Maryland Guard Unit Prepares for Afghanistan Deployment

The Maryland National Guard C-130 unit is preparing for a deployment in Afghanistan by practicing cargo air drops.

Navy Vessels Collide in Strait of Hormuz

MANAMA, Bahrain, March 20, 2009 - A U.S. Navy submarine and U.S. amphibious ship collided in the Strait of Hormuz early this morning, Navy officials reported today. The collision between the USS Hartford and USS New Orleans occurred at about 1 a.m. local time.

Fifteen sailors aboard the Hartford were slightly injured and returned to duty. No personnel aboard the New Orleans were injured.

Overall damage to both ships is being evaluated. The propulsion plant of the submarine was unaffected by this collision. A fuel tank ruptured on the New Orleans, which resulted in an oil spill of about 25,000 gallons of fuel. Both ships are currently operating under their own power.

The incident is under investigation.

Both the submarine and the ship are on regularly scheduled deployments to the U.S. Navy Central Command area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations.

Milair Frequency Changes - 3/20/2009

Latest milair frequency changes.

119.150 Miami International FL (KMIA) Arrival ATIS, ex D-ATIS
123.700 Locust Grove/Mallards Landing Airport GA (GA04) Unicom

More when we get it.

39 Brazilian Milsatcom Pirates Arrested

According to Paulo T and the Hearsat newsgroup, a major bust has occured down in Brazil. For many years pirates have hijacked transponders on the various military UHF satellites for their own use. I have received hundreds of reports on these illegal operations over the last couple of decades. And now for the first time DoD has struck back to gain control of their radio assets.

Paulo T posted the following to Hearsat yesterday afternoon:
"It came to my attention that our brazilian friends on Fleetsat and UFO frequencies got a nasty surprise today, from their federal police and Brazil´s comunications authority.

"According to the news, 39 persons got busted, one was arrested and large amounts of equipement seized. All of them are licenced amateur radio operators whose operating location was determined by the U.S. Department of Defense, in cooperation with Brazilian federal police and other U.S. agencies. Besides all of these equipment seizures, the authorities have identified the manufacturers of some of the hardware used, one of them actually was arrested."

Some links, in Portuguese for now:

http://www.estadao.com.br/noticias/geral,apreendidos-aparelhos-de-comunicacao-ilegal-por-satelite,340892,0.htm

http://www.uai.com.br/UAI/html/sessao_2/2009/03/18/em_noticia_interna,id_sessao=2&id_noticia=103003/em_noticia_interna.shtml

http://www.otempo.com.br/noticias/ultimas/?IdNoticia=35429

http://www.fatimanews.com.br/canais/noticias/?id=81792

My thanks to Paulo and Hearsat for passing along this interesting story.

Milair Frequency Changes - 3/19/2009

And the hits just keep on coming. More frequency changes moving selected aero services out of the 380-400 MHz band to make room for the LMR services (trunk, repeater and simplex).

133.400 Denver ARTCC La Junta CO RCAG Approach Departure Services for the following aerodromes: Lamar Muni (KLAA), Springfield Muni (8V7)
278.800 Phoenix Sky Harbor International AZ (KPHX) Tower (Runway 08/26), ex-385.400 (this change is effective 5/7/2009)
350.225 Salt Lake City ARTCC (ZLC) Miles City RCAG MT High Altitude NFP, ex-364.800
370.925 Denver ARTCC (ZDV) La Junta RCAG CO High Altitude NFP, ex-381.400
377.075 Denver ARTCC (ZDV) Hayden RCAG CO High Altitude, ex-397.875
377.175 Denver ARTCC (ZDV) La Junta CO RCAG Low Altitude discrete, Approach / Departure Services for the following aerodromes: Lamar Muni (KLAA), Springfield Muni (8V7), ex-387.150
377.175 Denver ARTCC (ZDV) Denver RCAG CO Low Altitude, ex-387.150

I am sure that old timers and true students of the Milcom monitoring game will recognize the NFP listings in the above list. Now those are truly eye openers.

New Kandahar unit prepares for troop increase

by Staff Sgt. Zachary Wilson, U.S. Air Forces Central combat camera news team

A C-130J Hercules assigned to the activated 772nd Expeditionary Airlift Squadron arrives March 14 at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. The new airlift squadron has been set up at Kandahar Airfield to assist with the increase of U.S. troops to the region. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. James L. Harper Jr.)

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFNS) -- Kandahar Airfield officials activated the 772nd Expeditionary Airlift Squadron March 15 here as the NATO base prepares for the build-up of forces to support Operation Enduring Freedom.

The newest airlift squadron in the Air Force will be flying the C-130J Hercules, and serve under the 451st Air Expeditionary Group to assist with the increase of U.S. troops to the region.

One day before the activation ceremony, local missions were being flown by American aircrews when the squadron's first four aircraft arrived at Kandahar Airfield.

"Tactical airlift is a high-demand asset here and we are at the leading edge of the Afghanistan surge of forces," said Col. Ted Osowski, the 451st AEG commander who is deployed from the Air Warfare Center at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. "The C-130J is a very capable aircraft and we are happy to have them. They're going to be busy."

The airfield inhabited by several coalition partners in southern Afghanistan is undergoing a massive expansion and construction in every direction as part of the installation.

The new mission will have the 772nd EAS Airmen focused primarily within Afghanistan, said Lt. Col. Dan Tulley, the 772nd EAS commander and native of Bell Air, Md.

"The 'bread and butter' of any combat airlift unit is tactical airlift," said Colonel Tulley, deployed from Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. "Being here in country will allow us to focus on the forward operating bases and getting supplies to the people who need it here on the ground."

The new unit, which will have eight aircraft and about 120 operations and maintenance Airmen, comes from the only active-duty Air Force organization flying the C-130J model in combat: the 41st Airlift Squadron from Little Rock AFB. Before being stood up at Kandahar Airfield, the unit was stationed with the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing at another installation within Southwest Asia responsible for operations for both the Iraq and Afghanistan theaters.

For the aviators performing the daily mission, the change is welcome.

"It's a definite change of scenery," said Capt. Shawn Johnson, a C-130 pilot deployed from Little Rock AFB. "We're looking forward to becoming Afghanistan-focused as our missions will become more specialized to this particular area, and at the same time, there will be more for us to study like some of the airdrops we'll be doing here. It will definitely broaden our knowledge further on how to utilize the aircraft."

Master Sgt. Patrick Drozd, a loadmaster also deployed from Little Rock AFB who calls Hallettsville, Texas, home, agreed.

"This is going to be fun," he said. "We are supporting the troops and the (forward operating bases) in-country, and being the only active-duty C-130J unit in theater, we will have the opportunity to lay the foundation for future C-130J operations here."

However, for the command staff of the 451st, bedding down a unit of 120 new people into an already cramped area was no easy task. The first issue to be tackled was gaining ramp space for the squadron's eight aircraft.

"Before we were able to park these aircraft on 'Whiskey' ramp, we had to find a new home for contractor Mi-8 helicopters that were out there previously," said Chief Master Sgt. Steven Bohannon, the 451st AEG superintendent deployed from McChord AFB, Wash. "We put out a contract for over 200,000 square feet of aluminum matting made up of four-foot-by-four-foot squares."

The contract was awarded to a local contractor, but they were not trained in the specifics of laying the matting, Chief Bohannon said. Adding to the already challenging task was the assignment of Air Force third-country national escorts; they would not arrive in time for construction to begin and there would be no place for the aircraft to park.

Working with a local civil engineer Red HORSE detachment, the 451st identified third-country national escorts from within its existing ranks and the Red HORSE Airmen began helping the local workers lay the matting, getting the project completed in time to relocate the Mi-8s and providing crucial ramp space for the soon-to-be-arriving C-130Js.

Once the ramp was completed, the 451st AEG needed to create workspace for the new Airmen. Chief Bohannon again reached out to the Red HORSE unit and a team of Air Force civil engineers who travel throughout the area of responsibility. They were able to erect a clamshell tent for maintenance and two small tents for operations.

"This group was the J-2 team from (U.S. Air Forces Central) A-7," Chief Bohannon said. "They travel the (area of responsibility) working on large projects and were able to complete this job in three days. They were nailing the last stakes the day these guys came in."

With the logistical issues completed, all the incoming 41st AS Airmen had to focus on was what they deployed to do: keep their aircraft flying.

"We can fulfill air tasking orders right now," said Tech. Sgt. Donny Poland, a crew chief from Little Rock AFB and a Philippines native who deployed ahead of the rest of his squadron on the advance team. "Being here really makes it feel like we are accomplishing something important and contributing."

Camp Merrill Building Out a 380-400 MHz LMR TRS - Update

Here is the latest update on the new DoD 380-400 MHz LMR TRS being built at Camp Frank D. Merrill near Dahlonega, Georgia.

Camp Frank D. Merrill (part of the Fort Benning Project 25 System)
System ID: 01e, WACN: 90b20

Site 909 (NAC 027)
386.1000/396.1000c
386.8500/396.8500vp
388.1750/398.1750vp
388.4750/398.4750vp

Site 1010 (NAC 028)
386.4000/396.4000vp
388.0000/398.0000c/vp
388.2500/398.2500vp
388.7000/398.7000c/v

The radio techs on Tower site 1010 are using TG 3001 and I have seen two radios in that group 300001/300002.

Rod in Atlanta has passed infornation on another site that is being heard in the Atlanta area. It now has three frequencies that have been IDed. This site 808 is being heard very weakly here in BTown.

Site 808 (NAC 026)
388.0250/398.0250c
386.0750/396.0750c
388.3250/398.3250 (T)

Thanks for that latest update Rod.

I have not made a hard determination (regardless what you may see posted elsewhere) the physical locations on site 808/909/1010.

Milair Frequency Changes - 3/18/2009

Here are the latest aero frequency changes to cross our desk this morning. More 380-400 MHz cleanout, this time from the Pacific Northwest. Thanks Jack.

125.025 Oakland County International MI (KPTK) ATIS, ex-125.450
379.150 Eastern Oregon Regional at Pendleton OR (KPDT) Chinook Approach/Departure Control, ex-380.200
379.150 Hermiston Muni OR (KHRI) Chinook Approach/Departure Control, ex-380.200
379.150 Tri-Cities WA (KPSC) Chinook Approach/Departure Control (East and South), ex-380.200
379.150 Walla Walla Regiuonal WA (KALW) Chinook Approach/Departure Control, ex-380.200
379.300 Bellingham International WA (WBLI) Tower, ex-385.600
379.950 Ephrata Muni WA (KEPH) Grant County Approach/Departure Control, ex-385.500
379.950 Grant County International WA (KMWH) Grant County Approach/Departure Control, ex-385.500

Memphis ANG Makes a CP Callsign Change

Looks like the 164AW/155AS Command Post at the Memphis International Airport has changed its callsign from Elvis Ops to Graceland Ops. Two frequencies for that Command Post are 138.950 and 341.750 MHz.

Blue Angels Perform at NAF El Centro - First Show of the New Season

Dan "the man" Harvison was out in the desert near El Centro on March 14 and monitored the first Blue Angel flight demonstration team performance of the 2009 airshow season.

He heard the formation team on 275.3500 and 284.2500 MHz. He also heard the solo aircraft on 237.8000 MHz. Thanks for sharing those freqs with the rest of us Dan.

Also Ike Mizuguchi monitored the team during their training period in El Centro. He confirms that 139.8125 MHz and 142.6125 MHz are being used for maintenance and ground communications.

So based on these first two reports, I see no changes so far in the lineup of BA freqs from what I published in the 2009 MT Airshow Guide (the March 2009 issue of Monitoring Times magazine available from Grove Enterprises in paper and electronic format).

This coming weekend both teams will be in action. The Blue Angels will be performing
in Punta Gorda, Florida at the 2009 Florida International Air Show (http://www.floridaairshow.com/)

The T-Birds will be at Luke AFB, Arizona at the Luke Days 2009 airshow (http://www.luke.af.mil/).

I hope that those who attend these events will report what they heard.

And remember, we can always use your reports of what you heard at the airshow. Every airshow report is important and helps us put together and keep accurate the only airshow monitoring guide of its kind -- the annual MT Airshow Guide. Even if you just confirm the frequencies that we already have, those sort of reports are extremely important to us. And if you want to remain anonymous, we can do that also.

So please, if you attend a show this season, and use our airshow guide and this blog, how about sending along a report of what you heard. These reports are the backbone of our annual airshow guide and are sincerely appreciated by all that use it.

I have been asked by someone when I will publish the free edition of the airshow guide online at the MT website? As a courtesy to the paying readers of MT (they make the magazine possible and we do appreciate these folks a lot), I will not release the free edition until late April or early May. If you want a copy any earlier, you are gonna have to shell out some cash. The free bunch will have to wait a bit to get a copy.

HSC-8 Operating with the USS Kidd DDG-100

Helicopter Control Officer Lt. j.g. Trinity Phillips, from Mars Hills, N.C., observes an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from the "Eightballers" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 as it lands on the flight deck aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Kidd (DDG 100). Kidd, as part of the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group, is on a scheduled six-month deployment to the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Dmitry Chepusov/Released)

VAQ-136 Prowler Makes Last "Flight" at NAF Atsugi

Sailors assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 136 tend the guide lines while "Crispy," the squadron's EA-6B Prowler model, is craned to a permanent display in Naval Air Facility Atsugi's Prowler Park. The 1962 prowler made its final trip from the Atsugi flight line to the park after it was completely gutted and restored by VAQ-136 Sailors. (U.S. Navy photo)

By Tim McGough, Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, Public Affairs

ATSUGI, Japan (NNS) -- Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 136's EA-6B Prowler made its final "flight" at Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi, Japan, March 13.

The aircraft was moved to a static display area in the facility's Prowler Park. To move the Prowler into place, Sailors from VAQ-136 and naval security police, environmental, air operations and public works departments pulled together to get it ready.

"It's a sad day but also a good day," said Cmdr. Mark Colombo, VAQ-136 commanding officer. "It's a sad day to see a good friend go but it's also a comforting day to know it's going to rest well in its last assigned duty station, NAF Atsugi."

Colombo gathered members from VAQ-136 and escorted the Prowler through the streets of Atsugi to Prowler Park.

A 200-ton crane was on deck for the Sailors, civilians and Japanese contractors assisting the Prowler. With safety a priority, everyone donned gear as if they were on the flight line or a carrier.

"We have to make sure everything is secured properly before we begin to raise her to her mounts," said Lt. Freddie Koonce, Atsugi's air field support officer and project manager for the Prowler move.

With slow and steady precision and Sailors tending the lines, the Prowler was lifted off the jacks and was "airborne."

The Prowler made a perfect "landing" at the final resting place for NAF Atsugi residents and guests to enjoy for years to come.

Truman CSG Conducting CARQUALS in Atlantic - Update

The aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) conducts high-speed turns during a rudder check. Truman is conducting carrier qualifications in the Atlantic Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ricardo J. Reyes/Released)

Frequencies observed so far by Central Florida monitors include:

265.2250 283.8500 296.7250 306.2250 348.9500 357.0000 362.425 (CNTRA CD tail code a/c air-to-air) MHz

More as monitoring warrants.

Naval Construction Regiment 22 OTA

Naval Consruction Regiment 22 and two Naval Mobile Construction Battalions (21/74) have been monitored recently in the HF spectrum. Here are the details.

NCR 22 HF Net (USB/ALE)
4883.0 6939.5 7945.5 9871.5 11504.5 kHz

ALE Addresses
NCR22NCR22IN Naval Contruction Regiment 22 Gulfport, MS
NMCB21NCR22IN Naval Mobile Contruction Battalion 21 Lakehurst, NJ
NMCB74NCR22IN Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74 Camp Perry, VA

Milair Frequency Changes - 3/17/2009

I have some more Milair frequency changes this morning, including assignments being cleaned out from the 380-400 MHz band. These are from Colorado. A Milair freq recap follows the changes.

363.125 City of Colorado Springs Muni CO Clearance Delivery (KCOS) ex-385.500
379.175 Denver International CO Ground Control (KDEN) ex-380.300
379.300 Denver International CO Approach Control (KDEN) ex-381.500

Frequency Recap
122.900 Pass Picada Seaplane Base (AL58) AL Multi Comm
123.200/301.900 MCB Camp Pendleton CA Range Control, callsign Long Rifle
124.625/371.925 Indianapolis ARTCC London 2 RCAG Approach/departure Control Services

DESRON 24 Group Sail Units Execute Complex Refueling at Sea

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Nistas, COMDESRON 24 Public Affairs

ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 24 Group Sail participants took part in a complex five-ship Replenishment-at-sea (RAS) March 12 in the Atlantic Ocean.

The RAS was one of several evolutions executed during Fleet Irregular Warfare Training for ships participating in the upcoming Joint Warrior exercise.

USNS Arctic (T-AOE-8) refueled USS Porter (DDG 78), USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), and USS Anzio (CG 68) consecutively in a fast-paced evolution that integrated intense drills such as emergency breakaways.

Porter alone received about 150,000 gallons of diesel fuel marine (DFM) from the Arctic, a massive supply ship with a holding capacity of almost two million gallons.

"There were a lot of new people on board who were able take part and see firsthand how a RAS works," said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Alicia Turner, a corpsman-on-scene during the exercise. "It was a great training experience for everyone. A multiple-ship refueling is a pretty difficult thing to carry out, but the crews performed well together."

Crew members manned stations, communicated with one another, heaved lines, and maintained a phone and distance line throughout the almost two-hour process. While RAS evolutions are common for ships at sea, involving additional ships can make the process more complex and dangerous, as the distance between the mammoth, moving vessels is normally less than 200 feet.

"Training is mandatory to give new and seasoned Sailors the experience they'll really need to make it through a difficult scenario under pressure," said Chief Boatswain's Mate (SW) Derek Woodland, on board Porter.
"There are a lot of safety concerns and proper procedures involved in things like this [RAS]. Without thorough training, our ability to get through these kinds of operations would deteriorate."

Porter Participates in Low, Slow Flyer Exercise

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Tyler J. Wilson, Commander Destroyer Squadron 24 Public Affairs

ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Crew members aboard USS Porter (DDG 78) participated in a low, slow flyer exercise March 12, during a Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 24 Group Sail in the Atlantic Ocean.

The Group Sail's primary function is to augment the strike group's abilities to execute U.S. Navy maritime strategy. It is a precursor to the upcoming joint warrior exercise that will encompass thorough training in less traditional areas, like counter-piracy and theater security.

"This exercise gives us a chance to check our procedures when it comes to battling nontraditional threats," said Chief Fire Controlman (SW) Chris Hutter. "It also gives the new guys on board the ability to learn how we handle the low, slow flyer incidents."

On the weather decks, Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Jordan Simmons, a member of the ship's Small Caliber Attack Team (SCAT), prepared the .50-caliber guns to simulate attacking the slow, low flyer, in case the 5-inch gun failed or missed.

"When it comes to the .50-caliber guns we're the ship's last line of defense," said Simmons. "The SCAT has only minutes to suit up with a phone-talker and a gunner at each station and prepare to engage the aircraft if necessary."

Before the SCAT was even called, Simmons ensured that the ship's weapons were clean, loaded, and ready for anything.

"It's my job to make sure the weapons are ready for action at any time," said Simmons. "Whether we're dealing with low, slow fliers, helicopters, or small boats, we need our close-quarters weapons to be ready to fight."

During the exercise, the 5-inch gun, mounted on the bow of the ship, succeeded in hitting the target. Crew members participating in the evolution received praise for their precision and proper execution.

"The training was very positive to all involved," said Hutter. "As we prepare to deploy in an area where non-traditional threats exist, we'll rely on our training."

HS-15 To Support Special Warfare In Iraq

By Clark Pierce, Jax Air News

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- The commanding officer of Helicopter Squadron (HS) 15 addressed the unconventional, land-based deployment of HS-15 in support of joint special operations units in Iraq.

The six-month mission involves 70 aircrew and maintainers who will operate four HH-60H Seahawk helicopters from a combined special forces base in the vicinity of Baghdad.

"Regardless of our assigned mission, the Red Lions are trained to provide the right aircraft, in the right configuration, with the right crews – at right-on readiness," said HS-15 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Chris Misner in an interview Feb. 25 at his hangar office at Naval Air Station Jacksonville.

"In 2008, our squadron leaders saw potential to deploy outside of the traditional FRTP (Fleet Readiness Training Plan) deployment cycle and utilize our assets to support NSW (Navy Special Warfare) in an innovative manner," said Misner. "We consulted with our brethren, the 'Red Wolves' of HSC-84 at NS (Naval Station) Norfolk, Va. They are a Naval Reserve Helicopter Sea Combat squadron and the only one dedicated to NSW support. As a result, we mapped out our training plan that involved exercises with a number of Navy SEAL teams based on both the East and West coasts."

Misner explained that no new mission skillsets were required.

"Our aircrews are well-versed in the HH-60H's primary mission of combat search and rescue, NSW support, anti-surface warfare, medical evacuation and logistics support. For this deployment, we naturally concentrated our training on NSW support, which includes clandestine missions against high-value targets utilizing night-vision devices. In fact, our people will rarely see the light of day. Every mission will take place under the cover of darkness."

Last fall, the Red Lions conducted insert-and-extract operations in Virginia with SEAL Team 10. At Fort Knox, Ky., they conducted intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance and call-for-fire missions with SEAL Team 2.

In 2009, the squadron flew four Seahawks across the country to the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif. for counterinsurgency training missions in the Mojave Desert. The detachment also supported SEAL Team 7 in its pre-deployment certification exercise. From Fort Irwin, the detachment flew to Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma, Ariz., to support SEAL Team 1 in low-light missions. Red Lion pilots also experienced desert brownout conditions similar to those they'll encounter in the deserts of Iraq.

One new requirement for maintainers was small-arms weaponry school and certification at the Florida National Guard's Camp Blanding Joint Training Center near Starke, Fla.

Two C-5 Galaxy transports - the largest aircraft in the Air Force inventory - will fly the Red Lions' helicopters, equipment, parts and personnel from NAS Jax to Iraq. HS-15 Executive Officer Cmdr. Larry Getz is officer in charge of the detachment.

In Iraq, the Red Lions will report to Combined Joint Special Operations Air Component Commander. They will share the flight line with four HH-60Hs of HSC-84, as well as Army units flying the UH-60 Blackhawk.

Space Shuttle Launched for ISS Mission

The space shuttle Discovery and its crew of seven soared into orbit March 15, headed for a March 17 docking with the International Space Station.

Coalition Jets Shoot Down Iranian Drone Over Iraq

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service


WASHINGTON, March 16, 2009 - Coalition jet fighters shot down an Iranian drone that was hovering over Iraq late last month, Multinational Force Iraq officials confirmed today.
The incident occurred Feb. 25, about 60 miles northeast of Baghdad, officials said in a statement.

Two coalition aircraft were directed to visually identify the unmanned aerial vehicle after it was detected hovering inside the Iraqi border. The pilots confirmed that it wasn't a coalition aircraft and that no collateral damage would result from a shoot-down. Coalition air forces tracked the UAV for more than an hour before the pilots engaged it, officials said.

"This was not an accident on the part of the Iranians," officials said. "The UAV was in Iraqi airspace for nearly one hour and 10 minutes and well inside Iraqi territory before it was engaged."

Officials said they believe the drone to be an Iranian-made Ababil 3 model UAV.

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and military leaders have long accused Iran of interference in Iraq. Iran poses "a real problem," Gates said on PBS' "Tavis Smiley Show" March 11.

"I think it's one of the significant challenges that we're going to face over the next several years," he said.