USS Nimitz Begins OEF Missions

USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 began conducting missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) May 11.

CVW-11 will provide close airpower support and reconnaissance to International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops on the ground in Afghanistan. ISAF comprises more than 35,000 troops, with contributions from 37 nations.

Carrier-based aircraft provide close airpower support and deliver ordnance on enemy positions designated by ground forces.

The squadrons of CVW-11 include the Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14 “Tophatters,” VFA-41 “Black Aces,” VFA-81 “Sunliners,” the Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117 “Wallbangers,” Marine Corps Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 232 “Red Devils,” Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 135 “Black Ravens,” Carrier Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 “Providers,” the Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 6 “Indians.”

Commanded by Capt. Mike Manazir, Nimitz left its homeport of San Diego April 2 for a regularly-scheduled deployment. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier arrived in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations (AOO) May 8. Nimitz is the flagship for Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11.

Nimitz CSG, commanded by Rear Adm. Terry Blake, also includes the guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59); guided-missile destroyers USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53), USS Higgins (DDG 76), USS Chafee (DDG 90), and USS Pinckney (DDG 91); Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 49 “Scorpions,” HSL-37 “Easy Riders,” and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit 11, Det. 15.

While in the U.S. 5th Fleet AOO, the ships of the Nimitz CSG will also conduct Maritime Security Operations (MSO).

MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. MSO deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons, or other materials.

Deployed F-22s leave Pac, back to Langley

by Maj. Dani Johnson, 18th Wing Public Affairs

5/10/2007 - KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNEWS) -- After almost three months in the Pacific, 12 F-22A Raptors departed here May 10 having completed the first overseas deployment for the Air Force's newest air supremacy aircraft.

The Raptors and more than 250 Airmen assigned to the 27th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Va., arrived in Kadena Air Base as part of a regularly scheduled U.S. Pacific Command rotational assignment.

"We learned quite a bit about what we need or don't need (when deploying), whether it is parts or people," said Lt. Col. Wade Tolliver, the 27th FS commander. "We plan on capturing these lessons and continue to build the solution to deploying the F-22."

While at Kadena, the squadron flew more than 600 sorties. The sortie generation was better than expected considering the challenges of getting supplies and support from a home base more than 7,700 miles from the deployed location, Colonel Tolliver said.

"We sustained an incredible utilization rate, and it is a true testament to our maintainers and supply Airmen and all the hard work they do," Colonel Tolliver said.

While in the Pacific, the Raptors trained with F-15 Eagles, E-3 Sentry (AWACS), KC-135 Stratotankers from the 18th Wing, and with the Navy, Marine Corps and Japanese Air Self Defense Force.

"Many of these pilots and aircraft had never flown with the F-22," Colonel Tolliver said. "This gave us a chance to expose the F-22 to our sister services and key allies, allowing all of us to learn how to work together better.

"The F-22 is not here to replace any aircraft, but add another capability to the fight," he said.

Another aspect to the deployment was educating both Americans and foreign nationals in the region on the F-22 capabilities. While here, the squadron conducted almost 30 tours and briefings for visiting dignitaries and held three open house tours for more than 4,000 Americans on Okinawa.

All of the Airmen deployed from Langley AFB became part of Team Kadena. Regardless of the fact the requirements for the aircraft were different than many of the units were used to, everyone stepped up professionally, Colonel Tolliver said.

"The 18th Wing is a busy place," he said. "You get a lot done every day and you integrated us into your team without missing a beat, and we appreciate that."

For Kadena, the deployment was also a chance to demonstrate its capability to receive forces and combine dissimilar fighter aircraft into one airpower team.

"This was big for the base," said Col. Mark Henkel, the 18th Operations Group commander. "We were able to bring this aircraft into the theater and get it ready to go while never stopping our ongoing missions. It was simply outstanding."

Iowa KC-135E retires as 'snow bird' in Arizona

Those of you who keep aircraft list can scratch USAF Serial Number 57-1447 from the inventory.

An Iowa Air National Guard's aging KC-135 Stratotanker, displaying patriotic nose art, is about to retire. The KC-135E assigned to the 185th Air Reserve Wing in Sioux City, Iowa, was flown out by a flight crew from Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., to Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson, Ariz., where the aircraft will most likely be retired. The 185th ARW is on track to convert to the newer KC-135 R model this year. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot)

Air Force opens newest air ops center

It will be interesting to see what new frequencies and callsigns will be associated with this new installation-LVH.

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (AFNEWS) -- Twelfth Air Force and Air Forces Southern will open the Air Force's newest Falconer, the 612th Combined Air Operations Center, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony May 9.

The 612th Combined Air Operations Center, serves as the operations hub for all air and space activities during combat and humanitarian operations.

"This world-class facility will serve as the home of the only continuously operational Falconer in the continental United States -- we're proud to be facilitators of such an essential weapons system," said Lt. Gen. Norman Seip, 12th Air Force and Air Forces Southern commander.

The CAOC serves as the air and space component to U.S. Southern Command. The command and control capabilities of the new facility give the Southern Command commander a tremendous capability. Staffed by a total force of Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines it is responsible for maintaining the air picture for the Southern Command in Central and South America, as well as Caribbean operations.

The new facility is one of five "Falconer" CAOC weapons systems used to support geographic combatant commanders worldwide. The other Falconer CAOCs are located in Southwest Asia, Europe, Korea and Hawaii. Each Air Operations Center has responsibility over a specified geographic location and mission.

"The Combined Air Operations Center weapons system at Davis-Monthan is designed to support operations worldwide," General Seip said. "This CAOC is up and running, helping to execute operations in the Southern Command region, but we're ready for any contingency."

The 12th AF CAOC will be officially named the General James H. Doolittle Center in honor of General James H. Doolittle, 12th Air Force's first commander, and the Doolittle Raiders, for their heroic actions during World War II. The ribbon cutting and naming of the new CAOC building comes just after the Doolittle Raiders celebrated the 65th anniversary of their attack on the Japanese mainland.

USS Nimitz Strike Group Arrives in 5th Fleet

The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG) entered the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations May 8 to conduct maritime security operations (MSO) in regional waters, and provide air support to ground forces operating in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The Nimitz CSG relieves the Dwight D. Eisenhower CSG. Their arrival continues the current two-carrier presence in the Middle East, demonstrating the United States’ resolve to enhance security and support long-term stability in the region.

Commanded by Rear Adm. Terry Blake, Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CCSG) 11, Nimitz CSG includes the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) with its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, and embarked Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23; guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59); guided-missile destroyers USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53), USS Higgins (DDG 76), USS Chafee (DDG 90), and USS Pinckney (DDG 91); Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 49 “Scorpions,” HSL-37 “Easy Riders,” and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit 11, Detachment 15.

“I’m extremely proud of the Sailors and Marines of the Nimitz Strike Group,” said Blake. “They have worked hard to ensure we arrive in theatre ready to support ongoing coalition operations. We are looking forward to working closely with our regional partners to demonstrate our commitment to enhanced security operations in this diverse theatre,” he said.

The squadrons of CVW-11 include Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14 “Tophatters,” VFA-41 “Black Aces,” VFA-81 “Sunliners,” Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117 “Wallbangers,” Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 135 “Black Ravens,” Carrier Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 “Providers,” and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 6 “Indians.”

MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. These operations deny international terrorists the use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other materials.

U.S. 5th Fleet, headquartered in Manama, Bahrain, is responsible for an area encompassing approximately 2.5 million square miles of water including the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman and parts of the Indian Ocean.

Navy Commissions USS Hawaii

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Ira J. Elinson, Naval Submarine Base New London Public Affairs

Under clear blue New England skies, the Navy’s newest attack submarine, USS Hawaii (SSN 776) was commissioned May 5 on the Thames River at Naval Submarine Base New London, in Groton, Conn.

The ceremony, complete with hula dancers, war canoes, and leis, brought North Shore flavor to the shores of New England. Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle, sponsor of Hawaii, spoke the words that the Navy, and especially the crew, had waited to hear since its christening in June 2006. In a time-honored Navy tradition, Lingle directed, “Man our ship and bring her to life!”

The third submarine of the Virginia class, SSN 776 recognizes the tremendous support the Navy has enjoyed from the people of the Aloha State and honors the rich heritage of submarines in the Pacific theater.

“Most people, when they hear the word Hawaii, they immediately conjure up pictures of beautiful beaches, lovely dancers and moonlit nights,” said Hawaii Sen. Daniel K. Inouye. “Hawaii is all that and more: Our sons and daughters have participated in every war since we became part of the United States.”

“While most of the Western Pacific is, for the most part free, ships like Hawaii and the men who serve on her will help ensure that freedom for future generations,” said Adm. Gary Roughead, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, as he delivered the ceremony’s principal address.

Hawaii has improved stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities and special warfare enhancements that will enable it to meet the Navy’s multi-mission requirements. Hawaii’s capabilities include: anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, special forces delivery and support, and covert mine warfare. In addition to these mission areas, Hawaii will be able to strike targets ashore with precision Tomahawk cruise missiles and conduct covert long-term surveillance of land areas, coastal waters or other maritime forces. With enhanced communications connectivity, the submarine also will provide unique, fully-integrated strike group and joint task force support.

"People who tour the ship speak of the technology, computer displays and fiber optics,” said Lingle, “but it is the spirit of its Sailors that makes this ship great.”

Capt. David A. Solms, a native of Colorado Springs, Colo., is the ship’s commanding officer, leading a crew of approximately 134 officers and enlisted personnel.

The 7,800-ton Hawaii was built by the shipbuilder team of General Dynamics Electric Boat, Groton, Conn., and Northrop Grumman Newport News, Va. The submarine is 377 feet in length, has a beam of 34 feet, and can operate at more than 25 knots submerged. Hawaii is designed with a reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship – reducing lifecycle costs while increasing underway time.

Hawaii will complete a post-commissioning shakedown period and continue readying for its first deployment from Naval Submarine Base New London. The ship will eventually be homeported in Hawaii in 2009.

New VHF/UHF Radio Installed on F-15Es

From the September 2006 AFCA Intercom:

A new radio installed in Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles is enhancing the fighter’s ability to communicate more effectively with ground troops and civilian aircraft. The fleet is receiving ultra high frequency/very high frequency, or UHF/VHF, radios that allow aircrews to provide critical, time-sensitive and encrypted information to ground forces or helicopters regarding enemy locations and actions. That capability 1s proving to be a force multiplier. By linking ground forces with F-15E aircrews, the VHF radio shortens the time from request to response. F-15E aircraft flying overhead can use airborne sensors to detect and track insurgents operating during the day or night, then communicate useful information to ground forces, other aircraft or commanders by using VHF radio. Along with aiding ground troops, the VHF radio is allowing F-15 pilots flying combat air patrol missions as part of homeland defense to communicate with civilian airliners to clarify intentions and convey instructions, when necessary. — Chris McGee, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio

US Army National Guard ALE Addresses

Here is a list of US Army National Guard ALE addresses monitored yesterday here in Btown. You can see the complete details including frequencies and an abbreviated owl log on my Btown Monitoring Post blog (http://monitor-post.blogspot.com/).



A040LN National Guard (AL) Montgomery,AL
K040YN National Guard (KY) Frankfort, KY
M030DN National Guard (MD) Baltimore, MD
P030AN National Guard (PA) Anniville, PA

HQ703N National Guard Readiness Center Arlington, VA

KBNWNG National Guard (IA) Boone Airport, IA
KGEZNG National Guard (IN) Shelbyville, IN
KMUING National Guard (PA) Fort Indiantown Gap/Muir AAF, PA
STPOPS National Guard (MN) Holman Field-St. Paul, MN
T1Z137 National Guard (OH) 1-137 AVN Akron-Canton Regional Airport, OH
T5B159 US Army 5-159 AVN Company B Fort Eustis, VA

Edwards readies for Joint Strike Fighter testing

And for my SoCalMilcom friends on the left coast:

by Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

4/27/2007 - EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNEWS) -- All systems are moving toward "go" here as officials prepare for upcoming tests on the next-generation strike fighter, the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.

A new mission control room opened its doors earlier this month, equipped so the Integrated Test Force will be able to monitor real-time performance of the aircraft during its test missions here beginning this fall.

The long-awaited aircraft, the first to be developed within the Defense Department to meet the needs of three services, promises state-of-the-art technology at a cost officials say simply couldn't be matched by three separate aircraft programs.

"What's unique about this aircraft is that we're building three variants, all at once," said Marc Trinklein, deputy director for the Integrated Test Force.

These variants are designed for the specific needs of the Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy, as well as international partners that are helping fund and develop the aircraft, he said. This represents the first time in military procurement history that the United States has partnered with another nation to build an aircraft from the ground up.

Current partners are the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, Canada, Australia, Denmark and Norway, but Trinklein said more are expected to sign on.

This arrangement brings unprecedented economies of scale. The aircraft's three models share many common designs, technologies and maintenance requirements, Mr. Trinklein said. For example, all three aircraft can use a common engine, one produced by two different contractors.

At the same time, he said, they'll deliver revolutionary new capabilities adapted for close-air support, tactical bombing and air-to-air combat missions.

The bulk of the F-35s will be the "A" model, configured for the Air Force to replace F-16 Fighting Falcons and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and complement the F-22 Raptor. They will feature conventional takeoff and landing capabilities.

This aircraft, which made its maiden flight at the Lockheed-Martin plant in Fort Worth, Texas, in mid-December, is expected to undergo developmental testing here and at Fort Worth beginning in mid-2009 or early 2010.

Meanwhile, developmental testing for the other two F-35 variants, the "B" and "C" models, will take place at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md.

The "B" model, being developed for the Marine Corps, will have short takeoff and vertical landing capabilities. It is designed to replace the Marines' F/A-18C and D Hornet fighters and AV-8B Harrier IIs.

Initial plans called for the models to be developed sequentially, "A" followed by "B," then by "C," but Mr. Trinklein said the "B" model has moved to the front of the line. "The Marines have the greatest need due to the age of the Harrier fleet," he said. "They are flying Harriers, and they are very old and not so capable, so they are recognized as the biggest need."

The F-35B is expected to make its first flight in May 2008.

The "C" model F-35 will be adapted for the Navy for carrier landings. It will feature larger, folding wings and stronger landing gear than the other variants and complement the F/A18 "E" and "F" models.

After developmental testing here and at Patuxent River, all three models - six of each, plus two British versions -- will undergo operational testing here beginning in 2011, Mr. Trinklein said.

The goal, he said, is to get the first F-35B's fielded to the Marine Corps in 2012. The other two models are expected to follow to their respective services in 2013.

When they're delivered, these aircraft will bring cutting-edge technologies. They'll provide a level of stealth not found in previous Navy and Marine Corps aircraft and a highly advanced radar capability, Mr. Trinklein said, "is incredible compared to what's out in the field now."

An infrared electro-optical targeting system will provide "awesome" detail, and an integrated distributed aperture sensor system will enable a pilot to see infrared imagery from any direction via a helmet-mounted display, he said.

"This is a huge step in situational awareness," Mr. Trinklein said. "It's revolutionary to have the pilot to have no blind spots, day or night."

An autonomic logistics system is designed to run without paper, technical orders or even checklists.

The aircraft also will monitor its own systems and issue reports as needed. "It's designed to be predictive," Mr. Trinklein said. "It will be able to tell if a system is starting to degrade before it becomes a problem. It will say what part is needed, so that part can be ready when the plane lands."

Big E Continues Carrier Qualifications

And a Heads Up For My SEMilcom Buddies:

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

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) (Big E), returned to sea April 30 for a cycle of carrier qualifications, following a four-week in port period for Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) preparations and inspections.

Enterprise was last at sea March 19 through April 1 to conduct carrier qualifications with training squadrons from Naval Air Training, headquartered at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas.

For approximately two weeks, Enterprise will be home to a few new squadrons as the pilots of the fleet replenishment squadrons train for carrier landings at sea.

As the Navy’s surge carrier, Big E continues to remain ready at all times to deploy at a moment’s notice. Constant training keeps Sailors and Marines stationed aboard the 45-year-old carrier and the embarked squadrons primed to fight any battle, whether against enemy aircraft in the sky or supporting ground troops in the global war on terrorism.

“Our enemies are persistent and relentless, and in order to win the fight against terrorism, we must be persistent and relentless as well,” said Capt. Larry Rice, Enterprise commanding officer. “We must keep our minds sharp and focused on the mission.”

“As Sailors and Marines, we are obligated to carry out our duties by the oaths we took at our enlistments and commissionings,” said Capt. O.P. Honors, executive officer. “A few years ago, ships’ schedules were built around a predictable six-month deployment every two years. However, as we move into the future, we must be prepared for anything that comes our way.”

During this current underway, Big E will be joined by two F/A-18 Super Hornet squadrons, the “Flying Eagles” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122 stationed at Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore, Calif., and the “Gladiators” of VFA-106 stationed at NAS Oceana, Va.; an SH-60 Seahawk squadron, the “Tridents” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 3 stationed at NAS Jacksonville, Fla.; and a C-2A Greyhound squardron, the “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 from Naval Station Norfolk.

Big E is the centerpiece of the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, which also includes the guided-missile destroyers USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51), USS Stout (DDG 55), USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) and USS James E. Williams (DDG 95); the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64), the fast-attack submarine 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 Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1.

GW Departs Dry Dock in NNSY

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Katrin Albritton, USS George Washington Public Affairs

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (NNS) -- USS George Washington (CVN 73) (GW) successfully completed its move from the dry dock at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) to a pierside berth April 25, one week earlier than previously scheduled.

The berth shift marks a significant milestone in the Planned Incremental Availability and Docking (PIA+D) period before the ship heads to Japan in 2008.

“It’s very important to GW, and to the whole enterprise, that our repair and maintenance work stay on or ahead of schedule,” said GW Commanding Officer Capt. Dave Dykhoff. "Team GW made schedule adherence one of our primary goals during this shipyard period at NNSY, and we’re very pleased to be moving out of the dry dock a week early.”

The maintenance and upgrades of the ship’s electronic warfighting capabilities, berthing and head renovations, as well as the repainting of the hull were carried out during the ship’s seven months in dry dock.

Lt. Cmdr. Bill Pollitz, GW’s maintenance manager and overall availability coordinator, said the ship had reached the required milestones, such as the removal of the ship’s old mast and the subsequent installation of the new one. Each of these led the ship to the undocking; the first key event.

“We were able to exceed all previous performance standards with the main mast correction,” he said. “By working together we got a lot of the work started early and were able to complete them early. We got a lot of work done and everyone made certain their piece of the pie was completed.”

Even though the ship has succeeded in leaving dry dock, there are still milestones and key events which need to be completed. Among these upcoming tasks are the crew move-aboard, the re-tensioning of the aircraft elevators and the coating of the flight deck with non-skid.

Assessments also still need to be completed such as flight deck trough inspections, capstone, and hull mechanical and electrical testing.

Dykhoff said Team GW was ultimately responsible for the success of the availability. This team includes NNSY contractors, Earl Industries, the Alteration Installation Team, as well as the ship’s crew.

“While this schedule milestone is significant, we still have a lot of work to do,” he said. “This team is up to the task, however, and I look forward to continued great work by the shipyard, ship’s force and contractor personnel during the remainder of this availability.”

The $300 million availability will prepare GW to relieve USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as the fleet’s forward-deployed carrier in 2008. The ship’s crew, along with contractors from NNSY, will now finish the final maintenance in preparation for the move to the “Land of the Rising Sun.”

Alaska A-10s are goin' to Georgia

Four A-10 Thunderbolt IIs with the 355th Fighter Squadron are parked in position at the end of runway to be armed by Airmen from the 354th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron on April 24 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Due to the Base Realignment and Closure list the A-10 Thunderbolt II is being relocated to Moody AFB, Ga. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jonathan Snyder)

'Mission accomplished' for NRO at Onizuka AFS

by Capt. Tony Muro, Operating Division 4 Detachment 1

4/23/2007 - ONIZUKA AIR FORCE STATION, Calif. -- The National Reconnaissance Office's mission here ended recently after 46 years of service to the nation.

Dr. Donald Kerr, director of the NRO in Washington, D.C., presided over a deactivation ceremony in March wherein he thanked the men and women of the Blue Cube here for their dedicated service.

More than 800 guests attended the ceremony and open house, including Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz, vice commander of Air Force Space Command; Brig. Gen. Larry James, director of the Signal Intelligence Systems Acquisitions and Operations Directorate; and former NRO Director Jeff Harris.

The ceremony reflected upon the rich history and many contributions that the Onizuka facility has made to the nation's space reconnaissance efforts. The division's story dates back to the late 1950s and the beginning of Soviet and American efforts in space.

The space race began with the launch of Sputnik in 1957, after which a small plot of land in Sunnyvale, Calif., became the hub of space reconnaissance. At its peak in 1993, the Blue Cube housed more than 1,200 people and provided communications and infrastructure support to a wide variety of organizations.

Onizuka AFS holds a legendary history of firsts that helped the NRO become the leading-edge organization it is today, Dr. Kerr said. Throughout the years, the facility has been a critical node in space operations and has led the way during the nation's first steps in groundbreaking reconnaissance from space.

At the dawn of imagery intelligence from space, Onizuka AFS was the birthplace of the Corona program, the world's first photo reconnaissance satellite. Included in this program was the first mapping of Earth from space, the first midair recovery of a vehicle returning from space and the first views of denied areas from space.

Dr. Kerr honored the men and women of Onizuka for their dedication to establishing the NRO, as well as for being the cornerstone in the nation's security from space. He thanked them for their tenacity in protecting freedom and for ensuring the United States always held the ultimate high ground.

Green Flag launches Strike Eagles into the air

Two F-15E Strike Eagles prepare to launch in support of Exercise Green Flag April 24 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Green Flag is an Air Combat Command pre-deployment exercise for units who perform close-air support. The training exercise, which began April 19 and runs through May 4, mirrors many of the irregular warfare-conditions aircrews will see while fighting the war on terrorism. During Green Flag, aircrews will try to learn better ways to employ airpower within an irregular warfare environment. The F-15Es are from Seymor Johnson AFB, N.C. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald)

Pre-launch ops keep Sharks busy

by Eric Brian, 45th SW Public Affairs

PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 45th Launch Group is busily processing flight hardware and gearing up for a number of launches through the rest of the year.

"Although there aren't any launches in April and May, there is a lot of work being done at the Launch Group," said Col. Scott Henderson, 45th LCG commander. "All three of our squadrons are very busy."

The 45th Launch Support Squadron is de-encapsulating the last remaining Defense Support Program satellite and transferring the spacecraft to the processing cell in the Large Payload Facility. DSP satellites help protect the nation and its allies by detecting missile launches, space launches and nuclear detonations.

The satellite will launch atop the first operational Delta IV Heavy. That vehicle, however, had to be removed from a pad at Space Launch Complex 37 after cracks were found in the concrete launch table. The launch is on hold pending repair of the launch table. Officials hope to reschedule the launch late this summer.

"Over the next three weeks, we'll be putting the DSP back into the Integration Cell," said LCSS Operations Officer Lt. Col. John Wagner. "Moving flight hardware is never a trivial task, and it will require a focused effort from our facilities and spacecraft teams -- contractors, military and civilians. However, this is essential to ensuring we have a spacecraft ready for orbit when SLC-37 and the booster team is ready for launch."

Four blue-suiters are working DSP operations around the clock, said Master Sgt. Tom Shank, Spacecraft Flight chief. "We're very busy in preparing all the different spacecraft processing before launch."

Spacecraft processing for other upcoming missions includes the first launch of the Wideband Global SATCOM satellite replacing the venerable Defense Satellite Communica-tions System.

"WGS is a substantial leap forward in Satellite Communications for joint forces worldwide," said Colonel Wagner.

They are digitally channelized, transponded satellites that provide a quantum leap in communications capacity, connectivity and flexibility for U.S. military forces, while maintaining interoperability with existing and programmed terminals. They are designed to provide essential communications services for combatant commanders to command and control their tactical forces. Tactical forces will rely on WGS to provide high-capacity connectivity into the terrestrial portion of the Defense Information Systems Network.

"A single WGS spacecraft has as much bandwidth as the entire existing DSCS constellation," said Colonel Wagner.

"The spacecraft may arrive at the Cape by late May", said Maj. Tom McIntyre, Spacecraft Flight commander. "They'll do their initial testing at the Cape and verify they have good connectivity with the Air Force Satellite Control Network. We're looking at a late summer launch."

In addition to those missions, the Launch Group is processing two GPS spacecraft -- IIR-17 and IIR-18, coupled with facility air conditioning upgrades and a Space-Based Infrared System pathfinder before the flight vehicle arrives in 2008.

The 45th LCSS is also working with the 1st and 5th Space Launch Squadrons, processing booster payload fairings in several of the LCSS spacecraft clean-room facilities for upcoming missions.

The 1st Space Launch Squadron is planning to launch three missions, said Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Myron Fortson.

"Dawn is a NASA mission to explore the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter," said Colonel Fortson. "One asteroid to be explored has the physical characteristics of the inner planets. The other asteroid has qualities of the icy moon-type planets further out in the solar system. By comparing the two, it should help determine the origin of our planets."

A Delta II Heavy launch is scheduled to loft Dawn in late June.

"The Heavy uses bigger solid rocket than those used for a typical GPS mission," said Colonel Fortson. "It has 46-inch graphite epoxy motors, which provide more thrust than the normal 40-inch motors."

Phoenix, the latest Mars Lander mission, is scheduled to launch in August, he said.

"This mission has a limited science window and must launch between Aug. 3 and 24," he said. "If it doesn't it may be years, if ever, so this timeframe is critical. The GPS is right behind that; currently we are planning for late August."

"Normally if we only had one mission, it would take about two months after rocket arrival to get ready," said Maj. Dave Laird, 1st SLS director of mission assurance. "But we have six missions before the end of the year, so it takes lot more lead time; we're working on two to three vehicles at a time."

The 1st SLS is working on hardware for GPS IIR-17 and on the solid motors for Dawn.

The Dawn first stage will start, and test activities this week.

"When stages come in, we're almost an extension of the factory," said Major Laird. "They're built at the factory, but we test the actuators, every moving part and every electronic part so they are thoroughly tested multiple times."

Once on the pad, the booster is hooked up, and tests are conducted on fuel loading and all hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

"It's not uncommon to find a problem, so we have time built in to fix and replace parts," said Major Laird. "That's the reason we take a couple months on each rocket; if it's not ready to go, we need to test it all out."

The 5th Space Launch Squadron is processing for four launches, including the Atlas V which will carry the National Reconnaissance Office Launch-30 satellite.

"We're on track for a mid-June launch of the Atlas V, followed up by the WGS launch in early to mid-August," said Lt. Col. Kent Nickle, 5th SLS director of operations.

The 5th SLS is also repairing the SLC 37 launch table, damaged Feb. 28 during a Wet Dress Rehearsal fueling test.

"The launch table repairs have started and are progressing," said Colonel Nickle. "While we're making repairs, we're also doing an analysis of the failure to see why the damage occurred."

U.S. Fleet Forces Prepares for HURREX ‘07

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Jerry Foltz, Fleet Forces Command Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- As the Hampton Roads area prepares for the upcoming hurricane season, which runs from June 1 until Nov. 30, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (FFC) is taking a proactive approached to ensuring the safety of Sailors and their families by participating in Hurricane Exercise 2007 (HURREX 07).

The purpose of HURREX 07 is to provide ship and shore commands a focused training scenario to help with ship sorties, evacuation, emergency preparedness, personnel accountability, and recovery.

“The same weather conditions, that made last year a modest hurricane season, are not in place, giving us here an indication that the overall number of storms is going to be higher than average,” said Captain Archer Wright, FFCs Fleet Oceanographer and Meteorological Officer. “As storms threaten installations, commanding officers will be required to set conditions of readiness in their geographic area and all commands will be required to muster their personnel.”

The first part, the tracking and warning phase, will be conducted from April 23 through May 4. The second phase, requiring personnel accountability and family assessment, will be conducted April 23 through May 9.

“This exercise will enable the command to provide valuable resources to Sailors and their families to deal with a disaster situation,” said Wright.” It gives commands a chance to fine tune their emergency preparedness and procedures.”

HURREX will include four artificially constructed tropical systems that will develop and intensify to hurricane strength, affecting the Caribbean, East Coast and Gulf Coast regions.

Wright stated that in addition to FFC, several commands from the entire Eastern Seaboard will be participating.

"We want to able to test personnel accountability from Texas to Maine -- and all states and installations in between," he said.

As storms approach each region, a NAVADMIN will be released with an order to account for personnel, designating a start time for personnel accountability and family assessment procedures.

Wright stressed that Sailors should review command mustering procedures in addition to taking a closer look at personal readiness. Sailors should inform family members about the availability of emergency services in their region.

MT 2007 Airshow Guide Available Online

I am pleased to announce that my 2007 Monitoring Times Airshow Guide is now available for download on the MT website at http://www.monitoringtimes.com/

And I would like to again thank the dozens of reporters this last year who took the time to send us reports from the field and also encourage anyone attending an airshow this year to drop us some mail and let us know what you heard (even if we already have it on the list). We can't do this annual project without each of you.

Blue Angel Pilot Dies in Beaufort Crash

The Navy has officially announced that LCDR Kevin J. Davis (Callsign Kojack) was killed in an accident that occurred yesterday at MCAS Beaufort, SC. LCDR Davis flew the #6 opposing solo aircraft, as I previously reported, during Blues performances.

The aircraft crashed during the final minutes of an air show at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., at approximately 4 p.m. EDT, April 21.

The pilot of the jet was joining the Delta formation for the final maneuver of the aerial demonstration when the mishap occurred. It was his second year on the team, and first year as a demonstration pilot.

The other five Blue Angel jets were not involved in the incident and landed safely moments later.

The crash occurred approximately three miles outside the air station in the vicinity of Pine Grove Rd. and White Pine Rd. One civilian on the ground reported minor injuries and was transported to Beaufort Memorial Hospital. Some houses in the area received damage, the extent of which is unclear at this time.

The cause of the accident is currently under investigation. And the Blue Angel Performance Schedule has been suspended.

LCDR Kevin J. Davis Bio
Lieutenant Commander Kevin Davis was a native of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and graduated from Reading Memorial High School in 1992 where he played football and was active with the Civil Air Patrol. He attended Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Science with honors in 1996.

Kevin reported to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida, for Officer Candidate School and aviation indoctrination in September 1996. He completed primary flight training at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, and transferred to NAS Meridian, Mississippi, for intermediate and advanced flight training. While there, he flew the T-2C Buckeye and TA-4J Skyhawk, and received his wings of gold in June 1999.

Kevin reported to Fighter Squadron 101 (VF-101) at NAS Oceana, Virginia, for training in the F-14 Tomcat and was the “Top Stick” in his class. In July 2000 he reported to the VF-11 “Red Rippers” where he completed deployments aboard the aircraft carriers USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) and USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67). While with the “Red Rippers,” Kevin served as the airframes/corrosion branch officer, air-to-ground training officer and head landing signals officer. His deployments included extended operations in the North Arabian Sea and Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

In July 2003, Kevin transitioned to the F/A-18 Hornet through Strike Fighter Squadron 125 (VFA-125) at NAS Lemoore, California, and then reported to the Fighter Composite Squadron (VFC-12) “Omars,” stationed at NAS Oceana, Virginia. While at VFC-12, Kevin served as a Navy adversary pilot providing valuable air-to-air training for fleet squadrons. In December of 2004, Kevin graduated from the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) as an adversary pilot. During his tour at VFC-12, Kevin worked as the schedules officer, legal officer, FRS/SFARP officer and assistant operations officer.

Kevin joined the Blue Angels in September 2005. He accumulated more than 2,500 flight hours and 200 carrier arrested landings. His decorations included the Air Medal, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and various personal and unit awards.

Flash - Blue Angel Aircraft Crashes at Beaufort

According to CNN and FOX News, one of the Blue Angel (Blue Angel #6) aircraft has crashes at the Beaufort, SC, airshow. The Blues were in the Delta formation and the aircraft appeared to lose power and srop from the sky. According to CNN the pilot was killed. No more details available at this time. More to follow...

DXTuners - RIP

Editor's Note: It is with great saddness that I make this post to the blog about the closing of the DXTuners service on the internet. I have been a longtime user of this excellent service. Its closing is truly a big loss to the radio listening hobby. If you have never used this network of worldwide receivers, you missed an exciting part of the hobby that is now apparently gone forever. DXTuners provided me with countless hours of listening to all sorts of stations (analog and DRM, broadcast and utility), and some neat programs and transmissions that could not be heard here in the U.S., or at signal levels that would give me armchair copy.

To Kelly and all the hobbyists who provided their time, knowledge and equipment - 73 and farewell. May you always have fair skies and following seas.

So here is the message you get now when you click on the DXTuners link http://www.dxtuner.com/.

---

Ystad, Sweden, 20 april 2007

Dear subscribers and guests. For the last 10 years I have been presenting Web Controlled receivers here at DxTuners.

I have worked constantly to maintain and supervise this network together with my dedicated crew who has put so much effort into it.

Regretfully, recently due to other business and personal commitments, I am unable to dedicate as much time or find as much inspiration as before in running the network and it is with much sadness and sincere regret that I have decided to wind up my business over here.

This has been a very difficult and emotional decision for me to take, having made many friends over the years, but after a good 20 years in the IT-business I feel the time is right to move on and try something else.

I have been trying to find other solutions to continue running DxTuners but I have found it too complex for anyone else to run without my help.

I would like to thank all my friends, subscribers and especially my dedicated crew who supported me over the years. I could not have done it without you guys.

Thank you all

Kelly Lindman

USS Carney Trains Trinidad & Tobago CG

By Ensign Rebecca Lawrence, USS Carney Public Affairs

USS Carney (DDG 64) welcomed aboard 13 members of the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard (TTCG) on April 16 to participate in a series of training evolutions as part of the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) theater security cooperation efforts.

Comprised of seamanship and maritime security exercises, this was the culminating event during Carney’s visit to Trinidad, while the ship is deployed under the operational control of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility.

The TTCG Sailors embarked Carney to observe the ship getting underway. Upon completion of a towing exercise conducted with the TTCG vessel Crown Point, Carney’s Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) Team demonstrated hand-to-hand security techniques, boarding procedures and small boat operations.

TTCG Lt. Dane Daniel was the senior officer on board Carney for the exchange.

“It is always a good opportunity for us to work with foreign navies. When our Sailors get to interact and rehearse during exercises like these, it makes the actual in-theater cooperation much easier,” said Daniel.

Senior Chief Fire Controlman Ron Cagle, a senior member of Carney’s VBSS team, was also pleased with the execution of the exercise.

“Our teams use a lot of the same techniques,” he said. “The biggest difference in our forces is the mission we are trained to execute: Our focus is counter-terrorism, theirs is counter-narcotics.”

Carney, homeported in Mayport, Fla., is operating throughout the Caribbean area conducting similar theater security cooperation exercises that include community relations projects, military-to-military exchanges, diplomatic port visits and multinational training exercises.

Samuel B. Roberts, Latorre Participate in SNMG-1 PASSEX

By Ensign Christine Campbell, USS Samuel B. Roberts Public Affairs

USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) and Chilean Frigate CS Almiranty Latorre (FFG 14) participated in a multinational Passing Exercise (PASSEX) on April 8-9 with Standing NATO Maritime Group (SNMG) 1 in the Caribbean in support of Partnership of Americas (POA).

Other ships participating in the exercise included the USS Mahan (DDG 72), German Navy Frigate FGS Sachsen (F 219) and British Fast Fleet Tanker RFA Wave Ruler (A 390).

The exercise gave the opportunity to collaborate more closely with different nations and supports the U.S. Navy’s concept of a 1,000-ship navy which brings together maritime services to work toward common objectives of security and to improve overall interoperability.

With two days of continuous operations, the ships conducted a multitude of operations and training.

“The favorite event for Samuel B. Roberts’ bridge watch team was fleet maneuvers or division tactics (DIVTACS), where watchstanders from all ships were able to practice their ship-handling skills,” said Operations Specialist 1st Class Andrew Buckner.

DIVTACS training requires multiple ships underway in close proximity, which can be a rare opportunity.

In addition to ship handling, several exercises in establishing communications, testing reference skills, and passing tactical signals took place. The ships simulated anti-submarine scenarios and anti-air defense operations.

While conducting the anti-submarine operations the “Sammy B” utilized SH-60B helicopters, from Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (Light) 48, based in Mayport, Fla., to drop active and passive sonobouys against training targets.

The exercise culminated with the creation of a difficult formation called a starburst, in which all ships formed an arrowhead at 200-yards spacing from one another, and then broke off to all sides at a high rate of speed.

Ens. Paul O'Daniel, conning officer for the event, said he was impressed with the overall PASSEX.

“This formation was a challenge to accomplish but definitely shows cooperation of the navies during these exercises. The chance to work with the other navies and accomplish operational exercises was great,” said O'Daniel.

Battlefield technology key to Atlantic Strike V - Update

Photo: A "Condor" Unmanned Aerial Vehicle without its protective skin sits on top of its carrying case April 17 before flying in Atlantic Strike 5. Atlantic Strike is a joint forces semi-annual training event involving Joint Terminal Attack Controllers, or JTACs, from the Air Force Army and Marines at Avon Park Air Ground Training Complex, Avon Park, FL.(U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Stephen J. Otero)

Editor's Note: Frequencies and callsigns associated with this exercise are at the end of this article. The RF spectrum profile below updated at 0952 EDT 20 April 2007

by By Staff Sgt. Amanda Savannah
U.S. Central Command Air Forces Public Affairs

4/19/2007 - AVON PARK, Fla. (AFNEWS) -- As the convoy travels down the dusty path, the lead Humvee's Joint Terminal Attack Controller zeroes in on a potential target 1,500 meters in front of him. He sends the coordinates to the waiting aircraft above.

"Target is verified JTAC, expending munitions." The aircraft releases its munitions precisely on target, decreasing collateral damage and allowing the convoy to continue on, unharmed.

Although not an actual account, scenarios like this one would not be possible in theater without technology such as the Remotely Operated Video Enhancement Receiver, or ROVER, and Venom, a remote-controlled, laser designator rangefinder telescoping mast system. Air Force, Marine Corps and Canadian Air Force JTACs are training on these and other battlefield technologies during Atlantic Strike V April 14-20 at the Avon Park Air Ground Training Complex in Avon Park, Fla.

ROVER can receive video and telemetry data from manned aircraft, remote-controlled unmanned aerial vehicles and the Venom system to display on a laptop or television monitor. The receive-only terminal can receive most Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance video from C, L and KU Band frequencies. This capability allows ground commanders to see around corners, over hills or on top of buildings -- providing critical battlefield situational awareness and targeting capability.

"The ROVER terminal gives JTACs the same aerial picture the aircraft sees," said Lisa Diamanti of L3 Communications, the company responsible for designing the ROVER system. "The JTACs on the ground need to see this picture to positively identify targets. This cuts down the talk-on-target time (from hours) to 10 minutes or less."

Before ROVER, JTACs had to have their eyes on the target and relied on verbal communication between themselves, aircraft and the Air Support Operations Center. JTACs would provide the target, which the ASOC then confirmed before the aircrew could execute.

Master Sgt. Craig Hillsman, an Air Force JTAC with the 19th Air Support Operations Squadron at Fort Campbell, Ky., appreciates how the ROVER system "cuts out the middleman."

"The ability for JTACs to operate without (having to contact) forward (command and control) is great," he said. "It also expands my ability to do my job without putting myself in harm's way, because it gives me a bird's-eye view of the area instead of just line of sight. For example, I can spot a target individual and instead of giving away my position, I can watch (on the ROVER) the receiving aircraft follow him to a point a safe distance from me before engaging."

Northrop Grumman's Venom system will give JTACs even more of a chance for survival.

"With the growing need for up-armored Humvees, the military needed a system that would allow its occupants to stay under that armor while identifying targets," said Bob Raulerson, marketing manager for Northrop Grumman. Venom uses a Lightweight Laser Designator Rangefinder on a universal, stabilized platform that mounts on top of the vehicle and enables military members to observe targets during the day or night. The versatile system can be mounted on a mast that can be attached to any vehicle, Mr. Raulerson said.

If fitted with a ROVER transmitter, the Venom can send its images to ROVER systems, adding a line-of-sight image to the aerial image a JTAC receives from an aircraft. When in laser tracking mode, Venom also allows units to identify and lock on to a target while moving out of the area before the military members are discovered.

"I have also been told that some forward-operating bases are benefiting from mounting Venom on top of a building while the operator remains inside, out of harm's way," Mr. Raulerson said. "All in all, Venom will do more to ensure warfighters return home safely."

During a scenario involving a high-value target, the Army convoy commander parked the Venom system outside a village, adding another vantage point to his maneuvers. The convoy was able to engage enemy forces on the other side of the village, while monitoring buildings to avoid an unexpected flanking maneuver. The Venom system also allowed the ground commander to find a hidden sniper position -- a position only visible from the reverse angle the Venom system provided.

The mounting platform being tested at Atlantic Strike V is scheduled to be used in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in August.

Aircraft at Atlantic Strike V capable of transmitting full-motion video include the F-16 Fighting Falcons, A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, B-52 Stratofortresses, Navy P-3C Orions, the Condor and Swiper UAVs and Cessna aircraft simulating Unmanned Aerial Systems.

Here is a list of freqs/designators/callsigns that have been reported and are associated with Atlantic Strike V.

Atlantic Strike V Frequencies
8971.0 FIDDLE USB

126.150 Avon Park Range Control
131.825 COASTAL
133.475 COASTAL

138.050 FLYER interflight
138.125 Homestead ARB
138.200 FLYER interflight
138.400 Homestead ARB
139.750 Homestead ARB
139.800 Homestead ARB
141.400 NIGHTSTAR wkg ANTIDOTE 57
141.750 BEAR, NIGHTSTAR calling WARHAWK
143.625 WARHAWK
148.825 BUSHMASTER

242.050 BLUE 1
258.100 LIGHTNING 22
264.625 Avon Park Range
269.250 Jax Center – Ocala Low
271.600 "SHERIFF NET" (convoys)
276.600 WARHAWK
279.600 Tampa App
281.500 Miami Center
283.700 MacDill AFB – BEAR CAVE (VAW-124) / BUCCANEER OPS (111th FW)
285.000 ORION / JAGUAR
285.725 Avon Park Range
291.600 Miami Center - Pahokee
292.200 Avon Park Range Control
297.500 FLYER air-air
303.150 Homestead ARB (also being used for air-air on the range)
306.000 P-3
349.000 Miami Center – Avon Park
349.300 BEAR / STARGATE (MOA check in freq)
354.400 STARGATE, BEAR 01, 02 / (STARGATE – DRAGNET VICTOR air-air)
379.400 Barksdale AFB 93rd BS (SCALP air-air)

Freq Designators:
BLUE 1 – 242.050
BLUE 2 – 258.100
BLUE 3 – 349.300
BLUE 5 – 271.600
BLUE 6 – 354.400
GREEN 5/11 – 133.475
GREEN 17
YELLOW 1 – 264.625
YELLOW 2
YELLOW 3 - 285.725
WHITE 5 – 143.625
WHITE 7 – 276.600
WHITE 8 – 349.300 (also passed as BLUE 3)
WHITE 12 – 292.200
Satcom – (BEAR mentioned working WARHAWK on Satcom)

Callsigns:
AKULA – F-16C+, 93rd FS
ANTIDOTE 07, 57
BEAR 01, 02 – E-2C, VAW-124
BUSHMASTER 17, 19, 20, 66 (20 Convoy JTAC)
COASTAL AIR – Cessna (simulated UAV)
COASTAL GROUND – ground support for UAV
DARK KNIGHT (NIGHT) 01, 02
FIDDLE – Jax NAS TSC
FLYER – A-10A, 111th FW
GOLDFINCH 711 – P-3C
JAGUAR ground support for P-3
HARDROCK 09, 10, 11
HORSEMAN 13, 14, 15
LIGHTNING 22, 23, 35 – JTAC
MAKO – F-16C+, 93rd FS
NIGHTSTAR – E-8C, 12th ACCS
OMEGA 18, 68 (Convoy)
ORION – P-3C
SCALP – B-52H, 93rd BS
SHARK – F-16C+, 93rd FS
SLAYER 03, 04
STARGATE – E-8C; 330th CTS
WARHAWK - ASOC

NSA NOLA Readies for Hurricane Season

Editor's Note: My personal blog, the Btown Monitoring Post (http://monitor-post.blogspot.com/), will have extensive and continuing coverage during the hurricane season including active HF frequencies to monitor during these events. The season starts on June 1. Be sure to check the Btown Monitoring Post frequently for updates.

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class David Poe, Naval Support Activity New Orleans Public Affairs

NEW ORLEANS (NNS) -- More than 100 base and tenant command personnel from Naval Support Activity (NSA) New Orleans attended two days of briefings, hosted by NSA’s Emergency Management (EM) Team and the local Community Support Center (CSC), April 9-10 in preparation for the 2007 Gulf Coast hurricane season.

The briefings touched on varying subjects that apply to service members who may be ordered to evacuate the region, essential personnel who are ordered to stay behind to provide assistance, and things all personnel can do today to ensure readiness in the case of an actual emergency.

Lt. Cmdr. Neil Uemura, NSA’s EM officer, explained base instructions such as Condition of Readiness (COR) levels.

“COR 5 needs to be set on June 1 (the official start of hurricane season) and is the minimum standard throughout the summer,” said Uemura. “During COR 5, leaders should be doing things like posting a destructive weather bill and verifying recall lists, while everyone needs to be conducting thorough inspections of their spaces and reporting anything that may not be stable in the case of high winds.”

The COR Levels run from five to one with A and B variations for COR 3 to COR 1, depending on if the approaching storm is an official hurricane or just inclement weather. For example, if COR 1A is needed, that means a major hurricane is due to hit the New Orleans area within 12 hours. If this were to occur, non-essential personnel should already have departed the region and EM personnel should report to their designated Emergency Operations Center.

Whether they’re base personnel or tenant command service members, Uemura said the completion of all COR level responsibilities are to be reported to NSA’s EM to ensure a smooth line of communication.

In the case of an evacuation, Uemura also touched on things like Louisiana’s Contraflow system, an initiative shared with other storm-prone states which turns South Louisiana interstate highways into exit-only roads for efficient escape from a probable storm.

“New Orleans is in a precarious location with only one interstate running through it,” said Uemura. “It’s important to plan your evacuation route now and I don’t think I’m being overly dramatic by recommending you fill up your vehicle’s gas tank more frequently during hurricane season. Like we saw during [Hurricane] Katrina, if an evacuation is ordered, gasoline will undoubtedly be at a premium.”

As an example of lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina, Uemura briefed the audience on NSA’s Continuity of Operation (COOP) Team. The COOP team is made of base personnel who will evacuate to Fort Worth, Texas, and be NSA’s eyes and ears in case conventional communication lines fail in New Orleans.

Though NSA tenant commands should have their own mustering procedure for evacuees, the COOP team has a toll-free phone number and an e-mail address for any evacuated NSA service member to contact them for accountability purposes. The COOP team will in turn be communicating with Navy Region Southeast (NRSE), NSA’s parent command, for up-to-the-minute status reports on the base and its service members.

While Uemura talked about operational-type needs for the base itself, CSC personnel spoke more about ways to prepare today in the case an evacuation is ordered.

A large part of CSC’s contribution to the briefs was the importance of proper finances in the face of a disaster. CSC recommends that service members have the minimum financial equivalent of three months worth of essential living expenses set aside in the case of an emergency. While three months' expenses is deemed adequate, they added that six months is more desirable.

In the case of an evacuation, individuals can find themselves on the road for an indefinite amount of time and the CSC recommended having a sufficient amount of cash on hand and possibly a credit card reserved for emergencies. They also added that a credit card should be a secondary resource because if telephone-type communications are down in a widespread area, businesses will most likely not be able to process credit cards and therefore not accept them for payment of goods and services.

The CSC distributed preparedness checklists to the audience which contained tasks such as photographing your household belongings, having tools like an axe or a working chainsaw on hand, making sure your vehicle is in good working order and to have a non-cordless telephone in the home in case wireless communication is ineffective like it was in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Service members aren’t unfamiliar with important training year-round, but Uemura said April’s hurricane awareness training was especially important because the risks involved in a New Orleans hurricane season have been a proven reality.

“There’s a lot of reasons we’re susceptible to storm danger,” said Uemura. “We’re on the coast of a body of water [Gulf of Mexico] that can get very warm in the summertime, which is what a hurricane feeds off of. We’re practically surrounded by water if you include the Mississippi River, our elevation is below sea level in a lot of places and we have limited routes of evacuation. It’s very important that we plan ahead so when ‘the rubber hits the road,’ we’re ready.”

NAS Jax Breaks Ground for New P-3C Hangar

By Mass Communications Specialist Second Class (SW/AW) Rebecca Kruck

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- A groundbreaking ceremony was held aboard Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla. on April 13 for a state-of-the-art aircraft hangar and facilities, which will upgrade the mission capabilities of the base.

The new hangar, which will stand at 277,000 sq. ft. once complete, will accommodate approximately 33 P-3C Orions and four C-130 Hercules aircraft from Naval Air Station Brunswick, Maine. The project was initiated after the Base Realignment and Closure Committee (BRAC) ordered the closure of NAS Brunswick in 2005.

“This is a great day for NAS Jacksonville, a great day for Northeast Florida and a great day for our country because this event is a symbol of the bright future of NAS Jax,” said Rep. Ander Crenshaw, (R-Fla.), who spoke at the event. “When this groundbreaking takes place and the hangar is built, this will be the east coast home of all our marine patrolled aircraft, and that’s important not only to Jacksonville, but the national security of our country.”

“When this hangar is completed, it will be one of the Navy’s largest hangers. It will house 37 aircraft, 1,600 new personnel and that’s a big deal for our country," Crenshaw elaborated. "This is a $123 million project and I’m proud to be here today to be a part of this groundbreaking.”

“I’m excited to be a part of this event," said Jacksonville mayor, John Peyton. “I’m excited about the hangar, but I’m more excited about the people that are coming with it because they’re great citizens. They’re good neighbors, they coach our little leagues, they teach our Sunday schools, they’re patriots and they do great things for our workforce when they’re done serving here. It’s the people in the Navy that make this special relationship.”

Peyton said that he looks forward to welcoming the 2,500 families that will come to Jacksonville after the hangar opens in 2009.

Commanding Officer of NAS Jacksonville, Capt. Chip Dobson, mirrored Crenshaw’s comments about the future of the Navy.

“NAS Jacksonville is almost 67 years old and over the course of that time there have been many celebrations and ceremonies aboard the base," Dobson said. "This one is different because usually we’re recognizing people and accomplishments, but today we’re celebrating the future. This is future capability for NAS Jacksonville, future capability for the maritime patrol community and future capability for the U.S. Navy.”

This hangar represents only a portion of what is happening at NAS Jacksonville. According to Dobson, if one were to look down the base’s flight line alone, which is just over a mile, there is about a $250 million in recapitalization taking place.

Dobson also recognized a few key players who were instrumental in bringing construction of the new hangar to fruition.

“This has been a tremendous effort by a great team of people. We’re very excited about the team we’ve put together here,” he said.

Dobson recognized four people who have been instrumental to the project, NAS Jacksonville BRAC coordinator Freddy Byers; engineer and planning coordinator Jim Morgan; Navy Region Southeast Doug Mercer; and Vick Patton of Commander, Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk who has been involved in the construction of Navy hangars for a couple of decades.

The contractor for the project is M.A. Mortenson, based in Minneapolis, Minn.

Craig Southorn, the company's vice president said, “We began design work last fall and we look forward to the partnership we’ll have with the Navy and finishing this project safely and on a timely basis."


Once the speakers concluded, several officials picked up awaiting shovels to take part in the official groundbreaking. That group, along with Dobson and Southorn, included Rear Adm. Mark S. Boensel, commander, Navy Region Southeast; Rear Adm. B.C. Prindle, commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group; Capt. Sean Buck, commander, Patrol Reconnaissance Wing-Eleven; Capt. Michael Blount, commanding officer of Naval Facilities Command Southeast; Cmdr. Chuck Lewis, public works officer for NAS Jacksonville; Lt. Cmdr. Mary Ann Andrews; Lt. j.g. Zach Zimchek; Arthur Mosely; and Lt. Cmdr. Alexander Kohmen, the master of ceremonies for the event.

The ceremony was completed when Dobson manned a construction backhoe and sank the bucket into the ground. To the cheers of those in attendance, he excavated a load of fresh earth, slowly pouring it back onto the ground.

Tarheel Unit Returns Home

The 145 Air Wing, North Carolina Air National Guard, flying the C-130 Hercules, has returned to their home base in Charlotte, NC. They were deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Photo: Master Sgt. James Holder directs a C-130 Hercules April 6 at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina. The plane and crew are assigned to the 145th Airlift Wing of the North Carolina Air National Guard, and was returning from a tour of duty in Afganistan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Brian E. Christiansen)

New mission control room ready for F-35 flight tests

by Senior Airman Jason Hernandez, 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

The newest range mission control room built to test the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter was officially commissioned here April 11.

Combined with equipment installation and recent room certification, the range control room now provides the F-35 test team with the resources necessary to monitor the real-time performance of the aircraft during its test missions here.

The tests are conducted by the F-35 Integrated Test Force, which is composed of military, government civilian, contractor and foreign partner personnel, according to Steve Cronk, director of operations for the 412th Range Squadron.

"The control room allows us to deliver a better product to the warfighter sooner," he said. "The capability here provides us the ability to thoroughly test and evaluate the performance of the F-35 and find any problems with the aircraft long before we deliver it."

Officials say the new control room is unique in that it is entirely personal computer based. It is larger and capable of processing more information per second.

The 412th Range Squadron, part of the 412th Test Engineering Group, is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the JSF control room. The agency that completed the range acceptance certification procedure for the new range mission control room was the 412th Test Management Group.

According to Nancy Bergren, test support operations lead with the F-35 ITF, the new control room is actually one of the many control rooms that the range squadron uses here in the Ridley Control Center.

"Initially, we looked at the range's existing control rooms and determined there wasn't enough capacity to support the JSF," Ms. Bergren said.

Up to 40 flight test engineers from the F-35 ITF will work in the control room, Ms. Bergren said. Eight people on the range support the operations and maintenance of the control room.

During missions, the control room will receive telemetry data from the F-35 and video data from the range, Ms. Bergren said.

"The technology in this control room is state of the art in real-time data-processing capabilities," Mr. Cronk said. "When the JSF is full up and running, this control room will process about 250,000 parameters from the aircraft at 3 million samples per second. The F-22 had 120,000 parameters processed at about 1 million samples per second. So you can see how technology has improved in just a few years.

"We know everything that is happening on the aircraft," he said. "In the 250,000 measurements received from the aircraft, we can see stick positions, rudder positions, internal engine temperature, brake pressures and more. You name it, we see it all in the mission control room in real time. It is far more information than the pilot could ever possibly know while flying the aircraft."

Once a mission is over, the flight test engineers can access the data from their personal computers for a more detailed analysis, Mr. Cronk said. The data is electronically transferred down to the ITF's facility here, where it is put on a storage system.

"Because there is so much data coming from the aircraft in flight, we could not possibly look at all of it in real time," he said. "The engineers can go back and look at specific aspects of the test and get a better feel for the aircraft. In the future, the flight test team can compare data received 10 missions ago and compare it to present performance to see the changes and improvements they have made."

Edwards will have five F-35's permanently assigned here in the future for developmental testing and up to three Naval variants visiting, Ms. Bergren said.

USAF MARS Frequencies are shifting - again!

From Tom Sevart (N2UHC) via Rachel Baughn, MT Editor:

"I thought you might be interested in this intercept of an AF MARS net in MFSK16 I copied tonight. Looks like AF MARS stations are going to change from using freqs ending in .1 and .6. From a new directive they're going to use logical freqs that end in .0 or .5."

From the MARS Broadcast:
DE AFA3VP AFA3VP
MARS CAST 07 FOLLOWS

DE AGA3C NR07
R 101830 APR 2007
FRM AGA3C, IL
TO ALL AF MARS MEMBERS AND STATIONS
ZEN ARMY MARS CHIEF
ZEN NAVY-MARINE CORP MARS CHIEF
BT
SUBJECT: CLARIFY CAST 07-06 AND NEW PROCEDURE
1. TO CLARIFY ITEM 3 IN AF MARS CAST 07-06. THE FREQUENCY CHANGE WILL TAKE EFFECT ON 13 MAY 2007. THIS CHANGE WILL ALSO BE PERMANENT. WE CAN NOT CHANGE FREQUENCIES UNTIL MAY 13 2007 BECAUSE THE FREQUENCIES HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED IN WORLD RADIO MAGAZINE. IF A HF FREQUENCY ENDS IN DECIMAL 1, CHANGE IT TO DECIMAL ZERO. IF A HF FREQUENCY ENDS IN DECIMAL 6, CHANGE IT TO DECIMAL 5.
2. ACCORDING TO ACP 125(F)PARAGRAPH 218 CALLSIGNS ARE TO BE USED WHEN MAKING INITIAL CONTACT. AFTERWARDS THERE IS NO NEED TO TRANSMIT CALLSIGNS. IF THE SAME TWO STATIONS REQUIRE ANOTHER CONTACT, CALLSIGNS WILL BE USED FOR THE INITIAL CONTACT AGAIN, THEN AFTERWARDS NOT USED.
3. PROVIDING THE REIGNS OF COMMUNICATIONS--IN EMERGENCIES
SIGN
DON PQU ilHcukA3C
CHIEF, AF MARS

DE AFA3VP END OF CAST

More on these changes when I get it. Thanks Tim for sharing.

Exercise Phoenix Express Underway in Europe

Tug boats assist the amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4) as it departs Naval Station Norfolk. Nassau will be participating in a multi-national combined exercise with North African and European forces during exercise PHOENIX EXPRESS. The exercise will provide U.S. and allied forces an opportunity to participate in diverse maritime training scenarios helping to increase maritime domain awareness and strengthen emerging and enduring partnerships. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Patrick W. Mullen III)

Phoenix Express 2007, a two-week exercise designed to strengthen U.S. and European maritime partnerships with North Africa, began April 10.

Eleven nations will conduct multilateral training in the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean to increase regional maritime awareness and improve maritime security and safety.

A comprehensive agenda will allow armed forces from Algeria, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Tunisia, Turkey and the United States to enhance maritime and air capabilities. The series of challenging training scenarios is focused on developing the individual and collective maritime proficiencies of participating nations, as well as promoting friendship, mutual understanding and cooperation.

“Strengthening regional maritime partnerships allows us to address potential conflicts before they start, and awareness is the first step,” said Rear Adm. Jeff Fowler, U.S. 6th Fleet Deputy Commander. “We are committed to enhancing the awareness and maritime capability of our North African partners to help create an environment that is inhospitable to maritime criminals, extremists and terrorists.”

USS Nassau (LHA 4) and USS Kauffman (FFG 59), both homeported in Norfolk, will participate with Marines based in Rota, Spain, and Patrol Squadron (VP) 5 air assets based in Sigonella, Italy. The Military Sealift Command fleet oiler USNS Patuxent (TAO 201) will also provide valuable training during this annual exercise.

“This is an outstanding opportunity for Nassau and crew to build on unit-level training and increase our combat readiness in a multinational environment,” said Capt. John Roberti, Nassau commanding officer. “We are looking forward to operating with our regional partners.”

Exercise Phoenix Express 2007 will take place until April 24 primarily in Rota, Cadiz, Spain, and the Gulf of Cadiz.

Joint STARS exceeds 23,000 flight hours

The 128th Expeditionary Air Command and Control Squadron Joint STARS have been flying missions over Iraq from the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing since 2003. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. David Miller)

The 128th Expeditionary Airborne Command and Control Squadron, one of three operational Joint Surveillance Target Attacks Radar System squadrons, recently reached a milestone of 23,000 flight-hours by flying missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Beginning on Jan. 16, 2003, the JSTARS aircraft crews flew missions for Operation Southern Watch and then OIF. They were first deployed to Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia and RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus, and in May 2003 were relocated to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing.

Flying more than a dozen command and control, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions per week, with an average of 10-12 hours per mission, the JSTARS have maintained a constant presence in the skies over Iraq.

"Reaching this milestone shows the reliability, sustainability and dependability of this low density/high demand platform and the commitment of the aircrews, maintainers and support personnel to meet combatant commanders' C2ISR requirements for the long haul," said Lt. Col. Joseph Richardson, 128th EACCS director of operations.

The JSTARS primary mission is to provide theater ground and air component commanders with ground surveillance to support attack operations and targeting that contributes to the delay, disruption and destruction of enemy forces.

The unit flies E-8Cs, which are modified Boeing 707-300 series commercial airframes extensively remanufactured and modified with the radar, communications, operations and control subsystems required to perform its operational mission. The unit has 17 E-8Cs valued at $366 million each.

"The E-8C is a theater level C2ISR asset that provides highly mobile, flexible, and survivable wide area ground surveillance with the ability to detect and track moving and stationary ground targets, day or night, in almost any weather," Colonel Richardson said.

The JSTARS organization, assigned to the 116th Air Control Wing, Robins AFB, Ga., is unique because it's the only blended "Total Force" wing in the Air Force.

"Our home wing is composed of both active duty and Air National Guard Airmen as well as our U.S. Army soldiers, blended into a coherent fighting force," said Colonel Richardson. "This flying achievement represents the total commitment of our blended, joint aircrews as well as the dedicated professional support of our maintenance personnel and our computer support professionals."

Many crew members have deployed several times in support of the JSTARS mission and have watched the flight hours accumulate.

Since 2003, I've flown over 75 missions in support of OIF/OEF," said Maj. Dennis Dickerson, 128th EACCS mission crew commander. "The JSTARS is still relatively new to the inventory, and we are literally finding out more capabilities on a daily basis. As these capabilities are discovered, the demand for our platform has skyrocketed. Thus, our Airmen can deploy up to 180 days a year and fly over 720 combat sortie hours in that time."

USS Pearl Harbor Steams Through Panama Canal

After a brief port visit to Vasco Nunez de Balboa, dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) awaits entry into the Mira Flores Locks during her transit through the Panama Canal. Pearl Harbor is underway in support of Partnership of the Americas (POA) 2007. POA will focus on enhancing relationships with regional partner nations through a variety of exercises and events at sea and on shore throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Damien Horvath)

Ronald Reagan CSG Concludes 7th Fleet Ops

Off the port side of USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), center, JS Myoko (DDG 175), right, and JS Hamagiri (DD 155) move into position to participate in a photo exercise (PHOTOEX) between the U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF). Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group, with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14, is deployed in support of operations in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aaron Burden)

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7 and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 concluded military operations as part of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 7, in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) on April 6.

The more than 6,000 Sailors assigned to the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group deployed Jan. 27 under the Navy’s Fleet Response Plan (FRP), which provides the U.S. the ability to respond globally to a wide range of situations, on short notice, with flexible and sustainable forces.

Demonstrating the commitment of the United States to peace, security and stability in the Pacific region, the Ronald Reagan strike group deployed to the Western Pacific while USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63), the Navy’s only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, underwent scheduled maintenance in Yokosuka, Japan.

"The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group performed a key role in providing stability in the Western Pacific region during its surge deployment,” said Vice Adm. Doug Crowder, U.S. 7th Fleet Commander. “I am very impressed with the high level of readiness the strike group showed working with Japanese and Korean naval forces. These Sailors are great ambassadors for the United States."

Rear Adm. Charles W. Martoglio, Commander of the Ronald Reagan Strike Group was also pleased with the performance of the strike group.

“Our strike group made a significant, positive contribution to our relationships with friends, allies and coalition partners as well as improved the readiness of our forces to meet the broad array of challenges in the maritime environment,” said Martoglio. “We value the close relationship with our friends in this part of the world and we work very closely to address regional issues of vital importance to us all.”

During their time in the 7th Fleet AOR, the Ronald Reagan Strike Group participated in joint exercises with the Republic of Korea as well as the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force. The ship also hosted numerous distinguished visitors from China, Japan and the Republic of Korea.

Capt. Terry B. Kraft, Ronald Reagan’s commanding officer, added, “The officers and crew of Ronald Reagan were able to accomplish every mission while in the 7th Fleet AOR and were good ambassadors at each and every port call.”

According to Capt. Richard Butler, commander, CVW-14, the embarked air wing maintained an intense flight schedule while the carrier strike group was operating in the 7th Fleet AOR.

“The air wing, comprised of some of the most advanced aircraft in the world, is an example of naval airpower that can be quickly relocated to support U.S. interests and our allies in the region,” said Butler. “Our focus each day was to keep the best-trained aircrews and best-maintained aircraft ready to execute missions when called upon.”

While in the region, the Reagan strike group also made three port calls: Sasebo, Japan; Hong Kong; and Busan, Republic of Korea. During the port visits, the Sailors enjoyed the local culture, purchased souvenirs, and hundreds volunteered their time in various orphanages, homes for the elderly, and assisted living centers for the disabled.

The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is comprised of CVW-14, DESRON-7, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan, the guided missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), the guided-missile destroyers USS Russell (DDG 59) and USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), and Explosives Ordnance Disposal Unit 11, Det. 15.

The squadrons of CVW-14 include the “Redcocks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22, the “Fist of the Fleet” of VFA-25, the “Stingers” of VFA-113, the “Eagles” of VFA-115, the “Black Eagles” of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113, the “Cougars” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139, the “Providers” of Carrier Logistics Support (VRC) 30, and the “Black Knights” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4.

The 7th Fleet AOR includes 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 the Antarctic in the south.

More than half of the world's population lives within the 7th Fleet AOR. In addition, more than 80 percent of that population lives within 500 miles of the oceans, which means this is an inherently maritime region.

Commissioned in July 2003, Ronald Reagan is the ninth and newest Nimitz-class, nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The ship is named for the 40th U.S. president; its motto, “Peace through Strength,” was a recurrent theme during the Reagan presidency.