USS Pasadena Deploys

USS Pasadena (SSN 752) departed from Naval Station Pearl Harbor for a regularly scheduled six-month deployment to the Western Pacific Oct. 31.

Exercise Global Lightning Underway

Based on HF military traffic monitored in the last 24 hours, it appears that the USSTRATCOM exercise Global Lightning is underway.

Global Lightning is an annual USSTRATCOM-sponsored command-and-control/field training exercise, held in early November, designed to test and validate the ability of USSTRATCOM and its component forces to deter a military attack against the United States and employ forces as directed.

You can monitoring some of the action by monitoring the HF-GCS on the frequencies listed in the link below.

http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com/2006/05/joint-chiefs-of-staff-hf-gcs-network.html

USS Lincoln and CVW-2 Underway in Socal

Blog Editor Note; For west coast readers/monitors, turn those scanners and HF rigs on. The Lincoln is underway.


Interior Communications Electrician 2nd Class Robert Brown operates the camera observation console, part of the Integrated Landing And Recovery Television System, during flight operations aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Lincoln and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 are underway off the coast of Southern California participating in Composite Training Unit Exercise, an exercise designed to enhance the interoperability between Lincoln and its strike group. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Geoffrey Lewis

Sea-based Multiple-Missile Defense 'Hit to Kill' Intercept Achieved

A Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) is launched from Pearl Harbor-based guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70) to intercept a threat representative target as part of a Missile Defense Agency test of the sea-based capability under development. This was part of a multiple simultaneous engagement involving two ballistic missile targets that were intercepted about 250 miles from Kauai and approximately 100 miles above the Pacific Ocean. The SM-3 was one of two interceptors launched from the ship that collided with two ballistic missile targets launched from the Pacific Missile Range Test Facility in Kauai, Hawaii, within minutes of one another. (U.S. Navy photo)

Missile Defense Agency (MDA) announced the successful completion, Nov. 7, of a multiple simultaneous engagement involving two ballistic missile targets.

Air Force Lt. Gen. Henry 'Trey" Obering, director of MDA said that this was MDA's latest "hit to kill" intercept flight test conducted jointly with the U.S. Navy off the coast of Kauai.

For the first time, the operationally realistic test involved two unitary "non-separating" targets, meaning that the target's warheads did not separate from their booster rockets. This was the 32nd and 33rd successful "hit-to-kill" intercepts since 2001.

Designated as Flight Test Standard Missile-13 (FTM-13), it marked the 10th and 11th successful intercepts, of 13 targets in 12 scheduled flight tests for the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Program, a sea-based component of the Agency's Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS).

Aegis BMD is designed to intercept and destroy short to intermediate-range ballistic missile threats. The mission was completed by the cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70), using the tactically certified 3.6 Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense shipboard weapon system and the Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IA interceptor.

At approximately 6:12 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time (11:12 p.m. EST), a target was launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Barking Sands, Kauai, Hawaii. Moments later, a second, identical target was launched from the PMRF. The Lake Erie's Aegis BMD Weapon System detected and tracked the targets and developed fire control solutions.

Approximately two minutes later, the Lake Erie's crew fired two SM-3 missiles, and two minutes later they successfully intercepted the targets outside the earth's atmosphere more than 100 miles above the Pacific Ocean and 250 miles northwest of Kauai. The intercepts used "hit to kill" technology, meaning that the targets were destroyed when the missiles collided directly with the targets.

A Japanese destroyer also participated in the flight test. Stationed off Kauai and equipped with the certified 3.6 Aegis BMD weapon system, the guided missile destroyer JS Kongo (DDG 173) performed long-range surveillance and tracking exercises.

The Kongo used the test as a training exercise in preparation for the first ballistic missile intercept test by a Japanese ship planned for later this year. This event marked the fourth time an allied military unit participated in a U.S. Aegis BMDS test.

MDA and the Navy cooperatively manage the Aegis BMD Program. Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems and Sensors of Moorestown, New Jersey is the Combat System Engineering Agent and prime contractor for the Aegis BMD Weapon System and Vertical Launch System installed in Aegis-equipped cruisers and destroyers. Raytheon Missile Systems of Tucson, Arizona is the prime contractor for the SM-3 missile and all previous variants of Standard Missile.

VAQ 137: Electronic Warriors

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kristin Baker, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

The "Rooks" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137, provide electronic warfare for Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 and the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group in the Persian Gulf in support of Maritime Security Operations as well as Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

Based out of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash., the "Rooks" are the only CVW 1 squadron stationed on the West Coast. They provide support for the men and women on the ground and in the air with electronic warfare from their EA-6B Prowlers.

"We provide specific protection by helping control the electromagnetic spectrum," said Cmdr. Jim Lins, commanding officer of the Rooks. "This way our troops are able to use that spectrum offensively and defensively."

"Essentially, our job is to jam radar and communications of the enemy nature," said Aviation Structural Mechanics (Equipment) 1st Class (AW) Adrienne Stem, VAQ 137's Aviation Structural Mechanics (Equipment) leading petty officer.

To carry out a task of this magnitude the Rooks are fully prepared and at the head of the game. With many versions of the EA-6B, the Rooks are unique in that they fly the newest and most advanced version, the Improve Capability III. VAQ consists of four aircraft and 210 personnel; 180 enlisted and 30 officers.

"Prowlers are a national asset high in demand but there are only a handful in the fleet," said Lins.

The EA-6B Prowlers do not get much down time. Flying an average of seven missions each day, and working eight days on and one day off, the Rooks are keeping busy and working rigorously to complete the mission each and every day.

"With this being our second deployment back-to-back, sometimes keeping the crew focused while fighting complacency can be difficult," said Lins.

Lins credits the high morale of his crew members with making this deployment easier.

"I have an extraordinary group of Sailors and chief mess that makes not only my job easier, but also helps keep motivation high," added Lins.

Keeping motivation high and battling complacency is a challenge, but knowing the job directly impacts others helps make that challenge easier.

"We have such a great crew here working together as a team toward completing the mission," said Stem. "Each and every one of us holds the Rooks in high regard and constantly completes the job in a timely and efficient manner."

The hard work and dedication of VAQ 137 has earned the squadron four Navy Unit Commendations, three Meritorious Unit Commendations, six Battle E's, three Navy Expeditionary Medals and two Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals. They have received one Humanitarian Service Award, four Safety "S" Awards, a Prowler Excellence Award, and have been selected as the "Prowler of the Year" twice. They have also been awarded the prestigious Admiral Arthur W. Radford Award four times. It is the highest achievement in electronic warfare for all VAQ and VMAQ (Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare) squadrons.

At the end of each day, the VAQ 137 crew members go to
bed knowing they have done something important to make a difference in the lives of others.

"We provide support to men and women on the ground in Baghdad and other places," said Lins. "It is reassuring to know we are making a difference for those men and women with boots on the ground."

Mission continues during grounding of F-15s

Lt. Gen. Gary L. North, U.S. Central Command's Combined Forces Air Component commander is maintaining assigned F-15E Strike Eagles on ground alert and will accomplish all assigned missions with a variety of fighter, attack and bomber aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles, under his command and control during this period.

"We will continue to maintain the 24/7 Air Tasking Order profile that allows me, as the CFACC, to synchronize and integrate air and space assets into the International Security Assistance Force and Combined Joint Task Force - 82 operational scheme of maneuver," he said. "This is our continual task: to have airpower overhead; persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; close precision strike capability; and air refueling, airlift, airdrop and aerial medical evacuation when needed."

The grounding of the F-15 fleet is a strong message that the U.S. Air Force takes the safety of its aircrews flying in harm's way very seriously, General North said.

"I worry about the health of our aging fleet and how sometimes it is not well understood by those our Airmen protect," said the general. "The investigation will get to the cause of the accident. In the meantime, we'll continue to provide air supremacy for the Afghan National Army and the collective NATO, coalition and U.S. forces on the ground."

The Air Force grounded its F-15 fleet on Nov. 3 following the crash of a Missouri Air National Guard F-15C Eagle Nov. 2. F-15s assigned North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Central Command Air Forces will be on ground alert and fly missions if required.

The cause of that accident is still under investigation; however, preliminary findings indicate that a possible structural failure of the aircraft may have occurred. The grounding of aircraft is a precautionary measure.

The Air Force will ensure mission requirements are met for worldwide operations normally accomplished by the F-15. Current F-15 flying locations include bases in the continental United States, Alaska, England, Hawaii, Japan and the Middle East.

There are approximately 670 F-15s in the Air Force inventory including F-15 Eagles and F-15E Strike Eagles. The F-15 reached initial operational capability for the Air Force in September 1975. The Missouri Air National Guard F-15C that crashed was built in 1980.

While the F-15 continues to prove highly effective in the ongoing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Air Force is on a course to eventually replace the aging fleet with the stealthy F-22 Raptor.

The F-15 Eagle is an all-weather, extremely maneuverable, tactical fighter designed to permit the Air Force to gain and maintain air supremacy over the battlefield.

The F-15C, D and E models were deployed to the Persian Gulf in 1991 in support of Operation Desert Storm where they proved their superior combat capability. F-15C fighters accounted for 34 of the 37 Air Force air-to-air victories. The F-15Es were operated mainly at night, hunting SCUD missile launchers and artillery sites using the LANTIRN system.

They have since been deployed for air expeditionary force deployments and operations Southern Watch, the no-fly zone in Southern Iraq; Provide Comfort in Turkey; Allied Force in Bosnia; Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan; and Iraqi Freedom in Iraq.

Tarawa Expeditionary Strike Group Deploys

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Alexia M. Riveracorrea, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The San Diego element of the Tarawa Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) departed Nov. 5 for a six-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operations.

Units from San Diego include Amphibious Squadron 1, USS Tarawa (LHA 1), USS Cleveland (LPD 7), USS Germantown (LSD 42), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit and elements of Naval Beach Group 1. USS Port Royal (CG 73), USS Hopper (DDG 70) and USS Ingraham (FFG 61) will join the Tarawa ESG in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

"We will be working with different units as one team in the Pacific and Indian Oceans," said Capt. John Miley, ESG commander. "The crew is ready to provide support and humanitarian assistance."

More than 5,500 Sailors and Marines make up the Tarawa ESG, which has the flexibility and power to conduct strike warfare and engage enemy forces in the air, on the sea's surface and beneath the surface. In addition, they provide support capabilities using landing craft air cushion and landing craft utility vehicles, CH-46s, CH-53s, AH-1, UH-1, SH-60 helicopters and AV-8B Harrier jet aircraft.

"All the training, preparation and everything we've done over the past year up to this point will now be put to the test wherever we're ordered to go," said Capt. Donald R. Shunkwiler, Tarawa's commanding officer. "Our crew is well-trained to carry out the mission in all aspects."

Prior to ship's departure, families and friends at the pier spent time with their Sailor or Marine, giving their last goodbye.

"My family just hopes the best for me and that I do my job and come back safe," said Information Systems Technician 3rd Class (SW) Erik Andrade Torres, Tarawa. "This is my first six-month deployment, and I look forward to visiting new countries, learning more about different cultures and helping the community."

During a 2005 deployment, the Tarawa ESG conducted maritime security operations, participated in Exercise Bright Star and served as an afloat staging base in the North Arabian Gulf, where they trained with the Iraqi navy and protected key Iraqi oil terminals.

Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group Deploys

Note: For my east coast readers -- the Truman CSG is underway, so stand by for a commo opportunity.

More than 7,300 Sailors from 17 commands and three staffs left their homeports Nov. 5 as Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG) deployed to the Central Command Area of Operations as part of the ongoing rotation to support Maritime Security Operations in the region.

According to Rear Adm. Bill Gortney, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CCSG) 10, the mission of the HSTCSG is to be ready, when called upon, to support theater commanders. He emphasized that throughout all operations, safety will remain a primary focus.

"We are a robust strike group able to support the needs of our president," Gortney said. "We are joined in this fight and our strike group by a coalition - a Canadian frigate and a British destroyer."

The strike group returned from participating in Bold Step in early August, wrapping up a month-long Composite Training Unit Exercise and Joint Task Force Exercise.

They successfully completed a series of complex training events, which included naval surface fire support training and air-to-ground bombing off the coasts of Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

These intermediate level exercises are designed to forge the strike group into a cohesive, fighting team and are critical steps in the pre-deployment training cycle which flexes the strike group's abilities to carry out a full spectrum of possible missions, including surface strike, ground support and undersea warfare.

USS Harry S. Truman's (CVN 75) Commanding Officer, Capt. Herman Shelanski, said the ship is materially ready, the crew is well-trained and Harry S. Truman Sailors are excited to get a chance to implement their training.

"We practiced everything that could possibly go on in real life. We made it intense and it worked out in our favor," Shelanski said. "We also held several pre-deployment briefs to ensure family members were adequately prepared to deal with those things we hope don't pop up while we're on deployment but can make life for the families difficult."

Shelanski said he is proud to sail with this crew and has great expectations for the Truman team.

"I feel confident about sending our Sailors out to represent the United States and to make a positive impression on whatever country we get to interact with," Shelanski said. "The American people should be proud and feel confident and secure in the fact that the Harry S. Truman and these Sailors are out there protecting our country."

The HSTCSG is made up of CCSG 10 staff, Harry S. Truman, Carrier Air Wing 3, Commander, Destroyer Squadron 26 staff, guided missile cruisers USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and USS Hue City (CG 66); guided missile destroyers USS Carney (DDG 64), USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) and USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81); attack submarine USS Montpelier (SSN 765); fast combat support ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8); the Canadian frigate HMCS Charlottetown (FFG 339); and the British destroyer HMS Manchester (D95).

Carrier Air Wing 3 consists of Strike Fighter Squadrons VFA-11, VFA-32, VFA-37 and VFA-105; Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron VAQ-130; Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron VAW-126; and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 7.

Navy Welcomes Fourth Ship Named in Honor of Rear Adm. William T. Sampson

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John M. Stratton, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Atlantic

BOSTON (NNS) -- The fourth ship in the Navy's history named in honor of Rear Adm. William T. Sampson, USS Sampson (DDG 102), was commissioned Nov. 3 at Massport's Black Falcon Cruise Ship Terminal with more than a thousand spectators in attendance braving the wind and rain.

The new Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer, built at the Bath Iron Works in Maine, was the first ship in five years commissioned in Boston. Sampson's last assignment in the Navy was commander of the Boston Navy Yard, and all four destroyers named in his honor have been commissioned in this historic harbor.

Sampson's commissioning officially began with the traditional 19-gun salute by the oldest field artillery regiment in the nation, 1-101st Field Artillery Battalion, Massachusetts Army National Guard.

The salute honored Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry, who was the senior platform guest at the commissioning.

"It was right here in our beloved Massachusetts that the American Navy was born," said Kerry.

Kerry later remarked that the Sampson's legacy would be defined by her commander and crew.

Vice Adm. Terry Etnyre, commander Naval Surface Forces, like other platform guests shortened his remarks given the blustery weather, but he made sure that he challenged the crew during his comments.

"Be ready!" Etnyre told the crew of Sampson. "Be ready to carry out the missions, and to do our country's bidding."

The ceremony's principal guest speaker was Vice Adm. William D. Sullivan, the military representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Sixteen years ago, then-commander Sullivan decommissioned USS Sampson (DDG 10), the ship he commanded during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

Wilmington, N.C., resident Clare Parsons is the ship's sponsor. She is a retired commander in the U.S. Navy Reserves and her great-grandfather was William T. Sampson. Parsons was on hand to give the order to bring the ship to life, a time-honored Navy tradition. In addition to giving the command to bring the ship to life, Parsons also sang a solo, "O Master Let Me Walk with Thee," with Navy Band Northeast providing musical accompaniment.

Sampson was the commander of the U.S. blockading and North Atlantic squadrons during the Spanish-American War of 1898. During the war with Spain, Sampson was in charge of the North Atlantic and conducted the blockade of Cuba, whereby the ships under his command completely destroyed the Spanish vessels of Spanish Adm. Pasqual Cervera as they attempted to escape from the harbor of Santiago.

Cmdr. Philip Roos, the commissioning commanding officer of Sampson concluded the ceremony with remarks about his amazing crew.

"Unmanned, you'd think that Sampson was just a piece of equipment, only brought to life by the spirit, energy, and professionalism of her crew," said Roos.

Roos thanked the Sampson crew for their many hours of hard work leading up to the commissioning and the many hours ahead.

Roos later remarked that Sampson lives through the hard work, dedication, and skill of the best shipbuilders in the country, Bath Iron Works and that it stands as a testament of superior New England workmanship.

Previous ships named Sampson were DD 63 (1916-1921), DD 394 (1938-1945) and DDG 10 (1960-1991).

The newest Sampson, which is 511 feet in length, 66 feet at its widest point, displaces 9,200 tons of water, and has a top speed in excess of 30 knots, will sail with 25 officers and 250 enlisted crew members aboard. The Sampson is expected to arrive in her home port of San Diego later this year.

JTF-Bravo deploys to support Tropical Storm Noel relief

by 1st Lt. Erika Yepsen, Joint Task Force-Bravo Public Affairs
Soldiers and Airmen from Joint Task Force-Bravo here position a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter for loading onto a C-5 Galaxy from the New York Air National Guard. A team of 19 Airmen and Soldiers and two helicopters from Joint Task Force-Bravo departed here Nov. 5 heading for the Dominican Republic to assist with recovery efforts in the wake of Tropical Storm Noel. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Austin M. May)

SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras (AFPN) -- A team of 19 Airmen and Soldiers and two helicopters from Joint Task Force Bravo departed here Nov. 5 heading for the Dominican Republic to assist with recovery efforts in the wake of Tropical Storm Noel.

The 19 servicemembers and two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters were loaded on a C-5 Galaxy from the New York Air National Guard this morning and will arrive in the Dominican Republic later today.

"We'll be doing search and rescue missions," said Army Sgt. Jose Burgos-Mercado, one of the Joint Task Force Bravo Soldiers deploying to the Dominican Republic. The 19 member team from Joint Task Force Bravo consists mostly of aircrew and search and rescue team members.

There are a lot of people still missing, so we'll help look for them and move relief supplies, Sergeant Burgos said.

"It feels really good to be a part of this, making a difference in people's lives," said Capt. Kevin Brathwaite, New York Air National Guard, one of the C-5 aircrew members. The aircrew was in Rota, Spain, scheduled to operate in Southwest Asia when they received the call they were to come to Honduras to assist with tropical storm relief efforts.

Capt. Jason Siebert of the West Virginia Air National Guard was flying with the New York Airmen on his first C-5 overseas training mission.

"I've gotten to see almost the whole world in one trip," said Captain Siebert about his unique training mission. "But when you get the chance to do something humanitarian, you do it, that's why we're here."

HM-15 Lifts Up Crisis Response Exercise

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian May, USS Wasp Public Affairs
During a crisis response exercise, MH-53E Sea Dragons of Helicopter Mine Countermeasure Squadron (HM) 15 transport Marines attached to 4th Platoon 2nd Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team (FAST) ashore from USS Wasp (LHD 1). Coalition forces are conducting a crisis response exercise to enhance its capabilities to respond to a host nation's request for assistance during a time of a crisis. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sandra M. Palumbo)

Helicopter Mine Counter Measure Squadron (HM) 15 "Blackhawks" are providing air lift support for personnel and equipment aboard the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) during a crisis response exercise off the coast of Bahrain that began Nov. 1.

"We provide heavy-lift capabilities," said Lt. Scott Tompkins, a pilot for HM-15. "If that means carrying troops or cargo, the aircraft is capable of doing either."

HM-15 uses the MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter, an aircraft that is capable of carrying 55 people, or a payload of up to 16 tons.

Many of the pilots and air crew of HM-15 have already experienced crisis response scenarios during their careers.

"Most of the pilots here were involved with [Hurricane] Katrina, so they have the experience with real life situations that may occur," said Tompkins.

While HM-15 pilots and air crew have practical experience, they still find this exercise helpful for future crisis response situations.

"By practicing this exercise, it will make everything smoother and will allow us to respond faster to people in need," said Aviation Systems Warfare Operator 2nd Class (NAC) Brad Johnson, an air crewman for HM-15.

"You train like you fight, fight like you train," added Johnson.

While aboard for the crisis response exercise, HM-15 is responsible for offloading Marines to secure an area for use during crisis response, as well as other personnel and equipment.

"By getting [the Marines] to their location during this scenario, it allows us to have a secure perimeter to land so we can get personnel and supplies to the area," said HM-15 Leading Chief Petty Officer, Senior Chief Aviation Machinist's Mate (AW) Gary Dilts.

The crisis response exercise is being conducted Nov. 1-7 to enhance coalition forces' capabilities in case humanitarian assistance and disaster relief is requested from a regional nation in a time of crisis.

Unmanned Aircraft Joins Operation Enduring Freedom

By Sgt. 1st Class Charis Wilson, USA, Special to American Forces Press Service

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, Nov. 1, 2007 – A new, sleek, toy-like airframe is now a part of the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade fleet of aircraft traveling the skies of Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduing Freedom.

Sky Warrior-A is an Army unmanned aircraft system that provides combatant commanders the ability to detect, track and engage targets by using reconnaissance, surveillance and target-acquisition technology.

“It’s used as a combat multiplier, providing line-of-sight and beyond capabilities via a satellite link,” said Army Col. Michael Cavalier, project manager for unmanned aircraft system tactical concepts with Task Force Charger.

Less than three years into operational existence, the Sky Warrior-A has achieved a record 10,000 combat flight hours on three aircraft. First used in Iraq, it is being phased into operations in Afghanistan.

“It gives commanders an added asset on the tactical and strategic level to focus on priorities and direct assets where needed,” Detachment Commander Army Capt. Stephen Adamson said.

Sky Warrior-A began arriving in country in late September and is conducting operations throughout the theater.

Russian High Command Frequencies

Trond J posted on the UDXF newsgroup the latest list of Russian High Command parallel broadcast frequencies that he monitored this morning (European time). Collective callsign is RDL. The mode seen on these various freqs does vary (36-50 BEE 200/50 is very common).

18.1 kHz 7657.0 8130.0 9346.0 11468.0 12741.0 14411.0 17460.0 kHz

Previous frequencies that I have seen reported include:
4031.0 4476.0 6902.0 8508.0 10535.0 11102.0 12832.0 14664.0 16132.0 16912.0 17080.0 kHz

Air Force suspends some F-15 operations

The Air Force suspended non-mission critical F-15 flight operations on Nov. 3 following the crash of a Missouri Air National Guard F-15C aircraft Nov. 2.

The cause of that accident is still under investigation, however, preliminary findings indicate that a possible structural failure of the aircraft may have occurred. The suspension of flight operations is a precautionary measure.

The Air Force will ensure mission requirements are met for worldwide operations normally accomplished by the F-15. Current F-15 flying locations include bases in the continental United States, Alaska, England, Hawaii, Japan and the Middle East.

There are more than 700 F-15s in the Air Force inventory. The F-15 reached initial operational capability for the Air Force in September 1975.

While the F-15 continues to serve its country well, the Air Force is replacing its aging F-15 fighters with its fifth generation of air superiority, the F-22 Raptor. The F-22 is the world's most advanced fighter aircraft combining stealth, supercruise, maneverability and integrated avionics to provide unmatched warfighting capabilities in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

The F-15 Eagle is an all-weather, extremely maneuverable, tactical fighter designed to permit the Air Force to gain and maintain air supremacy over the battlefield.

The F-15C, D and E models were deployed to the Persian Gulf in 1991 in support of Operation Desert Storm where they proved their superior combat capability. F-15C fighters accounted for 34 of the 37 Air Force air-to-air victories. The F-15E's were operated mainly at night, hunting SCUD missile launchers and artillery sites using the LANTIRN system.

They have since been deployed for air expeditionary force deployments and Operations Southern Watch -- the no-fly zone in Southern Iraq, Provide Comfort in Turkey, Allied Force in Bosnia, Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Iraqi Freedom in Iraq.

USS Sampson to be commissioned in Boston

BOSTON, Mass. (Nov. 1, 2007) - Sailors man the rails aboard guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102) during a rehearsal for the ship's commissioning ceremony. Sampson is the 52nd of 62 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, and is named for Rear Adm. William T. Sampson (1840-1902), a naval hero during the Spanish-American War. Three previous destroyers have been named for Sampson, and have all been commissioned in Boston. U.S. Navy photo by Cmdr. Jane Campbell

T-45 Crashes at Acadiana

A T-45 Goshawk from Training Air Wing 2 at Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas crashed at 6:52 p.m. shortly after taking off from Acadiana Regional Airport near New Iberia, La., Nov. 1.

Two pilots were on board the aircraft and both safely ejected prior to the crash. They sustained minor injuries and were treated at the crash site by Acadiana Regional Airport rescue personnel. The aircraft was returning to Kingsville after completing carrier landing qualifications off the Florida coast.

An investigation into the cause of the crash is underway. The aircraft is assigned to Training Squadron 22.

See are related story at
http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com/2007/10/training-air-wing-2-resumes-flight.html.

CTF 59, Coalition Forces Conduct Crisis Response Exercise

See related story at http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com/2007/11/crisis-response-exercise-underway.html.

Commander, Task Force (CTF) 59, responsible for planning and carrying out contingency operations in the region, and coalition forces are conducting the second phase of a crisis response exercise in the region Nov. 1-7.

Phase 1 was a table-top discussion which focused on the planning phase of the exercise.

This second phase moves operational assets into action and transports relief supplies and equipment ashore from USS Wasp (LHD 1) to a staging base in Bahrain.

The exercise scenario involves a tropical cyclone that devastates a notional regional nation, destroying its critical infrastructure, shutting down its international airport, desalination and electrical plants, and displacing thousands of citizens. Additionally, the scenario includes an oil spill from a damaged tanker at sea.

"One cannot predict when or where a natural disaster is going to take place," said Rear Adm. Terence E. McKnight, CTF 59 commander. "But we can train to improve our response when a host nation requests our assistance. Coalition forces are committed to helping a host nation that requests our assistance by providing support, security and stability to the region."

In addition to the CTF 59 staff, exercise participants include: U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, task force commanders responsible for logistics (CTF 53); MH-53 helicopters which will be conducting most of the personnel and equipment transfers from ship to shore (CTF 55); the U.S. Navy Seabees or construction battalion (CTF 56); and maritime air patrol (CTF 57); U.S. Embassy in Bahrain, Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team, Wasp, Joint Communications Support Element, Standing Joint Forces Head Quarters, U.S. Air Force Central Command, and various Coalition forces and regional countries.

"As the lead task force of planning and executing a crisis response, it is imperative to coordinate with all those involved," said Lt. Col. Douglas Scott, CTF 59 plans officer. "We've completed the planning phase, now it's time to put things in motion."

Hill AFB provides Thunderbird upgrade

By Capt. Genieve David, 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Lt. Col. Greg Thomas, the incoming 2008-2009 U.S. Air Force Thunderbird Aerial Demonstration Team commander/leader, provided comments to a crowd of media and spectators during the F-16 Block 52 ceremony held at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Oct. 24. This occasion marked the first delivery of the converted F-16. (Air Force photos by Alex Lloyd)

Hill AFB rolled out the first of 11 configured F-16 Fighting Falcon jets to the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Aerial Demonstration Team during a ceremony here Oct. 24.

Incoming 2008-2009 U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds commander/leader Lt. Col. Greg Thomas, media, military and civilian spectators attended the ceremony and watched as the Ogden Air Logistics Center provided the first converted jet back to the aerial demonstration team.

Each airframe will receive a Block 52 upgrade, which includes the Falcon Structural Augmentation Roadmap program, also known as Falcon STAR. This program replaces or repairs the known life-limited structures to avoid the onset of widespread fatigue damage in order to maintain flight safety, enhance aircraft availability and extend the life of affected components.

Additionally, Ogden ALC’s 309th Maintenance Wing and 508th Aerospace Sustainment Wing are partnering to remove the weapons system from the aircraft and will replace it with a smoke generating system. Each aircraft gets a new red, white and blue paint job too.

"If these aircraft were needed in a combat situation, they can be reverted back to combat-ready in three days," said 1st Lt. Elbert Mose, a program manager with the 508th Aircraft Sustainment Group. "We have never had a situation where that has happened, but in 72 hours we could put the guns system back into a plane and they'd be completely ready."

Colonel Thomas said the delivery of the first air show-ready Thunderbird is significant to more than would-be air show spectators.

"This is about more than just fancy maneuvers in the sky," he said. "It's exciting because you see the high level of dedication and commitment that Team Hill has put into the airplane, and you know it's the same product our warfighter Airmen are taking into combat."

The Air Force is already upgrading its F-16s through the common configuration implementation program. The Ogden ALC is slated to de-modify an older series of Thunderbirds to the Block 32 version in order to make them combat ready, in addition to several other common configuration implementation program modifications that occurred earlier this year.

These aircraft will eventually replace the current Thunderbirds and should be ready for the 2009 show season.

On display at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the first of many new Block 52 F-16s provided to the Thunderbird Aerial Demonstration Team. The 11 airframes are scheduled to receive Falcon STAR modifications and a smoke generating system modification. These newly converted aircraft are slated for delivery for the 2009 show season. (Air Force photos by Alex Lloyd)

ESX ESG Ships Complete Bilateral Exercises in the Philippines

By Lt. Nathan Christensen, Task Force 76 Public Affairs
Ships from the USS Essex (LHD 2) Expeditionary Strike Group (ESX ESG) completed Exercise Talon Vision and Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) in the Philippines, Oct. 31.

The two-week long exercises involved USS Juneau (LPD 10), USS Tortuga (LSD 46) and Marines from the III Marine Expeditionary Force. Essex participated after departing Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 26.

"Talon Vision and PHIBLEX were a great success," said Capt. Anthony Pachuta, commander, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11, embarked aboard Juneau. "The bilateral training that occurred during the exercises was vital to maintaining readiness capabilities for both the U.S. and Philippine armed forces. It also demonstrated our partnership and commitment to the people of the Philippines."

The training exercises ran concurrently from Oct. 15-31, and partnered 2,700 U.S. and 1,300 Philippine military personnel for two weeks, emphasizing the importance of U.S. military forces from Japan contributing to the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region.

"The exercises were conducted to facilitate interoperability, increase readiness and continue to improve professional relationships between the United States and the Philippines armed forces," said Tortuga Operations Officer, Lt. Robert D. Starks. "Bilateral training is part of the long-term security assistance program between the [Philippines] and U.S."

Training events during Talon Vision and PHIBLEX focused on a variety of sea and land-based capabilities. Both Tortuga and Juneau provided sea-based platforms for simulated Marine raids, and Sailors from both nations conducted simulated maritime interdiction operations as well as visit, board, search and seizure training.

"The Essex Expeditionary Strike Group is here to help foster peace and stability in the region," said Rear Adm. Carol Pottenger, commander, Combined Task Force 76, embarked aboard Essex. "We are ready, we are flexible and we provide significant capabilities that contribute to regional stability and security."

ESX ESG is comprised of the amphibious assault ship Essex, PHIBRON 11, the transport dock ship Tortuga, the dock landing ship Juneau, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25, Tactical Air Control Squadron 12, Beach Master Unit 1 and Assault Craft Units 1 and 5. The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit makes up the Marine force embarked with the ESG.

Crisis Response Exercise Underway

Marines stop and salute the ensign as they embark onto amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) in Bahrain in preparation for a crisis response exercise. Coalition forces are conducting a crisis response exercise Nov. 1-7 to enhance their capabilities to respond to a host nation's request for assistance during a time of crisis. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sandra M. Palumbo)

Navy Terminates Fourth Littoral Combat Ship

Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead announced Nov. 1 that the Department of the Navy is terminating construction of the fourth littoral combat ship (LCS 4) for convenience under the termination clause of the contract because the Navy and General Dynamics could not reach agreement on the terms of a modified contract.

The Navy had not yet authorized construction on LCS 4, following a series of cost overruns on LCS 2. The Navy intended to begin construction of LCS 4 if the Navy and General Dynamics could agree on the terms for a fixed-price incentive agreement. The Navy worked closely with General Dynamics to try to restructure the agreement for LCS 4 to more equitably balance cost and risk, but could not come to terms and conditions that were acceptable to both parties.

The Navy remains committed to the LCS program.

"LCS continues to be a critical warfighting requirement for our Navy to maintain dominance in the littorals and strategic choke points around the world," said Winter. "While this is a difficult decision, we recognize that active oversight and strict cost controls in the early years are necessary to ensuring we can deliver these ships to the fleet over the long term."

"I am absolutely committed to the Littoral Combat Ship," said Roughead. "We need this ship. It is very important that our acquisition efforts produce the right littoral combat ship capability to the fleet at the right cost."

3rd Wing activates second F-22 squadron

The 3rd Wing at Elmendorf Air Force Base activated the 525th Fighter Squadron during a ceremony at the base on October 29.

The second active-duty F-22 Raptor squadron took its place in wing history nearly three months after the aircraft officially landed on base. Lt. Col. Chuck Corcoran assumed command of the squadron with its initial cadre of five pilots and four support staff.

Colonel Corcoran said he is honored to lead the squadron.

"I've been reading up on the history of the squadron. It's awesome and deep with tradition," the Chillicothe, Ohio, native said. "There are a lot of firsts. It was primarily in Europe until this point. It has performed brilliantly in numerous airplanes over the years and through numerous conflicts. There's no match for the air dominance mission anywhere in the world.

"It's great to know we get the opportunity to stand up the squadron here and be a part of a rich history the squadron has and add to it," he said.

The 525th FS's legacy began in February 1942 as the 309th Bombardment Squadron (Light) to support allied forces in the European theater of operations during World War II. Nearly 18 months after activation, the unit saw its first combat in Sicily. In August 1943, the 309th BS was redesignated as the 525th Fighter-Bomber Squadron.

Since then, the 525th has received several designations: fighter squadron from 1944-1950, fighter-bomber squadron again from 1950-1954, fighter-interceptor squadron from 1954-1969 and tactical fighter squadron from 1969 until being inactivated in 1992.

The squadron moved around Europe in its early days, but ended up calling Bitburg Air Base, Germany, home for 35 years.

Several former unit members attended the ceremony, one of whom is today's Pacific Air Forces commander, Gen. Paul Hester. Thirty years ago, the then captain was an F-15 Eagle instructor and flight examiner with the 525th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Bitburg.

The general noted that event adds to the importance of the Air Force's 60th anniversary and it portrays Heritage to Horizons.

"From the '70s to the '80s, now to the '90s and 2000s, it's four generations of Airmen doing the same thing, a part of the same team and wearing the squadron patch," General Hester said.

No matter what the number designator of the fighter squadrons -- the 525th, the 90th and the 302nd -- all have the same mission: to provide air dominance.

"Our job is to clear the skies of enemy aircraft, as well as take out any surface-to-air missiles that would deny us access to enemy airspace," Colonel Corcoran said. "The overarching reason for that is to gain control of the skies. That's what the F-22 was built to do and it's our mission here at Elmendorf.

The colonel said that as he leads the 525th into the next chapter of its history his vision for the squadron is to accomplish the mission they're tasked with.

"I want to do it at the level the 525th has historically done it ... perfectly. I think it will be pretty easy to execute that, because we have the world's best equipment with the F-22 and the world's best people," he said. "My job is going to be pretty easy taking care of those people, so they can accomplish the mission with that awesome equipment. My vision is to provide them what they need so they can be trained and equipped to do what they have to do if they're called on to do it."

With the unfurling of the 525th Tactical Fighter Squadron flag, the 525th became active again after 15 years. The 525th Fighter Squadron will have 26 people and 20 aircraft assigned when it becomes fully operational by the end of 2008.

Military to coordinate systems across all branches

By John Rendleman
Article courtesy of Government Computer News website
http://www.gcn.com/online/vol1_no1/45338-1.html

As it begins a fundamental shift in its mission to encompass domestic disaster response, the military community is working to make its communications and computer systems interoperate across all its branches and with state and local emergency agencies’ systems.

“Clearly, the world’s changed since 9/11, and from our standpoint, [it] changed even more fundamentally after Hurricane Katrina,” said Steven Bucci, deputy assistant secretary of homeland defense and America’s security affairs at the Defense Department, while leading a discussion on the nation’s interoperability challenges during the Milcom 2007 trade show here this week.

Along with the military’s new role as a critical component of the country’s homeland defense and disaster response strategy, the uniformed branches of the military shoulder the American public’s expectation that in the aftermath of a major emergency, “the response will be immediate, will be overwhelming and will come off without a hitch,” Bucci said. “In other words, none of us will be able to meet that expectation because it’s physically impossible,” although our response posture is radically better today than before Katrina, thanks to the tireless work by local, state and federal officials government to plan and coordinate their joint response in states of emergency.

For officials who run the country’s information technology and communications systems, the monumental task of establishing interoperability between literally thousands of disconnected and incompatible computer systems, applications and communications links is essential to preparing for cataclysmic events, although federal, state and local officials have made an exhaustive effort to address the problem and have made significant early improvements, panel participants said.

“We’re so far ahead from where we were at Katrina that it’s not even funny,” said National Guard Brig. Gen. Henry “Hank” McCann. Notable improvements include the Joint Incident Site Communications Capability interoperable radio system that’s preliminarily ready for use, DOD’s creation of its Joint Information Exchange Environment computer system capable of tying together emergency personnel from all the branches of the government, and the establishment of Joint Command and Control Coordination Centers, McCann said.

One new initiative that’s key to unifying the systems and coordinating the efforts of the military, national intelligence community, Homeland Security Department, all federal disaster relief agencies, and state and local first responders is creation of a Maritime Domain Awareness system. The MDA effort is being led by the Navy and will give officials a unified operational picture of a maritime-related disaster such as a hurricane and the ability to coordinate the government’s response, said retired U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Dave Betz.

The system for the first time ties together agencies, such as the Navy, Marine Corp, Coast Guard, DHS and Federal Emergency Management Administration, that will be crucial to responding to disasters at sea or along our coast, Betz said.

“We are moving forward with this whole construct of Maritime Domain Awareness across our whole government, and that’s important,” he noted.

New and encouraging news for the MDA effort is support for the program at top levels of the federal government, for example by the secretary of the Office of National Intelligence, who recently endorsed the plan, Betz added.

Northrup Grumman to Compete for USCG NAIS Contract

Northrop Grumman Corporation announced October 29 at the U.S. Coast Guard Innovation Expo in New Orleans its intent to lead a team that will compete to design, integrate, install and test the Coast Guard's Nationwide Automatic Identification System (NAIS).

NAIS will be a two-way maritime digital communication system, which will continually transmit and receive voiceless exchange of vessel data, including vessel identity, position, speed, course, destination and other data of critical interest for navigation safety, marine mobility and maritime security. The program will focus on improving maritime security, marine and navigational safety, search and rescue, and environmental protection services. In addition, data collected by NAIS will be combined with other government intelligence and surveillance data to form a holistic view of maritime situational awareness, in part by identifying vessels still hundreds of miles offshore.

"Northrop Grumman has assembled a highly skilled and experienced team to address the entire spectrum of potential NAIS requirements, with each team member bringing to the table critical or unique capabilities to meet the Coast Guard's needs," said Mike Twyman, vice president of Northrop Grumman Mission Systems sector's Command, Control, Communications and Intelligence Systems operating unit. "Our team has been preparing for NAIS for nearly three years, and we look forward to providing the Coast Guard with the capabilities needed to reach its vision."

The Northrop Grumman team includes Allied Technology Group, Inc., Rockville, Md.; CACI International, Inc., Arlington, Va.; Washington Group International, Inc., Boise, Idaho; ICAN, Inc., Dallas; True Heading AB, Stockholm, Sweden; Broadpoint, Inc., New Orleans; and GTSI Corp., Chantilly, Va.

First Russian Glonass Navsat Launch of 2007

Russia successfully launched Proton-K rocket from the Baykonur launch site (launch pad 24 in launch complex 81) on 26 October 2007 at 07:35:24 UTC carrying three Glonass navsats.

The rocket, equipped with DM-2 upper stage, delivered the three Glonass-M navigation satellites into orbit. The satellites have been deployed into semi-synchronous circular orbits with altitude of about 19130 km and the inclination of 64.8 degrees.

2007-052A 32275 Cosmos 2431 Glonass number 718
2007-052B 32776 Cosmos 2432 Glonass number 719
2007-052C 32777 Cosmos 2433 Glonass number 720

These satellites are deployed in the third orbital plane of the Glonass constellation. The launch was originally scheduled on 25 October 2007, but was postponed because of a Kazakhstan holiday that day. Previous launch of Glonass satellites took place on 25 December 2006.

According to the Russian Strategic Nuc Forces blog they are expected to launch three more Glonass-M satellites on 25 December 2007.

You can find an updated and complete constellation table for the Glonass navsats at:
http://russianforces.org/blog/2007/10/three_glonassm_navigation_sate_1.shtml

Launch of Cosmos-2430 early-warning satellite

Article below is courtesy of the Russian Strategic Nuc Forces blog and Pavel Podvig:
http://russianforces.org/blog/2007/10/launch_of_cosmos2430_earlywarn.shtml

On October 23, 2007 at 08:39 MSK (04:39 UTC) the Space Forces conducted a successful launch of a Molniya-M rocket from the launch pad No. 2 of the launch complex No. 16 of the Plesetsk launch site. The satellite delivered into orbit, designated Cosmos-2430, is a new 73D6 satellite of the US-KS early-warning system (also known as Oko).

The satellite was given the international designation 2007-049A and the NORAD catalog number 32268. According to the NORAD data, inclination of the initial orbit of Cosmos-2430 is 62.8 degrees, orbital period is about 702 minutes. Apogee of the initial orbit is about 39,200 km, perigee – 560 km. According to the Space Forces, Cosmos-2430 reached its orbit at 09:35 MSK and was taken under control by the crews of the Main Space Systems Center (GITsIU KS) at 10:15 MSK.

Cosmos-2430 is deployed in an orbital plane that has about opposite to that occupied by the only US-KS satellite that has been in operation on highly-elliptical orbit – Cosmos-2422, launched in July 2006. Two other HEO satellites, Cosmos- 2388 and Cosmos-2393, ended operations in November 2006 and March 2007 respectively.

Russia also has an operational geostationary early-warning satellite, Cosmos-2379, believed to be a newer 71Kh6 spacecraft of the US-KMO system. Normally deployed at the point over 24 degrees West, where it provided support to the US-KS satellites, it has been recently moved to a new position – at 12 degrees East. These changes mean that even after the Cosmos-2340 begins operations, the Russian early-warning system will not be able to maintain 24-hour coverage of the U.S. territory. At the same time, geostationary Cosmos-2379 will probably provide some coverage of the Northern Atlantic.

Russia is also working on a new early-warning satellite system, but the fist test launch of this program is not expected before 2009.

Golden Knights Return from India Bearing Medals

BY Cheryle Rivas
Staff Sgt. Norma Estrella, women's 4-way team member for the Golden Knights, practices exiting the aircraft for the 4th Military World Games. (Photo by U.S. Army)

The U.S. Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights, has returned from Hyderabad, India adding gold, silver and a new record to their list of accomplishments.

Among heightened security, the team competed in the 4th Military World Games of Conseil International du Sport Militaire, or CISM, the military equivalent to the Olympics, against teams from 100 countries.

Taking gold in formation skydiving was the women's 4-way freefall formation team with 26 points, a new military world record, beating out the 25-point record they set back in 2004.
The women's competition team also won silver in the overall women's country division. "We tied with Russia for first overall country and then we had a jump off and Russia took first overall," said team member Sergeant 1st Class Karen Morrison. The overall country award combined scores from 4-way and accuracy.

The men's 4-way team endured some strong competition as they went face to face against Belgium with both teams setting new military world records during several rounds. The Army parachutists won silver in formation skydiving, which was a very tight competition. In the end, Belgium bested them by one point.

CISM is the military equivalent of the Olympics with more than 100 countries representing foreign militaries across the world and more than 6,000 athletes competing. In parachuting alone, there were 40 foreign militaries represented. All participants are active-duty military.

In skydiving competition, teams have 35 seconds working time with each jump to perform and gain the most points to win a medal.

'Capital Shield' Propels NCR into Response Mode

By Thomas Mani, MDW Public Affairs
A casualty search and rescue team from the Chemical Biological Incident Response Force moves Pfc. Steven Applegate, role-playing as an injured patient, during a mass casualty scenario for exercise Capital Shield 2008 (CS08) in Lorton, Va., Oct. 22. (Photo by Air Force Staff Sgt. Suzanne M. Day)

WASHINGTON -- A deadly bomb ripped into the Hart Senate Office Building shortly after 9 a.m. Monday, throwing the region into ... another Capital Shield exercise that primes the readiness of the military to lock arms with local and federal interagency partners in response.

With the region boarding up, stripping the store shelves bare of milk and bread, and otherwise preparing for Hurricane Victoria fictitiously churning her way up the coast of Virginia, U.S. Northern Command had already told Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region to begin operations as Joint Task Force NCR. Forces from NORTHCOM were already on site to augment JTF-NCR.

Capital Shield 08 was the third in the series of exercises conducted by JFHQ-NCR and the first with Maj. Gen. Richard J. Rowe Jr. in command.

"The exercises provide a tremendous opportunity to practice individual and unit skills required to fulfill our tasks as assigned by U.S. Northern Command," Maj. Gen. Rowe said. "Also, most importantly, we are able to exercise joint operations, techniques, procedures and command and control relationships with our joint, interagency and intergovernmental partners.

"Capital Shield enhances our ability to communicate internally and with our interagency partners, and to test how well we are able to marshal resources and achieve a unity of effort toward primary goals."

Emergency preparedness plans for JTF-NCR run along three lines of operation, and all - homeland defense, continuity of operations, and mitigation of disaster -- were being taken out, tested, polished and assessed for refinements and other improvements.

"I want you all to ask yourselves three questions," Maj. Gen. Rowe told his command: "What was the plan? How did we do? What might be changed?"

This critical assessment, to be rolled up in hot washes, after-action reports and courses of action, is what will be "the hard work" of the exercise, Col. Willie E. Gaddis, JFHQ-NCR chief of staff, said.
The exercise took place as national attention turned to wildfires in Southern California fueled by Santa Ana winds. News of the efforts there were tracked even as exercise participants and planners dealt with a terror attack scenario that was found to be the work of Al Qaeda and a spate of tornados spawned by the collapsing hurricane - a tropical storm as it blew through the National Capital Region Monday evening, damaging Walter Reed Army Medical Center and requiring the evacuation and relocation of patients.

attack filtered in stages, sometimes incorrect, and always with the sense that something more might happen at any time. Exercise injects from the simulation cell ensured just that.
The bomb at the Hart Office Building turned out to be two bombs, vehicle-borne IEDs, and another blast took place in the Capitol Rotunda itself. An exercise taking place at Andrews Air Force Base brought word that a chlorine tanker truck was exploded inside the west gate of the base, which served as the aerial port of debarkation for many of the arriving joint forces being brought in to meet security and other needs.

The attack on the congressional campus activated support arrangements with JTF-NCR that brought quick deployment of two of its first-responder units: the Marine Corps' Chemical, Biological Incident Response Force and the Army's 911th United States Army Technical Rescue Engineer Company - CBIRF (pronounced as two syllables) and the 911th Engineers, for short.
As the sole field training exercise in this year's Capital Shield, the units deployed to the former D.C. Youth Correctional Facility at Lorton, Va., where physical operations could take place without disrupting the activities of Congress, or at least not add to the disruption already afoot as rallies staged by protesters snarled traffic and brought a handful of arrests.

The Lorton site has been used in earlier Capital Shield exercises courtesy Fairfax County, which took over the entire prison complex in 2002 and has plans for development that mark the dormitories and other reformatory structures for demolition and use as parkland. Fairfax, a partner in past Capital Shield exercises, had just completed certification training for its technical-rescue crew a few weeks earlier, so limited its participation to "white force" assistance with the exercise rather than rolling in beside their military counterparts.

The buildings could be partly demolished and a massive incident command structure could be set up under the eye of the District of Columbia Fire Department and the Washington Regional Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Capt. Wayne Benson of D.C. Fire & Emergency Medical Services took charge as the incident commander at the Lorton/Hart site, and the incident command post also linked the FBI, whose agents treated the site as a crime scene even as CBIRF and the 911th were staging for their recovery efforts. Capt. John Sollers, a colleague of Benson's, took over for operations on days two and three.

The Quantico Marine Corps Base Fire Department came in to take part in the exercise beside the 911th and the CBIRF technical rescue platoon, which had its own "rat maze" in the facility to search. A light labor platoon from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) gave additional help.

Others on site included both observers and participants from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Structural Engineers branch, which has recently been brought into the response plans and exercises for NCR events. Tom Niedernhofer explained the role of the engineers, who would come from district offices throughout the East Coast, as providing professional engineering assistance for the working crews, keeping a step ahead of them in assessing shoring loads or the like, and increasing the marginal level of safety.

Among the tools brought was a device to focus optically on a point on a structure wall and gauge movement of the wall to less than a quarter of an inch.

Some of the engineers had worked in Washington or in New York after the 9/11 attacks, and one was a veteran of the Oklahoma City bombing response.

Lt. Jay Branson, a 911th Engineers platoon leader, enlisted in the Army in the wake of 911 and sought after the assignment "rescuing people" after he commissioned into the Engineers, having had combat engineer experience.

"This is the point of the spear," Branson commented as he passed a two foot length of 2x4 through an opening made by an acetylene torch in a heavy metal door. "This team will push forward as quickly as they can; others will come behind to improve and expand their work, search for and remove trapped victims."

"There's asbestos and other bad stuff in the air," Branson noted, explaining the need to wear filter respirators even with fresh air being pumped in to displace the smoke and carbon dioxide that was being generated as part of the field problem. The first crews in had to carry their own canisters of air, which could be refilled with the company's vehicle-mounted equipment.

Company Commander Capt. Frank Tedeschi said the smaller scale of this year's exercise had the advantage of allowing the company's special projects section to set up a maze that would challenge the more perishable skills called for. "We know what we need," Tedeschi said, but larger exercises sometimes narrow the range of skill sets called for to some of the most easily learned, breaching concrete, for example.

"One of the things we know we will need is shoring," Capt. Tedeschi said. The site gave plenty of that experience, both within the structure and with an external trench that opened an alternative, below-grade avenue of approach into the structure.

As the exercise advances, Capt. Tedeschi promised, a roof collapse would isolate the forward team, a door being opened would tip over containers of chlorine, and a high-line entry into the final "rat maze" would be there "as a challenge for the over-achievers."

Outside of the Lorton FTX site, the focus was on the Joint Operations Center. There questions of requests for forces, force protection measures, intelligence relating to attacks in New York City, cyber attacks, logistics, cost simulations, status of infrastructure, air operations environment and when effects and end states were achieved such that the end of exercise could occur, personnel could be released and the command settle back into its normal pace of business.

It is a more complicated environment in many respects than at the site of the crisis - for example, finding and treating the 50 role-playing victims in the CBIRF mass casualty exercise.
"We don't have a single plan to support emergencies, but rather a series of plans, all nested under the U.S. Northern Command emergency preparations plan to support the National Response Plan and the National Incident Management System," Maj. Gen. Rowe said.

"We are part of the federal response when the state requests capabilities they do not possess or have expended on other missions," Maj. Gen. Rowe said. "This falls under the framework of the National Response Plan and the National Incident Management System. Our joint force efforts represent an incredible DoD effort along with the National Guard and our DoD agency partners such as Pentagon Force Protection Agency, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, and NORAD as well as our uniformed teammates from the US Coast Guard.

"During incidents of national significance, the Department of Defense and the Joint Forces Headquarters National Capital Region bring special skills, special equipment, communications and information-sharing capabilities to bear in the NCR. If needed to save lives, prevent human suffering or mitigate great property damage, we can act immediately," Maj. Gen. Rowe concluded. "Otherwise when authorized by proper authorities."

The Capital Shield 08 exercise wrapped up Wednesday. A week prior, national-level exercises Vigilant Shield and TopOff 4 occupied U.S. Army North, U.S. Northern Command, the Department of Homeland Security and others in dirty bomb attacks in Guam, Oregon and Arizona.
At Capital Shield "EndEx," military assistance was still being staged and forwarded to fight the California wildfires through the same mechanisms that the National Capital Region defenders practiced.

Maj. Gen. Rowe declared himself "awestruck" and "very thankful as a commander" for the partnerships that were so in evidence for the Capital Shield FTX.

Redstone team provides modified Blackhawks to support Multi-National Force-Iraq

BY Laura Stone and Maj. (ret.) Mike Kuenzli

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala., - The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center's Engineering Directorate Prototype Integration Facility recently delivered two Army Airborne Command and Control System Command Configuration aircraft to areas of operation.

This latest configuration of A2C2S is enhanced to meet the specific requirements of the Multi-National force - Iraq commander, Gen. David Petraeus. The A2C2S team, including the Prototype Integration Facility, the prime contractor Joint Venture Yulista SES-I, A2C2S Program Management Office, AMRDEC Aviation Engineering Directorate, and Redstone Technical Test Center, worked around the clock for three months to design, manufacture, install, test, and deliver the two modified Blackhawks. A contact team will travel to theater for six weeks to modify an additional two aircraft to the Command configuration.

A2C2S is an on-the-move command and control system that transforms selected UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopters into airborne command posts. Specifically, A2C2S provides aircraft with data and voice communication capability with ground and air support, situational awareness, common view of the battlefield, over the battlefield mobility, and connectivity to other information/communication networks.

The system includes as many as five interchangeable workstations (dependent upon configuration), large-screen displays, advanced voice/data communications suite, Voice-Over-Internet Protocol, International Maritime Satellite, communications, and supportability improvements. The new Command Configuration includes VIP steps/seats, commander workstation on the Blackhawk bulkhead with separate display and multilevel connectivity, accelerated INMARSAT capability as well as seats for 10 crew members.

LTC Chip Carter, Product Manager-A2C2S recently commented that, "Delivery of complex aviation integrated systems, such as A2C2S, does not occur by accident. It happens due to the diligent efforts of a professional team." LTC Carter went on to say the team comprised "worked endlessly to meet this aggressive delivery schedule, saved $1.5M per system, and brought this much-needed capability to the Warfighter. I am extremely pleased with the PIF and the outstanding employees they bring to the A2C2S product team. The leadership of Multi-National Forces-Iraq will be ecstatic with this new capability."

B-2s train with JTACs, drop bombs on target

by Tech. Sgt. Steven Wilson, 36th Operations Group Public Affairs
Airman 1st Class Robert Gaines calls in an air strike Oct. 23 during the Koa Lightning exercise at the Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii. Airman Gaines is a tactical air controller from the 25th Air Support Operations Squadron, Wheeler Army Air Field, Hawaii. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo)

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (AFPN) -- The B-2 Spirit stealth bomber deployed here practiced weapons drops in the Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii Oct. 23 without using built in state of the art targeting system.

This time, the fliers were conducting operations with joint terminal attack controllers on the ground to allow the specially trained Airmen an opportunity to hone their skills with a bomber platform.

JTACs say the difference in what the B-2 brings to the battlefield is dramatic.

"Strategic bombers in and of themselves are huge force multipliers," said Tech. Sgt. Richard Setlock, a JTAC from the 25th Air Support Operations Squadron. "Fighter
attack aircraft can stay on station for 45-minutes and provide six to eight bombs. We can have a bomber overhead for two to four hours and provide four times the firepower that a fighter attack aircraft could."

The global reach and long loiter time over a target is a unique capability of America's bomber force. This makes the B-2 especially lethal to America's enemies.

"Our aerial refueling capability means we're only limited by the human factor of aircrew fatigue," said Col. Damian McCarthy, 36th Operations Group commander. "Having the ability to stay over a target for extended periods, especially in a stealth airframe, gives the combatant commander the option to strike the bad guys at a time and place of their choosing."

This capability can be put to good use by the Airmen on the ground.

"(Bombers) can strike several targets at one time, where a fighter attack aircraft is basically doing one at a time. With accurate coordinates pulled up by a JTAC, we can hit up to fourteen targets at once," Sergeant Setlock said.

For this series of exercises, the B-2s were dropping 2,000-lb bombs on targets in the training area. They did it the old fashioned way too. No laser designating the target and no joint direct attack munitions with global positioning system guidance. It was just the aviators, their instruments, a deadly airframe and some Airmen on the mock battlefield calling in the coordinates.

"This is the first time I've worked with the B-2, and I was actually kind of amazed by the accuracy, considering we weren't using precision weapons," Sergeant Setlock said.

The B-2 deployment to Guam demonstrates the commitment of the U.S. to regional and global security. Alaska, Hawaii and Guam create a strategic triangle in this area of the world and allows the Air Force to project its capabilities from U.S. soil.
A lone crew chief launches a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber for a training combat sortie Oct. 24 on the Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii. They practiced combat operations while working with joint terminal attack controllers on the ground that were calling in coordinates. (Air Force photo/Senior Airman Brian Kimball)

Reagan Completes Maintenance Period/Sea Trials Ahead of Schedule

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) returned to Naval Air Station North Island Oct. 31 following sea trials, which allowed the ship and crew to finish the six-month planned incremental availability (PIA) period one day ahead of schedule.

The two days of sea trials were the final phase for the PIA and were designed to assess Ronald Reagan's material readiness and ability to rejoin the fleet as a fully operational unit.

"The completion of this availability is the culmination of an incredible amount of effort invested into the future capability of Ronald Reagan," said Capt. Terry B. Kraft, Ronald Reagan's commanding officer.

"I'm proud of the fact that we executed the availability safely, with no significant injuries to Reagan or Puget Sound personnel. Completing early was our goal from the beginning - it's great to be back in action," added Kraft.

From advanced combat systems and electronics installation, improved berthing compartments and new deck tiles, Ronald Reagan received more than $150-million in renovations and upgrades since entering the PIA cycle in May. Prior to PIA, Ronald Reagan completed a six-month deployment in 2006 to support the global war on terrorism, as well as a three-month surge deployment to the Western Pacific in early 2007.

Ronald Reagan Sailors joined shipyard workers from Northrop-Grumman's Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for a special picnic Oct. 18 in the ship's hangar bay prior to sea trials, celebrating the end of the PIA maintenance period. During the picnic, Kraft addressed the crowd of Sailors and contract workers before a traditional cake-cutting ceremony to mark the end of the PIA period.

"I want to recognize the crew and the shipyard workers who put a lot of hard work into getting this PIA finished on time," said Kraft.

According to Kraft, the PIA improved the overall command and control capability, warfighting readiness and interoperability of the ship's systems, and provided valuable cross-training for the crew of America's flagship.

"Focused execution was the goal for this PIA," said Kraft. "We completed one of the safest and most efficient PIA periods ever for an aircraft carrier."

According to A. J. "Tony" Gonzalez, the PIA program manager from Northrop-Grumman, Ronald Reagan's six-month maintenance period was extremely successful. "The preplanning that went into this project before started and the communication between the officers and crew of the ship and the shipyard workers were the key to finishing the project on time," said Gonzalez.

The leadership of Ronald Reagan was also able to capitalize on numerous training opportunities during the maintenance period by sending dozens of Sailors to technical schools, cross-decking opportunities to other ships, and continuing an aggressive enlisted surface and aviation warfare specialist program.

Essex On-loads Marines for Fall Patrol

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Mark Alveraz, USS Essex Public Affairs

USS ESSEX, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Essex (LHD 2) completed the on-load of 1,400 Marines and Sailors from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Oct. 31.

The 31st MEU embarked Essex to take part in the strike group's annual fall patrol in East and Southeast Asia with the Essex Expeditionary Strike Group (ESX ESG).

The 31st MEU consists of ground, command, air and combat support elements that allow ESX ESG to conduct amphibious operations from the sea and project power ashore.

Nearly 600 Marines embarked Essex in Okinawa, Japan Oct. 24. The additional 800 Marines, who participated in Exercise Talon Vision and Amphibious Landing Exercise from the 31st MEU completed their on-load in Subic Bay, Philippines.

For many members of the MEU, it is their first time aboard Essex, or any ship for that matter.

"This is my first on-load," said Combat Cargo Officer, Marine Chief Warrant Officer Jimmy Simmons. "The on-load went very smoothly considering we have a brand new crew. It didn't go as fast as they have in the past but it was extremely smooth and safe. Everything was brought onboard in a timely manner."

Essex combat cargo moved over 1,400 personnel, 60 pieces of rolling stock and 300 pieces of MEU cargo. They also helped moved elements of the battalion landing team, the ground combat element, air combat element and combat logistics battalion.

This was also the first on-load for Combat Cargo Marine Lance Cpl. Jonathan Kelley.

"This was my first on-load, it was pretty exciting and it went really well," he said. "It was a hard day of work. We loaded over 400 pallets starting early at 7:00 a.m. and finished at 11:00 p.m."

During the fall patrol, Essex will conduct numerous training events that will focus on a variety of sea and land-based capabilities.

Along with the training schedule, Sailors onboard Essex will be able to experience the vast array of foreign port visits as well as interact with the local community by volunteering for community service projects.

Essex's presence in the Western Pacific demonstrates the U.S. commitment to fulfilling treaty obligations and security arrangements in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility and helps to foster peace and stability in the region.

Essex and its strike group will remain postured to render aid in the region if needed, in support of Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet's goal of delivering responsive, short-term readiness.

Eight National Guard brigades alerted for Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom

The Department of the Army has joined the Department of Defense in announcing the alert of seven Army National Guard Brigade Combat Teams and one Army National Guard Fires Brigade for planned rotations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

More than 20,000 Army National Guard Soldiers are being notified by the Army to prepare for deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan. These units are being informed in advance to provide them the opportunity to plan, conduct world-class training, and to provide some degree of predictability for the Citizen-Soldiers, their Families and their respective employers.

The "Jersey Blues" - the 50th Heavy Brigade Combat Team of the New Jersey Army National Guard, based at Fort Dix - includes units from across the state. The brigade is expected to mobilize in May 2008 and deploy to Iraq in autumn 2008. This will be the brigade's first deployment in support of the Global War on Terror.

The 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team is headquartered at Fort Ruger, Hawaii, and includes units from across Hawaii and Arizona. The brigade is expected to mobilize in June 2008 and deploy to Iraq in autumn 2008. The "Lava Brigade" served in Iraq from January through December of 2005.

The 56th Brigade Combat Team of the 36th Infantry Division includes units from across Texas. The "Thunderbolt Brigade" is expected to mobilize in July 2008 and deploy to Iraq in autumn 2008. The brigade last deployed to Iraq from December 2004 through December 2005.

The "Ravens" of Washington's 81st Heavy Brigade Combat Team are based in Seattle, Washington, and includes units from Washington and California. It is expected to mobilize in August 2008 and deploy to Iraq in autumn 2008. The brigade last deployed to Iraq from March 2004 through March 2005.

Tracing their lineage to the Associated Regiment of Foot founded by Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia in 1747, "The Associators" of the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, are headquartered in Philadelphia. They are expected to mobilize in November 2008 and deploy to Iraq in early 2009. The brigade, which includes units from across Pennsylvania, is the only Stryker Brigade Combat Team in the Army National Guard, and one of just seven in the Army. This will be the brigade's first deployment as a unit, although small units from the brigade have previously deployed in support of operation Iraqi Freedom.

The 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team of the North Carolina Army National Guard, based in Clinton, includes units from North Carolina and West Virginia. "Old Hickory" will mobilize in January 2009 and deploy to Iraq in spring 2009. The brigade last deployed to Iraq from February 2004 through February 2005.

The 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, headquartered in Decatur, Illinois, will mobilize in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in August 2008. The "Prairie" Brigade is expected to deploy in autumn 2008 to Afghanistan, where it will train the Afghan National Army. In January 2002, one of the brigade's battalions mobilized in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and deployed to Germany to provide force protection at U.S. facilities across Europe.

In addition to the seven BCTs, Oklahoma's 45th Fires Brigade, based in Enid, is also scheduled to deploy to Iraq. It includes units from Oklahoma and Utah. "Red Thunder" is expected to mobilize in June 2008 and deploy to Iraq in autumn 2008 where it will augment the 29th IBCT in its assigned mission. The 45th Fires Brigade deployed two battalions to Iraq in 2003.

While Regular Army units deploy for up to 15-month tours, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates directed in January that reserve component units would mobilize for no longer than one year and that they would train and deploy as cohesive units.

Two of the brigades - the 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team and the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team - will operate as Brigade Combat Teams, responsible for conducting full-spectrum operations in an assigned battlespace. Four of the brigades - the 56th BCT of the 36th Infantry Division, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 81st HBCT and 45th Fires - will contribute to the security force responsible for ensuring freedom of movement and continuity of operations across the country. These tasks include base defense and route security. The 50th HBCT will support detention operations at sites throughout Iraq.

The National Guard has responded to every call for forces, already having mobilized more than 285,000 Soldiers. Each time the National Guard has been called upon, they have responded with proven and capable warriors. These outstanding Citizen-Soldiers, their Family members and employers continue to make great sacrifices for our country and they acknowledge and appreciate the continued support of the American people.

"We recognize the commitment and increasing sacrifices that our Families are making every day," said Secretary of the Army Mr. Pete Geren. "We recognize the strength of our Soldiers comes from the strength of their Families. The American Soldier and the Army Family - our All Volunteer Force - are a national treasure. Truly, the strength of our Nation!"

The case-by-case selection of Army National Guard forces honors worldwide commitments and provides combatant commanders the forces they need to maintain the current momentum in support of operations in Iraq.