By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Tanner Lange, USS George Washington Public Affairs
USS George Washington (GW) (CVN 73) left Norfolk Naval Shipyard on Aug. 27 and headed for sea trials.
Sea trials, which are expected to be completed later this week, are traditionally the final hurdle for a shipyard maintenance availability and are designed to assess GW’s material readiness and ability to rejoin the fleet as a fully operational unit.
Once complete, GW will return to the U.S. 2nd Fleet to commence final operational preparations to relieve USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as the Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier in Japan in 2008. The $300 million, 11-month Planned Incremental Availability plus Docking is expected to be completed on time and within budget.
”Sea trials are really the culmination of a lot of hard work. Norfolk Naval Shipyard and GW Sailors really came together as a team to produce an outstanding availability,” said GW Commanding Officer, Capt. Dave Dykhoff.
The availability was specifically designed to prepare the ship to become the Navy’s forward deployed aircraft carrier with numerous system upgrades. One specific accomplishment included the removal and replacement of the entire main mast and all associated radar and combat systems.
“The capstone mast upgrade improves the ship’s defensive capabilities and the reliability of associated systems,” said Combat Systems Officer, Cmdr. Mark Loose.
While the scheduled trials are expected to tax every Sailor and system on the ship to ensure full capability, the transition from shipyard to sea is a welcome one.
“Everyone involved is extremely proud to clear this hurdle and get these tests underway,” said Dykhoff. “Our transition to Japan is very important to our nation’s security, and we have worked very hard to keep that transition on track.”
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Winter flights to Antarctica wrap up
by Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo, Air Force News Agency
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (AFPN) -- Airmen from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., completed the Operation Deep Freeze 2007-08 winter fly-in season when a final C-17 Globemaster III took off Aug. 25 from Pegasus White Ice Runway in Antarctica.
Members of the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron flew a total of 355 passengers and 119,953 pounds of cargo to and from McMurdo Station, Antarctica, during the winter fly-in, or WinFly, season.
McMurdo Station serves as the logistical hub for much of the U.S. Antarctic Program. With the influx of cargo and people delivered by a C-17 Globemaster III, McMurdo Station staff will begin preparations for the main summer research season. They will prepare buildings, offices, equipment and an ice runway on McMurdo Sound for the arrival of the main body population of scientists and support staff.
Winter fly-in is the coldest time of the year. Temperatures of -40 degrees are not uncommon and wind chills can cause the temperatures to be -130 degrees. Despite these extremes and only one delay due to bad weather, the C-17 crews dealt with the adversity.
"The mission was outstanding. It couldn't have gone any better if we planed it," said Capt. Cory Simmons, a pilot with the 304th EAS.
As a reliable platform for Operation Deep Freeze, C-17s can carry numerous passengers, cargo and fuel to Antarctica and back with reduced risks. With minor changes to the aircraft, each mission is carefully planned to meet the U.S. Antarctic Program's needs for their mission.
"The C-17 is designed to fly all around the world, the same way all the time. Everything is onboard ready to go to fight any fight," said Senior Master Sgt. Jim Masura, the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron superintendent. "It's not big changes that we did for WinFly; it just gives the customer and us more flexibility with the weight and fuel, and gives us a little safety factor."
With a two-hour time frame, aircrews and maintainers were busy at work. The loadmasters unloaded and loaded cargo while the maintainers took on fuel and placed heaters at key points on the aircraft to ensure the engines and landing gears would not freeze up. The pilots kept busy cycling through the flight controls to keep the hydraulic fluids warm to ensure the integrity of the flight functions on the C-17.
"Just because it is WinFly and so cold, you worry about shutting down the engines," Captain Simmons said. "When we land, everyone is doing something. The crew is large, not because of training, but because we have eyes on everything to make sure there's no problems and everything is running smoothly."
WinFly missions to Antarctica can be a daunting task because of weather, frigid temperatures, cargo loads and people. Efficiency, safety and meeting the customers needs ended the successful week-long flurry of activity for the WinFly Airmen.
Operation Deep Freeze is divided into three seasons: WinFly, main body and winter. It involves active duty and Reserve C-17 support from McChord AFB, LC-130 Hercules aircraft from the New York Air National Guard and other aircraft necessary to support the mission, as well as Coast Guard icebreakers and the Navy Cargo Handling Battalion One to provide critical port services at McMurdo Station.
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (AFPN) -- Airmen from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., completed the Operation Deep Freeze 2007-08 winter fly-in season when a final C-17 Globemaster III took off Aug. 25 from Pegasus White Ice Runway in Antarctica. Members of the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron flew a total of 355 passengers and 119,953 pounds of cargo to and from McMurdo Station, Antarctica, during the winter fly-in, or WinFly, season.
McMurdo Station serves as the logistical hub for much of the U.S. Antarctic Program. With the influx of cargo and people delivered by a C-17 Globemaster III, McMurdo Station staff will begin preparations for the main summer research season. They will prepare buildings, offices, equipment and an ice runway on McMurdo Sound for the arrival of the main body population of scientists and support staff.
Winter fly-in is the coldest time of the year. Temperatures of -40 degrees are not uncommon and wind chills can cause the temperatures to be -130 degrees. Despite these extremes and only one delay due to bad weather, the C-17 crews dealt with the adversity.
"The mission was outstanding. It couldn't have gone any better if we planed it," said Capt. Cory Simmons, a pilot with the 304th EAS.
As a reliable platform for Operation Deep Freeze, C-17s can carry numerous passengers, cargo and fuel to Antarctica and back with reduced risks. With minor changes to the aircraft, each mission is carefully planned to meet the U.S. Antarctic Program's needs for their mission.
"The C-17 is designed to fly all around the world, the same way all the time. Everything is onboard ready to go to fight any fight," said Senior Master Sgt. Jim Masura, the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron superintendent. "It's not big changes that we did for WinFly; it just gives the customer and us more flexibility with the weight and fuel, and gives us a little safety factor."
With a two-hour time frame, aircrews and maintainers were busy at work. The loadmasters unloaded and loaded cargo while the maintainers took on fuel and placed heaters at key points on the aircraft to ensure the engines and landing gears would not freeze up. The pilots kept busy cycling through the flight controls to keep the hydraulic fluids warm to ensure the integrity of the flight functions on the C-17.
"Just because it is WinFly and so cold, you worry about shutting down the engines," Captain Simmons said. "When we land, everyone is doing something. The crew is large, not because of training, but because we have eyes on everything to make sure there's no problems and everything is running smoothly."
WinFly missions to Antarctica can be a daunting task because of weather, frigid temperatures, cargo loads and people. Efficiency, safety and meeting the customers needs ended the successful week-long flurry of activity for the WinFly Airmen.
Operation Deep Freeze is divided into three seasons: WinFly, main body and winter. It involves active duty and Reserve C-17 support from McChord AFB, LC-130 Hercules aircraft from the New York Air National Guard and other aircraft necessary to support the mission, as well as Coast Guard icebreakers and the Navy Cargo Handling Battalion One to provide critical port services at McMurdo Station.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Canadian Military Aeronautical Communications System (MACS)
The CC-177 arrives in Trenton. (photo: Cpl Tom Parker, 8 Wing)Here is the latest information I have on the Canadian Military Aeronautical Communications System (MACS). If anyone has a recent electronic version of the Canadian Flight Supplement or the RAF Flight Information Handbook or ERSs, I would like to hear from you at the email address in the masthead.
Edmonton (Remoted to Trenton)
Voice Call:- TRENTON MILITARY
Initial MACS Contact Frequency:– 9007.0 and 11232.0 (USB) kHz
Frequencies (USB):- 3047.0 3092.0 4703.0 5717.0 6706.0 6745.0 6754.0* 8989.0 9007.0
11232.0 11265.0 11271.0 13257.0 15031.0 15034.0* 17994.0 18012.0 23250.0 kHz.
Trenton
Voice Call: TRENTON MILITARY
Initial MACS Contact Frequency:– 9007.0 and 11232.0 (USB) kHz
Frequencies (USB):- 3047.0 3092.0 4703.0 5717.0 6706.0 6745.0 6754.0* 8989.0 9007.0
11232.0 11265.0 11271.0 13257.0 15031.0 15034.0* 17994.0 18012.0 23250.0 kHz.
*indicates an exclusive Volmet weather broadcast frequency.
St. John's
Voice Call:– ST. JOHN'S MILITARY
Frequencies (USB):- 5717.0 9007.0 11232.0 kHz.
Search and Rescue
Rescue coordination center in Victoria, Trenton, and Halifax have the capability of communicating on any AEM(OR) SB frequency by utilizing phone patch facilities
through their connected communication facilities. Victoria RCC also has a transmit and receive capability on 5717.0 kHz AM.During SAR operations, only those stations actively engaged in these operations will make use of 5717.0 kHz. Aircraft other than those participating in SAR operations will be instructed to change to another MACS frequency.
UK RAF Flight Watch/TASCOMM Profile
RAF Flight Watch Support
A part of the UK DHFCS TASCOMM HF network,
TASCOMM uses two 24 hour manned operations center at DHFCS Forest Moor and DHFCS Kinloss.
United Kingdom (TASCOMM)
Voice Call Sign: ARCHITECT
Frequency: 4742.0 5702.0 9031.0 11247.0 13257.0 18018.0 (USB) kHz.
Long range HF communications Flight Watch for RAF/Naval aircraft from 24 hour manned operations center at DHFCS Forest Moor and DHFCS Kinloss.
Ascension
Voice Call Sign: HAVEN
Frequency: 4742.0 9031.0 11247.0
Cyprus
Voice Call Sign: CYPRUS
Frequency: 4742.0 (a)
Mount Pleasant (MPA)
Voice Call Sign: VIPER
Frequency: 4742.0 (b) 11247.0 (b)
Notes:
(a) H+15 weather broadcasts, when active.
(b) H+35 weather broadcasts when active.
(c) Aircraft not fitted with ALE scroll through these guard frequencies above in order to select the best reception. Transmissions are made at 15 sec intervals before changing to the next guard frequency.
Pacific Rim Air Force HF Frequency Update
New information has been uncovered on three of the Pacific rim air force HF communications systems. Additional frequencies are known to be associated with these networks and updates would be appreciated.
Australian Defense Force HF Communications System
The ADF HFCS radio network provides communication services for the operational control of ADF and RNZAF aircraft and HF equipped marine craft. The DCSA HFCS is controlled by Defence Communications Station Australia (DCSA) located in Canberra.
The DCSA HFCS consists of four Nodes located at Exmouth, WA; Darwin, NT; Townsville, QLD; and Riverina, NSW.
Voice Contact Nets (VCN) Operations are continuous on all frequencies and in the USB mode.
Callsign: Australia Control (DCSA)
5696.0 Military Distress (monitoring H24)
5878.0 VCN-2
9340.0 VCN-3
12172.0 VCN-5
15962.0 VCN-4
22868.0 VCN-1
Papua New Guinea Defense Force General Purpose Net
3175.0 LGF
5746.0 LGG
7496.0 LGH
Stations:
P2A2 Port Moresby
P2A3 Lae
RNZAF Air Operations Communications Centre Auckland (AOCCAK)
AOCCAK is a providing HF communications services to RNZAF, RAAF and other allied aircraft. AOCC Auckland is located at RNZAF Whenuapai, Auckland, New Zealand.
AOCCAK General Purpose Net (GPN) frequencies (USB):
3032.0 5687.0 8974.0 11235.0 13206.0
Callsign:
AOCCAK Air Force Auckland
Thursday, August 23, 2007
B-52s test operational skills in Koa Lightning
by Master Sgt. Art Webb, 36th Operations Group Public Affairs
Blog note: Frequencies at end of article.
A B-52 Stratofortress takes off from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to participate in an exercise scenario Aug. 22. The aircraft, aircrew and maintainers are deployed from Barksdale AFB, La., as part of the continuous bomber presence in the Pacific region. During their deployment to Guam, the bomber squadron's participation in exercises will emphasize the U.S. bomber presence, demonstrating U.S. commitment to the Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Master Sgt. Mahmoud Rasouliyan)
B-52 Stratofortresses and aircrews demonstrated the Air Force's global reach and global power by participating in the latest Koa Lightning exercise Aug. 21 through 23 from Andersen Air Force Base.
Airmen of the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, deployed from Barksdale AFB, La., flew 18 hours non-stop from Guam to Hawaii and back in the exercise to participate in scenarios designed to sharpen the combat skills and test the endurance of its aircrews.
The flights, similar to a combat sortie, included a scenario where aircrews simulated engaging ground targets in Hawaii. The aircrews practiced defensive tactics and measures while simulating dropping their bombs on target.
"These training missions are valuable to our aircrews as it simulates likely conditions they could encounter in combat," said Lt. Col. Tom Hesterman, the 20th EBS commander. "Crews are better prepared when we train like we fight."
Flights also incorporated mid-air refueling operations with KC-135 Stratotankers.
"Tankers are key enablers that demonstrate our ability to operate as a cohesive team and extend the lethal range of our bombers as well as enhancing our flexibility," Colonel Hesterman said.
Mid-air refueling allows the receiving aircraft to remain airborne longer and extend its range and those of its weapons systems demonstrating global reach and global power.
The bombers participation in exercises while deployed emphasizes the U.S. bomber presence, demonstrating U.S. commitment to the Pacific region, said U.S. Pacific Command officials.
As part of the continuous bomber presence in the Pacific region, the U.S. routinely deploys forces to the Western Pacific to maintain a credible deterrent posture and presence for the region and demonstrate a continued U.S. commitment to fulfilling security responsibilities throughout the Western Pacific.
Andersen AFB, Guam ICAO: PGUA/UAM
VHF/UHF Frequencies:
118.175 ATIS
118.700 Guam App/Dep (Guam CERAP)
120.500 Guam CERAP
121.700 Ground Control
126.200 Tower
128.000 AMC Command Post"Cobra Con"
139.300 PTD
233.700 Tower
239.300 13AF AOC
254.325 ATIS
263.000 Guam CERAP
269.000 Guam CERAP
269.500 Guam App/Dep
275.800 Ground Control
279.500 Guam CERAP
311.000 36ABW Command Post
321.000 36ABW Command Post
344.600 PMSV Metro
349.400 AMC Command Post"Cobra Con"
372.200 PTD
HF Frequencies:
High Frequency-Global Communications System (HF-GCS)
Frequencies: 4724.0 6739.0 8992.0 11175.0 13200.0 15016.0 kHz (USB)
Scope Command ALE Network
ALE Address: GUA
Frequencies: 3137.0 4721.0 5708.0 6721.0 9025.0 11226.0 13215.0 15043.0 18003.0 23337.0 kHz (ALE/USB)
DISA Secure Internet Protocol Router Net (SIPR)
ALE Address: GUASPR
Frequencies: 5702.0 11181.0 15091.0 kHz (ALE/USB)
Civilian Aeronautical
San Francisco A/G 2998.0 4666.0 6532.0 8903.0 11384.0 13300.0 17904.0 21985.0 kHz (USB)
San Francisco FIS 131.950 MHz
Information on HF frequencies based on actual intercepts. List may not be complete. Additions and corrections are welcomed to the address in the blog masthead.
Blog note: Frequencies at end of article.
A B-52 Stratofortress takes off from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to participate in an exercise scenario Aug. 22. The aircraft, aircrew and maintainers are deployed from Barksdale AFB, La., as part of the continuous bomber presence in the Pacific region. During their deployment to Guam, the bomber squadron's participation in exercises will emphasize the U.S. bomber presence, demonstrating U.S. commitment to the Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Master Sgt. Mahmoud Rasouliyan) B-52 Stratofortresses and aircrews demonstrated the Air Force's global reach and global power by participating in the latest Koa Lightning exercise Aug. 21 through 23 from Andersen Air Force Base.
Airmen of the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, deployed from Barksdale AFB, La., flew 18 hours non-stop from Guam to Hawaii and back in the exercise to participate in scenarios designed to sharpen the combat skills and test the endurance of its aircrews.
The flights, similar to a combat sortie, included a scenario where aircrews simulated engaging ground targets in Hawaii. The aircrews practiced defensive tactics and measures while simulating dropping their bombs on target.
"These training missions are valuable to our aircrews as it simulates likely conditions they could encounter in combat," said Lt. Col. Tom Hesterman, the 20th EBS commander. "Crews are better prepared when we train like we fight."
Flights also incorporated mid-air refueling operations with KC-135 Stratotankers.
"Tankers are key enablers that demonstrate our ability to operate as a cohesive team and extend the lethal range of our bombers as well as enhancing our flexibility," Colonel Hesterman said.
Mid-air refueling allows the receiving aircraft to remain airborne longer and extend its range and those of its weapons systems demonstrating global reach and global power.
The bombers participation in exercises while deployed emphasizes the U.S. bomber presence, demonstrating U.S. commitment to the Pacific region, said U.S. Pacific Command officials.
As part of the continuous bomber presence in the Pacific region, the U.S. routinely deploys forces to the Western Pacific to maintain a credible deterrent posture and presence for the region and demonstrate a continued U.S. commitment to fulfilling security responsibilities throughout the Western Pacific.
Andersen AFB, Guam ICAO: PGUA/UAM
VHF/UHF Frequencies:
118.175 ATIS
118.700 Guam App/Dep (Guam CERAP)
120.500 Guam CERAP
121.700 Ground Control
126.200 Tower
128.000 AMC Command Post"Cobra Con"
139.300 PTD
233.700 Tower
239.300 13AF AOC
254.325 ATIS
263.000 Guam CERAP
269.000 Guam CERAP
269.500 Guam App/Dep
275.800 Ground Control
279.500 Guam CERAP
311.000 36ABW Command Post
321.000 36ABW Command Post
344.600 PMSV Metro
349.400 AMC Command Post"Cobra Con"
372.200 PTD
HF Frequencies:
High Frequency-Global Communications System (HF-GCS)
Frequencies: 4724.0 6739.0 8992.0 11175.0 13200.0 15016.0 kHz (USB)
Scope Command ALE Network
ALE Address: GUA
Frequencies: 3137.0 4721.0 5708.0 6721.0 9025.0 11226.0 13215.0 15043.0 18003.0 23337.0 kHz (ALE/USB)
DISA Secure Internet Protocol Router Net (SIPR)
ALE Address: GUASPR
Frequencies: 5702.0 11181.0 15091.0 kHz (ALE/USB)
Civilian Aeronautical
San Francisco A/G 2998.0 4666.0 6532.0 8903.0 11384.0 13300.0 17904.0 21985.0 kHz (USB)
San Francisco FIS 131.950 MHz
Information on HF frequencies based on actual intercepts. List may not be complete. Additions and corrections are welcomed to the address in the blog masthead.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Operation Deep Freeze 2007-08 begins
by Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo
Air Force News Agency
Blog note: Important frequency information at the end of this article.
Air Force News Agency
Blog note: Important frequency information at the end of this article.
A maintainer looks as National Science Foundation Members get off a C-17 Globemaster III during the Operation Deep Freeze winter fly-in around the Pegasus Runway Aug. 20 in Antarctica. A C-17 and 31 Airmen from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., began the annual winter fly-in augmentation of scientists, support personnel, food and equipment for the U.S. Antarctic Program at McMurdo Station. WinFly is the opening of the first flights to McMurdo Station, which closed for the austral winter in February. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo)
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (AFPN) -- Operation Deep Freeze 2007-08 winter flights began Aug. 20 ending more than five months of isolation for the research station as the first C-17 Globemaster III delivered passengers and cargo to McMurdo Station, Antarctica.
Landing 15 miles from McMurdo Station at Pegasus Runway, the C-17s will carry in scientists and support members to start early pre-summer projects, augment maintenance personnel and prepare skyways and ice runways at McMurdo Station.
Winter fly-in, called WinFly, is the first of three phases for Operation Deep Freeze that sets the stage for the U.S. Antarctic Program.
"We bring people down that will begin construction on what is called the 'annual sea ice' runway, which is very close to McMurdo," said Lt. Col. Jim McGann, the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron commander.
When people arrive at Antarctica, they have to take about an hour trip from Pegasus Runway to McMurdo Station. Once the 10,000 feet by 220 feet annual sea ice runway is completed, the trip will be just 10 minutes that allows quicker downloads and less exposure to the weather.
"We like it because they build us a nice runway. They like it because the C-17 is closer and it makes the travel time a lot quicker," Colonel McGann said.
Operation Deep Freeze is a demanding mission due to the extreme adversity of the environment and remoteness of Antarctica. For WinFly, and for all of the seasons, there are few options. The C-17 carries unusual loads and has to deal with weather that can change in 30 minutes. To meet the challenges, a joint force of active-duty and Reserve members are assembled to complete the difficult tasks safely and efficiently.
"My pilots are picked because of their judgment and their ability to make the right decision. The loadmasters are the same way," Colonel McGann said. "Both positions have to be highly intuitive. They have to be able to think on their feet and they have to be able to make the right decisions."
Transitioning McMurdo Station from a quiet, isolated winter camp to a logistical hub for the U.S. Antarctic Program the C-17 had only a short window to deliver its passengers and cargo due to daylight and weather.
"The biggest challenges are weather, the complexity of the loads and the time it takes to download and upload the aircraft," said Senior Master Sgt. Jim Masura, the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron superintendent. "Time is limited due to daylight, and we have to get in and out as quickly as we can."
The U.S. military is uniquely equipped to assist the National Science Foundation in the accomplishments of its mission to explore Antarctica, and 13th Air Force officials have the capability to provide joint operational and logistical support around the clock.
Operation Deep Freeze is divided into three seasons: Winfly, main body and winter. It involves active duty and Reserve C-17 support from McChord Air Force Base, Wash. LC-130 from the New York Air National Guard and other aircraft necessary to support the mission, as well as Coast Guard icebreakers and the Navy Cargo Handling Battalion One to provide critical port services at McMurdo Station.
Frequency information for Operation Deep Freeze:
HF and VHF frequencies used in Antarctica
Source: Field Manual for the US Antarctica Program
http://www.usap.gov/travelAndDeployment/documents/USAPFieldManual.pdf
HF Comms
Primary HF transmission mode is USB. Communications between Antarctica field parties and fixed-wing aircraft normally occur on 9032 kHz. If a fixed-wing aircraft cannot be reached on that frequency, they use 4770 kHz or 11553 kHz to contact MAC Ops at McMurdo. Helo secondary frequency is 9032 kHz. The primary frequencies for passing weather observations is:
• 11553 kHz for remote-site field parties.
• 4770 kHz for Dry Valley and surrounding areas field parties.
McMurdo Station
Frequency Channel Description
4770 kHz Ross Island and Dry Valley Field Parties
5100 kHz Air-to-Ground
5400 kHz Scott Base Field Parties
7995 kHz Remote/South Pole
9032 kHz Air-to-Ground
11553 kHz Remote Field Parties
Palmer Station
Frequency Channel Description
4125 kHz Secondary USAP Field Parties
11553 kHz Primary USAP Field Parties
VHF Comms
McMurdo Frequency Plan (For vehicle and handheld radios in the McMurdo vicinity):
Transmit Receive CH Net Name freq. (MHz) freq. (MHz)
1* I-Net (T-Site ) 143.000 143.000
2* Crash Net (T-Site) 139.600 139.600
3* NZ Portable 142.800 138.800
4* NZ Crater Hill 139.300 143.800
5 Public Works (T-Site) 139.000 142.600
6 Airfield Ops 139.200 139.200
7 Science Net 139.500 139.500
8 Field Party Ops 138.600 143.225 (Aurora repeater)
9 Fuels Net (T-Site) 143.600 143.600
10 Movement Control Center 139.800 143.725 ( U.S. Crater Hill repeater)
11 Helo Ops 143.400 143.400
12 Penguin Ops/ANG 143.200 143.200
Further Field Party Frequency Plan (For portable and handheld VHF radios issued to science groups and support personnel deploying to the Dry Valleys, sea ice camps, and Ross Island camps):
Transmit ReceiveCH Net Name freq. (MHz) freq. (MHz)
1* I-Net (T-Site ) 143.000 143.000
2* Crash Net (T-Site) 139.600 139.600
3 Science Net 139.500 139.500
4 Helo Ops 143.400 143.400
5* NZ Crater Hill 139.300 143.800
6 Helo Flight Following 138.500 143.975
7 Field Party Ops 138.600 143.225 (Taylor repeater)
8 Field Party Ops 138.600 143.225 (Wright repeater)
9 Field Party Ops 138.600 143.225 (Terror repeater)
10 Field Party Ops 138.600 143.225 (Aurora repeater)
11 Field Party Ops 138.600 143.225 (Brooke repeater)
12 Blank
Callsigns
Mac Ops -- Field Operation Communications Center, second floor of Bldg 165 at McMurdo. Air National Guard LC-130 aircraft are identified by the call sign “Skier,” followed by a specific aircraft number.Helicopters are identified by the last three digits on the helicopter tail. The digits are always two numbers and a letter.
RAF Typhoon Intercepts Russian Bear over North Atlantic
And the new Cold War games with the Russians continue. An UK RAF Typhoon aircraft intercepted a Russian Air Force Long Range Tupolev TU-95 Bear aircraft on August 17 over the North Atlantic according to a Skynews online report. See the complete report at http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30100-1280809,00.html.There are related stories regarding the Russian Air Force Long Range Forces activity over the last month on this blog at:
http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com/2007/08/russia-strategic-forces-conduct-6.html
http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com/2007/08/russian-bombers-resume-cold-war-sorties.html
JCSCSG Arrives in Pearl Harbor
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ron Reeves, USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs
Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) prepares to pull into Pearl Harbor. Stennis returns to the United States after a 7.5-month-long deployment to promote peace, regional cooperation and stability while supporting the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ron Reeves
John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSCSG) arrived in Pearl Harbor Aug. 20, marking the strike group’s first port call to the United States after being deployed for more than seven months.
While deployed, JCSCSG supported Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Iraqi Freedom (OIF), maritime operations, coalition operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of Responsibility (AOR), Expeditionary Strike Force (ESF) training and most recently, Exercise Valiant Shield 2007.
“The performance of the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group has been magnificent,” said Commander, Carrier Strike Group 3, Rear Adm. Kevin M. Quinn. “I couldn’t be more proud of them. Contributing to security and stability in the Middle East, as well as the Pacific, is one of the most important missions of the United States Navy.”
JCSCSG spent five months deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR. While there, USS John C. Stennis and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 flew more than 7,900 sorties providing more than 22,000 flight hours and dropping nearly 90,000 pounds of ordnance in support of coalition forces operating on the ground in Afghanistan and Iraq.
“Our air wing set records for combat support for troops in Afghanistan,” said Quinn. “Their precision bombing in support of troops on the ground helped achieve our national objectives in the area, and more importantly, they helped save the lives of our troops who were in direct contact with the enemy.”
JCSCSG also participated in ESF training in the 5th Fleet AOR while simultaneously providing close-air support to coalition ground forces in support of OEF and OIF. ESF training brought together JCSCSG, Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG) and Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group to test their ability to plan and conduct multi-task force operations across a broad spectrum of naval disciplines.
“The purpose of the Expeditionary Strike Force operations was to refresh our skills in completing complex missions that required capabilities even broader in scope than Stennis can provide alone,” said Stennis’ Commanding Officer Capt. Brad Johanson. “From the delivery of emergency medical response from Stennis, to the movement of humanitarian supplies from Bonhomme Richard via LCAC [landing craft air cushion], and the repair capability of our Engineering Department and logistical capability of our Supply Department—the exercise was a complete success.”
After successfully completing operations in the 5th Fleet AOR, July 11, JCSCSG sailed to the U.S 7th Fleet AOR where Sailors and Marines enjoyed port visits in Singapore and Hong Kong and participated in more than 20 community relations projects.
Following the visit to Hong Kong, JCSCSG participated in Exercise Valiant Shield 2007 off the coast of Guam Aug. 7-14. The joint military exercise brought together more than 30 ships, including the USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) and Nimitz CSGs; 280 aircraft; and more than 20,000 service members from the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Valiant Shield tested the military’s ability to rapidly bring together joint forces in response to any regional contingency, demonstrating the United States’ commitment to ensuring peace and stability throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
“All the strike groups in Valiant Shield performed extremely well,” said Quinn. “What we found in Valiant Shield is that we can come together at sea, working in a joint military environment, having not worked with each other a lot before and fall into a strike force construct to conduct integrated combat operations.”
JCSCSG wrapped up the operational requirement of its 2007 deployment with the conclusion of Valiant Shield and sailed to the U.S. 3rd Fleet AOR and into Pearl Harbor.
For two ships in the strike group, USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) and USS O’Kane (DDG 77), Pearl Harbor is their homeport. The rest of JCSCSG will continue heading east to San Diego and finally, Bremerton, Wash., to complete the 2007 deployment.
“When I look back on this great adventure of ours, the thing I’m most proud of is the performance of our young Sailors and Marines,” said Quinn. “They’ve left the comforts of their homes; they’ve left their families; they’ve gone forward into the combat zone to fight for our country, and their performance in that combat zone has been outstanding.”
Johanson echoed similar thoughts.
"Throughout this deployment Stennis has set a new standard for the performance of carriers in a combat zone,” said Johanson. “The missions we sent into Afghanistan and Iraq and the strong presence we established in the Arabian Gulf made a very significant difference in providing security and stability to the entire region.”
The Arabian Gulf is a body of water commonly known as the Persian Gulf.
JCSCSG includes the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier Stennis; embarked CVW-9, Destroyer Squadron 21; the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54); the guided-missile destroyers O’Kane, USS Preble (DDG 88) and Paul Hamilton; and the fast combat support ship USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10). More than 6,500 Sailors and Marines are assigned to JCSCSG.
The squadrons of CVW-9 include: the “Black Knights” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, “Blue Diamonds” of VFA-146, “Argonauts” of VFA-147, “Death Rattlers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 323, “Yellow Jackets” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 138, “Golden Hawks” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 112, “Top Cats” of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 31, “Eight-ballers” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 8 and “Providers” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30.
Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) prepares to pull into Pearl Harbor. Stennis returns to the United States after a 7.5-month-long deployment to promote peace, regional cooperation and stability while supporting the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ron Reeves John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSCSG) arrived in Pearl Harbor Aug. 20, marking the strike group’s first port call to the United States after being deployed for more than seven months.
While deployed, JCSCSG supported Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Iraqi Freedom (OIF), maritime operations, coalition operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of Responsibility (AOR), Expeditionary Strike Force (ESF) training and most recently, Exercise Valiant Shield 2007.
“The performance of the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group has been magnificent,” said Commander, Carrier Strike Group 3, Rear Adm. Kevin M. Quinn. “I couldn’t be more proud of them. Contributing to security and stability in the Middle East, as well as the Pacific, is one of the most important missions of the United States Navy.”
JCSCSG spent five months deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR. While there, USS John C. Stennis and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 flew more than 7,900 sorties providing more than 22,000 flight hours and dropping nearly 90,000 pounds of ordnance in support of coalition forces operating on the ground in Afghanistan and Iraq.
“Our air wing set records for combat support for troops in Afghanistan,” said Quinn. “Their precision bombing in support of troops on the ground helped achieve our national objectives in the area, and more importantly, they helped save the lives of our troops who were in direct contact with the enemy.”
JCSCSG also participated in ESF training in the 5th Fleet AOR while simultaneously providing close-air support to coalition ground forces in support of OEF and OIF. ESF training brought together JCSCSG, Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG) and Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group to test their ability to plan and conduct multi-task force operations across a broad spectrum of naval disciplines.
“The purpose of the Expeditionary Strike Force operations was to refresh our skills in completing complex missions that required capabilities even broader in scope than Stennis can provide alone,” said Stennis’ Commanding Officer Capt. Brad Johanson. “From the delivery of emergency medical response from Stennis, to the movement of humanitarian supplies from Bonhomme Richard via LCAC [landing craft air cushion], and the repair capability of our Engineering Department and logistical capability of our Supply Department—the exercise was a complete success.”
After successfully completing operations in the 5th Fleet AOR, July 11, JCSCSG sailed to the U.S 7th Fleet AOR where Sailors and Marines enjoyed port visits in Singapore and Hong Kong and participated in more than 20 community relations projects.
Following the visit to Hong Kong, JCSCSG participated in Exercise Valiant Shield 2007 off the coast of Guam Aug. 7-14. The joint military exercise brought together more than 30 ships, including the USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) and Nimitz CSGs; 280 aircraft; and more than 20,000 service members from the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Valiant Shield tested the military’s ability to rapidly bring together joint forces in response to any regional contingency, demonstrating the United States’ commitment to ensuring peace and stability throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
“All the strike groups in Valiant Shield performed extremely well,” said Quinn. “What we found in Valiant Shield is that we can come together at sea, working in a joint military environment, having not worked with each other a lot before and fall into a strike force construct to conduct integrated combat operations.”
JCSCSG wrapped up the operational requirement of its 2007 deployment with the conclusion of Valiant Shield and sailed to the U.S. 3rd Fleet AOR and into Pearl Harbor.
For two ships in the strike group, USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) and USS O’Kane (DDG 77), Pearl Harbor is their homeport. The rest of JCSCSG will continue heading east to San Diego and finally, Bremerton, Wash., to complete the 2007 deployment.
“When I look back on this great adventure of ours, the thing I’m most proud of is the performance of our young Sailors and Marines,” said Quinn. “They’ve left the comforts of their homes; they’ve left their families; they’ve gone forward into the combat zone to fight for our country, and their performance in that combat zone has been outstanding.”
Johanson echoed similar thoughts.
"Throughout this deployment Stennis has set a new standard for the performance of carriers in a combat zone,” said Johanson. “The missions we sent into Afghanistan and Iraq and the strong presence we established in the Arabian Gulf made a very significant difference in providing security and stability to the entire region.”
The Arabian Gulf is a body of water commonly known as the Persian Gulf.
JCSCSG includes the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier Stennis; embarked CVW-9, Destroyer Squadron 21; the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54); the guided-missile destroyers O’Kane, USS Preble (DDG 88) and Paul Hamilton; and the fast combat support ship USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10). More than 6,500 Sailors and Marines are assigned to JCSCSG.
The squadrons of CVW-9 include: the “Black Knights” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, “Blue Diamonds” of VFA-146, “Argonauts” of VFA-147, “Death Rattlers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 323, “Yellow Jackets” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 138, “Golden Hawks” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 112, “Top Cats” of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 31, “Eight-ballers” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 8 and “Providers” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30.
USS O’Kane Returns Home from Deployment
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Joseph R. Vincent, USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs
Guided-missile destroyer USS O'Kane (DDG 77) passes by decommissioned battleship USS Missouri (BB 63) as she returns to her homeport at Naval Station Pearl Harbor after a seven-month deployment. O'Kane deployed as part of the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group on a scheduled deployment to promote peace, regional cooperation and stability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Eric J. Cutright.)
After completing a seven-month deployment, Sailors aboard USS O’Kane (DDG 77) returned home to pearl Harbor on Aug. 20.
While deployed, O'Kane participated in a wide variety of exercises and operations, such as maritime and approach operations and expeditionary strike force training in the Persian Gulf and Exercise Valiant Shield 2007 off the coast of Guam.
“O’Kane deployed at a high rate of speed to the Middle East and contributed to stability and security of that region and set a one-day record for having the most approach and assist visits in the Arabian Gulf,” said Commander, Carrier Strike Group 3, Rear Adm. Kevin Quinn. “She also interacted with the navies of that region, which helped build the capability and capacity of those forces to deal with maritime threats in their own waters. O’Kane’s performance was outstanding.”
Arabian Gulf is a body of water more commonly known as the Persian Gulf.
Cmdr. Tom Druggan, O’Kane’s commanding officer, elaborated on her accomplishments during the deployment.
“The ship exercised every capability of surface warfare,” said Druggan. “We’ve done approaches and boardings for visit, board, search and seizure operations. We escorted a lot of high-value vessels through the Straight of Hormuz and conducted safety of navigation through the Straight of Malacca. We conducted a tremendous amount of anti-submarine and air warfare exercises during Valiant Shield 2007. Overall, it was a very successful deployment.”
During port visits, O’Kane’s Sailors were ambassadors to a variety of nations throughout the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Sailors also used these opportunities to relax and learn about local culture and customs.
“The crew did a great job on liberty,” said Lt. Cmdr. Erik Eslich, O’Kane’s executive officer. “They took care of each other, and they were good ambassadors for the ship, strike group and their country. I couldn’t have asked for a better performance from the crew.”
For O’Kane’s crew, returning home is filled with excitement and good memories from the deployment.
“This cruise has been an unforgettable learning experience,” said Cryptologic Technician Technical 2nd Class (SW) Jason Welch, who finished his first deployment. “There were many good times over this long deployment, but I’m ready to go home and relax a bit.”
Druggan said O’Kane will soon commence its post overseas movement standdown to give the crew some well deserved time off, especially after an extensive work-up cycle.
“O’Kane hasn’t been operational just for the last seven months; we’ve only been in port two or three months of the last 15 months,” said Druggan. “That’s a lot of underway time, and they really deserve their upcoming shore leave.”
O’Kane departed her homeport of Pearl Harbor Jan. 26 as part of the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group.
Guided-missile destroyer USS O'Kane (DDG 77) passes by decommissioned battleship USS Missouri (BB 63) as she returns to her homeport at Naval Station Pearl Harbor after a seven-month deployment. O'Kane deployed as part of the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group on a scheduled deployment to promote peace, regional cooperation and stability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Eric J. Cutright.) After completing a seven-month deployment, Sailors aboard USS O’Kane (DDG 77) returned home to pearl Harbor on Aug. 20.
While deployed, O'Kane participated in a wide variety of exercises and operations, such as maritime and approach operations and expeditionary strike force training in the Persian Gulf and Exercise Valiant Shield 2007 off the coast of Guam.
“O’Kane deployed at a high rate of speed to the Middle East and contributed to stability and security of that region and set a one-day record for having the most approach and assist visits in the Arabian Gulf,” said Commander, Carrier Strike Group 3, Rear Adm. Kevin Quinn. “She also interacted with the navies of that region, which helped build the capability and capacity of those forces to deal with maritime threats in their own waters. O’Kane’s performance was outstanding.”
Arabian Gulf is a body of water more commonly known as the Persian Gulf.
Cmdr. Tom Druggan, O’Kane’s commanding officer, elaborated on her accomplishments during the deployment.
“The ship exercised every capability of surface warfare,” said Druggan. “We’ve done approaches and boardings for visit, board, search and seizure operations. We escorted a lot of high-value vessels through the Straight of Hormuz and conducted safety of navigation through the Straight of Malacca. We conducted a tremendous amount of anti-submarine and air warfare exercises during Valiant Shield 2007. Overall, it was a very successful deployment.”
During port visits, O’Kane’s Sailors were ambassadors to a variety of nations throughout the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Sailors also used these opportunities to relax and learn about local culture and customs.
“The crew did a great job on liberty,” said Lt. Cmdr. Erik Eslich, O’Kane’s executive officer. “They took care of each other, and they were good ambassadors for the ship, strike group and their country. I couldn’t have asked for a better performance from the crew.”
For O’Kane’s crew, returning home is filled with excitement and good memories from the deployment.
“This cruise has been an unforgettable learning experience,” said Cryptologic Technician Technical 2nd Class (SW) Jason Welch, who finished his first deployment. “There were many good times over this long deployment, but I’m ready to go home and relax a bit.”
Druggan said O’Kane will soon commence its post overseas movement standdown to give the crew some well deserved time off, especially after an extensive work-up cycle.
“O’Kane hasn’t been operational just for the last seven months; we’ve only been in port two or three months of the last 15 months,” said Druggan. “That’s a lot of underway time, and they really deserve their upcoming shore leave.”
O’Kane departed her homeport of Pearl Harbor Jan. 26 as part of the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group.
Paul Hamilton’s Crew Completes Unique Deployment
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Davis Anderson, USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) pulled into its homeport of Pearl Harbor, Aug. 20, after completing a seven-month deployment.
Paul Hamilton left its homeport Jan. 26 and was originally scheduled to depart with the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSCSG). After two days at sea, the ship received different orders for their deployment.
“The president wanted a two-carrier presence in the Persian Gulf,” said Paul Hamilton’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Christopher Bushnell. “Stennis went right to the Persian Gulf. Kitty Hawk was in the yards, so the Ronald Reagan Strike Group (RRCSG) surged out of her national deployment schedule. [Reagan's] destroyer escorts were going through maintenance periods, so they put together other ships to make [Reagan's] strike group: Paul Hamilton, USS Russell (DDG 59) and USS Lake Champlain (CG 57).”
The training Paul Hamilton underwent with JCSSG helped them to integrate effectively with this new strike group in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR).
“We exercised every mission capability--plane guard, small boats--we did multinational exercises with the Japanese,” said Bushnell.
Paul Hamilton also performed a different type of mission in the 7th Fleet AOR--theater engagement. Ships involved in this mission make port calls to various countries on diplomatic missions.
“It has always been a traditional mission to go present the flag and the best of what America has to offer,” said Paul Hamilton’s Operations Officer, Lt. Justin Harts. “A major part of our mission was theater engagement, to go out and actually work hand-in-hand with the state department on diplomatic missions. The ship performed above and beyond the call of duty.”
When it was time for RRSG to return home, Paul Hamilton joined the Kitty Hawk Carrier Strike Group and performed theater engagement missions in Japan and Korea. Afterward, they augmented the Essex Expeditionary Strike Group for operations near Australia.
“We were working with USS Tortuga (LSD 46), USS Essex (LHD 2) and royal Australian ships,” said Bushnell. “We got to work in a very challenging environment, conducting operations right around the Great Barrier Reef. There were a lot of environmental concerns, and you have to be very sensitive to that because of the really unique marine life of the Great Barrier Reef.”
Paul Hamilton rejoined JCSCSG to participate in Exercise Valiant Shield 2007, Aug. 7-14, the largest joint exercise in recent history. The exercise included 30 ships, 280 aircraft and more than 20,000 service members from the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.
After finishing Valiant Shield and their operational requirement in the 7th Fleet AOR, Paul Hamilton’s crew returns home, knowing they completed a very unique and successful deployment.
“They supported major exercises, such as Foal Eagle and Talisman Sabre,” said Rear Adm. Kevin M. Quinn, commander, Carrier Strike Group 3. “They contributed to security and peace throughout the Pacific during their operations. They were tasked to work with two different carrier strike groups, and every report I received was that their performance was outstanding.”
Bushnell had nothing but praise for his crew, who, for seven months, had to remain flexible and be ready for the next mission.
“They were awesome,” said Bushnell. “They really answered the call on everything. I am very proud. We were able to knock the ball out of the park on every task we were given here, regardless of who we were working with or what we were asked to do.”
PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) pulled into its homeport of Pearl Harbor, Aug. 20, after completing a seven-month deployment.
Paul Hamilton left its homeport Jan. 26 and was originally scheduled to depart with the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSCSG). After two days at sea, the ship received different orders for their deployment.
“The president wanted a two-carrier presence in the Persian Gulf,” said Paul Hamilton’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Christopher Bushnell. “Stennis went right to the Persian Gulf. Kitty Hawk was in the yards, so the Ronald Reagan Strike Group (RRCSG) surged out of her national deployment schedule. [Reagan's] destroyer escorts were going through maintenance periods, so they put together other ships to make [Reagan's] strike group: Paul Hamilton, USS Russell (DDG 59) and USS Lake Champlain (CG 57).”
The training Paul Hamilton underwent with JCSSG helped them to integrate effectively with this new strike group in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR).
“We exercised every mission capability--plane guard, small boats--we did multinational exercises with the Japanese,” said Bushnell.
Paul Hamilton also performed a different type of mission in the 7th Fleet AOR--theater engagement. Ships involved in this mission make port calls to various countries on diplomatic missions.
“It has always been a traditional mission to go present the flag and the best of what America has to offer,” said Paul Hamilton’s Operations Officer, Lt. Justin Harts. “A major part of our mission was theater engagement, to go out and actually work hand-in-hand with the state department on diplomatic missions. The ship performed above and beyond the call of duty.”
When it was time for RRSG to return home, Paul Hamilton joined the Kitty Hawk Carrier Strike Group and performed theater engagement missions in Japan and Korea. Afterward, they augmented the Essex Expeditionary Strike Group for operations near Australia.
“We were working with USS Tortuga (LSD 46), USS Essex (LHD 2) and royal Australian ships,” said Bushnell. “We got to work in a very challenging environment, conducting operations right around the Great Barrier Reef. There were a lot of environmental concerns, and you have to be very sensitive to that because of the really unique marine life of the Great Barrier Reef.”
Paul Hamilton rejoined JCSCSG to participate in Exercise Valiant Shield 2007, Aug. 7-14, the largest joint exercise in recent history. The exercise included 30 ships, 280 aircraft and more than 20,000 service members from the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.
After finishing Valiant Shield and their operational requirement in the 7th Fleet AOR, Paul Hamilton’s crew returns home, knowing they completed a very unique and successful deployment.
“They supported major exercises, such as Foal Eagle and Talisman Sabre,” said Rear Adm. Kevin M. Quinn, commander, Carrier Strike Group 3. “They contributed to security and peace throughout the Pacific during their operations. They were tasked to work with two different carrier strike groups, and every report I received was that their performance was outstanding.”
Bushnell had nothing but praise for his crew, who, for seven months, had to remain flexible and be ready for the next mission.
“They were awesome,” said Bushnell. “They really answered the call on everything. I am very proud. We were able to knock the ball out of the park on every task we were given here, regardless of who we were working with or what we were asked to do.”
Nimitz Strike Group Arrives in Hong Kong
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Sarah E. Bitter, USS Nimitz Public Affairs
Six U.S. ships arrived in Hong Kong Aug. 20 for a scheduled port visit.
During the visit, Sailors and Marines will also have a chance to participate in friendship-building activities, meet local citizens, experience local customs and traditions, and enjoy the many recreational activities offered in Hong Kong.
“U.S. Navy port visits such as this one represent an important opportunity to promote peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region of the world,” said Rear Adm. Terry Blake, Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG) commander. “Hong Kong is a favorite place for our deployed Sailors and Marines to visit. The crews always enjoy opportunities to visit the city and experience its culture.”
The Nimitz CSG includes the embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 and embarked CSG 11 and Destroyer Squadron 23 staffs. The ships, all part of the Nimitz CSG consists of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68); the guided-missile destroyers USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53), USS Chafee (DDG 90), USS Pinckney (DDG 91), and USS Higgins (DDG 76); and the guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59).
The squadrons of CVW-11 include the “Tophatters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14; the “Black Aces” of VFA-41; the “Sunliners” of VFA-81; the “Wallbangers” of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117; the “Red Devils” of Marine Corps Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 232; the “Black Ravens” of Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 135; the “Providers” of Carrier Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30; the “Indians” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 6; as well as the “Scorpions” of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 49; the “Easy Riders” of HSL-37; and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11, Det. 3.
All six ships are operating as a part of the U.S. 7th Fleet and recently participated in Exercise Valiant Shield 2007, Aug. 7-14, along with the Kitty Hawk and John C. Stennis CSGs.
Valiant Shield 2007 was a joint U.S. exercise with a focus on integrated training among U.S. military forces. This training enables real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces and in detecting, locating, tracking and engaging units at sea, in the air, on land, and in cyberspace in response to range of mission areas.
All of the ships, except Chafee, departed their homeport of San Diego April 2 on a regularly scheduled deployment. The Hawaii-based Chafee departed its homeport of Pearl Harbor April 9. Nimitz arrived in the U.S. 5th Fleet (C5F) area of operations (AOR) in May. While operating in C5F AOR, CVW-11 flew more than 2,600 sorties and 7,332 hours in support of ground forces participating in Operations Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Iraqi Freedom in Iraq before leaving the Persian Gulf in late July.
Operating in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, the U.S. 7th Fleet is the largest of the forward-deployed U.S. fleets covering 52 million square miles, with approximately 50 ships, 120 aircraft and more than 22,000 Sailors and Marines assigned at any given time.
These forces are tangible proof of America’s commitment to peace and stability, and they directly support U.S. national goals of strengthening alliances, defeating global terrorism, preventing future terrorist attacks, defusing regional conflicts and preserving the free flow of trade.
Six U.S. ships arrived in Hong Kong Aug. 20 for a scheduled port visit.
During the visit, Sailors and Marines will also have a chance to participate in friendship-building activities, meet local citizens, experience local customs and traditions, and enjoy the many recreational activities offered in Hong Kong.
“U.S. Navy port visits such as this one represent an important opportunity to promote peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region of the world,” said Rear Adm. Terry Blake, Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG) commander. “Hong Kong is a favorite place for our deployed Sailors and Marines to visit. The crews always enjoy opportunities to visit the city and experience its culture.”
The Nimitz CSG includes the embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 and embarked CSG 11 and Destroyer Squadron 23 staffs. The ships, all part of the Nimitz CSG consists of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68); the guided-missile destroyers USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53), USS Chafee (DDG 90), USS Pinckney (DDG 91), and USS Higgins (DDG 76); and the guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59).
The squadrons of CVW-11 include the “Tophatters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14; the “Black Aces” of VFA-41; the “Sunliners” of VFA-81; the “Wallbangers” of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117; the “Red Devils” of Marine Corps Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 232; the “Black Ravens” of Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 135; the “Providers” of Carrier Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30; the “Indians” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 6; as well as the “Scorpions” of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 49; the “Easy Riders” of HSL-37; and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11, Det. 3.
All six ships are operating as a part of the U.S. 7th Fleet and recently participated in Exercise Valiant Shield 2007, Aug. 7-14, along with the Kitty Hawk and John C. Stennis CSGs.
Valiant Shield 2007 was a joint U.S. exercise with a focus on integrated training among U.S. military forces. This training enables real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces and in detecting, locating, tracking and engaging units at sea, in the air, on land, and in cyberspace in response to range of mission areas.
All of the ships, except Chafee, departed their homeport of San Diego April 2 on a regularly scheduled deployment. The Hawaii-based Chafee departed its homeport of Pearl Harbor April 9. Nimitz arrived in the U.S. 5th Fleet (C5F) area of operations (AOR) in May. While operating in C5F AOR, CVW-11 flew more than 2,600 sorties and 7,332 hours in support of ground forces participating in Operations Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Iraqi Freedom in Iraq before leaving the Persian Gulf in late July.
Operating in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, the U.S. 7th Fleet is the largest of the forward-deployed U.S. fleets covering 52 million square miles, with approximately 50 ships, 120 aircraft and more than 22,000 Sailors and Marines assigned at any given time.
These forces are tangible proof of America’s commitment to peace and stability, and they directly support U.S. national goals of strengthening alliances, defeating global terrorism, preventing future terrorist attacks, defusing regional conflicts and preserving the free flow of trade.
USS Hawes Returns from Deployment
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin L. Burleson, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Atlantic
NORFOLK (NNS) -- More than 200 Sailors from the guided-missile frigate USS Hawes (FFG 53) returned to Naval Station Norfolk Aug. 18, after a seven-month deployment.
Hawes conducted Maritime Security Operations in areas including Pakistan, China, the Horn of Africa, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Hawes commanding officer, Cmdr. Chuck Marks, didn’t hold back any praise for his crew’s efforts either.
“It’s kind of an awing and humbling experience to be the CO [commanding officer] when you have your crew performing so well, all the time, every day with a smile and a lot of enthusiasm,” said Marks.
In February, the Hawes assisted a stranded merchant vessel, whose crew was without power or food for seven days, in the Northern Persian Gulf.
“The crew probably would have died if we had not intervened,” said Marks. “They were getting to the point to where they were going to drink seawater.”
While the Hawes was performing heroic missions, their families performed their part back home. Ship Ombudsman Hilliary Gauntt, wife of Chief (Select) Electronics Technician (SW) Charles Gauntt, helped crew and family members deal with financial and medical issues, and helped new mothers adjust while their loved ones were deployed.
“It definitely helped with making the time pass because I didn’t have time to think about my husband not being home,” said Hilliary. “I was too busy taking care of other people.”
The crew of the Hawes also participated in Operation Sea Dragon IV, Exercise AMAN 2007 and Exercise Nautical Union 2007.
NORFOLK (NNS) -- More than 200 Sailors from the guided-missile frigate USS Hawes (FFG 53) returned to Naval Station Norfolk Aug. 18, after a seven-month deployment.
Hawes conducted Maritime Security Operations in areas including Pakistan, China, the Horn of Africa, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Hawes commanding officer, Cmdr. Chuck Marks, didn’t hold back any praise for his crew’s efforts either.
“It’s kind of an awing and humbling experience to be the CO [commanding officer] when you have your crew performing so well, all the time, every day with a smile and a lot of enthusiasm,” said Marks.
In February, the Hawes assisted a stranded merchant vessel, whose crew was without power or food for seven days, in the Northern Persian Gulf.
“The crew probably would have died if we had not intervened,” said Marks. “They were getting to the point to where they were going to drink seawater.”
While the Hawes was performing heroic missions, their families performed their part back home. Ship Ombudsman Hilliary Gauntt, wife of Chief (Select) Electronics Technician (SW) Charles Gauntt, helped crew and family members deal with financial and medical issues, and helped new mothers adjust while their loved ones were deployed.
“It definitely helped with making the time pass because I didn’t have time to think about my husband not being home,” said Hilliary. “I was too busy taking care of other people.”
The crew of the Hawes also participated in Operation Sea Dragon IV, Exercise AMAN 2007 and Exercise Nautical Union 2007.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Enterprise CSG Commences Ops in Persian Gulf
Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (CSG) commenced operations in the Persian Gulf Aug. 10, where they are currently deployed to support Maritime Security Operations (MSO) as well as Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Enduring Freedom.Rear Adm. Daniel P. Holloway, Commander, Carrier Strike Group 12/Enterprise Strike Group, said the strike group is ready to do what it takes to accomplish the mission.
“This is part of what we are out here to do,” said Holloway. “We are a nation at war and we will continue to do our part to stabilize the current situation in Iraq and eliminate terrorist threats.”
Enterprise CSG's deployment will help reassure U.S. allies in the region of the Navy’s commitment to set conditions for security and stability for vessels operating in the Persian Gulf. MSO have a strong track record of providing security and stability in the maritime environment through coordinated operations with coalition partners that complement the security efforts of friends and allies in the region.
The presence of Enterprise CSG in the region allows the coalition to flex multi-dimensional task force capabilities and demonstrate the ability to respond to threats to maritime security.
Enterprise CSG also commenced the first combat missions of their current deployment Aug. 12 in support of OIF.
Aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, stationed aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65), conducted multiple-strike missions by providing air support to coalition ground forces.
U.S. naval and air presence in the region is the continuation of a six decade-long U.S. policy to stand by friends and allies among Gulf Cooperation Council nations and protect the free flow of commerce. These relationships support and encourage regional stability and cooperation.
U.S. forces will continue to maintain this regional presence to deter destabilizing activities, while safeguarding the region’s vital links to the global economy.
The squadrons of CVW-1 include the “Checkmates” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211; Knighthawks” of VFA-136; “Sidewinders” of VFA-86; “Thunderbolts” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251; “Dragonslayers” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 11; “Rooks” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137; “Screwtops” of VAW-123; “Maulers” of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 32; and the “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40.
Air Force Osprey Goes Navy Aboard Bataan
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Brian Anderson, USS Bataan Public Affairs
A U.S. Air Force CV-22 Osprey, assigned to the 8th Special Operations Squadron (8th SOS), approaches amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) during deck landing qualifications (DLQs). The 8th SOS is one of 11 flying squadrons in the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Fla. The Osprey is conducting various DLQs with Bataan as she transits the Atlantic. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy L. Grisham.
An Air Force CV-22 Osprey used the flight deck of the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) for training Aug. 13-14 while the ship was underway off the Atlantic Coast.
The single aircraft, from the 8th Special Operations Squadron (8th SOS) in Hurlburt Field, Fla., and its crew of instructors spent the evening landing and taking off for deck landing qualifications. According to Air Force Capt. Paul Alexander from 8th SOS, this CV-22 is part of a four aircraft squadron that is designated as the first fully operational CV-22 squadron.
The Air Force purchased 50 of the tilt-rotor aircraft, predominately used by the United States Marine Corps, for use by the Air Force Special Operations Command. The first deployment for the special operations CV-22s is set for 2009.
For the pilots who landed aboard Bataan, the chance to land somewhere other than the ground was an exciting first.
"We brought some instructors aboard who have never landed on a ship," said Alexander. "We have a flight deck simulator that we use to train for these situations, but it is just a simulation. By coming out here, we practice on something that is real."
The CV-22 Osprey is a tilt-rotor aircraft that combines the vertical takeoff, hover, and vertical landing qualities of a helicopter with the long-range, fuel efficiency and speed characteristics of a turboprop aircraft.
The visit by the CV-22 is not a first for Bataan. The ship served as a "nest" for the MV-22 Osprey in 2003, and again in 2005 when Bataan's flight deck took on a record eight Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys at one time.
"It's a great experience any time we get to deal with this aircraft," said Bataan's Air Boss Cmdr. Kris Croeber. "As large as they are, and with the amount of down wash these planes produce, it is a challenge for everybody involved.
"They all can learn something," said Croeber. "The experience is great for those pilots and great for us because we deal with Marines on this platform, and the Osprey is the future of Marine Corps aviation."
A U.S. Air Force CV-22 Osprey, assigned to the 8th Special Operations Squadron (8th SOS), approaches amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) during deck landing qualifications (DLQs). The 8th SOS is one of 11 flying squadrons in the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Fla. The Osprey is conducting various DLQs with Bataan as she transits the Atlantic. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy L. Grisham.An Air Force CV-22 Osprey used the flight deck of the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) for training Aug. 13-14 while the ship was underway off the Atlantic Coast.
The single aircraft, from the 8th Special Operations Squadron (8th SOS) in Hurlburt Field, Fla., and its crew of instructors spent the evening landing and taking off for deck landing qualifications. According to Air Force Capt. Paul Alexander from 8th SOS, this CV-22 is part of a four aircraft squadron that is designated as the first fully operational CV-22 squadron.
The Air Force purchased 50 of the tilt-rotor aircraft, predominately used by the United States Marine Corps, for use by the Air Force Special Operations Command. The first deployment for the special operations CV-22s is set for 2009.
For the pilots who landed aboard Bataan, the chance to land somewhere other than the ground was an exciting first.
"We brought some instructors aboard who have never landed on a ship," said Alexander. "We have a flight deck simulator that we use to train for these situations, but it is just a simulation. By coming out here, we practice on something that is real."
The CV-22 Osprey is a tilt-rotor aircraft that combines the vertical takeoff, hover, and vertical landing qualities of a helicopter with the long-range, fuel efficiency and speed characteristics of a turboprop aircraft.
The visit by the CV-22 is not a first for Bataan. The ship served as a "nest" for the MV-22 Osprey in 2003, and again in 2005 when Bataan's flight deck took on a record eight Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys at one time.
"It's a great experience any time we get to deal with this aircraft," said Bataan's Air Boss Cmdr. Kris Croeber. "As large as they are, and with the amount of down wash these planes produce, it is a challenge for everybody involved.
"They all can learn something," said Croeber. "The experience is great for those pilots and great for us because we deal with Marines on this platform, and the Osprey is the future of Marine Corps aviation."
Texas National Guard ready for Hurricane Dean strike
by Army Sgt. 1st Class Erick Studenicka, National Guard Bureau
About 4,700 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen, most of them from Texas, are making final preparations Aug. 20 for a rapid response should Hurricane Dean strike the Texas coast the end of August.
Another 5,000 Texas Soldiers and Airmen are poised for activation should Texas Gov. Rick Perry deem it necessary.
As of 8 a.m. Aug. 20, Hurricane Dean was about 440 miles east of Belize City over the Caribbean and was moving west at about 21 mph with maximum sustained winds near 150 mph.
National Weather Service officials described Dean as "extremely dangerous," and said a hurricane warning is in effect for the coast of Belize and the east coast of the Mexican Yucatan Peninsula, and warned "preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion."
After it crosses the Yucatan Peninsula and the southwestern Gulf of Mexico, Dean is expected to make its final landfall somewhere along the mainland Mexican coast Aug. 22.
Even if Dean stays south of the border, Texas National Guard officials remain wary about the possibility of flooding in the region. Tropical Storm Erin swept across Texas Aug. 16.
"We are still very concerned, even if the hurricane doesn't wobble north into Texas," said Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada, a Texas National Guard spokesperson. "We are pressing on with our preparations and are still expecting the hurricane to have a major impact on Texas with flooding, especially in the Brownsville area, which is right on the border."
Chief Moncada said no locations in Texas have mandatory evacuation orders, but voluntary evacuations in Brownsville and Galveston have begun. More than 300 Texas Guard members went through bus-driver training over the weekend. Some 1,100 buses are available statewide to assist with transportation and evacuation.
Many of the Texas cities likely to be affected by Hurricane Dean -- including Brownsville, Weslaco and Alice -- have received hurricane response ground force packages from the National Guard.
Each ground force package is a platoon-size element complete with 10 trucks including a 2.5-ton, a five-ton, a fuel truck and a wrecker, said Texas Army Guard Officer Candidate Adam Musil.
Aircraft from 17 different states are already on the ground, with more than 10 members assigned to each aircraft, Chief Moncada said.
Forty-seven helicopters, including CH-47 Chinooks, UH-60 Blackhawks and OH-58 Kiowa observation helicopters, will be available Aug. 21 in Austin, San Antonio and Dallas if aviation assets are required, Mr. Musil said. In addition, C-130 Hercules aircraft from the Texas Air National Guard and other states are on-call to perform air evacuations.
Governor Perry issued a disaster proclamation Aug. 17 and, at his request, President George W. Bush issued a federal disaster declaration for Texas that allows supplemental federal emergency assistance to support staging resources and people necessary to protect lives, property, public health and safety in anticipation of the hurricane.
One example of federal assistance that has already been provided is the Air Force evacuation aircraft and health professionals augmenting the resources already positioned in Texas.
Also, specialized emergency medics are in the final phases of preparation to receive special-need and non-ambulatory patients and transport them to hospitals outside the storm's potential impact area.
Five satellite communications teams are in place and 15 are inbound to re-establish communications if needed. These teams would provide full spectrum communications capabilities among all emergency responders.
"If Texas is spared by the hurricane, then we will be very thankful," Chief Moncada said. "If not, then we are ready to respond."
About 4,700 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen, most of them from Texas, are making final preparations Aug. 20 for a rapid response should Hurricane Dean strike the Texas coast the end of August.
Another 5,000 Texas Soldiers and Airmen are poised for activation should Texas Gov. Rick Perry deem it necessary.
As of 8 a.m. Aug. 20, Hurricane Dean was about 440 miles east of Belize City over the Caribbean and was moving west at about 21 mph with maximum sustained winds near 150 mph.
National Weather Service officials described Dean as "extremely dangerous," and said a hurricane warning is in effect for the coast of Belize and the east coast of the Mexican Yucatan Peninsula, and warned "preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion."
After it crosses the Yucatan Peninsula and the southwestern Gulf of Mexico, Dean is expected to make its final landfall somewhere along the mainland Mexican coast Aug. 22.
Even if Dean stays south of the border, Texas National Guard officials remain wary about the possibility of flooding in the region. Tropical Storm Erin swept across Texas Aug. 16.
"We are still very concerned, even if the hurricane doesn't wobble north into Texas," said Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada, a Texas National Guard spokesperson. "We are pressing on with our preparations and are still expecting the hurricane to have a major impact on Texas with flooding, especially in the Brownsville area, which is right on the border."
Chief Moncada said no locations in Texas have mandatory evacuation orders, but voluntary evacuations in Brownsville and Galveston have begun. More than 300 Texas Guard members went through bus-driver training over the weekend. Some 1,100 buses are available statewide to assist with transportation and evacuation.
Many of the Texas cities likely to be affected by Hurricane Dean -- including Brownsville, Weslaco and Alice -- have received hurricane response ground force packages from the National Guard.
Each ground force package is a platoon-size element complete with 10 trucks including a 2.5-ton, a five-ton, a fuel truck and a wrecker, said Texas Army Guard Officer Candidate Adam Musil.
Aircraft from 17 different states are already on the ground, with more than 10 members assigned to each aircraft, Chief Moncada said.
Forty-seven helicopters, including CH-47 Chinooks, UH-60 Blackhawks and OH-58 Kiowa observation helicopters, will be available Aug. 21 in Austin, San Antonio and Dallas if aviation assets are required, Mr. Musil said. In addition, C-130 Hercules aircraft from the Texas Air National Guard and other states are on-call to perform air evacuations.
Governor Perry issued a disaster proclamation Aug. 17 and, at his request, President George W. Bush issued a federal disaster declaration for Texas that allows supplemental federal emergency assistance to support staging resources and people necessary to protect lives, property, public health and safety in anticipation of the hurricane.
One example of federal assistance that has already been provided is the Air Force evacuation aircraft and health professionals augmenting the resources already positioned in Texas.
Also, specialized emergency medics are in the final phases of preparation to receive special-need and non-ambulatory patients and transport them to hospitals outside the storm's potential impact area.
Five satellite communications teams are in place and 15 are inbound to re-establish communications if needed. These teams would provide full spectrum communications capabilities among all emergency responders.
"If Texas is spared by the hurricane, then we will be very thankful," Chief Moncada said. "If not, then we are ready to respond."
NORTHCOM ready to help save lives
U.S. Northern Command officials continue to monitor the progress of Hurricane Dean and are working closely with the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the National Guard and the state of Texas on hurricane response preparations.
"While we remain fully engaged in defense of the homeland, our collective Department of Defense capabilities and resources will be utilized for significant events such as hurricanes and other natural disaster contingency operations," said Gen. Victor E. Renuart Jr., the NORTHCOM commander.
"We can help save lives, mitigate suffering and prevent property loss," the general said.
NORTHCOM members continue to respond to requests for DOD support in preparation for Hurricane Dean's possible landfall in the United States.
The staff at NORTHCOM has deployed the following people to support the federal response:
-- The Region VI Defense coordinating officer, or DCO, and a six-person Defense coordinating element, called DCE, deployed to Corpus Christi, Texas, at FEMA's request prior to landfall of Tropical Storm Erin. The DCO and DCE have moved to Austin, Texas, where they are co-located with FEMA and other responding agency assets.
-- The Region X DCO and DCE deployed to Baton Rouge, La., at FEMA's request to assist the Region VI DCO.
-- A joint regional medical planner deployed to Austin to support the Region VI DCO.
-- A 17-person team from Standing Joint Forces Headquarters-North deployed from Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., to Texas. Ten people will support the Region VI DCO in Austin; seven members will support Army North at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
-- An eight-person Joint Patient Movement Team from Scott AFB, Ill., deployed to Austin to help coordinate aeromedical evacuation efforts.
-- A Joint Interagency Air-Ground Coordination Team from Tyndall AFB, Fla., deployed to Austin at FEMA's request to assist FEMA and the Texas Emergency Operations Center and to help with aeromedical evacuation and search and rescue efforts.
-- The Region II DCO and DCE deployed to the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico Aug. 15 where they supported a FEMA Emergency Response Team-Advance. Those members are redeploying to their home station in New York.
Should active-duty forces be requested to respond for hurricane operations, the regional DCOs will provide their command and control and will also facilitate requests for any additional DOD support through NORTHCOM.
"Local and state officials, in concert with the National Guard, are the first line responders," General Renuart said, "but USNORTHCOM is prepared to respond in support of the needs of the state and we are anticipating the kinds of capabilities they might require."
NORTHCOM officials are coordinating with FEMA, DHS and the National Guard to ensure full situational awareness and an appropriate response posture to Hurricane Dean.
"We have created stronger ties with our National Guard and civilian agency partners with mutual understanding, respect and appreciation of each others' missions, capabilities and practices," General Renuart said.
NORTHCOM supports civilian federal agencies as part of a comprehensive national response plan to manage consequences of natural or man-made disasters. The command staff remains vigilant to anticipate, deter, detect and defeat threats to the homeland and is prepared to prevent any attempt to exploit this crisis.
"While we remain fully engaged in defense of the homeland, our collective Department of Defense capabilities and resources will be utilized for significant events such as hurricanes and other natural disaster contingency operations," said Gen. Victor E. Renuart Jr., the NORTHCOM commander.
"We can help save lives, mitigate suffering and prevent property loss," the general said.
NORTHCOM members continue to respond to requests for DOD support in preparation for Hurricane Dean's possible landfall in the United States.
The staff at NORTHCOM has deployed the following people to support the federal response:
-- The Region VI Defense coordinating officer, or DCO, and a six-person Defense coordinating element, called DCE, deployed to Corpus Christi, Texas, at FEMA's request prior to landfall of Tropical Storm Erin. The DCO and DCE have moved to Austin, Texas, where they are co-located with FEMA and other responding agency assets.
-- The Region X DCO and DCE deployed to Baton Rouge, La., at FEMA's request to assist the Region VI DCO.
-- A joint regional medical planner deployed to Austin to support the Region VI DCO.
-- A 17-person team from Standing Joint Forces Headquarters-North deployed from Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., to Texas. Ten people will support the Region VI DCO in Austin; seven members will support Army North at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
-- An eight-person Joint Patient Movement Team from Scott AFB, Ill., deployed to Austin to help coordinate aeromedical evacuation efforts.
-- A Joint Interagency Air-Ground Coordination Team from Tyndall AFB, Fla., deployed to Austin at FEMA's request to assist FEMA and the Texas Emergency Operations Center and to help with aeromedical evacuation and search and rescue efforts.
-- The Region II DCO and DCE deployed to the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico Aug. 15 where they supported a FEMA Emergency Response Team-Advance. Those members are redeploying to their home station in New York.
Should active-duty forces be requested to respond for hurricane operations, the regional DCOs will provide their command and control and will also facilitate requests for any additional DOD support through NORTHCOM.
"Local and state officials, in concert with the National Guard, are the first line responders," General Renuart said, "but USNORTHCOM is prepared to respond in support of the needs of the state and we are anticipating the kinds of capabilities they might require."
NORTHCOM officials are coordinating with FEMA, DHS and the National Guard to ensure full situational awareness and an appropriate response posture to Hurricane Dean.
"We have created stronger ties with our National Guard and civilian agency partners with mutual understanding, respect and appreciation of each others' missions, capabilities and practices," General Renuart said.
NORTHCOM supports civilian federal agencies as part of a comprehensive national response plan to manage consequences of natural or man-made disasters. The command staff remains vigilant to anticipate, deter, detect and defeat threats to the homeland and is prepared to prevent any attempt to exploit this crisis.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Antarctica Flying Season Opens Sunday UTC
Thanks to Dallas McKenzie and Mark in Auckland via the UDXF newsgroup.
On Monday New Zealand Standard Time (NZST) or (Sunday night UTC from 1800Z onwards), flights from Christchurch International Airport will resume to Scott Base, Antarctica. The first flight to the ice will be a C-17A Globmmaster.
The main frequency used for communications will be with McMurdo on 9032.0 kHz USB. Auckland radio handles ATC comms on 8867.0 kHz USB until the aircraft reaches 60 degrees south when McMurdo takes over. Aircraft use the callsign "ICE," with the first flight next week using "ICE 1."
Dallas also noted that New Zealand daylight time will begin this year at the end of September, an additional three weeks.
Friday, August 17, 2007
E-2C Hawkeye Crashes, Navy Conducting Search
A Navy E-2C Hawkeye aircraft from Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 120 crashed at sea Aug. 15, while conducting operations on the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75).
Three aviators were aboard the aircraft. An air and sea search is being conducted by units from Harry S. Truman, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), and the U.S. Coast Guard.
The identities of the crew are not being released at this time.
The aircraft crashed at approximately 11:00 p.m. following its launch from Harry S. Truman. The ship was approximately 150 miles southeast of the Virginia Capes conducting routine training operations.
The cause of the accident is under investigation.
VAW-120 is the east coast E-2C/C-2A Fleet Replacement Squadron based at Naval Station Norfolk and trains pilots and Naval flight officers in both aircraft before they are assigned to operational fleet squadrons.
The E-2C Hawkeye is a twin-engine turbo prop aircraft used for airborne command, control, and early warning. It normally carries a crew of five including two pilots and three NFOs.
CVW-9 Flies Sorties in Large-Scale Joint Exercise
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Gethings, USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs
Aircraft from the Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force including a B-52 bomber conducts a fly by of the John C. Stennis, Kitty Hawk and Nimitz Carrier Strike Groups during a photo exercise (PHOTOEX) concluding Valiant Shield 2007. Valiant Shield was the largest joint exercise in the Pacific this year. Held in the Guam operating area, the exercise included 30 ships, more than 280 aircraft and more than 20,000 service members from the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Denny Cantrell)
As part of Exercise Valiant Shield 2007, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, embarked aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), has been flying sorties and participating in air operations with components of the Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps in a large-scale exercise in the Guam operating area.
Valiant Shield puts to the test CVW-9 aboard Stennis, CVW-5 aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63), CVW-11 aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68), as well as Air Force aircraft. More than 20,000 Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen are participating in the exercise involving 30 ships and about 280 aircraft.
We’ve been conducting robust defensive counter-air and maritime interdiction sorties here,” said Commander, CVW-9, Capt. Sterling Gilliam. “Any opportunity we have to exercise interoperability, not only between carrier strike groups, but between the services - the Navy, the Air Force - we should take to hone those skills and this is a wonderful opportunity.”
The weeklong exercise includes a multitude of air operations geared around surface strikes, air-to-air combat and air space patrolling and protecting. The purpose of the exercise is to test the military’s ability to gather a large number of cooperative forces and enables real-world proficiency in detecting, locating, tracking and engaging units at sea, on land and in the air in response to a range of mission areas. The entire scenario gives commanders a practical view of tactical planning and placement of military forces on a large scale.
“The Navy stands to gain here because we will prove, yet again, our ability to operate in a multi-carrier strike group environment,” Gilliam said. “Also, the training and proficiency that our air crew and the air crew in our sister air wings will gain will be invaluable as we build these tactics and build a base of knowledge and a level of proficiency in this maritime interdiction defensive counter-air environment.”
There are quite a few differences between the exercise and what CVW-9’s been accustomed to during their last seven months of deployment. The tempo required during the exercise has the air wing flying an average of more than 100 sorties per day, a greater average than flown during their five months supporting combat operations during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. They’re also relying heavily on fuel provided from CVW-9 aircraft instead of fuel provided by another service or detachment’s tankers.
“A lot of the mission is geared on a blue-water way of fighting, and it’s more self-sufficient,” said CVW-9 operations officer Cmdr. Ernest Jones. “It’s something we haven’t done in a while.”
Despite the large number of forces involved, the exercise is designed to put every player in an independent role supporting the same cause.
“It’s a very large scenario and everybody has their piece of the pie,” Jones said. “As a whole, it works pretty well.”
CVW-9, along with all the other participants in Valiant Shield, are testing the real-world application of tactics formulated by senior military commanders from multiple services to enable the U.S. to enhance joint-operation proficiency. This shows the military’s ability to rapidly bring together joint forces in response to any regional contingency.
“What we’re doing here is proving a number of tactics, techniques and procedures that have been developed on paper,” Jones said. "To do that, you need to come out in the middle of the ocean with the bad weather, and with a pitching deck, and with whatever other obstacles pop up and see if the techniques really survive in the real world, and I’m happy to report it does.”
Contrary to most of the combat support carrier air wings have been training for and participating in over Afghanistan and Iraq, Valiant Shield is geared to simulate an at-sea scenario in which the multiple-carrier strike groups integrate air and sea power with joint forces.
For Marine pilots embarked aboard Stennis, this offers a unique insight into a type of training Marine pilots do not typically participate in.
“It’s a good joint exercise for working with different carrier strike groups integrated with different military platforms as well, and we’re all here to conduct joint training,” said Marine Capt. Daron Youngberg, an F/A-18C pilot from the “Death Rattlers” of Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 323.
Youngberg said he will not forget the unique opportunity for a Marine pilot to see how the Navy does business on board an aircraft carrier and what they perceive as a threat and how they handle those threats. There are very few Marine squadrons that would get the chance to participate in an exercise like Valiant Shield, and it’s very good training for the pilots, all the way down to the power liners who help launch the aircraft, he explained.
Valiant Shield is scheduled to conclude Aug. 14 and marks the last major evolution for the John C. Stennis Strike Group before they begin their transit across the Pacific Ocean back home.
The squadrons of CVW-9 include: the “Black Knights” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, “Blue Diamonds” of VFA-146, “Argonauts” of VFA-147, "Death Rattlers" of VMFA-323, “Yellow Jackets” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 138, “Golden Hawks” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 112, “Top Cats” of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 31, “Eightballers” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 8 and “Providers” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30.
Aircraft from the Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force including a B-52 bomber conducts a fly by of the John C. Stennis, Kitty Hawk and Nimitz Carrier Strike Groups during a photo exercise (PHOTOEX) concluding Valiant Shield 2007. Valiant Shield was the largest joint exercise in the Pacific this year. Held in the Guam operating area, the exercise included 30 ships, more than 280 aircraft and more than 20,000 service members from the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Denny Cantrell)As part of Exercise Valiant Shield 2007, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, embarked aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), has been flying sorties and participating in air operations with components of the Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps in a large-scale exercise in the Guam operating area.
Valiant Shield puts to the test CVW-9 aboard Stennis, CVW-5 aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63), CVW-11 aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68), as well as Air Force aircraft. More than 20,000 Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen are participating in the exercise involving 30 ships and about 280 aircraft.
We’ve been conducting robust defensive counter-air and maritime interdiction sorties here,” said Commander, CVW-9, Capt. Sterling Gilliam. “Any opportunity we have to exercise interoperability, not only between carrier strike groups, but between the services - the Navy, the Air Force - we should take to hone those skills and this is a wonderful opportunity.”
The weeklong exercise includes a multitude of air operations geared around surface strikes, air-to-air combat and air space patrolling and protecting. The purpose of the exercise is to test the military’s ability to gather a large number of cooperative forces and enables real-world proficiency in detecting, locating, tracking and engaging units at sea, on land and in the air in response to a range of mission areas. The entire scenario gives commanders a practical view of tactical planning and placement of military forces on a large scale.
“The Navy stands to gain here because we will prove, yet again, our ability to operate in a multi-carrier strike group environment,” Gilliam said. “Also, the training and proficiency that our air crew and the air crew in our sister air wings will gain will be invaluable as we build these tactics and build a base of knowledge and a level of proficiency in this maritime interdiction defensive counter-air environment.”
There are quite a few differences between the exercise and what CVW-9’s been accustomed to during their last seven months of deployment. The tempo required during the exercise has the air wing flying an average of more than 100 sorties per day, a greater average than flown during their five months supporting combat operations during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. They’re also relying heavily on fuel provided from CVW-9 aircraft instead of fuel provided by another service or detachment’s tankers.
“A lot of the mission is geared on a blue-water way of fighting, and it’s more self-sufficient,” said CVW-9 operations officer Cmdr. Ernest Jones. “It’s something we haven’t done in a while.”
Despite the large number of forces involved, the exercise is designed to put every player in an independent role supporting the same cause.
“It’s a very large scenario and everybody has their piece of the pie,” Jones said. “As a whole, it works pretty well.”
CVW-9, along with all the other participants in Valiant Shield, are testing the real-world application of tactics formulated by senior military commanders from multiple services to enable the U.S. to enhance joint-operation proficiency. This shows the military’s ability to rapidly bring together joint forces in response to any regional contingency.
“What we’re doing here is proving a number of tactics, techniques and procedures that have been developed on paper,” Jones said. "To do that, you need to come out in the middle of the ocean with the bad weather, and with a pitching deck, and with whatever other obstacles pop up and see if the techniques really survive in the real world, and I’m happy to report it does.”
Contrary to most of the combat support carrier air wings have been training for and participating in over Afghanistan and Iraq, Valiant Shield is geared to simulate an at-sea scenario in which the multiple-carrier strike groups integrate air and sea power with joint forces.
For Marine pilots embarked aboard Stennis, this offers a unique insight into a type of training Marine pilots do not typically participate in.
“It’s a good joint exercise for working with different carrier strike groups integrated with different military platforms as well, and we’re all here to conduct joint training,” said Marine Capt. Daron Youngberg, an F/A-18C pilot from the “Death Rattlers” of Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 323.
Youngberg said he will not forget the unique opportunity for a Marine pilot to see how the Navy does business on board an aircraft carrier and what they perceive as a threat and how they handle those threats. There are very few Marine squadrons that would get the chance to participate in an exercise like Valiant Shield, and it’s very good training for the pilots, all the way down to the power liners who help launch the aircraft, he explained.
Valiant Shield is scheduled to conclude Aug. 14 and marks the last major evolution for the John C. Stennis Strike Group before they begin their transit across the Pacific Ocean back home.
The squadrons of CVW-9 include: the “Black Knights” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, “Blue Diamonds” of VFA-146, “Argonauts” of VFA-147, "Death Rattlers" of VMFA-323, “Yellow Jackets” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 138, “Golden Hawks” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 112, “Top Cats” of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 31, “Eightballers” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 8 and “Providers” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Russia Strategic Forces conduct 6 exercises in August
Thanks to Torbjorn in Sweden on the UDXF group for this heads up. Related article on this blog at http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com/2007/08/russian-bombers-resume-cold-war-sorties.htmlSource: RIA Novosti Press Service
The Russian strategic aviation will fly over the North Pole and conduct test launches of cruise missiles during a series of exercises in August, the Defense Ministry said on its website Tuesday.
Units of the 37th Air Army of the Strategic Command will conduct a total of six tactical exercises in August as part of an annual training program, the ministry said in a statement.
"During the exercises, strategic bombers will test launch cruise missiles, conduct simulated bombing raids, and fly over the North Pole, the Pacific and Atlantic oceans," the statement said.
The exercises will involve Tu-160 Blackjack and Tu-95MS Bear-H strategic bombers, and Tu-22M3 Backfire-C theater bombers - the mainstay of the air component of Russia's strategic nuclear triad.
According to various sources, the Russian Air Force currently deploys 141 Tu-22M3 bombers, 40 Tu-95MS bombers, and 14 Tu-160 planes.
Lieutenant General Igor Khvorov, the newly appointed chief of the Air Force Main Staff, said in March that Russia's strategic aviation had sufficient potential to suppress elements of a U.S. missile defense shield should it be deployed in Central Europe.
Ham Radio HF Hurricane Watch Net Activated for Dean
The Amateur Radio Hurricane Watch Net has been activated for Hurricane Dean.The net is operational on 14325.0 kHz USB.
For more information on this group go to http://www.hwn.org/
Get complete information on frequencies to monitor on my Btown Monitoring Post blog at:
http://monitor-post.blogspot.com/2007/06/n5fpw-hurcomm-monitoring-list-2007.html
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
New Georgia HF Military Net
Marat has posted on the UDXF newsgroup information on a new HF ALE military net. Here are the details.
"GS2-net"
NCS ALE Address - GS2
Other ALE Addresses: 4L1, AIR, AKH, GS2, KD1, KSI, NIK, SAK, TB1
Freq list (all ALE/USB):
3200.0 3400.0 3450.0 4100.0 4350.0 4550.0 4850.0 (used "GS2" and "KD1" only) 4851.7 (used "4L1" and "NIK" only) 4900.0 5280.0 5350.0 5595.0 5650.0 6050.0 6250.0 6500.0 6750.0 7650.0 7850.0 8450.0 8650.0 kHz.
Thanks Marat for sharing your research with the rest of us.
Icelandic defense exercise kicks off
by Capt. Joel Harper
U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs
KEFLAVIK, Iceland (AFPN) - Leaders from the United States and Iceland joined NATO partners Aug. 13 to kick off an exercise to demonstrate U.S. commitment to the 1951 bilateral U.S.-Iceland defense agreement and reinvigorate air defense command and control capabilities of joint and coalition forces in Iceland.
Exercise Northern Viking 2007 provides a basis for continued U.S. presence and points out the critical nature of the Icelandic Air Defense System to NATO's control and security of air space, said Gen. William T. Hobbins, U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander.
"This exercise is an integral part of the efforts by the United States and other NATO allies to work with Iceland to modernize its defense strategy to meet the threats of the 21st century," said General Hobbins.
The general was joined by Iceland Prime Minister Geir H. Haarde during the opening ceremonies of the event. Prime Minister Haarde said that exercises such as this one were important for the future of Iceland's defense.
"I look forward to successful exercises under Northern Viking this year. This will contribute to the security of Iceland and Alliance as a whole." he said.
Nearly 200 USAFE Airmen from Royal Air Force Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall, England, and Ramstein Air Base, Germany, joined forces from Iceland, Norway, Denmark and NATO.
Exercise aircraft include NATO's E-3A AWACS from Geilenkirchen, Germany; F-15 Eagles and KC-135 Stratotankers from Lakenheath and Mildenhall; F-16 Fighting Falcons, a P-3 Orion and an E-3A AWACS from Norway; a frigate with a search and rescue helicopter capability from Denmark; and search and rescue forces from Iceland.
A separate, but simultaneous anti-terrorist piece of the exercise includes special forces from Latvia, Iceland police and Icelandic Ministry of Defense personnel.
From the air defense point of view, the exercise trains aircrews from participating nations to conduct air operations designed to protect Iceland from airborne threats. NATO partners work together to locate and identify unknown aircraft to determine if they are a threat and if necessary scramble aircraft to deal with the situation, said General Hobbins.
Northern Viking 2007 is the first exercise in Iceland involving the U.S. Air Force since the closure of Naval Air Station Keflavik in October 2006.
Iceland, which has no military forces, depends on the United States for its defense needs under the 1951 agreement signed by both nations. NATO and United States continue to abide by their long-standing commitment to defend Iceland if it comes under attack. Iceland is also a 1949 signatory to the original NATO Treaty.
Advances in technology and information-sharing allow the United States to exercise more efficiently and with fewer resources than in the past and still demonstrate U.S. commitment as well as combined capabilities. Exercise costs were reduced considerably due to Iceland's support of aircraft and personnel with significant logistical contributions, said General Hobbins.
"As we have for almost 60 years, we will stand together with Iceland in facing any threats that may arise," said General Hobbins.
U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs
KEFLAVIK, Iceland (AFPN) - Leaders from the United States and Iceland joined NATO partners Aug. 13 to kick off an exercise to demonstrate U.S. commitment to the 1951 bilateral U.S.-Iceland defense agreement and reinvigorate air defense command and control capabilities of joint and coalition forces in Iceland.
Exercise Northern Viking 2007 provides a basis for continued U.S. presence and points out the critical nature of the Icelandic Air Defense System to NATO's control and security of air space, said Gen. William T. Hobbins, U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander.
"This exercise is an integral part of the efforts by the United States and other NATO allies to work with Iceland to modernize its defense strategy to meet the threats of the 21st century," said General Hobbins.
The general was joined by Iceland Prime Minister Geir H. Haarde during the opening ceremonies of the event. Prime Minister Haarde said that exercises such as this one were important for the future of Iceland's defense.
"I look forward to successful exercises under Northern Viking this year. This will contribute to the security of Iceland and Alliance as a whole." he said.
Nearly 200 USAFE Airmen from Royal Air Force Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall, England, and Ramstein Air Base, Germany, joined forces from Iceland, Norway, Denmark and NATO.
Exercise aircraft include NATO's E-3A AWACS from Geilenkirchen, Germany; F-15 Eagles and KC-135 Stratotankers from Lakenheath and Mildenhall; F-16 Fighting Falcons, a P-3 Orion and an E-3A AWACS from Norway; a frigate with a search and rescue helicopter capability from Denmark; and search and rescue forces from Iceland.
A separate, but simultaneous anti-terrorist piece of the exercise includes special forces from Latvia, Iceland police and Icelandic Ministry of Defense personnel.
From the air defense point of view, the exercise trains aircrews from participating nations to conduct air operations designed to protect Iceland from airborne threats. NATO partners work together to locate and identify unknown aircraft to determine if they are a threat and if necessary scramble aircraft to deal with the situation, said General Hobbins.
Northern Viking 2007 is the first exercise in Iceland involving the U.S. Air Force since the closure of Naval Air Station Keflavik in October 2006.
Iceland, which has no military forces, depends on the United States for its defense needs under the 1951 agreement signed by both nations. NATO and United States continue to abide by their long-standing commitment to defend Iceland if it comes under attack. Iceland is also a 1949 signatory to the original NATO Treaty.
Advances in technology and information-sharing allow the United States to exercise more efficiently and with fewer resources than in the past and still demonstrate U.S. commitment as well as combined capabilities. Exercise costs were reduced considerably due to Iceland's support of aircraft and personnel with significant logistical contributions, said General Hobbins.
"As we have for almost 60 years, we will stand together with Iceland in facing any threats that may arise," said General Hobbins.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
VFA-204 Deploys in Support of Valiant Shield Exercise
I am a plank owner and former River Rat from VFA-204 so I keep track of their exploits.By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (AW/SW) Shawn Graham, Naval Air Station New Orleans Public Affairs
NEW ORLEANS (NNS) -- Sailors from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA-204) departed Naval Air Station, Joint Reserve Base, New Orleans Aug. 1 for a two-month deployment in support of Exercise Valiant Shield.
Valiant Shield is one of the largest annual exercises in the Western Pacific. This year's exercise will involve about 30 ships, 280 aircraft, and 22,000 Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers and Marines working together to enhance joint combat skills and interoperability.
“We’re going to be one of the training assets in Operation Valiant Shield,” said Lt. Cmdr. Brian Hennessy. “We bring a unique element for dissimilar training, which refers to air-to-air combat training.
The squadron completed required work-ups earlier this summer, including a Joint Task Force Exercise, collectively preparing the squadron for intense challenges a deployment is likely to present.
“We’ve trained to respond to any joint training type of role,” said Hennessy. “We will be able to do more complex exercises with other coalition partners at sea.”
The nearly 200 Sailors of VFA-204 said goodbye as they boarded their planes. For some, it is their first deployment; for more seasoned Sailors, this is business as usual.
“I’ve been pretty much every place you could go in the Navy. This is my fifth deployment,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class (AW) Leon Francis. “It’s still exciting for me, but even more exciting for the younger Sailors. Training them is an important tool in the global war on terrorism.”
Aircraft Carrier Air-Wing Assignments and Composition Report - Update
There are many sites that list the material below. Most are out of date. Here is the latest information as of 8/14/2007. Thanks to Adam, Greg and Mac for their updates.
CVW-1 LANT USS Enterprise (CVN-65)
AB 100 VFA-211 F/A-18F Fighting Checkmates
AB 200 VMFA-251 F/A-18C Thunderbolts
AB 300 VFA-136 F/A-18C Knighthawks
AB 400 VFA-86 F/A-18C Sidewinders (transitioning to F/A-18E this FY)
AB 500 VAQ-137 EA-6B Rooks
AB 600 VAW-123 E-2C Screwtops
AB 610 HS-11 HH-60H/SH6-F Dragonslayers
AB ### VRC-40 Det 2 C-2A Rawhides
CVW-2 PAC USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72)
NE 100 VFA-2 F/A-18F Bounty Hunters
NE 200 VFA-137 F/A-18E Kestrels
NE 300 VFA-151 F/A-18C Vigilantes
NE 400 VFA-34 F/A-18C Blue Blasters
NE 500 VAQ-131 EA-6B Lancers
NE 600 VAW-116 E-2C Sun Kings
NE 610 HS-2 HH-60H/SH-60F Golden Falcons
NE 700 HSL-47 SH-60B Saberhawks
NE ### VRC-30 Det 2 C-2A Providers
CVW-3 LANT USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75)
AC 100 VFA-11 F/A-18F Red Rippers
AC 200 VFA-32 F/A-18F Swordsmen
AC 300 VFA-37 F/A-18C Bulls
AC 400 VFA-105 F/A-18E Gunslingers
AC 500 VAQ-130 EA-6B Zappers
AC 600 VAW-126 E-2C Seahawks
AC 610 HS-7 HH-60F/SH–60F Dusty Dogs
AC ### VRC-40 Det 5 C-2A Rawhides
CVW-5 PAC USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63)
NF 100 VFA-102 F/A-18F Diamondbacks
NF 200 VFA-27 F/A-18E Royal Maces
NF 300 VFA-192 F/A-18C Golden Dragons
NF 400 VFA-195 F/A-18C Dambusters
NF 500 VAQ-136 EA-6B Gauntlets
NF 600 VAW-115 E-2C Liberty Bells
NF 610 HS-14 HH-60F/SH–60F Chargers
NF ### VRC-30 Det 5 C-2A Providers
CVW-7 LANT USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69)
AG 100 VFA-143 F/A-18E Pukin' Dogs
AG 200 VFA-103 F/A-18F Jolly Rogers
AG 300 VFA-83 F/A-18C Golden Warriors
AG 400 VFA-131 F/A-18C Wildcats
AG 500 VAQ-140 EA-6B Patriots
AG 600 VAW-125 E-2C Tigertails
AG 610 HS-5 HH-60F/SH–60F Night Dippers
AG ### VRC-40 Det 3 C-2A Rawhides
CVW-8 LANT USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71)
AJ 100 VFA-31 F/A-18E Tomcatters
AJ 200 VFA-213 F/A-18F Blacklions
AJ 300 VFA-15 F/A-18C Valions
AJ 400 VFA-87 F/A-18A+ Golden Warriors
AJ 500 VAQ-141 EA-6B Shadowhawks
AJ 600 VAW-124 E-2C Bear Aces
AJ 610 HS-3 HH-60H/SH-60H Tridents
AJ ### VRC-40 Det 1 C-2A Rawhides
CVW-9 PAC USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74)
NG 100 VFA-154 F/A-18F Black Knights
NG 200 VMFA-323 F/A-18C Death Rattlers
NG 300 VFA-146 F/A-18C Blue Diamonds
NG 400 VFA-147 F/A-18C Argonauts
NG 500 VAQ-138 EA-6B Yellow Jackets
NG 600 VAW-112 E-2C Golden Hawks
NG 610 HS-8 HH-60F/SH–60F Eightballers
NG 700 VS-31 S-3B Topcats
NG ### VRC-30 Det 4 C-2A Providers
CVW-11 PAC USS Nimitz (CVN-68)
NH 100 VFA-41 F/A-18F Black Aces
NH 200 VFA-14 F/A-18E Tophatters
NH 300 VMFA-232 F/A-18A+ Red Devils
NH 400 VFA-81 F/A-18C Sunliners
NH 500 VAQ-135 EA-6B Black Ravens
NH 600 VAW-117 E-2C Knighthawls (sometimes known as the Wallbangers)
NH 610 HS-6 HH-60F/SH–60F Indians
NH ### VRC-30 Det 3 C-2A Providers
CVW-14 PAC USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76)
NK 100 VFA-22 F/A-18E/F/A-18F Fighting Red Cocks (Surge deployed with two Super Hornets)
NK 200 VFA-115 F/A-18E Eagles
NK 300 VFA-113 F/A-18C Stingers
NK 400 VFA-25 F/A-18C Fist of the Fleet
NK 500 VAQ-139 EA-6B Cougars
NK 600 VAW-113 E-2C Black Hawks
NK 610 HS-4 HH-60F/SH–60F Black Knights
NK ### VRC-30 Det 1 C-2A Providers
CVW-17 LANT USS George Washington (CVN-73)
AA 500 VAQ-132 EA-6B Scorpions
AA 600 VAW-121 E-2C Bluetails
AA 610 HS-15 HH-60F/SH–60F Red Lions
AA 700 VS-22 S-3B Checkmates
AA ### VRC-40 Det 4 C-2A Rawhides
CVWR-20 Reserve CAG
Naval Reserve Air-wing CVWR-20 based at NAS Atlanta, Marietta, GA. CVWR-20 is not assigned a VS squadron. During exercises or time of war, an active duty squadron would join the wing. VAW-77 is officially attached to CVWR-20. However, her mission is strictly drug enforcement and does not include any type of carrier operations. VFC-12 and VFC-13 are Naval Reserve adversary squadrons designed to train Navy pilots to fight different modern foreign fighters that may be on the other side in a war. They are considered non-deployable. The two squadrons replaced the active duty "Aggressor" squadrons VF-43, VF-45 and VF-126.
AF 400 VFA-204 F/A-18A+ River Rattlers
AF 500 VAQ-209 EA-6B Star Warriors
AF 600 VAW-77 E-2C Nightwolves
AF 610 HS-75 SH–60F Emerald Knights (disestablished March 1, 2007)
AF ## VFC-111 F-5F/N Sundowners
AF ## VFC-12 F/A-18C Fighting Omars (C model came from VFA-87)
AF ## VFC-13 F-5E/F/N Saints
Unit Deployment Program (UDP)
VFA-94* F/A-18C Mighty Shrikes
VFA-97* F/A-18A War Hawks
* VFA-94 and VFA-97 are attached to the Marine Corps under the Unit Deployment Program (UDP).
U.S. to Set Up African Command
See my related story at http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com/2007/06/us-naval-forces-europe-prepares-for.html
The United States is to set up an African command, making it the fourth command which will be tasked with coordinating the U.S. army's activities in the continent, U.S. ambassador to the African Union (AU) Cindy L. Courville disclosed.
Briefing local journalists after a visit to the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HDA) in Djibouti and to the USS Enterprise, U.S. Navy Carrier currently docked off the cost of Djibouti, Ambassador Courville said that the post-cold war, post-9/11 world offers an opportunity to rethink the situation.
Currently the U.S. has three commands overseas including the European Command based in Stuttgart, Germany which is also responsible for most of Africa, the Central Command, which is responsible for the East, and the Pacific Command, which oversee matters in most of the islands.
Ambassador Courville noted that so far no decision had been made as to where the base of the African command will be. "No decisions have been made as to where it will be located or as to whether or not it will be one location. It is still under discussion."
She also said that it was difficult to put a time frame as to when the command will be fully established. She disclosed that a sub-combatant command would be established before setting up a full command. This command, according to the ambassador, will remain in Stuttgart, Germany probably for the next year as further decisions are made.
Ambassador Courville indicated that probably in the next three to five years the process of establishing the African command could be wound up.
Story courtesy of Bruck Shewareged, Addis Ababa and AllAfrica.com
Chinooks: 'Working Horse' of Aviation
By Spc. Aubree Rundle
Flight crews and personnel on board a CH-47 Chinook dismount the helicopter during refueling to maintain their safety each time the aircraft lands to fuel. (US Army photo by Spc. Aubree Rundle)
FORWARD OPERATIONS BASE SALERNO, Afghanistan (U.S. Central Command, Aug. 10, 2007) - Executing re-supply and transport missions along with conducting air assault operations are done on the shoulders of the CH-47 Chinook helicopters operating in Regional Commands - East and South.
These vital missions allow daily operations to take place as smoothly as possible and therefore play a major support role in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom VIII.
Soldiers with Company A, 1st Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment "Yetis", an Army Reserve aviation element from Fort Carson, Colo., and Fort Hood, Texas, are currently deployed in support of the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division. They are one of two Chinook companies currently supporting aviation operations here.
Chinook helicopters, also referred to as the "working horse" of rotary wing helicopters in theater, work around the clock as an aviation benefit to ground elements throughout Afghanistan.
Manned by five-person flight crews, the maintenance requirements and flight procedures for a Chinook are anything but simple.
"We conduct pre-flight inspections and check all systems several hours in advance before the execution of any mission," said Army Staff Sgt. James Fleming, a flight engineer with 1-158th Avn. Reg.
Flying in and out of valleys and around mountain ridges, the Chinook helicopter is the fastest working rotary wing helicopter in the fleet. Chinooks routinely carry several thousand pounds of cargo in one trip delivering pallets of military supplies, mail, food and bottled water to the various outposts and fire bases throughout Afghanistan.
According to Staff Sgt. Fleming, these "work horse" helicopters do get a break from the strain put on them each day as they are put through down phases after so many flight-hours pass. This helps keep the aircraft up to speed and always prepared for the high altitudes and weathering it receives while in theater, Staff Sgt. Fleming continued.
The "Yetis" have been deployed since September 2006, supporting the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, during Operation Enduring Freedom VII and are soon to bid "farewell" to the 82nd CAB returning to their home posts.
"I volunteered to deploy for this rotation because as a door gunner and crew member for a Chinook our tasks are to maintain mission readiness for all the Soldiers on ground patrol; this is an important mission for me," said Sgt. Chase Cervanka, door gunner with 1-158th Av. Reg.
Flight crews and personnel on board a CH-47 Chinook dismount the helicopter during refueling to maintain their safety each time the aircraft lands to fuel. (US Army photo by Spc. Aubree Rundle)FORWARD OPERATIONS BASE SALERNO, Afghanistan (U.S. Central Command, Aug. 10, 2007) - Executing re-supply and transport missions along with conducting air assault operations are done on the shoulders of the CH-47 Chinook helicopters operating in Regional Commands - East and South.
These vital missions allow daily operations to take place as smoothly as possible and therefore play a major support role in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom VIII.
Soldiers with Company A, 1st Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment "Yetis", an Army Reserve aviation element from Fort Carson, Colo., and Fort Hood, Texas, are currently deployed in support of the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division. They are one of two Chinook companies currently supporting aviation operations here.
Chinook helicopters, also referred to as the "working horse" of rotary wing helicopters in theater, work around the clock as an aviation benefit to ground elements throughout Afghanistan.
Manned by five-person flight crews, the maintenance requirements and flight procedures for a Chinook are anything but simple.
"We conduct pre-flight inspections and check all systems several hours in advance before the execution of any mission," said Army Staff Sgt. James Fleming, a flight engineer with 1-158th Avn. Reg.
Flying in and out of valleys and around mountain ridges, the Chinook helicopter is the fastest working rotary wing helicopter in the fleet. Chinooks routinely carry several thousand pounds of cargo in one trip delivering pallets of military supplies, mail, food and bottled water to the various outposts and fire bases throughout Afghanistan.
According to Staff Sgt. Fleming, these "work horse" helicopters do get a break from the strain put on them each day as they are put through down phases after so many flight-hours pass. This helps keep the aircraft up to speed and always prepared for the high altitudes and weathering it receives while in theater, Staff Sgt. Fleming continued.
The "Yetis" have been deployed since September 2006, supporting the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, during Operation Enduring Freedom VII and are soon to bid "farewell" to the 82nd CAB returning to their home posts.
"I volunteered to deploy for this rotation because as a door gunner and crew member for a Chinook our tasks are to maintain mission readiness for all the Soldiers on ground patrol; this is an important mission for me," said Sgt. Chase Cervanka, door gunner with 1-158th Av. Reg.
Valant Shield 2007 Underway
An SH-60F Seahawk, assigned to the "Eightballers" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 8, fires a Hellfire Air-to-Ground Missile at a target during exercise Valiant Shield 2007. HS-8 is part of the part of the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group. The John C. Stennis, Kitty Hawk and Nimitz Carrier Strike Groups are participating in Valiant Shield 2007, the largest joint exercise in recent history. Held in the Guam operating area, the exercise includes 30 ships, more than 280 aircraft and more than 20,000 service members from the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paul Perkins.
Yokosuka Bids Farewell to USS Gary - Changing Homeport
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Gabriel S. Weber, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Det. Japan
YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- Dozens of Sailors and local Japanese civic leaders bid farewell to the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Gary (FFG 51) during a pierside ceremony aboard Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Aug. 9.
Gary, the only frigate in the forward-deployed U.S. 7th Fleet, will return to San Diego after eight years in Yokosuka.
“This is a celebration,” said Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Japan Rear Adm. James D. Kelly, the keynote speaker for the ceremony. “Yes, we are a little sad to see the USS Gary go back east, but she’s not going away. She’s still in the service of the U.S. Navy.”
Kelly recounted the many missions, exercises and port visits that Gary completed during the last eight years, emphasizing the ship’s engagement in a number of groundbreaking international relations visits to foreign ports.
“We are sure going to miss the Gary’s engagement capability, which really is significant, not to mention her warfighting prowess,” said Kelly. “But this is all about them; it isn’t about U.S. Naval Forces Japan, it’s about the crew of Gary.”
Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Capt. Daniel Weed, was also on hand for the ceremony and spoke of the correlation between Gary’s namesake and the ship’s crew.
“When we speak of USS Gary, we speak of legends,” said Weed. “As the USS Gary’s namesake was a heroic patriot, so are the officers and crew of the USS Gary.”
The late Cmdr. Donald Arthur Gary was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1946 for his heroic actions while serving aboard USS Franklin (CV 13) as a lieutenant. During a Japanese attack on the ship, Gary was credited with saving the lives of hundreds of the crew, leading them out of the badly damaged compartments below decks.
The crew of the Gary seemed to appreciate the ceremony, both for the recognition for their service and for the opportunity to recognize those who have supported them.
“It gives us a chance to thank everybody that’s helped us out,” said Sonar Technician Surface 3rd Class Michael Keys.
As Gary prepares to depart its berthing in Yokosuka for the last time, Weed summarized the emotions surrounding the ship’s departure.
“Today we say farewell to one of Yokosuka’s gray ghosts,” said Weed. “Despite our sadness, however, we are bolstered with pride as you man the watch for Tokyo Wan sea-and-anchor detail one final time.”
YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- Dozens of Sailors and local Japanese civic leaders bid farewell to the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Gary (FFG 51) during a pierside ceremony aboard Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Aug. 9.
Gary, the only frigate in the forward-deployed U.S. 7th Fleet, will return to San Diego after eight years in Yokosuka.
“This is a celebration,” said Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Japan Rear Adm. James D. Kelly, the keynote speaker for the ceremony. “Yes, we are a little sad to see the USS Gary go back east, but she’s not going away. She’s still in the service of the U.S. Navy.”
Kelly recounted the many missions, exercises and port visits that Gary completed during the last eight years, emphasizing the ship’s engagement in a number of groundbreaking international relations visits to foreign ports.
“We are sure going to miss the Gary’s engagement capability, which really is significant, not to mention her warfighting prowess,” said Kelly. “But this is all about them; it isn’t about U.S. Naval Forces Japan, it’s about the crew of Gary.”
Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Capt. Daniel Weed, was also on hand for the ceremony and spoke of the correlation between Gary’s namesake and the ship’s crew.
“When we speak of USS Gary, we speak of legends,” said Weed. “As the USS Gary’s namesake was a heroic patriot, so are the officers and crew of the USS Gary.”
The late Cmdr. Donald Arthur Gary was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1946 for his heroic actions while serving aboard USS Franklin (CV 13) as a lieutenant. During a Japanese attack on the ship, Gary was credited with saving the lives of hundreds of the crew, leading them out of the badly damaged compartments below decks.
The crew of the Gary seemed to appreciate the ceremony, both for the recognition for their service and for the opportunity to recognize those who have supported them.
“It gives us a chance to thank everybody that’s helped us out,” said Sonar Technician Surface 3rd Class Michael Keys.
As Gary prepares to depart its berthing in Yokosuka for the last time, Weed summarized the emotions surrounding the ship’s departure.
“Today we say farewell to one of Yokosuka’s gray ghosts,” said Weed. “Despite our sadness, however, we are bolstered with pride as you man the watch for Tokyo Wan sea-and-anchor detail one final time.”
HSM-41 Receives First MH-60R Helicopter Trainer
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) James Seward, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific
CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) -- Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 41 on Naval Station North Island was given the first MH-60R (Romeo) Tactical Operational Flight Trainer 2 (TOFT 2) Aug. 3.
As soon as the simulator doors opened, HSM-41 pilots and air crewmen immediately began training with the TOFT 2.
"It is a proud day for naval aviation," said Capt. J.C. Shuab, HSM-41's commanding officer. "The TOFT 2 simulator is the future air warfare and gives our Navy the upper hand in precision and mission readiness."
According to Cmdr. Ed Balaton, Romeo training systems program manager of NAVAIR, benefits from the TOFT 2 include a more realistic simulation of combat environments along with having the ability to train for nearly every scenario.
"We began developing the TOFT 2 about a year ago," said Balaton. "We have added many new features including new designs weapon systems technology, graphics capabilities, and electro-hydraulic machinery that require far less maintenance than its predecessor."
Besides being equipped with the latest technology, the main goal of the TOFT 2 is to reduce mishap numbers and ensure pilots and aircrewmen return from their mission safely.
"Safety is a major concern of just about any squadron in the fleet," said Navy Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 2nd Class (NAC) Brain Hartwick. "The more realistic the training field is, the better prepared we'll be up in the air."
In the near future, the TOFT 2 will be able to link systems with other training simulators in different locations across the world and throughout every branch of service, said Balaton.
"The TOFT 2 is by far the best trainer in the world, which means our pilots are the best trained in the world," continued Balaton. "With plug and play technology currently in development, we will be able to simulate a full scale war scenario with ships in the fleet and Marines on the ground."
CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) -- Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 41 on Naval Station North Island was given the first MH-60R (Romeo) Tactical Operational Flight Trainer 2 (TOFT 2) Aug. 3.As soon as the simulator doors opened, HSM-41 pilots and air crewmen immediately began training with the TOFT 2.
"It is a proud day for naval aviation," said Capt. J.C. Shuab, HSM-41's commanding officer. "The TOFT 2 simulator is the future air warfare and gives our Navy the upper hand in precision and mission readiness."
According to Cmdr. Ed Balaton, Romeo training systems program manager of NAVAIR, benefits from the TOFT 2 include a more realistic simulation of combat environments along with having the ability to train for nearly every scenario.
"We began developing the TOFT 2 about a year ago," said Balaton. "We have added many new features including new designs weapon systems technology, graphics capabilities, and electro-hydraulic machinery that require far less maintenance than its predecessor."
Besides being equipped with the latest technology, the main goal of the TOFT 2 is to reduce mishap numbers and ensure pilots and aircrewmen return from their mission safely.
"Safety is a major concern of just about any squadron in the fleet," said Navy Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 2nd Class (NAC) Brain Hartwick. "The more realistic the training field is, the better prepared we'll be up in the air."
In the near future, the TOFT 2 will be able to link systems with other training simulators in different locations across the world and throughout every branch of service, said Balaton.
"The TOFT 2 is by far the best trainer in the world, which means our pilots are the best trained in the world," continued Balaton. "With plug and play technology currently in development, we will be able to simulate a full scale war scenario with ships in the fleet and Marines on the ground."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)