STS-129 TAL Support Nets Up and Misc Milsatcom

At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-129 Commander Charles O. Hobaugh and Pilot Barry E. Wilmore practice touch-and-go landings in a Shuttle Training Aircraft. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Those of you with Milsatcom monitoring capability and RF visibility over the Atlantic might want to keep an ear cocked towards the TAL Support net on UHF Milsat frequencies. These folks will be supporting the launch of Atlantis on the STS-129 mission to the ISS tomorrow. Launch time is scheduled for 2:28 p.p. EST (1928 UTC).

Latest information indicates that a 261.575 MHz downlink is in use. Callsigns monitored include:

DoD Cape - DoD Support Operations Center, controls launch contingency forces Cape Canaveral AFS, FL

Guardian Angel - Unknown

Maintenance 1/2

Wolfden - US EUCOM Stuttgart, Germany


Now some non-related Milsat stuff:

Geoff near Belfast has reported on the Hearsat newsgroup that 253.650 MHz.

Unidentified callsign (possibily Linebacker?) female US accent calling Blacksmith 102. No response heard, then she called 'any Blacksmith element' followed by secure transmissions.

Unmanned Aircraft Crews Strive to Support Warfighters

By Donna Miles, American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON - As Pentagon officials look for ways to increase intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support for warfighters in Afghanistan, the Air Force's first unmanned aircraft systems wing already is on the case in its never-ending quest to provide more and better intelligence through the systems they fly.

"I don't have to tell them to try to make it better," Air Force Col. Peter E. Gersten said of his 432nd Wing and 432nd Air Expeditionary Wing airmen at Creech Air Force Base, Nev. "They are working to make it better every day, all by themselves. ... Better every day is kind of a theme here."

The 432nd Wing flies the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper, both remotely piloted aircraft that provide 24/7 eyes in the sky over troops in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"Our mission is to keep the joint ground fighter out of trouble, and when he gets into trouble, it's to get him out of trouble as soon as possible," Gersten said. "And with this new technology, we can do that now."

Both the Predator and Reaper provide a capability that Gersten, an F-16 pilot, said a pilot in the cockpit simply can't: a "persistent stare" and ability to hover over a precise location for as long as necessary.

"We have the ability to oversee the joint ground warfighter 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with no weekends and holidays and without a break," he said. "We are not going 500 miles an hour. We are going 120 knots, right on top of him, and we are orbiting around him and helping him.

"We are dedicated to supporting him," Gersten said, "and we don't do anything else."

When a convoy leaves the "wire" in Afghanistan or Iraq, the 432nd Wing airmen oversee them every step of the way. "We are going to be there from the time they leave their forward operating base to the time they get to their desired destination," he said. "We are going to watch that soldier on the ground as he begins to do his search mission. We are going to be there."

Geren said the aircraft's ability to hover overhead for as long as necessary is a key in ensuring the information it gathers is complete, and that if strikes are required, they're precise.

"We don't show up on the battlespace and have 15 minutes of hold time to build our situational awareness," he said. "We have a high capacity to make sure that we have the exact, right target in our crosshairs.

"Time is not our enemy," he said. "We own time."

As his airmen fly the aircraft, analyze the mountains of raw data gathered and sift out what matters most to troops on the ground, Gersten said, there's really little about the systems that are "unmanned." He considers the term "unmanned aerial vehicle" a misnomer that loses sight of the manpower every mission entails, preferring the term "remotely piloted aircraft."

And he makes it clear that when he refers to the "system," he means far more than the actual aircraft.

"When I talk about the system, I am talking about the airplane, the ground station, the communication that links the ground station to the airplane, the product we produce that goes out -- the actual ISR intelligence," he said.

He noted the big network of airmen involved in the process, all committed to getting the information the aircraft collects into the hands of warfighters who need it. Regardless of their function within that framework, Gersten said, they recognize the value of their contribution.

"I hear stories all the time about how one of our aircraft stopped a convoy from driving over an [improvised explosive device] or kept a soldier from walking around a corner where there was an ambush, or helped get a wounded soldier out of a city by guiding him out," he said. "Those stories are day-to-day here. It's part of the pride of being 100 percent for the joint ground warfighter, every single day."

When he first sat down to watch his airmen at work after taking over his new command in June, he admitted, he was bowled over by their expertise. "The ability to talk, fly, communicate, text and execute, all very seamlessly, is a tremendous skill set," he said. "And it is amazing to watch them do it as fast as they do."

During his commander's calls, Gersten challenges the wing's airmen to channel their creativity and know-how to making the systems even better.

"I can't tell you what these systems are going to look like 10 years from now, but you can," he tells them. "You are the ones who will make this system the future. ... Make it something better than it is."

And they're coming up with new ideas every day. Some are "completely outside the box, but executable," Gersten said. Others are "way out there," not necessarily applicable now, but present new approaches and new ways of thinking that could apply down the road.

Gersten said he's particularly impressed with his wing's ability to take raw data collected by unmanned aircraft and translate it into "decision information" ground troops can act on.

"There was a time when we said, 'I'm drowning in data, but I am starving for knowledge.' But we have changed that," he said. "Four to six years ago, it was pretty good. Two years ago, it was really good, and today it is exceptional. Tomorrow, it is going to be beyond exceptional."

This capability has generated an almost insatiable appetite for the support unmanned aerial systems provide.

The Air Force has taken notice, funding more unmanned than manned aircraft in this year's budget and training more pilots to fly unmanned aerial vehicles than fighters and bombers combined. Yet, Gersten finds himself constantly working to allay some people's concerns that unmanned aircraft will some day muscle out their manned counterparts.

Remotely controlled aircraft have their unique capabilities, he said, and manned vehicles have theirs.

"We do a great job of enduring over the battle space, but we can't carry the load of a B-2 [bomber]" Gersten said. "We can go do endurance, and then they can come in and help us out. Or they can come in and do their job, and we can come in and look at it afterwards.

"It's not one system that is going to overtake the other," he continued. "These systems are complementary and have a very synergistic capability. So when people ask, 'Which way is it going?' I say, 'It's going together.' It is not a question of one or the other. It's a question of how much of each we need to secure the nation's interests."

Joint Typhoon Warning Center Marks 50 Years of Service

By Bob Freeman, Special to American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON - This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, a joint Navy and Air Force office that provides tropical cyclone reconnaissance and forecasting to support the safety of military and other government assets in the U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. Central Command areas of responsibility.

"The Joint Typhoon Warning Center was established by the United States Pacific Command in 1959. It actually formed out of the consolidation of several smaller tropical forecast centers that were scattered throughout the Pacific region, and those were actually created in the wake of what's known as Typhoon Cobra," said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Jeremy Callahan, operations officer at JTWC, in a Nov. 10 interview on Pentagon Web Radio's audio webcast "Armed with Science: Research and Applications for the Modern Military."

Callahan described Typhoon Cobra, which hit vessels of the Pacific Fleet in 1944, as one of the worst naval disasters in U.S. history. According to a fleet letter from Navy Adm. Chester Nimitz, the Pacific Fleet's commander in chief at the time, 790 sailors were lost and 80 were injured, three ships sank and nine suffered serious damage, and 146 aircraft on various ships were lost or damaged beyond repair.

Callahan explained that a typhoon is a western Pacific version of a hurricane. Both constitute the most developed and severe form of tropical cyclones, which are large storms that form over warm tropical waters.

The Joint Typhoon Warning Center ensures that today's military forces in the Pacific will never again experience a disaster like Typhoon Cobra. Callahan said the center, which is composed of a mix of Navy, Air Force and civilian meteorologists and analysts, provides tropical cyclone guidance, advisories and warnings to U.S. military and government assets throughout the Pacific region.

The center's actual forecasting responsibilities are in the western Pacific and Indian oceans. Callahan explained that the civilian National Hurricane Center and Central Pacific Hurricane Center share tropical cyclone forecasting responsibilities for the Atlantic and the Pacific region east of the International Dateline.

"We actually only do the forecasting west of the dateline," Callahan noted, "but our area includes both the northern and southern hemispheres." Since the seasons are reversed in the southern hemisphere, that means the center is kept busy throughout the year.

"So it's a year-round job here, and with both hemispheres in the Pacific and Indian Ocean, we actually cover about 89 percent of the world's tropical cyclones," Callahan said. He explained that JTWC provides forecasts to military bases and ships, U.S. embassies, and U.S. territories such as Guam that fall under their area of responsibility.

"Our main products are the storm track, the horizontal extent of the winds and the intensity of the systems," Callahan said. "These forecasts are very complex, so we use very large numerical models that are run on super computers. We actually have a large suite of these computer models. Some are run here at Joint Typhoon Warning Center, but most are run elsewhere.

"For instance," he continued, "the Navy has some models that are being run at the Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center. The National Center for Environmental Prediction, which is [the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's] computing center, runs some of these models. The Air Force Weather Agency runs a model for us."

He added that the center also uses computer models operated by Japan, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the European Center for Medium Range Weather Forecasts.

Callahan noted that the models all have their strengths and weaknesses. Some are global in scope, depicting the atmosphere over the entire Earth, and some are regional, providing a higher-resolution look. He explained that the larger models are useful for overall atmospheric flow and forecasting a storm's track.

"But we need the smaller regional models to be able to determine the structure of the cyclone, what the winds are, and how the system is actually behaving within the local environment," he added.

"We are getting excited about the Navy's global model called NOGAPS, which is starting to do a new four-dimensional data assimilation," Callahan said. "Instead of just getting a static picture, it's able to identify trends in the data and, hopefully, get a better initialization before the model starts to run.

"We have also just implemented the Navy's regional model, COAMPS," he continued. "It has a specialized tropical cyclone tracker that we're currently evaluating, and the Air Force Weather Agency is running a regional model called WRF that also is starting to implement a tropical cyclone tracker. So there's a lot of good model development right now, and some other research that we're starting to get excited about."

As for tropical cyclone reconnaissance, Callahan said JTWC monitors storms through a suite of remote sensing technologies set on geostationary and polar-orbiting satellites, along with shore and ship observations and surface radar imagery.

"The No. 1 tool we use is called the scatterometer, and that's able to give us a direction and wind speed of winds at the surface over the ocean," Callahan explained. "It does this through the polarization of microwave energy reflected off the little capillary waves, the tiny one- and two-millimeter waves that are being caused by the wind as it goes over the surface of the ocean."

In addition to traditional weather satellites normally used to track storm movement, Callahan described the use of such space-based sensing devices as microwave imagers and sounders, infrared and water vapor imagers, and radar altimeters. All combine to provide an understanding of the shape, structure, size, intensity and movement of the storm.

Callahan noted that the center has a public-facing Web site that offers regular tropical cyclone warnings, text and graphical products, satellite imagery, and significant weather bulletins. He cautioned, however, that JTWC services are primarily for the Defense Department, and while it may be useful to review the products, viewers should consult their local national meteorological agency for products pertinent to their locality.

Stennis Strike Group Commences SUSTAINEX

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) departs San Diego after a scheduled port visit to embark Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9. John C. Stennis and CVW-9 are participating in a strike group sustainment exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Josue L. Escobosa/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Elliott Fabrizio, USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs

USS JOHN C. STENNIS, At Sea (NNS) -- The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group departed San Diego to begin a sustainment exercise (SUSTAINEX) Nov. 6.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) will participate in the SUSTAINEX with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54), guided-missile destroyers USS Kidd (DDG 100) and USS Milius (DDG 69).

Strike group assets will integrate and train together in their main mission areas of maritime security operations, air defense and anti-submarine warfare for the first time since completing their western pacific deployment in July.

SUSTAINEX maintains the strike group's operational proficiencies, so the strike group can meet the Navy's need for available carrier presence.

"We keep certain carriers around that will respond to a crisis first," said Capt. Joseph Kuzmick, Stennis' commanding officer. "That's where John C. Stennis sits right now. Every few months during that time we have to refresh our readiness to respond around the world."
Sailors will work on qualifications and practice operations - many of which can't be performed in port or when the strike group assets are separated.

"You can't just bring an air wing out to a carrier and expect them to work perfectly together," said Kuzmick. "We're going to exercise our tactics, techniques and procedures to make sure that we all coordinate correctly. The strike group staff will exercise operational control over their assets, and the individual units will learn how to work tactically again with each other. We're basically honing the edge on the blade."

SUSTAINEX is scheduled for two weeks. Maintaining a combat ready strike group is part of America's maritime strategy to be prepared for a immediate response to safeguard America's interests.

Enterprise Completes Man Overboard Drill

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Tracey Whitley, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- Crew members aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) successfully completed their first man overboard drill in almost two years Nov. 4 in preparation to return to the fleet.

The drill was conducted to ensure each and every Sailor on board could be accurately accounted for in a timely manner in case of a mishap during an emergency situation.

Once the man overboard drill commenced, Sailors safely proceeded to their assigned muster destinations. The crew was fully accounted for approximately 26 minutes later.

"For a ship that hasn't had a man overboard drill in almost 18 months, I am impressed with the sense of urgency I see among Big E Sailors," said Capt. Ryan Scholl, Enterprise's executive officer. "However, I do expect to see improvement as we move forward and do more of these drills because I know this ship is capable of doing this evolution in ten minutes or less."

With many new Sailors aboard Enterprise who have never been out to sea, practicing accurate man overboard drills are vital to the mission readiness of the ship. Training these Sailors now on what to do will ensure that they know how to react when faced with a real emergency.

"When we are at sea accidents can happen, and if somebody falls over the side of the ship we need to find out who it is and start recovery procedures immediately," said Scholl. "We will use our search and rescue swimmers, helos or RHIB (ridged hull inflatable boat) boats depending on the situation."

Enterprise will continue practicing man overboard drills in an effort to prepare for its upcoming deployment.

Enterprise is currently undergoing a maintenance period in the Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipyard and training to maintain proficiency in preparation to return to the fleet.

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sunday Williams, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East Detachment Southeast

The U.S. Coast Guard demonstrates how they conduct a search and rescue during the 2009 Sea and Sky Spectacular. The Sea and Sky Spectacular is part of the Week of Valor at Jacksonville Beach. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sunday Williams/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sunday Williams, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East Detachment Southeast

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- Thousands of people gathered Nov. 7-8 at Jacksonville Beach in Jacksonville, Fla., for the 2009 Sea and Sky Spectacular.

With more than 20 performers, including the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, spectators had plenty of sky filled entertainment.

"We come every year, and we never get tired of it," said Emily Chase, a 2009 Sea and Sky Spectacular participant. "There are just so many talented performers and, of course, we love the Blue Angels. This is also a great way to come out and support our military."

There were also over 24 different ground activities for people to partake in, such as a rock climbing wall, rides, booths and games.

"There were so many great things this year, and we went by the care package booth to learn how to send packages to our heroes overseas," said Clarence Townsend, another participant.

People viewing the air show were not the only ones that enjoyed themselves; members of the Blue Angels said they really enjoyed their visit to Jacksonville.

"It's just an awesome show for us. Anytime we can fly over the water and bring in large crowds, we love it, and since Jacksonville is close to home for us and is the birth place of the Blue Angels, there is a reason why we are here every single year," said Lt. Cmdr. Frank Weisser, a Blue Angels pilot.

The Sea and Sky Spectacular is held annually, alternating between Jacksonville Beach and Naval Air Station Jacksonville.

The U.S Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, perform during the 2009 Sea and Sky Spectacular. The Sea and Sky Spectacular is part of the Week of Valor at Jacksonville Beach. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sunday Williams/Released)

Essex ESG Begins Bilateral Exercise with JMSDF

U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ships separate from after completing a 20-ship formation surrounding the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73).

By Lt. Cmdr. Denver Applehans, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet Public Affairs

PHILIPPINE SEA (NNS) -- Amphibious Squadron 11, USS Essex (LHD 2) and USS Tortuga (LSD 46) with embarked Marines got underway from White Beach Naval Facility in Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 12 for an exercise with the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force.

Annual Exercise 21G (ANNUALEX) is a yearly bilateral training exercise for U.S. and Japanese maritime forces that enhances the ability of the two forces to work together increasing interoperability and communication.

Essex ARG will join with the USS George Washington carrier strike group, Japan Maritime Self Defense Force ships and numerous other US ships in conducting one of the most robust naval exercises in the Western Pacific.

Warfare areas practiced will include anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, ballistic missile defense and anti-air warfare.

Sailors from various ships exchange personnel to aid in communication and understanding of how the other nation's ships operate.

"This is my first time on a U.S. ship," said Ensign Masashi Ikezaki, liaison officer to USS Essex from JS Ashigara, "It's been great to meet U.S. Sailors over meals and train together."

The exercise also provides an opportunity to train and work together to develop professional relationships.

"I enjoy working with the Japanese military, it gives us the opportunity to work together as a team," said Lt.j.g. Terence Taylor, Officer in Charge of the air cushion landing crafts (LCACs). "The cultural integration is something you don't get to experience as much of stateside."

ANNUALEX 21G is one in a continuing series of regular exercises with the JMSDF. It is a routine, bilateral exercise held annually between the U.S. Navy and JMSDF. Approximately 8,500 U.S. naval personnel will participate in the exercise.

Rear Adm. Richard Landolt, Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet is leading the Essex ESG and reports to Rear Adm. Kevin Donegan, Commander, Battle Force 7th Fleet, who is commanding all U.S. naval forces in the exercise.

Essex Embarks 31st MEU

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Taurean Alexander, USS Essex Public Affairs

OKINAWA, Japan (NNS) -- The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) onloaded more than 1,100 Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Nov. 12 in preparation for Annual Exercise (ANNUALEX) 21G with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

The exercise is designed to improve both naval forces' capabilities for coordinated, bilateral operations in the defense of Japan. In particular, ANNUALEX 21G will focus on enhancing military-to-military relationships, improving command and control, air, undersea, and surface warfare.

"We always look forward to embarking the 31st MEU," said Capt. Troy Hart, Essex' commanding officer. "Their professionalism has always been a major factor to our success working together and this is another chance for us to build on that success."

The 31st MEU consists of ground, command, air and combat support elements that allow the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ESXARG) to conduct amphibious operations from the sea and project power ashore.

During the onload, Essex' Combat Cargo Department moved approximately 90 vehicles and 250 pieces of MEU cargo. Additionally, they helped move elements of the Battalion Landing Team (BLT), Ground Combat Element, Aviation Combat Element (ACE) and Combat Logistics Battalion. The arsenal includes CH-53E Sea Stallion, CH-46E Sea Knight, AH-1W Super Cobra and UH-1N Huey helicopters, as well as AV-8B Harrier jet aircraft.

"This deployment is a great opportunity for our Marines to play a part in ANNUALEX," said Gunnery Sgt. Jorge Jerez, Combat Cargo assistant. "I'm sure everyone is excited to be a part of the great relationship we have with the JMSDF."

For many of the Marines, this will be their first opportunity to participate in the Exercise.

"I'm not really sure what to expect," said Lance Cpl. Dalton Kuegn, of Tyler, Texas. "It should be a pretty cool experience just to be at sea. Being at sea during an exercise like this should also be a learning experience for a lot of the guys who are in the same situation that I'm in."

Essex is commanded by Capt. Troy Hart and is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed U.S. Amphibious Ready Group and serves as the flagship for Commander Task Force 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force commander. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with a detachment in Sasebo, Japan.

George Washington Stays Mission-Ready with MISSILEX

A NATO sea sparrow missile is launched from the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) to intercept a Tactical Air-Launched Decoy during surface-to-air defense training. George Washington is underway supporting security and stability in the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Rachel N. Hatch/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) John J. Mike, USS George Washington Public Affairs

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At sea (NNS) -- USS George Washington (CVN 73) successfully completed a test of its NATO Sea Sparrow Missile System (NSSMS) during an at-sea missile exercise (MISSLEX) Nov. 8.

George Washington launched the defensive, surface-to-air missile at an unmanned Tactical Air-Launched Decoy (TALD) during the training exercise, aimed at keeping the ship's weapons systems mission-ready.

"To launch a missile, GW (George Washington) has to meet a lot of operational requirements and it's not something we can do every day," said GW Combat Direction Center Officer Cmdr. Peter Walczak. "The ship was in a situation where we could have this training opportunity and we jumped at it."

The MISSILEX was based on a real-life scenario, which involved a simulated enemy aircraft flying a direct route to the ship.

"MISSILEXs are thoroughly planned and we treat them as an actual evolution," Walczak said. "The missile fired would have been the same one used in a real situation."

Although it takes mere seconds for the missile to actually launch, hours of precautionary checks are involved prior to a MISSILEX.

"The FC's (fire controlman) job is to make sure the shipboard defense systems works properly, so we have to take every step necessary to make sure all safety checks have been made," said Fire Controlman 1st Class (SW/AW) Keith Simpson, GW's NSSMS leading petty officer.

According to Simpson, MISSILEX first involves a simulated firing scenario, in which a computer ensures the missile will follow its desired path. Then, the launcher itself is checked to see that it has the ability to follow the target.

While FC's play a critical role in a MISSILEX, teamwork between departments made the evolution possible.

"Nothing is autonomous on GW. Some of the Sailors involved were in Operations Department, while others were in Combat Systems Department," Walczak said. "But, by sharing information we worked in conjunction to make sure the mission was accomplished successfully."

GW is currently participating in ANNUALEX 21G, a yearly, bilateral exercise between the U.S. military and the Japan Self Defense Force.

Commanded by Capt. David A. Lausman, GW is the flagship of the George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GW CSG), which is commanded by Rear Adm. Kevin M. Donegan. GW departed its forward-deployed port of Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan Oct. 6 on its second fall deployment as the Navy's forward-deployed carrier presence.

Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group Departs 7th Fleet

By Lt. j.g. Tim Hawkins, Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group Public Affairs

INDIAN OCEAN (NNS) -- The Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) departed the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations as part of its regularly scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific and Persian Gulf Nov. 10.

Led by Capt. Rodney Clark, the ARG consists of more than 2,300 personnel who serve aboard three ships — amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6); amphibious transport dock ship USS Cleveland (LPD 7); and amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47).

"We've enjoyed working with partner nations and representing the Navy's commitment to the region," said Clark. "Everywhere we operated or visited, our Sailors and Marines made a positive difference."

Sailors and Marines made port calls to Guam, Timor-Leste, Singapore and Thailand; and also operated ashore in both Timor-Leste and Indonesia Oct. 14 – 24 during Marine Exercise (MAREX) 2009, a multilateral training exercise.

Bonhomme Richard completed the Timor-Leste portion of MAREX and worked with Timor-Leste's armed forces and International Stabilization Force to enhance interoperability and communication between the U.S. Navy and Timor-Leste forces.

Cleveland and Rushmore personnel completed the Indonesian portion and trained with the Indonesian Marines in areas including jungle operations, platoon live-fire and maneuvers, bilateral reconnaissance, and military operations in urban terrain.

The ARG/MEU (Marine Expeditionary Unit) team also participated in humanitarian projects, sending Sailors and Marines ashore in Indonesia and Timor-Leste to provide medical and dental care to a total of more than 2,000 patients in cooperation with local healthcare officials.

In addition to completing MAREX, members of the ARG/MEU team volunteered in over a dozen community service projects during four port visits throughout the region. Projects ranged from cleaning kennels at an animal shelter in Guam, repairing playground structures in Phuket, Thailand and interacting with children at orphanages in Dili, Timor-Leste.

"The expressions of gratitude from our hosts and the sense of satisfaction held by our Marines and Sailors were indicators of our success," said Cmdr. John Shimotsu, Bonhomme Richard's chaplain and community service coordinator. "Each of these projects expanded the scope of our positive exchanges."

In addition to its ships, the ARG consists of the command element, Amphibious Squadron 7; Tactical Air Control Squadron 12, Detachment 1; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23, Detachment 3; Assault Craft Unit 1, Detachment B; Assault Craft Unit 5, Detachment F; Beachmaster Unit 1, Detachment B; and Fleet Surgical Team 9.

The 7th Fleet operating area includes more than half of the world's population and more than 52 million square miles of the Pacific and Indian oceans — stretching from the International Date Line to the east coast of Africa, and from the Kuril Islands in the north to Antarctica in the south.

While transiting the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, the Bonhomme Richard ARG reported to the Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, Rear Adm. Richard Landolt, who is headquartered in Okinawa, Japan.

George Washington Begins ANNUALEX 21G

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) John J. Mike, USS George Washington Public Affairs

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At sea (NNS) -- USS George Washington (CVN 73) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 began their participation in military exercise ANNUALEX 21G Nov. 10.

A yearly, combined-training exercise between the U.S. military and Japan Self Defense Force, ANNUALEX fosters interoperability and teamwork between the two nations.

According to George Washington Operations Officer Cmdr. Anthony Calandra, the ship's participation is important because it is permanently-forward deployed to Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan (CFAY).

"One of the reasons GW (George Washington) operates from Japan is to aid in their defense," Calandra said. "Through exercises like ANNUALEX, our countries can learn from each other and operate better as a team."

George Washington will be involved in multiple scenarios that include anti-submarine, air-to-surface and air-to-air warfare training.

"ANNUALEX runs the gamut as an exercise, and in the end, practicing these procedures will help us interoperate with the Japanese to maintain peace in the Pacific region," Calandra said.

As part of ANNUALEX, CVW 5 will work closely with the Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) by practicing strike training in the Okinawa and Okino Daito Jima region.

"We learn valuable lessons working with each other, which allows us to operate at our full potential during a time of conflict," said CVW Commander, Capt. Ross Myers.

"Having JASDF pilots on board helps us gain a greater understanding of each other's capabilities and increase the interoperability between our two great countries," said Myers.

George Washington is participating in its second ANNUALEX since becoming the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier in 2008.

George Washington is commanded by Capt. David A. Lausman, the flagship of the George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GW CSG), which is commanded by Rear Adm. Kevin M. Donegan. George Washington departed its forward-deployed port of Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan Oct. 6 on its second fall deployment as the Navy's forward-deployed carrier presence. The GW CSG includes CVW 5, Destroyer Squadron 15 and the guided missile cruisers USS Shiloh (CG 67) and USS Cowpens (CG 63).

Soldiers Maintain Electronic Warfare Equipment

By Army 2nd Lt. Sophia Volz, Special to American Forces Press Service

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq - It's 2 a.m., and the intelligence electronic warfare maintenance section of the 1st Armored Division's 4th Brigade here is ready to spark into action.

We're on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week," explained Army Warrant Officer Fernando Aguirre of Los Angeles.

Aguirre spearheads the section, overseeing day-to-day operations, providing guidance to commanders, and mentoring soldiers. The section's 12 soldiers officially are responsible for maintaining all intelligence and communications security equipment used by the military intelligence company assigned to the 4th Special Troops Battalion.

"Unofficially though, we also fix everything from coffee pots and iPods to satellite dishes," Aguirre said.

Army Sgt. Jonathan Culpepper of Atlanta, the section's shop foreman, spent more than 11 months training for his current job.

"I'm responsible for all maintenance activities," he said. "This is probably one of the most mentally challenging military occupational specialties."

Army Spc. Brent Leverette of Augusta, Ga., is one of two cryptological equipment repair specialists in the section. "I'm responsible for fixing all the [communications security] equipment for the whole brigade combat team," he said. This means he also is responsible for fixing equipment at the more than 15 outlying bases in Iraq's Dhi Qar, Maysan, and Muthanna provinces, where "Highlander" soldiers advise and assist Iraqi security forces.

The section's soldiers also work with civilian field service representatives to ensure equipment is fixed or replaced in a timely manner.

"If we can't fix it, we send the equipment to the [field service representatives]," Aguirre said. "They usually send us a brand new piece of equipment. It doesn't matter how long it takes to fix the equipment. We've worked for 36 hours straight before. We want to be, and are, the premier electronics maintenance shop in the brigade."

Milcom Blog Logs 9-11 Nov 2009 - California

Our good friend and MT colleague Hugh Stegman has shared his HF logs with us from his California shack. Thanks a million Hugh.

8478.5 STANAG 4285 RFLIE French Forces test mkr ITA2 300/L 0356 11/11

8658.0 FAX Possibly Fukushima Prefectural Fishery, Japan, fishing market data table dated 11/10, at 120/576 in JJ, nice signal 0650 11/10

8677.0 FAX CBV, Chilean Navy, Valparaiso-Playa Ancha Radio, weak satpic with no ID //17146.5 2347 11/10

10535.9 FAX CFH, Canadian Forces METOC Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada, fuzzy satpic on lower than listed freq //6496.4 120/576 0106 11/11

10555.0 FAX VMW, Australian BOM, Wiluna, recognizable though noisy chart 120/576 in prog 2255 11/10

10583.85 USB "Mexicoooooo" SS/OM, voice sounds familiar, could it be Green Angels base, Ciudad de Mexico, DF??? 0018 11/8

11090.0 FAX KVM70, Honolulu Meteo, HI, nice Pacific satpic 120/576 0053 11/11

16135.0 FAX KVM70, Honolulu Meteo, HI, fuzzy SST chart 120/576 in prog 2331 11/10

16971.0 FAX Kyodo News, JSC, Japan, news in JJ, // but not in sync with 17069 & 17430, off by a fraction of a second. Kyodo "morning" news, "NX" navigation warnings, JSU Seamen's Union news, in progress at 0010 11/9

17069.6 FAX Kyodo News, JJC, Japan // in sync w/ above 0010 11/9

17146.5 FAX CBV, Chilean Navy, Valparaiso-Playa Ancha Radio, fuzzy Antarctic ice chart in prog 120/576 2221 11/10

17430.0 FAX Kyodo News, 9VF, Singapore 0007 11/9

20469.0 FAX VMC, Australian BOM, Charleville, weak chart 120/576 2250 11/10

German Frigate Hessen Teams With Eisenhower for Training

The German navy frigate Hessen (F221) pulls alongside the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) for a refueling at sea. This is the first time Dwight D. Eisenhower has provided fuel for a German ship. Dwight D. Eisenhower is conducting a three-week Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) in preparation for its upcoming 2010 deployment. COMPTUEX is a training exercise along the East Coast from Virginia to Florida. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gina K. Wollman/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist Logan Meyer, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Public Affairs

USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER, At Sea (NNS) -- The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike) conducted the U.S Navy's first simulated replenishment-at-sea with a German warship during as part of a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) Nov. 3-24.

The Sachsen-class German frigate Hessen (F 221) participated in the simulation as part of a joint training exercise between the United States and German navies.

"The refueling simulation with the Hessen was a dry hook-up, so no fuel was transferred," said Ens. Heinz Moeller, an air defense officer in the operations department aboard the Hessen. "We participated in the training exercise because it was a good opportunity and also it was the first time a warship from the German Navy has done a refueling exercise with an American aircraft carrier."

Moeller stated that his role in the simulation was a supporting one, serving as a liaison between the two Navies and to help overcome any language barriers on the bridge-to-bridge radio channels.

"The procedure went so smoothly, there was really no need for me to serve as a translator," said Moeller. "The process was nearly perfectly run, and no language issues or otherwise arose during the training. We've had very good experiences with American ships within the standing NATO maritime groups, but not within a carrier strike group. It was an incredible and overwhelming experience."

Moeller also commented on his positive experience aboard Ike and the crew's impressive professionalism and support during his embark. "Everyone was very kind to me, and when I spoke with many of the crew members, they reflected the pride and legacy Ike carries," said Moeller. "It was my first time aboard an aircraft carrier, and I really felt like I was welcomed as a crew member on the Eisenhower."

Moeller stressed how few opportunities there are in the German Navy to perform a RAS with an American aircraft carrier, and that the crew of Hessen didn't want to pass up on an opportunity to gain a new experience. "The crew of the Hessen, and I suspect every Sailor in the U.S. Navy, has a drive to gain new experiences and do new things," said Moeller. "It was a perfect show of seamanship from the Eisenhower, and from the Hessen as well. I was happy to be a part of it."

Eisenhower is conducting a COMPTUEX in preparation for its upcoming 2010 deployment. COMPTUEX, scheduled by Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet and conducted by a training team led by Commander, Strike Force Training Atlantic, is a joint/combined three-week exercise off the East Coast of the United States.

SBT 20 Conducts Training at MCAS Cherry Point

A Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewman (SWCC) assigned to Special Boat Team (SBT) 20 navigates the MARK V Special Operations Craft for a scene in the upcoming Bandito Brothers production ¨I Am That Man", due in theaters in 2010. SWCC operate and maintain the Navy's inventory of state of the art, high-speed boats in support of special operations missions worldwide. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Kathryn Whittenberger/Released)

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Kathryn Whittenberger, Naval Special Warfare Group 4

CHERRY POINT, N. C (NNS) -- Detachments from Special Boat Team (SBT) 20, stationed on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Va., spent Nov. 2-6 running through complex training scenarios designed to serve as a pre-deployment assessment.

"The ranges at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point are the best in the U.S. when it comes to small boat tactics," said Master Chief Special Warfare Boat Operator (SWCC) David Schweiger, boat troop command master chief for SEAL Team 18. "We need to train in environments that simulate as closely as possible the conditions we encounter down range."

The three SBT's are the maritime mobility experts for U.S. Special Operations Command. SBT 20 and SBT 12, located on the East and West Coast respectively, conduct littoral missions, while SBT 22 is a specialized riverine unit.

SBT 20 operates the MK-V Special Operations and the Naval Special Warfare rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIB). For this evolution, RHIB detachments trained at multiple locations on and around MCAS Cherry Point.

"These ranges have the highest number, quality and availability of ranges, as well as a greater availability of air assets than any live-fire range on the East or West Coast," said SBT 20 Training Department Leading Chief Petty Officer Special Warfare Boat Operator (SWCC) Dave McClain. "Here, we can conduct multiple dynamic training events and complex scenarios, and integrate unmanned aerial vehicles, helicopter operations and the insertion and extraction of SEAL and other special operations forces into our training missions."

For this particular training event, operators from SEAL Team 18 joined in, serving as opposing forces and conducting requalifications.

"Integration with the active duty SWCC is essential to maintaining our capabilities to conduct our mission sets as well as supporting the active component in their real-world operations," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 (SWCC) Brett Anderson, Naval Special Warfare Group 11 training officer.

Adding to the realism of the scenarios, aircraft from the base Marine aircraft squadrons, as well as Navy aircraft units from Norfolk, Va., served as both over-watch, and as a platform for recovery and fast-rope insertion.

"Conducting joint training is essential. The battlefield is now joint, and the interoperability established here saves lives forward," said McClain. "Working with our Reserve counterparts builds relationships and ensures that we are all ready to deploy at the same level of readiness."

This weeklong training involved numerous base camps and tent cities, as well as more than 100 personnel and repeated live-fire training evolutions.

"The base support to our training was crucial," said Senior Chief Brian Main, who was the exercise coordinator. "Range control was extremely helpful. The logistics for an evolution like this are immense and Cherry Point was always ready to lend a hand."

Engineers in Iraq Take on New Role

By Army 1st Lt. Brendon Hischar, Special to American Forces Press Service

JOINT SECURITY STATION CONDOR, Iraq - For most soldiers assigned to the 1st Armored Division's 4th Brigade "Highlanders," the unit's "advise and assist" mission requires a rethinking of traditional roles in a stability operations environment.

The engineers of 2nd Platoon, Company E, 4th Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, are no different.

Some people associate engineers with route clearance here, but that's only a small portion of the much larger combat engineer skill set these soldiers are learning to apply in new ways to support the mission.

Based at Contingency Operating Site Hunter in southern Maysan province and attached to 2nd Squadron, 13th Cavalry Regiment, Task Force Saber, the engineers clear about 400 miles of rural highway each week to allow free and safe movement of U.S. forces and Iraqi civilians. Recently, the engineers began training soldier trainees of 3rd Battalion, 41st Iraqi Army Brigade, in the use of mine detectors.

Mine detectors not only finding mines or live munitions, but also discover hidden caches of weapons and weapon components in the marshy terrain of Maysan province.

"Finding [weapons] is a priority not only for us, but also for our Iraqi army partners," said Army Maj. Evan Wollen, Task Force Saber operations officer. "Every successful interdiction means less lethal aid ending up in the hands of anti-Iraq forces."

The first training session was classroom instruction focused on mine-detector familiarization and applications. Soldiers gained valuable insight on sweeping techniques for maximum effectiveness. The trainees asked numerous questions of the two primary instructors, combat engineers Army Spc. Carlos Heres and Army Pfc. Ivan Ortega-Rojas, who have extensive mine-detector training.

The training motivated the Iraqis, Ortega-Rojas said. "We are eager to teach them, because they are ready to handle their own security."

Army Sgt. Jacob Irish, a combat engineer who supervised the training, agreed with that assessment.

"[The Iraqi trainees] seemed eager to learn," he said. "They seemed to know exactly what they were going to do with [the mine detector] and how they wanted to use it."

The Iraqi soldiers then moved to lanes training to learn how various objects sound when detected by the mine detector.

The first lanes feature shallowly buried metal objects, such as inert ordnance and metal ammunition links, which kept students engaged and focused on minute changes in the soil. Other lanes simulated deeply buried caches, featuring metal ammunition cans and cardboard boxes filled with inert munitions to illustrate the equipment's sensitivity.

All students had an opportunity to operate the mine detector, probe findings and recover buried objects until the soldiers felt proficient in all tasks assigned.

Milcom Blog Logs - HF 7-9 Nov 2009 - Mid Atlantic

Ron up in Maryland checks in again with more Milcom Blog Logs, this time from the HF spectrum. Thanks Ron for sharing. All times UTC and freqs are in KHz.

7 Nov:

08971.0 Fiddle (TSC NAS Jacksonville FL): 1930 USB w/Red Talon 711 (P-3C, NAS Jacksonville FL) w/radio checks.

11232.0 Trenton Military: 2113 USB w/Rescue 333 (CC-130H # 130333 436th Sq CFB Trenton) in pp w/RCC Trenton discussing tasking for search by Black Fly 701(poss CH-146 Griffon) in the area of Cat Lake. Ref to unid acft poss RON at Thunder Bay.

08340.0 5JL1 (Venezuelan Navy Frigate "Mariscal Sucre" F-21): 2138 LSB/ALE calling T5L1 (CEDEF-Commander, Frigate Squadron).

08340.0 F21 (Frigate "Mariscal Sucre" F-21): 2140 LSB/ALE calling CGA1 (Venezuelan Navy Headquarters).

08340.0 T8R1 (HQs Venezuelan Navy): 2145 LSB/ALE calling 1C3Z (Frigate "General Soublette F24).

08340.0 7R8C (Venezuelan Navy entity): 2154 LSB/ALE calling 6G8Y (Venezuelan Navy entity).

8 Nov:

02842.7 Unid: 0158 Stanag 4285. Strong signal here--poss French Navy or Canforce.

08888.7 O/M (Spanish): 0241 USB w/O/M (Spanish).

03596.0 KB3JAJ (HAM operator, Crownsville MD): 0250 USB/ALE sounding.

08340.0 F212 (Venezuelan Navy Frigate "Mariscal Sucre" F-21): 1000 LSB/ALE calling CGA2 (Venezuelan Navy HQs).

08340.0 CGA3 (Venezuelan Navy HQs): 1130 LSB/ALE calling F213 (Venezuelan Navy Frigate "Mariscal Sucre" F-21).

08155.5 O/M (Spanish): 1340 LSB w/O/M (Spanish).

08831.0 Gander (MWARA NAT-F): 1345 USB w/various acft.

10100.0 O/M (Spanish): 1400 USB w/unheard station. Contact initiated by whistling.

11085.0 Unid: 1410 HF FAX. Weak signal--clear decode not possible here.

07361.5 OPSFMH (AASF Massachusetts Army National Guard (ARNG), Otis ANGB MA): 1430 USB/ALE sounding. Also sounding on 06911.5 USB.

07361.5 STPOPS (Minnesota ArNG, Army Avn Support Facility (AASF) St. Paul, MN): 1438 USB/ALE sounding. Also sounding on 06911.5 USB.

07361.5 KBDLNG (Connecticut ArNG AASF, Bradley IAP, Windsor Locks CT): 1510 USB/ALE sounding. Also sounding on 06911.5 USB.

06911.5 DKB (US Army JSOC, Ft Bragg NC): 2320 USB/ALE sounding.

9 Nov:

08218.0 O/M (Spanish): 0008 SB w/O/M (Spanish). Poss paramilitary--use of NATO phonetics & mention of Police.

08747.0 Y/L (Spanish): 0119 LSB w/unheard station.

05550.0 New York (MWARA CAR-A): 0144 USB w/various acft.

07361.5 OLATHE (prob Kansas ArNG unit, Olathe KS): 1400 USB/ALE sounding.

08278.7 O/M (Spanis): 2140 USB w/O/M (Spanish). Poss maritime link.

08151.7 Unid: 1443 Stamag 4285. Strong signal here--poss French Navy or Canforce.

08912.0 713 (USCG HC-130H #1713, CGAS Sacramento CA): 2358 USB/ALE calling J37 (USCG MH-60J #6037 CGAS San Diego CA).

C-130 arrival in Poland marks end, new beginning

Capt. Tyler Robertson performs a walk around inspection prior to engine start up before piloting the last E-model C-130 Hercules Nov. 2, 2009, from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, to Powidz Air Base, Poland. (Defense Department photo/Master Sgt. Scott Wagers)

by Master Sgt. Scott Wagers, Defense Media Activity-Ramstein

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFNS) -- Ramstein Air Base Airmen delivered the base's last E-model C-130 Hercules Nov. 2 to Powidz Air Base, Poland, marking the end of 38 years of service to the U.S. Air Force but the newest addition to the Polish air force's blossoming fleet of strategic airlifters.

C-130 tail No. 1299 touched down and as the aircrew exited the aircraft Polish air force Brig. Gen. Tadeusz Mikutel, the 33rd Air Base commander, and Lt. Col. Mieczyslaw Gaudyn, 14th Airlift Squadron commander, welcomed the American Airmen with warm greetings and a firm handshake.

"The main task for the C-130s is to support our contingency operations in Afghanistan, Chad, Africa and everywhere Polish troops and supplies are needed," said Colonel Gaudyn, who along with his squadron's airmen will be flying the C-130.

Colonel Gaudyn, a former MiG fighter pilot who transitioned to the Antonov 26 cargo transport aircraft, said Poland has approximately 2,000 troops operating in Afghanistan's Gozni Province. Until now, all of these soldiers were transported into theater and subsequently resupplied using U.S. and Ukrainian airlift.

"Now we have much more capability to transport cargo and supplies to our troops which is very important for them, and much quicker," he said adding that Polish troops will no longer have to wait for available transportation from other nations.

"If you have your own (airlift), you can just react when there is a need," he said.

The primary air transport platform used by the Polish air force has been the Spanish-made CASA C-295, a twin turboprop tactical transport aircraft. The sleek fuselage design fits up to 70 passengers or a payload of approximately 7.5 tons but is not well suited for bulky cargo, Colonel Gaudyn said.

By comparison, the E-model Hercules can carry 90 fully equipped passengers or a payload of 17 tons.

Prepping Polish aircrews and maintainers for the transition to the larger Lockheed-Martin built Hercules has been accomplished with a blend of English language and specialty knowledge training at bases in Texas and Arkansas and through a type of work mentorship exchange between U.S. and Polish air force personnel.

In January 2009 a pair of C-130's and the 86th Wing commander from Ramstein AB visited Powidz AB to give personnel there an overview of the aircraft as a part of European Command's military-to-military program, said Capt. John Szczepanski, an affairs officer based at the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw, Poland.

In March 2009, Powidz AB officials received the first of five donated U.S. C-130Es. Three months later, the Illinois Air National Guard's Peoria-based C-130 wing visited Powidz AB to conduct a two-week flying and maintenance engagement under the auspices of the state partnership program, Captain Szczepanski said.

In the seven months since the first C-130 arrived in Poland, aircrews have successfully flown more than 100 sorties.

C-130 tail No. 1299 is not a part of the four remaining donated aircraft slated for future delivery to Poland. It was transferred to Powidz AB under a Foreign Military Sales lease agreement between Air Force Materiel Command and Poland in support of building partnership capacities and teamwork amongst United States' allies.

According to Capt. Szczepanski, the entire donation of five totally refurbished aircraft, support equipment, supplies, training, and contracted logistics support, is valued at $120 million and 100 percent funded through bilateral military assistance grant money.

After the engines of 1299 came to a rest on the Powidz AB tarmac, Polish air force ground crew and commissioned officers moved in closer to unload pallets and lay eyes on their new plane. Some ventured inside the crew door to survey the interior while others posed for personal pictures in front of the plane.

The 14th Airlift Squadron currently has 25 qualified aircrew to fly the C-130E and growing.

Second National Security Cutter, Waesche, delivered to Coast Guard

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Coast Guard conducted preliminary acceptance of the second National Security Cutter, Waesche (WMSL 751), during a ceremony Friday at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, Miss., marking the official transfer of Waesche from the shipbuilder to the Coast Guard.

Rear Adm. Ronald J. Rábago, the Coast Guard’s Assistant Commandant for Acquisition, presided over the ceremony held on Waesche’s flight deck. Friday’s delivery is a major milestone in Waesche’s transition to full operational status in the Coast Guard’s fleet, allowing Waesche to enter “In-Commission Special” status prior to formal commissioning. “In-Commission Special” status begins when the Coast Guard’s crew formally takes responsibility of the vessel and moves aboard the cutter. Waesche’s sail away from Pascagoula is scheduled for late December, followed by further crew training and certification in Pensacola, Fla., then departure to her new homeport of Alameda, Calif., in late January. Final acceptance of Waesche will occur following a year-long warranty period and completion of final acceptance trials.

“Hundreds of people have poured themselves into the acquisition and construction of this fine ship over the past four years,” said Capt. Lance Bardo, Waesche’s prospective commanding officer. “We have been chosen to take this brand new, major national asset to sea to prepare her for a lifetime of service in public safety and national security.”

During recently completed acceptance trails, the U.S. Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey recommended acceptance and described Waesche as very capable, meeting or exceeding readiness expectations. The positive results of Waesche acceptance trials reflect lessons learned from the first National Security Cutter, Bertholf (WMSL 750).

The 418-foot Waesche is the second ship in the new Legend-class of cutters designed to be the flagship of the Coast Guard’s modernized fleet, capable of executing the most challenging maritime safety and security missions around the globe. Eight cutters are planned for the class. More information on the National Security Cutter program can be found online at http://www.uscg.mil/acquisition/nsc/default.asp.

Ospreys Launch From Bataan to Support OEF

An MV-22B Osprey from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), takes off from the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5). The aircraft were flown to Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, where they will be transferred to VMM-261 and used to support the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade. This is the first time the aircraft will be used in Afghanistan. The 22nd MEU is serving as the theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Julio Rivera/Released)

By Bataan Amphibious Ready Group/22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit Public Affairs

USS BATAAN, At sea (NNS) -- The multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) launched 10 MV-22B Ospreys from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit to fly into Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, Nov. 6, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The aircraft, part of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced), will be transferred to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 and serve as part of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade's Aviation Combat Element.

The 22nd MEU was the first Marine Expeditionary Unit to conduct a ship-based deployment with the tiltrotor aircraft. VMM-263 (Rein) attached to the MEU in September, 2008, and was also the first squadron to deploy with the aircraft to Iraq in 2007.

"It is a great honor for us to support 2nd MEB, and we are proud to be the first unit to bring this aircraft into Afghanistan," said Col. Gareth F. Brandl, 22nd MEU commanding officer. "We have spent more than a year working with the MV-22B and know that the added capabilities this aircraft brings will benefit the Marines currently engaged against the enemy."

"This historic mission has been one of the highlights of our deployment," said Capt. Sam Howard, Bataan's commanding officer. "We did all we could to make sure they had all the material and logistic support necessary to have a safe and successful fly-off."

The Ospreys launched in three waves making the 510 nautical mile flight in just over two hours. During the aircraft's first amphibious deployment, it flew in support of theater security cooperation events in three countries, including U.S. Central Command's largest exercise, Bright Star 2009 in Egypt.

The Osprey was also used to conduct multiple medical evacuations from ship to shore and was employed to conduct logistics flights to Rota, Spain; Naval Air Station, Sigonella (Sicily); Djibouti, Africa and Bahrain. For more than a month, the squadron supported desert training when the MEU trained ashore in Camp Buehring, Kuwait.

"The men and women of the squadron performed admirably in support of this mission," said Lt. Col. Paul P. Ryan, commanding officer of VMM-263. "I am convinced that this weapon system will serve the operating forces well for decades to come."

Ryan added that the MEU has learned a great deal about operating with the Osprey and has captured lessons learned throughout the deployment to support future tiltrotor squadrons as they begin to deploy with other MEUs.

The 22nd MEU, led by Brandl, is a scalable, multipurpose force of more than 2,200 Marines and Sailors. The unit is composed of its Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced); Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 22 and its Command Element.

The Bataan ARG is composed of the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), the amphibious transport dock USS Ponce (LPD 15), the amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22, Fleet Surgical Team (FST) 6, Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 2, ACU 4 and Beachmaster Unit (BMU) 2.

The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, with the 22nd MEU embarked, deployed May 13, 2009 to conduct maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operations.