Milcom MP Poll - What is your favorite military flight demo team?

Our poll has closed on our question - What is your favorite military flight demo team?

The results are as follows:

Navy Blue Angels   46 (50%)
Air Force Thunderbirds   32 (35%)
Canadian Snow Birds   10 (10%)
Other   8 (8%)

If you like monitoring air show comms be sure to pick up our Teak Publishing e-book guide - 2014 Teak Publsihing Air Show Guide - an Amazon Hot New Seller. The air show season is just around the corner.

 

One of the Best Milair Photos of 2013 "Peteri"

I'm a photo junkie and the photo above is courtesy of The Aviationist website. Known as “Peten” (“Cobra” in Hebrew) in the Israeli Air Force, the Boeing AH-64A is an attack helicopter that Israel has extensively used in combat since 1990s.

The “Peten” in the stunning image taken on Dec. 26 by xnir can be seen salvoing flares in the dark during a demonstration flight. Image credit: Nir Ben-Yosef (xnir.com)

To all my Milcom MP readers - Happy New Year and let's hope that 2014 is better than 2013.

"Spirit of Washington" rises from the ashes

The “Spirit of Washington” lands at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., Dec. 16, 2013. The B-2 Spirit participated in its first training mission here after an engine fire in 2010 badly damaged the aircraft. The “Spirit of Washington” was preparing to fly a mission at Anderson Air Force Base, Guam, when one of its four engines caught fire. After nearly four years, the aircraft was restored to full mission-ready status. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alexandra M. Boutte/Released)

Blog Editor Note: This is a story about B-2A Serial 88-0332 attached to the 509BW/393BS .

by Candy Knight,  509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Like the mythical Phoenix, the "Spirit of Washington" has risen from the ashes, ready to strike anywhere, anytime.

The "Spirit of Washington" participated in its first training mission at Whiteman Air Force Base, Dec. 16, after an engine fire in 2010 nearly destroyed the aircraft.

After three years and nine months in maintenance, the aircraft was restored to full mission-ready status.

The behind-the-scenes story is an extraordinary tale of cooperation and teamwork between different Air Force organizations, as well as collaboration between the Air Force and Northrop Grumman, the Air Force's B-2 prime contractor.

"We recognize how much this means to the warfighter, to have this aircraft back in your hands," said David G. Mazur, vice president of long-range strike operations for Northrop Grumman.

The "Spirit of Washington" was preparing to fly a mission Feb. 26, 2010 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, when one of its four engines caught fire, resulting in significant damage to the aircraft and the engine bay.

With only 20 B-2s in the Air Force inventory, the need to save and restore the aircraft was paramount; the challenge was finding a way to accomplish the task.

The B-2's technology, combined with the limited number of aircraft, made obtaining replacement parts challenging. A percentage of the parts could be remanufactured, but other parts could only be obtained from Air Force spare parts depots.

"One of the things that was most important to both the Air Force and Northrop was that the jet be returned to us without any flying or weapons delivery limitations. So far, it has been taking care of business perfectly," said Col. Chase McCown, 509th Bomb Wing Maintenance Group commander.

Perhaps the greatest challenge was making the necessary repairs to fly the aircraft from Guam to the

Palmdale facility at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.
"The goal was to get [aircraft] 0332 to the Palmdale facility before the beginning of FY12, a goal which was accomplished two months ahead of schedule," Mazur said.

Getting the aircraft to Palmdale ahead of schedule saved money, and more importantly, it allowed the Air Force and other organizations to conduct initial tests on not only the engine itself, but also the other components of the aircraft.

Ultimately, the extra time to conduct these additional tests helped investigators determine the root cause of the engine fire, which is rare in accident investigations, as incidents like this one are typically caused by a number of factors, Mazur said.

Despite the less-than-ideal circumstances, the situation presented an opportunity for Airmen to develop best practices and come up with innovative ways for approaching maintenance issues.

One example of a best practice was using dry ice pellets to remove charcoal from the aircraft's skin. The team would spray pelletized dry ice on the aircraft, after which the ice would melt, leaving no additional residue or material for the maintainers to clean up.

"To my knowledge, this was the first time this technique had been used," Mazur said.

The hard work of both the Air Force and her partners enabled Team Whiteman to bring another B-2 back into the fold, further buttressing the United States' ability to deliver conventional and nuclear munitions, penetrate air defenses and threaten effective retaliation.

"Because of the B-2's importance to national security, we wanted to do everything we could to save it," Mazur said. "Everyone recognized this importance and everyone brought their 'A' team. It took longer than expected, but the aircraft is back and better than before. Hoo-Rah."

"It was absolutely a whole team effort," said McCown. "Anything that happens on this weapon system is a partnership between Northrop and the Air Force. The complex repairs required for this aircraft would not have happened without that healthy relationship."
For the Airmen in charge of maintaining the "Spirit of Washington," there is nothing more gratifying than watching their aircraft take to the skies once again.

"It gives me a strong sense of pride to know that an aircraft that I am personally responsible for has returned to home station and is ready to answer our nation's call," Senior Airman Patrick Holter, dedicated crew chief for the "Spirit of Washington." "This is my first jet as a dedicated crew chief and knowing that the maintenance my team and I performed on our aircraft directly contributed to safe, effective, on-time sorties is what I love most about my job."

"It was a very cool experience to see the excitement in the maintainers when an aircraft many of them thought would never fly again returned to service as part of the 509th Bomb Wing," McCown said.

Mode-S/ADS Milcom Intercepts 21-29 December 2013 - Btown NC

Here is another round of Mode-S/ADS-B intercepts and selected ATC call signs logged from here on the radio ranch in WNC. We have been in our typical slow holiday mode so not much in the last few days. All dates/times are UTC.

ADFE67 91-1236   DERBY 84 2013-12-29 17:36:50 C-130H United States KY ANG | 123AW | 165AS [KSDF]
AE4D6A 10-0217   BOE17 2013-12-29 02:54:19 C-17A United States USAF | 62AW [KTCM]
AE4D67 10-0214   RCH428 2013-12-29 00:33:08 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]
AE07F9 97-0047   RCH457 2013-12-29 00:00:38 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]

AE07F3 97-0041   RCH417 2013-12-28 15:19:24 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]
00000A Various   ---  2013-12-28 11:49:02 Various Various ---    
AE02E1 81-0626   ---  2013-12-28 01:53:04 C-130H United States AFRC | 94AW | 700AS [KMGE]    
AE02E1 81-0626   COBB 26 2013-12-28 00:25:55 C-130H United States AFRC | 94AW | 700AS [KMGE]    

AE05E4 88-4402   E 84402 2013-12-27 22:18:52 C-130H United States AFRC | 440AW | 95AS [KPOB]    
AE08F8 84-24375   R24375 2013-12-27 20:35:14 C-12U United States USARC | C/2-228 AVN (TA) [KFBG]
ADFC6F 90-0413   ---  2013-12-27 20:19:48 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS [KCBM]    
4B9C30 TC-GAP   ---  2013-12-27 19:35:21 Gulfstream Aerospace G-IV Turkey Turkey-AirForce    
AE20C8 07-7187   RCH340 2013-12-27 19:17:02 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]    
AE4EBB 168437   ---  2013-12-27 19:01:45 P-8A United States USN | VP-5 [KNIP]    
AE10BF 01-0196   RCH637 2013-12-27 16:51:32 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]    
ADFCF6 95-0042   ---  2013-12-27 16:41:29 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS    
AE08F8 84-24375   R24375 2013-12-27 16:25:34 C-12U United States USARC | C/2-228 AVN (TA) [KFBG]
ADFD02 95-0054   ---  2013-12-27 16:12:51 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS    
ADFEF2 161530   LOBO 01 2013-12-27 14:29:06 C-9B United States USNR | VR-61 [KNUW]    

AE1191 03-0016   ---  2013-12-26 15:54:53 UC-35B United States USARC | B/2-228 AVN (TA) [KMGE]    

ADFE87 92-0552   RAVEN99 2013-12-23 23:02:05 C-130H United States USAF | 19AW | 50AS [KLRF]
AE05E7 88-4405   EVC84405 2013-12-23 21:46:48 C-130H United States AFRC | 440AW | 95AS [KPOB]
AE1196 03-3113   RCH3113 2013-12-23 21:29:53 C-17A United States MS ANG | 172AW | 183AS [KJAN]
AE0110 94-1570   ---  2013-12-23 20:32:24 C-38A United States DC ANG | 113Wg | 201AS [KADW]
AE093D 01-0301   ---  2013-12-23 19:06:06 UC-35a1 United States US Army | OSACOM PATD [KADW]

00000A Various   ---  2013-12-22 20:52:54 Various Various ---
AE0173 84-0118   JOSA06 2013-12-22 19:28:38 C-21A United States USAF | 375AW | 458AS [KBLV]
AE1BEB 07-1468   OCEAN64 2013-12-22 17:25:18 C-130J-30 United States CA ANG | 146AW | 115AS [KNTD]
AE10B6 01-0187   BOE87 2013-12-22 01:23:22 C-17A United States USAF | 62AW [KTCM]

AE05B3 85-0040   HANK 40 2013-12-21 20:48:59 C-130H United States AFRC | 908AW | 357AS [KMXF]
AE29FE 166695   CNV4841 2013-12-21 14:26:31 C-40A United States USNR | VR-56 [KNTU]
00000A Various   ---  2013-12-21 00:13:14 Various Various ---    
AE05B3 85-0040   HANK 40 2013-12-21 00:04:24 C-130H United States AFRC | 908AW | 357AS [KMXF]    

F/A-18 Super Hornet Launch from the Stennis

F/A-18 Super Hornet Launch from the USS Stennis (US Navy Photo)

If you are an aviation enthusiast this picture really says it all!!

Columbus AFB, Mississippi (KCBM) Frequency List

Ran across this official frequency list (14FTW T-1A presets) on the net while searching for something else this morning. It is up-to-date as of 26 Sep 2013.

Ch 1 - 275.800 / 121.900 GROUND CONTROL
Ch 2 - 374.100 / 143.000 SUNFISH
Ch 3 - 379.925 / 126.650 TOWER
Ch 4 - 291.650 / 132.025 DEPARTURE CONTROL
Ch 5 - 279.550 / 128.500 WEST MOA CONTROL
Ch 6 - 275.400 / 134.400 WEST MOA MONITOR
Ch 7 - 239.250 / 126.075 NORTH MOA CONTROL
Ch 8 - 282.200 NORTH MOA MONITOR
Ch 9 - 273.550 / 135.900 PICKWICK MOA CONTROL
Ch 10 - 343.625 / 136.175 PICKWICK MOA MONITOR
Ch 11 - 294.700 / 134.775 HIGH SHUTTLE CONTROL
Ch 12 - 252.100 / 140.975 COLUMBUS SOF
Ch 13 - 317.900 LIVEOAK
Ch 14 - 323.275 / 135.600 RAPCON
Ch 15 - 307.175 SINGLE FREQUENCY APPROACH
Ch 16 - 307.800 / 133.250 ARRIVAL CONTROL
Ch 17 - 320.400 / 120.800 ECHO MOA MONITOR
Ch 18 - 273.500 / 115.200 COLUMBUS ATIS
Ch 19 - 269.550 / 126.250 CLEARANCE DELIVERY
Ch 20 - 293.400 / 141.700 JAYHAWK OPS

New 14FTW Call Sign

The T-6A Texan training aircraft from the 14FTW based at the Columbus AFB are a common sight in the skies around here as they fly various low level aircraft routes here in the mountains.  The normal call sign we have heard them use over the last couple of years has been Cutlas ##. That may have changed now. Starting 10/1 at the start of the new fiscal year those crews are using the Flite ## call sign. Not sure if this is their new x-country call or maybe a new call for a specific item in their training matrix. Time will tell.

352nd SOG exercises at RAF Fairford

CV-22 Ospreys from the 7th Special Operations Squadron sit on the flightline at RAF Fairford, England, during an exercise Dec. 10, 2013. The 352nd Special Operations Group conducted an exercise involving six aircraft and approximately 130 Airmen on RAF Fairford from Dec. 9 to 12. The Osprey is a tiltrotor aircraft that combines the vertical takeoff, hover and vertical landing capabilities of a helicopter with the long range, fuel efficiency and speed characteristics of a turboprop aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Chrissy Best/Released)

by Staff Sgt. Stephen Linch,  352nd Special Operations Group Public Affairs

ROYAL AIR FORCE FAIRFORD, England  -- The 352nd Special Operations Group conducted an exercise with six aircraft and about 130 Airmen from Dec. 9-12, 2013, on Royal Air Force Fairford, England.

The exercise enabled the 352nd SOG to practice and evaluate their ability to efficiently forward deploy their newest assets, the CV-22 Osprey and MC-130J Commando II.

"Before we ever did anything with these new aircraft -- other than local training -- we sat down and took a long time to think about all of the skill sets and all of the equipment that we would need to go on the road," said Lt. Col. Michael Thomas, 352nd Special Operations Support Squadron director of operations and exercise mission commander. "This exercise is a way to validate our efforts and identify those things before we look at venturing further from home."

The 352nd SOG received their first CV-22s and MC-130Js earlier this year. The Osprey is flown by the 7th Special Operations Squadron and combines the vertical takeoff, hover and vertical-landing capabilities of a helicopter with the long range, fuel efficiency and speed of a turboprop aircraft. The MC-130J is flown by the 67th Special Operations Squadron and flies low-visibility, single or multi-ship low-level air refueling missions for helicopters and tilt-rotor aircraft as well as resupply and transport of military forces via airdrop or airland.

According to Col. Christopher Ireland, 352nd SOG commander, they couldn't have picked a better location for the exercise.

"RAF Fairford is a perfect location for us to test our ability to forward deploy our new CV-22s and MC-130Js," Ireland said. "These new aircraft bring enhanced and new capabilities, and we greatly appreciate the opportunity to test ourselves so close to home."

The 352nd SOG is based at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England. The unit plans and executes specialized and contingency operations using advanced aircraft, tactics and air refueling techniques to transport and resupply military forces.

Printed PopComms to Disappear with February 2014 Issue

First it was Monitoring Times and now it is PopComm. The radio listening hobby is losing its only other print magazine. Bottom line - there will be no more printed radio listening hobby magazines starting in 2014. PopComm is going electronic only and combined with two other CQ publications and the name will be changed to CQ Plus. Read the complete story on our sister blog the Btown Monitoring Post at http://monitor-post.blogspot.com/2013/12/big-changes-coming-to-popular.html.

War game helps reinvigorate nuclear strategic thinking

by Airman 1st Class Joseph Raatz,  Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- The first war game developed and sponsored by Air Force Global Strike Command concluded here Dec. 13.

Codenamed Strategic Vigilance, the four-day war game was convened in conjunction with a recent re-emphasis on nuclear war-gaming by Adm. Cecil D. Haney, commander of U.S. Strategic Command, and renewed emphasis by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III on nuclear table-top exercises to enhance strategic thinking across the service.

Key objectives for the first-of-its-kind war game included exploring AFGSC's ability to operate across the full spectrum of conflict from its conventional long-range strike mission to its capstone nuclear deterrence and assurance mission. This included assessing whether the command is developing and fielding the right kinds of capabilities to meet its warfighter requirements against assessed future threats and environments; and the professional development of a cadre of long-range strike and nuclear experts to lead AFGSC in the future.

"Strategic Vigilance was designed to explore our ability as a command to conduct operations across the stages of nuclear conflict," said Maj. Andrew Smith, chief of war-gaming and strategic studies for AFGSC. "The results will help us better prepare for the future and provide a more credible deterrent for the nation."

The war game involved participants from several commands, including USSTRATCOM, Headquarters Air Force and the LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education, which develops doctrine and conducts war games for U.S. armed forces.

Strategic Vigilance participants brought their unique expertise into the mix, improving the quality of the war game and its outcome, Smith said. This influx of knowledge and experience created a higher fidelity experience.

"While war games are hypothetical, we still seek the highest fidelity in simulating current and future forces," Smith said. "The greater the fidelity, the more reliable the result will be."

War games are designed to allow participants to determine what tasks would be required during a real-world conflict and whether the resources are available to support those tasks. In the case of Strategic Vigilance, participants and observers scrutinized the abilities of AFGSC in particular to respond to and interact with an adversary.

"Strategic Vigilance represents a uniquely focused examination of nuclear issues," said Brig. Gen. Clint Crosier, AFGSC's strategic director of plans, programs, requirements and assessments. "The strategic environment today is much different than during the Cold War. The number of countries who can threaten the U.S. and its allies with weapons of mass destruction is increasing at an alarming rate. Potential nuclear-armed adversaries are rapidly modernizing their delivery systems for air, land, and sea, and the concept of deterrence against hostile regional actors presents a very different problem set than the Cold War strategic model. All of these issues highlight our need to fully understand the environment we operate in and ensure we can successfully execute our missions. This 'first' for the command is indicative of the command's commitment to constantly improving the nuclear enterprise."

"We learned a lot from the war game and will undoubtedly learn more as we continue to process the results," Smith said. "It's a great opportunity to learn when we step back and think about how the big picture comes together."

Lessons learned from war games and exercises enable the Air Force to continually refine and improve its capabilities, facilitating the mission to deter enemies and assure allies.

"There is a definite call to think more deeply about the Air force's number one mission, and I believe we've done that with Strategic Vigilance," Smith said.

Mode-S/ADS Milcom Intercepts 20 December 2013 - Btown NC

Here is another round of Mode-S/ADS-B intercepts and selected ATC call signs logged from here on the radio ranch in WNC. All dates/times are UTC.

AE03FD 84-0144   ---  2013-12-20 22:06:52 C-12C United States USN | TPS [KNHK]    
AE04E9 61-0272   OKIE81 2013-12-20 21:32:03 KC-135R United States AFRC | 507ARW | 465ARS [KTIK]    
AE0364 60-0347   SLUFF96 2013-12-20 19:51:30 KC-135R United States OH ANG | 121ARW [KLCK]    
AE189C 05-0932 AVLON73 2013-12-20 19:14:22 C-40C United States AFRC | 932AW | 73AS [KBLV]    
AE10C6 159364/165509   ---  2013-12-20 19:08:48 CT-39G United States USN | TW-6 | VT-86 [KNPA]    
AE07F0 96-0006   RCH321T 2013-12-20 18:55:46 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]    
AE0272 64-14840   SLUFF41 2013-12-20 17:45:37 KC-135R United States OH ANG | 121ARW [KLCK]    
AE0800 98-0054   ELVIS11 2013-12-20 17:43:30 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]    
AE060B 83-0488   SKIER 88 2013-12-20 17:37:39 C-130H United States NY ANG | 109AW | 139AS [KSCH]    
AE0812 00-0176   ELVIS20 2013-12-20 17:33:36 C-17A United States TN ANG | 164AW | 155AS [KMEM]
AE038A 62-3531   SLUFF62 2013-12-20 17:04:27 KC-135R United States OH ANG | 121ARW [KLCK]
AE0272 64-14840   SLUFF41 2013-12-20 17:04:14 KC-135R United States OH ANG | 121ARW [KLCK]    
AE03FD 84-0144   ---  2013-12-20 16:37:12 C-12C United States USN | TPS [KNHK]    
AE07EA 95-0107   RCH964 2013-12-20 16:19:32 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]    
AE10D0 165514   ---  2013-12-20 15:22:43 T-39G United States USN | TW-6 | VT-86 [KNPA]    
AE066E 62-3569   TURBO81 2013-12-20 04:42:49 KC-135R United States USAF | 22ARW [KIAB]    
AE1488 86-0416   PEACH98 2013-12-20 02:37:15 TE-8a United States 330thCTS    
AE1198 03-3115   E33115 2013-12-20 01:59:36 C-17A United States MS ANG | 172AW | 183AS [KJAN]    
AE07DF 94-0065   ELVIS51 2013-12-20 01:34:15 C-17A United States TN ANG | 164AW | 155AS [KMEM]    
AE0434 ------   ---  2013-12-20 00:28:25 CN-235 United States USAF | 427SOS [KPOB]    
AE037A 63-7993   SLUFF61 2013-12-20 00:15:34 KC-135R United States OH ANG | 121ARW [KLCK]    
AE11D7 75-0557   SNTRY62H 2013-12-20 00:08:19 E-3B United States USAF | 552ACW [KTIK]    

USS North Carolina Departs for Western Pacific Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steven Khor

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Sailors hugged and kissed their family and friends as they said goodbye on the submarine piers of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam as the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS North Carolina (SSN 777) departed Dec. 19 for a deployment to the Western Pacific region.

North Carolina's commanding officer, Cmdr. Richard Rhinehart, commented that the submarine and crew are ready and eager to head west on a second Western Pacific deployment.

"We depart with some of the finest Sailors our nation has ever put to sea on board one of the most technologically advanced platforms," said Rhinehart.

Rhinehart said the crew has spent more than six months getting the boat in top material condition while undergoing advanced training and certification in core submarine operational mission areas. The Sailors are focused on the challenges ahead and excited about the opportunity to execute tasking.

Among the 126 enlisted and 17 officers on board, many of them will be on their first deployment.

While underway, Rhinehart said North Carolina's goal is to contribute to the war-fighting readiness in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility, and be ready to respond to the nation's needs in any time of crisis.

As they deploy, North Carolina's crew will continue to build relationships with allies through theater security cooperation activities, and work with allies to build new war-fighting capabilities.

"I am truly privileged to be in command of the North Carolina and her crew," said Rhinehart. "The Sailors of the USS North Carolina are an incredibly talented group of men. I'm very proud of every one of them and what they have accomplished as we prepare for this milestone event."

Commissioned May 2008, North Carolina is the fourth U.S. Navy ship to carry the name North Carolina. The Virginia Class boat was built by General Dynamics Electric Boat Division in Groton, Conn., and Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Va., and joined the fleet in December 2006.

The state-of-the-art submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, naval special warfare involving special operations forces, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

Navy to Build $57 Million MV-22 Hangar and Aircraft Staging Area for Marine Corps Base Hawaii

By Catherine Cruz Norton, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Pacific awarded a $57 million firm-fixed-price contract Dec. 17 to Watts Contrack, a Joint Venture of Honolulu, Hawaii for the construction of a Marine Vertical (MV) 22 hangar, supporting utility infrastructure, and an aircraft staging area for Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

This project includes a hangar, apron, and taxiway to support an MV-22 squadron. The project will also consist of an aircraft staging area to accommodate 12 aircraft for the squadron.

"The great teamwork and dedication between our engineers and contract specialists led to the development and award of this critical procurement," said NAVFAC Pacific Capital Improvements Business Line Manager Ralph Luca. "We are elated to commence construction of these significant facilities as we continue to enable operational and mission readiness for the Marine Corps."

The contract also contains one unexercised option, which if exercised would increase cumulative contract value to an estimated $58 million. Work will be performed in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed by September 2015.

This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with nine proposals received.

Submarine USS Hampton Returns from Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Anthony Walker

NAVAL BASE POINT LOMA, Calif. (NNS) -- Friends and family of Sailors aboard the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Hampton (SSN 767) welcomed home Hampton's crew Dec. 18 following a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific.

The deployment supported the nation's maritime strategy, which includes maritime security, forward presence, sea control, and power projection.

During the deployment, Hampton executed missions vital to national security and participated in U.S. and multinational naval exercises. The ship's port visits included Yokosuka, Japan, Singapore, Guam and Subic Bay, Philippines.

"I am proud of the tremendous effort the crew has put into being successful and for the support and encouragement from our great families. The men have done exceptionally well, and it shows," said Hampton's Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Lincoln Reifsteck.

Hampton was commissioned Nov. 6, 1993. Measuring more than 360 feet long and displacing more than 6,900 tons, Hampton has a crew of nearly 140 Sailors. Hampton is capable of supporting various missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, surveillance, and reconnaissance. She is one of six Los Angeles-class submarines homeported in San Diego.

Update: CVN-77/CSG-2 & USS Bataan ESG COMPTUEX 16 December 2013

CVW-8 Wing Flyby with USS George HW Bush (CVN-77)

USS George HW Bush CSG COMPTUEX frequencies (Thanks to Florida Jack and Mike for the updates)

The OPFOR players have been using some NAS Jacksonville frequencies for control and discretes:

318.600 SEALORD Discrete
349.900 SEALORD Discrete (old INVADER JACK discrete)
These two are paired.
Also had KODIAK 13 calling CHARGER 11 on 320.500 “on exercise guard”.

4703.0 Golf Charlie Bush Air Defense Net Alternate/Golf Whiskey Bush Air Defense
6906.1 Golf Whiskey Bush Air Defense Net Primary
9007.0 Papa Whiskey USS Bataan ESG Air Defense Primary
9028.0 Golf Foxtrot USS George H.W. Bush Link Coordination Net. (Note: went quiet after everyone went to a J-voice (Link-16) channel)
10134.0 Mentioned by KODIAK with VULTURE

120.950 FACSFAC JAX SEALORD North
133.950 FACSFAC JAX "SEALORD"
136.775 OPFOR air-air
136.875 OPFOR air-air
225.325
225.350 Pinecastle Target/CAG Strike Common
226.125
228.975 GOLF PAPA (CWC): STORM 06 trying to raise GOLF PAPA
229.975
231.625 Unid air-air
233.475 FAD 3 / KODIAK
233.675 AVENGER Tac
234.875 WARRIOR CONTROL / MUSTANG / ARROW 11 / COUGAR 31, 33 / DART 11
235.075 Unid “switch approach”
235.500 BANSHEE Tac
237.700
237.800
238.425 STORM AR Boom
239.325 USS George HW Bush HELLCAT Tac
239.850
240.025
241.925 KODIAK Tac? / VULTURE / CORVETTE
243.575
246.800 Unid air-air VP-30 P-8A aircraft?
251.400
251.600
252.200
255.900
257.200
257.500 VFA-103 Tac, Rage 11-12 Air-to-Air: Bataan COMPTUEX
258.200 VFA-83 RAM Tac
261.250 Pinecastle Range R-2907
262.900 NAS Jax MAKO Base
264.625 Avon Park Range N Tac
266.375 Cape Stack CAS JTAC (HALO) / Secure
266.700 VMM-263 Tac: Bataan COMPTUEX
267.500 FACSFAC Jax SEALORD South

268.900
270.500

271.400 NAS Jax VP-10/VP-26
274.400
275.650 New Orleans JRB, VFA-204 / VIPER (RIVER) Tac
277.800 Fleet Common-Tactical/Warning
281.000
281.650
281.675 Omega AR Boom: Bataan COMPTUEX, SCREWTOP with RAGE 11
282.075 Button 17: CCA-B, E-2C was handling approaches
282.175 GOLF WHISKEY / TANGO, UNIFORM / GOLF CHARLIE
283.625
284.500 FACSFAC SEALORD North
284.975 KODIAK FAD 2 (T) (E-2C) / HOTEL / HELLCAT

285.000 Jax NAS Fiddle TOC: CARDFILE ## (P-8A, VP-5) and LIMA LIMA 587 calling FIDDLE (started to say PELICAN and corrected)

285.675 AVIL / BANSHEE Tac / SCREAM 23-24
287.000 BOLT (USAF) 6AMW Aerial Refueling Boom
289.200 Pinecastle Range Ops
289.275
289.450 Hatchet Tac
290.175
290.975
291.150
291.175
291.950
292.200 Avon Park Range Control
293.275
293.525 VMFA-533 Tac 1; Robins AFB Peachtree Ops
293.725 Positive Identification and Radar Advisory Zone (PIRAZ) RED CROWN
296.725 Exercise Guard? / KODIAK with HOTEL, OSCAR / DART 11
296.875 HELLCAT Tac
297.775 “on your Tac”

298.000 KODIAK / HATCHET / HELLCAT 37-38 / THOR / AVENGER 61-62
299.300

299.400 VMA-223 Tac
299.500
299.675 KODAK, BEAR (E-2C) and BANSHEE, going FAD 2
299.975 Unid Air-to-Air
300.125 CHILL 12-13, DOOM 11 air-air
303.000
305.675
306.000
307.000 Orlando A/D
308.400
309.925
311.500
312.150 NAS Jax TDY Base
312.175 DEPARTURE
313.600
316.300 DOGHOUSE
316.725
318.600 FACSFAC Jax SEALORD W-158 Discrete
318.875 GOLF PAPA
320.500 FACSFAC Jax GCI Bristol / KODIAK “on exercise guard” / BEAR with BRISTOL / WHITEHAT / HEADSTRONG 14 flight of B-52’s
324.650 VULTURE (JSTARS backend) with unid. Not sure if this is Bataan or Bush related.
327.350 Green Crown: Bataan COMPTUEX
327.475
328.100
328.200
328.450 MARSHAL
328.525
333.000 Unid air-air
339.500
339.925 HATCHET Tac
340.100
342.325 STRIKE
342.375
342.525
348.025 “VMA Common” / KODIAK / DOG 4 / AVENGER
348.850
349.900 NAS Jax Discrete IVAN CONTROL / SNAKE 1-2, COBRA 3, VIPER, DOG
351.800 Jax Intl App/Dep
353.825 Daytona Beach A/D
354.900 HELLCAT 21 / KODIAK (E-2C) / AVENGER
357.000
357.425 Button 15: CCA-A
363.775
363.950
365.625
369.175 Unid air-air
369.350
371.000 AVENGER 51
371.025
371.225
371.275 Button 14: GOLF ZULU / CARDFILE 11 / Secure / TIMBER WOLF CONTROL / KODIAK (E-2C)
371.300
371.375 PAPA WHISKEY: VICTOR (E-2C) with PAPA WHISKEY, mentions aircraft going to OMEGA. Mention callsign MIKE and VICTOR will RTB Jax
371.600
373.925 GOLF QUEBEC / Secure
374.000 REP
375.700 Tac / BEAR, TRON, VEST / CHARGER
377.050 Jax Intl App/Dep
378.850 Button 13: GOLF ROMEO / BEAR / no comms with QUEBEC
384.100 OPFOR

Call Signs Heard:
ARROW 11 - OPFOR
AVENGER – VFA-15 (Side 3xx) F/A-18C
BANSHEE– VFA-31 (Side 1xx) F/A-18E
BOLT 07, 08 – KC-135 6th AMW, BOLT- 07 (AE04C1 58-0125) is the tanker supporting the BUSH CVN-77 COMPUTEX off the FL. coast.
CARDFILE – P-8A VP-5
CHARGER 11
COBRA - OPFOR
COUGAR – OPFOR
DART 11 – Phoenix Air Group
DOG – OPFOR
GOLF – Surface unit
GOLF CHARLIE - Air Defense Commander Alternate
GOLF FOXTROT – Link Coordination
GOLF PAPA – Strike Warfare Commander
GOLF ROMEO – Air Resources Commander
GOLF WHISKEY - Air Defense Commander
GOLF ZULU – Sea Combat Commander
HALO - JTAC
HAMMER – Tactical Strike Call Sign
HATCHET VFA-87 (Side 4xx) F/A-18A+
HELLCAT – VFA-213 (Side 2xx)  F/A-18F
HOTEL – Surface unit
IVAN – OPFOR Control
KODIAK – E-2C VAW-124
MUSTANG - OPFOR
OMEGA 74 – B707 Tanker
OSCAR – Surface unit
QUEBEC – Surface unit
RIVER - VFA-204  (NAS NOLA River Rattlers) OPFOR (Side 4xx) F/A-18A+
SCREAM
SHIELD – Tactical Strike Call Sign
SNAKE – VFA-204 (NAS NOLA River Rattlers) OPFOR (Side 4xx)
STORM – Omega Tanker
TANGO – E-2C
TIMBER WOLF – Surface unit
TORINO – Possible surface unit
TRON – EA-6B VAQ-134 Tactical Strike Call Sign
UNIFORM – VAW-124 E-2C
VEST – Tactical Strike callsign
VIPER – OPFOR, VFA-204
VULTURE – JSTARS Backend
WAFER – P-3C, VP-10
WARRIOR CONTROL

As posted on this blog Nov 22, the USS George HW Bush CSG is headed south to Florida for a COMPTUEX.

For those who might want to monitor this event, here is the latest on CSG-2:

Ships and Aircraft attached to the USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN 77) Strike Group

DESTROYER SQUADRON 22 (DESRON 22)

USS LEYTE GULF (CG 55)
USS MONTEREY (CG 61)
USS VELLA GULF (CG 72)
USS COLE (DDG 67) Determined Warrior c/s
USS MAHAN (DDG 72)
USS McFAUL (DDG 74)
USS MASON (DDG 87)
USS NITZE (DDG 94)
USS TRUXTON (DDG 103)
USS ELROD (FFG 55)
  
Squadrons attached to Carrier Air Wing 8 (CVW-8) "Team Ocho"

VFA-15 The Valions - Pride c/s & Avenger c/s (Side 3xx)
VFA-31 The Tomcatters Felix c/s & Banshee c/s (Side 1xx)
VFA-87 The Golden Warriors - Party c/s & Hatchet c/s (Side 4xx)
VFA-213 The Black Lions - Lion c/s & Hellcat c/s (Side 2xx)
VAW-124 The Bear Aces - Bear c/s, Kodiak c/s & Tango/Uniform CWC c/s (Side 60x)
VAQ-134 The Garudas - Garuda c/s & Tron c/s (Side 5xx)
VRC-40 Det 2 The Rawhides - Rawhide c/s
HSC-9 The Tridents - Troubleshooter c/s (Side 61x)
HSM-70 The Spartans- Spartan c/s (Side 7xx)

Frequencies to watch
HF (kHz/USB/Link 11)
HF CWC nets: 2252.0 4703.0 (GW) 6834.0 6909.1 (GC) 9028.0 (GF) 9031.0
Link 11 5171.0

UHF and VHF frequencies will be updated as we have them reported since these are usually selected from a pool of temporary frequencies available for the East Coast and Gulf Coast areas.

Aircraft carriers of Russia's Northern Fleet head to Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea

A group of the Russian Northern Fleet's aircraft carriers embarked on a deployment to the Northeast Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea on Tuesday, in accordance with the Russian Navy's combat training plan.

"The naval group includes the heavy aircraft carrying cruiser Soviet Union Fleet Admiral Kuznetsov, the large anti-submarine ship Admiral Levchenko, the large assault ship Olenegorsky Gornyak, as well as support vessels such as the rescue towboat Nikolai Chiker and the tankers Sergei Osipov and Kama," the Northern Fleet's spokesman, Captain 1st Rank Vadim Serga, told Interfax-AVN on Tuesday.

http://rbth.co.uk/news/2013/12/17/aircraft_carriers_of_russias_northern_fleet_head_to_atlantic_and_mediter_32653.html

Mode-S/ADS Milcom Intercepts 19 December 2013 - Btown NC

Here is another round of Mode-S/ADS-B intercepts and selected ATC call signs logged from here on the radio ranch in WNC. All dates/times are UTC.

AE0423 59-1505   SODA91 2013-12-19 23:31:55 KC-135R United States TN ANG | 134ARW | 151ARS [KTYS]    
AE037A 63-7993   SLUFF61 2013-12-19 23:29:57 KC-135R United States OH ANG | 121ARW [KLCK]    
AE04CB 61-0318   DIXIE34 2013-12-19 23:09:26 KC-135R United States AL ANG | 117ARW | 106ARS [KBHM]    
AE1211 03-0726   ---  2013-12-19 22:32:35 UC-35C United States USARC | 2-228 AVN    
AE04CB 61-0318   DIXIE34 2013-12-19 22:24:46 KC-135R United States AL ANG | 117ARW | 106ARS [KBHM]    
AB16F6 10-0259   ---  2013-12-19 22:05:14 C-12V United States U S ARMY    
AE0423 59-1505   SODA91 2013-12-19 21:49:30 KC-135R United States TN ANG | 134ARW | 151ARS [KTYS]    
AE0192 84-0125   SWIFT58 2013-12-19 21:32:50 C-21A United States CT ANG | 103FW | 118FS [KBDL]    
AE11D7 75-0557   SNTRY62H 2013-12-19 21:04:43 E-3B United States USAF | 552ACW [KTIK]    
AE1211 03-0726   ---  2013-12-19 20:14:25 UC-35C United States USARC | 2-228 AVN    
ADFE91 95-0092   ---  2013-12-19 20:14:12 C-12R+ United States USARC | A/2-228 AVN (TA) [KWRI ]    
AE0426 60-0363   MASH61 2013-12-19 20:11:53 KC-135R United States AFRC | 434ARW | 72ARS [KGUS]    
ADFC88 91-0100   ---  2013-12-19 19:58:57 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS    
AE02E4 81-0629   COBB62 2013-12-19 19:34:24 C-130H United States AFRC | 94AW | 700AS [KMGE]    
AE10D0 165514   ---  2013-12-19 19:31:21 T-39G United States USN | TW-6 | VT-86 [KNPA]    
ADFCD1 94-0114   ---  2013-12-19 19:07:49 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS    
AE02E4 81-0629   COBB62 2013-12-19 17:16:39 C-130H United States AFRC | 94AW | 700AS [KMGE]    
AE4EBA 168436   ---  2013-12-19 17:12:27 P-8A United States USN | VP-5 [KNIP]    
ADFCF2 94-0147   ---  2013-12-19 16:52:17 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS    
ADFE92 95-0093   ---  2013-12-19 16:32:55 C-12R+ United States USARC | C/6-52 AVN (TA) [KSLI]    
ADFC8E 92-0333   ---  2013-12-19 16:18:49 T-1A United States USAF | 479FTG | 451FTS [KNPA]
ADFC65 90-0404   ---  2013-12-19 16:04:50 T-1A United States USAF | 12FTW | 99FTS [KRND]    
AE0192 84-0125   SWIFT58 2013-12-19 16:00:23 C-21A United States CT ANG | 103FW | 118FS [KBDL]    
AE4EBA 168436   ---  2013-12-19 16:00:00 P-8A United States USN | VP-5 [KNIP]    
AE036E 98-0008   ---  2013-12-19 15:48:13 UC-35A United States US Army    
ADFF9B 68-8208   ---  2013-12-19 14:44:45 T-38C United States 50thFTS    
ADFFA2 70-1560   ---  2013-12-19 14:26:27 T-38C United States 50thFTS    
152C97 RA-76951   VDA6530 2013-12-19 01:25:22 IL76-90VD  Russia Volga-Dnepr Airlines
00000A Various   ---  2013-12-19 01:20:27 Various Various ---    

Mode-S/ADS Milcom Intercepts 18 December 2013 - Btown NC

Here is another round of Mode-S/ADS-B intercepts and selected ATC call signs logged from here on the radio ranch in WNC. All dates/times are UTC.

AE20C3 07-7182   CLAW45 2013-12-18 23:52:29 C-17a United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]    
ADFEBD 96-0107   ---  2013-12-18 23:06:05 UC-35a1 United States USARC | C/2-228 AVN (TA) [KFBG]    
ADACC6 N980ST   JFU00 2013-12-18 22:01:07 737-4B3 United States US DEPT OF ENERGY
AE11EC 80-0139   SNTRY61H 2013-12-18 20:59:45 E-3C United States USAF | 3WG | 962AACS [PAED]    
AE021E 84-0191   GUCCI80 2013-12-18 20:18:53 KC-10A United States USAF | 60AMW [KSUU]
A852BF 10-0257   ---  2013-12-18 20:03:45 C-12V United States US Army    
AE11EF 82-0006   SNTRY60H 2013-12-18 19:54:19 E-3C United States USAF | 552ACW [KTIK]    
ADFCE2 94-0131   ---  2013-12-18 19:47:58 T-1A United States USAF | 479FTG | 451FTS [KNPA]
ADFC7B 91-0087   ---  2013-12-18 19:21:56 T-1A United States USAF | 47FTW | 86FTS [KDLF]    
AE01A1 86-0374 ALLIED 1 2013-12-18 19:13:55 C-21A United States CO ANG | 140WG | 200AS [KCOS]    
AE10D0 165514   ---  2013-12-18 19:10:02 T-39G United States USN | TW-6 | VT-86 [KNPA]    
AE11EC 80-0139   SNTRY61H 2013-12-18 19:02:39 E-3C United States USAF | 3WG | 962AACS [PAED]    
AE01FB 98-3035   ---  2013-12-18 18:23:32 T-6A United States USAF    
AE1721 06-3815   ---  2013-12-18 17:58:43 T-6A United States USAF    
AE11AF 03-3677   ---  2013-12-18 17:44:08 T-6A United States USAF    
AE07EC 96-0002   GRITS37 2013-12-18 17:16:39 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]
AE0158 58-0112   STEEL81 2013-12-18 17:13:33 KC-135T United States PA ANG | 171ARW [KPIT]    
ADFCD1 94-0114   ---  2013-12-18 17:08:03 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS    
AE0486 62-3542   LUCKY32 2013-12-18 17:02:22 KC-135R United States AFRC | 916ARW | 77ARS [KGSB]    
AE11EF 82-0006   SNTRY60H 2013-12-18 16:15:47 E-3C United States USAF | 552ACW [KTIK]    
ADFC96 92-0341   ---  2013-12-18 16:14:45 T-1A United States USAF | 12FTW | 99FTS [KRND]    
AE4EBA 168436   ---  2013-12-18 16:07:07 P-8A United States USN | VP-5 [KNIP]    
ADFF8C 68-8162   ---  2013-12-18 16:04:06 T-38C United States 50thFTS    
AE1491 95-0121   PEACH99 2013-12-18 15:52:09 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB]
AE0265 57-1436   SODA82 2013-12-18 15:38:37 KC-135R United States TN ANG | 134ARW | 151ARS [KTYS]
ADFFA4 70-1567   ---  2013-12-18 14:54:57 T-38C United States 50thFTS    
AE4EBA 168436   ---  2013-12-18 14:42:42 P-8A United States USN | VP-5 [KNIP]    
AE1491 95-0121   PEACH99 2013-12-18 14:37:30 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB]
AE12B8 88-0193   TALON170 2013-12-18 05:31:25 MC-130H United States USAF | 1SOW | 15SOS [KHRT]   ---  
AE49C1 09-9205   RCH970 2013-12-18 00:31:56 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]
AE11EC 80-0139   SNTRY06H 2013-12-18 00:18:38 E-3C United States USAF | 3WG | 962AACS [PAED]   ---  

USS Roosevelt Sailors Complete COMPTUEX

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin Wolpert, George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

USS ROOSEVELT, At Sea (NNS) -- Guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) completed its final pre-deployment exercise with the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group, Dec. 15.

Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) is an evaluation that tests mission readiness of a carrier strike group in the execution of the nation's maritime strategy while deployed.

The test consisted of simulated scenarios which evaluated the ability of the strike group to engage hostile forces and respond to aggression. Sailors of Roosevelt honed their ability to board vessels, react to chemical, biological and radiological (CBR) attacks, and defend against small craft approaches. Every department was tested during the three-week exercise.

"Whether it was the flight deck crew, the boat deck crew, the bridge team, Combat Information Center, or the engineers that keep the plants running, every single person on this ship did what they were supposed to do - all contributing factors to Roosevelt's success during COMPTUEX," said Cmdr. Jason Reller, Roosevelt's executive officer.

Cmdr. Jay Clark, Roosevelt's commanding officer, also praised the Sailors.

"I've always found the Sailors on Roosevelt to take a lot of pride in what they do; it's never just a job to them," said Clark. "COMPTUEX has been a very good morale booster for the crew and a true team builder. It's just one more opportunity for them to show how capable the Roosevelt is and that's how they approached it."

This is Roosevelt's first time in four years operating within a strike group.

"Roosevelt found her stride and the crew was firing on all cylinders," said Clark. "The thing was, we didn't start off bad and get progressively better - we maintained a constant performance level the whole way through."

Roosevelt's success was attributed to its motivated crew.

Roosevelt's Command Master Chief William Mullinax said, "Every mission, every task that has been given to the ship, we were able to complete right the first time, and complete it on time."

George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group consists of Carrier Strike Group 2 staff, Carrier Air Wing 8, Destroyer Squadron 22 staff, USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), guided-missile cruisers USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) and USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), and guided-missile destroyers USS Truxtun (DDG 103), USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) and USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51).

Mode-S/ADS Milcom Intercepts 17 December 2013 - Btown NC

Here is another round of Mode-S/ADS-B intercepts and selected ATC call signs logged from here on the radio ranch in WNC. All dates/times are UTC.

AE10B7 01-0188   E10188 2013-12-17 23:43:29 C-17A United States NY ANG | 105AW | 137AS [KSWF]   ---  
AE021E 84-0191   GUCCI80 2013-12-17 22:18:49 KC-10A United States USAF | 60AMW [KSUU]
ADFEB6 75-0125   BRET25 2013-12-17 21:28:25 E-4B United States USAF | 55WG | 1ACCS [KOFF]   ---  
AE0272 64-14840   SLUFF63 2013-12-17 21:26:38 KC-135R United States OH ANG | 121ARW [KLCK]   ---  
ADFED3 85-1265   PAT1265 2013-12-17 21:11:57 C-12U United States VA ARNG | OSACOM VA RFC [KDAA]   ---  
AE11EC 80-0139   SNTRY06H 2013-12-17 20:56:10 E-3C United States USAF | 3WG | 962AACS [PAED]   ---  
AB16F6 10-0259   ---  2013-12-17 20:27:54 C-12V United States U S ARMY   ---  
AE0181 84-0139   SWIFT01 2013-12-17 20:22:18 C-21A United States CT ANG | 103FW | 118FS [KBDL]   ---  
AE05CD 82-0054   SCARS54 2013-12-17 20:07:52 C-130H United States OH ANG | 179AW | 164AS [KMFD]   ---  
AE11D5 73-1675   SNTRY30H 2013-12-17 20:01:40 E-3B United States USAF | 552ACW [KTIK]
ADFE68 91-1237   DERBY 05 2013-12-17 19:53:01 C-130H United States KY ANG | 123AW | 165AS [KSDF]   ---  
AE1491 95-0121   PEACH99 2013-12-17 19:49:37 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB]
AE02E4 81-0629   COBB62 2013-12-17 19:24:10 C-130H United States AFRC | 94AW | 700AS [KMGE]   ---  
A852BF 10-0257   ---  2013-12-17 19:15:31 C-12V United States US Army   ---  
AE10D2 165516   ---  2013-12-17 19:04:38 T-39G United States USN | TW-6 | VT-86 [KNPA]   ---  
ADFF9B 68-8208   ---  2013-12-17 18:42:39 T-38C United States 50thFTS   ---  
AE1721 06-3815   ---  2013-12-17 17:53:23 T-6A United States USAF   ---  
AE04DE 57-2597   SODA81 2013-12-17 17:48:08 KC-135R United States TN ANG | 134ARW | 151ARS [KTYS]
AE08A4 00-3583   ---  2013-12-17 17:43:32 T-6A United States USAF | 14FTW | 41FTS [KCBM]
AE4E18 11-5727   KING15 2013-12-17 17:36:25 HC-130J United States USAF | 23 Wing | 71RQS [KVAD]   ---  
ADFE63 91-1232   DERBY 20 2013-12-17 17:12:58 C-130H United States KY ANG | 123AW | 165AS [KSDF]   ---  
AE0394 64-14832   SODA82 2013-12-17 17:05:23 KC-135R United States TN ANG | 134ARW | 151ARS [KTYS]   ---  
ADFD79 91-0509   ---  2013-12-17 16:35:28 C-26D United States OSACOM/PAT   ---  
AE08FE 92-13121   SUNNY51 2013-12-17 16:26:18 RC-12P United States 224MIB   ---  
ADFE63 91-1232   DERBY 20 2013-12-17 15:39:37 C-130H United States KY ANG | 123AW | 165AS [KSDF]   ---  
AE093D 01-0301   ---  2013-12-17 15:32:05 UC-35a1 United States US Army | OSACOM PATD [KADW]   ---  
AE10D9 165523   ---  2013-12-17 15:29:40 T-39N United States USN | TW-6 | VT-86 [KNPA]   ---  
AE29FD 166694   JU694 2013-12-17 15:24:22 C-40A United States USNR | VR-56 [KNTU]   ---  
AE04DE 57-2597   SODA81 2013-12-17 15:23:36 KC-135R United States TN ANG | 134ARW | 151ARS [KTYS]
AE1491 95-0121   PEACH99 2013-12-17 15:22:40 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB]
ADFED3 85-1265   PAT1265 2013-12-17 15:19:34 C-12U United States VA ARNG | OSACOM VA RFC [KDAA]   ---  
ADFF9B 68-8208   ---  2013-12-17 14:55:32 T-38C United States 50thFTS   ---  
AE08FE 92-13121   SUNNY51 2013-12-17 14:45:24 RC-12P United States 224MIB   ---  
AE29FD 166694   JU694 2013-12-17 14:44:59 C-40A United States USNR | VR-56 [KNTU]   ---  
A852BF 10-0257   ---  2013-12-17 14:41:42 C-12V United States US Army   ---  
ADACC6 N980ST   JFU00 2013-12-17 14:34:29 737-4B3 United States US DEPT OF ENERGY
AE29FD 166694   JU694 2013-12-17 14:21:18 C-40A United States USNR | VR-56 [KNTU]   ---  
ADFEB6 75-0125   BRET25 2013-12-17 13:55:32 E-4B United States USAF | 55WG | 1ACCS [KOFF]   ---  
AE29FD 166694   JU694 2013-12-17 13:48:05 C-40A United States USNR | VR-56 [KNTU]   ---  
AE0243 58-0047   ---  2013-12-17 04:09:39 KC-135T United States USAF | 22ARW [KIAB]    
AE120A 93-0697   ---  2013-12-17 04:04:21 RC-12N United States USARMY | B/2-224 AVN    
AE120A 93-0697   ---  2013-12-17 01:02:09 RC-12N United States USARMY | B/2-224 AVN    
AE148A 92-3289   PEACH81 2013-12-17 00:15:50 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB]

MINUTEMAN III TEST MISSILE LAUNCHES FROM VANDENBERG

An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile was launched during an operational test at 4:36 a.m. here Tuesday from Launch Facility-04 on north Vandenberg. Col. Brent McArthur, 30th Space Wing vice commander, was the launch decision authority. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Yvonne Morales)

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La.  -- A team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen successfully launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile today at 4:36 a.m. PST from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.

Every test launch verifies the accuracy and reliability of the ICBM weapon system, providing valuable data to ensure a safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent, said Maj. Gen. Jack Weinstein, 20th Air Force commander.

"Our Airmen maintain and operate this weapon system year round in some challenging environments, and today's test is a result of their tireless devotion to this mission," said Weinstein.

The launch team, under the direction of the 576th Flight Test Squadron, Vandenberg AFB, included Airmen from the 341st Missile Wing, Malmstrom AFB, Mont., and the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron, Offutt AFB, Neb.

"The test launch is one demonstration of the professionalism and pride all members of Team Malmstrom take in executing our mission," said Lt. Col. Thomas Vance, 341st Missile Wing task force commander.

"Task Force members performed their maintenance and operations tasks with the highest level of dedication and precision, as they and all other 341st Missile Wing Airmen do daily in the missile field and on base to maximize the effectiveness of our ICBM forces," Vance said.

Malmstrom AFB is one of three missile bases with crew members standing alert 24-7 year round, overseeing the nation's 450 ICBMs.

"As a missileer, the test launch was an amazing experience," said 2nd Lt. Jasmine Paul, deputy combat crew commander. Paul pulls an average of eight alerts per month, monitoring 50 missiles at Malmstrom.

"I pulled alert for this test launch and monitored it every step of the way, relaying information to the test conductor," Paul said. "Being able to see the missile take off gives me a sense of pride and shows me that the work I put into this career every day is well worth it."

The entire ICBM community, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and U.S. Strategic Command will use the data collected from this mission for continuing force development evaluation.

The ICBM test launch program demonstrates the operational credibility of the Minuteman III and ensures the United States' ability to maintain a strong, credible nuclear deterrent as a key element of U.S. national security and the security of U.S. allies and partners.

Arleigh Burke Completes COMPTUEX

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeff Atherton, George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

USS ARLEIGH BURKE, At Sea (NNS) -- Guided-missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) completed its Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) Dec. 14.

Arleigh Burke conducted the three-week training to build an effective warfare capability across the various platforms of the George H. W. Bush Carrier Strike Group.

"This is the first time we worked together with a multitude of different ship classes," said Cmdr. Camille Flaherty, Arleigh Burke's commanding officer. "We go through different warfare areas that we are expected to be proficient and excel at on deployment. So we spend almost a month perfecting those skills and working together and coming together as a team to be able to operate forward-deployed and put the nation's best foot forward."

COMPTUEX is designed to put the Arleigh Burke crew through rigorous tests in various scenario-driven exercises, such as maritime interdiction operations (MIO).

"The scenarios we saw are real and can happen on deployment," said Cmdr. Thomas Myers, Arleigh Burke's executive officer. "Being able to see it and adjust to it will prepare us for when it's not an exercise."

A large portion of COMPTUEX was dedicated to MIO with the visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team, preparing the ship and its crew to board vessels while operating in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet Areas of Responsibility.

"There were several boarding exercises we had the opportunity to participate in during this training phase," said Ensign Kevin Decillis, the VBSS boat officer. "The training scenarios are set up to mimic real life boarding events that have happened in the 5th Fleet and every member of this all volunteer team did exceptionally well."

Although MIO primarily involves a VBSS team boarding a vessel, it is an all-hands effort, like every other evolution during COMPTUEX.

"There is a lot that goes into boarding operations," said Decillis. "The VBSS team is just part of it but it takes the whole ship. From SCAT (small-caliber action team) and the captain as on-scene commander, to the RHIB (rigid-hull inflatable boat) engineers and boat coxswain's expert precision driving the boat, it is a full team effort. And when it comes to it, we will be ready to execute the mission."

Teamwork was a theme and stressed during all evolutions the ship undertook.

"The crew learned that in everything we do, we rely on every department and every division to execute this mission," said Myers. "One weak link in the chain and we could quickly see the evolution spiral out of control."

Aside from MIO, some of the other events the Arleigh Burke Sailors saw were anti-submarine warfare (ASW), air warfare, ballistic missile defense and electronic warfare.

"We are used to doing one warfare area at a time so maybe I do ASW and I track a submarine or I do air warfare and I have an air battle, but COMPTUEX made us put all warfare areas together at one time," said Flaherty. "Learning to communicate from all of the different controlling stations on the ship effectively, not talking over each other and relaying the vital information, that is how the team came together to get the nuances of how to function as a war-fighting asset."

When asked if the ship and its crew are ready for deployment in early 2014, Flaherty answered with a resounding and confident "yes."

"Arleigh Burke came into this not having ever worked with another ship...and I knew, and the crew knew that it would be a steep learning curve being incorporated into the strike group. They did everything I asked them to do and more," said Flaherty. "If there is one message I have to the crew, it's that the reason I get up in the morning is to see what amazing thing they will do next and I am very much looking forward to deploying with them."

George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group consists of Carrier Strike Group 2 staff, Carrier Air Wing 8, Destroyer Squadron 22 staff, USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), guided-missile cruisers USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) and USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), and guided-missile destroyers USS Truxtun (DDG 103), USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) and USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51).

Mode-S/ADS Milcom Intercepts 16 December 2013 - Btown NC

Here is another round of Mode-S/ADS-B intercepts and selected ATC call signs logged from here on the radio ranch in WNC. All dates/times are UTC.

ADFCEF 94-0144   ---  2013-12-16 23:12:41 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS    
ADFEEA 160046   LOBO01 2013-12-16 23:08:37 C-9B United States USMC | VMR-1 [KNKT]    
ADFCF6 95-0042   ---  2013-12-16 22:16:21 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS    
AE0441 ------   ---  2013-12-16 22:02:32 ------ United States ---    
AE29FD 166694   JU694 2013-12-16 22:00:34 C-40A United States USNR | VR-56 [KNTU]    
ADFCEF 94-0144   ---  2013-12-16 21:43:10 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS    
AE29FD 166694   JU694 2013-12-16 20:41:12 C-40A United States USNR | VR-56 [KNTU]    
AE12B8 88-0193   TALON170 2013-12-16 20:38:47 MC-130H United States USAF | 1SOW | 15SOS [KHRT]    
AE11D7 75-0557   SNTRY60H 2013-12-16 20:01:43 E-3B United States USAF | 552ACW [KTIK]    
AE052C 69-0006   ---  2013-12-16 19:41:22 C-5A United States AFRC | 433AW | 68AS [KSKF]    
AE0168 86-0203   ---  2013-12-16 19:18:20 C-20B United States USAF | 89AW | 99AS [KADW]    
AE0581 87-0036   ---  2013-12-16 18:54:08 C-5M United States USAF | 436AW | 9AS [KDOV]    
AE11D7 75-0557   SNTRY60H 2013-12-16 16:22:51 E-3B United States USAF | 552ACW [KTIK]    
AE10D0 165514   ---  2013-12-16 15:36:13 T-39G United States USN | TW-6 | VT-86 [KNPA]    
AE10D9 165523   ---  2013-12-16 15:24:11 T-39N United States USN | TW-6 | VT-86 [KNPA]    
AE1459 06-6155   RCH110 2013-12-16 08:30:07 C-17A United States USAF | 60AMW | 21AS [KSUU]    
ADFEEE 160050   ---  2013-12-16 01:53:19 C-9B United States USNR | VR-61 [KNUW]    
AE07F3 97-0041   ---  2013-12-16 00:52:25 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]    

Mode-S/ADS Milcom Intercepts 14-15 December 2013 - Btown NC

Here is another round of Mode-S/ADS-B intercepts and selected ATC call signs logged from here on the radio ranch in WNC. All dates/times are UTC.

AE068B 62-3510   MASH63 2013-12-15 20:25:41 KC-135R United States AFRC | 434ARW | 72ARS [KGUS]    
AE10B8 01-0189   RCH600 2013-12-15 19:28:08 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]    
AE07DE 93-0604   RHINO92 2013-12-15 18:52:42 C-17A United States AFRC | 445AW | 89AS [KFFO]    
AE0627 62-3512   UPSET33 2013-12-15 18:51:34 KC-135R United States WI ANG | 128ARW | 126ARS [KMKE]    
ADFDD3 95-6709 ANVIL27 2013-12-15 18:23:57 C-130H United States WV ANG | 130AW | 130AS [KCRW]    
AE05FF 80-0320   DAWG 01 2013-12-15 17:52:58 C-130H United States GA ANG | 165AW | 158AS [KSAV]    
AE05FF 80-0320   DAWG 01 2013-12-15 16:49:20 C-130H United States GA ANG | 165AW | 158AS [KSAV]    
AE07F5 97-0043   RCH656 2013-12-15 10:26:59 C-17A United States AFRC | 452AMW | 729AS [KRIV]    

AE4D66 10-0213   RCH539 2013-12-14 23:53:22 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]    
15409E RA-82078   VDA4991 2013-12-14 22:15:14 An-124-100 Russia Volga Dnepr Airlines    
AE0216 83-0079   HOIST90 2013-12-14 21:36:05 KC-10A United States USAF | 305AMW [KWRI]    
B648D9 09-0540 AVLON31 2013-12-14 21:24:33 C-40C United States AFRC | 932AW | 73AS [KBLV]    
AE4BDE 10-5701   RCH530 2013-12-14 21:15:45 C-130J United States USAF | 317AG [KDYS]    
AE01DE 79-1949   HOIST91 2013-12-14 20:32:59 KC-10A United States USAF | 305AMW [KWRI]    
AE08F9 84-24376   2316 2013-12-14 19:47:57 C-12R United States OSACOM/PAT    
B648D9 09-0540 AVLON31 2013-12-14 19:22:50 C-40C United States AFRC | 932AW | 73AS [KBLV]    
B648D9 09-0540 AVLON31 2013-12-14 16:39:24 C-40C United States AFRC | 932AW | 73AS [KBLV]    
AE08F9 84-24376   2316 2013-12-14 16:21:50 C-12R United States OSACOM/PAT    
AE021B 84-0188   RCH072 2013-12-14 13:47:42 KC-10A United States USAF | 305AMW [KWRI]    
AE0543 70-0445   ---  2013-12-14 02:25:22 C-5A United States AFRC | 433AW | 68AS [KSKF]    
AE04AD 99-0104   ---  2013-12-14 00:36:19 UC-35a1 United States USARC | A/2-228 AVN (TA) [KWRI ]    
AE123E 04-4133   BOE133 2013-12-14 00:05:42 C-17A United States USAF | 305AMW | 6AS [KWRI]    

Lockheed Martin delivered its 15th C-5M Super Galaxy

Lockheed Martin delivered its 15th C-5M Super Galaxy to the U.S. Air Force from its facilities here today.

Air Force crews flew the Super Galaxy to Dover Air Force Base, Del. It is the third C-5M delivery in less than a month and the fifth for 2013.

The Super Galaxy is the standard for strategic airlift and exceeds a mission capable rate of 80 percent.

I caught this transfer on my Mode-S box on the 13th. The aircraft details follow:
AE0581 87-0036  2013-12-13 19:55:11 C-5M USAF | 436AW | 9AS [KDOV] 

Mode-S/ADS Milcom Intercepts 13 December 2013 - Btown NC

Here is another round of Mode-S/ADS-B intercepts and selected ATC call signs logged from here on the radio ranch in WNC. All dates/times are UTC.

AE1197 03-3114   E33114 2013-12-13 23:51:18 C-17A United States MS ANG | 172AW | 183AS [KJAN]    
AE04B2 57-1453   RCH957 2013-12-13 22:22:15 KC-135R United States AL ANG | 117ARW | 106ARS [KBHM]
AE04AD 99-0104   ---  2013-12-13 22:18:58 UC-35a1 United States USARC | A/2-228 AVN (TA) [KWRI ]    
AE07E8 95-0105   POLO44 2013-12-13 22:01:41 C-17A United States NY ANG | 105AW | 137AS [KSWF]    
ADFCE9 94-0138   ---  2013-12-13 21:43:37 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS    
AE4EBB 168437   ---  2013-12-13 21:07:18 P-8A United States USN | VP-5 [KNIP]    
ADFC88 91-0100   ---  2013-12-13 20:44:06 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS    
AE0581 87-0036   ---  2013-12-13 19:55:11 C-5M United States USAF | 436AW | 9AS [KDOV]    
ADFCD8 94-0121   ---  2013-12-13 19:38:01 T-1A United States USAF | 12FTW | 99FTS [KRND]    
ADFC8F 92-0334   ---  2013-12-13 19:36:58 T-1A United States USAF | 479FTG | 451FTS [KNPA]    
AE0192 84-0125   SPAR720 2013-12-13 19:26:25 C-21A United States CT ANG | 103FW | 118FS [KBDL]    
AE1BF5 07-6312   JILL60 2013-12-13 18:57:14 C-130J-30 United States USAF | 19AW [KLRF]    
AE0581 87-0036   ---  2013-12-13 18:46:10 C-5M United States USAF | 436AW | 9AS [KDOV]    
AE010E 97-0401   ---  2013-12-13 18:40:55 C-37A United States USAF | 89AW | 99AS [KADW]    
B648D9 09-0540 AVLON31 2013-12-13 18:19:21 C-40C United States AFRC | 932AW | 73AS [KBLV]    
477FF3 03   BRK97 2013-12-13 17:52:18 C-17A Hungary NATO    
AE025E 61-0264   SLUFF42 2013-12-13 17:48:26 KC-135R United States OH ANG | 121ARW [KLCK]    
AE0581 87-0036   ---  2013-12-13 17:35:45 C-5M United States USAF | 436AW | 9AS [KDOV]    
ADFCE9 94-0138   ---  2013-12-13 17:31:27 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS    
AE14F4 64-14855   ---  2013-12-13 17:15:43 HC-130P United States AFRC | 920RQW | 39RQS [KCOF]    
AE025E 61-0264   SLUFF42 2013-12-13 17:03:18 KC-135R United States OH ANG | 121ARW [KLCK]    
AE0470 57-1428   SODA33 2013-12-13 16:54:51 KC-135R United States TN ANG | 134ARW | 151ARS [KTYS]    
AE10D9 165523   ---  2013-12-13 16:36:29 T-39N United States USN | TW-6 | VT-86 [KNPA]    
ADFCD8 94-0121   ---  2013-12-13 16:18:01 T-1A United States USAF | 12FTW | 99FTS [KRND]    
ADFEB5 74-0787   EDGE 25 2013-12-13 15:45:51 E-4B United States USAF | 55WG | 1ACCS [KOFF]    
AE0471 57-1451   SODA81 2013-12-13 15:26:37 KC-135R United States TN ANG | 134ARW | 151ARS [KTYS]    
AE036F 98-0009   ---  2013-12-13 15:19:08 UC-35A United States USARMY |
AE0471 57-1451   SODA81 2013-12-13 14:17:55 KC-135R United States TN ANG | 134ARW | 151ARS [KTYS]    
AE0192 84-0125   SPAR720 2013-12-13 13:35:01 C-21A United States CT ANG | 103FW | 118FS [KBDL]    
AE04DA 165832   CNV4424 2013-12-13 06:55:05 C-40A United States USNR | VR-58 [KNIP]    
AE1239 04-4129   RCH555 2013-12-13 06:52:34 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]    
AE036E 98-0008   ---  2013-12-13 03:19:59 UC-35A United States US Army    
AE0592 58-0103   RCH042 2013-12-13 01:26:28 KC-135T United States USAF | 92ARW [KSKA]    
AE020F 79-1951   RCH061 2013-12-13 01:23:20 KC-10A United States USAF | 60AMW [KSUU]
AE0221 85-0029   RCH062 2013-12-13 01:23:07 KC-10A United States USAF | 60AMW [KSUU]
AE4E17 11-5725   KING21 2013-12-13 00:51:59 HC-130J United States USAF | 23 Wing | 71RQS [KVAD]    
AE0265 57-1436   SODA91 2013-12-13 00:40:12 KC-135R United States TN ANG | 134ARW | 151ARS [KTYS]    
AE1488 86-0416   KOMODO4 2013-12-13 00:40:01 TE-8a United States 330thCTS    
ADFCF6 95-0042   ---  2013-12-13 00:38:20 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS    
ADFDED 94-6708 ANVIL26 2013-12-13 00:35:07 C-130H United States WV ANG | 130AW | 130AS [KCRW]    
ADFCEA 94-0139   ---  2013-12-13 00:33:50 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS    

Carrier Air Wing 11, DESRON 23 Return from Nimitz Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman (SW) Kole E. Carpenter, Nimitz Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and embarked Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23 arrived at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, Dec. 12, following an eight-and-a-half-month deployment to the U.S. 5th, 6th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility (AOR).

CVW-11 and DESRON 23 disembarked Nimitz following the ship's arrival.

"It's great to be home and reunited with all of our loved ones," said Capt. Kevin Mannix, commander of CVW-11. "My hats off to every member of the air wing for making this a successful deployment."

During the course of Nimitz' deployment, CVW-11 tallied 9,344 aircraft launches and clocked more than 29,440 total flight hours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and ensured the safe operation of CSG 11.

Capt. Thomas Workman, commodore, DESRON 23, led efforts to provide tactical control of 12 U.S. and coalition ships during the extended deployment.

Throughout the operations DESRON 23 ensured superior defense of USS Nimitz, robust multi-warfare area tactical proficiency and readiness, highly effective afloat and ashore theater security cooperation, as well as sound management of the operations, maintenance, training and deployment preparedness of seven San Diego-based surface assets, Workman said.

"The honors of commanding DESRON 23 and serving as a warfare commander within Nimitz Strike Group are matched only by the respect deserved by our Sailors and their families," Workman said. "Their mutual dedication to our national objectives is unparalleled and represents the cornerstone of DESRON-23, Nimitz Strike Group, and U.S. Navy success."

Commander, CSG 11, Rear Adm. Michael S. White had high praise for CVW-11 and DESRON 23's contribution.

"The air wing and the DESRON have done an outstanding job," said White. "As a team, they have been an invaluable asset to the strike group, and I wish them all a well-deserved rest."

"Nimitz Strike Group successfully completed almost three months of Operation Enduring Freedom close-air support to coalition ground troops, and provided a flexible and capable response option to deter Syria. I am so proud of our Sailors and Marines, who showed remarkable resiliency through several extensions with limited time in port and met all tasking," said White.

The deployment extension enabled the Nimitz Strike Group to transit the Suez Canal into the Mediterranean Sea, where the strike group conducted operations with our NATO allies.

USS Nimitz serves as the flagship for Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11, led by White. The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group consisted of USS Nimitz, USS Princeton (CG 59), DESRON 23 guided-missile destroyers USS Shoup (DDG 76), USS Higgins (DDG 86), USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) and USS Stockdale (DDG 106) and Carrier Air Wing 11.

CVW-11 consists of the "Black Knights" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, the "Argonauts" of VFA 147, the "Blue Diamonds" of VFA 146, the "Death Rattlers" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323, the "Gray Wolves" of Electronic Attack Squadron 142, the "Wallbangers" of Airborne Early Warning Squadron 117, the "Indians" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 6, and the "Wolf Pack" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 75.

Once Nimitz departs Naval Air Station North Island, the carrier will transit to its homeport of Everett, Wash.

US Navy Capital Ship Deployments Worldwide

This map shows the approximate locations of U.S. Carrier Strike Groups and Amphibious Ready Groups as of 12 December 2013.

Courtesy of Stratfor.com

Mode-S/ADS Milcom Intercepts 12 December 2013 - Btown NC

Here is another round of Mode-S/ADS-B intercepts and selected ATC call signs logged from here on the radio ranch in WNC. All dates/times are UTC.

ADFCE7 94-0136   ---  2013-12-12 23:57:16 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS    
AE025D 58-0092   RCH040 2013-12-12 23:30:43 KC-135R United States USAF | 92ARW [KSKA]    
ADFCEA 94-0139   ---  2013-12-12 23:22:07 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS    
AE04FD 58-0095   RCH041 2013-12-12 23:00:50 KC-135T United States USAF | 92ARW [KSKA]    
AE03F8 84-0154   ---  2013-12-12 22:54:33 C-12U United States LA ARNG | OSACOM Det38 [KHDC]    
AE036E 98-0008   ---  2013-12-12 21:07:10 UC-35A United States US Army    
ADFEBD 96-0107   ---  2013-12-12 20:05:55 UC-35a1 United States USARC | C/2-228 AVN (TA) [KFBG]    
AE1494 97-0100   PEACH99 2013-12-12 20:04:22 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB]    
ADFC96 92-0341   ---  2013-12-12 19:39:10 T-1A United States USAF | 12FTW | 99FTS [KRND]    
ADFCEA 94-0139   ---  2013-12-12 19:05:11 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS    
280000 01-2001/N459PC   ---  2013-12-12 18:48:39 F-15/PC112 Various USAFE | 48FW [EGUL]    
ADFCEF 94-0144   ---  2013-12-12 18:34:47 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS    
AE10D1 165515   ---  2013-12-12 18:32:49 T-39G United States USN | TW-6 | VT-86 [KNPA]    
AE04AD 99-0104   ---  2013-12-12 18:32:10 UC-35a1 United States USARC | A/2-228 AVN (TA) [KWRI ]
AE1445 05-3145   PETRA22 2013-12-12 18:20:06 C-130J-30 United States USAF | 19AW [KLRF]    
AE1BF1 07-4638   PETRA23 2013-12-12 18:19:50 C-130J-30 United States USAF | 19AW [KLRF]    
AE03E9 165161   ---  2013-12-12 17:16:19 C-130T United States USNR | VR-64 [KWRI]
AE068B 62-3510   MASH81 2013-12-12 16:59:49 KC-135R United States AFRC | 434ARW | 72ARS [KGUS]    
AE1253 62-4126   SNOOP41 2013-12-12 16:46:48 RC-135W United States USAF | 55WG | 38RS [KOFF]    
ADFC96 92-0341   ---  2013-12-12 16:38:56 T-1A United States USAF | 12FTW | 99FTS [KRND]    
ADFC89 91-0101   ---  2013-12-12 16:05:22 T-1A United States USAF | 479FTG | 451FTS [KNPA]    
AE04C9 60-0314   INDY61 2013-12-12 15:26:24 KC-135R United States AFRC | 434ARW | 72ARS [KGUS]    
AE1494 97-0100   PEACH99 2013-12-12 15:20:01 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB]    
AE10CB 165509   ---  2013-12-12 14:51:24 T-39G United States USN | TW-6 | VT-86 [KNPA]    
50801C UR-82008 ADB1402 2013-12-12 10:34:21 An-124-100 Ukraine Antonov Design Bureau
AE066B 62-3554   TURBO81 2013-12-12 04:47:40 KC-135R United States USAF | 22ARW [KIAB]    
AE10B5 01-0186   RCH550 2013-12-12 01:46:00 C-17A United States USAF | 436AW | 3AS [KDOV]    
AE012E (73-1683)/97-01   ---  2013-12-12 01:02:28 C-9C United States AFRC | 932AW | 73AS [KBLV]    
AE020E 79-1948   ORCA80 2013-12-12 00:38:16 KC-10A United States USAF | 60AMW [KSUU]    
AAF7B8 10-0260   ---  2013-12-12 00:33:39 C-12V United States ---    
ADFCAC 92-0363   ---  2013-12-12 00:28:12 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS    
AB16F6 10-0259   ---  2013-12-12 00:24:56 C-12V United States U S ARMY    

House passes bill to transfer C-27J aircraft to Coast Guard; USFS would receive C-130Hs, No Senate Action Yet!

There are some reports on the street that the Air Force is about to transfer all their C-27Js to the Coast Guard. While the intent is there, it hasn't happened and may not happen. Until the Senate approves this budget which may not happen, this is a non-event.

Source: http://fireaviation.com/2013/12/13/house-passes-bill-to-transfer-c-27j-aircraft-to-coast-guard-usfs-would-receive-c-130hs/

House passes bill to transfer C-27J aircraft to Coast Guard; USFS would receive C-130Hs

On Thursday the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act for 2014 that contains provisions for the Forest Service to receive seven C-130H aircraft in lieu of the C-27Js they had been expecting. The bill passed with a vote of 350 to 69. Its next stop will be the Senate, which is tied up debating executive nominations, but they are expected to take up the bill next week before they adjourn on December 20.

The last time we reported on the possible transfer of excess C-27J aircraft from the Air Force to the Forest Service, there had been a proposal to instead, give all 14 of the remaining C-27Js to the Coast Guard if the Coast Guard would transfer seven C-130Hs to the Forest Service to be used as air tankers. With an agreement reached on December 9 regarding the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 between Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., and Sen. James M. Inhofe, R-Okla., chairman and ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, that proposal remained alive.

The bill passed by the House today:

• Requires the Coast Guard to transfer seven HC-130H aircraft to the Air Force.
• Requires the Secretary of the Air Force to spend up to $130 million to upgrade those seven aircraft to make them suitable for Forest Service use a firefighting aircraft.
• Requires the Forest Service to accept the upgraded HC-130H aircraft in lieu of exercising their right to take seven excess C-27J aircraft.
• Transfers 14 excess C-27J aircraft from DOD to the Coast Guard.
• Transfers up to 15 C-23 Sherpa aircraft from DOD to the Forest Service.

Before transferring the C-130Hs to the Forest Service, the Air Force would:

…perform center and outer wingbox replacement modifications, progressive fuselage structural inspections, and configuration modifications necessary to convert each HC-130H aircraft as large air tanker wildfire suppression aircraft.

Teak Publishing Adds Another New e-Publication to Their Growing Catalog

The International Shortwave Broadcast Guide is now available for purchase worldwide from Amazon.com at http://www.amazon.com/International-Shortwave-Broadcast-Winter-2013-2014-ebook/dp/B00H8X7LHM/.

 

 

“War Revives Shortwave Radio's Appeal: Communications: Many consumers, eager for news from the Persian Gulf are snapping up machines that fell out of fashion long ago.” – Los Angeles Times 1991

That LA Times headline above says it all about the appeal even today of a radio hobby that is over 80 years old – Shortwave Radio Listening.

So why shortwave radio? The best source of global information continues to be shortwave radio. Throughout the world, shortwave remains the most readily available and affordable means of communication and information. It lets you listen to voices from around the world. You'll also learn about the lives and concerns of people from all walks of life, from soldiers, to farmers, to retired scholars. It provides coverage nearly instantaneous of news and events from around the world.

If you live in the U.S., you can easily listen to shortwave broadcast stations from countries like North/South Korea, Iran, Australia, Cuba, China, New Zealand, Pakistan, India, Japan, England, Egypt, Tunisia, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, United States and many other counties if you have a good shortwave receiver, and you know when and where to listen!

The new International Shortwave Broadcast Guide by Gayle Van Horn W4GVH, is that all important information resource you need to tap into the worldwide shortwave broadcast radio spectrum. It is a 24 hour station/frequency guide to all the stations currently broadcasting on shortwave radio. This unique shortwave resource is the only publication that offers a by-hour schedule that includes all language services, frequencies and world target areas for each broadcast station.

This new e-publication is an expanded version of the English shortwave broadcast guide formerly printed in the pages of Monitoring Times magazine over the last 20 years. This one of a kind electronic e-book will now be published twice a year to correspond with station seasonal time and frequency changes.

If you enjoy listening or monitoring HF shortwave stations, and you miss the monthly English frequency listings formerly published in the late Monitoring Times magazine, and multilingual station listing in the old MTXpress electronic magazine, this valuable tool will now be your new guide to listening to the world.

Frequency updates between editions will be posted on her Shortwave Central blog at: http://mt-shortwave.blogspot.com/.

And, the good news is that you do not even need to own a Kindle reader to read Amazon e-book publications. You can read any Kindle book with Amazon’s free reading apps.

There are free Kindle reading apps for the Kindle Cloud Reader, Smartphones (iPhone, iTouch, Android, Windows Phone and Blackberry); computer platforms (Windows XP, Vista, 7 and 8 and Mac); Tablets (iPad, Android and Windows 8), and, of course, all of the Kindle family of readers including the Kindle Fire series. A Kindle e-book allows you to buy your book once and read it anywhere. You can find additional details on these apps by checking out this link to the Amazon website at www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=1000493771.

The International Shortwave Broadcast Guide is now available for purchase worldwide from Amazon.com at http://www.amazon.com/International-Shortwave-Broadcast-Winter-2013-2014-ebook/dp/B00H8X7LHM/.

 

The price for this Winter 2013-2014 edition is US$4.99. Since this book is being released internationally, Amazon customers in the United Kingdom, Germany, France Spain, Italy, Japan, India, Canada, Brazil, Mexico and Australia can order this e-Book from Amazon websites directly servicing these countries. All other countries can use the regular Amazon.com website.

For additional information on this and other Teak Publishing radio hobby books, monitor the company sponsored Internet blogs – The Military Monitoring Post (http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com/), The Btown Monitor Post (http://monitor-post.blogspot.com/) and The Shortwave Central (http://mt-shortwave.blogspot.com/) for availability of additional e-books that are currently in production.

You can view the complete Teak Publishing book catalog online at http://mt-shortwave.blogspot.com/. Click on the Teak Publishing radio hobby e-book link at the top of the blog page.

You can learn more about the author by going to her author page on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Gayle-Van-Horn/e/B0084MVQCM/.

The International Shortwave Broadcast Guide will have wide appeal to shortwave radio hobbyists, amateur radio operators, educators, foreign language students, news agencies, news buffs and many more interested in listening to a global view of news and events as they happen. 

If you are an amateur radio operator or shortwave radio enthusiasts, and want to hear what is happening outside the ham bands on that transceiver or portable shortwave radio in your shack, then this new e-book from Teak Publishing is a must in your radio reference library.