by Staff Sgt. Abigail Klein
931st Air Refueling Group
6/13/2014 - MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- With
the arrival of the new KC-46 Pegasus tanker on the horizon, many
McConnell Air Force Base Reserve pilots are already well-acquainted with
the new airframe.
Several traditional Reservists within the 18th Air Refueling Squadron
work regularly as commercial pilots and are already qualified by the
Federal Aviation Administration to fly the KC-46 in its derivative form,
the Boeing 767-200. With approximately 15 traditional Reservists who
work as commercial airline pilots, the 18th ARS has the luxury of prior
767 airframe experience within their ranks.
"With a new aircraft, there will be a large learning curve for everyone,
including pilots and boom operators, but after the extensive training
program and a check-ride, all of our pilots will be extremely qualified
on the KC-46," said Lt. Col. Eric Vitosh, 18th ARS commander. "The
pilots that already have Boeing 767 experience will be able to share
numerous techniques on how to fly the jet more efficiently."
In addition to familiarity, the KC-46 will offer 18th ARS pilots a wider
range of flying capabilities than the aircraft it will eventually
replace, the more than 50-year-old KC-135 Stratotanker. It is 15 to 20
percent larger than the KC-135 and can be configured to carry 58
passengers, 54 aeromedical patients or 18 cargo pallets.
The KC-46 will feature a Boeing 767 cockpit, which is the latest and
most technologically-advanced cockpit Boeing produces, said Vitosh.
Engine and flight displays are large LCD screens compared to the
original 767, which has a similar display to the one currently found in
the KC-135.
Along with the to the updated technology in the cockpit, the handling of
the KC-46 will be easier on 18th ARS pilots as well, said Col. Paul
Wietbrock, 931st ARG deputy commander. Wietbrock, a traditional
reservist, has flown the 767 for Delta Airlines for seven years.
"The KC-46 is a bigger, heavier airplane, with bigger landing gear and
bigger motors, but it actually handles a lot lighter and is more
responsive than the KC-135," he said. "Along with adjusting to the
controls, the KC-46's larger frame will enable aircrews to stow cargo,
and serve as a force multiplier for McConnell's already critical role in
the air-to-air refueling mission both stateside and overseas."
While making the transition to the new KC-46 airframe may seem daunting,
the challenge of flying a variety of aircraft is not new for pilots
within the 18th ARS, even those who have never flown its derivative
form. The 18th ARS currently includes former KC-10 Extender, C-17
Globemaster, E-6B Mercury, E-3 Sentry and B-1 Lancer pilots, said
Vitosh.
"That's what is truly great about the Air Force Reserve," said
Wietbrock. "We can bring this flying experience to the Air Force. It's
an exciting time for McConnell, and we are very fortunate to have so
much of this experience [in the 18th ARS], which will make for a smooth
transition to the KC-46."
Monday, June 16, 2014
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Big plane lands on small runway
by Army Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Cossel
California National Guard
6/13/2014 - PASO ROBLES, Calif. -- Nearly 18 months of training, planning, and praying paid off in droves June 8 when a massive C-17 Globemaster from Travis Air Force Base, California, landed in the midday hours at Paso Robles Municipal Airport.
"This is the first time ever an aircraft this large has touched down at this airfield," explained Chief Warrant Officer 5 David Clark, Camp Roberts Aviation Officer.
With the historic landing, Camp Roberts moved one step closer to being the California National Guard's preeminent power projection platform. While the aircraft was empty, the landing validated the concept of moving a large number of troops in a short amount of time and landing them safely at Paso Robles airport, a small municipal airport some 15 miles from Camp Roberts.
Located in central California, traveling to Camp Roberts for the majority of California National Guard units involves long hours behind the wheel in large convoys. Long convoy operations bring a whole host of problems for commanders, ranging from clogging the highway infrastructure to increased risk of accidents and breakdowns.
"What this brings to leaders of the Cal Guard is the ability to load nearly an entire battalion of Soldiers from anywhere in the state and get them quickly to Camp Roberts," Clark stated.
According to the manufacturer, Boeing, the C-17 is capable of carrying a 160,000-pound payload, or just a bit more than one M1/A2 Abrams main battle tank. More practical in the event of a state emergency, a C-17 can transport up to 26 Humvees.
In addition to moving Soldiers quickly, transporting Soldiers by air negates the need for long convoys clogging up the California roadways and gives commanders more of one of their most precious resources--time.
"If I can get those guys on that aircraft," Clark said as he pointed to the C-17, "commanders are using less of their time getting their units to Camp Roberts and more of it training or responding to a state emergency."
Before Clark and his team could witness the landing, the pilot said an intensive engineering study of the Paso Robles Airport was required. For that, Clark looked to his friends in the active U.S. Air Force, specifically the 301st Airlift Squadron out of Travis Air Force Base.
"The engineering study ended up benefiting both the California National Guard and the city of Paso Robles," said Clark.
With no recent study of the airport's landing capabilities, Clark explained the city can now market their airfield to large aircraft.
"This is definitely an economic boon for the city," he said.
Increased mobility, economic boon and other practical matters aside, one employee of the airport after witnessing the landing and taking a tour of the aircraft descended the steps of the C-17 and noted, "Man! That was freaking cool!"
California National Guard
6/13/2014 - PASO ROBLES, Calif. -- Nearly 18 months of training, planning, and praying paid off in droves June 8 when a massive C-17 Globemaster from Travis Air Force Base, California, landed in the midday hours at Paso Robles Municipal Airport.
"This is the first time ever an aircraft this large has touched down at this airfield," explained Chief Warrant Officer 5 David Clark, Camp Roberts Aviation Officer.
With the historic landing, Camp Roberts moved one step closer to being the California National Guard's preeminent power projection platform. While the aircraft was empty, the landing validated the concept of moving a large number of troops in a short amount of time and landing them safely at Paso Robles airport, a small municipal airport some 15 miles from Camp Roberts.
Located in central California, traveling to Camp Roberts for the majority of California National Guard units involves long hours behind the wheel in large convoys. Long convoy operations bring a whole host of problems for commanders, ranging from clogging the highway infrastructure to increased risk of accidents and breakdowns.
"What this brings to leaders of the Cal Guard is the ability to load nearly an entire battalion of Soldiers from anywhere in the state and get them quickly to Camp Roberts," Clark stated.
According to the manufacturer, Boeing, the C-17 is capable of carrying a 160,000-pound payload, or just a bit more than one M1/A2 Abrams main battle tank. More practical in the event of a state emergency, a C-17 can transport up to 26 Humvees.
In addition to moving Soldiers quickly, transporting Soldiers by air negates the need for long convoys clogging up the California roadways and gives commanders more of one of their most precious resources--time.
"If I can get those guys on that aircraft," Clark said as he pointed to the C-17, "commanders are using less of their time getting their units to Camp Roberts and more of it training or responding to a state emergency."
Before Clark and his team could witness the landing, the pilot said an intensive engineering study of the Paso Robles Airport was required. For that, Clark looked to his friends in the active U.S. Air Force, specifically the 301st Airlift Squadron out of Travis Air Force Base.
"The engineering study ended up benefiting both the California National Guard and the city of Paso Robles," said Clark.
With no recent study of the airport's landing capabilities, Clark explained the city can now market their airfield to large aircraft.
"This is definitely an economic boon for the city," he said.
Increased mobility, economic boon and other practical matters aside, one employee of the airport after witnessing the landing and taking a tour of the aircraft descended the steps of the C-17 and noted, "Man! That was freaking cool!"
22nd STS Airmen rescue injured mountain climber
by Staff Sgt. Russ Jackson
62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
6/12/2014 - JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- Two Airmen from the 22nd Special Tactics Squadron out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord risked their lives to rescue an injured climber from Mount Rainier May 28, 2014.
Second Lt. Ryan McQuillan, 22nd STS officer in charge weapons and tactics, and Master Sgt. Kim Brewer, 22nd STS NCO in charge of weapons and tactics, are the only two service members at JBLM who had the proper skills to answer the call.
At 8 a.m. that day, the 22nd STS was contacted by the 214th General Support Aviation Battalion at Fort Lewis about an injured mountain climber who was in need of an evacuation that would require her to be hoisted up to a Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter.
McQuillan trained side-by-side with pararescuemen in Afghanistan in 2005 on a high altitude rescue team working hoist and litter operations from heights up to 15,000 feet.
Brewer is an expert mountain climber who has summited Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Adams numerous times each.
Together, they were the right combination for such a specific rescue attempt.
The CH-47 flew the men to Disappointment Cleaver on Mount Rainier where the injured climber and her group were waiting. The steep grade of the mountain made it too dangerous for the Airmen to hoist down at that point, so they were flown 500 feet higher up the mountain where they were able to start the evacutaion.
"Brewer went down the hoist first and secured himself to the mountain with his ice axe," McQuillan said. "Since the angle was so steep he had to pound in a picket and anchor in before releasing from the hoist.
"When I hit the ground, we roped up, came up with a quick plan and then broke down our anchors. It was a quick 500 foot down climb to say the least."
Once they reached the patient, McQuillan checked her vitals while Brewer began building anchors for them to tie into before breaking from their ropes. The patient was alert enough for McQuillan to assist her onto the hoist, allowing her to ascend to the helicopter alone.
As soon as they hoisted the patient off the mountain, small bands of clouds began passing through their location giving them clear visibility, then no visibility, repeatedly.
Brewer spoke to the helicopter pilots about their hoist extraction, planning to send up one at a time. Since the weather was rapidly getting worse, the pilot wanted them to climb 500 feet back up the mountain.
McQuillan and Brewer squashed that idea immediately.
"We asked the pilot if he was 100 percent sure he could hoist both of us off the mountain before the weather got too bad," said McQuillan. "He wasn't and since there was no way we were going to leave only one guy up there we made the call to climb down together with the hope to extract at Camp Muir."
Once the helicopter departed the mountain, the Airmen linked up with the Mount Rainier guide who had been with the patient. The three climbers made their way past Disappointment Cleaver and eventually to Camp Muir. There, they were able to rest, eat and get some water, which they would need, as the weather was still too bad for the helicopter to evacuate them from the mountain.
That only left one option for McQuillan and Brewer.
They had climb the rest of the way down Mount Rainier to the Paradise visitor center, alone, in high winds, snow, freezing rain and visibility of less than 20 feet.
"Since we were on our own, we took our time going down and did one long halt to check the map and global positioning system," McQuillan said.
After the strenuous trek in the extreme conditions and about 6 hours after their initial drop in, the Airmen arrived safely at the Paradise visitor center.
They were met by a National Park Service officer who drove the men to Kautz Heli-base where they were finally able to link up with the helicopter and fly back to JBLM.
The Airmen were relieved to be safely off the mountain but they were happier to be able to help someone in need of aid.
"It was a good feeling to be able to help out a fellow climber who had gotten injured on the mountain," Brewer said.
This mountain rescue proved to be another example of the range of skills members from the 22nd STS possess.
"It's definitely a good feeling to be part of something like this," said McQuillan. "We established a good relationship with the national park service, we're creating a good capability within our squadron, and we're helping out the local community as well."
Chief Master Sgt. Jeff Guilmain, 22nd STS superintendent, echoed McQuillan's words. "I'm proud of our team's performance during this joint rescue operation and I'm excited that our unique capabilities were useful in helping this distressed climber."
62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
6/12/2014 - JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- Two Airmen from the 22nd Special Tactics Squadron out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord risked their lives to rescue an injured climber from Mount Rainier May 28, 2014.
Second Lt. Ryan McQuillan, 22nd STS officer in charge weapons and tactics, and Master Sgt. Kim Brewer, 22nd STS NCO in charge of weapons and tactics, are the only two service members at JBLM who had the proper skills to answer the call.
At 8 a.m. that day, the 22nd STS was contacted by the 214th General Support Aviation Battalion at Fort Lewis about an injured mountain climber who was in need of an evacuation that would require her to be hoisted up to a Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter.
McQuillan trained side-by-side with pararescuemen in Afghanistan in 2005 on a high altitude rescue team working hoist and litter operations from heights up to 15,000 feet.
Brewer is an expert mountain climber who has summited Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Adams numerous times each.
Together, they were the right combination for such a specific rescue attempt.
The CH-47 flew the men to Disappointment Cleaver on Mount Rainier where the injured climber and her group were waiting. The steep grade of the mountain made it too dangerous for the Airmen to hoist down at that point, so they were flown 500 feet higher up the mountain where they were able to start the evacutaion.
"Brewer went down the hoist first and secured himself to the mountain with his ice axe," McQuillan said. "Since the angle was so steep he had to pound in a picket and anchor in before releasing from the hoist.
"When I hit the ground, we roped up, came up with a quick plan and then broke down our anchors. It was a quick 500 foot down climb to say the least."
Once they reached the patient, McQuillan checked her vitals while Brewer began building anchors for them to tie into before breaking from their ropes. The patient was alert enough for McQuillan to assist her onto the hoist, allowing her to ascend to the helicopter alone.
As soon as they hoisted the patient off the mountain, small bands of clouds began passing through their location giving them clear visibility, then no visibility, repeatedly.
Brewer spoke to the helicopter pilots about their hoist extraction, planning to send up one at a time. Since the weather was rapidly getting worse, the pilot wanted them to climb 500 feet back up the mountain.
McQuillan and Brewer squashed that idea immediately.
"We asked the pilot if he was 100 percent sure he could hoist both of us off the mountain before the weather got too bad," said McQuillan. "He wasn't and since there was no way we were going to leave only one guy up there we made the call to climb down together with the hope to extract at Camp Muir."
Once the helicopter departed the mountain, the Airmen linked up with the Mount Rainier guide who had been with the patient. The three climbers made their way past Disappointment Cleaver and eventually to Camp Muir. There, they were able to rest, eat and get some water, which they would need, as the weather was still too bad for the helicopter to evacuate them from the mountain.
That only left one option for McQuillan and Brewer.
They had climb the rest of the way down Mount Rainier to the Paradise visitor center, alone, in high winds, snow, freezing rain and visibility of less than 20 feet.
"Since we were on our own, we took our time going down and did one long halt to check the map and global positioning system," McQuillan said.
After the strenuous trek in the extreme conditions and about 6 hours after their initial drop in, the Airmen arrived safely at the Paradise visitor center.
They were met by a National Park Service officer who drove the men to Kautz Heli-base where they were finally able to link up with the helicopter and fly back to JBLM.
The Airmen were relieved to be safely off the mountain but they were happier to be able to help someone in need of aid.
"It was a good feeling to be able to help out a fellow climber who had gotten injured on the mountain," Brewer said.
This mountain rescue proved to be another example of the range of skills members from the 22nd STS possess.
"It's definitely a good feeling to be part of something like this," said McQuillan. "We established a good relationship with the national park service, we're creating a good capability within our squadron, and we're helping out the local community as well."
Chief Master Sgt. Jeff Guilmain, 22nd STS superintendent, echoed McQuillan's words. "I'm proud of our team's performance during this joint rescue operation and I'm excited that our unique capabilities were useful in helping this distressed climber."
Face of Defense: Former Australian Soldier Returns as U.S. Marine
By Marine Corps Cpl. James Gulliver
Marine Rotational Force Darwin
ROBERTSON BARRACKS, Australia, June 13, 2014 – Marine Corps
Cpl. Christopher Eves, born in Queensland, Australia, is back in his native
land, serving as a section leader with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine
Regiment, Marine Rotational Force Darwin.
Eves was raised just outside of Brisbane, Australia, though
as the son of an Australian soldier, he said, he constantly was moving from
place to place.
“I could never really call one place home,” he said. “We
were always moving around, but the army lifestyle appealed to me.”
In 2004, Eves signed up to be an officer in the Australian
army.
“A lot of my family had been in the army,” he said. “There
was a lot of action going on at the time, so I wanted to get out and see the
world.”
Eves worked with multiple U.S. military services, he said,
but he first encountered U.S. Marines while participating in Operation Iraqi
Freedom.
“They just had a similar attitude to the Australian
soldiers,” he said. “They always got more done with less support. That’s what I
loved about them.”
The Marines trained harder than everyone, they worked harder
and they were the most professional, Eves added.
After six years in the Australian army, Eves said, he
decided it was time to make his dream of being a Marine a reality. He and his
wife moved to Virginia, where he enlisted into the Marine Corps. His leadership
experience made the trials of boot camp much easier than they might have been
for others, he said.
“He’s just one of those guys who is a born a leader,” said
Marine Corps Cpl. Cameron Flavel, a squad leader with Weapons Company. “I
remember one time in boot camp they had him teaching a land navigation class,
because he knew more than the instructors.”
Eves said he was used to the trials of a military lifestyle,
making the adjustment that most new Marines have to go through much easier.
“Everything just came natural to me,” he added. “I already had a lot of
experience, so I loved sharing it and helping out the other Marines.”
During his initial deployment to Okinawa, Eves was able to
teach his Marines everything from jungle warfare to patrolling.
“I was only a lance corporal at the time, teaching classes
that a staff sergeant should be teaching, just because of my prior experience,”
he said. “I was really given a lot of opportunities that most junior Marines
did not have.”
Eves has a laid-back leadership style, but he still commands
respect from Marines in his section.
“He’s not the kind of guy who will scream at you if you mess
up,” said Flavel, a native of San Angelo, Texas. “But all his Marines respect
him, and are too scared to let him down.”
After spending three years in the Marine Corps, Eves
received news that his unit would be returning to Australia on a deployment. “I
was pretty excited to be coming back home,” he said. “I miss a lot about this
country, especially the sports.”
Eves said he plans to continue his career in the Marine
Corps and is thankful for all the opportunities and challenges it has offered
him.
“What I love most about the Marines is that no matter where
you come from or what your accent is, you’ll always be accepted as a brother,”
he said. “I share all my experiences with my Marines, and they embrace it.
Being able to see and learn from other people is what makes this organization
so great.”
Radar site beefs up security, showcases latest upgrade to battle management PEO
by Justin Oakes
66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
6/11/2014 - HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Battle Management program executive officer Steven Wert toured the PAVE Phased Array Warning System, or PAVE PAWS, radar site at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., last month and examined the facility's newest security upgrade.
While the PAVE PAWS radar is owned and operated by Air Force Space Command, the Force Protection Branch -- a Battle Management team based out of Hanscom AFB, Mass. -- manages the updating and installation of the security system that protects the radar.
"After seeing the results of the installation first-hand, I am confident that the Airmen protecting this critical asset have the necessary tools to get the job done," said Wert.
Beale is one of only two active PAVE PAWS radar sites within the United States; the radar's primary purpose is to detect and track sea-launched and intercontinental ballistic missiles. The system is also able to track and detect earth-orbiting satellites. Information gathered from PAVE PAWS is relayed to missile and space control centers, the National Military Command Center and U.S. Strategic Command.
With U.S. military installations operating on a global level, integrated base defense security systems, or IBDSS, play a crucial role by helping security forces members protect the nation's critical assets.
"This was a large undertaking," said 2nd Lt. James Ellis, the project manager for the update. "An installation of this size occurs only so often on any given base. However, what we brought to the table has a significant impact to our space defense and ultimately safeguards the nation."
Over the past two years, the security system at the West Coast site has undergone major upgrades and received the latest in intrusion detection technology.
The IBDSS is now equipped with high-resolution digital cameras, up-to-date computers and video management systems, resulting in a modern-day alarm management center. In addition to these features, the new system also includes 24-hour recording of all video feeds.
The new IBDSS is operated by the 9th Reconnaissance Wing Security Forces Squadron and allows Airmen to instantly access the cause of any intrusion alarm.
"An upgrade in security was much needed," Wert said. "The PAVE PAWS radar safeguards the U.S. from nuclear and space threats -- protection of this asset is vital."
Following the tour of the PAVE PAWS radar facility and an Air Force Distributed Common Ground System site, another system sustained by battle management teams at Peterson AFB, Colo., and Robins AFB, Ga., Wert returned to Hanscom where the Force Protection office was already hard at work on their next project.
The team is currently updating the PAVE PAWS radar site at Cape Cod Air Force Station, Mass., which is expected to be completed in July.
66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
6/11/2014 - HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Battle Management program executive officer Steven Wert toured the PAVE Phased Array Warning System, or PAVE PAWS, radar site at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., last month and examined the facility's newest security upgrade.
While the PAVE PAWS radar is owned and operated by Air Force Space Command, the Force Protection Branch -- a Battle Management team based out of Hanscom AFB, Mass. -- manages the updating and installation of the security system that protects the radar.
"After seeing the results of the installation first-hand, I am confident that the Airmen protecting this critical asset have the necessary tools to get the job done," said Wert.
Beale is one of only two active PAVE PAWS radar sites within the United States; the radar's primary purpose is to detect and track sea-launched and intercontinental ballistic missiles. The system is also able to track and detect earth-orbiting satellites. Information gathered from PAVE PAWS is relayed to missile and space control centers, the National Military Command Center and U.S. Strategic Command.
With U.S. military installations operating on a global level, integrated base defense security systems, or IBDSS, play a crucial role by helping security forces members protect the nation's critical assets.
"This was a large undertaking," said 2nd Lt. James Ellis, the project manager for the update. "An installation of this size occurs only so often on any given base. However, what we brought to the table has a significant impact to our space defense and ultimately safeguards the nation."
Over the past two years, the security system at the West Coast site has undergone major upgrades and received the latest in intrusion detection technology.
The IBDSS is now equipped with high-resolution digital cameras, up-to-date computers and video management systems, resulting in a modern-day alarm management center. In addition to these features, the new system also includes 24-hour recording of all video feeds.
The new IBDSS is operated by the 9th Reconnaissance Wing Security Forces Squadron and allows Airmen to instantly access the cause of any intrusion alarm.
"An upgrade in security was much needed," Wert said. "The PAVE PAWS radar safeguards the U.S. from nuclear and space threats -- protection of this asset is vital."
Following the tour of the PAVE PAWS radar facility and an Air Force Distributed Common Ground System site, another system sustained by battle management teams at Peterson AFB, Colo., and Robins AFB, Ga., Wert returned to Hanscom where the Force Protection office was already hard at work on their next project.
The team is currently updating the PAVE PAWS radar site at Cape Cod Air Force Station, Mass., which is expected to be completed in July.
Enlisted pilots honored during ceremony
42nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs
6/12/2014 - MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- The military's sergeant pilots, enlisted aviators who served from 1912-1957, were honored during a monument unveiling and dedication at Maxwell-Gunter's Enlisted Heritage Hall June 9.
Nearly 14 years in the making, the monument depicts Corporal Vernon L. Burge, the Army Signal Corps' first enlisted pilot, in recognition of the service and sacrifices made by nearly 3,000 enlisted men who followed in Burge's footsteps.
In attendance were three sergeant pilots; retired Lt. Col. Charles Fisk, retired Col. James "Pat" Pool, and retired Lt. Col. John W. Beard, as well as the family members of several other enlisted pilots who were integral to making the monument a reality.
Gen. Robin Rand, commander Air Education and Training Command, presided over the ceremony, saluting the pilots for their service and contributions to the war effort. Like all who served in WWII, Rand said these enlisted pilots made up the greatest generation. Of the 3,000 sergeant pilots, 11 of them would go on to achieve the rank of general officer, 17 would become flying aces and more than 150 were killed in action.
"They were men, who during a time of crisis, did not shrink from service to our country, and instead they courageously fought to defend and aid those around them," Rand said. "Quite simply, our enlisted pilots were the very best our country had to offer. I am honored to be here today to memorialize their service and I am a humbled, truly humbled, to count myself among them as a United States Air Force military pilot."
Craig Wood, whose father Staff Sgt. Herman C. Wood, later a retired colonel, was there to honor his father. Craig, who also served in the Air Force as an intelligence officer and later as a Department of Defense civilian for 30 years, said his father came from a difficult family background. With his mother ill and father out of the picture, Colonel Wood worked in a garage all the way through high school to help take care of his siblings. Inspired by barn stormers, the stunt pilots who performed aeronautical tricks during the 1920s, Colonel Wood had always wanted to fly, but family circumstances made the dream seem just out of reach.
The military and enlisted pilot program was an opportunity that changed everything for Colonel Wood, who would go on to serve as a C-17 Globemaster III bombardier, and later as a transport pilot.
"He enlisted in 1938 and then, subsequently, when the offer was made to be able to fly, it was a like a dream come true for dad," Wood said. "So to me, coming here and remembering the significant role he had in this part of history, is really what it's all about. I'm looking up and dad's looking down and he's pleased. He worked extremely hard for this, to record this part of Air Force history."
Organized by the Enlisted Heritage Hall and the Army Air Corps Enlisted Pilots Association, the unveiling ceremony was a long time coming. Larry Chivalette, the museum curator, said the catalyst for the monument creation was when retired Brig. Gen. Edwin F. Wenglar, who championed for way to honor the enlisted pilots, passed way in 2011.
"It was his dying wish to get this done. Then Colonel Wood took over, and when he contacted Chief Master Sgt. Fred Graves, [AF Enlisted Heritage Hall director] the chief gave him his word he was going to try to make it happen."
Two days later Colonel Wood passed away.
Since the conversation in 2012, Chivalette said that Graves worked feverishly to create a monument that would honor and recognize all enlisted pilots. The efforts of the museum staff, along with the sergeant pilots and their families, raised more than $60,000 to make the monument a reality.
Pool was inspired by an early chance encounter with Wiley Post, an America pilot famous during the early 1930s for being the first man to fly solo around the world. Post was also the personal pilot of wealthy Oklahoma oil businessman F.C. Hall, who flew to Chickasa, Okla., to meet with Pool's father, a newspaper editor. When Hall and Pool's father drove off to town, young Pool was left with the famous pilot, who took him for a spin.
"I, of course, I was all for it," Pool said. "At that time he was the most famous aviator in the whole world. So we got on board, and when we left for take-off, I got to thinking about how I could do this for life."
Pool entered the service Aug. 28, 1941, just in time for Pearl Harbor, and upon completing flying school, was sent to India where he spent the war hauling critical cargo and solders to Pacific theater battlefields. Later, he flew in the famous Berlin Airlift, carrying humanitarian aid to the residents of West Berlin.
Pool, speaking about the monument, and the decision to have Burge represent all enlisted pilots, said it was a lifetime endeavor culminating in the statute.
PACAF Airmen team up for Air Force Marathon
by Tech Sgt. Joy Meek
PACAF Public Affairs
6/13/2014 - JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- It starts by placing one foot in front of the other, increasing speed, building endurance and the next thing you know, 26.2 miles have passed. Ok, well, it may not be that easy, but some Pacific Air Forces Airmen have the opportunity to experience exactly what it takes to train for and complete the Air Force Marathon.
Ten Airmen from bases throughout the pacific region were selected to represent PACAF in the Air Force Marathon on Sept. 20, 2014, in either the half or full marathon at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.
"This year is the first year that PACAF will officially be sending a full team of 10 runners for the MAJCOM Challenge," said Master Sgt. Terilynn Madrona, PACAF services sustainment branch noncommissioned officer at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. "In previous years, PACAF only funded four full marathon runners."
The AF Form 303, Request for USAF Specialized Sports Training, is the official document the athletes use to apply for the team which lists their last three years of run times and accomplishments. All of the applications are evaluated by a PACAF Services board which selects the participants.
With 59 applicants, Madrona said it wasn't an easy selection decision for the board.
"It was a lengthy process to go through each application as many candidates had multiple recent run times to evaluate." Madrona said. "The AF Form 303 asks for sports experience and significant performance or training for the past three years."
Airmen 1st Class Andrew Riesenberger, civil engineer with the 51st Civil Engineer Squadron at Osan AB, South Korea, one of six PACAF runners selected for the half marathon said he looks forward to meeting other military running enthusiasts.
"It's really exciting for me because I've been running for so long on high school and college teams it's cool to have a different kind of team to run and compete with," Riesenberger said.
His sentiment was shared by fellow half marathon participant, 2nd Lt. Herman Reinhold, 374th Force Support Squadron Readiness and Plans chief at Yokota Air Base, Japan. "I'm excited to meet other running enthusiasts from across PACAF," Reinhold said. "Sometimes I feel like I'm the only crazy guy out there doing laps around the flight line in 40 degree weather when everyone else is already home watching TV."
For some participants it may be a new experience, but for Master Sgt. Karissa Gunter, fitness center section chief with the 36th Force Support Squadron at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, this will be her ninth full marathon and second time on the PACAF team.
She credits her running passion to a previous assignment. "I was stationed at Aviano [Italy] in 2007 and running encouraged me to get out and see all the fascinating sites in Europe," Gunter said.
Proper training and running a few half or full marathons is important for anyone wanting to be on a future team according to Madrona. For helpful training information, visit the USAF Marathon site at www.usafmarathon.com/training.htm.
For anyone interested in applying to participate in next year's AF Marathon, Reinhold offers some advice, "All it takes is a strict running regime and a little bit of confidence. Turn off the TV for a few minutes, load some music onto your MP3 player, tie your shoes and go."
The full team representing PACAF in the 2014 Air Force Marathon is listed below:
Full Marathon:
Maj Luke Casper, 35 Fighter Wing Safety, Misawa AB
MSgt Karissa Gunter, 36 FSS, Andersen AFB
MSgt Traveller Hill, 25 Air Support Operation Squadron, JBPHH
SrA Kevin McInerny, 5 ASOS, Eielson AFB
Half-Marathon:
Col Dondi Costin, HQ PACAF Chaplin, JBPHH
Capt Allison Easterly, 962 Airborne Air Control Squadron, JBER
2nd Lt Herman Reinhold, 374 FSS, Yokota AB
SSgt Joshua Johnson, 51 Operation Support Squadron, Osan AB
SrA Lauren Weimer, 647 Civil Engineer Squadron, JBPHH
A1C Andrew Riesenberger, 51 CES, Osan AB
PACAF Public Affairs
6/13/2014 - JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- It starts by placing one foot in front of the other, increasing speed, building endurance and the next thing you know, 26.2 miles have passed. Ok, well, it may not be that easy, but some Pacific Air Forces Airmen have the opportunity to experience exactly what it takes to train for and complete the Air Force Marathon.
Ten Airmen from bases throughout the pacific region were selected to represent PACAF in the Air Force Marathon on Sept. 20, 2014, in either the half or full marathon at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.
"This year is the first year that PACAF will officially be sending a full team of 10 runners for the MAJCOM Challenge," said Master Sgt. Terilynn Madrona, PACAF services sustainment branch noncommissioned officer at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. "In previous years, PACAF only funded four full marathon runners."
The AF Form 303, Request for USAF Specialized Sports Training, is the official document the athletes use to apply for the team which lists their last three years of run times and accomplishments. All of the applications are evaluated by a PACAF Services board which selects the participants.
With 59 applicants, Madrona said it wasn't an easy selection decision for the board.
"It was a lengthy process to go through each application as many candidates had multiple recent run times to evaluate." Madrona said. "The AF Form 303 asks for sports experience and significant performance or training for the past three years."
Airmen 1st Class Andrew Riesenberger, civil engineer with the 51st Civil Engineer Squadron at Osan AB, South Korea, one of six PACAF runners selected for the half marathon said he looks forward to meeting other military running enthusiasts.
"It's really exciting for me because I've been running for so long on high school and college teams it's cool to have a different kind of team to run and compete with," Riesenberger said.
His sentiment was shared by fellow half marathon participant, 2nd Lt. Herman Reinhold, 374th Force Support Squadron Readiness and Plans chief at Yokota Air Base, Japan. "I'm excited to meet other running enthusiasts from across PACAF," Reinhold said. "Sometimes I feel like I'm the only crazy guy out there doing laps around the flight line in 40 degree weather when everyone else is already home watching TV."
For some participants it may be a new experience, but for Master Sgt. Karissa Gunter, fitness center section chief with the 36th Force Support Squadron at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, this will be her ninth full marathon and second time on the PACAF team.
She credits her running passion to a previous assignment. "I was stationed at Aviano [Italy] in 2007 and running encouraged me to get out and see all the fascinating sites in Europe," Gunter said.
Proper training and running a few half or full marathons is important for anyone wanting to be on a future team according to Madrona. For helpful training information, visit the USAF Marathon site at www.usafmarathon.com/training.htm.
For anyone interested in applying to participate in next year's AF Marathon, Reinhold offers some advice, "All it takes is a strict running regime and a little bit of confidence. Turn off the TV for a few minutes, load some music onto your MP3 player, tie your shoes and go."
The full team representing PACAF in the 2014 Air Force Marathon is listed below:
Full Marathon:
Maj Luke Casper, 35 Fighter Wing Safety, Misawa AB
MSgt Karissa Gunter, 36 FSS, Andersen AFB
MSgt Traveller Hill, 25 Air Support Operation Squadron, JBPHH
SrA Kevin McInerny, 5 ASOS, Eielson AFB
Half-Marathon:
Col Dondi Costin, HQ PACAF Chaplin, JBPHH
Capt Allison Easterly, 962 Airborne Air Control Squadron, JBER
2nd Lt Herman Reinhold, 374 FSS, Yokota AB
SSgt Joshua Johnson, 51 Operation Support Squadron, Osan AB
SrA Lauren Weimer, 647 Civil Engineer Squadron, JBPHH
A1C Andrew Riesenberger, 51 CES, Osan AB
Gen. McDew challenges mobility Airmen to dominate the mission
by Marvin Krause
43rd Airlift Group Public Affairs
6/12/2014 - POPE ARMY AIRFIELD, FORT BRAGG, N.C. -- Gen. Darren W. McDew, Air Mobility Command commander, challenged mobility Airmen to dominate the mission during a recent visit here, after taking command of AMC in May.
"You are Air Force leaders with unrivaled mobility expertise, but Air Force leaders first. You should be inspired by a rich heritage," McDew said. "We should always make sure that we're dominating our mission today. I didn't say 'winning;' I said, 'dominating' our mission today. That's how we go forward. We should boldly forge our future."
McDew reassured Airmen the air mobility enterprise is strong, and he thanked all of the Airmen in attendance for their service to the Nation.
"Air Mobility Command is in great shape. There won't be any drastic changes and the priorities that are in place are good priorities that I believe in," McDew said. "I am very proud of what we do well. We do our core missions of airlift, aeromedical evacuation, air refueling and global air mobility support so well--we're the envy of the rest of the Air Force."
McDew compared AMC's mission reliability to flipping on a light switch.
"When you walk into a dark room and you flip that switch, what happens? The lights come on. Do you actually worry about how the lights come on? The rest of the world knows: you call AMC--the lights come on. That's what we do well," he said.
McDew also explained how all Airmen must lead in order to sustain AMC's mission reliability in the future.
"We're going to have some turbulence for the next few years. Each of us has to lead boldly -- not just me. So what I want you to do is do what you can do, and you can do far more than you think you can," he said.
McDew also commented on the importance of Total Force Associations throughout the command, which rely on Guard and Reserve Airmen partnering with active-duty Airmen.
"Our Total Force Association in this command goes back to 1968 at Norton and the C-141," McDew said. "We have a lot of history of doing this. We cannot walk away from the Guard and Reserve. If you look at the C-130 fleet by itself, 358 airplanes today, 27 percent of them are in the active duty and 73 percent in the Guard and Reserve. All KC-46A units will be associated, most C-17 units will be associated, a lot of KC-135 units are associated one way or another--we won't walk away," he said.
As AMC commander, McDew leads all Mobility Air Forces comprised of nearly 132,000 civilian, active duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve personnel.
Averaging an aircraft takeoff every two-and-a-half minutes, AMC sustains America's military operations worldwide, including combat operations in Afghanistan, through its airlift, aerial refueling and aeromedical evacuation capabilities. The command also responds to humanitarian crises at home and around the globe.
43rd Airlift Group Public Affairs
6/12/2014 - POPE ARMY AIRFIELD, FORT BRAGG, N.C. -- Gen. Darren W. McDew, Air Mobility Command commander, challenged mobility Airmen to dominate the mission during a recent visit here, after taking command of AMC in May.
"You are Air Force leaders with unrivaled mobility expertise, but Air Force leaders first. You should be inspired by a rich heritage," McDew said. "We should always make sure that we're dominating our mission today. I didn't say 'winning;' I said, 'dominating' our mission today. That's how we go forward. We should boldly forge our future."
McDew reassured Airmen the air mobility enterprise is strong, and he thanked all of the Airmen in attendance for their service to the Nation.
"Air Mobility Command is in great shape. There won't be any drastic changes and the priorities that are in place are good priorities that I believe in," McDew said. "I am very proud of what we do well. We do our core missions of airlift, aeromedical evacuation, air refueling and global air mobility support so well--we're the envy of the rest of the Air Force."
McDew compared AMC's mission reliability to flipping on a light switch.
"When you walk into a dark room and you flip that switch, what happens? The lights come on. Do you actually worry about how the lights come on? The rest of the world knows: you call AMC--the lights come on. That's what we do well," he said.
McDew also explained how all Airmen must lead in order to sustain AMC's mission reliability in the future.
"We're going to have some turbulence for the next few years. Each of us has to lead boldly -- not just me. So what I want you to do is do what you can do, and you can do far more than you think you can," he said.
McDew also commented on the importance of Total Force Associations throughout the command, which rely on Guard and Reserve Airmen partnering with active-duty Airmen.
"Our Total Force Association in this command goes back to 1968 at Norton and the C-141," McDew said. "We have a lot of history of doing this. We cannot walk away from the Guard and Reserve. If you look at the C-130 fleet by itself, 358 airplanes today, 27 percent of them are in the active duty and 73 percent in the Guard and Reserve. All KC-46A units will be associated, most C-17 units will be associated, a lot of KC-135 units are associated one way or another--we won't walk away," he said.
As AMC commander, McDew leads all Mobility Air Forces comprised of nearly 132,000 civilian, active duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve personnel.
Averaging an aircraft takeoff every two-and-a-half minutes, AMC sustains America's military operations worldwide, including combat operations in Afghanistan, through its airlift, aerial refueling and aeromedical evacuation capabilities. The command also responds to humanitarian crises at home and around the globe.
New commander takes the lead of Basic Military Training
JBSA-Lackland Public Affairs
6/11/2014 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- Air Force Basic Military Training welcomed a new commander Monday during a change of command ceremony at the Recruit and Family In-processing Information Center on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.
Col. Michele C. Edmondson assumed command of the 737th Training Group from Col. Deborah Liddick. Liddick spent the past 20 months as BMT commander and following the change of command ceremony, retired after 25 years in the Air Force.
Col. Mark Camerer, 37th Training Wing commander, was the ceremony's presiding official.
"It is a special day, a momentous occasion," Camerer said to the crowd, which included a 500-man BMT flight formation representing the group's nine squadrons and MTI Corps.
"Your efforts have laid the foundation of success for Colonel Edmondson as she takes command," Camerer said in remarks about Liddick. "Today we're (BMT) better off because of your service.
"You will walk away from here today without a title, but you will have something more valuable: You'll have a testimony of distinguished service."
To Edmondson, Camerer said, "You should savior this command. Treat every day, treat every minute, indeed treat every moment, as a precious gift. Your Airmen need your leadership, your mentorship and your guidance. I know you're well prepared."
Edmondson comes to JBSA-Lackland after serving the past two years as the 381st Training Group commander at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The 381st TRG provides initial training for the nation's space and Intercontinental Ballistic Missile operations and ICBM and air launched cruise missile maintenance forces.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Rescue squadron implements successful paramedic ride along program
by Master Sgt. Luke Johnson
943rd Rescue Group Public Affairs
6/11/2014 - DAVIS MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE Ariz. -- Pararescuemen are among the most highly trained emergency trauma specialist in the U.S. Armed Forces and in order to maintain the highest level of medical trauma readiness PJ's continually work on perfecting their emergency medical skills.
The 304th Rescue Squadron, based at the Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon, successfully implemented the first ever ride along program with a civilian emergency response agency where pararescuemen and medical technicians assigned to the unit perform hands emergency medical care alongside civilian emergency medical technicians.
The program, which started in the fall of 2013, allows PJ's and other medically trained Airmen in the unit go on ride alongs with the Skamania County Emergency Medical Services Department in Washington State, which is one of the largest counties in the state.
"We had to overcome a lot of legal hurdles to get an agency to accept us under their umbrella to let us provide hands on patient care," said Master Sgt. Bobbi Kennedy, 304th RQS independent duty medical technician. "We (304th RQS) and Skamania County went through a lengthy legal process, and the ride along program was approved where our guys are covered under their liability."
For Staff Sgt. Matthew Trevino a PJ assigned to the 304th RQS and EMT for the city fire department, the ride along program provides him with exceptional patient care opportunities, and it's also a chance to receive in-depth trauma care training.
"I schedule my training around their monthly training classes where they review the cases from the previous month," said Trevino. "They review patent files and discuss how they can improve their patient care process, and this class provides a lot of in-depth patient care information and treatments provided."
Trevino feels this program provides him some of the most valuable medical training he has received because it is true patients care, not just working with simulations.
"Through this ride a long program, we are able to provide hands on patient care, and we (PJ's) need to become comfortable in providing trauma care," said Trevino.
The higher comfort level of providing trauma care translates in to lives saved and also increased operating capabilities for the PJ teams.
"Once you have a higher level of patient care, you can focus on the surrounding environment because you have a better understanding of what is going on with the patient" said Trevino. "You can monitor the safety of a situation, and the overall view of the situation surrounding you; this is very important in a combat environment."
Due to the size Skamania County, an area approximately 1,672 square miles, patient transport times can be lengthy, not only must EMT's provide immediate trauma care they must also be very proficient in providing appropriate patient support care while in transport to the hospital.
"Response times and patient transport times can be up to two hours as compared to five to ten-minuets in my civilian job as an EMT," said Trevino. "We've got to closely monitor patient care during the long transport times."
Communicating their patient's condition to the receiving hospital is a critical skill that is very useful when PJ is in a forward deployed environment and due to longer transport times in Skamania County they can perfect their communication skills to the receiving medical teams.
"We've got to make sure the doctors receiving the patient have an understanding of the medical condition, and we provide them with the accurate information either over the phone or once we get to the hospital," said Trevino.
Trevino would like to see other PJ units across the country establish the same ride along program that the 304th RQS and the Skamania County EMS have created.
"We've got a very good model for other EMS agencies to follow," he said. "I also hope that other rescue units and rural EMS services will be able to provide the same program that we have and accept Air Force PJ's under their legal umbrella."
Kennedy is working on implementing the program into the 304th RQS medical upgrade training program and also including the entire 920th Rescue Wing and 943rd Rescue Group into the program.
"They always reach out to provide us additional advanced EMT training, and the best part is there is no cost to the unit for this invaluable training," said Kennedy.
943rd Rescue Group Public Affairs
6/11/2014 - DAVIS MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE Ariz. -- Pararescuemen are among the most highly trained emergency trauma specialist in the U.S. Armed Forces and in order to maintain the highest level of medical trauma readiness PJ's continually work on perfecting their emergency medical skills.
The 304th Rescue Squadron, based at the Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon, successfully implemented the first ever ride along program with a civilian emergency response agency where pararescuemen and medical technicians assigned to the unit perform hands emergency medical care alongside civilian emergency medical technicians.
The program, which started in the fall of 2013, allows PJ's and other medically trained Airmen in the unit go on ride alongs with the Skamania County Emergency Medical Services Department in Washington State, which is one of the largest counties in the state.
"We had to overcome a lot of legal hurdles to get an agency to accept us under their umbrella to let us provide hands on patient care," said Master Sgt. Bobbi Kennedy, 304th RQS independent duty medical technician. "We (304th RQS) and Skamania County went through a lengthy legal process, and the ride along program was approved where our guys are covered under their liability."
For Staff Sgt. Matthew Trevino a PJ assigned to the 304th RQS and EMT for the city fire department, the ride along program provides him with exceptional patient care opportunities, and it's also a chance to receive in-depth trauma care training.
"I schedule my training around their monthly training classes where they review the cases from the previous month," said Trevino. "They review patent files and discuss how they can improve their patient care process, and this class provides a lot of in-depth patient care information and treatments provided."
Trevino feels this program provides him some of the most valuable medical training he has received because it is true patients care, not just working with simulations.
"Through this ride a long program, we are able to provide hands on patient care, and we (PJ's) need to become comfortable in providing trauma care," said Trevino.
The higher comfort level of providing trauma care translates in to lives saved and also increased operating capabilities for the PJ teams.
"Once you have a higher level of patient care, you can focus on the surrounding environment because you have a better understanding of what is going on with the patient" said Trevino. "You can monitor the safety of a situation, and the overall view of the situation surrounding you; this is very important in a combat environment."
Due to the size Skamania County, an area approximately 1,672 square miles, patient transport times can be lengthy, not only must EMT's provide immediate trauma care they must also be very proficient in providing appropriate patient support care while in transport to the hospital.
"Response times and patient transport times can be up to two hours as compared to five to ten-minuets in my civilian job as an EMT," said Trevino. "We've got to closely monitor patient care during the long transport times."
Communicating their patient's condition to the receiving hospital is a critical skill that is very useful when PJ is in a forward deployed environment and due to longer transport times in Skamania County they can perfect their communication skills to the receiving medical teams.
"We've got to make sure the doctors receiving the patient have an understanding of the medical condition, and we provide them with the accurate information either over the phone or once we get to the hospital," said Trevino.
Trevino would like to see other PJ units across the country establish the same ride along program that the 304th RQS and the Skamania County EMS have created.
"We've got a very good model for other EMS agencies to follow," he said. "I also hope that other rescue units and rural EMS services will be able to provide the same program that we have and accept Air Force PJ's under their legal umbrella."
Kennedy is working on implementing the program into the 304th RQS medical upgrade training program and also including the entire 920th Rescue Wing and 943rd Rescue Group into the program.
"They always reach out to provide us additional advanced EMT training, and the best part is there is no cost to the unit for this invaluable training," said Kennedy.
Reserve squadron's training program preserves theater expertise
by Dana Lineback
940th Wing Public Affairs
6/12/2014 - BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- When Col. James Kovac talks about the Korean theater of operations, Air Force leadership listens.
That respect from top brass has been earned.
Kovac, a traditional reservist with the 701st Combat Operations Squadron, March Air Reserve Base, California, has accumulated 18 years' military experience, including 25 major exercises, in the Korean area of responsibility.
As Air Force expertise across today's joint military environment becomes increasingly vital, Kovac has become impassioned about cultivating a team of theater experts through a new program, the Joint Air Component Coordination Element.
Kovac and Brig. Gen. Robert Polumbo, mobilization assistant to the commander, 12th Air Force, have worked together to solidify JACCE as a certified program with an extensive training criteria.
The JACCE program focuses on developing teams of experienced personnel from across the spectrum of six major functional areas represented in an air operations center. The program's goal is to provide combatant commanders with trusted advisors trained to lead in a joint, multinational environment.
"Establishing good relationships requires a profound understanding of the professional and personal culture of members from other branches of service, as well as a big-picture understanding of a joint operation," Kovac said.
"The aim of JACCE is to work as a team with a commander and his AOC. We're providing expertise, but it's important to be humble, approachable and credible in that role. It's not about who's right, but what's right," Kovac said.
The program is a tradeoff of active duty dollars for reserve component continuity, with JACCE team members having an average of seven years' experience in theater, according to Kovac. He contends the program is a perfect mission for the Reserve component.
"The active duty's corporate knowledge experiences a changeover every few years. The continuity for this level of expertise lies within the Guard and Reserve. You can't buy this kind of expertise. It takes years to develop."
Other members of the 701 COS have joined Kovac in his efforts, working to capture lessons learned, compile concept products, and implement a three-year certification program to develop JACCE directors.
Tech. Sgt. Tom Fabrie and Master Sgt. John Ervin, along with Maj. Todd Nerlin, assistant director of operations, and Master Sgt. Shawn Bowen, JACCE superintendent, have spent 18 months developing an extensive communications directory and the program's training plan.
Kovac said the training program is rigorous, with three levels of certification. Participants maintain a dual-career certification and must commit to participating in a minimum number of joint exercises annually to stay current.
"This certification ensures we're sending the right people to participate in these major exercises or, if the situation arises, a real-world contingency. What this training does is clearly define the role of a JACCE director so every combatant commander and each element of an AOC can depend on the capability of that director and his team."
Col. Kevin Cavanagh agrees the program is demanding, but professionally rewarding. Cavanagh, former commander of the 940th Wing, Beale Air Force Base, California, has participated in the JACCE training program for the past two years.
"This is a full-up training program that prepares Reserve senior leaders to integrate and build relationships with U.S. and Korean naval, air and land component commanders in this theater," Cavanagh said.
As the incoming deputy director of air, space and information operations at Air Force Reserve Command headquarters, Cavanagh said he will advocate for continued Reserve commitment to the program.
"In my new position, I hope to encourage AFRC to consider expanding its role in this training," he said.
The JACCE program's successes at major exercises, including KEY RESOLVE and ULCHI FREEDOM GUARDIAN, have garnered Pacific Air Force's praise and piqued the interest of United States Air Forces Europe, according to Kovac.
"Headquarters units aware of the resource a JACCE provides are clamoring for more," he said.
Fulfilling the growing demand for training JACCE directors has fallen on the 701 COS team. Kovac met recently with Air Force Reserve leaders to request funding to formalize the program.
"We've proposed a mobile training team to take the concept to other theaters of operation. The issue, of course, is funding for the program," Kovac said.
In spite of service-wide funding challenges, he's hopeful about the possibility of expanding JACCE.
Maj. Gen. Donald Ralph, mobilization assistant to the commander, USAFE and Air Forces Africa, shares Kovac's optimism.
On the heels of his participation in JACCE training at KEY RESOLVE '14, Ralph recently advocated for bringing the training program to other theaters.
"Leadership wants this capability in our theaters. The next step would be the 'how' and 'what will it look like' as the Korean and European theaters train under very different sets of assumptions," Ralph relayed to Maj. Gen. William Binger, 10th Air Force commander.
In his feedback, Ralph touted the value of the JACCE program and praised the training efforts of Kovac and his team, urging Binger to recognize the 701 COS for all the unit is doing, in addition to their Korean mission, for the Reserve, European Command and USAFE.
The top-level support is validating to Kovac.
"The JACCE program is an exposure to what's out there in organizational training and certification tracking, with the ultimate goal of producing an invaluable list of 'go to' theater experts for our combatant commanders," Kovac said.
"The importance of preserving our lessons learned and protecting our relationships in the various theaters of operation simply can't be overstated."
940th Wing Public Affairs
6/12/2014 - BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- When Col. James Kovac talks about the Korean theater of operations, Air Force leadership listens.
That respect from top brass has been earned.
Kovac, a traditional reservist with the 701st Combat Operations Squadron, March Air Reserve Base, California, has accumulated 18 years' military experience, including 25 major exercises, in the Korean area of responsibility.
As Air Force expertise across today's joint military environment becomes increasingly vital, Kovac has become impassioned about cultivating a team of theater experts through a new program, the Joint Air Component Coordination Element.
Kovac and Brig. Gen. Robert Polumbo, mobilization assistant to the commander, 12th Air Force, have worked together to solidify JACCE as a certified program with an extensive training criteria.
The JACCE program focuses on developing teams of experienced personnel from across the spectrum of six major functional areas represented in an air operations center. The program's goal is to provide combatant commanders with trusted advisors trained to lead in a joint, multinational environment.
"Establishing good relationships requires a profound understanding of the professional and personal culture of members from other branches of service, as well as a big-picture understanding of a joint operation," Kovac said.
"The aim of JACCE is to work as a team with a commander and his AOC. We're providing expertise, but it's important to be humble, approachable and credible in that role. It's not about who's right, but what's right," Kovac said.
The program is a tradeoff of active duty dollars for reserve component continuity, with JACCE team members having an average of seven years' experience in theater, according to Kovac. He contends the program is a perfect mission for the Reserve component.
"The active duty's corporate knowledge experiences a changeover every few years. The continuity for this level of expertise lies within the Guard and Reserve. You can't buy this kind of expertise. It takes years to develop."
Other members of the 701 COS have joined Kovac in his efforts, working to capture lessons learned, compile concept products, and implement a three-year certification program to develop JACCE directors.
Tech. Sgt. Tom Fabrie and Master Sgt. John Ervin, along with Maj. Todd Nerlin, assistant director of operations, and Master Sgt. Shawn Bowen, JACCE superintendent, have spent 18 months developing an extensive communications directory and the program's training plan.
Kovac said the training program is rigorous, with three levels of certification. Participants maintain a dual-career certification and must commit to participating in a minimum number of joint exercises annually to stay current.
"This certification ensures we're sending the right people to participate in these major exercises or, if the situation arises, a real-world contingency. What this training does is clearly define the role of a JACCE director so every combatant commander and each element of an AOC can depend on the capability of that director and his team."
Col. Kevin Cavanagh agrees the program is demanding, but professionally rewarding. Cavanagh, former commander of the 940th Wing, Beale Air Force Base, California, has participated in the JACCE training program for the past two years.
"This is a full-up training program that prepares Reserve senior leaders to integrate and build relationships with U.S. and Korean naval, air and land component commanders in this theater," Cavanagh said.
As the incoming deputy director of air, space and information operations at Air Force Reserve Command headquarters, Cavanagh said he will advocate for continued Reserve commitment to the program.
"In my new position, I hope to encourage AFRC to consider expanding its role in this training," he said.
The JACCE program's successes at major exercises, including KEY RESOLVE and ULCHI FREEDOM GUARDIAN, have garnered Pacific Air Force's praise and piqued the interest of United States Air Forces Europe, according to Kovac.
"Headquarters units aware of the resource a JACCE provides are clamoring for more," he said.
Fulfilling the growing demand for training JACCE directors has fallen on the 701 COS team. Kovac met recently with Air Force Reserve leaders to request funding to formalize the program.
"We've proposed a mobile training team to take the concept to other theaters of operation. The issue, of course, is funding for the program," Kovac said.
In spite of service-wide funding challenges, he's hopeful about the possibility of expanding JACCE.
Maj. Gen. Donald Ralph, mobilization assistant to the commander, USAFE and Air Forces Africa, shares Kovac's optimism.
On the heels of his participation in JACCE training at KEY RESOLVE '14, Ralph recently advocated for bringing the training program to other theaters.
"Leadership wants this capability in our theaters. The next step would be the 'how' and 'what will it look like' as the Korean and European theaters train under very different sets of assumptions," Ralph relayed to Maj. Gen. William Binger, 10th Air Force commander.
In his feedback, Ralph touted the value of the JACCE program and praised the training efforts of Kovac and his team, urging Binger to recognize the 701 COS for all the unit is doing, in addition to their Korean mission, for the Reserve, European Command and USAFE.
The top-level support is validating to Kovac.
"The JACCE program is an exposure to what's out there in organizational training and certification tracking, with the ultimate goal of producing an invaluable list of 'go to' theater experts for our combatant commanders," Kovac said.
"The importance of preserving our lessons learned and protecting our relationships in the various theaters of operation simply can't be overstated."
25 is NCO DOD Language Professional of the Year
DLIFLC Public Affairs
6/12/2014 - MONTEREY, Calif. -- Tech. Sgt. Brandi Fast of the 25th Intelligence Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla., is the Defense Department's 2013 Language Professional of the Year.
The Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center made that announcement during the annual Advanced Command Language Program Manager Workshop June 3 here.
The award recognizes outstanding military language professionals and their accomplishments and highlights the critical role military linguists play in supporting missions around the world.
"Tech Sgt. Fast spent hundreds, even thousands of hours helping others achieve their language proficiency goals - where did she ever find the time?" said Col. David Chapman, DLIFLC commandant. "She is incredible."
Among her many accomplishments during the award period Fast deployed twice to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility where she utilized her diverse language skills to support special operations missions. Her language skills proved critical in the support of a downed allied helicopter that resulted in the successful recovery of 14 aircrew members.
Back at the 25 IS, Fast demonstrated outstanding professionalism by managing her unit's Cryptologic Skills Program. The 25 IS reports to the 361st Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group at Hurlburt and to the Air Force ISR Agency at Joint Base San Antonio - Lackland, Texas.
Off-duty, the direct support operator dedicated 700 hours to language study, sustaining a 13,000 word vocabulary, adding 3,000 more across three languages.
"As a linguist, knowledge of a foreign language gives me the chance to do a very special thing," Fast wrote in her personal essay: "Best Practices for Raising and Maintaining Language Proficiency" as part of her nomination package. "(It's) the chance to make an impact with such a specialized skill and see a difference on a battlefield - the chance to be on the cutting edge of war."
Runner-up honors to Fast went to Spc. Shawn Pitcher, from the 715th Military Intelligence Battalion, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
In recognition of his accomplishments, the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command gave Pitcher the opportunity to go on a one-month foreign language immersion trip to the country of his choice.
"I just returned from Singapore yesterday," Pitcher said. "What I enjoyed most about the Chinese language immersion is my classmates came from all over the world and had different viewpoints on cultural and political issues. And no one spoke English!"
The United States Marine Corps' 2nd Radio Battalion won the DOD Command Language Program of the Year award.
The CLPM course, attended by 120 service members this year, teaches linguist managers who assist military linguists in maintaining their language capabilities. Approximately 700 CLP managers across DOD manage linguist careers and report on the status of language training and readiness to their commanders.
Editor's Note: Air Force ISR Agency Public Affairs contributed to this story.
Senior NCO awarded Lt. Gen. Gordon A. Blake Aircraft Save Award
6/12/2014 - Oklahoma City, Okla. -- Master Sgt. Linda Sawyer of the 325th Operations Support Squadron, Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., earned the Lt. Gen. Gordon A. Blake Aircraft Save Award for her contribution to aviation safety excellence while deployed to Jordan. Sawyer is the first nominee selected for the award since July 2011.
On Nov. 1, 2013, while providing transient alert services, Sawyer drove on a parallel taxiway in preparation to provide Follow-Me service to an approaching aircraft. The C-130 was about 3.5 miles out when Sawyer noticed an unauthorized truck on the runway. She immediately notified the control tower about the truck and advised the controllers that the runway was unsafe for the arriving C-130. The controller instructed the C-130 to "go around" just as the aircraft was about to cross the landing threshold, resulting in a pass of only 75 to 100 feet over the vehicle.
The driver of the truck sped toward the departure end of the runway with Sawyer in chase. The suspect left the runway environment, and parked near a building. After the driver entered the building, Sawyer observed the situation from her vehicle and reported to the tower that all vehicles were off the runway. The C-130 landed safely.
Sawyer's immediate notification to the control tower kept the controller from clearing the C-130 to land, avoiding the destruction of a $66M Air Force asset, and saving the lives of 19 people. Headquarters Air Force Flight Standards Agency meets quarterly to evaluate award nominations and determined that Sawyer's actions were clearly the only difference between disaster and a safe landing.
The criteria for an Aircraft Save Award, according to Air Force Instruction 36-2807, Headquarters United States Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, Plans and Requirements Annual Awards Program, is action that results in the safe recovery of an imperiled airborne aircraft or help given to an endangered aircraft on the ground. The action must clearly extend beyond normal duty requirement, be professional and cast no reasonable doubt that, without this action, damage would have likely resulted.
McConnell Reserve pilots and KC-46: Ready for take off
by Staff Sgt. Abigail Klein
931st Air Refueling Group Public Affairs
6/12/2014 - MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- With the arrival of the new KC-46 Pegasus tanker on the horizon, many McConnell Air Force Base Reserve pilots are already well acquainted with the new airframe.
Several traditional reservists within the 18th Air Refueling Squadron work regularly as commercial pilots and are already qualified by the Federal Aviation Administration to fly the KC-46 in its derivative form, the Boeing 767-200. With approximately 15 traditional reservists who work as commercial airline pilots, the 18 ARS has the luxury of prior 767 airframe experience within their ranks.
"With a new aircraft, there will be a large learning curve for everyone, including pilots and boom operators, but after the extensive training program and a check-ride, all of our pilots will be extremely qualified on the KC-46," said Lt. Col. Eric Vitosh, 18 ARS commander. "The pilots that already have Boeing 767 experience will be able to share numerous techniques on how to fly the jet more efficiently."
In addition to familiarity, the KC-46 will offer 18 ARS pilots a wider range of flying capabilities than the aircraft it will eventually replace, the more than 50-year-old KC-135 Stratotanker. It is 15 to 20 percent larger than the KC-135 and can be configured to carry 58 passengers, 54 aeromedical patients or 18 cargo pallets. The KC-46 will feature a Boeing 767 cockpit, which is the latest and most technologically advanced cockpit Boeing produces, said Vitosh. Engine and flight displays are large LCD screens compared to the original 767, which has a similar display to the one currently found in the KC-135.
Along with the to the updated technology in the cockpit, the handling of the KC-46 will be easier on 18 ARS pilots as well, said Col. Paul Wietbrock, 931st ARG deputy commander. Wietbrock, a traditional reservist, has flown the 767 for Delta Airlines for seven years.
"The KC-46 is a bigger, heavier airplane, with bigger landing gear and bigger motors, but it actually handles a lot lighter and is more responsive than the KC-135," he said. "Along with adjusting to the controls, the KC-46's larger frame will enable aircrews to stow cargo, and serve as a force multiplier for McConnell's already critical role in the air-to-air refueling mission both stateside and overseas."
While making the transition to the new KC-46 airframe may seem daunting, the challenge of flying a variety of aircraft is not new for pilots within the 18 ARS, even those who have never flown its derivative form. The 18 ARS currently includes former KC-10 Extender, C-17 Globemaster, E-6B Mercury, E-3 Sentry and B-1 Lancer pilots, said Vitosh.
"That's what is truly great about the Air Force Reserve," said Wietbrock. "We can bring this flying experience to the Air Force. It's an exciting time for McConnell, and we are very fortunate to have so much of this experience [in the 18 ARS], which will make for a smooth transition to the KC-46."
931st Air Refueling Group Public Affairs
6/12/2014 - MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- With the arrival of the new KC-46 Pegasus tanker on the horizon, many McConnell Air Force Base Reserve pilots are already well acquainted with the new airframe.
Several traditional reservists within the 18th Air Refueling Squadron work regularly as commercial pilots and are already qualified by the Federal Aviation Administration to fly the KC-46 in its derivative form, the Boeing 767-200. With approximately 15 traditional reservists who work as commercial airline pilots, the 18 ARS has the luxury of prior 767 airframe experience within their ranks.
"With a new aircraft, there will be a large learning curve for everyone, including pilots and boom operators, but after the extensive training program and a check-ride, all of our pilots will be extremely qualified on the KC-46," said Lt. Col. Eric Vitosh, 18 ARS commander. "The pilots that already have Boeing 767 experience will be able to share numerous techniques on how to fly the jet more efficiently."
In addition to familiarity, the KC-46 will offer 18 ARS pilots a wider range of flying capabilities than the aircraft it will eventually replace, the more than 50-year-old KC-135 Stratotanker. It is 15 to 20 percent larger than the KC-135 and can be configured to carry 58 passengers, 54 aeromedical patients or 18 cargo pallets. The KC-46 will feature a Boeing 767 cockpit, which is the latest and most technologically advanced cockpit Boeing produces, said Vitosh. Engine and flight displays are large LCD screens compared to the original 767, which has a similar display to the one currently found in the KC-135.
Along with the to the updated technology in the cockpit, the handling of the KC-46 will be easier on 18 ARS pilots as well, said Col. Paul Wietbrock, 931st ARG deputy commander. Wietbrock, a traditional reservist, has flown the 767 for Delta Airlines for seven years.
"The KC-46 is a bigger, heavier airplane, with bigger landing gear and bigger motors, but it actually handles a lot lighter and is more responsive than the KC-135," he said. "Along with adjusting to the controls, the KC-46's larger frame will enable aircrews to stow cargo, and serve as a force multiplier for McConnell's already critical role in the air-to-air refueling mission both stateside and overseas."
While making the transition to the new KC-46 airframe may seem daunting, the challenge of flying a variety of aircraft is not new for pilots within the 18 ARS, even those who have never flown its derivative form. The 18 ARS currently includes former KC-10 Extender, C-17 Globemaster, E-6B Mercury, E-3 Sentry and B-1 Lancer pilots, said Vitosh.
"That's what is truly great about the Air Force Reserve," said Wietbrock. "We can bring this flying experience to the Air Force. It's an exciting time for McConnell, and we are very fortunate to have so much of this experience [in the 18 ARS], which will make for a smooth transition to the KC-46."
Reservists renew bond with Desert Storm AC-130A gunship
6/12/2014 - ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- It's been more
than 23 years since Maj. Gen. Richard S. "Beef" Haddad and his
copilot, Col. Randall Bright, flew No. 55-0014 on a combat mission over the
"Highway of Death."
On June 12, they boarded the AC-130A gunship again - this
time at the Robins (Ga.) Museum of Aviation where the aircraft is on display
for the public to see.
"It was an exciting time for me and the other members
of my crew," said Haddad, vice commander of Air Force Reserve Command at
Robins AFB, commenting on his mission in February 1991.
"That experience helped me go to war in the future as
we went to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom," he
said. "It helped in terms of realizing the risks, and what it was like to
be a crew member going into that kind of environment."
The mission also made an impact on 1st Lt. Bright, now chief
of plans in the AFRC Directorate of Plans and Programs at Robins AFB.
"As a youngster in the Air Force, I had seen
combat," Bright said.
In early February 1991, No. 55-0014 and four other AC-130A
gunships assigned to the Air Force
Reserve's 711th Special Operations Squadron left home station at Duke Field,
Florida, en route to the theater of operation.
After flying several missions along the Kuwait and Iraq
border, the 711th SOS reservists found themselves in the midst of chaos along
the road connecting Kuwait City and Baghdad, Iraq.
During a mission on the night of Feb. 26-27, 1991, the pilot
of the lead aircraft instructed Haddad to "hurry up and get up here."
The captain and his crew moved up and fired their weapons on
the Iraqi forces. As they began to leave the "killbox" area, Master
Sgt. Don Dew, the aircraft illuminator operator, yelled "missile
launch" over the plane's radio.
While Haddad increased the engines' power and put the aircraft
in a dive, his navigator, Capt. Jose Davison, released flares to divert the
path of missiles. At first, the pilots thought they had been hit but then
realized the flares had taken them out of danger.
The stretch of road that they had fired on later became
known as the "Highway of Death" because the attack that night
resulted in the destruction of 1,400 to 2,000 vehicles.
For their part, Haddad and his crew destroyed at least 20
enemy trucks and four armored personnel carriers. They received Air Medals for
their actions.
Soldiers Gain Perspective Through Partnership Program
By Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Darron Salzer
National Guard Bureau
FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa., June 12, 2014 – Scattered
throughout the dense woods and rocky hills of the National Guard training
center here, infantry soldiers -- with cammo faces and full "battle
rattle" -- from Company C, 1st Battalion, 175th Infantry Regiment, began
their four-day annual field training exercise June 9.
Embedded amongst the Maryland Army National Guard soldiers
are members of the armed forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, made possible
through the state partnership that the Maryland National Guard has with the
Balkan nation.
"It's been great having them attached to our
company," said Army 1st Lt. David Brown, acting company commander, Company
C 1st Bn., 175th Inf. Reg. "They have been fully integrated into the
company ... and they have been shadowing their counterparts here as well.
"We're also incorporating them into our platoons and
squads as we conduct our field training exercise," Brown continued,
"which is a four day, three night exercise."
Company C’s first sergeant, Army 1st Sgt. Christopher
Timson, says the exercise includes training in tactical platoon movements,
neutralizing mock high-value targets, and acquiring assets of value.
"The counterparts of ours from Bosnia-Herzegovina have
been instrumental in helping our leaders work on operation orders and lead the
platoons throughout the training," Timson said.
Brown said he felt that the partnership Maryland has with
Bosnia-Herzegovina was a great opportunity for his soldiers to learn how other
military forces operate.
"Despite the diversity we have in the U.S., we don't
always get to interact with people from another country," he said,
"so I think it's been a great opportunity for our guys ... because the way
the Bosnians operate is not much different and it's good to see that, around
the world, a lot of the basic infantry skills are similar."
Brown added, "I personally think that the more
interactions we can get with other countries' soldiers, the more it opens up
our soldiers' minds to the outside world.”
One unique interaction these infantry soldiers had was with
Lt. Kristijan Pantic, a combat veteran infantry officer from the AFBiH, who
shadowed Army 2nd Lt. Abram Gordon, rifle platoon leader with Company C,
1-175th.
"It was interesting when we heard that there would be a
female infantry officer shadowing our platoon, and after interacting with her
it has been a lot more than I expected," Gordon said.
"I've learned a lot from her -- about tactics and about
being a leader," he added. "She is an infantry officer and she is
leading soldiers, regardless of gender."
In addition to learning new perspectives on how Pantic leads
a platoon, Gordon said, he has also learned how Bosnia-Herzegovina infantry
soldiers operated in Afghanistan.
"She's given me some great tactical advice on squad
tactics," he said. "She helps critique my movements and offers ways
to do things better, and it all made sense. She is very competent in her skill
set and is very capable in leading soldiers, and that's all that matters in a
leader."
Gordon said Pantic was one of the first female soldiers in her
country to join the infantry.
"She's adapted to her role as an infantry officer very
well, and she has shown that she is more than capable of her role as an
infantry officer," he said.
Gordon said he's always been an advocate of the diverse
learning opportunities gained through exchanges within the SPP.
The "SPP allows officers and [noncommissioned officers]
from each partnership to learn different skills and then adapt them to meet
changing needs and requirements," Gordon said.
Brown and Timson agreed.
"I think the State Partnership Program is a strength of
the Guard, and I think it's great being able to work with countries from around
the world on a regular basis," Brown said.
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