Col. Michael J. Colburn said. “We’ve been highlighting various time periods and elements of Marine Band history, so I’m thrilled to revisit the ‘Nestico era’ as part of our 2013 showcase series.”

Throughout the performance, each selection will be introduced by a video clip of Nestico offering background information on the piece. He’ll share anecdotes about the 1940s swing era and his favorite memories as Marine Band arranger during President John F. Kennedy’s administration.

Program highlights include a Stephen Foster medley; the love theme from Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Scheherazade,” Victor Herbert selections, a medley of Henry Mancini’s popular hits and Jimmy Dorsey’s fast-paced “Oodles of Noodles,” featuring saxophone soloist Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Steven Longoria.

The concert will conclude with one of Nestico’s timeless arrangements -- The Marines’ Hymn, “Apotheosis.” Nestico summed up the “Apotheosis,” noting, “It’s not only bold but it’s also sad. It’s glorious. It’s beautiful.”

Nestico wrote the arrangement at the request of then-assistant director Capt. Dale Harpham for the Marine Corps’ birthday. A Marine brass ensemble premiered the piece at the National Cathedral here. During that performance, Nestico said, there was “not a dry eye in the house … because I give it my heart, a Marine’s heart.”

Nestico recalled: “I didn’t want to be John Philip Sousa, I want to be Sammy. So always in my music I want to make it sound like the Marine Band but there’s always a little bit of Sammy in there too. You put your own personality -- your heart is in there. … That’s the whole idea of being an arranger.”

By virtue of his arrangements and compositions, the name Sammy Nestico is familiar to concert band and jazz musicians around the world. And although his career with “The President’s Own” lasted only five years, the legacy of his talent continues to grow.

Nestico has collaborated and arranged for songwriters such as Johnny Mercer, Barbra Streisand, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and Phil Collins. He has orchestrated for major film studios such as Warner Brothers, Paramount, MGM, and Columbia. He has written for the Count Basie Orchestra, Glenn Miller Orchestra and other bands in Hollywood, and he has more than 50 television credits, including “Gomer Pyle,” “Hawaii Five-O,” and “Charlie’s Angels.” Based on his experience with the Marine Band, Universal Studios hired him to compose marches.

20th Century Fox hired him to write for the TV show M.A.S.H.; if “Hawkeye” or “Radar” turned on the radio, viewers heard Nestico’s big band arrangements in the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, stationed in Uijeongbu, South Korea. But Nestico is most proud of his 600 works published in the education field and played in schools.

“Sammy Nestico is one of the most talented and successful composers and arrangers in the field of band, orchestra, and dance band music, and we are very fortunate to have had him as a member of the U.S. Marine Band back in the 1960s,” said Marine Band Historian Master Gunnery Sgt. Michael Ressler. “In the years he was with us he created some of the most interesting, imaginative, and well-crafted arrangements in our repertoire. It will be a great celebration of one of the most talented musicians who ever wore our uniform.”

Even after more than four decades away from the nation’s capital, Sammy Nestico still has a special place in his heart for “The President’s Own.”

“The Marine Band is very, very important to me,” he said. “I walked a little taller when I was in the Marine Band. I’ve always been very proud to say I was a member.”

“Simply Sammy” is free and open to the public and will take place at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center at Northern Virginia Community College, 3001 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria, Va. Parking is available in the adjacent garage for a $6 fee.

Before the concert there will be a string quintet pre-concert performance in the lobby. Following the performance, Nestico will greet patrons in the lobby.

Reserve Red Horse unit has happy homecoming at Charleston

by Michael Dukes
315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office

4/12/2013 - JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Hundreds of family members and friends waited anxiously in a packed Joint Base Charleston Passenger Terminal for a 747 charter jet carrying nearly 100 Airmen from 560th Red Horse Squadron returning from a six-month deployment  April 11.

The Air Force Reservists have been deployed as part of the the 557th Expeditionary RED HORSE Squadron since November and were responsible for heavy construction projects at various Middle Eastern locations. This marks the first deployment for the newly formed squadron, which started operations on Nov. 1, 2008.

"These HORSEmen have done some amazing work," said Lt. Col. Joseph Swaim, 560th RHS commander. "Much of this could not be possible without the support of the family back home -- the wives, husbands, moms and dads that make things possible for these men and women to do what they did."

Reserve leadership was the first to welcome the troops back home. Col. James Fontanella, 315th Airlift Wing commander, and Command Chief Master Sgt. Gigi Manning joined Lt. Col. Swaim, and his 560th RHS chiefs, Chief Master Sgt. James Hampton and Chief Master Sgt. Tonya Blythe at the side of the jet. Col. Timothy Lamb, 622nd Civil Engineer Group commander at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga. Also was on hand to welcome the Airmen back home.

Family members holding up welcome home signs cheered as the first returning Airmen in red hats stepped out the jet's door and made their way down the stairs to the tarmac. One sign read: "We are so Proud of You Welcome Home," and another read: "We Miss Our Hero." Other signs and banners had similar cheerful messages--many, no doubt, made by the tiny hands of these Airmen's children. Tears of joy stained the cheeks of some of the loved ones as they jumped up and down waving.

"The difference that we're making in the world; you see it on the news, but to see it first hand, it's a terrific experience to be there and do it," said one of the returning Airmen Senior Airman Michael Crump as he held his two children in his arms. "I wouldn't say I want to do it often, but any time our country calls on us we'll be there."

"This is what we have been waiting on, it's fantastic," said Chief Master Sgt. Gregory Rice of the enthusiastic reception. "We really missed them and we are just ready to go and spend some good time with our family. It's good to be home."
Approximately two months into their deployment, the 560th RHS executed a critical $31 million construction program spanning from the Middle East to Central Asia. Projects included a tactical operation center, command and control infrastructure, strategic airlift ramp and fuel farm, emergency airfield repairs and several other facilities delivering mission and life-support functions across the U.S. Central Command area of operation.

Swaim said there were over 20 individual Red Horse construction projects distributed across eight different sites throughout Southwest Asia, with majority of the projects located in Afghanistan. The HORSEmen moved over 100,000 tons of dirt, maintained over and distributed over $20 million worth of materials, and performed many maintenance actions on Air Force Central Command's largest single-unit fleet worth $85.2 million.

"These HORSEmen have done some amazing work," Swaim added. "Much of this could not be possible without the support of the family back home. The wives, husbands, moms and dads that make things possible for these men and women to do what they did."

Red Horse squadrons are capable of rapid response and independent operations in remote, high-threat environments worldwide and provide heavy repair capability and construction support for the Air Force.

Austere runway ops validate C-17 combat capability

by Tech. Sgt. Rachel Martinez
376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

4/12/2013 - TRANSIT CENTER AT MANAS, Kyrgyzstan -- In 2009, the Air Force conducted semi-prepared runway operations testing at numerous airfields around the world where they found that the C-17 Globemaster III is capable of taking off and landing on 65 percent of the world's soil.

The capability to operate on semi-prepared airfields increases the C-17's ability to deliver much-needed cargo to forward deployed troops in Afghanistan, as was recently demonstrated by members of the 817th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron.

On March 26, 2013, the 817 EAS was tasked to deliver critical communications equipment to Forward Operating Base Farah in Afghanistan where the airfield is little more than dirt. While the aircrews deliver cargo to bases in Afghanistan on a daily basis, this was only the second time in the last year that the 817 EAS had been tasked with a SPRO mission.

"We train for it, and have procedures in our manuals on how to conduct SPRO, we just don't get to do it very often," said Capt. Cliff Caldwell, 817 EAS aircraft commander for the mission. "These missions are cool because they really validate the capabilities of the C-17."

There is extra preparation and precaution when it comes to conducting SPRO missions. Aircrews conduct careful pre-flight plan study and maintenance airmen prepare the jet for operating in dusty and austere environments. Waivers need to be coordinated through Air Mobility Command and, in this case, the cargo needed to be certified for airlift. Additionally, the austere location required security support from Phoenix Ravens, specially trained security forces personnel dedicated to providing support for AMC aircraft transiting airfields where security is unknown or additional security is needed to counter local threats.

Caldwell, who had conducted SPRO training at an airfield in the U.S., was the only aircrew member who had actually conducted such a mission. Despite the uniqueness of the mission, the other aircrew members said they were prepared for successful operations.

"We keep documents on these types of missions and that was a huge part of our mission review," said Capt. Chris Gilbert, 817 EAS pilot. "We were well prepared. Other than landing the aircraft on dirt, it was just another mission for us; and the jet performed really well that day."

With such proven combat capabilities, the 817 EAS continues to provide airlift as needed to meet warfighter needs.

20th AF turns 69

by Airman 1st Class Jason Wiese
90th Missile Wing Public Affairs

4/12/2013 - F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- Since 1944, the 20th Air Force has been one of the Air Force's most storied units.

The 20th AF was established to bring strategic bombardment against our enemy of the time, Japan.

Originally part of the Army Air Corps before the U.S. Air Force was created, the 20th began as the first non-sequentially numbered air force, that is, Army Air Corps leadership designated NAFs from one to 14, but when it came time to create a NAF for bombers like the Enola Gay they skipped straight to 20, said Capt. Daniel Newcomer, 20th Air Force director of intelligence.

"That, in and of itself, is significant," he said. "It let everyone know these guys were going to be different."

The unit's B-29 Superfortresses bombed Japanese Islands during World War II. Twentieth Air Force bombers, the Enola Gay and Bock's Car, brought an early end to the war after they dropped the first atomic bombs on Japan.

"After 18 years in the Air Force, this is one of the most storied units I've been in, and it has been an amazing experience," Newcomer explained. "I've enjoyed learning about all the hard work that goes into the mission. No one outside of the missile community really understands all the effort it takes to perform the strategic deterrence mission."

Maj. Gen. Michael Carey, the current 20th AF commander, said he is proud to be a part of 20th AF history.

"It's an honor," he said. "It characterizes all of the inspiring elements of command. To command the only fully generated nuclear force in the U.S. and the professional Airmen who conduct that mission every day and have done so for 42 years is amazing.

"When you look at the photos of the commanders who came before you and you see names like 'Hap' Arnold and Curt LeMay, you're in a good family line. You know you carry the same burdens they had and the accountability to Americans and their allies."

On this anniversary, it is a time to reflect on the history of the NAF and learn from it.

"You study and learn from the past," Carey said. "You bring in elements of the current environment to make sure you'll always be able to execute in the future, whether its missile field security, maintaining alerts or addressing crises like floods or fire. You can always learn from the past to improve your future situation."

Though it has come far from its original bombardment mission, the 20th AF is still an integral part of the U.S. nuclear deterrence force.

"Today, we're still uniquely trained, uniquely equipped Airmen," Carey said. " The only difference is we have ICBMs instead of B-29s."

Senior Defense Official Makes Case for BRAC to Congress

By Amaani Lyle
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 12, 2013 – The acting deputy undersecretary of defense for installations and environment and his service branch counterparts presented their military construction budget requests to Capitol Hill legislators here today and made a case for another round of base realignment and closure.

John Conger told the House Committee on Appropriations that the budget request allows the Defense Department to continue prudent investment in its infrastructure.

The DOD budget request, Conger said, allocates $11 billion for military construction, $10.9 billion for facility sustainment and restoration and $3.8 billion for environmental compliance and cleanup.
However, Conger said, the department needs “to find a way to strike the right balance, so infrastructure does not drain too many resources from the warfighter.”

Pentagon officials said the latest BRAC proposal stems from a DOD study issued in 2004 that indicated a 24-percent excess capacity in infrastructure amid constrained budgets and reductions in force structure.

“Then we had a BRAC round [in 2005, which] reduced approximately 3.4 percent of our … replacement value,” Conger said. “So as a consequence, we deemed there's still a lot of excess there.”

Significant force structure reductions followed, Conger said, including projected Army scale-backs of 80,000 personnel, Marine Corps reductions of 20,000 people and the Air Force’s paring of 500 aircraft since 2005. Consequently, there’s “significant evidence that we have excess [infrastructure] capacity,” Conger said.

“We need to be cognizant that maintaining more infrastructure than we need taxes other resources that the warfighter needs as well, from depot maintenance, to training, to bullets and bombs,” he said.

As DOD seeks ways to lower military construction and operating costs and invest in energy efficiency, Conger assured the committee members that BRAC is another method to reduce infrastructure costs to the department.

“The previous five rounds of BRAC are providing us with a recurring savings of $12 billion every year,” he said.

Conger also acknowledged skepticism that some members of Congress have about the need for another BRAC.

“In essence, our past investments in BRAC are paying for our entire [military construction] bill, and then some,” Conger said. “I think there's a good case for presuming another round.”

Secretary of the Navy Names Multiple Ships

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced today the names of seven ships: three joint high speed vessels (JHSV), the USNS Trenton, the USNS Brunswick and the USNS Carson City; an amphibious transport dock ship (LPD), the USS Portland; two littoral combat ships (LCS), the USS Wichita and the USS Manchester; and an ocean-class auxiliary general oceanographic research (AGOR) ship, the R/V Sally Ride.

"As secretary of the Navy, I have the great privilege of naming ships that will represent America with distinction as part of the fleet for many decades to come," Mabus said.  "These ships were all named to recognize the hard working people from cities all around our country who have contributed in so many ways to our Navy and Marine Corps team."

Joint high speed vessels are named for small American cities and counties that embody American values.  The future USNS Trenton (JHSV 5), named in honor of New Jersey's capital city, will be the fourth ship to bear this name.  Similarly, the USNS Carson City (JHSV 7) is the second naval vessel to be named in honor of Nevada's capital city.  The USNS Brunswick (JHSV 6) is the fourth naval vessel named for the seaport city in Georgia and recognizes its longstanding relationship with the Navy. 

Military commanders will have the flexibility to use the JHSV in a variety of roles to include supporting overseas contingency operations, conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, supporting special operations forces and supporting emerging joint sea-basing concepts.

The 338 foot-long aluminum catamarans are being constructed at Austal USA in Mobile, Ala., and are designed to transport 600 short tons 1,200 nautical miles at an average speed of 35 knots.  These vessels can operate in shallow-draft ports and waterways, providing U.S. forces added mobility and flexibility.  JHSVs are equipped with an aviation flight deck to support day and night air vehicle launch and recovery operations.  JHSVs have berthing space for up to 104 personnel and airline-style seating for up to 312.  

Amphibious transport dock ships are named for major American cities.  Mabus named the future USS Portland (LPD 27) in honor of Oregon's most highly populated city.  LPD 27 will be the third ship to bear this name.

The principal mission of Portland will be to deploy combat and support elements of Marine expeditionary units and brigades.  With the capability of transporting and debarking air cushion (LCAC) or conventional landing craft and augmented by helicopters or vertical take-off and landing aircraft (MV-22), these ships support amphibious assault, special operations, and expeditionary warfare missions.  The USS Portland will provide improved warfighting capabilities including an advanced command-and-control suite, increased lift capability in vehicle and cargo-carrying capacity and advanced ship survivability features.

Portland will be a San Antonio-class (LPD 17) amphibious transport dock ship, built by Huntington Ingalls Industries in Pascagoula, Miss.  The ship will be 684 feet in length, have an overall beam of 105 feet, a navigational draft of 23 feet, displace about 24,900 tons and capable of embarking a landing force of about 800 Marines.  LPD 27 will be capable of reaching sustained speeds in excess of 22 knots.

Littoral combat ships are named after great American communities. 

The littoral combat ships named for Wichita and Manchester recognize regionally beneficial cities that are also within the top five highly populated communities in their states.  The USS Wichita (LCS 13) is named in honor of Kansas' largest city and will be the third ship to bear the name.  The USS Manchester (LCS 14) will be the second ship named for one of New Hampshire's industrial centers.

Wichita and Manchester will be outfitted with reconfigurable payloads, called mission packages, which can be changed out quickly as combat needs demand.  These mission packages are supported by special detachments that will deploy manned and unmanned vehicles and sensors in support of mine, undersea and surface warfare missions.

These ships are designed to defeat growing littoral threats and provide access and dominance in the coastal waters.  A fast, agile surface combatant, the LCS provides the required war fighting capabilities and operational flexibility to execute focused missions close to the shore such as mine warfare, anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare.

Lockheed Martin with Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wis., will build the Freedom-variant, USS Wichita (LCS 13), which will be 388 feet in length, have a waterline beam of 58 feet, displace approximately 3,400 tons, and make speed in excess of 40 knots.  Austal USA in Mobile, Ala., will build the Independence-variant, USS Manchester (LCS 14), which will be 419 feet in length, have a waterline beam of 103 feet, displace approximately 3,100 tons, and make speed in excess of 40 knots.

Mabus named the future R/V Sally Ride (AGOR 28), which will be a Neil Armstrong-class AGOR ship, to honor the memory of Sally Ride, a professor, scientist and an innovator at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego.  Ride was the first woman and also the youngest person in space.  She later served as director of NASA's Office of Exploration.

Traditionally, AGORs are named for nationally recognized leaders in exploration and science.  The R/V Sally Ride is the first academic research ship to be named in honor of a woman.

"Sally Ride's career was one of firsts and will inspire generations to come," said Mabus.  "I named R/V Sally Ride to honor a great researcher, but also to encourage generations of students to continue exploring, discovering and reaching for the stars."

The ship will be a well-equipped modern oceanographic research platform that includes acoustic equipment capable of mapping the deepest parts of the oceans, and modular onboard laboratories providing the flexibility to meet a wide variety of oceanographic research challenges.  These make them capable of supporting a wide range of oceanographic research activities conducted by academic institutions and national laboratories.  The research vessel will be outfitted with multi-drive low-voltage diesel electric propulsion systems.  This upgraded system will help maintain efficiency while lowering maintenance and fuel costs.  

The Neil Armstrong-class AGOR ship will be 238 feet in length, have a beam length of 50 feet, and can operate at more than 12 knots.  AGOR 28 will be built by Dakota Creek Industries, Inc. in Anacortes, Wash.