New airlift routes provide new possibilities

by 1st Lt. Marshel Slater, 618th Air and Space Operations Center (Tanker Airlift Control Center) Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AFNS) -- Planners here teamed with planners from the U.S. Transportation Command and the aircrew of a C-5M Super Galaxy Sept. 25 and 26 to open a new nonstop route from the U.S. to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.

The aircrew members and aircraft originated from the 436th Airlift Wing at Dover Air Force Base, Del.

The flight marked the first time a C-5 has flown this route from the United States East Coast, across the Atlantic Ocean, then over Europe into Afghanistan, officials said. The total flight time was less than 14 hours, cutting time off of traditional routing and eliminating the need for crews to rest overnight in Germany. The new route also enhances the ability of air mobility forces to respond worldwide despite challenging environments including volcanoes, floods, natural disasters or weather-related diversions.

"This was a huge collaborative effort," said Harold Guckin, the chief planner for the Contingency Channel Operations Directorate here. "My schedulers worked closely with flight managers from the command and control directorate, and we all worked tirelessly with the operations group at Dover (AFB) to get the mission planned."

The success of the flight also required in-flight refueling over England by a KC-135R Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England.

With its ability to carry more than any other aircraft, the C-5 has been an aviation workhorse for the Air Force since the 1970s and is critical to the success of global mobility operations, officials said. The new route not only showcased the capabilities of the airframe, but also supported ongoing Department of Defense efficiency initiatives by providing both an increase in airlift velocity and a reduced mobility footprint.

According to officials here, planners at the 618th AOC (TACC) are constantly looking for innovative solutions that allow the mobility Air Force to be good stewards of the resources entrusted to them by the American taxpayer.

"The 618th AOC (TACC) is the hub for mobility operations, said Brig. Gen. Dewey Everhart, the 618th AOC (TACC) commander. "It is our responsibility to ensure that those we serve can succeed in their mission. This new route provides invaluable options and increased flexibility, so air mobility assets can arrive where they're needed faster and more efficiently."

Charleston Air Force Base: C-17s could take shortcut over the North Pole

In a copyrighted story published By SCHUYLER KROPF and the The (Charleston) Post and Courier, they are reporting that "pilots from the Charleston Air Force Base could soon begin flying over the North Pole to reach the Afghanistan war zone. And if the order comes, one flyer says it won't be that hard to do."

You can read the rest of the story at http://www.islandpacket.com/1492/story/1085183.html

For my HF aero/milcom friends you should keep an ear out on the following MWARA Polar region (NAT-D) freqs for these Charleston AFB C-17 aircraft:

2971.0 4675.0 8891.0 11279.0 13291.0 17946.0 kHz (USB)

Good luck and good hunting de Jefe

MC-12 arrives, heralds activation of 4th ERS

Airmen welcomed the first Air Force MC-12 to be based in Afghanistan Dec. 27, 2009. The aircraft brings another capability to Operation Enduring Freedom, because the MC-12 is not just an aircraft, but a complete collection, processing, analysis and dissemination system of Airmen committed to securing Afghanistan and protecting Afghan and coalition lives. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Felicia Juenke)

by Tech. Sgt. John Jung, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFNS) -- The newest aircraft to the Air Force's inventory arrived Dec. 27, 2009, to Bagram Airfield. The MC-12 aircraft, tail number 090623, was the first of an undisclosed number of aircraft for the new 4th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron here.

Following the MC-12's arrival, the 4th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron was activated to carry out MC-12 operations in the Afghan theater of operations.

Col. Patrick McKenzie, the 455th Expeditionary Operations Group commander, presided over the brief ceremony attended by approximately one hundred Airmen and Soldiers.

"The MC-12 is much more than just a fleet of aircraft, its pilots and maintainers. It also consists of equipment and personnel that collect and broadcast full-motion video and signals intelligence, as well as crews that process, exploit and disseminate the information," Colonel McKenzie said. "In addition, the MC-12 encompasses a host of communications experts that support and maintain the added capability that the aircraft brings to the warfighter."

Taking the reins of the 4th ERS was Lt. Col. Douglas Lee, deployed from Columbus Air Force Base, Miss., and a native of Tuscaloosa, Ala.

"As a boy growing up in the Air Force, I could only imagine this day and for this opportunity to come along - [serving] in combat is why we raise our right hand to begin with," he said. "Knowledge is power and that is what we provide. This knowledge will help protect Afghans, provide security and protect Coalition lives. All of these things directly contribute to the combined effort that secures the battlespace and helps the Afghan people to defeat the insurgency."

As the demand for Air Force ISR increases assets, the MC-12 is positioned to meet that demand.

The first of its kind for the Air Force in Afghanistan, the MC-12 provides real-time ISR in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The aircraft bring another capability to Operation Enduring Freedom because the MC-12 is not just an aircraft, but a complete collection, processing, analysis and dissemination system of Airmen committed to securing Afghanistan and protecting Afghan and coalition lives.

Eighteen months ago, 'Project Liberty' was on the drawing board. Today, the aircraft and its crews and maintainers supporting the 4th ERS are operational and ready to go at Bagram Airfield.

"We are not the first to provide ISR, but we hope to enhance the joint effort through synergy with our sister services," Colonel Lee said.

Overall, the MC-12 will augment information gathered by other ISR assets already operating in Afghanistan and complement existing capability. The platform will enhance how Air Force ISR complements the total intelligence 'picture' in the respective commander's scheme of maneuver in the battlespace.

With a unique mission to execute, members of the 4th ERS are eager to "look for trouble," as their squadron motto states, but hope to see it first so U.S. and coalition ground forces can avoid it.

'Flying Tigers' Take Mission to Afghanistan

By Air Force Tech. Sgt. John Jung, Special to American Forces Press Service

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - American volunteers flying shark-faced P-40 Tomahawks protected China during World War II, and their legacy has become a fixture in the war in Afghanistan.

In homage to the storied airmen of the past, the 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., has the iconic shark's face painted on the front of its A-10 Thunderbolt II's, lovingly nicknamed the "Warthog."

The Warthogs provide daily close-air-support and precision-engagement missions throughout Afghanistan in support of coalition ground forces.

The squadron has had at least two aircraft airborne and providing support to their warrior counterparts on the ground on every day of its deployment. But the 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit keeps the A-10s ready to fly.

"Just like the airmen that defended China in World War II, the 74th AMU is often short on resources, said Air Force Capt. James Schieser, officer in charge of the squadron's maintenance unit. The maintenance airmen make do with what they have to maintain their aging aircraft, he added. "The strong leadership, dedication and perseverance of our noncommissioned officers, senior noncommissioned officers and officer corps, are what ensure every aircraft is fully mission-capable. The maintainers of the 74th AMU understand, with the Flying Tiger legacy they inherited, failure is not an option."

The Flying Tigers have broken records by flying more than 12,000 mission hours, expending more than 100 tons of ordnance since arriving in February. Sometime, though, all it takes is a show of force to end an engagement.

"We seek to avoid civilian casualties in all our operations - period," said Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Victor Castillo, weapons section superintendent. "We have a variety of methods we use, including loading of precision-guided munitions, monthly updates of aircraft digital maps and daily maintenance of our targeting systems to ensure the safety of innocent civilians on the ground."

But when enemy combatants don't flee after a show of force, the Warthog can deliver a precise strike to protect coalition ground forces.

Army Spc. Jason Dorsey, Company C, 178th Infantry, saw firsthand the precision and power of the Warthog.

"The A-10s were a valuable asset to us on ground missions here in Afghanistan," Dorsey said. "Their speed and precise targeting provided great support for us and kept the bad guys' heads down during firefights."

"We have so many soldiers coming in from the field to thank us - it's their stories of desperately needing air [support] and seeing an A-10 flying overhead providing cover for them that kept us energized and motivated," said Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Thomas E. Moore, lead production superintendent for the maintenance unit. "It kept us working hard even when it seemed all we were doing was launching and recovering jets 24/7."

82nd Airborne Assumes Command in Eastern Afghanistan

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, June 3, 2009 - Fifteen months after transferring authority of Regional Command East in Afghanistan to the 101st Airborne Division, the 82nd Airborne Division reassumed command during a ceremony here yerterday.

The ceremony marks the official transition from Combined Joint Task Force 101 to Combined Joint Task Force 82, with the new unit assuming responsibility for 14 provinces in eastern Afghanistan along the Pakistan border.

Army Maj. Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, commander of the 82nd Airborne Division and CJTF 82, praised 101st Airborne Division soldiers for their 15 months of service working to enhance the lives of the Afghan people.

"The leadership of the 101st forged an exceptional team that has proven an unparalleled understanding of, and performance in, this complex environment," Scaparrotti said. "In partnership with the people of Afghanistan, they have taken the fight to our common enemy and improved the lives of thousands of Afghan citizens."

Army Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Schloesser, commander of the 101st Airborne Division and CJTF 101, reflected on the accomplishments made by the soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, civilians and coalition partners in his task force during past 15 months while also looking to the future with CJTF 82.

"You can hold your head high at what you were able to accomplish," he said. "History will record your accomplishments here fighting those who would terrorize the world. While we say farewell to Afghanistan, another great task force returns to take our place.

"The 82nd Airborne Division -- no strangers to Afghanistan -- led by Major General Scaparrotti, will continue to assist the government, the Afghan national security forces, and the people of Afghanistan," he continued, "increasing security, improving governance and developing Afghanistan."

Regional Command East's mission is to bring development, governance and security to Afghanistan and ultimately to deny terrorists safe haven to launch attacks against the United States and its allies. CJTF 82 will work directly with NATO's International Security Assistance Force, U.S. Forces Afghanistan and the Afghan government to maintain security and development for the region.

The 82nd Airborne Division, deployed here from Fort Bragg, N.C., will maintain control of Regional Command East for about a year. The 101st Airborne Division, based out of Fort Campbell, Ky., has been deployed to Afghanistan since April 2008.

101st Airborne Takes Over for 82nd Airborne in Afghanistan

By Army Pfc. Mary L. Gonzalez
Special to American Forces Press Service

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, April 10, 2008 - On the 101st day of 2008, the headquarters of the 101st Airborne Division officially became Combined Joint Task Force 101 and took command of NATO's Regional Command East sector of Afghanistan from the 82nd Airborne Division.

In a ceremony here today, Army Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Schloesser, commander of the 101st Airborne and CJTF 101, praised 82nd Airborne soldiers for their effective service over the past 15 months to improve the lives of the Afghan people, and promised to continue in that mission.

"We pledge to work together with our coalition and Afghan partners in an effort to build a strong government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan [and] to improve the quality of life for the people of Afghanistan, who have seen too much violence and terror over the last 30 years," Schloesser said.

He added that the transition of authority also reflects the total commitment of NATO, its International Security Assistance Force and the U.S. government to the security and prosperity of the Afghan government.

"The purpose of the ceremony today is not about words," said Army Maj. Gen. David M. Rodriguez, outgoing commander of RC East and commander of 82nd Airborne Division, from Fort Bragg, N.C. "It is about better opportunities for the future of the Afghan people, and it is about the coalition's enduring commitment to this nation."

Since the Taliban era, Afghanistan has added 8,000 schools and 140,000 teachers, Rodriguez said.

About 70 percent of girls and 97 percent of boys in Regional Command East now have access to a state-sponsored education, as well as access to basic health care that has increased to nearly 80 percent, he said. This has resulted in a 25 percent reduction in infant mortality, adding up to about 90,000 lives.

"All of that is a large investment in a prosperous future for Afghanistan," Rodriguez said.

"We pledge that we will continue to support the Afghan national security forces as they provide security for the Afghan people by working together with our coalition and alliance partners and interagency organizations," Schloesser said.

Regional COmmand East is made up of 14 provinces in eastern Afghanistan, bordering Pakistan.

The 101st Airborne Division, known as the "Screaming Eagles," is based out of Fort Campbell, Ky. About 7,200 soldiers from the division's headquarters, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade and 101st Sustainment Brigade are now serving in Afghanistan as part of CJTF 101. The division's 1st, 2nd and 3rd Brigade Combat Teams currently are deployed to Iraq.

(Army Pfc. Mary L. Gonzalez serves with 101st Airborne Division.)

Unmanned Aircraft Joins Operation Enduring Freedom

By Sgt. 1st Class Charis Wilson, USA, Special to American Forces Press Service

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, Nov. 1, 2007 – A new, sleek, toy-like airframe is now a part of the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade fleet of aircraft traveling the skies of Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduing Freedom.

Sky Warrior-A is an Army unmanned aircraft system that provides combatant commanders the ability to detect, track and engage targets by using reconnaissance, surveillance and target-acquisition technology.

“It’s used as a combat multiplier, providing line-of-sight and beyond capabilities via a satellite link,” said Army Col. Michael Cavalier, project manager for unmanned aircraft system tactical concepts with Task Force Charger.

Less than three years into operational existence, the Sky Warrior-A has achieved a record 10,000 combat flight hours on three aircraft. First used in Iraq, it is being phased into operations in Afghanistan.

“It gives commanders an added asset on the tactical and strategic level to focus on priorities and direct assets where needed,” Detachment Commander Army Capt. Stephen Adamson said.

Sky Warrior-A began arriving in country in late September and is conducting operations throughout the theater.

C-5 lands at Bagram, opens galaxy of capabilities

by Capt. Michael Meridith, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
A C-5 Galaxy lands at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, without interruption to flight operations for the first time Sept. 22. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Jamie Cabral)

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan (AFPN) -- The Sept. 22 landing and launching of one of the Air Force's largest aircraft at Bagram Air Base promises to bring "tremendous" capability for the movement of critical cargo across the region, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing officials said here.

The Air Force's C-5 Galaxy landed here without interrupting wing flying operations, a first for Bagram AB, said Col. Jon Sutterfield, the commander of the 455th Expeditionary Maintenance Group.

The completion of runway upgrades last December helped make Sept. 22's landing and launch possible and opened the door for possible future visits, said Belinda Williams, the Bagram AB airfield manager.

"We're definitely ready to see more C-5 landings in the future," she said "Everything went smoothly."

Previous landings have required the movement of other aircraft on the flightline to accommodate the massive plane.

The C-5 is the largest airlifter in the Air Force inventory and has the ability to carry 36 pallets of cargo. In comparison, a C-130 Hercules can only carry six to eight pallets of cargo, depending on configuration. In addition, the C-5 has the benefit of nearly unlimited range through aerial refueling.

"One of the big advantages of bringing the C-5 here is bypassing the main (U.S. Central Command area of responsibility) hubs to get cargo to the warfighter faster," Colonel Sutterfield said. "It's a huge force multiplier."

Colonel Sutterfield also noted that the landing was the culmination of months of effort involving teamwork among the staff at the Combined Air and Space Operations Center in the AOR, the Tanker Airlift Control Center at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., and members of a host of organizations at Bagram AB, to include maintenance, security forces, transient alert and airfield management.

"It was a true team effort with a great result," said Master Sgt. Jamie Cabral, a transient alert quality assurance evaluator, who noted it took less than three hours for the aircraft to land, offload nearly 16,000 pounds of cargo and take off again.

"The bottom line is that bringing the C-5 here enables us to bring in more cargo, tools and personnel enabling the 455th to continue to take the fight to the enemy," Sergeant Cabral said.