Special Operations leads medal count after cycling at 2014 Warrior Games

from U.S. Olympic Committee

9/30/2014 - COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- U.S. Special Operations Command finished atop the medal standings with nine medals after the second day of competition at the 2014 Warrior Games.

The first medals of the Games were awarded at the cycling competition held at Fort Carson. Athletes competed in road races ranging from 10 to 30-kilometers.

Special Operations won both the overall medal count and gold-medal count in the cycling events. Five athletes won gold for Special Operations: retired Sgt. Maj. Shawn Mello (Clearwater, Florida) in the men's C4 race, Master Sgt. Mark Vomund (Pleasant Hill, California) in the open race, stoker Capt. Ivan Castro (Fayetteville, North Carolina) and pilot Richard Kirby in the men's tandem, Cpl. Justin Gaertner (Tama, Florida) in the men's and women's H5 race and Sgt. Maj. David Neumer (Chicago, Illinois) in the open handcycle race.

While many of the athletes are already accomplished cyclists, for some it was the first time to discover their competitive potential.

"I handcycle recreationally, and today was first time-ever competing," said retired Navy Aviation Technician 3rd Class Angel Segarra (Sierra Vista, Arizona). "I was pretty anxious on the start line and felt really nervous. I just told myself to just take care of number one and do my best, so I was happy to win in my class."

Segarra took first place in the men's H3 race.

On the second night of sitting volleyball competition, the Marines continued their undefeated streak as they beat Army 2-0 (25-8, 25-20) and Air Force 2-0 (25-23, 25-20). Army also added a win to their tally as they beat Special Operations 2-0 (26-24, 25-19). It was a close game between the Air Force and Navy, but Navy took the win 2-1 (17-25, 25-21, 15-12). The sitting volleyball tournament continues each night, with the gold-medal game taking place on Thursday, Oct. 2.

In the first night of wheelchair basketball action, Navy beat Air Force 38-19, and the Marines beat Special Operations 36-9. The double elimination tournament continues throughout the week, with the gold-medal game on Friday, Oct. 3.

MEDAL COUNT

Special Operations holds first place in the medal table after the second day of competition with nine medals (five gold, one silver, three bronze). The Marines have six medals (one gold, three silver, two bronze), The Air Force has five medals (three gold, one silver, one bronze), the Army has four medals (two gold, two silver) and the Navy has three medals (one gold, one silver, one bronze).

Two-hundred wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans will compete over six days of competition in the fifth annual Warrior Games. Competitions are free and open to the public.

The 2014 Warrior Games is hosted by the USOC with support from Deloitte, the presenting sponsor, and other supporting partners including the Department of Defense, AT&T, BP, Dow, Semper Fi Fund, The Fisher House Foundation, The Daniels Fund and USO.

Today's competition will feature swimming during the day, while wheelchair basketball and sitting volleyball continue in the evening.

Weathering the storm: AF eyes in the sky provide global weather data

By Senior Airman Alexander W. Riedel, Air Force News Service / Published September 29, 2014

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- In the absolute silence of space, a special group of satellites circles our planet in a fast, low earth orbit, their cameras and sensors point toward Earth as they record endless data and images of storm systems and weather patterns moving across the globe below.

Back on the ground, hidden in a D.C. suburb, Maj. Jonathan Whitaker squints against the sun and points to Marine One, the U.S. president’s dedicated helicopter, as it arches its way across the horizon of the nation’s capital.

Whitaker is commander of Detachment 1, 50th Operations Group, which belongs to the 50th Space Wing, Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado. However, the geographically separated unit places its guidon flag hundreds of miles east, in Suitland, Maryland.

With a small contingent of four Air Force officers, the detachment is responsible for seven satellites that comprise the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, or DMSP. The team coordinates with the space experts of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, contractor corporations and military organizations to maintain the command, control, and health of Defense Department weather assets.

“We’re sort of a way point for the pilots as they travel through the area,” Whitaker explained, standing in the shadow of a large antenna dish atop NOAA’s Satellite Operations Center.

Little may the helicopter pilots know, they not only rely on NOAA’s array as a minor urban visual aid. Its antennae are always pointed toward the sky in anticipation of a satellite flyover -- which allows the operators inside the building to send and receive thousands of lines of vital international weather data — the very same data that pilots around the world use to make flight predictions.

The DMSP network is the DOD’s only weather satellite constellation and has provided military and civilian agencies with global meteorological and environmental data for more than five decades.

While users vary from the National Weather Service to the National Hurricane Center, its primary customers are the Air Force Weather Agency and the Navy’s Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center. They take data from DMSP and NOAA’s other satellites and combine it to create various mission-specific weather forecasts.

“Weather is the only variable in war that cannot be controlled by any party engaged in a conflict,” said Capt. Tyson Johnson, the detachment’s ground systems flight commander. “The data we’re able to provide out of this facility, is the gold standard for both civilian and military weather prediction and gives commanders an edge in battle.”

As a former enlisted explosive ordnance disposal technician, Johnson has experienced the impact weather has on missions, something that now allows the officer to be operations-focused and driven with the warfighter in mind.

“I had a very hands-on, point-of-the spear mission,” Johnson said. “Today, I take pride in providing timely, accurate weather data to my brothers and sisters who are still in harm’s way. Our work allows mission planners to insert them into the best possible situations and predict environmental implications to help ensure success.

“Sand storms, for example, are a huge concern for rotary wing aircraft. To be able to predict the wind and how fast that sandstorm is moving, gives them the window to get off the ground and get where they need to go,” Johnson continued. “When the chance for success hinges on close air support, we help get those jets and helicopters off the ground and in the fight safely; and when things go badly, medevac personnel can get in the air and arrive on scene in time to save lives.”

While the DMSP started as a classified program in the 1960s, to support the National Reconnaissance Office's top-secret CORONA satellite program, they weren’t publicly acknowledged until 1973. Today, the program’s products are no longer used for defense operations alone. From government agencies to commercial users, the data provided by NOAA and the Air Force affects everyday lives worldwide.

“The DMSP mission is the oldest continuously operational constellation in the DOD,” Whitaker said. “While most Americans may never use or even see our data, they benefit from the efforts of Det. 1 and our interagency partner NOAA.”

The team’s mission is unique in Air Force Space Command and places them as a connector between two cabinet-level organizations -- the Department of Commerce and the DOD -- as an important traffic point on the data highway.

“Many agencies are interested in our data and we keep all those players in the loop and let them know what is happening,” said Capt. Melissa K. Bierma, the assistant director of operations and executive officer. “We often translate information from one organization to the next.”

Bierma arrived at the station four years ago and has seen the unit take on increasing responsibility at NOAA. She began her work with the engineers and has developed an expertise when it comes to sensors aboard the spacecraft.

“We have to ensure our data is of good quality, and it’s being fed to the warfighter 24/7, 365,” she said. “And if there is a problem with any of the systems that keep the satellite in orbit, we need to find out where the problem is. If one of the sensors goes out, there is a loss of data that could mean the warfighter doesn’t get important data points.”

The partnership between NOAA has provided the Air Force highly specialized NOAA engineers, operators and schedulers -- who are recognized among the most experienced group of its kind, Whitaker said. It makes the detachment the only unit within the 50th SW with an interagency mission.

“We work side-by-side with the Department of Commerce to control our satellites,” Whitaker said. “The majority of the (civilian) DMSP team has greater than a decade of experience on the mission – and many are military veterans.”

Under the dimmed lights of the operations floor, NOAA’s satellite operators focus on seemingly endless lines of data displayed on stacked rows of computer screens. Every operator is responsible for a satellite and a desk cluster comprises a constellation. Each pass of a satellite opens a limited time window allowing communications to the satellite, requiring operators to be ready to pull and push data to their satellite quickly.

With their heads deep in the acquisitions and planning world, the Airmen maintain a strong operational focus. Any given day can include numerous meetings and conferences with contractor representatives and stakeholders to get clarification on the sensor status, software updates to the spacecraft or planning for an upcoming launch.

“We serve as diplomats and liaisons between some 17 different organizations,” said Capt. Nathaniel Sharkey, the director of operations at Det. 1. “We’re the glue that holds everything together but also the grease that allows all the gears to mesh well. The detachment makes sure everyone stays on target, mission focused and has the resources needed to get the job done.”

With so many parts working together, the Airmen bring the necessary focal point for the defense mission and make sure Air Force assets are protected and working properly in what is often a hazardous environment.

“Our constellation moves in lower earth orbit,” Sharkey said. “There is a lot of stuff there, so we’re very concerned about collision avoidance. At least twice a day, we’ll check that there aren’t any close approaches or near misses that require additional attention.”

The view on weather from space is essential and gives the ultimate overview. Knowing the condition and status of the satellites is critical to the sustainment of the fragile sys-tems that offer such an essential tool to ground commanders and users worldwide.

“Space is the final frontier. It’s the cutting edge and furthest boundary humans can reach out to and push through,” Sharkey said. “It’s about pushing the envelope. And we exceed and excel where humans have no business being. To me that is fascinating and incredible.

“I joined the military to help and protect people — to have an impact,” Sharkey continued. “Our Air Force space missions do that. DMSP and weather prediction saves lives. What space operations provide is not just for the warfighter on the battlefield, we enhance life for everyone on the planet.”

Recently, the DMSP team achieved an operational milestone when their oldest operational satellite, DMSP F-13, orbited the earth for the 100,000th time -- a rare feat, Whitaker said.

Despite its relative age, the defense weather mission is far from over as the need for on-demand, reliable weather forecasts is only increasing.

“We are engaged in the budgeting, planning and installation of key components to our aging ground system that will keep our constellation viable through the next decade and beyond,” Whitaker added.

Recently, his team watched over the successful launch of their newest satellite, DMSP F-19, and is preparing to launch another, F-20, soon -- so Air Force eyes in the sky can keep watch for years to come.

CMSAF Cody discusses future, heritage during visit to Columbus

by Tech. Sgt. Amanda Savannah
14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

9/29/2014 - COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody and his wife, retired Chief Master Sgt. Athena Cody, visited Columbus Air Force Base Sept. 24-25, taking time to meet with Team BLAZE Airmen and discuss several of the Air Force's current hot topics.

"More than anything the reason Athena and I and our team are here ... is to thank you," Cody said. "Thank you for what you do every single day for our Air Force."

In addition to discussing topics such as the Enlisted Evaluation System changes and Developmental Special Duty nominations, Cody also talked about the latest Air Expeditionary Force construct.

"As we continue to evolve the AEF process to meet the demands of the combatant commanders, we have to make sure we get the dwell rates right and give our Airmen the predictability they deserve while actually having the people that work and operate together, deploy and operate together," Cody said. "This construct gives us the ability to do that while still accomplishing our mission at home."

The chief master sergeant of the Air Force said there will always be intricacies to meeting these demands through the process, and that the construct is built to allow for it.

"Given the requirement that's out there by the combatant commander, it can have a varied impact on a base like Columbus, and certainly the Air Education and Training Command bases because of their mission," Cody said. "You can't feed the fight unless you're producing pilots."

Cody said the future is "latent with opportunity" for the service to move forward, and that Airmen of today are the right type of people to take advantage of those opportunities.

"I think there's a lot of opportunity here for each and every one of you," he said. "A call to the future, that's what the Secretary [of the Air Force] and Chief [of Staff of the Air Force] are talking about. Take advantage of that opportunity."

Airmen who create new opportunities have at least two ways to share them with the Air Force. One is the Airmen Powered by Innovation program, an initiative started this year that gives innovative Airmen an avenue to put their ideas forward to the Air Force. However, the Air Force's top enlisted leader also encouraged Airmen to work their ideas at their home stations.

"A lot of that innovation can be executed right here locally on any given day," Cody said. "A lot of the things that our Airmen want to do, they can do. Talk to your supervisors, talk to your chain of command."

Innovation is not new to the Air Force and has always been at the heart of who Airmen are, Cody said.

"We wouldn't be the service we are today if it hadn't been for the great work, the legacy, of those innovative Airmen before us," he said.

The 14th Flying Training Wing's theme for 2014 is "Heritage to Horizons," and Cody said the initiative helps all Airmen connect with their heritage.

"When you think about those legends whose shoulders we stand on every single day as Airmen, what they did for us, they didn't look at things in the manner of 'Hey, we're going to get to the finish line and we're finished and now we just kind of stand there and bask in our glory,'" Cody said. "What they really did is they continued to elevate us to the platforms -- not plateaus, the platforms -- by which we could see where we had the potential and opportunity to go.

"I could give you countless stories about Airmen I have met that you could read stories about that really inspire and motivate you every day. Again, we stand on the shoulders of giants. It is certainly a proud heritage we come from, but I also like to think about the Airmen that serve today, and the legacy that they are creating."

Cody said the visits across the Air Force energize him.

"The reason for all these visits, the primary reason, is to look our Airmen in the face, spend as much time as we can with them, and to earnestly let them know how much we appreciate what they do every day," he said. "Athena and I have been really fortunate to have that opportunity over the last couple of days here with Team BLAZE."

19th AF activates under AETC

Published September 29, 2014

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The Air Education and Training Command will re-activate a streamlined 19th Air Force Oct. 1, headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas.

Gen. Robin Rand, the AETC commander, will appoint Maj. Gen. Michael Keltz as the commander of the newly re-activated numbered air force.

"Activating 19th (Air Force) under AETC will allow for appropriate command and control, efficient management of limited resources, consistency across installations and will clarify responsibilities between the major command and subordinate units," said Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James.

The 19th Air Force was inactivated in 2012, in the hopes of gaining efficiencies. However, a review of mission oversight and execution, directed by Rand, showed a need for realigning responsibilities to reinforce proper command relationships and training oversight.

"This restructuring within AETC will move all formal aircrew flying training missions under General Keltz's command," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III. "AETC has a wide range of responsibility when it comes to training and educating Airmen. Our flying training mission requires a significant level of coordinated oversight to ensure our Airmen in the skies remain the best in the world and 19th Air Force will take on that responsibility."

The 19th Air Force will include 19 training locations, 10 regular Air Force wings supported by six Guard and Reserve wings, approximately 32,000 personnel and more than 1,350 aircraft of 29 different models. No new positions or authorizations, including the commander's, will be created as a result of the new NAF. The infrastructure and manpower of 19th Air Force will be drawn from previously existing resources. The major general command position will shift from AETC's directorate of intelligence, operations and nuclear integration.

Operation Deep Freeze main body season begins

by Sandra Pishner
446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

9/29/2014 - MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. -- Operation Deep Freeze main body season begins this week, as Airmen from the 446th and 62nd Airlift Wings here continue to provide airlift support to the National Science Foundation's efforts in Antarctica.

Sharing airlift duties with active duty Airmen are eight reservists from te 446th AW.

The team of Airmen from McChord completed WinFly with a new twist this year.  In addition to the cargo carried directly from McChord, 27 NSF personnel departed from McChord to Christchurch, New Zealand.

"Normally the NSF members are already in place at Christchurch," said Senior Master Sgt. Derek Bryant, 446th Operations Group. "This task could not have happened successfully without the help of our McChord passenger terminal folks, fleet services (meals) folks, transportation and base security."

Using Christchurch International Airport, as the base of operations, the mission of WinFly is to deliver advance teams and cargo to the remote research center in preparation for the main season of Operation Deep Freeze.

WinFly had three missions total this year, with the last mission flown was flown with night vision goggles.

"This training mission was essential to the Deep Freeze program, as several pilots from the active duty and reserve gained initial NVG Deep Freeze training as well as recurrent training for others.

Among the cargo expected to be carried by a McChord C-17 to McMurdo Station, Antarctica is a large track vehicle weighing in at 68,000 pounds. 

"That is being transported from McChord to Christchurch and a follow on to McMurdo station; this vehicle type is specific for the terrain and conditions at McMurdo.  The certifications were just completed to validate the transportation of this vehicle on the C-17," said Bryant.

These operations are unlike any other U.S. military operations and present unique challenges for all members involved.

Weather and visibility are the two major factors which increase the difficulty of the mission, causing a two-day delay at one point in the WinFly period.

McChord Field has participated in ODF since 1983 using the C-141B Starlifter. The 446th AW got involved in 1995. The first C-17 trial for use to support ODF was Oct. 15, 1999.

ODF is divided into three seasons, WinFly, Main Body and Winter. It involves active duty and Reserve C-17 support from McChord, LC-130 support from the New York Air National Guard and other aircraft necessary to support the mission; U.S. Coast Guard icebreakers and the U.S. Navy Cargo Handling Battalion One to provide critical port services at McMurdo Station.

The next Operation Deep Freeze rotation departs McChord on Oct. 9.

Reserve F-22 unit participates in Hawaii War Day

by Maj. Ashley Conner
477th Fighter Group Public Affairs

9/26/2014 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska  -- Alaska's only Air Force Reserve unit took part in a joint-service "War Day" exercise during their annual tour at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawaii.

The event was the first ever group-wide off-station annual tour for the 477th Fighter Group.

"This was an important training opportunity because it allowed us to function as a unit and put our leadership team to new tests that we don't get at home," said Col. Tyler Otten, 477th Fighter Group commander. "Hawaii is a great location; it provided us an opportunity to train in a different environment and to work hand-in-hand with one of our fellow F-22 squadrons at the Hawaii Air National Guard.  They were great hosts and we generated a great relationship."

The group of 175 Airmen from maintenance, operations, civil engineer, security forces and force support were transported to and from Hawaii on a C-5 and four C-17s from reserve units at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, and March Air Reserve Base, California.

"Utilizing reserve assets allowed us to save money while also providing a valuable training opportunity for the C-5 and the C-17s," said Maj. Caleb Haley, 302nd F-22 pilot and AT project officer.

One of the largest training events of the two weeks came during the 154th and 15th Wing War Day Sept. 12.

"The Alaska Raptors participated as both Red Air and Blue Air during the War Day," said Maj. Ryan Pelkola, 302nd FS F-22 pilot.  "The Blue Air scenario called for the Raptors to provide continual protection of both the C-17 and the helicopters. Once the rescue operation was over we conducted high value airborne asset protection for the HIANG KC-135s, which is not normally something they get to do. Training jointly with our fellow PACAF F-22 squadrons prepares us for real world scenarios we could encounter worldwide."

In addition to the six Alaska Raptors that participated in the War Day there were two KC-135s, two C-17s, two Army UH-60s, one P-3 along with numerous Marines, Soldiers and Airmen whose objective was to recover downed aircrew.

"My role in war day was to simulate a member of aircrew downed in hostile territory," said Staff Sgt. Joshua Keyfauver, 477th OSF Intelligence superintendent.  "We were guided by the 154th OSS SERE representatives on in-field academics regarding evasion and survival techniques. We remained 'in character' throughout our entire duration in the field, maintaining evasive actions from the time of aircraft downing to the time of extraction. "

The nine members of the simulated downed aircrew coordinated their extraction with the Joint Personnel Recovery Center via radio calls in accordance with pre-briefed procedures.

The extraction consisted of  PJ's and a JTAC parachuting into the extraction zone, securing the perimeter from hostile forces, and escorting the downed aircrew onto the HH-60's that landed shortly after the area was secure.

"I now believe this experience to be vital in realizing the intelligence requirements in support to personnel recovery," said Keyfauver. " Intelligence personnel are often involved directly with SERE in ensuring that the pilot is familiar with procedures to take if he or she finds themselves in a SERE situation."

DHA Leaders Attend Warrior Games, Discuss Agency’s Mission

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Sept. 30, 2014 – Defense Health Agency senior leaders attended the Sept. 28 opening ceremony of the 2014 Warrior Games here yesterday and discussed their organization’s overall mission.

Air Force Lt. Gen. Douglas J. Robb, the agency’s director, and Navy Command Master Chief Petty Officer Terry J. Prince, DHS’s senior enlisted advisor, joined DoD News’ Adaptive Warrior broadcast to discuss DHA’s mission.

The Defense Health Agency, based at Falls Church, Virginia, was established on October 1, 2013, Robb said.

“Our job is to provide ready medical forces and capabilities to the service surgeon generals so they can again present those forces to their combatant commanders and their service chiefs,” he said. “So we are a joint first solution enabler for our combatant forces.”

The general said it was “exciting” to attend the Warrior Games, along with his senior enlisted advisor, as many of the competitors were treated by “our young corpsmen and medics” on the battlefield.

“As you know, our advances in combat casualty care forward and our en route care has allowed these soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, our coalition forces and our civilians to come safely back home to their husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, sons and daughters,” Robb said.

Connection to the Warrior Games

The general also explained how DHA is connected to the Warrior Games.

“One of the things that we … bring to the fight “is the military adaptive sports program with Wounded Warrior Care and Policy,” he said. “So our folks work together, in the Defense Health Agency, along with health affairs, again, to make this program happen.”

Robb described the Warrior Games as the other “bookend,” opposite the tactical combat casualty care that injured service members receive on the battlefield.

“Within 24 hours they can be waking up at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center or they can be waking up at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and the first time they wake up … their husband or wife, their mother or father, their son or their daughter, are holding their hands,” he said. “Now that’s the way you heal. And what you see in the [Warrior Games opening ceremony] audience, there is that same family unit that’s continuing that healing process to allow these folks to be great citizens. It’s just awesome to watch these folks.”

Advances in military medical care

As DHA’s senior enlisted advisor, Prince shared his insight of how far military medical care has advanced.

“I’m proud to talk about the care,” he said. “As the former command master chief of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Care Center at Bethesda, [Maryland], I was often at the gates to meet the wounded warriors when they [came] through our hospital.

“In many cases [there were] tears flowing down the families’ faces,” Prince continued. “You just give them hugs, and you’d say, ‘Your son or daughter is going to walk out of here. In three months, nine months or one year, they will walk out of this hospital.’”

Prince said some of the families expressed skepticism after he told them some of their loved ones would leave using bionic limbs that can be controlled with their minds.

“They don’t want to believe that,” he said. “Then they see the care and the dedication of our military, our [other government agencies] and our contract people working in our medical facilities all around the world -- not just at Bethesda.

“The quality of life and the quality care go hand-in-hand,” Prince continued. “I think if you got any other wounded, ill and injured on this set they would say the same thing. [We’re] proud to serve.”

The DHA, he said, is a mix of all the services including the public health service.

“All for the betterment of that soldier, sailor, airman, Marine, [or] Coast Guardsmen on the front lines,” Prince said. “I couldn’t ask for a better job in the world.”

Prince also lauded the noncommissioned officers who work “hand-in-hand” with medical service providers in caring for patients.

“We’re the finest military service in the world because of our noncommissioned officers,” he said. “And those guys and gals do it every day and I couldn’t be prouder.