Space Command striving for improved field communications

by Tech. Sgt. Kurt Arkenberg, 90th Space Wing Public Affairs
This illustration shows how the Combat Airborne Network could improve communication and situational awareness between the security forces on the ground and the missile alert facility by eliminating dead spots in the field and limiting signal degradation by establishing a wireless mesh network.

F. E. Warren AFB, Wyo. -- Members of Air Force Space Command's Space Innovation and Development Center were on hand in Warren's Quebec flight area recently but they weren't looking to the area's Peacekeeper past; they were demonstrating the future.

"We're here to continue demonstrations of the Combat Airborne Network," said Maj. Jeffrey Zornes, U.S. Air Force Tactical Exploitation of National Capabilities, Commercial Integration Division deputy chief. "We're hoping to gather range and signal quality data to further this platform's opportunities in any [area of responsibility]."

Development and initial operational checks were conducted in Colorado Springs, Colo., and Chandler, Ariz., but when it came to "kick the tires and light the fires," Warren got the nod to host the demonstration for many good reasons.

"Warren's missile fields seemed ideal for the second round of demonstrations," said Maj. Zornes. "The landscape, weather patterns and sparse population help in the data gathering of quality information and provide a quiet environment for the demonstration."

The areas' sparse population allows for more control of another demonstration variable -- interference from wireless communications signals. As anyone who's driven throughout Warren's missile complex knows, there are few cell phone relay antennas and plenty of dead spots with no wireless coverage.

The system, which uses one or more high-altitude balloons, effectively becomes the communications link for ground forces and a command and control tool for strategists away from the front line.

"We are excited to host a demonstration that highlights security forces applications in Warren's missile field," said 1st Lt. Andrew Pisut, 90th Communications Squadron. "During a mock SF response, this airborne wireless network will allow for greater command and control information to pass between the response team and the missile alert facility."

In addition to voice and data, the SIDC hopes to demonstrate streaming video and platform survivability capabilities.

"The more applications and abilities we can demonstrate with this system, the more beneficial it will be to those warfighters on the ground around the world," said Major Zornes. "With multiple balloons we can create a wireless mesh network that will automatically reroute the information to the clearest path, limiting degradation of the system due to jamming or destruction of a platform by the enemy."

As Major Zornes and others involved with the program proceeded through the development of the CAN, they continued to look for applications in every aspect of operations. For Warren, they see increased situational awareness during convoy or security forces response operations, the elimination of communication "dead spots" and potentially a deployable emergency wireless network throughout the complex.

The demonstration here should give the SIDC more concrete data on the system's abilities, and a better picture of the range and quality of the signal sent. With that information, they can continue to improve the system and grow its operational uses across the services.

"This demonstration will go a long way to solidify the system," said Major Zornes. "And its success here is a great example of the Air Force's 'total force' concept working toward improving operations for all branches of service.

"It takes all components of the Air Force to run a demonstration like thi, he said." Active duty, Guard, Reserve and Department of Defense civilians have all come together to work this project."

Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Performs Anti-Sub Warfare Exercise

The Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine USS Miami (SSN 755) surfaces in the North Arabian Sea during an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise with the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group. 9U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jhi L. Scott)

The Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12 concluded a three-day, multi-unit exercise Nov. 13 aimed at sharpening its anti-submarine warfare (ASW) skills.

This exercise was geared toward maintaining security and stability in the region and is one of several exercises taking place in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility ensuring the U.S. Navy maintains the highest state of readiness and is capable of executing a broad range of operations, focusing on maintaining regional security and stability.

The ASW training ranged from practicing individual technician skills to coordinating multi-platform deterrent measures. Carrier strike groups hold these exercises routinely to maintain proficiency and demonstrate anti-submarine capabilities.

"This was a routine training exercise to help our forces maintain a full-range of readiness," said Rear Adm. Dan Holloway, commander, CSG 12. "These exercises also help reassure regional countries of our ability to maintain security for lawful use of the sea."

"The value of conducting an anti-submarine warfare exercise during deployment cannot be understated," said Cmdr. Rich Bryant, USS Miami's (SSN 755) commanding officer. "We get the best training when we break out the play book and ensure we are ready for anything we're tasked to do."

"Our efforts are geared toward maintaining regional security, which helps build regional stability and global economic prosperity," said Holloway.

The exercise included participation from CSG 12, USS Enterprise (CVN 65), Destroyer Squadron 2, Carrier Air Wing 1, USS Gettysburg (CG 64), USNS Supply (T-AOE 6), USS Philadelphia (SSN 690) and Miami.

CSG 12 is operating in the North Arabian Sea in support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO) and Operation Enduring Freedom.

MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations. These operations seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

UAV detachment stands up at Creech

MQ-1 Predator (USAF Photo)

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFPN) -- A new detachment has been established at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., to manage MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle operational test and evaluation and force development evaluation for Air Combat Command.

The Airmen assigned to Det. 4, a unit of the 53rd Test Management Group based at Eglin AFB, Fla., provide operational expertise for developmental test and evaluation for new sensors, weapons, hardware and software upgrades, including developing operational procedures and training aircrews and maintainers.

The detachment evolved from the 53rd Test and Evaluation Group Det. 4, currently operating the MQ-1 Predator at Creech. Program managers, flight test analysts and engineers make up the new Det. 4, with pilots and sensor operators remaining with the 53rd TEG's Det. 4.

MQ-9 Reaper (USAF Photo)

Kirkuk airspace returned to Iraqi control

SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- United States Central Command Air Forces officials transferred control of Kirkuk air traffic control assigned airspace to the Baghdad Air Control Center on Nov. 15.

Under the U.S. CENTAF Airspace Transition Concept, airspace above 29,000 feet was transferred back to Iraq sovereign control. The Baghdad ACC was the first in a series of stages to stand up Aug. 30. Following the completion of the Kirkuk transfer, Ali (southern) airspace control will transfer in the January 2008 timeframe.

When the transition process is complete, the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority will be responsible for control of all airspace over Iraq at 29,000 feet and above.

The Combined Forces Air Component Commander retains the authority to take back sections of airspace in order to accomplish any military missions.

Officials begin to clear F-15Es to full-mission status

by Tech. Sgt. Russell Wicke, Air Combat Command Public Affairs
Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles are undergoing inspections that will return them to flying status. Once all the E-model aircraft are certified, inspections will begin on earlier versions of the F-15. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Craig Seals)

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (AFPN) -- Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft are now undergoing a safety inspection that will return them to flying status according to an order issued Nov. 11 by Gen. John Corley, the commander of Air Combat Command.

Each of the 224 E-model aircraft require the completion of a 13-hour time-compliance technical order that inspects hydraulic system lines, the fuselage structure, or longerons, as well as structure-related panels.

General Corley ordered all F-15 models grounded after the mechanical failure and crash of a Missouri Air National Guard F-15C Nov. 2. The F-15s were grounded based on suspected structural fatigue in the Air Force's remaining 665 aging F-15s. The E-models are the Air Force's latest F-15 aircraft and average about 15 years in age.

"We were able to determine, based on initial reports from an engineering analysis, that the F-15E is not susceptible to the same potential cause of the Missouri mishap," said Col. Frederick Jones, ACC Combat Aircraft Division chief.

The TCTO inspection, he said, is designed to confirm the engineering analysis.

"Our inspections will be very methodical and thorough ... safety is an essential focus," Colonel Jones said, assuring the F-15Es will not be "rushed" back to flight.

Although the F-15E models are newer, they only represent about one third of the Air Force's F-15s. The older majority of the F-15s are of more concern for Air Force officials.

"What we've got here is an example, in the C model, of what happens when you have an airplane that's about 25 years old," said Maj. Gen. David Gillett, ACC director of logistics.

The Nov. 2 crash also demonstrates the importance of recapitalizing the Air Force's fighter fleet, said the general. ACC's current fleet is the oldest in Air Force history. New systems are more capable, cost less to operate, require fewer people to maintain and can survive modern threat environments, ACC officials have said.

According to General Gillett, it's not just flight safety that draws concern on the aging F-15, but the mounting maintenance costs.

"What you find is that it becomes more and more expensive to modify [the F-15 airframe] over time," he said "Our costs have gone up 87 percent in the last five years and continue to rise rapidly. Even when you invest in an old airframe, you still have an old airframe."

The 13-hour maintenance inspection is being conducted at each location where the F-15Es are located. According to Colonel Jones, inspections of the E-models in the Southwest Asia area of responsibility have been completed already. Colonel Jones said a similar process will take place for the remaining models (A through D) of the F-15, which are approximately two thirds of the F-15 fleet. Specific details of that inspection are being worked out by ACC engineering experts.

Meanwhile, Air Force officials have stated they will remain engaged in meeting their worldwide mission requirements with safety as the "number-one essential focus." Officials in ACC said the command continues to ensure the integrity of all air sovereignty alert missions and protection of the United States from air attacks.

Bright Star Underway - Paratroopers Make Jump

Paratroopers from five nations descend onto Koum Asheem drop zone in Egypt as part of Exercise Bright Star. (US Army Photo)

U.S. and coalition forces conducted a “Friendship Jump” at Koum Asheem drop zone in Cairo Sunday as part of Exercise Bright Star.

The joint-combined exercise continues through Nov. 19. It includes a computer-aided command post exercise, airborne operations, naval operations, and special forces training exercises conducted by the components of U.S. Central Command. This year’s exercise demonstrates the shift in modern warfare by focusing on technology as a battlefield enabler, USCENTCOM officials said.

The airborne operation began at 6:30 a.m. Sunday with about 200 paratroopers participating from the United States, Egypt, Kuwait, Germany, and Yemen. There was an airborne wing exchange at the conclusion of the jump.

Nearly 7,100 Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Sailors from Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Netherlands, Pakistan, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States and Yemen are participating in this year’s Bright Star exercise.

About 200 members of the New York Army National Guard’s 42nd Infantry (Rainbow) Division headquarters are part of this week’s command post exercise in Egypt. The division, with supporting elements from New Hampshire, New Jersey and Minnesota, will team with members of the Egyptian Army’s 9th Armor Division command and staff to replicate a multinational senior headquarters during the battle simulation.

Bright Star is designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships for U.S. and coalition forces while increasing awareness and appreciation of each participant’s culture, customs and professional military skills, according to the U.S Central Command.

Bright Star is the oldest and largest exercise in the USCENTCOM area of operations. It is a biennial joint/coalition exercise designed to increase regional involvement in pursuit of improved security and defense capabilities.

'Vanguard' Battalion Wrapping Up Its 15-Month Deployment in Iraq

BY By Spc. Nathaniel Smith 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

BAGHDAD, Iraq Nov. 8, 2007 -- It has been 15 months since the Soldiers of U.S. Army Europe's 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry entered a combat zone, answering their nation's call to serve.

Now, the Army has one message for the Schweinfurt, Germany-based Soldiers: Mission complete.

The Soldiers of 1-18th -- the "Vanguards" -- are set to return to Schweinfurt this month after having been deployed since August 2006. The unit is part of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, USAREUR's first brigade to complete a 15-month tour following the Army's decision to extend combat tours from 12 to 15 months.

The deployment was long and full of challenges,said "Vanguards" Command Sgt. Maj. Israr Choudhri, but thought of his daughter safe at home made it all worth it.

"It was worth it, because every day she went to school, I never worried that someone would attack my wife's car with an (improvised explosive device) or (rocket-propelled grenade)," he said. "In order to prevent that from happening to any one of our kids, if I was in Iraq for 15 months, it was all worth it."

Maj. Eric Timmerman, the operations officer for Task Force Vanguard, said he volunteered to join the unit after it had already deployed because he felt it was worth it as well.

Timmerman, who had already served as a battalion-level operations officer, actually worked with 1-18th in training the Soldiers to deploy, and he said being with the troops was one reason he volunteered to be in the position again.

"Believe it or not, once you get to a certain rank, you spend a lot of time on the staff side of things, often very removed from everyday combat Soldiers, and you miss that because really that's kind of why I came in," he said. "It was an opportunity for me, so I jumped at that opportunity."

Choudhri, who initially deployed as a first sergeant with a military intelligence company in Samarra and Mosul, says it has always been about the Soldiers.

"My job as a first sergeant was about taking care of Soldiers," he said. "Now, as a battalion sergeant major, the duty does not change -- taking care of Soldiers."

But the challenges are not over for the troops of the 1-18th. Now they must return home to convey what they've been through here in terms that their families will understand.

Timmerman says his father, who served in Vietnam, taught him how to tell his three sons, ages 9, 11 and 13, about the trials and triumphs he and his troops endured here.

"I remember he never really talked a whole lot about it. With my sons, I think for each one of them I'm going to have to sort of talk about things in a different manner. That will evolve over time as they get older," he said. "I'm not going to talk about the horrors of war with them at such an early age, but they need to know that. I want to be able to paint the experience on the good and the bad side as truthfully as possible."

Timmerman said one of the most difficult things to get his family to understand will be the conflict going on in Iraq.

"There's a whole range of dimensions of things you do, from killing to handing out school books," he said. "I want them to know that we came over here, and we did some killing, some killing was done to us, and that wasn't pretty. When that had to happen, often, other people were affected immediately. The family, somebody else was hurt. It's not as clean as shoot and kill, bad guy down, done."

Timmerman said he also feels it is important for his kids to understand the versatility of America's fighting forces.

"I think their country has trained an Army to be able to go and do these things that I don't think any other army in the world really does to the extent that we do, or takes the amount of care we do to fix a school; to deliver school books and desks; to get packages from family members; and distribute those items to kids on the street -- to try and have a positive outcome to this thing that we're doing," he said.

Ultimately, Timmerman said his troops' ability to react to the complex set of circumstances they faced every day in Baghdad's Rashid District is a point of pride.

"War isn't like a movie. War isn't like 'Band of Brothers' There're so many more dimensions to it. By us being here, in probably one of the most violent places in all of Iraq, we touched a lot of people and we made a difference. We always sought ways to go about helping people.

"Even though we had our game faces on every day and we were ready to deal death, our Soldiers are good enough nowadays they can almost turn on and off like a switch. That's an incredible testament to the guys that are wearing this uniform at all levels. We have a lot to be proud of. I attribute that to discipline and the leadership that we have in this organization. The desire to make every place we went better every time was always there."

'Grey Wolf' Soldiers prepare to head home

BY Spc. Ryan Stroud; 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

BAQOUBA, Iraq (Nov. 5, 2007) -- It was a mild fall season in October 2006 when the Soldiers of the 3rd "Grey Wolf" Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, packed their gear, kissed their families goodbye and headed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08.

Thirteen months later and counting, these brave Soldiers are once again packing their gear and getting ready to deploy once more, this time back to their families in the United States.

Now in the phase of packing their shipment containers, two Soldiers from 1-12 Combined Arms Battalion, are taking the time to reflect on their experiences in Iraq and what they have to look forward to back home.

"We were a major part in the effort out here to provide a safer and securer life to the people of Diyala," said Cpl. Norton Ronald, Company D, 1-12 CAB, and a native of Buffalo, N.Y.

"We were a part of Arrowhead Ripper, Dover Clearance, which was a big part of keeping [an important route] from improvised explosive devices. We cleared Buhriz of all al-Quida and set up an outpost keeping the whole area clear and helping take care of the people out there," he said.

"Things have changed out here and that's great," Ronald said.

According to a CNN broadcast in February, Baqouba was dubbed the most dangerous city in Iraq. Now, many months and countless hours of effort later, CNN has commented that Diyala has made a drastic change and is now on its way to one of the safest provinces in Iraq.

"It feels great!" said an elated Spc. Adamm Creel, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, attached to Co. D, and a native of Portland, Ore..

"Before, when you would go into the cities, you'd get shot at," he said. "Now when we go back, people are happy to see us, kids are out playing, and it's becoming trash free. The people are starting to take care of their city. The cities are looking really nice."

"It feels good knowing that when we first got here, the streets were bare, no people ever came out, and now you can go down the streets and see all the kids out playing soccer and all the people going to the market," added Ronald. "It's 'normal' living here now."

And these two Soldiers know what they're talking about. They saw the mean streets of Baqouba back in the early part of their deployment, and they were there for all the changes.

"I went on missions all the time," said Creel. "I've done a little bit of everything out here - gunned, dismount, drove. I even helped load tanks. I've seen everything you could imagine seeing."

"I helped take the commander, the [executive officer] and first sergeants out to all their meetings at the outpost," added Ronald. "We also supplied rations, food, water and all other supplies they needed to the surrounding areas. Going back and forth, seeing the changes, it's really amazing and we were a part of that."

Now these Soldiers have completed their mission, they now look forward to going home and spending some well-deserved family time with those who know them best.

"I definitely plan on spending lots of time with my family," laughed Ronald. "I have two kids, a daughter that's six and a son that's three; and I haven't been a part of their lives in the past year, so it's time for some quality family time."

"Once I get home, I'm picking up my new car - a '97 Mustang," Creel said. "Then I plan to fly back home and see my family. Hopefully I will get to see my brother who's in Afghanistan right now. He's supposed to be getting home around the same time frame as me, so hopefully we'll get to see each other."

Though many things have changed out here in Iraq for these Soldiers and they're ready to head home, they say there are a few things they will miss about being out here.

"One thing I will miss is being close with all the Soldiers out here," said Ronald. "With the living conditions, you're always around and get to know people really well, making good friends. I know the friendships will pull apart a little bit once we're at home with not living together. But that's okay because we will have our families again."

"One thing I will miss out here is the lack of 'home' stress," added Creel. "There's not many things to worry about out here that you would worry about back at home. You just have to focus on your team and yourself, getting the mission accomplished. You know, it's nice knowing you don't have to worry about your car breaking down over here."

All jokes aside, both Soldiers said they are satisfied with their deployment to Iraq and very happy it's almost over.

"I feel our time out here was alright," Creel said. "You know, you don't want to be away from family and friends, but we accomplished our mission out here and that alone feels good. Not all was bad out here, I did meet and get to hang out with some good people and work with many different groups of people. But I'm happy to be going home. I'm looking forward to being done."

"A lot of good things happened in the year plus we were out here," added Ronald. "It's really nice to see a difference was made."

Colombian Sub Visits Mayport, Supports Maritime Security

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Holly Boynton, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command Public Affairs
Colombian Armada submarine A.R.C. Tayrona enters Mayport Basin during a visit sponsored by U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (NAVSO).(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Holly Boynton)

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (NAVSO) sponsored a port visit to Mayport for Colombian Armada submarine A.R.C. Tayrona (S-29) Oct. 29 through Nov. 11 to further extend its focus on partner nation interaction.

Tayrona made the port visit during a break in training with various U.S. Navy units along the East Coast. The submarine is participating in joint exercises with several U.S. Navy units, including the Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group.

"Tayrona's participation with the U.S. Navy is a great example of how we're promoting strong partnerships in this region," said NAVSO Commander Rear Adm. James W. Stevenson Jr. "Having the submarine in Mayport extends our opportunity to engage with a close regional partner."

The submarine's exercise role stems from their involvement with the diesel electric submarine initiative (DESI). The DESI program coordinates training between the U.S. and foreign navies, focusing on anti-submarine warfare. ESI is a U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF) program with Commander, Submarine Force (CSF) acting the program Executive Agent. Diesel electric submarines' ability to run virtually silent presents a detection challenge to ships and aircraft. These subs are only used by foreign navies, so the U.S. depends on countries such as Colombia to conduct these training exercises.

NAVSO coordinates the interactions between U.S. Navy forces and Latin American military and civil maritime forces through various exercises and events within U.S. Southern Command's area of focus. For DESI participants, including Tayrona, NAVSO sponsors port visits to Naval Station Mayport, providing the crew an opportunity to rest and to use various training facilities.

"During the time in port, the crew can use the facilities here at Mayport, as well as at Kings Bay, to include the simulators for the submarine as well as the fire-fighting, damage control, and flooding facilities they have here to train the crew," explained Colombian Capt. Hernan Ospina, a foreign liaison officer assigned to NAVSO. "This gives the crew access to very important training that increases their proficiency in operating a submarine."

Tayrona's port visit and participation in the training exercises gave the Colombian Sailors the chance to interact with U.S. Sailors at sea and on shore at Naval Station Mayport.

"The interaction between the two navies is important because we are both battling against the illegal flow of drugs, and the operation of the submarine is a good way to prove the communications and connectivity between the two navies," said Colombian Capt. Carlos Polania, Tayrona's commanding officer.

After their visit to Mayport, Tayrona's crew returned to sea to continue anti-submarine warfare training with the Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group.

USS Hopper and the USS Port Royal Deploy

Family and friends wave farewell to Sailors aboard guided-missile destroyer USS Hopper (DDG 70) as she departs Naval Station Pearl Harbor for deployment. Hopper and guided-missile cruiser USS Port Royal (CG 73) deployed with the San Diego element of Tarawa Expeditionary Strike Group for a six-month deployment to the 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paul D. Honnick)

Oklahoma City Returns to Norfolk

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Dean Lohmeyer, Commander, Submarine Force Public Affairs


The Los Angeles class fast-attack submarine USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723) returned to its home port of Norfolk, Virginia, November 9 following a regularly scheduled six-month deployment.

The crew demonstrated the submarine force ability to make full use of every asset they have in the most productive way possible. While deployed, Oklahoma City completed a wide range of joint requirements supporting national security in the Central Command area of responsibility.

Cmdr. Ed Mayer, commanding officer of Oklahoma City, is justifiably proud of his crew and their performance on this deployment.

"We took the Oklahoma City halfway around the world, we defended freedom and we supported the global war on terrorism," said Mayer. "These guys operated this submarine in shallow water, high contact-density environments, very challenging navigational areas, and they did it safely. They did a unique and important mission for our country."

Oklahoma City deployed May 11 as the first submarine in the Navy to certify and deploy using the Voyage Management System (VMS). VMS is a combination of digital charts, constant global positioning system fixes, environmental sensors and electronic command and control that allowed the submarine to eliminate many of the constraining aspects of navigation when using paper charts.

"It gave us a new level of situational awareness to navigate at a new level of safety," said Mayer. "I'm a believer. I really like it."

Tricia McMurtray is the command ombudsman for Oklahoma City. She was very happy to have her husband, Machinist's Mate First Class Petty Officer (SS) Michael McMurtray, home for the holidays.

"I'm very excited," said McMurtray. "I'm glad he's home and I'm glad (the deployment) is done."

In her position as ombudsman, McMurtray was personally involved with many Oklahoma City family members. It was a job she didn't take lightly.

"It was an honor that the commanding officer felt confident in my abilities to have me support the family members while they were home," she said. "I was glad I could be of help."

During the deployment, Oklahoma City's crew members served as ambassadors for the United States Navy during port visits to Rota, Spain; Bahrain; Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates; Diego Garcia; Souda Bay, Crete, Greece; and Toulon, France.

ATFLIR: CVW-1 Gets New Targeting System

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph R. Wax, USS Enterprise Public Affairs/Fleet Public Affairs Center, Atlantic

Military technology serves many purposes including keeping our Sailors, Marines, Soldiers and Airman safe. USS Enterprise (CVN 65) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 are currently deployed with a new targeting system for its F/A-18s designed to do just that.

The ASQ-228 Advanced Targeting Forward Looking Infrared (ATFLIR) system is an upgrade from the (targeting) TFLIR system previously used. It increases the altitude that the pilots can safely and effectively use their weapons.

"It operates at 25,000 feet," said Chief Aviation Electronics Technician (AW/SW) Terry Brown, a branch leading chief petty officer for Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD). "The older version had a lower ceiling. The higher altitude keeps the pilots safer."

The new system is also an upgrade to the targeting view finder, which allows the pilots to more accurately hit their targets.

"The new view mode isn't just infrared," said Marine Cpl. Giovanni Velasco, a FLIR tech in AIMD's IM-3 shop. "It has a TV mode allowing the pilot to watch it as it happens."

The troops on the ground have access to the same picture the pilots are looking at to ensure the right targets are being hit.

According to Velasco, when infantry call calls for back-up now, troops on the ground can watch the same thing as the pilots. The higher resolution allows for more effective identification of the intended target.

Enterprise was the second carrier to deploy with the new targeting system. There are currently 38 pods on board active with the new system. The technicians in the radar and FLIR shop spend countless hours ensuring they are ready to go.

"It takes about 12 hours to take apart[the pod], and 12 more to put it back together," said Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class (AW) Darryn Lubonski, an AIMD FLIR technician. "Total it takes about one week to get online."

The length of time spent working on the new systems is directly related to how detailed and delicate a process it is.

The new ATFLIR system has one screw that literally takes two hours to put in according to Lubonski. "Because of its location, we can only turn it one-eighth of a turn each time, he said"

The technicians in Enterprise's Radar and FLIR shop aren't just making the pilots jobs safer and more effective; they are saving the Navy millions of dollars.

According to Velasco, the Enterprise technicians have saved the Navy more than $5 million doing the work on the new systems themselves instead of having them shipped off to be worked on by civilian contractors.

Crew Members Rescued from Navy Helo Crash off Cal Coast

All seven crew members were rescued from a crash of a Navy HH-60H Seahawk helicopter off the coast of southern California Nov. 11 and returned safely to USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) with minor injuries.

The helicopter crashed at approximately 9 p.m. local time.

The helicopter is assigned to "Golden Falcons" Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 2, stationed at Naval Air Station North Island. It was providing support for the Abraham Lincoln Strike Group at the time of the crash. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

The Everett, Wash.-based Nimitz-class aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, embarked Carrier Air Wing 2, the ships of Destroyer Squadron 9, and commander, Carrier Strike Group 9 are underway approximately 100 miles from San Diego participating in Composite Training Unit Exercise.

The exercise is designed to enhance the interoperability of the strike group. The strike group is completing qualifications in preparation to deploy overseas early next year.

The Department of Homeland Security Strikes Again

Capt. David Swatland, Deputy Commander of Coast Guard Sector San Francisco, speaks to the media aboard the CGC Sockeye in San Francisco Bay November 12, 2007. The media was aboard the Sockeye to view beach cleanup efforts and the damage to fenders along the Bay Bridge. The M/V Cosco Busan struck the fender system on the bridge November 7, 2007, spilling 58,000 gallons of oil into the bay. (Unified Command photo by Coast Guard Petty Officer Second Class Prentice Danner)

I said this when Congress shoved this insanity known as the Department of Homeland Security down the American taxpayers throats --

"This will be one of the biggest waste of time, money, energy, manpower and skin in US Government history, and the government agencies that are absorbed into this new monster bureaucracy will suffer as well. The American taxpayer can stand by to take a broadside in the wallet when taxpayer money flows like honey in grants and expenditures from the new DHS. And this will continue until someone in GAO grows a set and stops the fraud, waste and abuse that will result from the creation of this new bureaucracy."

But no, instead of taking a deep breath and a pause after 9/11, the politicians in Congress rushed headlong into the issue and created this new home for every Cold War warrior able to draw a breath to work. You boys breathing easier now that you are back on the government payroll?

You can see more on this absolutely worthless government department in action at
http://monitor-post.blogspot.com/2007/10/another-government-loser-700-mhz-ps.html

And in the now this. Yesterday we find that the the oil spill plaguing San Francisco Bay has raised fresh questions about the changing mission of the U.S. Coast Guard (an agency that use to be in the Department of Transportation that is now a part of DHS-LVH), with critics saying the agency's new homeland security duties have eroded its ability to tackle such environmental disasters.

Last March, the Coast Guard disbanded its department that helped set up oil-spill response exercises and reassigned more than a dozen people to homeland security duties.

Way to go DHS! Let's do this the government way. Keep re-organizing that organizational chart every time you screw up. Remember the government has four ways to fix things when they are broke and under public scrutiny:

1. Conduct more training to fix the problem (this is the old Tailhook scandal principle)
2. Spend more taxpayer money to fix the problem.
3. Re-organize the government organizational chart or carve out a new government department.
4. A combination of any of the above or all three.

Bet we will see more personal pour back into this area of the CG mission after Congress gets a hold of them in hearings. But which other program will pay the cost when those personnel are moved? What other CG program will suffer?

You can read the complete story on all this online at the LA Times:
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/front/la-me-spill13nov13,1,5989374.story?coll=la-headlines-frontpage&ctrack=1&cset=true

Death of Spy Satellite Program

Truthout has reprinted a New York Times piece by Philip Taubman on the death of a US spy satellite program at http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/111207P.shtml. How to spend $5 billion of taxpayer money and get absolutely nothing.

I have said this publicly before - the fact that they wrap these black space programs in secrecy to hide them from our enemies is a joke. So you Cold War warriors in DC think that the Russians, Chinese, North Koreans, etc, don't know or have any details on all these orbiting systems?

Hell, they know more than the US taxpayer.

Let's get to the real truth here. The government is, in fact, really hiding how much money they have spent and wasted on these black sat programs. And who is responsible for oversight on these programs- Congress. That is like asking a weasel to guard the hen house.

I bestow a "Golden Fleece" award on the NRO, Boeing and to the idiots in Congress who serve in the intelligence committees. It is time to fire the whole bunch and clean house (let's get that weasel off guard duty).

A Bit of Sage Radio Hobby Advice

Looking for new frequencies? Can't hear the neat stuff you want to hear? Tired of all the old out of date list on the Internet?

Here is a piece of radio hobby wisdom that will help you regain your radio scanner mojo -- "A radio search button should never gather dust...it should have the lettering worn off!"

And this same piece of advice applies for radio hobbyists who prowl the HF radio bands. You have to turn that frequency knob and experience first hand what propagation conditions are going to let you hear. Successful HF DXers and ute listeners really understand propagation and are very, very patient.

So don't expect to hear military aircraft headed for a mission downtown or sensitive communications in the real operational world of the military. It just isn't going to happen.

The next time a major world event occurs, don't run up to the radio newsgroups five minutes after the start of the event and ask the entire list what frequencies you should listen to monitor the event. Get off your duff, turn on your radio and be a contributor -- not a user.

And the successful radio hobbyist know this truth very well. You want to hear the good stuff - "you" will have to find it.

Grote Reber tuning around with an early radio receiver. If he hadn't tuned around the radio dials he wouldn't have discovered cosmic radio noise.

Army Space Initiatives Aim to Help Warfighters

BY Gary Sheftick

New satellites, radar sites, laser technology and missile-defense locations overseas are among initiatives planned by the Army's Space and Missile Defense Command that will help warfighters in the next five years, according to Lt. Gen. Kevin T. Campbell.

The SMDC commander spoke at the Association of the U.S. Army's Land Warfare Forum Breakfast Thursday morning, providing an overview of his command's wide-ranging operations -- from Army astronaut Col. Doug Wheelock returning to earth Wednesday on the Space Shuttle Discovery to National Guard troops manning Ground-Based Missile Defense systems at Fort Greely, Alaska.

"Space is important for what the Army does," said Lt. Gen. Campbell, who also heads up the U.S. Army Forces Strategic Command "and it's going to be more important."

He explained that SMDC provides commanders in Iraq and Afghanistan satellite imagery, intelligence and reconnaissance, and communications capabilities.

Space-based communications were bolstered last month when the first Wideband Global SATCOM satellite was launched. Lt. Gen. Campbell said the new satellite has up to 10 times the capacity of older ones in the Defense Satellite Communications System. He said more of these new satellites will be launched in the next few years to replace the "legacy" system.

"We want to be responsive to (Joint Task Force) commanders - not commanders in Washington, but in the field - that's where we want to go with this," Lt. Gen. Campbell said of SMDC initiatives.

He said the command is looking at ways to provide "coherent change detection" to support warfighters and route reconnaissance. Such initiatives might better detect improvised explosive devices in the future along convoy routes.

SMDC is also experimenting with new ways to provide early warning to troops, Lt. Gen. Campbell said. He wants to better integrate a global Ballistic Missile Defense System.

Lt. Gen. Campbell said he returned last night from the Netherlands where he had been discussing possible radar and missile-interceptor sites in Europe, to include Eastern European NATO countries.

The SMDC commander said America's adversaries are developing better space-based capabilities, and predicted this could cause dramatic changes.

"Until now, we've had the luxury to do whatever we wanted (in space)," Lt. Gen. Campbell said. "but I thing that's going to change."

U.S. Navy Strike Groups Exercise Capabilities In The Region

United States naval forces assigned to Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet, will begin several exercises in the Persian Gulf during November to demonstrate a wide range of capabilities, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief assistance.

Contingency planning helps prepare forces for real-world events that can happen unexpectedly. USS Wasp (LHD 1) began a crisis response exercise Nov. 1, involving amphibious, air and medical forces in the Persian Gulf.

Commander Task Force (CTF) 59 is leading the exercise, focusing on furthering the region's humanitarian and disaster response capability.

"The scenario is challenging but prepares us for a real-world event," said Cmdr. Jay Chambers, CTF 59 plans officer. "From the table-top discussions, which drew up plans for how our forces will assist, to turning those plans into action, this exercise allowed us to examine the best way to proceed, and to proceed quickly, with providing assistance to any requesting nation."

The exercise is designed to practice and evaluate the ships' ability to serve as "first responders" after a natural disaster. The five-day training exercise ensures 5th Fleet is capable of responding to any crisis in this region and is part of United States commitment to the people of the region.

"The purpose of the exercise is to continually improve the 5th Fleet skills in completing complex missions that require capabilities broader than one ship or unit," said Vice Adm. Kevin Cosgriff, commander, U.S. 5th Fleet.

This exercise tests the ability to rapidly flow personnel and supplies from the sea to an affected area within the first 72 hours, similar to U.S. Navy assistance for natural disasters during the Indonesia tsunami, relief efforts for the Pakistan earthquake, and most recently the volcano eruption in Yemen.

Crisis response exercises also develop the capabilities of military personnel to respond to hazards affecting maritime infrastructure. For instance, a problem on an oil platform could cause an oil spill that, if not contained, could cause follow-on problems to the environment or other infrastructures.

An important part of this exercise will be to test oil spill response capabilities, which will involve a spill response and initial clean-up.

In addition to the Wasp training, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group and Kearsarge Expeditionary Strike Group are also operating and training in the region. Multiple strike groups are capable of executing a broad range of operations.

"Naval forces deployed here contribute to building stronger relationships that in turn help underwrite security and stability," said Cosgriff. "Counter piracy operations off the coast of Somalia demonstrate our commitment to keeping sea lanes open for legitimate commerce and shipping."

Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water and includes the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman and parts of the Indian Ocean. This expanse includes three critical waterways: Suez Canal, Strait of Hormuz and Strait of Bab al Mandeb.

Maritime security operations help set the conditions for security and stability throughout the region. Naval forces conduct maritime operations under international maritime conventions to ensure security and safety in international waters so that commercial shipping and fishing can occur safely in the region.

Ronald Reagan Earns Flight Deck Certification

Aircraft directors, wearing yellow flight deck uniforms, signal two F/A-18C Hornets, attached to the "Blue Diamonds" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 146, into position on the bow catapults aboard Nimitz-Class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Reagan was underway in the Pacific Ocean conducting carrier certifications. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher D. Blachly)

The officers and crew of USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) returned to homeport Nov. 9 after completing flight deck certification.

The certification came only four short days after Ronald Reagan left Naval Air Station North Island.

Ronald Reagan's flight deck certification underway period comes shortly after completing a six-month planned incremental availability one day ahead of schedule.

According to Cmdr. John Breast, Ronald Reagan's air boss, getting the flight deck certified by the commander, U.S. Naval Air Forces, Pacific Fleet Handling Team is a major step in preparing the ship to return to combat readiness.

Breast said there are three stages in the final certifications. "The first is the advanced recovery control certification. Next we have the precision landing equipment certification, for the Sailors in air operations."

"Lastly are the controls for the operations department, flight and deck certifications for air department," added Breast.

In addition, a key part of the certification process included how Sailors responded to simulated crashes and fires.

The crew spent many long hours in port getting ready for the underway period. Aircraft from Carrier Air Wing 9 took part in the certification process.

"The certification actually started around 60 days ago, with checking the administrative paperwork," said Lt. Derek Jensen, Ronald Reagan's aircraft handling officer. "There is also a check to see if all flight deck personnel have proper PPE [personal protective equipment]."

After a successful certification, Breast said he looks forward to continuing the mission and completing carrier qualifications.

According to Breast, it's not just the Sailors who work on the flight deck that made the flight deck certification possible.

"It takes all 3,000 of us aboard Ronald Reagan to do our job," said Breast. "Each department plays an important role."

SS Petersburg Heading for New Home

By Jesse Leon Guerrero, U.S. Naval Forces Marianas Public Affairs

SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- The Navy and Guam said goodbye to SS Petersburg (T AOT-9101) as the tanker left Delta/Echo pier on U.S. Naval Base Guam Nov. 10.

The ship served 10 years on island and is now headed to California after it discharges its cargo in Hawaii.

The island will soon welcome its replacement, MV VADM K. R. Wheeler (T-AG 5001). Wheeler, a new Military Sealift Command-chartered ship that distributes rather than discharges fuel, pumps 500,000 gallons more fuel per day and can operate in more difficult environments.

Originally built in 1963, the 736-foot 48-ton Petersburg is one in a fleet of five tankers fitted with a offshore petroleum discharge system.

It has helped support the Navy's mission in the Pacific region since November 1998, and is now only one of two of the original five tankers still in service.

"It's kind of sad," said Capt. William Bartlett. "It's been a good ship and a good job for us, but we understand it's a 45-year-old ship."

With its crew of 35, Petersburg has participated in various operations involving Navy commands such as Commander, Submarine Squadron 15, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 5, Naval Special Warfare Unit 1, and various Seabee battalions.

"In every exercise or training that we did, Petersburg was part of it," said Capt. Ulysses O. Zalamea, commander of Maritime Prepositioning Ships (MPS) Squadron 3. "That's something we really appreciate."