VMFA-224 is on their way back to the States

One of our mil monitoring friends Taka Okamura in Tokyo has posted this interesting bit of information (Mac, one of our blog followers, this one is for you):

"VMFA-224's F-18D left MCAS Iwakuni,Japan at 17th and 18th July for return to USA.
They turn over Iwakuni deployment to VMFA-533.

Sorry, I don't know their flight callsign this time... But They usually fly for trans pacific flight way Iwakuni -> Wake Island -> Hawaii ->Miramar -> Beaufort.
So, I think they will reach to their Home base mid next week."

Have a good monitor!

Taka Okamura
Tokyo, Japan

Navy's ANDE-2 Launched Aboard Endeavour Downlink on 2 Meters

Blog Editor's Note: Want a shot at monitoring an orbiting spacecraft? Hams, Scanner Enthusiast and other radio hobbyist have a chance to monitor these two Navy satellites on their amateur band downlinks at 145.825 MHz. See AMSAT notice at the end of this post.

By Donna McKinney, Naval Research Laboratory Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Naval Research Laboratory's (NRL) satellite suite, the Atmospheric Neutral Density Experiment 2 (ANDE-2), launched aboard NASA's Space Shuttle Endeavour July 15.

The ANDE-2 satellite suite consists of two nearly perfectly spherical micro-satellites with instrumentation to perform two interrelated mission objectives. The first objective is to monitor the total atmospheric density along the orbit for improved orbit determination of resident space objects. The second objective is to provide a test object for both radar and optical U.S. Space Surveillance Network sensors.

ANDE-2 is a low-cost mission designed to study the atmosphere of the Earth from low-Earth orbit by monitoring total atmospheric density between 300 and 400 kilometer altitude. ANDE-2 data will be used to improve methods for the precision orbit determination of space objects and to calibrate the Space Fence, a radar space surveillance system belonging to the Air Force 20th Space Control Squadron, a principal resource for tracking low-Earth orbiting space satellites.

Because of ANDE-2's particular design requirements, a new deployment technique was developed by the Air Force Space Test Program and tested with the ANDE Risk Reduction (ANDERR) flight in December 2006. The primary ANDERR mission objective, a test of the Shuttle deployment mechanism, was successful.

The ANDE project was conceived and developed at NRL, by Andrew Nicholas of NRL's Space Science Division. The mission consists of two microsatellites with the same size but different masses sent into orbit at the same time: the lighter satellite, known as Pollux, and the heavier satellite, Castor.

The Castor spacecraft carries active instruments: a miniature wind and temperature spectrometer to measure atmospheric composition, cross-track winds and neutral temperature; a Global Positioning Sensor; a thermal monitoring system to monitor the temperature of the satellite; an electrostatic analyzer to monitor plasma density spacecraft charging.

Each satellite contains a small lightweight payload designed to determine the spin rate and orientation of the satellite from on-orbit measurements and from ground-based observations. The two microsatellites will slowly separate into lead-trail orbit to provide researchers an opportunity to study small-scale, spatial and temporal variations in drag associated with geomagnetic activity.

Both satellites will be fitted with an array of 30 retro reflectors and will be observed by the U.S. Space Surveillance Network and domestic and international satellite laser ranging sites. The variation in observed position will be used to determine in-track total density. Scientists will determine its position in relation to the passive satellite to compute total density and validate drag coefficient models. In addition, instrumentation on board Castor will measure density and composition.

A joint effort between the Space Science Division and the Naval Center for Space Technology to routinely process and analyze the ANDERR data has led to improved orbit determination and prediction using an atmospheric model correction method. The ANDE data provide a valuable tool for correcting deficiencies in atmospheric models and have led to advancements in miniature sensor technology. These advancements are pivotal for multi-point in-situ space weather sensing. The DoD Space Test Program will provide launch services for the ANDE-2 mission.

Experiment/Payload Description

Research Summary

Atmospheric Neutral Density Experiment - 2 (ANDE-2) objectives are to measure atmospheric density and composition in low Earth orbit (LEO) and to better characterize the parameters used to calculate a satellite's drag coefficient.

This experiment consists of two microsatellites, called ANDE Active (AA) spacecraft (Castor) and the ANDE Passive (AP) spacecraft (Pollux), that are launched from the Space Shuttle cargo bay.

These spherical satellites are 19 inches in diameter and will be tracked by the Satellite Laser Ranging systems and the Space Surveillance Network.

Description

The main objective of Atmospheric Neutral Density Experiment - 2 (ANDE-2) is to measure the total atmospheric density between 100 and 400 km. The density data that is gathered will be used to improve orbit determination calculations of the orbits of resident space objects.

ANDE-2 consists of two spherical micro satellites. These satellites are launched from the Space Shuttle cargo bay into a circular orbit just below the International Space Station altitude.

Both satellites will be tracked by the Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) system and the U.S. Space Surveillance Network (SSN). These satellites have the same dimensions, but have different masses. Because of the difference in mass, the satellites will drift apart over time. Observing the satellites' position will provide a study on spatial and temporal variations in atmospheric drag associated with geomagnetic activity.

Operational Requirements

ANDE-2 uses two spherical microsatellites which are launched from the Space Shuttle cargo bay. Both satellites are 19 inch diameter spheres, have a mass of 50 and 25 kg, and are constructed of aluminum. The surface of both spheres contains an embedded array of sensors including 30 retro reflectors, six laser diodes for tracking, and six photovoltaic cells for determining orientation and spin rate. Both spheres also have thermal monitor systems. The ANDE spacecraft are located inside the Internal Cargo Unit (ICU). The ICU is made of three aluminum sections. Each section is separated by a light band separation system. Once ejected from the cargo bay, the ICU will separate and deploy the ANDE spheres at a safe distance from the shuttle.

Operational Protocols

ANDE will be launched from the Space Shuttle cargo bay. The two microsatellites will be contained inside the ICU canister. Once the ICU canister is a safe distance from the Space Shuttle, two micro satellites will be released at an altitude of approximately 350 km.

And from AMSAT

AMSAT News Service Bulletin 193.06
From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
July 12, 2009
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-193.06

Castor and Pollox, two satellites in the Atmospheric Neutral Density Experiment (ANDE) program are ready to fly with the launch of STS-127 from Kennedy Space Center. The ANDE mission consists of two spherical spacecraft fitted with retro-reflectors for satellite laser ranging (SLR). The constant and well-determined cross section and surface properties of the ANDE spacecraft provide an ideal set of objects for monitoring atmospheric drag and the calibration of space surveillance network (SSN) assets both radar and optical.

Castor
Castor is a 19 inch diameter aluminum sphere with a mass of 63 kg. It is as near perfect sphere as possible given the constraints of cost and manufacturability. The sphere is split in half with e delrin disc. The hemispheres are also the satellite antenna. For power, the satellite has 112 19AH lithium primary cells. This provides about 7000 watt-hours of power which has to last for the one year mission.

The satellite has several different types of sensors. There are two main sensors, a Neutral particle wind and temperature spectrometer and an ion mass spectrometer.

A group of college students designed and built a MEMS sensor payload to test some commercial gyroscopes and a magnetometer. There are also six light sensors and six temperature sensors mounted in the satellite hemispheres.

Pollox
The Pollux satellite was originally to be a passive satellite with retroreflectors for laser ranging. It has been turned into a high school student project involving several schools in the Fairfax County, Virginia area.

The satellite is powered by twenty-eight 19AH Lithium-ion cells configured to provide 14 volts. The battery configuration uses the spare ANDE satellite hardware.

The electronics is based on cubesat hardware developed at the Naval Research Laboratory and Stensat Group LLC.

The communications board contains the transmitter and receiver. The transmitter operates at 2 meters and can put out up to 1 watt of signal. Power level is adjustable. The transmitter can operate at 1200 baud AFSK and 9600 baud FSK. The transmitter uses the AX.25 protocol. An experimental FX.25 protocol will be tested that adds forward error correction capability to the AX.25 protocol and still allows typical TNCs to decode the packets.

Both satellites will transmit on 145.825 MHz. Additional details about the telemetry format, as well as the FX.25 and GMSK experiments can be found at https://goby.nrl.navy.mil/ANDE/Main.html

Crew of New Multimission Destroyer Honors Namesake in Mast Stepping Ceremony

Image submitted on occasion of the Department of Navy announcement that the Navy's newest Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer will be named USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109), honoring the late Cpl. Jason L. Dunham, the first Marine awarded the Medal of Honor for Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Donald C. Winter, made the announcement in Dunham’s hometown of Scio, N.Y. U.S. Navy illustration (RELEASED)

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The crew of Pre-Commissioning Unit Jason Dunham (DDG 109) conducted a mast stepping ceremony July 11 at Bath Iron Works Shipyard in Bath, Maine.

Mast stepping, or the process of putting coins in the mast of a newly constructed ship, is a tradition dating back to the ancient Greek civilization. The U.S. Navy continues the ritual to this day, and the coins now symbolize aspects of the ship's heritage and remain forever welded in the masts of today's warships.

The ship's prospective commanding officer, Cmdr. Scott Sciretta, led the ceremony and included Dan and Deb Dunham, the parents of Jason Dunham; Marine Maj. Trent A. Gibson, Dunham's former company commander; and more than 100 members of the ship's pre-commissioning crew.

"This ship represents the man who laid down his life for his fellow Marines. Remember that selfless devotion to duty as you work and live on this ship," said Gibson.

On April 14, 2004, Dunham's squad was conducting a reconnaissance mission in Karabilah, Iraq, when his battalion commander's convoy was ambushed. When Dunham approached to provide fire support, an Iraqi insurgent leapt out of a vehicle and attacked Dunham. As he wrestled the insurgent to the ground, he noticed that the enemy fighter had a grenade in his hand. Dunham immediately alerted his fellow Marines, and when the enemy dropped the live grenade, Dunham covered it with his Kevlar helmet and threw himself on top to smother the blast. In an ultimately selfless act of courage, in which he was mortally wounded, he saved the lives of two fellow Marines.

Dunham was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

"[When] I received a call from my detailer telling me I was being offered to take command of USS Jason Dunham, I had heard the story behind the man but didn't know the details," said Sciretta. "When I looked it up and saw the significance of the name, I told him I'd do it. And as soon as I told my wife about Jason's story and the ship, she immediately said, 'When do we start packing?'"

The ceremony ended when Sciretta, Gibson and the Dunhams placed a small package containing items such as the last letter Cpl. Dunham wrote home, a set of his dog tags, his Purple Heart and the guidon for his company into a small metal box inside of the warship's mast. Aided by a master welder, the group welded the box closed, permanently sealing the items in the mast of the ship. In addition, Dunham's dress blue uniform will be displayed in a case on the destroyer's wardroom for the crew to see.

In the spirit of its namesake, USS Jason Dunham will continue protecting America's liberty by providing a dynamic multi-mission platform to lead the Navy into the future. Utilizing a gas-turbine propulsion system, the ship can operate independently or as part of carrier strike groups, surface action groups, amphibious ready groups and underway replenishment groups. With the combination of the Aegis combat system, the vertical launching system, an advanced anti-submarine warfare system, advanced anti-aircraft missiles and Tomahawk cruise missiles, the Arleigh Burke class continues the revolution at sea.

The ship is slated to be christened August 1 and commissioned in 2010.

LCS 1 Completes Structural Test Firing

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- USS Freedom (LCS 1) successfully completed structural test firing (STF) exercises off the coast of Virginia June 25; the STF exercise was held to test the ship's weapon systems to ensure they operate as installed and integrated with the hull structure.

During the week of tests, Freedom fired two Rolling Airframe Missile test rounds, 70 MK 110 57mm gun rounds, 24 chaff rounds and more than 1,000 50-calibre and smaller rounds.

"The successful completion of these live fire events proves the design, construction and integration of these weapon systems on LCS 1," said Capt. Jim Murdoch, LCS program manager with the Navy's Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. "The fit and function of these systems meets our expectations."

In addition to the ship's crew, the tests were conducted by engineers from Naval Sea Systems Command's Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Port Hueneme's Louisville detachment as well as NSWC Dahlgren.

LCS is a new breed of U.S. Navy warship with versatile warfighting capabilities, capable of open-ocean operation but optimized for littoral, or coastal, missions. Operational experience and analyses indicate that potential adversaries will employ asymmetric means to deny U.S. and allied forces access into critical coastal regions, such as strategic chokepoints and vital economic sea lanes. LCS is specifically designed to defeat such "anti-access" threats, which include fast surface craft, quiet diesel submarines and various types of mines.

LCS 1 began its second industrial post-delivery availability July 8 at Colonna's Shipyard in Norfolk. This availability is a planned event in Freedom's post-delivery period to provide for the correction of problems discovered during test and trials events conducted so far. The post delivery test and trials period is intended to fully examine the ship's installed systems' performance and allow the ship's crew to become familiar with and exercise the ship's systems.

PEO Ships is responsible for the development and acquisition of U.S. Navy surface ships and is currently managing the design and construction of a wide range of ship classes and small boats and craft. These platforms range from major warships such as frontline surface combatants and amphibious assault ships to air-cushioned landing craft, oceanographic research ships and special warfare craft. PEO Ships has delivered 32 major warships and hundreds of small boats and craft from more than 30 shipyards and boat builders across the United States.

National Guard Air Defense Element Gets Name Change

Back on April 3, 2007, I reported that NEADS was now EADS, but the name/acronym had not changed officially. See http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com/2007/04/eads-its-official-now.html. Finally as of Wednesday it is official, the old NEADS is now called EADS. So now my story is complete.

If you want the absolute latest NORAD freqs and background, you need to get a copy of my June 2009 Monitoring Times Milcom column. This column has the first list of CONUS/WADS/EADS/CANR/ANR frequencies since all of the consolidations and frequency changes that have been made in the 225-400 MHz milair band. You can order a single electronic copy of this issue (MTExpress) by contacting Grove Enterprises. More information is available on the Grove website.

Sector Renamed to Reflect Expanded East Coast Mission

ROME, NY (07/15/2009)-- In an official order from the Department of the Air Force, the New York Air National Guard's Northeast Air Defense Sector was renamed the Eastern Air Defense Sector today.

In November 2006, the Sector assumed responsibility for providing air sovereignty over the entire east coast of the U.S., which includes more than one million square miles of air space.

"We are extremely grateful to be officially renamed the Eastern Air Defense Sector because it truly reflects our area of responsibility," said Col. John Bartholf, EADS commander. "Ensuring the air sovereignty of the eastern coast of the nation is something that everyone here works tremendously hard to accomplish."

There are now two air defense sectors in the Continental United States, or CONUS. The Western Air Defense Sector provides air sovereignty over air space west of the Mississippi.

For the federal air defense mission, both sectors report to First U.S. Air Force at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla.

EADS is a joint, bi-national organization currently manned by New York Air National Guardsmen, Active Duty U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army and Coast Guard; Canadian Forces, federal civil servants and civilian contractor personnel.

The unit employs approximately 400 personnel.The overall unit mission at EADS is to provide air sovereignty and execute counter-air operations over the eastern United States in support of North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command Homeland Defense Missions.

12-nation Heavy Airlift Wing takes flight with first C-17

SAC 01 takes off beginning its 5,300-nautical-mile maiden flight July 14 from Long Beach, Calif., to Papa Air Base, Hungary. The aircraft is the first of three C-17 Globemaster IIIs to be acquired by the 12-nation Strategic Airlift Capability Program. The Hungarian air base is home to the SAC Program's multinational, operational-level unit, the Heavy Airlift Wing, which will officially be activated July 27. (Courtesy photo)

by Maj. Cristin Marposon, U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFNS) -- Twelve nations saw their dreams of strategic airlift come true as the multinational Heavy Airlift Wing they've built from scratch in less than a year received the "keys" to its first C-17 Globemaster III July 14 in Long Beach, Calif.

During a ceremony at Boeing's final assembly facility, Col. John Zazworsky who commands the HAW in a multinational capacity, officially received the first of three C-17s to be acquired by the Strategic Airlift Capability Program's consortium.

The consortium includes NATO member nations Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovenia and the United States, as well as Partnership for Peace nations Finland and Sweden.

"This is an unprecedented milestone for these 12 nations," Colonel Zazworsky said. "They've shared a common need for strategic airlift, yet they've each faced the financial obstacle of independently acquiring a heavy airlifter. Now, they collectively own an amazing machine that will serve them well.

"Since September 2008 when the consortium's memorandum of understanding went into effect, we've tirelessly worked to build from scratch what's essentially a multinational air force -- without a real template of any kind," the colonel said. "Our timeline has been aggressive, but we're prepared to safely fly SAC 01."

While some of the 11 European nations participating in the program own tactical airlifters, including the C-130, SAC 01, as the first C-17 is known, represents the first strategic airlift asset for all 11 nations. And given each nation's commitment to support NATO's International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, the HAW's eventual C-17 fleet of three will make transporting troops and supplies to Afghanistan more efficient and economical.

Colonel Zazworsky knows this fact well, having flown the C-17 himself for years and having commanded C-17 units both stateside and in expeditionary roles in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"SAC 01 is going to be a huge enabler for all the nations involved," he explained. "And that's really what it's all about -- building capacity through partnership."

At the hands of HAW pilots from Norway, Sweden and the U.S., SAC 01 departed Long Beach for Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., shortly after the delivery ceremony, beginning its 5,300-nautical-mile maiden flight home to Pápa Air Base, Hungary, the HAW's home base.

But to make the most of the miles, HAW loadmasters, also from Norway, Sweden and the U.S., will load SAC 01 at Charleston AFB with specialized heavy equipment, like cargo loading vehicles and forklifts, which will enable the HAW to carry out logistics support functions at Pápa AB.

"I feel fortunate to be on the first trip with the airplane," said Royal Norwegian Air Force Capt. Havard Brorby, a HAW loadmaster who trained at the C-17 Aircrew Training Center at Altus AFB, Okla., this spring. "My country would never be able to have an aircraft like this, but now it's possible."

According to Colonel Zazworsky, SAC 01 will begin operational missions in support of the nations' requirements by the end of the month, just days after the wing's official activation ceremony July 27. Many of those missions will be flown to meet the nations' commitments to ISAF.

With the second and third C-17s rounding out the HAW fleet of heavy airlifters in September and October, respectively, the HAW anticipates flying roughly 630 hours before the end of 2009, and scheduling more than 3,100 flying hours in 2010.

The nations' varying investments in the SAC Program dictate their proportionate share of the flying hours as well as their proportionate contribution of personnel. For instance, the U.S. has provided roughly 30 percent of the funding, will use 30 percent of the annual flying hours and has committed 41 Airmen, or roughly 30 percent of the HAW's 131 total positions.

The HAW itself is a small wing by many nations' standards, but other entities will augment the overall mission. Some 70 Boeing contractors will provide material management and depot maintenance support for the HAW's C-17s. A NATO agency of roughly three dozen individuals will handle acquisition, logistics support and financial matters. And finally, the Hungarian air force, as host at Pápa AB, will manage the airfield, air traffic control operations and base infrastructure support.

USAFE officials stand up air ground operations wing

by Capt. Megan A. Schafer, 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFNS) -- The stand up of U.S. Air Forces in Europe's first wing solely dedicated to supporting battlefield Airmen took place during a July 16 ceremony at Ramstein Air Base.

The 435th Air Ground Operations Wing takes over the mission previously performed by two 86th Airlift Wing units here -- the Contingency Response Group and the Air and Space Communications Group -- along with the 4th Air Support Operations Group out of Heidelberg, Germany.

"This is a historic day for Ramstein and for USAFE," said Col. Tom Gould, who took command of the 435th AGOW during the ceremony. "This wing's new capability is certainly one of a kind, from calling in airstrikes to opening bases, the capabilities this wing brings to the European and African theater is tremendous."

The wing consolidates the tactical air control party and battlefield weather specialties of the 4th ASOG, the contingency communications support of the ACOMG, and the expeditionary support to assess, prepare and operate airfields for air expeditionary forces of the CRG. Both of the groups from the 86th AW will now perform their mission under the 435th AGOW.

"The 435th AGOW provides these specialized Airmen with a single command and control structure," Colonel Gould said. "By consolidating these units under one wing, we will be able to standardize our organizational processes and streamline how we train, equip and employ our battlefield Airmen."

As part of the reorganization ceremony, the 435th Air Base Wing was redesignated as the AGOW. The 431st Air Base Group was also officially inactivated during an earlier ceremony. The remaining mission areas of the 435th ABW will merge with the 86th Airlift Wing.

"Realigning our mission under one wing meets the Air Force chief of staff's intent of structuring units by mission," said Brig. Gen. William J. Bender, the 86th Airlift Wing commander. "Our dual-wing team worked extremely well together -- even garnering a dual 'Excellent' rating during our recent Unit Compliance Inspection. We look forward to continuing that great cohesion as we combine our efforts under one wing."

Lt. Gen. Philip J. Breedlove, the 3rd Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony, and remarked on the changes as being a positive step for not only the wings and USAFE, but the Air Force.

"There is nothing wrong with change if it's in the right direction. This reorganization and stand up represents another step in streamlining our operations," the general said. He also challenged Colonel Gould to "find the balance between preserving the proud heritage of this wing and embracing the changes necessary to move forward into today's fight."

The 435th AGOW is the second of its kind in the Air Force. The 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing resides at Moody Air Force Base, Ga.

Bataan Conducts Amphibious Operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet

Amphibious assault vehicles from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU) approach the well deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) during an amphibious training exercise. Bataan is serving as the flagship for the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group conducting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. The 22nd MEU is serving as the theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Tony Sisti/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Jeremy L. Grisham

USS BATAAN, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines aboard multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) recently conducted full-scale amphibious operations training, which allowed the crew to maintain proficiency and readiness on four different types of crafts.

Bataan opened its well deck to the sea, allowed up to seven feet of water to enter the specialized compartment and launched and received landing craft air-cushions (LCAC), landing craft utility, amphibious assault vehicles and lighter amphibious resupply cargo craft from the dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) and amphibious transport dock ship USS Ponce (LPD 15).

For Bataan's engineering and deck departments, launching and recovering LCACs is routine, but working with the other craft is a bit more uncommon, so when the chance came to sharpen their skills, the crew was eager and ready for the challenge.

Deck department Sailors stationed at well-deck control, the craft access ramp and the along the parallel "wing walls" of the well deck brought aboard each craft, unloaded their cargo and then launched them back out to the sea.

"As far as proficiency, that's our job. We need to be ready for anything," said Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Eric Peterson from Hoisington, Kan., leading petty officer for deck's 2nd division. "Overall, you're only as strong as your weakest link."

Each amphibious craft presents unique challenges for the engineering team responsible for keeping the well deck flooded at the proper level, or "ballasting." Whether the requirement was six inches of water or seven feet, the operators and equipment were ready to execute.

"It really is assault and repair divisions that work diligently to maintain all ballasting equipment at peak performance," said Chief Damage Controlman (SW) James Welch, a native of Fresno, Calif., and one of Bataan's ballasting control officers. "When the time comes to do the job, we don't have any doubts about how the equipment will perform."

Bataan is serving as the flagship for the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, conducting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations.

Space Shuttle Launch Attempt Logs

Here is what was monitored on Monday during the last launch attempt of STS-127. They are gassing up again this morning and another launch attempt will occur this evening with a liftoff set for 6:03:10 p.p. EDT.

Frequencies monitored:
46.6500 CCAFS (JTF AIR, JOLLY)
118.6250 / 239.0500 CCAFS - Skid Strip Tower
121.5000 / 243.0000 Guard (CAPE TOWER with CG 2128 / airspace violation calls)
121.7500 KSC - NASA Ground
123.1000 Coast Guard Air (RELAY 1 - CLEARANCE 1 air-air)
126.6500 KSC - Weather
128.5500 / 284.0000 KSC - NASA Tower
133.4750 Miami Center - Melbourne (passed by CAPE CONTROL as contact for HURRICANE)
133.7500 Patrick AFB - Tower
133.8000 / 264.8000 CCAFS - Cape Control
134.0500 Orlando App (passed by CAPE CONTROL)
138.4500 am / 349.6000 CCAFS - DoD CAPE (JTF AIR; VARIETY)
141.3000 am / 294.6000 CCAFS - VARIETY 1 (VARIETY; CAPE LEADER)
156.8000 Coast Guard Ch-16
157.0500 Coast Guard Ch-21A DOLPHIN air-air
157.0750 Coast Guard Ch-81A Range Control
157.1500 Coast Guard Ch-23A Station Port Canaveral
157.1750 Coast Guard Aux Ch-83 Bairs Cove
165.3125 Coast Guard CG-121 (P25) Station Port Canaveral
235.4000 NASA air-air
255.5000 Patrick AFB 920th RQW RESCUE OPS (JOLLY air-air)
260.9000 HUNTRESS
269.3000 Miami Center - Melbourne
282.8000 CCAFS (JTF AIR)
311.0000 Patrick AFB 920th RQW (KING-JOLLY AR boom)
321.0000 Patrick AFB 920th RQW KING OPS
343.7000 Miami Center - Melbourne
360.1500 Langley AFB 1st FW HARASS air-air
411.4500 KSC - Direct 7

Callsigns:
CAPE CONTROL - CCAFS MRU (ground unit)
CAPE LEADER (ground unit)
CLEARANCE 1 (CG 2128)
COAST GUARD 2128 (HU-25D, CGAS Miami)
COAST GUARD 6565 (MH-65C, CGAS Savannah; is one of the DOLPHIN helos)
DOLPHIN 1-2 (MH-65C)
FORWARD OBSERVER AIR
GASMAN 02 (KC-135R, 106th ARS)
HARASS 33-34 (F-15C, 71st FS)
HARASS 35-36 (F-15C, 71st FS)
HOUSTON VOICE (ground unit)
JTF AIR (ground unit; mentions of Satcom problems; monitoring BFT's, Blue Force Trackers)
JOLLY 1 (HH-60G, tail 233)
JOLLY 2 (HH-60G, tail 358)
JOLLY 3 (HH-60G, tail 231)
JOLLY 4 (HH-60G, tail 232)
KING 1
KING 2
KING 3 (KC-130J, BH 6472)
NASA 912 (T-38N)
NASA 923 (T-38N)
NASA 945 (G-2; weather flight)
NASA 955 (T-38N; weather flight)
PARRISH 1 (ground unit)
RELAY 1 (Cherokee, N615FT)
SEARCH 1 (UH-1H, N416NA)
SEARCH 2 (UH-1H, N419NA)
SEARCH 3 (UH-1H) (passed N418NA yesterday)
TEFLON 08 (KC-135R, 108th ARS)
TEFLON 09 (KC-135T, 171st ARW)
VARIETY 1 (ground unit)
WARSHIP 28 (mentioned by JOLLY 3)
WEATHER COORDINATOR (ground unit)

CAP Points:
APOLLO CAP
ATLAS CAP (AR track)
POLARIS CAP (alternate AR track)

Milair Frequency Changes - 7/15/2009

The cleanout of the 380-400 MHz milair aero service continues to be replaced by LMR and wideband services. If you are not familiar with what is happening, I have written about this several times on this blog and in my Monitoring Times Milcom column. In fact, I hav some major updates on this and a new 380-400 MHz TRS in the southwest US in the September Milcom column in Monitoring Times magazine. Miss one issue and you miss a lot that is NOT published on this blog or anywhere else. A MT Express (electronic edition) sub is only $19.95 a year (one heck of a bargain). You can order your sub at http://www.grove-ent.com/page81.html.

So now it is time again for some more of our exclusive aero frequency changes, updates, listings and corrections from the Milcom MP Quik-Stop . . .

118.2750 Nephi Muni UT (KUXN) AWOS-3 Weather System
118.4000 Waverly-Pike County OH (KEOP) AWOS-A Weather System
118.7000 Southwest Oregon Regional OR (KOTH) Tower (starting 19 Sep 2009)
118.8000 Elk Mountain Airport WY (KEHY) AWOS-A Weather System
119.9250 Gallipois-Gallia Meigs Regional OH (KGAS) AWOS-3 Weather System
120.0500 Patuxent River NAS/Trapnell Field MD (KNHK) Patuxent River Approach / Departure Control (165-055 above 3000 feet)
120.3500 Ryan Field AZ (KRYN)Arrival Service North (Local Control)
121.0000 Cambridge-Dorchester Airport MD (KCGE) Patuxent River Approach/Departure Control, ex-127.9500/134.1000
121.0000 St. Mary's County Regional MD (2W6) Patuxent River Approach/Departure Control, ex-127.9500/134.1000
121.0000 Patuxent River NAS/Trapnell Field MD (KNHK) Patuxent River Approach/Departure Control (165-055 below 3000 feet)
121.0000 Webster NOLF MD (KNUI) Patuxent River Approach/Departure Control, ex-120.0500
121.0000 Tangier Island Airport VA (KTGI) Patuxent River Approach/Departure Control, ex-120.0500
122.0000 Seattle AFSS WA (SEA) Advisory, ex-120.6000
122.7000 Hart/Shelby-Oceana County Airport MY (C04) AWOS-A Weather System
123.7500 Versailles-Darke County OH (KVES) AWOS-3 Weather System
123.7500 St. Cloud Regional MN (KSTC) Ground Control, ex-121.6000
124.2000 Nassau Radio (Bahamas) secondary
125.9250 MBS International (Saginaw) MI (KMBS) ATIS, ex-118.6000
127.1000 Southwest Oregon Regional OR (KOTH) Ground Control (starting 19 Sep 2009)
127.9500 Patuxent River NAS/Trapnell Field MD (KNHK) Patuxent River Approach/Departure Control (056-164 all altitudes)
127.9500 Accomack County Airport (KMFV) Patuzent River Approach/Departure Control
128.0000 Nassau Radio (Bahamas) primary
130.5750 Marana-Pinal Park AZ (KMZJ) AWOS-3 Weather System
132.5500 Washington ARTCC (ZDC) Snow Hill MD RCAG Low Altitude Discrete: Approach/Departure services (Sector 23/Cape Charles Sector)
133.1250 Washington ARTCC (ZDC) Atlantic City NJ RCAG High Altitude, paired with 281.4500 (the site at Sea Isle has been disestablished)
133.9000 Washington ARTCC (ZDC) Patuxent River MD RCAG Low Altitude Discrete: Approach/Departure services (Sector 11/Calvert Sector), paired with 281.4000
134.1000 Washington ARTCC (ZDC) Patuxent River MD RCAG Approach/Departure Services; Patuxent River NAS/Trapnell Field MD (KNHK) radar and Wallops Island (KWAL) no longer uses this freq
135.0250 Patuxent River NAS/Trapnell Field MD (KNHK) Ground Controlled Approach Radar
135.5500 Travis AFB CA (KSUU) D-ATIS, 116.4000
141.6500 Wheeler AAF HI (KHHI) Lightning Radio
250.3000 Cambridge-Dorchester Airport MD (KCGE) Patuxent River Approach/Departure Control
250.3000 St. Mary's County Regional MD (2W6) Patuxent River Approach/Departure Control
250.3000 Patuxent River NAS/Trapnell Field MD (KNHK) Patuxent River Approach/Departure Control (165-055 below 3000 feet)
250.3000 Webster NOLF MD (KNUI) Patuxent River Approach/Departure Control, ex-281.8000
250.3000 Tangier Island Airport VA (KTGI) Patuxent River Approach/Departure Control, ex-281.8000
255.4000 Seattle AFSS WA (SEA) Advisory
256.8000 Washington ARTCC (ZDC) Snow Hill MD RCAG Low Altitude Discrete: Approach/Departure services (Sector 23/Cape Charles Sector)
270.8000 Patuxent River NAS/Trapnell Field MD (KNHK) Radar no longer uses this freq
273.4500 Corpus Christi TX Approach/Departure Control, ex 385.6000
281.4000 Washington ARTCC (ZDC) Patuxent River MD RCAG Low Altitude Discrete: Approach/Departure services (Sector 11/Calvert Sector), paired with 133.9000
281.4500 Washington ARTCC (ZDC) Atlantic City NJ RCAG High Altitude, paired with 133.1250 (the site at Sea Isle has been disestablished)
281.8000 Patuxent River NAS/Trapnell Field MD (KNHK) Patuxent River Approach/Departure Control (165-055 above 3000 feet)
286.0000 Patuxent River NAS/Trapnell Field MD (KNHK) Radar no longer uses this freq
314.0000 Washington ARTCC (ZDC) Patuxent River MD RCAG Approach/Departure Services; Patuxent River Approach/Departure Control Service (056-164 all altitudes)
314.0000 Accomack County Airport (KMFV) Patuzent River Approach/Departure Control
348.0000 Patuxent River NAS/Trapnell Field MD (KNHK) Ground Controlled Approach Radar
262.6000 Patuxent River NAS/Trapnell Field MD (KNHK) Ground Controlled Approach Radar

And finally from Master Mark Cleary:

"I noticed a new Approach frequency is in use at Shaw AFB today. Frequency is 225.400. 287.000 has gone silent. 385.6 was in use Sunday and is silent today."

Here is a NOTAM confirming it:

APPROACH CONTROL UHF FREQ 385.6 OUT OF SERVICE. CONTACT APPROACH CONTROL ON UHF FREQ 225.4. 12 JUL 13:17 2009 UNTIL 12 AUG 23:59 2009. CREATED: 12 JUL 13:19 2009

The area in and around 287.0000 is interesting. It is another segment of the UHF milair spectrum where AM aero services are being moved out. This strongly suggest based on previous assignments in and around this freq and past intercepts, that this may be a new wideband sub-band in the 225-400 MHz spectrum. I have more exclusive details on this in my Septemmber 2009 MT Milcom column, including some in-depth analysis of the changes in the 380-400 MHz LMR sub-band.

Ike is Underway in Atlantic

The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) is underway in the Atlantic Ocean during a visit by nearly 100 dignitaries from the North Atlantic Council. The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is operating in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility after a scheduled five-month deployment in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and maritime security operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Rafael Figueroa Medina/Released)

Sonar Operators Test Their Skills During COMPTUEX

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Coleman Thompson

USS HARRY S. TRUMAN At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors from Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HST CSG) used active sonar to hunt submarines during the strike group's composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) June 9-July 3.

COMPTUEX is an intermediate-level exercise required of each carrier strike group before it deploys. The exercise brings ships and aircraft together to prepare to project force as a strike group in the interest of global maritime security and to protect the nation's homeland security.

Although sonar operators receive various types of synthetic antisubmarine warfare (ASW) training, nothing compares to using active sonar at-sea to hunt actual submarines.

"The ability to run silently on battery power makes modern diesel submarines a significant threat against U.S. forces patrolling the oceans. An undetected submarine can quickly cripple a high value target such as an aircraft carrier before the ships accompanying it can effectively respond," said Capt. Robert C. Barwis, commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26,

According to Lt. Christopher W. Clevenger, DESRON 26 submarine operations officer, detecting these threats is the duty of all Sailors within the ASW community, requiring simultaneous training at-sea by ships, submarines, planes and helicopters. Through the use of helicopters and towed sonar arrays, ASW teams can detect most sub-surface threats, but the only way to detect an ultra-quiet threat before it comes within striking range is with of active sonar.

"ASW training, including the use of active sonar in at-sea training scenarios during COMPTUEX, is vital to training sonar operators and ensuring the Navy stays competent in its ability to combat sub-surface threats," Clevenger said.

Because ASW skills are perishable and deteriorate rapidly, repeated training is required.

"The proficiency goes away if you don't maintain and keep up with it," said Sonar Technician (Surface) 2nd Class Alex Szlamas, a sonar operator with DESRON 26's ASW team. "That goes for the ability of an operator working on a destroyer platform to evaluate accurate types of contacts on their sensors, all the way to the command and control staffs, like the DESRON."

Sailors have opportunities to hone their ASW skills during COMPTUEX.

"There are a lot of elements that make background noise when using sonar - whales, background shipping freighters, even shrimp. All these create a situation that can easily mask a diesel submarine, which can sound like a shipping freighter," said Clevenger. "It's very hard to mimic all those sounds in a simulation, which is why we need real-time training in a real environment.

"Unfortunately these diesel submarines don't have a lot of tonal frequencies that we can pick up when they're running on battery. They can be very difficult to locate if we're just using passive sonar until, unfortunately, they get too close. Worse, they become even harder to locate in littoral waters where background noise is both higher and more diverse, providing a larger protective sound shield for the subs."

Although some concern has been raised lately over the adverse effect of active sonar and marine wildlife, the Navy is one of the leading sponsors of marine mammal research, spending $26 million in fiscal year 2008, including efforts to understand the relationship between sound and marine mammals.

"We follow a lot of precautions to ensure the safety of marine mammals," said Clevenger. "One of the common practices we use is to have sonar operators trained specifically to identify and locate marine mammals and we'll limit, or cut off, the power of our active sonar as they get within a certain range."

With more countries fielding more submarines, it is very important for strike groups to continue to practice ASW so they are better prepared for sub-surface threats and able to maintain safe and effective fleet operations. The Navy recently completed a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement for Atlantic Fleet Active Sonar Training (AFAST), which evaluated the environmental effects of the Navy's training activities on all of its training areas. As a result of this study, the Navy will continue with the present level of training along the East Coast of the United States and within the Gulf of Mexico as authorized by federal regulators. As part of this authorization, Navy continues to implement protective measures set forth by the National Marine Fisheries Service.

Carrier Strike Group 10 (CSG-10) is made up of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), with its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing Three (CVW-3) and embarked Destroyer Squadron 26 (CDS-26), guided missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG 66); guided-missile destroyers USS Carney (DDG 64), USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) and USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81); attack submarine USS Norfolk (SSN 714); and independently participating frigates USS Stephen S. Groves (FFG 29) and USS McInerney (FFG 8).

CVW-3 consists of Strike Fighter Squadrons (VFA) 32, 37 and 105; Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312; Electronic Attack Squadron 130; Airborne Early Warning Squadron 126; Carrier Logistics Support Squadron 40; and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 7.

Navy Accepts Re-Delivery of USS Carl Vinson

The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) performs high-speed turns during the rudder check phase and sea trials certification. Carl Vinson is now working towards a flight deck certification. While at sea, the ship will launch and recover aircraft for the first time in nearly four and a half years. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy took re-delivery of USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) July 11, following successful completion of its Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH).

USS Carl Vinson began its RCOH in November, 2005. During her RCOH more than 20 million man-hours of work were conducted on board the ship, divided between refueling the propulsion plant, upgrading ship's infrastructure to last another 25 years, and modernizing combat systems and airwing capabilities to increase combat effectiveness.

"USS Carl Vinson's return to the fleet is the result of hard work by the ship's crew, shipyard employees, and the men and women at Program Executive Office (PEO) Carriers and the Naval Sea Systems Command who plan and oversee the ship's RCOH. Thanks to advance planning efforts begun years before the start of work we were able to complete the RCOH on budget," said Program Executive Officer for Aircraft Carriers Rear Adm. Michael McMahon.

USS Carl Vinson is the third Nimitz-class aircraft carrier to complete RCOH at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding-Newport News. USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) begins her RCOH later this summer. Advance Planning is currently ongoing for the USS Abraham Lincoln's (CVN 72) RCOH.

PEO Aircraft Carriers is responsible for the acquisition, modernization and support of the Navy's in-service and future aircraft carriers.

My old U.S. Navy squadron makes a little news

Most of you do not know that I am a retired Navy Chief from the aviation community. My last unit was the River Rattlers of VFA-204 based at NAS/JRB New Orleans. I had a nice surprise in my morning mail with the publishing of this US Navy News "Photo of The Day" below.



Two F/A-18 Hornets assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 204 and two F-15 Strike Eagles assigned to the Louisiana Air National Guard 159th Fighter Wing fly in an echelon formation over southern Louisiana wetlands during a photo exercise. VFA 204 and the 159th are stationed on Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base (NAS JRB) New Orleans. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John P. Curtis/Released)

Go get'em River Rats

Where do satellite catalogs come from?

Tracking all the active satellites and orbital debris around the Earth is a challenging task, even for the US Defense Department. (credit: NASA)

Occasionally on this blog I write up information on some of the more interesting military satellite information that crosses my desk. In those write ups you will see mention of the NORAD Space Catalog number, International Designator, and other information on the object's orbit.

I have come across a most interesting article online that describes the creation and maintenance of satellite catalogs and a lot more by a knowledgeable author, Brian Weeden.

http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1417/1

If you would like to learn more about how NORAD tracks stuff in orbit, this is a must read.

Minnesota Guard Deploys to Iraq

Close to 100 Minnesota National Guardsmen will be in Iraq soon.

17th Air Force Prove Capabilities With President's Ghana Trip

Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing on McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., assist aircrew personnel in offloading a presidential limousine from a C-17 Globemaster at Kotoka International Airport at Accra, Ghana, July 8, 2009, as part of the U.S. military support for President Barack Obama's visit to Ghana. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jerry Fleshman

By Air Force Master Sgt. Jim Fisher, Special to American Forces Press Service

ACCRA, Ghana - Before President Barack Obama could land to an unprecedented reception here July 10, airmen, sailors and Marines were on the ground days in advance to prepare.

More than 150 servicemembers here and more than 1,000 sailors and Marines aboard the USS Iwo Jima came together in the West African country to form a task force to support the president's visit July 10 and 11.

The mission was conducted by 17th Air Force, also known as Air Forces Africa, based at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Seventeenth Air Force is the air component for U.S. Africa Command.

The task force provided aerial port and aircraft maintenance teams, forward communications, medical and helicopter support, and early warning and air domain safety and security elements to support the president's visit, his first to the African continent since taking office in January.

In addition to supporting the visit, members worked with their Ghanaian counterparts to strengthen the partnership between the two nations.

The multiple teams that make up the task force have gelled into a cohesive team, said Air Force Col. Mark Vijums, task force commander.

"When you are supporting the president of the United States, our commander in chief, you deliver your absolute best, and that's what this task force has done," Vijums said. "Everyone has operated with a keen sense of the purpose and scope to ensure our president and all those supporting him have everything they need while in Ghana."

A presidential mission overseas means transporting equipment ranging from the president's limo to the stair truck that makes it possible for him to disembark Air Force One. Scheduling, offloading and maintaining a stream of C-17 Globemasters were crucial in getting the equipment to Ghana and having it in place in time for Obama's arrival, Vijums explained.

Air Force Master Sgt. Ken Duran served as the aerial port team chief during the operation. Deployed from the 819th Global Support Squadron at McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., his team has unloaded every piece of equipment needed for the visit. Duran said his team was excited about its first visit to the African continent and about the chance to support the president.

"This is pretty much a once-in-a-lifetime experience for us, and something I know I will always remember," Duran said. "We are all very excited, and the Ghanaian people are phenomenal. We've met so many people that are smiling, friendly and engaging. It's been a really positive experience."

While his aerial port team doesn't have all the support they would have while conducting a similar operation at their home base, they are well equipped, both in terms of personnel and resources, to provide complete support to the operation in Ghana.

"This team is designed lighter and leaner and to make sure we can handle everything that arrives on every aircraft. Also, the 17th Air Force folks have been a really big help to us," Duran said.

The task force used the communications capabilities supplied by a team from the 1st Combat Communications Squadron at Ramstein Air Base. Upon arrival, Air Force 1st Lt. A.J. DeLaFuente and his team provided for a range of communications, including Internet, land-line telephone services, network administration and radio.

"We pretty much have a hand in every form of communications outside of the commercial cell phones," DeLaFuente said. "When the rubber meets the road, it's really awesome to see it all working out well."

The communications squadron deploys to set up forward communications at locations throughout Europe, and the team is well versed in overcoming communications challenges outside of the normal base infrastructure.

"This is my 'A-team,' the cream of the crop, and that's what they do," DeLaFuente said. He said the team is a mix of qualified technicians from members on their first deployment to experienced experts who have set up similar operations before. But for everyone, this mission is "a pretty big deal."

It was the first forward operation for the lieutenant.

"I'm really thankful to be on a mission of such notoriety with such qualified professionals across the spectrum," said DeLaFuente, noting that in addition to fostering teamwork on the Task Force, the mission also enhanced the partnership with the Ghanaians. "They are going out of their way to be helpful. It's really a pleasure to work with them."

Air Force Master Sgt. Russ Killpartrick agreed that the Ghanaians were eager to work in concert with the U.S. delegation. The production superintendent for aircraft maintenance operations deployed from Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., where he is assigned to the 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. His team of maintainers has attended to every C-17 touching down here.

"We provide whatever they need, usually filling them up with gas and launching them back out," Killpartrick said. "Everyone's excited to be here. This is the highest-priority mission we could have."

That point was reiterated by the commander, who said that everyone, including sailors and Marines on the Iwo Jima, and Marines conducting security on the ground, acted on that premise.

"Our Marine and Naval components of this team have displayed the highest level of dedication and professionalism, and have instilled confidence in everyone taking part -- they are excellent at what they do and it shows," Vijums said.

Air Force Squadron Improves Base in Iraq

By Army Sgt. Frank Vaughn, Special to American Forces Press Service

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq - The landscape of this base is changing rapidly. Some buildings already have been built to improve the operational capability of Multinational Division South, with others planned for the near future.

The progress evident throughout the base is due largely in part to the efforts of the U.S. Air Force's 557th Expeditionary RED HORSE Squadron. RED HORSE stands for Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operation Repair Squadron Engineers.

The squadron includes engineering specialists from 76 bases throughout the United States, Air Force Master Sgt. Barry Snyder Jr. said.

"We have multiple skills from multiple bases," said Snyder, who is deployed with the 819th RED HORSE Squadron from Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. "We have 11 specialties on our team, including heavy equipment operators, pest management, plumbers, power production, [vertical construction] and logistics."

The team already has constructed a 30,000-square-foot headquarters building here for the 4th Infantry Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team. Snyder, the acting first sergeant for the squadron, said his team is especially proud of the new headquarters building.

"We put a lot of work into that building to make it functional for those guys," he said.

Snyder credits his troops and their leaders for the success of the RED HORSE mission so far.

"These guys are phenomenal," he said. "They work hard and make me proud to be a RED HORSE. Leadership over here has also been outstanding in keeping everyone focused on our goals."

Air Force Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Ratliff, a carpenter with the squadron, said staying focused has been fairly easy under the circumstances.

"I love this job," said Ratliff, a native of Lexington Park, Md. "We get to the job site at 7 a.m., get our materials together and discuss what we're going to do for the day. Then we get to work. I love seeing the contributions we've made to this place when the projects are completed."

Ratliff said the squadron's members have come together as a team since the beginning of the deployment.

"We all mesh together pretty good," he said. "We're not all from the same station, but it's good to meet new people."

The RED HORSE members currently are working on a hall for the Red Bull Band. The building, located near the recently completed mail-sorting facility, will house office space and room for band rehearsals, said Ratliff, who is serving his fourth deployment.

Future projects include a post chapel.