Feb. 20 airpower: Coalition tankers refuel the fleet
 
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNEWS) -- U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 20.

In Afghanistan Feb.19, Air Force F-15 Eagles conducted a strike against an enemy staging point in a cave near Pech. The F-15s dropped guided bomb unit-31 joint direct attack munitions one meter above the cave entrance to deny the enemy access to equipment and weapons suspected to be inside. Review of the F-15s' camera footage indicated successful impact of all weapons.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a GBU-38 on an enemy firing position near Now Zad. The target was a direct hit with no collateral damage according to the joint terminal attack controller on the ground. The B-1B also dropped a GBU-31 on a cave entrance in the same area. The JTAC confirmed the cave entrance was closed and additional air strikes were not required.

U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornets provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force troops receiving enemy mortar fire near Now Zad. One of the strike fighters dropped a GBU-12 on the enemy position after it was marked with smoke by a JTAC. The JTAC confirmed the weapon impacted the target successfully.

The F/A-18s also conducted strafe runs using cannon rounds on a row of buildings containing enemy personnel in the same area. The JTAC confirmed a "good effect."

Immediately following the strafe runs, a possible rocket propelled grenade was fired at one of the F/A-18s. The JTAC warned the pilot who immediately broke left and expended four flares. The pilot noted two black puffs of smoke approximately 1,000 and 2,000 feet behind the aircraft and climbed while expending three more flares. The pilot noted no further evidence of engagement.

Shortly thereafter, the other F/A-18 conducted an additional strafe run after the JTAC reported that ground forces were still receiving small arms fire. The JTAC reported a "good effect."  The F/A-18 then responded to a request from the ground forces commander through the JTAC to drop a GBU-38 on enemy troops in an open location. The JTAC confirmed a successful hit.

In total, 37 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Seven Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or ISR, aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan . Additionally, U.S. Navy fighter aircraft performed in non-traditional ISR roles with their electro-optical and infrared sensors.

In Iraq , Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided a show of force to deter potential vehicle-borne IED attackers moving on coalition troops near Baghdad . The F-16s presence prevented further attacks from occurring.

Other Air Force F-16s were assigned to survey a marsh near Basrah. An F-16 pilot reported 10 to 20 boats traveling from the north to the south along the western portion of the marsh.

Other Air Force F-16s were assigned to search for enemy activity in an area near Baghdad . An F-16 pilot observed approximately ten personnel in the area and reported them to an on-scene JTAC who sent a patrol to the location to investigate.

Air Force F-16s also were tasked to observe a compound for enemy activity near Taji. An F-16 pilot observed several individuals loading a vehicle with suspected weapons and transporting them to a possible mortar site where two heat sources were detected. The pilot also observed individuals burying something at the same location and reported all activity to the JTAC to be relayed to the ground commander.

Other Air Force F-16s were assigned to observe roads for IED placement and counter mortar/rocket surveillance near Basrah. The F-16 pilots observed a rocket launch in a street with groups of people near the launch site and immediately relayed the information and coordinates to the JTAC.

Air Force F-16 pilots continued to monitor the area and observed individuals dragging objects into a compound. The JTAC later confirmed three individuals were detained at the launch site for further questioning.

JTACs are highly trained Airmen who advise ground commanders on appropriate air power support, relay a ground commander's intent to air power assets overhead and communicate with aircrews for precision engagement.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 46 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Additionally, 16 Air Force, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq.  An Air Force fighter aircraft performed in a non-traditional ISR role with electro-optical and infrared sensors.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. Nearly 155 airlift sorties were flown; more than 375 tons of cargo were delivered, and approximately 3,200 passengers were transported.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia , Canada and Japan flew in support of OIF or OEF.

On Feb. 18, Air Force, Royal Air Force and French tankers flew 32 sorties and off-loaded more than 2.1 million pounds of fuel which is the equivalent of approximately 52 full fuel trucks.

February 20/07 News

Bagotville Rolls Out the Red Carpet for Military Attachés

By AF Public Affairs

On 30 January, 3 Wing Bagotville welcomed a delegation of foreign military attachés from 17 countries, including Brazil, Chile, Germany, South Korea, Norway and Indonesia. Stationed in Ottawa and Washington, the attachés paid  a visit to the 3 Wing facilities and met with personnel.

The military visitors observed and discussed the operational capabilities of 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron, 439 Search and Rescue Squadron, new CF-18 technologies (the modernization program), the new AMRAAM missile (an advanced medium range air-to-air missile) and the deployment capabilities of 12 Radar Squadron.  Major William Radiff, a CF-18 demonstration pilot, brought the day to an end with some spectacular acrobatic manoeuvres under sunny skies and temperatures of 25 below. 

"Given world events at this time, Canada's relations with foreign countries are becoming increasingly important. These visits help forge ties between countries and show transparency among nations," says Colonel Pierre Ruel, Commanding Officer of 3 Wing.

A delegation of military attachés from several countries visited 3 Wing on 30 January in the company of Colonel Pierre Ruel, commander.  DND Photo

Viper West season takes off
 
By 2nd Lt. Beth Woodward -- 388th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Hill Air Force Base, Utah -- Air Combat Command's West Coast F-16 Demonstration Team, better known as Viper West, began its 2007 season Jan. 31 in Tucson, AZ. The team will perform Feb. 17-18 at the Falcon and Condor Airshow in Lima, Peru.

During Peru's first international airshow, Viper West will provide static displays, aerial demonstrations and orientation flights, exhibiting the power of U.S. military aircraft and furthering relations with allied partners.

Viper West, which stages out of Hill Air Force Base, is one of two, single-ship F-16 demonstration teams in ACC. The team's combat capability performance shows what the F-16 Fighting Falcon and Air Force bring to the war on terror.

"I am particularly impressed with this year's team," said 388th Fighter Wing Commander Col. Robert Beletic. "The demonstration pilot, safety observers and maintainers excelled in their training and have started the season with precision that I normally only see in more developed teams. Our new demonstration pilot, Capt. Russ Piggott, is the leader and will continue to advance the team known for its rich legacy of professionalism and precision."

"While I am naturally partial to Viper West, I would encourage anyone who has an opportunity to see any of Air Combat Command's demonstration teams to go see the incredible display of air combat capability of our U.S. Air Force. The demonstrations makes me proud of our Air Force and of our nation. They make me want to sign up for the Air Force all over again," said Colonel Beletic.

Viper West Airmen are chosen for their two-year terms after a records review and intense interview.

"The men on this team are the 'cream of the crop' and are truly the most professional Airmen serving our Air Force," said Capt. Piggott, Viper West pilot and officer in charge. "I'm inspired by them - the hard work they do to prep the jets and make them shine for the crowd."

In addition to building public trust in the Air Force and promoting recruiting and retention programs, team members also reach out to the local community by visiting schools and hospitals, spreading the message of hard work and achieving goals.

"[Being part of the team] allows me to interact with kids - to let them know there are options to being a productive person in society, and there is an opportunity to go to college and learn a skill or trade," said Sergeant Sullins.

A pilot, two team chiefs and seven maintenance Airmen make up the Viper West team. From February to November, these Airmen perform at approximately 28 airshows, including international shows in South America, Europe and Canada.

The team's first stateside airshows will be held at Davis-Montham AFB, Ariz. and Naval Air Facility El Centro, Calif. While large cities on the 2007 schedule, like Louisville, Ky. are rewarding for the team because of the media interest they generate, smaller shows remain the favorite for many team members.

"I must have been told 'thank you' by everyone I talked at the smaller shows like Georgetown, Texas, Lehmington, Ontario and Salinas, Calif. The public was extremely appreciative of the military and all that we do for our country," said Sergeant Sullins.

Additional Viper West 2007 team members include: Master Sgt. Jonathan Veal, Technical Sgts. Daniel May and Dixon Enriquez, Staff Sgts. Ryan Douglass and Jerry Rivers, Senior Airmen Kenneth Umeck, Arthur Greene and Israel Woodmancy.

First JPADS airdrop over Iraq a success
 
By Staff Sgt. Carlos Diaz -- U.S. Central Command Air Forces

BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq (AFNEWS) -- Eight aircrew members from the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing's 777th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron used the joint precision airdrop system for the first time over Iraq Feb. 16 to deliver six 1,200-pound bundles.

The Air Force developed the software and the Army developed the steerable chutes. The JPADS includes a wind sonde sensor, which is a 12- to 15-inch tube-shaped, beige-colored device that weighs no more than three pounds.

The new JPADS has two components, according to Lt. Col. David Kuenzli, the 777th EAS commander.

The Air Force-developed software uses an advanced weather model to compute a very accurate release point in the air. The Army's chutes are steered by a global positioning system. When both components are combined, the airdrop can be delivered from high altitudes of up to 25,000 feet.

"This gives us the ability to have the same or better accuracy on the drop zone," Colonel Kuenzli said.

The colonel and his aircrew were ready to employ the JPADS.

"We want to be able to show that we have this capability, and we're going out to demonstrate that we can do this and keep the Army re-supplied," he said.

They were going to re-supply the ground troops with water and Meals, Ready to Eat.
 
The aircrew charged with this responsibility was deployed from the 463rd Airlift Wing at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. They are assigned to the 50th and 61st Airlift squadrons.

The eight-man crew consisted of Maj. Matthew Lewis, aircraft commander; Capt. Matthew Reece, pilot; 1st Lt. Matthew MacFarlane, co-pilot observer; Capt. Eric Fancher primary navigator; Capt. Kenny Bierman, instructor navigator; Tech. Sgt. Darrel Jackson, flight engineer; Tech. Sgt. Oliver Osborne, primary loadmaster; and Staff Sgt. Daniel Maslowski, secondary loadmaster.

After a highly-detailed intelligence briefing, the loadmasters departed to perform their mission preparation.

After their mission prep was complete, three aerial port members from the 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron loaded the bundles into the aircraft.

Once inside, a team of Army riggers began to secure and tighten the bundles with an incredible attention to detail.

"With this new system, we're using the technology in today's Army to keep everyone safe," said Warrant Officer David Bird, airdrop system technician assigned to the 368th Cargo Transportation Company.

Warrant Officer Bird detailed some of the advantages of the new JPADS.

"The recovery time is faster, the loads are easier to download, the airdrop is faster because of the high velocity of 70 to 90 feet per second, and it's low-cost, fast and safe."

The 13-year Soldier said his team's been practicing its entire career.

"We're a close-knit family," he said about his eight-member rigger crew. "To see something like this go through is worth it for us."

Once the joint airdrop inspector Senior Airman Andrew Strazzinski inspected the load for safety and correct rigging procedures, the C-130 was ready for takeoff.

The bundles were airdropped once the aircraft was positioned at a 7-degree-high nose drop angle. Using simple gravity, the bundles slid off and the huge parachutes immediately deployed.

"My job, as the primary loadmaster, was to make sure the load goes out as advertised," said Sergeant Osborne, who is a formal training unit instructor in the 714th Training Squadron at Little Rock AFB.

As a career field instructor, he stressed the importance of communication.

"We had an open line of communication," he emphasized. "Communication was the key because we listened to each other, backed each other up and kept two eyes on everything."

His young counterpart, 27-year-old Sergeant Maslowski, was anxious to complete his first combat airdrop using the new JPADS.

"My adrenaline was pumping the entire time," the redheaded loadmaster said. "It was exciting because I constantly kept doing more than one thing to stay ahead of the game.

"This for me has peaked all other deployments; I experienced first hand what we train for," he continued.

"Supporting the ground troops who really need these supplies is what it's all about," said Sergeant Osborne, an 18-year Air Force member.

Colonel Kuenzli was satisfied with the team's effort to successfully accomplish the airdrop mission.

"The entire teamwork from our maintenance team got this aircraft prepped and ready, and the aircrew members prepared for several weeks and studied hard to know and understand each other's jobs and roles," he said.

Once the aircrew returned with an empty cargo compartment, it was obvious that the mission was a success.

Sergeant Maslowski could not wipe the ear-to-ear grin off of his freckled face.

"This was so awesome, and I was ingrained in the moment," he said.

After a celebratory pose holding the American flag, the aircrew had a debrief session about the first combat airdrop over Iraq using the JPADS.

"We've paved the way for everyone else," Sergeant Osborne proudly exclaimed.

Aerial port members load six 1,200-pound bundles of water and Meals, Ready to Eat onto a C-130 Hercules Feb. 16 at Balad, Iraq, in preparation for the first joint precision airdrop system mission in support of Operation Iraq Freedom. JPADS is a new airdrop system used by C-130 aircrews to drop cargo at higher altitudes with precision accuracy. The aerial port members are assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Cecilio M. Ricardo Jr.)

Survivors of Afghan helicopter crash airlifted to Germany

Written by USAF
 
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFNEWS) -- Only hours after a helicopter crashed in Afghanistan, Airmen from an aeromedical evacuation control team in Southwest Asia got 11 of fourteen injured survivors onboard a C-17 Globemaster III bound for Germany.

"That really made a difference in saving lives" said Lt. Col. Lenora Cook, the evacuation control team chief.

Two other survivors were airlifted to Germany later and one did not require evacuation.

Once coalition rescuers from Australia, Canada, England and Holland, as well as from the United States, reached the crash site, they reported that 14 of the 22 on board survived. They rendered life-saving care on site and put out a call to the Joint Patient Movement Requirement Center.

This is where the AECT took over. Colonel Cook's team located airlift, air evacuation crews and critical care air evacuation teams.

"In this case, two CCAT teams were needed" said Colonel Cook. "This was due to the extent of the injuries that included head and chest injuries as well as multiple fractures.

"There were seven urgents and four priority patients who are now on a mission from Kandahar, Afghanistan to Ramstein," said the colonel.

Only hours after being found alive, 11 of the wounded Soldiers and Marines began their seven and half hour flight to Germany.

"It was a pretty hectic flight" said Capt. Karen Mackenzie, a trauma surgeon onboard with the CCAT. "We had seven critical patients... head injuries, chest wounds, spinal fractures."

Her team worked diligently to keep the patients stable during the long flight but it was "absolutely imperative that we get these patients to a medical facility."

Shortly before 2 a.m. they touched down at Ramstein where twenty members from the Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility loaded them onto two busses for the short trip to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center.

In about an hour the busses rolled out leaving behind a cold and tired team from the CASF, but their shift leader, Tech. Sgt. Billy Bailey, summed up their feelings best.

"It's what we're here for, to get the troops the care they need, as fast as possible," he said.

The troops were injured when their Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter reportedly "had a sudden, unexplained loss of power and control and crashed" in Southeast Afghanistan.  According to a U.S. Central Command public affairs spokesman, the helicopter crashed early Sunday morning carrying twenty-two Soldiers, Airmen and Marines.

Airmen from the 435th Aeromedical Staging Flight at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, unload 11 critically injured patients from an arriving C-17 Globemaster III. The injured troops had survived a helicopter crash in Southeast Afghanistan only hours earlier. Once loaded on the busses, they were taken to nearby Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. (U.S. Air Force photo)

February 19/07 News

Sweat, Sand & Quiche

By Cpl Rob Sargeant -- Camp Mirage, Afghanistan

19 WING COMOX -  At a secret base located somewhere in southwest Asia – where winter sand storms quickly turn into torrential rain - where summer day temperatures often reach 50 degrees Celsius – Camp Mirage is a hive of logistics activity 24/7 providing support to Kandahar, Afghanistan.

It is here that I have worked in the Aircraft Spares/Local Purchase Office for nearly three months. I have learned that above all else one needs to “Be Flexible”. You have to be ready for anything. The flight schedules change, sometimes with just an hour’s notice. As well as doing our office jobs we are required to do gate guard duties and duty supply tech shifts – where you are on call, carrying a cell phone outside of normal working hours.  There’s no sense of a weekend when things are running 24/7. The days just seem to flow together. Fridays are the same as Mondays here. Part of my job involves buying and delivering water to the various buildings on base – on average in this thirsty place we go through about ten pallet cases (13,000 bottles) of drinking water a week

I share an air-conditioned room with another supply tech. We have made a temporary home out of the space furnished with a desk, two single beds, and two wardrobes -decorated with some cards, and photos from home. My roommate has mastered the art of stealth, sneaking in during the day while I’m trying to catch some sleep for a night shift.  A used color TV we inherited from the previous occupant provides times to escape from a busy workload, the sand and the seeming lifelessness of a base located in the desert.

There’s a surreal feeling I get here - where with a well-equipped kitchen and gym we are able to keep fed and healthy in a barren desert climate. Some of the dishes the cooks are able to come up with are amazing – not just your typical meat and two veggies, they do everything from chicken swarma to quiche. The PSA staffs, which are Canadian civilians, put on scheduled daily fitness classes and on occasion arrange sporting events like soccer and baseball. I felt a great sense of satisfaction last week when I was finally able to get some of the trickier moves down that had been tripping me up in the aerobic step class led by PSA staffer, and former Comox Valley resident, Natasha Neave (her father is a former flight engineer who was based at 19 Wing for 12 years).

I’m looking forward to a 15-day break in March when I can return to Comox – to see my family and friends - get my Tim Horton’s fix. My sons aged 12 and 14 will be out of school for spring break and my wife will take time off work then so we can get away as a family to one of our favorite spots on Vancouver Island to enjoy the cool mountains and lush forests. Once the time of refreshing is over, I’ll be heading back to Camp Mirage for another three months – where I’ll face day time temperatures of up to 45 degrees Celsius by June, the final month of my tour.

Cpl Rob Sargeant is operating a forklift at Camp Mirage.  Photo taken by Sgt Powers- Army News

Up Close and Personal With Canadian Fighter Pilots

By Lt Paul Finnemore and Jenn Gearey

An exhilarating IMAX film featuring international air combat training coupled with an opportunity to talk live with a Canadian fighter pilot, is being presented this Sunday at the Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Quebec.   

The IMAX presentation, Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag, along with the live stories from Canadian fighter pilots is being featured across Canada -  enlightening young and old about the intense job of a fighter pilot and connecting with Canadians. 

At Lockerby Composite High School in Sudbury this month, school children were wowed by a DVD featuring CF-18s firing missiles and doing aerobatics. Capt John "Pigpen" O'Neil, a fighter pilot with 409 Tactical Fighter Squadron in Cold Lake, AB, trekked out to the school to achieve just that. After the film, the children had a bevy of questions for him, and Capt O'Neil, was in his element speaking to the students about his experience in the Air Force and what it achieves for Canada and Canadians.

Earlier that morning, Capt O'Neil also answered questions from an inquisitive class of local sixth graders at the Science North Museum in Sudbury after they had watched Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag, which had just debuted in the city.

"It takes a lot of determination, a little bit of math and science skill, but more than anything an aggressive attitude and a lot of luck!" said Capt O'Neil to the group about what it takes to be a Fighter Pilot.

The highlight perhaps for both Capt O'Neil and the children was when he competed against them in a fighter plane video game challenge on the theatre's gigantic screen. Local media couldn't resist the rare opportunity either and joined in - one journalist even proudly tied for first place with Capt O'Neil.

"We're trying to let Canadians see who we are, see what we do, just to put a face on the military and understand what the military does," said Capt O'Neil in an interview with the Sudbury Star about his visit.

The visit to Sudbury, a community where a military presence is almost non-existent, was fulfilling for both Capt O'Neil and the hundreds of people he met that day. He considers it a prime example of what connecting with Canadians is truly about.

For more information about the IMAX film and fighter pilot appearance in Gatineau, please contact the Museum of Civilization at: http://www.civilization.ca/

Image of a Fighter Pilot from the IMAX film ‘Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag’

Canadian Woman Being Inducted Into The Women in Aviation, International Pioneer Hall of Fame

By Jenn Gearey

Last year, Major Dee Brasseur sat in the audience of The Women in Aviation, International Pioneer Hall of Fame, in awe of the people around her.

"I was at the conference last year and there were over 3,000 women who attended, from very young to very senior-people that span across many generations and aviation history," says Maj. Brasseur. "There was such a mutual admiration between us all!"

This year, Maj. Brasseur herself will be inducted into the 2007 in The Women in Aviation, International Pioneer Hall of Fame Orlando, Florida on February 17th. She found out that she was going to receive the induction one day in the middle of renovating her kitchen; her roommate had secretly nominated her.

Maj. Brasseur has become a staple name in Canada's Air Force, and her roommate thought it she was due to have her name out there world-wide as one of the great contributors to women in aviation.

In 1981, Maj. Brasseur went from military office clerk to one of the first two female pilots in the world to first fly a CF-18 Hornet. As one of Canada's first military pilots and the first female jet aircraft accident investigator, Maj. Brasseur paved the way for women after her to endeavor any career in aviation they chose.

"I remember flying solo for the first time in an F-18 in 1989," says Maj. Brasseur. "I still remember taxiing out, the canopy was open and my arms were outside the airplane. The kid in me was going ‘wow, this is unreal'."

"It had been a dream for so long, and when I did it, it still felt like a dream," says Maj. Brasseur. "I looked back after flying and couldn't believe that I had flown that airplane. I didn't walk for days, just kind of floated a foot off the ground."

In contrast, Maj. Brasseur thinks back to a day that genuinely challenged her; when she was nowhere close to cloud nine.

"A bird had flown into my engine and I lost engine power," says Maj. Brasseur. "My mind went into emergency mode but we practiced emergency procedures daily so the steps just came naturally-plus you have to trust your instincts. Still, you think: ‘am I going to make it, am I going to have to eject?' I told the student beside me to prepare to bail, and called the tower to Mayday...In the end we were all right, we made it."

Not only did Maj. Brasseur and her student make it back alive with the Tudor aircraft, but she later won a flight safety award for her quick, strategic thinking.

Over the years, Maj. Brasseur has gotten letters from women who voice their admiration, mothers who've said 'thank you' for paving the aviation path for their daughters, and keen young girls with ambitions of flying.

"You never know how much influence you'll have on someone," says Maj. Brasseur.

But Maj. Brasseur knows that the doors to the aviation world weren't always open for girls with the ambition of acquiring wings one day.

"The acceptance level is very different now," says Maj. Brasseur. "There's no resemblance whatsoever between today's military and the military I joined in 1972. Back then there was a hard ceiling that only allowed 1,600 women in limited occupations out of a total of more than 83,000 Regular Force personnel."

Regardless of gender however, Maj. Brasseur says that being a fighter pilot is the hardest thing any woman or man could do in their lifetime.

"It's the most physically and mentally taxing training," says Maj. Brasseur. "I don't like saying that I had to make sacrifices to do it, but I had to make some hard choices...I have no regrets."

Spanning her career, Maj. Brasseur banked over 2,500 hours of extensive flying throughout North America and Europe. Today, she works in the Directorate of Air Strategic Planning and is military co-chair of the Defence Women's Advisory Organization in Ottawa.

"Now I fly a mahogany bomber," says Maj. Brasseur. When asked what that is, she replies with a smile.

"It's my desk!" she says. "Flying is a young person's game-the dedication, the physical conditioning-the 25 to 35 year age bracket is when you're at the top of your game."

While she cherishes her memories of flying, she says it's time to give other women a turn; she's happy with reflecting on all her adventures. So are we.

Major Dee Brasseur during her flying days in front of a CF-18.  DND Photo

Raptors arrive at Kadena
 
By Maj. Dani Johnson -- 8th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNEWS) -- Ten F-22 Raptors arrived here Feb. 17 and 18 for the first overseas deployment of the Air Force's newest air supremacy aircraft.

The aircraft, assigned to the 27th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Va., started their deployment to Kadena almost 10 days previously with a stop at Hickam AFB, Hawaii. While en route, a software issue affecting the aircraft's navigation system was discovered Feb. 11 causing the aircraft to return to Hickam.

The issue was corrected and the aircraft continued on to Kadena. According the 27th FS commander, Lt. Col. Wade Tolliver, the unit is excited about the opportunity to work with the 18th Wing and other services while in the Pacific.

"Every time we fly this jet we learn something new, and to have to opportunity to fly it here in the Pacific with the F-15s (Eagles) and other aircraft is something we are looking forward to," said Colonel Tolliver.

The deployment is part of an air expeditionary force rotation. While the first deployment overseas as part of the AEF, it is not the first time the unit has sent its aircraft to other locations. Most recently the aircraft deployed to Alaska.

"This deployment is a great opportunity for the squadron. We are 8,000 miles away from our support system and home base," the colonel said. "Not only will we be learning about operating from an overseas operation, we will get the opportunity to educate the Air Force and our sister services on the capabilities the jet brings to the fight."

The colonel emphasized that the F-22 was not necessarily created to replace any one airframe in the Air Force.

"The F-22 brings an enormous capability to the Air Force," Colonel Tolliver said. "It is not about what aircraft it is replacing but about how to integrate this new aircraft into the fleet and what advantages it brings to the force."

Colonel Tolliver said the squadron will use this deployment to not only educate but to learn more innovative and advanced tactics to enhance the warfighting capability.

"This is history in the making," said Brig. Gen. Punch Moulton, the 18th WG commander. "This deployment definitely brings unmatched combat airpower to the Pacific highlighting the importance of the bilateral alliance of promoting peace and stability in the region."

The 27th FS deployed more than 250 Airmen to Kadena for the 90-120 day deployment, which is part of a regularly-scheduled U.S. Pacific Command rotational assignment of aircraft to the Pacific.

Two F-22 Raptors taxi after landing at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Feb. 18, marking the aircraft's first overseas deployment. The jets are two of 12 along with more than 250 Airmen deployed from Langley Air Force Base, Va., to Kadena as part of an air expeditionary force rotation. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Sheila deVera) 

379th responds to increased operations
 
By Capt. Wes Ticer -- 379th Air Expeditionary Wing

SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNEWS) -- The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing kicked into high gear to support ongoing operations in Iraq, while still providing a presence in Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa.

Flying squadrons and maintenance units throughout the wing responded to the call for an increased display of airpower to back the resolve of the Iraqi government to protect its sovereignty and the security within its borders.

In a two-day period, the 379th AEW supported a coalition effort that flew 102 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. The missions included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

"As is the case every day, everyone in this wing responded to the call for demonstrating how the dominance of air power synchronizes with the ground forces' efforts," said Col. Jeffrey Fraser, 379th AEW vice commander. "We employed the full range of our wing's airpower to support the effort to secure Baghdad and ports of entry throughout Iraq."

The increased tempo is something felt by more than those working on the flightline. Any time sortie rates increase there is a snowball effect on the supply chain, said Chief Master Sgt. Mike Allen, 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron chief of supply.

"Our supply professionals work very closely with maintainers to ensure we get parts and keep the aircraft mission ready," Chief Allen said. "The relationship between us and aircraft maintenance is fabulous, and that helps us keep the jets flying."

The demands of increased flying operations were possible thanks to the wing's new hydrant fuel system, which has proven to be safer and more efficient, said Capt. John Klohr, 379th ELRS Fuels Management Flight commander.

As a major fuel hub in Southwest Asia, the flight dispenses more than 700,000 gallons of fuel every day, Captain Klohr said. The increase in flying also increases the importance of balancing receipts to ensure enough fuel is on hand.

The 379th AEW's air refueling, ISR and airlift asset capabilities will allow the coalition to provide the persistent presence requested by the Iraqi government, the colonel said.

"We are here to assist the Iraqi people in securing their country and establishing an environment where anti-Iraqi forces are unable to operate," Colonel Fraser said.

A 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron B-1B Lancer departs on a mission Feb. 15. The squadron is involved in a show of presence in Iraq as part of an intensified effort to complement Baghdad security plan operations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. David Miller)

February 15/07 News

17 Moves and Counting

By Major Isabelle Robitaille, CFAWC PAO

Anyone who has ever bought a house knows that it can be a trying process. The search, the viewings, the bidding wars, the agents, the lawyers-all stressful. For fighter pilot LCol Tom Kupecz, however, buying a house isn't something he blinks at anymore; he and his family have moved 17 times during his career with the Canadian Forces (CF).

What's more impressive than the number of properties the Kupecz family have owned, is the 42 years of dedicated service he has under his belt, recognized in a meaningful ceremony in December at the Canadian Forces Aerospace Warfare Centre (CFAWC) in Trenton, Ontario. LCol Kupecz is currently responsible for the policy development of helicopter and fighter aircraft there.

In 42 years, LCol Kupecz says he is as dedicated and motivated as he was that special day in 1964 when he walked through the gates at the Collège Militaire Royal de Saint-Jean. In fact, he says he is thrilled with the current transformation the CF is undergoing.

"I've served during the Cold War, been through the highs and lows of the Canadian Forces, and to now be a part of the current Air Force transformation team is simply amazing," says LCol Kupecz."With our transformation well under way, we're ready for whatever might come our way."

LCol Kupecz says he believes that Canada's military is more relevant than ever.

"We have always been relevant, but now, the challenge is much more personal," says LCol Kupecz. "We are no longer waiting for a super-power to press a button. We need to be on guard and ready for everything at any time."

Reflecting back on LCol Kupecz's career, his commitment to service is palpable. From flying CF100 Canucks to instructing others, to developing flying manuals, LCol Kupecz has accomplished a great deal.

He's reported for work as the Maple Flag Operations Officer in Cold Lake, Alberta;  served the 4th Allied Tactical Air Force Headquarters in Heidelberg, Germany; been posted with the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe in Belgium; and supported NORAD in several locations worldwide-including New York on September 11 2001, when he was appointed Director of Operations. For LCol Kupecz that later materialized into becoming a Sector Battle Commander for the ensuing Operation Noble Eagle.

Next year, LCol Kupecz will retire from the Air Force, but he says he's going to take retirement like any other posting.

"It's a new beginning," he says. "Like every posting, there will likely be a period of adjustment, but also like every posting, I am sure that it will turn out to be great!"

Lieutenant-Colonel Tom Kupecz at the Canadian Forces Aerospace Warfare Centre.  DND Photo

F-22s make mark at Red Flag
 
By Tech. Sgt. Russell Wicke -- Air Combat Command Public Affairs

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFNEWS)  -- The F-22 Raptor flew in its first Red Flag exercise that started Feb. 3 here, showcasing its stealth, super cruise and other advantages absent in legacy fighters.

Pilots from the 94th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Va., are flying F-22s against Red Flag aggressors, with pilots from the Royal Australian Air Force of Australia, and the Royal Air Force of England.

The 94th FS deployed 14 Raptors and 197 Airmen to participate in the Red Flag exercise. Including the F-22s, more than 200 aircraft are participating. Among the foreign aircraft involved are the RAF's GR-4 Tornados and RAAF's F-111 Aardvark. In addition, the F-22s are flying with the B-2 Spirit, F-117 Nighthawk, F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon and more.

The F-22 pilots are experiencing tremendous success flying against the aircraft representing the enemy -- most of which are F-16s and F-15s, said Lt. Col. Dirk Smith, the 94th FS commander. The aggressor forces represent the most lethal threat friendly forces would ever face.

"The training provided by the Red Flag adversaries is like no other on earth," Colonel Smith said. "Our pilots are experiencing a tremendous learning curve."

The F-22's debut at the prominent Red Flag exercise is a significant milestone for the jet, Colonel Smith said. Red Flag is an advanced, realistic combat training exercise designed for fighter pilots, conducted over the Nellis Range Complex which measures 60 by 100 nautical miles. The exercise was established in 1975 because aerial-combat statistics suggested a pilot's survival and success increased significantly after the first 10 sorties. In Red Flag exercises, the Blue Forces represent friendly forces, while Red Forces simulate the enemy.

In addition to aerial combat, Blue Forces also train in various tactics to engage ground targets such as mock airfields, convoys, and other ground defensive positions. However, exercises at Red Flag often provide other unique training opportunities. Training with the B-2 and F-117 is "unprecedented" because the F-22 enhances the lethality of other Air Force aircraft, Colonel Smith said. The same principles apply with Air Force pilots who are practicing engagement with U.S. allies.

Because the United States usually doesn't engage in combat without coalition forces, Colonel Smith said training with the RAF and RAAF at Red Flag provided valuable experience for all involved.

"This exercise is a great chance for us to learn what (sister and coalition forces) can do, and for them to learn what we're capable of," he said. The addition of RAF and RAAF players makes the training more diverse and valuable for all pilots involved. The main idea is not just about the F-22, but how it enhances the overall Air Force package.

But the overall expected result for the F-22s' involvement at Red Flag is to foster and maintain an "unfair advantage" over the enemies of the United States, said Maj. Jack Miller, a Langley AFB spokesman. "Our joint forces don't want a fair fight, we want every fight we enter to be patently unfair -- to the other guy."

Despite the F-22s' "unfair advantage," Colonel Smith said flying against the Red Force aggressors of the 414th Combat Training Squadron is not an easy task. Aggressor pilots are made up of F-16 and F-15 pilots specially trained to replicate tactics and techniques of potential adversaries according to the 414th CTS/Red Flag fact sheet.

"These scenarios are not made to be easy," Colonel Smith said. "These (Red Forces) pilots are well trained and good at their job."

In addition, Red Forces aren't limited to aggressor pilots. There is no shortage of ground threats at Red Flag. These include electronically simulated surface-to-air missiles, anti-aircraft artillery, and communications jamming, according to 414th CTS officials.

F-22 Raptors from 94th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Va., are parked on the flightline during Red Flag Feb. 6 at Nellis AFB, Nev. The exercise sharpens aircrews' warfighting skills in realistic combat situations. The aircraft are flying missions day and night at the nearby Nevada Test and Training Range where they simulate an air war. The Air Force and Navy, along with Australia and the United Kingdom militaries, are participating in the exercise. This is the first deployment to Red Flag for the 94th FS with F-22s. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald) 

Planning critical to Red Flag - Alaska success
 
By Senior Airman Justin Weaver -- 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska (AFNEWS) -- Coalition and American pilots, aircrews and support members need a realistic training environment, and Red Flag - Alaska provides some of the most realistic training on earth.

Coordinating this training is the responsibility of the 353rd Combat Training Squadron members, who plan and prepare each Red Flag - Alaska exercise.

"Red Flag - Alaska exercises are unique in that we can customize each exercise to meet the needs of the different units requesting training," said Capt. Ron Strobach, the Red Flag - Alaska team chief.

"We usually meet with the requesting units four months prior to an exercise," Captain Strobach said. "During the three-day planning conference we discuss how they want to train, execute and complete their training mission."

As long as the training requested does not exceed the parameters the 353rd CTS has established, a unit can request anything from close-air support and personnel recovery to traditional air-to-air or special operations, he said.

"International forces and sister branches are eager to participate in RF-A exercises because of the advanced training environment we provide," Captain Strobach said.

Members of the 353rd CTS control the Pacific Alaska Range Complex's 67,000 square miles of airspace, one conventional bombing range and two tactical bombing ranges -- containing more than 400 different types of targets and more than 30 threat simulators both manned, and unmanned.

Additionally, Red Flag - Alaska provides a different climate and terrain where joint training can occur between services and allies.

"We don't go to war by ourselves," Captain Strobach said. "We will always work in some way with coalition forces. Training here at Red Flag - Alaska helps us overcome the differences that might arise in the area of responsibility when working with foreign countries in combat situations."

Once each attending unit determines the training they would like to perform, the 353rd CTS staff puts together a specific plan for the participants. The plan includes details such as how many bombs they would like to drop, what aircraft they would like to bring and how many sorties they would like to fly each day.

The 353rd CTS staff also works out the logistics to host more than 1,000 people on Eielson Eielson.

"Currently we only have enough room for about 750 people on base," Captain Strobach said. "As Red Flag - Alaska exercises continue to ramp up, more funding should become available to support an influx of up to 1,500 people on base."

Captain Strobach, who has played an integral part in more than 11 RF-A exercises equates the preparation and running of an exercise to that of a skilled juggler balancing plates on the ends of sticks.

"If one plate is off balance, it would throw the entire exercise off," he said. "It's our job to make sure we balance every part to make these exercises a success."

To ensure success, the Red Flag - Alaska team will spend the next few months ironing out the details and logistics of the upcoming exercise.

"The ultimate goal of RF-A exercises is to increase the friendship and closeness of our coalition and U.S. forces and to have them leave here better trained," Captain Strobach said. "It's a win-win situation for everyone involved. To watch international forces come together and understand how each country operates is awesome."

This year's first Red Flag-Alaska exercise takes place April 5 to 20.

Team Eglin keeps F-15Es airborne in AOR
 
By Capt. Rob Clements -- Operational Flight Program Combined Test Force

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla -- In order to unravel problems seen on operational aircraft, two 494th Fighter Squadron F-15E Strike Eagles assigned to the Central Command theater of operations recently flew for the first time with Solid State Recorders installed by a quick reaction team from Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

The combined 53rd Wing and 46th Test Wing team installed the new SSR instrumentation systems onto the operational F-15E aircraft in order to collect data during combat missions without interference to combat operations.

"When the combatant commander asked for help, both the 46th Test Wing and 53rd Wing responded," said Lt. Col. David Evans, Operational Flight Program Combined Test Force commander. "In this case, the OFP CTF partnered with the 846th Test Support Squadron team and F-15 Systems Group to make this effort happen."

Col. Michael Arnold, 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Group commander, requested the team's support to assist in investigating the flight display blanking discrepancies for the F-15E aircraft stationed at at the forward-operating base.

"This was the first employment of SSRs on a fielded system," said Al Berard, chief TSS instrumentation development. "The effort gave the investigation team an unprecedented amount of data to aid in troubleshooting problems seen on the F-15E. The ultimate goal was to enable a quicker fix for the warfighter."

After receiving CENTAF's official tasking Dec. 12, the four-member team deployed the next day.

John Curl, the 846th TSS instrument technician, performed the installation and preflight activities for the aircraft during the deployment. His presence was transparent to the warfighters on the ramp, despite the fast-paced tempo of the in-theater operations.

"This effort validates 46th TW initiatives to provide non intrusive modifications developed by (the) 846th Test Support Squadron," said Mr. Berard.

The installation would not have been possible without the design three years ago by James Landry, 846th TSS lead F-15E system engineer. Finally, the portable nature of the debrief systems allowed Mark Buckley, JDA Systems, to use the Common Mission Debrief System to download, read and archive the data.

"Team Eglin pulled together to meet the needs of the deployed operators. I am proud of our joint response," said Colonel Evans. "However, this effort was only the beginning to solving the problem. We look forward to doing what we do best - developing, testing, and fielding improved combat capability."

AF remembers ... The world's first black fighter pilot
 
By Duclan Golaszewski -- 53rd Wing Historian

EGLIN Air Force Base, Fla -- Feeling the heady freedom of flying an open-cockpit airplane at 12,000 feet, the young black pilot patrolled the hostile skies over Verdun, France. The fact he flew at all was an accomplishment in itself, but to be thrown into combat so early in his career proved the mettle of the man.

It was a typical November day in northern France -- cold, misty, not conducive to day-dreaming of one's achievements; after all, the Germans flew the same skies looking for pilots to add to their list of kills. Like a self-fulfilling prophecy, the pilot's French squadron found itself under attack by German Pfalzes. As the aviator singled out an enemy plane to attack, he was soon outmaneuvered and stalked by his nemesis. If it's true a person's life flashes before his or her eyes under stressful situations, young Eugene Jacques Bullard's life was already a full one.

Eugene was born Oct. 9, 1895, and was raised in Columbus, Ga. The seventh of 13 surviving children (three died in childbirth), he had a strict, but loving, father who raised the children on his own when his wife died at 37. Eugene also loved his family very much but longed to see the world, spurred on by the stories told by his father.

At 16, he worked his way across the South until he reached Newport News, Va., where he stowed away on a vessel bound for Germany. Discovered by the captain, he was put to work hauling ashes from the boiler room. When the ship reached Scotland, the captain put Eugene ashore in a rowboat.

Eugene made his way to France by working as a longshoreman, a vaudeville actor and even boxing. He finally arrived in Paris and adopted France as his own country.

When the guns of August brought the German invasion of France, Eugene volunteered to serve in the French Foreign Legion. His first assignment was as a machine gunner with the 170th Infantry Regiment, "The Swallows of Death." He and his fellow Soldiers became part of the French forces fighting to hold Verdun. Here Eugene experienced his first taste of battle. He was wounded at least four times while serving in the infantry and even earned the Croix de Guerre, France's highest medal for bravery.

A leg wound he suffered led him to fly a Spad for the French Chasing Squadron N-93. After flying Immelmann turns and loops, he achieved his first kill against the German pilot who singled him out. In all, he flew at least 20 missions for his squadron.

When the United States entered the war in 1917, Eugene suffered the worst wound of his short life as an aviator. Americans flying with the French could transfer to American service, but Americans directing the U.S. war effort did not want him to fly for them because he was black. They also feared that if he continued flying for the French, he would prove to be a "bad influence" on blacks in the military.

Despite the blow, he never stopped loving his homeland but continued to fight in his adopted country. When World War II commenced, Eugene resumed his battle against oppression by joining the French Resistance and Underground.

Eugene, the world's first black fighter pilot, serves as an inspiration to Soldiers and Airmen everywhere. He won virtually all the medals awarded by the French government. Although he died in relative obscurity in the United States, the French continued to praise and admire him until he died in 1961.

On Sept. 14, 1994, the U.S. Air Force promoted him posthumously to the rank of second lieutenant. His contributions to aviation and his African-American heritage are honored at an exhibit at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

As the aviator singled out an enemy plane to attack, he was soon outmaneuvered and stalked by his nemesis. If it's true a person's life flashes before his or her eyes under stressful situations, young Eugene Jacques Bullard's life was already a full one. The fact he flew at all was an accomplishment in itself, but to be thrown into combat so early in his career proved the mettle of the man. (Courtesy photo)

February 14/07 News

Canadians Fire the AIM-120 Air-to-Air Missile

By Jenn Gearey

Canadian CF-18 pilots fired their first AIM-120 advanced mid range air-to-air missiles (AMRAAM) last week while participating in “Combat Archer”, a world-class annual United States Air Force exercise conducted at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida.  Until the CF’s underwent the first phase of modernization, CF-18’s had only been equipped with AIM-7 and AIM-9 missiles.

“After almost 12 months of effort, this launch completes the test process and provides the Initial Operational Capability (IOC) of the missile for the CF-18 fleet,” says LCol Laroche, Commanding Officer of 425 (Tactical Fighter) Squadron, based at 3 Wing Bagotville, Quebec.

The AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missile, is an active radar missile capable of tracking and guiding itself onto radar designated targets from long and close combat ranges.

Six CF-18s and more than 90 Canadian Air Force personnel from 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron, from 3 Wing Bagotville, Quebec, took part in “Combat Archer” last week.

Conducted by the U.S.’s 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group, Combat Archer is an annual Air-to-Air Weapons System Evaluation Program (WSEP) designed to exercise and evaluate the total Air-to-Air weapon system capability of Air Force combat aircraft.

The Combat Archer exercise allows pilots to experience what they would see and feel in combat, which is a rare opportunity says LCol Patrice Laroche, Commanding Officer of 425 Squadron. It also allows aircrews, maintainers, weapons loaders and other members of the unit to work as a team before actual deployments.

“During standard training flights, pilots go through all the steps to fire a missile except actually firing one and cannot clearly validate whether the shot would have hit the target,” says LCol Laroche. “Since pilots rarely get an opportunity to engage in actual air-to-air combat, this is truly a unique opportunity.”

“The purchase and employment of the AMRAAM has only been possible since the completion of phase one of the CF-18 modernization,” says LCol Laroche.  “It’s key to bringing back the CF-18 as a world-class fighter in the air-to-air arena.”

While fighter pilots like LCol Laroche have the glamorous and exciting task of firing the missile, the successful testing of the AIM-120 is the culmination of a lengthy process involving a team effort of many people in the Air Force.  And there is more to come. The intention is to re-establish the CF-18 as a world-class, front line fighter, capable in both the air-to-air and air-to-surface employment. 

“Many more projects are underway as part of the CF-18 modernization such as night vision goggles, new advanced air-to-ground weapons, advanced targeting pod, data link and other programs that will culminate within the next two years,” says LCol Laroche.

A  CF-18 successfully launches an AMRAAM missile on February 2, 2007 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. DND Photo

Load crew from 3 Wing Bagotville bring the first live AMRAAM missile to a CF-18 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. DND Photo

War of the Roses

By Jenn Gearey

When Leading Seaman Nicole Durant, a flight steward with 412 Squadron in Ottawa, went to pick up three wounded men in Afghanistan to help them return home to Canada, she had no idea that a love story had boarded the CC-144 Challenger as well.

"There was one guy who was quite the character and asked for some tape so he could put up a picture of his girlfriend right where his oxygen went," says LS Durant about Corporal James Lightle, who was on his way home nursing a wounded leg. "He said that picture was what got him through Afghanistan."

"Andrea is my rock, my shelter from the storm and is definitely my light in a time of darkness," said Cpl Lightle.

While Cpl Lightle said that this wasn't the way he had planned to come home to his girlfriend, LS Durant said that she reminded him at least he was coming home, and despite having to nurse a wounded leg he would be alright. 

But still, Cpl Lightle wanted a better homecoming for his girlfriend than what circumstances seemed to allow.

"He talked about how he had wanted to bring his girlfriend flowers and how he wanted to propose to her," says LS Durant. "The light went on for me. I got on the phone with my other half who is also in the military, and left him a long winded message on how I needed four long stemmed roses waiting for us at the airport when we arrived--three for each of the men's girlfriends and one for this guy's mother as well, who would be waiting."

When the men's plane landed, LS Durant ran into the airport and there were the four roses waiting there for them.

"I thought this was the least we could do for them," she says.

When she asked Cpl Lightle what he was going to do that night to celebrate his homecoming with his girlfriend, the man's answer surprised LS Durant.

"I'm going to hold my girlfriend in my arms and let her sleep, because she hasn't slept since I left," he said to her. 

The next thing she knew the men were put in an ambulance and taken to Petawawa-with the roses. 

"I just wanted to make my homecoming as nice as I could and I am greatful to LS Durant for getting the flowers for me and the rest of the boys," says Cpl Lightle. "It was the first time in a long time that somebody did something out of the goodness of their heart for me."

Cpl Lightle is still saving up for the perfect ring for his sweetheart Andrea, but in the meantime he's bought her a golden retriever puppy to keep her company. They call him ‘Seargent'.

Corporal James Lightle, LS Nicole Durant, and Corporal James Miller, aboard a military plane, returning home from Afghanistan. DND Photo

F-22 Raptors make mark at Red Flag
 
By Tech. Sgt. Russell Wicke -- Air Combat Command Public Affairs

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (ACCNS) -- The F-22A Raptor is flying in its first Red Flag exercise that started here Feb. 3, showcasing its stealth, super cruise and other advantages absent in legacy fighters.

Within the exercise, pilots from the 94th Fighter Squadron, Langley AFB, Va., are flying F-22s against Red Flag aggressors, with pilots from the Royal Australian Air Force of Australia, and the Royal Air Force of England. This is the first time the F-22 has flown with coalition forces.

The 94th FS deployed 14 Raptors and 197 personnel to play in the Red Flag exercise, which ends Feb. 16. Including the F-22s, more than 200 aircraft are participating. Among the foreign aircraft involved are the RAF's GR-4 and RAAF's F-111C. In addition, the F-22s are flying with the B-2 Spirit and F-117 Nighthawk, the aircraft that pioneered stealth. Other typical aircraft at Red Flag are the F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon and more.

According to Lt. Col. Dirk Smith, 94th FS commander, his Raptor pilots are experiencing remarkable success flying against the aircraft representing the enemy - most of which are F-16s and F-15s. The success is a testament to the 94th FS and maintenance team because Colonel Smith said the aggressor forces represent the most lethal threat friendly forces would ever face.

"The training provided by the Red Flag adversaries is like no other on earth," said Colonel Smith. "Our pilots are experiencing a tremendous learning curve." This type of training and performance promises air dominance for America well into the future, said Maj. Jack Miller, 1st Fighter Wing spokesman at Langley.

Maintenance on the ground is just as successful. Tech. Sgt. Aaron Cowan, 94th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief claimed the F-22s are performing flawlessly - a welcome change to the ever-aging F-15s. According to Capt. Jason Moore, 94th AMU officer in charge, the Raptors had only two ground aborts out of more than 110 sorties so far - a feat unheard of in the maintenance circle.

The F-22's debut at the prominent Red Flag exercise is a significant milestone for the jet, according to Colonel Smith. Red Flag is an advanced, realistic combat training exercise designed for fighter pilots; conducted over the Nellis Range Complex - measured 60 by 100 nautical miles. The exercise was established in 1975 because aerial-combat statistics suggested a pilot's survival and success increased significantly after the first 10 sorties. In Red Flag exercises, the Blue Forces represent friendly forces, while Red Forces simulate the enemy.

In addition to aerial combat, Blue Forces also train in various tactics to engage ground targets such as mock airfields, convoys, and other ground defensive positions. However, exercises at Red Flag often provide other unique training opportunities. For example, Colonel Smith said that training with the B-2 and F-117 is "unprecedented" because the F-22 enhances the lethality of other Air Force aircraft. Furthermore, the same principles apply with Air Force pilots are practicing engagement with U.S. allies.

Because the United States usually doesn't engage in combat without coalition forces, Colonel Smith said training with the RAF and RAAF at Red Flag provided valuable experience for all involved.

"This exercise is a great chance for us to learn what [sister and coalition forces] can do, and for them to learn what we're capable of," he said. Colonel Smith also said the addition of RAF and RAAF players makes the training more diverse and valuable for all pilots involved. According to Colonel Smith, the main idea is not just about the F-22, but how it enhances the overall Air Force package.

But the overall expected result for the F-22's involvement at Red Flag is to foster and maintain an "unfair advantage" over the enemies of the United States, said Major Miller. "Our joint forces don't want a fair fight," he said. "We want every fight we enter to be patently unfair - to the other guy."

Despite the F-22's "unfair advantage," Colonel Smith said flying against the Red Force aggressors of the 414th Combat Training Squadron is not an easy task. Aggressor pilots are made up of F-16 and F-15 pilots specially trained to replicate tactics and techniques of potential adversaries according to the 414th CTS/Red Flag fact sheet.

"These scenarios are not made to be easy," said Colonel Smith. "These [Red Force] pilots are well trained and good at their job." In addition, Red Forces aren't limited to aggressor pilots. There is no shortage of ground threats at Red Flag. These include electronically simulated surface-to-air missiles, anti-aircraft artillery, and communications jamming, according to 414th CTS officials.

Furthermore, the people of the Blue Forces, like those in the 94th, are pushed to the limit, working 12-hour days and fighting two "wars" in a 24-hour period.

Capt. Merrick Baroni steps out to his aircraft during Red Flag 07-02 Feb. 6 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Red Flag sharpens aircrews' warfighting skills in realistic combat situations. The F-22s will be flying missions during the day and night to the nearby Nevada Test and Training Range where they will simulate an air war. The Air Force and Navy, along with military forces from Australia and the United Kingdom, are participating in Red Flag. Captain Baroni is an F-22 pilot with the 94th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Va. This is the first deployment to Red Flag for the 94th FS with the F-22. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master. Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald) 

First F-22 bound for Pacific unveiled
 
By Senior Airman Anthony Kuhn -- Air Force News Agency

MARIETTA, Ga. (AFNEWS) -- Representatives from the Air Force and Lockheed Martin gathered to accept Pacific Air Forces' first F-22 Raptor Feb. 12 at Marietta, Ga.

This latest F-22 will be among 36 others that will make up the first F-22s assigned to PACAF at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska.

Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens said the F-22 will play a key role is guaranteeing American superiority of the sky over the Pacific.

"General Billy Mitchell once observed this: Alaska is the most strategic place in the world ... whoever holds Alaska will hold the world," Senator Stevens said.

The F-22 is the Air Force's newest fighter aircraft. Its combination of stealth, supercruise, maneuverability, and integrated avionics, coupled with improved supportability, represents an exponential leap in warfighting capabilities. The F-22 performs both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions allowing full realization of operational concepts vital to the 21st century Air Force.

Gen. Paul V. Hester, the PACAF commander, said the F-22 will show America's continued commitment to maintain peace and stability in the Pacific.

"An important part of this business is to know and show the foes of America ... who stand against our allies and friends ... that you have the capacity, the capability, as well as the will to use that power," General Hester said.

Representatives from the Air Force and Lockheed Martin gathered to see the roll-out of Pacific Air Forces' first F-22 Raptor Feb 12 at Marietta, Ga. This F-22 is the first of several that will be assigned to PACAF at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. Significant advances in cockpit design and sensor fusion improve the pilot's situational awareness. (U.S. Air Force photo/Angela Tyson)

Reserve wing closes chapter in history
 
By Staff Sgt. Susan Stout -- 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (AFNEWS) -- Reservists from the 944th Fighter Wing here bid farewell to the last three F-16 Fighting Falcons after almost 20 years. The unit's F-16s are being reassigned to other locations on the recommendations of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission.

"This is like a family that's moving on," said Lt. Col. Donald Lindberg, the 302nd Fighter Squadron commander. He compared the emotions of the event to sending a child to college.

As part of the farewell, the trio of planes performed a ceremonial flyover for the crowd of 944th Fighter Wing members, past and present, and their families before flying toward Las Vegas.

Two of the F-16s, piloted by Colonel Lindberg and Col. Derek Rydholm, the 944th FW commander, will become part of the aggressor squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.

The third jet, flown by Maj. Mike Sharp, the 944th Operations Group deputy commander, will undergo maintenance at Hill AFB, Utah, before being assigned to an Air National Guard unit in Tucson, Ariz.

Master Sgt. Bob Rydzynski, a 944th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, worked on these F-16s since they arrived from the factory in 1987.

"Today is an emotional day," he said. "On one hand I have a great feeling of pride seeing my jet fly, but at the same time, I know it's not coming back."

The 302nd Fighter Squadron, which traces its roots to the Tuskegee Airmen, will be inactivated at Luke AFB but will return to the Air Force Reserve Command when it stands up as an F-22 associate unit at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska.

The 944th FW will continue its mission of training F-16 pilots.

(Courtesy Air Force Reserve Command News Service)

The last three 944th Fighter Wing F-16 Fighting Falcons depart Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., Feb. 12 as part of Base Realignment and Closure Commission actions to consolidate the service's declining fleet into fewer, larger units. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Dan Orzel)

F-22 deployment to Kadena delayed
 
HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii (AFNEWS) -- While en route to Kadena Air Base, Japan, Feb. 10, a software issue affecting the F-22 Raptor's navigation system was discovered.

All aircraft, which departed Hickam AFB earlier that day, returned safely. F-22 engineers and maintainers are working to update the software. After successful testing, the aircraft will continue their planned first overseas deployment to Kadena. Officials expect the aircraft will depart Hickam AFB within the next several days.

"This is a minor issue, and, since our focus is always on safety, the aircraft will not depart until we are confident there are no further issues with the navigation system," said Lt. Gen. Loyd S. Utterback, the 13th Air Force commander.

The Air Force is deploying 12 F-22 Raptors and more than 250 members from the 27th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Va., to Kadena AB as part of a regularly scheduled U.S. Pacific Command rotation of aircraft to the Pacific.

The first of 12 F-22 Raptors lands for a brief layover Feb. 7 at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. The F-22s and more than 250 Airmen from the 27th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Va., are bound for Kadena Air Base, Japan, for the aircaft's first overseas operational deployment. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo)

February 13/07 News

Air Force completes F-16 accident investigation

By USAF
 
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNEWS) -- Air Force officials completed an investigation of the F-16 Fighting Falcon accident at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. Oct. 26, 2006, which resulted in the loss of the 56th Fighter Wing aircraft.

The accident investigation board determined a third stage fan disk malfunction caused the mishap. The fan disk created a fracture in the airframe and penetrated the fuel tank, which in turn ignited the fire causing the engine to explode.

The aircraft, flown by 62nd Fighter Squadron instructor pilot Lt. Col. Drexel Sherman, experienced the mishap during takeoff as the lead F-16 of a two-aircraft afterburner formation takeoff and basic fighter maneuver sortie. Capt. Eduardo Cuadra was the other pilot acting as the wingman for the sortie.

After being cleared for takeoff, Colonel Sherman taxied to the left side of the runway accompanied by Captain Cuadra on the right side. Upon ignition of the afterburner, Colonel Sherman heard an explosion and noticed that a fire had started on his aircraft. His wingman transmitted "Fire" on the radio and Colonel Sherman applied full brakes and initiated the appropriate critical action procedures to abort the takeoff due to fire and preparing to get out of the stopped, but burning aircraft. He was able to open the canopy and safely exit the F-16. Members of the Luke AFB fire department extinguished the aircraft fire.

The $22 million aircraft was declared a total loss, and there were no injuries or other property damage as a result of the mishap.

Col. Kevin Kriner, from the 71st Flying Training Wing at Vance Air Force Base, Okla., was the accident investigation board president.

Pace: Debate, discourse not U.S. weaknesses
 
By Jim Garamone -- American Forces Press Service

CAMP H.M. SMITH, Hawaii (AFNEWS) -- No enemy should confuse U.S. debate on the war in Iraq for weakness, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here Feb. 9.

Speaking at a town hall meeting at U.S. Pacific Command here, Marine Gen. Peter Pace said an early or precipitous withdrawal from Iraq would be a disaster for Iraqis and embolden U.S. enemies around the world.

General Pace is in the midst of a visit to friends and allies in the Pacific Command region. He is visiting Australia and Indonesia this week before returning to Washington.

The meeting showed that servicemembers are clearly worried about the debate going on in Congress concerning operations in Iraq.

"Fundamentally, debate in the Congress of the United States is good for the health of our democracy," the general said. "All of us who wear the uniform ... believe that, fight for that, and would be very upset if anyone tried to take that opportunity away."

The chairman said the problem lies with enemies who look at debate, dialogue and discourse as signs of weakness.

"The problem is that our enemies, who have no clue what democracy is all about, don't understand that debate," he said. "The trash heap of history has a lot of corpses on it, of nations that misunderstood the will of the American people. The (enemy) should not repeat the mistake that many have made about our country."

General Pace said Congress has consistently provided the funding the military needs to conduct the war on terror.

"We cannot, as a nation, send our armed forces on a mission and not give them the tools they need," the chairman said.

He said he believes Congress will continue to give servicemembers the resources they need, and it would be a disaster for the Iraqi people if the coalition left before the mission is completed.

"Their armed forces are coming on line, they are getting better and they have demonstrated that," General Pace said. "But they are not yet ready to take care of security inside their own country by themselves.

"If we were to leave precipitously, sectarian violence would tear that country apart, and there would be a lot of dead people," he said.

Leaving also would embolden enemies around the globe, he said. He said enemies would not take Iraq and be content, they would want to duplicate the success in Afghanistan and around the world.

"They have a 100-year plan," General Pace said. "It's hard for a nation that likes fast food to understand that concept. What the enemy doesn't understand is that we do like fast food, but we're a nation that once we understand the threat we come alive.

"The Soviet Union was a threat for decades," he continued. "Once our nation understood the nature of that threat -- it didn't make any difference whether Democrats or Republicans -- the nation understood the need to defend itself and did so."

The United States cannot turn its back on the enemy, because the enemy will continue to defeat America.

"We want to keep this an away game," General Pace said. "But if we give up on the away game, it's going to be a home game," with all the dangers and casualties that terrorist attacks on America would cause.

Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and his wife, Lynne, talk with Lt. Gen. Dan Leaf, deputy commander of Pacific Command, and his wife, Amy, upon arriving at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, on Feb. 8. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Myles Cullen)

Last-minute call leads to unplanned refueling mission
 
By Geoff Janes -- 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

ROYAL AIR FORCE MILDENHALL, England (AFNEWS)  -- A late night call, a cancelled sortie and flexibility led an aircrew from the 351st Air Refueling Squadron here to expedite medical care for more than a dozen severely injured troops being transported from Iraq to Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Feb. 7.

According to Capt. Brent Toth, 100th Operations Support Squadron scheduler, the refueling mission was far from the norm.

"We got a call around 2:30 a.m. asking if we could refuel a high-priority air-evacuation mission (en route) to the hospital at Andrews," Captain Toth said. "Luckily we had a cancelled flight, and we had a crew available."

That crew was Capt. Colin Henderson, co-pilot 1st Lt. John Cramer and boom operator Tech. Sgt. Raile Cantrell. Captain Henderson had been scheduled to fly his first mission as aircraft commander on a routine refueling mission over the Mediterranean Sea.

"We normally know 24 to 48 hours out when we're going to do a flight," he said. "When we showed up, our (mission) binder (still) had all the information from the previous (cancelled) flight."

Captain Henderson said what information they did have was the refueling track, the time of the rendezvous and the call sign of the receiver, a C-17 Globemaster III from the Mississippi Air National Guard's 172nd Airlift Wing C-17 that had left Iraq at about 1 a.m. Greenwich Mean Time.

The Air Guard's mission was unique as the majority of its C-17 flights are to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Facility in Germany.

"Our crews are able to make changes to meet the needs of the Air Force as the mission dictates," said Lt. Col. David Buck, a Mississippi Air National Guardsman spokesperson. "There was a lot of scrambling they had to do to make this mission happen."

The same can be said of the crews at Mildenhall.

"The maintainers and my crew worked unbelievably fast because we realized how critical the mission was," Captain Henderson said. "We basically planned it from scratch."

The KC-135 launched from RAF Mildenhall at 6:30 a.m., and passed more than 16,000 gallons of fuel to the C-17 over the England-Scotland border. Colonel Buck said the C-17 arrived in Maryland just before 3 p.m. GMT.

On the trip back to RAF Mildenhall, Captain Henderson's crew ran into a snow storm that required them to circle the base before landing on a runway that had just been cleared by a snow plow.

Captain Henderson said the refueling mission saved the C-17 crew roughly three hours it would have taken for them to land and refuel.

"We weren't the ones carrying (the injured troops), but who knows? We might have saved them a few hours that made the difference between life and death," Captain Henderson said. "But then I thought to myself after we landed that I get to go home today while the guys in the back of that plane are fighting for their lives. It was sobering."

A KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, like this one, took off from Royal Air Force Mildenhall Feb. 7 on an unscheduled mission to refuel a C-17 Globemaster III that was rushing injured troops from Iraq to Andrews Air Force Base, Md. The rendezvous saved the air-evacuation mission some three hours of flying time. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Mark Bucher)

Hurricane Hunters track Pacific winter storms
 
By Tech. Sgt. James B. Pritchett -- 403rd Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. (AFNEWS)  -- While most people flee when a pending storm is coming, Keesler AFB Airmen go right into the heart of storms to provide detailed information about storms to warn people of hazardous weather.

Airmen and WC-130J Hercules aircraft, also known as Hurricane Hunters, left here Feb. 12 for Anchorage, Alaska, for a month-long mission in support of the 2007 winter storm reconnaissance program.

In addition to two WC-130Js, Air Force Reserve Command's 403rd Wing officials put together a team composed of aircrew, operations, maintenance, aerial port and other specialties. Like tropical reconnaissance missions, winter storm routes can keep crews in the air more than 12 hours at a time.

The National Centers for Environmental Prediction, part of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, directs the operations. When a tasking for a flight comes into the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron's deployed operations center at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, a crew is alerted and aircraft maintainers prepare an aircraft for the sky.

Showtime and pre-flight are similar to the Hurricane Hunters' normal missions except, depending on weather, maintenance teams de-ice the aircraft just prior to take off.
 
Winter missions require crews to fly at higher altitudes than they normally fly in tropical weather systems, above 30,000 feet. The new WC-130 J-model is an improvement over the previous WC-130H in that it can fly much higher, allowing for collection of more data and thereby improving the forecast models even more than in the past.

"On average, the data we provide along with the NOAA aircraft lead to a 10 to 20 percent reduction in error in the targeted forecasts," said Lt. Col. Roy Deatherage, the mission commander for the 53rd WRS and an aerial reconnaissance weather officer since 1988. "As a result, numerical forecast guidance issued 48 hours prior to the events become as accurate as 36-hour lead time forecasts."

Use of weather reconnaissance aircraft have improved the forecast models more since 1999 than the previous 25 years of satellite data, according to the NCEP.

Unlike in tropical storms, on a winter mission the crew is not trying to pinpoint the center of the storm, in fact, there may not even be a "storm."

"Often, the crews are flying from one to four days in advance of a potential storm system in the Pacific that appears headed for either Alaska or the continental United States," Colonel Deatherage said.

On board the aircraft, the aerial reconnaissance weather officer and weather reconnaissance loadmaster take atmospheric observations at predetermined points along a flight track where the measurements are expected to have the greatest chance of improving the forecasts.

The weather reconnaissance loadmaster drops highly sensitive devices called dropsondes, which fall at about 2,500 feet per second, in areas of the atmosphere as requested by NCEP. As they fall toward the ocean, the dropsondes measure temperature, wind speed, humidity and pressure. Aircraft follow what are called synoptic patterns, huge ovals sometimes more than 3,000 miles round-trip.

Colonel Deatherage said during a typical tropical mission, dropsondes are released at certain points defined by the National Hurricane Center. This is usually four drops every time the aircraft passes through the eye with an additional four to eight per mission in the most significant wind bands. In contrast, Pacific winter missions average 16 to 22 sondes dropped. For impending Atlantic winter missions the average is lower, closer to five.

The information collected is checked onboard and then relayed by satellite to the NOAA Weather Service supercomputer, which incorporates it into the agency's numerical prediction models. This information helps "fill-in-the-blanks" or bolster the data in computer climate models that forecast storms and precipitation for the entire United States.

"The goal is to make a good forecast so cities can be prepared with snowplows, and other snow removal and mitigation equipment to diminish the impact of a winter storm on a city," Colonel Deatherage said. "If they are better prepared, like we've seen with several cities already this year, they can recover more quickly. That can be crucial for residents living in harm's way. These forecasts provide people in the path of the storms with warnings that can save lives."

While the Hurricane Hunters are patrolling the northern part of the Pacific Ocean, NOAA is using its Gulfstream G-IV aircraft to fly missions from Honolulu. Between the two units, they are able to cover the parts of the Pacific Ocean that directly affect the United States.

Each year, the 53rd WRS and NOAA rotate deployed locations to better improve the forecasting models. The G-IV flies higher and collects a slightly different data set than that of the WC-130J.

Since 1996, the two organizations have been flying these frosty missions in support of the NCEP.

People taking part in the first half of the deployment, about 57 of them, left for Anchorage Feb. 12 for two weeks. Another rotation departs about halfway through with all expected to return by March 13.

This project does not cover all of the 53rd WRS's winter taskings. Due to an unusually warm winter so far this year, the unit has only received minimal taskings for the East Coast of the United States to assist forecasters with pending Nor'easters.

The Hurricane Hunters normally fly several of these missions in support of the National Weather Service each season beginning Dec. 1 and ending April 30.

In seasons past, the tropical storm season, beginning June 1 and officially ending Nov. 30, has crossed over into the winter storm season. In 2005, the Hurricane Hunters flew winter storm missions and tropical missions at the same time. That year, the final storm of the hurricane season was recorded in early January.

(Courtesy of Air Force Reserve Command News Service)

A WC-130J Hercules, also known as a Hurricane Hunter, takes off with an aircrew from the 815th Airlift Squadron and support members from the 403rd Wing at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. Airmen and two Hurricane Hunters from Keesler AFB are on a month-long mission to support the winter storm reconnaissance program in Anchorage, Alaska. (U.S. Air Force photo)

February 12/07 News

A Family Affair - Military Style

By Major Isabelle Robitaille, CFAWC PAO, and Jenn Gearey

They share a home, a daughter, the same employer, and the same devotion and passion for the Canadian Forces (CF). Together, Major Verna Wirth and Major Ken Pothier, have served a combined 54 years in the military—she for 32 and he for 22 years.

The couple met 23 years ago, and ever since have had exciting careers serving in operational environments around the world. Currently, the duo serve with the Canadian Forces Aerospace Warfare Centre (CFAWC) in Trenton, Ontario—Maj.Wirth, a Communications and Electronics Engineering Air Officer and Maj. Pothier, a helicopter pilot.

“We are certainly proud to be recognized for our dedication to service, but I must say that the service has also been really good to us,” explains Maj. Wirth. “It’s not always easy to wear the uniform, but it’s challenging, it’s rewarding, and overall, it’s been a great experience for us.”

Maj. Wirth says that after more than three decades of service she has no regrets; Maj. Pothier feels the same, thankful for the professional opportunities he’s had and also for the great people he’s worked with along the way.

“There is a feeling of closeness in the (tactical aviation) community,” says Maj. Pothier. “The kind of feeling that makes you want to do your best for the service but also for the people you serve with.”

Together, they tell stories of friendships, postings, deployments, and of course, the challenges and rewards that come with the military lifestyle. And it is those stories that inspired the couple’s daughter, Amanda Wirth-Pothier, now an officer-cadet in her second year at the Royal Military College, to join as well.

“I was never pressured to join, but I thought that it would be interesting” says OCdt Wirth-Pothier.

As she enthusiastically talks about her military college experience and the great friends that she’s already made, her proud parents exchange a look that says it all: their daughter is already well on her way to meeting every parent’s dream—and perhaps even surpassing their own successes.

For the time being though, OCdt Wirth-Pothier takes it one day at a time. 

“I certainly hope to achieve even half as much as they have in my career” she says, returning her parents’ look that speaks volumes of just how proud she is of them too. 

Major Verna Wirth, Major Ken Pothier, with their daughter (middle) OCdt Amanda Wirth-Pothier at the Canadian Forces Aerospace Warfare Centre.

Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team Conducts Mine Awareness Training for Children

By Air Force Public Affairs

Kandahar, Afghanistan – The Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) has just completed mine and unexploded ordanance awareness training for children employed by a local recycling company and for street children living in Kandahar.
 
“They paid very close attention during the lecture,” says Captain David Muralt, an Air Force Public Affairs Officer who works with the PRT in Kandahar. “They had questions about whether they should walk back in their own footprints if they find a mine, if it was okay for them to pick up bullets and they told us some of their own experiences finding unexploded ordanances on the streets and in their travels.”
 
The aim of the training session was to teach the kids steps to follow if they find a mine or unexploded ordanance—don’t touch, stay away, and tell an adult, policeman or ISAF soldier, says Capt Muralt.
 
“Some of them thought that if a rocket, shell or bomb hand been fired or landed and hadn't exploded, then it must be safe,” says Capt Muralt. “The engineers tried very hard to get the message across that these things are very dangerous.”

Landmines kill or injure up to 300 people in Afghanistan every month, and children who innately like to roam and play, are perhaps the most vulnerable to stumbling across them. There are estimates that over 724 million square meters of land in Afghanistan is contaminated with mines, and new mine sites continue to be discovered each day—sometimes at the cost of a child’s life or limb.

“It’s great to see the children and to help out any way we can,” said Air Force Major Tammy Tremblay. “I enjoyed spending time with the kids, but it makes you realize that there is lots of work left to do in Afghanistan.”
 
Following the training session, the children received rubber boots, socks, gloves, colouring materials, backpacks and stuffed toys.
 
“They were very pleased with the snack and the gifts the received and love to have their picture taken; particularly when you spin your digital camera around and show them their own picture,” says Capt Muralt. “I enjoyed spending time with the kids.”

The PRT consists of Canadian Forces members, a civilian police contingent led by the RCMP, representatives of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and the Canadian International Development Agency. Together, they conduct operations to promote good governance and assist the Government of Afghanistan in developing a stable, secure and self-sustaining environment for the Afghan people.

Children in Kandahar reap the benefits of the Provincial Reconstruction Unit’s Mine Awareness Training.  DND Photo

Mini Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle (MUAV) Training at CFB Comox

By 19 Wing Comox Public Affairs

From 12th Feb to 9th Mar 07, the Canadian Forces Artillery School, from CFB Gagetown will be conducting Mini Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle training in an area just south of CFB Comox.

Actual flying commences 21 Feb to 8 Mar (inclusive).  This training is essential to prepare our service personnel for their upcoming deployments to South West Asia.

The MUAV is a small remote controlled aircraft, with a wingspan of 2.4 metres wide and weighs only 5.5 kilos. It flies at an altitude of 1,000 feet and is inaudible at this height.  Each flight will launch and recover at the Base and will last approximately 35 minutes.

The vehicle will fly in the confines of a predetermined airspace over the lands south of the airfield.  In the event of a loss in communications, the vehicle is designed to fly back to its start location. This vehicle has a proven safety record.

Iron Thunder roars through Shaw
 
By Senior Airman John Gordinier -- 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (AFNEWS) -- Thunder was heard throughout the Carolinas in early February as more than 100 Air Force, Navy, Marine and Royal Air Force aircraft participated in Exercise Iron Thunder.

The four-day, multiservice and multinational exercise, hosted by the 77th Fighter Squadron here, prepared participants for future contingency operations by offering a chance for players to be exposed to missions identical to those faced in combat.

Participating aircraft included B-1 Lancers from Dyess AFB, Texas, F-15E Strike Eagles from Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C., E-8 Joint STARS from Robins AFB, Ga., F/A-18 Hornets from both Naval Air Station Oceana, Va., and Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 77th, 79th and 55th Fighter Squadrons here and the Alabama Air National Guard in Montgomery, Ala., and KC-135 Stratotankers from RAF Mildenhall, England, as well as refueling tankers from all over the Southeast and Northeast.

An E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control system from Tinker AFB, Okla., and a British E-3 from RAF Waddington, England, participated in the exercise as well, said Capt. Kevin Pugh, the 79th FS weapons and tactics large force exercise officer.

The E-3 from Britain participates in many American exercise scenarios to include Iron Thunder and Red Flag, said RAF Squadron Commander Gary Coleman, an 8th Squadron pilot.

"It is a benefit for us to get the chance to train with coalition aircraft," the squadron commander said. "Training and getting familiar with the way coalition forces operate helps us when we assist in operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom."

Iron Thunder had suppression of enemy air defense and air-to-air combat scenarios, Captain Pugh said. There were two phases in the exercise. One phase had blue air protecting a target from red air, the aggressors. The other had blue air attacking an enemy target. Who flew blue or red air during the exercise, which was off the North Carolina coastline, was determined each day.

On a typical day during Iron Thunder, the E-3 and about six or seven tankers took off, then the fighters rolled out to the coastlines between Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Charleston, S.C. They flew north toward the North Carolina coastline and received fuel from tankers. The fighters were approximately 120 miles off the coast of North Carolina when the first phase of exercise play began, Captain Pugh said. There are approximately 85 blue air aircraft, which includes escorts, versus about 15 red air aircraft. Blue air, which targets were along the coastline, headed west and red air headed east. Blue air performed simulated attacks toward red air until the threat was destroyed.

For the next phase, blue air attacked an enemy location on the North Carolina coastline, he said. They simulated dropping bombs.

"Iron Thunder trains our pilots and coalition pilots to perform better for future contingencies," Captain Pugh said. "That way, when we are all called upon to fight, we can successfully fight together."

Staff Sgt. Donald Slayton marshals an F-16 Fighting Falcon in support of Exercise Iron Thunder Feb. 7 at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. The objective of the exercise is to prepare units for future contingency operations by offering a chance for players to be exposed to missions identical to those faced in combat. Sergeant Slayton is a 77th Fighter Squadron crew chief. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. James W. Arrowood)

U.S. airpower strikes suspected terrorists in Baghdad

By USAF Public Affairs
 
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNEWS) -- In response to a call for air power, a U.S. Air Force F-16 Falcon aided U.S. ground forces by delivering precision munitions on eight hostile personnel in an air strike south of Baghdad Feb. 8.

The F-16 pilot, launched from the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, Balad Air Base, responded to a U.S. Air Force Joint Terminal Attack Controller's, or JTAC, call at approximately 7 p.m. when ground forces came under enemy fire. The ground forces had been engaged in a raid targeting al-Qaeda terrorists and foreign fighters in Arab Jabour, a mostly Sunni Muslim suburb south of Baghdad.

The strike by an air component F-16 demonstrated the responsiveness of synchronized and integrated air power, which enables ground operations throughout the Central Command area of responsibility. During this strike, the pilot precisely delivered a Guided Bomb Unit-38, a 500-pound Joint Direct Attack Munition, or JDAM, to the location indicated by the U.S. Air Force JTAC embedded with ground forces.

The direct hit destroyed the building where eight hostile personnel barricaded themselves, neutralizing the threat. All eight were killed while no U.S. or coalition forces or Iraqi civilians were injured in the attack.

The aircraft's targeting pod, an attachable device under the wing, confirmed an accurate strike, as the JTAC reported "weapon impacted target and the building was destroyed." The JTAC further reported the enemy fire stopped after weapon impact.

"In this case, when the USAF JTAC attached to the ground unit reported troops were under fire, our priority was to deliver air power with lethal precision," said Lt. Gen. Gary L. North, Combined Forces Air Component commander. "The pilot was overhead and the threat removed within minutes of the JTAC's call. This fulfills the contract between the air component and our ground forces."

JTACs are highly trained and qualified Airmen who provide final attack control to aircrew when aircraft are inbound to a target. These professionals ensure the aircrew identifies and attacks the correct target, minimizing the risk to friendly ground forces and preventing unwanted collateral damage.

Operating on the forward edge of the battle area, JTACs coordinate with Theater Air Ground System elements through the use of state-of-the-art communications and maintain proficiency in the tactics, techniques and procedures of their aligned Army units.

1990's -- A ground crewman guides a 388th Tactical Fighter Wing F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft onto the taxiway. The 388th TFW is deploying to Saudi Arabia to take part in Operation Desert Shield. Mounted on the aircraft's left outboard wing pylon is an AN/ALQ-131 Electronic CounterMeasures pod; mounted on the side of the engine intake is a Low Altitude Navigation, Targeting Infrared Night (LANTIRN) navigation pod.

F-15 Strike Eagles take over close air support mission at Bagram
 
By Staff Sgt. Carlos Diaz -- U.S. Central Command Air Forces Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFNEWS) -- The F-15 Strike Eagle recently swapped out with the A-10 Thunderbolt II to assume responsibility of the close air support mission here.

The F-15s are assigned to the 391st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and are deployed from the 391st Fighter Squadron at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho.

Approximately 200 squadron members collaborate to make the CAS mission happen every day. "It's been a significant integration for us," said Capt. Joe Ryther, 391st EFS weapons system officer. "So far, it's been a great experience."

That experience involved the completion of a $68 million runway and aircraft ramp in December. The runway and aircraft ramp can handle most aircraft in the military's inventory.

Captain Ryther explained the type of CAS the F-15s provide. "When a Joint Terminal Attack Controller is on the ground with the troops, he'll call for air power. Then we'll go to a certain location to monitor from the air and wait for them to ask for support. At that point, they call in for air support and talk us onto the target area by giving us coordinates of a target they need destroyed."

Captain Ryther is proud of the CAS mission. "We're very proud to be able to help out our ground troops," he added. "We come over here and we're really a support asset to them. They are the backbone of what's going on over here. Every day I see them, it's an honor for me to help."

The captain points out that one of the main reasons the F-15s conduct the mission flawlessly is because of the maintenance performed on them.

The work the maintainers perform is nothing short of magic, Capt. Ryther said.

One of those magicians is Senior Airman Robert James.

"We do launch recovery of the jet," Airman James said. "Basically, we're in communication with the pilots the whole time during launch, going around the system doing checks like flight controls, brakes, lights, etc."

Airman James is a tactical aircraft maintenance technician. He noted one of the major things that makes his job possible.

"Team cohesion is a must," he said. "Here, we have to make things happen together. It's something that a lot of people in the world love to do," he expressed. "I get to be around these jets and see them fly and hear what they do up there. That just gives me a great deal of satisfaction, and it's just a great piece of machinery to work on."

According to Airman James, his job defines the Air Force's "bombs on target" phrase. "It really puts you right there in the center of the action."

"The whole aircraft maintenance unit knows we're the first F-15 fighter squadron to be based out of Afghanistan," Airman James said. "So this is our legacy, and we're trying to set the pace."

Airmen 1st Class David Muench and Bryen Sandoval perform a post-flight inspection on an F-15 Strike Eagle jet at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Cecilio M. Ricardo Jr.) 

Shaw Airmen ensure safety at Balad
 
By Senior Airman Holly MacDonald -- 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Three Shaw Airmen are ensuring people deployed to Balad Air Base, Iraq, remember safety.

Lt. Col. Chris Ashby and Master Sgts. Greg Patterson and Butch Rutan all work in the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Safety Office at Balad Air Base, Iraq. They already have a working relationship from their home base in the 20th Fighter Wing Safety Office.

The three Airmen have been at Balad AB since Jan. 17 and will be deployed for up to 120 days.

"My efforts prevent mishaps and enable our aircraft to perform immediate support of troops in combat," said Sergeant Patterson, the flight safety NCO at Balad and here.

"We provide guidance on the safe parking of munitions-loaded combat aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and cargo aircraft flying sorties daily in the fight against terrorist insurgents and in support of ground forces. We also work with every organization on base that stores explosives to ensure they are meeting safety standards," said Sergeant Rutan, the weapons safety NCO at Balad and here.

"As the air expeditionary wing commander's safety representative, I supervise our flight, ground and weapons safety shops. Our goal is to ensure proper risk assessment of all personnel while deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, enabling the full combat capability of our fighting forces as well as support personnel," said Colonel Ashby, the safety chief at Balad and here.

He also plays another role in the AOR.

"My position is unique in that it is also a flying billet," he said. "I fly close-air support missions in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, targeting terrorists and supporting the ground forces engaged with the enemy."

The job can be challenging, but rewarding, they said.

Sergeant Patterson said the duty location itself is the most obvious difference between being stateside and deployed. However, being able to do his job and see it affect real combat sorties instead of training sorties is the best part, he said.

"The biggest obstacle for the wing safety staff at Balad AB is the unique combat environment in which we are working," Colonel Ashby said. "Safety is a definite challenge with mortars raining onto the base, improvised infrastructure and minimal lighting. Flight and weapons safety is also challenged by daily live weapons configurations and combat expenditures."

Sergeant Rutan said there are distinct differences between operations stateside and the operations at Balad AB.

"The operations tempo here is strictly combat driven," Sergeant Rutan said. "We do not fly training sorties here; every flight is flown with combat munitions. The base is ever evolving with new construction and facilities changing hands and primary usage weekly. We are faced with new challenges every single day."

It's the trio's job to ensure people follow safety rules.

"We stress that it is a combat environment and folks have to remain extra vigilant, wearing reflective belts, carrying light emitting device flashlights, using the buddy system late at night, etc.," Colonel Ashby said.

Sergeant Patterson said his training has been vital to his deployment.

"Without my stateside training, I would be lost over here," he said. "Various technical schools have given me the knowledge that I need to perform the intricacies of my job, but also simple things like mission oriented protective posture levels and self aid and buddy care can be crucial to your survival."

BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq -- Lt Col. Chris "Crash" Ashby, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing chief of safety, sits in an F-16 and goes over his checklist one more time before departing Jan. 29 on a combat mission over Iraq. Colonel Ashby is the 20th Fighter Wing chief of safety at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. He is currently serving a 120-day deployment in Iraq. (U. S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Michael R. Holzworth)

February 8/07 News

Airfield engineer proud to serve in Afghanistan

By Holly Bridges -- AF Public Affairs

Corporal Wallace Cross, an air reserve electrician with 14 Airfield Engineer Flight, from 14 Wing Greenwood, is currently serving in Afghanistan on a six- month tour.  He is part of a 44-member Technical Assistance Visit (TAV) construction team supporting the overall Task Force Afghanistan enhancement package announced on September 15 by the Government of Canada.

The team of carpenters, electricians and plumbers have been busy constructing a new headquarters building for Canadian troops, known as  “Canada House”, as well as performing maintenance on existing facilities.

We recently caught up with Corporal Cross and asked him a few questions about his deployment so far.

How's it going over there?  What have you been doing?

Our day here starts at 6 a.m. and goes until 5 p.m.  It's going very well and most of the big projects are being wrapped up within the next six weeks. Our biggest project was building Canada House, which opened on Christmas Day.  It’s quite a big building, and now we’re focusing on a headquarters building, which is about 45 per cent finished.  We have about a week’s worth of work left on a gym and are working on some other projects as well, including a new building for the Military Police over here.

Tell me about Canada House - what was it like building that and seeing it opened?

It was a very high profile project. Everywhere you look, from the craftsmen right up to the leaders of this TAV, there is excitement.  The building gleams with pride and quality workmanship in every aspect.  Everyone I know feels proud to have been a part of it. This is a legacy that will be left behind by our group of Reserve and Regular Force airfield engineers as a gift to all who come after us and for those who are here now.

Canada House gives everyone a much better place to go to hang out and just relax. It has a games room, library, theatre, barber shop, CANEX, and ice cream parlor. It is always a delight to watch the gleam on everyone’s face when they see Canada House for the first time. From Canadian to coalition forces, the comments are always the same – “WOW!”

What are you learning while over there, about yourself and your role as a CF member?

I am learning patience and endurance in general.  For the most part, I have learned that Reservists are an important part of the Canadian Forces and we play a vital role in the whole scheme of things here and back in Canada.

I find it hard to be away from my fiancée, but I know that my role in the CF is an important one, and at times very challenging. We always manage to find a solution for every problem, such as a lack of supplies, and still get the job done. Trying to do our job in a place where we have a lot of limitations in terms of supplies, manpower and the fact there is a war going on, is an on-going challenge.

Have there been any experiences that stand out for you so far?

The overwhelming support from people back in Canada has been incredible.  Their goodwill wishes and gifts have really showed me a lot of support for what we are doing here. It’s hard to be away from your loved ones so this type of support really goes a long way to helping me get my tasks done.

The Christmas cards from children were just great; reading them always brought a tear to my eyes. I always answered each card if it had an address where I could write back to say thank you. The support from my fiancée also really helps make time pass with letters and phone calls to her.

Work-wise, wiring up Canada House really stands out for me. It was the first project I’ve done where I was actually in charge.  I also had to work with local contractors from Afghanistan, which was interesting. All in all, it’s been a great experience so far – challenging and educational.

What does it mean for you as a member of the CF to do this, now that you're actually over there?

It means a lot to me. Wearing the uniform makes me proud to be serving in the CF to protect our country’s freedoms and Charter of Rights. Being a Reservist allows me the best of both worlds – first, to serve my country whenever the need arises, and second, to have a private sector job where I can continue to hone my trade skills with the latest technology.  This allows me to apply what I learn to my CF job as well. So it means a great deal to me to be able to advance our mission by sharing what I have learned.

My experience as a civilian contractor in other countries has really helped me complete my tasks here in Afghanistan - the way I improvised, overcame obstacles and adapted to whatever was thrown my way. That is what actually helped me advance my part in building Canada House on time. That really makes me feel proud to serve in CF. If I could, I would challenge other people to join as a Reserve or Regular Force member of the CF.

When do you come home?

I leave Afghanistan on Feb 26, 2007.

Bravo Corporal Cross!

Corporal Wallace Cross, an air reserve electrician with 14 Airfield Engineers Squadron, from 14 Wing Greenwood, does guard duty in Afghanistan as part of his six-month deployment.  CREDIT:  DND

The new Canada House under construction.  CREDIT: LCol J. Blakeley

The old Canada House. CREDIT: LCol J. Blakeley

F-22 begins first overseas deployment
 
By Senior Master Sgt. Charles Ramey -- 13th Air Force Public Affairs

HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii (AFNEWS) -- The first overseas operational deployment of the Air Force's newest fighter is underway as 12 F-22 Raptors landed here Feb. 7 en route to Kadena Air Base, Japan.

The aircraft and more than 250 Airmen from the 27th Fighter Squadron from Langley AFB, Va., are supporting the U.S. Pacific Command's Theater Security Package in the Western Pacific.

Thirteenth Air Force is responsible for F-22 operations while they are in theater. Lt. Gen. Loyd S. Utterback, the 13th Air Force commander, stressed that the deployment is not in response to any specific situation in the region.

"The United States routinely evaluates its readiness and repositions forces throughout the Western Pacific to meet its security obligations. The F-22 deployment is the latest example of the flexibility that U.S. forces have to meet ongoing commitments within the region," he said.

In addition to the F-22, other Air Force aircraft have also temporarily deployed to the Pacific including B-1 Lancers, B-2 Spirits, B-52 Stratofortreses, F-15 Eagles, F-16 Fighting Falcons and F-117 Nighthawks.

"Versatile mission platforms give Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines the ability to operate in today's constantly changing threat environments," General Utterback said.

"Forward-basing aircraft such as the F-22 and other air assets gives commanders the capability to respond to any contingency, anywhere in the theater in minimal time."

As the Air Force works to transform its air, space and cyberspace operations across the U.S. Pacific Command area of operations, the upcoming deployment of the F-22 into the theater and eventual permanent beddown of the Air Force's newest fighter in Alaska and Hawaii are the latest examples of the United States' continuing commitment to the Asia-Pacific region.

"The F-22 will lead and enable the joint force to operate at will without interference from an opposing force in the Pacific and throughout the rest of the world for years to come," General Utterback said.

The 27th Fighter Squadron, the Air Force's first frontline F-22 fighter squadron, reached initial operational capability in December 2005. Although this is the first overseas deployment for the aircraft, it is not the squadron's first deployment from Langley AFB.

In October 2005, the squadron deployed to Hill AFB, Utah, where F-22 pilots practiced their unique flight tactics and dropped inert Joint Directed Attack Munitions.

The squadron deployed to Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, in May and participated in joint training during Northern Edge 2006.

"We had phenomenal successes during these deployments and exercises," said Brig. Gen. Burt Field, 1st Fighter Wing commander. "We've taken the lessons we've learned and applied them back here, and we've continued to develop the weapons system every day."

While deployed to Kadena AB, members of the 27th FS will showcase the capabilities of the F-22 as they train with Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps units.

"We're eager to assist U.S. Pacific Command, helping to ensure an environment of security and stability to support and foster freedom and prosperity throughout the Asia-Pacific Region," General Field said. "This is what we train for, and we're ready."

A transformational combat aircraft, the F-22 is effectively invisible to threats, cruises at supersonic speeds, is highly maneuverable and provides an unprecedented level of integrated situational awareness.

(1st Lt. Rachel Sherburne of the 1st Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office contributed to this story)

The first of 12 F-22 Raptors lands for a brief layover Feb. 7 at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. The F-22s and more than 250 Airmen from the 27th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Va., are bound for Kadena Air Base, Japan, for the aircaft's first overseas operational deployment. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo)

A crew chief marshals an F-22 Raptor to its parking spot Feb. 7 at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. The F-22s and more than 250 Airmen from the 27th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Va., are bound for Kadena Air Base, Japan, for the aircraft's first overseas operational deployment. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo)

Dover reorganizes for C-17 mission
 
By 1st Lt. Marnee A.C. Losurdo -- 512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. (AFNEWS) -- A ceremony here Feb. 4 marked the end of a 30-year run of Dover AFB's sole C-5 Galaxy mission and the beginning of a new era as the base prepares for the first of 13 C-17 Globemaster IIIs scheduled to arrive this summer.

Air Force Reserve Command's 512th Maintenance Group is reorganizing to accommodate the C-17 mission and align the group with a structure similar to the rest of the Air Force.

"Today brings about a new legacy, a new mission and a new challenge," said Col. Ronald A. Rutland, the 512th Airlift Wing commander. "The arrival of the C-17 will be a legacy of two wings and two maintenance groups (active duty and Air Force Reserve) coming together to get the mission done. It's known as Team Dover. It's how we do our business."

"Each aircraft in our U.S. Air Force's inventory requires highly skilled and disciplined men and women to fly them, to maintain them and to provide a wide variety of critical support to accomplish the mission," said Col. Willie W. Cooper II, the 512th MXG commander.

"The C-17 is the future of the Air Force, but all I know is the C-5," said Senior Master Sgt. Donald Kimball, a C-5 mechanic and flight chief with the 512th AMXS. Sergeant Kimball, who has been working on the C-5 since 1978, is one of 85 people who transferred from the C-5 maintenance unit to the newly activated 712th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. "It's an exciting change for the base. For the Airmen who get to work on them, it's going to broaden their careers, and they'll gain some valuable knowledge."

Staff Sgt. Kevin Flowers, a C-5 mechanic for eight years and a reservist for six years, recently completed a six-week C-17 maintenance technical school at Charleston AFB, S.C. The 712th AMXS maintainer said he was enthusiastic about taking on the base's newest mission.

"I like change and look forward to it," he said. "There's a lot of new stuff to learn, and to be able to work on the C-17 and be part of a new squadron is a great opportunity."

The C-17 has newer technology, therefore it takes fewer people to maintain the aircraft, said Lt. Col. Gretchen Kurlander, the first commander of the 712th AMXS.

The C-5 unit, the 512th AMXS, has about 170 maintainers -- double that of the new C-17 maintenance squadron.

Staff Sgt. Oliver Crisp, a jet engine mechanic who is one of 300 maintainers now part of the 512th Maintenance Squadron, that supports the maintenance needs of the C-5 and the C-17, said he looks forward to working on the C-17 as well.

"It's fun to work on," he said. "It's like driving a new car."

"We are an Air Force of change," Colonel Rutland said. "If we don't change, we will not be the best Air Force in the world. Today is another change. That is our future, and we will change with it."

Previously, the 512th MXG consisted of an aircraft maintenance squadron, equipment maintenance squadron, component maintenance squadron and maintenance operations flight. The group works side-by-side its active-duty counterpart, the 436th MXG, to maintain the C-5.

The reorganization inactivated the 512th CMS, redesignated the 512th EMS as the 512th MXS and activated the 712th AMXS, which will assume the C-17 maintenance mission.

The reorganization transferred CMS people and their mission to the newly named 512th MXS, and half the people from the 512th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, which fixes and repairs the C-5, were reassigned to the 712th AMXS.

The active-duty's 436th MXG inactivated its CMS and merged it into MXS June 20, 2005. It will stand up its C-17 maintenance squadron, the 736th AMXS, this spring.

(Courtesy of Air Force Reserve Command News Service)

C-17 Globemaster IIIs fly in an airdrop training mission. Dover Air Force Base in Delware is preparing to receive the first of 13 C-17 Globemaster IIIs scheduled to arrive this summer. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo)

Fighter training in Turkey helps more than just pilots
 
By Airman 1st Class Tom Kennedy -- Detachment 7, Air Force News Agency

INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey (AFNEWS) -- Fighting Falcons are flying over Turkey as Airmen of the 22nd and 23rd Fighter Squadrons from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, conduct rotational deployment training.

Accompanying the fighter squadrons are members of several Spangdalhem AB units charged with keeping the F-16 Fighting Falcon flying.

Second Lt. Justin Hickey of the 22nd FS Aircraft Maintenance Unit said the deployment showed him the importance of the jobs of the ground crews.

"It takes every part of a machine to run properly," Lieutenant Hickey said. "Even though there are many people ... behind the scenes, they're working just as hard to make sure every jet gets in the air -- people like the crew chiefs, weapons Airmen, egress and fuels and all the people who play integral roles."

In addition to operations training, the deployment allowed many pilots to earn upgrades and gave other Airmen a chance to get accustomed to living and working in a deployed environment. The rotational squadron deployment wraps up in early March.

Senior Airmen Blake Mellom keeps track of how much fuel is going into an F-16 Fighting Falcon as he refuels the aircraft Feb. 7 at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. Airman Mellom is deployed from the 52nd Logistical Readiness Squadron at Spangdahlem AB, Germany. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Tom Kennedy)

February 7/07 News

Pilots fly high at graduation

By Andrew Aggerholm

Every year around this time a flight of CF-18s pass over 4 Wing Cold Lake in a one-of-a-kind graduation celebration for Canada's newest fighter pilots.

What differs this year is that five pilots were followed by camera crews right through arguably the hardest nine months of training of their lives.Canada's newest fighter pilots are Capt. Yannick 'Blow' Jobin, Capt. Riel 'Guns' Erickson, Capt. Tristan 'T-Bag' Mckee, Lt. Shamus 'Carney' Allen and Lt. Dave 'Tickler' McLeod. A film crew working on behalf of the Discovery Channel has been documenting the five pilots through the nine-month fighter pilot course (FPC) at 410 operational training squadron, where students learn how to fly Canada's most potent air asset, the CF-18 Hornet.

What was it like with a crew following the pilots around?

"It was different. It was something we learned about three or four months before the course started, so we had time to get used to it," said Mckee. "But it did definitely take time to get used to. (It was) probably a month or so before we were treating them like they weren't even there. It did come along pretty quickly, then it was just like they were part of the background."

Mckee said he couldn't comment on whether or not there was more pressure on him with the cameras following because he hadn't done the course before, so he had nothing to compare it to.

Erickson, who is only the sixth female fighter pilot to graduate from 410 squadron and the second active female CF-18 pilot, echoed the sentiment.

"Having camera crews follow you around for the toughest nine months of your entire life is not exactly something to look forward to. Especially knowing it's going to go national and this is sort of one of those moments where you just want to be able to focus," Erickson said.

Indeed, both pilots described this part of their career in military flying as the most difficult thing they've done.

"Here at 410, the course we just completed is by far the most difficult course in the pilot training system that we've gone through," Mckee said. "Specifically, the hardest part is halfway through the course - the culmination of air-to-air fighting, so one jet fighting another - dog fighting. The advanced levels of that, so when it's two aircraft versus one enemy and the multiple aircraft dog fighting, that's probably the hardest part in the course."

Erickson described the course as, "one of the most demanding, exhausting, emotional nine months of my life by far."

Mckee developed his interest in flying early in life. His father had a private pilot's license, and would fly him in a small Cessna four-seater. From there, he started visiting various air shows, where he developed his interest in military flying. He joined the military in 1999 and went through Royal Military College, where he graduated with a degree in computer engineering. Once he finished college, he trained to become a pilot in Moose Jaw, where he took part in the multi-national NATO Flight Training in Canada program.

"It's a really good experience because the reality of the modern air force is we're always operating with other countries in some aspect or another. So we get a very good introduction to the way their militaries work, the way their people work, who their people are. We've got friends there and go through pilot training with them," Mckee said. "They (other countries, such as Italy, U.K. and Denmark) have instructors there that teach us, so they can help teach us things that go on back in their home countries, so it's really good exposure to working with militaries from other countries, which is what we will be doing for the rest of our military career."

Mckee finished the NFTC program in Cold Lake, flying in 419 squadron on the CT-155 Hawk. After finishing that he moved to the FPC in 410 squadron in May 2005.

Erickson spent most of her young life on a ranch just south of Calgary. She said she only started thinking about becoming a pilot when she was applying for university. But there was also a family connection to the F-18."

My uncle retired off the CF-18 in 1992, so I had a little bit of exposure to military flying that way," Erickson said.

Piloting, especially in the military, can still be viewed as a bit of a boys' club, but Erickson said her gender was never really an issue.

"It's not really that much of a big deal. The most important thing is just that you can do your job and that's all that anybody really cares about. It's more of a challenge to actually do the job then it has been to fit in here. It's great. These guys are my family," Erickson said. "It is a type of bond you never get with anybody else because your lives depend on these people on an everyday basis. The level of trust you have to have with each other. Things like gender (and) colour (don't matter)...you could be a frog. As long as you do your job, nobody cares."

Mckee said he still remembers his first solo flight in the Hornet.

"It was a lot of fun. Very memorable because it was something we'd all been looking forward to since we wanted to become pilots in the military and it was a lot of fun," he said.

He said his first solo flight came about seven flights into the FPC. He said by the time a person is in 410, he's already a winged pilot (meaning he has his pilot's wings).

Mckee had difficulty putting into words, what the best part of being a CF-18 pilot is.

"It's a lot of fun. I can't even really describe (it). Flying is great, but flying in the Hornet is amazing. The power and the freedom you have. The stuff you do in training and the flights is just amazing," he said.

Erickson joked that her favourite part is pulling the Gs (the force of gravity that is exerted on pilots when they make sharp turns or altitude changes).

"Every time I get in that thing (the Hornet)...it's just a high," Erickson continued. "I've started days where I get here early in the morning, and I'm not a morning person, and you get up, the office is always sunny. That is just awesome. (When you) come down off a great flight... you feel like you're the queen of the world."

Both pilots were talking just moments after they finished their symbolic flights. What emotions were they going through?

"Pretty good. (I'm) feeling pretty confident about where our skill level is at. We're ready to go off and be a basic wingman in a squadron, so that's good," Mckee said. "A bit of relief, because we've been working hard for the last nine months now, so it's always good to get that done and over with and then move on to an operational atmosphere, operational unit and actually do what we've been training to do for the past six years, so that's a good feeling."

"This is really kind of surreal. It was kind of nice because my family started trickling in late last night (Thursday) and coming out of the plane and seeing everybody there, that is possibly the highlight of my life right now," Erickson said. "It's just great to see everybody there. This is the one thing I've really had to work hard for and really fight (for). So it's a half relief, half...just so excited about this." Now the pilots' paths will diverge. Mckee is posted to 425 'Alouette' squadron at 3 Wing Bagotville, Quebec, where he said he will learn how to operate as a junior wingman and train to become a lead. He said the learning has just begun and never really finishes.

Erickson is posted to 409 'Nighthawk' squadron at 4 Wing. She said she's excited because, "now we get to actually be fighter pilots instead of just training to be a fighter pilot."

She's also looking forward to her first Maple Flag, the annual exercise trained to give junior wingman, such as Erickson and Mckee, their first taste of combat flying experience.

"I think it's going to be interesting. I'm hoping when I get to Maple Flag I just stay in sight with the lead. It'll be fun though," Erickson said.

Reprinted with permission of the Lakeland Regional newspaper, Bonneville, Alberta.

Only minutes after the five pilots (front row) land after their 1.5 hour graduation flight, they gather for a group picture with their trainers and other pilots from 4 Wing.

An interview with the series director

Paperny Films out of Vancouver, B.C. is the company making the series about the pilots. The series, tentatively titled Jetstream, is scheduled to air this fall. Kelly McClughan, the series director, discussed some of her thoughts on the show.

What's the last nine months been like?

"It's been really intense. It's been a whirlwind. We've learned a lot here about the culture, about what it takes to become a fighter pilot, which I think people have very little appreciation for how much work it is and how short the time frame is. You can't believe the amount of learning that goes on in this amount of time."How much tape will you have to go through?"Probably around 800 or 900 tapes."

Have you started editing it?

"We've done a little bit of rough editing to this point. But what we really want to do is take a look at everything we have... and say, 'OK what best represents what these guys have been doing the last nine months.' We've only just begun. It's been nine months of crazy, but our work here is just beginning really."What about the story? "We've started a little bit. When you're in something like this, it's almost like following a big news story. It unfolds in front of you and you're trying to find out what it is as you're going. I think it's fair to say we have an idea of what some of the stories are. A big part of Discovery's mandate is, of course, the science of it. And that's been one of the biggest challenges for us because it's very, very complex. So we'll spend a lot more time dissecting some more of those scientific stories and figuring out how to tell them to an audience that really isn't familiar with it." 

Did you get to know the pilots?

"Yes we did. These are a bunch of stand-up guys and they're really committed to their job. I think there was a learning process for both us and them when it came to this project. I think they understood what we're trying to do is to portray what they're really here to do. Once we all arrived at that place it was amazing. They really don't have a lot of time to spend dumbing things down for us, but they did. I think they felt it was important and I was really blown away by their commitment, both to our project and to their jobs period." 

What will viewers be most surprised about?

"I think probably just what it takes. What it takes, just the sheer determination. It's just the ability to keep moving forward. I think most people in that position would have a tough time doing that. So I think that will be the biggest eye opener. I think a lot of Canadians have no appreciation at all for what goes into it. I know that some of the pilots themselves think there are Canadians out there who think it's a flying club and it is not! It's a serious job and there are serious consequences. When you get into a real combat arena, stakes are really high. The ability to learn and get it and understand the importance of it is really important to these guys. This isn't theory, this is real. It's especially real now with the times that we're in. The potential for them to be in combat is very real."

McClughan added the series would most likely end up on DVD.

Discovery - Jetstream series director, Kelly McClughan was on hand at graduation to witness the final step in the pilots training. McClughan said people will be surprised when they see the show about how much work and dedication goes into being a CF-18 pilot.

F-15s kept 'eye on the sky' during Super Bowl

By USAF
 
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. (AFNEWS) -- In the days leading up to Super Bowl XLI, Airmen from the 125th Fighter Wing were ready to switch on engine power to their fighter aircraft in an instant.

While thousands of fans streamed into Miami, Homestead ARB F-15 Eagles stepped up patrols, flying low-level patrols over local airports and Dolphin Stadium.

"Miami is one of the most heavily populated areas in the southeast," said Lt. Col. John Black an alert pilot assigned to the 125th FW. "With the Super Bowl, we just want to make sure we have the right things in place -- to take care of our people."

The alert mission allowed nearly 150 million spectators to keep an eye on the game Feb. 4, as the 125th FW Airmen kept an eye on the sky.

"Any time you can do something that makes sure our country continues to operate the way it is supposed to, it's good to be a part of that," Colonel Black said.

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, flew over the stadium at the completion of the national anthem at the Super Bowl. The team was also recognized on the pre-game show and during the game.

F-15 Eagles from the Florida Air National Guard's 125th Fighter Wing from Jacksonville were on stand-by during the days leading up to the Super Bowl Feb. 4, and on game day flew low-level patrols over local airports and Miami's Dolphin Stadium. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Ben Bloker)

Maintainers keep planes flying at Cope Tiger
 
By Army Sgt. Catherine Talento -- Air Force News Agency

KORAT ROYAL THAI AIR BASE, Thailand (AFNEWS) -- Maintenance personnel are in Thailand as part of Exercise Cope Tiger '07. The A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from Osan Air Base, Korea, are joined by planes from bases in Japan and Hawaii, all participating in the two-week multilateral exercise with Thailand and Singapore.

With more than 60 planes in the air at any one time, it is a large job for these maintenance teams. At the opposite end of the flightline from where the A-10s sit, a team of maintainers from the Hawaii Air National Guard's 154th Wing are servicing a returning F-15 Eagle.

"We are the last people the pilots see when they take off and the first ones they see when they land," said Tech. Sgt. Rex Godinez, an F-15 crew chief. "We basically ensure that everything is working and that everything is serviced."

Sergeant Godinez said when the planes land, maintainers look for faults or failures with the systems.

"Basically you are looking for leaks, any kind of fluid leaks, damage, anything abnormal," Sergeant Godinez said. "You definitely work on them for awhile, you know exactly what is supposed to be where and if something is missing or if something is broken."

Working thousands of miles from home presents certain challenges for the crews, but Sergeant Blevin said deployments like Cope Tiger help better prepare crews for when they have to deploy to a real world mission.

"I know for going down range you don't get the opportunity to have a lot of the equipment that you have at home," said Staff Sgt. Shirley Blevin. "Here you learn to work with what you have. You make the mission work and you make the aircraft work for the pilots to fly. So coming here, using minimal supplies, minimal tools, you learn to make things work for the pilots so that they can fly their missions."

As the crew finished work on the F-15, Sergeant Godinez summed up every maintainer's mission.

"If a plane is flying, we are working."

Thinking of tankers tactically
 
By Senior Airman J. Paul Croxon -- 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFNEWS) -- Somewhere over Iraq, a tanker flies through the shimmering heat of the desert sun. The crew successfully off-loaded fuel to a pair of F-16 Fighting Falcons, performing their part of the close-air-support mission, before heading back to base.

As they approach the airfield, a rocket fired from a man-portable air defense, or MANPAD, weapon streaks toward them. The KC-135 Stratotanker would be a sitting duck if not for the preparation the crew received ahead of time from a tanker tactics specialist.

This scenario is one possibility tanker crews might encounter while flying in an area of responsibility. To counter threats and develop defensive tactics, pilots attend specialized training at the KC-135 Air Force Weapons School at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. The two pilots here recently returned from the school as experts in tactical planning, increasing the wing's number of weapons officers to five.

For Capts. Sheroyd Brown and Justin Hendricks, both instructor pilots currently assigned to the 319th Operations Support Squadron, weapons school was a grueling five and a half months of classroom and applied instruction.

"Weapons school was the most exhausting training I've been through," said Captain Hendricks. "There was so much information to absorb over a wide range of topics, not restricted to flying like pilot training was."

Only six students are accepted into one of the two sessions each year. However, aircrews at the KC-135 Weapons School at Fairchild participated with fliers from the other Air Force weapons schools at Nellis AFB, Nev., for exercises where pilots of different weapon systems could apply and test what they learned.

The final exercise included more than 50 aircraft with an additional 30 aggressor aircraft, saturating the 150 mile by 50 mile military operating area. The large number of aircraft created a challenge but also proved beneficial.

"I haven't flown with that many aircraft in the air since Operation Iraqi Freedom kicked off," said Captain Brown. "It forced (pilots) to pay close attention to the radio congestion and stay in their airspace."

The benefits of so many aircraft are all in the feedback.

"I've never worked closely with the fighter community," said Captain Hendricks. "We were able to get tanker tactics feedback from everyone in the exercise during a group debrief. It's one thing to get feedback from the instructors but when a fighter pilot tells you the tactics work and he had a hard time 'shooting' us down, it put the value of the training in perspective."

Of course threats to tankers aren't just enemy aircraft. The MANPAD scenario is far more likely and special attention was paid to countering such a threat.

"We didn't just learn about how to perform defensive maneuvers in case of MANPADs," said Captain Brown. "We learned about the way they were built, how they locked onto the aircraft, and even fired a MANPAD simulator at classmates to see how easy they really were to use."

"I've heard in Intel briefings about how a guy with less than a first grade education can pick up one of these things and fire it, but I never really took it to heart," added Captain Hendricks. "After firing the simulator, I believed every word of it. It really hit home how easy MANPADs are to fire and how serious the threat was."

As weapon instructor officers, Captains Brown and Hendricks have the responsibility of educating wing pilots on advanced tactics.

"Weapons officers are very popular around the wing. We've been home for two weeks and have already had numerous questions from my peers about tactics," said Captain Hendricks.

According to the recent graduates, the primary role of weapons officer is in the planning of missions.

"Here, we try to turn the routine missions into more of a tactical mission," said Captain Hendricks. "We try to get the crew thinking in a tactical mindset. What do they need to do if there was a MANPAD at the end of the runway, for instance."

They also deploy in that planning role, filling billets in the Air Operations Center and planning missions in a dynamic battle space.

"Much of the school focused on the AOC staff structure and the information flow between different air assets," Captain Hendricks noted. "The progression plan for weapons officers is three-tiered. We're filling a first-tier role by training our respective wings. The follow-on tiers include billets at the major or unified command level eventually culminating in the third tier billet as part of the AOC."

With Grand Forks AFB occupying a third of the weapons school slots this past session and three other weapons officers already stationed here, the tanker crews leaving for deployment to support combat operations will be better prepared just in case they are on the business end of a MANPAD.

Capts. Justin Hendricks (left) and Sheroyd Brown show off their newly earned Air Force Weapons School patches Jan. 31 at Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. As two of the wing's five weapons officers, the captains are responsible for training aircrews on advanced KC-135 Stratotanker tactics. Both are instructor pilots with the 319th Operations Support Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman J. Paul Croxon)

Air Force Reserve expands KC-135 force at March ARB

Courtesy of Air Force Reserve Command News Service
 
WASHINGTON (AFNEWS)  -- Air Force Reserve Command officials have expanded the size of its KC-135 Stratotanker force at March Air Reserve Base, Calif., as part of the Air Force total force integration initiatives.

Under the Base Realignment and Closure process, the 939th Air Refueling Wing at Portland International Airport, Ore., turned over four KC-135s to the Air Force Reserve's 452nd Air Mobility Wing at March ARB.

"The total force integration must be not only adaptable to today's fight, but also tomorrow's fight and equally adaptable to unknown applications," said Gen. T. Michael Moseley, the Air Force chief of staff. "It must be seamless among the active duty, National Guard and Reserve components. It must operate in a joint environment; not only in what is purchased, but also in the way we fight, talk and think, and it must be affordable."

The aircraft transfer provided a proportional manpower and force structure ratio for the Air Force Reserve unit at March ARB and increased its capability and effectiveness by enlarging the size of its tanker fleet, Air Force officials said.

A KC-135 Stratotanker takes off Aug. 5 from Portland International Airport, Ore. Air Force Reserve Command officials transferred four KC-135s to the 452nd Air Mobility Wing at March Air Reserve Base, Calif. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jorge A. Rodriguez)

Feb. 7 airpower: B-1s providing close-air support
 
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNEWS) -- U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 7.

In Afghanistan Feb. 6, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops receiving small arms fire from Taliban extremists in a building near Qurya. The B1-B successfully expended guided bomb unit-38s on the insurgent building, ending the engagement.

A B-1B provided close-air support to ISAF troops by observing terrain surrounding a joint tactical air controller, or JTAC, after burning vehicles were found near Forward Operating Base Carlson.

Navy F/A-18 Hornets provided close-air support to ISAF troops in contact with enemy forces near Musa Qal'eh Zad and Pashsbad. The F/A-18s used show-of-force to successfully cease mortar fire near Musa Qal'eh Zad and small arms fire near Pashsbad.

In total, 42 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Additionally, 10 Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or ISR, aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. U.S. Navy fighter aircraft performed in non-traditional ISR roles with their electro-optical and infrared sensors.

In Iraq , Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided show-of-force over areas where a JTAC was receiving small arms fire from anti-Iraqi forces near Baghdad. JTAC reported no further engagements after show of force.

Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons also provided close-air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces in the vicinity of Balad, Samarra and Basrah. The F-16s provided over-watch to a convoy near Balad. F-16s also investigated enemy mortar positions and provided show-of-force for a JTAC receiving mortar fire near Samarra and Basrah.

RAF GR-4 Tornados provided close-air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces in the vicinity Al Madain. The GR-4s searched for improvised explosive device activity, over-watched a vehicle convoy and investigated large brush fire near Al Madain.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 34 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Additionally, 10 Air Force, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Air Force fighter aircraft performed in a non-traditional ISR role with electro-optical and infrared sensors.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. Approximately 150 airlift sorties were flown; nearly 630 tons of cargo was delivered, and some 3,325 passengers were transported.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada and South Korea flew in support of OIF or OEF.

On Feb. 5, Air Force, RAF and French tankers flew 34 sorties and off-loaded almost 2.1 million pounds of fuel.

B-1B Lancers, like these flying a training mission, provide close-air support for coalition troops in contact with enemy forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. The B-1B can carry the most firepower of any U.S. Air Force aircraft and can carry multiple varieties of multiple weapons on the same airplane. This gives the combatant commander tremendous lethality in support of the war on terrorism. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Steve Thurow)

February 6/07 News

Government of Canada announces the purchase of four C-17 Globemaster III

By Holly Bridges -- AF Public Affairs

It was a sea of blue among rows of TV cameras and scribbling reporters as Air Force personnel gathered at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa late Friday afternoon to watch the Government of Canada officially announce that the Boeing Company has been awarded the contract to supply strategic airlift to the Canadian Forces.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Lieutenant-General Steve Lucas, and the Commander of 8 Wing Trenton, Colonel Tom Lawson, stood side by side with the Chief of the Defence Staff, General Rick Hillier, as Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor made the announcement.

"The announcement today is part of our ongoing pledge to rebuild and revitalize the military," said Minister O'Connor. "The Government of Canada will allow Canada to provide rapid, reliable and flexible transport of large amounts of passengers and equipment over long distances in response to domestic emergencies and international crises."

Delivery of the first of the four C-17 Globemaster IIIs is expected as early as August or September of this year.

General Hillier was obviously delighted as he listened to Minister O'Connor and took to the podium with remarks of his own. "It's an excellent day for the Canadian Forces and the men and women who serve our country in uniform. The announcement today gives us the delivery of an aircraft [that will give us] the capacity to move around the world and across our great country, to facilitate conditions for success in all of the missions we undertake. [It's a capability] that we have never had in the history of our country. Here in Canada, it will mean we can assist in all kinds of natural disasters – be they floods, fires, earthquakes, ice storms or a major air disaster."

Minister of Industry Maxime Bernier said during the news conference that the $3.4 billion purchase is much like a return on the investment that Canadian Forces personnel are making to their country and its people.

"The people of the Canadian Forces make a commitment to defending Canada, its people, its interests, its values. They show what real commitment is all about," said Minister Bernier. "In return, Canada's new government and Canadians have made a real commitment to them - our commitment is to give our military the equipment they need to do the job."

No one was happier with the announcement than Colonel Tom Lawson, Commander of 8 Wing Trenton, where the C-17s will be based.

"It's a great day for the people of Trenton," said Col Lawson. "With the first aircraft scheduled to arrive around the August or September timeframe, we will be ready. The announcement was of great excitement to everyone who is working very hard to prepare the Wing to receive these aircraft."

Canadian Air Force air and ground crews are currently gaining experience flying and training the C-17 with the United States Air Force (USAF). Col Lawson says he is confident that by the time the first aircraft arrives in Trenton, crews will ready, willing and able to fly and maintain the giant aircraft, and more importantly put it to use in Canadian Forces' missions here at home and abroad. The Wing is building a temporary hangar to house the C-17 until a more permanent structure can be built.

Major Jeremy Reynolds, a Canadian Air Force CC-130 Hercules pilot from 8 Wing Trenton, currently enrolled in a C-17 re-qualification course run by Boeing and the United States Air Force at Altus Air Force Base in Oklahoma was thrilled with the announcement. He has 1,500 flying hours on the C-17 after serving as an exchange pilot with the USAF, flying the C-17 for almost two years, and has seen what the aircraft can do first-hand.

"It'll be nice to come home to a brand new airplane," said Maj Reynolds.

The first C-17 is expected to arrive at 8 Wing Trenton this summer. CREDIT: BOEING

Chief of the Air Staff, Lieutenant-General Steve Lucas, answering questions from reporters during the news conference last Friday at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa.  CREDIT: HOLLY BRIDGES

Major Jeremy Reynolds, gearing up for a night flight aboard the C-17 while serving on exchange with the United States Air Force in 2004.  CREDIT: USAF

Feb. 6 airpower: Eagles shut down small-arms fire
 
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNEWS) -- U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 6.

In Afghanistan Feb. 5, F-15 Eagles provided show-of-force and overhead coverage for a convoy of International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops near Ya Qubi who were receiving small arms fire and a rocket propelled grenade attack from enemy forces. After the F-15s arrived, no additional enemy activity was reported.

Navy F/A-18 Hornets provided close-air support to ISAF troops receiving rocket propelled grenade and mortar fire from enemy forces near Qurya. One of the F/A-18s successfully expended a guided bomb unit -38 on an enemy forces structure and mortar positions, ending the engagement.

In total, 31 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Additionally, five Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or ISR, aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Navy fighter aircraft performed in non-traditional ISR roles with their electro-optical and infrared sensors.

In Iraq , Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support to troops receiving small arms fire from anti-Iraqi forces near Karbala. The F-16s successfully expended cannon rounds on enemy forces, ending the engagement.

Air Force F-16s also provided close-air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Tikrit and Basrah.

Royal Air Force GR-4 Tornados provided close-air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Baghdad, Tarmiya and Karbala .

In total, coalition aircraft flew 46 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Additionally, 12 Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq . An Air Force fighter aircraft performed in a non-traditional ISR role with electro-optical and infrared sensors.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping sustain operations throughout Afghanistan , Iraq and the Horn of Africa. They flew approximately 130 airlift sorties, delivered more than 360 tons of cargo and transported more than 2,500 passengers. This included about 14,400 pounds of troop re-supply airdropped in eastern Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia and Japan flew in support of OIF or OEF.

On Feb. 4, Air Force, RAF and French tankers flew 32 sorties and off-loaded more than 1.9 million pounds of fuel.

F-15 Eagles, similar to the one shown here, provided show-of-force and overhead coverage for a convoy of International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan who were under attack by enemy forces. After the F-15s arrived, no additional enemy activity was reported. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman John Hughel)

Barksdale B-52s arrive in Guam, complete bomber rotation
 
By Senior Master Sgt. Don Perrien -- 36th Expeditionary Operations Group

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- Airmen from the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB, La., and their B-52 Stratofortress bombers arrived in Guam recently to begin a four-month deployment here.

The Louisiana-based aircraft, aircrew, support and maintenance members replaced the Minot AFB, N.D., Airmen who redeployed home as part of a scheduled rotation of bomber units.

The rotational bomber presence at Andersen AFB is aimed at enhancing regional security, demonstrating U.S. commitment to the Western Pacific, and providing integrated training opportunities for deployed Airmen.

"The Air Force continues to rotate bombers into the western Pacific as the U.S. Pacific Command adjusts its force posture to maintain a prudent deterrent capability," said Col. Todd Westhauser, the 36th Expeditionary Operations Group commander. "The U.S. Pacific Command is committed to promoting peace and security in the region, and deploying our B-52s to Guam is a big part of that effort."

Six aircraft and approximately 300 Airmen will be deployed here through May. This will be the sixth rotation of bombers into Andersen AFB since the current schedule began in 2004.

Even as the first B-52s arrived here from the Eastern U.S., the new Airmen didn't waste any time getting off the ground flying their assigned missions.

"We flew our first sorties before the last plane arrived from Barksdale," said Lt. Col. Steve Matson, the 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron commander. "It was important for us to establish a rhythm in our day-to-day operations."

The first sorties flown by Barksdale AFB crews were orientation and training missions designed to familiarize the aircrews with their new surroundings. The B-52s flew orientation routes over the local flight area around Guam, and through the training areas north of the island.

"This deployment will provide our unit with a number of opportunities to enhance our aircrew's flying skills," Colonel Matson said. "We came out here with a number of Airmen who are on their first deployment. Our operations here will provide a building block to improve their flying skills and capabilities for future deployments and missions."

A row of B-52 Stratofortresses from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., and Minot AFB, N.D., await their next mission on the flightline Feb. 1 at Andersen AFB, Guam. The different colored tail markings represent the individual squadrons each bomber is assigned to at their home station. Approximately 300 Airmen from Barksdale AFB arrived on Guam recently as part of a scheduled rotation of bomber units into the Pacific theater. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Master Sgt. Don Perrien)

Maj. Eric Sikes gives a thumbs up sign from the cockpit of a B-52 Stratofortress Feb. 1 following his 17-hour flight from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., to Andersen AFB, Guam. Major Sikes was one of 300 Airmen from Barksdale AFB who arrived in Guam recently as part of a scheduled rotation of bomber units into the Pacific theatre. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Master Sgt. Don Perrien)

Kadena Airmen ready for visiting Raptors
 
By Staff Sgt. Kevin Nichols -- Detachment 11, Air Force News Agency

KADENA AIR BASE, Okinawa (AFNEWS) -- As Kadena Air Base officials get ready to host 12 F-22 Raptors for the fighters' first overseas deployment, the base's most important focus right now is their readiness stance.

"That readiness gives us piece and stability in the region," said Brig. Gen. Harold W. Moulton, 18th Wing commander. "And frankly because the front lines of the global war on terrorism are now in the Central Command area of responsibility, we're able to protect that flank."

Kadena officials sent about 600 Airmen to Iraq and other U.S. Central Command areas of responsibility in January. Airmen continue to work on readiness as they ready their flight line for the dozen Raptors coming to the Pacific for training.

"We see here at Kadena the opportunity to integrate with our tankers, with our AWACS and with our F-15 (Eagles) to be able to leverage the new capabilities that the F-22 has," General Moulton said.

Training with all services on Okinawa also provides Airmen opportunities and the experience of working in a joint environment.

"On our ramp right now we have visiting F-18 (Hornets) and visiting Harriers," General Moulton said. "In addition to that, we have P-3 (Orions) from the Navy here. We have Marines who have a permanent station close by and the newest and most unique thing is we bedded down the 1st of the 1st Air Defense Artillery unit here. So we now have Patriots defending Kadena, and what's more important, we know that they're ready to go with us if we have to defend Kadena from ballistic missile or air threats."

Air Force kicks off NASCAR season at Daytona
 
By Maj. Sean McKenna -- Air Force Recruiting Service Public Affairs

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNEWS) -- The Air Force begins its seventh year of sponsorship in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series when the No. 21 car begins the 2007 season Feb. 10 at the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway, Fla.

The Air Force No. 21 car, owned by Wood Brothers Racing/JTG Organization, features a new paint scheme this season as well as a new driver, Jon Wood.

The Air Force is both a primary and associate sponsor of the No. 21 car. As primary sponsor, the car will feature the Air Force paint scheme in eight of 38 NASCAR races this season, beginning with the Budweiser Shootout. Other races include Las Vegas on March 11; Richmond, Va., on May 5; Concord, N.C., on May 27; Daytona on July 7; Pocono, Pa., on Aug. 5; Bristol, Tenn., on Aug. 25; and Dover, Del., on Sept. 23.

Jon Wood, a fixture on the NASCAR Busch Series, will drive the car in all but one of eight races the Air Force is the primary sponsor. Veteran No. 21 driver Ken Schrader will race the Air Force car during the Budweiser Shootout, having won the event in both 1989 and 1990.

"Having a chance to represent the Air Force is an honor," said Mr. Wood, 25. "It means getting a chance to represent the men and women who put their lives on the line around the world every day so we can enjoy the freedoms we do."

Air Force Recruiting Service, which oversees the sponsorship and marketing of the Air Force No. 21 car, sees the association with the Wood Brother/JTG as a fantastic opportunity for race fans to learn more about the Air Force.

"The Air Force recruits the best young men and women possible to fill our highly skilled and technical jobs, and NASCAR is a great venue to get people interested in what the Air Force has to offer," said Master Sgt. Rupert Brown, who heads up the NASCAR event marketing team at AFRS. "The Air Force is excited to begin a new racing season at Daytona."

Jon Wood, the driver of No. 21, the Air Force car in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, shows off the car's new paint scheme Jan. 25. The Air Force begins its seventh year of sponsorship in the NASCAR races when No. 21 begins the 2007 season Feb. 10 at the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway, Fla. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Scott Reed)

February 5/07 News

Canada's new government delivers for Canadian forces: awards contract for strategic airlift

The Honourable Gordon O'Connor, Minister of National Defence, together with the Honourable Michael M. Fortier, Minister of Public Works, and the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Industry today announced The Boeing Company has been awarded the contract to supply strategic airlift aircraft to the Canadian Forces.

The agreement fulfills a commitment by Canada's New Government to pursue defence procurement initiatives that equip and strengthen our military and provide economic benefits across the country.

"Canada's New Government is dedicated to meeting the urgent needs of our Canadian Forces," said Minister O'Connor. "Today's announcement is the first step to ensure that our dedicated men and women in uniform have the equipment they need."

"Our government has delivered on our commitment to fair and open procurement and to our Canadian Forces," added Minister Fortier. "While ensuring a win for the Canadian Forces, we have done that in a way that ensures Canadian taxpayers get the best value for their money."

"We have worked hard to deliver real benefits to Canadian industry as a result of our defence procurements," said Minister Bernier. "This agreement represents tremendous opportunity for Canadian companies to compete and stay at the forefront of the global industry."

Canada's New Government is purchasing four strategic lift aircraft to provide rapid, reliable and flexible transport of large amounts of passengers and equipment over long distances in response to domestic emergencies and international crises. This strategic lift capability will be a "Canada First" asset – to be used on our own terms and at times of our own choosing. Canada will no longer have to join the international queue, negotiating against other countries for scarce commercial options, to fulfill its responsibilities. At home, Canada will be better able to protect
Canadians from coast to coast to coast, including domestic response capabilities and reaching out to all our communities, including in the Arctic.

Strategic airlift will also enhance Canada's ability to provide humanitarian assistance in any part of the world, as well as increase our disaster assistance response capability. It will ensure that our Canadian Forces in Afghanistan receive the supplies and equipment they need to get the job done.

"These new aircraft will have an immediate impact on how we can support operations," said General Rick Hillier, Chief of the Defence Staff. "They will increase our capacity to cover vast distances with bigger loads, fewer crews and less stopovers. In addition, they will alleviate some of the workload carried out by our aging Herc fleet and that which we paid to lease."

The acquisition of these aircraft has been conducted through a competitive process known as an Advance Contract Award Notice (ACAN), which identifies the Government's intention to contract with a specific supplier and also gives all potential suppliers the opportunity to demonstrate that they also can meet the Canadian Forces' mandatory capabilities for strategic airlift.

Under Canada's procurement policy, contractors must undertake quality economic activities in advanced technology sectors of the Canadian economy. These activities must be an amount equal to 100% of the contract value. Boeing has already identified more than $570 Million in contracts and in late-stage negotiations with Canadian companies from coast to coast, and the company will announce details of these contracts in the coming weeks.

Canada's New Government is working to ensure that these procurements deliver maximum, high-quality economic benefits to Canada, and that Canadian firms are well positioned to play significant roles as these projects progress. The estimated total cost for this strategic lift aircraft project acquisition is $1.8 billion, plus an estimated contract value of $1.6 billion for 20 years of in-service support.

After following the proper procurement process, future contracts will also be awarded for tactical airlift, medium-to-heavy-lift helicopters, joint support ships and medium-sized logistics trucks. For each of these contracts, companies will be required to invest in the Canadian economy dollar for dollar what they receive from procurement contracts, resulting in approximately $13 Billion in opportunities for Canada's aerospace and defence industry.

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III aircraft (file photo)

Sea King Flying Operations to Resume

DND/CF Media Liaison Office

SHEARWATER, N.S. - The Canadian Forces Sea King fleet will return to normal flying operations following a brief operational pause. The pause was initiated Friday after a recent study from the original equipment manufacturer indicated a need to reduce the usage life of certain components on the aircraft.

Extensive consultations last night and this morning between Canadian Forces technical and operational authorities led Major General Charlie Bouchard, the Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division, to the decision to reinstate Sea King flying operations. "A prudent approach to this situation was taken to ensure the safety of our personnel. I am now confident that this is a maintenance issue that can be quickly resolved."

The Sea King remains the operational mainstay of Canada's shipboard and maritime helicopter capability," said Colonel Alan Blair, the Commander of 12 Wing Shearwater, "and it continues to operate with an enviable safety record, due to the proactive and safety-conscious maintenance monitoring the Canadian Forces routinely undertakes."

For further information, please contact the DND/CF Media Liaison Office at (613) 996-2353/54.

'Top Gun' instructor helps with Raptor integration

By Senoir Airman Travis Edwards -- 99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFNEWS) -- What do you say when the Air Force chief of staff asks you to be the first F-22 pilot for the Navy?

In Navy Lt. Cmdr. Michael Wosje's case, it was, "How could I refuse?"

In a program that lets Navy pilots jump ship to train and integrate with the Air Force, this F/A-18C Hornet pilot from the USS Ronald Reagan is flying high in the nation's premiere stealth fighter, the Air Force F-22 Raptor.

Commander Wosje started out like most, with a dream as a young man of wanting to soar in the sky with little regard of where he was going. After receiving his bachelor's in economics with a minor in computer science, he was now left with the dilemma -- Air Force or Navy?

"I ultimately joined the Navy because I thought it was a cool idea to fly from an aircraft carrier," said Commander Wosje.

Currently he's a Raptor project manager and is flying test and evaluation missions in the Raptor with the 59th Test and Evaluation Squadron at Nellis.

With more than 2,100 flying hours in the F/A-18, this 14-year veteran was stoked to be able to fly one of the newest Raptors coming off the lot in Marietta, Ga.

"It was like that new-car smell once you step into the cockpit, and without a scratch on it," said the prior Navy Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun) instructor.

The commander also spoke about the challenges he faces while working with the Air Force and the Raptor.

He said one of the continuous challenges he faces is the barrier of "speaking Air Force." I grew up operating and talking in a maritime-air environment and that has hindered the process of communicating to Air Force members," he said. "But hopefully, before I leave, I'll have a full understanding so I can bring all the knowledge I learned back to the Navy side."

Even his commander noticed a bit of the miscommunication. "I have found myself looking around to see if I'm the only one who didn't understand what he said," said Lt. Col. Daniel Holmes, commander of the 59th TES.

After being here for about nine months now, Commander Wosje has seen what Las Vegas has to offer, but that aside, he said that being able to suit up and fly the Raptor is by far his favorite thing to do.

"All in all, both services will hopefully be able to learn from our respective best practices as a result of my work here. The bottom line is we are all playing on the same team and we all need to be running the same play," said the Navy and Notre Dame Fighting Irish enthusiast.

Commander Wosje also spoke on the difference among the previous aircraft he has flown and the Raptor.

"Although the Raptor brings unprecedented capability to a fighter with stealth, supercruise and integrated avionics, it is still built by the same team of contractors who built the last armada of fighters, so you see a little bit of each one of them in the Raptor," he said.

Colonel Holmes added, "When the chief of staff of the Air Force and chief of naval operations made the decision to bring a Navy pilot into F-22 operational test, they picked the right guy. We not only gained joint service support for the F-22 program, but also enhanced all future testing and combat operations in the Air Force, Navy and Marines."

"Before the Navy comes and steals 'WooG' back for themselves to keep, we have him for another three years, enabling us to pick his brain and enhance our joint operations and stealth tactics for years to come," the colonel added.

Lt. Cmdr. Michael Wosje, 59th Test and Evaluation Squadron, conducts a pre-flight inspection on an F-22 Raptor. He is the only Navy pilot flying the Raptor for the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Brian Ybarbo)

Strike Eagles 'rain thunder' on enemy

By Staff Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher -- Combined Joint Task Force 76 Public Affairs Office

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan (AFNEWS) -- When an F-15E Strike Eagle goes by low and fast, the ground shakes and even crew chiefs with years of experience with the aircraft can be surprised.

With its advanced sensors and wide array of weapons, enemy forces don't have to see or hear the F-15E for it to strike them.

"We can find targets on the ground with infrared or TV to target individuals precisely without them seeing us or hearing us," said Capt. Tony Breck, 391st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron weapons systems officer, deployed from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. "We can target them through the clouds in the dark of night. We don't need to see the ground to hit them."

The Sioux Falls, S.C., native said the F-15E is uniquely suited to the close air support mission the 391st EFS is responsible for, with the ability to drop bombs on targets as small as windows or individual people.

"We can target them even if they're moving," he said. "No matter where they are or what they're doing, we can hit them."

Normally relegated to the role of air-to-air fighter or air-to-ground interdictor, the fighter squadron spent the past year training for their mission at Bagram. That training remained the squadron's training priority in the months leading to the deployment.

"We're here to support the ground troops out there doing the main mission," said 1st Lt. Cale Marthens, 391st EFS pilot.

One of the unique abilities the 391st brings to the fight is the Strike Eagle's speed. Unlike other close air support fighters, the F-15E's Pratt and Whitney engines allow the aircraft to exceed speeds twice that of sound.

"We can be anywhere in the country in less than half an hour," said Lieutenant Marthens, a native of Stevensville, Mont.

"The whole ground shakes," Captain Breck said of the aircraft's power. "We get there the same time sound does."

"It's like we rain thunder down on them," Lieutenant Marthens added.  Speed also gives the crew more standoff range. The faster and higher the Strike Eagle is when the bomb is dropped, the further the weapon goes before hitting the ground. This allows the crew to launch their payload out of range of shoulder-fired missiles and other threats.

"We're far enough away that they can't hear it or detect it," Lieutenant Marthens said.

Another advantage is the sheer number of weapons the F-15E can carry.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Russell David, 455th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load crew chief, joined the weapons career field 12 years ago. He said it's difficult to list every weapon the Strike Eagle can drop.

"The list is shorter if you say what it can't carry," he joked. "There (are) only three things it won't carry. Everything else we can drop."

The largest weapon a crew can drop is the 4,500-pound bunker buster.

"It's designed for deep penetration into the ground before the explosion...good for caves or underground bunkers," said Sergeant David, who also deployed from Mountain Home.

The smallest bomb approved for the F-15E is also the Air Force's newest -- the 250-pound GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb. Designed for pinpoint air strikes, this satellite-guided bomb is well suited for close air support missions with a low probability of collateral damage.

"The best part is the wide array of weapons," Sergeant David said. "Every time they go out, we load something new. It makes a more perfect match with a better chance of getting steel on target."

Couple that with a 20mm gun that fires high-explosive incendiary rounds, and the odds of the target surviving an encounter with a Strike Eagle go down drastically, Lieutenant Marthens said.

"A few rounds will cut down a large tree," he said. "You can destroy a vehicle with a one-second burst."

Sergeant David said the Strike Eagle is a weapon that's as deadly as its crew and the maintainers keeping them flying.

"Every man and woman here is ready to do whatever it takes to take out any threat to any American troop out there," he said. "It doesn't matter what kind of hardships there are. It's a small thing next to completing the mission every day."

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Staff Sgt. Russell David, 455th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load crew chief, inspects a GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb on an F-15E Strike Eagle at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Jan. 26. The Small Diameter Bomb is a 250-pound satellite-guided bomb designed to be more accurate than traditional bombs with less possibility of collateral damage. The sergeant recently deployed to Bagram from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher

Air Force combat airpower helps turn tide in decisive Battle of An Najaf

By Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Gregoire -- 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing

BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq (AFNEWS) -- More than 200 enemy insurgents were killed and 100 gunmen captured near An Najaf Jan. 28 with 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing providing close-air support in the joint, combined effort to route the enemy in battle.

After insurgents attacked ground forces with small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades, 332nd F-16 Fighting Falcons and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs answered the call for support dropping more than 3.5 tons of precision munitions and expending 2,300 rounds of 20mm and 30mm cannon fire in an area of about five square miles.

F-16 from the 510th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 14th EFS and 332nd EFS, based here, as well as A-10 from the geographically separated 74th EFS at Al Asad Air Base, all participated.

The 36-hour action was the first time all the wing's fighter aircraft have simultaneously employed ordnance in a single operation. Two of the squadrons, the 14th and 74th, joined the wing's ranks just last month.

Talking directly to pilots during the mission was a Joint Terminal Attack Controller Airman embedded with Army ground forces, said Lt. Col. Bob Winkler, a 510th F-16 pilot. Army ground liaison officers routinely coordinate with JTAC Airmen for mission-specific details to better prepare pilots before missions.

"Initially, we weren't involved in Najaf since ground forces hadn't yet requested air support," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Levern Randall, 332nd AEW ground liaison noncommissioned officer. "Once airpower was requested, we supported the recovery operations of the downed helicopter."

Lt. Col. David Tenlen and his wingman, F-16 pilots assigned to the 332nd, were the first on scene to provide close-air-support.

"We're committed to providing coalition forces the combat airpower they need," Colonel Tenlen said.

74th A-10 pilots Capt. Jeffrey Lederhouse and wingman Maj. Clinton Eichelberger diverted from another mission and helped control the airspace. Captain Lederhouse helped manage the J-TAC's burden by directing aircraft to refuel and helping direct support to ground forces.

The mission was almost identical to a recent home-station training scenario, said Major Eichelberger, an A-10 instructor pilot. A-10s can traditionally stay in the target area for a longer period of time to drop their precision-guided weapons, he said.

Crew chiefs, aircraft maintainers responsible for inspecting the systems, engines, and motor before and after each flight, helped the pilots get off the ground to support the mission.

"I was proud to know my jet was doing what it was made to do," said Senior Airman Billy Butler, crew chief and tactical aircraft maintainer. "We knew we had to get those jets turned around and back in the air quickly, and safety is first in our minds when we're under surge operations."

Throughout the operation, the 332nd Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron sustained normal and surge operations simultaneously, and at one point, had jets quick-turned two hours ahead of schedule.

"It feels good knowing we're able to support the people who are directly involved," said Staff Sgt. Jared Bicker, weapons load crew chief. "Our team didn't know until later that day what was happening in [An] Najaf until we saw it on cable news."

The 332nd at Balad, located 40 miles north of Baghdad, launches a significant amount of Air Force combat airpower in Iraq.

"I'm pretty darn proud of the operations, maintenance and combat support efforts of our Tuskegee Airmen team," said Brig. Gen. Robin Rand, commander of the 332nd.

BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq -- Capt. William "Shogun" Lutmer, deployed to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing's 14th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron taxis an F-16 Fighting Falcon toward the runway for a combat mission Jan. 29, 2007. The 14th FS is deployed from Misawa Air Base, Japan, and is the first Block 50 F-16 squadron deployed to Iraq. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Staff Sgt. Michael R. Holzworth)

Japanese get first look at Raptor capabilities

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Virginia (AFNEWS) -- Japanese media and members of
the Japanese Embassy in Washington D.C. visited Langley Air Force Base, Va., Jan. 31 to get a look at the F-22 Raptor before it makes its first overseas deployment to Okinawa.

The visit gave the Japanese a look at the Raptor's capabilities through a presentation and a chance to meet and interview some of the 250 Airmen who will deploy to Japan later this month. Airmen and 12 Raptors from the 27th Fighter Squadron will spend the next several months supporting coalition operations in the western Pacific.

Lt. Col. Wade Tolliver explains F-22 Raptor capabilities to Japanese media during a press conference Jan. 31 with F-22 maintainers and pilots who will be deploying to Kadena Air Base later this month. The deployment to the Pacific Air Forces installation is the first real world deployment for the 27th Fighter Squadron with the Raptor. Colonel Tolliver is the squadron commander. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Samuel Rogers)

February 1/07 News

A SAR bird of a different colour

By Capt Jeff Manney -- 19 Wing Reserve Public Affairs Officer

Canada's maritime patrol aircraft reveals its SAR credentials

After another fruitless day of fishing, the Hansar was moving on. Not that the 16 crew of the German-registered fishing boat were going to miss the turbulent patch of ocean west of Scotland where they had toiled in vain. The seas were a dull grey, the spray bitterly cold, their nets empty. It was March 5, 2001 and the Hansar was heading somewhere a little more forthcoming.

Sadly, the trip would be the Hansar's last. That evening a violent winter storm sprang up and began to pull the fishing boat apart. Winds averaging 65 kilometres per hour whipped the seas into seven-metre swells. By midnight the Hansar was doomed. After a frantic mayday call from the captain the ship was gone. Ten men made it off, nine in one lifeboat. Turning on their Emergency Positioning Indicator Radio Beacon (EPIRB), the nine huddled together, wondering what the seas would bring them next.

When salvation came, as it did within the hour, it's safe to say none of the survivors were expecting it to come from Canada.

Originally a sub hunter

Designed in the 1970s to hunt Soviet-era submarines, Canada's CP-140 Aurora first entered service in 1980. A derivative of the P-3 Orion, the Aurora featured a radically different interior, bringing together most of its 10-person crew in a single tactical compartment and integrating its many sensors via a then-powerful central computer. More than a quarter century later, thanks to an ongoing modernization program, the Aurora remains a potent anti-submarine weapon. With its tremendous endurance – more than 9,000 kilometres unrefuelled and a top speed of 750 kilometres per hour – it is also unrivalled as a strategic reconnaissance platform. But as the nine men who felt the Hansar sink beneath their feet five years ago can attest, it is also remarkably capable in a search and rescue (SAR) role.

The Auroras in the Canadian Forces are split between 405 (Maritime Patrol) Squadron based in Greenwood, N.S. and 407 (MP) Squadron based in Comox, B.C. As the squadron titles suggest, the Aurora is well-known as a maritime patrol aircraft, charged with monitoring Canada's maritime approaches. For an aircraft as versatile as the Aurora, this can take a variety of forms, including: surface and subsurface surveillance; rapid reaction surveillance of Canada's north; aerial surveillance of counter-narcotic operations in cooperation with the RCMP; detection and monitoring of vessels suspected of human smuggling; monitoring of the United Nations ban on driftnet fishing in the North Pacific; and pollution monitoring in support of Environment Canada. It also performs SAR as a secondary role.

The Aurora's capabilities complement an already robust search and rescue presence on both coasts. On the Atlantic that presence takes the form of the C-130 Hercules and the CH-149 Cormorant helicopter. On the Pacific it's the Cormorant and the De Havilland CC-115 Buffalo.

The CF's Buffalos are based at 19 Wing Comox with 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron. Together with five Cormorants they provide SAR services for all of British Columbia and the Yukon and out to 1,200 kilometres offshore. The Buffalo is very capable in B.C.'s mountainous terrain but slow and limited in endurance: at full throttle its maximum speed is 435 kilometres per hour and at maximum endurance its range is less than 3,500 kilometres. For open ocean search and rescue, or when distances to an incident are great, Victoria's Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) will often consider calling on one of four Auroras belonging to 19 Wing's 407 (MP) Squadron.

A casebook study in SAR

The 407 (MP) Squadron Aurora crew that delivered the Hansar's survivors from a grisly fate nearly six years ago was more than 7,000 kilometres away from Victoria's JRCC. They were taking part in a NATO exercise in Europe, hunting a submarine that had been shadowing the German-French Naval Task Group they had been assigned to protect. Alerted to the Hansar's plight, the crew broke off the chase immediately and headed for the coordinates west of Scotland provided by a British rescue centre. Their actions that evening were a casebook study in SAR, and a vivid demonstration of the Aurora's outstanding search and rescue abilities.

Timeliness is everything when ocean rescue is involved – even an immersion suit is no guarantee against the deadly chill of winter seas. Aboard the Aurora the change from a quiet, methodical sub hunt to a quiet, methodical race to save lives was instantaneous. The throttles controlling the aircraft's four Alison T-56 turboprops were advanced to their stops. Despite the speed, and the fact they had already been airborne for several hours, the Aurora's endurance – more than 14 hours with two of its four engines shut down – meant the crew still had ample time to cover an ever-expanding search area.

Using its sophisticated suite of communications gear, the Aurora's navigator-communicator maintained radio contact with the British rescue agency, while simultaneously calling for the Hansar or any ship in its vicinity. Outfitted with nearly every radio imaginable, from HF to UHF, VHF and SATCOM as well as radio teletype, the Aurora is an ideal communications platform. Indeed, most Aurora involvement in SAR consists of this fairly unglamorous but critical function – loitering high above a search area relaying radio traffic from low-flying search aircraft or helicopters to ground stations.

Over the Hansar's grave, however, the Aurora was on its own. What it lacked in numbers it made up in skill, employing every sensor it possessed in the search for survivors. In the flight station, the pilots homed the Hansar's EPIRB signal using the Aurora's direction-finding capability. Behind them, in the tactical compartment, the radar operator turned the aircraft's powerful radar – designed to spot a submarine's periscope from miles away – to the task of finding the lifeboat. From its bulbous side windows other crewmembers, trained to spot those same periscopes, scanned the surface.

They made contact on their first pass, observing lights on the raft and a flare fired by its freezing occupants. Then, as though chasing a submarine, the crews tactical navigator dropped smoke markers and sonobuoys – microphones used to detect submarines – in order to track the raft as it drifted in the storm. Despite their initial distance from sinking and the storm raging about them, the Aurora prevailed that night. And though eventually rescued by British Coast Guard and naval helicopters, the Hansar's nine survivors undoubtedly owe their lives to the Aurora and to the professionalism of its crew.

Recently the Canadian Forces staged two large exercises in the Arctic. Operation Lancaster and its predecessor, Operation Beaufort, were intended to assert Canadian sovereignty over the North and demonstrate the CF's readiness to adapt to its unique climate. Armed with its Arctic SKAD, the Aurora, a key participant in Operation Lancaster, is ideally suited for the rigours and scope of northern operations.

Mid-life Upgrade

At 26 years of age, the Aurora is in the process of a significant mid-life upgrade. The $1.45 billion AIMP, or Aurora Incremental Modernization Program has equipped the fleet with a powerful new electro-optical sensor – the WESCAM MX-20. This electro-optical/Infra-red camera replaces the aircraft's original Forward Looking Infra-Red or FLIR system. It represents a sea change in resolution and passive capability for the Aurora, and has already proved its worth in search and rescue.

Similar rescue

On May 23 last year, in a rescue remarkably similar to that of the Hansar's crew, a 405 Squadron Aurora located three fishermen in the water off the Digby Neck, N.S. After passing over the last known position of the fishing vessel Never Enough, an observer spotted something in the water. The MX-20 operator steered the camera to the position and was rewarded with a close-up view of the three men huddled together in the water. After dropping a smoke canister to signal their position, the Aurora guided a nearby fishing boat to the scene. All three shipwrecked men were pulled aboard and brought safely to shore.

With its varied and ever improving sensors, large crew, speed, endurance, and Sea and Arctic SKAD capability, the Aurora is an unrivalled SAR platform, in addition to its primary roles. Often unsung in this role, those who ply lonely waters far from shore can take comfort in its presence. Aurora, Goddess of the Dawn, is keeping them safe.

What is SKAD?

One key search and rescue tool was missing from the Aurora’s arsenal on the night it helped rescue the Hansar’s survivors, as it is generally not carried on international deployments. The Sea SKAD, short for Survival Kit Air Droppable, is carried in the aircraft’s massive bomb bay and is dropped much like a torpedo. First tested in 1981, the Sea SKAD is designed to deploy two 10-person life rafts and survival gear to survivors in the water. Consisting of an outer fibreglass shell encasing two valises, the Sea SKAD is stocked with emergency items intended to keep survivors alive until they can be rescued. Fishing kits, multi-tools, lip-balm, sunscreen, first-aid kits, clothes, desalination kits and flares are just some of the items it features. A 300-metre length of rope links the two valises. Correctly dropped, the SKAD will separate on descent and land upwind of survivors, drifting to eventually straddle them. survivors can then make their way to the inflated rafts on either end. The high sea states that often accompany ocean rescues make placing the SKAD a difficult and demanding procedure. But in the open ocean, far from helicopters or surface vessels, this lifeline from the Aurora can mean the difference between life and death for those in the water.

The 1991 crash of a C-130 Hercules on final approach into Canadian Forces Station Alert prompted the Air Force to consider obtaining an Arctic equivalent of the Sea SKAD. Introduced into service shortly thereafter, the Arctic SKAD functions in much the same way. It consists of three valises, each carrying enough winter clothing, water, rations, matches and fuel for 20 people. It has yet to be used in a real-life situation.

A CP-140 drops a key search and rescue tool, the sea SKAD. It contains inflatable rafts and emergency supplies intended to keep survivors alive until they can be rescued. In the open ocean this lifeline from the Aurora can mean the difference between life and death for those in the water.  CREDIT: Cpl Denis Matte

Williamsburg Talks join international air forces

By Air Force Public Affairs

Leaders from four international air forces gathered Jan. 18 through 21 in Williamsburg, Va., to discuss issues and share ideas regarding their respective services and discovered they all faced similar challenges.

Hosted by Gen. T. Michael Moseley, the Air Force chief of staff, the four-day event known as the Williamsburg Talks was the first time air chiefs from the United States, Canada, Great Britain and Australia have joined for such a conference since World War II.

"We held these talks to strengthen the bonds that already exist between these four air forces," General Moseley said, "while at the same time, discussing new ways to counter the challenges we all face today and will face in the future. We don't want to be just 'interoperable' but fully 'integrated' air forces."

The event was held in Williamsburg for its historic significance to America's beginnings as one of the first colonial settlements.

"It was also a chance to get outside of Washington, D.C., and the demands of that environment," General Moseley said. "Everyone was able to focus on the discussions without distractions, and talk openly about how to improve our partnership through the exchange of ideas."

The conference began with each air chief giving an overview of the challenges facing his air force and his plan to meet those challenges.

"The conference provided a unique opportunity to discuss the challenges faced by our respective air forces and proved invaluable in highlighting how much we all have in common," said Air Chief Marshall Sir Glenn Torpy, chief of the air staff for the Royal Air Force of Great Britain. "There was an extraordinary meeting of minds and we made a collective commitment to future discussions aimed at improving our overall operational capability and the desire for truly integrated air operations."

"Not surprisingly, there were a host of common issues, stated Lt. Gen. Steve Lucas, Canadian chief of the air staff. "It was useful to hear that the four nations are approaching these issues in a similar fashion and are completely dedicated to assisting each other in their resolution and in the achievement of our common goals."

"Just as importantly, we discussed the already strong partnerships we share and the best ways to expand them," General Moseley said.

These partnerships, such as exchange programs, exercises and the on-going coalition operations in both operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, also include many acquisition programs such as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, C-130J Hercules and C-17 Globemaster III, all of which currently are or will be operated by multiple nations.

In addition to the air chiefs' discussions, Ambassador Marcella Wahba, currently serving as the Air Force's top political advisor, gave a comprehensive survey of the Middle East and the political, historical, and cultural trends that are relevant to ongoing operations in the region.

"Ambassador Wahba gave a fascinating talk on the different countries, people and leaders in Southwest Asia," General Moseley said. "This prompted a great discussion on what we, as Airmen, could do to build better relationships with the air forces of the region."

Providing a unique perspective on the war on terrorism was Dr. Lani Kass, a professor at National Defense University and head of the Air Force Cyber Task Force. Her briefing focused on what Airmen need to do in order to prosecute and learn from current operations and how to ensure we are organized, trained and equipped for the next fight.

"Dr. Kass has actual experience on why Air Forces succeed or fail, based on her time in the Israeli air force," General Moseley said. "Using that as a basis, she led a riveting discussion that really hammered home that we cannot afford to let our basic skills and capabilities erode over time based on fixation with the present conflict."

Finally, Ross Perot Jr. discussed the world business environment from the perspective of an entrepreneur with global interests. Mr. Perot, a former Air Force fighter pilot, spoke to the role that security, provided by our countries and our Air Forces, plays in the global economy.

"These four-way talks were both groundbreaking and very productive," said Air Marshal Geoff Shepherd, chief of the Royal Australian Air Force. "Despite the different sizes of our respective air forces, the issues that face all of us are similar in concept and impact. As close partners, it is vital that we learn from each other's experiences and align our procedures so that we have true interoperability in order that we can achieve the best effect possible on operations."

"Everyone there understood that having a strong and successful air force is absolutely necessary in today's interdependent world, but that the skills required are perishable," General Moseley said. "It's one thing to be proud of our Airmen and equipment, but if we don't invest in them, especially through a thorough recapitalization plan that provides modern, reliable equipment, then it's very easy to lose our prominence, to lose that edge that makes us great. We had a very good discussion, part of which centered on looking at how other air forces failed and dissecting and learning from other's mistakes."

He said the event helped strengthen the partnership between all the countries, and that the Williamsburg Talks will become a regular event.

General Lucas said that "this session of meetings with three of our most important allies provided an excellent opportunity to enhance the superb relationship we all share and to discuss current Air Force operations, challenges and future programs."

"For Australia, the opportunity to participate in these talks was much appreciated and underscores the fundamental nature of our alliance relationships," Air Marshal Shepherd said.

"U.S. Air Force members should understand that the community of Airmen is much greater than just the United States," General Moseley said. "The personal and professional bonds between us as Airmen and between our air forces are now stronger than they've ever been, and they will only strengthen with the new opportunities we have identified. The more seamless the relationships in our coalition, the more efficiently and effectively we will operate across all domains. With the progress we made in the Williamsburg Talks, we are one step closer to achieving that ideal."

Spooky gunship armed with new cannons
 
By Chief Master Sgt. Gary Emery -- Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. (AFNEWS) -- Spooky is about to get a little scarier.

Crews at Hurlburt Field have put the finishing touches on the first AC-130U Spooky gunship armed with the 30 mm Bushmaster cannon. The rearmed Spooky retains its 105 mm cannon but replaces the 25 mm and 40 mm guns with Bushmasters.

The project is a "win-win," according to Air Force Special Operations Command officials -- unless you're one of the bad guys.

"We're buying increased lethality and accuracy at the same time we're improving reliability," said Lt. Col. Mike Gottstine, AFSOC's chief of strike/intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance requirements, "The bottom line is we'll have more gunships available for the warfighter on a day-to-day basis."

The aging 40 mm Bofors cannon, which has been around in various guises since World War II, is increasingly hard to maintain, Colonel Gottstine said, and there is no production line set up to replace shrinking ammunition stocks. While the 25 mm gun is newer, he said, "it is a maintenance hog as far as the amount of money and time we spend maintaining the ammo handling system." In addition, because no other Air Force aircraft use the 25 mm cannon, no one is working on developing new types of ammunition that could be effective for gunship operations, he said.

The Bushmaster cannon, on the other hand, will arm the Marine Corps' new amphibious assault vehicle, is installed on some Navy ships and is being looked at for uses in other capacities. Because of that, "the services are developing a lot of variations of 30 mm ammo," Colonel Gottstine said. "Different types of ammo will allow us to perform different missions or maybe give us some options to prosecute our targets differently."

The 25 mm cannon was originally installed in gunships as a suppression weapon to keep enemy troops pinned down so they could not move or shoot, said Paul Brousseau, AFSOC AC-130U requirements contractor support. However, the 25 mm has no air burst capability, which is often preferable for suppression fire, he said. "The Marine Corps is looking at a 30 mm airburst round that could possibly be a good capability for us sometime in the future," he said.

The new cannon fires 200 rounds a minute, faster than the 40 mm and a bit slower than the 25 mm guns it replaces, Colonel Gottstine said. "The 25 mm throws a lot of lead down but it scatters it more than the 30 mm will. We're expecting increased lethality and increased accuracy with this weapon," he said. "Hits are what counts."

Gunners from the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field are ready to put their new weapon to the test.

"It's going to be fun, it's going to be interesting," said Master Sgt. Chris Jette, an aerial gunner with 1st Special Operations Group standardization/evaluation. "Overall, we don't know what the round actually does from our platform until they do the testing, but it looks like it's going to be good."

"I'm impressed with how easy it is to work on," said Tech. Sgt. Ben Lerman, an aerial gunner with the 4th Special Operations Squadron. "Hopefully, it will make our job as gunners easier. Commonality between the (forward and rear guns) means we will have interchangeability of parts so we can fix them in the air."

The ability to perform repairs while airborne is important, Sergeant Jette said.

"We can actually troubleshoot and repair the front gun where, with the 25 mm, once it breaks we can't do anything to it," he said.

The 30 mm-armed AC-130U will undergo flight testing through May. It should be declared operational and in the hands of "U-boat" crews from the 4th SOS in July, Mr. Brousseau said. Three more modified U-model gunships will join the fleet by December 2007, he said.

The rest of the fleet will be modified as funding is available, with installation probably in the mid-2009 time frame, he said. The fleetwide modification should be complete by fiscal 2010, he said.

The desired goal is to eventually install the 30 mm cannons on AFSOC's AC-130H Spectre fleet as well, Colonel Gottstine said.

Bushmaster 30 mm cannons protrude from the gunports of an AC-130U Spooky gunship during tests Jan. 26 at Hurlburt Field, Fla. The 30 mm gun will eventually replace both the 40 mm cannon and 25 mm gun on U-model gunships. (U.S. Air Force photo/Chief Master Sgt. Gary Emery)

Buckle up

Lt. Col. Chris Ashby sits in an F-16 Fighting Falcon and displays the U.S. flag before departing on a combat mission over Iraq, Jan. 29 from Balad Air Base, Iraq. Colonel Ashby is the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing chief of Safety deployed from the 20th Fighter Wing, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. (U. S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Michael R. Holzworth)  

F-16 Fighting Falcons are prepared for takeoff Jan. 29 at Balad Air Base, Iraq. The 14th Fighter Squadron is deployed from Misawa Air Base, Japan, to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing at Balad AB. (U. S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Michael R. Holzworth) 

January 31/07 News

Cormorant Launched to Marine Distress Call

By 19 Wing Deputy Public Affairs -- Sgt. Eileen Redding

19 WING COMOX – In the afternoon of Jan 30th the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre tasked the 442 Squadron Cormorant to Hadley Bay in the Johnston Strait to perform a medical transfer of a 61-year- old male who was suffering from acute chest pains.

On arrival in Hadley Bay the Search and Rescue technicians and a Stokes litter were hoisted down to the jetty to the ambulatory patient who was being assisted by his colleagues. The hoist sequence was carried out on the end of the jetty under the curious and watchful eyes of the residents of this small community.

Once on board the helicopter the SAR Techs MCpls Paul Lloyd and Kent Gulliford who described this mission as “classic textbook” carried out their medical protocols to make the patient who was anxious and in pain more comfortable.

The patient was transported to Victoria’s Royal Jubilee Hospital and his condition is unknown at this time.

The Cormorant crew : Pilots Maj Doug Parker and Capt Sean Morris, Flight Engineers Sgt Phil Robin and Cpl Jeff Blundell and SAR Techs MCpls Paul Lloyd and Kent Gulliford.

The Buffalo aircraft was flying top cover and SAR Tech Sgt Jean Tremblay provided photographs.

For more information please contact the 19 Wing Deputy Public Affairs, Sgt Eileen Redding (250) 339-8263.

A Canadian Forces CH-149 Cormorant hovers over the location of a distress call yesterday.  Photos taken by SAR Tech Sgt Jean Tremblay.

19 Wing Personnel Instruct at Disabled Ski Festival

By 19 Wing Public Affairs -- Capt. Cheryl Condly

19 WING COMOX - A number of personnel from 19 Wing instruct with the Vancouver Island Society for Adaptive Snowsports (VISAS).  VISAS is a member of the Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing which is a volunteer based organization having as its main objective, assisting individuals with a disability to lead richer and fuller lives through active participation in recreational and competitive Alpine and Nordic Skiing and Boarding.  Six members of the 19 Wing team: Jacques Dubé (407 Sqn), Sue Gibbs (WLog), B.J Bradley (RCA Ops), Glenn Hooge (RCA Ops), Suzanne Chester (FS&R) and Mike Spooner (MFRC) join 80 other dedicated volunteers, including approximately 20 retired service persons, who contribute countless hours to this cause.

In January of each year, VISAS hosts a five-day festival to introduce new participants to this exciting activity.  This year, the committee introduced a new aspect to the Festival, an injured military/Veteran component.  Amongst the 30 participants, there were two retired service persons: Steve Daniel, a medically retired Sergeant from Sudbury was injured in a parachuting accident in Petawawa with the 3RCR, and Paul Giles from Comox, a retired pilot who was injured in a car accident.  Also joining the group is Buddy Hayes from Virginia who is an “exchange student” from the American National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic program.

In conjunction with the Canadian Forces Military Healthcare professionals, the Federal Government and the Canadian Paralympics Committee have initiated a new fitness program called “Soldier On” the aim of this program is to use sports as a vehicle for rehabilitation and reintegration of injured soldiers into the community and onto the playing field.

It is hoped that more disabled service persons or veterans will learn of this program and take advantage of the opportunity offered through the annual Snowsports Festival at Mount Washington, BC or other Centres across Canada.

For more information on the Festival and the Canadian Association of Disabled Skiers visit www.visasweb.ca or www.disabledskiing.ca.  We hope to see you on the slopes.

Sgt (ret'd) Steve Daniel 'solos' on his 'sitski' at the top of Mount Washington during the Disable Ski Festival in January.  Steve mastered this equipment in only four days and skied from the top to the bottom on his own.  "I sincerely thank the members of the Vancouver Island Society for Adaptive Snowsports for the opportunity to partake in this sport.  This experience has opened my eyes to the new adventures that await me".  Photo taken by Glen Hooge.

Cope Tiger underway in Thailand
 
By Army Sgt. Catherine Talento -- Air Force News Agency

KORAT ROYAL THAI AIR BASE, Thailand (AFNEWS) -- The skies over this air base in central Thailand are filled with the sounds of fighter jets screaming on take-off and landing as Exercise Cope Tiger 2007 gets underway.

This is the 13th year for Cope Tiger, a multilateral, joint Thai/U.S. sponsored exercise between the nations of Thailand, Singapore and the United States.

Approximately 600 servicemembers from the United States and 600 combined from Singapore and Thailand are expected to participate in the two-week exercise.

"The partners of Thailand, Singapore and the United States have a history of working together and we want to continue that relationship," said Col. Vincent Ferrell, the Air Force exercise director. "This exercise allows us to work from the tactical level up through the command and control pieces as well."

U.S., Thai and Singaporean forces will spend the exercise conducting close-air support operations, air refueling missions, search and rescue operations and common unit procedures such as mission planning.

"The key point here is that aircrafts are able to share data and work together to achieve a common objective, whether it is search and rescue in a combat environment or air to air employment against an adversary," Colonel Ferrell said.

Humanitarian relief will also play a large role during Cope Tiger. Medical and dental teams from Thailand and Singapore will join U.S. units from Japan, Okinawa and Hawaii providing basic medical and dental care to residents of the communities surrounding Udon Thani and Korat.

Medical members expect to see and treat approximately 2,000 patients during the two-week exercise. Exercise Cope Tiger 2007 runs from Jan. 29 through Feb. 9 at air bases at Korat and Udon Thani.

Guard integration moves Airmen from Kulis to Elmendorf

Written by USAF
 
WASHINGTON (AFNEWS) -- The 176th Wing at Kulis Air National Guard Base, Alaska, and associated aircraft, will relocate to Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, in accordance with the 2005 BRAC Commission recommendation.

The 2005 BRAC Commission recommended that, contingent on the availability of adequate military construction funds to provide the necessary facilities at Elmendorf AFB, Kulis ANGB be closed down.

"The 176 Wing relocation to Elmendorf allows the Air Force a unique opportunity to merge all our Total Force elements -- Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and active duty operations -- across multiple mission areas, including airlift, combat search and rescue, airborne warning and control systems and fifth generation fighters, all at one place, all in a key theater for our global activities," said Gen. T. Michael Moseley, Air Force chief of staff.

"It's exactly what we've wanted for years, and exactly what we need now, to further integrate air power in Alaska," General Moseley said.

At Elmendorf, the 176th Wing and the 3rd Wing will form an Air National Guard and active duty associate unit implementing Air Force Total Force Integration concepts. The 176th Wing will maintain the 144th Airlift Squadron C-130s and its three rescue squadrons.

The eight C-130Hs, three HC-130Ns, five HH-60 helicopters and all Airmen assigned at Kulis ANGB will relocate to Elmendorf AFB. At Elmendorf, the 176th Wing will gain 4 C-130Hs. The two wings will also form an active duty and Air National Guard associate unit with C-17s.

"Total Force integration incorporates innovative organizational constructs to create a smaller, more capable force structure leveraging increased capability from new technology and capitalizing on the wealth of talent and experiences across the active duty, Guard and Reserve functions," said Lt. Gen. Craig McKinley, director of the Air National Guard. "Ensuring a seamless capability across our three service components provides America a more lethal and capable air, space and cyberspace force."

In addition to the active duty and Air Guard associations at Elmendorf, the Air Force Reserve will stand-up its 302nd Fighter Squadron there as an associate squadron with the 3rd Wing, flying the F-22A. "We're looking forward to being a part of this Total Force endeavor at Elmendorf," said Lt. Gen. John A. Bradley, chief of Air Force Reserve and commander, Air Force Reserve Command.

The time frame for the move to Elmendorf is still being determined, but like all actions directed under BRAC must be completed by Sept. 15, 2011.

HH-60 helicopters, like these shown participating in an exercise at White Mountains, Alaska, are among the aircraft that will move when the Alaska Air National Guard's 176th Wing moves from Kulis Air National Guard Base to nearby Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska. The move and closure of Kulis is part of a 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission recommendation. No date has been set yet for the move. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Justin Weaver)

Buff tests synthetic fuel in cold weather

January 30/07 News

Tanker recapitalization proposal released
 
By Staff Sgt. C. Todd Lopez -- Air Force Print News

WASHINGTON (AFNEWS) -- Air Force leaders officially released a request for proposal for a replacement tanker aircraft Jan. 30.

The RFP is the official invitation to manufacturers to begin making offers to build a replacement for the Air Force's aging "Eisenhower-era" fleet of KC-135 Stratotankers, said Sue Payton, the assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition.

"This is a major milestone in fair, open and transparent dialogue that we have been involved in since the request for information was sent out in April of 2006," she said. "We are confident it will allow us to fulfill the Air Force's No. 1 acquisition priority."

The Air Force's No. 1 acquisition priority is a replacement for the KC-135, as laid out late last year by Gen. T. Michael Moseley, the Air Force chief of staff. Other priorities include a new combat rescue helicopter, space-based early warning and communications satellites, the F-35 Lightning II and the next-generation, long-range strike bomber.

Ms. Payton said she expects to have a tanker contract in place before the end of the year, and that competition for the contract will be fair for all involved.

"The RFP has laid the groundwork for a fair and open competition that will ensure a thorough evaluation of any proposal we receive," she said. "We remain committed to a full and open competition. The KC-X is our No. 1 acquisition priority for the Air Force, and we will continue to conduct this competition in a very deliberate and open manner."

Ms. Payton said she expects the Air Force could see the first operational fleet of new tankers by 2013.

For additional information on the proposal, see the contracting documents related to the KC-X, the KC-X System Requirements Document, or the Final KC-X RFP.

A request for proposal for a replacement tanker aircraft was released by Air Force leaders Jan. 30. The Air Force's No. 1 acquisition priority is a replacement for the KC-135. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration/Mike Carabajal)

C-130 mechanics beat repair deadline for gunship
 
By Amanda Creel -- 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFNEWS) -- When Aircraft 89-0512, an AC-130U Gunship, arrived at Robins AFB for program depot maintenance, it was given an accelerated schedule of only 150 days to complete. This was 31 days less than the standard 181 days for such an aircraft and many wondered if the members of the 560th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron could complete the aircraft on schedule.

The answer was yes, with time to spare.

As if that wasn't a big enough accomplishment for the C-130 Hercules maintainers, the aircraft required more than the scheduled maintenance. The additional maintenance alone normally would have taken 65 days to complete.

"I thought it would be a miracle if we got it out in 150 days, and you did it in 146," said Brig. Gen. Bradley A. Heithold while speaking to the mechanics at a release ceremony for the gunship Jan. 22.

General Heithold, vice commander of the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, commended all the maintainers for a job well done and stressed the importance of the aircraft and how vital it is to the war effort.

Some of the additional maintenance the gunship required included the repair of the center wing box; new rainbow fittings, which requires the removals of the wings and new fittings to be placed for the wings to sit-in; bonded and boron repairs, which are composite patches used to help protect the aircraft from corrosion and wear; and polyurethane work, which is where they remove flaking polyurethane from the fuel tank.

"It was all teamwork. Everyone was pushing on this aircraft," said Winston Slappey, an aircraft logistics specialist.

The aircraft has three missions -- close-air support such as convoy escorts, air interdiction conducted against preplanned or targets of opportunity, and force protection such as air base or facilities defense.

"Once everyone found out how important the mission of that aircraft was, we were ready to work," said George Hoffman, a flight C-130 team lead.

The gunship is known for its ability to visually or electronically identify friendly ground forces or targets at any time of day and anywhere in the world. The AC-130U has a 25 mm Gatling gun that is able to fire 1,800 rounds per minute and has a rapid fire 40 mm cannon and a 105 mm Howitzer.

"We were bound and determined we were going to make that schedule," said Joel Donihoo, a C-130 production flight chief.

When the aircraft arrived, the mechanics were expected to dedicate 18,246 man-hours to prepare the aircraft to return to the fight. When it was completed Jan. 18, the maintainers had invested 27,227 man-hours, 8,981 man-hours above what was scheduled due to the additional workload required. The aircraft passed the functional check flight during the first flight.

Mr. Hoffman said this was a big accomplishment because gunships generally take more than one flight to pass.

"The fly-buy (the FCF) was the icing on the cake," he said.

The completion of the aircraft four days early was attributed to the realization of how important that aircraft is to the warfighter.

Joy Henderson, a C-130 sheet metal mechanic, said the knowledge of the mission makes it easy to spend the extra days and hours working to return the aircraft to the warfighter.

"I have two children who are in the Air Force and every time I work on an aircraft I remember that could be my child on that aircraft. It's not just a job, as a mother it's more. It's not just my kids who could be relying on that plane, it's a lot of mother's kids who are relying on it," said Ms. Henderson, whose son, Jamey Henderson, is active duty and her daughter, Candy Griffin, is a reservist.

Though not all the mechanics have a maternal instinct when it comes to the gunship's mission, all the mechanics know the warfighter depends on the support of this aircraft.

"We were on it (Aircraft 89-0512) from the very start, 12 hours a day, seven days a week, and knowing where it is going and what its mission is a real motivation," said Jeff Smith, a member of the aircraft fuel team.

No matter how important the mission, without a team effort from 560th AMXS members and other base members from units such as the 402nd Commodities Maintenance Group, the mechanics agreed the gunship would still be undergoing maintenance. Instead the gunship departed Jan. 22 and returned to its mission and the fight against terrorism.

"It's a good feeling to get that plane out and back to the guys waiting on it to get their job done," said Adam Rodgers, an aircraft mechanic and former Marine.

Brig. Gen. Bradley A. Heithold (right) speaks with Dan Richardson and Kevin Kelly in front of the AC-130U Gunship after a release ceremony Jan. 22 at Robins Air Force Base, Ga. Maintainers repaired the gunship in only 146 days and four days ahead of schedule. (U. S. Air Force photo/Sue Sapp)

Changes planned for ISR community
 
By Staff Sgt. C. Todd Lopez -- Air Force Print News

WASHINGTON (AFNEWS) -- The Air Force director of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, or ISR, recently discussed his plans for improving the service's ISR capabilities.

During a recent roundtable with members of the press, Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula laid out his plans for overhauling the service's ISR functions.

The general has served as the Air Force deputy chief of staff for ISR or A2, for about six months, and took the position just months after it was created.

"I want to manage ISR from a capabilities-based perspective," he said. "Organizationally, I want to treat Air Force intelligence as an Air Force-wide enterprise. And personnel-wise, we need to reconstruct our bench of Air Force senior intelligence officers so we can viably compete for joint and interagency positions."

The general said that upon taking his position as the Air Force A2, he asked for a diagram of the service's ISR organizational relationships. What he found was a convoluted set of relationships. The complexity of the organization left seams in ISR capability, unclear lines of responsibility, and lack of a clear advocate for the Air Force ISR capability.

"The way we do business today is that we define ISR capability by individual program elements," he said. "The net result is a tendency to drive a disjointed approach to ISR. We have the potential for the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing, and in fact, that has happened."

Recently, the Air Force was upgrading software for the Distributed Common Ground System, a global processing system that provides analysis and distribution of intelligence data from anywhere on the planet. The software upgrade for the system ended up being incompatible with the new sensors aboard U-2 and Global Hawk aircraft. The incompatibility was unexpected, the general said, and may now take as many as 20 months and $17 million to fix.

To prevent those kinds of mishaps in the future, General Deptula is creating a position that will integrate ISR assets and manage them as capability areas.

"It is too big a bridge to cross to try to change the way OSD manages by program element," the general said. "But I am going to put in place an ISR capability integrator, not dissimilar to a program manager for each set of ISR capabilities."

General Deptula said he also plans to realign the command structure for intelligence agencies currently within the Air Force.

"I want to align Air Force intelligence so there are coherent lines of responsibility and authority for the intelligence function, and make sure it is treated as an Air Force-wide enterprise," he said.

To that end, the Air Force Intelligence Agency and its subordinate units, with the exception of the Air Force Information Operations Center, will move from under Air Combat Command and become a field operating agency of A2. The agency will be renamed the "Air Force ISR Command." The target date for the transformation is March 1, the general said. The AFIOC will remain with ACC as part of the 8th Air Force's Cyber Command.

The move is significant, with chains of command being changed. Manpower will remain in place however, the general said. But the changes will streamline presentation of Air Force ISR capabilities for national and joint users, as well as establish intelligence as an Air Force-wide enterprise.

Finally, General Deptula said he is planning to develop a "bench" of senior-level ISR officers to provide more Air Force visibility in joint, and national intelligence community positions.

The general said that today, the Air Force is not adequately represented in senior ISR positions in joint, national or combatant commander billets. In fact, the Air Force has not held a combatant commander J2 position in more than five years, he said.

"(This) is not good for the joint or national community," he said. "Our combatant commanders need to be served by an air perspective."

The general asked Gen. T. Michael Moseley, the Air Force chief of staff, to expand the number of Air Force intelligence general officer billets, and General Deptula plans to ensure those officers are properly trained and postured as desirable candidates for joint and national senior intelligence positions.

Air Force officials are planning improvements to the services's intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. (U.S. Air Force graphic/Mike Carabajal)

Alaska ANG Integration Moves Airmen from Kulis to Elmendorf

By the Secretary of the Air Force -- Office of Public Affairs

Washington, D.C. - The 176th Wing, Kulis Air National Guard Base, Alaska, and associated aircraft, will relocate to Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, in accordance with the 2005 BRAC Commission recommendation.

The 2005 BRAC Commission recommended that, contingent on the availability of adequate military construction funds to provide the necessary facilities at Elmendorf AFB, Kulis ANGB be closed down.

"The 176 Wing relocation to Elmendorf allows the Air Force a unique opportunity to merge all our Total Force elements - Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and active duty operations - across multiple mission areas, including airlift, Combat Search and Rescue, Airborne Warning and Control Systems and fifth generation fighters, all at one place, all in a key theater for our global activities," General T. Michael Moseley, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, said. "It's exactly what we've wanted for years, and exactly what we need now, to further integrate air power in Alaska."

At Elmendorf, the 176th Wing and the 3rd Wing will form an Air National Guard and active duty associate unit implementing Air Force Total Force Integration concepts. The 176th Wing will maintain the 144th Airlift Squadron C-130s and its three Rescue Squadrons.

The eight C-130Hs, three HC-130Ns, five HH-60 helicopters and all Airmen assigned at Kulis ANGB will relocate to Elmendorf AFB. At Elmendorf, the 176th Wing will gain 4 C-130Hs. The two wings will also form an active duty and Air National Guard associate unit with C-17s.

"Total Force integration incorporates innovative organizational constructs to create a smaller, more capable force structure leveraging increased capability from new technology and capitalizing on the wealth of talent and experiences across the active duty, Guard and Reserve functions," said Lt Gen Craig McKinley, Director Air National Guard. "Ensuring a seamless capability across our three service components provides America a more lethal and capable air, space, a nd cyberspace force."

In addition to the active duty and Air Guard associations at Elmendorf, the Air Force Reserve will stand-up its 302nd Fighter Squadron there as an associate squadron with the 3rd Wing, flying the F-22A. "We're looking forward to being a part of this Total Force endeavor at Elmendorf," said Lt Gen John A. Bradley, Chief of Air Force Reserve and Commander, Air Force Reserve Command.

The time frame for the move to Elmendorf is still being determined, but like all actions directed under BRAC must be completed by September 15, 2011.

January 29/07 News

14 Wing Greenwood wins international flight safety award

By Holly Bridges -- Air Force Public Affairs

An international consortium of foreign air forces has recognized the flight safety team at 14 Wing Greenwood for its outstanding contribution to military flight safety in Canada. 

"This was certainly a surprise," says Major David Bolton, 14 Wing Greenwood Flight Safety Officer.  "It's great for our team to earn this kind of recognition, but it really belongs to everyone on the Wing because everyone has embraced our motto, ‘Target the Mission, Aim for Safety'. " 

Every year, the System of Cooperation Amongst the Air Forces of the Americas (SICOFAA) presents an award for the best military flight safety program in its member countries, which include Canada.  Despite a high operational tempo, the introduction of significant modifications and upgrades to the CP-140 Aurora, personnel and resource challenges, 14 Wing Greenwood created a "model for other Wings to emulate," says Colonel Christopher Shelley, Director of Flight Safety, who nominated 14 Wing Greenwood for the award.  The award was presented to 14 Wing Greenwood in November.

The 14 Wing Greenwood flight safety program was recognized for its excellence in reporting of flight safety incidents, education, training, communication, emergency response following an incident, and the integration of flight safety into other programs and committees on the Wing.

"The whole idea behind flight safety is to see everybody go home safely to their families at night," says Maj Bolton.  "The flight safety team here at 14 Wing really does put that into practise and I think we have created a culture of flight safety to make that happen."

The Canadian Forces Flight Safety system is one of the most effective and respected in the world. Its goal is to prevent the accidental loss of aviation resources, including people and equipment, as well as determine the causes of accidents and to make recommendations to help prevent accidents in the future.  

SICOFAA is an apolitical and voluntary organization that strives to strengthen and promote ties and mutual support among member nations.  It is a means to exchange experiences, training and expertise as well as to establish procedures that enable member nations to act in partnership as directed by individual governments.

Member countries include Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, United States, Uruguay and Venezuela.  There are also six observer nations, namely, Belize, Costa Rica, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica and Mexico.

Members of the 14 Wing Greenwood Flight Safety team: (front left) Major David Bolton, (rear left) Sergeant Earl Morrice, (front right) and Master Warrant Officer (Ret’d) Keith Gullage. Credit: Cpl Andrew L Davis

Eagles land in Hollywood
 
By Master Sgt. Larry Schneck -- U.S. Air Force Entertainment Liaison Office

LOS ANGELES (AFNEWS) -- Through the clouds above a dry, remote airfield in Southern California, Col. Tom Schiess and Lt. Col. Matt Andrews punched holes in the sky and maneuvered their F-15 Eagles into position for landing.

A catastrophic attack on the United States had just taken place and the U.S. Air Force now filled the sky with lethal air power. The impressive flexing of muscle is breathtaking to view from the ground, and on the screen. This is not a military mission to secure the nation's air space, but rather a military mission to support the Fox television series "24."

The aircraft and Airmen from the 173rd Fighter Wing at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Ore., as well as Airmen and equipment from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., will be appearing as background extras and set dressing for an upcoming episode of the Emmy award-winning series.

Michael Klick, a producer from "24," worked closely with the Air Force Public Affairs Entertainment Liaison Office in Los Angeles to position air power in scenes filmed on location at the Mojave, Calif., airport. Mr. Klick felt the sixth season of the popular show needed the aircraft to create the TV visuals of a nation at war against terrorism. The entertainment liaison office reviewed the request, got approval from the Pentagon, then located available aircraft, personnel and equipment needed to make TV magic.

The tradition of Hollywood working with the Air Force dates from the early years of American filmmaking. The first "Best Picture" Oscar was given to a silent film about U.S. Army Air Force pilots heading to fight the central powers in World War I. The motion picture, titled "Wings," launched this on-going relationship between the film industry and America's military.

The Air Force takes this cooperation seriously. Military leaders realize the value of enhancing realism in scenes on the big and small screens. By using actual fighter aircraft and Airmen, the production company gets added storytelling power and enhanced realism, something that cannot be easily replicated by today's digital technology or set designers.

In exchange for appearing in TV and motion pictures, Air Force people and equipment are displayed for the public, many of whom only get their impressions of the military through the media, including movies and TV shows.

Twentieth Century Fox Television showed its support for the military, as well, by improving morale and welfare of Airmen at Edwards AFB and Kingsley Field. Fox donated $1,000 to morale, welfare, and recreation funds at both instillations.

"The money will be used to benefit the base during a function to say thank you to the troops for a job well done," said Colonel Schiess.

Crew chiefs from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., tow an F-15 Eagle into position before filming at the Mojave, Calif., airport. The air superiority fighter appears in an upcoming episode of Fox TV's "24" with the commercial 747 in the distance playing the role of Air Force One. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Larry Schneck) 

Thunderbirds to kick off Superbowl XLI

By USAF

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Air Force's elite demonstration squadron, the "Thunderbirds," will help kick off Super Bowl XLI in Miami with a flyover of Dolphin Stadium on Feb. 4, 2007.

The team's six red, white and blue F-16 fighter jets will roar over in their signature six-ship Delta formation at the conclusion of the National Anthem. The aircraft will fly over at about 500 feet and 450 miles per hour.

"We are honored to participate in the Super Bowl, especially this year, as the United States Air Force commemorates our 60th Anniversary," said Lt. Col. Kevin Robbins, Thunderbird Commander. The fly-over is just one of many events the Thunderbirds will participate in during 2007 to commemorate the United States Air Force's six decades of air and space power.

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron is an Air Combat Command unit composed of eight pilots (including six demonstration pilots), four support officers, four civilians and approximately 120 enlisted Airmen performing in more than 25 career specialties.

"Our job is to represent the thousands of Airmen who serve their country on a daily basis, including the more than 25,000 fighting on the front lines in the Global War on Terror," said Robbins.

The Super Bowl is the nation's highest-rated TV program annually. According to the NFL, more than 141 million viewers in the U.S. tuned in to last year's game. Super Bowl XLI will be broadcast to a potential worldwide audience of one billion in more than 230 countries and territories.

Background information on the Thunderbirds is available on the Internet at: www.airforce.com/thunderbirds.

Media requesting more information or interviews should contact Capt. Elizabeth Kreft of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Public Affairs Office at 702-652-2984 or 702-378-7950 or at elizabeth.kreft@nellis.af.mil.

NORAD fighters to patrol Super Bowl XLI

Courtesy of 1st Air Force Public Affairs

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNEWS) -- The Continental U.S. NORAD Region is stepping up its air patrols in the Miami-Dade area to increase security during Super Bowl XLI activities.

Spectators will see the Air Force Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, fly over Dolphin Stadium during pregame events, and other Air Force fighter jets in the local area during the game.

The patrols are a smart, efficient way to protect American lives and resources in the region, said Maj. Gen. Henry C. Morrow, the commander of both 1st Air Force and Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region.

"NORAD protects a variety of national assets across the nation on any given day," General Morrow said. "In this instance we are increasing our sorties in the Miami-Dade area as part of our continuing resolve to protect our homeland and citizens during these major events."

In preparation for Super Bowl XLI, NORAD fighters will make low approaches at several local airports Feb. 2, including Boca Raton, Pompano Beach Airpark, Fort Lauderdale Executive, Opa Locka, and Kendall-Tamiami Executive.

Air patrols are carefully planned and closely controlled to ensure public safety while demonstrating NORAD's rapid response capability. NORAD has conducted air patrols throughout the U.S. and Canada since the start of Operation Noble Eagle -- the command's response to the terrorist attacks of 9/11. The flights will have minimal impact on aircraft in the area and are not in response to any specific threat.

"We want citizens to know that we remain dedicated to protecting their freedoms as we project our determination to preserve peace and our way of life," General Morrow said.

Airborne Laser returns for more testing
 
By Tech. Sgt. Eric M. Grill -- 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNEWS) -- The YAL-1A, a modified Boeing 747-400F known as the Airborne Laser, is undergoing a long-term test phase at the Air Force Flight Test Center here that includes test firing the aircraft's low-power lasers in flight for the first time.

The Missile Defense Agency is testing and developing the Airborne Laser as part of the boost phase defense segment of the Ballistic Missile Defense System.

The ABL, designed to identify, track and intercept enemy ballistic missiles shortly after missile launch, would operate at altitudes above the clouds to locate and track missiles in their boost flight phase, and then accurately point and fire the high-energy laser to intercept enemy missiles near their launch areas, MDA officials said.

In the current test phase, which is happening throughout the next several months, the ABL will fire its two solid-state illuminator lasers at the NC-135E "Big Crow" test aircraft to verify the ABL's ability to track an airborne target and measure atmospheric turbulence.

The Airborne Laser will aim the illuminators at an instrumented target board located on a missile-shaped image painted on the Big Crow, said Bob Suszek, ABL project manager here.

"We have completed extensive modifications to the ABL aircraft, the system integration lab (here) and the Big Crow target simulator aircraft," Mr. Suszek said. "We're preparing to fly the ABL against some dynamic target engagements that gets us much closer to missile shoot down."

Current tests follow modifications made at Boeing's facilities in 2006 in Wichita, Kan. The modifications on the aircraft include the installation of the beam control and fire control solid-state illuminators, as well as the addition of floor reinforcements and chemical-fuel tanks. These modifications were necessary for the integration, to be made later this year, of the Chemical Oxygen Iodine Laser, or COIL -- a missile-killing, high-energy chemical laser.

The COIL is composed of six interconnected modules, each as large as a sport-utility vehicle turned on end. Each module weighs about 6,500 pounds and has 3,600 separate parts. When fired through a window in the aircraft's nose turret, it produces enough energy in a 5-second burst to power a typical household for more than one hour.

Using the system integration lab, the COIL was fired more than 70 times since November 2004, beginning with a burst of a fraction of a second. Each test-firing increased until a firing Dec. 6, 2005, when the COIL exceeded the full duration goal at a level believed to be capable of destroying a ballistic missile during the missile's boost phase, or within the first few minutes after it is launched.

YAL-1A, a modified Boeing 747-400F known as the Airborne Laser, lands on Runway 22 Jan. 19 at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. It's undergoing a long-term test phase that includes the test firing of the aircraft's low-power lasers in flight for the first time. (Courtesy photo)

C-130 maintenance unit gets much needed upgrade
 
By Senior Airman Erik Hofmeyer -- 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNEWS) -- Airmen of the 746th Aircraft Maintenance Unit who generate C-130 Hercules aircraft throughout Southwest Asia now have an upgraded maintenance facility to call home.

The new complex replaces the hodgepodge of old tents, conexes and homemade wooden structures, which combined to form a complex affectionately known as "Shanty Town," a facility that served as a fixture along the coalition ramp since January 2004.

The creaky and uneven wood floors, sub-par lighting and cramped working conditions of the expeditionary facility are now a memory. The semi-permanent complex will have higher ceilings, brighter lights, aluminum flooring and best of all -- the same convenient access to the aircraft.

The new upgraded complex will consist of five "California" tents, currently being built by the 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, that will approximately double the current square footage of the former facility.

"We'll have more space to get the parts that we need. It was hard to keep things organized in the cramped working conditions," said Senior Airman Weston Christman, a 746th AMU crew chief. "It will also be nice to have more room for computers and for when aircrews come to visit."

"It provides the best of both worlds," said Senior Master Sgt. David Damits, a 746th AMU flight chief. "A maintenance facility within walking-distance to the coalition ramp creates a connection with the aircraft, and it helps while coordinating maintenance."

Having all of the people, supplies, equipment, and aircraft in one location improves the quick turnaround of aircraft, and maintainers do not have to rely on vehicles for transportation.

The handy site of the facility also alleviates some of the burden for maintainers. It takes approximately 22 hours of maintenance for every one hour of flying time in the 34-year-old aircraft.

The 746th AMU from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, is currently the lone C-130 maintenance presence here, and has been deployed continuously since October 2001.

"The unit is not considered part of an Air Expeditionary Force, but considered an 'enabler,'" said Maj. Donald Vandenbussche, the 746th AMU commander.

"The two maintenance units back at Dyess have been swapping back and forth -- 120 days on, 120 days off," he said. "We have 10 or 12 folks in our squadron who have more than 600 deployed days since they've been with our unit."

The 746th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron has supported relief missions to Kenya, inter-theater airlift of passengers and cargo, medical evacuations, and other tactical missions.

"Our unit is in constant deployment to this base, so there is pride of ownership for these facilities. It's our home away from home, and that's why we try to improve things," the major said.

"I'm sure that once the new facility is completed, the next rotation will come in and see how they can make it better," said Major Vandenbussche. "'Shanty Town' originally started with only three smaller Alaska tents."

Each rotation added something new. Over time it morphed into something different. Conexes were attached for flight offices, wooden structures were built for more room and a deck was built behind the makeshift complex.

"Each rotation made it a little better, and that's the kind of the goal we come in with," said Major Vandenbussche. "We've kind of claimed this part of the coalition ramp as our own."

Tech. Sgt. John Ryan conducts a post-flight inspection of the turbine of a C-130 Hercules Jan. 25 in Southwest Asia. Sergeant Ryan is a 746th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. David Miller)

January 25/07 News

Performer Loreena McKennitt new Honorary Colonel of 435 Squadron

Reprinted, in part, with permission from the Voxair newspaper, 17 Wing Winnipeg.

Canadian singer, composer and businesswoman Loreena McKennitt has accepted an invitation to become the new Honorary Colonel of 435 (Transport and Rescue) Squadron, located at 17 Wing Winnipeg.  She was sworn in just before Christmas.

Although primarily an air transport squadron, 435 Sqn routinely performs Search and Rescue (SAR) missions throughout western and northern Canada, and it is her connection with SAR that makes HCol McKennitt's appointment so poignant.

In 1998, HCol McKennitt's fiancé, his brother and a friend drowned in a boating accident and all three were recovered during a SAR operation near Georgian Bay, Ontario.  "To say this was a life-changing event, would not be overstating things," HCol McKennitt said during her investiture.  "As the families and I saw the search and rescue mission evolve into a search and recovery one, we decided that we could not and would not let such a sacrifice go unmarked."

She and her loved ones' families worked together to create the Cook-Rees Memorial Fund For Water Search and Safety, which has so far raised more than $4 million to promote water safety awareness and help to reduce the number of preventable water-related fatalities that occur in Canada every year. The fund also helps in the training and equipping of rescue and recovery personnel.

"More than 500 water-related fatalities and many more injuries occur in Canada every year," says HCol McKennitt. "With increased education, research, and public awareness, many such incidents could be prevented. For anyone who has experienced such a tragedy, one of the few consolations is to hope that one can assist in changing things for the better."

Although initially, the Air Force originally approached HCol McKennitt about becoming an Honorary Colonel because of her own personal experience with SAR, the Commanding Officer of 435 Sqn, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Friday, says "HCol McKennitt has taken on this role for all of our operations, including Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR), Strategic Airlift, and Tactical Air Transport (TAT), in addition to SAR."

Discussing the goals of the Honorary Colonel program LCol Friday says "the Honorary Colonel program provides us with an excellent opportunity to improve public awareness of our operations so that Canadians have better insight into the kinds of things their Canadian Forces do both in Canada and abroad on a daily basis. There is also a very positive impact on the morale of the squadron members, knowing prominent Canadians such as HCol McKennitt take an active interest in our mission to serve Canada."

During her investiture speech HCol McKennitt said "I have not been fully aware or completely appreciative of what our Canadian Forces do for us. In the eight years since I have become acquainted with the search and rescue squadrons, I have developed great respect and admiration for the training, courage and selfless commitment these individuals bring to their duties, sometimes with great risk and sacrifice. I feel greatly honoured to be chosen as Honorary Colonel for 435 Squadron."

Originally from Morden, Manitoba, HCol McKennitt moved to Stratford, Ontario, in the early 1980s, working at The Stratford Festival before embarking on a singing career. HCol McKennitt is a Member of the Order of Canada, was awarded the Order of Manitoba, and has honorary degrees from the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Sir Wilfried Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario, and Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario.  

Over the course of 20 years, HCol McKennitt has released seven studio albums and sold more than 13 million records in more than 30 countries, earning two Juno Awards and numerous gold and platinum awards.

HCol McKennitt (left) takes over duties as HCol 435 Sqn from HCol John Law (right). LCol Sean Friday, CO 435 Sqn witnesses the ceremony. Photo by Cpl Tom Trainor

15 Wing is Thrilled to Host Armed Forces Day

By 15 Wing Public Affairs -- 15 Wing Moose Jaw
 
15 Wing is delighted to host an Armed Forces Day July 7, 2007, showcasing 15 Wing and the Canadian Forces to the local community with static displays as well as ground and aerial demonstrations.

“The 15 Wing Armed Forces Day provides an important opportunity for Army, Navy and Air Force personnel to connect with Canadians in our hometown,” said Colonel Richard Foster, Commander, 15 Wing.  “The community of Moose Jaw has embraced 15 Wing – this is our way of showing appreciation for the great community support.”

Highlights of the 15 Wing Armed Forces Day will include air performances from the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and the CF-18 Hornet Demonstration.  Visitors will also have the opportunity to see Air Force and Army static displays.

“15 Wing is proud and honoured to be the largest flying school in Canada and the home of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds,” said Colonel Foster.   “We are looking forward to demonstrating the professionalism and skill of the Canadian Forces in a fun-filled, free community event.”

Moving Together into the Future: Town Hall Held at 12 Wing Shearwater Provides Update on New Phase Maritime Helicopter Project

By Capt. Sonia M.I. Dumouchel-Connock -- 12 Wing Public Affairs Officer

SHEARWATER, N.S. - - There wasn't an empty seat in the house on Friday as all ranks and occupations gathered at the 12 Wing Shearwater's Sea King Club to be brought up to date on the Maritime Helicopter Project (MHP). 

MHP staff from 12 Wing and the Project Manager's Office (PMO) in Ottawa, along with staff from the contractor Sikorsky, gave identical three-hour information sessions in the morning and afternoon about the transition from the CH-124 Sea King to the CH-148 Cyclone helicopter. 

"These information sessions were ‘high speed passes' on the various aspects of MHP transition, such as the MHP schedule, the infrastructure changes that are happening at Shearwater and Pat Bay in the next few years, and the ways in which the weapons system will be supported," says Major Wayne Joy, the Staff Officer of the MHP.  "We wanted to provide folks at the Wing with the latest aircraft production updates and maintenance concepts, and we wanted to provide them with insight about the latest phase that is getting underway."

To date much of the work on the new helicopter has been done by a small staff dedicated to the project.  In this new phase, however, many more 12 Wing personnel will become engaged in the myriad activities associated with ushering in the new airframe.  Cyclone Conversion Sections (CCS) will be created within each unit to provide a cadre of personnel with expertise on the new airframe.  CCS personnel will participate in activities such as human factors engineering trials, training documentation review, and maintenance software review. 

As the new fleet is being assembled in the Sikorsky plants and as 12 Wing and MHP personnel fine-tune the details about how the Wing will transition to this state-of-the-art weapon system, the Wing will maintain maritime helicopter operations with the Sea King.

"As we transition to the CH-148, it is vitally important that we keep our CH-124 operation going," says Col. Alan Blair, the Wing Commander of 12 Wing Shearwater.  "We can't simply ‘down tools' and wait for the 148.  We must maintain our skills with the 124, and maintain our ability to operate at sea."

Retaining a certain level of operational capability with the Sea King will reduce the risk throughout the transition period. 

"The Maritime Helicopter community works in a very difficult and unforgiving environment," says Major Joy.  "Maintaining our skills with the Sea King and maintaining our ability to work with ships at sea will reduce the risks associated with transitioning to a new aircraft - when we transition, we will simply be converting to a new airframe rather than relearning our craft at sea."

Balancing the two requirements - the need to maintain operations with the Sea King and the need to devote more personnel to MHP - will be a challenge for the Wing; but it is a challenge that is welcomed.

"We welcome the high level of activity here at the Wing as it signals the tremendous growth and progress being made in the Maritime Helicopter community," says Col. Blair.  "The future is very bright."

Eielson Airmen return from deployment

By Tech. Sgt. William Farrow -- 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska (AFNEWS) -- Blurry eyes brightened as each Airman walked trough the doors of the joint mobility complex here at 1 a.m. Jan. 23 to the welcoming applause of awaiting friends, family and co-workers.

Tired from the long 36-hour flight trek home to Alaska, the midnight arrival ended the Airmen's months-long Air Expeditionary Force rotation in support of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

More than 400 Eielson AFB Airmen deployed during the recent rotation. The deployment consisted of Airmen ranging from maintainers to air traffic controllers to services members.

However, more than half the Airmen returning to Eielson AFB are members of the 354th Logistics Readiness Squadron and the 354th Civil Engineer Squadron.

No matter what duties the Airmen performed during their deployment, the awaiting family members were eager to get back to their normal routines.

"It has been a long four months and I'm just ready to get back to our normal life," said Jackie Madson, wife of Tech. Sgt. Brian Madson of the 354th LRS Petroleum, Oil and Lubrication Flight.

The 354th Fighter Wing commander not only praised the returning heroes, but also pointed out that deployments are sacrifices made by more than just the Airmen.

"They were separated from the comforts of home to perform the mission America needed them to perform in the war on terrorism," said Brig. Gen. David J. Scott, the 354th FW commander.

Whether it's spouses and children left behind at Eielson AFB or an Airman's parents in Georgia, deployments are never easy for those left behind waiting for the safe return of their loved ones, General Scott said.

"We owe each of these returning Airmen our gratitude and respect," General Scott said, "and we owe their families our deepest thanks. Our exceptional servicemen and women are able to perform at such a high level due in no small part to the outstanding level of support that their families provide year round. They're truly invaluable."

After more than 36 hours on a chartered flight, Staff Sgt. Thomas Badgero is greeted by wife, Rose, and son, Hunter, Jan. 23 at the Joint Mobility Complex at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Sergeant Badgero is assigned to the 354th Logistics Readiness Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Aaron Bonifazi)

January 24/07 News

New Eyes in a Desert Sky:  Mojave attracts Aurora crew as 407 Sqn trains for new role

By Capt Jeff Manney -- 19 Wing Reserve PAO

19 WING COMOX - Like the two villages that have risen out of the dust of California’s Mojave Desert, the Maritime Patrol aircraft loitering overhead Wadi Al Sahara and Khalidiyah is a little unexpected.

On a 200-acre parcel of the Mojave Desert, U.S. Marines have fashioned over 400 sea containers into houses, shops and mosques. Living among them are 350 actors, 50 of them Iraqi nationals, who in their dress, language and day-to-day activities bring the two hypothetical Iraqi settlements to life.

This is the Marine Corps’ Air Ground Combat Centre, and the action unfolding before the eyes of a 407 Squadron Aurora – training for the first time ever with the Marines – is part of the largest and most realistic exercise in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Known as Mojave Viper, the exercise is intended to prepare the Marines for both combat and humanitarian missions prior to deploying to Iraq. But that doesn’t explain the Aurora – an aircraft that has spent most of its 26 years in service over water – circling overhead.

The answer lies in exploring new applications for the Aurora’s reconnaissance and surveillance capability, taking advantage of the aircraft’s powerful communications equipment, long endurance and potent new camera system to monitor and report on land-based activity. Being part of Mojave Viper gives the Aurora vital experience at an emerging capability that, one day, might be used to support Canadian Forces operations.

“This exercise is very realistic,” says tactical navigator Maj. Luc Boucher. “You see tanks, soldiers, villages like you might see in Afghanistan. This is first-hand experience.”

This 407 Squadron deployment, in late November, marked the first time the squadron worked with U.S. Marines in an overland coalition environment. However, with Mojave Viper running every month, Boucher is hoping the Canadians will be asked back.

“In terms of overland operations, this is one of the best,” he says. “The are many similarities between the Marines and the Canadian Forces, which means we can operate easily with them. It’s also a great venue to incorporate with ground forces what the Aurora has been doing for years with the Navy.”

Watching for suspicious activity above and below the ocean and reporting it to Canadian or allied naval forces has been the Aurora’s raison d’être for decades. Lately, with their state-of-the-art camera and the need to support troops on the ground, Aurora crews have been honing their skills over the relatively unfamiliar land environment.

On Vancouver Island that training has taken several unique forms, such as locating and following a military vehicle driving down the Island Highway. As well, they have participated in CF exercises in Alberta and British Columbia over the past year. But there is more to the overland role than simply being able to see something. Boucher says timeliness and accuracy are key, though the two are often at cross-purposes.

“The information we provide is highly time sensitive,” he says. “If forces on the ground don’t get it right away, then it’s no good. But at the same time, the minute you report a hostile, action will be taken against him. You’ve got to be fast, but you’ve got to get it right.”

Proof that the Aurora crew could do just that came when a Marine was reported kidnapped as part of the exercise. Boucher’s crew spotted the vehicle used in the abduction and followed it on their camera. Continuous radio reports from the Aurora focussed the efforts of a rescue force, and led to the Marine being safely freed just minutes later.

Despite the crew’s steep learning curve, Boucher says the Aurora proved itself a natural at supporting ground forces. Whether it was monitoring an urban assault, scrutinizing a route to be taken by friendly forces or investigating possible improvised explosive devices, he says the crew was up to the challenge.

“You could see the improvement from day one,” Boucher says. “By the end of the mission we could do pretty much everything we were asked to do. It tells me that the Aurora is a tool that can be integrated in Canadian Forces operations, providing the commander on the ground with real time information that can have a dramatic impact on the mission.”

A Canadian Air Force CP-140 Aurora involved in Op Mojave Viper sits on the ramp at the Marine Corps' Air Ground Combat Centre in the Mojave Desert.  Photo by Capt. Jeff Manney

Youth Preparing for the Future

By the Comox Military Family Resource Centre

This article is part of a series on “Youth Preparing for the Future”. If you would like to read previous articles in this series, please visit http://www.airforce.forces.ca/19wing/news/releases_e.asp  Watch for more articles throughout the month, and be sure that you and your family plan to attend the COMOX VALLEY EDUCATION & CAREER FAIR on Friday February 9th at the 19 Wing Fitness & Community Centre. The Fair is free and open to the public.

Once You Have That Job…

Once a young person has successfully found a new job (or a first job), there are several things they need to know in order to keep it. Youth are sometimes not able to keep their jobs because they don’t understand some of the workplace norms that adults take for granted.  Everyone has had to struggle to figure out the appropriate behaviour, dress or communication styles for their particular workplace, but there are some basic guidelines that can help young people to avoid some of the inevitable bumps along the way.

Make a positive first impression by always showing up early for work, dressing appropriately (notice what others at work are wearing, when in doubt, be conservative), and taking initiative in your work (don’t always wait to be asked to do something).

“Time management and self initiative are crucial,” says Debi Genereux, Employment and Education Services Coordinator with the Comox Military Family Resource Centre. “Don’t procrastinate, as something always comes up and prevents you from meeting deadlines. Also, figure out what time of day you are most productive (mornings, afternoons, etc) and work on your most challenging tasks when you have the most energy. Not getting work done on time is a major issue for employers, and they really want to see that employees know how to manage their time.”

Participating in social activities with co-workers can be a good way for people to get to know you better, but keep in mind that behaviours displayed after work affect how others see you at work. “It’s good to socialize, but be careful how much you do while at work”, says Genereux. “Also, avoid gossiping about co-workers or talking too much about previous jobs. Employers want you to focus on the tasks at hand, so leave the personal issues at home.”

Willingness to receive input and feedback from an employer or co-workers is also important, especially for new employees. “When people feel nervous, they sometimes act as though they already understand everything that is coming at them or are fearful about asking questions”, Genereux says, “but it’s good to remember that we are all learners and to ask for help when you need it. Admitting and learning from mistakes is also a good way to show employers that you are taking responsibility for your actions on the job.”

Youth have a unique opportunity to learn some new skills relating to job searches, interviews and preparing to enter the workforce at the upcoming Comox Valley Education and Career Fair. Special programming for youth will be taking place throughout the day, with an emphasis on mini-workshops such as “The New Way to Write a Resume”, “Volunteering & Job Shadowing as a Tool to Finding a Great Job” and “Interviews: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly”. There will be tons of resources available on many different aspects of career and education planning, and several fun and interesting demonstrations geared specifically for youth. There is also a special focus on youth who are not in school, and they are especially encouraged to attend and take advantage of the resources available throughout the day.

The 6th Annual Comox Valley Education & Career Fair will be held on Friday, February 9th, at the 19 Wing Fitness & Community Centre. The event is free and open to the public. This year’s Fair is graciously sponsored by: 19Wing Comox, Comox Valley Dodge, The Home Depot, Canadian Tire and 98.9 Jet FM who will add excitement by broadcasting live from the event. Door prizes will be drawn hourly and thanks to donations from our sponsors, proceeds from the event will support Education and Employment Services at the Comox Military Family Resource Centre. 

For more information about the Comox Valley Education & Career Fair, please contact Debi Genereux at 339-8211 Local 7004, email:genereux.dlg@forces.gc.ca  or Darlene Gage at 339-8211 Local 8571, email: gage.dj@forces.gc.ca . Volunteers are also needed to help out at the Fair, so please contact Debi if you would like to do so. The Government of Canada has contributed funding to this initiative.

Contact: Darlene Gage: 339-8211 Local 8571 or gage.dj@forces.gc.ca 

Air Force proposes adding 23 F-15s, F-16s at Nellis
 
By Mike Estrada -- Nellis AFB Public Affairs

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The Air Force is proposing to base 23 additional F-15 and F-16 aircraft here and to add about 520 people as a result of changes mandated by the recent base realignment and closure process.

The proposed changes are detailed in an environmental assessment that is available for public comment through Feb. 12, 2007.

The Base Realignment and Closure Environmental Assessment for Realignment of Nellis Air Force Base is available at libraries in Clark, Lincoln and Nye counties, as well as on the Web at www.nellis.af.mil/library/environment.asp. The public comment period began Jan. 12, 2007.

Under the proposed action, the 64th Aggressor Squadron would receive five F-16 aircraft and the 65th Aggressor Squadron would receive 18 F-15C aircraft. The aircraft would arrive at Nellis in fiscal years 2007, 2010 and 2011. The federal fiscal year begins October 1 and runs through the following September.

The 64th and 65th Aggressor Squadrons prepare U.S. and allied aircrews through realistic and challenging training and education. Aggressor pilots simulate foreign-made combat aircraft and use actual tactics of air forces worldwide.

Personnel would increase by 464 active duty and civilians, and 60 part-time Air Force Reserve Airmen.

To support the aircraft and additional people, construction would include 11 new and modified buildings. Construction would take place between fiscal years 2007 and 2009.

Proposed construction includes a squadron operations building, three hangars, a 375,000-square-foot parking ramp, various maintenance shops, and a building housing flight simulators.

Air Force officials noted that the environmental assessment also looks at a supplemental action that would bring another eight F-16 aircraft to the 64th Aggressor Squadron at Nellis. This supplemental proposal would add another 45 people and seven additional construction projects.

Currently, the 64th has 11 F-16s while the 65th has six F-15s. Under the BRAC realignment, the 64th would grow to 16 aircraft, less than a full squadron, while the 65th would grow to 24 aircraft. Officials said the supplemental action would bring the 64th up to full strength with 24 F-16 aircraft.

Factors studied in the document include noise, air quality, socioeconomics and infrastructure, water and soil resources, biological resources, cultural resources, and hazardous materials and waste.

Officials emphasized that the addition of 23 aircraft to Nellis would not increase environmental impacts because the proposed action would be off-set by a decrease in the number of temporary-duty aircraft at the base.

Aggressor aircraft are currently assisted by aircraft belonging to other Air Force units that are temporarily deployed to Nellis. With additional aircraft assigned to the Aggressor squadrons, officials said the temporary deployments of aircraft to assist the Aggressors would no longer be necessary.

The eight-aircraft supplemental proposal would increase the number of sorties at Nellis Air Force Base by about 1,400 annually, officials said. A sortie is one takeoff and one landing by one aircraft. Nellis averages about 43,000 sorties per year.

There are 125 aircraft permanently based at Nellis - F-15 Eagles, F-16 Fighting Falcons, A-10 Warthogs, F-22A Raptors and HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters. Under the BRAC proposal, the total number of aircraft would increase to 148. The supplemental proposal would bring the total to 156.

Comments should be mailed to 99 ABW/PA (Mike Estrada), 4430 Grissom Ave, Ste 107, Nellis AFB NV 89191.

An F-15 with the 65th Aggressor Squadron takes off from Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Oct 18. F-15 and F-16 aggressor aircraft took part in Red Flag, which ended Oct. 20, 2006. Red Flag subjects U.S. and allied aircrews to the most dynamic, intense and realistic combat training in the world today. (Photo courtesy Dave Cibley)

20 years of lethality: Ellsworth celebrates B-1's history
 
By Dave Schepp -- 28th Bomb Wing History Office

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. (AFNEWS) -- The 28th Bomb Wing received its first B-1B Lancer on Jan. 21, 1987. Over the course of its 20 years of service with the wing, the aircraft and its mission have changed significantly.

The B-1B has roots in the 1970s, when it became obvious that winning the Cold War required stepping up technology. Originally, Rockwell International won the bid to build four prototype aircraft. The Air Force wanted a fast jet that could cruise efficiently at subsonic speeds and at speeds as high as Mach 2.2, with the additional capability of low-altitude, near sonic capability. The result was the B-1A, which made its maiden flight in December 1974. President Jimmy Carter cancelled the program in 1977.

President Ronald Reagan revived the program and called for 100 B-1Bs to comprise a fleet of supersonic strategic bombers. Plans, however, called for speed to be sacrificed for payload, with the end result being a jet that could carry a larger bomb load than the B-52 Stratofortress while having the capability to achieve speeds greater than Mach 1.

The first Lancer, "The Wings of Freedom," tail number 85-0073, arrived at the 28th BW Jan. 21, 1987. Gen. John T. Chain Jr., Strategic Air Command commander, delivered the first jet on that cold day 20 years ago. After he landed, the general made remarks that now seem prophetic:

"Too often, people think of SAC bombers ... only as carriers of nuclear weapons," General Chain said. "We have to change that perception. The B-52 and B-1 have an enormous capability to contribute to this nation's conventional capability ... their firepower is awesome. They could strike a terrorist-type target anywhere in the world flying nonstop from the United States and return with air refueling."

Speaking those words nearly 20 years ago, it seems unlikely that General Chain could know just how accurate his prediction would be.

"As General Chain envisioned this plane 20 years ago, the vision 20 years from now can be significantly more lethal than we see today," said Col. Jeffry Smith, 28th BW commander. "The current iteration of the B-1B can be lethal in every air spectrum from surface to altitude with extraordinarily capable aircrews."

The bomber handily fulfilled its strategic role in the 1980s and 1990s, and began breaking records right out of the gate. In September 1987, a 37th Bomb Squadron crew broke 18 speed, distance and payload records on a closed course. Meanwhile, 28th BW B-1Bs began participating in global exercises like Giant Warrior 89-3 in Guam as early as 1988.

As time passed, the B-1B continued to break records. In 1992, Colonel Smith broke three time-to-climb world records while assigned to the 46th BS at Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. In August 1993, two 28th BW bombers made the first B-1B circumnavigation of the globe.

The B-1B transitioned to a full-time conventional mission and had its combat debut in 1998 during Operation Desert Fox. The 28th BW's 77th BS, now the 77th Weapons Squadron at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, flew bombing missions in support of Operation Allied Force in the Balkans in 1999.

Today, B-1Bs have been engaged in support of the current war on terrorism. While supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, B-1Bs also participated in Operation Southern Watch in 2003 and saw it transition to Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Even today, the B-1B is evolving as a weapons platform. The aircraft continues to receive technological upgrades and cutting edge standoff munitions.

"The B-1B started as an untested, immature airplane initially, even lacking technical order manuals ... the airplanes just sat on alert for several years," said Colonel Smith. "Today, the airplane is capable and flexible. With the Block E modification, we provide combat capability, flexibility and an extended range greater than any other aircraft in United States history. We not only carry the most firepower of any United States Air Force aircraft, we carry multiple varieties of multiple weapons on the same airplane. That gives the combatant commander tremendous lethality in support of the global war on terror."

Maj. Jon Creer, an assistant operations officer at the 34th BS, participated in the first launch of the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile by an operational B-1B on Aug. 30.

"The avionics suite and weapons capability of the B-1B is better now than it has ever been," Major Creer said. "Over the last three years, the software and hardware upgrades, plus the addition of global positioning system guided munitions like the (guided bomb) unit - 31 and GBU-38, have increased the combat capability and will continue to improve as the airframe received planned upgrades."

Even as the Air Force plans to develop a next generation bomber, the B-1B continues to surprise supporters and critics alike. As the aircraft continues to serve, it will continue to improve and remain the backbone of the American bomber force, 28th BW aircrews agree.

The first B-1B Lancer arrived at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., on Jan. 21, 1987. The bomber continues to take off from Ellsworth's runway 20 years later. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration)

U-2 community celebrates 6,000 days in Southwest Asia
 
By Airman 1st Class George Cloutier -- 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the past two years, the U-2 Dragon Lady has met major milestones.

The first notable highlight, the 50th anniversary of the U-2 Dragon Lady, took place in September 2005 and saw many U-2 veterans return home to celebrate the occasion. The 9th Reconnaissance Wing achieved a new landmark as Jan. 23 marked the 6,000th consecutive day of the U-2 program's continued dedication to missions in Southwest Asia.

"This milestone really highlights the relentless commitment by our operators, maintainers, and medical professionals, among others, who have put service before self and answered their nation's call," said Brig. Gen. H. D. Polumbo Jr., 9th RW commander. "The U-2 mission is just as important today supporting the Global War on Terror as it was back at the start of Operation Desert Shield or the Cuban Missile Crisis," said General Polumbo.

Only days after Operation Desert Shield started on Aug. 7, 1990, after the Iraqi force invaded Kuwait, U-2s were deployed to Southwest Asia to provide reconnaissance support for the war effort. Although the conflict ended quickly, U-2s have remained in Southwest Asia since, continuing to provide critical high-altitude reconnaissance.

The first U-2 arrived at Taif Air Base, Saudi Arabia, Aug. 16, 1990, said Dr. Coy Cross, 9th Reconnaissance Wing historian.

Over the past 6,000 days, the U-2 has operated in conjunction with many other airframes in Southwest Asia to help provide critical imagery to national and combatant commanders. Along with supporting operations in Southwest Asia, the 9th RW has also maintained two other overseas forward U-2 operating locations for the past 30 years.

"The operation at Osan Air Base, Republic of South Korea, began in February 1976, although the 9th Reconnaissance Wing did not take over the operation until July 1, 1976," said Dr. Cross. "We took over the operation at RAF Akrotiri (in Crete) on July 1, 1976, but that has been continuously in operation since Aug. 1, 1974, so that's nearly 12,000 consecutive days."

When looking back on its accomplishments during that time, the U-2 has gained a reputation as one of the nation's most valuable information gathering assets.

"In Desert Shield and the five months leading up to Desert Storm, the U-2 flew 284 sorties for 2,726 hours," Dr. Cross said. "They were averaging nearly 57 sorties a month from, at that time, only one location. During the six weeks of Desert Storm that followed, the Dragon Lady flew 260 sorties, for more than 2,000 hours."

With nearly 5,000 hours of flying, the immense contribution of the U-2 mission comes as no surprise, Dr. Cross said.

"When authorities looked back and analyzed where most of the imagery intelligence came from, approximately 50 percent of all imagery intelligence for Desert Storm and Desert Shield came from the U-2 and 30 percent of all intelligence for the war was furnished by the U-2," Dr. Cross said. "This continued to be true during Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. The Dragon Lady has continued to provide, by far, the vast majority of imagery, both electronic and photo imagery for allied forces."

Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, while a success story for the U-2 program, were also a time of immense change in the way the Air Force utilized the aircraft. It was these changes that served as the turning point that led the U-2 to become what it is today.

"Desert Storm was really a 'coming-out party' for the U-2," Dr. Cross said. "Prior to that, it had really been a strategic asset, and as such the Strategic Air Command kept a very close hold on the U-2. They had a purpose for it, and that was as a strategic asset during long term planning in case of a nuclear war."

No nuclear weapons were ever deployed during the Cold War, though that conflict did not pass without its share of close calls. The first one involving a U-2 was when Gary Francis Powers was shot down May 1, 1960.

"When Gary Francis Powers was shot down over the Soviet Union, he was looking at Soviet missile sites and bomber bases to assess the military capability against the United States," Dr. Cross said. "The crisis drew the public eye on the secretive U-2 program, which suffered greatly during the crisis, and ultimately lead to the restriction of U-2 operations over the Soviet Union."

Powers was released 21 months later, in an organized exchange for a high-ranking KGB officer. The next crisis involving the Dragon Lady would be only two years later, when suspicions were mounting that the Soviet Union was building nuclear missile sights on Cuba.

"The Cuban Missile Crisis is remembered as one of the premier single incidents where U-2 imagery played an integral role in the president making a critical decision that would determine the fate of not only the nation, but also the world as well," Dr. Cross said. "At the time, military leaders were concerned that one false move by the president could lead to an all out nuclear war with the Soviet Union. Using imagery provided by the U-2, as well as other platforms, the president was able to make the informed decision that led to the de-escalation of the Cuban Missile Crisis."

The crisis was diverted, thanks in part to imagery of a missile site provided by the U-2.

The U-2 mission continues to evolve to meet the new requirements and challenges presented by the Global War on Terror. Equipment and sensor upgrades over the last 50 years have allowed the U-2 to improve its intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

"There is nothing else out there that can provide all the services , all the information and do all the things that the U-2 can," Dr. Cross said. "It's been around for a long time, but the adaptability of the U-2 has allowed it to continue to be at the forefront of providing information to the country, to our nation's leaders and to our military commanders."

January 23/07 News

Who was that masked mascot? The Ottawa Senators "Spartacat"!

By Air Force Public Affairs

Not everyone can fly a CF-18. Just ask "Spartacat", the Ottawa Senator's hockey team mascot, who recently paid a visit to the Air Force Experimentation Centre (AFEC) in Ottawa to check out its fighter aircraft flight simulator.

Although the toothy, long-haired cheerleader for the NHL team tried pulling some considerable Gs to go where no mascot has gone before, alas he isn't quite ready for his wings just yet. Never mind, though, "Sparty" thoroughly enjoyed his virtual ride in the sky and enthusiastically endorsed it with an official Sparty thumbs up.

The reason for his distinguished visit was to capture some footage for a promotional video for the upcoming Canadian Forces Appreciation night game on January 30 between the Ottawa Senators and the Washington Capitals in Ottawa. The game will include a special ceremonial puck drop, some free give-aways and the chance to win "a day in a life" experience of a CF member.

Also, during the first intermission, twelve ATOM House A & B minor hockey players, who are children of Canadian Forces members, will participate in a relay race. During the second intermission, nine Canadian Forces hockey players from the Army, Navy and Air Force will compete in the "Hockey Country Showdown" skills competition.

One of the coolest prizes to be given away at the game is a one-hour ride in a fighter aircraft flight simulator, so "Sparty" obviously got the chance to climb aboard and test the Air Force prize first-hand or paw in this case!

The simulator is located at the Air Force Experimentation Centre (AFEC) near Shirley's Bay, Ottawa. AFEC is the Ottawa detachment of the Canadian Forces Aerospace Warfare Centre, which is dedicated to studying and developing aerospace power concepts, including doctrine, tactics, procedures, counter-measures, lessons learned, and a robust concept development and experimentation capability.

"Sparty" gives the fighter aircraft flight simulator the "paw up" after trying it on for size during a recent promo shoot at the Air Force Experimentation Centre in Ottawa.

ACC top leader is 'proud of 388th FW members'
 
By Maj. Bernadette Dozier -- 388th Fighter Wing

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah  -- Air Combat Command's top leader said he's proud of the 388th Fighter Wing members' "enthusiasm and commitment to the mission" - something he saw firsthand during a visit here Jan. 9-11.

"I was very impressed with the folks I met here ... impressed with the mission they're executing," said Gen. Ronald E. Keys, commander of ACC.

Every place he stopped, he said he saw innovative people who were upbeat and proud of what they are doing and who are trying to find a better way to do business.

The general, accompanied by his mobilization assistant, Maj. Gen. Michael K. Lynch, toured sections across the wing in aircraft maintenance, flight, air control, and range operations, and support services like the Flightline Ministry; the newly remodeled flightline kitchen, Fast Eddie's; and the Junior Enlisted Center.

Staff Sgt. Daniel Chavez, the president of the Junior Enlisted Association, which oversees the center, gave the general a tour of the facility, which offers various activities in an alcohol-free environment for all base technical sergeants and below.

The only thing missing, according to Sergeant Chavez, was a much-needed music room, which was put on hold due to lack of funds - that is until General Keys presented him with a $5,000 check and told him "to go ahead and build a music room now."

The music room now has two guitars and two amplifiers.

"Before that room was empty, but now there (are) people lining up to use the equipment, and 12 people have already volunteered to build the music room ... this is the most drastic reaction to any project we've had thus far," the sergeant said.

"It was surreal meeting the general. There's so much history with one individual," he said. "Even though I've been in nine years, it's still unnerving to meet someone like (him) because of all the things he's done and what he represents."

While here the general shared his thoughts on Air Force issues like personnel reductions, Total Force Integration and recapitalization.

Regarding personnel reductions, General Keys said the first step is to figure out the core tasks his people must accomplish.

"I'm not a big fan of doing more with less," the general said. "We have to figure out what are the absolute core things we have to do ... then we figure out what are the right ways to do it."

Airmen at the grassroots level, he said, are critical to the success of a leaner force.

"We're making some real progress on ways to do things smarter, cheaper and better," General Keys said. "As I talk to everyone, I tell them I have to rely on the field because they're the ones closest to the problem."

"Once we have those right things identified, we have to figure out the right way to do things and do it that way across (the command) because we're an expeditionary Air Force ... we have to be a 'plug and play Air Force' and we have to stop doing things differently across the command because that generates more training, more time away from home, and more of all the bad things we don't want."

With the integration of the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings underway, the general described TFI as a way to blend the strengths of the active duty force with the Reserve component, calling the initiative something the Air Force must do to be able to "fight tonight," as well as fight many years from now.

"(TFI) helps me season my force faster and it helps me gain the advantages and experiences that would take me five, six or eight years to perhaps get the same experience I might be able to get in four years when I've got a 15 or 16-year experienced maintenance troop standing beside my young Airman, and I've got a flight lead who's been to three wars taking my young lieutenant out," General Keys said. "So there's a real advantage to putting these two organizations together."

Recapitalization is another Air Force issue that has an impact locally, especially with the Common Configuration Implementation Program upgrades to the wing's Block 40 F-16s.

"CCIP is the perfect example because that gives us the capability to do very high-end precision targeting, some non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and the same kind of high-end stuff we're going to need 30 years from now," the general said.

Along with sensor capabilities, the CCIP upgrades provide network-centric capabilities, allowing the exchange of information to other people in the fight, explained the general.

"That becomes more and more critical as our force gets smaller and our forces (have) to become smarter, so we have the right force at the right place at the right time."

Besides interacting with wing members, General Keys met with about 20 local civic leaders; he praised their support of the base and both fighter wings.

"Good community leaders and good community support like this makes us much stronger as an Air Force because they can do for us what we can't do for ourselves," General Keys said. "They're very much involved and understand the challenges we face in the Air Force and they're willing to take our message where we need that message taken - and that's very helpful."

The visit was a success, according to Col. Robert Beletic, 388 FW commander.

"I am proud of the Airmen in this wing - whether it's during a four-star general's visit, during an exercise or inspection, everyday operations or downrange, our Airmen always give 100 percent," Colonel Beletic said. "It's an honor to serve with such disciplined Airmen who provide our Nation with the world's best close air support, the world's best air control, and the world's best test and training range."

According to COMACC, base visits like this help him better organize, train and equip Airmen across the command.

"It's good for me to get out from behind my desk at Langley (Air Force Base) and see where the job's being executed, so when I go home I'm resolved to do better in providing resources and training ... and I go back to my headquarters with the understanding the people are committed, disciplined and dedicated to making the mission happen."

Photo by Alex Lloyd Capt. Bart Wilbanks, 34th Fighter Squadron pilot, shows Gen. Ronald E. Keys, commander of Air Combat Command, Link 16 capabilities that are part of the ongoing F-16 ongoing Common Configuration Implementation Program upgrades here. General Keys visited the 388th Fighter Wing Jan. 9-11.

Commando Sling provides stronger alliance

Written by USAF
 
PAYA LEBAR AIR BASE, Singapore (AFNEWS) -- Exercise Commando Sling is underway for Airmen at Paya Lebar Air Base, Singapore. The goal of Commando Sling is a stronger alliance and a safer Pacific Region.

"Commando Sling is primarily an air-to-air combat exercise where we have the opportunity to fly with the pilots from the Royal Singapore Air Force, against and with their F-5s and their F-16s in air-to-air combat from basic fighter maneuvers one versus one all the way to the full spectrum of four versus four," said Lt. Col. Dieter Bareihs, the 18th Fighter Squadron commander from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska.

Flying with and against the F-5s gives the 18th FS aircrews a new plane to practice against, and just being deployed to another environment enhances the training as well, Colonel Bareihs said.

"Being from Eielson, we're routinely operating in a cold dry climate," said Colonel Bareihs. "Here, close to the equator it is a very humid and hot environment so it gives us a chance to get away from the Eielson and away from the winter so that is good. Also the training areas here are all over water and flying in Alaska, we're not used to that either."

But no matter what's below the F-16s and F-5s, the goal of Commando Sling is in the air-to-air combat training with different combat scenarios helping to meet this objective, Colonel Bareihs said.

Commando Sling is primarily an air-to-air combat exercise at Paya Lebar Air Base, Singapore. The goal of Commando Sling is a stronger alliance and a safer Pacific Region. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration)

Airmen depart Mildenhall for Southwest Asia
 
By by Senior Airman Clark Staehle -- 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

ROYAL AIR FORCE MILDENHALL, England (AFNEWS) -- More than 350 Airmen from across the Air Force, including about 80 from RAF Mildenhall, deployed Jan. 23 as part of Air and Space Expeditionary Force 5 and 6.

There are already more than 400 Airmen from RAF Mildenhall deployed to different locations in support of the war on terrorism, said Capt. Rashaan Smith of the 100th Logistics Readiness Squadron.

The deployment consisted of Airmen ranging from civil engineers to legal members and maintainers. Getting things in order was the No. 1 priority for some Airmen with families.

"I'm married now, where before (this deployment) I was single," said Tech. Sgt. Robert Tomaszewski who is assigned to the 100th Logistics Readiness Squadron and leaving for his third deployment. "Setting everything up for my wife while I'm gone so she doesn't have to do so much was the biggest thing for me."

Some Airmen said they were bringing a few things along to make their down time at deployed locations seem a little more like home.

"I'm bringing letters from my kids," said Tech. Sgt. Gregory James of the 423rd Civil Engineer Squadron from RAF Alconbury, who has five children and another due any day.

Sergeant Tomaszewski said he hopes to use his off time to improve his fitness.

"I'm bringing some recreational DVDs and books," he said. "I also plan to exercise a lot while I'm over there and get in better shape."

While those deploying had their eyes set on serving their country by serving the Air Force, those left behind were focused on how they could continue to keep the home running smoothly during the deployment.

"I'm sad, but I know this is the life we chose, so that's just how it goes," said Cristy Rios, wife of Senior Airman Michael Rios who is assigned to the 100th Civil Engineer Squadron. "I'll miss him, but I'm looking forward to trying to get home with my mom. I'll be proud of him."

Jennifer James, whose husband Sergeant James is also deploying, shared Mrs. Rios' sentiments.

"We're really glad he's deploying and supporting the war on terrorism," she said. "We're sad he won't be here for our daughter's birth, but my mother will be here to help, and there's a huge support group on base to help us while he's gone."

Master Sgt. John Harrill, the 100th Civil Engineer Squadron first sergeant, said his Airmen are ready for the assignment, and that they shouldn't worry about things at home.

"My folks are prepared and trained to do what they need to do," he said. "We've trained for it, and we're ready for it. I told all of them not to worry about things at home. I'm here to help and the squadron has people here to help. They just need to stay focused on the mission."

Senior Airman Michael Rios gives his 7-week-old daughter, Alleigh, and wife, Cristy, a kisses goodbye at the passenger terminal before leaving on a deployment to Southwest Asia Jan. 23 from Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England. Airman Cardenas is assigned to the 100th Civil Engineer Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Karen Abeyasekere)

January 22/07 News

A happier new year for Afghan orphans

By Holly Bridges -- Air Force Public Affairs

Things we take for granted as Canadians are now keeping a group of young Afghan orphans housed, clothed, fed and entertained, thanks to a joint effort between the Afghan Women’s Organization of Toronto and a handful of Canadian Forces personnel serving with the Canadian Strategic Advisory Team – Aghanistan (CSAT-A) deployed on Operation Argus.

18 children, ages nine months to 15, who live in an orphanage for girls in Kabul, now have a beautiful, new bathroom, kitchen, warm winter blankets, furniture, shoes and let’s not forget the best part of all – toys.

“We had a Christmas party for the children at our residence on December 27,” says Chief Warrant Officer Frank Galway, an Air Force Military Police Officer posted to CSAT-A from 1 Canadian Air Division, and spokesperson for the team of military volunteers at the orphanage. “The girls asked for chicken pizza, hamburgers, french fries, which they never get, and ice cream. They had a great time and they absolutely loved having their picture taken.”

Canadian military personnel have been helping the orphanage since 2002. Each rotation of personnel picks up the torch and continues the work of the previous group, most recently putting their “handymen” skills to work to transform the orphanage from a stone shell to a warm, cozy home.

“The girls had the first hot shower of their life just before Christmas,” says CWO Galway. “They have a toilet now, somewhere to wash, whereas before they had to go to the bathroom outside. In August the roof was leaking so we repaired it. The floors were made of stone so we put in carpets, there was nothing to sit on so we purchased some sofas, benches and a dining room table at an auction and all there was for a kitchen was a hole in the floor so we recently finished off the kitchen for them.”

Chief Galway says military personnel also pass the hat once a month to help buy food for the orphanage when money runs short for groceries. “There are a lot of people who want to help here,” says CWO Galway. “But I try to keep that harnessed a bit, though, because some day we will leave and we want the girls to be able to live independently. Right now, they have no life skills – they don’t know how to cook, or clean or sew or keep house. So we want to leave enough for them to learn.”

What makes Chief Galway’s band of tool-toting, friendly volunteers so incredible is the fact they risk their lives every time they go there once a week. They travel the same dangerous roads Canadian Forces soldiers have been killed on over the past several years, yet they do so willingly.

“Yes, it is dangerous,” says CWO Galway. “You accept the risk to your own personal safety for the sake of what you’re doing. Risk is risk. It’s part of our job. We’re out there every day anyway so we may as well make a difference while we’re at it.”

The Air Command Chief Warrant Officer, Roger Bouchard, recently visited the orphanage before Christmas and says the work of CWO Galway and his volunteers is an act of compassion, yes, but bravery, too.

“I was part of a convoy that went to Kabul and when I say you risk your life every time you go outside that wire, you do, believe me. One trip over there like we just did will make a believer out of anyone. I find this act beyond courageous. Just think of the values we are instilling in those folks that need our help. This is the kind of story I think our Canadian citizens need to hear once in while.”

For CWO Galway, volunteering his time and money to help others is something he has always done on overseas deployments throughout his 33-year career.

“Every place I’ve gone I’ve always taken on something. All it takes is just one person to make a suggestion and then the whole team takes it and jumps on it.”

CWO Galway is half way through his one-year deployment with the Strategic Advisory Team in Kabul.

A young Afghan girl proudly holds her new teddy bear, given to her by Canadian Air Force personnel during a Christmas party on December 27 at the orphanage where she lives in Kabul.  Photo: CSAT-A

Chief Warrant Officer Frank Galway presents a Christmas gift to one of the girls from the orphanage during their Christmas party on December 27. The party was held at the Strategic Advisory Team’s residence in Kabul.  Photo: CSAT-A

Master Corporal Sean Bonneteau, another military volunteer at the orphanage, poses with the girls who love to have their picture taken.  Photo: CSAT-A

Two of the orphanage’s young girls during the Christmas party.  Photo: CSAT-A

442 Squadron Cormorant Crew MEDEVACs Injured Biker

By Capt. Cheryl Condly -- 19 Wing Comox Public Affairs Officer

A 26-year-old-male who was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident was medically evacuated by an Air Force helicopter on Sunday, 21 Jan. The Cormorant crew was called out in the early hours after the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Victoria received the request from Emergency Health Services.

The crew, from 19 Wing, flew to Powell River and met the injured male, his parents and a doctor at the Powell River airport. Once the patient was on board, the pilots flew with night vision goggles to the Vancouver International Airport, where an ambulance was waiting.

"He was in good hands," said Sgt. Sean Calis, search and rescue technician. "He was well prepared by the staff at the hospital in Powell River and the doctor continued medical protocols throughout the flight. We helped the doc where we could, but the reality was that for this mission our role was to transport the patient as quickly and safely as possible to Vancouver, which is what we did."

The current condition of the patient is unknown.

Cormorant crew: Capt. Sean Morris, aircraft commander, Maj. Dave Kirkland, first officer, Sgt. Phil Robin, flight engineer, WO Jeff Warden and Sgt. Sean Calis, SAR Techs.

Note to editors: The name and conditions of the patient will not be released by 19 Wing for privacy reasons. There are no DND images for the mission.

19 Wing Public Affairs Officer, Captain Cheryl Condly (250) 339-8201

Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Victoria (250) 363 2995

A-10s set to soar in Al Anbar province

By 1st Lt. Landon Derentz -- 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq (AFNEWS) -- A-10 Thunderbolt IIs assigned to the 438th Air Expeditionary Group landed one by one at their new home Jan. 17 here.

A formation of more than 200 Airmen assembled for the 438th AEG activation and assumption of command ceremony Jan. 15 as the unit is in the Al Anbar province to provide close-air support to coalition forces in the region.

"We feel extremely honored to support the Combined Forces Air Component commander's mission in Iraq and to be joining the proud heritage of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing -- the Tuskegee Airmen," said Col. Patrick Malackowski, the 438th AEG commander.

The 438th AEG falls under the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing at Balad AB, Iraq. Brig. Gen. Robin Rand, the 332nd AEW commander, presided over the ceremony and welcomed the 438th AEG into the wing.

"Just like the P-47 Thunderbolts that provided close-air support for Marines storming the beaches of Iwo Jima 60 years ago, the modern-day warriors of this group will soon be providing close-air support in A-10 Thunderbolts for Marines on the streets of Ramadi and Fallujah," General Rand said. "Together, we will influence the course of history and help Iraq transition to democracy."

At Al Asad AB, the A-10s will join the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), soon to be replaced by the 2nd MAW (Forward), as the primary units operating from the base. Marine F-18 Hornets, C-130 Hercules, EA-6 Prowlers, AV-8 Harriers and several types of rotary wing aircraft are currently in use here.

With the addition of the A-10s, the 332nd AEW now has five primary aircraft in its inventory, including F-16 Fighting Falcons, C-130, MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicles and HH-60 Pave Hawk combat-search-and-rescue helicopters. The addition of the A-10s greatly increases the wing's role in providing precision weapons and sensors employment.

"In my opinion there are no pilots who perform close air support better than A-10 pilots," General Rand said. "The 438th Air Expeditionary Group's mission against anti-Iraqi forces will be vital in helping to secure victory in Iraq."

The A-10s are deployed from the 74th Fighter Squadron, Pope Air Force Base, N.C. Their distinctive shark teeth nose art identifies them as direct descendants of the famed World War II P-40 fighters known as the "Flying Tigers." The original shark's teeth and eyes were designed to scare enemies during battles in Burma and China.

Airmen from the 438th Air Expeditionary Group retrieve one of the newly assigned A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft Jan. 17 at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq. The unit's mission is to provide close-air support for coalition forces in the province. (U.S. Air Force photo/Chief Master Sgt. Bryce Maxson)

They serve 'that others may live'

By Airman 1st Class Sheila deVera -- 18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNEWS) -- Normally, when people hear about members of the 31st Rescue Squadron, they think of them as super heroes who act on a moment's notice, jumping out of aircraft in a blaze of gunfire to save a downed pilot.

Combat search and rescue is more than what people see in the movies -- pararescuemen - also known as PJs - perform combat land and water recovery operations. PJs also rescue prisoners of war regardless of what the environment or threat conditions might be.

The 31st RQS mission is to provide search and rescue coverage for all flying operations. They work closely with the 33rd Rescue Squadron, which operates the HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter.

"When called upon, the 31st RQS uses pararescue jumpers, survival evasion resistance and escape specialists, and combat rescue officers who work together to report, locate, support, recover and reintegrate isolated military members," Maj. Andrew Reisenweber, 31st RQS director of operations, said. "The most unique part about the squadron at Kadena compared to other overseas bases is that they are the only combat rescue squadron (and SERE) operating outside the continental United States."

Senior Airman Jonathan Courtright, a two-year PJ, said, "I've been on a few missions since joining the 31st RQS. One mission was an F-15 that crashed off the coast of Okinawa and I recently responded to the mudslides in the Philippines."

Pararescuemen specialize in survivor contact, treatment and extraction while SERE specialists provide initial and refresher training to ensure PJs can return from various engagements.

All pararescuemen selected must attend eight different schools within a 17-month period to obtain necessary training.

The Pararescue/Combat Control Indoctrination Course located at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, is a two-month training course consisting of endurance training such as running and swimming, which helps the Air Force eliminate those unprepared for the rigors of the job.

The Airborne School, located at Fort Benning, Ga., is a three-week course where students learn basic parachuting skills such as "mass exit" techniques. They are required to jump using a static line parachute. After graduating, students earn their "jump" wings.

The U.S. Army Special Operations Underwater School, located in Key West, Fla., is four weeks of intense surface and subsurface swims using compass and attack boards. Upon completing the training, students earn their "bubble" badges and are certified as combat divers.

Other schools include the U.S. Navy Underwater Egress Training, U.S. Air Force Survival School, U.S. Army Military Freefall Parachutist School, Special Operations Combat Medic Course, and the 20-week Pararescue School located at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M.

"The hardest part of our job is finding enough time and resources to keep our PJs, SERE and CROs trained and proficient in the wide variety of skills they need to do their jobs," Major Reisenweber said.

However, he said the most rewarding part about being a pararescuemen is saving lives. All the hard work that goes on at the unit is dedicated to that.

Capt. J. Harman from the 31st Rescue Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, swims to the edge of a F470 Zodiac boat after jumping into the warm, blue waters of Okinawa during a weekly training exercise Jan. 16, at the White Beach Naval facility. Pararescuemen participate in their weekly proficiency jump which keeps members current in the proper procedures of rescue and keeps them mission ready. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Kelly Timney)

B-52 undergoes synthetic-fuel cold weather testing

By USAF
 
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFNEWS) -- A B-52 Stratofortess powered by a mix of synthetic fuel arrived here Jan. 17 for cold-weather testing, the last step in the testing and certification process to help reduce Air Force dependence on imported fuel.

The aircraft, permanently assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing here, will undergo ground testing Jan. 22 through the beginning of February to determine how well the synthetic fuel, made from a 50-50 blend of traditional crude oil-based fuel and a Fischer-Tropsch fuel derived from natural gas, performs in extreme weather conditions.

"The B-52 is leading the way in carrying out the Air Force's vision for conservation," said Col. Eldon Woodie, the 5th Bomb Wing commander. "Hopefully, the weather will allow us to complete cold-weather testing."

The first B-52 flight using Fischer-Tropsch fuel occurred Sept. 19 at Edwards AFB, Calif. It was an aviation first. Since then, the aircraft has been tested extensively -- up to the point of flying with synthetic fuel in all eight engines. Ground testing here will occur with synthetic fuel in all engines.

After testing here is done, the cold-weather data will be analyzed along with the data from Edwards AFB, and a complete test report is scheduled to be issued in June.

"The maintenance and aircraft support here at Minot have been outstanding," said Robert Aguilar, the project manager for cold-weather testing, who's here from California.

A B-52 Stratofortress, like these shown, powered by a mix of synthetic fuel arrived at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Jan. 17 for cold weather testing. This is the the last step in the testing and certification process to help reduce Air Force dependence on imported fuel. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Christopher Boitz) 

January 19/07 News

Langley receives last Raptor, completes fleet
 
By Airman 1st Class Chase S. DeMayo -- 1st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. -- The 1st Fighter Wing received its last assigned F-22A Raptor Friday when the 94th Fighter Squadron accepted tail number 5085, bringing the total to 40 F-22s to complete the fleet.

Brig. Gen. Burt Field, 1st Fighter Wing commander, flew the final jet from the Lockheed Martin factory in Marietta, Ga., to Langley.

"Completing our fleet of F-22s gives us that much more of an advantage at providing air dominance anywhere in the world," said General Field.

It was only 20 months ago that the first Raptor was delivered to Langley. On Dec. 15, 2005, initial operational capability was declared for the 1st FW Raptors. The future still has much in store.

"Next month, we will begin deploying Raptors under the Air Expeditionary Force cycle for the very first time," said General Field. "As the F-22 is quickly maturing, this is another great landmark for the Air Force's fighter of tomorrow."

The 27th FS is deploying to Kadena Air Base, Japan, with 250 Airmen and 12 F-22s, officials announced earlier this month. The deployment is another example of how the Air Force is meeting its ongoing commitments and security obligations by maintaining a flexible and credible presence.

Designed to ensure America's air dominance for years to come, the F-22A will guarantee U.S. joint forces' freedom from attack and freedom to attack, even as adversaries continue to advance their weapons and technologies.

The arrival of the Raptor made Langley not only the first base to have operational F-22s, but also the first in the Air Force to receive its full compliment of assigned aircraft.

Both the 27th and the 94th Fighter Squadron, which were the first and second fighter squadrons in America, are now fully equipped with F-22s.

"It's amazing that 13 months ago, we were an F-15 fighter squadron, and today, we are officially an F-22 fighter squadron," said Lt. Col. Dirk Smith, 94th FS commander.

The squadron received its last F-15 almost 30 years ago.

"This is a huge milestone, not only for the Airmen of the 94th FS and maintenance group, but it also signifies the tremendous capabilities our Airmen have to adapt," said Colonel Smith.

Next month 14 Raptors are deploying to Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., to participate in a Red Flag event as well as assist other squadrons that will soon be receiving F-22s.

Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, is the second base scheduled to receive operational Raptors; however, each aircraft will come through Langley. For the near future both "AK" Elmendorf and "FF" 1st FW tails will be seen along the newly renovated Langley flightline.

"We can now take our lessons learned to help Elmendorf begin marshalling in their own wing of F-22s," said General Field. "We are all one big team and we want them to be very successful."

As today marks the end of a milestone, it also begins the triumph of the F-22.

"I'm truly proud of the hard work and dedication of each and every Airman in the 1st FW for making the F-22 program a success during its maiden voyage in the Air Force," the general said.

1st Fighter Wing Commander Brig. Gen. Burton Field, taxi's down the runway in the 40th F-22A Raptor delivered from the factory at Lockheed Martin in Marietta, Ga., to the 1st Fighter Wing at Langley AFB in Virginia on Jan. 19, 2007. The delivery of this mighty aircraft marks the completion of delivery from the factory to the installation. (USAF Photo by Staff Sgt Samuel Rogers)  

F-22s set for first overseas deployment
 
SAN ANTONIO (AFNEWS) -- Roughly one dozen F-22A Raptors and more than 250 pilots, mechanics, and other 27th Fighter Squadron members from Langley Air Force Base, Va. will head to Kadena Air Base, Japan in February to fill the squadron's air and space expeditionary force requirement.

"The F22A- Raptor deployment is founded upon and is built upon a constant rotation of combat aircraft into the Japan and East-Asia pacific theater and the motives are multifaceted," said Lt. Gen. Bruce Wright, commander United States Forces Japan and 5th Air Forces. "This deployment has been planned for some time now."

General Wright added the deployment is a part of scheduled rotations in and out of the pacific and not in response to any direct threat or nation.

This marks the first overseas deployment for the Air Force's newest stealth fighter jet but not the first time the F-22 has flown in the pacific. In June 2006, F-22s participated in Exercise Northern Edge at Elemendorf Air Force Base, Alaska.

An F-22 Raptor takes off from Langley Air Force Base, Va. F-22s and Airmen from Langley's 27th Fighter Squadron are deploying to the Pacific in February. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Samuel Rogers)

Deployed B-52s complete counter-sea exercise
 
By Senior Master Sgt. Don Perrien -- 36th Expeditionary Operations Group

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (AFNEWS) -- Usually, naval mines are placed at sea by dedicated ships traveling days from their home port. However, Airmen deployed to Guam's Andersen Air Force Base showcased the B-52 Stratofortress bomber's capability to quickly and accurately deliver naval mines while flying at 1,000 feet above the sea.

The 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, deployed from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., completed a five-day counter-sea exercise Jan 19, dropping 100 inert mines into the Pacific Ocean over the Marinas Trench.

"This exercise allowed us to hone our wartime flying skills, and practice the techniques we would use in an actual combat mission," said Capt. Doug Farley, 23rd EBS Training Flight commander.

During the exercise, the aircrews arrived at their B-52s before dawn. The aircrew performed pre-flight inspections by flashlight and under the glow of the runway lights.

Just after sunrise, the heavy bombers headed north from Guam and met with KC-135 tanker aircraft from the 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron to practice aerial refueling procedures. The 506th EARS tankers from MacDill and Grand Forks Air Force Bases trained with the bombers prior to the mining exercise.

"Aerial refueling is one of the most perishable skills for pilots and is an important force-multiplier for the projection of air power," Captain Farley said. "During this deployment, we have had great support from the tanker community and have been able to practice this important skill set on just about every flight, helping our pilots to maintain their proficiency."

Once the B-52s had a full tank of gas, the aircrews began their counter-sea mission. First, the bombers performed a preliminary safety clearing pass over the target area to ensure no unauthorized surface vessels would be endangered during the actual mining runs.

"We actually had a couple of ships that looked like they were heading into the mining area," said 1st Lt. Patrick Godinez, a B-52 electronic warfare officer assigned to the 23rd EBS. "We took a look at them, and then made sure they left the area before we started our run."

Once the area was clear, the B-52s prepared for low-level mining passes.

Skimming the ocean at approximately 1,000 feet and reaching speeds near 400 mph, the B-52s released their payloads - Mk-62 "Quickstrike" inert aerial mines. These mines are just like their operational counterparts, except the inert mines have a core of cement instead of an explosive charge. To the aircrews, the inert mines were a perfect simulation of the real thing.

"When we released the mines, you could feel the plane pull back as they released," said Lieutenant Godinez. "It was a real challenge flying these missions in the low-level environment."

One of the keys for success of the five-day exercise was in the maintenance of the assigned mission aircraft. All of the B-52s assigned to the mining missions departed on schedule without a significant mechanical write up.

"I think every crew chief looks forward to launching our B-52s for these types of missions, and the aircrews trust us to provide them with a mission-ready aircraft," said Staff Sgt. Christopher Downs, a crew chief assigned to the 36th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. "The weapons crews did a good job with the inert mines, and it made our jobs pretty easy for these missions."

The counter-sea exercise concluded a five-month deployment to Andersen AFB in which the 23rd EBS flew over 200 missions, logged nearly 1,600 hours and dropped 750 munitions.

"I am extremely proud of the professional manner in which our Airmen completed this mining exercise as well as their overall performance during our deployment to Guam," said Col. Tom Gilbert, 36th Expeditionary Operations Group commander. "Our Airmen continue to display the versatility and capability of the B-52 on a daily basis, and the importance of maintaining a continuous bomber presence in the Asia-Pacific region."

A 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron B-52 Stratofortress departs on a counter-sea training mission during one of the final sorties of a five-month deployment to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Jan. 15. The counter-sea exercise concluded a five-month deployment to Andersen AFB in which the 23rd EBS flew over 200 missions, logged nearly 1,600 hours and dropped 750 munitions. The B-52s were at Andersen promoting regional security and preserving regional stability while providing the U.S. Pacific Command commander a continuous bomber presence in the region. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Senior Master Sgt. Don Perrien)

USAFE celebrates 65 years of airpower
 
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFNEWS) -- United States Air Forces in Europe celebrates its 65th anniversary as the oldest, continuously active Air Force major command.

USAFE began Jan. 19, 1942, when the War Department established Headquarters 8th Air Force, and the command continues its forward presence in Europe and Africa -- from delivering bombs in World War II to delivering humanitarian supplies to Berlin in 1948 and 1949, from fighting the Cold War to fighting today's war on terrorism.

Command Airmen deployed for operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, flew missions into Sarajevo in the longest humanitarian airlift in history, then converted to combat missions over Kosovo several years later.

Since 9/11, USAFE members have supported operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom with airlift, tankers, fighters and people -- today, 70 aircraft and 2,000 Airmen fight the war on terrorism. Last summer, USAFE assisted 14,000 Lebanon evacuees during the Hezbollah-Israel conflict.

"For more than half a century, USAFE Airmen have taken the fight to America's and our allies' enemies. All Airmen and civilians assigned to USAFE today, like those who came before, should take pride in the fact that, every day, their service to our nation adds to this command's proud legacy," said Gen. William T. Hobbins, the USAFE commander.

Some of the command's significant facts include:

-- First wartime action was Aug. 17, 1942, as Airmen began a daylight precision bombing campaign against Axis Europe.

-- D-Day participation involved 171 fighter squadrons with 3,000 aircraft flew 8,722 combat sorties gaining air superiority and disrupted German reinforcements and ground movements.

-- World War II Medals of Honor from the command went to 25 aviators, 16 of them posthumously.

-- During the Berlin Airlift , in a 24-hour period, 2,764 flights delivered 12,941 tons of supplies and a cargo plane landed or took off from one of Berlin's three airfields every two minutes.

-- Operation Eldorado Canyon against Libyan terrorists involved 18 Royal Air Force Lakenheath F-111 Aardvarks that bombed five terrorist targets in Tripoli and Benghazi.

-- Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm saw 15 percent of USAFE Airmen deployed, 55 percent of its aircraft and 33 percent of its munitions used toward the war while Spangdahlem AB's F-4 Phantoms destroyed 143 radar sites.

-- Sarajevo relief missions involved USAFE C-130 Hercules aircraft that flew 12,886 relief missions, delivering more than 160,000 metric tons of supplies.

-- Operation Shining Hope provided immediate relief to more than 450,000 Kosovar refugees as USAFE members airlifted food, equipment, and medical supplies to the region.

-- Supporting the war on terrorism, USAFE personnel played a key role in the humanitarian airdrops over Afghanistan, loading more than two million humanitarian rations as planes flew daily missions from Ramstein AB to Afghanistan.

U.S. Air Forces in Europe officials celebrate 65 years of service Jan. 19. Since 1942, command Airmen have maintained a presence in the European theater with the oldest, continuously active Air Force major command. (U.S. Air Force graphic/Mike Carabajal)

Gone with the wings: C-5 removal process in full swing

By 2nd Lt. Nicole Langley -- 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. (AFNEWS) -- The wings of the C-5 aircraft that landed short of the runway April 3, 2006 were removed Jan. 17 by an Ohio-based contractor.

Using giant mobile shears, InterGroup International, a company that buys, reprocesses and sells post-industrial scrap, chopped the wings off the remaining C-5 shell from the site of the mishap.

"We're very excited to finally remove the C-5," said Lt. Col. Mark Ruse, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron commander, before the wing removal took place.

Prior to cutting the wings off the aircraft, the contractor prepared the site for demolition and cleaned the interior of the aircraft of any contaminants and waste, including all insulation, plastics, tubing and wiring. Over the course of the next week, the rest of the aircraft will be dismantled.

The colonel also noted the base's continued contact with Delaware state environmental agencies, and confirmed that no contamination has left Air Force property.

Once the entire aircraft has been removed from the site, the base will do a full assessment in close coordination with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Controls to determine what type of remediation methods will be used for the cleanup.

It took approximately 30 minutes for the mobile shears to remove the wings - a process that resembled something animal-like, as the shears chewed through each giant wing until they fell to the ground.

Neil Gloger, InterGroup International site manager, explained that the wings and the remainder of the aircraft will be cut into three-by-four-feet sections, then melted and recycled.

The scrap will be processed locally and then sent to a secondary location to be melted, said Mr. Gloger. The recycled scrap metal will be used for general products.

The scrap value of the remaining aircraft is estimated at $60,000 to $80,000, Mr. Gloger explained.

Along with two InterGroup International employees, six local laborers are working on the removal of the aircraft, which should be completed by Jan. 24.

The removal process has taken so long, said Colonel Ruse, due to a combination of events, including the extensive investigation after the mishap, the period of time it took the Air Force to salvage the reusable parts, the lengthy process of awarding this contract and the holidays.

However, this is not the first of the aircraft to be recycled. In April, the crew compartment was removed from the fuselage by power saws and in August, it was transported to Robins Air Force Base, Ga., where it will be used as a modernized C-5 software simulator.

All 17 people aboard the aircraft survived and in June an Accident Investigation Board determined that the mishap was caused by pilot error.

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- InterGroup International, an Ohio-based company that buys, reprocesses and sells scrap metal, cuts the wings off of the April 3, 2006 C-5 mishap aircraft here Jan. 24 using giant mobile shears. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Jason Minto)

Columbus T-38 crashes

COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. (AFNEWS) -- A Columbus AFB T-38 Talon crashed about 1:30 p.m. Jan. 18 approximately 40 miles south of Memphis, Tenn.

There were two pilots on board and both ejected safely.

Both pilots were examined by medical authorities, released and returned to Columbus AFB.

At the time of the accident, the aircraft was conducting a low-level navigation training sortie.

The cause for the mishap is under investigation by an Air Force safety team.

Additional details will be provided as soon as they become available.

Four T-38 Talons fly in formation. T-38s are twin-engine, high-altitude, supersonic jet trainers used by the 50th Fighter Training Squadron, Columbus Air Force Base, Miss., in a variety of roles because of its design, economy of operations, ease of maintenance, high performance and exceptional safety record. Primarily Air Education and Training Command officials use the aircraft for undergraduate pilot and pilot instructor training. Student pilots fly the T-38 to learn supersonic techniques, aerobatics, formation, night and instrument flying and cross-country navigation. More than 60,000 pilots have earned their wings in the T-38. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Matthew C. Simpson)

California Air National Guard F-16 crashes in remote area
 
FRESNO, Calif. (AFNEWS) -- A California Air National Guard F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed at approximately 10:30 a.m. Jan. 19 in Owens Valley, Calif. while on a routine training mission.

The pilot ejected safely and was recovered by China Lake Naval Air Station search and rescue people. The aircraft was from the 144th Fighter Wing in Fresno.

The accident is under investigation and further details will be released as they become available.

OVER THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY -- Two F-16 Fighting Falcons begin to roll into position for a rapid descent during an Operation Noble Eagle training patrol March 16. The F-16s are assigned to the California Air National Guard's 144th Fighter Wing in Fresno. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Lance Cheung)

January 18/07 News

Chief of Air Staff visits Air Force personnel in Afghanistan

By Lieutenant-Colonel John Blakeley -- AF Public Affairs

The Chief of the Air Staff, Lieutenant-General Steve Lucas, recently travelled to Afghanistan to gain first-hand knowledge of how the Air Force is contributing to the Canadian Forces operation there, and to determine how it might help more in the future.

"While it is truly the Army that is carrying the greatest part of the load in Afghanistan, and they are doing a tremendous job, the Air Force is committed to working together with them and will continue to support the operation in any way it can," said LGen Lucas. "The men and women of the Air Force understand the importance of their role in the mission and are dedicated to making the mission a success.

Meeting the men and women at the Theatre Support Element, which is commanded and largely run by Air Force personnel, and after receiving briefings on the overall operation and, which is commanded and largely run by Air Force personnel, he flew into Afghanistan aboard a CC-130 Hercules. The Hercules crews and maintenance personnel generally spend two months in the region before returning to Canada to hone other perishable skills not used in Afghanistan. Most have had multiple tours in the area since Canada first started flying there five years ago. On every tour, each crew spends approximately three weeks flying out of Kandahar Airfield, conducting tactical airlift operations throughout Afghanistan in support of NATO, including parachuting supplies to resupply NATO forces in contact with the Taliban.

In addition to meeting many members of Canada's Air Force in Kabul and Kandahar, LGen Lucas participated in meetings with LGen Michel Gauthier, Commander of Canadian Expeditionary Forces Command and Brigadier-General Tim Grant, Commander of Joint Task Force Afghanistan. He also met with the Dutch Air Force and the American Helicopter Task Force to discuss fighter and helicopter operations in the region.

While in Kandahar, LGen Lucas visited the Tactical UAV Unit, where he observed the launch of the Sperwehr UAV. This joint Air Force/Army unit was credited by LCol Lavoie, Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group Commander, for "punching above their weight" during Operation Medusa; providing the invaluable intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance which enabled the commanders to shape the mission.  DND Photo

Chief of the Defence Staff praises Air Force

By Lieutenant-Colonel John Blakeley

Success of Afghanistan mission depends on air bridge

General Rick Hillier, Chief of the Defence Staff, says the very success of the Canadian Forces mission in Afghanistan depends on the role the men and women of the Air Force are carrying out every day.

Although many people are not aware, Air Force personnel have been making a tremendous contribution to the Canadian Forces operations in Afghanistan – quietly, one rotation after another – since Canada first became engaged in the region five years ago. Today, almost everywhere you turn throughout the theatre of operations you can find men and women wearing the Air Force eagle, embroidered on their nametapes – whether at the Theatre Support Element, (largely run by the Air Force), with the Task Force in Kandahar, both on the airfield or "outside the wire" at the forward operating bases, and elsewhere throughout Afghanistan.. But they are hard to spot! For not only is the Air Force symbol barely distinguishable on the arid desert combat uniforms; many of those wearing it are working side by side with their colleagues from the Army; some in fully integrated units.

"The jobs being carried out by the Air Force and the men and women wearing light blue are key, and a fundamental part of this mission's success," says General Hillier.

The Air Force participates in the mission in three main ways:

First, the Air Force provides the strategic airlift from Canada, moving tonnes of equipment and thousands of personnel through the sustainment base in the region into Afghanistan. This is primarily achieved using the CC-150 Polaris Airbus and the CC-130 Hercules transport aircraft. Most of the equipment flown directly into Afghanistan, though, is accomplished through contracted support.

"Without the aircraft moving people, commodities, ammunition, food, spare parts, vehicles, and all the accoutrements that go with that…the mission simply could not continue," says General Hillier.

He adds that the air bridge, spanning half-way around the world, "requires absolute and complete dedication to ensure it works properly, because the very success of the mission depends on it. The CC-130 Hercules flights into Afghanistan provide the lifeline for the mission that our soldiers on the ground see most directly themselves. Without … that lifeline from Canada right into Kandahar and Kabul, with the sustainment base in the middle, this mission could not succeed. Nothing would get done."

Second, within Afghanistan, the Air Force provides tactical support to the NATO mission. It does this by providing airlift to NATO allies throughout the country and, jointly with the Army, operating tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The tactical airlift within Afghanistan is conducted by CC-130 Hercules crews. The aircraft provide the transportation of personnel and supplies throughout the operational theatre of Afghanistan. They also conduct Container Delivery System (CDS) drops, air dropping vital supplies to Canadians and NATO allies in remote parts of the country.

"A new key enabler in the mission is the CDS drops that the CC-130 crews have been doing frequently in the past several months, dropping to American forces, British forces, Dutch forces, and Canadian Forces, and helping maintain that resupply to them whilst they're in contact with the Taliban," says General Hillier. He says this support is especially important when the soldiers are conducting extended operations throughout an area of southern Afghanistan that is not supported by a good road network.

Canadian Hercules crews are particularly proficient at dropping the supplies in such a way that they arrive intact at the right location. "Other countries on the ground really wanted to see Canadian aircraft with the maple leaf [painted on it] come over because they knew that when the maple leaf was overhead, the drops would be exactly where they wanted them," says General Hillier.

The tactical UAVs operate primarily in support of the Canadian Battle Group to provide critical surveillance, intelligence and reconnaissance needed to minimize the risk to Canadian soldiers. The information obtained by these operations is shared with NATO allies.

General Hillier also speaks highly of the Air Force's involvement in the operation of the Tactical UAVs. "Having been there myself, having operated with that capability, and having been there recently with our companies on the ground as they were using the Sperwer [tactical UAV], I must say that capability is fundamental to setting tactical success for the soldiers … the platoons and the companies of the battle group on the ground," says General Hillier. "At the same time [it gives] them increased situational awareness, leading to increased situational understanding; and that reduces the risk to them while they do the job."

Finally, Air Force personnel are employed throughout the country, embedded in headquarters from the highest NATO Headquarters in Kabul where Major-General Angus Watt, an Air Force officer, is serving as the Deputy Commander of the NATO Force, to the tactical Canadian Battle Group Headquarters where Captain René Poulin from 403 Helicopter Squadron, based in Gagetown, N.B., provides advice to the Canadian Battle Group Commander.

Elsewhere, Air Force engineers work alongside their Army colleagues constructing new buildings for Canadians at Kandahar Airfield and braving contact with the enemy to fortify the forward operating bases. Traffic technicians, loadmasters, drivers, military police and numerous other "light blue" personnel are represented in a variety of jobs throughout Joint Task Force Afghanistan, helping make the mission a success.

General Hillier also recognizes the important roles the Air Force carries out at home while contributing to operations overseas. "Line one of our operations is protecting Canadians at home, where they live and work here in Canada. On any given day, 10,000 men and women in uniform are participating in that line of operations, which is our number one priority. That's the one that's no-fail," says General Hillier.

"From aerospace control, to search and rescue, to the maritime and northern patrols, and then to the strategic transport requirements across Canada, my goodness, the Air Force is fundamental to what is our ‘Job One' in the Canadian Forces: protecting Canadians where they live and work at home here in Canada."

Chief of the Defence Staff, General