Vermont Air Guard Says Last Of F-16s To Depart In April

158th Fighter Wing Air National Guard officials have announced that the last of the Vermont Air Guard’s F-16s will depart the base in April. Colonel David Smith says the F-16s 32-year history in Vermont ANG will end in April 2019. 

WCAX-TV Channel 3 in South Burlington reports at that point, the last of the Guard's planes will move to another Air Guard base. The first of the F-16s arrived at the base back in 1986. Smith says planes have been slowly sent away from the base over the past 12 months, and the Guard is working on a celebration for the F-16 send-off in April. Officials say the base is preparing for the arrival of F-35s in September.

U.S. Marine Corps moves forward with F-35 transition

By Courtesy Story, Headquarters Marine Corps

Rear Adm. Cynthia Thebaud, commander of Expeditionary Strike Group Two takes the shooter stance while she launches an F-35B Lightning II off the flight deck of USS Wasp, on the Atlantic Ocean, May 26, 2015. Wasp, with VMFA-121 and VMFAT-501 embarked, is underway conducting the first phase of operational testing for the F-35B aircraft, which will evaluate the full spectrum of F-35B measures of suitability and effectiveness in an at-sea environment.

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Marine Corps' F-35B Lightning II aircraft reached initial operational capability (IOC) on July 31, 2015 with a squadron of 10 F-35Bs ready for world-wide deployment.

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 (VMFA-121), based in Yuma, Arizona, was the first squadron in military history to become operational with an F-35 variant after completing years of developmental and operational testing, followed by an intensive Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI). This ORI, which included a capstone surge day, demonstrated that the aircraft and squadron have successfully met all IOC criteria.

"Marine Corps IOC for the F-35B is a significant accomplishment, but we will not stop to celebrate. In addition to aggressively continuing to mature this platform, we will further refine the operational concepts that allow us to fully leverage this transformational capability,” said Gen. Joseph Dunford in a July 2015 statement, when he was serving as Commandant of the Marine Corps. "It is capable of conducting close air support, offensive and defensive counter air, air interdiction, assault support escort and armed reconnaissance as part of a Marine Air Ground Task Force, or in support of the Joint Force."

Dunford added that the F-35B's ability to conduct operations from expeditionary airstrips and sea-based carriers provides our nation and its allies with our first 5th generation strike fighter, which will transform the way the Navy-Marine Corps team fights as a Marine Air-Ground Task Force

The Marine Corps has a program of record to procure 353 F-35Bs and 67 F-35Cs, for a total of 420 aircraft. As the future of Marine Corps tactical aviation, the F-35 will eventually replace three legacy platforms: the AV-8B Harrier, the F/A-18 Hornet, and the EA-6B Prowler. The transition is scheduled to be complete for active duty

Marine Corps aviation squadrons in fiscal year 2031. It is not a one-for-one swap. Because of the enhanced capabilities of the F-35, this strike fighter will replace a significantly greater number of legacy aircraft.

“The performance of VMFA-121, and the entire Marine Corps F-35B team over the past several years, has reinforced my feeling that we not only have great Marines in this program, but that we are giving them the right aircraft,” said Lt. Gen. Jon Davis, Deputy Commandant for Aviation. 

Harrier squadrons will gradually transition to F-35 squadrons over the next 11 years. The planned sundown for the AV-8B is in 2026. This is, however, subject to review, assessment and final decision in 2019.

Marine Corps Hornet squadrons will gradually transition to F-35 squadrons over the next fifteen years. The planned sundown for the Marine Corps F/A-18 is in 2030. As with the Harrier, this is subject to review, assessment and final decision in 2019.

The four EA-6B squadrons at Cherry Point, North Carolina will begin retiring their Prowlers at the rate of one squadron per year, beginning in 2016.

“We intend to extract maximum value and service life out of our Harriers, Hornets and Prowlers,” added Davis.

The U.S. Marine Corps has trained and qualified more than 50 Marine F-35B pilots and certified about 500 maintenance personnel to assume autonomous, organic-level maintenance support for the F-35B.

VMFA-121's recent operational status will be followed by Marine Attack Squadron 211 (VMA-211), an AV-8B squadron, which is scheduled to receive their first F-35Bs in 2016, and become fully operational within two years. In 2018, VMFA-122, an F/A-18 squadron in Beaufort, South Carolina, will begin conducting its transition to the F-35B. Another Hornet squadron, VMFA-115, will start transitioning to the F-35 in early 2020. VMA-311 is scheduled to follow suit later that year.

The F-35’s fifth-generation air superiority preserves U.S. national security and ensures optimum international security across the globe as integrated coalition operations enable the U.S., United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, Canada, Australia, Denmark, Norway, Japan, Israel and South Korea to fight shoulder-to-shoulder with an unrivaled first-look, first-shot, first-kill capability.

VFA-113, NAS Lemoore Say Goodbye to the F/A-18C Hornet

 An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22, flown by Lt. Cmdr. Warren Tomlinson and Lt. j.g. Josh Raymond, and an F/A-18C Hornet assigned to VFA-113, flown by Cmdr. Craig Sicola, join a formation of aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 during a mission flown from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson and CVW 17 are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James R. Evans/Released)

By Ensign Timothy Cole, Strike Fighter Squadron 113 Public Affairs Officer

LEMOORE, Calif. (NNS) -- The "Stingers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 113 conducted the last flight of a fleet F/A-18C Hornet based at Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore Feb. 17.

 The flight was conducted by VFA-113's Maintenance Officer Lt. Cmdr. Kristen "Dragon" Hansen.

 VFA-113 completed the transition from the A-7E Corsair II to the F/A-18A Hornet Dec. 14, 1983, making the Stinger's the Navy's first fleet operational combat ready strike fighter squadron, and establishing the squadron motto of "First and Finest." In 1989, VFA-113 accepted delivery of the upgraded F/A-18C hornet. In March, VFA-113 will begin transitioning to the F/A-18E Super Hornet.

 In August 2014, the squadron embarked on its final combat deployment with the F/A-18C and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). The Stingers performed exceptionally on deployment, flying 367 combat missions in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

 "The legacy F/A-18 has served the Navy brilliantly as a supersonic fighter for over 30 years," said Cmdr. Eric C. Doyle, the commanding officer of the Stingers. "While we remain proud of all the good work we have done with the F/A-18C, we are excited to begin transitioning to some brand new F/A-18E super hornets."

 "It has been an honor and a privilege to fly the F/A-18C Hornet across the Lemoore flight line for the last 10 years," said Hansen. "Although I am excited about receiving our new jets, the 'Charlie' has served me and the majority of the Lemoore Hornet community well over the course of our careers. Our maintainers have done a spectacular job of keeping these aging aircraft combat ready despite the many challenges associated with high-flight hour jets. I'll appreciate the extra gas, but admit that I'll be a little sad when I have to say 'Rhino Ball' vice 'Hornet Ball' behind the boat!"

 After the completion of carrier qualifications for the pilots of VFA-113, the final step in the transition process to the F/A-18E being certified as "Safe-for-Flight." Part of that process involves the loading and delivery of live ordnance. Strike Fighter Weapons School Pacific will conduct the Conventional Weapons Technical Proficiency Inspection (CWTPI) for VFA-113 at the beginning of June. Following the completion of CWTPI, the Stingers will become the newest member of the Super Hornet community, making NAS Lemoore an all super hornet flight line.

 Aviation Electrician's Mate Second Class David Shimizu is looking forward to the benefits of the transition as well.

 "As we think of the word 'transition,' we think of strenuous and difficult times, but in reality, it is our opportunity to purge and rethink our priorities and be intentional about new habits," said Shimizu. "As individuals we set out new goals to be our personal best whether if it is in the work environment, or life in general. We as a team have always pushed ourselves to strive to be the best at any task put forth. Now as we close one chapter of our lives and open a new one, we have the opportunity to make our new normal anything we want."

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."

Historic HS-4 Transitions to HSC-4

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Shawnte Bryan, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The "Black Knights" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4 became Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 4, during a transition ceremony at Naval Base Coronado, March 29.

The primary mission of the legendary "Black Knights" has always been anti-submarine warfare. However, with the transition from the SH-60F Sea Hawk helicopter to MH-60S Sea Hawk, the squadron adds search and rescue, combat search and rescue, special operations support and logistics as secondary missions.

"With this ceremony the legendary 'Black Knights' will embark on a new path, and with any decision of the future there will be uncertainties, but one thing that is clear is that the future is bright," said retired Capt. Michael Fuqua, a former commanding officer of HS-4.

Since the announcement of the transition in October 2011, HSC-4 has been training with the Fleet Replacement Squadron of HSC-3 to ensure a solid transition.

"We are learning the new airframe by going to HSC-3 to train with their instructor pilots," said Cmdr. Tamara K. Graham, commanding officer of HSC-4. "And our maintainers go over [to HSC-3] to execute maintenance under the instruction of already trained maintenance professionals."

After months of training, hard work and the official transition, the men and women of the legendary "Black Knights" can now call themselves "plank owners."

"When you work for a command that is called a legend in history, maintaining that representation is going to be challenging, especially being the first to be called HSC-4," said Aviation Machinist Mate 1st Class Miguel Caro, "but we are all up for the task."

HS-4's most famous helicopter was the SH-3D Sea King "Helicopter 66" which was used to pick up astronauts from Apollo 8, 10, 11, 12 and 13. Recently, HS-4 deployed and supported Operation Tomodachi to aid tsunami victims in Japan, as well as Operations New Dawn in Iraq and Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

"HS-4, at least in my eyes, is the best and greatest squadron that ever was and ever will be, and is truly legendary," said Fuqua.

Graham said by the end of May, HSC-4 expects to be fully transitioned and equipped with seven new MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopters.

Newly Named HSC 12 Carries on Rich Tradition

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Sarah E. Bitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) -- After 57 years of service, the longest standing helicopter squadron in Navy history, Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 2 (HS-2), became the most recent squadron to transition to the MH-60S Seahawk Helicopter and changed its name to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 12 (HSC-12) during a ceremony on Naval Air Station North Island, Aug. 6.

Despite the new command designation, aircraft and mission, at least one thing remained unchanged - the squadron's keeps its nickname, "Golden Falcons".

"The aircraft may look different, the name may be different, but the excellence, the history, the dedication, the courage and the legacy of HS-2 not only will remain, but that is the foundation that will be the bedrock that these men and women will use to build HSC-12's legacy from this day forward," said Cmdr. Terence Hoeft, a native of Livonia, Mich., HSC-12 commanding officer.

Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class (AW) John Alba, a Porterville, Calif., native, explained that he is looking forward to the new experience and is happy to be part of this transition.

"This is my first squadron, and it's going to be a great experience," said Alba. "It is a great experience to say that I am plankowner of the squadron, and I am very excited to be a part of it."

This transition is a major milestone for the "Golden Falcons," who were established March 7, 1952 as the first anti-submarine warfare helicopter squadron on the West coast. The squadron has flown six different models of helicopters, most recently the SH-60F and HH-60H, which are now being retired as the squadron accepts MH-60S Seahawks. The squadron will lose the anti-submarine warfare mission, but HSC-12 will continue to focus on the core mission areas of search and rescue, combat search and rescue, naval special warfare, anti-surface warfare and logistics.

Holloman prepares for Raptor

Milcom blog editor note: Selected frequencies for the base posted after the story.

by Airman 1st Class Rachel Kocin, 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs


HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (AFPN) -- After retiring the F-117A Nighthawk, officials here are now preparing for the arrival of the F-22A Raptor.

With the new aircraft come many transition projects.

"One of the projects we have going on is phasing out tools used exclusively for the F-117," said Chief Master Sgt. James Harris, chief of the 9th Aircraft Maintenance Unit. "Then phasing in, getting our support section spun up with the F-22 equipment and tools,"

To help with the transition, a self help project called the West Area Revitalization Team is currently performing numerous upgrades to the base's infrastructure, said Maj. Bryan Bobeck, 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron maintenance operations officer. These upgrades include replacing floors, painting, building offices and completing roofing jobs.

"There is a lot of work that has to be done and it's kept our folks employed and has actually helped the 49th Civil Engineering Squadron with taking some of the burden of all the work orders," said Major Bobeck. "That has been a huge effort that has saved thousands of dollars and has helped the MXG improve not only the appearance of its facilities but its functionality as well."

Since there are no jets on Holloman, officials said the maintainers will fill their time training while they wait for the F-22 to arrive.

"There will be formal training, computer based training, and on the job training," said Chief Harris. "The biggest portion will be on the job training."

Initially an F-22A Cadre from Langley Air Force Base, Va., and other bases will conduct the training. The goal is for the cadre to train future F-22 trainers at Holloman AFB.

Holloman AFB, NM KHMN

Aero Comms (AM mode)
119.300 Holloman Tower
120.600 Approach Control/Radar Service
125.700 Ground Controlled Approach Radar
126.700 Clearance Delivery
126.900 Mission Communications "Cherokee"
127.050 Holloman Ground
128.100 Departure Control
132.650 Approach/Departure Control - Albuquerque ARTCC (Roswell RCAG)
229.300 Army Aviation Operations
255.900 Holloman Tower
257.600 Approach/Departure Control - Albuquerque ARTCC (Roswell RCAG)
269.225 Approach Control/Radar Service
271.300 Ground Controlled Approach Radar
273.500 ATIS
275.800 Holloman Ground
284.00 Departure Control
289.400 Clearance Delivery
305.500 Mission Communications "Cherokee"
320.100 Ground Controlled Approach Radar
339.300 Ground Controlled Approach Radar
346.500 Metro
351.100 Ground Controlled Approach Radar
372.200 Pilot to Dispatch (PTD)
372.900 Ground Controlled Approach Radar
381.300 ACC Command Post
392.000 Ground Controlled Approach Radar
396.000 Ground Controlled Approach Radar
398.200 Ground Controlled Approach Radar