USS Santa Fe Departs for Western Pacific Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Steven Khor, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Family and friends bid farewell to the crew on the submarine piers at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam as the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Santa Fe (SSN 763) departed July 29, for a deployment to the Western Pacific region.

Santa Fe's Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Timothy Poe said the submarine and her crew are excited to get underway to the Western Pacific and train on numerous mission areas as well as participate in theater security cooperation engagements.

"Santa Fe is in excellent condition. Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard personnel have worked diligently to ensure the ship is in even better condition than when she was commissioned," said Poe.

Poe said of the 140 Sailors who will be deploying, 80 of the Sailors will be on their first deployment.

Poe said Santa Fe's goal is to build the next generation of warfighters. The Sailors will qualify in submarines and gain the critical experience and knowledge to propel the submarine force for many years.

Poe added that the crew will serve with honor and commitment that will reflect greatly on the U.S. Navy and her namesake city of Santa Fe, N.M.

For Culinary Specialist Seaman Dustin Bullock, a first deployment brings much excitement.

"I'm pretty excited about it! It's going to be a learning experience. I am looking forward to the port visits, seeing the different cultures and lifestyles and trying different things," said Bullock.

Santa Fe is the second ship to be named in honor of the capital city of New Mexico.

Talisman Saber 2013 Wraps Up Aboard USS Blue Ridge

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Joshua Karsten, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

CAIRNS, Australia (NNS) -- The biennial joint U.S.-Australian exercise Talisman Saber 2013 concluded with a ceremony hosted by the commander of U.S. Pacific Command, aboard the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) in Cairns, Australia, July 29.

Talisman Saber is a joint exercise sponsored by U.S. Pacific Command and Australian Defence Force (ADF) Headquarters Joint Operations Command that incorporates components of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force, the Australian Defence Force and other government agencies from each country.

U.S. non-government organizations (NGO) included USAID, Red Cross and Departments of State, Justice and Agriculture and Australian NGOs included the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australian Civil Corps and the Asia-Pacific Civil-Military Centre of Excellence.

"TS-13 has been a great demonstration of the alliance between the U.S. and Australia," said Adm. Samuel J. Locklear, III, commander, U.S. Pacific Command. "I want to thank each and every one of you for your great performance during this important operation."

Talisman Saber is a realistic and challenging exercise that improves both nations' ability to work multilaterally and prepares them to be poised to provide security regionally and globally. More than 70 different major training events were thrown at the combined team of watchstanders, analysts, planners, and managers, with a team of training observers watching closely.

"The most important thing I do as 7th Fleet commander is build relationships with allies, partners, and friends; with various naval peers in the region; with other service peers, Army and Air Force," said Vice Adm. Scott H. Swift, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet and TS13 commander. "That's Talisman Saber."

Providing command and control of the exercise from Blue Ridge, the combined task force supported each component of land, air, sea and special operations in the area surrounding Australia. Based on fictional scenarios, the exercise included combined Special Forces operations, parachute drops, amphibious landings, land force maneuvers, urban and air operations and the coordinated firing of live ammunition from a range of in-service weapons systems used by exercise participants. The fictional scenarios were designed to bring the different branches of the Australian and U.S. military together in a combined environment.

"For Australia it's been very valuable; the U.S. bringing to the activity and scale that we are not used to but we're comfortable working. So the layout of integration was high," said Australian Brig. Gen. David Coghlan, TS13 deputy commander. "Aboard the Blue Ridge, I had about a hundred Australian defense personnel who have integrated very well and throughout the fleet."

The closing ceremony took place aboard Blue Ridge and was a chance for Locklear to speak to both 7th Fleet and ADF members. The ceremony also included distinguished guests ble James Choi, crisis response control group lead for Talisman Saber, Niels Marquardt, U.S. consul general, and Australian Army Gen. David Hurley, chief of Australian Defence Force.

Talisman Saber included more than 27,000 U.S. and Australian personnel, was aimed at improving ADF and U.S. combat readiness and interoperability as a Combined Joint Task Force. The exercise was designed to enhance multilateral collaboration in support of future combined operations, humanitarian emergencies and natural disasters. This exercise was a major undertaking and illustrated the closeness of the US and Australian alliance and the strength of the military-to-military relationship.

Freedom Gets Underway to Support First Overseas Crew Swap

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Karolina A. Oseguera

SOUTH CHINA SEA (NNS) -- As the deployment to Southeast Asia draws to a close for USS Freedom's (LCS 1) "Gold" crew, an advance team of "Blue" crew Sailors is in Singapore to participate in a brief sea trial that began July 30, as part of the upcoming crew swap.

The crew swap is a key milestone during Freedom's maiden overseas deployment to Southeast Asia, and marks the midway point. During the underway, Freedom will conduct a series of watch stander exchanges designed to refresh the incoming crew on key LCS operations and procedures, covering seamanship, navigation, naval gunnery, and damage control.

The advance team arrived July 26, and will be joined by the full "Blue" crew soon for a series of shore-based events that will continue into next month.

"This underway will allow the advance team of Crew 101 (also known as the "Blue" crew) to become familiar with routine LCS operations in this part of the world," said "Gold" crew operations officer, Lt. Cmdr. Charles Harris. "We will conduct several evolutions - including flight operations, small boat operations and gun shoots - to support the turnover process."

The "Gold" crew's command master chief explained that part of the turnover also includes ensuring the incoming crew's senior enlisted leadership continues the professional development and morale building events that have given his crew the successes of the last four months.

"It is nice to see the finish line," said Freedom's Command Master Chief Kenneth Jablecki. "The crew has worked hard these past five months and we are going to continue to work hard this underway to make sure we turnover a fully functional ship to the Blue crew. We need to ensure they achieve mission success not only for the Freedom but for the LCS program as a whole."

Freedom's first rotational deployment to Southeast Asia began March 1, when the ship departed San Diego and commenced a Pacific Ocean transit that included port visits in Hawaii, Guam and Manila. Since arriving in Singapore April 18, Freedom has participated in the International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX), two separate phases of the bilateral naval exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) with Malaysia and Singapore, and hosted thousands of visitors from throughout Southeast Asia. Throughout the deployment, Freedom will remain home-ported in San Diego.

Fast, agile and mission-focused, littoral combat ships are designed to operate in near-shore environments and employ modular mission packages that can be configured for surface warfare, mine countermeasures, or anti-submarine warfare.

Russian-US Procedures for Prevention of Dangerous Military Activities

In light of the recent increase in Russian military activity worldwide and now Open Sky Treaty over flights here in the US, this is a good time to post up the "procedures for the prevention of dangerous military activities between the US and Russia."

An agreement between the United States and Russia seeks to ensure the safety of the personnel and equipment of each country’s armed forces by avoiding certain dangerous military activities and expeditiously and peacefully resolving related incidents. b. When in the proximity to one another, the armed forces of each country are to refrain from:

(1) dangerous use of lasers.
(2) dangerous interference with command and control systems.
(3) certain activities in mutually agreed upon Special Caution Areas.

The US and Russia have also agreed to follow special procedures when the armed forces of one country enters, either unintentionally or as a result of force majeure, into the national territory of the other country.

The following frequencies will be used to establish radio communications.

Between US and Russian aircraft, or between an aircraft and air traffic control or monitoring facility of the two armed forces, on 243.0 MHz (International Distress and Emergency frequency) or 121.5 MHz (International Aeronautical Emergency frequency), or on HF band frequency 4125.0 kHz AM (alternate 6215.5 kHz AM), both agreed International Distress and Safety Calling/Reply frequencies for contact beyond line of sight. After the phrase "Radio Contact" is exchanged, use frequencies 278.0 MHz, 130.0 MHz, or 4125 kHz, respectively, for sustained radio communications.

Between a US or Russian ship and an aircraft of the opposite force: on 243.0 MHz (International Distress and Emergency frequency) or 121.5 MHz (International Aeronautical Emergency frequency). After initial contact is made and the parties agree, they will move to 278.0 MHz or 130.0 MHz respectively when sustained communications are required.  The sustained radio communications frequencies are not dedicated to Dangerous Military
Activities. At times, these frequencies may be unusable.

Although the frequencies above are intended for communications involving aircraft, attempts to contact Russian Forces can be made, should the capability exist, using the frequencies designed for ship or ground communications, as appropriate.

Ship-to-Ship and Ship-to-Shore Communications: VHF band (Channel 16) frequency 156.8 MHz FM (International Distress and Calling frequency), or on HF band frequency 2182.0 kHz AM (International HF Distress and Calling frequency).

Ground Communications: VHF band frequency 44.0 MHz FM (alternate 46.5 MHz FM), or on HF band frequency 4125.0 kHz USB (alternate 6215.5 USB) (International HF Distress and Calling frequencies).

Radio Call Signs

For expeditious identification of an aircraft, ship ground control station, or ground unit, the call signs below will be used:

Ships
Russian "Bugel" (phonetic - BOO-gel) and US "Port Mast"

Aircraft
Russian "Sedlo" (phonetic - Sed-LOW) and US "Ivory Eagle"

Air Traffic Control or Monitoring Facility
Russian "Zemlya" (phonetic - Zem-le-YAW) and US "Electric Light"

Ground Force or Unit
Russian "Polya" (phonetic - POLE-yaw) and US  "Post Pounder"

Russia Begins Observational Flyovers of US

 

Russia began observational flights over the United States on Sunday under the international Open Skies Treaty, officials said.

The monitoring missions are being carried out by a Tupolev Tu-154M/LK-1 aircraft through Aug. 12, RIA Novosti reported.

"The missions will be carried out from the Travis Air Force Base [in California] and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base [in Ohio]," said Sergei Ryzhkov, head of Russia's National Nuclear Risk Reduction Center. "These will be Russia's 23rd and 24th monitoring flights in 2013 over the territories of the Open Skies Treaty member states."

Russian military inspectors, along with U.S. specialists, will monitor surveillance equipment aboard the aircraft.

The Open Skies Treaty allows participants to conduct unarmed aerial observation flights over the territories of its 34 member states to promote openness of military forces and activities.

The treaty went into effect Jan. 1, 2002.

 

http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/07/29/russia-begins-observational-flyovers-of-us.html?comp=700001075741&rank=2

Breakdown Of Russia's Massive Military Exercise

A week ago, the Russian military completed the largest spot check exercise it has conducted since 1991. The MOD has put out some information on the scale and units involved. The slides were helpfully reproduced by Ruslan Pukhov in his blog.  They are done in the usual Russian style — it’s all about how many planes flew, how many tons of equipment were moved, etc. Nevertheless, there are some interesting tidbits. Here are some highlights.

The exercise involved 160,000 personnel from all three military branches. Ground forces from all four Eastern district armies and the 41st army of the Central district were involved, including 9 infantry brigades, the 18th artillery division (based in the Southern Kurils), a tank brigade, 2 air assault brigades, a naval infantry brigade, 5 signal brigades, 2 artillery brigades, 2 rocket brigades, 1 MRLS brigade, 2 air defense brigades, 2 NBC defense brigades, 4 logistics brigades, and 2 equipment storage bases. 12,000 vehicles were activated.

The air force activated 130 aircraft and helicopters from four commands (Long Range Aviation, Military-Transport Aviation, 2nd Air and Air Defense Forces Command — Yekaterinburg, 3rd Air and Air Defense Forces Command — Khabarovsk). The specific air force units involved were the 6952nd LRA Base from Amur Oblast, the 6955th MTA Base from Tver, the 6980th aviation base from Chelyabinsk, and the 6983rd aviation base from Primorskii Krai.

Naval participation included 70 ships from the 36th surface ship division, 165th surface ship brigade, 10th and 25th submarine divisions, 19th submarine brigade, 100th assault ship brigade, 114th coastal defense ship brigade, and the 520th independent coastal missile-artillery brigade.

One infantry brigade arrived by sea, while 30 transport aircraft moved 8,500 personnel over 167 flights. 1000 reservists were involved, from Primorsky Krai. 45 field control centers were activated, most at the brigade level. 8 UAVs completed 22 flights. One of the 12 long range aviation planes failed to complete (or maybe to start?) its flight.

The overall assessment of these exercises from the military has been largely positive, though some areas did come in for criticism. Yuri Borisov noted that 3-4% of vehicles broke down during the exercise, either because of errors made by the  operators or because the equipment was old. This is not ideal, but is certainly a better statistic than in the bad old days a decade ago. Shoigu criticized the state of the communications system, noting that military communications are only 18% effective. It’s not clear what that number actually means, but it’s clearly not good. Marksmanship also came in for criticism, in part because of a lack of practice.  He was pleased with military transportation, highlighting in particular that railroad transportation functioned at almost double the allotted rate of travel (1000km/day vs 600km/day). He also noted that changes may be made to the structure of the air force, primarily by dividing up the air bases that were created a few years ago and and re-opening some of the military airports closed by Serdyukov.

UPDATE: Aleksei Nikolskii wrote to say that Shoigu’s statement on the communications systems being 18% effective referred to R&D efforts on C2 systems not producing results, rather than the systems’ effectiveness during the exercise itself.

 

Read more: https://russiamil.wordpress.com/2013/07/28/eastern-command-exercises-completed/#ixzz2aWigUsGc

 

 

Fighter squadron returns to flying (Article includes MMP Freq List)

An aircraft maintainer from the 31st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prepares an F-16 Fighting Falcon for a training sortie Dec. 12 at Aviano Air Base, Italy. Airmen from the 31st AMXS plan and direct expeditionary aircraft generation and maintenance operations, and maintain two F-16 Fighting Falcon flying squadrons in support of the 31st Fighter Wing’s flying mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Evelyn Chavez)

An aircraft maintainer from the 31st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prepares an F-16 Fighting Falcon for a training sortie Dec. 12 at Aviano Air Base, Italy. Airmen from the 31st AMXS plan and direct expeditionary aircraft generation and maintenance operations, and maintain two F-16 Fighting Falcon flying squadrons in support of the 31st Fighter Wing’s flying mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Evelyn Chavez)

by Staff Sgt, Justin Weaver,  31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- Pilots in the 555th Fighter Squadron are overcoming various challenges as they return to flying status after a three-month hiatus from the cockpit due to sequestration.

Col. David Walker, the 31st Operations Group commander, said the flying stand down caused by sequestration severely impacted readiness to the Triple Nickel, whose pilots now require several months of retraining before returning to combat mission ready status.

"We fly very advanced airplanes and our country expects us to win every battle we fight," said Walker. "In order to do that we have to practice, practice, practice."

The 555th FS was ordered to stand down April 9 as part of an effort to fly 45,000 fewer training hours through the end of September. Until now, the aircrews have performed ground training, worked on flight simulators, and studied to maintain basic skills and knowledge of their aircraft.

Recent congressional action made peacetime dollars available from overseas contingency operations reprogramming. On July 12, the Air Force Council approved Air Combat Command's use of $208 million to restore flying hours for affected units, including the two and a half fighter squadrons in U.S. Air Forces in Europe command.

For rookie Capt. Robbie Glenn, 555th FS wingman with 177 flying hours, his excitement in returning to the cockpit was temporary, as he says the effects could be felt for years.

"I was extremely excited and happy to be doing what I came here to do," said Glenn. "However, sequestration has definitely had a negative impact on our combat readiness. I am nowhere near the level of proficiency I should be at, and I feel like I'm restarting the process in some areas."

Maj. Michael Hurt, 555th FS assistant director of operations, has seen firsthand the impact of sequestration on the pilots. He relates the grounding to a high school football team playing in the regional championship, but being told they can't touch a football for two months prior to the game.

"You have to remind the junior pilots that the pendulum always swings," said Hurt. "Some days you are going to fly more, some days you will fly less."

As the Triple Nickel pilots return to the skies to regain their combat ready status, their commander, Lt. Col. John Peterson, urges a crawl, walk and run mentality.

"Getting back to a full-up combat mission ready rate, being able to employ that aircraft as an advanced weapons system, in a complex dynamic environment, can be dangerous," said Peterson, who has more than 2,600 flying hours in the F-16 Fighting Falcon and 750 combat hours. "One of my biggest concerns is that we crawl, walk, run, so that we don't end up falling forward and hurting somebody or breaking our assets and resources."

While pilots work to regain their certifications and proficiency, they also have to deal with the uncertainty of the fiscal budget for 2014 and whether or not their flying hours will be cut again.

"Everything comes at a cost," said Peterson. "However, when you go to war, you don't just want to barely win. You don't want to win by one point at the last second in overtime. When we set our objectives and we set our goals very high, we should win explicitly and overwhelmingly against our enemies, because the cost is America's sons and daughters, their lives and families."

And from the Milcom Monitoring Post Aviano AB, Italy (LIPA/LIYW) frequencies:

AMCC 264.800
Approach Control 120.125 134.100 275.325 362.300 363.250 (134.100 Joint ItAF/USAF)
ATIS 129.300 280.075
Clearance Delivery 122.100 376.650
Command Post 262.950 369.200 Yankee Ops
Ground Conrol 122.100 376.65 (122.100 Joint ItAF/USAF)
Metro (Weather)  257.750
PTD 396.875
Supervisor of Flying (SOF) 262.950
Tower 122.100 142.050 257.800 284.650
Treviso Approach 120.400 132.100 277.375
VFR Radar Advisory Service 362.300

 

Mode-S/ADS Milcom Intercepts 30 July 2013 - Btown NC

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

AE093C 00-1053   R01053 2013-07-30 23:45:39 UC-35a1 United States US Army | OSACOM PATD [KADW] 0000  34150   
AE10C2 166375   00000001 2013-07-30 23:30:10 C-37A United States USN | VR-1 ETD PAC [PHIK]
AE10BF 01-0196   RCH125 2013-07-30 22:54:12 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]
AE1196 03-3113   E33113 2013-07-30 22:47:13 C-17A United States MS ANG | 172AW | 183AS [KJAN]
AE1468 07-7170   RCH173T 2013-07-30 22:29:18 C-17A United States USAF | 436AW | 3AS [KDOV]
AE093C 00-1053   R01053 2013-07-30 22:26:06 UC-35a1 United States US Army | OSACOM PATD [KADW] 0000  34150   
AE01BD 84-0131   SPAR655 2013-07-30 22:05:56 C-21A United States USAF | 375AW | 457AS [KADW]
AE08FC 84-24379   R24379 2013-07-30 20:17:43 C-12R United States USARC | A/2-228 AVN (TA) [KWRI ]
ADFDF9 92-9000   ---  2013-07-30 19:26:57 VC-25A United States USAF | 89AW | PAS [KADW] 0000  17375   
ADFEB7 98-0001   ---  2013-07-30 19:16:02 C-32A United States USAF | 89AW | 1AS [KADW]
A68C86 99-0100   PAT441 2013-07-30 19:06:10 UC-35 United States US Army |
ADFEB7 98-0001   ---  2013-07-30 18:53:08 C-32A United States USAF | 89AW | 1AS [KADW]
AE4E18 ------   FIXER55 2013-07-30 18:41:13 HC-130J United States ---
0D069A ------   ---  2013-07-30 18:33:30 ------ Mexico ---
AE07E2 94-0068   BOE24 2013-07-30 18:31:20 C-17A United States AFRC | 445AW | 89AS [KFFO]
AE07DF 94-0065   RCH598 2013-07-30 18:16:26 C-17A United States TN ANG | 164AW | 155AS [KMEM]
ADFD79 91-0509   ---  2013-07-30 18:06:01 C-26D United States OSACOM/PAT
AE123F 04-4134   RCH174T 2013-07-30 17:25:35 C-17A United States USAF | 305AMW | 6AS [KWRI]
AE1481 166764   JADED8 2013-07-30 16:32:15 KC-130J United States USMC | VMGR-352 [KNKX]
AE20C8 07-7187   GRITS37 2013-07-30 16:08:06 C-17a United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS] 3057  26000   
AE047C 59-1448   SODA82 2013-07-30 16:07:51 KC-135R United States TN ANG | 134ARW | 151ARS [KTYS]
ADFDF9 92-9000   ---  2013-07-30 16:02:05 VC-25A United States USAF | 89AW | PAS [KADW] 0000  17375   
AE013F 60-0358   CODER44 2013-07-30 15:55:16 KC-135R United States IL ANG | 126ARW | 108ARS [KBLV]
AE4EB5 168431   ---  2013-07-30 15:47:46 P-8A United States VP-30 0000  23575   
A852BF 10-0257   ---  2013-07-30 15:37:51 C-12V United States US Army
AE047C 59-1448   SODA82 2013-07-30 15:37:30 KC-135R United States TN ANG | 134ARW | 151ARS [KTYS]
AE1211 03-0726   ---  2013-07-30 15:06:27 UC-35C United States USARC | 2-228 AVN
AE1496 97-0201   PEACH91 2013-07-30 14:59:09 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB] 0000  28000   
ADFEC9 84-0182   GABLESEN 2013-07-30 14:41:30 C-12U United States ARMY 0000  24975   
AE4EB5 168431   ---  2013-07-30 14:28:10 P-8A United States VP-30 0000  23575   
A852BF 10-0257   ---  2013-07-30 13:57:19 C-12V United States US Army
AE1496 97-0201   PEACH91 2013-07-30 13:38:19 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB] 0000  28000   
AE012E (73-1683)/97-01   ---  2013-07-30 13:15:00 C-9C United States AFRC | 932AW | 73AS [KBLV]
AE093A 00-1051   ---  2013-07-30 12:22:03 UC-35B United States USARC | B/2-228 AVN (TA) [KMGE]
AE07FA 97-0048   RHINO90 2013-07-30 04:57:33 C-17A United States AFRC | 445AW | 89AS [KFFO]
AE1447 05-3147   PUMA71 2013-07-30 04:17:25 C-130J-30 United States USAF | 19AW | 48AS [KLRF]
AE1BF0 07-4637   PUMA72 2013-07-30 03:46:45 C-130J-30 United States USAF | 19AW [KLRF] 0000  26025   
AE0375 58-0042   TURBO81 2013-07-30 03:33:32 KC-135T United States USAF | 22ARW [KIAB]
AE143A 166715   ---  2013-07-30 01:23:46 UC-35D United States USMC | VMR-1 [KNKT] 0000  19775   
AE07FA 97-0048   RHINO90 2013-07-30 00:23:13 C-17A United States AFRC | 445AW | 89AS [KFFO]

Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group Enters 6th Fleet

USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, At Sea (NNS) (NNS) -- Ships and embarked squadrons from Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HST CSG) entered U.S. 6th Fleet's area of responsibility (AOR), July 26 and 29th.

Guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and guided-missile destroyers USS Mason (DDG 87) and USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), entered July 26, followed by strike group flagship and aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64) July 29.

This is the first time HST CSG has entered the 6th Fleet AOR since its last deployment in 2010.

In addition to the five ships, Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group also includes embarked Carrier Air Wing 3 and its squadrons; Strike Fighter Squadrons (VFA) 32 "Swordsmen," VFA-37 "Ragin' Bulls," and VFA-105 "Gunslingers;" Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312 "Checkerboards;" Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 126 "Seahawks;" Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130 "Zappers;" Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7 "Dusty Dogs;" Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74 "Swamp Foxes;" embarked 1st Combined Destroyer Squadron staff and Military Sealift Command, fast combat ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8).

While in the eastern Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, HST CSG will be supporting maritime security operations (MSO) and theater security cooperation efforts. MSO are set conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment and complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations.

The fleet is complete

The final C-130J, flown by Gen. Paul J. Selva, Air Mobility Command commader, taxis from the flight line July 25, 2013, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. Selva and the aircrew from the 317th Airlift Group flew the last aircraft home to Dyess, completing the largest and most technologically advanced C-130J fleet in the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Autumn Velez/Released)

by Airman 1st Class Peter Thompson,  7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas  -- On a rainy day in April 2010, one of the Air Force's most reliable airframes was reborn for the 317th Airlift Group, when the unit's first C-130J Super Hercules was delivered by then-Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen. Norton A. Schwartz.

The arrival of the first C-130J began the 317th AG's three-year transition from a 33-bird C-130H fleet into the largest J-model organization in the world.

On July 25, 2013, under equally dark and rainy skies, the final C-130J taxied onto a Dyess Air Force Base runway, announcing that the 317th Airlift Group's order of 28 C-130Js had been fulfilled. Air Force tail number 5726, piloted by Gen. Paul J. Selva, Air Mobility Command commander, marked the fleet's completion, bringing with it an increased mission capability for the group.

"The J-model offers substantial performance improvements over previous models, which will allow the 317th to efficiently and effectively accomplish our mission of saving lives and sustaining our nation's operations by training, mobilizing and employing these combat aircraft worldwide," said Col. Walter Ward, 317th Airlift Group commander. "The Air Force has entrusted these highly-capable aircraft to the hardworking, innovative men and women of the 317th, and we understand that--now more than ever--we have a responsibility to the American people to make the best use of our available resources."

For more than 60 years, the C-130 has served in every theatre of military operations and has supported humanitarian efforts in response to natural disasters worldwide. Lockheed Martin's newest variant, the C-130J, is the most advanced and fine-tuned model to date.

"The C-130J model is a modern marvel, it's better than our previous C-130s in almost every aspect," said Staff Sgt. Jonathan Bolender, 317th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, who served as the crew chief on the final J-model's flight to Dyess from the Lockheed Martin plant where it was conceived. "It's faster, stronger, cheaper to fly and easier to maintain. It has increased our productivity substantially because of how capable the aircraft is."

On Sept. 26, 2012, Dyess and the 317th Airlift Group said farewell to its final two C-130H models, ending the legacy that lasted more than 35 years, but solidifying the unit's relationship with its new and improved J-model aircraft.

With the sleeker and stronger C-130J, the 317th AG has become the hub of ground-breaking advancements in airdrop capabilities. In 2009, Dyess became the primary center for testing and training in low-cost, low-altitude airdrops. LCLA airdrops provide enhanced precision of provisions to troops operating in remote areas, allowing ground forces quicker and easier access to much-needed supplies. The 317th AG has also pioneered the testing and fine-tuning of joint precision airdrops.

"The 317th Airlift Group has become one of our go-to units for precision and reliability," said General Paul J. Selva, Air Mobility Command commander. "For the last 10 years, 317th Airmen and aircraft have been a critical resource to our forces overseas, bringing much needed support at amazing rates."

From December 2003 to April 2013, the 317th was continuously deployed overseas in support of combat operations. Over the course of 3,378 consecutive days, the group flew more than 57,000 sorties and recorded 95,000 flying hours, all while transitioning their fleet and aircrews from the C-130H to the C-130J.

While in route to deliver the 317th Airlift Group's last C-130J, Capt. Beau Tresemer, 39th Airlift Squadron, aircraft commander for the flight, said that looking forward, the 317th AG and C-130J will continue to be called upon as a combat-proven combination.

"Now, more than ever before, the 317th will be capable of providing critical resources to coalition forces and foreign countries, doing so for less in these constrained times," said Tresemer. "The C-130J is the future."

During a ceremony held at the base theater immediately following the aircraft's arrival, commemorating the fleet's completion, praise for the new and improved aircraft was high; but Selva, who served as the guest speaker for the event, focused on the Airmen whose efforts have capitalized on the potential wrought by the C-130Js.

"Although the C-130J is one of the most technologically-advanced aircraft we have, it's still just a piece of metal without Airmen," said Selva. "This aircraft is important, but even with everything it can do, it still can't have emotion or be innovative," Selva continued. "When we add our aircrews and crew chiefs to it, these aircraft can do anything."

Pathfinders head overseas for combat airlift deployment

by Airman 1st Class Jacob Jimenez,  62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash.  -- Airmen from the 10th Airlift Squadron deployed July 28 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

More than 70 Airmen from the 62nd Airlift Wing's 10th AS "Pathfinders" departed for a 60-day deployment to the Middle East. They will be accompanied by Airmen from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. The Airmen will take over operations of the 817th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron.

"This is what I joined for, to contribute to the mission making a difference in nations overseas and to serve my country," said 1st Lt. Althea Johnston, 10th AS pilot. "Deploying is never easy, but it's worthwhile sacrifice."

The unit will operate out of two bases, managing and flying missions in and around Southwest Asia. They are replacing the 7th Airlift Squadron, which is scheduled to return in early August.

The mission of the 817th EAS is to provide global strategic airlift, airdrop, aeromedical evacuation and humanitarian relief, to create an air bridge for personnel, equipment and supplies throughout the assigned areas of responsibility.

"I am excited to answer the call to duty and make my country proud," said Airman 1st Class Brian Baker, 10th AS loadmaster. "I know my training has prepared me for this day and the days to come."

The 62nd AW's four active duty flying squadrons share responsibility for the deployed squadron and rotate operating the 817th EAS continuously. The deployments allow Air Mobility Command to consistently position assets closer to the action.

Mode-S/ADS Milcom Intercepts 29 July 2013 - Btown NC

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

AE053B 69-0021   ---  2013-07-29 23:58:10 C-5A United States WV ANG | 167AW | 167AS [KMRB]
AE11DC 76-1605   SNTRY50H 2013-07-29 23:37:41 E-3B United States USAF | 552ACW [KTIK]
AE143A 166715   ---  2013-07-29 23:22:37 UC-35D United States USMC | VMR-1 [KNKT] 0000  19775   
AF14EC ------   ---  2013-07-29 21:43:04 ------ United States ---
00000A Various   ---  2013-07-29 20:36:54 Various Various ---
AE1BF0 07-4637   PUMA70 2013-07-29 20:19:17 C-130J-30 United States USAF | 19AW [KLRF] 0000  26025   
AE1447 05-3147   PUMA71 2013-07-29 20:18:56 C-130J-30 United States USAF | 19AW | 48AS [KLRF]
ADFD04 95-0056   ---  2013-07-29 19:23:17 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS 0000  8275   
AE0194 84-0134   SPAR580 2013-07-29 19:12:04 C-21A United States USAF | 375AW | 311AS [KCOS]
ADFF76 65-10474   ---  2013-07-29 18:22:15 T-38C United States 50thFTS
AE10CE 165512   ---  2013-07-29 18:22:08 T-39G United States USN | TW-6 | VT-86 [KNPA]
ADFD04 95-0056   ---  2013-07-29 18:10:34 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS 0000  8275   
AE1FF3 12-72228   ---  2013-07-29 16:45:37 UH-72A United States US Army |
AE047C 59-1448   SODA81 2013-07-29 16:19:49 KC-135R United States TN ANG | 134ARW | 151ARS [KTYS]
ADFD04 95-0056   ---  2013-07-29 15:17:39 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS 0000  8275   
ADFDB5 92-1095   SKIER 78 2013-07-29 15:03:33 LC-130H United States NY ANG | 109AW | 139AS [KSCH]
ADFED4 85-1266   00000000 2013-07-29 14:26:30 C-12U United States VA ARNG | OSACOM VA RFC [KDAA]
AE1468 07-7170   ---  2013-07-29 14:22:15 C-17A United States USAF | 436AW | 3AS [KDOV]
AE4EB5 168431   ---  2013-07-29 12:38:39 P-8A United States VP-30
AE0189 84-0095   SPAR660 2013-07-29 12:32:02 C-21A United States USAF | 375AW | 457AS [KADW]
AE143A 166715   ---  2013-07-29 01:01:42 UC-35D United States USMC | VMR-1 [KNKT] 0000  41000   
AE07EC 96-0002   RCH802U 2013-07-29 00:50:14 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]
AE2EE6 166105   ---  2013-07-29 00:05:37 T-6B United States ---

Virginia National Guard helicopter crew departs to support Southwest border mission

Soldiers from the Sandston-based Detachment 1, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 151st Aviation Regiment depart for the Texas border aboard a UH-72 Lakota helicopter July 29, 2013, from the Virginia National Guard’s Army Aviation Support Facility in Sandston, Va. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Terra C. Gatti, Virginia Guard Public Affairs)

SANDSTON, Va.  - Soldiers from Detachment 1, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 151st Aviation Regiment departed today for the Texas border aboard a UH-72 Lakota helicopter from the Virginia National Guard's Army Aviation Support Facility in Sandston, Va.

The four-person crew will provide aerial reconnaissance support to U.S. Customs and Border Protection in support of the national effort to counter illegal immigration along the U.S. Southwest Border. Approximately 15 Virginia Guard Soldiers will rotate through Texas between now and the end of October in support of the National Guard border mission.

Virginia pilots and maintainers last supported U.S. Customs and Border Protection with aerial reconnaissance support along the U.S. southwest border from Aug. 27 to Dec. 6, 2013. During their previous rotation along the border, Virginia Guard Soldiers directly supported the apprehension of more than 1,800 illegal immigrants, to include human traffickers and narcotics smugglers. They also assisted Customs and Border Protection agents in the seizure of more than 1,500 pounds of narcotics with an estimated street value of over $1.25 million.

During their time in Texas, the Virginia Guard Soldiers worked under the Texas National Guard and alongside air crews and aircraft from states including South Carolina, Florida, Maryland and Washington, D.C. Each rotation of Soldiers included pilots, crew chiefs, and maintainers to keep the aircraft flying and Virginia Guard Soldiers filled additional manpower gaps, even helping to fly other state's aircraft as needed.

While in Texas, Virginia Guard air crews flew 627 mission hours, which amounted to 68% of the total mission hours flown by all aircraft. Of the five aircraft on site, Virginia's Lakota flew 287 of the mission hours, or 31 percent of the total hours flown, which was 21 percent more than the second most flown aircraft.

Virginia Guard aviators also supported the Southwest Border mission in 2008. Soldiers from the Sandston-based 2nd Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment spent weeks assisting United States Customs and Border Protection with the effort to secure the U.S./ Mexico border in Arizona as Task Force Raven and Task Force Diamondback for Operation Jump Start.

Mode-S/ADS Milcom Intercepts 27-28 July 2013 - Btown NC

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

AF14EC ------   ---  2013-07-28 23:18:42 ------ United States --- 0000  24950   
AE1EB5 166048   ---  2013-07-28 23:18:25 T-6B United States USNavy
00000A Various   ---  2013-07-28 23:17:37 Various Various ---
AE1ED2 166077   ---  2013-07-28 22:17:14 T-6B United States ---
AE143A 166715   ---  2013-07-28 21:25:24 UC-35D United States USMC | VMR-1 [KNKT] 0000  41000   
AE093D 01-0301   ---  2013-07-28 20:29:37 UC-35a1 United States US Army | OSACOM PATD [KADW]
AE1EC8 166067   ---  2013-07-28 20:17:24 T-6B United States USNavy
AE1479 166767   ---  2013-07-28 19:45:54 UC-35D United States MAW-4
ADFEE1 87-0161   PAT384 2013-07-28 19:13:21 C-12U United States AL ARNG | OSACOM DET-5
AE0302 78-0812   PITT 12 2013-07-28 14:19:50 C-130H United States AFRC | 911AW | 758AS [KPIT]
AF14EC ------   ---  2013-07-28 12:56:34 ------ United States --- 0000  24950   
AE1104 01-3616   ---  2013-07-28 01:10:42 T-6A United States USAF


AE4E08 08-5712   E85712 2013-07-27 21:55:15 C-130J United States USAF | 317AG [KDYS]
ADFE5E 90-1795   ROGUE 39 2013-07-27 21:12:35 C-130H United States OH ANG | 179AW | 164AS [KMFD]
AE02F4 86-0411   ---  2013-07-27 21:00:45 C-130H United States AFRC | 440AW | 95AS [KPOB]
AE140A 05-3787   ---  2013-07-27 19:23:48 T-6a United States USAF | 14FTW | 41FTS [KCBM]
AE10B7 01-0188   RCH335 2013-07-27 18:44:44 C-17A United States NY ANG | 105AW | 137AS [KSWF]
AAEC74 10-0256   ---  2013-07-27 17:19:23 C-12V1 United States US Army | B/6-52 AVN (TA) DET-1 [KFTK]
AE4D66 10-0213   RCH174T 2013-07-27 16:42:30 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS] 0000  17000   
AE4D66 10-0213   RCH174T 2013-07-27 14:20:18 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS] 0000  17000   
AAEC74 10-0256   ---  2013-07-27 13:53:18 C-12V1 United States US Army | B/6-52 AVN (TA) DET-1 [KFTK]
AE29D4 09-6207   RAID91 2013-07-27 13:47:42 MC-130J United States USAF | 27SOW | 522SOS [KCVS]
AE29CE 08-6201   RAID91 2013-07-27 13:45:22 MC-130J United States USAF | 27SOW | 522SOS [KCVS]
005A2D ------   ---  2013-07-27 12:55:07 C-146A United States ---
AE140A 05-3787   ---  2013-07-27 01:42:12 T-6a United States USAF | 14FTW | 41FTS [KCBM]
AE1211 03-0726   ---  2013-07-27 00:07:19 UC-35C United States USARC | 2-228 AVN

B-52 CONECT: A reboot for the Digital Age

Munitions on display demonstrate the full capabilities of the B-52 Stratofortress, a bomber in the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Robert Horstman)

by Airman 1st Class Joseph Raatz,  Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. (AFNS) -- One thing is certain: it's not your father's B-52.

The B-52 Stratofortress has been the Air Force's star long-range strategic heavy bomber and premier standoff weapon for more than 50 years. For generations, the B-52 has successfully executed missions all over the globe.

But in the 21st century, the pace of things has accelerated beyond the wildest dreams of the original designers who first put plans for the aircraft on the drawing board more than 60 years ago.

"Things change so quickly now, that you simply can't take 20- to 30-hour-old data into the fight with you any longer," said Alan Williams, the deputy program element monitor at Air Force Global Strike Command.

With digital display screens, computer network servers and real-time communication uplinks, the B-52 of the future will be far removed from the final batch that was delivered to Minot Air Force Base, N.D., in 1962.

The Combat Network Communications Technology, or CONECT, program will help thrust the B-52 into the modern era.

"Now the crews will be able to do final mission planning enroute," Williams said. "They will be able to get targeting updates; they will be able to get intelligence updates, all while they are en route so that they can get the most current data."

The beyond line of sight, or BLOS, communications ability introduced in the CONECT upgrades will allow for a central air operations center to pass along updated threat and targeting data to the aircraft for rapid machine-to-machine retargeting, rather than having the crew and mission be dependent solely upon information that was available at take-off.

"The aircraft will be much more effective and safer for the crew because of being able to receive those threat and target updates," Williams said, adding that CONECT will also allow the aircrew to receive last-minute updates so that they are able to strike the most current or necessary targets and do it rapidly because of the new machine-to-machine targeting capability.

CONECT also brings an unprecedented networking ability to the B-52.

"It provides us with a digital backbone so that we can pass data all the way around the aircraft," Williams said, explaining that with the upgrades, any data available to one crew member will now be available to every other member instantaneously via the new digital displays at each workstation.

These new upgrades will provide a foundation that may help guarantee the aircraft's viability through the remainder of its life span, which is currently projected to extend beyond 2040.

"Now when we add additional systems to the aircraft at some future date, we will be going from a digital component, across our new digital backbone, to another digital component elsewhere in the aircraft," Williams said. "In the future, it will make upgrades easier to do because we'll already have that digital infrastructure in the aircraft."

Williams summed up the CONECT upgrades by saying they would help convert the B-52 from an analog aircraft to a digital platform for today's warfighter.

"It is taking the B-52 from a rotary-dial phone to a smartphone," Williams said.

With the CONECT upgrades in place, the B-52 will be well-equipped to enter the Digital Age. In doing so, "the aircraft" will continue to be an adaptable powerhouse for decades to come.

Mode-S/ADS Milcom Intercepts 26 July 2013 - Btown NC

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

AE1E7E 166032   ---  2013-07-26 23:37:05 T-6B United States USN | TAW-5 | VT-3
AE1ECE 166073   ---  2013-07-26 23:28:30 T-6B United States USNavy
AE2ED6 166089   ---  2013-07-26 23:25:37 T-6B United States ---
AE10B7 01-0188   E10188 2013-07-26 23:18:56 C-17A United States NY ANG | 105AW | 137AS [KSWF]
ADFEE1 87-0161   PAT223 2013-07-26 20:43:15 C-12U United States AL ARNG | OSACOM DET-5 3341  26000   
AE1196 03-3113   RCH620 2013-07-26 20:37:43 C-17A United States MS ANG | 172AW | 183AS [KJAN]
AE1439 166714   ---  2013-07-26 20:32:28 UC-35D United States USMC | VMR-1 [KNKT]
AE0272 64-14840   SLUFF95 2013-07-26 20:11:07 KC-135R United States OH ANG | 121ARW [KLCK] 0000  32000   
AE12BB 69-5828   FLIP33 2013-07-26 19:58:36 MC-130p United States ---
AE1ED2 166077   ---  2013-07-26 19:56:26 T-6B United States ---
AE4EB8 168434   ---  2013-07-26 19:32:12 P-8A United States ---
AE29CE 08-6201   RAID92 2013-07-26 19:11:37 MC-130J United States USAF | 27SOW | 522SOS [KCVS]
ADFED0 85-1262   PAT1262 2013-07-26 18:33:16 C-12U United States USARMY (OSACOM Det25 TNArNG)
ADFC6B 90-0408   ---  2013-07-26 18:20:12 T-1A United States USAF | 71FTW | 32FTS [KEND]
AE07FA 97-0048   RHINO90 2013-07-26 17:19:12 C-17A United States AFRC | 445AW | 89AS [KFFO]
ADFEEE 160050   CNV9452 2013-07-26 16:51:25 C-9B United States USNR | VR-61 [KNUW]
AE148A 92-3289   PEACH99 2013-07-26 16:25:59 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB]
AE07F3 97-0041   GRITS25 2013-07-26 15:55:38 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]
AE1492 96-0042 ???   ---  2013-07-26 15:39:30 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB] 0000  24900   
ADFEE1 87-0161   PAT223 2013-07-26 14:43:36 C-12U United States AL ARNG | OSACOM DET-5 3341  26000   
AE1492 96-0042 ???   ---  2013-07-26 14:39:38 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB] 0000  24900   
AE015F 58-0119   SODA81 2013-07-26 14:37:56 KC-135R United States TN ANG | 134ARW | 151ARS [KTYS]
AE1EC8 166067   ---  2013-07-26 13:54:10 T-6B United States USNavy
AE148A 92-3289   PEACH99 2013-07-26 12:35:01 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB]
AE0668 62-3523   TURBO81 2013-07-26 06:41:53 KC-135R United States USAF | 22ARW [KIAB]
AE0668 62-3523   TURBO81 2013-07-26 04:04:10 KC-135R United States USAF | 22ARW [KIAB]
AE1493 96-0043   PEACH98 2013-07-26 01:37:23 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB] 0000  19000   
AE4EB8 168434   ---  2013-07-26 01:34:16 P-8A United States ---
AE080B 99-0165   RHINO50 2013-07-26 00:28:12 C-17A United States AFRC | 445AW | 89AS [KFFO]
AE1493 96-0043   PEACH98 2013-07-26 00:16:39 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB] 0000  19000   

Monitoring Times May Be Closing but Teak Publishing is Not!

From Bob Grove, Publisher of Monitoring Times magazine:

"After 33 years of publishing the most informative and lauded magazine on monitoring the radio spectrum, Judy and I are finally going to retire. We are grateful for the dedicated efforts of our fine staff of writers for the excellent work which has kept MT alive for all these years. While we know the discontinuation of MT, with our December issue, will be a disappointment to our readers and writers alike, we realize that a combination of a down-turned economy, as well as the ready availability of free listening and technical information on the Internet, has reduced sales and subscriptions throughout the market place. I would like to thank you personally for your knowledge, your dependability, and your professionalism in making MT the publication that is most often referred to in the radio monitoring hobby. It is a legacy that we have all inherited."

And now from Larry Van Horn, N5FPW, MT Assistant/Technical Editor and columnist:

So after 20 years this month serving fulltime on the staff of MT and 30 years of writing for MT, I'm certainly sorry to say goodbye to my old friend with the earphones.

But you have not seen the last of me, this blog, my twitter feed or our publishing company - Teak Publishing. We are working on some very interesting publications projects for not only the military monitoring community "worldwide," but also Gayle has some stuff in works for the shortwave broadcast listening community as well.

So please stay tuned to this blog and Gayle's Shortwave Central blog for future announcements.

So to all of you who contributed to my 30 year writing career with MT, and all the great friends that I have  met and corresponded with I want to say thank you. Thank you for your support, kind words, material and everything else that contributed to some really great stuff published in MT.

So again this is only a goodbye to MT at the end of this year, but if you are interested in the military monitoring stay tuned to this channel (uh blog) for some new and exciting stuff in the next few months to come.

Mode-S/ADS Milcom Intercepts 25 July 2013 - Btown NC

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

AE4EB5 168431   ---  2013-07-25 23:16:32 P-8A United States VP-30
AE062F 84-0149   ---  2013-07-25 22:18:21 C-12U United States WA ARNG | OSACOM FT LEWIS [KGRF]
AE4EB5 168431   ---  2013-07-25 21:50:30 P-8A United States VP-30
ADFF7D 67-14850   ---  2013-07-25 21:35:28 T-38C United States 50thFTS
AE120A 93-0697   ---  2013-07-25 21:20:20 RC-12N United States USARMY
AE11FC 88-0325   ---  2013-07-25 20:21:38 RC-12N United States USARMY | 224MIB (AE) [KSVN]
AE143A 166715   ---  2013-07-25 19:44:34 UC-35D United States USMC | VMR-1 [KNKT] 0000  39300   
ADFCFD 95-0049   ---  2013-07-25 18:50:43 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS
ADFCE5 94-0134   ---  2013-07-25 18:45:56 T-1A United States USAF
ADFF7D 67-14850   ---  2013-07-25 18:27:24 T-38C United States 50thFTS
AE10D5 165519   ---  2013-07-25 18:22:58 T-39G United States USN | TW-6 | VT-86 [KNPA]
ADFCE6 94-0135   ---  2013-07-25 18:19:38 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS
AE143A 166715   ---  2013-07-25 17:58:42 UC-35D United States USMC | VMR-1 [KNKT] 0000  39300   
ADFFA9 70-1590   ---  2013-07-25 17:37:58 T-38C United States 50thFTS
ADFFA4 70-1567   ---  2013-07-25 17:32:51 T-38C United States 50thFTS
AE049C 59-1517   SODA81 2013-07-25 16:51:46 KC-135 United States TN ANG | 134ARW | 151ARS [KTYS]
AC8997 11-3104   HOUND92 2013-07-25 16:27:22 C-146A United States USAF | 27SOW | 524SOS [KCVS] 0000  26000   
AE0471 57-1451   SODA82 2013-07-25 16:02:57 KC-135R United States TN ANG | 134ARW | 151ARS [KTYS]
AE049C 59-1517   SODA81 2013-07-25 16:02:34 KC-135 United States TN ANG | 134ARW | 151ARS [KTYS]
ADFCB7 93-0631   ---  2013-07-25 15:40:03 T-1A United States USAF | 479FTG | 451FTS [KNPA]
AE4EB2 168428   ---  2013-07-25 15:19:27 P-8A United States VP-30 0000  23000   
AE10D3 165517   ---  2013-07-25 14:42:07 T-39G United States USN | TW-6 | VT-86 [KNPA]
280000 01-2001/N459PC   ---  2013-07-25 14:21:52 F-15/PC112 Various USAFE | 48FW [EGUL]
AE4EB2 168428   ---  2013-07-25 12:49:27 P-8A United States VP-30 0000  23000   
AE4EB4 168430   ---  2013-07-25 12:27:14 P-8A United States VP-16
AE07BE 62-3578   TOPCAT5 2013-07-25 01:53:19 KC-135R United States NJ ANG | 108W | 141ARS [KWRI]
AE14F5 65-0970   KING 51 2013-07-25 01:48:21 HC-130P United States AFRC | 920RQW | 39RQS [KCOF] 0000  14800   
AE1BF0 07-4637   ---  2013-07-25 01:36:01 C-130J-30 United States USAF | 19AW [KLRF]
AE14F5 65-0970   KING 51 2013-07-25 01:25:00 HC-130P United States AFRC | 920RQW | 39RQS [KCOF] 0000  14800   
AE1447 05-3147   PUMA72 2013-07-25 01:18:32 C-130J-30 United States USAF | 19AW | 48AS [KLRF] 0000  25000   
AE07BE 62-3578   TOPCAT5 2013-07-25 01:17:45 KC-135R United States NJ ANG | 108W | 141ARS [KWRI]
AE1BF0 07-4637   PUMA71 2013-07-25 01:12:07 C-130J-30 United States USAF | 19AW [KLRF]
AE1495 97-0200   ---  2013-07-25 00:40:53 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB]
AE4F16 10-0222   RCH459 2013-07-25 00:21:42 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]

Answering the call: McConnell refuels ANG F-15s

An F-15 Eagle from the 142nd Fighter Wing, Oregon Air National Guard, Portland, Ore., flies alongside a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., July 23, 2013. The F-15 was one of eight to receive fuel from three McConnell tankers during the training mission over northeast Kansas. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Laura L. Valentine)

An F-15 Eagle from the 142nd Fighter Wing, Oregon Air National Guard, Portland, Ore., receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., while a second F-15 moves to the left wing of the Stratotanker July 23, 2013. Three Stratotankers refueled eight F-15s during the training mission over northeast Kansas. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Laura L. Valentine)

Mode-S/ADS Milcom Intercepts 24 July 2013 - Btown NC

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

AE02E1 81-0626   COBB 26 2013-07-24 23:55:12 C-130H United States AFRC | 94AW | 700AS [KMGE]
ADFDC3 93-1456   EPIC70 2013-07-24 22:43:34 C-130H United States NC ANG | 145AW | 156AS [KCLT]
AE4EB4 168430   ---  2013-07-24 22:15:14 P-8A United States VP-16 0000  22000   
ADFED0 85-1262   PAT1262 2013-07-24 22:00:16 C-12U United States USARMY (OSACOM Det25 TNArNG)
AC8997 11-3104   ---  2013-07-24 21:49:04 C-146A United States USAF | 27SOW | 524SOS [KCVS]
AE4EB4 168430   ---  2013-07-24 21:02:29 P-8A United States VP-16 0000  22000   
AE07EA 95-0107   RCH166T 2013-07-24 19:59:59 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]
ADFCD2 94-0115   ---  2013-07-24 19:56:35 T-1A United States USAF | 479FTG | 451FTS [KNPA]
AE04AD 99-0104   ---  2013-07-24 19:39:18 UC-35a1 United States USARC | A/2-228 AVN (TA) [KWRI ]
AE29DD 08-3173   E83173 2013-07-24 19:33:05 C-130J United States USAF | 317AG [KDYS]
ADFECB 84-0485   00000000 2013-07-24 19:31:18 C-12T-3 United States KY ARNG | OSACOM DET-11 [KFFT]
ADFCE6 94-0135   ---  2013-07-24 19:24:36 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS
AE10E5 93-0700   SUNNY57 2013-07-24 19:04:09 RC-12P ??? United States USARMY | B/224 MIB (AE) [KSVN]
AE1447 05-3147   PUMA72 2013-07-24 18:39:46 C-130J-30 United States USAF | 19AW | 48AS [KLRF] 0000  25000   
AE08F9 84-24376   2316 2013-07-24 18:38:54 C-12R United States OSACOM/PAT
AE04B4 57-1499   UTAH63 2013-07-24 18:19:46 KC-135R United States UT ANG | 151ARW | 191ARS [KSLC]
AE0179 84-0140/84-0134   SPAR517 2013-07-24 18:03:33 C-21A United States USAF | 375AW | 458AS [KBLV]
AE10D5 165519   ---  2013-07-24 17:50:36 T-39G United States USN | TW-6 | VT-86 [KNPA]
ADFECB 84-0485   00000000 2013-07-24 17:28:44 C-12T-3 United States KY ARNG | OSACOM DET-11 [KFFT]
AE2FA2 08-8190   RCH404 2013-07-24 16:48:13 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]
AE10E5 93-0700   SUNNY57 2013-07-24 16:07:55 RC-12P ??? United States USARMY | B/224 MIB (AE) [KSVN]
AE0504 60-0345   JEEP31 2013-07-24 15:24:47 KC-135T United States MI ANG | 127WG | 171ARS [KMTC]
AE015E 59-1512   JEEP32 2013-07-24 15:24:43 KC-135T United States MI ANG | 127WG | 171ARS [KMTC] 0000  38500   
ADFDC8 93-1562   EPIC62 2013-07-24 15:05:45 C-130H United States NC ANG | 145AW | 156AS [KCLT]
ADFCE2 94-0131   ---  2013-07-24 15:03:17 T-1A United States USAF | 479FTG | 451FTS [KNPA]
AE08F9 84-24376   2316 2013-07-24 13:44:49 C-12R United States OSACOM/PAT
AE04AD 99-0104   ---  2013-07-24 13:07:17 UC-35a1 United States USARC | A/2-228 AVN (TA) [KWRI ]
AE0179 84-0140/84-0134   SPAR517 2013-07-24 12:42:14 C-21A United States USAF | 375AW | 458AS [KBLV]
AE128F 85-0011   TALON 11 2013-07-24 03:13:48 MC-130H United States USAF
AE1493 96-0043   PEACH98 2013-07-24 01:57:06 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB] 0000  31000   
AE02E3 81-0628   ---  2013-07-24 01:54:35 C-130H United States AFRC | 94AW | 700AS [KMGE]
AE02E4 81-0629   COBB62 2013-07-24 01:50:00 C-130H United States AFRC | 94AW | 700AS [KMGE]
AE02E3 81-0628   COBB 54 2013-07-24 00:30:52 C-130H United States AFRC | 94AW | 700AS [KMGE]
AE02E4 81-0629   COBB62 2013-07-24 00:30:43 C-130H United States AFRC | 94AW | 700AS [KMGE] ---  --- 
AE11DC 76-1605   SNTRY61H 2013-07-24 00:27:21 E-3B United States USAF | 552ACW [KTIK]
AE1493 96-0043   PEACH98 2013-07-24 00:04:28 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB] 0000  31000   
AE07F6 97-0044   RCH619 2013-07-24 00:01:35 C-17A United States AFRC | 445AW | 89AS [KFFO]

15th Wing partners with 154th Wing for Operational Readiness Exercise

Master Sgt. Eric Hunt, 15th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron production superintendent, removes the pitot tube covers from a C-17 Globemaster III during an Operational Readiness Exercise at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, July 18, 2013. The C-17 can carry up to 170,900 pounds of cargo, and can be configured for a variety of loadouts, including aeromedical evacuation, cargo transportation and passenger movement. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Jerome S. Tayborn)

USS Harry S. Truman Deploys

ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Sailors aboard aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) said their goodbyes to friends and family prior to getting underway for an eight to nine- month deployment July 22.

Truman, along with the other components of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HST CSG), completed a composite training unit exercise in January prior to their originally scheduled February deployment, and also a sustainment exercise and fleet synthetic training exercise in June.

"The crew has operated and trained extensively at sea the past several months and the training scenarios were more complex and challenging," said Capt. Bob Roth, Truman's commanding officer. "The ship's and air wing's warfighting proficiency has increased substantially since our deployment was delayed in February. I couldn't be more proud of the crew; they are dedicated, skilled, and tremendously enthusiastic about deploying."

The February deployment was delayed due to sequestration and the change of aircraft carrier presence requirements in the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility.

The current deployment is part of an ongoing rotation of forward-deployed forces to support maritime security operations (MSO) in the U.S. 6th and 5th Fleet areas of operations.

MSO set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment and complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. MSO deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

Truman is the flagship for HST CSG. It can travel in excess of 30 knots, and has a ship's company of approximately 3,000. With the embarked air wing and staffs, the number rises to about 5,000.

HST CSG also consists of USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), USS Gettysburg (CG 64), USS Mason (DDG 87), USS San Jacinto (CG 56), 1st Combined Destroyer Squadron staff and Carrier Air Wing 3 and its associated squadrons - Strike Fighter Squadrons (VFA) 32 "Swordsmen," VFA-37 "Ragin' Bulls," and VFA-105 "Gunslingers;" Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 "Checkerboards;" Airborne Early Warning Squadron 126 "Seahawks;" Electronic Attack Squadron) 130 "Zappers;" Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 7 "Dusty Dogs;" and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 74 "Swamp Foxes."

Mode-S/ADS Milcom Intercepts 23 July 2013 - Btown NC

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

AE11DD 76-1606   SNTRY40H 2013-07-23 23:21:37 E-3B United States USAF | 552ACW [KTIK]
AE1198 03-3115   E33115 2013-07-23 23:19:00 C-17A United States MS ANG | 172AW | 183AS [KJAN]
AE04E5 59-1478   SODA92 2013-07-23 23:18:17 KC-135R United States AZ ANG | 161ARW | 197ARS [KPHX]
AE11DC 76-1605   SNTRY61H 2013-07-23 21:40:13 E-3B United States USAF | 552ACW [KTIK]
AE0110 94-1570   ---  2013-07-23 18:12:07 C-38A United States DC ANG | 113Wg | 201AS [KADW]
AE1493 96-0043   PEACH32 2013-07-23 17:54:13 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB] 0000  31000   
AE0485 62-3521   INDY81 2013-07-23 16:22:37 KC-135R United States AFRC | 434ARW | 72ARS [KGUS]
AE0663 60-0364   MASH82 2013-07-23 16:22:09 KC-135R United States AFRC | 434ARW [KGUS]
AE02E4 81-0629   COBB62 2013-07-23 14:52:22 C-130H United States AFRC | 94AW | 700AS [KMGE]
AE11FA 02-0203   EXEC1F 2013-07-23 14:39:21 C-40C United States DC ANG | 113Wg | 201AS [KADW]
AE1493 96-0043   PEACH32 2013-07-23 13:26:47 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB] 0000  31000   
AE04B8 58-0018   TURBO81 2013-07-23 06:15:50 KC-135R United States USAF | 22ARW [KIAB]
 555555 Various   N37WJ 2013-07-23 04:30:24 ------ Various Various
AE04B8 58-0018   TURBO81 2013-07-23 03:43:36 KC-135R United States USAF | 22ARW [KIAB]
ADFE88 92-0553   RAVEN20 2013-07-23 02:45:24 C-130H United States USAF | 19AW [KLRF] 0000  22000   
AF14EC ------   ---  2013-07-23 01:32:47 ------ United States ---

USS Gettysburg Sets Sail with Carrier Strike Group 10

By Ensign Kiley Provenzano, USS Gettysburg Public Affairs

MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- Guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64) departed Naval Station Mayport July 22 to join the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group on a scheduled deployment to the 6th and 5th Fleet areas of responsibility.

Gettysburg has been actively preparing for this deployment with Carrier Strike Group 10 assets, participating in several exercises to prepare the ship and Sailors for deployment overseas.

"Our Sailors have continued to push themselves through these past few months, achieving incredible levels of success and competency with their systems," said Lt. Scott Jones, Gettysburg's combat systems officer.

With a modern Aegis weapon system and embarked Helicopter Maritime Strike 74, Detachment 2, Gettysburg's training has developed a unique diversity of capabilities for the upcoming deployment.

"This deployment will give us the opportunity to use the skills we've trained to develop," said Ensign William O'Quinn, anti-submarine warfare officer. "The crew has participated in several exercises and looks forward to the port visits and operational experience. This will be my first deployment and, like hundreds of my shipmates, I am ready and eager to go."

While the Sailors are deployed, families and friends of Gettysburg will continue their support at home. Partnered with the Daytona Navy League, the Navy Wounded Warrior/Safe Harbor Office, Operation Gratitude, United Through Reading and several other organizations, members of the Gettysburg Family Readiness Group will continue to provide support and service.

Gettysburg, named for the Civil War battle, will join aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), 1st Combined Destroyer Squadron, guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56), and guided-missile destroyers USS Mason (DDG 87) and USS Bulkeley (DDG 84).

Mode-S/ADS Milcom Intercepts 22 July 2013 - Btown NC

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

AE0178 84-0129   JOSA249 2013-07-22 23:21:15 C-21A United States USAF | 375AW | 457AS [KADW]
AE01BD 84-0131   JOSA122 2013-07-22 23:08:48 C-21A United States USAF | 375AW | 457AS [KADW]
AE03FA 84-0146   PAT146 2013-07-22 21:22:19 C-12U United States Det8/NH-ArNG
AE06E4 163836 ???   ---  2013-07-22 20:53:50 UC-12F United States USNAVY
ADFE88 92-0553   RAVEN20 2013-07-22 20:53:21 C-130H United States USAF | 19AW [KLRF] 0000  22000   
AE0272 64-14840   SLUFF95 2013-07-22 20:29:18 KC-135R United States OH ANG | 121ARW [KLCK]
  43C171 ZZ171   ---  2013-07-22 20:10:22 C-17A United Kingdom RAF | 99 Sqn
ADFE9A 95-0101   ---  2013-07-22 19:45:19 C-12R+ United States USARMY
AE29DD 08-3173   E83173 2013-07-22 19:08:52 C-130J United States USAF | 317AG [KDYS]
AE093A 00-1051   PAT711 2013-07-22 19:03:37 UC-35B United States USARC | B/2-228 AVN (TA) [KMGE]
AE0631 ------   ---  2013-07-22 17:45:15 RC-12K United States USAF
AE4A81 09-0525   ---  2013-07-22 16:22:56 C-37B United States USAF | 89AW | 99AS [KADW]
AE0698 165153   ---  2013-07-22 16:18:40 C-20G United States USNR | VR-48 [KADW]
ADFED0 85-1262   PAT103 2013-07-22 14:19:42 C-12U United States USARMY (OSACOM Det25 TNArNG)
AE010F 94-1569   BOXER39 2013-07-22 13:51:07 C-38A United States DC ANG | 113Wg | 201AS [KADW]
ADFEEA 160046   LOBO01 2013-07-22 13:50:21 C-9B United States USMC | VMR-1 [KNKT]
AE4A7A 168204   ---  2013-07-22 11:37:33 UC-12W United States MAW-4
ADFEF1 161529   CNV9452 2013-07-22 00:49:23 C-9B United States USNR | VR-61 [KNUW]

Bolstering Spirits in the Year of the B-2

by Airman 1st Class Joseph Raatz,  Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- The Air Force's fleet of B-2 Spirit multi-role bombers will receive defensive system upgrades that will further increase the survivability and effectiveness of the aircraft.

The Defensive Management System Modernization program, or DMS-M, will upgrade or replace the Electronic Support Measure suite, passive antennas and display processors, as well as address sustainability concerns.

"The new antennas are going to increase the frequency coverage," said William Keen, B-2 deputy program element monitor and program analyst.

This increased coverage will provide the B-2 with greater threat detection and identification capabilities, Keen said.

Greater ability to detect and identify potential threats will aid in keeping the aircrew and aircraft safe.

The antenna arrays included in the DMS-M will be coupled with new avionics graphics processors, give the pilots a visual display of the information provided by the antennas.

According to Keen, the current processors will not be able to meet the performance needs of the new antenna system, so they must be replaced.

"The graphics processors allow the visual display to cue the pilots to react to threats," said Master Sgt. Domnick Janitell, B-2 command avionics manager. "The new threats we face today are more complex and the new receiver processors will be able to analyze those more complex signals."

The DMS-M will also remedy the sustainability concerns of the B-2.

"The currently fielded system has a lot of sustainment issues," Keen said. "We need more spare parts and we need better repair capabilities."

The B-2 uses line replaceable units, or LRUs, which are modular components that are designed to be quickly repaired or replaced at an operating location. However, many of these LRUs have been consumed over the life of the aircraft.

Janitell added that there are 20 year-old components used in the platform that are no longer able to be repaired.

"We just don't have the parts we need," Keen said.

The upgrades covered by DMS-M aim to address these sustainability issues in part by streamlining the LRUs from a current total of 23 to 15 new, more capable versions. This reorganization may make repairs easier and less time consuming for maintenance crews.

Once completed, the DMS-M program will provide the Joint Force Commander and the B-2 fleet with advanced situational awareness, improved supportability, enhanced lethality, increased platform survivability and networked battlespace awareness.

Under the project's current timeline, a contract is projected to be awarded in mid-2014, Keen said. The DMS-M program will then enter a phase known as Engineering and Manufacturing Development wherein the components will be required to meet certain standards before going into full production.

The B-2 Spirit is considered one of the world's most advanced and formidable aircraft. Projects such as DMS-M keep the B-2 viable as THE platform that ensures no adversary can find safe haven anywhere, Keen said.

Mode-S/ADS Milcom Intercepts 21 July 2013 - Btown NC

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

AE1448 04-4138   E44138 2013-07-21 23:59:00 C-17A United States AFRC | 452AMW | 729AS [KRIV]
AE07EE 96-0004   RHINO90 2013-07-21 23:37:55 C-17A United States AFRC | 445AW | 89AS [KFFO] 0000  37000   
AE1175 02-1103   RCH867 2013-07-21 23:31:08 C-17A United States USAF | 62AW [KTCM]
AE07EE 96-0004   RHINO90 2013-07-21 22:12:16 C-17A United States AFRC | 445AW | 89AS [KFFO] 0000  37000   
AE010F 94-1569   BOXER39 2013-07-21 20:15:46 C-38A United States DC ANG | 113Wg | 201AS [KADW]
AE0816 00-0180   RCH222 2013-07-21 19:12:18 C-17A United States USAF | 62AW [KTCM]
ADFED4 85-1266   00000000 2013-07-21 19:08:05 C-12U United States VA ARNG | OSACOM VA RFC [KDAA]
AE02E3 81-0628   COBB 54 2013-07-21 17:56:56 C-130H United States AFRC | 94AW | 700AS [KMGE]
AE02E0 89-1188   BISON81 2013-07-21 16:06:27 C-130H United States AFRC | 914AW | 328AS [KIAG]
AE13B2 04-3732   ---  2013-07-21 15:56:44 T-6A United States USAF | 14FTW | 37FTS [KCBM]
AE13A4 04-3718   ---  2013-07-21 15:46:04 T-6A United States USAF | 71FTW [KEND]
AE05E1 87-9285   BISON10 2013-07-21 15:42:03 C-130H United States AFRC | 914AW | 328AS [KIAG]
AE12BB 69-5828   FLIP33 2013-07-21 14:21:58 MC-130p United States --- ---  ---  
AE4F12 10-0218   RCH701 2013-07-21 13:43:16 C-17A United States USAF | 62AW [KTCM]
AE02F4 86-0411   PACKR 31 2013-07-21 12:39:24 C-130H United States AFRC | 440AW | 95AS [KPOB]
AE08F9 84-24376   2316 2013-07-21 11:45:13 C-12R United States OSACOM/PAT
AE1173 02-1101   RCH949 2013-07-21 07:05:04 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]
AE1173 02-1101   RCH949 2013-07-21 07:05:04 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]

JASDF, 5th AF commanders participate in bilateral refueling training

A Japan Air Self Defense Force F-15J jet connects to a KC-135 Stratotanker boom during a bilateral refueling mission over the Pacific Ocean, July 11, 2013. The 909th Air Refueling Squadron conducted a bilateral refueling mission with JASDF F-15J jets to help prepare them for an upcoming training exercise, Red Flag Alaska. The mission also gave both services the opportunity to work together in an operational environment which allowed them to adapt to the subtle differences in terminology and language. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Malia Jenkins/Released)  

by Airman 1st Class Malia Jenkins,  18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan  -- The 909th Air Refueling Squadron took to the skies July 11 for a bilateral refueling mission to help prepare Japan Air Self Defense Force pilots for an upcoming training exercise, Red Flag Alaska.

This mission had added emphasis; three top commanders participated in the mission aboard one of Kadena's KC-135 Stratotankers. Flying on the mission was Lt. Gen. Sam Angelella, U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force commander, Lt. Gen. Yoshiyuki Sugiyama, JASDF Southwestern Composite Air Division commander, and Brig. Gen. James B. Hecker, 18th Wing commander.

"This is a great opportunity for both countries," Angelella said. "The 909th is the only active-duty tanker squadron in the Pacific, and this opportunity where we are going to refuel the F-15Js during a training sortie will prepare us for the bilateral deployment to Red Flag Alaska. It's also an opportunity for the Airmen of the two squadrons to get to know each other."

By attending the refueling mission, the generals had the opportunity to see the delicate process of how the aircraft are refueled. Angelella and Sugiyama also had the opportunity to operate the boom used to refuel the different aircraft.

Sugiyama said it's important for the two squadrons to work together and share their knowledge and experience. This training ensures both forces have the opportunity to work together and perfect their skills as a team, he added.

Both U.S. and Japanese pilots had the opportunity to work together in an operational environment which allowed them to adapt to the subtle differences in terminology and language.

Angelella said joint training opportunities improve squadron capabilities, help with preparation for the defense of Japan and help U.S. forces extend the reach of airpower.
Red Flag Alaska is a large coalition exercise that involves different aircraft in complex missions. The exercise provides U.S. and coalition forces an opportunity to train together, improving readiness for wartime coalition missions.

During his visit to Okinawa, Angelella also toured various bases across the island, learning about their missions and how they care for service members and their families, and how they provide for the common defense of Japan.

Mission continues after dark

Aircrew members perform pre-flight checks on a C-17 Globemaster III before take-off to practice combat on-loading and off-loading July 17, 2013, at Joint Base Charleston – Air Base, S.C. Airmen from the 437th Airlift Wing work around the clock on the flightline to provide combat-ready C-17A aircrews, mission support personnel and processes for 53 assigned aircraft to meet White House, Department of State and Joint Chiefs of Staff-directed global deployment, employment and resupply of Department of Defense and allied forces via air-land and airdrop operations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Dennis Sloan)

Mode-S/ADS Milcom Intercepts 20 July 2013 - Btown NC

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

508015 UR-82027 ADB124F 2013-07-20 22:46:37 An-124-100 Ukraine Antonov Design Bureau
AE29DD 08-3173   E83173 2013-07-20 20:43:37 C-130J United States USAF | 317AG [KDYS]
AE07EF 96-0005   RCH005 2013-07-20 20:43:35 C-17A United States NY ANG | 105AW | 137AS [KSWF]
AE1471 07-7179   TAHOE08 2013-07-20 20:09:56 C-17A United States USAF | 60AMW | 21AS [KSUU]
AE0698 165153   GHOST53 2013-07-20 20:09:17 C-20G United States USNR | VR-48 [KADW]
ADFDD3 95-6709 ANVIL41 2013-07-20 20:01:46 C-130H United States WV ANG | 130AW | 130AS [KCRW]
ADFDD5 95-6711 ANVIL42 2013-07-20 19:55:59 C-130H United States WV ANG | 130AW | 130AS [KCRW]
AE012E (73-1683)/97-01   ---  2013-07-20 18:14:24 C-9C United States AFRC | 932AW | 73AS [KBLV]
AE093A 00-1051   ---  2013-07-20 16:53:06 UC-35B United States USARC | B/2-228 AVN (TA) [KMGE]
AE115E 01-0030   ---  2013-07-20 16:50:58 C-37A United States USAF | 6AMW | 310AS [KMCF]
ADFDD5 95-6711 ANVIL42 2013-07-20 16:32:07 C-130H United States WV ANG | 130AW | 130AS [KCRW]
ADFDD3 95-6709 ANVIL41 2013-07-20 16:17:34 C-130H United States WV ANG | 130AW | 130AS [KCRW]
AE1196 03-3113   RULER73 2013-07-20 15:41:54 C-17A United States MS ANG | 172AW | 183AS [KJAN]
AE053C 69-0022   ---  2013-07-20 15:35:46 C-5A United States WV ANG | 167AW | 167AS [KMRB]
AE05E1 87-9285   BISON10 2013-07-20 13:47:32 C-130H United States AFRC | 914AW | 328AS [KIAG]
00000A Various   ---  2013-07-20 10:46:23 Various Various ---
AE07EF 96-0005   E60005 2013-07-20 00:03:44 C-17A United States NY ANG | 105AW | 137AS [KSWF]

Colorado National Guard to facilitate 'Vigilant Guard' exercise

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (7/19/13) - The Colorado National Guard will facilitate a large-scale, multi-state, multi-agency emergency response exercise in the Denver and Colorado Springs metropolitan areas July 22-26.

Named "Vigilant Guard," the exercise is focused on interagency coordination in preparation for domestic emergencies and catastrophic events.

The exercise scenario, which has been in planning since 2011, is based on a wildland fire with urban interface, and will include severe weather including tornadoes.
Just as they would in real life, these notional events will create a number of consequences that will require emergency intervention.

Participants will exercise their knowledge of and expertise in storm damage assessment; hazmat identification, abatement and decontamination; search and rescue; patient extraction; triage; medevac and other emergency-response measures.

Sponsored by U.S. Northern Command in conjunction with the National Guard Bureau, the exercise will provide the Colorado National Guard and supporting military units an opportunity to improve cooperation and operational relationships with their local, state, private sector, non-governmental organizations and federal partners.

National Guard units from Colorado, Arizona, Idaho, New Mexico, Nevada, North Dakota, Utah and Wyoming will be participating.

Locations for the exercise will be:

July 22: Colorado National Guard Joint Operations Center, Fort Carson Airfield and U.S. Air Force Academy Fire Department

July 23 Media Day: Colorado National Guard Joint Operations Center, North Metro Fire Training Complex, Denver Health Medical Center, Community College of Aurora, Exempla St. Joseph Hospital and Bonfils Blood Center

More specific details about this day, including the most visually stimulating events and times, will be released separately.

July 24: Colorado National Guard Joint Operations Center, North Metro Fire Training Complex, West Metro Fire Training Center, North Suburban Medical Center, University of Denver, Denver International Airport, Community College of Aurora

July 25: Colorado National Guard Joint Operations Center, North Metro Fire Training Complex, Porter Adventist Hospital, Pepsi Center, Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
July 26: Colorado National Guard Joint Operations Center

Mode-S/ADS Milcom Intercepts 19 July 2013 - Btown NC

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

AE4E8E 166165   ---  2013-07-19 23:41:08 T-6B United States ---
00000A Various   ---  2013-07-19 23:31:06 Various Various ---
AE08F9 84-24376   2316 2013-07-19 23:01:20 C-12R United States OSACOM/PAT
AE04AC 99-0103   ---  2013-07-19 22:07:13 UC-35a1 United States USARC | B/2-228 AVN (TA) [KMGE]
AE02CA 89-9106   ROGUE 01 2013-07-19 21:51:32 C-130H United States AFRC | 910AW | 757AS [KYNG]
AE1198 03-3115   RCH661 2013-07-19 21:16:04 C-17A United States MS ANG | 172AW | 183AS [KJAN]
FAC688 various   ---  2013-07-19 21:12:40 P-3X United States ---
AE02E0 89-1188   BISON81 2013-07-19 20:54:55 C-130H United States AFRC | 914AW | 328AS [KIAG]
AE4E8D 166164   ---  2013-07-19 20:19:01 T-6B United States ---
AE01BD 84-0131   SPAR540 2013-07-19 20:15:59 C-21A United States USAF | 375AW | 457AS [KADW]
AE1E7B 166029   ---  2013-07-19 20:07:04 T-6B United States ---
AE036E 98-0008   ---  2013-07-19 20:04:28 UC-35A United States US Army
AE08F9 84-24376   2316 2013-07-19 19:59:43 C-12R United States OSACOM/PAT
AE05E1 87-9285   BISON10 2013-07-19 19:53:29 C-130H United States AFRC | 914AW | 328AS [KIAG]
ADFCE6 94-0135   ---  2013-07-19 19:39:59 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS
ADFCF3 94-0148   ---  2013-07-19 19:23:13 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS
ADFD03 95-0055   ---  2013-07-19 19:16:49 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS
AE11DD 76-1606   SNTRY40 2013-07-19 18:26:04 E-3B United States USAF | 552ACW [KTIK]
AE4E1A ------   LAC5729 2013-07-19 17:23:58 ------ United States ---
AE1481 166764   OTIS32 2013-07-19 16:52:51 KC-130J United States USMC | VMGR-352 [KNKX]
AE1498 00-2000   PEACH99 2013-07-19 16:49:49 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB]
ADFC6B 90-0408   ---  2013-07-19 16:12:32 T-1A United States USAF | 71FTW | 32FTS [KEND]
AE4E1A ------   LAC5729 2013-07-19 16:12:04 ------ United States ---
AE10C6 159364/165509   ---  2013-07-19 16:10:22 CT-39G United States USN | TW-6 | VT-86 [KNPA]
AE123D 04-4132   BOE32 2013-07-19 14:54:54 C-17A United States USAF | 305AMW | 6AS [KWRI]
AE1498 00-2000   PEACH99 2013-07-19 12:34:52 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB]
00000A Various   ---  2013-07-19 12:26:53 Various Various ---
AE0606 80-0332   CROME 31 2013-07-19 04:59:14 C-130H United States GA ANG | 165AW | 158AS [KSAV]
AE1286 69-5819   SHADO92 2013-07-19 03:48:36 MC-130p United States USAF | 1SOW | 9SOS [KHRT]
AE12B4 65-0993   SHADO91 2013-07-19 03:15:43 MC-130P United States USAF | 58SOW | 550SOS [KIKR]
AE1294 89-0283   TALON 11 2013-07-19 03:05:21 MC-130h United States USAF | 1SOW | 15SOS [KHRT]
AE1236 03-3125   RCH362 2013-07-19 02:55:35 C-17A United States USAF | 305AMW | 6AS [KWRI]
AF14EC ------   ---  2013-07-19 02:42:14 ------ United States ---
AE1492 96-0042 ???   PEACH98 2013-07-19 00:37:06 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB]

Navy Satellite Launch to Boost DoD Satellite Communications

By Steven A. Davis, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command Public Affairs

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. (NNS) -- The Navy's second Mobile User Objective System satellite was launched today at 9:00 a.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex 41. The successful launch represents a key step in providing enhanced satellite communications for the Navy and Department of Defense (DoD).

 MUOS is a next-generation narrowband tactical satellite communications system designed to significantly improve beyond-line-of-sight communications for U.S. forces on the move. MUOS will provide military users 10 times more communications capacity over the existing system by leveraging 3G mobile technology, including simultaneous voice and data capability.

 "The MUOS-2 launch is an especially significant event for the program because not only are we launching the second satellite, but the ground system, the networking software and the waveform are all aligning at the same time," explained Navy Cmdr. Matt Bohlin, the MUOS principal assistant program manager. "With MUOS-2 on-orbit this fall, we'll be testing the full system with all the new capabilities that it brings to the warfighter."

 The first MUOS satellite, launched in February 2012 and accepted for operational use by U.S. Strategic Command in November, has been providing high quality voice communications for users.

 The Navy plays a key role in national space efforts by providing narrowband satellite communications for the DoD and other government agencies. MUOS satellite communications capability is designed for mobile users who require high-speed mission data with higher data rates and improved operational availability.

 Bohlin says users requiring these essential services will soon see significantly improved benefits when the full system suite comes on-line.

 "Users are going to notice more bandwidth that is accessible on demand as opposed to preplanned channels, better voice quality and better connectivity while not being impacted by remote regions, urban environments or inclement weather." he said. "It will be a revolutionary leap for satellite communications for DoD."

 With current capability, tactical users have limited access to narrowband satellite communications, and channels must be preplanned and allocated. Additionally, dismounted users had to be stationary to acquire the satellite.

 With MUOS, users will have access on demand and be able to use the service while on the move and in all environments and weather to talk to beyond-line-of-sight recipients, whether they are on the other side of a mountain or the other side of the world.

 Services will also be available for platforms such as ships, aircraft and vehicles.

 Over the next several days, the satellite, which functions much like a cell tower in space, will transition to its geosynchronous orbit location 22,000 miles above the earth. Its solar arrays and mesh antennas will then be deployed and on-orbit testing will begin for eventual commissioning into service.

 The constellation of four satellites and one on-orbit spare will extend narrowband communications availability well past 2025.

 The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, the Navy's Program Executive Office for Space Systems, Chantilly, Va., and its Communications Satellite Program Office, San Diego, are responsible for the MUOS program.

Taking off!

A B-2 Spirit from the 509th Bomb Wing lifts off of the runway as part of a training mission at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., July 9, 2013. The B-2 brings massive firepower to bear, in a short time, anywhere on the globe through previously impenetrable defenses. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nick Wilson/Released)

An A-10 Thunderbolt from the 442nd Fighter Wing takes off of the runway during a training sortie at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., July 9, 2013. The A-10 Thunderbolt IIs are the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close air support of ground forces. They are simple, effective and survivable twin-engine jet aircraft that can be used against all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nick Wilson/Released)