First P-8A Poseidon Arrives at NAS Patuxent River

NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, MD (NNS) -- The first P-8A Poseidon test aircraft arrived at Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, April 10.

The aircraft, recently assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 20, arrived after a six hour, 55 min. flight from Boeing's Seattle facilities. VX-20's Government Flight Test Director Cmdr. Jim Reining, along with VX-1's Operational Test Director Cmdr. John Verniest and Boeing's P-8A chief pilot Chris Dobb delivered the aircraft referred to as T1.

T1 began formal Navy flight testing at the Boeing facility in October 2009. The Integrated Test Team (ITT) spent the past six months executing ground and flight tests while maximizing the expertise of Boeing P-8A engineers and technicians.

"It was an exciting moment to watch the first P-8A Poseidon touch down at Pax River today," said Capt. Mike Moran, Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft program manager (PMA-290). "The maritime patrol and reconnaissance platform is in great demand throughout the world and this flight put us one step closer to delivering Poseidon to the fleet. I cannot be more proud of our team as they work to ensure this aircraft will meet our warfighters' requirements."

Moran said that the program continues to meet all performance criteria and is on track for initial operational capability in 2013.

"The ITT, along with all Boeing's Seattle production and maintenance team has worked very hard to get the aircraft to Pax River to complete the planned test program," said Reining. "The ITT is grateful for the strong support from PMA-290 and Boeing management and is excited to get to work testing at Pax River."

The Poseidon ITT, comprised of Navy test squadrons (VX-20 and VX-1), and Boeing, will utilize T1 to evaluate the P-8A's airworthiness and expand its flight envelope.

The program's other two flight test aircraft, T2 and T3, will transfer to Pax River later this year. These aircraft will focus on extensive mission systems and weapons system testing, ensuring the P-8A's ability to carry out the anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations.

The Poseidon will replace the P-3C Orion as the Navy's premier maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft. Its advanced mission systems, software and communications technology will allow the Fleet to carry out the same missions as the Orion, but with greater situational awareness that will enhance mission success.

Lynn details Defense Department's space strategy

by Jim Garamone, American Forces Press Service

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AFNS) -- From the commander in chief in the White House to an Airman manning an observation tower on Afghanistan's border with Pakistan, space is the domain that ties them together.

Space provides critical capabilities for the Defense Department and the organization must change its space strategy as the situations and conditions change, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said at the National Space Symposium here.

Speaking to about 4,000 civilian and military space experts April 14 at the Broadmoor Hotel complex, the deputy secretary outlined the Defense Department's strategy to address the changing space environment.

Space gives the department four critical advantages, he said: to strike precisely, to navigate with accuracy, to communicate with certainty and to see the battlefield with clarity.

"These advantages make U.S. forces more accurate and agile than ever before," Mr. Lynn said. "They extend the range of American military power. They have changed the nature of warfare."

Space allows Airmen to fly unmanned aerial vehicles over Afghanistan from their battle stations in the United States. And, space-based global-positioning system satellites provide the capability enabling the extremely precise targeting that's necessary for overseas counterinsurgency operations, Mr. Lynn said.

"The deployment of space-based capabilities in our military today is so seamless and so ubiquitous that forward-deployed units forget that many of the capabilities they depend on touch space every minute of every day," he noted.

The upcoming Space Posture Review is based on the idea that developments in space challenge our current posture, Mr. Lynn told the group. "The Space Posture Review starts with the premise that space has become congested, competitive and contested," he said.

Satellites and man-made debris are clogging orbital pathways, as more than 60 nations operate more than 1,100 orbiting systems. More than 20,000 bits of known, trackable debris also orbit the Earth, along with tens of thousands of pieces of space debris that are too small to monitor, but still pose dangers.

"Space has also become more competitive, with more nations working in space than ever before," Mr. Lynn said. A key to continued progress in space, he added, is for countries to cooperate in assets and benefits from space-based systems, citing GPS as a prime example of a technology with widespread benefits.

Nations need to cooperate to minimize the specter of communications interference in space, Mr. Lynn said, as the sheer number of communications satellites being launched is causing problems.

"We're approaching a point at which the limitless frontier no longer seems quite so limitless," he told the audience.

Finally, Mr. Lynn said, space is becoming contested.

"We can no longer take access to space for granted," he said, noting that some nations jam signals to satellites to censor what their people can see. Other nations can destroy satellites in low-Earth orbit.

"Still others have technologies that can disable or permanently damage space platforms," he said. "Our space assets could be targeted as part of a deliberate strategy to deny us access to the domain. By crippling key sensors and platforms such anti-access tactics could offset our conventional-force capabilities. Never before have our space assets been so vulnerable to destruction."

A new strategy must seek to establish norms of behavior in space, to use interdependence of space-based platforms as an asset and to deny any benefit from space attacks, Mr. Lynn said.

U.S. space experts are working to establish the norms of behavior in space, he said. Defense Department officials are trying to ensure communications spectra do not clash, and they're also working on a cooperative program to track and chart satellites.

Selective interdependence, Mr. Lynn said, is the second part of the strategy.

Space is a competitive place "with many rival actors maneuvering for advantage," he noted. In some areas, such as surveillance and command and control, there will be little cooperation, he acknowledged. In others, such as environmental monitoring and missile warning, "our shared interests prop open the door to possible cooperation," he said.

Denying benefits from an attack can be done by building redundancies into satellites and into ground and air capabilities. Mr. Lynn also recommended building smaller satellites with modular parts that would make replacement easier.

The first small satellites will launch later this year, he said, and will deliver needed capabilities to American servicemembers in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Anothe New T69ME1 Style Station Surfaces on SHARES

This afternoon another new T69ME1 style ALE address has surfaced on the HF bands.

Late this afternoon I caught T60TN1 working T43DE1 on 5211.0 kHz.

So now we have seen the following stations:

T43DE1
T55WA2
T60TN1
T69ME1
T86VA2

On the following frequencies:

4490.0 5211.0 6766.0 6800.0 6985.0 6997.0(LSB) 7722.0 9106.0 10493.0 10816.5 11217.0 11608.5 13242.0 13568.0 14396.5 14653.0 15094.0 16338.5 17458.5 17487.0 kHz.

Again if anyone has anything to add to this please email me.

USS Virginia Returns From Maiden Six-Month Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class T. H. Merritt, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- A cloudy sky gave way to bright smiles and warm cheers April 13 as friends and family welcomed the crew of Virginia-class attack submarine USS Virginia (SSN 774) back to Submarine Base New London after a six-month deployment.

Cmdr. Jim Waters, III, Virginia's commanding officer, said the crew traveled more than 37,000 miles during the first major deployment for a Virginia-class submarine.

"We operated in all kinds of environments without incident," said Waters. "The work the designers put into this ship has proven itself time and time again. This experience has helped to seal the team in an amazing way."

As the Virginia-class attack submarine came into view passing under the Thames River Bridge, anxious spouses and children strained to see if they could spot their Sailor topside preparing to moor.

Emily Szolwinski, of Milwaukee, Wis., won the traditional "first kiss." While waiting to see her husband, Electronics Technician Seaman (SS) Maximilian Szolwinski, she said the hardest part of being without her husband was doing without his sense of humor.

"I missed his smile most. But, I also learned I could overcome a lot of obstacles too," she said. "The Navy family helped me stay strong."

Her husband said that his friends and shipmates helped him keep a positive attitude, and now it's time to enjoy sleeping in for a day or two.

"We worked hard, and now I just want to spend as much time with my family as I can," he said.

Deploying Oct. 15, 2009, Virginia spent the last six months conducting operations in the U.S. European and Central Command Areas of Responsibility.

The crew made port calls in Rota, Spain; Souda Bay, Greece; Fujahra, United Arab Emirates; and Aksaz, Turkey where Sailors got the opportunity to experience the local culture and serve as goodwill ambassadors for the United States and the Navy.

"This is a monumental day," according to Capt. Michael Bernacchi, commodore of Submarine Squadron 4, which includes Virginia. "I think this is a real transition as it marks the change from Virginia being a new boat to Virginia being a workhorse."

After some well-deserved rest and relaxation for the crew, Virginia will resume maintenance and training in preparation for future operations.

Virginia is the first in her class of the technologically-advanced attack submarines. She was commissioned Oct. 23, 2004 and is the sixth U.S. Navy vessel to bear the name of the first English colony and the 10th American state.

Another T69ME1 Station Surfaced this Afternoon

This afternoon another new T69ME1 style ALE address has surfaced on the HF bands.

Late this afternoon I caught T86VA2 working T43DE1 on 5211.0 kHz.

So now we have seen the following stations:

T43DE1
T55WA2
T69ME1
T86VA2

On the following frequencies:

4490.0 5211.0 6766.0 6800.0 6985.0 6997.0(LSB) 7722.0 9106.0 10493.0 10816.5 11217.0 11608.5 13242.0 13568.0 14396.5 14653.0 15094.0 16338.5 17458.5 17487.0 kHz.

Again if anyone has anything to add to this please email me.

Jefe Sends

DESRON 24, U.S. Ships Arrive off the Coast of Scotland for Joint Warrior

By Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Nikki Smith, Destroyer Squadron 24 Public Affairs

FASLANE, Scotland (NNS) -- U.S. Navy ships led by Commander, Destroyer Squadron 24 (DESRON 24) arrived in Faslane, Scotland, April 9 to participate in Joint Warrior 10-1, a multinational semi-annual exercise held off the coast of Scotland.

The guided missile destroyers USS Laboon (DDG 58) and USS Barry (DDG 52), the guided missile cruisers USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) and USS Vicksburg (CG 69), the guided missile frigate USS Kauffman (FFG 59), and the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Leroy Grumman (T-AO 195) will participate in the exercise's coalition course, which is run by the Joint Tactical Exercise Planning Staff (JTEPS) in the United Kingdom.

Capt. Aaron C. Jacobs, commodore of DESRON 24, and his staff are embarked aboard Laboon for the exercise to fully integrate into a joint maritime operating environment.

Jacobs said this exercise will challenge ships with Fleet Irregular Warfare Training (FIWRT), stress individual platforms with disaggregate operations, and hone the Navy's skills working with allies.

"These are skill sets we often don't have the opportunity to practice, and Joint Warrior is a great venue," Jacobs said. "The work for this exercise has been in process for months, and we are finally here to execute one of the most important exercises for independent deployment certifications."

Joint Warrior serves as an independent deployment certification event for Laboon, Vella Gulf and Kauffman.

DESRON 24 Operations Officer Lt. Cmdr. Greta Densham said that a benefit of the exercise is the chance to work with allies.

"It's a unique opportunity for the ships to prepare for operations with coalition partners and practice NATO tactics, techniques, and procedures that they otherwise wouldn't see in a U.S. exercise," Densham said.

This semi-annual exercise promotes Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet's three focus areas: conducting safe and effective fleet operations to achieve mission, providing ready maritime forces for global assignment, and teaming with allies and partners in execution of the maritime strategy.

The two-week long exercise, Joint Warrior 10-1, is scheduled to begin April 12 off the coast of Scotland, where the participating navies will practice joint maritime operations in a controlled environment. Nations participating in the exercise are Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, United Kingdom and the United States.

USS Klakring Begins Southern Seas 2010 Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Michael J. Scott, USS Klakring (FFG 42) Public Affairs

MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- USS Klakring (FFG 42) and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 42 Detachment (Det) 10 departed Naval Station Mayport, Fla., April 5 to conduct Southern Seas 2010.

Southern Seas is a U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM)-directed operation implemented by U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (COMUSNAVSO) and carried out by Commander, Destroyer Squadron 40 (CDS 40).

It involves the deployment of CDS 40, Klakring and HSL 42 Det 10, which will sail the waters from the East Coast of the United States to the Caribbean, Central and South America from April through September 2010.

"Klakring and HSL 42 Det 10 Sailors, Team 42 as we describe ourselves, are looking forward to the many opportunities both at sea and ashore that we will enjoy with our partners throughout the region," said Cmdr. Scott M. Smith, Klakring's commanding officer. "This deployment is a first for most of us and will serve to enhance the sense of adventure we all feel when we set to sea."

Supporting USSOUTHCOM objectives for enhanced maritime security in its area of responsibility, Southern Seas 2010 concentrates on strengthening relationships with regional partner nations and improving operational readiness for all assigned units. In addition, Southern Seas provides the opportunity for U.S. and other forces to operate in the multinational environment, refine coordination, improve interoperability and demonstrate flexibility.

"Klakring will serve as a visible reminder of the United States' commitment to the Caribbean and South American countries," said Smith. "The partnerships that we enjoy within the Western Hemisphere are sustained and enhanced through these deployments by Sailors engaging with other navies and communities throughout the region. The by-product of this is a greater understanding of our partners and an opportunity to learn from them."

Smith said the success of this mission depends on the Sailors and presents a chance to not only showcase our country's finest, but also gain valuable knowledge from our friends.

"The Sailors in Klakring are the best our nation has to offer. I want every country to see that in the faces of these young men and women," Smith said. "I also want to learn from our partners. If there are five lessons that improve our readiness, our ability to better the lives of our Sailors or gain a better appreciation of other cultures, then Southern Seas 2010 will have been successful."

Formally known as the Partnership of the Americas deployment, Southern Seas gives a distinct name to one of COMUSNAVSO's deployments.

COMUSNAVSO is the naval component command for USSOUTHCOM and is responsible for all naval personnel and assets in the area of responsibility. COMUSNAVSO conducts a variety of missions in support of the Maritime Strategy, including theater security cooperation, relationship building, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, community relations and counter-illicit trafficking operations.

Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group Returns from Deployment

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), amphibious transport dock USS Cleveland (LPD 7), and dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) return to San Diego April 14, after a six-month deployment to Middle East and Southeast Asia.

"I am proud of this exceptional crew, who excelled at every mission they were given," said Bonhomme Richard Commanding Officer, Capt. John Funk. "Through their efforts and professionalism, Bonhomme Richard had a direct impact on our national security, and made a positive difference in each country we visited."

Bonhomme Richard ARG, along with 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, participated in Marine Exercise 2009, a multilateral training exercise. The Timor-Leste's Armed Forces and International Stabilization Force were also involved in the exercise, which was designed to enhance interoperability and communication between U.S. Navy and Timor-Leste forces. Cleveland and Rushmore personnel trained with the Indonesian Marines in jungle operations, platoon live-fire maneuvers, bilateral reconnaissance, and military operations in urban terrain.

Cleveland and Rushmore also conducted a series of training exercises and theater security cooperation activities in conjunction with militaries from partner nations in the Persian Gulf region. Training efforts focused on enhancing operational readiness, military-to-military cooperation, and interoperability with the armed forces of both Kuwait and United Arab Emirates.

Sailors and Marines from the Bonhomme Richard ARG took part in several humanitarian and community outreach projects during the deployment. In Timor-Leste, the crew took part in medical and dental civic action projects, visited a local orphanage, and also competed in a goodwill soccer match against the Timor-Leste national youth team. While in Phuket, Thailand they participated in three community service projects, painting, performing general repairs and interacting with children at three different schools.

After departing the 5th fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR), Bonhomme Richard made a port visit to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia where more than 70 Sailors and Marines volunteered at a daycare center for disabled children. They also spent three days painting and completing grounds work around the center.

Rushmore Sailors volunteered at Fukuoka Children's Hospital in Fukuoka, Japan, providing musical entertainment and interacting with young patients.

Also returning with the USS Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group are the command element, Commander, Amphibious Squadron 7; the Tactical Air Control Squadron 12, Detachment 1; the "Wild Cards" of Helicopter Sea Combat 23, Det. 3; Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 1, Det. B; ACU 5, Det. F; Beachmaster Unit 1, Det. B; and Fleet Surgical Team 9.

The Bonhomme Richard ARG helps provide deterrence, promote peace and security, preserve freedom of the sea and humanitarian/disaster response within 3rd Fleet's 50-million square mile AOR in the Eastern Pacific, as well as supporting the Navy's Maritime Strategy when forward deployed.

Carl Vinson Arrives at New Home Port

SAN DIEGO - USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and its 3,500 crew members arrived at their new homeport at Naval Air Station North Island April 12, completing a coast-to-coast transit following operations in the U.S. Navy's 4th Fleet area of operations.

The aircraft carrier left Norfolk Jan. 12 and participated in Operation Southern Seas 2010, a U.S. Southern Command Partnership of the Americas operation, which provides U.S. and international forces the opportunity to operate in a multinational environment. The strike group conducted bilateral training and air exercises with Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile and Peru and Ecuador. The crew also enjoyed port visits in Rio de Janeiro and Callao, Peru.

"Our efforts with our South American partner nations reinforced our commitment to the common goals of partnership, maritime security and stability," said Rear Adm. Ted Branch, Commander, Carrier Strike Group 1. "With each country, we learned from each other both operationally and culturally and in doing so we strengthened important relationships."

Prior to Southern Seas 2010, Carl Vinson Strike Group led the initial maritime actions in Operation Unified Response, an international effort to bring humanitarian aid and disaster relief to Haiti following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake near Port-au-Prince. The strike group delivered 147,591 gallons of water, 1,095,442 pounds of food, and 36,250 pounds of medical supplies. The ship's medical team treated 60 patients on board while the air wing flew 1,299 sorties and 1,152 medical evacuations.

"During Operation Unified Response and Southern Seas 2010 we were tasked by the president to be a Global Force for Good, and we delivered. The families and friends of the Carl Vinson, in addition to all Americans, should be extremely proud of their Carl Vinson Strike Group Sailors," said Capt. Bruce H. Lindsey, the commanding officer of the Carl Vinson. "San Diego has a long history and rewarding relationship with U.S. Navy aircraft carriers and our Sailors are excited to be an active and positive part of the San Diego community."

The estimated economic impact of Carl Vinson to the local community is more than $400 million annually.

This was a scheduled homeport shift for the ship as Carl Vinson was a West Coast-based carrier before entering its mid-life refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) in Newport News, Va., in 2005. The Navy took re-delivery of Carl Vinson in July 2009. During the RCOH period, more than 20 million man-hours of work were accomplished, upgrading ship's infrastructure to last another 25 years and modernizing combat systems and air wing capabilities to increase combat effectiveness making the ship one of the most advanced ships in the world.

Also aboard the aircraft carrier are elements from Carrier Air Wing 17 including the "Red Lions" of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 15, the "Sunliners" of Strike Fighter Squadron 81, the "Rawhides" of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 40 and the "Tigertails" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 125. Other Strike Group 1 assets, San Diego based Destroyer Squadron 1 and cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), escorted the carrier around South America and participated in Haiti relief efforts.

Another New Freq for T69ME1 using LSB mode

T69ME1 and its sister stations T43DE1 and T55WA2, continue to intrigue the Mil/Gov HF monitors. Even as we try to get a handle on the Mil/Gov agency of T69ME1 (I still say it is a station in Maine), Jon, a HF ute monitor in Florida has found them on a new frequency.

Jon wrote, "On the #wunclub IRC channel tonight while monitoring other ALE activity on 6995 U (Chilian Navy) heard some off freq ALE. Tuned to 6997 LSB and got T69ME1 many times. I did some Googling and found your weblog. Now parked on it for the night, 6997 L awaiting anything else."

Thanks Jon. So now we have T69ME1 on the following frequencies (mode is USB unless otherwise indicated): 4490.0 5211.0 6766.0 6800.0 6985.0 6997.0(LSB) 9106.0 10493.0 10816.5 11217.0 11608.5 13242.0 13568.0 14396.5 14653.0 15094.0 16338.5 17458.5 17487.0 kHz.

We also have T43DE1 (Delaware?) on the following frequencies: 10493.0 11608.5 kHz working a NG WMD-CST unit out of New Jersey earlier in the year.

And finally a new one T55WA2 (Washington?) on 7720.0 kHz discovered by Jack Metcalfe recently.

Interesting ALE addresses for sure. Anyone else have anything to add to these stations - frequencies/ID? Drop me some email.

Milcom Blog Logs - HF Apr 8-12, 2010 - Mid Atlantic

Our regular MMP reporter Ron P in the Mid Atlantic checks in again with his latest installment of military and government HF logs. All times UTC and Frequencies in kHz.

9 Apr:

07802.0 M42 (unid): 0100 USB/ALE calling 308 (unid).

07802.0 M42 (unid): 2330 USB/ALE calling 175 (unid) & 308 (unid).

10 Apr:

09106.0 T69ME1 (poss 69th Medical Detachment, FT Bragg NC): 1600 USB/ALE sounding.

11 Apr:

08170.0 4343 (unid): 0100 LSB/ALE sounding.

08710.0 131 (unid-poss partial for 4131): 0200 LSB/ALE sounding.

08170.0 4111 (unid): 0600 LSB/ALE sounding.

12 Apr:

08170.0 4343 (unid): 0030 LSB/ALE sounding.

08710.0 131 (unid-poss partial for 4131): 0100 LSB/ALE sounding.

08011.5 Unid (prob Cuban DGI): 2310 CW w/5-ltr group msgs using cut numbers.

04036.0 AA1?? (call missed-Army MARS): 2348 USB w/unid station in chat about using Winmor & internet.

Blue Ridge Arrives in Jakarta

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Josh Huebner, USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) Public Affairs

JAKARTA, Indonesia (NNS) -- USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and embarked 7th Fleet staff Sailors and Marines of the Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team, 1st Company pulled into Jakarta Apr. 11 to the sound of the Indonesian army band playing "Anchors Aweigh" to greet the 7th Fleet amphibious command ship.

Capt. Rudy Lupton, commanding officer of Blue Ridge, was treated to traditional Indonesian dance performances while visiting with dignitaries of the Indonesian military and local Jakarta community.

The 7th Fleet band is scheduled to perform a free show to foster cultural exchange at the Mango City Square Mall. "I don't know what to expect because I've never been here before. We're going to do a 'far east tradition' show at the mall. We'll be playing with our big band and our brass band," said Musician 3rd Class Danielle Clark, who plays the flute, piccolo and baritone saxophone for the 7th Fleet band. "These shows are great because it gives us a chance to interact with the people and see them smile," said Clark.

Blue Ridge and 7th Fleet staff Sailors will join locals during community outreach projects in Jakarta. More than 40 Sailors and Marines are scheduled to visit Rumah Singgah Orphanage to participate in charity work. "It's a wonderful chance to learn Indonesian culture and about their lives. We have an opportunity to meet and play with kids and really be ambassadors for the ship and 7th Fleet," said Chief Religious Programs Specialist Quartez Scipio, who will attend the event. "Everyone's really excited to go. We opened sign-ups and had all of the seats filled in under 30 minutes," said Scipio.

Blue Ridge departed its forward-deployed home of Yokosuka, Japan, Mar. 1, for a spring deployment to further positive relations with regional partners. The ship has made port visits to Busan, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, and Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.

The 19,000-ton ship can carry more than 1,300 crewmembers and serves as a command and control ship for 7th Fleet operations. Blue Ridge serves under Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7/Task Force 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force. Blue Ridge is the flagship for Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan. The U.S. 7th Fleet is the largest of forward-deployed U.S. Fleets, with approximately 50 ships, 120 aircraft and 20,000 Sailors and Marines assigned at any given time.

USS Ingraham Returns from Deployment

By Ens. Todd B. Chen, USS Ingraham Public Affairs

USS INGRAHAM, At sea (NNS) -- The Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate USS Ingraham (FFG 61) will return to Everett, Wash., April 10 following an independent seven-month deployment in the U.S. 3rd, 5th and 7th Fleet Areas of Responsibility (AOR).

In addition to the more than 180 Sailors on board, Ingraham will arrive with nearly 30 Tigers, friends and family of the crew who embarked Ingraham during her last deployment stop in Pearl Harbor.

"As we return home we can look back with a great deal of pride upon a very diverse and successfully-completed set of missions." said Ingraham's Commanding Officer Cmdr. Adam J. Welter. "It's a real testament to the quality of training and professionalism of the crew that we could jump from disaster relief in Samoa to security operations in the Red Sea to engagements with foreign navies and heads of state and excel at each task. The continued support of our friends and families from home is a huge factor in our deployed success. Their support allows us to focus on our mission and go forward with confidence. It also makes the return home something special; we're all looking forward to being with our families again."

The Easy Riders of Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Light 37 Det. Two from Hawaii, served as Ingraham's air component.

While deployed to 5th fleet AOR, Ingraham deterred smuggling and piracy as well as provided aid to local fisherman in the Red Sea by conducting Approach and Assist Visits in direct support of Commander Task Force 51 Struggle Against Violent Extremists and Pulse Of Life operations. Additionally, Ingraham conducted a critical and high visibility operation involving the escort of two newly built Iraqi patrol ships from the Suez Canal to Iraqi territorial waters.

"One of our primary missions during this deployment was to maintain a presence in the Red Sea," said Lt. Austin Duff, Ingraham's operations officer. "Our mission showed our commitment to maintain stability and protect the economic livelihood of our friends and allies in the region. The interaction with local fishermen was great; they appreciate and understand how our presence contributes to security in the region."

While in 3rd and 7th Fleet AORs, Ingraham engaged in Theater Security Cooperation by conducting numerous port visits, which included stops in countries of Tahiti, Maldives, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Singapore. In addition to participating in community relations events, Ingraham's crew engaged in military-to-military exchanges with foreign navy Sailors and executed joint exercises at sea.

"My challenge to the crew was to exceed our commanders' expectations in every task we were assigned and our Sailors ran with that concept," said Welter. "Based upon the feedback from each of the fleet and task force commanders to which we were assigned, Ingraham met my challenge. I am very proud of the way our crew performed as professional Sailors, technical experts, trainers, and ambassadors around the world."

Although proud of accomplishing their missions, the crew is looking forward to the homecoming.

"Just knowing that we made it through seven months of deployment and left it all out there on the field makes homecoming that much sweeter," said Navy Career Counselor 1st Class (SW) John Oliveira. "I can't wait to see my family on the pier and words can't describe how much I miss them."

Ingraham helps provide deterrence, promote peace and security, preserve freedom of the sea and humanitarian/disaster response within 3rd Fleet's 50-million square mile area of responsibility in the Eastern Pacific, as well as supporting the nation's maritime strategy when forward deployed.

USS Tucson Departs for Western Pacific Deployment

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- The Los Angeles-class submarine USS Tucson (SSN 770) departed Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for a scheduled deployment to the western Pacific region April 8.

"The crew is very excited and eager to get this submarine underway for her first deployment since 2006," said Cmdr. Gary Pinkerton, USS Tucson's commanding officer. "They've all worked extremely hard this past year getting the ship and themselves ready for this deployment and regaining operational proficiency of all mission areas. I am very proud of each and every one of them."

Tucson underwent a 23-month depot modernization period at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Va., that included upgrades in all of her electronic systems in support of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, a complete overhaul of all machinery systems and a full external refurbishment. During that time, Tucson conducted numerous sea trials and a port visit to San Diego before undergoing an inter-fleet transfer back to Naval Station Pearl Harbor in 2008.

Tucson is the second ship of the U.S. Navy to bear the name of the Arizona city. It is the 59th Los Angeles-class attack submarine. Twelve vertical launch missile tubes for Tomahawk cruise missiles provide Tucson with great offensive capabilities and strategic value. Retractable bow planes give the ship increased maneuverability and under ice surfacing potential.

First Virginia-class Dry Dock Conducted

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PHNSY & IMF), a Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) field activity, dry docked USS Hawaii (SSN 776), March 30.

Hawaii is the first U.S. Pacific fleet Virginia-class submarine to go into dry dock at Pearl Harbor, one of NAVSEA's four public shipyards playing a major role in maintaining America's fleet. The ship will undergo routine inspection and maintenance in the shipyard until early May.

"The entire shipyard was very excited to dry dock USS Hawaii, and validate the hard work and dedication of the many people involved in this evolution," said Shipyard Commander Capt. Greg Thomas. "The successful execution was the fruit of their labor, earned from careful and relentless preparation."

The shipyard has been researching, planning and training for dry-docking evolutions since June 2008. Because Virginia-class submarines pose unique challenges that make docking the modern vessels more complicated than Los Angeles-class ships, the shipyard put together a special project team strictly dedicated to Hawaii's dry docking.

The project team underwent extensive preparations to safely and efficiently dry dock Hawaii. First, the shipyard conducted a realistic Virginia class mock docking availability in August 2008, followed by an evaluation session to capture lessons learned from the exercise. Several weeks prior to the docking, two all-trades conferences were held, instead of the usual single conference.

"The extra pre-trades conference was an above-and-beyond effort put forth for Virginia-class docking," said Cmdr. Leonard Laforteza, PHNSY & IMF's Virginia-class program manager. "It was important to address all the potential issues."

Dry docking Hawaii also provided a model for future repair work in the shipyard on Virginia-class submarines.

Hawaii, which arrived at Pearl Harbor last July, is the first submarine to be homeported in Pearl Harbor, and the first commissioned U.S. Navy vessel to bear the name of the Aloha State. Hawaii represents the very latest in submarine technology and capability, featuring an advanced combat control system; sensors; improved surveillance, reconnaissance capabilities; and special operations forces capabilities.

Vinson, Freedom Conduct RAS in 3rd Fleet AOR

The littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) breaks away from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) after a refueling at sea. Freedom is conducting counter-illicit trafficking operations and Carl Vinson is supporting Southern Seas 2010. Southern Seas is a U.S. Southern Command-directed operation that provides U.S. and international forces the opportunity to operate in a multi-national environment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ashley Van Dien/Released)

By Mass Communication 2nd Class Adrian White, USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) Public Affairs

CARL VINSON, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and USS Freedom (LCS 1) completed a replenishment-at-sea (RAS) April 7, Vinson's first day in the 3rd Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR).

During the RAS, Carl Vinson transferred 57,000 gallons of fuel to the Freedom, the first warship of its kind.

Carl Vinson's Quartermaster Seaman Erich Hoffman said completing the RAS with Freedom was different from all the other RASs the ship has completed during its current deployment.

"Freedom came in from the starboard quarter and they got real close, closer than any other ship has gotten before, because they're smaller and quicker," said Hoffman. "We shot the lines over, and before they got everything hooked up, it was over relatively quickly, which was nice."

Hoffman said during the navigational brief his team was told about Freedom's expert, yet small, crew.

"With other replenishments-at-sea, the respective ships had full-on deck departments. On Freedom they have a smaller number of Sailors who handle deck operations," said Hoffman.

"It's all upper echelon Sailors, mostly officers, chiefs, first classes and a few second classes. They have a bunch of professionals over there, a few guys who have been doing it for a while." said Lt. Paul Nickell, Carl Vinson's assistant navigator.

Nickell said Freedom's maneuverability and control is a lot different from what Carl Vinson has seen in the past.

"Their approach in was a lot faster," said Nickell. "The way their ship handled was a hundred times better than what we've seen with other ships. Not saying the other ships are less capable at ship handling, it's just this one maneuvers and responds instantaneously. Their speed control and heading control is amazing."

Freedom is a fast, agile, focused-mission platform designed for operation in near-shore environments, yet is capable of open-ocean travel at speeds greater than 40 knots.

"What we're seeing is the future of the Navy," said Nickell. "What we're seeing the entire Navy move to is a streamlined version of a combat ship. Freedom has a lot of different toys wrapped up into one ship. It's amazing how that ship is able to go out and do business with [only] 50 people."

Freedom, while in the 4th Fleet AOR, conducted counter-illicit trafficking patrols in the Caribbean Sea and off the coasts of Central and South America, intercepting more than five tons of cocaine and capturing 13 suspected drug smugglers.

Freedom Performs First Carrier Strike Group Operations

By Lt. Ed Early, USS Freedom (LCS 1) Public Affairs

USS FREEDOM, At Sea (NNS) -- The Navy's first littoral combat ship (LCS) recorded another milestone April 7, as USS Freedom (LCS 1) performed integrated at-sea operations with the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) Carrier Strike Group (CSG).

Freedom, Vinson, USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) and USNS Rainier (T-AOE 7) conducted a series of training evolutions for the better part of the day, including communications drills, refueling and replenishment at sea, a surface gunnery exercise and a visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) exercise.

The evolutions provided confirmation of the ability of LCS to integrate into strike group operations.

"The opportunity for Freedom to work with a carrier strike group for the first time is icing on the cake of our first operational deployment," said Cmdr. Randy Garner, Freedom's commanding officer. "We are demonstrating how Freedom and future littoral combat ships are capable of working as part of a CSG when needed."

Freedom wasn't the only ship to benefit from the operations, said Capt. Bruce Lindsey, Carl Vinson's commanding officer.

"Operating with other ships is part of how we build our proficiency and expertise as Sailors," said Lindsey. "The opportunity to work with the Freedom is both new and unique. The training evolutions conducted by CSG 1 (Carl Vinson CSG) ships and Freedom provided a tremendous opportunity to lay the foundation for future strike group operations and integrated deployments."

The ships began the day with a series of communications and tactical picture exercises. From there, an SH-60 Sea Hawk from Carl Vinson brought Rear Adm. Ted Branch, commander of the Carl Vinson CSG, and Capt. Donald Hornbeck, Carl Vinson CSG's deputy sea combat commander and Destroyer Squadron 1, for a visit.

"Freedom provides unique and tailored combat capabilities with the ability to meet littoral tasking not previously seen in our Navy," said Branch. "The range of surface operation capabilities is impressive and a welcome addition to the fleet."

Later, Freedom refueled from Carl Vinson - the first time an LCS has refueled from an aircraft carrier.

Following a surface gunnery exercise involving Freedom and Bunker Hill, the day's events concluded with a reaction team of Sailors and Coast Guardsmen from Freedom conducting a VBSS exercise using Bunker Hill as the boarded vessel.

Despite having conducted a number of real world boardings during operations in 4th Fleet, the exercise with Bunker Hill was good practice, according to Lt. Cmdr. Mel Pucan, officer-in-charge of Freedom's tailored LCS Surface Warfare Mission Package (SWMP).

"We're always looking for opportunities to improve our efficiency in maritime interception operations," said Pucan.

LCS is a fast, agile and maneuverable ship designed to complement the Navy's larger multimission surface combatants in select mission areas, including combating submarines, mines and fast-attack craft threats in the littorals.

More than two years ahead of schedule, Freedom began its maiden deployment Feb. 16 and is embarked with a SWMP, an air detachment from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22 from Norfolk and a U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment. Freedom is scheduled to complete its deployment and arrive in its homeport of San Diego in late April 2010.

MC-12 begins mission in southern Afghanistan

by Tech. Sgt. Renni Thornton, 451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFNS) -- Airmen from the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing here welcomed one of the newest members of the Air Force's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance weapons systems to Kandahar Airfield March 29.

The MC-12 Liberty aircraft is a manned special-mission turboprop aircraft designed for ISR and brings a different capability to the fight, said Lt. Col. Darren Halford, the 361st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron commander.

The aircraft flew its first combat sortie here April 1. The MC-12 Liberty provides real-time tactical ISR, with analysts and aircrew deployed together for seamless operations and maximum interaction with joint ground forces.

More aircraft and crews are expected to join this one in the future, Colonel Halford said. In addition to the impressive capabilities of the MC-12, this second squadron in Afghanistan will provide tremendous capacity.

"The MC-12 unparalleled capability to exploit the high ground, and give ground forces vital information about enemy locations and actions," Colonel Halford said. "The MC-12 will protect U.S. and coalition lives, and will be a vital tool helping Afghanistan defeat the insurgency."

The crew consists of a pilot, a co-pilot, a sensor operator and a cryptologic operator, while imagery analysts in the ISR exploitation cell act as a fifth crewmember, exploiting information and liaising with ground forces.

Pilots are trained on the aircraft by officials from the 186th Mississippi Air National Guard based in Meridian, Miss. In less than two years, three squadrons have stood up as solely expeditionary units with no permanent home station.

The newest MC-12s have extended-range fuel tanks, which can increase range and endurance.

"The 361st ERS is building on the lessons learned, successes and proud tradition's already established at the 362nd (Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron) and 4th (Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron)," Colonel Halford said.

The 362nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, surpassed 2,000 sorties in early March and the second MC-12 unit to stand up, the 4th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, surpassed 300 sorties in its first three months.

Milcom Blog Logs - HF Apr 5-7, 2010 - Mid Atlantic

Our regular MMP reporter Ron P in the Mid Atlantic checks in again with his latest installment of military and government HF logs. All times UTC and Frequencies in kHz.

5 Apr:

08971.0 Tiger 01 (P-3C, VP-8, NAS Jacksonville FL): 1335 USB calling Fiddle Tech Control (TSCC, NAS Jacksonville FL) in both clear and ANDVT.

6 Apr:

14780.0 GWPWN33 (Brazilian Navy station Natal):2215 USB/ALE calling GWPWIN (Brazilian Navy Niteroi-class frigate, "Independencia", F-44).

04024.0 AAM1SN (Army MARS): 2335 LSB w/unheard station.

7 Apr:

04490.0 728 (partial call-728P1WPEH AT&T,Conyers, GA): 1145 USB/ALE calling KNY95 (National Communications System station).

09106.0 T69ME1 (poss 69th Medical Detachment, FT Bragg NC): 1100 USB/ALE sounding.

09106.0 KGD825 (unid): 1200 USB/ALE sounding.

09106.0 KFW652 (Unid entity, West Virginia): 1315 USB/ALE sounding.

04024.0 AAM1AK (Army MARS): 2331 LSB w/AAM1RD (Army MARS) discussing activities for upcoming Armed Forces Day.

USS Chafee Departs Pearl Harbor for Western Pacific Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW) Eric J. Cutright, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Hawaii

PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Chafee (DDG 90) departed Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam April 5 for a scheduled six-month deployment.

Chafee returned from its last deployment Aug. 24, 2009, and has been diligently maintaining its battle-readiness according to Cmdr. Heedong Choi, Chafee's commanding officer.

"Ever since returning from our last deployment, the crew of Chafee has continuously been training and maintaining the ship. The officers and crew have worked incredibly hard to keep-up our certifications and combat readiness in order to deploy again," said Choi.

The ship and its crew of more than 300 Sailors are expected to operate primarily in the 7th Fleet's Area of Responsibility (AOR), which is the largest in the Navy, spanning more than 48-million square miles of the Pacific and Indian oceans.

"As with all deploying ships in our Navy, the overarching mission is to provide presence in the 'global commons' and to execute the maritime strategy as outlined by the CNO, MCPON, and the commandant of the Coast Guard," said Choi.

Currently, Chafee has not been scheduled to join with any other strike group in the 7th Fleet AOR, but Choi explains that the ship and crew are prepared for any future joint effort.

"The men and women of Chafee are ready to meet all tasking through the spectrum of operations, from full-scale combat to humanitarian assistance/disaster response. We are always ready and capable to operate in any theater commensurate with the desires of our operational commanders," said Choi.

During last year's deployment, Chafee's crew performed multiple joint operations including Foal Eagle, Malabar and Cooperation and Readiness Afloat Training.

"My expectations have been consistent and persistent during my time as CO. First, is to be combat ready at all times; second is to exercise stewardship and third is to take care of each other," said Choi.

Guided-missile destroyers provide multimission offensive and defensive capabilities, and can operate independently or as part of carrier battle groups, amphibious ready groups and underway replenishment groups.

USS Chafee is scheduled to return in October.

F-16 pilots respond to Denver-bound aircraft

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFNS) -- Two F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots under the direction of North American Aerospace Defense Command officials here intercepted a Denver-bound airliner at about 6:45 p.m. Mountain time April 7.

Shortly before the airliner was scheduled to land in Denver from Washington National Airport, a passenger reportedly caused a disturbance, NORAD officials said.

The F-16 pilots intercepted and escorted the aircraft, which landed safely. Local law enforcement officials met the plane in Denver.

Navy Pic of the Day - LCAC 67 Underway

Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) 67, assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 4, transports personnel and equipment from the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4) to the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48). Nassau and Ashland are part of the Nassau Amphibious Ready Group supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason R. Zalasky/Released)

USS McClusky Returns to San Diego from Deployment

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The guided-missile frigate USS McClusky (FFG 41) returned to San Diego April 5 after an independent six-month deployment to the 4th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR).

"McClusky's recent deployment in support of counter-illicit trafficking operations is a great example of how the Surface Forces of our Navy can have an immediate and lasting impact on our nation and global partners," said McClusky's Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Mark A. Lakamp. "The men and women of McClusky carried out their mission with professionalism and enthusiasm."

USS McClusky performed a variety of tasks during the deployment. The ship seized or disrupted more than 11 metric tons of cocaine, with an estimated street value of more than $775 million, and detained 13 suspected narcotic smugglers.

McClusky also operated with Costa Rican, Colombian, and Panamanian law enforcement during Operation Pacifico and Operation Triangulo in a joint effort to counter illicit drug traffic.

While in Panama and Costa Rica, Sailors from McClusky contributed more than 400 man hours to community relations projects by refurbishing a host nation school and a summer camp for underprivileged children, as well as delivering medical supplies donated by Project Handclasp.

"McClusky Sailors performed superbly in a dynamic environment that tested their resolve almost daily," said McClusky's Command Senior Chief, Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician Technical (SW/SG) Steven Giordano. "As senior leadership, we provide education and training to assist our Sailors in achieving personal and professional goals. These proud Surface Warriors are returning home to be reunited with their families and friends and they have not just met, but exceeded expectations."

McClusky helps provide deterrence, promote peace and security, preserve freedom of the sea and humanitarian/disaster response within 3rd Fleet's 50-million square mile area of responsibility in the Eastern Pacific, as well as supporting the nation's maritime strategy when forward deployed.

Vinson to Arrive After Unified Response, Refueling

The guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), the Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Rainier (T-AOE 7), and the Peru navy frigate BAP Carvajal (FM 51) break away from the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) after completing tactical maneuvering exercises. Carl Vinson is supporting Southern Seas 2010, a U.S. Southern Command-directed operation that provides U.S. and international forces the opportunity to operate in a multi-national environment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ashley Van Dien/Released)

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and its 3,500 crew members expect to arrive at their new homeport at Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI) April 12.

Carl Vinson departed Norfolk, Va., Jan. 12 and participated in Operation Southern Seas 2010, a U.S. Southern Command Partnership of the Americas operation, which provided U.S. and international forces the opportunity to operate in a multinational environment.

During the transit, the Carl Vinson conducted several engagements and exercises with regional partner nations including Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, and Mexico. Vinson also conducted air wing at-sea exercises with Brazil, Argentina and Peru. The crew enjoyed port visits in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Lima, Peru.

Prior to Operation Southern Seas, Carl Vinson led initial U.S. Navy efforts in Operation Unified Response, an interagency humanitarian aid and disaster relief effort to Haiti following a magnitude 7.0 earthquake. The carrier and its embarked helicopters delivered almost 3 million lbs of cargo ashore. Specifically, the ship delivered 1,095,442 lbs of food; 147,591 gallons of water; and over 40,000 pounds of medical supplies. The ship's medical team treated 60 patients, while the air wing flew 1,299 sorties and conducted 1,152 medical evacuations.

The Navy took re-delivery of USS Carl Vinson in July 2009, following the successful completion of its refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) in Newport News, Va. Vinson began its RCOH in November 2005, during which more than 20 million man-hours of work were conducted, divided between refueling the propulsion plant, upgrading ship's infrastructure to last another 25 years, and modernizing combat systems and their effectiveness.

In October 2009, the Navy announced that Carl Vinson would be the flagship of the newly established Carrier Strike Group 1, based in San Diego and commanded by Rear Adm. Ted Branch.

Also aboard the aircraft carrier are elements from Carrier Air Wing 17 including the "Red Lions" of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 15, the "Sunliners" of Strike Fighter Squadron 81, the "Rawhides" of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 40 and the "Tigertails" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 125. San Diego-based Destroyer Squadron 1 embarked aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), escorted the carrier around South America and participated in Haiti relief efforts.

Airmen complete month-long training in Pacific region

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (AFNS) -- Airmen from the 19th Fighter Squadron from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, recently completed two back-to-back training exercises in Thailand and Hawaii.

The squadron interacted with Thai and Singaporean air forces at Cope Tiger in Korat, Thailand, while also training here with the 199th Fighter Squadron of the Hawaiian Air National Guard.

The training in these two places differed from what they do on a daily basis in Alaska because of weather.

"We are able to do a lot of different things in Hawaii compared to Alaska," said Capt. Tyler Marsh, of the 19th FS. "The terrain for one is different because we fly over mountains (Alaska) daily compared to Hawaii where we can fly a 1,000 feet off the water,"

The 19th Aircraft Maintenance Unit staff is depended on heavily to keep the aircraft flying in hot or cold weather conditions.

"When we're in Alaska, our maintenance folks are out in the snow and ice all day to get out jets running, so keeping a good relationship with them is vital because we realize without them a lot of the stuff we do won't happen," Captain Marsh said.

Weather is a major challenge for the maintenance members in Alaska because when they have to fix something on the jet during the winter months, they have to evaluate the problem on the spot and then move the jet inside to begin work on it. This adds time to their processes.

"It's easier to maintain the jets in Thailand and Hawaii because we can handle any problems right away without moving them inside first," said Senior Airman Matt Pujanauski, an F-15 Eagle electrician with the 19th AMU.

Despite the challenges involved in working in the Alaskan weather, the maintainers were still able to keep the jets flying resulting in top recognition for the 19th FS.

"Being a nation at war, our Air Force is tasked at a high level, so it's been challenging to do some of the things that we've done," said Lt. Col. David Graff, the 19th FS commander. "This was the last deployment for the 19th FS and 19th AMU and it has been a great year for us."

The 19th FS is one of the squadrons closing its doors due to the fighter reduction program.

"Although it doesn't feel good to close down a squadron, it does feel good to finish off our last full year as a Raytheon Trophy winner, said Lt. Col James Suhr, director of operations for the 19th FS commenting on the award to the best air-to-air fighter squadron in the Air Force. I'm confident that no matter where the men and women of the 19th FS and 19th AMU go, they will continue to do good things."

Exercise key to Hawaiian air support center upgrade

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (AFNS) -- The Hawaii Air Support Operations Center staff here achieved initial operational capability after proving its ability to deploy and perform its mission during Exercise Balikatan 2010 in March.

The unit, under the under the 25th Air Support Operations Squadron based at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, deployed 34 Airmen and more than 16 short tons of equipment to the former Clark Air Base in the Philippines via a C-17 Globemaster III to participate in the bilateral field training exercise March 9 through 22.

Balikatan is an annual exercise designed to increase interoperability between the Philippine air force and U.S. military and exercises the two nations' ability to operate together when responding to natural disasters.

"Balikatan was a key exercise for the ASOC because it provided a crucial step towards becoming fully combat mission capable," said Lt. Col. John Schaefer III, the 25th ASOS commander. "We proved we were able to field a self-sustained command and control hub which retained accountability for fixed and rotary winged aircraft while executing requests for close air support and support land maneuver forces."

As part of their team, the 25th ASOS deployed joint terminal attack controllers, communication specialists and logisticians.

JTACs, a specialized subset of the tactical air control party career field, are qualified members who, from a forward position, direct the actions of combat aircraft engaged in close air support and other air operations. The JTACs, along with communication specialists and logisticians, directly support the ASOC's main mission to coordinate and direct air support for joint force land component operations.

The new ASOC has a standard wartime mission and a new employment capability that can be tasked with supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

"The same air control capability used during wartime can be used to help control civilian aircraft after a major disaster when an airport may have been affected and cannot handle the influx of response personnel and supplies," said 1st Lt. Anita B. Clark, the 25th ASOS communications flight commander. "The ASOC has the capability to take control and deconflict aircraft altitudes and ensure a steady and clear flow of air traffic."

(1st Lt. Anita B. Clark contributed to this article.)

Milcom Blog Logs - HF Apr 1-4, 2010 - Mid Atlantic

Our regular MMP reporter Ron P in the Mid Atlantic checks in again with his latest installment of military and government HF logs. All times UTC and Frequencies in kHz.

1 Apr:
07802.0 IL5 (Illinois Emergency Management Agency Springfield, IL): 1315 USB/ALE D09IDOT (IL District 9 Dept Of Transportation, Carbondale IL).

2 Apr:
07350.0 SKYWAT (SkyWatch, US Army South Flight Following Center, Soto Cano AB, Honduras): 0100 USB/ALE sounding.

04235.0 NMF (USCG District 1 Boston MA): 0335 FAX.

04317.9 NMG (USCG New Orleans): 0343 FAX.

04330.0 4XZ (Israeli Navy, Haifa): 0345 CW "VVV DE 4XZ".

04426.0 NMN (CamsLant Chesapeke): 0349 USB w/automated maritime wx.

04316.0 NMG (USCG New Orleans): 0352 USB w/maritime wx.

06519.0 WLO: 0400 USB w/announcements.

07802.0 TLWY1 (Illinois Tollway Agency, Downer's Grove IL): 1400 USB/ALE calling D01IDOT (Illinois District 1 DOT, Schaumburg IL).

04604.0 Red Fox 17 (Illinois Civil Air Patrol Wing): 2332 USB w/unid station in radio checks.

03 Apr:
05388.5 AL1 (FBI, Atlanta GA): 0300 USB/ALE calling QT1 (FBI, Quantico VA).

4 Apr:
08171.5 S2L, A3L & F2H (prob US Army): 1410 USB/ALE sounding.

Milcom Blog logs -February/March 2010 Mid Atlantic

Ron P checks in with his Milair frequencies from the Mid-Atlantic area during February/March 2010. Thanks for sharing Ron.

AAF Army Air Field
AFB Air Force Base
ArNG Army National Guard
ARTCC Air Route Traffic Control Center
COTHEN- Homeland Security Network
HFGSC- USAF HF Global Scope Command Network
RCAG Remote Communications Air/Ground

118.125 FACSFAC, Virginia Capes "Giant Killer" W386
118.400 Andrews AFB Tower
118.950 Potomac TRACON
119.275 NAS Patuxent River Area Advisory Control Bay Watch
119.300 Potomac TRACON
119.850 Potomac TRACON
120.050 NAS Patuxent River Approach/Departure
121.000 NAS Patuxent River Approach/Departure
121.300 Martin State Airport Tower
121.500 VHF guard
123.200 NAS Patuxent River NTPS
123.225 Northrop-Grumman Test Facility, Baltimore
123.400 FAA Operations Reagan National & Atlantic City International Airport-also alternate freq for Northrop-Grumman Test Facility, Baltimore
123.700 NAS Patuxent River tower
125.900 Dover AFB Arrival
126.150 Phillips AAF Aberdeen MD
126.200 Weide AAF Aberdeen MD
126.300 Davison AAF Tower
126.350 Dover AFB Tower
126.550 Potomac TRACON
127.950 NAS Patuxent River Approach/Departure
128.350 Potomac TRACON
132.425 Dover AFB Approach/Departure
132.550 Washington ARTCC Snow Hill RCAG Cape Charles sector
133.900 Washington ARTCC Calvert
134.100 Dover AFB and McGuire AFB Command Post
134.350 Washington Helo Control (DCA)
135.025 NAS Patuxent River Approach/Departure

138.200 Atlantic City International Airport 119FS NJ ANG (AM mode)
139.150 Andrews AFB 121FS DC ANG (AM mode)
139.300 Andrews AFB Pilot to Dispatcher (AM mode)
139.400 Davidson AAF Operations (AM mode)
139.700 NORAD Eastern Air Defense Sector Huntress (AM mode)
139.875 McGuire Tanker Interplane (AM mode)
141.550 Andrews AFB Griffin Command Post (AM mode)
141.700 Andrews AFB 89AW/1HS Operations (AM mode)
141.750 Langley AFB Dispatch (AM mode)
142.750 SAM OPS, 99th AS Andrews AFB MD (AM Mode)
143.150 Andrews AFB 121FS DC ANG (AM mode)
143.600 Andrews AFB 121FS DC ANG (AM mode)

227.125 Washington ARTCC Hagerstown RCAG
228.175 Langley AFB 1FW Air-Air
228.450 Langley AFB 1FW Air-Air
233.550 Willow Grove NAS/JRB Pennsylvania ANG Air-Air
236.825 Washington ARTCC Snow Hill RCAG
237.200 Bollen Range, Ft Indiantown GAP PA
238.100 FACSFAC, Virginia Capes "Giant Killer" W386
239.050 New York ARTCC Joliet RCAG Lancaster sector
239.800 McGuire AFB/Langley AFB Metro
249.650 NAS Patuxent River test discrete
249.800 FACSFAC, Virginia Capes "Giant Killer" W386
250.300 NAS Patuxent River Approach/Departure
250.700 NAS Patuxent River VX-23 Operations
250.850 NAS Patuxent River Area Advisory Control Bay Watch
251.250 Langley AFB Command Post (Raymond 16)
254.200 GK discrete (LFI 14 prime).
254.300 Washington ARTCC Ship Bottom RCAG Coyle sector
255.000 Giantkiller W107
255.400 Leesburg Radio FSS
255.700 US Army helo A-A
256.500 NAS Patuxent River Area Advisory Control Bay Watch
257.200 Potomac TRACON
257.700 Washington ARTCC Whaleyville RCAG Salisbury sector
257.875 Dover AFB Approach/Departure
261.000 Atlantic City International Airport 119FS NJ ANG Devil Operations
262.025 Langley AFB Air-Air 149th FS VA ANG
262.950 NAS Patuxent River Echo Control
263.100 Washington ARTCC Azalea sector
264.150 NAS Patuxent River NTPS Operations
264.550 NAS Patuxent River Echo Control
268.800 NAS Chambers VA Operations
269.100 New York ARTCC Milton Sector
269.900 LFI A-A
270.300 New York ARTCC Big Flat RCAG Lancaster sector
270.800 NAS Patuxent River Area Advisory Control Bay Watch-PAX button #9
273.950 MCB/MCAF Quantico HMX-1 discrete
274.450 AAR discrete
276.675 LFI A-A
277.600 NORAD Eastern Air Defense Sector Huntress
278.300 New York ARTCC Flint Hill RCAG Pottstown sector
281.400 Washington ARTCC Patuxent River RCAG Calvert sector
281.450 Washington ARTCC Atlantic City RCAG
281.525 Harrisburg Approach/Departure
281.800 NAS Patuxent River Approach/Departure
282.200 Washington ARTCC Bucks Elbow RCAG Casanova sector (now on 282.250-LVH)
284.700 Washington ARTCC Bucks Elbow RCAG Montebello sector
285.400 Washington ARTCC Sea Isle RCAG Casino sector
288.350 ZDC ????
288.400 NORAD Eastern Air Defense Sector Huntress
290.425 Washington ARTCC Green Bay RCAG Franklin sector
292.200 Andrews AFB 89AW/1HS Air-Air
296.900 Langley AFB A-A
297.000 CP (Pikeside) WVA ANG Martinsburg WVA
297.200 Martin State Airport Tower
305.200 NAS Patuxent River Area Advisory Control Bay Watch
306.200 New York ARTCC Philipsburg RCAG
306.800 Willow Grove NAS/JRB Operations
307.025 Washington ARTCC Falls Church RCAG Potomac sector
311.000 VQ-4 Det, NAS Patuxent River MD
312.300 FACSFAC, Virginia Capes "Giant Killer" W386 common (LFI 36 prime)
314.000 NAS Patuxent River Approach/Departure
314.250 201st AS DC ANG "Boxer" Ops, Andrews AFM MD
317.425 Potomac Tracon Departure
320.450 Echo Control NAS Patuxent River MD
322.400 ZNY Middletown RGAG
322.550 Washington ARTCC Linden RCAG Linden sector
323.225 Washington ARTCC Hopewell sector
323.300 New York ARTCC Millville RCAG Lancaster sector
328.400 Andrews AFB VR-53 Operations
335.500 Potomac TRACON
335.600 New York ARTCC Modena RCAG
345.000 Coast Guard primary A-A
347.200 Martin State Airport MD ANG Raven Ops
348.725 Potomac TRACON
349.000 Andrews AFB Tower
349.400 Dover AFB Command Post
349.500 NAS Chambers VA CP
351.200 Andrews AFB 459ARW/756ARS Command Post "Liberator"
354.150 Washington ARTCC Smyrna RCAG Kenton sector
354.800 NAS Patuxent River Area Advisory Control Bay Watch
359.100 Washington ARTCC Gordonsville Sector
360.700 Washington ARTCC Baltimore RCAG Swann sector
360.850 Washington ARTCC Falls Church RCAG Irons sector
363.000 Washington ARTCC Millville RCAG Woodstowne sector
363.900 Langley AFB VA A-A (39 prime)
365.700 NAS Patuxent River test discrete
370.925 Norfolk Approach/Depature
376.200 Langley Dispatch.
377.200 Washington ARTCC Tech Sector.
378.100 Andrews AFB Griffin Command Post
384.100 Martin State Airport 135th Command Post Crab Ops
396.200 Coronet 11 A1

USS Lake Erie Returns from Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Mark Logico, Commander Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- The Pearl Harbor based guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70) returned from a four-month deployment in the Western Pacific April 1.

Family members waited patiently as the ship and crew of approximately 340 officers and enlisted personnel, commanded by Capt. Ronald Boxall arrived at the pier.

"It hasn't been extremely too long," said Ashleigh Whitecotton, wife of Ensign Robert Whitecotton and mother of a 17-month-old daughter. "It's just having a little one that's the hardest thing, just her not seeing her daddy."

Francie Sturgeon, a new mother and wife of Gas Turbine System Technician Mechanical 3rd Class David Sturgeon, also carried her three-month-old daughter during the homecoming while waiting for her Sailor. She said the deployment wasn't very hard on her because of email.

"We have been sending email and pictures to each other," said Francie. "David probably has more than 300 pictures of our daughter. We are excited. Our family is home now."

Lake Erie Command Master Chief (SW) Brian Ortega said that the main mission of the ship is to interact, train and build relations with several partner nations.

"It was a good experience," said Ortega. "The Sailors learned a lot when we engaged with the foreign countries, strengthening our partnerships throughout the world."

Lake Erie Sailors volunteered for a Habitat for Humanity community relations project in Thailand, where Sailors assisted in constructing new homes for families in need.

Continuing their volunteer efforts throughout the deployment, Lake Erie Sailors again helped bring vital supplies to the Banglamung Hospital in Thailand, unloading a pallet full of medical and hygiene supplies.

Ortega said his Sailors were able to interact and play with the children at the pediatric ward of the hospital.

"That was a good experience for our Sailors," said Ortega. He also said that the ship participated in several exercises involving, Thai, Philippine, Korean and Malaysian militaries.

Later in the deployment, Lake Erie hosted senior enlisted military service members from the Republic of the Philippines navy, marines and the air force during a port visit to Manila, Philippines, March 11.

"We were able to see a lot of ports, and that's good," sad Ortega. "The Sailors joined the Navy to see the world. We hosted a luncheon in Manila, where not many U.S. Navy ships go to anymore. We hosted a luncheon for the host nation's senior leadership. We had senior members from the Philippine air force, navy and marines aboard our ship for lunch."

U.S. Navy guided-missile cruisers perform primarily in a battle force role. These ships are multi-mission air warfare, undersea warfare, naval surface fire support and surface warfare surface combatants capable of supporting carrier strike groups, amphibious forces, or of operating independently and as flagships of surface action groups.

"The highlight of the deployment was getting out Sailors qualified, improving the professional development of all shipmates that were aboard," said Ortega. "We qualified over 70 enlisted warfare specialists and enlisted aviation warfare specialist."

Peleliu ARG Completes COMPTUEX

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) R. David Valdez, Navy Public Affairs Support Element, West

USS PELELIU. At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines bolstered their joint warfighting capabilities during a Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX) held off the Southern California coast, March 17-31.

Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group (PEL ARG) and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) practiced detailed planning, communication and execution during a variety of missions in order to complete COMPTUEX.

"COMPTUEX provided the ARG an opportunity to exercise our tactical capability in a dynamic, complex, at-sea scenario," said Capt. Dale Fuller, commander, Amphibious Squadron 3. "This prepares the ARG and our Marine counterparts in honing the required skill sets as we lean forward for our scheduled deployment."

COMPTUEX is the second of three at-sea periods for the PEL ARG and 15th MEU. Following PHIBRON-MEU Integration (PMINT) in February, COMPTUEX created a more complex environment for training. Each evolution required a greater level of communication between the ships and their embarked Marines.

"It is my belief that our Navy and Marine Corps team is currently on track to meeting the functional warfighting milestones necessary for us to be prepared for CERTEX, our next training evolution," said Col. Roy Osborn, 15th MEU commanding officer.

Scenarios tested the PEL ARG and 15th MEU's ability to perform maritime security operations, such as counter-piracy operations; as well as real-time operations including refueling at sea, flight operations, and amphibious landings. These are required tasks for the scheduled 2010 deployment.

Amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) is the command platform for the Peleliu ARG and 15th MEU. The ARG consists of the command element, Amphibious Squadron 3; amphibious transport dock USS Dubuque (LPD 8); amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52); and embarked units Tactical Air Control Squadron 11, Det. 1; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23, Det. 5; Assault Craft Unit 5, Det. B; Assault Craft Unit 1, Det. F; Beachmaster Unit 1, Det. D; and Fleet Surgical Team 1.

Stennis Wraps Up, Comes Home

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Eboni Cameron and Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dimitry Chepusov

USS JOHN C. STENNIS, At Sea (NNS) -- USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) will return to its homeport of Bremerton, Wash., after completing 21 days at sea in support of fleet replacement squadron carrier qualifications (FRSCQ) and an offload of the ship's ordnance.

Stennis embarked five squadrons in March for FRSCQ, qualifying 34 new pilots who completed 641 arrested gear landings.

"We gave every pilot the opportunity to get qualified by having the deck ready at all times," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 2nd Class (AW) Christopher Callahan. "That took hard work and dedication from everybody."

After the completion of FRSCQ, Stennis began preparing for its ammunition offload. Within two days, 1,300 lifts were performed through connected and vertical replenishments to offload 2.5 million pounds of ammunition.

"It was tiring, but rewarding to get the job done," said Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class (AW/SW) Travis Bohling. "We had to get all the ordnance off the ship to enter into the industrial environment of [planned incremental availability]."

Stennis' Executive Officer Capt. Michael Wettlaufer said this underway period went very well.

"We finished our qualifications ahead of schedule, there were countless numbers of enlisted surface and air warfare qualifications and we improved our knowledge and readiness for our planned incremental availability."

Known as PIA, it is part of a cycle that all ships go through, which is normally followed by sea trials, work-ups, deployment and a surge period, before going back into another maintenance phase.

"We have been preparing for PIA since before I took over a year-and-a-half ago," said Stennis Commanding Officer Capt. Joseph Kuzmick. "That's how much effort it takes to do one of these things."

Since its last deployment, the ship completed 3100 arrested landings and qualified 115 naval aviators as the only platform available to do so in the Pacific.
"So we have been the workhorse for the aircraft carrier Navy," said Kuzmick. "Everyone else that's not deployed has been either working up to deploy or getting a maintenance availability done themselves."

After completing a six-month Western Pacific deployment in the summer of 2009, Stennis returned to sea again in a surge-ready status and completed five underway periods between September and April.

"We have been extremely successful; great work," said Kuzmick. "We don't need a whole lot, we just get the job done and that's become the Stennis way of doing things and I love it."

Milcom Blog Logs - March 2010 - Central Florida

Our good friend in central Florida Jack NeSmith checks in with his list of Milair freqs he monitored in March 2010. Thanks jack.

Most of the freqs ID'd as OPS/EXERCISE/TRAINING are probably related to the
Truman exercise. Too far North for good monitoring.
Everything will be shut down until Wednesday of next week.

138.1500 AIR OPS
138.4500 UNKNOWN
139.8000 AIR OPS
139.9000 A/G/A
140.1750 (FM) R-2910 PINECASTLE RNG ADMIN NET
141.1500 USAF
141.3000 AIR REFUELING
141.6500 AIR OPS
142.5250 UNKNOWN
143.7500 23dFW MOODY AFB GA
148.7625 CP. BLANDING RNG CNTRL (P-25)
150.5000 USCG
134.7750 NAS JAX BASE OPS
225.2000 UNKNOWN
225.3000 16th SOW EGLIN AFB
225.3500 R-2910 PINECASTLE RNG.
225.7250 J-STARS
225.8000 NORAD
225.9000 OPS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
226.2000 OPS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
226.5500 UNKNOWN
226.6000 LANTCOM
227.0750 W-470A
227.4000 ARMY
228.3000 UNKNOWN
228.9500 T-1A INTERFLIGHT
229.3500 LANTCOM
230.9000 WB NAOC "PARMA-35"
234.8000 159th FS/125thFW
235.1000 AR-200
236.2500 UNKNOWN
237.2000 ARMY
237.7000 LANTCOM
239.0000 ORLANDO EXEC TOWER
239.3500 OPS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
239.5500 NORTHCOM
239.6000 UNKNOWN
244.8000 UNKNOWN
245.6000 ARMY
251.1500 JAX IAP A/D
251.2000 UNKNOWN
251.2500 159thFS/125thFW
251.6000 NAS JAX ?
251.9500 UNKNOWN
252.1000 "REEF OPS" HOMESTEAD ARB
253.1000 VMFA-122 MCAS BEAUFORT SC
253.5000 ORLANDO IAP TOWER
253.7000 159thFS/125thFW
254.3250 KZJX
256.7000 KZMA
256.7500 FAA
257.2000 KZMA
257.5000 W-151/470 GCI OPS
262.9000 NADEP NAS JAX ?
264.2000 VP-8&18 BASE
267.5000 FACSFAC JAX
267.6000 UNKNOWN
268.1000 UNKNOWN
269.2500 KZJX
269.3250 GAINESVILLE RGNL A/D
270.5000 NAVY
273.5500 KZJX
274.5000 VMFA-115 MCAS BEAUFORT SC
275.9250 UNKNOWN
277.0000 NAVY
277.2500 UNKNOWN
277.2750 UNKNOWN
277.8000 FLEET COMMON
278.0500 OPS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
278.4000 NORAD
278.5500 UNKNOWN
279.6000 TAMPA IAP A/D
281.5000 KZMA
282.2000 KZJX
282.4000 OPS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
282.4750 UNKNOWN
283.1500 OPS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
284.0000 KSC TOWER
284.5000 FACSFAC JAX
284.7000 ORLANDO IAP A/D
285.5000 KZMA
285.6500 KZJX
286.0500 WB NAOC "PARMA-35"
288.4250 OPS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
289.2000 R-2910 PINECASTLE RNG
290.0000 LANTCOM
290.3000 TAMPA IAP A/D
290.4000 KZJX
290.5000 CNTRA TAC-2
292.2000 R-2901 AVON PARK RNG
293.2250 KZMA
293.6000 NORAD
294.5250 AIR FORCE
294.8250 LANTCOM
300.7500 UNKNOWN
303.0000 OPS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
303.6000 NAS JAX GCA
307.0000 ORLANDO IAP A/D
307.2500 KZJX
311.0000 6th ARW "LIGHTING OPS"
311.5000 GCI BRISTOL
314.2000 159thFS/125thFW
316.3000 NORAD
317.5250 KZJX
317.6000 KZJX
317.6000 KZMA
320.5000 GCI BRISTOL
321.0000 920th RQW CMD POST
322.4000 JAX IAP A/D
322.4750 KZJX
324.6000 UNKNOWN
326.1750 OPS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
327.1000 KZJX
335.5500 KZJX
335.9500 NORAD/NORTHCOM
336.0250 UNKNOWN
336.4000 NAS JAX GC
338.2500 JAX IAP A/D
339.5000 VMFA-115 MCAS BEAUFORT SC
340.2000 NAS JAX TOWER
341.7250 OPS/EXERCISE/TOWER
342.0250 OPS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
343.5000 NAS JAX METRO
344.6000 AF METRO
346.2500 KZJX
346.3000 KZJX
348.6000 DAYTONA IAP GC
348.7000 KZMA
349.0000 KZMA
350.0000 OPS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
350.3750 OPS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
351.8000 JAX IAP A/D
351.9000 ORLANDO EXEC A/D
352.0000 KZJX
353.5750 TAMPA IAP A/D
357.0000 OPS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
360.4000 VT-4 NAS WHITING
360.7000 KZJX
360.8000 KZJX
363.0000 KZJX
363.0000 KZMA
369.9000 NORAD
369.0250 OPS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
369.2000 OPS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
370.9000 KZMA
372.2000 PTD
377.0500 JAX IAP A/D
377.1000 KZJX
379.9000 JAX IAP A/D
380.3000 KZMA
381.5000 DAYTONA IAP A/D
385.5000 DAYTONA IAP A/D
387.0000 DAYTONA IAP A/D
388.2000 TYNDALL AFB A/D

BHR ARG, 11th MEU Leave 7th Fleet to End Deployment

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) departed U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR) April 1 for the final leg of a seven-month deployment.

More than 4,300 members of the San Diego-based ARG/MEU team set sail last September in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation initiatives in the 5th and 7th Fleet AORs.

While transiting 7th Fleet in March, ARG ships – USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), USS Cleveland (LPD 7), and USS Rushmore (LSD 47) – made scheduled port calls to Phuket, Thailand; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and Fukuoka, Japan.

"Our port visits in 7th Fleet not only fostered goodwill and cultivated positive exchanges, but also produced dynamic experiences that our Sailors and Marines will reflect on for years to come," said Capt. Tim Wilson, commander of the Bonhomme Richard ARG.

More than 150 service members from Rushmore and Cleveland completed improvement projects at two schools, an orphanage and a local hospital while visiting Phuket, Thailand. During Bonhomme Richard's visit to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, more than 70 Sailors and Marines spent time interacting with local youngsters at a day care center for disabled children.

"The Marines and Sailors of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit truly enjoyed their time in 7th Fleet and once again demonstrated the utility of well-trained forces embarked aboard multipurpose ships," said Col. Gregg Olson, commander of the 11th MEU.

During a goodwill visit to Fukuoka, Japan, March 16 - 21, more than 30 service members stationed aboard Rushmore visited young patients at Fukuoka Children's Hospital. Japanese patients were giddy with excitement when two Sailors and a Marine led a lively version of the hokey-pokey, strumming acoustic guitars and dancing in the hospital's entertainment room.

"Marines and Sailors had opportunity to contribute their labor to those in need during community service projects. They upheld the highest traditions of the naval services and spent time ashore as good ambassadors of the United States," said Olson.

Over the course of deployment, ARG/MEU personnel volunteered in over 20 community service projects during port visits to Guam, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Timor-Leste, Japan and in the Persian Gulf.

In addition, Sailors and Marines provided medical and dental care to more than 2,000 patients in Indonesia and Timor-Leste, working along side local healthcare officials during Marine Exercise 2009 in October.

"I could not be prouder of our Sailors and Marines. Their enthusiasm and desire to make a real difference speaks to the character of our team," said Wilson. "Every one of our positive interactions promoted trust and cooperation, which complemented stability and security efforts with each nation we visited. The ARG/MEU team truly was a goodwill ambassador for the United States."

USS Freedom to Enter 3rd Fleet

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Freedom (LCS 1) will reach its latest significant milestone when she enters the 3rd Fleet Area of Responsibility April 4.

"We are excited to have USS Freedom join the 3rd Fleet team," said Commander, 3rd Fleet, Vice Adm. Richard Hunt. "The Littoral Combat Ship class provides a transformational capability to theater naval commanders which will enhance support for the war on terrorism, theater security cooperation (TSC) with partner nations, and emerging operational requirements."

After entering 3rd Fleet, Freedom will conduct TSC engagements with partner nations, conduct routine training at sea, officially arrive in San Diego in late April, and then participate in the International Fleet Review in Canada commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Canadian Navy and the 22nd Rim of the Pacific exercise in Hawaii, both being conducted this Summer.

Prior to arriving, Freedom conducted counter-illicit trafficking (CIT) operations in the Caribbean Sea and off the coasts of Central and South America under the operational control of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet.

In less than three weeks of CIT operations in the Caribbean, Freedom made three drug seizures, recovering more than three tons of cocaine and capturing one vessel and five suspected drug smugglers.

"During its deployment, Freedom has demonstrated that its class will become a key component of the 21st century Navy," said Hunt. "We look forward to employing Freedom to help us meet the challenges of operating in the littorals. The LCS-class brings unique capabilities, exponentially expanding the ability of 3rd Fleet and the Navy to execute the maritime strategy."

Embarked aboard Freedom are Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22, Detachment 2, based in Norfolk; the first tailored LCS Surface Warfare Mission Package, based in San Diego; and a U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment.

The first ship in the revolutionary littoral combat ship class, Freedom is a fast, agile, maneuverable, and networked surface modular ship designed to complement the Navy's larger multi-mission surface combatants in select mission areas, including combating submarines, mines, and fast-attack craft threats in the littorals.

Freedom began its maiden deployment Feb. 16, more than two years ahead of schedule, and will complete the deployment when it arrives in its homeport of San Diego in late April.

Milcom Blog Logs - 30 Mar 2010 - BTown

Another installment of BTown HF ALE Intercepts. Scanning a variety of National Guard freqs and a few FEMA/SHARES thrown in to watch for activity associated with the flooding in the NE US.

SHARES SCN ALE Net
[00:25:28][FRQ 04490000][SND][ ][TIS][AAT3BF ][AL0] BER 22 SN 06
[00:54:58][FRQ 04490000][SND][ ][TIS][OARNNN ][AL0] BER 22 SN 07
[23:28:10][FRQ 04490000][SND][ ][TIS][AAT3BF ][AL0] BER 22 SN 07
[23:09:32][FRQ 04490000][SND][ ][TIS][3PBAFA ][AL0] BER 26 SN 07
[23:07:56][FRQ 04490000][SND][ ][TIS][OARNNN ][AL0] BER 23 SN 08
[22:01:37][FRQ 04490000][SND][ ][TIS][AAT3BF ][AL0] BER 21 SN 04
[18:21:51][FRQ 04490000][SND][ ][TIS][KBPNNN ][AL0] BER 15 SN 06
[17:55:40][FRQ 04490000][SND][ ][TWS][WWLNNN ][AL0] BER 30 SN 09
[16:47:47][FRQ 04490000][SND][ ][TWS][WWLNNN ][AL0] BER 29 SN 08
[12:55:01][FRQ 04490000][SND][ ][TIS][AAT3BF ][AL0] BER 24 SN 07

National Guard (VA)
[01:05:25][FRQ 04562000][SND][ ][TWS][RLD ][AL0] BER 28 SN 06
[22:56:50][FRQ 04562000][SND][ ][TWS][RLD ][AL0] BER 28 SN 07
[20:49:33][FRQ 04562000][SND][ ][TWS][RLD ][AL0] BER 30 SN 06
[19:45:58][FRQ 04562000][SND][ ][TWS][RLD ][AL0] BER 16 SN 07
[15:30:26][FRQ 04562000][SND][ ][TWS][RLD ][AL0] BER 25 SN 05
[13:23:06][FRQ 04562000][SND][ ][TWS][RLD ][AL0] BER 30 SN 07

FEMA National Radio System (FNARS) and National Guard (VA) Strange mix indeed
[01:52:54][FRQ 04780000][SND][ ][TWS][FC8 ][AL0] BER 25 SN 09
[19:45:59][FRQ 04780000][SND][ ][TWS][RLD ][AL0] BER 24 SN 09

National Guard 1-126 AVN
[01:31:52][FRQ 04790000][SND][ ][TWS][T1126 ][AL0] BER 19 SN 06

National Guard
[23:21:59][FRQ 04927000][TO ][IAASF2 ][TIS][R24412 ][AL0] BER 26 SN 07
[23:19:59][FRQ 04927000][TO ][248OPS ][TIS][R24412 ][AL0] BER 23 SN 08

National Guard (VA)
[01:46:07][FRQ 05125000][SND][ ][TWS][RLD ][AL0] BER 28 SN 04
[21:22:35][FRQ 05125000][SND][ ][TWS][AFF ][AL0] BER 28 SN 06
[17:57:30][FRQ 05125000][SND][ ][TWS][RLD ][AL0] BER 26 SN 06
[16:51:01][FRQ 05125000][SND][ ][TWS][RLD ][AL0] BER 27 SN 05
[12:24:47][FRQ 05125000][SND][ ][TWS][RLD ][AL0] BER 28 SN 06

SHARES
[01:46:08][FRQ 05211000][SND][ ][TWS][RLD ][AL0] BER 23 SN 06
[01:29:13][FRQ 05211000][SND][ ][TIS][T69ME1 ][AL0] BER 22 SN 07
[12:48:16][FRQ 05211000][SND][ ][TIS][T69ME1 ][AL0] BER 22 SN 04
[12:04:01][FRQ 05211000][SND][ ][TIS][T69ME1 ][AL0] BER 18 SN 05

National Guard (MS) 1-185 AVN
[02:17:45][FRQ 05236500][SND][ ][TWS][T01185 ][AL0] BER 22 SN 08
[01:47:35][FRQ 05236500][SND][ ][TWS][T01185 ][AL0] BER 24 SN 06
[14:13:47][FRQ 05236500][SND][ ][TWS][T01185 ][AL0] BER 25 SN 09
[13:13:33][FRQ 05236500][SND][ ][TWS][T01185 ][AL0] BER 23 SN 07

National Guard
[02:17:45][FRQ 05817000][SND][ ][TWS][T01 ][AL0] BER 24 SN 09
[00:51:10][FRQ 05817000][SND][ ][TWS][RLD ][AL0] BER 30 SN 08
[17:00:52][FRQ 05817000][SND][ ][TWS][HAM ][AL0] BER 18 SN 06

National Guard or US Army Tri-graph
[12:55:46][FRQ 05821500][SND][ ][TWS][A3L ][AL0] BER 20 SN 04

National Guard (OH) 73rd Troop Command
[20:44:34][FRQ 05851500][SND][ ][TIS][NGTROOPCMD ][AL0] BER 28 SN 11
[17:45:24][FRQ 05851500][SND][ ][TIS][NGTROOPCMD ][AL0] BER 28 SN 10
[16:15:49][FRQ 05851500][SND][ ][TIS][NGTROOPCMD ][AL0] BER 30 SN 11
[14:46:14][FRQ 05851500][SND][ ][TIS][NGTROOPCMD ][AL0] BER 26 SN 10
[13:16:39][FRQ 05851500][SND][ ][TIS][NGTROOPCMD ][AL0] BER 23 SN 11

National Guard (VA)
[00:58:33][FRQ 05877000][SND][ ][TWS][RLD ][AL0] BER 30 SN 07
[21:32:27][FRQ 05877000][SND][ ][TWS][RLD ][AL0] BER 30 SN 08
[20:23:42][FRQ 05877000][SND][ ][TWS][RLD ][AL0] BER 27 SN 04
[16:56:45][FRQ 05877000][SND][ ][TWS][RLD ][AL0] BER 26 SN 04
[15:22:24][FRQ 05877000][SND][ ][TWS][HAM ][AL0] BER 28 SN 08

US JSOC Fort Bragg NC
[19:42:21][FRQ 06911500][SND][ ][TWS][DKB ][AL0] BER 30 SN 07

US Army Command Emergency Operations Net +National Guard
[02:15:11][FRQ 06985000][SND][ ][TIS][T69ME1 ][AL0] BER 27 SN 07
[19:14:19][FRQ 06985000][TO ][USADA1010 ][TIS][USAIS1012 ][AL0] BER 26 SN 10
[14:15:33][FRQ 06985000][SND][ ][TIS][T69ME1 ][AL0] BER 17 SN 04
[14:14:07][FRQ 06985000][SND][ ][TWS][T01185 ][AL0] BER 24 SN 08
[13:13:51][FRQ 06985000][SND][ ][TWS][T01185 ][AL0] BER 28 SN 09

National Guard
[23:47:28][FRQ 07650000][TO ][IAASF2 ][TIS][R24412 ][AL0] BER 29 SN 09
[20:43:45][FRQ 07650000][SND][ ][TIS][NGTROOPCMD ][AL0] BER 25 SN 05
[17:44:35][FRQ 07650000][SND][ ][TIS][NGTROOPCMD ][AL0] BER 29 SN 10
[16:15:00][FRQ 07650000][SND][ ][TIS][NGTROOPCMD ][AL0] BER 29 SN 11
[14:45:25][FRQ 07650000][SND][ ][TIS][NGTROOPCMD ][AL0] BER 29 SN 09

Probably Swiss Diplo
[00:18:08][FRQ 07720000][AQC SND][ ][TWS][HOB?33 ][AL0] BER 20 SN 08 NOISE 12

National Guard (CT)
[22:39:09][FRQ 08161500][SND][ ][TWS][KBDLNG ][AL0] BER 29 SN 09

US Army/national Guard Nationwide
[02:04:55][FRQ 08171500][SND][ ][TWS][S2L ][AL0] BER 24 SN 07
[12:55:57][FRQ 08171500][SND][ ][TWS][A3L ][AL0] BER 21 SN 03

National Guard
[01:32:43][FRQ 08181500][SND][ ][TWS][T1126 ][AL0] BER 29 SN 09
[12:57:37][FRQ 08181500][SND][ ][TWS][T1126 ][AL0] BER 18 SN 05

National Guard
[00:28:02][FRQ 09081500][TO ][IAASF2 ][TIS][R24412 ][AL0] BER 29 SN 10

SHARES
[21:45:55][FRQ 09106000][SND][ ][TIS][AAT3BF ][AL0] BER 20 SN 04
[18:53:37][FRQ 09106000][SND][ ][TIS][AAT3BF ][AL0] BER 29 SN 06
[16:38:04][FRQ 09106000][TO ][KNY87 ][TIS][KNY91 ][AL0] BER 26 SN 07
[16:35:46][FRQ 09106000][SND][ ][TIS][T69ME1 ][AL0] BER 19 SN 04
[16:35:40][FRQ 09106000][SND][ ][TIS][T69ME1 ][AL0] BER 26 SN 05
[16:35:04][FRQ 09106000][TO ][KNY86 ][TIS][KNY91 ][AL0] BER 29 SN 08
[16:31:54][FRQ 09106000][TO ][KNY85 ][TIS][KNY91 ][AL0] BER 29 SN 08
[13:37:02][FRQ 09106000][SND][ ][TIS][AAT3BF ][AL0] BER 30 SN 08

FEMA National Radio System (FNARS)
[21:41:45][FRQ 10493000][SND][ ][TIS][T69ME1 ][AL0] BER 29 SN 10
[19:30:20][FRQ 10493000][SND][ ][TIS][T69ME1 ][AL0] BER 28 SN 08
[15:31:43][FRQ 10493000][SND][ ][TIS][T69ME1 ][AL0] BER 23 SN 06
[12:50:51][FRQ 10493000][SND][ ][TIS][T69ME1 ][AL0] BER 29 SN 09
[12:06:22][FRQ 10493000][SND][ ][TIS][T69ME1 ][AL0] BER 14 SN 03

National Guard STARC Nationwide Net
[23:42:44][FRQ 10816500][SND][ ][TIS][T69ME1 ][AL0] BER 28 SN 08
[22:15:50][FRQ 10816500][SND][ ][TIS][T69ME1 ][AL0] BER 29 SN 09
[19:06:00][FRQ 10816500][SND][ ][TIS][T69ME1 ][AL0] BER 25 SN 07

US Army/National Guard
[14:00:14][FRQ 10818000][SND][ ][TWS][C1C ][AL0] BER 29 SN 06

Army/National Guard Aviation
[00:32:49][FRQ 10821000][SND][ ][TWS][T1126 ][AL0] BER 28 SN 07
[23:01:55][FRQ 10821000][SND][ ][TWS][T1126 ][AL0] BER 27 SN 08
[21:31:26][FRQ 10821000][SND][ ][TWS][T1126 ][AL0] BER 29 SN 08
[21:01:12][FRQ 10821000][SND][ ][TWS][T1126 ][AL0] BER 29 SN 07
[20:30:52][FRQ 10821000][SND][ ][TWS][T1126 ][AL0] BER 29 SN 08

US Army/FEMA National Radio System (FNARS)
[20:57:18][FRQ 12129000][SND][ ][TWS][A3L ][AL0] BER 18 SN 03
[17:27:44][FRQ 12129000][SND][ ][TWS][FC6FEM002 ][AL0] BER 25 SN 09

National Guard STARC Nationwide Net
[15:14:41][FRQ 14653000][SND][ ][TIS][T69ME1 ][AL0] BER 24 SN 04
[17:14:00][FRQ 14653000][SND][ ][TIS][T69ME1 ][AL0] BER 23 SN 05
[19:13:18][FRQ 14653000][SND][ ][TIS][T69ME1 ][AL0] BER 27 SN 06

Milcom Blog Logs - HF Mar 30-31, 2010 - Mid Atlantic

Our regular MMP reporter Ron P in the Mid Atlantic checks in again with his latest installment of military and government HF logs. All times UTC and Frequencies in kHz.

30 Mar:

04393.5 AFA2BQ (USAF MARS): 0001 USB w/AFA2AC (USAF MARS) discussing autmated updates of MARS software.

05192.0 VA78CTSCSP (possibly Connecticut Telecommunications Service/Connecticut State Police Communications Unit): 0830 USB/ALE sounding.

05135.0 SEMOHQ (WPHM628:New York State Emergency HQs:Albany, NY): 1130 USB/ALE sounding.

05135.0 SEMO03 (WPHM631:New York State Emergency:Glen Falls, NY): 1135 USB/ALE sounding.

05135.0 SEMO05 (New York State Emergency:Newark, NY): 1145 USB/ALE sounding.

05192.0 NA1SH (EOC, Nashua New Hampshire): 2207 USB/ALE sounding.

05192.0 MA1NC (EOC, Manchester New Hampshire): 2208 USB/ALE sounding.

04593.5 AFA2BQ (NCS) & AFA3AJ (id as Virginia-acting as alternate NCS): 2262 USB w/NE2S1 net check ins--id's primary freq as RB: AFA2AC; AFA1IS (Mass); AFA1UV (NH);
AFA3YG; AFA2EC; AFA2AU; AFA2NY; AFA2CI; AFA2RQ; AFA2DU; AFA2QD (Alternate NCS); AFA3YY (PA); AFA3DJ; AFA3EM; AFA3LW (PA); AFA3OF (PA); AFA3DJ (PA); AFA3VW (PA); AFA3CZ (PA); AFA3JC (VA); AFA3BC (VA); AFA3VC (VA); AFA3QS (VA); AFA3FG (VA); AFA1VY (digital stn); AFA2RU; AFA4BE (FL); AFA5ZC (IN); AFF5IN (IN-mobile); AFA1NH (MA)

31 Mar:

05192.0 TRPFMOSHP (Troop F, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Jefferson City, MO): 0300 USB/ALE sounding.

05192.0 VA78CTSCSP (possibly Connecticut Telecommunications Service/Connecticut State Police Communications Unit): 1930 USB/ALE calling 2104CTSCSP (possibly
Connecticut Telecommunications Service/Connecticut State Police Communications Unit).

04693.0 FC1FEM (Communications Manager, FEMA Region 1, Maynard MA): 1955 USB/ALE sounding.