US raises stakes on Iran by sending in ships and missiles

Pentagon says Patriot shield will deter strike on American allies in the Gulf
By Chris McGreal in Washington guardian.co.uk

Tension between the US and Iran heightened dramatically today with the disclosure that Barack Obama is deploying a missile shield to protect American allies in the Gulf from attack by Tehran.

The US is dispatching Patriot defensive missiles to four countries – Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait – and keeping two ships in the Gulf capable of shooting down Iranian missiles. Washington is also helping Saudi Arabia develop a force to protect its oil installations.

American officials said the move is aimed at deterring an attack by Iran and reassuring Gulf states fearful that Tehran might react to sanctions by striking at US allies in the region. Washington is also seeking to discourage Israel from a strike against Iran by demonstrating that the US is prepared to contain any threat.

You can read the rest of the copyrighted story at
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jan/31/iran-nuclear-us-missiles-gulf

All of this was leaked to the press after the Iranian president delivered a veiled threat on Sunday. State-run Press TV quoted Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Sunday as saying that the nation will deliver a harsh blow to "global arrogance" on February 11.

Missile defence
Patriot missiles are designed to intercept enemy missiles before they reach their target. Since production began in 1980, 9,000 missiles have been delivered to countries including Germany, Greece, Taiwan and Japan.

During the first Gulf war Patriot success was 70% in Saudi Arabia and 40% in Israel. Since then the US has spent more than $10bn (£6.3bn) improving, among other aspects, the system's radar and computer compatibility for joint forces action. Once in position, the system requires a crew of only three people to operate. Each missile weighs 700kg and has a range of about 100 miles.

The US navy is in the process of upgrading all its Ticonderoga class cruisers and a number of destroyers to carry the Aegis ballistic missile defence system. It uses a surface-to-air missile that is capable of intercepting ballistic missiles above the atmosphere. It has also been tested on failing satellites as they fall to earth. Each missile is over 6m long and costs more than $9m. James Sturcke

Milcom Blog Logs - January 2010 - Central Florida

Our regular MMP reporter Jack NeSmith checks in with his frequency intercept logged during Jan 2010 from his central Florida lisening post. Thanks Jack.

128.4500 ORLANDO IAP CLEARANCE DELIVERY
129.0750 SANFORD OPS
134.7750 NAS JAX BASE OPS
138.1250 UNKNOWN
138.2500 93FS
138.6250 A/G/A
138.8250 AIR OPS
138.8750 TACTICAL/TRAINING
138.9500 6AMW CMD POST
139.0000 AIR OPS
139.4000 TACTICAL/TRAINING
139.7000 A/G/A
139.9625 UNKNOWN
140.1125 TACTICAL/TRAINING
140.1750 R-2910 PINECASTLE RNG (FM)
140.2000 A/G/A
140.4000 UNKNOWN
140.4250 TACTICAL/TRAINING
140.4625 TACTICAL/TRAINING
140.6750 UNKNOWN (FM)
140.8250 R-2910 PINECASTLE RNG (FM)
141.0750 TACTICAL/TRAINING
141.6500 AIR OPS
141.6750 TACTICAL/TRAINING
141.7375 TACTICAL/TRAINING
141.7500 TACTICAL/TRAINING
142.3000 AIR OPS
142.5250 UNKNOWN
142.7500 UNKNOWN
142.8500 TACTICAL/TRAINING
143.0000 AIR OPS
143.5000 TACTICAL/TRAINING
148.1250 TACTICAL/TRAINING
148.1500 CAP (FM)
148.2250 NAVY ??
148.7625 CAMP BLANDING RNG CONTROL (P-25 FM)
149.2750 CAP (AIR-1)
149.7500 UNKNOWN
150.3000 USCG
150.5750 UNKNOWN
225.1500 J-STARS
225.3500 R-2910 OINECASTLE RNG
225.6000 1ACCS
225.7250 J-STARS
225.9250 UNKNOWN
227.0750 W-470
227.5000 UNKNOWN (A/C DISCUSSING CARGO DOWNLOAD)
227.8000 UNKNOWN
228.8000 NORAD
228.9000 NORAD
229.3500 TRUMAN
231.6000 TRUMAN
231.6500 UNKNOWN
232.3750 E-4B "FIXIT-40" WIDEBAND
232.5000 WIDEBAND
233.2000 ARMY
233.3250 UNKNOWN
233.4000 UNKNOWN
233.4500 UNKNOWN
233.7000 MOODY AFB GA A/D
234.5000 ARMY
234.6000 NORAD
234.6250 UNKNOWN
234.8000 159FS/125FW
235.1000 AR-200
235.2500 T-BIRDS
235.2750 TRUMAN
236.0000 "KINGFISH KILO" ALCE OPS HOMESTEAD ARB
236.7750 UNKNOWN FAA
236.8000 UNKNOWN
237.1750 TRUMAN
237.7000 TRUMAN
237.8000 VFA-106 NAS OCEANA VA
239.0000 INTERFLIGHT COMMS
239.2500 KZMA
239.3000 NAS MAYPORT TOWER
239.5500 NORTHCOM
240.3000 J-STARS
240.6500 UNKNOWN
242.2000 ARMY
245.7000 ARMY
246.1000 UNKNOWN
246.1500 UNKNOWN
246.8000 TRUMAN
246.9000 UNKNOWN
246.9750 UNKNOWN
247.0000 ARMY
247.0500 NORTHCOM
248.7250 UNKNOWN
251.1500 JAX IAP A/D
251.2000 UNKNOWN
251.2500 159FS/125FW & (HURLBURT FIELD CMD POST)
251.4500 UNKNOWN
251.6000 "REEF OPS" HOMESTEAD ARB
253.1000 VMFA-122 MCAS BEAUFORT SC
253.7000 159FS/125FW
254.2750 LIVE OAK MOA
254.3000 KZJX
254.3250 KZJX
255.0000 NAVY
255.4000 FSS
255.5000 UNKNOWN
256.7500 UNKNOWN
256.8750 KZJX
256.9000 KZJX
257.1250 UNKNOWN
257.5000 W-151/47 GCI OPS "HYDRA CONTROL"
258.9250 UNKNOWN
260.0000 UNKNOWN
260.9000 NORAD
262.9000 UNKNOWN
263.4500 MOODY AFB GA METRO
263.5000 A/C DISCUSSING GROUND SPEED/ALTITUDE
264.2000 NAS JAX VP-8&16 BASE
264.5000 UNKNOWN
264.6250 R-2901 AVON PARK RNG
264.6500 BOEING OPS
264.8500 UNKNOWN
267.4500 UNKNOWN
267.5000 FACSFAC JAX "SEALORD"
269.2000 UNKNOWN
269.2500 KZJX
269.3250 GAINESVILLE REGIONAL A/D
269.4750 ST. AGUSTINE TOWER
269.7000 UNKNOWN
270.1000 ATIS MACDILL AFB
270.1750 UNKNOWN
270.5000 TRUMAN
270.7000 UNKNOWN
271.9500 HAVEQUICK
273.5500 KZJX
275.2000 GRUMMAN FLIGHT TEST
275.5000 NAVY
276.3250 TRUMAN
276.4000 GCA NAS JAX
277.2000 UNKNOWN
277.4000 KZJX
277.8000 FLEET COMMON
278.8000 GCA NAS JAX
279.6000 MACDILL AFB A/D
281.0000 ATIS NAS JAX
281.4250 PATRICK AFB A/D
281.5000 KZMA
281.8000 MCAS BEAUFORT SV BASE OPS
282.2000 KZJX
282.3000 KZJX
282.4250 CUSTOMS
282.5000 UNKNOWN
283.4000 VMFA-122 MCAS BEAUFORT SC
283.7000 MACDILL AFB "BUCANEER OPS"
284.0000 KSC TOWER
284.1500 J-STARS
284.5000 FACSFAC JAX "SEALORD"
284.7000 ORLANDO IAP A/D
285.5000 KZMA
285.6000 MOODY AFB GA A/D
285.6500 KZJX
285.7250 R-2901 AVON PARK RNG
286.0500 TACAMO BURNING WIDEBAND
288.4000 NORAD
288.9000 UNKNOWN
289.2000 R-2910 PINECASTLE RNG
290.0000 LANTCOM
290.3000 TAMPA IAP A/D
290.4000 KZJX
291.6000 KZMA
291.7000 KZJX
292.1000 MACDILL AFB "THUNDER OPS"
292.2000 R-2901 AVON PARK RNG
292.2250 TRUMAN
293.6000 NORAD
294.7000 MACDILL AFB TOWER
299.5000 TRUMAN
301.0000 SOUTH TACT RNG "WARLOCK"
301.5000 UNKNOWN
301.5500 UNKNOWN
301.9500 UNKNOWN
302.4500 UNKNOWN
303.0000 TRUMAN
306.0000 VP-30 NAS JAX
306.8750 TRUMAN
307.0000 ORLANDO IAP A/D
307.0500 KZJX
307.1000 KZMA
307.1750 TAMPA IAP A/D
307.2500 KZJX
307.3000 KZMA
307.8000 TYNDALL AFB A/D
310.2000 NAS JAX BASE OPS
310.6750 TRUMAN
311.0000 6AMW CMD POST
311.5000 FACSFAC JAX GCI OPS :BRISTOL"
312.2500 TRUMAN
312.2750 TRUMAN
312.3000 UNKNOWN
312.5000 UNKNOWN
313.9000 TRUMAN C-2s "PASSWORD"
314.2000 159FS/125FW
314.4500 HAVEQUICK
314.5000 TRUMAN
314.5250 TRUMAN
316.0500 TAMPA IAP A/D
316.3000 NORAD
316.8500 TRUMAN
317.5000 UNKNOWN FAA
317.5250 KZJX
317.6000 KZJX
317.6000 KZMA
317.7000 TOWER NAS JAX
318.6000 TRUMAN
318.9750 TRUMAN
319.0000 KZMA
319.4000 ALCC
319.7000 AR SECONDARY
319.8250 UNKNOWN
320.5000 FACSFAC JAX GCI OPS "BRISTOL"
320.9250 TRUMAN
321.0000 PATRICK&MACDILL AFB
322.4000 JAX IAP A/D
322.4750 KZJX
322.9750 TRUMAN
323.9500 TRUMAN
324.8000 NAS JAX
324.8250 TRUMAN
324.8500 TRUMAN
327.1000 KZJX
327.1750 TRUMAN
328.4250 TRUMAN
333.3000 TRUMAN
335.5500 KZJX
335.9250 TRUMAN
338.2500 JAX IAP A/D
338.3750 TRUMAN
339.8000 ORLANDO IAP A/D
340.2000 NAS JAX TOWER
341.7000 ORLANDO IAP CLEARANCE DELIVERY
342.2500 URBAN CAS TRUMAN
343.0000 159FS/125FW
343.5000 NAS JAX METRO
343.7000 KZMA
344.6000 PATRICK AFB METRO
345.0000 USCG
346.2500 KZJX
346.7500 TRUMAN
348.7000 KZMA
349.0000 KZMA
349.4000 ALCC
349.7000 AIR FORCE
350.0250 CUSTOMS
351.8000 JAX IAP A/D
351.9000 ORLANDO IAP A/D
351.9500 DAYTONA IAP A/D
352.0000 KZJX
353.6000 KZMA
353.7000 GAINESVILLE REGIONAL TOWER
357.0000 TRUMAN
360.7000 KZJX
360.8000 KZJX
363.3000 NAVY
364.2000 NORAD AICC
370.7500 TRUMAN
372.2000 PTD
377.0500 JAX IAP A/D
379.2500 KZMA
379.9000 JAX IAP A/D
380.3000 KZMA
381.5000 DAYTONA IAP A/D
381.5500 KZJX
381.6500 ORALANDO/SANFORD IAP TOWER
385.5000 DAYTONA IAP A/D
385.5250 TRUMAN
387.0000 DAYTONA IAP A/D
387.0250 CECIL FIELD TOWER
392.2000 AIR FORCE

Milcom Blog Logs - 31 Jan 2010 - USASA MidWest Collection Site

Time for another exclusive HF blog log report from the radio ranch at the USASA MidWest Collection Site.

3308.0 HF-USB
0107Z - AFA7ZJ NCS for the Air Force North Central Area Region MARS NCM4 net: AFA5HN
0202Z - AFA7GD NCS for the Air Force North Central Area MARS NCM1 net: AFA5PC / AFA5TV

3317.5 HF-USB
0130Z - NNN0FBL NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Missouri MARS 7H1B net: NNN0QGR / NNN0HBY-T / NNN0KOD

3325.0 HF-USB
0131Z - NNN0IEA NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Indiana MARS 5B1B net: NNN0XES / NNN0KBP / NNN0JYU

3349.0 HF-USB
0105Z - NNN0KIP NCS for the Navy/MC Region 6 East Texas MARS 6E1B net

3384.0 HF-USB
0108Z - Link-11 data transmission

3390.0 HF-USB
0010Z - NNN0ZTL NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Mississippi MARS 4E2B net
0201Z - NNN0RBC NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 MARS 4X9B net: NNN0BIF

4002.9 HF-USB
0102Z - AAM4ETN NCS for the Army Region 4 MARS AAA4RD/K net: AAT4BH / AAM3EAL / AAR4CX / AAR4FS

4007.0 HF-USB
0013Z - NNN0FCT NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Nebraska / Kansas MARS 7N1B net: NNN0AMY
0031Z - NNN0SXU NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Minnesota MARS 5G1B net: NNN0AXK / NNN0XYA

4008.5 HF-USB
0100Z - NNN0AJJ calz NNN0AZO w/ negative results then calz the Navy/MC Region 6 Oklahoma MARS 6O1B net: NNN0OGD / NNN0QNN
1401Z - NNN0KYF on Navy/MC Region 6 Louisiana MARS net

4011.0 HF-USB
1400Z - NNN0GAR NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Iowa MARS 7D2A net: NNN0ASF / NNN0JWO

4013.5 HF-USB
0015Z - NNN0RUE w/ UI station after which the UI station closed the Navy/MC Region 3 Maryland / District of Columbia / Delaware 3W?? net
1403Z - NNN0ANX NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 MARS 4X1B net: NNN0ICX

4020.9 HF-USB
1404Z - AAA6TX NCS for the Army Region 6 MARS AAA6RD/A net: AAR6QE / AAR6OA

4026.9 HF-USB
0001Z - AAR4TX NCS for the Army Region 4 North Carolina MARS AAA4NC/T net: AAV4TY / AAV4PL / AAM4ENC / AAR4MP-T / AAA4NC / AAM4NC

4035.9 HF-USB
0207Z - Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/B net: AAM7EMO / AAR7DZ / AAA7NE / AAR7BD / AAA7MO / AAA7RD
1414Z - Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/D net: AAM7EMO

4038.5 HF-USB
0211Z - NNN0ANX NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Tennessee MARS 4H2B net: NNN0RBA / NNN0PKC / NNN0AOC / NNN0RBD / NNN0EVT
0300Z - NNN0EVT NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Alabama MARS 4A2B net: NNN0TJC
1410Z - Navy/MC Region 4 Tennessee MARS 4H1B net: NNN0TWA / NNN0UTE

4041.0 HF-USB
0029Z - NNN0FKW NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Ohio MARS 5N5B net: NNN0FSW / NNN0AVY / NNN0KOP

4517.0 HF-USB
1442Z - AFF7MO NCS for the Air Force North Central Area Region 7 Missouri MARS 7MOS1 net
1501Z - AFF7NE NCS for the Air Force North Central Area Region 7 Nebraska MARS 7NES1 net

4603.0 HF-USB
[02:30:35][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC8 ][AL0] BER 13 SN 05 FC8 - FEMA, Region 8

4721.0 HF-USB
[03:46:30][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][AE1 ][AL0] BER 13 SN 06 AE1 - Unknown

4865.0 HF-USB
0114Z - Link-11 data transmission

6604.0 HF-USB
0346Z - New York Radio Volmet

6715.0 HF-USB
[10:52:50][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADWSPR ][AL0] BER 16 SN 05 ADWSPR - Andrews HF-GCS Secure Internet Protocol Router Network, MD
[11:29:07][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][MCCSPR ][AL0] BER 16 SN 05 MCCSPR - McClellan HF-GCS Secure Internet Protocol Router Network, CA

7302.0 HF-USB
1406Z - AFF6EC NCS for the Air Force Region 6 MARS 6M1 net
1502Z - AFF6EC NCS for the Air Force Region 6 MARS 6M4 net

7457.0 HF-USB
1407Z - Air Force Region 4 MARS 4S2 net: AFA4CV / AFA4SW / AFA4WJ

8012.0 HF-USB
[16:47:42][CHN 01][SND][ ][TIS][100SWRCAP ][AL0] BER 13 SN 05 100SWRCAP - US Civil Air Patrol: SW Regional HQ

8983.0 HF-USB
1416Z - Camslant w/ Swordfish-28 ref location of TOI

8992.0 HF-USB
1830Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 22 character EAM 4E4WEY

9121.5 HF-USB
0117Z - Link-11 data transmission

11175.0 HF-USB
1830Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 22 character EAM 4E4WEY

13200.0 HF-USB
1830Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 22 character EAM 4E4WEY

15016.0 HF-USB
1830Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 22 character EAM 4E4WEY

Milcom Blog Logs - January 2010 - Mid Atlantic

MMP regular reporter Ron Perron checks in with his January 2010 milair intercepts from his Mid-Atlantic listening post. Thanks 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-alternate 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
236.825 Washington ARTCC Snow Hill RCAG
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
254.200 GK discrete (LFI 14 prime).
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
262.025 Langley AFB Air-Air 149th FS VA ANG
262.950 NAS Patuxent River Echo Control
263.100 Washington ARTCC Azalea sector
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
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
281.800 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
288.400 NORAD Eastern Air Defense Sector Huntress
290.425 Washington ARTCC Green Bay RCAG Franklin sector
292.200 Andrews AFB 89AW/1HS Air-Air
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
312.300 FACSFAC, Virginia Capes "Giant Killer" W386 common (LFI 36 prime)
314.000 NAS Patuxent River Approach/Departure
317.425 Potomac Tracon Departure
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
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
363.900 Langley AFB VA A-A (39 prime)
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

Milcom Blog Logs - HF Jan 26-29, 2010 - Mid Atlantic

Ron P is back with some more military/government HF intercepts from his Mid-Atlantic monitoring post. (Times UTC, Freqs KHz)

26 Jan:

08340.0 3V2Y (Commander Venezuelan Navy LST T-64 "Los LLanos"): 2200 LSB/ALE to T8R1 (HQs Venezuelan Navy) w/extensive DTM traffic regarding activties while in port in Cuba.

11181.0 CROSPR (Secure Internet Protocol node, RAF Croughton UK): 1553 USB/ALE sounding. Also sounding were nodes at Lajes, Andrews and Salinas.

27 Jan:

11181.0 JNRSPR (Secure Internet Protocol node, Salinas PR): 1810 USB/ALE calling MOBD13DAT (unid).

15091.0 MCCSPR (Secure Internet Protocol node, McClellan AFB CA), OFFSPR (Secure Internet Protocol node, Offutt AFB NE) & JNRSPR (Secure Internet Protocol node, Salinas PR): 1830 USB/ALE calling MOBD13DAT (unid).

28 Jan:

08058.6 KRC83 (US Embassy, Central/south America): 1400 USB/ALE calling KRC81 (US Embassy, Central/south America).

08912.0 D70 (US Customs P-3A "Slick" #N16370/BuNo 152170, Corpus Christi AMB, TX): 0037 USB/ALE calling CNT (US Customs AMOC Central Regional Communications Node) then in voice Omaha 370 calling Hammer (US Customs AMICC, March AFB, CA) on the "Central node" in the clear. Then into Parkhill encrypted voice.

10242.0 PAC (CamsPac Point Reyes CA): 2005 USB/ALE w/J10 (USCG MH-60J #6010 CGAS Clearwater FL) then in voice checks.

29 Jan:

09025.0 571486 (KC-135R # 57-1486, 197 ARS - AZ ANG,Phoenix Skyharbor IAP, AZ): 2200 USB/ALE sounding.

Milcom Blog Logs - 30 Jan 2010 - USASA MidWest Collection Site

Time for another exclusive HF blog log report from the radio ranch at the USASA MidWest Collection Site.

3308.0 HF-USB
0103Z - AFE5EC NCS for the Air Force North Central Area Region MARS NCECM1 net: AFA5GK
0205Z - AFN7NC NCS for the Air Force North Central Area MARS NCM1 net

3317.5 HF-USB
0134Z - NNN0SVW NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Missouri MARS 7H1B net: NNN0JRX / NNN0FBL / NNN0KOD / NNN0QGR / NNN0HBY-T // NNN0SVW mentions a training net to be held 0800 hrs local on NCG on Saturday

3325.0 HF-USB
0133Z - NNN0AKT NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Indiana MARS 5B1B net: NNN0BHZ
2330Z - Navy/MC Region 7 Iowa MARS 7D3B net: NNN0AJJ check in

3349.0 HF-USB
0104Z - NNN0KDD NCS for the Navy/MC Region 6 East Texas MARS 6E1B net: NNN0AHH

3370.5 HF-USB
0207Z - AFA6DV NCS for the Air Force Region 6 MARS 6M3 net

3384.0 HF-USB
0104Z - Link-11 data transmission

3390.0 HF-USB
0208Z - NNN0EAF NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 MARS 4X9B net: NNN0ACA / NNN0ANX / NNN0RBD

4006.0 HF-USB
0130Z - pair of foul-mouthed individuals discussing catching "big-eyes"

4007.0 HF-USB
0031Z - NNN0BQH NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Minnesota MARS 5G1B net: NNN0AQK / NNN0AAT / NNN0KZC / NNN0XFB

4008.5 HF-USB
0100Z - NNN0AZO NCS for the Navy/MC Region 6 Oklahoma MARS 6O1B net: NNN0OGD
0201Z - NNN0ETI NCS for the Navy/MC Region 6 South Texas MARS 6S1B net: NNN0WYC / NNN0SEJ / NNN0HKQ / NNN0APN / NNN0JLK / NNN0SDD

4011.0 HF-USB
1400Z - NNN0AS74 NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 MARS 7X3C net: NNN0SVW / NNN0HBY-T / NNN0KOD

4018.0 HF-USB
0102Z - 2 OM w/ British accents (same voices have been hearing the past couple of days @ this time)

4020.9 HF-USB
1409Z - AAA6TX NCS for the Army Region 6 MARS AAA6RD/A net: AAR6LN

4023.9 HF-USB
0106Z - AAM5RT NCS for the Army Region 5 Illinois AAA5RD/IL net: AAA5IL attempts to check in but is not heard by NCS
0202Z - AAT5AP NCS for the Army Region 5 Minnesota AAA5RD/MN net 2333Z - AAM5TOH w/ unknown station

4026.9 HF-USB
0035Z - AAM4AL NCS for the Army Region 4 Alabama MARS AAA4AL/A net: AAT4TH / AAR4FF / AAV4FV / AAR4IB / AAR4CY

4035.9 HF-USB
0113Z - AAR7DP NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/IA net: AAR7FE
0302Z - AAM7MO NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/B net
1404Z - AAM7RT NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/D net // rotating NCS btwn stations // AAA7NE / AAR7FB-T / AAM7EMO

4038.5 HF-USB
0203Z - NNN0AOC NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Tennessee MARS 4H2B net: NNN0ANX / NNN0PCC / NNN0TBK / NNN0ATX / NNN0TZL / NNN0TWA / AAA9EC / NNN0TCN / NNN0ZUZ / NNN0EBS
0300Z - NNN0EVT NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Alabama MARS 4A2B net: NNN0QAA / NNN0SYH
1405Z - NNN0ANX NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Tennessee MARS 4H1B net: NNN0EXS / NNN0ATX

4041.0 HF-USB
0029Z - NNN0LWN NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Ohio MARS 5N5B net: NNN0UAN / NNN0FKV / NNN0FSW / NNN0KOP / NNN0FFA / NNN0KRQ / NNN0FLT / NNN0AEY

4517.0 HF-USB
1412Z - AFF5MN NCS for the Air Force North Central Area Region 5 Minnesota MARS 5MNS1 net: AFN7NC

4603.0 HF-USB
[04:38:09][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC8FEM ][AL0] BER 19 SN 06 FC8FEM - FEMA, Region 8

4623.5 HF-USB
1502Z - NNN0SCV NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Illinois MARS 5I3B net

4721.0 HF-USB
[02:58:43][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][571 ][AL0] BER 11 SN 05 571 - Unknown

4825.0 HF-USB
2305Z - NNN0AHH NCS for the Navy/MC Region 6 MARS 6X4B net: NNN0HZN / NNN0OIL / NNN0KIP / NNN0SDD

4865.0 HF-USB
0212Z - Link-11 data transmission

6855.0 HF-AM
2134Z - YL in 5F Spanish numbers msg tfc

8983.0 HF-USB
1513Z - Camslant rqst ETA to coordinates fm Rescue 28 (CG 2128)
1547Z - Camslant calz CG 2112 on 5 & 8 MHz

8992.0 HF-USB
2101Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 3 (missed 1st one & last 2 contained 28 characters) EAMs: 4EW7IG & 4E5RDF

11175.0 HF-USB
2101Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 3 (missed 1st one & last 2 contained 28 characters) EAMs: 4EW7IG & 4E5RDF

11226.0 HF-USB
[14:56:30][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][170031 ][AL0] BER 17 SN 06 170031 - 87-0031 C-5B 500-117 337th AS act sep08 AFRC
[18:59:51][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][510309 ][AL0] BER 16 SN 06 510309 - 61-0309 KC-135R 18216 126th ARS act oct92 jun06 WI ANG, 'Lett's Roll' 19mar02, nm sep07

13200.0 HF-USB
2101Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 3 (missed 1st one & last 2 contained 28 characters) EAMs: 4EW7IG & 4E5RDF

13927.0 HF-USB
2107Z - (sound like) AFA5MH hands off (sounded like) Reach-79 to another MARS operator

14405.0 HF-USB
1600Z - NNN0HQE NCS & AFA9PF Alt NCS for the Transcon Space Support Net: AFA1SX / AFA3AE / AFA3VW

15016.0 HF-USB
2101Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 3 (missed 1st one & last 2 contained 28 characters) EAMs: 4EW7IG & 4E5RDF

Milcom Blog Logs - 29 Jan 2010 - USASA MidWest Collection Site

Time for another exclusive HF blog log report from the radio ranch at the USASA MidWest Collection Site.

3308.0 HF-USB
0201Z - AFA5JM NCS for the Air Force North Central Area MARS NCM1 net

3325.0 HF-USB
0007Z - NNN0FCT NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Nebraska / Kansas MARS 7N1B net: NNN0AVT
0133Z - NNN0LZD NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Indiana MARS 5B1B net: NNN0IEA makes net call for NCS / NNN0AKT / NNN0UZS / NNN0BHZ / NNN0KBP ((all complaining of being unable to hear NCS))

3349.0 HF-USB
0010Z - Navy/MC Region 6 Arkansas MARS 6A1B net: NNN0AAK / NNN0KCC / NNN0AGB-T

3384.0 HF-USB
0011Z - Link-11 data transmission

3390.0 HF-USB
0011Z - NNN0LGK-T NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Mississippi MARS 4E2B net
0202Z - NNN0JKI NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 MARS 4X9B net: NNN0TWA

4002.9 HF-LSB
0204Z - AAM4MS NCS for the Army Region 4 Mississippi MARS AAA4MS/A net: AAV4TT (Alt NCS)

4007.0 HF-USB
0035Z - NNN0XEE NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Minnesota MARS 5G1B net: NNN0AXK / NNN0BQH / NNN0ANT
1409Z - NNN0XBO NCS for the Navy/MC Region 8 Montana MARS 8M1B net

4008.5 HF-USB
0015Z - Navy/MC Region 6 Louisiana MARS 6L1B net closed
0103Z - NNN0AZO NCS for the Navy/MC Region 6 Oklahoma MARS 6O1B net closes net
0207Z - NNN0VHO NCS for the Navy/MC Region 6 South Texas MARS 6S1B net: NNN0EYT

4011.0 HF-USB
1412Z - NNN0YGW NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Iowa MARS 7D1C net: NNN0SVW / NNN0TUL

4017.9 HF-USB
1501Z - AAM8TCO NCS for the Army Region 8 MARS AAA8RD/C net: AAR8CF / AAR8GI

4018.0 HF-USB
0104Z - British accented personalities (YL & OM) & ref to Nassau

4035.9 HF-USB
0105Z - AAR7AT NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/IA net: AAM7IA / NN0FCT / AAR9HH
1420Z - Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/D net w/ NCS rotating among stations: AAA7MO / AAR7FB-T / AAM7EMO / AAM7EKS / AAR7DZ / AAA7RD / AAM7ANE

4038.5 HF-USB
0209Z - NNN0RBD NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Tennessee MARS 4H2B net: NNN0PCC / NNN0JTS / NNN0TBK / NNN0ATX / NNN0UTE
1419Z - NNN0RBD NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Tennessee MARS 4H1B net: NNN0OGD

4041.0 HF-USB
0039Z - NNN0BSV NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Ohio MARS 5N5B net: NNN0AEY / NNN0ABN-T / NNN0APO / NNN0VJM (1 msg Olivia)

4062.0 HF-USB
0141Z - Link-11 data transmission

4506.0 HF-USB
0001Z - MO_CAP-10 NCS for the North Central Region Missouri (MO-CAP) CAP net
1400Z - Red_Cloud-335 NCS for the North Central Region Nebraska "RED CLOUD" CAP net

4517.0 HF-USB
1403Z - AFN7NC NCS for the Air Force North Central Area MARS NCM3 net: AFA5WD

4601.0 HF-USB
0100Z - Aspen_Gold-67 makes net call for NCS of the Rocky Mountain Region Colorado Wing HF net

4604.0 HF-USB
0001Z - Red_Fire-113 NCS for the Great Lakes Region Indiana (Red_Fire) CAP net: Red_Fire-49 / Red_Fire-281 / Blue_Mound-03 / Red_Robin-127 / Golden_Rod-595 / Tennessee-104 // net closed @ 0004Z
0031Z - multiple calz for the NCS of the Great Lakes Region Illinois (Red_Fox) CAP net // Red_Fox-17 / Red_Fox-98 // mention made that either Red_Fox-97 or Red_Fox-04 were going to be NCS // Red_Fox-93 / Red_Fox-27 / Red_Robin-127
0102Z - Blue_Mound-03 NCS for an UI Great Lakes Region CAP net: Red_Robin-197 / Red_Robin-04 / Red_Robin-32
1400Z - Red_Robin-127 NCS for an UI Great Lakes Region CAP net: Red_Robin-204 / Red_Robin-256
1430Z - Red_Fox-17 NCS for the Great Lakes "Blue Lake" Region CAP net: Red_Robin-304 / Red_Robin-111 / Red_Robin-103 / Red_Robin-32 / Red_Fox-82 / Red_Fox-79 / Red-Fire-1?? (QRM ALE on 4603.0) / Columbus-37 / Columbus-41 / Columbus-42 / Columbus-361 / Columbus-722 / Blue_Mound-03 / Blue_Lake-01 // net closed 1433Z followed by two stations discussing imagery test results fm aircraft @ 10000 & Pontiac, IL is also mentioned //

4623.5 HF-USB
1404Z - NNN0KXP NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Wisconsin MARS 5W4B net: NNN0ULK
1502Z - NNN0EQH NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Illinois MARS 5I3B net

4865.0 HF-USB
0140Z - Link-11 data transmission

5402.0 HF-USB
[07:12:49][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC6FEM ][AL0] BER 13 SN 04 FC6FEM - FEMA, Region 6

6721.0 HF-USB
[08:10:42][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 15 SN 06 ADW - Andrews HF-GCS, MD
[09:32:20][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 21 SN 06 JNR - Puerto Rico HF-GCS, Salinas, PR
[09:46:07][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][AE1 ][AL0] BER 12 SN 05 AE1 - Unknown
[11:02:31][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 13 SN 05 JNR - Puerto Rico HF-GCS, Salinas, PR
[11:11:05][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 14 SN 06 ADW - Andrews HF-GCS, MD
[11:16:55][CHN 01][TO ][JNR ][TIS][ADW ][AL0] BER 20 SN 05 JNR - Puerto Rico HF-GCS, Salinas, PR ADW - Andrews HF-GCS, MD
[12:41:18][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 16 SN 07 ADW - Andrews HF-GCS, MD

7457.0 HF-USB
1407Z - AFA4CV NCS for the Air Force Region 4 MARS 4S2 net: AFA4WJ

7527.0 HF-USB
1346Z - Camslant w/ Juliet-28: flight opns normal; position: 2828N 02827W J28 - USCG MH-60T #6028 CGAS Elizabeth City

8050.0 HF-USB
[17:56:40][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][DKB ][AL0] BER 12 SN 04 DKB - either US JSOC:Fort Bragg, NC or unid Unit, 160th SOAR, Hunter AAF Savannah GA

8992.0 HF-USB
1733Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass two 28 character EAMs: 4EARWM & 4EYBSP

9025.0 HF-USB
[22:08:13][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 13 SN 04 ADW - Andrews HF-GCS, MD
[22:35:30][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 13 SN 04 JNR - Puerto Rico HF-GCS, Salinas, PR
[23:38:30][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 18 SN 05 ADW - Andrews HF-GCS, MD
[23:46:01][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][AE1 ][AL0] BER 9 SN 05 AE1 - Unknown

10194.0 HF-USB
[16:59:50][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FR4FEM ][AL0] BER 15 SN 05 FR4FEM - FEMA, Region 4

10895.0 HF-USB
1653Z - Link-11 data transmission

11175.0 HF-USB
1733Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass two 28 character EAMs: 4EARWM & 4EYBSP

11494.0 HF-USB
[20:29:22][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][T74 ][AL0] BER 11 SN 05 T74 - CBP BEECH A200 #N7074G
[20:32:06][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][N03 ][AL0] BER 14 SN 06 N03 - USCG HC-144A #2303 ATC Mobile
2047Z - CG 1720 w/ Camslant: arriving AS Borinquen @ 2200Z. Rqst notify them we rqst 10K fuel

13200.0 HF-USB
1733Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass two 28 character EAMs: 4EARWM & 4EYBSP

13993.0 HF-USB
1600Z - AFA1FF (MA) NCS for the TRANSCON HF Voice Net: AFF4TN (TN) / AFA4GJ (TN) / AFA4ED (AL) / AFA4ZX (FL)// NCS chatting about using a "delta loop" antenna to work freq RB during exercise

15016.0 HF-USB
1733Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass two 28 character EAMs: 4EARWM & 4EYBSP

TF 48 Routes Haiti Relief Through Gitmo

By Army Staff Sgt. Blair Heusdens, Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (NNS) -- Task Force 48 has been established to support the shipment of supplies during Operation Unified Response and provide logistical support to Joint Task Force (JTF) Haiti at U.S. Naval Station (NAVSTA) Guantanamo Bay after the Jan. 12 earthquake.

NAVSTA Guantanamo Bay is strategically located to provide humanitarian assistance and support relief efforts as part of Operation Unified Response.

"Because of its location and the airfield and seaport here, Guantanamo is an ideal spot for a joint logistics hub," said Rear Adm. Patricia Wolfe, commander, Task Force 48, which supports the shipment of humanitarian supplies and personnel between the United States and other nations through Guantanamo to landing zones in Haiti and offshore ships.

Personnel at the joint logistics hub work day and night to move food, water, personnel and medical supplies to the areas in Haiti where they are needed most.

In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, JTF Guantanamo and NAVSTA Guantanamo Bay stepped in as a bridging agent to facilitate movement of material and supplies to Haiti until Task Force 48 stood up.

"We immediately partnered with the naval station commander to assist in the increased operations as a result of the horrible tragedy in Haiti," said Rear Adm. Tom Copeman, JTF Guantanamo commander. "Since the arrival of Task Force 48, we have provided our expertise and local knowledge for their continued support in Operation Unified Response."

To make this large-scale movement of supplies possible, Task Force 48 is using a combination of air and sea assets, both civilian and military, to coordinate and move lifesaving aid to the earthquake victims.

"We're using every conceivable means to get supplies to Haiti where they are needed," Wolfe said.

The air terminal at Guantanamo hosts a variety of aircraft including cargo planes, passenger aircraft, helicopter support and the C-2 Greyhound carrier on board delivery aircraft which facilitate movement between the naval base and the many ships in the area. The seaport at Guantanamo Bay is another important asset to the humanitarian mission. Various military and international ships dock at the naval station to pick up, transfer or deliver supplies.

Wolfe knows the importance of routing assets through Guantanamo, just 170 miles from Port-au-Prince, and getting the Task Force 48 infrastructure and command in place to make the delivery of humanitarian assistance quicker and smoother.

"The airport in Haiti is overwhelmed," said Wolfe.
"Without coordination, material would come from all over and no one would have control."

Although supplies and assets continue to arrive to augment the mission at Guantanamo Bay, Wolfe is pleased with the progress of the task force in such a short time.

"So far the mission has been successful," said Wolfe. "We're keeping the ships supplied and moving supplies out of Guantanamo."

Task Force 48 will continue to manage all air and sea assets at NAVSTA Guantanamo Bay and work with all multinational partners in the effort to provide humanitarian assistance and to sustain the force in the relief effort.

Exercise Aims to Combat Weapons of Mass Destruction

By Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Molly A. Burgess, Special to American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON - International cooperation is key to interrupting the trafficking of materials used to make weapons of mass destruction and stopping the proliferation of nuclear arms, a Department of Homeland Security official said.

Mike Perron, program manager of intelligence and operations coordination for the Department of Homeland Security, described the aim of a recent multinational exercise called Leading Edge 2010 during a "DoDLive" bloggers roundtable yesterday.

Perron was one of many U.S. government interagency participants involved in the U.S. Central Command-hosted exercise, held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. More than 30 nations sent representatives to share ideas and gain knowledge on methods for combating weapons of mass destruction.

The exercise was important, Perron noted, because it takes an interagency approach -- including customs and law enforcement -- to be successful.

The three-day, table-top exercise included three phases. The first phase centered on visit, board, search and seizure interdiction missions, in which the U.S. Coast Guard Middle East Training Team provided training to boarding teams from other participating countries. An operational level phase was based at the port in Mina Zayed, and covered issues of customs, law enforcement and other security issues. This phase included static displays and live demonstrations. Next, was a strategic table top where questions about post interdiction issues were discussed with subject matter experts.

Leading Edge is one of more than 35 exercises that began with the introduction of the Proliferation Security Initiative, an international agreement created in 2003 under former President George W. Bush's administration.

This year's Leading Edge exercise, which concluded yesterday, elicited positive reactions from participants.

"I feel like this exercise demonstrated a lot of interagency and international cooperation," Navy Cmdr. Tony Crego, of the joint staff strategic plans and policy directorate in the Combating WMD Division, said during the roundtable. "It sends a message to the proliferators that there's a global network of nations, agencies and organizations that are committed to stopping proliferation around the globe," he added.

Peron said he has seen the Proliferation Security Initiative evolve. "I've seen a great deal of evolution both in terms of the numbers, now up to 95 PSI-partnered countries, as well as with the interagency participation."

Although this year's scenario concentrated on a maritime example, future exercises are slated to focus on aerial and ground transport systems.

1,200 military members take part in Red Flag 10-2

An F-15 Eagle from Kadena Air Base, Japan, takes off during Red Flag Oct. 22, 2009, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Twelve F-15s from the 44th Fighter Squadron, along with 160 maintenance and support personnel are attending Red Flag Nellis AFB from Jan. 18 through Feb. 5, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo/Chief Master Sgt. Gary Emery)

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) -- Nearly 1,300 servicemembers, more than 80 aircraft and 19 units from the U.S. and England converged for the start of Red Flag 10-2 Jan. 25, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.

The exercise is the largest, full-scale integration exercise in the world and prepares warfighters for real-world combat by pitting them against the fictional country of Coyote.

"Our Kadena (Air Base) Airmen will experience the most realistic combat scenarios in the world with joint forces engaging in essential training required prior to employing in a contingency," said Lt. Col. Matthew Molineux, the 18th Operations Group deputy commander. "Red Flag pits our (Airmen) against the best opposing forces in the world."

Large-scale integration involves more than aircraft flying, fighting and winning. It involves all aspects of combat, on the ground and in the air. The 414th Combat Training Squadron staff at Nellis AFB is tasked with planning the exercise to ensure all servicemembers are challenged.

"We train people here for realistic threats, and it takes a lot of people in the air and on the ground to make that happen," said Lt. Col. Dave Jorgensen, the 414th CTS deputy commander.

"Our role is to maximize training for those of us who need it, and our responsibilities are to the aircrews and the people who launch and recover them," said Col. John Quintas, Air Expeditionary Wing commander. "We're going to work very hard to make sure everyone gets the training they need while we're here. We have to be able to adapt and flex to anything and everything that happens."

The exercise doesn't just include a team forming an air expeditionary wing and going through the motions. Those here as a part of Red Flag deal with an aggressor force.

Known as the red force, aggressors are trained to challenge Red Flag participants on all aspects of war and serve as enemy pilots, space jammers, cyberspace infiltrators, and even dig through trash on occasion to challenge their counterparts.

Practicing smart operations security prepares Red Flag warriors for a different aspect of warfighting.

"The Nellis aggressor force provides the environment for all pilots from the youngest wingman to the most experienced instructor in the 44th Fighter Squadron the chance to improve and refine tactics and procedures by using adaptability and airmanship that will translate into the combat edge required to ensure regional security," Colonel Molineux said.

At Red Flag, Kadena AB Airmen will hone their combat flying skills required to provide for the common defense of Okinawa: a primary mission for the 18th Wing, the deputy commander said.

Milcom Blog Logs - 28 Jan 2010 - USASA MidWest Collection Site

Time for another exclusive HF blog log report from the USASA MidWest Collection Site.

3308.0 HF-USB
0207Z - AFA7PQ w/ AFA7BN in MFSK-16, participating in the Air Force North Central Area MARS NCM1 net

3325.0 HF-USB
0131Z - NNN0GAQ-24 for NCS on the Navy/MC Region 5 Indiana MARS 5B5C net

3349.0 HF-USB
0001Z - Navy/MC Region 6 Arkansas MARS 6A1B net called by UI station

3370.5 HF-USB
0201Z - AFA6MM NCS for the Air Force Region 6 MARS 6M3 net

3384.0 HF-USB
0024Z - Link-11 data transmission

3390.0 HF-USB
0001Z - NNN0ZTL NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Mississippi MARS 4E2B net
0201Z - NNN0JOP NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 MARS 4X9B net: NNN0RBD

4002.9 HF-LSB
0208Z - AAM4MS NCS for the Army Region 4 MARS AAA4RD/L net: AAR4BT / AAR4SA-T
2338Z - AAM4RT NCS for the Army Region 4 MARS AAA4GA/A net: AAA4RD / AAR4RO / AAM4GA (Alt NCS)

4007.0 HF-USB
0031Z - NNN0KZC NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Minnesota MARS 5G1B net: NNN0SXU / NNN0XFB / NNN0AAT / NNN0AXK
1400Z - NNN0WNQ NCS for the Navy/MC Region 8 Montana MARS 8M1B net

4008.5 HF-USB
0004Z - NNN0KYF NCS for the Navy/MC Region 6 Louisiana MARS 6L1B net: NNN0FGA-T
0211Z - NNN0FWM NCS for the Navy/MC Region 6 South Texas MARS 6S1B net: NNN0ATG

4011.0 HF-USB
1400Z - NNN0YGW NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Iowa MARS 7D1C net: NNN0JRX
2332Z - NNN0FFN Navy/ MC Region 2 Northern New York MARS 2J1B net: NNN0JQF / NNN0QMT / NNN0FYU / NNN0PEU

4018.0 HF-USB
0100Z - Unidentified ?British? vessels: British YL & 2 OM on two vessels; ref to sharks around the vessel when they anchor; moving 10 mile tomorrow so will be about 50 miles fm Georgetown // mention of Gulf Stream // ? gatlings ? & "Blowhole" // still chattering @ 0119Z //

4023.9 HF-USB
0006Z - AAM5TOH NCS for the Army Region 5 Ohio MARS AAA5RD/OH net: AAR5RX
1413Z - Army Region 5 MARS net: AAM5TIL / AAR5SC

4035.9 HF-USB
0010Z - Army Region 2 MARS net: AAR2MY / AAA2NY (sound like)
1409Z - AAA7MO NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/D net: AAT7ZH / AAA7RD / AAM7AKS

4038.5 HF-USB
0204Z - NNN0TBK NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Tennessee MARS 4H2B net: NNN0PKA / NNN0RBD passes 3 msgs in voice & MT-63
0300Z - NNN0TJC NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Alabama MARS 4A2B net: NNN0EZC / NNN0SYH / NNN0OEE / NNN0IIE

4041.0 HF-USB
0030Z - NNN0AEY NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Ohio MARS 5N5B net: NNN0VJM / NNN0KOP

4062.0 HF-USB
0025Z - Link-11 data transmission

4149.0 HF-USB
0601Z - "Defender" WBN 3016 calz WPE-Jacksonville (Crowley Marine, Jax)

4506.0 HF-USB
0001Z - Missouri (MO-CAP) CAP net conducts roll-call: MO-CAP-04

4517.0 HF-USB
1405Z - AFA7ZJ NCS for the Air Force North Central Area MARS NCM3 net: AFA5OI / AFA7HZ / AFE5OI / AFA5TW / AFA7DI

4603.0 HF-USB
[00:25:08][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC6 ][AL0] BER 12 SN 05 FC6 - FEMA, Region 6
23:17:24][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC8 ][AL0] BER 13 SN 06 FC8 - FEMA, Region 8

4604.0 HF-USB
1403Z - UI Great Lakes Region CAP net active: Red_Robin-37
2230Z - Red_Fox-17 NCS for the Great Lakes Region Illinois "RED_FOX" CAP net: Red_Fox-78 / Red_Fox-79 / Red_Fox-82 / Red_Fox-93 / Red_Fox-98 / Blue_Lake-## / Columbus-37 / Blue_Mound-03 // net closed 2232Z
2300Z - Kentucky_Cap-148 NCS for the Great Lakes Region Kentucky CAP net: Kentucky_Cap-02 / Kentucky_Cap-189 / Kentucky_Cap-14# / Red_Fire-114 / Blue_Mound-03 / Columbus-37 // net closed 2303Z

4623.0 HF-USB
1401Z - NNN0YGM (sounded like) NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Wisconsin MARS 5W4B net:
NNN0HKF / NNN0UNK // mention of net rpt for the 5W3B net on Sat
1500Z - NNN0HFC NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Illinois MARS 5I3B net: NNN0SVC / NNN0AQP

4721.0 HF-USB
[00:32:46][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 14 SN 06 ADW - Andrews HF-GCS, MD

4825.0 HF-USB
2304Z - Navy/MC Region 6 MARS 6X4B net: NNN0ACC / NNN0FWM / NNN0GLK

4865.0 HF-USB
0023Z - Link-11 data transmission

6855.0 HF-AM
2057Z - YL in 5F Spanish numbers msg tfc preceded by "Atencion 18502 54321 45741"

7302.0 HF-USB
1407Z - AFF6RM NCS for the Army Region 6 MARS AAA6RD/A net

7457.0 HF-USB
1406Z - AFA4NG NCS for the Air Force Region 4 MARS 4S2 net: AFA4EX / AFN4RD

7887.0 HF-AM
1957Z - YL in 5F Spanish numbers msg tfc preceded by "Atencion 18502 54321 45741"

8050.0 HF-USB
[16:50:15][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC8 ][AL0] BER 11 SN 05 FC8 - FEMA, Region 8

8912.0 HF-USB
[19:28:49][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][F31 ][AL0] BER 16 SN 05 F31 - USCG HU-25 #2131 CGAS Cape Cod

8977.0 HF-USB
0026Z - Link-11 data transmission

8983.0 HF-USB
1505Z - Camslant calz CG 1717
1507Z - Camslant calz CG 2006
1512Z - Camslant rqst flight opns fm CG 1720 (rpted normal)
1513Z - Camslant rqst flight opns fm CG 2004 (rpted normal)
1520Z - CG 2102 off homeplate AS Miami enroute Gitmo - Camslant assume guard minute 20; primary 5 MHz; secondary 8 MHz w/ standard flight opns rpting
1817Z - Camslant rqst flight opns fm CG 2004 (rpted normal)

8992.0 HF-USB
1528Z - Baton-82 calz Mainsail (no joy noted qth)

10895.0 HF-USB
1800Z - Link-11 data transmission

11232.0 HF-USB
1803Z - King-85 w/ Trenton Military: pp to ______ for weather @ ##45Z, then pp to commercial # in Denver, CO
1836Z - Scout-18 w/ Trenton Military: rqst weather for Davis-Monthan AFB & Luke AFB @ 2100Z

11494.0 HF-USB
[18:43:11][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][N08 ][AL0] BER 18 SN 05 N08 - BTB USCG 2308 HC-144A ARSC Elizabeth City
[19:18:39][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][D46 ][AL0] BER 19 SN 06 D46 - CBP P-3 AEW&C #N146CS/BuNo 154605, Jacksonville AMB
[19:22:56][CHN 01][TO ][K40 ][TIS][K06 ][AL0] BER 19 SN 06 K40 - USCG MH-65C # 6540
K06 - USCG MH-65C # 6506
[19:23:43][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][T97 ][AL0] BER 11 SN 06 T97 - CBP PILATUS PC-12/45 #N497PC, Bellingham AMB, WA
[19:26:22][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][D31 ][AL0] BER 14 SN 06 D31 - CBP P-3B "Slick" #N431SK/BuNo 153431, Jacksonville AMB, FL

13993.0 HF-USB
2101Z - AFA1FF (MA) / AFA4AB (GA) on the TRANSCON HF Voice Net

15016.0 HF-USB
1602Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 6 character EAM GC7EGI
1604Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass two 6 character EAMs: GCKR4X & GCLYV4 to All Stations
2031Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass two 20 character EAMs GCI6HA & GCPLT6 (6 in both could be G as I can not read my own writing) & a 6 character EAM GCMQHA all addressed to either Bellstone or Barrelstone

Milcom Blog Logs - 28 Jan 2010 - Kentucky

Our Blue Grass state reporter Jack Metcalfe checks in with the following HF intercepts. If anyone has any tieups for the 11500.0 kHz intercept contact me at the email address in the masthead.

2289.0 CHLTNC116, Telecommunications NS/EP station, Charlotte, NC & FTLDFL152, NS/EP station, Fort Lauderdale, FL: 1318 - 1401 USB ALE

3170.0 SPFDIL248, NS/EP station, Springfield, IL: 1415 USB ALE

6803.1 WNDRFL252, NS/EP station, Windermere, FL: 1423 USB ALE

7697.1 WPTNNJ256, NS/EP station, West Patterson, NJ: 2205 USB ALE

9496.0 CVTNGA131, NS/EP station, Covington, GA & SANATX236, NS/EP station, San Antonio, TX: 2136 USB ALE

11400.0 VAA443, VDS408, VDX200, VEB232, VEX & XJQ294, Canadian Forces stations: 1600 - 1720 USB ALE

11500.0 ALM, CMT, PZ2, VJ8, 2BO, 4BP & 6BP, unid stations: 1334 - 2125 USB ALE

Thanks Jack

US 2nd Fleet Establishes Communication Milestone with Canadian Navy

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The commander of U.S. 2nd Fleet (C2F) successfully communicated real time via the Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNET) system with Canada's commander of Maritime Forces Atlantic (MARLANT) and commander, Joint Task Force Atlantic (JTFA) located in Halifax, Canada Jan. 20.

Previously, SIPRNET chat capability between C2F and JTFA was not available.

"This commander to commander chat marks an important initial operating capability," said Commander, 2nd Fleet, Vice Adm. Mel Williams Jr. to MARLANT/JTFA Commander Rear Adm. Paul Maddison during their online conversation.

"The Maritime Operations Command and Control capability is consistent with Second Fleet's focus to team with allies and partners," Williams said.

This additional command and control capability resulted from three months of multinational effort involving Information Technology technicians from Second Fleet, Maritime Forces Atlantic/Joint Task Force Atlantic and the United Kingdom.

JTFA and C2F train and operate together along with U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area in support of Northern Command's Maritime Homeland Defense. The need to improve communications was a topic during tri-lateral staff talks in Halifax, Nova Scotia, between U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area, Maritime Forces Atlantic/Joint Task Force Atlantic and 2nd Fleet Oct. 13-15, 2009.

The talks provided the opportunity for the three commanders, as well as personnel from each participating command, to discuss the concept of operations to conduct combined Department of Defense, Coast Guard and Canadian forces maritime operations, exercises, information sharing and communications.

Ike Launches First OEF Sorties

USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER, At Sea (NNS) -- The Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group launched its first sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom Jan. 28 and also assumed duties as Commander, Task Force (CTF) 50.

Aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 departed the decks of the strike group's flagship, the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) bound for the skies over Afghanistan to support coalition ground forces.

"We are the first strike group to deploy in this historic year," said Capt. Roy J. Kelley, commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7. "Our mission is to help the troops on the ground in Afghanistan defeat the insurgency and protect the Afghan people."

The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment to the region and will conduct Maritime Security Operations (MSO) along with providing support to Operations Enduring Freedom.

"Every individual on the ship contributes to this mission, from the aircrew who the fly missions to the culinary specialists who sustain them," said Kelley. "We all contribute to this mission and support our brethren in arms on the ground."

Eisenhower relieved USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the Gulf of Oman on Jan. 25 as part of a normal rotation of forces and marked the end of the Nimitz Strike Group's deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR).

Eisenhower CSG is made up of Commander, CSG 8; the aircraft carrier USS Eisenhower (CVN 69), homeported in Norfolk, Va.; CVW 7; Commander, Destroyer Squadron 28; the guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74), homeported in Norfolk; and the Mayport, Fla.-based ships, the guided-missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG 66) and the guided-missile destroyers USS Carney (DDG 64) and USS Farragut (DDG 99).

The squadrons of CVW-7, led by Capt. Roy Kelley, include the "Jolly Rogers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103, the "Pukin' Dogs" of VFA 143, the "Rampagers" of VFA 83, the "Wildcats" of VFA 131, the "Patriots" of Electronic Attack Squadron VAQ 140, the "Bluetails" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, and the "Nightdippers" of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (HS) 5.

Eisenhower is supporting Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet AOR. MSO help develop security in the maritime environment. From security arises stability that results in global economic prosperity. MSO complements the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

Operation Unified Response Support Flows Nonstop

By Kaylee LaRocque, Naval Air Station Jacksonville Public Affairs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville civilian and military personnel have been working nonstop at the airfield palletizing thousands of pounds of materials for shipment to Haiti as part of Operation Unified Response.

As of Jan. 26, NAS Jacksonville personnel have filled 22 C-130s Hercules, 11 C-40s Clippers, seven Boeing 747s and one C-17 Globemaster III with 2.3 million pounds of water, food, medical supplies, tents and radios for the relief effort in Haiti following an earthquake Jan. 12.

"Since we began supporting Operation Unified Response, we've unloaded approximately 60 semi trucks filled with water, humanitarian daily rations, tents and medical supplies and have spent days preparing them for transport and loading them onto cargo planes headed to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and then on to Haiti," said Doug Chaney, NAS Jacksonville airfield facilities manager. "We are also supporting personnel transports to Cuba, USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and Haiti. VRC 30 (Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30) has been in and out of here continuously to support the Vinson. And now, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) is off the coast conducting workups so we are supporting the aircraft for their training. That plus all the C-130s coming in from National Guard units all over the country, the C-17s and 747s, we are extremely busy."

"We are working extremely close with the airfield manager at Guantanamo Bay so we don't inundate them with aircraft. We have become their holding ramp until we're cleared to send the cargo planes south. We are also trying to stay ahead of the game by having pallets ready to go when the aircraft arrive here so they leave with full loads. This has been a huge challenge with cargo issues and coordinating all the flights," continued Chaney.

"But, the NAS Jacksonville team has stepped up to help with this mission. They've pulled together and are helping in any way they can. We have no idea how long this will last, but we'll do what we need to in support of the relief efforts," added Chaney. "We've been working hand-in-hand with Defense Distribution Depot Jacksonville personnel who have been awesome. They've provided me with forklifts, drivers, pallets, strapping and anything I need to get the job done – all I have to do is make a call."

Chaney was also quick to mention the military members helping with the mission.

"Sailors from various departments and tenant commands have been extremely busy building pallets and helping in any way they can. It's taking a toll, but this is when we are at our best," he said.

NAS Jacksonville Sailors and civilians work diligently to get the job done in order to get supplies to those in need. Sam Brown, NAS Jacksonville Air Operations Department airfield facilities division cargo handler, has been working long hours unloading trucks and loading numerous aircraft in support of the relief efforts.

"We have a good supervisor here and don't have too much stress. We know what needs to be done and we do it no matter how long it takes or how many trucks come in to be unloaded. However, I wish I was in Haiti," said Brown.

Chief Logistics Specialist (AW/SW) Reuben Amarh from U.S. 4th Fleet has been working at NAS Jacksonville since Jan. 15, helping coordinate the loading of the cargo planes.

"We just keep loading these aircraft with materials until the mission is accomplished. The people here have really been great palletizing the items, moving the pallets and loading the aircraft. Everything has been running pretty smoothly," said Amarh.

A team of air traffic controllers from NAS Jacksonville's Air Department work to keep the aircraft continually coming and going in a safe, efficient manner.

"NAS Jacksonville Air Traffic Control Division has had to step up manning levels to handle the increase of air traffic operations in support of Haiti relief efforts. The airfield is supporting these efforts 24 hours a day, seven days a week," said Lt. Michael Fahnestock from NAS Jacksonville's Air Department.

"What is challenging is that the controllers are working with an increase of larger aircraft such as Boeing 747s, C-130s and C-40s, which require more landing/departing separation between aircraft due to wake turbulence criteria. These additional operations are taking place along with our normal operations; however, with the experience staff on duty, there have been minimal delays," said Fahnestock.

So until the mission is complete, NAS Jacksonville personnel will continue to work together to support the Navy's participation in Operation Unified Response.

VRC-40: Supporting Operation Unified Response

Equipment and supplies are loaded onto a C-2A Greyhound assigned to the Rawhides of Fleet Logistical Support Squadron (VRC) 40 at the airfield at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. The Rawhides are transporting personnel to the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) to support disaster relief efforts following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Bill Mesta/Released)

By Army Sgt. Michael Baltz, Joint Task Force Guantanamo

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (NNS) -- Service members from Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 arrived at U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay to help support Operation Unified Response after the 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti Jan. 12.

The squadron, based out of Norfolk, Va., has been providing critical logistical support by transporting more than 300 tons of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief cargo to the people of Haiti.

"We feel like we are making a difference," said Lt. Cmdr. Mike Zaniko, the operations officer for VRC-40. "In a routine six-month deployment, a squad like ours would normally transport about 500 tons of cargo. We have done more than half that in our first week."

The VRC-40's mission is to facilitate the movement of high priority cargo, mail and passengers to and from Atlantic fleet carriers. Additionally, they also train top-notch pilots, aircrew and maintainers. They are equipped with six C-2A Greyhounds, which are conducting three to four missions nightly while deployed to Guantanamo.

"We fly during the night to limit the air traffic during the day," Zaniko said. "This works out well because, when everyone wakes-up, they have their supplies, and we continue to move forward."

Greyhounds can carry up to 10,000 pounds of cargo, which could include personnel.

"We are currently flying cargo to Haiti and to the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70)," said Naval Air Crewman 2nd Class Nicholas Ingram. "We also fly doctors and search and rescue teams to help support the mission."

Ingram and naval Air Crewman 2nd Class Casey Marshall, have been on more than 15 logistical missions in just their first week.

"The most challenging part of the job is maintaining flexibility and being adaptable in every situation," Marshall said. "We have long days and long nights, but we do it with a smile on our face. Knowing that we are helping the people in Haiti, our sacrifices are minimal compared to theirs, and I enjoy having the ability to help them out."

"Everyone in our unit is working hard," Ingram chimed in. "The faster we get everything going, the faster we can help them."

"We are all excited to be here and to be able to help," Zaniko said. "I am very proud of everyone working so hard to accomplish the mission."

Air Terminal at Gitmo Supports Haiti Relief Effort

A Boeing 747 contracted by the U.S. Air Force's Air Mobility Command, lands at the Guantanamo Bay airfield with humanitarian supplies. The humanitarian supplies are part of Operation Unified Response, a joint operation providing humanitarian assistance following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake that devastated Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Bill Mesta/Released)

By Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class Edward Flynn

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (NNS) -- U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay and Joint Task Force Guantanamo continue support of disaster relief efforts following the devastating earthquake in Haiti Jan. 12.

A joint logistics hub at the naval station and the air terminal has been established to coordinate and lead humanitarian relief efforts to the island.

Task Force 48 has been tasked to coordinate the deliver this aid to Haiti.

"The military personnel here are working non-stop, around-the-clock, coordinating the air and sea assets to deliver immediate, lifesaving supplies to Haiti," said Rear Adm. Patricia Wolfe, commander, Task Force 48.

Military and base personnel are working around-the-clock to coordinate transport of supplies to Haiti. This rapid lift of water, food and medical supplies, including blood donations, will help the devastated country.

"We are all here doing what we signed up for," said Lt. Kimberly Gentner, with Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14. Gentner praised those working at the air terminal for their hard work in ensuring heavy cargo, food, water and medical supplies are transported from the terminal to Haiti. From operations, flight control, humanitarian assistances providers, cargo handlers and logistics specialists, the team assembled at the air terminal requires a wide range of technical skills needed for mission success.

In any joint mission or task force, communication is paramount for success. "The level of cooperation we received from U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay is exceptional," said Lt. Devin Lewis, detachment maintenance officer of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 40. "Although logistics is always a challenge, we work extremely hard knowing we are saving lives."

At the air terminal, the task of coordinating the personnel manifest is organized by Sailors from the naval station. Checking luggage, following U.S. travel guidelines and documenting personnel arriving and departing the island is necessary to ensure accountability and safety.

"The people of Haiti need our help and I'm glad to be part of this important mission," said Yeoman 2nd Class Robert Sanders, an arrival coordinator at the air terminal. Sanders credited his team with assisting more than 700 military personnel and civilians in arriving or departing the island since Jan. 21. "Every job is important and the ultimate goal is to ensure the supplies reach the people of Haiti."

Milcom Blog Logs - 27 Kan 2010 - USASA MidWest Collection Site

We have a new reporter in the Midwest United States (USASA MidWest Collection Site) who will be sharing his HF logs with our MMP readers. This should prove to be interesting given his listening interest, which just happens to correspond with mine. I love getting reports on CAP, MARS, SHARES and other government HF activity. Guess we will continue to be the site that some agencies love to hate.

3325.0 HF-USB
0003Z - NNN0APJ NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Nebraska / Kansas MARS 7N1B net: NNN0FCT
0132Z - NNN0IEA NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Indiana MARS 5B1B net: NNN0ACF / NNN0ALF / NNN0AVT

3341.0 HF-USB
[00:51:20][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC8 ][AL0] BER 12 SN 06 FC8 - FEMA, Region 8

3349.0 HF-USB
0100Z - NNN0HZN NCS for the Navy/MC Region 6 East Texas MARS 6E1B net

3370.5 HF-USB
0214Z - AFA6DV NCS for the Air Force Region 6 MARS 6M3 net

3390.0 HF-USB
0207Z - NNN0ICX NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 MARS 4X9B net: NNN0XPU / NNN0ICX / NNN0RBD

4002.9 HF-LSB
0102Z - AAM4TTN NCS & passed NCS to AAR4DR for the Army Region 4 MARS AAA4RD/K net: AAM4RL / AAR4KX / AAR4LB / AAR4MD-T

4007.0 HF-USB
0031Z - NNN0BQH NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Minnesota MARS 5G1B net: NNN0AMY / NNN0AXK / NNN0SXU / NNN0KZC / NNN0AQK
0130Z - UI station calz the Navy/MC Region 7 Missouri MARS 7H1B net
1400Z - NNN0HWB NCS for the Navy/MC Region 8 MARS 8M1B net: NNN0AHM

4008.5 HF-USB
0008Z - NNN0AYZ NCS for the Navy/MC Region 6 Louisiana MARS 6L1B net: NNN0ZRT
0211Z - NNN0VHO NCS for the Navy/MC Region 6 South Texas MARS 6S1B net: NNN0GLK / NNN0IDU / NNN0EYT

4011.0 HF-USB
1401Z - NNN0EHQ NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Iowa MARS 7D1C net
2333Z - Navy/ MC Region 2 Northern New York MARS 2J1B net: NNN0QCA (makes net call for NCS) / NNN0FKA

4017.9 HF-USB
1501Z - AAR8BB / AAR8RT participating in an Army Region 8 MARS net

4018.0 HF-USB
0107Z - 2 British vessels; 1 passes position of 24.11N 076275W & mention of Georgetown

4020.9 HF-USB
1402Z - AAR6LN NCS for the Army Region 6 MARS AAA6RD/A net: AAM6ETX / AAR6QE

4023.9 HF-USB
0117Z - AAA5RD w/ AAR5GO (IL) on administrative matters

4026.9 HF-USB
0004Z - AAM4MS NCS for the Army Region 4 MARS AAA4RD/J net: AAV4TY / AAM4RL

4035.9 HF-USB
0123Z - AAR7AH NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/IA net: AAM7IA / AAT7CN / AAM7EMO
0210Z - AAM7EMO NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/B net: AAR7RT / AAR7RD
1404Z - AAA7MO NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/D net: AAM7RT / AAA7RD

4038.5 HF-USB
0209Z - NNN0EXS NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Tennessee MARS 4H2B net
0300Z - NNN0QAA NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Alabama MARS 4A2B net: NNN0OEE / NNN0EZC / NNN0SYH / NNN0EVT
1406Z - NNN0ANX NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Tennessee MARS 4H1B net: NNN0XDH
2302Z - Navy/MC Region 4 North Carolina MARS 4F2B net active: NNN0RGL / NNN0BKH

4041.0 HF-USB
0033Z - NNN0GBN-4 NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Ohio MARS 5N7C net: NNN0EVQ / NNN0FFO / NNN0AAU / NNN0IXF / NNN0BBZ / NNN0FLT / NNN0FSW / NNN0KRQ / NNN0TTZ / NNN0ABN-T / NNN0YGY / NNN0ANN

4062.0 HF-USB
0235Z - Link-11 data transmission

4506.0 HF-USB
0001Z - MO_CAP-10 NCS for the Missouri (MO-CAP) CAP net

4517.0 HF-USB
1412Z - AFA5GK NCS for the Air Force North Central Area MARS NCM3 net: AFA5CW

4623.5 HF-USB
1408Z - NNN0KXP NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Wisconsin MARS 5W4B net: NNN0KXN / NNN0EQP / NNN0ULK
1504Z - NNN0EQH NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Illinois MARS 5I3B net: NNN0AQP / NNN0REN

4724.0 HF-USB
0229Z - (might have been Pitt) ____-12 calz MAINSAIL w/ no joy noted prior to interruption by Offutt or after Offutt finished their transmission 0230Z - Offutt (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM 4EFCQ5

4825.0 HF-USB
2302Z - NNN0ENS NCS for the Navy/MC Region 6 MARS 6X4B net: NNN0YFA / NNN0HKQ / NNN0OYS / NNN0GLK / NNN0FWM / NNN0WKH

4865.0 HF-USB
0133Z - Link-11 data transmission

5402.0 HF-USB
[08:03:46][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC6FEM ][AL0] BER 18 SN 06 FC6FEM - FEMA, Region 6
[09:03:56][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC6FEM ][AL0] BER 19 SN 07 FC6FEM - FEMA, Region 6
[11:04:14][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC6FEM ][AL0] BER 22 SN 06 FC6FEM - FEMA, Region 6
[11:38:29][CHN 01][AQC SND][ ][TIS][4?7HGL ][AL0] BER 6 SN 03 NOISE 05 4?7HGL - ????
[11:50:51][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC8 ][AL0] BER 12 SN 05 FC8 - FEMA, Region 8
[12:03:48][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC8FEM006 ][AL0] BER 16 SN 06 FC8FEM006 - FEMA, Region 8
[13:04:34][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC6FEM ][AL0] BER 17 SN 06 FC6FEM - FEMA, Region 6
[13:50:52][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FH0 ][AL0] BER 12 SN 05 FH0 - Unknown

6739.0 HF-USB
0230Z - Offutt (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM 4EFCQ5

6765.0 HF-USB
1547Z - NNN0EPY NCS for the SHARES Northern Weekly net: AAT7WE / NNN0AEY / North_Central-54 / N08WL / AFA8CS (SD) / AFA8CQ (NM) / KNZ48 (CO) / NNN0QCQ / NNN0GLL / NNN0KBP / NNN0ANH / NNN0HWB /

6910.0 HF-USB
1600Z - NNN0VHO NCS for the SHARES Southern Weekly net: AFA6TG / KNY94 (TX)

7302.0 HF-USB
1418Z - AFA6CN NCS for the Air Force Region 6 MARS 6M1 net: AFF6AA

7457.0 HF-USB
1415Z - AFF4AL NCS for the Air Force Region 4 MARS 4S2 net: AFA4TB / AFA4ZV

7887.0 HF-AM
1957Z - YL in 5F Spanish numbers msg tfc preceded by "Atencion 36322 41722 61111"

8912.0 HF-USB
[03:04:43][CHN 01][TO ][711 ][TIS][PAC ][AL0] BER 22 SN 06
711 - USCG HC-130H #1711, CGAS Barbers Point
PAC - USCG CAMSPAC Point Reyes, CA

8977.0 HF-USB
1903Z - Link-11 data transmission

8983.0 HF-USB
1448Z - Camslant accept guard @ minute 47 for CG 2004 enroute homeplate Elizabeth City, NC w/ 10 POB. Primary 8 MHz; Secondary: 5 MHz w/ standard flight opn rpting
1515Z - CG 2004 rpt flight opns normal to Camslant

8992.0 HF-USB
0230Z - Offutt (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM 4EFCQ5

9025.0 HF-USB
[22:29:19][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 13 SN 06 JNR - Puerto Rico HF-GCS, Salinas, PR

9121.5 HF-USB
0134Z - Link-11 data transmission

10194.0 HF-USB
1830Z - Link-11 data transmission

10493.0 HF-USB
2036Z - WGY904 w/ ____ for radio check

11175.0 HF-USB
1730Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 22 character EAM 4EPVIO

11232.0 HF-USB
1957Z - Trenton Military w/ Aircraft-324 for radio check

13200.0 HF-USB
1833Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM 4EKFCQ
2157Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM 4E4BG5 to All Stations

13927.0 HF-USB
1836Z - Dark-32 w/ AFA5AD for pp to ___ Opns for weather conditions @ Smoky Range & Amarillo. Tell Dark-31 he is off-freq on his radio
1843Z - Reach-152 (over Alabama) w/ AFA9PF for multiple M&W pps

13993.0 HF-USB
1800Z - AAA9USA NCS for the TRANSCON HF Voice Net: AAR5TK

14396.5 HF-USB
1541Z - NNN0EBC NCS for the SHARES National Admin net: AFA7HY

15016.0 HF-USB
1730Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 22 character EAM 4EPVIO
1756Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass two 6 character EAMs: GCDKBJ & GC7NPQ to All Stations

AFSOUTH officials guide Air Force Haiti relief effort

by Tech. Sgt. Eric Petosky, 12th Air Force Public Affairs

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (AFNS) -- Airmen from across the United States are participating in the Haitian earthquake joint relief effort while the as Air Forces Southern members guide the effort from hundreds of miles away in the Arizona desert.

Air Force officials have an integral role in the relief efforts, from reopening the Toussaint L'Ouverture Airport in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and dedicating hundreds of hours of flight time to airlift aid into Haiti, to help maximize efficiency of airfield operations and providing emergency medical care to Haitian citizens in need.

As soon as the earthquake struck, AFSOUTH planners started collecting information to formulate a way to best use Air Force assets. As the air component to U.S. Southern Command, the combatant command responsible for Central America, South America and much of the Caribbean including Haiti, the AFSOUTH functional staff immediately implemented around-the-clock operations to determine how best to support Operation Unified Response.

"The primary duties of the AFSOUTH staff here are to deploy, sustain and eventually redeploy Air Force forces assigned to Joint Task Force-Haiti," said Col. Bryan Bearden, the AFSOUTH director of operations and plans. "We have to get the right people, equipment and supplies, in right the place, at the right time, to support the men and women on the ground. Within the two-week period that has passed since the earthquake, AFSOUTH has moved mountains to support Haiti and the international community to bring supplies in. We'll continue doing that, while sustaining the forces down there with supplies of their own."

More than 600 Airmen are currently participating in Operation Unified Response in Haiti.The initial Air Force response included special tactics teams from Hurlburt Field, Fla., who helped restore air traffic control at the airport and participated in search and rescue missions. In addition, Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Group at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., deployed to manage airfield operations as relief flights started arriving from all over the world.

As the operation progresses, AFSOUTH officials will replace those contingency response units with regular Air Force units, that requires a great deal of planning and coordination, Colonel Bearden said. The expertise of people serving in various functional areas is key to keeping the flow of Airmen, supplies and equipment constant.

For example, the personnel and services directorate is responsible for validating, tasking and tracking the Airmen who have deployed, but also providing food and water. The complicated process involves coordination with many different agencies, but the staff is getting the job done, said Maj. Sherard Dorroh, the 12th Air Force headquarter squadron section commander.

"We are no-kidding putting boots on the ground," Major Dorroh said. "It has been a bittersweet success, though, because it comes on the heels of what happened to the people of Haiti. But, what we do puts people in a position to provide relief to the Haitian people. That's our motivation; we have to get our stuff done right."

In logistics and installations and mission support functional areas at AFSOUTH, logisticians in a variety of specialties make sure the forces, supplies and necessary equipment arrive in Haiti and can be sustained. A major function of the logistics section is synchronizing movement of Air Force assets with other service components.

Since airlift has been the primary means of delivering relief supplies, the order in which things arrive has to be logical and efficient, said Lt. Col. Konrad Cote, logistics and installations and mission support deputy director.

The logistics staff has worked on everything imaginable, from establishing a tent city capable of housing 1,250 Airmen, to moving firefighting equipment, security forces and even ambulances. In total, Air Force officials have moved 8,376 short tons of cargo and delivered 6,145 passengers to Haiti.

"The logistics planning process in a very dynamic and unsure environment has been our greatest success and also our greatest challenge," said Colonel Cote, noting that being able to establish an air expeditionary group in two weeks is a great accomplishment. "I'm blessed to work with 30 highly skilled, highly motivated professionals."

More than 125 Airmen and civilians from six Air Force specialties at AFSOUTH are actively involved in planning Air Force relief efforts for Operation Unified Response.

"I'm continually impressed with the ability of our Airmen to perform under pressure and the capability our Air Force brings to the joint and international community responding to this crisis," he said. "Our team has performed magnificently thus far. There is still a lot of work to do and I have no doubt the men and women of this headquarters are still up for that challenge."

U-2 to provide imagery support in Haiti

A U-2 taxies down the flightline Jan. 27, 2010 at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., in preparation for takeoff to Robins Air Force Base, Ga. The U-2 will provide critical imagery support in the ongoing humanitarian relief mission in Haiti. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Craig Cisek)

by Tech. Sgt. Luke Johnson
9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs

1/28/2010 - BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) -- A U-2 launched from Beale Air Force Base Jan. 27 to provide critical imagery support in the ongoing humanitarian relief mission in Haiti.

The aircraft, temporarily flown out of Robins AFB, Ga., will be used to gather high-quality imagery, broad area shots, which will eliminate the need to patch together smaller images gathered by other intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets currently operating in the Haiti.

"The capabilities of the U-2, with the optical bar camera provide superior imagery that is unsurpassed in many of the reconnaissance platforms flying today," said Maj. Lans Courtney from the 99th Reconnaissance Squadron. "It's also going to fill in the pieces that were not found earlier by other platforms."

The images provided by the U-2 will give decision makers on the ground a broad picture when deciding on how to get help to those who need it the most.

"Some of the imagery we will be providing will be able to show them what roads will be usable so that they can find what areas are accessible on the ground via vehicles," Major Courtney said. "Also, they will be able to prioritize to see what type of areas have been hit the hardest and hopefully this will expedite how quickly they can get in and out of the worst areas in Haiti."

Routinely flown at altitudes nearing 70,000 feet, the U-2 is a single-seat, single-engine, high-altitude, ISR aircraft, which provides signals, imagery and electronic measurements and signature intelligence. The U-2 is capable of gathering a variety of imagery which can be stored or sent to ground exploitation centers.

"Having the pilot in the cockpit of the U-2 provides some capabilities that might not be available in other platforms, one of which being able to flex the mission on the fly," the major said. For instance, if there are individuals on the ground that we can talk to real time that request imagery that is time-critical or time-sensitive, we might be able to accommodate those requests immediately and provide imagery as quickly as possible."

Major Courtney emphasized the mission is not solely about the U-2 pilot.

"I think its key and important that a lot of different individuals from Beale have all come together to support the humanitarian efforts in Haiti, to include the maintenance group, the intelligence squadrons as well as all the support assets and individuals that went to Georgia in preparation for the arrival of the U-2 and subsequent humanitarian missions over Haiti," he said.

SHARES - State of the Union/Rolling Thunder

Courtesy of GrayGhost and the MARS 4H2B Net (MT-63).

SUBJ: PRESIDNETIAL STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

1. SHARES REGIONAL OPERATIONS FOR SUPPORT OF STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS, REGIONS II, III, IV AND VI 0100ZULU.

2. SCN LEVEL TWO CONTINUES FOR REGIONAL MONITORING OF ROLLING THUNDER.

3. SCN CHANNELS ONE, THREE, FOUR AND SIX AUTHORIZED TO GUARD AND MONITOR. SHARES ALE CHANNELS AND CHANNELS THIRTEEN OPERATIONAL.

4. IMMEDIATE TRAFFIC MAY BE SUMBITTED VIA NCS@DHS.GOV.

5. BRAVO ZULU TO ALL FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT AND OPERATIONS.

6. ACTUAL EVENT

BT

NNNN

Milcom Blog Logs - 27 Jan 2010 - BTown

Parked a HF receiver on SHARES ALE frequency 9106.0 kHz today to see if there was anything shaking on the Haiti front by these folks and monitored the following ALE activity during the daylight hours here in BTown:





5QWAFA US Air Force MARS Greenwood, IN

050NCS NCC Unknown

82KNY National Communications System - NTCN-HF Lenexa, KS

87KNY National Communications System - NTCN-HF Denver, CO

AAT3BF US Army MARS Newark, DE

KFW652 US Government Unknown

KMN93 US Department of State HF Emergency and Evacuation Network Springfield, VA

KNY87 National Communications System - NTCN-HF Denver, CO

KTQ313 Environmental Protection Agency Montgomery, AL

OARNNN Navy/Marine Corps MARS Machesny Park, IL

USARC5 US Government Unknown

WWLNNN Navy/Marine Corps MARS Hendersonville, NC

As always, fills and tieups are always welcomed to the address in the masthead.

High-Speed Ferry Ships to Support Haiti Relief

By Adrian Schulte, Military Sealift Command Public Affairs

NORFLOK, Va. (NNS) -- High-speed ferry ships MV Huakai and MV Alakai are preparing to sail to Haiti in support of Operation Unified Response to provide disaster relief following the Jan. 12 earthquake.

Huakai and Alakai were originally built to serve as passenger and vehicle ferries in Hawaii but were turned over to the Maritime Administration's custody when the ferry service went bankrupt.

The ships will be under operational control of the Military Sealift Command (MSC) during Operation Unified Response.

The ships' main tasks will be to transfer equipment and personnel in the region. They are configured for the mission to each hold 450 tons of cargo and 500 passengers and can travel at a sustained speed of 33 knots.

Huakai loaded a rapid port opening package, communications gear, fork lifts, trucks, Humvees, supplies and other equipment at Fort Eustis, Va., Jan. 27. Huakai will also carry personnel from the 689th Rapid Port Opening Element, MSC's Expeditionary Port Unit Detachment and elements from the Army's 7th Sustainment Brigade. Huakai got underway Jan. 27 and is scheduled to arrive in Haiti Jan. 29.

Alakai is currently in Norfolk, Va., and is scheduled to get underway for Haiti in the next several days.

Huakai and Alakai are two of 12 ships under MSC control mobilized to date in support of humanitarian relief efforts in Haiti. These ships include hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), fleet replenishment oiler USNS Big Horn (T-AO 198), rescue and salvage ship USNS Grasp (T-ARS 51), oceanographic survey ship USNS Henson (T-AGS 63), maritime prepositioning ships USNS 1st Lt. Jack Lummus (T-AK 3011) and USNS Pfc. Dewayne T. Williams (T-AK-3009) and dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2). In addition, three ships have been activated from the Maritime Administration's Ready Reserve Force to assist with the effort. When activated, these ships will fall under operational control of MSC.

MSC operates approximately 110 noncombatant, merchant mariner-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships, conduct specialized missions, strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world and move military cargo and supplies used by deployed U.S. forces and coalition partners.

Navy Ships Provide Critical Resources in Haiti

By Iam Graham, American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy continues to play a major role in the Defense Department's efforts to help the people of Haiti, a senior naval officer said Jan. 27.

The Navy is providing hospital ships and off-shore sea bases of operation for Marine Corps units working on the ground, and is carrying millions of pounds of food, medical equipment and other supplies to help the Haitian people recover from the Jan. 12 earthquake that devastated the island nation, Navy Rear Adm. Ted N. Branch, commander of Carrier Strike Group 1 aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), told participants in a "DoDLive" blogger's roundtable.

The Navy is a small part of a broad international effort in Haiti, working in conjunction with dozens of non-governmental organizations, international groups and the Haitian government itself, Branch said. Because some of those organizations have worked in Haiti for years on other humanitarian missions, he added, they are familiar with local customs.

"What we're striving to do, and being able to do in many cases, is partner with [other organizations] and let them tell us the best places for relief distribution, the best contacts we need to make in the local community and local government and use their experience to our best advantage," Branch said. "We get them into the process and we keep them in the process [of providing aid and supplies]."

Fostering relationships among the sailors, Marines, civilian aid workers and Haitian population is central to the relief effort, Branch said. Creating an environment the Haitians can uphold when no more aid is needed is one of the primary goals for the Navy and for the operation as a whole, the admiral said.

"Obviously, we're working here as an international team – we're working through the [United Nations] and through the government of Haiti," Branch said. "The objective is to make sure the Haitian people are able to sustain, and the organizations that are helping them in that effort are fully in the mix, and in the lead, as we go forward."

So far, Branch's strike group has performed 1,979 flights, nearly 1,600 of which were mission-related operations, delivering personnel and supplies. Medical evacuations made up 375 of the sorties.

These flights made up "the bulk of the vertical lift used" in the Navy's effort, he said.

Branch said the Navy as a whole has brought more than a million pounds of cargo to Haiti, including 87,000 gallons of water, nearly 162 tons of food, 345,400 pounds of medical supplies, 75 tons of support equipment and 3,300 people to help in relief efforts.

Branch's group - which consists of 12 ships deployed to Haiti, including the Carl Vinson Strike Group ships, the USS Nassau (LHA 4) and USS Bataan (LHD 5) Amphibious Ready Groups and the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) - is expecting a lengthy deployment. While no estimates have been given regarding the duration of operations in Haiti, it's been made clear by many officials that Operation Unified Response Haiti won't be a quick turnaround.

As long as they're needed, Branch said, his ships will stay there to help.

"We'll continue performing the missions and supporting the functions we've done since we arrived," he said. "In the 12 days we've been here, we've seen a lot of improvement, and we're still making a difference. Today is better than yesterday, and tomorrow will be better than today."

VAW 125 Provides Support for Operation Unified Response

Sailors assigned to the Tigertails of Carrier Early Warning (VAW) 125 prepare an E-2C Hawkeye for take off at the airfied at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. VAW-125 is supporting Operation Unified Response by transporting humanitarian assistance and personnel to Haiti after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake near Port-au-Prince on Jan. 12, 2010. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael Baltz/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Zachary Harris

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (NNS) -- The "Tiger Tails" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125 are conducting airspace management during Operation Unified Response operating out of U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Jan. 22.

VAW 125 is working to ensure airspace and mission safety over Port-au-Prince.

U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay holds a strategic location near Haiti and allows the VAW to conduct critical airspace management during the humanitarian assistance efforts in Haiti. Food, personnel and medical supplies arrive daily and the airspace over Haiti is crowded with aircraft from various agencies.

The crew of VAW-125 provides an information conduit for aircraft operating over Haiti, making the orchestration of humanitarian assistance more manageable.
"We maximize the efficiency of the efforts," said Cmdr. Wesley Bannister, commanding officer, VAW-125.

The squadron operates the E-2C Hawkeye, an aircraft designed for all-weather, carrier-based tactical battle management and airborne early warning. The Hawkeye acts as a communication link to provide the big picture of what's happening in the air and on the ground.
"The aircraft was designed to go up and provide the eyes and ears in the sky," said Lt. Cmdr. Kenyon Kellogg, VAW-125 personnel officer.

According to Bannister, the E-2C and its crew help maintain control of U.S. Navy helicopters moving relief supplies, including medicine and personnel. They also coordinate with personnel on the ground and aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) to direct air asset tasking.

Within 96 hours of being activated, the crew of VAW-125 had gone from their homeport in Norfolk, Va., to fully operational over Haiti, providing command and control of airborne assets as well as those on the ground. Bannister believes the entire effort has been a positive and successful undertaking.

"We have a long history with Haiti," he said. "We should do everything we can to help."

USS George H.W. Bush Departs for Sea Trials

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting sea trials. George H.W. Bush will return to homeport at Naval Station Norfolk, Va. to begin the workup cycle towards deployment after an extensive seven-month post shakedown availability and selective restrictive availability trials. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jason Winn/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan A. Bailey, USS George H.W. Bush Public Affairs

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) departed Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Va., for sea trials Jan. 27 after a seven-month maintenance period.

During Sea Trials, the ship's electronics, communication, navigation and other combat systems that were built or modified in the shipyard will be tested.

In addition, an inspection of the ship's catapults and jet blast deflectors will be conducted, as well as inspections of the ship's berthing spaces, demonstrations of search and rescue equipment firefighting capabilities, and an evaluation of food service facilities to determine the ship's overall mission readiness.

Bush's sea trials comes after a highly successful Post Shakedown Availability/Selective Restrictive Availability that officially completed the construction of the Navy's newest aircraft carrier.

"In just seven months, the ship experienced an amount of depot and intermediate level work comparable to an 11-month planned incremental availability," said Bush's Chief Engineer, Cmdr. Shannon Terhune.

Work on the ship over the last seven months included finishing the airwing spaces and combat systems suite, implementation of ship alterations to get the ship on the class maintenance plan, and the completion of the ship's force work package.

Ship's force work saved the Navy more than half a million dollars, according to Bush Engineering Department Leading Chief Petty Officer, Master Chief Machinist's Mate (SW) Al Fuller, and more than 60 percent of the overall ship's force work package fell to Engineering Department Sailors to complete.

One major undertaking was completed by Damage Control division, who exhausted more than 6,800 man hours upgrading the ship's 10 damage control repair stations and 27 damage control unit lockers, saving the Navy more than $680,000.

Another upgrade included Electric division converting the carrier's "77" island lights from incandescent bulbs to light emitting diode, saving the Navy 90 percent of the cost associated with light operation. Terhune credited the teamwork and cooperation between ship's force, Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, Program Manager for Ships (In-Service Aircraft Carriers), Commander Naval Air Forces Atlantic (Maintenance and Material), Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair (Newport News), and more than 20 separate contractor organizations for an unprecedented level of efficiency in the execution of production work on the ship. He said the ship's crew appreciated the professionalism of all maintenance providers.

Upon completion of sea trials, Bush will return to its homeport of Naval Station Norfolk, Va., to begin the work-up cycle towards deployment and prepare for sustained flight operations at sea.