Montana Air Guard unit’s asset makes disaster communication simpler

By Air National Guard Senior Master Sgt. Eric Peterson, 120th Fighter Wing

GREAT FALLS, Mont. – Since 2007, the 120th Communications Flight has operated a vehicle containing communications equipment that is able to respond to natural disasters or other emergencies occurring within Montana.

The Continuity of Operations Project vehicle is a Montana Air National Guard asset that can link on-scene emergency responders with command and control centers located anywhere in the country. Important decisions can then be made once the near real-time video is transmitted and studied by the command staff.

In addition to being able to stream internet video from the remotely controlled pan/tilt camera, the COOP truck offers Voice-Over-Internet Protocol telephone service, numerous radio bands, and the ability to set up video teleconferencing for emergency personnel at the deployed location.

The 120th Communications Flight commander, Air Force Lt. Col. Corey Halvorson, considers the communications technology offered by the COOP truck to be a valuable addition to any emergency response.

"Accurate and timely communication is the key to success in any contingency operation,” Halvorson said. “The COOP truck with its unique capabilities is a tool for command and control to ensure mission success and aids greatly in the preservation of life and property.”

The 120th cyber transport noncommissioned officer in charge, Air Force Master Sgt. Chris Wilson, said the high-tech services offered by the COOP truck are requested often to be used for training during exercises and real-world emergency events.

"Today, wireless internet is becoming such a big issue. Everyone needs to get on the internet,” Wilson said. “Whether you need maps or the ability to stream real-time video of the scene, everybody's going to need to get online. So we have the capability to hard wire to a laptop sitting in a tent or broadcast a wireless signal so people can still use their cell phones and wireless laptop computers to access the information they need.”

According to the assistant cyber transport noncommissioned officer in charge, Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ray Cozino, the truck also offers an outstanding opportunity for 120th personnel to train on modern communications equipment. So far, eight of the 120th Communications Flight personnel have been fully trained in the operation of the truck and its high-tech equipment.

The COOP truck and its personnel have participated in 12 exercises and real-world events, including two major forest fires. Its services were well received by personnel assigned to the 120th Medical Group during the Vigilant Guard exercise held in Helena in 2009.

The communications personnel set up and operated the COOP truck equipment at Fort Harrison during the four-day exercise.

"One of the more challenging exercises that we participated in was the Vigilant Guard exercise, which was for a whole FEMA region, so there were a lot of different entities involved and it really put our truck to the test,” Cozino said. “We were tasked with providing communications for the Medical Group as they ran through all their different scenarios. We ran four Guardsmen through the truck and trained them and provided 24-hour communications for the duration of the exercise.”

Agencies responding to the scene of an emergency can often find that they use dissimilar radios broadcasting over different frequencies. The COOP truck can receive all of the frequencies and retransmit back to each radio in a signal common to all of the agencies.

"The radio world is so complex, whether it's a forest fire and you're dealing with the Forest Service and local volunteer fire departments and the local sheriff's office that [are] providing roadblocks and security;” Wilson said. “Those agencies are all operating on different frequencies and different bands of radios. With this truck, we're able to make all those people communicate more effectively and efficiently.”

Local, state and federal agencies can benefit from the services of the COOP truck during an exercise or a real-world emergency. The Montana Air National Guard maintains memorandum of agreements to assist Malmstrom Air Force Base; the Montana Army National Guard; the Great Falls Police Department; the Great Falls Fire and Rescue; the Cascade County Sherriff's Office; the Disaster and Emergency Services, and the Great Falls International Airport.

Wilson said the COOP truck is one of only four specialized military vehicles with the capability to provide communications support in the event of a natural disaster in the state.

The Montana Army National Guard also operates a nearly identical COOP truck which allows for cooperative training to occur between the Guard units.

F-16s, MiGs engage over Bulgarian skies

by Senior Airman Katherine Windish, 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

GRAF IGNATIEVO AIR BASE, Bulgaria (AFNS) -- U.S. pilots from the 555th and 510th Fighter Squadrons based out of Aviano Air Base, Italy, have been given a rare opportunity to train and share experiences with Bulgarian air force MiG-21 and MiG-29 pilots during their deployment here in support of Thracian Star 2012.

Since the start of the training mission on April 18, Bulgarian and American pilots have been flying together and working toward the goal of the exercise: to strengthen partnerships, increase interoperability between NATO allies and maintain a standard of excellence.

Throughout the month-long bilateral training exercise, Aviano F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots will spend more than 60 hours per week flying close air support, basic fighter and air combat maneuvers, tactical intercepts, defensive counter air and large force missions with Bulgarian MiG-21 and MiG-29 pilots.

"We are performing the same mission sets we do at home station, but we are integrating the Bulgarian pilots into the training," said Capt. Bryan Faughn, 555th FS F-16 pilot. "It gives us an opportunity to see how another country's air force works. They are a professional air force just like we are and they take pride in what they do. We are gaining experience while working with an international partner - it's a unique opportunity."

To gain better insight into both the tactics of the pilots and the capabilities of the different aircraft, pilots have gone on ride-along flights in the other country's jets.

Capt. Kirby Sanford, 555th FS F-16 pilot, was the first American pilot to get the opportunity to ride in a MiG.

"It was truly an awesome, once-in-a-lifetime experience," Sanford said about his flight. "It really highlighted the advantages of both aircraft and showcased the mindset, skills and techniques of the Bulgarians."

"Though the MiG is an older aircraft, it is still a very capable aircraft," he continued. "It just goes to show that even an older aircraft can be a formidable adversary with the right pilot."

Bulgarian air force Capt. Petar Milkov, was the first MiG-29 pilot to fly in an F-16 during Thracian Star 2012. The aircraft was piloted by Col. David Walker, 31st Operations Group and Thracian Star detachment commander.

"I was very impressed by the cockpit ergonomics, ease of flight and mission complexity," said Milkov. "This bilateral training with my American colleagues is a great chance to extend our partnership in a professional, cultural and personal manner. I also hope to enrich my personal experience and make new contacts."

While the language barrier could have made it difficult for Bulgarian and American pilots to find common ground, Sanford says they all have one thing in common that makes it easy to relate to one another: a love of flying.

"We've all wanted to be fighter pilots since we were young," he said. "That's a good basis to start from. We already have something in common that each of us can relate to that has brought forth a mutual respect between us."

USS Elrod Recovers 4,840 Pounds of Drugs in Caribbean

U.S Navy and Coast Guard personnel assigned to the guided-missile frigate USS Elrod (FFG-55) signal toward narcotics bales April 21, 2012 during recovery operations in the Caribbean Sea. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andy Barrera/Released)

USS ELROD, At Sea (NNS) -- Guided missile frigate USS Elrod (FFG 55) with an embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) recovered 89 bales of cocaine in support of Operation Martillo on April 20 in the Western Caribbean Sea.

An SH-60B Sea Hawk assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 60 Det. 3, embarked on board Elrod responded after receiving a transmission from a P-3 operated by U.S. Customs Border Protection.

Elrod joined in pursuit, along with authorities from Panama, as two 40-foot twin-engine vessels tried to evade authorities in the waters of the Western Caribbean, resulting in the drugs being subsequently jettisoned into the sea.

The Navy-Coast Guard response team recovered 89 bales of cocaine, weighing 4,840 pounds, with an estimated value of more than $362 million.

"I am very proud of the teamwork and collaborative effort between the ship, our air detachment and our USCG Law Enforcement Detachment," said Cmdr. Jack Killman, Elrod's commanding officer. "Our mission is clear; to disrupt illicit trafficking that jeopardizes the safety in the region and ultimately our own national security."

This seizure is in addition to the 1,000 lbs. recovered by Elrod March 22.

Operation Martillo (Spanish for 'hammer') is a U.S., European and Western Hemisphere partner nation effort targeting illicit trafficking routes in coastal waters along the Central American isthmus. U.S. military participation is being led by Joint Interagency Task Force-South, a component of U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM). Operation Martillo is a component of the U.S. government's coordinated interagency regional security strategy in support of the White House strategy to combat transnational organized crime and the U.S. Central America Regional Security Initiative.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet (COMUSNAVSO/C4F) supports U.S. Southern Command joint and combined full-spectrum military operations. It does so by providing principally sea-based, forward presence to ensure freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain, to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with international partners and to fully exploit the sea as maneuver space in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.

Region Dispatch Center Coverage to Expand to 13 Installations

By MC2(SW) Greg Johnson, Navy Region Southeast Public Affairs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Navy Region Southeast (NRSE) is consolidating installation emergency dispatch services – including police, fire and emergency medical – into a single 911 call center. By the end of 2013, dispactch services for 13 installations will be centralized to the Region Dispatch Center (RDC) on board NAS Jacksonville.

These efforts will include every installation throughout the region except for Naval Station (NS) Guantanamo Bay and Naval Support Activity (NSA) Orlando. The consolidation is part of a larger, Navy wide movement to consolidate each region’s emergency dispatch services into a single dispatch center located at regional headquarters. According to Tom Fasanello, NRSE dispatch manager, the changes will help standardize the system.

“Previously, each installation had its own dispatch center to respond to 911 and emergency service requests,” he said. “Additionally, the emergency numbers were not necessarily 911, depending on the location. As part of the RDC consolidation, a new 911 telephone routing system is being deployed.”

The RDC currently dispatches for five installations, including NAS Jacksonville, NS Mayport, NSA Panama City, Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport and NAS Meridian. Residents at these locations will continue to dial 911 for emergency services after the consolidation. For those installations yet to consolidate, instructions for emergency notification procedures will be distributed prior to any changes.

In addition to standardizing the emergency notification process throughout the region’s installations, the consolidation will also provide some technological advantages, according to Fasanello.

“The RDC also has an advanced computer-aided dispatch system that automates the exact response recommendation based on the nature and location of the emergency.
It also provides a mapped location of the caller. In addition, RDC dispatchers are certified to administer emergency medical instructions prior to the arrival of emergency medical technicians to the scene,” added Fasanello.

“While the time frame for the consolidation will vary depending on location, the RDC will make public awareness a priority,” Fasanello said.

“At about two months out, we will begin to work very closely with the installation and coordinate an agreesive public awareness campaign,” he said.

Bases that are under the NRSE umbrella include: Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas; Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas; Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, Mississippi; Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida; Naval Air Station Key West, Florida; Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas; Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia; Naval Station Mayport, Florida; Naval Air Station Meridian, Mississippi; Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, Louisiana; Naval Support Activity Orlando, Florida;
Naval Support Activity Panama City, Florida; Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida; and Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Florida.

Iwo Jima ARG, 24th MEU Complete Strait of Gibraltar Transit

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jamica Johnson, Amphibious Squadron 8 Public Affairs

STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR (NNS) -- The Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) completed their transit of the Strait of Gibraltar, April 24.

The Iwo Jima ARG, transiting the Strait of Gibraltar, includes Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON), USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) and USS New York (LPD 21).

The Strait of Gibraltar is the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea from the Atlantic Ocean and is significant because it is the second busiest waterway in the world and one of five major choke points. The others include Strait of Malacca, Strait of Hormuz, Panama Canal and Suez Canal. New York, on her maiden deployment, now joins the ranks of many other historical ships that have navigated the Strait of Gibraltar, marking the first time she has officially entered the Mediterranean.

"The Strait transit is symbolic because it shows we aren't in the Atlantic any longer," said Cmdr. William C. Herrmann, New York's commanding officer. "Everyone on board is a little saltier now, for many, seeing the Rock of Gibraltar is something they will always remember."

"The historical relevance for our transit is quite significant," said Capt. Mark Scovill, commodore of the Iwo Jima ARG. "It not only shows the transition from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, the evolution from not salty to salty Sailors, but it bridges a gap of time between us and history. So many have passed through these straits for example, Commodore Bainbridge and Lt. Decatur during our war with the Barbary pirates."

As well as being the first transit for the New York, for a lot of Sailors in the ARG, the experience is new as well.

"Before coming in the Navy, I would always hear the term 'join the Navy, see the world,' now going through the straits and being able to say I was a part of the Iwo Jima 2012 deployment is surreal and an honor," said Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Antonio Gagliardo, a Sailor aboard Iwo Jima.

To prepare for the two hour evolution, the ship's navigation department must plan the entire trip with exact precision, taking several elements into account.

"The first thing we do in preparation for this is take a look at the charts. We make sure in advance that we understand all the symbols, the weather and climatology. We then lay the track and come up with a speed and a plan for the transit," said Lt. Cmdr. Mark MacNamara, Iwo Jima's navigator. "In total, prior to the evolution, it takes 10 to 12 hours to prepare."

When executing special sea-and-anchor and navigational evolutions, the safe transit of the ship and her crew is a vital element in the planning process.

"Because we were passing through such a major choke point, the ships and the MEU combined forces to execute the protective stance known as Defense of the Amphibious Task Force (DATF)," said Scovill. "Although it was not a high threat level area, we prepared as such, so if there comes a day when we need to be at a higher alert level, we've already sharpened that skill set."

The level of readiness for a Navy ship transiting the Strait of Gibraltar could not be more secure if not for the presence of the Marine Corps.

"Transiting the Straits of Gibraltar aboard a U.S. Navy warship is a special honor for Marines," said Commanding Officer of the 24th MEU, Col. Frank Donovan, embarked aboard Iwo Jima. "We were founded in 1775 to operate aboard the ships of the Continental Navy. Our forefathers sailed through these Straits toward sea and land battles against the British, French and the Barbary pirates. Then, like today, the Navy and Marine Corps team was instrumental in protecting America's overseas interests and keeping the world's shipping lanes open for commerce."

The Gunston Hall was also in a ready-state for any type of action she may have encountered during her transit.

"The entire Navy and Marine Corps team aboard Gunston Hall did a fabulous job during the Strait of Gibraltar transit," said Gunston Hall's Commanding Officer Capt. Andy J. Loiselle.

"We were impressed with the professional mariners we encountered and were ready to respond to any contingency that occurred. The crew got to see some amazing sights and very much looks forward to a closer view on our return to homeport."

Now in Mediterranean waters, the Iwo Jima ARG/ 24th MEU team assumes the watch, of keeping the waterways safe, acting as responsible ambassadors ashore and promoting a global force for good.

"We are in Sixth Fleet now," said Capt. Grady Banister, Iwo Jima's commanding officer. "We've worked together, done the training and our Blue/Green team is prepared and on standby to carryout any mission we are tasked with."

The Iwo Jima ARG with the embarked 24th MEU is currently deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

MSC Takes Delivery of T-AKE class Ship USNS Medgar Evers

By Sarah Burford, Military Sealift Command Pacific Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Military Sealift Command accepted delivery of its newest dry cargo/ammunition ship, USNS Medgar Evers (T-AKE 13), during a short ceremony at the General Dynamics NASSCO Ship Yard San Diego, April 24.

The ship, which was christened Nov. 12, 2011 in San Diego, honors slain civil rights leader Medgar Wiley Evers, who is remembered for his efforts to end segregation at the University of Mississippi in the 1950s and for his opposition to Jim Crow laws in the 1960s. Since its launch, the ship has been undergoing a series of tests and trials in preparation for its delivery to MSC.

"As USNS Medgar Evers joins the MSC fleet of combat logistics ships today, the food, ordnance and fuel it will provide to the Navy's combatant ships at sea are critical mission enablers for our globally deployed naval forces," said Tim McCully, Military Sealift Command Pacific's deputy commander. "From supporting an aircraft carrier's 75-plus aircraft and 5,500 crew members, to transporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief supplies, USNS Medgar Evers and more than 30 other MSC underway replenishment ships bring to life Military Sealift Command's motto: MSC Delivers."

The 689-foot long Evers, designated T-AKE 13, is the 13th of 14 new dry cargo/ammunition ships scheduled for delivery to the Navy by the end of this year. The first 11 dry cargo/ ammunition ships are currently operating as part of MSC's Combat Logistics Force, delivering vital fuel, equipment and supplies to Navy warships at sea. The remaining three of the 14-ship T-AKE class are expected to be assigned to maritime prepositioning squadrons, which strategically place combat cargo at sea for rapid delivery to warfighters ashore.

Evers has a crew of 125 civil service mariners working for MSC and 11 Navy Sailors who provide operational support and supply coordination.

T-AKEs are the newest class of Combat Logistics Force ships being built for MSC. They are replacing some of MSC's aging, single-mission supply ships such as Kilauea-class ammunition ships and Mars- and Sirius-class combat stores ships as they reach the end of their service lives.

MSC operates approximately 110 non-combatant, civilian-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.

Mayport-based Frigate Departs on Final Deployment for Southern Seas 2012

MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- USS Underwood (FFG 36) departed on its final deployment in support of Southern Seas 2012, April 23.

The deployment will begin by participating in Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMTUEX) with the Eisenhower Strike Group as part of their pre-deployment training. The ship and crew will then deploy to the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) area of responsibility (AOR) May 2 to conduct Southern Seas 2012. Southern Seas will include the multinational exercises UNITAS Pacific (UNITAS PAC), Silent Forces Exercise (SIFOREX) and UNITAS Atlantic (UNITAS LANT).

"Underwood completed our final basic phase training back in February and we've been working for well over a year in preparation for Southern Seas 2012. As we head out the door we'll finish our integrated phase training with Eisenhower Strike Group COMTUEX, which will be our certifying event allowing us to move out on deployment to Fourth Fleet," Cmdr. Peter T. Mirisola, commanding officer, USS Underwood (FFG 36) said.

Underwood will also support Operation Martillo, a joint, interagency and multi-national collaborative mission among Western Hemisphere and European nations to deny Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) air and maritime access to the littoral regions of the Central American isthmus. Operation Martillo targets narcotics, precursor chemicals, bulk cash, weapons and humans being transported via maritime and air domains.

Southern Seas is an annual collaborative deployment to conduct a variety of exercises, missions and multinational subject matter expert exchanges. The focus is on enhancing interoperability, increase regional stability, and building and maintaining regional relationships with countries throughout the hemisphere through joint, multinational and interagency exchanges and cooperation.

"It is going to be quite a privilege and an honor to go down there. I know the crew's excited. We're going to have a lot of great visits. We're looking forward to the multi-national engagement with our Central and South American and Caribbean nation hosts," Mirisola said.

Formally known as the Partnership of the Americas, Southern Seas gives a distinct name to one of the United States' marquee deployments. This is the seventh such deployment and falls under U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet (COMUSNAVSO/C4F) Partnership of the Americas initiative.

"There's no better way for Underwood to deploy than to support Southern Seas and UNITAS. This is the United States' longest standing annual exercise and the crown jewel of naval exercises for the U.S. Navy. There's no better way to end the ship's service life than to finish with UNITAS deployment," said Mirisola.

Underwood will return to Mayport in November 2012 and be decommissioned in March 2013. The Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate was commissioned January 29, 1983 and conducted her maiden deployment in 1985. Underwood participated in numerous counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean Sea in her 29 years of service to the fleet.

After the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Underwood and her crew deployed immediately to the island and provided critical medical assistance in support of Operation Unified Response.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet (COMUSNAVSO/C4F) supports U.S. Southern Command joint and combined full-spectrum military operations by providing principally sea-based, forward presence to ensure freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain, to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with international partners and to fully exploit the sea as maneuver space in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.

VPU-1 ‘Old Buzzards’ to disestablish

Special Projects Patrol Squadron (VPU) 1 will hold its disestablishment ceremony April 27 at 10 a.m. at NAS Jacksonville Hangar 117.

The “Old Buzzards” trace their lineage back 40 years when the Chief of Naval Operations requested the creation of a specially trained maritime patrol unit possessing the necessary expertise, flexibility and quick reaction capability to respond to immediate tasking from the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

As a result, a unique “special projects” detachment of P-3s was formed from operationally proven aircrew and maintenance professionals.

As the demand for P-3 Special Projects assets increased, the detachment became an independent unit under the command of its first officer-in-charge. During this period, the Sailors of VPU-1 continued their proud tradition of operational maritime patrol expertise, rapid response and professionalism.

The Old Buzzards served during the Cold War, in Operation Desert Shield/Storm, as well as numerous other military operations and crises.

In March 1996, the unit was formally established as a patrol squadron under the command of Cmdr. Walter Kreitler. For more than 16 years the "Old Buzzards" upheld the highest standards of the U.S. Navy and the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force.

The squadron, flying at least two specially equipped Orions, has operated from NAS Jax since July 2009 when they relocated from NAS Brunswick, Maine.

Squadron personnel have earned seven Joint Meritorious Unit awards, six Navy Unit Commendations, seven Meritorious Unit Commendations, seven Navy Battle “E” awards and various other unit, service and campaign awards.

Several “Old Buzzards” alumni are in town for the disestablishment events that include the Buzzard Ball, a golf tournament and Buzzard Night at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville to see the Suns play.

As part of the Friday ceremony, Cmdr. Lee Boyer, the last “Old Buzzards” commanding officer, will lower the command pennant and dismiss the squadron for the final time.
“It’s definitely going to be a bittersweet ceremony. On one hand, it is sad to see such a great squadron being retired – but on the other hand, disestablishment has renewed the bond between every generation of Old Buzzards. I have truly been humbled by the support and the obvious attachment that former and retired ‘Old Buzzards’ have for this squadron,” Boyer stated.

Cmdr. Chris McDowell, the former VPU-1 executive officer and now commanding officer of VPU-2 at MCAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii had these thoughts on the events.

“The ‘Old Buzzards’ of VPU-1, and the dedicated professionals, families and friends who support us, repeatedly accomplished some amazing things over the past 40 years. With several current ‘Old Buzzards’ destined to continue our fine tradition of mission accomplishment as members of our sister squadron, VPU-2, I look forward to carrying our unrivaled capabilities forward.”

Mode-S/ADS-B Intercepts 22 Apr 2012 - Bowling Green KY

The following Mode-S intercepts are courtesy of our SE US Mode-S network member and Milcom monitor DavidP in Bowling Green, KY. Thanks David.

Mode S Log from Bowling Green, Kentucky, US 2012-04-22
Military Hex Codes only

00E4C9 -------- 162311 C130 USMCR | VMGR-234 [KNFW] --- 2012-04-22 13:47:05.973
3E9872 GAF189 xxxx var --- --- 2012-04-22 11:58:50.272
3F8515 GAF816 1021 A310 FBSBMVg --- 2012-04-22 12:50:58.802
4951B4 BAF632 CS-TMT A333 21SM --- 2012-04-22 15:21:51.678
4D2052 -------- ------ ---- --- --- 2012-04-22 15:29:46.763
A57D74 -------- N453CA C182 CIVIL AIR PATROL --- 2012-04-22 17:14:03.677
A5DC31 GTI5470 N477MC B744 AtlasAir --- 2012-04-22 20:20:48.065
ADFD03 -------- 95-0055 BE40 USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS --- 2012-04-22 12:17:29.807
ADFE77 -------- 92-1452 C130 IL ANG | 182AW | 169AS [KPIA] --- 2012-04-22 12:22:52.954
ADFEE1 PAT164 87-0161 BE20 AL ARNG | OSACOM DET-5 --- 2012-04-22 14:49:24.681
ADFEEA LOBO 683 160046 DC93 USMC | VMR-1 [KNKT] --- 2012-04-22 19:13:10.744
ADFEF1 CNV9685 161529 DC93 USNR | VR-46 [KNFW ] --- 2012-04-22 14:05:50.468
AE0054 -------- 65-10359 T38 90thFTS --- 2012-04-22 11:19:46.058
AE0197 SPAR332 84-0137 LJ35 USAF | 375AW | 457AS [KADW] --- 2012-04-22 14:09:23.727
AE01BC JOSA001 84-0130 LJ35 USAF | 375AW | 311AS [KCOS] --- 2012-04-22 12:05:46.437
AE0200 -------- 98-3540 TEX2 USAF | 14FTW | 37FTS [KCBM] --- 2012-04-22 12:16:11.690
AE0201 -------- 98-3541 TEX2 USAF | 14FTW | 41FTS [KCBM] --- 2012-04-22 13:18:05.050
AE03D7 -------- 165000 C130 USMCR | VMGR-234 [KNFW] --- 2012-04-22 13:48:35.899
AE03E2 -------- 164995 C130 USNR | VR-53 [KADW] --- 2012-04-22 17:30:35.202
AE03F1 -------- 165379 C130 USNR | VR-64 [KWRI] --- 2012-04-22 19:03:31.444
AE041D TAZZ83 57-1486 K35R AZ ANG | 161ARW | 197ARS [KPHX] --- 2012-04-22 11:51:09.352
AE042D -------- 64-14834 K35R AFRC | 434ARW | 72ARS [KGUS] --- 2012-04-22 14:45:59.125
AE04D9 RY 831 165831 B737 USNR | VR-59 [KNFW] --- 2012-04-22 15:41:15.492
AE04E6 SODA77 59-1516 K35R TN ANG | 134ARW | 151ARS [KTYS] --- 2012-04-22 11:09:11.463
AE04ED DIXIE75 63-8035 K35R AL ANG | 117ARW | 106ARS [KBHM] --- 2012-04-22 18:07:55.059
AE05E4 BREWR36 88-4402 C130 AFRC | 440AW | 95AS [KPOB] --- 2012-04-22 15:04:41.208
AE0650 CABAL31 58-0049 K35R MI ANG | 127WG | 171ARS [KMTC] --- 2012-04-22 09:49:50.530
AE07D5 RCH596T 92-3291 C17 USAF | 62AW [KTCM] --- 2012-04-22 13:31:42.874
AE07EA RCH439 95-0107 C17 USAF | 437AW [KCHS] --- 2012-04-22 16:40:33.757
AE0800 GRITS25 98-0054 C17 USAF | 437AW [KCHS] --- 2012-04-22 08:31:05.974
AE0806 RHINO93 99-0060 C17 AFRC | 445AW | 89AS [KFFO] --- 2012-04-22 13:34:14.783
AE080B TBIRD14 99-0165 C17 AFRC | 445AW | 89AS [KFFO] --- 2012-04-22 15:50:41.334
AE0976 CNV4185 165833 B737 USNR | VR-59 [KNFW] --- 2012-04-22 18:33:34.845
AE0D64 -------- ------ H60 USArmy --- 2012-04-22 10:58:54.115
AE10C4 -------- 158844 ! SBR1 USN | TW-6 | VT-86 [KNPA] --- 2012-04-22 14:08:08.411
AE1144 -------- 165978 TEX2 USN | TW-6 [KNPA] --- 2012-04-22 11:04:55.127
AE1191 -------- 03-0016 C560 USARC | B/2-228 AVN (TA) [KMGE] --- 2012-04-22 14:04:50.315
AE143F OCEAN96 05-1465 C30J CA ANG | 146AW | 115AS [KNTD] --- 2012-04-22 09:07:11.990
AE1E5B -------- 07-3891 TEX2 --- --- 2012-04-22 12:47:58.862
AE20C3 -------- 07-7182 C17 USAF | 437AW [KCHS] --- 2012-04-22 14:06:15.888
AE20C9 RCH802A 07-7188 C17 USAF | 437AW [KCHS] --- 2012-04-22 13:35:13.334
AE29D1 -------- 08-6204 ??? C30J --- --- 2012-04-22 13:05:23.755
AE29FD RY 694 166694 B737 USNR | VR-59 [KNFW] --- 2012-04-22 21:38:54.304
AE2FA2 -------- 08-8190 C17 USAF | 437AW [KCHS] --- 2012-04-22 14:34:15.786
AE2FA6 -------- 08-8194 C17 USAF | 62AW [KTCM] --- 2012-04-22 10:56:15.350
AE4A0E -------- 10-0??? BE20 --- --- 2012-04-22 11:06:03.724
AE4BE8 -------- ------ ------ --- --- 2012-04-22 10:39:33.189
AE4DDD -------- 11-0550 GLF5 USAF | 89AW | 99AS [KADW] --- 2012-04-22 21:45:41.102

Mode-S/ADS-B Intercepts 20-21 Apr 2012 - Bowling Green KY

The following Mode-S intercepts are courtesy of our SE US Mode-S network member and Milcom monitor DavidP in Bowling Green, KY. Thanks David.

Mode S Log from Bowling Green, Kentucky, US 2012-04-20
Military Hex Codes only

29CBB8 -------- various var Various --- 2012-04-20 17:19:58.166
4B8207 TUAF815 60-0326 K35R 101FILO --- 2012-04-20 10:15:38.625
5BFAF3 ALLIED 1 ------ ---- --- --- 2012-04-20 11:54:02.322
A2024B 22889 N22889 B190 TENAX AVIATION LLC --- 2012-04-20 13:06:46.562
A4F2EE GTI951 N418MC B744 AtlasAir --- 2012-04-20 19:08:04.179
A69BEB -------- 09-3106 D328 USAF | 27SOW | 524SOS [KCVS] --- 2012-04-20 12:30:50.795
A70718 -------- N552CN C560 Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma --- 2012-04-20 10:35:06.090
AA59AE RBY601 N766VA B762 Vision Airlines --- 2012-04-20 12:22:12.273
ADFC66 -------- 90-0404 BE40 USAF | 479FTG | 451FTS [KNPA] --- 2012-04-20 11:31:21.486
ADFC88 -------- 91-0100 BE40 USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS --- 2012-04-20 09:56:49.385
ADFD03 -------- 95-0055 BE40 USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS --- 2012-04-20 11:08:17.097
ADFD73 -------- 91-0503 SW4 WI ARNG? | OSACOM DET-52 [KMSN] --- 2012-04-20 10:10:44.068
ADFE71 TETON 34 92-1534 C130 WY ANG | 153AW | 187AS [KCYS] --- 2012-04-20 11:15:42.334
ADFE95 -------- 95-0096 BE20 USARMY --- 2012-04-20 12:02:37.118
ADFED0 PAT255 85-1262 BE20 USARMY (OSACOM Det25 TNArNG) --- 2012-04-20 16:41:12.087
ADFEE1 PAT084 87-0161 BE20 AL ARNG | OSACOM DET-5 --- 2012-04-20 15:11:00.616
ADFEEA LOBO 683 160046 DC93 USMC | VMR-1 [KNKT] --- 2012-04-20 16:12:31.104
ADFEFF -------- 86-0089 BE20 IL ARNG | OSACOM DET-36 [KDEC] --- 2012-04-20 12:44:32.277
AE015F -------- 58-0119 K35R TN ANG | 134ARW | 151ARS [KTYS] --- 2012-04-20 11:46:03.243
AE0184 BATTL 11 84-0090 LJ35 MI ANG | 110FW | 172AS [KBTL] --- 2012-04-20 15:47:54.392
AE0192 YANKE 84-0125 LJ35 CT ANG | 103FW | 118FS [KBDL] --- 2012-04-20 12:18:22.332
AE0194 JOSA558 84-0134 LJ35 USAF | 375AW | 311AS [KCOS] --- 2012-04-20 16:54:56.312
AE0195 -------- 84-0135 LJ35 USAF | 375AW | 458AS [KBLV] --- 2012-04-20 14:22:12.799
AE0197 JOSA818 84-0137 LJ35 USAF | 375AW | 457AS [KADW] --- 2012-04-20 17:19:43.719
AE02CD BISON82 91-9141 C130 AFRC | 914AW | 328AS [KIAG] --- 2012-04-20 14:51:48.060
AE0385 STEEL71 59-1467 K35R PA ANG | 171ARW [KPIT] --- 2012-04-20 11:50:04.564
AE0386 -------- 59-1468 K35R PA ANG | 171ARW [KPIT] --- 2012-04-20 11:40:29.015
AE03EB -------- 165314 C130 USNR | VR-62 [KNIP] --- 2012-04-20 12:16:24.196
AE041D TAZZ83 57-1486 K35R AZ ANG | 161ARW | 197ARS [KPHX] --- 2012-04-20 12:05:48.446
AE0437 -------- ------ CN35 USAF --- 2012-04-20 09:06:59.021
AE048D PACK96 64-14836 K35R NH ANG | 157ARW | 133ARS [KPSM] --- 2012-04-20 15:28:28.973
AE04AA -------- 99-0101 C560 USARC | C/6-52 AVN (TA) DET-1 [KGRK] --- 2012-04-20 13:14:31.507
AE04B2 BLUE82 57-1453 K35R AL ANG | 117ARW | 106ARS [KBHM] --- 2012-04-20 13:56:43.466
AE04BA KANZA95 58-0055 K35R USAF | 22ARW [KIAB] --- 2012-04-20 11:59:34.981
AE0538 -------- 69-0018 C5 TN ANG | 164AW | 155AS [KMEM] --- 2012-04-20 19:03:53.991
AE0566 -------- 85-0009 C5 AFRC | 439AW | 337AS [KCEF] --- 2012-04-20 12:08:56.190
AE0571 -------- 86-0020 C5 USAF | 436AW | 9AS [KDOV] --- 2012-04-20 18:37:36.999
AE057D -------- 87-0032 C5 USAF | 60AMW [KSUU] --- 2012-04-20 15:31:13.032
AE059F BACKY94 61-0294 K35R AFRC | 916ARW | 77ARS [KGSB] --- 2012-04-20 10:01:19.451
AE074E -------- 163836 BE20 USN | Oceana --- 2012-04-20 09:15:03.606
AE07E0 -------- 94-0066 C17 USAF | 62AW [KTCM] --- 2012-04-20 21:10:29.399
AE07EB -------- 96-0001 C17 USAF | 62AW [KTCM] --- 2012-04-20 18:07:08.012
AE07F7 RCH494 97-0045 C17 NY ANG | 105AW | 137AS [KSWF] --- 2012-04-20 09:54:13.690
AE0806 RHINO50 99-0060 C17 AFRC | 445AW | 89AS [KFFO] --- 2012-04-20 09:48:10.072
AE08BC -------- 165967 TEX2 --- --- 2012-04-20 12:00:02.774
AE093A -------- 00-1051 C560 USARC | B/2-228 AVN (TA) [KMGE] --- 2012-04-20 13:12:41.480
AE10C4 -------- 158844 ! SBR1 USN | TW-6 | VT-86 [KNPA] --- 2012-04-20 09:46:45.806
AE10D0 -------- 165514 SBR1 USN | TW-6 | VT-86 [KNPA] --- 2012-04-20 12:43:15.210
AE1159 -------- 165999 TEX2 USN | TW-6 [KNPA] --- 2012-04-20 13:55:04.958
AE1174 BOE1102 02-1102 C17 USAF | 62AW [KTCM] --- 2012-04-20 15:13:47.607
AE13E6 -------- 78-23128 BE20 US Army | USASOC Flt Det [KFBG] --- 2012-04-20 17:25:07.197
AE144B E55141 05-5141 C17 AFRC | 452AMW | 729AS [KRIV] --- 2012-04-20 18:36:32.788
AE1461 RCH598 06-6163 C17 USAF | 60AMW | 21AS [KSUU] --- 2012-04-20 11:51:39.960
AE1496 -------- 97-0201 B703 GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB] --- 2012-04-20 11:55:16.051
AE1533 RHODY37 06-1437 C30J RI ANG | 143AW | 143AS [KOQU] --- 2012-04-20 11:03:14.862
AE17EF -------- 05-0730 B737 AFRC | 932AW | 73AS [KBLV] --- 2012-04-20 17:20:42.525
AE1EC5 -------- 166064 TEX2 USN| TAW-5 --- 2012-04-20 11:31:13.262
AE20C9 RCH277 07-7188 C17 USAF | 437AW [KCHS] --- 2012-04-20 12:23:27.982
AE2FA5 RCH446 08-8193 C17 USAF | 62AW [KTCM] --- 2012-04-20 21:46:20.802
AE49C8 RCH1013 09-9212 C17 USAF | 62AW [KTCM] --- 2012-04-20 09:16:06.237
AE4A0E -------- 10-0??? BE20 --- --- 2012-04-20 15:31:10.704
AE4AFB RCH686 08-5686 C30J USAF | 317AW [KDYS] --- 2012-04-20 16:00:40.526
C2B5CB -------- 130617 C30J CFC | 8WG [CYTR] --- 2012-04-20 12:19:09.349
E47EF6 RYN7637 N637TW B763 Ryan Intl Airlines --- 2012-04-20 11:07:41.063

Mode S Log from Bowling Green, Kentucky, US 2012-04-21
Military Hex Codes only

33FE77 -------- MM62228 B767T AMI | 14 Wing --- 2012-04-21 14:12:33.789
A4F2EE GTI8748 N418MC B744 AtlasAir --- 2012-04-21 13:59:47.858
A62778 GTI0603 N496MC B744 AtlasAir --- 2012-04-21 08:37:45.907
AA606D NAO308 N768NA B763 North American Airlines --- 2012-04-21 10:12:25.338
AA90A0 GTI4542 N780BA B744 Evergreen International --- 2012-04-21 19:17:47.134
ADFD7D -------- 91-0513 SW4 SC ARNG |OSACOM DET-24 --- 2012-04-21 07:33:48.223
ADFE76 EVAC 451 92-1451 C130 IL ANG | 182AW | 169AS [KPIA] --- 2012-04-21 15:01:09.160
ADFE77 TORCH 24 92-1452 C130 IL ANG | 182AW | 169AS [KPIA] --- 2012-04-21 10:40:53.475
ADFEB8 AF2 98-0002 B752 USAF | 89AW | 1AS [KADW] --- 2012-04-21 12:53:55.837
ADFEEE -------- 160050 DC93 USNR | VR-52 [KWRI] --- 2012-04-21 14:00:58.491
ADFEF2 VVJS639 161530 DC93 USNR | VR-46 [KNFW ] --- 2012-04-21 10:11:07.006
AE0173 COUGR77 84-0118 LJ35 USAF | 375AW | 458AS [KBLV] --- 2012-04-21 06:36:31.535
AE025B -------- 163692 GLF3 USN | VR-1 [KADW] --- 2012-04-21 09:55:36.720
AE03D9 -------- 165163 C130 USMCR | VMGR-234 [KNFW] --- 2012-04-21 16:43:44.361
AE041D TAZZ83 57-1486 K35R AZ ANG | 161ARW | 197ARS [KPHX] --- 2012-04-21 14:12:20.473
AE042D INDY61 64-14834 K35R AFRC | 434ARW | 72ARS [KGUS] --- 2012-04-21 11:19:34.157
AE04ED DIXIE75 63-8035 K35R AL ANG | 117ARW | 106ARS [KBHM] --- 2012-04-21 10:39:11.518
AE0672 R3014 63-8014 K35R AFRC | 916ARW | 77ARS [KGSB] --- 2012-04-21 15:23:18.867
AE07D5 -------- 92-3291 C17 USAF | 62AW [KTCM] --- 2012-04-21 10:25:52.551
AE0976 CNV4304 165833 B737 USNR | VR-59 [KNFW] --- 2012-04-21 10:18:45.048
AE0D64 -------- ------ H60 USArmy --- 2012-04-21 16:49:02.063
AE10C0 RCH326 01-0197 C17 USAF | 437AW [KCHS] --- 2012-04-21 21:36:43.970
AE117C -------- 02-1110 C17 USAF | 62AW [KTCM] --- 2012-04-21 17:10:40.289
AE11E0 SCOUT01 77-0352 E3TF USAF | 552ACW [KTIK] --- 2012-04-21 11:22:08.907
AE144A -------- 05-5140 C17 AFRC | 452AMW | 729AS [KRIV] --- 2012-04-21 10:14:13.556
AE144B RCH021 05-5141 C17 AFRC | 452AMW | 729AS [KRIV] --- 2012-04-21 18:24:14.226
AE2239 ALLIED 1 62-1857 C130 USAF | 1SOW | 6SOS [KHRT] --- 2012-04-21 12:20:18.435
AE29CE -------- 08-6201 C30J --- --- 2012-04-21 15:01:25.664
AE29FD RY 694 166694 B737 USNR | VR-59 [KNFW] --- 2012-04-21 09:24:28.211

Kentucky Air Guard to support, participate in Thunder Over Louisville

Two U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor fighters taxi into the Louisville Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky. April 18, 2012 prior to the 2012 Thunder Over Louisville Air Show. The Raptor Demo Team, based out of Langley Air Force Base, Va., will be one of the show's marquee events. The Kentucky Air Guard is once again supporting military aircraft for Thunder, which has grown to become one of the largest air shows in North America, organizers say. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Maj. Dale Greer)

By Air National Guard Master Sgt. Phil Speck, 123rd Airlift Wing

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Kentucky Air National Guard's 123rd Airlift Wing is scheduled to support the 2012 Thunder Over Louisville Air Show April 21, providing logistic and maintenance support for military aircraft scheduled to appear at this year's show.

The April 21 event promises to be one of the biggest yet, said Air Force Capt. Josh Ketterer, a C-130 Hercules pilot with the 123rd AW, and the Kentucky Air National Guard's Thunder coordinator.

This year's schedule features more than 25 current military planes and helicopters from the across the U.S. armed forces and Canadian military, as well as variety of historic aircraft. Highlights of the show this year include the F-22 Raptor, a B-2 Stealth Bomber and F/A-18 Hornets.

"The public will see a representation of every single service, and every single type of military aircraft during the air show," Ketterer said. "It will be impressive."

A special segment of the six-hour program will highlight Marine Corps aircraft in recognition of the Corps' 100th year of flying operations. The United States Marine Corps began its aviation program on May 22, 1912.

Marine Corps Sgt. Dakota Meyer, a Medal of Honor recipient and Kentucky native, will be featured during the Marine aviation segment by sitting in the back seat of an AV-8B Harrier during its aerial demonstration over the Ohio River.

As always, the Kentucky Air Guard will provide logistical, security and maintenance support for military aircraft throughout the day.

"It's an honor for us to support this event, which is now in its 22nd year and has become one of the most successful air shows in the nation," Ketterer said. "For the past 21 years, the 123rd Airlift Wing has consistently provided a high level of service to the community and a high level of hospitality to our visiting air crews and maintainers during Thunder. This year will be no different.

"We know our efforts allow hundreds of thousands of people to see the nation's military aircraft up close, whether they're watching them in person along the riverfront or tuning in to the live telecast."

The Kentucky Air Guard's 123rd Special Tactics Squadron will kick off the air show Saturday when four pararescuemen are scheduled to parachute out of a Kentucky C-130 aircraft and land in the Ohio River, where they will be recovered by other members of the special tactics team.

Wyoming Guard supports Utah during major earthquake exercise

By Army National Guard Capt. Tim Lockwood, Wyoming National Guard

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Members of the Wyoming National Guard supported their neighbors in Utah recently as they helped them train and prepare for potential natural disasters, specifically those that could affect the Salt Lake City area.

The Guard members are spending three days participating in Utah Shakeout, a large scale, multi-agency disaster exercise in Utah.

Local, state and federal agencies simulated a magnitude 7.0 earthquake hitting the Wasatch Valley area April 19, which included the metropolitan Salt Lake City area. A disaster of that magnitude has the potential to leave nearly 86,000 people displaced if it were to actually occur.

"This exercise for us is about the state of Wyoming helping out its neighbors to the west," said Army Maj. Gen. Luke Reiner, adjutant general of the Wyoming National Guard. "We know that Salt Lake City sits on a significant fault and we're told it's only a matter of time until it goes – not if, but when."

Organizations, schools and individuals across Utah simulated everything from setting up shelters to taking cover during the earthquake. As part of the exercise, Wyoming's Joint Task Force Cowboy, the T71 Joint Incident Site Communications Capability, and 84th Civil Support Team, all deployed in an effort to support exercise operations.

Task Force Cowboy and the JISCC are based at Camp Williams, Utah for the exercise and have been providing support for emergency operations of civilian authorities and Utah National Guard members by helping with the processing and tasking of additional military units that are flowing into the area.

"A devastating earthquake in this area is a real possibility," said Col. Shelley Campbell, the commander of JTF Cowboy. "This training exercise is providing our Guard members valuable insight into assisting a large scale, multi-agency disaster exercise.

"We need to be prepared to respond and support our neighbors in their time of need," she said. "We are here to help civilian authorities practice in saving lives and mitigating damage."

The JTF and JISCC are performing joint reception staging and onward integration, functions. That means the task force is welcoming units from others states such as Idaho and Colorado as they arrive. The JTF then provides situational and priority information briefings to each force package before providing them their assignments for assisting local authorities.

"This is good training for our Joint Task Force, which we know we will be utilizing in the event of a disaster in Wyoming or neighboring states," Reiner said. "They are doing great. They are receiving a lot of good training and there is a lot of communication going on up and down the line, which is absolutely key."

Reiner added the key to a synchronized response is common understanding of the situation.

"There is focus on maintaining a common operating picture, which means every civilian, every emergency responder, every Soldier and Airman should see and know the same information as everyone else," he said.

The 84th CST is providing a different type of assistance to the communities of Utah affected by the simulated quake. They are supporting areas southeast of Salt Lake City with search and rescue efforts and the identification and mitigation of hazardous materials.

In addition, personnel with the Wyoming Joint Force Headquarters Joint Operations Center have been supporting the exercise from Cheyenne. They provide the support necessary for the deployed Wyoming Guard members in the areas of personnel tracking, logistics and information.

According to exercise organizers, the main goal of the Utah Shakeout is to get residents prepared for major earthquakes and help government agencies, private organizations and emergency personnel coordinate how to handle a disaster recovery.

Mode-S/ADS-B Intercepts 20 Apr 2012 - Btown

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

AE0538 69-0018 --- 2012-04-20 23:51:03 C-5A United States TN ANG | 164AW | 155AS [KMEM]
AE0571 86-0020 --- 2012-04-20 23:31:36 C-5B United States USAF | 436AW | 9AS [KDOV]
AE0197 84-0137 JOSA818 2012-04-20 22:24:18 C-21A United States USAF | 375AW | 457AS [KADW]
AE1479 166767 --- 2012-04-20 19:58:20 UC-35D United States MAW-4
AE074E 163836 --- 2012-04-20 19:14:33 UC-12M United States USN | Oceana
AE04B2 57-1453 BLUE82 2012-04-20 19:00:04 KC-135R United States AL ANG | 117ARW | 106ARS [KBHM]
AE10D3 165517 --- 2012-04-20 18:14:34 T-39G United States USN | TW-6 | VT-86 [KNPA] 7266 17675
AE015F 58-0119 SODA81 2012-04-20 16:46:25 KC-135R United States TN ANG | 134ARW | 151ARS [KTYS]
ADFC66 90-0404 --- 2012-04-20 16:35:44 T-1A United States USAF | 479FTG | 451FTS [KNPA]
AE0386 59-1468 STEEL62 2012-04-20 16:34:08 KC-135R United States PA ANG | 171ARW [KPIT]
E47EF6 N637TW RYN7637 2012-04-20 16:02:46 Boeing 767-33AER United States Ryan Intl Airlines --- 32975
AE0386 59-1468 STEEL62 2012-04-20 15:49:46 KC-135R United States PA ANG | 171ARW [KPIT]
AE10C4 158844 ! --- 2012-04-20 14:37:51 T-39G United States USN | TW-6 | VT-86 [KNPA]
AE074E 163836 --- 2012-04-20 13:57:17 UC-12M United States USN | Oceana
AE015F 58-0119 SODA81 2012-04-20 13:44:10 KC-135R United States TN ANG | 134ARW | 151ARS [KTYS]
AE1496 97-0201 --- 2012-04-20 12:47:26 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB]
AE093C 00-1053 --- 2012-04-20 00:12:02 UC-35a1 United States US Army | OSACOM PATD [KADW]
AE02E7 84-0204 COBB04 2012-04-20 00:08:03 C-130H United States AFRC | 94AW | 700AS [KMGE]

Iwo Jima ARG, 24th MEU Complete African Lion

Three landing craft air cushion (LCAC) assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 4 operate in the coastal waters of Agadir, Morocco while deployed with the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7). The Iwo Jima Amphibious Readiness Group is deployed and participating in Exercise African Lion 2012, a bilateral exercise between U.S. and Moroccan forces, in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Heather W. Hines/Released)

By Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Jamica Johnson, Amphibious Squadron 8 Public Affairs

USS IWO JIMA, At Sea (NNS) -- The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU)in conjunction with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (ARG completed joint and bilateral exercise CJCS Exercise African Lion 2012, April 17.

The exercise between the Kingdom of Morocco and the U.S. military services served as integrated field training for the ARG/MEU team, prior to arriving at their operational station for deployment 2012.

"This exercise gave us a chance to do a couple of things," said Col. Frank Donovan, 24th MEU commanding officer. "We set sail on deployment across the Atlantic, straight into a large scale exercise where we were able to hone our abilities of ship-to-shore, ship-to-objective maneuvering, air and surface operations with the blue-green team, doing bi-lateral operations with the Moroccans, in turn, developing partners and allied relationships. It was a great way to start a deployment."

The Joint Task Force (JTF), led by Marine Forces Africa (MARFORAF), were designated as JTF-MOROCCO and a Task Force (TF) led by 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division were designated as TF-African Lion, giving the exercise great historical and operational importance, being one of the first times an ARG/MEU team has been carried out as an all land based operation.

"This year's exercise was unique in two ways," said Lt. Cmdr. Mike Fabrizio, PHIBRON 8's operations officer. "First, Morocco was one of the first countries to acknowledge American independence when initially becoming a country, so we have had long historical ties with them. The importance of the IWO ARG /24 MEU team's participation in African Lion is that, in previous years, the exercise participants were all land based. This was the first year when a sea based MEU, operating from an ARG at sea, participated in the exercise."

The preparation for the large scale bi-national exercise was concurrent with the ARG/MEU team's work up cycle for deployment. It took various levels of planning and acute attention to detail. Some planners from PHIBRON 8 and 24th MEU met with planning teams in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility as early as Aug. 2011.

"It took a lot of rapid planning and planning adjustments to be able to take advantage of opportunities to operate in a very foreign environment," said Donovan. "To prove that the skill-set we have does work and at the end we were able to meet, train with and establish a relationship with our partners, the armed forces of Morocco was an amazing opportunity."

In order to accomplish missions of the 24th MEU, USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) and USS New York (LPD 21)executed a combined total of 38 ship-to-shore movements. This included 24 landing craft air cushion (LCAC's) movements and 14 amphibious assault vehicle (AAV's) landings in order to transport the Marines and their equipment. Also, 51 vehicles were moved ashore aboard the LCACs for the Marines to accomplish their mission in the exercise.

Along with the sense of achievement and accomplishment in the air, is the weighted and despondent feeling in the hearts of many on board.

"I think the ARG/MEU team did a great job. It was a great balance of what we trained for," said Donovan. "We were able to pick up where we left off in our pre-deployment training and continue on. The tough part is, obviously, we had a crash during the exercise and you can't go without always thinking about the families and condolences, thoughts and prayers that we need to continue for them back home."

"I do not think you can overstate how important our relationship with Morocco is to our national security," said Capt. Mark H. Scovill, commander of Iwo Jima ARG. "This is a key ally, and we need to prove we are inter-operable with them, especially in view of their strategic location."

The Straits of Gibraltar, separating the Kingdom of Morocco and Spain, is 7.7 nautical miles wide and thousands of merchant and U.S. Navy ships pass through annually. This location is of the utmost strategic importance in the region for the freedom, safety and security of world-wide merchant shipping and U.S. Navy ships transiting.


The ARG/MEU team set aside time during the operation to honor and grieve their fallen brothers-in-arms, assuring each other that although the mission would go on, their memory would be celebrated and not forgotten.

"Losing men makes it very hard to think about how dangerous this job is," said Donovan. "It also provides us an opportunity to step back and say, are we focused and diligent enough, while doing my job on the daily basis to ensure the best chance for success and safety during the mission? It shows how every single day we must show incredible levels of courage, honor strength and skill, in every task."

By the conclusion of African Lion, more than 87 bi-lateral training events and demonstrations had been achieved with the Royal Moroccan and U.S. military. In total, more than 345 flight hours had been logged. For both surface and air movements, more than 70 people had been transported with more than 600 items, totaling more than 45,000 pounds between the shore and ships, including food and parts for aircraft, ships and vehicles.

"This was a great way to warm up before a long deployment. It was very successful and very rewarding in a lot of cases," said Donovan.

The Iwo Jima ARG with the embarked 24th MEU is currently deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

Mode-S/ADS-B Intercepts 19 Apr 2012 - Btown

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

AE1235 03-3124 VOLT14 2012-04-19 23:58:07 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]
AE149A 02-9111 KOMODO4 2012-04-19 23:13:22 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB]
AE0418 164406 GOTO FMS 2012-04-19 23:10:31 E-6B United States USN | VQ-3 [KTIK] --- 26000
AAEAFD N802TJ --- 2012-04-19 22:03:40 Boeing 737-4B7 United States Swift Air
AE07CD 89-1189 RCH896 2012-04-19 21:05:29 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]
AE02E4 81-0629 COBB29 2012-04-19 20:27:31 C-130H United States AFRC | 94AW | 700AS [KMGE]
ADFCF4 95-0040 --- 2012-04-19 20:04:27 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS
ADFC66 90-0404 --- 2012-04-19 20:02:54 T-1A United States USAF | 479FTG | 451FTS [KNPA]
C2B5CB 130617 --- 2012-04-19 19:11:34 CC-130J-30 Canada CFC | 8WG [CYTR]
C2B5CB 130617 LAC5690 2012-04-19 18:14:04 CC-130J-30 Canada CFC | 8WG [CYTR]
AE0800 98-0054 GRITS31 2012-04-19 16:54:16 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]
AE0663 60-0364 INDY81 2012-04-19 16:46:47 KC-135R United States AFRC | 434ARW [KGUS] 3167 27000
AE0663 60-0364 INDY81 2012-04-19 16:02:23 KC-135R United States AFRC | 434ARW [KGUS] 3167 27000
ADFC8E 92-0333 --- 2012-04-19 15:37:05 T-1A United States USAF | 12FTW | 99FTS [KRND]
AE0663 60-0364 INDY81 2012-04-19 15:30:47 KC-135R United States AFRC | 434ARW [KGUS] 3167 27000
ADFED0 85-1262 --- 2012-04-19 14:46:55 C-12U United States USARMY (OSACOM Det25 TNArNG)
ADFED0 85-1262 PAT255 2012-04-19 14:46:55 C-12U United States USARMY (OSACOM Det25 TNArNG)
A570F0 N45NA --- 2012-04-19 13:24:03 DC-9-33F United States US DOE | NNSA
AE2FA2 08-8190 IMPAC89 2012-04-19 08:29:07 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS] 0000 25000

DOD Identifies Unit for Upcoming Afghanistan Rotation

The Department of Defense announced today one Army brigade combat team to deploy as part of the upcoming rotation of forces operating in Afghanistan. The scheduled early Winter 2012 rotation involves nearly 3,900 soldiers from the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

Maryland Army Guard unveils newest helicopter in its arsenal

The first of four UH-72A Lakota helicopters - that will be part of the Maryland Army National Guard's fleet used for civil support, search and rescue and homeland security missions - takes off at Camp Fretterd, Maryland with senior members of the Maryland National Guard aboard for the inaugural flight April 18, 2012. The flight was crewed by Army Lt. Col. Michael Whelan, commander for the Maryland Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment, Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Renonzo Belcher, a Lakota pilot and a Baltimore police flight officer and Army Staff Sgt. Joseph Beale, who was the flights crew chief. (Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. John Orrell)(Released)

By Air National Guard National Guard Tech. Sgt. John Orrell, National Guard Bureau

CAMP FRETTERD, Md. - The Maryland Army National Guard unveiled Wednesday its first of four UH-72A Lakota helicopters – which will replace the older OH-58A Kiowa as their premier aircraft for civil support, search and rescue and homeland security missions.

Currently the Maryland Army Guard has six personnel being trained on the new light utility helicopter and its mission equipment package.

According to Guard officials the Lakota brings to the table many improvements over the Kiowa, to include:

•Nose mounted center line payload with infrared and electro-optical sensors and laser painter – which will allow for more accurate search and rescue by using heat signatures;

•Moving map and touch-screen displays;

•Video management system;

•Digital video recorder and data downlink system – which will allow the pilots to insert addresses, latitude and longitude points, and military grid coordinates to find the exact location of contact within 50 feet;

•Additional avionics and communications equipment – to include radios that will allow the Guard members to communicate with law enforcement, emergency medical services and rescue services;

•A 30 million candlepower searchlight and an external hoist to allow the Lakota to move up to 600 pounds of equipment.

Compared to the Kiowa, which is a single-engine helicopter, the Lakota has twin-engines, that during hurricane season will allow Maryland Guard pilots to fly and take off in winds up to 50 knots – about 60 miles-per-hour. A feature that was not available on the Kiowa.

“It’s a state-of-the-art aircraft for … state-of-the-art pilots,” said Army Maj. Gen. James Adkins, the adjutant general for the Maryland National Guard.

The Lakota is also a more cost efficient tool. According to Maryland Guard officials, the Lakota can be maintained and operated at half the cost of the UH-60 Black hawk.

With all of the upgrades the Lakota brings to the Maryland Army Guard fleet, Adkins feels this will position them to be even more efficient for multiple missions.

“Not only does it help Maryland by replacing older aircraft, but it supports the governor … in emergencies … and it supports the federal government as well,” he said.
“Two of these aircraft will be going to the southwest border at the beginning of June to support U.S. Customs down there,” Adkins said. “We’ll use it in state emergencies whether we need to go out and look for lost individuals, or do analysis of the impact of a hurricane.”

Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Renonzo Belcher, a Lakota pilot and a Baltimore police flight officer, was one of the pilots for Wednesday’s flight. He feels that even though the Kiowa was a useful tool for the Maryland Guard, he is looking forward to the capabilities the Lakota will bring to the fleet.

“The old [helicopter] was good, but this one has a lot more capabilities,” he said. “[The Lakota has] a lot more radios, a little bit more power so that we can also conduct hoist missions [and] carry a lot more people and we’re able to stay up in the air lot longer – versus the older plane where two hours of flight-time was feasible the new Lakota can offer us three to three-and-a-half hours.”
The flight was manned by Army Lt. Col. Michael Whelan, commander of the Maryland Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment, Belcher and Army Staff Sgt. Joseph Beale, who was the flight’s crew chief.

Wyoming Air Guard unit conducts annual MAFFS training

Airmen assigned to the 153rd Airlift Wing, Wyoming Air National Guard, prepare to load a U.S. Forest Service Modualar Airborne Firefighting System II onto a Wyoming Air Guard C-130 Hercules, April 13, 2012. The annual training maintains currency and upgrade qualifications for pilots, aircrew and ground crews in preparation for the fire season. (Air National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Rusty Ridley)

By Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Natalie Stanley, Wyoming National Guard

Airmen assigned to the 153rd Airlift Wing, Wyoming Air National Guard, prepare to load a U.S. Forest Service Modualar Airborne Firefighting System II onto a Wyoming Air Guard C-130 Hercules, April 13, 2012. The annual training maintains currency and upgrade qualifications for pilots, aircrew and ground crews in preparation for the fire season. (Air National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Rusty Ridley)
download hi-res photo

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (4/18/12) – Select C-130 Hercules cargo plane crews with the Wyoming Air National Guard's 153rd Airlift Wing began preparing for their mission to fight fires from the air with a new training regiment centered on practicing in the skies above Wyoming.

The Airmen are conducting their annual Modular Airborne Firefighting System II training with the U.S. Forest Service at the Wyoming Air National Guard Base here, and also at the Camp Guernsey Joint Training Center in Guernsey, Wyo., this week.

During their training, the Wyoming Air Guard crews are working closely with the U.S. Forest Service, who owns the MAFFS units, to accomplish their mission.

This type of training in the past required all four MAFFS units from across the country – three Air National Guard units and one Air Force Reserve unit – to meet in one spot. However, this year's training is new and more efficient, with the forest service coming out to Cheyenne in order to train the Wyoming Airmen.

"We have forest service liaisons here every time we operate MAFFS, helping us out, getting us what we need to get the mission done," said Air Force Capt. Tim Ray, a C-130 aircraft commander. “And of course we try to help them as best we can, too."

The MAFFS system was established in the 1970s and uses Air National Guard aircraft to release fire retardant and water from tanks onboard the aircraft.

The MAFFS II system was implemented in 2011 and has several improvements over the old system including a more efficient spray pattern; a new trigger system and more dispersal options; an air compressor to assist in reloading water and retardant; and the aircraft are now able to fly with the back end closed, keeping them pressurized and able to fly higher and operate more fuel efficiently.

"It's a great asset to the forest service for firefighting capabilities, bringing in the aerial assets," Ray said. "A lot of the civilian tankers right now are down for various maintenance reasons, so they rely on MAFFS as a backup firefighting force."

The training will encompass upgrade qualifications and include recurring and new training for the various crew positions.

MAFFS planes, accompanied by forest service lead planes, also flew from the Wyoming Air Guard base to Camp Guernsey to drop water loads.

"MAFFS is the most challenging training that we do," Ray said, "you really have to keep your skills sharp and your training current to make sure that you’re staying safe while fighting the fires."

Mode-S/ADS-B Intercepts 18 Apr 2012 - Btown

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

0AC09E ------ --- 2012-04-18 23:53:55 --------- Colombia ---
AE1196 03-3113 RCH699 2012-04-18 23:41:40 C-17A United States MS ANG | 172AW | 183AS [KJAN]
AE02E4 81-0629 COBB29 2012-04-18 23:08:12 C-130H United States AFRC | 94AW | 700AS [KMGE]
A7A899 N593AN 00000000 2012-04-18 22:35:16 DC-9-83 (MD-83) US JPATS
ADFED0 85-1262 PAT255 2012-04-18 22:18:43 C-12U United States USARMY (OSACOM Det25 TNArNG)
AE04D1 63-7984 DIXIE36 2012-04-18 20:27:15 KC-135R United States AL ANG | 117ARW | 106ARS [KBHM]
000001 ------ --- 2012-04-18 18:03:45 Various ------ --- 0000 11800
AE11D8 75-0558 --- 2012-04-18 17:49:05 E-3B United States USAF | 552ACW [KTIK]
AE07D7 92-3293 GRITS35 2012-04-18 16:41:24 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS] 0742 26000
ADFCD8 94-0121 --- 2012-04-18 16:38:15 T-1A United States USAF | 12FTW | 99FTS [KRND]
AE149A 02-9111 PEACH99 2012-04-18 16:32:12 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB] 5172 14900
AE0504 60-0345 JEEP31 2012-04-18 16:31:54 KC-135T United States MI ANG | 127WG | 171ARS [KMTC]
AE07A6 59-1474 JEEP32 2012-04-18 16:20:49 KC-135R United States MI ANG | 127WG | 171ARS [KMTC]
AE07A6 59-1474 JEEP32 2012-04-18 15:47:40 KC-135R United States MI ANG | 127WG | 171ARS [KMTC]
AE0504 60-0345 JEEP31 2012-04-18 15:47:36 KC-135T United States MI ANG | 127WG | 171ARS [KMTC]
AE149A 02-9111 PEACH99 2012-04-18 15:28:24 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB] 5172 14900
AE016F 84-0077 SPAR287 2012-04-18 15:01:46 C-21A United States USAF | 375AW | 457AS [KADW]
AE06E4 NAS Chambers --- 2012-04-18 13:38:54 UC-12F United States USNAVY
A725D7 N56PA --- 2012-04-18 09:19:40 Lear 36A United States Phoenix Air Group [KVPC] 0000 24050
AE1295 84-0476 TALON 12 2012-04-18 04:44:26 MC-130h United States USAF | 1SOW | 15SOS [KHRT]
A7A899 N593AN 00000000 2012-04-18 03:42:29 DC-9-83 (MD-83) US JPATS
A1ECBD N223GA N223GA 2012-04-18 01:30:23 GLF5 United States US DOJ | FBI HQ [KHEF]

National Guard at southwest border shifting from ‘boots on the ground to boots in the air’

The National Guard support mission known as Operation Phalanx, which initially deployed as many as 1,200 personnel to fixed ground sites along the U.S.-Mexican border, is now shifting to more of an airborne role, using rotary and fixed wing aircraft to conduct aerial detection and monitoring missions.

As two senior CBP officials told a House Homeland Security subcommittee hearing on April 17, Operation Phalanx is “essentially moving from boots on the ground to boots in the air.”

“The strategic transition to aerial support adds mobile, advanced detection and monitoring capability to the Border Patrol’s internal air and ground border security operations, helping to mitigate operational landscapes along the border, providing an additional deterrence factor; providing a faster response time; and providing flexible and adaptive capabilities in lieu of fixed sites,” said prepared testimony delivered by Ronald Vitiello, deputy chief of the office of border patrol, and Martin Vaughan, executive director of the office of air and marine southwest border operations

While acknowledging that “operating environments” differ from sector to sector, Vitiello and Vaughan provided the subcommittee with an example of how the National Guard can be more helpful operating in the air than on the ground. “An aerial platform provides a much greater field of vision for places like south Texas where a winding river and thick brush make it difficult to see from a static location on the ground,” they noted.

The ongoing transition in the role played by National Guard personnel will include about 200 troops who will provide mobile aerial detection and monitoring across all four southwest border states, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. “These individuals are supporting law enforcement interdiction operations against illicit trafficking in people, drugs, weapons, and money,” said the CBP officials.

In another example of the U.S. Defense Department cooperating with DHS along the southwest border, Customs and Border Protection is currently evaluating a war-fighting technology known as the Vehicle and Dismount Exploitation Radar, or VaDER, on unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) deployed by CBP’s office of air and marine. VaDER can monitor vehicle and personnel movement over large areas, regardless of current atmospheric conditions, the testimony continues. “Airborne testing on the UAS began earlier this year,” said Vitiello and Vaughan, “and we are encouraged by the results.”

Also, the U.S. Army is helping CBP’s office of air and marine to acquire new UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and converting 16 aging UH-60 Alpha model Black Hawks to the more recent Lima models.

“The new and converted Black Hawks offer greater speed and endurance, greater lift capacity, more sophisticated onboard data processing, a four-axis autopilot, altitude hold and an audible altitude alert,” they explained.

DESRON 26, US Ships Begin Joint Warrior 12-1

Blog Editor Note: Reported frequencies for Exercise Joint Warrior 12-1 include (USB): 3101.0 3277.0 3303.0 4092.0 4138.0 4141.0 4278.0 4433.0 4484.0 4581.0 4620.0 4706.0 4731.0 4744.5 4760.0 4833.0 5291.0 5310.0 5436.0 5725.0 6607.0 6690.0 6697.0 6775.0 7520.0 and Link 11 freqs: 4760.0 5471.0

By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Michael W. Martin Destroyer Squadron 26 Public Affairs

FASLANE, Scotland (NNS) -- Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26, the Norfolk-based guided-missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98), and the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Leroy Grumman (T-AO 195) are participating in a multinational exercise off the coast of Scotland.

Exercise Joint Warrior 12-1, which runs April 14 through April 27, is the largest concentration of coalition assets in one integrated training event addressing the full spectrum of maritime and joint warfare mission areas. It is intended to improve interoperability between allied navies and prepare participants for a possible role in a joint maritime environment during deployments. Joint Warrior is the United Kingdom's advanced certification course and is on par with a U.S. Joint Task Force Exercise, which certifies U.S. ships for deployment.

"Interoperability is not just the ability of networks and information systems to exchange data automatically. The cornerstone of interoperability is for our US Sailors, with our international partners, to establish a common language with proven tactics, techniques and procedures during exercises like Joint Warrior that enables future coalition and joint missions from the sea ensuring the stability of the maritime commons that maintain freedom of the seas," said Capt. Nelson Castro, commander, DESRON 26.

Nations participating in the exercise include Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, United Kingdom and the United States.

Commanded by Cmdr. Luis Sanchez Jr., Forrest Sherman and crew completed the Royal Navy's flag officer sea training March 26 - April 5.

Future USS Mississippi Successfully Passes Sea Trials, On Track for Summer Commissioning

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- Pre-Commissioning Unit Mississippi (SSN 782), the nation's newest and most advanced nuclear-powered attack submarine, arrived April 17 at General Dynamics Electric Boat following its successful completion of Alpha and Bravo sea trials.

Testing evolutions completed during Alpha sea trials included diving to test depth, conducting an emergency surfacing, and testing the submarine's propulsion plant and were designed to evaluate the ship's seaworthiness and operational performance.

"With each Virginia-class submarine delivery, we continue to raise the performance and quality even further above an already high bar. Our first look at Mississippi's performance underway shows that she has continued that trend," said Virginia Class Program Manager Rear Adm. (sel.) Michael Jabaley, who rode the ship during Alpha trials.

Bravo trials consisted of testing Virginia's acoustic performance and combat systems.

The ninth ship of the Virginia-class, Mississippi is on track to deliver up to one year early of its contract delivery date. All Virginia-class submarines currently under construction are scheduled to deliver earlier than their original contract delivery dates.

Mississippi is commanded by Neptune, N.J., native Capt. John McGrath, who shared the experience of seeing his crew successfully operating his ship at sea for the first time.

"It was an exhilarating experience to finally see the crew operate the ship at sea. The sea trials schedule was extremely challenging and required us to drive the ship at its operational limits. I was very happy with the ship's performance, but I was even happier with how our Sailors executed their duties throughout the underway," said McGrath.

Mississippi's sponsor Allison Stiller christened the ninth Virginia-class submarine during a ceremony at General Dynamics Electric Boat, Dec. 3. Mississippi will be commissioned in Pascagoula, Miss. June 2.

Construction on the submarine began in February 2007. Virginia-class submarines are built under a unique teaming arrangement between General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries - Newport News.

Virginia-class submarines are designed to dominate the world's littoral and deep waters while conducting Anti-submarine; anti-surface ship; strike; special operation forces; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare missions. Their inherent stealth, endurance, firepower, and sensor suite directly enable them to support five of the six Maritime Strategy Core Capabilities - sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence.

Mode-S/ADS-B Intercepts 17 Apr 2012 - Btown

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

A97B00 N71PG --- 2012-04-17 22:18:48 Lear 36A United States Phoenix Air Group (EMS) [KVPC]
A6EBC5 N545PA --- 2012-04-17 22:00:36 Lear 36A United States PHOENINXAIR
A6F333 N547PA --- 2012-04-17 21:55:25 Lear 36A United States PHOENINXAIR
A725D7 N56PA --- 2012-04-17 21:54:04 Lear 36A United States Phoenix Air Group [KVPC]
AE0360 58-0094 ZAGS86 2012-04-17 21:41:13 KC-135T United States USAF | 92ARW [KSKA]
AE066C 62-3562 ZAGS88 2012-04-17 21:34:42 KC-135R United States USAF | 92ARW [KSKA] 0000 41000
AE0663 60-0364 INDY82 2012-04-17 20:03:19 KC-135R United States AFRC | 434ARW [KGUS]
C2B5CB 130617 LMAC5690 2012-04-17 18:24:30 CC-130J-30 Canada CFC | 8WG [CYTR]
AE0663 60-0364 INDY82 2012-04-17 18:07:34 KC-135R United States AFRC | 434ARW [KGUS]
C2B5CB 130617 LMAC5690 2012-04-17 18:00:57 CC-130J-30 Canada CFC | 8WG [CYTR]
AE0672 63-8014 RCH3014 2012-04-17 17:19:57 KC-135R United States AFRC | 916ARW | 77ARS [KGSB]
AE04E6 59-1516 SODA50 2012-04-17 16:46:31 KC-135R United States TN ANG | 134ARW | 151ARS [KTYS]
AA90A0 N780BA GTI 3543 2012-04-17 16:44:57 B-747-409 United States Evergreen International --- 38000
AA90A0 N780BA GTI TI43 2012-04-17 16:44:57 B-747-409 United States Evergreen International --- 38000
AA90A0 N780BA GTI4356 2012-04-17 16:44:57 B-747-409 United States Evergreen International --- 38000
AA90A0 N780BA GTI4TI43 2012-04-17 16:44:57 B-747-409 United States Evergreen International --- 38000
A77AE7 N581PC --- 2012-04-17 16:25:13 PC-12/45 United States USAF | 1SOW [KHRT]
ADFC65 90-0403 --- 2012-04-17 15:13:57 T-1A United States USAF | 12FTW | 99FTS [KRND]
AE149A 02-9111 PEACH99 2012-04-17 14:50:25 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB] 0000 27000
A6D6D9 N54PA --- 2012-04-17 10:26:35 Lear 36 United States PHOENINXAIR
AE0418 164406 GOTO FMS 2012-04-17 01:37:41 E-6B United States USN | VQ-3 [KTIK] --- 34000
AE068B 62-3510 --- 2012-04-17 01:36:25 KC-135R United States AFRC | 434ARW | 72ARS [KGUS]
AE016D 84-0075 PACER54 2012-04-17 01:18:13 C-21A United States USAF | 375AW | 457AS [KADW]
AE0800 98-0054 RCH8054 2012-04-17 00:19:01 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]
AE02E1 81-0626 COBB 26 2012-04-17 00:01:17 C-130H United States AFRC | 94AW | 700AS [KMGE]

Space Shuttle Discovery Arrives in DC

Pluto 95 (NASA 905) arrives in Washington DC with the Space Shuttle Discovery. Photo courtesy of CBS News

Navy Installations Prepare for Hurricane Season

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF) and Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) are conducting a hurricane preparedness exercise, HURREX/Citadel Gale 12, April 16 through 27.

The purpose of this annual exercise is to prepare the Navy to respond to weather threats to U.S. coastal regions, and to maintain its ability to deploy naval forces even under the most adverse weather conditions.

HURREX/Citadel Gale 12 will involve two simulated storm systems developing and intensifying to hurricane strength, threatening the Caribbean Islands, East Coast and Gulf Coast regions.

All Navy commands with personnel in these regions will participate, to include reviewing and exercising heavy weather instructions and procedures and accounting for Sailors and Navy families in the affected regions through the Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System (NFAAS).

There is no U.S. Navy ship movement associated with HURREX/Citadel Gale 12.

Future USS Somerset Launched

AVONDALE, La. (NNS) -- The future USS Somerset (LPD 25) launched April 14 from Huntington Ingalls Industries' (HII) Avondale Shipyard, marking a key milestone in the ship's construction process.

LPD 25 is the ninth ship of the San Antonio class, and is named in honor of the courage of the passengers of United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed near Shanksville in Somerset County, Pa., on 9/11.

Over the weeks following the Flight 93 crash, recovery personnel retrieved more than 95 percent of the airplane's wreckage from the crash site. An American flag was hoisted on the top of a power shovel or "dragline" on a hill dominating the area. The dragline had been used in coal stripping at one time, and the equipment with the flag became a symbol of the effort.

In the summer of 2008, steel from the dragline's bucket was melted down and cast into LPD 25's bow stem. Somerset is the final of three ships named to honor heroes of the September 11th attacks, joining the USS New York (LPD 21) and USS Arlington (LPD 24), respectively. LPD 25 is the fifth U.S. Navy ship named Somerset.

"As the ninth ship of the San Antonio class, LPD 25's launch represents an important success for the entire program," said Jay Stefany, LPD 17 program manager for the Navy's Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. "The Navy and the shipbuilder have incorporated many lessons learned and driven efficiencies into the production, resulting in the most complete ship at launch to date for the LPD 17 class. I look forward to HII delivering this critical capability to the Navy."

These versatile ships incorporate both a flight deck to accommodate CH-46 helicopters and MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, and a well deck that can launch and recover landing craft and amphibious vehicles. The San Antonio class' increased vehicle space and substantial cargo carrying capacity make it a key element of twenty-first century Amphibious Ready Groups, Expeditionary Strike Groups, and Joint Task Forces.

In addition to performing their primary mission, Somerset's sister ships have supported anti-piracy operations and provided humanitarian assistance and foreign disaster relief operations in Haiti after the earthquake.

Six ships from the San Antonio class have been delivered to the Navy, including USS San Antonio (LPD 17), USS New Orleans (LPD 18), USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), USS Green Bay (LPD 20), USS New York (LPD 21) and USS San Diego (LPD 22). LPD 22 recently transited from the shipyard to the homeport in San Diego. The commissioning ceremony for San Diego is scheduled for May 19, in San Diego. Early construction activities are underway for LPD 26 in Pascagoula, Miss., and material for LPD 27 is on order.

As one of the Defense Department's largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships, a Naval Sea Systems Command affiliated PEO, is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all major surface combatants, amphibious ships, special mission ships, support ships, and special warfare craft. Currently, the majority of shipbuilding programs managed by PEO Ships are benefiting from serial production efficiencies, which are critical to delivering ships on cost and schedule.

NASA Aircraft/Shuttle Discovery Northbound

NASA 905 with the Space Shuttle Discovery and NASA 923 are northbound, should be over SC/NC by now air-to-air is confirmed on 235.400 MHz (AM).

Navy Names Zumwalt Class Destroyer USS Lyndon B. Johnson

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced today the next Zumwalt-class destroyer will be named the USS Lyndon B. Johnson.

The selection of Lyndon B. Johnson, designated DDG 1002, continues the Navy tradition of naming ships after presidents and honors the nation's 36th president.

The USS Lyndon B. Johnson is the 34th ship named by the Navy after a U.S. president.

"I am pleased to honor President Johnson with the naming of this ship," Mabus said. "His dedication to a life of public service included bravely stepping forward to fight for his country during our entry into World War II."

A Texas congressman, Johnson was the first member of Congress to enlist in the military following the start of World War II. After his naval service, Johnson was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1948, where he served as both minority and majority leader before being elected vice president Nov. 8, 1960.

Following President Kennedy's assassination Nov. 22 1963, Johnson succeeded to the presidency, finished the remaining term, and was reelected for a full term as president, by the greatest percentage of total popular vote (61 percent) ever attained by a presidential candidate.

Johnson's time as president was marked by the passage of programs that greatly influenced and impacted education, healthcare and civil rights for generations to come. He signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 into law, enacting comprehensive provisions protecting the right to vote and guarding against racial discrimination. His work on civil rights continued with the passage of the Voting Rights Act, which guaranteed voting rights for all people, regardless of race.

Johnson signed legislation establishing Medicare, which allowed millions of elderly Americans access to cheaper medical services. He also launched the Head Start Program, which provided preschool children from low-income families with classes, medical care, and other services.

As a naval officer, Johnson requested a combat assignment after the attack on Pearl Harbor and served in the Pacific theater during World War II. After returning from active duty service, Johnson reported back to Navy leaders and Congress on what he believed were deplorable conditions for the warfighters, and continued to fight for better standards for all military members.

USS Lyndon B. Johnson will be the third Zumwalt-class (DDG 1000) destroyer. Construction began on the ship at General Dynamics-Bath Iron Works April 4 and is expected to deliver to the Navy in fiscal 2018. The multimission DDG 1000 class destroyers are designed for sustained operations in the littorals and land attack and will provide independent forward presence and deterrence, support special operations forces, and operate as an integral part of joint and combined expeditionary forces. This warship integrates numerous critical technologies, systems, and principles into a complete warfighting system. Zumwalt ships will be 600 feet in length, have a beam of 80.7 feet, displace approximately 15,000 tons, and capable of making 30 knots speed. Each ship will have a crew size of 148 officers and Sailors.

Mode-S/ADS-B Intercepts 15 Apr 2012 - Btown

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

AE055F 85-0002 --- 2012-04-15 21:45:04 C-5M United States USAF | 436AW | 9AS [KDOV]
ADFC66 90-0404 --- 2012-04-15 19:33:30 T-1A United States USAF | 479FTG | 451FTS [KNPA] 0000 40925
AE1407 05-3784 --- 2012-04-15 19:12:14 T-6a United States USAF | 71FTW [KEND] 0000 25275
AE13C9 04-3755 --- 2012-04-15 19:10:41 T-6A United States USAF | 71FTW [KEND]
AE1E4E 07-3878 --- 2012-04-15 19:03:57 T-6A United States usaf | 14FTW | 41FTS [KCBM]
AE0233 87-0121 TEAM35 2012-04-15 18:23:15 KC-10A United States USAF | 305AMW [KWRI]
AE0629 62-3526 RCH2526 2012-04-15 18:16:42 KC-135R United States NE ANG | 155ARW | 173ARS [KLNK]
AE0602 80-0323 DAWG 04 2012-04-15 17:52:49 C-130H United States GA ANG | 165AW | 158AS [KSAV] 0000 24900
AE08A7 00-3586 --- 2012-04-15 17:43:14 T-6A United States USAF | 14FTW | 41FTS [KCBM]
AE0154 63-8045 BLUE92 2012-04-15 17:19:43 KC-135R United States USAF | 6AMW | 927ARW 0000 33000
AE068B 62-3510 INDY52 2012-04-15 16:56:48 KC-135R United States AFRC | 434ARW | 72ARS [KGUS]
AE1140 165974 --- 2012-04-15 16:10:04 T-6A United States USN | TW-6 [KNPA]
AE2239 62-1857 ALLIED 1 2012-04-15 15:55:58 C-130E United States USAF | 1SOW | 6SOS [KHRT]
AE114D 165987 --- 2012-04-15 15:45:07 T-6A United States USN | TW-6 [KNPA]
AE07EA 95-0107 --- 2012-04-15 15:44:59 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]
AE04E6 59-1516 SODA74 2012-04-15 15:20:44 KC-135R United States TN ANG | 134ARW | 151ARS [KTYS]
AE1409 05-3786 --- 2012-04-15 15:01:26 T-6a United States USAF | 71FTW [KEND] 0000 4850
AE0418 164406 GOTO FMS 2012-04-15 14:38:01 E-6B United States USN | VQ-3 [KTIK] --- 26000
AAEC74 10-0256 --- 2012-04-15 13:44:20 C-12V1 United States US Army | B/6-52 AVN (TA) DET-1 [KFTK]
ADFEE3 159114 RS818 2012-04-15 00:36:01 C-9B United States USNR | VR-46 [KNFW ] 2062 35025

Mode-S/ADS-B Intercepts 13-14 Apr 2012 - Bowling Green KY

The following Mode-S intercepts are courtesy of our SE US Mode-S network member and Milcom monitor DavidP in Bowling Green, KY. Thanks David.

Mode S Log from Bowling Green, Kentucky, US 2012-04-13
Military Hex Codes only

3B76A5 -------- 231 FA20 --- --- 2012-04-13 14:38:03.539
A31A9F -------- N3 C560 FAA --- 2012-04-13 14:04:39.759
A62778 GTI603 N496MC B744 AtlasAir --- 2012-04-13 21:00:32.900
A7CB35 -------- N601CN LJ60 --- --- 2012-04-13 15:29:50.802
AA59AE RBY601 N766VA B762 Vision Airlines --- 2012-04-13 12:21:19.367
AA90A0 GTI4TI44 N780BA B744 Evergreen International --- 2012-04-13 17:03:14.756
AAE32D N800PL N800PL H25B COUSHATTA TRIBE OF LOUISIANA (ELTON LA) --- 2012-04-13 14:15:07.807
AAEC74 -------- 10-0256 BE20 US Army | B/6-52 AVN (TA) DET-1 [KFTK] --- 2012-04-13 09:13:56.300
ADFE53 -------- 94-0324 BE20 USARMY --- 2012-04-13 18:28:13.150
ADFE67 DERBY 20 91-1236 C130 KY ANG | 123AW | 165AS [KSDF] --- 2012-04-13 11:32:49.103
ADFEE3 RS114 159114 DC93 USNR | VR-46 [KNFW ] --- 2012-04-13 11:51:35.317
AE0159 DECEE52 57-1512 K35R AFRC | 459ARW | 756ARS [KADW] --- 2012-04-13 10:35:41.396
AE0168 -------- 86-0203 GLF3 USAF | 89AW | 99AS [KADW] --- 2012-04-13 08:03:36.140
AE0174 -------- 84-0119 LJ35 USAF | 375AW | 458AS [KBLV] --- 2012-04-13 19:31:45.785
AE0179 JOSA327 84-0140/84-0134 LJ35 USAF | 375AW | 458AS [KBLV] --- 2012-04-13 10:06:28.350
AE0181 YANKEE 84-0139 LJ35 CT ANG | 103FW | 118FS [KBDL] --- 2012-04-13 09:31:52.259
AE0184 BATTL 26 84-0090 LJ35 MI ANG | 110FW | 172AS [KBTL] --- 2012-04-13 12:42:50.280
AE02E7 COBB04 84-0204 C130 AFRC | 94AW | 700AS [KMGE] --- 2012-04-13 13:25:12.563
AE031E RAVEN 78 74-2072 C130 USAF | 317AG [KDYS] --- 2012-04-13 02:27:12.668
AE0363 -------- 60-0341 K35R OH ANG | 121ARW [KLCK] --- 2012-04-13 13:01:58.376
AE041D SLUFF92 57-1486 K35R AZ ANG | 161ARW | 197ARS [KPHX] --- 2012-04-13 11:11:32.933
AE0422 RCH9499 59-1499 K35R TN ANG | 134ARW | 151ARS [KTYS] --- 2012-04-13 09:02:48.228
AE0446 -------- 99-6143 B752 USAF | 486FLTS [KVPS] --- 2012-04-13 12:49:38.180
AE0485 INDY51 62-3521 K35R AFRC | 434ARW | 72ARS [KGUS] --- 2012-04-13 15:18:47.198
AE049C SODA81 59-1517 K35R TN ANG | 134ARW | 151ARS [KTYS] --- 2012-04-13 08:55:38.475
AE04E9 MASH81 61-0272 K35R AFRC | 434ARW | 72ARS [KGUS] --- 2012-04-13 09:45:03.036
AE0530 -------- 69-0010 C5 TN ANG | 164AW | 155AS [KMEM] --- 2012-04-13 15:00:16.182
AE056A -------- 86-0013 C5 USAF | 436AW | 9AS [KDOV] --- 2012-04-13 04:00:20.942
AE0591 DECEE51 58-0075 K35R AFRC | 459ARW | 756ARS [KADW] --- 2012-04-13 10:19:48.016
AE059F -------- 61-0294 K35R AFRC | 916ARW | 77ARS [KGSB] --- 2012-04-13 11:23:50.190
AE05A5 ROCCO79 62-3508 K35R NJ ANG | 108W | 141ARS [KWRI] --- 2012-04-13 10:08:20.803
AE05E2 FUZZY81 87-9287 C130 AFRC | 914AW | 328AS [KIAG] --- 2012-04-13 11:48:09.403
AE06D1 -------- 161511 BE20 McGuire --- 2012-04-13 11:38:04.740
AE08BD -------- 165968 TEX2 USN | TW-6 [KNPA] --- 2012-04-13 14:54:55.996
AE093C -------- 00-1053 C560 US Army | OSACOM PATD [KADW] --- 2012-04-13 09:01:24.474
AE093D -------- 01-0301 C560 US Army | OSACOM PATD [KADW] --- 2012-04-13 17:48:56.172
AE1145 -------- 165979 TEX2 USN | TW-6 [KNPA] --- 2012-04-13 09:01:21.379
AE1146 -------- 165980 TEX2 USN | TW-6 [KNPA] --- 2012-04-13 15:41:29.089
AE114B -------- 165985 TEX2 USN | TW-6 [KNPA] --- 2012-04-13 14:39:18.839
AE1197 RCH264 03-3114 C17 MS ANG | 172AW | 183AS [KJAN] --- 2012-04-13 15:56:24.634
AE119A RULER43 03-3117 C17 MS ANG | 172AW | 183AS [KJAN] --- 2012-04-13 11:55:26.420
AE11DD SNTRY60H 76-1606 E3TF USAF | 552ACW [KTIK] --- 2012-04-13 10:58:47.203
AE1211 -------- 03-0726 C560 USARC | 2-228 AVN --- 2012-04-13 11:34:52.773
AE144B RCH862 05-5141 C17 AFRC | 452AMW | 729AS [KRIV] --- 2012-04-13 20:33:37.024
AE144E E55144 05-5144 C17 AFRC | 452AMW | 729AS [KRIV] --- 2012-04-13 18:17:00.398
AE1492 PEACH88 96-0042 ??? B703 GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB] --- 2012-04-13 10:13:19.325
AE189C SPAR24 05-0932 B737 AFRC | 932AW | 73AS [KBLV] --- 2012-04-13 05:42:13.122
AE1E6C -------- 166014 TEX2 --- --- 2012-04-13 14:32:42.249
AE1EB8 -------- 166051 TEX2 USN | taw-5 | VT-6 --- 2012-04-13 14:37:12.796
AE20C3 RCH7182 07-7182 C17 USAF | 437AW [KCHS] --- 2012-04-13 13:21:40.306
AE29FD CNV2576 166694 B737 USNR | VR-59 [KNFW] --- 2012-04-13 16:46:17.846
AE4A81 -------- 09-0525 GLF5 USAF | 89AW | 99AS [KADW] --- 2012-04-13 16:22:43.568

Mode S Log from Bowling Green, Kentucky, US 2012-04-14
Military Hex Codes only

0C204E -------- HP-1A E135 --- --- 2012-04-14 14:15:05.623
33FE77 -------- MM62228 B767T AMI | 14 Wing --- 2012-04-14 15:47:33.722
3B76A5 -------- 231 FA20 --- --- 2012-04-14 17:40:17.426
AA59AE RBY602 N766VA B762 Vision Airlines --- 2012-04-14 13:03:17.523
AAEAFD -------- N802TJ B734 Swift Air --- 2012-04-14 11:32:02.265
ADFD76 -------- 91-0506 SW4 CO ARNG | OSACOM DET-33 [KBKF] --- 2012-04-14 13:30:39.083
ADFE62 DERBY 81 91-1231 C130 KY ANG | 123AW | 165AS [KSDF] --- 2012-04-14 13:30:14.934
ADFE76 -------- 92-1451 C130 IL ANG | 182AW | 169AS [KPIA] --- 2012-04-14 14:47:15.765
ADFE95 -------- 95-0096 BE20 USARMY --- 2012-04-14 13:14:18.078
ADFEAC MOVER30 83-0081 DC10 USAF | 305AMW [KWRI] --- 2012-04-14 13:08:55.858
ADFEE3 RS818 159114 DC93 USNR | VR-46 [KNFW ] --- 2012-04-14 19:30:04.590
ADFEEF JT0524 160051 DC93 USNR | VR-52 [KWRI] --- 2012-04-14 12:14:10.011
AE0179 -------- 84-0140/84-0134 LJ35 USAF | 375AW | 458AS [KBLV] --- 2012-04-14 19:15:46.981
AE0248 -------- 96-8154 C30J PA ANG | 193SOW | 193SOS [KMDT] --- 2012-04-14 17:13:33.420
AE0252 BATON92 97-1931 C30J PA ANG | 193SOW | 193SOS [KMDT] --- 2012-04-14 11:39:37.214
AE02E7 COBB04 84-0204 C130 AFRC | 94AW | 700AS [KMGE] --- 2012-04-14 15:09:58.706
AE032F RCH 562T 74-2066 C130 USAF | 19AW [KLRF] --- 2012-04-14 19:48:16.137
AE03DC -------- 165352 C130 USMCR | VMGR-452 [KSWF] --- 2012-04-14 13:15:14.145
AE049C SODA60 59-1517 K35R TN ANG | 134ARW | 151ARS [KTYS] --- 2012-04-14 11:37:29.060
AE04D1 DIXIE27 63-7984 K35R AL ANG | 117ARW | 106ARS [KBHM] --- 2012-04-14 13:32:03.625
AE05A5 ROCCO79 62-3508 K35R NJ ANG | 108W | 141ARS [KWRI] --- 2012-04-14 19:27:28.874
AE0656 -------- 58-0102 K35R AFRC | 507ARW | 465ARS [KTIK] --- 2012-04-14 22:25:00.504
AE10B5 RCH260 01-0186 C17 USAF | 62AW [KTCM] --- 2012-04-14 14:23:49.530
AE10C1 -------- 01 GLF5 USCG | CGAS Washington [KDCA] --- 2012-04-14 19:57:20.990
AE1122 -------- 02-3646 TEX2 USAF --- 2012-04-14 15:06:14.444
AE112E -------- 02-3658 TEX2 USAF --- 2012-04-14 17:29:08.002
AE13C4 -------- 04-3750 TEX2 USAF | 71FTW [KEND] --- 2012-04-14 20:50:18.727
AE1410 -------- 05-3793 TEX2 USAF | 71FTW [KEND] --- 2012-04-14 20:54:02.629
AE1461 RCH344 06-6163 C17 USAF | 60AMW | 21AS [KSUU] --- 2012-04-14 20:11:22.482
AE29FD CNV4524 166694 B737 USNR | VR-59 [KNFW] --- 2012-04-14 16:35:49.643
AE2FA8 THUG99 08-8196 C17 USAF | 62AW [KTCM] --- 2012-04-14 15:06:56.698
AE49C8 RCH1012 09-9212 C17 USAF | 62AW [KTCM] --- 2012-04-14 11:58:47.065

Navy Names Five New Submarines

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced today the next five Virginia-class attack submarines will be named the USS Illinois, the USS Washington, the USS Colorado, the USS Indiana, and the USS South Dakota.

Mabus named the Virginia-class submarines to honor the great contributions and support these states have given the military through the years.

"Each of these five states serves as home to military bases that support our national defense and provides men and women who volunteer to serve their country," Mabus said. "I look forward to these submarines joining the fleet and representing these great states around the world."

None of the five states has had a ship named for it for more than 49 years. The most recent to serve was the battleship the USS Indiana, which was decommissioned in October 1963.

The selection of Illinois, designated SSN 786, is the second ship to bear the state name and is home to the Navy's one and only Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes where every enlisted sailor begins his or her service.

The selection of Washington, designated SSN 787, is the third ship to bear the state name and the state's Puget Sound area, where the Navy's third-largest fleet concentration is located.

The selection of Colorado, designated SSN 788, is the third ship to bear the state name. The second ship was a battleship that stood as the lead ship of her class and took part in the Tarawa invasion.

The selection of Indiana, designated SSN 789, is the third ship to bear the state name and is the home to the Naval Surface Warfare Center, the Navy's premier engineering, acquisition and sustainment organization which supports our maritime warriors.

The selection of South Dakota, designated SSN 790, is the third ship to bear the state name. The second ship was a battleship that also stood as the lead ship of her class and fought extensively in the Pacific theater during World War II.

"Prior ships carrying the names of these five states stood as defenders of freedom on the water. Now these states will represent the latest and greatest technology ever assembled to submerge below the surface and project power forward," Mabus said.

These next-generation attack submarines will provide the Navy with the capabilities required to maintain the nation's undersea supremacy well into the 21st century. They will have enhanced stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities, and special warfare enhancements that will enable them to meet the Navy's multi-mission requirements.

These submarines will have the capability to attack targets ashore with highly accurate Tomahawk cruise missiles and conduct covert long-term surveillance of land areas, littoral waters or other sea-based forces. Other missions include anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare; mine delivery and minefield mapping. They are also designed for special forces delivery and support.

Each Virginia-class submarine is 7,800-tons and 377 feet in length, has a beam of 34 feet, and can operate at more than 25 knots submerged. It is designed with a reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship, reducing lifecycle costs while increasing underway time. The five submarines will be built by Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding in Newport News, Va., in partnership with General Dynamics/Electric Boat Corp.