Kunsan receives upgraded fighters

by Staff Sgt. Alice Moore, 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
A new Block 40 F-16 Fighting Falcon arrives at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, Oct. 2. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Giang Nguyen)

10/5/2007 - KUNSAN AIR BASE, South Korea (AFPN) -- The 8th Fighter Wing received its initial group of Block 40 F-16 Fighting Falcons here this week under the Common Configuration Implementation Program.

The aircraft arrival marked the first group of upgraded F-16s flown to Korea. The aircraft were flown here from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, by members of Kunsan's 80th Fighter Squadron.

The addition of the upgraded fighters will increase the mission capability of the wing.

"The airframe and avionics are newer, which will help our combat readiness," said Lt. Col. Thomas Klopotek, 80th FS commander. "The aircraft provides us with better communications and advanced technologies which will make things easier for the pilots as well as the maintainers."

Colonel Klopotek said the CCIP modifications provide significant avionics upgrades to Block 40 and 50 F-16s. The upgrades ensure state-of-the-art capability well into the 21st century.

Some of the avionics changes include the Link 16 Multifunctional Information Distribution System, the Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System and a modular mission computer.

Kunsan aircrews currently fly non-CCIP Block 40 F-16s in the 35th Fighter Squadron, said Lt. Col. Shane Riza, 80th FS director of operations, who was one of the pilots who flew the upgraded fighters here.

"This aircraft has brand new modifications which gives us a lot of datalink capability," Colonel Riza said. "It also provides us a helmet-mounted sight and a better radar capability than the Block 30. We are more capable now with this aircraft."

Colonel Klopotek said the helmet-mounted sight provides many benefits for F-16 pilots. The helmet is connected via cable from the plane and provides the pilot important information displayed on the helmet's visor directly into the pilot's field of view. With Link 16 datalink, a pilot is able to know what other platforms are tracking and the helmet adds increased situational awareness.

"Wherever you're looking, that's exactly where you can cue any weapon or sensor on the airplane," Colonel Riza said. "This provides us a lot better combat capability."

Although, the new aircraft provides better combat capability, the arrival of the new Block 40s does present some challenges.

"The new technology can be a bit of information overload," Colonel Klopotek said. "One of the training challenges we face is how we're going to learn to prioritize and adapt our current training habits from the Block 30 aircraft into the new capabilities and technologies that we can leverage in Block 40."

With the first batch of CCIP aircraft arriving, members of the 80th FS welcome their newest addition.

"We're proud to be selected as the squadron that will undergo this transition in Korea," said Colonel Klopotek. "We're not the first unit in the Air Force to have gone through CCIP, but we hope to take past CCIP fighter squadron transition experiences and incorporate them to make our conversion faster. We then can be that test bed for other units on the peninsula that will go through the same upgrades in the future."

Additional upgraded Block 40s are expected to arrive here by early spring.

First Class of Airmen train for Wideband Global SATCOM

by Staff Sgt. Don Branum, 50th Space Wing Public Affairs
9/30/2007 - SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Five Airmen with the 3rd Space Operations Squadron here were the first to finish training recently for the Wideband Global SATCOM system, which is scheduled to launch Oct. 9.

Wideband Global SATCOM, or WGS, is the successor to the Defense Satellite Communications System and will offer 12 times the currently available bandwidth per satellite.

Airmen with 50th OSS began developing products for WGS in 2004. The training is based on 50th OSS' task-based training and evaluation system, or TBT&E, which identifies operational tasks that require proficiency, trains Airmen on these tasks and evaluates their performance once they've been trained.

Capts. Rod Lambert and Danny Matous of 50th OSS instructed the first course. Airmen spent approximately two months training on the new system. The classes covered WGS subsystems such as electrical power, attitude control and propulsion, as well as operational tasks needed to command the vehicle from the operations floor, Captain Lambert said. The WGS training will be offered four or five times per year.

Staff Sgt. Mark Brady was one of the five students from 3rd SOPS who attended the first class. He also was in one of the first classes taught after 50th OSS adopted the TBT&E process.

"It's gone through a lot of changes since its inception," he said. "The system was brand-new when I first went through it. The way they go about training is completely different now."

The WGS satellites will be easier to command because both the satellites and the ground control system are smarter than their DSCS predecessors, Sergeant Brady said.

"WGS is a much more advanced system than DSCS," he explained. "It can identify a problem and route around it automatically -- it doesn't always need operators to tell it how to fix itself. Plus, the method of commanding is different. We have task-based commands now: instead of having to type in commands manually, the commands are predefined."

Predefined commands reduce some of the risk inherent in satellite operations, which means fewer satellite operators can do the same job in less time.

"It makes operations safer because it takes out much of the possibility for human error," Sergeant Brady said. "With DSCS, we have to have two people verify each command, but with WGS, the commands are already verified. We already know they're going to work."

Tech. Sgts. Teoifolis Williams and Shannon Stromberg and Staff Sgts. Rande Johnson and Lamar Boyd were other students in the class. They were selected because their expertise would help 50th OSS further develop the training for the next class.

"The students of the first class were experts themselves," Captain Lambert said.

Sergeant Brady explained that instaructors were open to suggestions in order to improve training.

Captain Lambert said his favorite part of the class is the classroom instruction and training on simulators. He plans to fly down to watch WGS launch from Cape Canaveral, Fla., but he will be back in his instructor role when the next class begins Oct. 15.

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WGS Mission
The Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) satellites are the key elements of a high-capacity system that will provide a quantum leap in communications capabilities for the warfighter.

WGS will support the DoD's warfighting information exchange requirements, enabling execution of tactical command and control, communications, and computers; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR); battle management; and combat support information. WGS will also augment the current Ka-band Global Broadcast Service (on UHF F/O satellites) by providing additional information broadcast capabilities.

Each WGS can route 2.1 to 3.6 Gbps of data -- providing more than 10 times the communications capacity of the predecessor DSCS III satellite. Using reconfigurable antennas and a digital channelizer, WGS also offers added flexibility to tailor coverage areas and to connect X-band and Ka-band users anywhere within the satellite field of view. The system provides tremendous operational flexibility and delivers the needed capacity, coverage, connectivity and control in support of demanding operational scenarios.

Boeing was awarded the WGS initial contract in January 2001 for the first three satellites plus the associated ground-based command and control elements. Integrated logistics, training, and sustaining engineering support are also provided by Boeing. The procuring agency is the U.S. Air Force Space Command's MILSATCOM Systems Wing at Los Angeles AFB, California.

The WGS space segment will initially consist of three geostationary satellites operating over Pacific, Indian and Atlantic regions. Under a Block II contract, a fourth and fifth satellite are being procured to meet the warfighter's evolving SATCOM bandwidth requirements. The Block II satellites will be similar to the three Block I satellites already in production and will add a radio frequency bypass capability designed to support airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms requiring ultra-high bandwidth and data rates demanded by unmanned aerial vehicles.

The first Wideband Global SATCOM satellite is scheduled for launch in Mid 2007 aboard an Atlas V Launch Vehicle. WGS will provide transformational capabilities supporting government objectives for the Transformational Communications Architecture in the next decade and beyond.

Boeing was awarded the WGS initial contract in January 2001 for the first three satellites plus the associated ground-based command and control elements. Integrated logistics, training, and sustaining engineering support are also provided by Boeing. In 2006, Boeing was authorized to produce two additional WGS satellites. The procuring agency is the U.S. Air Force Space Command's MILSATCOM Systems Wing at Los Angeles AFB, California.

With an initial launch scheduled in 2007, WGS will provide transformational capabilities supporting government objectives for the Transformational Communications Architecture in the next decade and beyond.

Capacity:
WGS supports communications links within the Government's allocated 500 MHz of X-band and 1 GHz of Ka-band spectrum. The WGS payload can filter and route 4.875 GHz of instantaneous bandwidth. Depending on the mix of ground terminals, data rates and modulation schemes employed, each satellite can support data transmission rates ranging from 2.1 Gbps to more than 3.6 Gbps. By comparison, a DSCS III satellite will support up to 0.25 Gbps.

Coverage:
The WGS design includes 19 independent coverage areas that can be positioned throughout the field of view of each satellite. This includes eight steerable and shapeable X-band beams formed by separate transmit and receive phased arrays; 10 Ka-band beams served by independently steerable, diplexed antennas, including three with selectable RF polarization; and transmit/receive X-band Earth coverage beams.

Connectivity:
The enhanced connectivity capabilities of WGS enable any user to communicate with any other user with very efficient use of satellite bandwidth. A digital channelizer divides the uplink bandwidth into nearly 1,900 independently routable 2.6 MHz subchannels, providing connectivity from any uplink coverage area to any downlink coverage area (including the ability to cross-band between X and Ka frequencies). In addition, the channelizer supports multicast and broadcast services and provides an effective and flexible uplink spectrum monitoring capability to support network control.

The figure below shows how the X-band and Ka-band antenna suites are interconnected via the digital channelizer to provide the unique flexibility and connectivity of WGS.

Command and Control: Control of the WGS communications payloads is accomplished from four Army Wideband Satellite Operations Centers (WSOCs), using ground equipment hardware and software developed by Boeing, ITT Industries, and Raytheon Corp. Each Global Satellite Configuration and Control Element (GSCCE) has the capability to control up to three satellites at a time, via "in-band" (X-band or Ka-band) telemetry and command links. Spacecraft platform control is accomplished by the 3rd Space Operations Squadron (3 SOPS) at Schriever AFB in Colorado Springs, using WGS mission unique software and databases provided by Boeing, hosted on the Command and Control Segment Consolidated (CCS-C) systems that are being fielded by Integral Systems, Inc. The satellite is designed for compatibility with the current S-band SGLS TT&C capability, as well as the planned Unified S-band (USB) formats and frequencies.

Boeing 702 Platform :
The Boeing 702 satellite is the industry leader in capacity, performance and cost-efficiency. Enabling technologies for the advanced 702 design are the xenon-ion propulsion system (XIPS), highly efficient triple-junction gallium arsenide solar cells, and deployable radiators with flexible heat pipes.

XIPS is 10 times more efficient than conventional bipropellant systems. Four 25-cm thrusters remove orbit eccentricity during transfer orbit operations and are used for orbit maintenance and to perform station change maneuvers as required throughout the mission life. Deployable radiators with flexible heat pipes provide substantially more radiator area, resulting in a cooler, more stable thermal environment for both bus and payload. This increases component reliability and reduces performance variations over life.

380-400 MHz Aero ATC Frequencies

On one of the forums on RadioRef there seems to be some confusion recently regarding the frequency usage in this new subband. Contrary to a couple of reports this band is "not" now or will it be in the immediate future totally LMR.

As I have previously reported in my Monitoring Times Milcom column this new subband will be a mix of aero; wideband signals; and simplex, repeater, and trunk radio systems.

As I pointed out on that RadioRef forum I have identified 39 frequencies that will remain FAA/DoD Air Traffic Control assignments. These frequencies are as follows:

380.0000 380.0250 380.0500 380.1000 380.1500 380.2000 380.2250 380.2500 380.3000 380.3500 380.6000 381.4000 381.4500 381.5000 381.5500 381.6000 381.6500 382.0000 384.4000 385.4000 385.4250 385.4500 385.5000 385.5500 385.6000 385.6500 387.0000 387.0250 387.0500 387.0750 387.1000 387.1500 388.2000 390.8000 391.9000 392.0000 392.1000 397.8500 397.8750 397.9000 MHz (AM mode)

You want more goodies including frequency assignments in this new subband you will need a Monitoring Times subscription. That is what pays my bills and put food on ye ole table. ;-))

Nassau SG Completes Deck Landing Qualifications During ESGINT

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Cory Rose, Nassau Strike Group Public Affairs Office
Navy helicopter squadron detachments of the Nassau Strike Group (NASSG) and members of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24 MEU) Air Combat Element (ACE) recently completed deck landing qualifications (DLQs) during the strike group’s Expeditionary Strike Group Integrated exercise (ESGINT).

Navy pilots from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 46, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28, and Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier pilots successfully and safely completed DLQ’s as the strike group readies to deploy early next year.

DLQ’s are conducted to allow both pilots and the shipboard flight deck crews to earn certifications necessary for deployment. This is the second round of qualifications for pilots assigned to the strike group, the first conducted during the NASSG’s Tactical Commander’s Amphibious Training underway period last August.

“Doing this type of training is extremely important to the readiness strike group,” explained Cmdr. Jeff Jatczak, officer in charge of Tactical Air Control Squadron 21 Det. 2, who oversees all flight operations for the strike group. “Once we deploy, we need to be able to get the aircraft out to the ships, and they’ve got to be able to operate off of them, in many different environments, both day and night. This is very important to our expeditionary and stealth capabilities for going ashore.”

While the requirement may be a routine for strike groups as they prepare for deployment, the experience was a first for some of the pilots involved.

“This is the first time, other than initial flight training that we have landed on a Navy ship,” said Marine Corps Capt. Buck Sessoms, the ACE’s senior ‘Huey’ pilot and Weapons Tactics Instructor (WTI) for the ACE’s Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 365. “During initial flight training in Pensacola, we landed on a ship during controlled, daytime conditions, but it was very benign. Here, we are expected to be qualified during daytime and nighttime conditions and it’s quite a bit different.”

“They are coming out here to a totally different environment,” explained Jatczak. “Different things happen in terms of winds, sea states, deck movement, and the lighting of things all around the ship. All of these things play much differently than from a stationary air field.”

According to Jatczak, pilots go through hours of classroom training at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., and Camp Lejeune, N.C., to give them a better idea of the procedures and conditions they will face prior to coming to the strike group ships. Pilots will then come to the ships to familiarize themselves with their new environment and then attempt the qualifications under the mentoring eyes of Marine WTI’s and the ship’s Air Department crew members.

During the DLQ’s, pilots conduct what are commonly referred to as ‘touch and go’s’ where an aircraft takes-off from one location, touches down at another for a short period of time and then returns to its original departure point. Pilots will continue this process until instructors feel they are comfortable with the necessary procedures for landing and departing safely. Even after the DLQ’s are earned, pilots undergo further mission essential training to ensure pilots are mission-ready.

While DLQ’s test and certify the abilities of the pilots, it also affords the ship’s Air Department opportunities to familiarize and certify themselves for flight deck operations. Crews must also be tested and certified in the same way the pilots must be certified for deployment. Because personnel transfer on and off ships so often, and with the strike group deploying with a different MEU each time, familiarization and integration between the flight deck crews and the pilots is crucial for success.

“At the same time that the Marines are getting ready for the deployment and getting comfortable with the flight deck, the Air Department is getting ramped up and ready to go,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jeremy Vaughan, assistant air officer aboard USS Nassau (LHA-4). “Only about a third of us were on the last cruise, so this is an opportunity for our Aviation Boatswain’s Mate handlers to get qualified as well. We will have the senior guys out there first, they will land the aircraft and then we’ll bring in the junior guys to get them qualified with the different types of aircraft aboard.”

“It’s been great, obviously [flight deck crews] are going through training just like we are,” said Sessoms. “You’ll see times when they are being corrected by instructors on the deck just like we are being corrected in the aircraft. I think it’s understood that everyone needs training and everyone needs practice for proficiency and that’s exactly what we’re getting.”

ESGINT is the second of three pre-deployment exercises designed to test the fundamental capabilities and shipboard interoperability between the NASSG and the 24 MEU out of Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Currently preparing for its regularly scheduled 2008 deployment, the NASSG is made up of more than 5,000 Sailors and Marines, and projects sea power ashore by maintaining the capability of landing amphibious forces by helicopters, amphibious track vehicles, air cushion landing craft, and assault craft whenever and wherever the need arises.

Riverine Squadron 2 Deploys

Sailors brace themselves as they roll through a high speed J-turn at the waterborne range at Fort Pickett, Va.

The Navy’s Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 2 departed Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek for its first deployment Oct. 2.

The squadron's primary mission is to conduct Maritime Security Operations (MSO) along rivers and other inland waterways, to deny the use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack, as a haven for insurgent activities or the illegal transportation of weapons, people or material.

RIVRON 2 is the second riverine squadron deployed since the U.S. Navy assumed responsibility for riverine operations from the U.S. Marine Corps in December 2006.

The main body of RIVRON 1 will return after completing turn over with RIVRON 2.

According to Capt. Michael Jordan, commander, Riverine Group 1, he has every confidence that RIVRON 2 is fully trained and ready for mission.

"All the feedback we had from Squadron 1 tells me we were right on target with our initial training pipeline. No one said 'we could have used more training in this or that. The only adjustments we're making for Squadron 2 is with a couple equipment items," said Jordan. "When you consider that we started from zero in May 2006, these Sailors have done an outstanding job."

RIVRON 2, commanded by Cmdr. Glenn Leverette, will relieve RIVRON 1 to conduct MSO in Iraq.

Leap Frogs Do Texas Football Their Way!

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Josh Treadwell, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
A member of the U.S. Navy Parachute Demonstration Team, the Leap Frogs, jumps into the Cotton Bowl as part of Dallas Navy Week. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Josh Treadwell)

The U.S. Navy Parachute Team, the Leap Frogs, jumped into Plano High School’s Clark Stadium, Sept. 28, to deliver the game football and game coin, marking the beginning of Dallas Navy Week.

The sold-out crowd for the annual rivalry between Plano High School and Allen High School greeted the Leap Frogs as they floated into the stadium with raucous cheers.

That evening, the Leap Frogs jumped into to the Cotton Bowl for the annual State Fair Classic between, Prairie View A&M and Grambling State, performing their precision freefall and parachute jumps in support of Navy-wide retention, recruiting and community relations programs.

"We travel around the [United States] to help keep the public aware of the Navy," said Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Robert Fienberg. "Our main focus is to show public awareness and aid in the recruitment of Navy Special Warfare."

The performance was sponsored by Navy Recruiting District Dallas and the Navy Office of Community Outreach to generate awareness of Special Warfare Operations and identify those who may want to be a SEAL or other special warfare operator.

The U.S. Navy Parachute Team is a 15-man team comprised entirely of U.S. Navy SEAL and Special Warfare Combatant Craft Crewman (SWCC) personnel. Each member comes to the team for a three-year tour from one of the two Naval Special Warfare groups located on the East and West coasts. Upon completion of the tour, members return to operational units.

This performance was held in conjunction with Dallas Navy Week, Sept. 28-Oct. 7. Dallas Navy Week is planned and coordinated by Navy Recruiting District Dallas and Navy Office of Community Outreach to increase Navy awareness and strengthen the rich and diverse relationship between the Dallas community and the Navy. During Navy Week, Sailors will reach out to the local community visiting veterans, children’s hospitals, local schools and conducting various community service projects.

Dallas Navy Week is one of 26 Navy Weeks planned across America in 2007. Navy weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and provide heartland communities opportunities to meet Sailors first hand, and learn about the latest capabilities and opportunities in the U.S. Navy.

Blue Angels Ban Grounded Again

Courtesy of Gayle Van Horn; Dan and the Milcom gang; and Military.com

Article By Kelly Johnson on Military.com - September 27, 2007

San Francisco's Supervisor Chris Daly is zero-for-three in his battle to spoil San Francisco's Fleet Week. Daly's latest resolution to ban the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels from performing at Fleet Week was rejected by the city's officials for the third time on Sept. 25, reports the San Jose Mercury News.

Daly's first attempt at stopping the Blues was rejected in August when the city's Government Audit and Oversight Committee tabled his measure in a 2-1 vote.

In his second effort, Daly amended his resolution to ban the Navy jets from flying over heavily populated areas of San Francisco. Daly told the committee that a plane crash would result in a significant loss of life and damage to property. The committee disagreed and subsequently rejected the measure in early September.

Daly's most recent plea restated his safety concerns about the demonstration team and included pictures of the Blue Angels crash in Beaufort, S.C. last summer where one of the team's pilots was killed and eight people on the ground were injured.

Daly asked the committee, "What would happen if this happened over a heavily populated area like San Francisco?"

Nathan Ballard, spokesman for Mayor Gavin Newsom, is among several of the city's officials that support the Blue Angels participation in Fleet Week and told the San Francisco Chronicle, "We think the FAA is better qualified to decide the Blue Angels' flight path than Chris Daly is . Chris Daly is many things, but he's no air traffic controller."

The Beaufort, S.C. incident was the first crash for the Blue Angels in eight years. The team has had 26 fatalities over the last 60 years.

Blue Angels supporters say passage of this measure would be an insult to servicemembers and veterans and another black mark against the Bay Area - a region increasingly viewed by many Americans as woefully naïve in its bias toward liberal causes. For his part, Mayor Newsom and other city council members want to keep Fleet Week (and the Blue Angels) in San Francisco because of the positive economic impact it has on the city and to show support for our nation's servicemembers.

Fleet Week is scheduled for this week of October 4-9.

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I normally don't like to editorialize here on the Milcom blog, but on this I can't resist (and it is my blog).

The whole Bay area has turned into a haven for the stuck in the 60s hippies and anti-military crowd and their true colors are showing.

And how did I get there? We have our military returning from combat mistreated at the Oakland International Airport (not once but twice), the Marines not allowed to film their recruitment commercial in the streets of SF, and now this with Fleet Week and the Blues.

It is time for DoD to pull completely out of this cesspool and waste of human skin known as the Bay area. I don't want one single dollar of my taxpayer money being spent by DoD in the Bay area.

Time for no more Fleet Weeks or flights through the Oakland International Airport for our military. I am sure we can find a more accommodating airport for our soldiers to refuel at. Are you folks at DoD listening, no more flights through Oakland. You need to learn from your mistakes.

New Maneuver-Enhancement Unit Activates at Fort Polk

By Jean Dubiel, Fort Polk Guardian editor

Fort Polk made history yesterday with the activation of the 1st Combat Support Brigade (Maneuver Enhancement) - a new and unique Army unit.

The 1st CSB is the first unit of its kind in the active-duty Army. The Army Reserve recently activated similar units in Missouri, New Mexico and North Carolina.

"The Army has recognized that we need a staff that is developed and organized to accomplish multifunctional operations in an integrated way. That's what the 1st Combat Support Brigade represents," said Maj. Gen. William H. McCoy, commanding general of the U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center and commandant of the U.S. Army Engineer School at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. "It is the first of our active units to activate over the course of the next several years."

The 1st CSB is a self-sustaining command and control center capable of holding ground and unifying terrain and air-space management. These tasks - along with force and route protection, infrastructure development and rear-area operations - support deployed combat teams in theater, negating the need to deploy separate, larger units to perform these functions.

As the 1st CSB activated along with its two companies, so did the 88th Brigade Support Battalion and its three companies. Under the umbrella of 1st CSB and with the support of the new battalion and companies, other subordinate units can be attached as needed, such as explosive ordnance disposal, military police, engineers and air defense.

"The hallmark of this unit is its multifunctional capabilities that make it a highly-valued organization in both the active and Reserve components," said Maj. Gen. McCoy. "The combat support brigade is a mission-tailored force that conducts support area and maneuver-support operations and consequence management to ensure the mobility, freedom of action and protection of the forces they support."

The Army is expected to activate 23 CSBs by 2012 - four active-duty, 16 in the National Guard and three in the Reserve, according to Maj. Gen. McCoy.

"The flexibility and adaptability of this unit is representative of the characteristics and qualities of the Soldiers that make up the core competencies of the unit itself," said Maj. Gen. McCoy. "This unit will always be at the heart of critically important missions that defend our nation. (This activation) is a significant milestone ... opening a new chapter in the Army's history of transforming to meet the operational requirements necessary to defend our nation."

San Diego-Based Ships Return Home From Deployment

The four San Diego-based ships of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG) returned to San Diego Sept. 30 following a six-month Western Pacific and Middle East deployment.

The guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59) and the guided-missile destroyers USS Pinckney (DDG 91), USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) and USS Higgins (DDG 76) departed San Diego April 2 and deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet (C5F) and U.S 7th Fleet areas of operations.

Higgins and Princeton arrived in C5F May 8 to support Maritime Security Operations (MSO) with coalition partners. MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations. These operations seek to disrupt violent extremists’ use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

Higgins played a critical role conducting MSO in the Persian Gulf. Higgins’ visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) teams conducted Interaction Patrols (IPATS) in which they distributed information on coalition aims and objectives to three Iraqi dhows.

The teams also conducted security sweeps on board three Iraqi tugs and four super-tankers, thereby safeguarding the merchants in the region by deterring piracy and smuggling. Most notably, Higgins was the only ship in the Nimitz CSG to conduct a boarding of a tanker suspected of oil smuggling. After a thorough six-hour boarding, the VBSS team was able to clear the tanker, ensuring the safety and freedom of the high seas to merchants and traders in the area.

“We complemented the security efforts of our friends and allies in the region as they join us in maritime operations. With time, they will have the capability and capacity to protect the free flow of commerce and fishing activity in the region,” said Cmdr. Winton Smith, Higgins’ commanding officer.

Princeton served as the Air Defense Commander for Nimitz throughout the carrier’s time in the Persian Gulf. As the carrier’s “shotgun,” Princeton provided close-in air defense, airspace awareness, and, if needed, acted as a ready platform for search and rescue.

While operating in some of the busiest waters in the world, Pinckney participated in Cooperation Afloat Readiness Training (CARAT) exercise with the Republic of Singapore Navy and three other U.S Navy ships. The bilateral force conducted air defense, anti-surface warfare, anti-subsurface warfare, and VBSS operations in the compressed waterspace of the South China Sea, validating current tactics, techniques and procedures and identifying areas for further development.

All four ships rejoined the Nimitz CSG Aug. 7-14 to participate in Exercise Valiant Shield 2007. Valiant Shield was a multi-dimensional joint exercise off the coast of Guam with U.S forces including the John C. Stennis and Kitty Hawk CSGs, more than 25 Navy ships, as well as numerous sub-surface, and U.S Navy and U.S Air Force aircraft.

In addition, John Paul Jones, Higgins, Princeton and Pinckney, along with the rest of the Nimitz CSG, joined the Kitty Hawk CSG and India’s aircraft carrier INS Viraat (R 22) to participate in the multilateral Exercise Malabar 07-2. This annual exercise included ships from India, Australia, Japan and Singapore in the Bay of Bengal to advance mutual maritime understanding and interoperability.

John Paul Jones, Higgins, Princeton and Pinckney accomplished every assigned mission, contributing directly to Operations Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom and working with regional navies to establish a more secure environment conducive to maritime trade.

“I am very proud of the crew,” said Smith. “They overcame every challenge, performing to the best of their ability with pride, professionalism, and enthusiasm. They are America’s best -- incredibly talented and devoted to serving their country and making the world a more stable and secure environment. We have mission accomplished and returned home safely. The crew’s stellar performance has most certainly earned a relaxing leave period with friends and family.”

John Paul Jones, Higgins, Princeton and Pinckney are part of the Nimitz CSG, commanded by Rear Adm. John Terence Blake.

Nimitz CSG is comprised of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) with embarked commander, Carrier Strike Group 11, embarked Carrier Air Wing 11 and embarked Destroyer Squadron 23. Additionally, the Nimitz CSG includes the Pearl Harbor-based guided-missile destroyer USS Chafee (DDG 90); Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 49 “Scorpions,” and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit 11, Det 3.

Is 226.4 MHz still active in your area? - Update

Do we have any readers in the Lansing MI or Evansville IN areas that can give 226.4 MHz a listen and see if it is still in use?

Based on some new information we have it looks like this frequency is being cleaned out of its FAA assignments. The latest to move is the Akron-Canton OH Regional A/D moved to 371.875 MHz. I know both Lansing and Evansville are listed in the latest IFR Sup but changes to that pub can sometimes be slow. At any rate expect 226.4 MHz to go dark at those two locations (if it hasn't already) very soon.

Feel free to contact me at my email address above.

Update: Joe Cobb over at BNA has confirmed that 226.4 MHz is being used by the Approach/Departure controllers in the Evansville, Indiana area. Now do we have anyone in the Lansing Michigan area that can confirm if this freq is still being used in that area?

Nimitz Returns to San Diego Following Successful Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Dustin Q. Diaz, USS Nimitz Public Affairs

The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) returned to its homeport of San Diego Sept. 30, following a successful six-month deployment to promote peace, regional cooperation and stability in the Western Pacific and Middle East.

After departing San Diego April 2, Nimitz steamed directly to the U.S. 5th Fleet (C5F) area of operations to relieve USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) and join USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). While deployed, the ship participated in joint and multilateral operations and exercises and the crew served as American ambassadors during several port calls.

Nimitz arrived in C5F May 8 and the squadrons of embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 began flying operations in support of ground troops participating in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. In two stints in the Gulf, CVW-11 flew 8,240 hours in direct support of both missions.

“This aircraft carrier has saved hundreds of British, American, Iraqi and Afghani lives,” said Army Sgt. 1st Class Richard Elias. “I could confidently say that every time [jets] fly overhead, it makes an insurgent think twice about committing an act against coalition forces, be it in Iraq or Afghanistan.”

In addition, Nimitz made history as the first American aircraft carrier to make a port visit to India. The carrier joined the guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG 91) for a port visit to Chennai, July 2-5, where senior leadership met with Indian military and government officials.

Sailors and Marines also had an opportunity to meet with locals while exploring the city on liberty and volunteering for community relations projects.

“We had 120 volunteers helping clean up the Vishranti Home for the Aged,” said Chief Religious Programs Specialist (SW) Oliver Andrews from Nimitz’ Religious Ministries Department. “I think that the crew’s interaction with the people was a positive step in setting up future relations with India.”

In all, 659 crew members from Nimitz and Pinckney donated over 3,900 hours of their time and labor to take part in 11 community relations projects in India.

After departing the Gulf, Nimitz joined the Stennis and Kitty Hawk Carrier Strike Groups, Aug. 7-14, for Exercise Valiant Shield 2007. More than 25 Navy ships joined units from the Army, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Air Force off the coast of Guam for the weeklong exercise. CVW-11, one of three air wings participating in the exercise, flew 677 sorties and 1,450 flight hours for the exercise, including maritime interdiction, defensive counter-air and tanking missions.

Throughout the deployment, Nimitz’ Sailors strived to maintain the ship’s material condition and kept a 95 percent PMS success rate. They managed to match that grade in a ship-wide 3M Inspection Aug. 24-25 and earned the best score ever by an aircraft carrier in the program’s history, according to 3M inspectors.

“People really pay attention to detail around here and want to do their maintenance the right way,” said Senior Chief Damage Controlman (SW/AW) Abraham Bryan, 3M coordinator for Nimitz. “That explains the excellent material condition of the ship, despite it being more than 30 years old. We’re definitely battle-ready.”

Nimitz returned to the waters off the coast of India Sept. 4 to join the Kitty Hawk CSG and India’s aircraft carrier, INS Viraat (R 22), for the multilateral Exercise Malabar 07-2. An annual exercise between the navies of the United States and India, this iteration of the exercise was expanded to also include the navies of Japan, Australia and Singapore.

“The idea is to promote communication,” said Commander, Carrier Strike Group 11, Rear Adm. Terry Blake, during a visit to Viraat Sept. 4. “This is the most complex series of events we’ve done to date.”

During the exercise, Sailors from Nimitz cross-decked to Viraat and Indian Sailors visited Nimitz. The exercise included aviation, anti-submarine and multi-carrier operations and featuring more than 28 ships, 150 aircraft and 20,000 service members from five nations.

“In a sense, it is another day at sea with friends,” said Indian Navy Rear Adm. Robin Dhowan, commander in chief, Indian Eastern Fleet. “It is another way of exercising. We feel at home with other navies and are happy to strengthen our friendships with them.”

Aside from Chennai, Nimitz also made liberty port calls to Singapore, Hong Kong and the Middle East, where crew members not only enjoyed exploring the sites and culture of the foreign countries, but also contributed their time and hard work participating in community relations projects.

In all, more than 300 Sailors and Marines volunteered more than 1,250 man-hours performing eight community relations projects in Hong Kong Kong and Singapore.

Nimitz Commanding Officer Capt. Michael Manazir noted he is proud of the crew’s performance while serving as American ambassadors abroad.

“I believe in trusting them to stick to the core values,” Manazir said, “and I was so impressed with their performance as ambassadors. Every port call we make has strategic implications, and some are more fun than others, but wherever we went, I saw nothing but positive during our port visits.”

Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class (AW) Chaces Guevarra, who made her first deployment with Nimitz this summer, said she was impressed by the different places she visited.

“Hitting port made me realize that were not just traveling the world, we’re accomplishing important missions and serving our country. Knowing this is a really good feeling to have,” said Guevarra.

Nimitz began the home stretch of cruise with a port call to Hawaii Sept. 22-24. When they departed Hawaii, over 1,300 friends and family members joined the crew for the final voyage home. The ship put on a full slate of activities for the guests, including tours, a steel beach picnic and a movie premiere, but also displayed many of the ship’s regular evolutions, such as flight operations, a gun shoot and replenishment at sea, so they could witness firsthand what their Sailors do at sea.

“Tiger Cruise is great for many reasons,” said Lt. Cmdr. Michael Salka, Tiger Cruise coordinator for Nimitz. “It lets the public see where their tax dollars are going and the families get to appreciate and see up close what we do on a daily basis. It fosters the ties between the crew and family members. And it’s definitely a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience for them to come out with the ship and look out at the middle of the ocean when there’s absolutely nothing around.”

Manazir said he is ecstatic with the crew’s performance during this, his tenth deployment and first in command of an aircraft carrier.

“As a team, I think everything the Nimitz crew touched turned to gold,” said Manazir. “Our goal is to be combat-ready upon arrival in the 5th Fleet and we were. Operationally, I believe we set and continue to set the standard for other carriers to follow. We have a metric that we set and an expectation of each other, and I think we’re going to build on that. I expect great things from our next deployment.”

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

Nimitz is the flagship for Commander, Carrier Strike Group 11. Commanded by Rear Adm. Terry Blake, Nimitz CSG also includes embarked Destroyer Squadron 23 with guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59), guided-missile destroyers USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53), USS Higgins (DDG 76), USS Chafee (DDG 90) and USS Pinckney (DDG 91) as well as the “Scorpions” of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 49, “Easy Riders” of HSL-37 and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11, Det. 3.

USS Chosin, USS Chung-Hoon Return From Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paul D. Honnick, Fleet Public Affairs Center Det. Hawaii
USS Chung-Hoon DDG-93

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- The guided-missile cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65) and guided- missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) returned to Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Sept. 28, from a five-and-a-half month deployment to the Western Pacific.

The ships and their crew totaling 640 Sailors deployed April 16 as part of the USS Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group and conducted maritime operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet and 7th Fleet area of operations.

The commanding officers of both ships commented on the outstanding performance of their crews during the deployment.

“It feels great to be back,” said Capt. Steven A. Lott, Chosin’s commanding officer. "Our troops did fantastic and our Sailors did fantastic while we were deployed. We did lots of great work in support of theater security cooperation, made some great new friends in Malaysia, India, the Philippines and Hong Kong, and we played a really important role in supporting the war on terrorism.”

“The deployment was outstanding," said Cmdr. James Aiken, Chung-Hoon’s commanding officer. “We had 300 sea warriors on board that went above and beyond their jobs while doing a lot of interesting things from sea operations to operations in the Northern Arabian Gulf.”

The Arabian Gulf is a body of water more commonly known as the Persian Gulf.

In addition to providing maritime security, the ships also participated in humanitarian assistance missions in the Philippines.

“We had 120 Sailors participate in helping the needy in the Philippines by building houses and building community relations, which was a major impact not only for the people, but for the Sailors,” said Aiken.

This deployment was a learning experience for many of the ships’ junior Sailors, some of whom have never been on deployment.

“This deployment was my first one and I had the chance to see what it was like to work aboard a ship and to do my job,” said Fire Controlman 3rd Class Ethan Thomas, assigned to Chung-Hoon. “The deployment was long and some days were very hard and demanding, but overall I learned a lot, made good friends and went to places I never thought I would ever go.”

The Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group consists of Amphibious Squadron 7, Bonhomme Richard, Chosin, Chung-Hoon, USS Denver (LPD 9), USS Rushmore (LSD 47), USS Milius (DDG 69), and 2,200 combat ready Marines of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
USS Chosin CG-65

For Nassau SG - Rapid Planning Leads to Rapid Execution

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Ryan Steinhour, Nassau Strike Group Public Affairs


NORFOLK (NNS) -- Nassau Strike Group (NASSG) tested its Rapid Response Planning Process (R2P2) during Exercise Expeditionary Strike Group Integration (ESGINT), allowing for a means of planning for receiving, and ultimately executing orders from higher authorities quickly and efficiently.

ESGINT, which began Sept. 24, is the second of three pre-deployment exercises designed to test the fundamental capabilities and shipboard interoperability between the strike group vessels and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24 MEU) out of Camp Lejune, N.C.

The entire Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) concept is centered on the proven flexibility and combat power of a combined amphibious readiness group and a Marine Expeditionary Unit.

NASSG combines the amphibious capabilities of three amphibious ships; the strike, anti-air, anti-surface and anti-subsurface capabilities of a cruiser, two destroyers, and an attack submarine; and the vertical capabilities of two helicopter squadron detachments.

These capabilities give the combatant commander a wider variety of options and enables sustained independent operations in more dynamic and asymmetric environments.

NASSG’s ability to receive orders, process those orders and act quickly is crucial.

“It is fundamentally important to the strike group, to be able to accurately and effectively execute R2P2,” said Lt. David Pedersen, NASSG future plans officer. “It is important for us to be able to rapidly take orders, develop a plan that is executable, effective, safe and then execute it.”

Along with the ships and Sailors in the NASSG, the main mission of the amphibious ships is to get the Marines of the 24 MEU to their intended destinations worldwide in order to carry out the needs of a combatant commander and to execute the overall strike group mission of promoting stability and security around the world.

Taking into account that any commander’s most valuable assets are the Sailors and Marines under his or her charge, it is important to have a solid plan before taking action.

“The ship’s support of Marines in their crisis response planning is an integral part of the overall ESG capabilities and purpose,” said Lt. Cmdr. John Bandy, NASSG information warfare chief. “The purpose is to respond to any crisis around the world, whether those are military, humanitarian or diplomatic.”

“As an Expeditionary Strike Group [transporting and inserting Marines] is one of our missions,” said Pedersen. “It is what we do. We take Marines to the fight, and get them in the fight.”

NASSG Sailors involved in the R2P2 process undergo hours of classroom training from Expeditionary Warfare Training Groups (EWTG) to familiarize them with the process.

These training evolutions are followed by a joint planning exercise to help the branches better work together and then practical, real-world scenarios, such as those being tested during ESGINT.

In these scenarios, Sailors have had opportunities to work alongside their Marine counterparts and go through the planning process to ensure that everyone involved is working together and integrating plans, tactics and procedures.

EWTG is focused on training in the doctrine, tactics, and techniques of naval expeditionary warfare, with a spotlight on amphibious operations.

ESGINT is the second of three pre-deployment exercises designed to test the fundamental capabilities and shipboard interoperability between the strike group vessels and the 24 MEU.

Six of the seven ships assigned to the NASSG include USS Nassau (LHA 4), USS Nashville (LPD 13), USS Ross (DDG 71), USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) and USS Albany (SSN 753).

Currently preparing for its regularly scheduled 2008 deployment, NASSG is made up of more than 5,000 Sailors and Marines, and projects sea power ashore by maintaining the capability of landing amphibious forces by helicopters, amphibious track vehicles, air cushion landing craft, and assault craft whenever and wherever the need arises.

Training Air Wing 2 Resumes Flight Operations

By Lt. Sean Robertson, Chief of Naval Air Training Public Affairs

Training Air Wing 2 is expected to resume flight operations Oct. 2, a day after a T-45 Goshawk crashed about two miles north of the Naval Air Station (NAS) Kingsville on land owned by the King Ranch.

The crash was the second incident within a week for the Training Air Wing and Training Squadron (VT) 21. A flight instructor and student aviator safely ejected prior to the crash. Both were treated for minor injuries and released, Oct. 1.

Training Air Wing 2, including VT-21 and VT-22, conducted a safety stand down Oct. 2 to review standard operating procedures and Operational Risk Management measures. After the stand down was completed, the Training Air Wing resumed its flight training schedule.

“We took a pause for safety this morning to talk with our instructor pilots and flight students,” said Capt. Bill Davis, Training Air Wing 2 commander. “We always stop and review our procedures when something like this happens. We look at every aspect of our flight training and ensure that we are doing things the right way before we resume flying.”

All flight operations at NAS Kingsville were suspended Oct. 1 during the recovery efforts. Davis said he does not foresee any interruption to the Wing’s training schedule.

“I have full confidence in the T-45 aircraft and both of our training squadrons,” Davis said. “We flew almost 35,000 flight hours last year and historically, we have a very good safety record. At this time, the two incidents do not appear to be related other than the fact that they happened a few days apart.”

An investigation into the cause of both crashes is underway. Mishap investigation teams - including personnel from the Navy Safety Center and Training Air 2 - are on site conducting the investigations.

The crash site is only about a mile-and-a-half from NAS Kingsville, but located on an area of King Ranch that presents difficulties for investigators trying to access the site.

NAS Kingsville security personnel were able to make it to the crash site Oct. 1 by using ATVs with assistance from King Ranch personnel, but still had to make their way through heavily mudded areas in order to get to the aircraft.

The Navy is reviewing options on how to recover the aircraft from the scene. Meanwhile, the recovery of the aircraft from the Sept. 27 crash of a T-45 Goshawk attached to Training Squadron 21 should be concluded Oct. 10.

USS Doyle Joins Ghanaian, South African Navies for Exercise

USS Doyle (FFG 39), four Ghanaian patrol crafts and the newly commissioned South African frigate SAS Mendi (F 148) are participating in a visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) and maritime interdiction operation exercise off the coast of Takoradi, Ghana during the week of Oct. 1.

Doyle is deployed to the region to help strengthen regional partnerships and improve maritime security and safety in West and Central Africa.

Prior to getting underway, each ship exchanged officers and crew members with the other ships involved. Doyle embarked 20 Ghanaian and South African personnel and provided 10 riders among the ships in the flotilla.

The overall exercise included scenarios of divisional tactics, small boat operations, rescue and assistance (R&A), and was highlighted by a VBSS team exercise.

“The VBSS exercise in particular provided the Ghanaian participants a real-time opportunity to display their level of proficiency they had previously practiced in port and underway with Doyle crew members," said Capt. John Nowell, commodore, Destroyer Squadron 60. “They performed extremely well.”

During the R&A exercise portion, Doyle acted as the vessel in distress while both Doyle and Mendi’s rigid hull inflatable boats were used to transport personnel to Doyle for R&A familiarization.

“The R&A provided useful knowledge to the South African navy as they are in the process of establishing procedures for their repair locker teams while the Ghanaian sailors were able to apply skills they had learned while working with Doyle during an in port engagement,” said Nowell.

The exercise demonstrated the increased capacity of the Ghanaian sailors involved and integrated the South African navy as a capable partner nation in the maritime region of West and Central Africa.

CENTAF Mobility director visits Airmen at Camp Djibouti

by Staff Sgt. Markus M. Maier, U.S. Central Command Air Forces Public Affairs
Staff Sgt. Shawn Finch checks in with the Air Terminal Operations Center after helping to load a 58,210-pound armored wrecker onto a C-17 Globemaster Sept. 30 in Southwest Asi. Sergeant Finch is an air terminal operations controller with the 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson)

The U.S. Central Command Air Forces director of Mobility visited Airmen assigned to Camp Djibouti recently as part of his first visit of the Southwest Asia area of operations since assuming his position.

"My purpose is to find out what (the) requirements are and how we can help (the Airmen) get their mission done," Brig. Gen. Alfred J. Stewart said.

"If you look at a map and see how geographically separated this AOR is from Afghanistan and Iraq, you'll understand that they are pretty much completely dependent on air for resupply," the general said. "We have C-130 (Hercules aircraft) that bring supplies here to help them get the mission done."

The CENTAF AOR stretches from the Horn of Africa through the Arabian Gulf region, into Central Asia. Those distances make air mobility a vital component to the CENTAF mission -- moving people and cargo where needed, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

On the day of the general's visit to the Horn of Africa, C-130 and C-17 Globemaster III crews flew approximately 180 airlift sorties, delivering 300 tons of cargo and transporting approximately 5,500 passengers throughout the CENTAF AOR.

"The entire air mobility system is hard at work in (operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom)," General Stewart said. "A lot of the time we are invisible, but we make the rest of the fight possible."

The air mobility mission also encompasses two other critical aspects -- medical evacuation and aerial refueling.

"We have tremendous statistics to confirm that when we have injured Marines, Soldiers and Airmen in battle, if we can get them into the hands of the aerial medical evacuation system, they have a 98 percent chance of surviving," the general said. "If we can just get them, within a reasonable amount of time after they were injured, into the aerial medical system they are going to survive. That's a tremendous part of what we do."

The aerial refueling capability provided by the air mobility team allows American and coalition aircraft to stay in the air covering long distances in considerably less time, the general said.

"To carry the fight to the enemy, the KC-135 (Stratotankers) and KC-10 (Extenders) are absolutely essential," he said. "They make it possible for the Combined Forces Air Component commander to provide the air order battle over the battle field almost continuously. Without aerial refueling, it would be a much different fight. It would be much more difficult to do the things we do."

Recapitalizing and modernizing the tanker inventory is the Air Force's No. 1 priority to ensure the joint force can continue to project combat capability anytime, anywhere."

"We are able to move," General Steward said. "We have global reach, global mobility every day and the assets of Air Mobility Command make that global reach possible."


Airmen from the 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron prepare to load a 58,210 pound armored wrecker onto a C-17 Globemaster Sept. 30 in Southwest Asia. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson)

Air Force completes transfer of former Grissom AFB

by Eduardo Salinas, Air Force Real Property Agency Public Affairs

Air Force officials reached a property transfer milestone when the deed for the final parcel of property at the former Grissom Air Force Base, Ind., was accepted by its local redevelopment authority Sept. 21.

The central heating plant parcel was the last portion of the former base transferred to the Miami County Economic Development Authority, and the transfer marks the end of a 13-year effort to make the excess property available to the local community for redevelopment.

"This is a significant accomplishment for the Air Force," said Katie Halvorson, the director of the Air Force Real Property Agency. "The transfer of Grissom AFB not only makes this property available to the community for redevelopment, but also allows the Air Force to refocus its resources to better support our warfighting Airmen."

The former Grissom AFB, named after Astronaut Virgil "Gus" Grissom, was an active Air Force installation from 1954 to 1994, hosting a variety of aircraft including the KC-135 Stratotanker.

The 1991 Base Realignment and Closure Commission recommended the closure of the base and in 1994, the installation closed with nearly half of the former base, including the runway, transferring to the Air Force Reserve to become Grissom Air Reserve Base. Today, Grissom ARB is home to the Air Force Reserve Command's 434th Air Refueling Wing.

AFRPA, a field operating agency under the office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installation, Environment and Logistics, was responsible for managing and disposing of the remaining 1,342 acres, including facilities and infrastructure, not retained by the Air Force. Since Grissom AFB's closure, the agency has worked to remediate environmental contamination in order to get property into the hands of the local community faster. To date, all environmental remedies are in place at the former base and the groundwater monitoring network has been optimized.

"Our environmental program has been very successful," said Marlene Seneca, the BRAC environmental coordinator for the former Grissom AFB.

In the years following its closure, the local community has taken advantage of excess property at Grissom AFB through redevelopment. To date, the former base is home to many businesses including a computer processor manufacturing plant, an assisted living facility, warehouses and distribution centers. The former base is also home to a state correctional facility that opened in 1999.

"I'm amazed at how things have changed around here," said Ms. Seneca, who worked at the Environmental Flight of the 305th Air Refueling Wing when Grissom AFB was an active installation. "The reuse of the former base is a real success story for both the Air Force and the local community."

Navy Conducting SAR Missions After Yemeni Isl Volcano Eruption

RED SEA (Oct. 1, 2007) - A Sailor assigned to guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) looks for survivors during a search and rescue operation after a volcanic eruption on the Yemeni island of Jazirat at-Tair. Bainbridge, along with Yemeni Coast Guard, Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Dutch Navy, and Portuguese Navy have been conducting the search and rescue efforts since the volcano erupted Sept. 30. Bainbridge is the flagship for Standing NATO Maritime Group (SNMG) 1 and was in the area when the volcano erupted. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Vincent J. Street)

Black Stallions Disestablish After 24 Years

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Riza Caparros, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Atlantic

NORFOLK (NNS) -- The “Black Stallions” of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron (HC) 4 officially disestablished Sept. 28 after 24 years of service during a ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk.

Acting Command Master Chief (AW) Barry Rice spoke about the pride he felt for the squadron and their contribution to the Navy.

“It’s been an honor and privilege to be a part of the Navy’s premier airlift squadron,” said Rice. “This squadron has served the Navy well and we did it with pride and great success.”

HC-4 was stationed in Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily, Italy for 23 years where they provided heavy lift combat support for units serving in the 5th and 6th fleets' areas of responsibility.

“We stood up much faster than a typical Navy squadron,” said retired Capt. James F. Scurria, HC-4’s second commanding officer. “Just seven months from initial establishment we were in combat operations in Beirut.”

“The squadron’s tenaciousness to get the job done and serve the country is what I will always remember,” he continued. “I would say my time at the Black Stallions was the highlight of my navy career.”

For the past year, the Black Stallions provided heavy lift combat support for the U.S. 3rd Army in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“The squadron’s final missions ran out of Kuwait to run into Iraq transporting troops with their packs and some supplies for the U.S. 3rd Army,” continued Rice. “We left there knowing we did a job well done.”

Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 1st Class (AW/NAC) Carl Stewart, who first joined the squadron in 1999, also expressed pride for his time as a Black Stallion.

“Being a part of the Black Stallions gave me a sense of pride to stand out because of our unique job within the air community,” said Stewart. “Wherever my Navy career takes me from here on out, I will always be proud to say I was a part of their legacy.”

Since their commissioning, the Black Stallions of HC-4 have received numerous personal and unit awards, including two European Region National Defense Transportation Association awards, three Golden Anchors and one Silver Anchor award for retention, five Navy Unit commendations, three Meritorious Unit Commendations, three Navy Battle "E" Efficiency awards, a Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Secretary of Defense Maintenance Award.

“Over the years the squadron developed and grew to become a national asset,” added Scurria. “I underscore the fact that the key to HC-4’s success was always based on the phenomenal quality of people who served in the squadron.”

“The squadron has been given many opportunities to succeed and our service to the Navy has been impressive,” said Cmdr. Robert H. Buckingham, commanding officer. “The awards speak for themselves.”

The squadron held a final landing ceremony June 26 at Naval Station Norfolk’s Chamber field. HC-4’s last “Sea Dragon” will be reassigned to Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14 in Norfolk.

Stennis Begins Six-Month DPIA

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Gethings, USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs

BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) shifted berths from its homeport pier at Naval Base Kitsap Bremerton to a drydock at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF), Bremerton site.

The shift is part of the ship’s six-month scheduled docking-planned incremental availability (DPIA) period which began Sept. 28.

During the maintenance period, Stennis will receive major upgrades to its potable water system, combat and self defense systems, navigational systems, electrical load centers and numerous other components. The last time Stennis was dry-docked for a DPIA was after the ship’s homeport move from San Diego to Bremerton following the 2004 deployment.

“Our upcoming DPIA is off to a great start,” said Stennis’ Commanding Officer, Capt. Brad Johanson. “For more than a year now we have been preparing for this and just like our last DPIA, this one will go great. Now that everyone has had a chance to decompress a little bit from our intense and hugely successful deployment, I am confident Stennis’ crew will be hitting on all cylinders as we launch into our next mission-maintenance!”

Civilian employees from PSNS & IMF, contractors from various local and external organizations and an estimated 600 Stennis' Sailors, will work to renovate potable water tanks, main engineering spaces, aircraft support equipment, berthings and a multitude of other work centers during the maintenance period.

“This is probably the best plan, the most integrated plan I’ve ever seen because we started a year out,” said Cmdr. Bob Breon, Stennis’ chief engineer and DPIA coordinator. “It was time consuming, but it will pay dividends in the end.”

The planning stages of DPIA began a year ago when Stennis’ leadership began holding meetings in preparation for the event. Between Stennis and the shipyard staff, a list of necessary work was put together and extensive scheduling of the jobs was done to organize the dry-dock period.

“We already have everything sequenced-what will happen and when, now we’re executing the plan,” said Breon.

A ship’s large-scale maintenance availability is planned years in advance and is determined by various entities and the ship’s operational schedule.

HSC-8 New Name, New Mission, New Helicopter

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Porter Anderson, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (HS) 8 became the first HS squadron to transition to a Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) Sept. 28 at Naval Air Station North Island.

Despite the name change (HSC-8), new aircraft (MH-60S), and new missiion, at least one thing remained unchanged, the squadron’s nickname, “Eightballers.”

“It’s going to change the mission entirely because you’re going from anti-submarine warfare to search and rescue (SAR), to VERTREP [vertical replenishment] and SAR type events,” said Aviation Structural Mechanic 2nd Class (AW) Michele Reynolds, HSC-8 helicopter mechanic.

Due to the new aircraft that replaced the SH-60F in the transition, new training has been implemented to maintain and service the new MH-60S.

“We are sending our AZs [Aviation Maintenance Administrationman] and AEs [Aviation Electrician’s Mate] to a full two-month training course to learn how to work on the aircraft,” said HSC-8 Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Lawrence S. Vincent.

This transition to HSC-8 is another benchmark for the Eightballers past endeavors, which date back to June 1, 1956.

Guest speaker Rear Adm. Gerard M. Mauer, commandant, Industrial College of the Armed Forces, said he had a history with HS-8. Mauer said that in 1975, when he took his first flight in a U.S. Navy aircraft, it was with HS-8. That flight made such an impact with him that it led him to joining the naval aviation field.

The transition of mission, name and aircraft are big changes for the squadron, but the men and women who make up the Eightballers have accepted each change and are incorporating them into its long and proud history.

HSM-41 Transitions from SH-60B to MH-60R Helos

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Mark Logico, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific

The “Seahawks” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 41 graduated not only the last class of SH-60B helicopter naval air crew, but also the first class of MH-60R helicopter naval air crew at Naval Air Station North Island Sept. 28.

Since 1983, the squadron has trained more than 3,000 fleet replacement pilots and air crew for the SH-60B helicopter and fleet squadrons. When HSM-41 received the Romeo aircraft (MH-60R) in December 2005, they started training the first set of pilots and air crew for the new aircraft.

“It’s a proud moment for naval aviation and a historic moment for helicopter aviation, this command and our Navy,” said the Seahawks’ Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Curtis Shaub. “It’s a bittersweet moment, as it is the end of an era when we stop training on the SH-60B and move into this new airframe. We couldn’t be more excited for what the country expects of us and the training we’re providing here today.”

Unlike the SH-60B and SH-60F, the MH-60R features electronic support measures, airborne low frequency sonar, a multi-mission radar upgrade--including ISAR, forward looking infrared, and a weapons suite including torpedoes and Hellfire missiles.

“They’ve pretty much taken the Bravo and the Foxtrot and combined them and increased them with technological advancement to where we have an up to date war-fighting machine,” said Chief Aviation Warfare Systems Operator Justin Tate, the training student control leading chief petty officer.

Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 3rd Class (NAC) Scott Haeusler, who graduated from the air crew training, said he looks forward to applying his knowledge when he transfers to his new command in HSM-71.

“It’s been a long time training to be air crew qualified,” said Haeusler. “It’s an honor to be with the aircraft from the very beginning. I can now say that I was there, and I was a part of it.”

The MH-60R will be one of two helicopter airframes used on Navy aircraft carriers once the Navy completes a reduction from the current seven types of helicopter airframes. It is designed to operate from frigates, destroyers, cruisers and aircraft carriers alike.

“The MH-60Rs are equipped with the newest 21st century computers and we are able to upgrade them as technology increases,” said Shaub. “Its mission has expanded. It has become a force multiplier for the fleet and for the strike group.”

13th MEU Returns to BHR Expeditionary Strike Group

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Woody Paschall, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs
Marines assigned to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) observe as Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) 65 of Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5, Det. B., hits the beach at Kuwait Naval Base during a Marine backload. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jacob L. Hollingsworth)

The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC) completed its return to the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) (BHR), USS Denver (LPD 9) and USS Rushmore (LSD 47) Sept. 28, after conducting combat operations in Iraq for nearly four months.

While in Iraq, the 13th MEU's SOC Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines (BLT 3/1) was responsible for ground combat counterinsurgency operations in Al Anbar Province.

According to Lt. Col. Justice Chambers, 13th MEU SOC operations officer, the BLT and other units attached to the MEU conducted 14 separate named operations focused largely on disrupting the insurgent's freedom of movement and denying the movement of materials into Baghdad and Al Anbar.

The operations resulted in the confiscation and destruction of over 90 tons of homemade explosives and raw materials used to create them.

"We successfully accomplished all missions assigned to us, contributing significantly to the decreasing levels of violence in Kharmah, Fallujah, and Ramadi, and the improving security situation in Baghdad," said Chambers. "BLT 3/1 disrupted the enemy's freedom of movement by operating where coalition forces typically have not operated. That set the conditions to transition portions of our area of operations to the Iraqi army, allowing them to greater control selected portions of eastern Al Anbar."

He added that the contribution of the Iraqi forces almost assured success because of their integration with the Iraqi people.

"When they integrated into our operations we saw the pronounced benefit. Where we could spend a lot of time trying to detect insurgents, they can go in and immediately pick out a person and say he doesn't belong here," said Chambers. "They [the Iraqi army] are served by thoughtful leaders and troops who feel they serve all of the Iraqi people."

Accomplishing these missions would not have happened without the support of the MEU's Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 13.

"The first 30 days the Battalion Landing Team was non-stop and they were able to maintain that tempo through the efforts of CLB-13 to build-up and sustain logistics," said Chambers. "CLB-13 certainly made everything the BLT did possible."

The AV-8B Harriers and helicopters of the MEU's Aviation Combat Element began returning to BHR Sept. 14. Helicopters and LCACs (landing craft air cushion) were then used to return nearly 2,000 Marines and their equipment.

"It's a relief to get the hard work done with," said Cpl. Seth Gyldenvand, BLT 3/1, Kilo Co. "I'm looking forward to getting some rest and liberty."

During their return, the MEU loaded several tons of ammunition and weapons, nearly 30 aircraft, including AV-8B Harriers, CH-46E Sea Knights and AH-1W Cobras, numerous heavy transport and patrol vehicles, and artillery.

"It's a good thing. We're getting the Marines back and we're going home soon," said Gunnery Sgt. Bernardo Cruz, BHR combat cargo. "The combat cargo Marines and Sailors have been doing a great job getting the MEU back on board. Everyone put in a lot of time getting ready for this, and they showed a lot of teamwork to get all the equipment on board quickly and safely."

As the Marine Ground Combat Element back loaded aboard BHR, the ship mustered a 150-man working party joined by volunteers from the ship's Second Class and First Class Petty Officers Associations to help the Marines bring their gear aboard and provide them with a warm welcome.

"We're out here helping them because we are all on the same team in the same fight," said Storekeeper 2nd Class (SW) Marshall Mallory. "They've been out there for about four months, and they're tired, a lot more tired even than we are. So we're pitching in to give them a hand, grab their gear and get them set up in berthing."

The gesture made a positive impression on the Marines as they stepped off the LCACs and climbed the ramp into the hangar bay.

"It's a great welcome back," said Gyldenvand. "We've been hauling our gear around for the past week and getting some help from our Navy brothers is great."

BHR, Denver and Rushmore are part of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group (BHRESG). BHRESG has been operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations conducting Maritime Security Operations (MSO). U.S. and coalition forces conduct MSO to help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations. These operations seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other materials.

USS Nashville Hosts Ship-to-Shore Operations Exercise

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Shonn Moore, USS Nashville Public Affairs
Sailors aboard amphibious transport dock USS Nashville (LPD 13) guide a landing craft air cushion into the ship's well deck as it completes exercises as part of Nassau Strike Group's Expeditionary Strike Group integraton exercise (ESGINT) off the coast of Onslow Bay, N.C. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Shonn Moore)

Sailors and Marines aboard USS Nashville (LPD 13), assigned to the Nassau Strike Group (NASSG), successfully played out their ship-to-shore operations duty Sept. 25 as part of Exercise Expeditionary Strike Group Integration exercise (ESGINT) while operating in Onslow Bay, N.C.

ESGINT is the second of three pre-deployment exercises designed to test the fundamental capabilities and shipboard interoperability between the strike group vessels and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24 MEU), in preparation for NASSG's deployment next year.

Six of the seven ships assigned to the NASSG, to include USS Nassau (LHA 4), Nashville, USS Ross (DDG 71), USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) and USS Albany (SSN 753), participated in the important pre-deployment training evolution. ESGINT includes evaluations of a series of complex and coordinated training events integrating the different units of the NASSG, and is the first time some of these units have worked together.

Sailors and Marines from the amphibious transport dock Nashville; landing craft utilities (LCU) 1659, 1660 and 1661 from Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 2; Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base; and landing craft air cushioned (LCAC) from ACU 4, Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base participated in the ship-to-shore exercise.

Chief Boatswain's Mate Wayne Mills, the craft master and enlisted captain of LCU 1660, said it is important to conduct these exercise to train his crew in a realistic, life-like safe environment.

“We participate in this type of exercise to ensure that my crew (LCU 1660) is prepared to respond when it’s time to transport equipment and items that are needed by the Sailors and Marines during their deployment next year,” Mills said. “It takes a lot of practice and training to carry out these drills.”

Launching from Onslow Bay, the LCUs carried humvees, fork trucks, small arms ammunition, vehicles, and other Marine supplies and traveled three miles to transport these supplies aboard the wet-well of Nashville.

Despite the slow operations, Mills said his 12-man crew demonstrated a will and determination to carry out its mission.

“We arrived later than we had anticipated [aboard USS Nashville],” Mills said. “I have 18 and 19-year-old Sailors who have never done this before, and they are learning new techniques, and this is a very good practice for them. They will get better in no time.”

Boatswain's mates and engineers aboard Nashville provided operational support ensuring that the conventional crafts arrived safely on the ship’s wet well.

“The more training we do, the better we get,” added Lt. j.g. David Williams, Nashville's boatswain. “We want to get the Sailors and Marines in the same phase before they go on their deployment.”

Nashville is currently serving as the central control ship during a 12-day operation off Onslow Bay in support of the NASSG’s ESGINT exercise.

NASSG is currently preparing for its regularly scheduled 2008 deployment. Made up of more than 5,000 Sailors and Marines, the strike group will project sea power ashore by maintaining the capability of landing amphibious forces by helicopters, amphibious track vehicles, air cushion landing craft, and assault craft whenever and wherever the need arises.

Navy Customs Battalion TANGO Deploys

By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Dave Nagle, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- About 450 Sailors with Navy Customs Battalion (NCB) TANGO deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).

The Sailors of NCB TANGO were mobilized by the Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group (NAVELSG) in August and will perform customs inspection missions in Kuwait and Iraq.

According to TANGO’s Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Mark Q. Schwartzel, TANGO’s reservists hail from more than 90 Navy Operational Support Centers in 36 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico.

All the Sailors trained together and completed four weeks of predeployment training at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, Cheatham Annex and nearby bases. This training includes customs and agriculture inspection; weapons; chemical, biological and radiological defense; self and perimeter defense; non-tactical vehicle operation; and combat life saving and first aid.

“TANGO is certified as customs clearance border agents, trained in homeland security customs and sanctioned by the Department of Agriculture,” said Schwartzel.

“Our job will be to perform customs inspections for returning service members before leaving the theater, so they don’t have to do it stateside and can go straight to their families when they return home,” added Hull Technician 3rd Class Leah Delamarter.

Schwartzel said that TANGO completed training ahead of schedule with no mishaps. One-hundred percent of the battalion qualified on the M-9 pistol and 97.5 percent qualified on the M-16 rifle.

“We’ve received the right training at the right time and I’m confident we’re ready to go do this mission,” Schwartzel said -- a sentiment shared by the entire battalion.

“I’ve learned a lot of new information during our training, certainly things that are outside my rate, but I’ve enjoyed it,” said Delamarter, who is making her first deployment. “It’s hard to leave family, but I’m excited and ready to go.”

Key to TANGO’s success has been an emphasis on deckplate leadership.

“We have 45 chiefs, senior chiefs and master chiefs in our chiefs' mess whose main purpose is to take care of our Sailors, keep them motivated and identify and take care of issues early on,” said Command Master Chief (SW) Ollan Burruss. “We also stress small-team leadership and a lot of credit goes to our first and second class petty officers as well.”

Burruss added that the battalion’s morale and camaraderie has been “awesome” considering the short time they’ve been together.

“These Sailors have come together from all over the country to successfully train for a mission we’ve never done before,” he said. “I couldn’t ask for a better team of Sailors.”

TANGO is the sixth rotation of Navy reservists mobilized to active duty and trained to serve as customs inspectors in support of OIF. The Navy’s first-ever customs inspection battalion, deployed in January 2005.

NAVELSG is organized and staffed to deliver expeditionary logistics capabilities with mobilization-ready Navy Reserve Force Sailors and equipment to theater commanders in support of the national military strategy. NAVELSG is an operational force of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, a global force provider of adaptive force packages of expeditionary capabilities to joint warfighting commanders.

And now it is history!

At 1134 EDT I can now confirm that NGA has taken down the public FLIP pub website.

Finis!

It's October 1 and the verdict is...

As I post this at 0838 EDT, the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA) website with what remains of the DoD FLIP electronic pubs is still online at http://164.214.2.62/products/usfif/index.cfm.

Maybe I need to start a pool of Milcom readers to record when these folks will take their website down. So much for sticking to the plan folks. Hey maybe they will have a change of heart and leave the material online --- Not!

Now to my friends who monitor radio comms: From this day until at least the end of the calendar year, you need to be extra vigilant for frequency changes in the military frequency spectrum (138-144 MHz /148-150.8 MHz / 225-400 MHz). Expect to see even more changes take hold in the near future compared to what we have already seen over the last two years.

2nd CAB lights up Doña Ana Range with tank gunnery

By Maj. Deanna Bague, Fort Bliss Public Affairs
Soldiers from the 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 5th Brigade (Army Evaluation Task Force) 1st Armored Division, search for high value targets during a combined arms tank gunnery exercise. Photo by Maj. Deanna Bague, Fort Bliss Public Affairs.

Soldiers from the 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 5th Brigade (Army Evaluation Task Force) 1st Armored Division, conducted tank gunnery as part of a combined arms exercise at Dona Aña Range, N.M. Sep 18-19. The live fire exercise consisted of mounted and dismounted infantry and cavalry combat operations that orchestrated high intensity conflicts resembling today's battlefield.

"This is the first time we've had all the different elements from the Bradleys to the tanks, and all combined arms," said 2nd Lt. Randy Pace, platoon leader, 2nd CAB.

Thunderous blasts echoing from the surrounding mountains were heard as artillery firepower emerged from the MIA2 SEP V2 Abrams tanks in response to simulated enemy engagements. Two ranges away, Bradley tank fighting vehicles rolled in and came to an abrupt stop where infantry platoons dismounted and searched for high value targets. Observers stood on top of the catwalk of the modular armored tactical combat house viewing every movement Soldiers performed as they entered the structure that replicates a building with floor plans similar to those in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Throughout the exercise, Soldiers honed their skills in detecting, identifying and locating targets. Training the basics and mastering the fundamentals prepares Soldiers to accomplish the required missions, said Staff Sgt. Ryan Buettner, gunner, D Co., 2nd CAB. He knows deployment is highly probable, with this in mind, everyone must take training seriously and use it to prepare to the fullest.

"We use ranges to train, but also, we qualify on these ranges," said Buettner, "As tankers we get scores. It's a big pride thing to do the best you can."

Gen. William S. Wallace, commanding general of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command observed the training to see the progression of the AETF in the development of the Future Combat System program said Command Sgt. Maj. David Davenport, 5-1 AD.

"We work for TRADOC, the FCS program belongs to him," said Davenport. "He's seeing if we're meeting the standards he expects of us."

At the conclusion of the exercise, Wallace addressed the Soldiers from 2nd CAB and handed out coins to those who were identified as key contributors to the success of the exercise.

"It was good to see [the Soldiers] get some recognition, especially from the TRADOC commander," said Pace.

Once 5-1 becomes proficient in their first-tier skills, they will move into training on the new digital equipment and add FCS technology, as they continue to build and train the Heavy Brigade Combat Team, said Davenport.

"The digital training [that] will begin in October will teach the Soldiers to leverage the future technologies with the current equipment," said Davenport.