Navy Says Farewell to Last Sea King

Photo: MH-60 Seahawk helicopters fly in formation with an H-3 Sea King assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Eight Five (HSC-85) during a ceremonial flight honoring more than 40 years of service by the H-3 Sea King. Sea King is being replaced by the SH-60 Seahawk helicopter throughout the Navy. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Dustin Kelling

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Stephanie Tigner, Fleet Public Affairs Center Pacific

Sailors from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 85 held a decommissioning ceremony for the Navy’s last H-3 Sea King helicopter March 6.

The helicopter departed Naval Air Station North Island en route to Atlanta to be prepped for foreign military sales.

For the past six months the Navy has phased out the H-3s and replaced them with the MH-60 helicopters which have newer technology, capabilities, and advanced ergonomics.

“Although this is a sad day for anyone who has had the pleasure of flying or working on it," said Cmdr. James Cluxton, commanding officer of HSC-85 who has flown the H-3 for the past seven years. "The Sea King has far exceeded original expectations and has forged a long, proud legacy.”

During the past 37 years, HSC-85 used the H-3 for search and rescue missions as well as to launch/recover mobile anti-submarine warfare targets and torpedoes.

Dave Williams, the Navy’s last official H-3 technical representative, said it was sad to see it go.

“I will miss its reliability and versatility," he said. "It’s an all around good aircraft.”

As the H-3 Sea King prepared to taxi down the runway for the last time, Cluxton concluded his farewell.

“Today we say ‘fair winds and following seas’ to an old friend as this aircraft moves on to another location and to another round of dedicated service. There’s only one King -- long live the King!”

F-16 Crashes in the Florida Straits

An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the Air Force Reserve Command's 482nd Fighter Wing here crashed about 11:05 a.m. EDT on 12 March 2007 approximately 75 miles south-southeast of Homestead in the Florida Straits. The aircraft was from the 93rd Fighter Squadron. At the time of the accident, it was flying a routine training mission. The pilot ejected safely and was successfully rescued.

Future is bright for Air Force space assets

Photo: Tech. Sgt. Bryan Schubert watches a moving satellite dish inside one of the "golf ball" protective dish covers as it tracks a satellite moving across the northern polar sky in January at Thule Air Base, Greenland. Among the key areas on which Airmen in Air Force Space Command are focused is preserving and developing new capabilities for the joint warfighter. (U.S. Air Force photo/Michael Tolzmann)


Future is bright for Air Force space assets
by Louis A. Arana-Barradas
Air Force Print News

The Airmen of Air Force Space Command are tracking a lot more than the man-made space junk that orbits the Earth.

Space operators are troubleshooting the way they do business. They're focusing on getting their capabilities -- the ones most Americans know little about -- to the forefront of the battlefield.

Leading the effort is a group of leaders with experience in real-world combat operations. These men and women know how to work with their sister services to ensure servicemembers on the ground get the best air and space support needed to win the war on terrorism. Every day, these combat Airmen help joint forces achieve the best possible spherical situational awareness.

The commander of these space Airmen, Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, is a longtime space operator. The command is modernizing its capabilities and technologies and fixating on the details to make the services second to none. He said the command is focusing on key areas.

"First we need to be preserving, as well as developing, new capabilities the joint warfighter relies on. Second, we have to provide a nuclear deterrent with our ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile) force," the general said. "Third, unlike other commands, we have an acquisition responsibility, so we are focusing on making sure we develop, acquire and field the necessary capabilities we need for the future. Underpinning this is our need for talented people."

So as the command heads into a more clearly defined future, it is concentrating on recruiting, training and retaining "the talent we need to run our space systems in the future," he said.

That is a key strategy for fighting the continuing war on terrorism, a battle in which space command Airmen are deeply involved every day. Space operators bring the Global Positioning System and timing to the worldwide joint fight. They also control global communications with their arsenal of satellites and provide weather and missile warnings. The unmanned aerial vehicles operating over Iraq, Afghanistan and other parts of the world also rely on global communication.

"None of this would happen without the GPS and timing signal," General Chilton said.
The command has some immediate goals, he said. And it will continue to face challenges.

"Many of the goals we are paying close attention to are what we call space situation awareness," he said. "We need to have a better understanding of what is up in space.
Space command is doing a good job of cataloging and counting the objects orbiting the Earth, he said. But the command needs a better understanding of just what the objects are, the capabilities of the satellites in space and the intent of the satellite's users.

"The recent Chinese satellite test really put an exclamation point on this requirement for the future," the general said. "After we understand the situational awareness up there and develop that, we need to also focus on how we can command and control our assets so they can be responsive to any threat that may appear."

Getting there means facing change involving recapitalization and acquisition. But the general said his Airmen are up to the challenges and that this will make for some exciting times ahead.

"We are recapitalizing every system in the command," General Chilton said. "Right now, every satellite system -- whether weather, communications, missile warning or GPS satellites -- is being recapitalized. We are developing brand new ones, and we are launching some of those satellites this year."

The command is looking deep into the future to develop satellites that won't go into service for several years, but that will help with space surveillance. And the command is also recapitalizing the Air Force's entire ICBM force, essentially rebuilding the Minuteman III missile system deployed in the field.

These are very important programs for the nation and the general said it is "essential that we continue to fund these as we move forward."

Getting the funds needed to recapitalize means making lawmakers and the American public more aware of the command's capabilities. Doing that is a dedicated cadre of Airmen doing a task most people don't know about -- space command missions. It's a job space Airmen should be proud of, the general said.

"We require them to train and be proficient in what they do -- but they are in the fight 24-7," the general said. "On top of that, our ICBM force provides that strategic umbrella for our nations and that doesn't happen by accident. They are out there every day, doing the job."

But it's the payoff of having a viable space command that makes its capabilities worth their weight in gold to the command's customers.

"Nothing we do in Air Force Space Command is for Air Force Space Command," General Chilton said. "Everything we do is for the joint fight."

That's why the general said he wants everyone to know and have the confidence to turn to the command for "anything space." Space Airmen have capabilities that run the gamut from systems development, acquisition fielding and actual operations to the launch of ICBMs, missile warning, space surveillance and a host of key satellite systems.

"We have the expertise for America in Air Force Space Command," he said. "If you have a question about space, we should be at the top of your Rolodex."

USAF satellite-loaded Atlas V is 50th launch success

The Air Force marked its 50th consecutive successful launch March 8 with an Atlas V loaded with six experimental satellites.

Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles AFB, Calif., successfully launched the rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., with the 45th Space Wing spacelift team.

The mission integration and subsequent launch was a collaborative effort on the part of the Air Force, the Aerospace Corporation, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the Department of Energy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the United Launch Alliance and contractors including the Boeing Company, Ball Aerospace, and AeroAstro.

The firsts on this mission include:
-- The first launch of an Air Force payload on an Atlas V
-- The first flight of an EELV Secondary Payload Adaptor
-- The first Air Force mission with six unique spacecraft
-- The first dedicated EELV mission for the Department of Defense Space Test Program
-- The first Atlas V mission to carry multiple satellites to two distinctly different low-Earth orbits.

"I am just overwhelmed and ecstatic by the results of last night's launch" said." Lt. Col. Carol Welsch, director of the DOD Space Test Program and Space Development Group, SMC. "The separation systems on the ESPA ring worked flawlessly allowing the satellites to deploy nominally. I don't believe the flight to the designated mission orbits could have gone any better than it did."

This was the ninth launch of the Atlas V rocket that plays an important role in assured access to space.

"I congratulate the members of the Space Test Program, DARPA, and United Launch Alliance team on their successful mission accomplishment last evening," said Col. Samuel Greaves, STP-1 mission director. I am proud to be a part of the success of this mission and I look forward to supporting future launches that show the same degree of dedication to mission success. Well done!"

"This is an exciting and historic day for the Air Force and our government/industry EELV launch team," said Col. David Thompson, commander of the 45th Operations Group and spacelift commander for this mission. "This is our ninth straight successful Atlas V launch. It helps mark the 60th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force because it's another chapter in the long Atlas heritage that began back in the 1950s when the Air Force initially developed the Atlas as an intercontinental ballistic missile."

The individual spacecraft launched on the Atlas V were:

-- NextSat and ASTRO for the Defense Advanced Projects Agency:
These satellites are part of a program called Orbital Express. They will spend the next three months in orbit, demonstrating for the first time fully autonomous rendezvous and capture of client spacecraft, satellite-to-satellite refueling, and replacement of battery and flight-computer orbital replacement units. The technologies developed by DARPA's Orbital Express program are intended to support a broad range of future U.S. national security, civil and commercial space activities.

ORBITAL EXPRESS
1 30772U 07006A 07071.21013879 .00002142 00000-0 10000-3 0 93
2 30772 46.0304 87.3377 0005626 283.7025 76.3986 15.23673385 472

ORBITAL EXPRESS
1 30774U 07006C 07070.55446384 .00000814 00000-0 45657-4 0 59
2 30774 46.0298 90.8357 0005618 281.0480 78.9786 15.23666884 371

-- STPSat-1 for the Space Test Program: This microsatellite was built to specifically exploit the new ESPA multi-mission launch capability. It supports STP's mission to provide reliable access to space for DoD-sponsored experiments. STPsat-1: A 343-pound (156-kilogram) satellite carrying two experiments to collect atmospheric data and demonstrate spacecraft technologies for the U.S. Air Force’s Space Test Program. This satellite carries an interesting experiment (CITRIS) which will monitor spacecraft beacons on the following frequencies: 150.012, 400.032 and 1066.752 MHz. It is NOT transmitting a downlink on these frequencies as one source has reported.

-- CFESat for the Los Alamos National Laboratory: The Cibola Flight Experiment is a technology pathfinder project for the National Nuclear Security Administration's Office of Research and Development. It is flying eight new technologies for space flight validation. It is a 350-pound (159-kilogram) satellite built for the Los Alamos National Laboratory to test a series of new technologies, including inflatable boom antennas, a new power supply and a prototype supercomputer designed to process data onboard rather than sending raw information directly to Earth

CFESat is a reconfigurable processor payload mission of LANL (Los Alamos National Laboratory) intended for a low-Earth orbit system. The objective is to survey portions of the VHF and UHF radio spectra. The experiment uses networks of reprogrammable, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) to process the received signals for ionospheric and lightning studies. The objective is to detect and measure impulse events that occur in a complex background. The experiment also will validate the on-orbit use of commercial, reconfigurable FPGA technology demonstrating several different schemes for the mitigation and correction of "single-event upsets" that would crash most current computer systems. CFESat is supported by STP (Space Test Program) of DoD and is part of the STP-1 space flight mission.

CFESat employs two SSDRs (Solid State Data Recorder), each of 1 GByte capacity. A new router system is used to collect the downlink as well as the uplink data. All data transfer is provided in S-band with CPFSK (Continuous Phase Frequency Shift Keying) modulation and a data rate of 19.2 kbit/s in uplink. The downlink has data rates of 38.4 kbit/s or of 4 Mbit/s using QPSK (Quadra-Phase Shift Keying) modulation.

-- MidSTAR for the U.S. Naval Academy: It is a general-purpose satellite bus carrying four experiments. MidSTAR-1 is the first implementation of the mod 1 design. It has been commissioned by STP to carry the Internet Communications Satellite (ICSat) Experiment for SSP (no. 39 on the 2002 SERB List) and the Configurable Fault Tolerant Processor (CFTP) Experiment for NPS (no. 34 on the 2002 SERB List). Uplink 1.767 GHz and downlink 2.20226 GHz using Gaussian Mean Shift Key modulation (68.4 kbit/s or better data rate)

MIDSTAR 1
1 30773U 07006B 07071.21127939 -.00000229 00000-0 28920-5 0 83
2 30773 46.0286 87.3624 0003260 285.0857 74.9644 15.23096508 478

-- FalconSat-3 for the U.S. Air Force Academy is a 119-pound (54-kilogram) satellite. It is a general purpose satellite bus carrying three experiments. FS-3’s mission is to collect data from its experiments and provide cadets in the Space Operations major an actual space ops experience. Additionally Astronautics major cadets will analyze telemetry and make operations decisions. FS-3 will perform its primary mission on DOD frequencies with a downlink at 2.220 GHz.

Modulation is GMSK at 38k4 or 76k8 bps. All transmissions are in the clear and are AX.25. Additionally FS-3 carries an Amateur radio transmitter and receiver with a downlink at 435.100 Mhz. Modulation is GMSK at 9k6 with faster bit rates available. The Amateur uplink is in VHF and the frequency will be made available when FS-3 reverts to Amateur mode.

After the primary science mission is completed the satellite will be transferred to the USAFA Amateur Radio Club and operated as an Amateur satellite. It can function much like AO-51 in either an FM voice or digital store and forward configurations. During the first few weeks on orbit FS-3 will be commissioned, which includes uploading software and testing all functions. During that time the Amateur radio payload will be exercised.

The primary avionics in FS-3 are from SpaceQuest with additional modules built by cadets and faculty at USAFA and contractors. Software modules are from BekTek, SSTL, and Colorado Satellite Services, with additional software by cadets and faculty at USAFA. The satellite is ‘ESPA class’. The basic structure is a cube about 24” on a side. There is a 3 meter gravity gradient boom that will be extended from the ‘top’ on orbit. On the ‘bottom’ are the pulse plasma thrusters and various antennas including an array of S band patch antennas provided by S&L Technologies of Orlando along with omni antennas for S, V and U bands.

The USAFA ground station consists of two complete units with individual masts on the roof of the classroom annex building. antennas include 6’ and 10’ dishes and Yagis. Rotators are the heavy duty MT-3000 and MT-1000 from M2.

Theodore Roosevelt Moves to Shipyard

Photo: Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Lucas Friend and Gunner's Mate 3rd Class Derek Benedict stand watch with a .50-caliber machine gun aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) during transit to Norfolk Naval Shipyard. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is currently underway to Norfolk Naval Shipyard for Docked Planned Incremental Availability. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman William Weinert

By Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Matt Bullock, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) made a four-hour plus transit of the Elizabeth River in Hampton Roads on March 7, on her way to Norfolk Naval Ship Yard for a nine-month Planned Incremental Availability (PIA).

The Navy’s fourth Nimitz-class aircraft carrier will undergo more than 90 major modifications, including a JP-5 (fuel system) alteration and installation of a new electronic throttle system in the ship’s propulsion plants. The ship also will receive a rolling airframe missile modification for the Close-In Weapons System, and a local area network (LAN) system upgrade.

Roosevelt's maintenance manager, Lt. Cmdr. Scott Shea, said quality of life improvements, such as 10 new “millennium” restrooms and 12 refurbished restrooms, will help make shipboard life more comfortable for the crew. Some of the modifications began taking place prior to the ship’s arrival at the shipyard.

“We planned on refurbishing the heads while we were in the yards, but we’re working ahead of schedule,” Shea said. “We want to accomplish as much as we can as soon as we can, and it looks like we’re off to a good start.”

Shea also said more than 600 racks will be replaced and four berthing areas completely renovated.

In all, Shea said more than 500,000 man hours will be spent upgrading and repairing the ship during the yard period.

During a general announcement to the crew March 6, Commanding Officer Capt. J. R. Haley said although productivity is important in this evolution, safety takes priority in all situations. He said the ship’s goal is to complete the progression efficiently, yet expeditiously.

Airmen upgrade 'Giant Voice' warning systems in England

A maintenance team looks on as the pole for a new giant voice systems goes up March 7 at Royal Air Force Barford St. John, England. The giant voice serves as an early warning system when danger is eminent during natural disasters and wartime situations. The Airmen are from the 1st Communications Maintenance Squadron from Kapaun Air Station, Germany. They are travelling throughout the United Kingdom to upgrade voice systems. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Tech. Sgt. Greg Bluethmann)

by Tech. Sgt. Greg Bluethmann
Detachment 4, Air Force News Agency

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFNEWS) -- Airmen from the 1st Communications Maintenance Squadron at Kapaun Air Station, Germany, are installing giant voice systems throughout the United Kingdom.

The 'Giant Voice' is a 2,000-watt speaker that alerts people on base of danger, whether from natural disasters or terrorist attacks.

"Most people are probably familiar with the warbling tone or the steady tone that they hear when they do their Chem-Warfare training," said Master Sgt. James LeMaster the special maintenance team NCO in charge. This is the system that generates that tone, he said.

The team is working in nine locations in England to ensure bases have the giant voice capability to help communicate to base members warnings so they can take appropriate actions in case of danger.

"It became really self-evident when they had the bomb attacks in London a few years back, that they lost their giant voice capability," said Tech. Sgt. Russ McCleary an airfield systems technician. "So, we bought them new giant voice systems and we came out here to set the up."

The 1st CMS will be working in England throughout March.

Big E Comm Intercepts - 3/9/2007 0640 UTC

Photo: An EA-6B Prowler, assigned to the "Rooks" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137, approaches the landing area of nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) with German frigate FGS Sachsen (F219) in the background. Enterprise is currently underway conducting carrier qualifications in the Atlantic Ocean. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Milosz Reterski.

Here is that latest list of comms associated with the Big E CSG as of 0640 UTC.

4414.0 usb ECHO FOXTROT
5078.5 usb ECHO WHISKEY
-----------------------
120.950 SEALORD FACSFAC Jax
128.950 DART (Lear) air-air; Phoenix Air Group
133.950 SEALORD FACSFAC Jax
136.975 COUGAR Air-Air
225.350 Pinecastle Targets
226.200 Fighter Control [Button 9]
230.225 ECHO WHISKEY
234.500 AMBUSH air-air
235.350 Pinecastle Range Targets
238.425 ECHO ZULU
242.750 MARSHAL [Button 16]
244.725 DART calling ____ WARRIOR (was not SILENT WARRIOR)
245.400 Fighter Control North CAP Shield c/s [Button 10]
249.800 DART working unidentified
250.425 Unknown user/Air-air
252.650 SAR Alpha
254.225 RED CROWN [Button 4]
254.825 Dart 07
256.700 HAMMER 31 calling Avon Ops
259.825 STRIKE [Button 3]
263.325 SAR Bravo
263.350 DEPARTURE
265.850 RED TALON
267.500 SEALORD FACSFAC Jax
269.975 DART 12 working _____ WARRIOR. Trying 349.900, open mic on 249.800
273.850 DRAGON F-21 Air-air
277.800 Fleet Common / “switching back to 318.075”
278.775 Unknown user/usage
279.350 Secure
283.150 ECHO PAPA/ECHO ROMEO
289.200 Pinecastle Range Control
290.000 VFMFA-251 Tac
290.875 Unknown user/Air-air
292.200 Avon Park Range Control
293.225 Miami Center – Vero Beach
312.250 VFA-211 Tac? / 102, 104 Air-air
313.725 Pinecastle Range R2906 Control
314.225 VMFA-251 TBolt Tac
316.850 HAMMER Air-air to Avon Park
317.825 VFA-136 Tac? / HAMMER 13 Air-air
318.075 Fighter Control South CAP-Hammer c/s [Button 11]
323.950 Unknown user/Air-air
324.725 SCREWTOP Tac, 602-603 Air-Air
326.175 Unknown user/usage, “copy all thanks”
341.875 Unknown user/302 Air-air
342.250 Check in with weapons load; range? Possible Iron Cross discrete
348.950 Aerial Refueling / RHET 95
349.900 DART 12 with MAYCOM WARRIOR
351.800 Jax Approach
355.350 Unknown user/Air-air
361.075 Unknown user/usage / 401?
364.375 Unknown user/Air-air Hawk Tac?
370.750 Hammer flight manual push to here
372.225 Unknown user/Air-air
374.300 AMBUSH Air-Air
377.050 Unknown user/usage?? (key up)
377.600 SILENT WARRIOR / COUGAR 24-25 /Red Air

Button 3 – 259.825 Strike
Button 4 – 254.225 Red Crown
Button 8
Button 9 - 226.200 Fighter Control
Button 10 – 245.400 Shot Common
Button 11 – 318.075 Fighter Control
Button 15 – Approach
Button 16 – 242.750 Marshal
Button 17 – Approach

Callsigns:
AMBUSH ##/11 F/A-18C, VFC-12 (RTB Navy Jax)
CLIMAX CONTROL - USS Enterprise
COUGAR ##/21/24/25/26 - Hawker Hunter, ATAC Inc (RTB Navy Jax)
DART ##/12/13 - Lear, Phoenix Air Group
DELTA – HF CWC Net
DRAGON 41 – F-21 Kfir
ECHO BRAVO - Strike Group Commander (HF)
ECHO FOXTROT - Track / Link Coordinator (HF)
ECHO PAPA - Strike Warfare Commander (UHF)
ECHO ROMEO – Air Resources Element Commander (UHF)
ECHO WHISKEY - Air Defense Commander (HF/UHF)
ECHO ZULU - Sea Combat Commander (UHF)
GOLF - USS Gettysburg (HF) (UHF) (Air Defense Control - ADC)
HAMMER ## - Strike Mission tactical callsign
HAMMER 11/14
HAMMER 13 - 302 (side number)
HAMMER 14 - 304
HAMMER 15 - 107
HAMMER 16 - 111
HAMMER 31
HAMMER 41/42/43/44 – NICKEL (ATO Callsign)
HAWK ##/43/44/53 - VFA-136 F/A-18C
HITMAN 21
HOTEL - HF CWC Net (surface unit)
INVADER JACK – Lear, Flight International
JULIET – Surface unit (HF)
KILO - HF CWC Net (surface unit)
LIBERTY 71-72 (Delayed on tanker, alternate tasking?) (211?)
LIMA - HF CWC Net (surface unit)
MACOM WARRIOR
MIKE – Surface unit (HF)
NAIL 25/51/52 - Strike Mission tactical callsign
NICKEL 17
OMEGA 71 - KC-135
OSCAR – Surface unit (HF)
PANTHER 41/61 (first section of Red Air)
PAPA – Surface unit (HF)
RATTLER 35 Unidentified type, probable AEW&C (RTB Navy Jax)
RAWHIDE 44 – VRC-40 Det C-2A
RHET 95/96 - 19ARG/99ARS KC-135R
ROOK 04 - VAQ-137 EA-6B (Side number 501)
ROOK 07 – VAQ-137 EA-6B
SCREWTOP - VAW-123 E-2C II
SEALORD - FACSFAC Jacksonville, Florida
SHIELD ## - Strike Mission tactical callsign
SHIELD 11 - 201
SHIELD 12 - 206
SHIELD 26 - 111
SHIELD 28/29
SHIELD 36/37
SHIELD 38 - 310
SHIELD 39 - 304
SHIELD 46/47/48/49
SHIELD 61 - 104
SHIELD 63 - 102
SILENT WARRIOR - Red Air Surface unit / GCI (UHF)
SNIPER 1 Unidentified aircraft
TBOLT 26 – VMFA-251 F/A-18C
TRON 53 – EA-6B Tactical callsign
VIPER - Unidentified aircraft
WINDER VFA-86 F/A-18C

CVW-1 Squadron List
VFA-86 Sidewinders F/A-18C
VFA-136 Knighthawks F/A-18
VFA-211 Checkmates F/A-18 Super Hornet
VMFA-251 Thunderbolts F/A-18C
VAQ-137 Rooks EA-6B
VAW-123 Screwtops E-2C
VS-32 Maulers S-3B
VRC-40 Det Rawhides C-2A
HS-11 Dragonslayers SH-60

Big E CSG Ship List
USS Enterprise (CVN-65)
USS Arleigh Burke (DDG-51)
USS Stout (DDG-55)
USS Forrest Sherman (DDG-98)
USS James E. Williams (DDG-95)
USS Gettysburg (CG-64)
USS Philadelphia (SSN-690)
USNS Supply (T-AOE 6)

Carrier Strike Group Wraps Up Joint Exercise

Official U.S. Navy file photo of Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Baljeet Gill taxiing a C-2A Greyhound from the "Providers" of Carrier Logistics Support Squadron Three Zero onto a catapult on the flight deck aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68).

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Alexander Ameen and Mass Communcation Specialist Sarah Bitter, Commander, Carrier Strike Group 11/USS Nimitz Strike Group Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11 and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 took their final steps toward deployment as they completed the Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) March 2.

The exercise was designed to test the group’s ability to operate in a complex, hostile environment along with other U.S. and coalition forces.

“This was a perfect opportunity for everyone to come together to hone their skills,” said Command Master Chief (AW/SW) Billy Ward. “It’s important the strike group has an opportunity to work together as a cohesive unit before we head to the tip of the spear.”

Ward said JTFEX effectively simulated real-world situations Nimitz could encounter during its time in the Persian Gulf.

“I know we have the talent and skill to take on any challenge and win,” Ward said.

Capt. Ted Branch, Nimitz’ Commanding Officer, held captain’s call March 3 for the ship’s crew. This was his last underway period as the ship’s captain.

“Nobody can remember the last time a strike group finished [JTFEX] early,” Branch said. “Nimitz did. It was just a stellar job.”

Nimitz crew members also participated in a general quarters drill, a supply management inspection and hosted more than 50 distinguished visitors during the ship’s 10-day underway.

“We have an incredibly talented and multifaceted crew,” Ward said.

As a result of the strike group’s hard work and perseverance in successfully completing the JTFEX, U.S. 3rd Fleet Commander, Vice Adm. Barry Costello, is expected to certify the USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group "ready for deployment."

More than 6,000 Sailors and Marines participated in JTFEX. The Nimitz Strike Group includes: Nimitz; Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11; CVW-11; Commander, Destroyer Squadron 23; USS Princeton (CG 59); USS Higgins (DDG 76); USS Chafee (DDG 90); USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53); Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11; and Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadrons 37 and 49.

Homeported in San Diego, Nimitz is the flagship for CSG 11.

Exercise Foal Eagle 2007 in Full Swing

An Air Cushion Landing Craft prepares to enter the well deck of USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex is the Navy's only forward deployed multi-purpose amphibious assault ship and is the flagship for the Essex Amphibious Readiness Group (ARG) operating from Sasebo, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jhoan M. Montolio

From USS Essex Public Affairs

USS ESSEX, At Sea (NNS) -- Essex Amphibious Ready Group and embarked elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived in the Republic of Korea (ROK) on March 5 to conduct Reception Staging Onward-Movement and Integration and Foal Eagle 2007 (RSOI/FE 07), an exercise which will run through the end of March.

RSOI/FE is one of two annual command post exercises held by U.S. Forces Korea and conducted with the ROK armed forces. RSOI/FE 07 is designed to demonstrate U.S. resolve to support the ROK while improving overall readiness.

RSOI focuses on initial operational flow of deployed forces to Korean Theater of Operations: receiving military units in Korea (reception); connecting units with their equipment once in country (staging); moving them into their respective strategic position within the peninsula (onward movement) and integrating newly arrived forces with the forces that are already here (integration).

“Foal Eagle gives the Navy the unique opportunity to plan and execute a complex expeditionary strike group exercise with one of our key 7th Fleet partners. We’ll deliver an integrated U.S. and ROK Marine team and their equipment to the beach,” said USS Essex (LHD 2) Operations Officer Cmdr. Chris Polk. “And the success of this exercise will be measured, among other things, by how efficiently and safely we execute our interoperability training.”

This year’s exercise will mark the 46th Foal Eagle exercise and the sixth time it’s been combined with RSOI.

Essex, the only forward-deployed amphibious assault ship and serves Task Force 76, the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious force. Task Force 76 headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.

Navy's First Riverine Squadron Deploys

Photo: Sailors assigned to Riverine Squadron One (RIVRON-1) participate in a combat evolution, during a unit level training exercise (US Navy Photo).

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice John K. Hamilton, Fleet Public Affairs Center Atlantic

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 1, based at Naval Amphibious Base (NAB) Little Creek deployed March 8 after a year of intense training with Marine forces.

The deployment marks the first for a riverine squadron since the Vietnam War.

More than 100 riverine Sailors deployed to the Middle East to integrate with Marines from the II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) to conduct maritime security operations (MSO) along rivers and other inland waterways: denying the use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack; a haven for insurgent activities; or the illegal transportation of weapons, people or material in Iraq.

“The combat skills training at Camp Lejune (N.C.) with the Marine Corps and firefight introductions training took us from ‘blue water Sailors’ -- open water Navy -- to become an expeditionary force,” said Cmdr. William Guarini, commanding officer of RIVRON 1.

“Our goal is to help the Marines and other units we’ll be working with to facilitate stability in the area,” said, Lt.j.g. Joshua Sprubeck, team officer for RIVRON 1.

Full of the mixed emotions that come with a deployment, members of the squadron feel they are ready to get underway.

“I’m kind of excited and kind of scared, but I’m ready to get over there and do my job,” said Intelligence Specialist 1st Class (SS) Michael Cherry.

Sprubeck echoed Cherry’s sentiments.

“We're feeling a little bit of excitement, a little bit of fear of the unknown but we're chomping at the bit to go. All the guys are ready to roll,” said Sprubeck.

RIVRON 1 received specialized training in a number of areas including cultural and language skills presented in realistic combat scenarios, and small unit riverine craft training -- all to help prepare them for the challenges they may face in the field.

“The training that we’ve received has been awesome,” said Chief Quartermaster (SW) Mike Gaspar, command career counselor for RIVRON 1. “There were a lot of young men that came here new to this kind of thing. They came here with open minds and did really well with the training that prepared us well for the mission."

Three riverine squadrons under one riverine group commander serve as a ready force for the Joint Force Maritime Component commander. Each squadron consists of specially designed craft configured to operate in a hostile environment. Water craft will have multiple crews for near continuous operations and lift capacity for a small tactical unit.

“These Sailors are ready to go,” said Guarini. “They are motivated to be here, they are excited, and they give me energy just seeing their enthusiasm.”

The Navy’s riverine force is part of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC), a global force provider of adaptive force packages of expeditionary capabilities to joint warfighting commanders. NECC serves as a single functional command to centrally manage the current and future readiness, resources, manning, training, and equipping of the Navy Expeditionary Force.

HF Milcom Frequencies - 3/7/2007

Here is a compiled list of HF Milcom frequencies monitored in the Btown Monitoring Post, sent to this reporter, or reported on the various radio newsgroups within the last 48 hours. All frequencies below are in kilohertz (kHz).

2228.0 NATO/DoD Link 11 data transmission
2330.8 P-MX Beacon Russian Navy Kaliningrad CW
2407.0 Russian Military MS-5/4800/USB
2474.0 PBB-NLD Navy Den Halder 800/75 RTTY
2623.2 German Navy Ship to Shore DHJ59 USB
2721.0 REA4-HQ LRAF Moscow 1000/50
2819.6 NATO 850/75 Cipher Stream NATO-75
3167.0 US Navy USS Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (CSG) USB
3275.0 US Army Command Emergency Operations Net ALE/USB
3285.0 US Army Command Emergency Operations Net ALE/USB
3346.5 National Guard/Air National Guard Ohio Aviation Net ALE/USB
3593.7 P-MX Beacon Russian Navy Kaliningrad CW
3700.0 Australian ADF-HFCS Net USB 0900-2100Z
3803.7 Russian Military MS-5/4800/USB
3837.0 P-MX Beacon Russian Navy Kaliningrad CW
3852.0 Russian Military CW
3884.0 Russian Military CW
4356.5 German Navy Ship to Shore DHJ58 USB
4414.0 US Navy USS Enterprise CSG Force Track Coordinator (Link-11/Link-16) "EF" USB
4557.8 P-MX Beacon Russian Navy Kaliningrad CW
4721.0 USAF HF-GCS Scope Command ALE HF Network ALE/USB
4837.0 National Guard CONUS Net ALE/USB
5039.0 NATO/DoD Link 11 data transmission (Single channel simplex, two stations)
5052.0 NATO/RN Secure broadcast NATO-75 850/75 KG-84
5056.0 NATO/DoD Link 11 data transmission
5078.5 US Navy USS Enterprise CSG Air Defense Voice Coordination Net "EW" USB
5088.5 US Army Command Emergency Operations Net ALE/USB
5118.0 US Army Iraq Net ALE/USB
5150.0 VTK-Indian Naval Radio Tuticorin V Marker CW
5153.7 D-MX Beacon Russian Navy Sevastopol Ukraine CW
5153.8 P-MX Beacon Russian Navy Kaliningrad CW
5154.0 C-MX Beacon Russian Navy Moscow CW
5171.0 NATO/DoD Link 11 data transmission
5465.9 R-MX Beacon Russian Navy Ustinov CW
5517.0 US Navy HF Carrier Strike Group Voice Coordination Net USB
5680.0 UK RAF Kinloss Rescue USB
5833.5 National Guard Net CONUS ALE/USB
5878.0 Australian ADF-HFCS Net USB 0900-2100Z
6207.5 Russian Military CW
6247.0 NATO/DoD Link 11 data transmission
6473.0 9MR-Malaysian Navy Johor Baharu RTTY 850/50 encrypted
6721.0 USAF HF-GCS Scope Command ALE HF Network ALE/USB and NATO AWACS USB
6727.0 JWT-Norway Navy Stavanger USB
6760.0 RAF CRC (Command & Reporting Centre) at RAF Scampton "Blackdog" USB
6790.0 NATO/DoD Link 11 data transmission
7002.0 RTG77-Russian Military CW
7038.7 D-MX Beacon Russian Navy Sevastopol CW
7039.0 C-MX Beacon Russian Navy Moscow CW
7667.5 US Army Aviation CONUS Net ALE/USB
7700.0 Uzbekistan Military ALE/USB
8049.0 Chinese Military Net Mil-Std-188-110A/141A ALE/USB
8060.0 Venezuela Army Military Region 2 ALE/USB
8065.0 National Guard Aviation/US Army Flight Following Service (AFFS) ALE/USB
8122.0 Unidentified Military STANAG 4285 1200L/USB
8187.0 Venezuela Army 2nd Infantry Division HF Net ALE/USB
8333.5 German Navy Ship to Shore DHJ59 USB
8965.0 DISA Non-secure Internet Protocol Router Net (NIPR) ALE/USB
8971.0 US Navy Tactical Support Center (TSC) - Atlantic USB
8972.0 US Army Aviation Net WAROPS (1/228th Avn Regt ("Winged Warriors") Operations-Soto Cano AB, Honduras ALE/USB
9193.0 REA4-HQ LRAF Moscow 1000/50
9340.0 Australian ADF-HFCS Net USB H24 Primary
10190.7 German Navy Ship to Shore DHJ59 USB
10212.0 Australian ADF-HFCS Net USB H24
10720.2 German Navy Ship to Shore DHJ59 USB/STANAG 4285
11047.6 US Army Iraq Net ALE/USB
11165.0 Australia ADF-HFCS Mil-Std-188-110A 600L [tentative]
11439.5 National Guard/US Army Aviation CONUS Net ALE/USB
11441.0 National Guard Aviation CONUS Net ALE/USB
11475.0 Polish Military A?E/USB
11551.5 National Guard/US Army Aviation CONUS Net ALE/USB
12172.0 Australian ADF-HFCS Net USB H24
12916.0 National Guard Aviation CONUS Net ALE/USB
12683.0 US Navy Okinawa NATO-75 850/75 KG-84
14724.0 Unidentified Military STANAG 4285 600L/USB
16332.3 K-MX Beacon Russian Navy Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy CW
16332.4 M-MX Beacon Russian Navy Magadan CW
17060.5 Unidentified Military STANAG 4285 600L/USB
20632.0 Australian ADF-HFCS Net USB 2100-0900Z
22447.0 French Navy, Djibouti DJI 300L 5N2 Stanag 4285
22868.0 Australian ADF-HFCS Net USB 2100-0900Z

Big E Comm Intercepts - 3/8/2007 0400 UTC

Here is that latest list of comms associated with the Big E CSG as of 0400 UTC.

4414.0 usb ECHO FOXTROT
5078.5 usb ECHO WHISKEY
-----------------------
120.950 SEALORD FACSFAC Jax
133.950 SEALORD FACSFAC Jax
136.975 COUGAR Air-Air
226.200 HAWK 21, Side 302/VIPER/CLIMAX
230.225 ECHO WHISKEY
235.350 Pinecastle Range Targets
238.425 ECHO ZULU
242.750 MARSHAL [Button 16]
245.400 Shot Common/Fighter Control? [Button 10]
250.425 Unknown user/Air-air
254.225 RED CROWN [Button 4]
254.825 Dart 07
256.700 HAMMER 31 calling Avon Ops
259.825 STRIKE [Button 3]
263.350 DEPARTURE
265.850 RED TALON
267.500 SEALORD FACSFAC Jax
273.850 DRAGON F-21 Air-air
277.800 Fleet Common / “switching back to 318.075”
278.775 Unknown user/usage
279.350 Secure
283.150 ECHO PAPA/ECHO ROMEO
289.200 Pinecastle Range Control
290.000 VFMFA-251 Tac
290.875 Unknown user/Air-air
292.200 Avon Park Range Control
293.225 Miami Center – Vero Beach
312.250 VFA-211 Tac? / 102, 104 Air-air
313.725 Pinecastle Range R2906 Control
314.225 HAMMER / NICKEL Tac? TBOLT / Secure
316.850 HAMMER Air-air to Avon Park
317.825 VFA-136 Tac? / HAMMER 13 Air-air
318.075 Golf / Winder / DART 13 [Button 11]
323.950 Unknown user/Air-air
326.175 Unknown user/usage, “copy all thanks”
341.875 Unknown user/302 Air-air
342.250 Check in with weapons load; range?
348.950 Aerial Refueling / RHET 95
351.800 Jax Approach
355.350 DART 13
361.075 Unknown user/usage / 401?
364.375 Unknown user/Air-air Hawk Tac?
372.225 Unknown user/Air-air
377.050 Unknown user/usage?? (key up)
377.600 SILENT WARRIOR / COUGAR 24-25 /Red Air

Button 3 – 259.825 STRIKE
Button 4 – 254.225 RED CROWN
Button 8
Button 10 – 245.400 SHOT COMMON
Button 11 – 318.075
Button 15 – Approach
Button 16 – 242.750 MARSHAL
Button 17 – Approach

Callsigns:
AMBUSH 11 F/A-18C, VFC-12 (RTB Navy Jax)
CLIMAX CONTROL - USS Enterprise
COUGAR - probable Hawker Hunter, ATAC Inc (RTB Navy Jax)(21/24/25)
DART 13 - Lear, Phoenix Air Group
DELTA – HF CWC Net
DRAGON 41 – F-21 Kfir
ECHO BRAVO - Strike Group Commander (HF)
ECHO FOXTROT - Track / Link Coordinator (HF)
ECHO PAPA - Strike Warfare Commander (UHF)
ECHO ROMEO – Air Resources Element Commander (UHF)
ECHO WHISKEY - Air Defense Commander (HF/UHF)
ECHO ZULU - Sea Combat Commander (UHF)
GOLF - USS Gettysburg (HF) (UHF) (Air Defense Control - ADC)
HAMMER - Strike Mission tactical callsign
HAMMER 13 - 302 (side number)
HAMMER 14 - 304
HAMMER 15 - 107
HAMMER 16 - 111
HAMMER 31
HAMMER 41 – NICKEL (ATO Callsign)
HAWK - VFA-136 F/A-18C
HITMAN 21
HOTEL - HF CWC Net (surface unit)
INVADER JACK – Lear, Flight International
JULIET – Surface unit (HF)
KILO - HF CWC Net (surface unit)
LIBERTY 71-72 (Delayed on tanker, alternate tasking?) (211?)
LIMA - HF CWC Net (surface unit)
MIKE – Surface unit (HF)
NAIL - Strike Mission tactical callsign (NAIL 51-52)
OMEGA 71 - KC-135
OSCAR – Surface unit (HF)
PAPA – Surface unit (HF)
RATTLER 35 unid type, probable AEW&C (RTB Navy Jax)
RAWHIDE 44 – C-2A
RHET 95 - 19ARG/99ARS KC-135R
ROOK – VAQ-137 EA-6B
SCREWTOP - VAW-123 E-2C II
SEALORD - FACSFAC Jacksonville
SHIELD - Strike Mission tactical callsign
SHIELD 11 - 201
SHIELD 12 - 206
SILENT WARRIOR - Surface unit / GCI (UHF) / Red Air
SNIPER 1 Unidetified aircraft
TBOLT – VMFA-251 F/A-18C
TRON – EA-6B Tactical callsign
VIPER - Unidentified aircraft
WINDER VFA-86 F/A-18C

CVW-1 Squadron List
VFA-86 Sidewinders F/A-18C
VFA-136 Knighthawks F/A-18
VFA-211 Checkmates F/A-18 Super Hornet
VMFA-251 Thunderbolts F/A-18C
VAQ-137 Rooks EA-6B
VAW-123 Screwtops E-2C
VS-32 Maulers S-3B
VRC-40 Det Rawhides C-2A
HS-11 Dragonslayers SH-60

Big E CSG Ship List
USS Enterprise (CVN-65)
USS Arleigh Burke (DDG-51)
USS Stout (DDG-55)
USS Forrest Sherman (DDG-98)
USS James E. Williams (DDG-95)
USS Gettysburg (CG-64)
USS Philadelphia (SSN-690)
USNS Supply (T-AOE 6)

F-14 Tomcats Seized in Southern California

From the Los Angeles Times courtesy of gemcohauler and the SoCalMilcom newsgroup:

Federal agents seized four F-14 Tomcat fighters in San Bernardino County on Tuesday — three from airplane museums — after investigators determined that the jets were not demilitarized and were improperly sold or transferred to private companies, including the producer of the TV show "JAG," authorities said.

When the jets were retired in the mid-1990s at the Naval Air Station at Point Mugu, Navy officials failed to ensure that the aircraft were stripped of military hardware, according to a court affidavit filed by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent.

Read the complete story by Maeve Reston and Garrett Therolf, Times Staff Writers at
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-jets7mar07,0,5971777.story?coll=la-home-headlines

Big E Comm Intercepts - 3/7/2007 0700 UTC

Here is that latest list of comms associated with the Big E CSG as of 0700 UTC.

4414.0 usb ECHO FOXTROT
5078.5 usb ECHO WHISKEY
-----------------------
120.950 SEALORD
133.950 SEALORD
136.975 COUGAR Air-Air
226.200 HAWK 21, Side 302/VIPER/CLIMAX
235.350 Pinecastle Targets
238.425 ECHO ZULU
242.750 MARSHALL
245.400 Fighter Control? [Button 10]
250.425 Unknown user/Air-air
254.225 RED CROWN
256.700 HAMMER 31 calling Avon Ops
259.825 STRIKE [Button 3]
263.350 DEPARTURE
265.850 RED TALON
267.500 SEALORD
273.850 DRAGON Air-air
277.800 Fleet Common / “switching back to 318.075”
278.775 Unknown user/usage
279.350 Secure
283.150 ECHO PAPA
290.875 Unknown user/Air-air
292.200 Avon Park Range Control
293.225 Miami Center – Vero Beach
312.250 VFA-211 Tac? / 102, 104 Air-air
314.225 HAMMER / NICKEL Tac? / Secure
316.850 HAMMER Air-air to Avon Park
317.825 VFA-136 Tac? / HAMMER 13 Air-air
318.075 DART 13
323.950 Unknown user/Air-air
326.175 Unknown user/usage, “copy all thanks”
341.875 Unknown user/302 Air-air
342.250 Check in with weapons load; range?
348.950 Aerial Refueling / RHET 95
351.800 Jax Approach
355.350 DART 13
364.375 Unknown user/Air-air
372.225 Unknown user/Air-air
377.050 Unknown user/usage?? (key up)
377.600 SILENT WARRIOR / COUGAR 24-25

Callsigns:
CLIMAX CONTROL - USS Enterprise
COUGAR 24-25 - Probable Hawker Hunter, ATAC Inc
DART 13 - Lear, Phoenix Air Group
DELTA – HF CWC Net
ECHO FOXTROT - Track / Link Coordinator HF Net
ECHO PAPA - Strike Warfare Commander UHF Net
ECHO WHISKEY - Air Defense Commander HF Net
ECHO ZULU - Sea Combat Commander UHF Net
GOLF - HF CWC Net (surface unit)
HAMMER - Strike Mission tactical callsign
HAMMER 13 - 302 (side number)
HAMMER 14 - 304
HAMMER 15 - 107
HAMMER 16 - 111
HAMMER 31
HAMMER 41 – NICKEL
HAWK - VFA-136 F/A-18C
KILO - HF CWC Net (surface unit)
LIBERTY 71-72 (Delayed on tanker, alternate tasking?) (211?)
LIMA - HF CWC Net (surface unit)
NAIL - Strike Mission tactical callsign
NAIL 51-52
OMEGA 71 - KC-135
RHET 95 - 19ARG/99ARS KC-135R
ROOK – VAQ-137 EA-6B
SCREWTOP - VAW-123 E-2C II
SEALORD - FACSFAC Jacksonville
SHIELD - Strike Mission tactical callsign
SHIELD 11 - 201
SHIELD 12 - 206
SILENT WARRIOR - Surface unit
SNIPER 1
TBOLT – VMFA-251 F/A-18C
TRON – EA-6B Tactical callsign
VIPER - Unidentified aircraft
WINDER VFA-86 F/A-18C

CVW-1 Squadron List
VFA-86 Sidewinders F/A-18C
VFA-136 Knighthawks F/A-18
VFA-211 Checkmates F/A-18 Super Hornet
VMFA-251 Thunderbolts F/A-18C
VAQ-137 Rooks EA-6B
VAW-123 Screwtops E-2C
VS-32 Maulers S-3B
VRC-40 Det Rawhides C-2A
HS-11 Dragonslayers SH-60

Big E CSG Ship List
USS Enterprise (CVN-65)
USS Arleigh Burke (DDG-51)
USS Stout (DDG-55)
USS Forrest Sherman (DDG-98)
USS James E. Williams (DDG-95)
USS Gettysburg (CG-64)
USS Philadelphia (SSN-690)
USNS Supply (T-AOE 6)

PCU NOLA on the Mighty Mississippi

Pre-Commissioning Unit New Orleans (LPD 18) transits under the Crescent City Connection Bridge on the Mississippi River toward her namesake city. The ship will be commissioned in a ceremony March 10, 2007. Throughout the week, Sailors and Marines will provide New Orleans residents and visitors with a unique look at the second San Antonio-class ship. The San Antonio-class will functionally replace over 41 ships (LPD 4, LSD 36, LKA 113 and LST 1179 classes of amphibious ships) providing the Navy and Marine Corps with modern sea-based platforms. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kurt Eischen.

Thunderbolts, Sidewinders Return to Big E

By Marine Cpl. John Jackson, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251/USS Enterprise Public Affairs

ABOARD USS ENTERPRISE (NNS) -- The “Thunderbolts” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 251 and the “Sidewinders” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 86 returned to USS Enterprise (CVN 65) (Big E) Feb. 25 for three weeks of training.

Both of the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., squadrons were aboard Enterprise last year for a historic six-month deployment, which included a two-month tour in Iraq.

This time while aboard Big E, VMFA-251 and VFA-86 are here to train new Marines and Sailors, as well as refresh the ones who have been on the aircraft carrier before.

“We’ve had a 62 percent turnover since the last time we were on the carrier,” said Marine Maj. Timothy Frank, the Thunderbolt’s executive officer. “We really want to get the new Marines in the squadron exposed to the environment on the ship and refamiliarize the ones who have been here before.”

“We’ve got a lot of new Sailors that have never seen a flight deck before,” said Lt. Jason Dalby, a Sidewinders’ pilot. “It’s a great experience for them to be able to have this opportunity to train.”

For those Marines and Sailors who have not been aboard Enterprise, there are some challenges they must overcome.

“I think the hardest part is getting use to everything,” said Marine Sgt. Enoch Thorne, a Thunderbolt maintenance control Marine. “I’m not use to sleeping with 18 guys in one room.”

Not only do the berthing quarters take some getting use to, but just maneuvering throughout the ship is a challenging task for new Marines and Sailors on the carrier.

“I’ve gotten lost twice,” Thorne said. “But I’m slowly getting the hang of where I am going.”

Even though life on the ship is different than back in Beaufort, the Marines and Sailors are still accomplishing their mission.

“It’s been several months since we’ve been aboard the ship, but the Sailors are performing outstanding,” Dalby said. “Everyone is getting their job done quickly and more important, safely.”

“I’m very proud of the Marines performance so far,” Frank said. “We got here and are doing what has to get done.”

In addition to getting the enlisted personnel up to speed with life at sea, the Thunderbolts and the Sidewinders are going to be getting their pilots trained for the ship as well.

Several VMFA-251 and VFA-86 pilots are also new to Enterprise and have their work cut out for them.

“The main thing is to get everyone carrier qualified,” said Marine Capt. Ben Taylor, a Thunderbolt pilot. “This three weeks gives (pilots) the opportunity to do training operations while taking off and landing on the ship.”

“While we are here, the main focus is to get the pilots trained,” Dalby said. “We will be doing several different training operations to prepare us all.”

The squadrons are adjusting to life aboard Enterprise, and both plan for a successful three-week training deployment.

“Everyone on the ship works together as one big team and the Thunderbolts and Sidewinders are prepared to work hard and get everyone well trained for the carrier,” Frank said.

Bataan Continues Maritime Security Operations

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Joanne De Vera, USS Bataan Public Affairs

USS BATAAN, At Sea (NNS) -- Ships of the Bataan Strike Group performed maritime security operations (MSO) Feb. 25 to March 1 in the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command's area of responsibility.

MSO helps set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complements the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations.

“Every ship in the Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) is actively engaged in MSO,” said Cmdr. Timothy Spratto, Bataan Strike Group chief staff officer. “Our presence allows us to actively interact with merchant ships, fishing vessels and other legitimate maritime traffic in the area.”

These operations deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

“We’ll partner with regional allies or multinational coalition forces to supoort security in various regions,” said Cmdr. Jon Carriglitto, USS Bataan (LHD 5) operations officer. “People on the high seas see that piracy will not be tolerated.”

Coalition forces conduct MSO under international maritime conventions to ensure security and safety in international waters so that all commercial shipping can operate freely while transiting the region.

“We’re here to make sure the high seas stay free for everyone to use,” said Spratto.

All coalition partners contribute maritime forces such as ships, boarding teams, maritime patrol aircraft and staff augmentees, to support ongoing operations. Local countries have a vested interest in interoperability, knowledge sharing and assistance with deterrence against international terrorist organizations that pose a threat to key infrastructure.

Bataan, commanded by Capt. David Hulse, left her homeport of Norfolk Jan. 4 on a regularly scheduled deployment as the flagship of the Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG), which is comprised of the Bataan Strike Group, commanded by Capt. Donna Looney, commander, Bataan Strike Group/Amphibious Squadron 2, and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) based out of Camp Lejeune, N.C., commanded by Col. Gregg Sturdevant. Bataan Strike Group includes Amphibious Squadron 2, Bataan, USS Shreveport (LPD 12), USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), USS Nitze (DDG 94), USS Underwood (FFG 36), and USS Scranton (SSN 756).

President Announces Comfort Deployment to Latin America

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael D. Wimbish, U.S. Southern Command Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- President Bush announced March 5 the deployment of the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) to Latin America for a series of humanitarian relief missions.

Bush said he is sending Comfort to 13 South and Central American countries beginning in June, adding that the deployment is going to be busy.

“Altogether, the Comfort's doctors and nurses and health care professionals expect to treat 85,000 patients and conduct up to 15,000 surgeries,” Bush said. “At the same time, military medical teams will be operating inland to help bring treatment and care to other communities. These teams do everything from vaccinating people against disease to building new medical clinics.”

The Comfort announcement came during a speech in Washington, discussing the partnership between the United States and the region prior to the president’s upcoming trip to five nations there later this week. Bush spoke about current and proposed joint efforts to face political, economic and educational challenges -- including U.S. military humanitarian efforts.

U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) and U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command are planning and coordinating the mid-summer deployment with the partner nations Comfort will visit. The deployment is Comfort’s first-ever trip to the region.

“These are people who need help. These are people who might not otherwise get the basic health care they need to realize a better tomorrow,” Bush said.

During the deployment, Bush said Comfort will also partner with the Department of Health and Human Services on a new initiative to provide oral care to the region's poor. Dentists and hygienists will fill cavities and treat infections and provide treatment for the young children.

Comfort is one of two Navy hospital ships with 1,000 hospital beds and 12 operating rooms. The ship’s last major deployment was to the Gulf Coast region in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005.

In all, Comfort will make port calls in Belize, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Big E Comm Intercepts - 3/6/2007 1800 UTC

Here is that latest list of comms associated with the Big E CSG as of 1800 UTC.

4414.0 usb ECHO FOXTROT
5078.5 usb ECHO WHISKEY
-----------------------------
120.950 Sealord (FACSFAC Jax)
136.975 COUGAR air-air
226.200 HAWK 21 check in, side 302 with 304/VIPER (a/c)/CLIMAX
238.425 ECHO ZULU
242.750 Marshal
245.400 Strike Common?/HAMMER 1-6/TRON [Button 10]
254.225 RED CROWN/discussing tanker
259.825 STRIKE
263.350 DEPARTURE/710
265.850 RED TALON
267.500 SEALORD
277.800 Fleet Common
279.350 Secure
283.150 ECHO PAPA
292.200 Avon Park Range Control
312.250 102, 104 air-air
314.225 HAMMER / NICKEL Tac? / Secure
316.850 HAMMER air-air to Avon Park
317.825 Unknown user/air-air
326.175 Unknown user/usage "copy all thanks"
341.875 302 air-air (VFA-136 Tac?)
348.950 Aerial Refueling/RHET 95
355.350 Unknown user/usage
364.375 Unknown user/air-air
377.600 SILENT WARRIOR

Big E CWC HF Nets - 3/6/2007

Right now at 1633 UTC have the Big E Force Track Coordinator (Link-11/Link-16) net on 4414.0 kHz USB. Also have the CSG Air Defense Net activity on 5708.5 kHz USB. Nice and strong through the DXTuner rcvr at Jacksonville.

Also getting some nice UHF comms on various UHF nets being used by the group. Parked it on 267.5 MHz (AM mode) and monitored a ot of Sealord (FACSFAC Jax) comms.

Thanks Ed for the great DXTuner rcvr in Jax. You have come back up just at the right time.

USS Howard Departs Persian Gulf

By Ensign Kevin Heilenday, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/ Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

USS HOWARD, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Howard (DDG 83) completed conducting maritime security operations (MSO) on Feb. 28 for Combined Task Force 158 in the North Persian Gulf in support of U.S. 5th Fleet.

Howard, along with other coalition ships, guarded Iraq’s Al Basrah Oil Terminal (ABOT) and the Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminal (KAAOT) off the southern coast of Iraq.

As a part of the USS Boxer (LHD 4) Expeditionary Strike Group (BOXESG), Howard was responsible for coordinating MSO around the Al Basrah oil platform.

MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the North Persian Gulf and protect Iraq’s sea-based infrastructure, which provides the Iraqi people the opportunity for self-determination.

Howard’s visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) teams also played a pivotal role in providing security to the region. However, heavy civilian marine traffic, along with strong winds and currents, made the job challenging for Howard and her crew members.

“Our objective was to ensure that every vessel is secure in all respects prior to it arriving at the terminals,” said Howard’s VBSS Boarding Officer Lt. j.g. Reynel Saa.

The teams regularly interacted with the crews of other vessels, particularly small shipping and fishing craft, to promote security and stability.

“This mission is extremely manpower-intensive and demanding on the crew,” said Senior Chief Operations Specialist (SW) Brian Bassett, a Howard Sailor.

U.S. 5th Fleet’s area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles and includes the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden and parts of the Indian Ocean. It also includes three critical chokepoints at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.

Aussie HF Military Network - ADF-HFCS

Many of the military services worldwide have been consolidating their HF communications services into joint systems. Here in the U.S. DoD consolidated many JCS HF nets (i.e. Navy HICOM etc) into the HF-GCS network. In the UK several older networks have now been combined into the RAF TASCOMM.

Now we have another national military service net which has consolidated several service nets into one. The Australian and New Zealand military services now have one network known as the Australia Defense Force (ADF) High Frequency Communications System (HFCS) with the main station located at Canberra. They have seven main HF voice frequencies that carry the bulk of their voice comms listed below.

ADF-HFCS Voice Contact Nets (VCN) "Australia Control"
3700.0 kHz / 0900-2100Z / VCN-1
5878.0 kHz / 0900-2100Z / VCN-2
9340.0 kHz / H24 Primary Net Freq / VCN-3
10212.0 kHz / H24 / VCN-4
12172.0 kHz / H24 / VCN-5
20632.0 kHz / 2100-0900Z / VCN-2
22868.0 kHz / 2100-0900Z / VCN-1

They also have an extensive list of HF discrete frequencies. You can learn more about this system (including their registered discretes) on the Shortwave Listeners Delight website at
http://members.optusnet.com.au/ventmond/pages/raaf_rnzaf.htm. You will find additional information about this Aussie JP 2043 - High Frequency Modernisation Project at http://members.optusnet.com.au/ventmond/pages/jp_2043.htm. The main page for the Shortwave Listeners Delight website is at http://members.optusnet.com.au/ventmond/.

Another Big E HF Freq

My old friend Jack NeSmith in Florida just reported at 1223 UTC that the Big E CSG is operating on 3167.0 kHz USB.

HF Milcom Frequencies - 3/5/2007

Here is a compiled list of HF Milcom frequencies monitored in the Btown Monitoring Post, sent to this reporter, or reported on the various radio newsgroups within the last 48 hours. All frequencies below are in kilohertz (kHz).

3286.5 US Army Aviation CONUS Net ALE/USB
4325.9 R-MX Beacon Russian Navy Ustinov CW
4414.0 US Navy USS Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Force Track Coordinator (Link-11/Link-16) "EF" USB
4558.0 C-MX Beacon Russian Navy Moscow CW
5314.0 NATO/DoD Link 11 data transmission
5396.0 National Guard/Air National Guard Ohio Aviation Net ALE/USB
5512.5 4XZ-Israeli Navy Haifa ISR-Hybrid modem
6321.6 Russian Air Defense Net CW
6418.0 VTP-Indian Naval Vizakhapatnam V marker CW
6507.0 VTP-Indian Navy Vizakhapatnam RTTY 850/50
6753.0 NATO/Royal Navy NATO-75 850/75 KG-84
6985.0 US Army Command/COOP Net ALE/USB
7000.0 FUV-French Navy Djibouti STANAG 4285 300L 5n2
7448.5 US Army Command/COOP Net ALE/USB
7562.0 National Guard/Air National Guard Ohio Aviation Net ALE/USB
7648.5 National Guard Aviation CONUS Net ALE/USB
7650.0 US Army/National Guard Aviation CONUS Net ALE/USB / Ohio National Guard/Air National Guard Aviation Net ALE/USB
7718.5 US Army/National Guard Aviation CONUS Net ALE/USB
8136.0 National Guard Aviation Arizona Net ALE/USB
8162.0 Hungarian Military ALE/USB
8171.5 US Army/National Guard Aviation CONUS Net ALE/USB
8181.5 US Army/National Guard Aviation CONUS Net ALE/USB
8183.0 National Guard Aviation CONUS Net ALE/USB
8184.5 US Army/National Guard Aviation CONUS Net [also Dust Off Net] ALE/USB
8294.0 Unidentified ANDVT comms USB [probable USCG units)
8494.7 D-MX Beacon Russian Navy Sevastopol CW
8495.0 C-MX Beacon Russian Navy Moscow CW
8502.0 NMG-US Coast Guard New Orleans USB "Perfect Paul" weather information
8634.0 VTG6-Indian Naval Radio Mumbai V marker CW
9007.0 CanForce MACS Trenton Military USB
9010.0 NATO/DoD Link 11 data transmission
9081.5 US Army/National Guard Aviation Net CONUS ALE/USB
9110.0 NMF-US Coast Guard Boston FAX
10528.5 National Guard Aviation Net ALE/USB
11439.5 US Army Aviation CONUS Net ALE/USB
11628.5 US Army Aviation Net WAROPS (1/228th Avn Regt ("Winged Warriors") Operations-Soto Cano AB, Honduras ALE/USB
12087.0 National Guard Nationwide Net ALE/USB
12133.5 Armed Forces Network Key West FL USB
12713.0 Unidentified Military STANAG 4285 600L/USB
17458.5 National Guard Nationwide Net ALE/USB
18365.0 Unidentified Military STANAG 4285 1200L/USB

If you have some HF Milcom intercepts you would like to contribute to the blog, send them to larryvanhorn @ monitoringtimes.com.

Big E CWC HF Net Monitored

Veteran milcom monitor Chris Corley caught station "EF" working "M" on 4414.0 kHz in USB. Chris has caught one of the US Navy Carrier Strike Group Composite Warfare network frequencies used in the western Atlantic. His intercept is from the USS Enterprise Strike Group Force Track Coordinator (Link-11/Link-16) net. This frequency has been around an eon. Nice catch Chris. More on the Big E underway period at http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com/2007/03/big-e-underway-to-conduct-carrier.html.

Interesting Comms on 11175 kHz this Sunday

As I posted on the Milcom and UDXF newsgroups this morning I have heard some interesting comms on 11175 kHz HF-GCS primary (digital burst/ALE/Arabic language speakers).

And for my old friend Jeff Haverlah in Texas at 1545 UTC caught a SkyKing message (heard in the US and Europe) by NCS Offutt, followed by an EAM 28 characters (WZ5LCZ) broadcast by Andrews. At 1549 Offutt broadcast another 28 character EAM (WZLOAS). At 1607 Offutt broadcast another EAM, 22 characters (WZQ34I). So we have a worldwide Skyking message, followed by two 28c/one 22c EAM. Sound familiar Jeff.

Interesting note, after the 22c EAM, McClellan broadcasted all frequency call for Reach 295 several times. Nothing heard on the Euro receiver other than King 88 working Croughton for pp traffic.

At 1734, Offutt passed a 28 character EAM (WZUQUP).
At 1738, Lajes passed an EAM restoral message for the WZUQUP above.
At 1746, McClellan was up making an all frequency call for Reach 599.
At 1748, McClellan passed a six character EAM (YFZ5ME) for High Racks.
At 1753, McClellan passed a six character EAM (YFHNTF) for High Racks.

Remember you can learn more about EAM and Skyking messages on the MT website at http://www.monitoringtimes.com/html/eam.html from the dean of EAM monitors, Jeff Haverlah.

More Fengyun 1C Debris Cataloged - 960 Pieces Now

From George Olshevsky on the SEESAT list:

"We're now up to 960 objects (957 fragments) for this launch, with30691 1999-025AQZ. That's exactly 40 times around the 24-letteralphabet. What with the rocket body that blew up last month overAustralia (pieces still uncatalogued), we should hit 32000 this year,the Year of the Fragments."

Big E Underway to Conduct Carrier Qualifications

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Jen Crenshaw, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) left its homeport Feb. 28 for the first time since returning from its regularly scheduled six-month deployment in November.

For the next few weeks, Enterprise, along with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, will conduct carrier qualifications while underway in the Atlantic to maintain combat readiness.

Preserving the Enterprise's ability to remain in surge status is key to the Navy's Fleet Response Program (FRP), which gives the Navy the ability to deploy up to six carrier strike groups at a moment's notice to wherever in the world a mission calls.

"Staying at the top of our game at all times is a critical component of retaining a high level of combat readiness," said Capt. Larry Rice, Enterprise's commanding officer. "As the surge carrier, we could be called to action in the event of unexpected threats or contingency operations. We need to continue to train like we fight, be ready for anything that may come our way, and always remember we are a
combat-ready strike force."

The Big E is the centerpiece of the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (CSG), which also includes USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51), USS Stout (DDG 55), USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98), USS James E. Williams (DDG 95), USS Gettysburg (CG 64), USS Philadelphia (SSN 690) and the fast combat supply ship USNS Supply (T-AOE 6).

In addition to being the flagship of the strike group, Enterprise is also the home to CVW-1. The air wing is comprised of the "Checkmates" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211 flying the F/A-18 Super Hornet and; the "Knighthawks" of VFA-136; the "Sidewinders" of VFA-86; the "Thunderbolts" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 251 all flying the F/A-18 Hornet. Also joining CVW-1 are the "Dragonslayers" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 11 flying the SH-60 Seahawk; the
"Rooks" of Electronic Attack Squadron One (VAQ) 137 flying the EA-6B Prowler; the "Maulers" of Sea Control (VS) 32 flying the S-3B Viking; the "Screwtops" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123 flying the E-2C Hawkeye; and the "Rawhides" of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 flying the C-2A Greyhound.

Rescue coordination center opens at Tyndall

The Air Force Rescue Coordination Center began operations here March 1 as the newest team member in "America's Air Operations Center."

The AFRCC realigned under 1st Air Force (Air Force North) in April 2006, to consolidate Air Force support to civilian agencies under a single air component commander.

Previously located at Langley AFB, Virginia, the AFRCC is now consolidated with the 601st Air Operations Center here, giving it greater ability to leverage Air Force air and space capabilities that can be applied to continental U.S. search and rescue.

America's AOC also gains the responsibility for executing civil search and rescue, and personnel recovery operations, in the NORAD-USNORTHCOM area of operations. The result is greater efficiencies and capabilities for military and civilians alike.

"The AFRCC serves as the single agency responsible for coordinating on-land federal SAR activities in the 48 contiguous United States, Mexico and Canada," said Lt. Col. Jed Hudson, AFRCC commander. "This realignment under 1st Air Force and being embedded into America's AOC, enhances the unit's overall effectiveness and will help us save lives in the future."

Serving as communication hub during on-going search and rescue missions, the AFRCC provides coordination and assistance to on-scene commanders, mission coordinators, and incident commanders in order to recover the mission's objective in the safest and most effective manner possible. This 24/7 center uses state-of-the-art technology, including network satellites for monitoring emergency locator transmitter signals, to help reduce the critical time required to locate and recover people in distress.

Since the center opened in May 1974, AFRCC missions have resulted in more than 13,900 lives saved.

HF Milcom Frequencies - 3/3/2007

Here are some of the recently reported HF Milcom frequencies sent to this reporter and off some of the various newsgroups.

3137.0 USAF HF-GCS Scope Command ALE HF Network ALE/USB
3162.0 Russian Military CW
3817.5 Russian Military 81-81/USB
4170.0 NATO/DoD Link 11 data transmission
4724.5 Italian Navy Voice Net (USB)
4317.9 NMG-US Coast Guard New Orleans FAX
4762.0 Russian Military 81-81/USB
5157.0 REA4-HQ LRAF Moscow 100/50
5220.5 Singapore Navy ALE/USB
5227.0 Chinese Military CW
5343.0 UK Army Combined Cadet Force (CCF) USB
5389.0 USMC 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit Djibouti ALE/USB
5500.0 Unid US DoD Net MEDOPS/COROPS ALE/USB
5672.0 Georgia Military ALE/USB
5708.0 USAF HF-GCS Scope Command ALE HF Network ALE/USB
5801.7 Unidentified Military NATO-75/USB
6200.0 Unknown Possible Military ALE/USB
6255.0 NATO/DoD Link 11 data transmission (ISB 2 channel/2 station)
6699.9 NATO/DoD Link 11 data transmission
6721.5 NATO Naval Trigraph Net FG/FH/FT USB
6804.0 Ukrainian Military CW
6967.5 ICI-Italian Coast Guard Rome USB
7475.0 Unknown Possible Military ALE/USB
7622.0 Unknown Possible Military ALE/USB
8040.0 GYA-Royal Navy Northwood Meteo Charts FAX 120/576
8303.0 Unidentified Military STANAG 4285/USB
8503.9 NMG-US Coast Guard New Orleans FAX
8810.0 Venezuelan CG/Riverine Forces ALE/USB
9380.0 Venezuelan CG/Riverine Forces ALE/USB
10201.0 RCV-Russian Navy HQ Black Sea Fleet Sevastopol, Ukraine CW
10444.0 Russian Military 81-81/USB
10691.5 US Army Aviation CONUS Net ALE/USB
10780.0 NASA Eastern Test Range "Cape Radio" USB
10871.7 D-MX Beacon Russian Navy Odessa CW
10872.0 C-MX Beacon Russian Navy Moscow CW
10993.6 US Coast Guard ALE/USB, also ANDVT comm. This is also a USCG Tac net 3-A-13 in the SE US (aka Florida).
11521.8 RBVITT-French Navy Dzaoudzi, Mayotte ARQ-E3/198/350
12168.0 US Army Aviation CONUS Net ALE/USB
12789.9 NMG-US Coast Guard New Orleans FAX
17146.0 NMG-US Coast Guard New Orleans FAX

CanForce Skyhawks Parachute Team 2007 Sked

Here is the latest schedule the the CanForce Skyhawk Parachute Team for the 2007 air show season.

May
03-06 MCAS Cherry Point NC
12-13 McGuire AFB NJ
15-16 Kingston ON
19-20 Ft Jackson SC
24-28 Columbia MO

June
01-04 Portage La Prairie MB
07 Toronto ON
08-11 Bagotville PQ
15-18 Carp ON
22-25 St Thomas ON
30 Ottawa ON

July
01 Ottawa ON
02 Cobourg ON
03-05 Lawton OK
05-09 Calgary AB
18-23 Edmonton AB
27-29 Peace River AB
30 Stratford ON
31 St John's NF

August
01-02 St John's NF
03-06 Montreal PQ
09-13 Abbotsford BC
16-20 Saskatoon SK
29 Brantford ON

September
04-06 Fredericton NB
06-10 Halifax NS
14-17 Summerside PEI

ACC Aerial Events Demo Sked Mar-Jun 2007

The following is the schedule for the current flying season through April of 2007 for ACC Demo Units. NOTE: The F-15E Strike Eagle Demo Team will be represented as F-15E SE in the schedule below. The F-15 West Team will now be represented as F-15C West. There is no F-15 East Team. The USAF A-10A Thunderbolt II East Coast demonstration team is schedule to disestablish at the end of June 2007. Plans are for the team to re-form in Spring 2009 at Moody AFB, GA.

Date Location / Event / Aircraft

MARCH 2007
10 NAF El Centro CA / Air Show / F-16 West, HF P-38
10-11 Brownsville TX / Air Show / A-10 West, HF P-51
12 Tyndall AFB FL / AETC/CC Conf / F-22
12 Seymour Johnson AFB NC / FMS Tour for Japanese / F-15E SE
16 Langley AFB VA / SES APEX / F-22
16-18 Titusville FL / Air Show / F-15E SE, F-16 East, HF F-86
17 Douglas AZ / Air Show / F-117 Flyover
17-18 Davis Monthan AFB AZ / Open House / A-10 West, F-16 West, HF P-51/F-4, F-117 Static & Flyover
17-18 Columbus GA / Air Show / A-10 East HF only P-51
18 Hampton (Atlanta) GA / NASCAR Race / A-10 East HF only P-51
19 Phoenix AZ / Air Force Week / A-10 West & F-16 West HF only P-51/F-4
20-25 Geelong, Avalon Australia / Air & Trade Show / F-15C West
24 Tyndall AFB FL / Open House / F-16 West, F-22, HF F-86 & F-4
24-25 Luke AFB AZ / Open House / A-10 West, F-15E SE, HF P-51
24-25 Punta Gorda FL / Air Show / A-10 East, F-16 East, HF P-51
31 Riverside CA / Air Show / A-10 West HF only P-51, F-117 Flyover
31 Slidell LA / Air Show / A-10 East, HF P-47
31 MacDill AFB FL / Open House / F-15C West, F-16 East, HF F-86
31 NAS Pt. Mugu CA / Air Show / A-10 West, F-15E SE, F-22, HF P-51, F-117 Static & Flyover

APRIL 2007
01 MacDill AFB FL / Open House / F-15C West, F-16 East, HF F-86
01 NAS Pt. Mugu CA / Air Show / A-10 West, F-15E SE, F-22, HF P-51, F-117 Static & Flyover
14 Hill AFB UT / Appreciation Day / F-16 West
14-15 Eglin AFB FL / Open House / A-10 West, F-15C West, HF P-51
14-15 NAS Corpus Christi TX / Air Show / F-15E SE, HF P-47
14-15 Gainesville FL / Air Show / A-10 East, F-16 East, HF F-86
21 Louisville KY / Air Show / A-10 West, F-15C West, F-16 West, HF P-51, F-117 Flyover
21-22 Lakeland FL / Air Show / A-10 East, HF P-51
21-22 MCAS Beaufort SC / Air Show / F-16 East, HF F-86
21-22 Barksdale AFB LA / Open House / F-15E SE, HF P-47 & F-4, F-117 Static & Flyover
27-29 Langley AFB VA / Open House / A-10 West, F-15C West, F-22, HF F-86, F-117 Static & Flyover
28-29 Vidalia GA / Air Show / A-10 East, HF P-51, F-117 Flyover
28-29 Galveston TX / Air Show / F-15E SE, F-16 East, HF P-47

May
12-13 McGuire AFB NJ / Air Show-Open House / A-10 East
18-19 Fort Jackson SC / Air Show / A-10 East
19-20 Lumberton NC / A-10 East
26-27 Wantagh NY /Air Show / A-10 East

June
09-10 Mather Field Sacramento CA / Air Show / A-10 East
16-17 Pittsburgh PA /Air Show / A-10 East
23 Eielson AFB AK / A-10 East
30 Akron OH / A-10 East

July
01 Akron OH / A-10 East
03 Dubuque IA / A-10 East

HF Milcom Frequencies - 3/1/2007

Here are some of the recently reported HF Milcom frequencies sent to this reporter and off some of the various newsgroups.

2461.5 Irish Air Force ARQ
2843.0 Unid Mil STANAG 4285/USB
3071.0 French Navy USB
3300.0 Algerian Military ALE/USB
3322.0 Russian Air Defense Net CW
3331.0 Algerian Military ALE/USB
3333.0 Russian Military CW
3354.0 Russian Military CW
3930.0 Kinloss Rescue: ARCC Kinloss USB
4000.0 National Guard Ohio ALE/USB
4093.8 Russian Mil RUS-75/USB
4179.0 REA4-HQ LRAF Moscow 1000/50
4271.0 CFH-CanForce Halifax FAX/RTTY/USB
4305.7 Russian Mil MS-5/4800/USB
4346.0 Unid Mil STANAG 4285/USB
4372.0 US Navy FACSFAC VACAPES USB
4480.0 CanForce Military Net, Digital/USB
4521.5 US Army Aviation Net CONUS ALE/USB
4537.5 Russian Mil 81-81
4562.0 National Guard New York ALE/USB
4601.5 Irish Navy ARQ
4611.5 US Army CONUS Aviation Net ALE/USB
4952.0 NATO/DoD Link 11 data transmission
5220.0 Polish Military HF Net ALE/USB
5296.5 US Army Iraq Net ALE/USB
5394.0 Russian Mil Net CW
5450.0 RAF VOLMET USB
5542.0 US Army Aviation Iraq Net ALE/USB
5554.5 US Army Aviation Net ALE/USB
5602.0 US Army Aviation Iraq Net ALE/USB
5696.0 US Coast Guard Fixed Wing Air/Ground USB
5705.0 NATO/DoD Link 11 data transmission
5708.0 US Army 12th Avn Bn ALE/USB
5711.0 Shares SCN ALE Net ALE/USB
5732.0 US BICE COTHEN ALE/USB
6277.6 Unid Mil STANAG 4285/USB
6385.0 Unid Mil STANAG 4285/USB
6486.0 US Army Aviation Iraq Net ALE/USB
6496.4 CFH-CanForce Halifax FAX/RTTY/USB
6715.0 DISA Secure Internet Protocol Router Net (SIPR) ALE/USB
6721.0 US Army 12th Avn Bn ALE/USB
6754.0 CanForce MACS VOLMET Trenton USB
6761.0 USAF Aerial Refueling Discrete USB
6790.0 US Navy Link 11 data transmission
6809.0 Ukrainian Military CW
6860.0 Unknown Possible Military ALE/USB
6880.0 Unknown Possible Military ALE/USB
6906.0 US Army Aviation Iraq Net ALE/USB
6911.5 US Army Aviation Net CONUS ALE/USB
7003.0 US Army Aviation Net ALE/USB
7010.0 Unknown Possible Military ALE/USB
7018.0 REA4-Russian LRAF HQ Moscow 1000/50
7348.0 Federal Emergency Management Agency National Radio System (FNARS) USB
7527.0 US BICE COTHEN ALE/USB
7650.0 US Army National Guard Aviation Net CONUS ALE/USB and Ohio National Guard/Air National Guard Aviation Net ALE/USB
7819.0 US Army National Guard Aviation Net CONUS ALE/USB
7839.0 US Army Aviation Iraq Net ALE/USB
7932.0 Russian Mil MS-5/DPSK/4800/USB
7938.0 Unknown Possible Military ALE/USB
8000.0 Mexican Army ALE/USB
8003.0 US Army Avition Net ALE/USB
8012.0 USAF Civil Air Patrol ALE/USB
8045.0 Mexican Army ALE/USB
8057.0 Ohio National Guard/Air National Guard Aviation Net ALE/USB
8065.0 Skywatch-US Army Flight Following Service (AFFS) ALE/USB
8090.0 Mexican Army ALE/USB
8171.5 US Army National Guard Aviation Net CONUS ALE/USB
8270.0 Venezuela Navy ALE/USB
8331.0 Unid Mil STANAG 4285/USB
8337.6 US Coast Guard CAMSLANT Chesapeake ANDVT/USB
8412.0 IDR-Italian Navy Rome RTTY 75 baud
8461.5 9MR-Malaysian Navy Johor Baharu RTTY 450/50 encrypted
8476.0 Unid Mil STANAG 4285/USB
8500.0 RBSL-Indian Navy RTTY 850/50 and Venezuela Navy ALE/USB
8542.0 Unid Mil STANAG 4285/USB
8565.0 Unid Mil STANAG 4285/USB
8634.0 Unid Mil STANAG 4285/USB
8714.0 US Army HF Net ALE/USB
8912.0 US BICE COTHEN ALE/USB
8950.5 US Army Aviation Iraq Net ALE/USB
8983.0 US Coast Guard Fixed Wing Air/Ground USB
9017.0 Venezuela Navy ALE/USB
9025.0 USAF HF-GCS Scope Command ALE HF Network ALE/USB
9081.5 US Army Aviation Net CONUS ALE/USB
9096.0 Unid Mil STANAG 4285/USB
9122.5 US Army Corps of Engineers Net ALE/USB
9190.0 US Military Task Force Afghanistan ALE/USB
9295.0 US Army Aviation Net CONUS ALE/USB
10242.0 US BICE COTHEN ALE/USB
10000.0 Ohio National Guard/Air National Guard Aviation Net ALE/USB
10588.0 Federal Emergency Management Agency National Radio System (FNARS) USB
10600.0 Venezuela Army ALE/USB
10680.0 US Army Aviation Net CONUS ALE/USB
10692.5 US Army Aviation Net WAROPS (1/228th Avn Regt ("Winged Warriors") Operations-Soto Cano AB, Honduras ALE/USB
10821.0 US Army Aviation Net CONUS ALE/USB
10993.6 US Coast Guard MAP Ops ANDVT/USB
11067.0 US Army Aviation Iraq Net ALE/USB
11170.5 US Army Aviation Net CONUS ALE/USB
11175.0 HF-GCS Primary USB
11181.0 DISA Secure Internet Protocol Router Net (SIPR) ALE/USB
11205.0 Southcom Flight Monitoring Facility (FMF) "Smasher" USB
11217.0 SHARES SCN Net ALE/USB
11226.0 USAF HF-GCS Scope Command ALE HF Network ALE/USB
11232.0 CanForce MACS Trenton Military USB
11253.0 RAF VOLMET USB
11494.0 US BICE COTHEN ALE/USB
11551.5 US Army Aviation Net CONUS ALE/USB
13058.0 Unid Mil STANAG 4285/USB
13215.0 USAF HF-GCS Scope Command ALE HF Network ALE/USB
13568.0 National Guard Nationwide Net ALE/USB
13907.0 US BICE COTHEN ALE/USB
13927.1 USAF MARS HF Phone Patch Net USB
14569.0 Venezuela Army ALE/USB
15043.0 USAF HF-GCS Scope Command ALE HF Network ALE/USB
15867.0 US BICE COTHEN ALE/USB
17487.0 Shares SCN ALE/STI Net ALE/USB
18003.0 USAF HF-GCS Scope Command ALE HF Network ALE/USB
18248.6 US Department of State HF Net ALE/USB (Yea, I know not mil, but I couldn't resist)
20810.6 US Department of State HF Net ALE/USB
23337.0 USAF HF-GCS Scope Command ALE HF Network ALE/USB

USS JFK on last cruise

More than 700 Sailors aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) conduct a tribute to honor the ship’s 38 years of distinguished commissioned service while transiting to Boston for a farewell port visit. Kennedy's arrival will mark its last port visit and will afford the people of Boston the opportunity to say goodbye to a ship and crew with whom they have maintained close relations since its christening in 1967. Kennedy is scheduled to decommission in Mayport, Fla., on March 23, 2007. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tommy Gilligan)

USNS Sacagawea Delivered to MSC

After completing sea trials off the southern California coast, dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2) was delivered to the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC) on Feb. 27.

The ship, designated T-AKE, is the second in a new class of combat logistics force ships and is able to deliver ammunition, provisions, stores, spare parts, potable water, and petroleum products to the Navy’s carrier and expeditionary strike groups and other Naval forces.

Designed to operate independently for extended periods at sea while providing underway replenishment services, Sacagawea will directly contribute to the Navy’s ability to maintain a forward presence.

“This is a great day for Military Sealift Command, the Naval Sea Systems Command and the General Dynamics/NASSCO (National Steel and Shipbuilding Company) team,” said Sacagawea’s Civil Service Master Capt. George McCarthy. “We look forward to joining the fleet and the global war on terrorism.”

An advantage of this type of ship is its ability to carry multiple products such as cargo, food and spare parts. The T-AKE will replace aging, single-mission ships such as Kilauea-class ammunition ships and Mars- and Sirius-class combat stores ships that are nearing the end of their service lives.

The T-AKE ships will provide logistic lift from supply sources either in port or at sea and will transfer cargo that includes ammunition, food, fuel, repair parts, and expendable supplies and material to station ships and other naval forces at sea.

The Sacagawea is the second of nine ships of its class built by General Dynamic’s National Steel and Shipbuilding Company in San Diego. The U.S. Navy has awarded NASSCO six contracts valued at approximately $2.8 billion for the design and construction of the ships.

MSC operates approximately 110 noncombatant, civilian-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships, chart ocean bottoms, conduct undersea surveillance, strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world and move military equipment and supplies used by deployed U.S. forces.