12 nations activate groundbreaking Heavy Airlift Wing

by Maj. Cristin Marposon, U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs

PAPA AIR BASE, Hungary (AFNS) -- Senior diplomatic and defense officials representing 12 nations as well as NATO witnessed July 27 the official activation of a first-of-its-kind multinational strategic airlift unit at Pápa Air Base, Hungary.

"I want to extend my thanks to all of the nations that chose to participate in SAC," said Ambassador Claudio Bisogniero, NATO deputy secretary general, referring to the Strategic Airlift Capability program formalized 2006. "Because of your commitment, today we are well-positioned to provide aid anywhere, at any time, and on any mission - humanitarian, disaster relief, or peacekeeping."

The nations committed to the 30-year SAC Program built the program's multinational operational-level unit, known as the Heavy Airlift Wing or HAW, in just 10 months. The purpose was to collectively create a heavy airlift solution with global reach to meet national obligations to the European Union, United Nations and NATO. Primary among those obligations for all the participants is support to the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.

"In building this program, the twelve nations forged an unshakable bond," said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Richard Johnston, chairman of the SAC Steering Board. "Today, this unshakable bond is gathered here at Pápa to celebrate a significant milestone in military aviation. This is your day, your nation's day, and each and every nation should be proud to have brought this vision to reality."

The SAC program, which will operate independently of NATO's military command, includes NATO member nations Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovenia and the United States, as well as Partnership for Peace nations Finland and Sweden.

The nations' varying investments in the SAC Program dictate their proportionate share of the annual flying hours on three jointly acquired Boeing C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. The first C-17, SAC 01, landed at Pápa AB July 18 under the control of HAW pilots from Norway, Sweden and the U.S. Boeing will deliver SAC's two remaining C-17s in September and October.

Each nation also contributed a proportionate share of the unit's 131 personnel.

"For nearly a year now, airmen from 12 nations have worked as a team here in Pápa, blending their varied skills, military experiences and cultures into a new form of multinational military unit," explained the HAW's first commander, U.S. Air Force Col. John Zazworsky, in his multinational capacity.

"The team has consistently focused on being able to conduct strategic airlift missions as soon as the first aircraft was delivered. Now that we have reached that milestone, we have the strong sense that we are creating a model for future cooperative military efforts."

SAC 01 will begin operational missions in support of the nations' requirements in early August and anticipates flying roughly 630 hours before the end of 2009 and more than 3,100 flying hours in 2010, all of which will be flown by multinational aircrews regardless of the nation to which the mission belongs.

Many of the already-scheduled missions will fulfill the participating nations' commitments to ISAF. A typical mission transporting troops, mechanized firepower and oversized equipment weighing tens of tons from Pápa to Afghanistan and back requires roughly 15 flight hours.

The Republic of Hungary plays a significant role in the SAC program as host to the main operating base of the newly activated HAW and to its personnel and their families. It will also register the SAC aircraft, the tail flash of which presents the nation's flag in stripes of red, white and green.

To facilitate the HAW's mission, the Hungarian air force will manage the Pápa airfield, air traffic control operations and base infrastructure support. A Boeing team assigned to Pápa AB will provide material management, flight line maintenance and other support for the wing's C-17s. And the NATO Airlift Management Agency or NAMA, an organization of roughly three dozen individuals, will handle acquisition, logistics support and financial matters.

According to SAC officials, the program's approach to shared use of strategic airlift assets allows participating nations to achieve greater efficiencies in defense investment and operational capacity than otherwise possible.

Furthermore, the program provides a model for future consortium acquisition and management of expensive defense capabilities and for future combined operations.

VAQ-129 Prowler 907 Makes Final Flight

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tucker M. Yates, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest

OAK HARBOR, Wash. (NNS) -- A Navy EA-6B Prowler from Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 made its final flight from Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island in preparation for retirement July 20.

The flight of Prowler 907 terminated upon arrival at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Ariz., where the 309th Aerospace and Maintenance Regeneration Group will begin the process of preparing the aircraft for reclamation and preservation.

"It's fitting that we mark this day of taking this aircraft to the "boneyard," but Prowlers still have quite a bit more work to do for the nation," said Capt. Tom Slais, deputy commodore of Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet. "[The EA-6B] is carrying the lion's share of the load for electronic attack in the U.S. military."

Prowler 907 began service August of 1975 and attained more than 11,000 hours of flight time, with more than 18,000 landings in nearly 34 years of active duty. In total, upon departure from NAS Whidbey Island, the aircraft amassed 7,019 field carrier landing practice landings, 9,069 field landings, 1,651 catapults, 1,656 ship arrested landings and 1,706 total arrested landings, reaching an average 147 catapults and 152 arrestments per 1,000 hours.

One of the former plane captains of Prowler 907, Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Donnavin Brown, formerly of Electronic Attack Squadron 129, who now works for L-3 Communications Corporation on NAS Whidbey Island, was granted the privilege of fulfilling his prior role one more time to send the jet on its way. Brown was plane captain from August to December 2008.

"It's sad that my aircraft was the first to go to the boneyard, but I couldn't have asked for anything better," said Brown. "I was glad that I got to do this."

As the Navy transitions away from the EA-6B toward the EA-18G Growler more Prowlers will continue to be removed from active service, but the aircraft still provides substantial warfighter capability and will remain a valuable asset for the remainder of its lifespan.

"The thing about this is that it's 2009, and we're currently scheduled to fly this aircraft until 2013 so we still have [a few] years of flying EA-6Bs out of Whidbey Island right now, and the Marines will be flying them until 2019. We still have a lot more work to do with this aircraft," said Slais.

Pearl Harbor Welcomes Multi-Mission Capable USS Hawaii Home

Sailors man the rails aboard the Virginia-class attack submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776) as she pulls into her new homeport at Naval Station Pearl Harbor. USS Hawaii is the third Virginia-class submarine constructed and the first submarine to bear the name of the Aloha state. Hawaii is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, naval special warfare involving special operations forces, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, irregular warfare, and mine warfare. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert Stirrup/Released)

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- USS Hawaii (SSN 776), the first Virginia-class submarine to be homeported in the Pacific, arrived July 23 to a warm local style welcome that reflected Hawaii's diverse cultural heritage at the submarine piers at Naval Station Pearl Harbor.

The state's namesake submarine has made Hawaii its home during the 50th Anniversary of Statehood Commemoration activities.

More than 200 people took advantage of the opportunity to view USS Hawaii from the Ford Island seaplane ramp as the submarine sailed into Pearl Harbor, and many more lined the banks of the naval station near Hospital Point and along Hickam Air Force Base. Guest of honor was the ship's sponsor, Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle, who briefly boarded USS Hawaii via a small boat prior to the ceremony to greet the crew and raise the Hawaii State Flag aboard the namesake submarine.

At the Sierra Nine pier next to Submarine Force Pacific headquarters, family members of the crew and invited guests enjoyed the ceremony preceding the arrival, which featured a Hawaii Air National Guard flyover and participation by the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band, the Kamehameha Alumni Glee Club, Halau Hula Olana Ai performing a hula, Kahuna Pule Ganotise providing a traditional Hawaiian blessing and a haka by Pa Ku'i a Lua. Once the brow was across, the crew debarked into the arms of their loved ones, who had not seen the crew since USS Hawaii's departure from Groton, Conn., in May.

Shortly after the ceremony, families and crew of USS Hawaii were treated to a reception, hosted by the Navy League of the United States Honolulu Council at historic Lockwood Hall aboard the naval station. Danny Kaleikini sang the National Anthem and Hawai'i Pono'i.

"Today is a very important beginning for the people of Hawaii, the crew of the fine submarine USS Hawaii, the submarine force, and the U.S. Pacific Fleet," said Rear Adm. Douglas McAneny, commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

"We recognize that without the support of the great people of the state of Hawaii, we cannot succeed day in and day out with the mission our country asks us to do."

"Officially today, I welcome you and your families as members of our ohana," said Lingle. "I am honored to serve as this ship's sponsor, and I have been with you every step of your journey home. Today you start a new tradition, while building a more secure future for our country."

"I know I speak for the officers and crew of the USS Hawaii, when I say, 'wow!'" said Cmdr. Edward Herrington, the submarine's commanding officer. "I felt a little like a rock star today. All the people on the shoreline cheering you along, the governor coming out on the boat and the fly over; it was fantastic."

Measuring 377 feet long, weighing 7,800 tons when submerged and with a complement of more than 130 crew members, Hawaii is one of the Navy's newest and most technologically sophisticated submarines.

The state-of-the-art submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, naval special warfare involving special operations forces, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare and mine warfare.

Commissioned May 5, 2007, Hawaii was the third Virginia-class attack submarine constructed and the first submarine to be named after the 50th state. During her maiden deployment, USS Hawaii became only the second Naval submarine in history to receive the U.S. Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Citation for her efforts in support of Joint Interagency Task Force South counter-drug operations.

Recognizing the importance of the Asia-Pacific region and the increased threat posed by the proliferation of submarines in the Pacific, the 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review mandated that 60 percent of the U.S. Navy's submarines be homeported in the Pacific by the end of 2010.

USS Hawaii joins five Los Angeles-class submarines assigned to Pearl Harbor-based Submarine Squadron 1, commanded by Capt. Lee Hankins. In addition to the USS Hawaii, the Virginia-class submarine USS Texas (SSN 775) will transfer from Groton, Conn., to Submarine Squadron 1 this fall, and Los Angeles-class USS Albuquerque (SSN 706) will transfer from Groton, Conn., to Submarine Squadron 11 in San Diego later this summer. By the end of 2009, 31 of the U.S. Navy's 53 fast attack submarines will be homeported in the Pacific, with 18 of those 31 home ported in Pearl Harbor. COMSUBPAC officially announced the impending arrival of Virginia-class submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776) to Pearl Harbor in December 2008.

Force Structure Actions at Fort Bliss Announced

The Department of the Army announced today the planned activation of the 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, at Fort Bliss, Texas.

The 3rd IBCT is brigade combat team number 44 of the “Grow the Army” initiative. This decision is not related to or impacted by the April 6, 2009, Department of Defense announcement stopping the growth at 45 brigade combat teams for the Army.

This stationing action represents an increase of 3,444 military authorizations at Fort Bliss and no change in civilian authorizations. This stationing action will be completed by Aug. 16, 2009.

Force Structure Actions at Fort Carson Announced

The Department of the Army announced today the planned activations of the 46th Engineer Detachment, 615th Engineer Company, and the 52nd Engineer Battalion Headquarters at Fort Carson, Colo. These force structure actions support the 2007“Grow the Army” initiative.

The Army will also activate the 80th Engineer Team, 40th Quartermaster Team, and realign the 230th Finance Company, 576th Engineer Company, and the 59th Quartermaster Company at Fort Carson as part of integrated force structure changes that support the Army’s transformation and modularity plan.

These combined actions represent an increase of 431 military authorizations and no change in Army civilian authorizations at Fort Carson. These force structure actions will be completed by April 16, 2010.

Navy Bombing Range Hosts Annual Open House

An F/A-18F Super Hornet conducts a routine training evolution above the Navy Dare Bombing Range in Dare County, N.C. during the range's annual open house. The open house gives local residents and guests a chance to observe the daily operations of the various units that train at the range. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph R. Wax/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph R. Wax, Navy Public Affairs Support Element-East

DARE COUNTY, N.C. (NNS) -- The Navy Dare Bombing Range, located in Dare County, N.C., held its annual open house July 16, to allow local residents and guests a chance to observe routine training operations.

Managing the range since it opened in 1968 and presiding over the day's festivities was Harry Mann, the Navy Dare Bombing Range supervisor.

"[The event] gets the local people in so they know what's out here. It shows them the pilots know what they are doing so when they see a plane over their home they know they're safe."

Mann and his staff work in conjunction with Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility, Virginia Capes (FACSFAC VACAPES) to ensure that the bombing range provides pilots and air crew the training they need, while keeping the evolutions as safe as possible.

"I've seen many pilots come through here, and we've gotten not one letter saying we didn't do what we were supposed to," said Mann. "In 41 years our crew has had no accidents."

The Navy Dare Bombing Range has a significant impact on the Navy's ability to stay mission ready and continue to provide maritime security and support to ground forces around the world.

"This range is critical," said Cmdr. Paul Beckley, FACSFAC VACAPES commanding officer. "This gets our pilots ready to be able to surgically hit targets and have a larger impact on the battlefield, while limiting collateral damage. Having people come out allows the public to watch us deploy our weapons systems and see what we are doing with their tax dollars."

Through the years, the range has had to adapt to changes in technology and aircraft to ensure that the pilots are getting the training they need. Mann has been there every step of the way.

"When I started, there were free-fall bombs," said Mann. "Now they have laser-guided bombs that are so accurate it's like 'which window in your automobile do you want it.' We used to have to pull up banners that held the targets and when the pilots got done we would mark the hits on the banners with magic markers. Now we can tell the pilots where the bomb hit in two seconds, so they can react to the wind if they were off target."

Mann and his staff have been so efficient through the years, they don't even require much in the way of supplies to keep the range up and running.

"[Mann is] very resourceful," said Cmdr. Steve Finco, the director of operations for FACSFAC VACAPES. "[He] and his team use military surplus and salvage materials. They fabricated a MiG 29 themselves that looks real from the air. He certainly makes my job a lot easier."

The pilots coming to use the Navy Dare Bombing Range certainly notice all of the hard work put in by Mann and his staff.

"When I talk to air crews, they are always really appreciative of the training here," said Finco. "It makes me feel good that we have trained them for any and all contingencies, so we can make sure that everyone comes back."

Year after year, the Navy Dare Bombing Range open house has allowed people to see the great work being done by Mann and his staff and the necessary training that goes on there every day.

'Empire Challenge' Focuses on Interopability

By Donna Miles, American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON - Taking advantage of emerging technologies to collect and analyze intelligence, then testing out better ways to get it out to warfighters who need it is the focus of a demonstration project under way in the California high desert and at sites in the United States and several other countries.

U.S. Joint Forces Command's Empire Challenge 2009 kicked off two weeks ago and continues through July 31, bringing together 1,700 participants in a live, joint and coalition ISR interoperability demonstration, Air Force Col. George J. Krakie said today during a media roundtable.

ISR is military shorthand for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

The most visual part of the demonstration is taking place at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, Calif., a hot, dusty, high-desert environment Krakie said closely resembles conditions warfighters and their equipment face in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"Blue" forces are running convoy operations, and "red" forces are setting up ambushes against them, using roadside and vehicle bombs and firing mortars against bases and logistics operations. Meanwhile, airborne intelligence-gathering platforms are flying overhead: U-2 high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicles and ScanEagle unmanned aircraft systems, among them.

But China Lake is just part of the demonstration.

Computer modeling and simulation and analysis is under way at Joint Forces Command's Joint Intelligence Lab in Suffolk, Va.; the Combined Air Operations Center-Experimental at Langley Air Force Base, Va.; each service's distributed common ground or surface system laboratories; and allied forces sites in Great Britain, Canada, Australia and the Netherlands.

The demonstration, so complicated that it took more than a year to plan, combines realistic combat scenarios and behind-the-scenes intelligence support. Its central purpose, explained John Kittle, the operational commander, is to improve situational awareness throughout the battlefield.

"We're focused on trying to answer the problems that warfighters have identified for us – to provide ISR solutions or improve ISR support for those problems that they are identifying today on the battlefield in Iraq and Afghanistan," he said.

Warfighters came up with basic areas they said require more or better ISR support: irregular warfare and counter-IED operations; strike operations; and persistent surveillance across multiple domains, Kittle said. But warfighters also wanted to see improved ISR management, with a better way of sorting through, processing and distributing the massive amounts of intelligence collected.

"We cannot possibly exploit all the data that is being collected," Kittle said. "That problem is actually going to get worse as time goes on because of the new sensors and new platforms, and new collection capabilities being asked for and put on line."

Empire Challenge is working through some of those challenges in a highly realistic environment. Intelligence collected at China Lake or generated through computer modeling and simulation is fed to analysts at participating sites, who turn it around as quickly as possible.

"Although we have a lot of great technology out there, the real focus is making sure that critical ISR data collected – whether it comes from a U.S. platform or one of our coalition partners' platforms – enters into this exploitation enterprise and can get to the warfighter at the tactical edge," Krakie said.

To test this process, the demonstration is evaluating interoperability along three lines of operations, he explained. It's making sure data flows seamlessly between the five distributed common ground and surface systems – one for each service and one for U.S. Special Operations Command. It's ensuring U.S. systems are interoperable with those of allies and coalition partners. And it's making sure ISR data gets from the intelligence side of the house to the command-and-control part of the operation.

"It does no good if all this intelligence data is moving around the data world but doesn't get to the warfighter at the tactical edge," Krakie said. "So that is one of the key focuses for us during Empire Challenge."

'Flying Tigers' Take Mission to Afghanistan

By Air Force Tech. Sgt. John Jung, Special to American Forces Press Service

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - American volunteers flying shark-faced P-40 Tomahawks protected China during World War II, and their legacy has become a fixture in the war in Afghanistan.

In homage to the storied airmen of the past, the 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., has the iconic shark's face painted on the front of its A-10 Thunderbolt II's, lovingly nicknamed the "Warthog."

The Warthogs provide daily close-air-support and precision-engagement missions throughout Afghanistan in support of coalition ground forces.

The squadron has had at least two aircraft airborne and providing support to their warrior counterparts on the ground on every day of its deployment. But the 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit keeps the A-10s ready to fly.

"Just like the airmen that defended China in World War II, the 74th AMU is often short on resources, said Air Force Capt. James Schieser, officer in charge of the squadron's maintenance unit. The maintenance airmen make do with what they have to maintain their aging aircraft, he added. "The strong leadership, dedication and perseverance of our noncommissioned officers, senior noncommissioned officers and officer corps, are what ensure every aircraft is fully mission-capable. The maintainers of the 74th AMU understand, with the Flying Tiger legacy they inherited, failure is not an option."

The Flying Tigers have broken records by flying more than 12,000 mission hours, expending more than 100 tons of ordnance since arriving in February. Sometime, though, all it takes is a show of force to end an engagement.

"We seek to avoid civilian casualties in all our operations - period," said Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Victor Castillo, weapons section superintendent. "We have a variety of methods we use, including loading of precision-guided munitions, monthly updates of aircraft digital maps and daily maintenance of our targeting systems to ensure the safety of innocent civilians on the ground."

But when enemy combatants don't flee after a show of force, the Warthog can deliver a precise strike to protect coalition ground forces.

Army Spc. Jason Dorsey, Company C, 178th Infantry, saw firsthand the precision and power of the Warthog.

"The A-10s were a valuable asset to us on ground missions here in Afghanistan," Dorsey said. "Their speed and precise targeting provided great support for us and kept the bad guys' heads down during firefights."

"We have so many soldiers coming in from the field to thank us - it's their stories of desperately needing air [support] and seeing an A-10 flying overhead providing cover for them that kept us energized and motivated," said Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Thomas E. Moore, lead production superintendent for the maintenance unit. "It kept us working hard even when it seemed all we were doing was launching and recovering jets 24/7."

USS New Hampshire Returns from Maiden Deployment

By Lt. Patrick Evans, Commander Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS New Hampshire (SSN 778) returned July 22 to Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., after her first deployment.

New Hampshire was the first Virginia-class submarine to deploy in support of operations in the U.S. European Command Area of Responsibility.

"It was a marvelous performance by the entire crew. It was really rewarding. It's rewarding to be back and see our families though. We're happy to be here," said Cmdr. Michael Stevens, New Hampshire's commanding officer.

During her maiden deployment, New Hampshire, the fifth submarine of the Virginia-class, made port calls in France, Spain and Norway. While in Norway, New Hampshire's crew participated in the weeklong Norwegian Submarine Centennial celebration with submariners from that Norway, Germany, Russia and the United Kingdom. During the celebration, the crew marched through downtown Bergen, Norway, to help the country celebrate its 100th submarine birthday.

"We have 134 crew members," said Stevens. "For about 80 percent, it was their first deployment, and probably for more than that, it was their first time in a foreign country. So it was a lot of fun for them. They had a good time."

Though the crew may have had a good time, they said it is better to be home.

"I'm looking forward to relaxing and sleeping in, but I know that ain't gonna happen," said Machinist's Mate 1st Class Adam LaMar, as he held his 10-month-old daughter, Indy, who was chosen to receive the traditional "first hug" upon arrival.

For many family members, the crew's homecoming was an emotional occasion.

"It is a whirlwind of emotions. Words can't really describe the feeling," said Candice Revitzer, wife of Ensign Jason Revitzer, New Hampshire's supply officer. "It's very hard to be apart from each other, but if anything, it really teaches you how strong your love is."

The Revitzer couple was chosen to execute the traditional "first kiss" upon the ship's return home.

New Hampshire was launched Feb. 21, 2008 and christened four months later June 21, 2008 in Groton, eight months ahead of schedule and $54 million under budget. She finished initial sea trials, was delivered to the Navy Aug. 28, 2008 and was then commissioned at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine, Oct. 25, 2008.

The name New Hampshire was awarded to the submarine after a letter writing campaign by third graders from Garrison Elementary School in Dover, New Hampshire, to members of Congress, the state governor and the secretary of the Navy.

Makin Island's Sailors, Marines Conduct Inaugural Flight Ops

Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Della Smith, a landing signal enlisted (LSE) aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), directs an Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter assigned to Joint Task Force Bravo to a landing aboard the ship. Makin Island departed Pascagoula, Miss., July 10 and is currently circumnavigating South America via the Strait of Magellan to its new homeport of San Diego. During its transit, the ship will make port visits in Brazil, Chile and Peru. Makin Island is the final amphibious assault ship built in the LHD-1 Wasp-class, but the first of the class built with Gas Turbine Engines and an electric drive. The ship is scheduled to be commissioned in October. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin Webb/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alec J. Noe, USS Makin Island Public Affairs

USS MAKIN ISLAND, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Makin Island's (LHD 8) Air Department successfully landed helicopters from four of the five armed services while on its way to its commissioning site and new homeport in San Diego.

During the first three days underway, Makin Island completed nearly 250 "touch and go's" (take-off and landing evolutions) with four different types of aircraft, and achieved Aviation Readiness Qualification (ARQ) Underway flight deck certifications.

The aircraft included the Marine Corps' CH-46E Sea Knight, the Navy's MH-53E Super Stallion and HH-65 Dauphin and the Coast Guard's MH-60J Jayhawk helicopters.

This achievement is a significant step toward the ship's overall flight deck certification, a requirement for Makin Island to conduct regular flight operations.

Just days later, Makin Island continued its inaugural week of aviation events and conducted air operations off the coast of Belize in support of U.S. Army CH-47 Chinooks attached to Joint Task Force Bravo. These aircraft and their pilots may be called upon to provide humanitarian relief to South American countries in the event of a natural disaster such as a hurricane or earthquake. By landing on Makin Island, these pilots can now operate off any other other large deck ship which might be mobilized to support the same operation from a sea base.

"We have a lot of senior people, but we also have a lot of junior people and people coming off of shore duty who are a little rusty, so during our in-port period we were doing a lot of simulated flight quarters just to kind of get all the bugs worked out," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class Michael Fields, flight deck supervisor.

"When we had the first 'birds' (helicopters) come on deck everyone was on the same page, the communication was flowing well and the rust was knocked off."

Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airmen Patrick Morrison is one of Fields' junior Sailors and offered his feedback about the training.

"I know when we did the simulated flight quarters they just kind of had to explain what the aircraft looked like, but when we actually saw them out here it was a little easier to see," said Morrison "I think it went really well. It was pretty smooth."

"It's nice to see them finally get to see the wealth of all their sweat and tears they [offered] putting the flight deck together. Everyone's starting to bond and seeing it is like poetry in motion," added Fields.

Makin Island is currently circumnavigating South America, via the Strait of Magellan, to its new homeport of San Diego. During its transit, the ship is scheduled to make port visits in Brazil, Chile and Peru to support U.S. Southern Command objectives for enhanced maritime security and to share methods and training that will build on U.S. and partner nations' interoperability and strong relations.

The amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) transits the Caribbean Sea. Makin Island departed Pascagoula, Miss., July 10 and is currently circumnavigating South America via the Strait of Magellan to its new homeport of San Diego. During its transit, the ship will make port visits in Brazil, Chile and Peru. Makin Island is the final amphibious assault ship built in the LHD-1 Wasp-class, but the first of the class built with Gas Turbine Engines and an electric drive. The ship is scheduled to be commissioned in October. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Glenn S. Robertson/Released)

U.S. 4th Fleet Executes Maritime Strategy

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alan Gragg, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command, U.S. 4th Fleet Public Affairs

MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- The Navy marked the first anniversary of U.S. 4th Fleet's re-establishment July 12 and reflected on its accomplishments, both internally and throughout its area of focus.

U.S. 4th Fleet was first established in 1943 as one of the original numbered fleets during World War II, but after seven years of protecting the United States against raiders, blockade runners and enemy submarines in the South Atlantic, the command was disestablished when U.S. 2nd Fleet took over its responsibilities.

One year ago, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead officially re-established U.S. 4th Fleet and named Rear Adm. Joseph D. Kernan as its commander during a change of command and re-establishment ceremony at Naval Station Mayport. Kernan also assumed command of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (NAVSO), the naval component of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).

U.S. 4th Fleet headquarters are co-located in Mayport, Fla., with NAVSO. NAVSO and 4th Fleet are responsible for U.S. Navy operations throughout the SOUTHCOM area of focus, which encompasses the Caribbean, Central and South America and surrounding waters.

Kernan served as NAVSO and 4th Fleet commander until he was relieved of both duties by Rear Adm. Victor G. Guillory during a change of command ceremony June 12.

Guillory most recently served as the Director, Surface Warfare Division in the Office of Chief of Naval Operations, where he was responsible for managing the war fighting requirements and resources for all surface combatant ships and combat systems.

"Fourth Fleet was re-established because it reflects a commitment to Latin America, which has been demonstrated through 4th Fleet's partnering, humanitarian and counter-illicit trafficking activities," said Guillory. "Through the relentless efforts of this superior staff, 4th Fleet has expanded the scope of our engagements and humanitarian activities and has set an impressive standard in the U.S. Navy for planning and execution of these key maritime missions."

During the first year, 4th Fleet supported the U.S. global maritime strategy by participating in regional counter-drug operations, humanitarian deployments and partnership building missions. Additionally, 4th Fleet worked with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), partner nations' representatives and interagency organizations for mission planning and execution.

U.S. Navy assets deployed throughout 4th Fleet's area of focus were involved in nearly 80 interdictions, resulting in more than 126 metric tons of illicit drugs confiscated since the re-establishment

In its first year, 4th Fleet managed several deployments and exercises throughout the region. One of those deployments was the Continuing Promise (CP) mission. CP is conducted annually to foster goodwill and demonstrate U.S. commitment and support to Latin America and the Caribbean. Amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) brought health care and other relief services to eight Latin American and Caribbean nations during the Atlantic Phase of the humanitarian and civic assistance mission in 2008. Kearsarge conducted missions in five nations: Nicaragua, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana.

In September 2008, 4th Fleet diverted Kearsarge to Haiti to support international relief operations after numerous hurricanes and tropical storms ravaged the area. During the mission, the ship provided robust air and sealift support, delivering 3.3 million pounds of food, water and other aid. Medical teams from the ship also provided limited health care and assessment to affected communities.

CP09 is currently being conducted by Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), operating under 4th Fleet operational control. Comfort departed Norfolk, Va., April 1, beginning a four-month deployment to Antigua, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Nicaragua and Panama. To date, medical teams aboard Comfort, in partnership with other government agencies and non-governmental organizations, have treated more than 75,000 patients and conducted more than 1,116 surgeries.

Another ongoing 4th Fleet deployment is the Southern Partnership Station (SPS) mission. In 2007, High Speed Vessel (HSV-2) Swift conducted a joint, multinational and interagency cooperation mission with seven partner nations, including Barbados, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Jamaica, Panama and Nicaragua. The SPS mission also included the first ever Navy Diver Southern Partnership Station (ND-SPS) aboard the Military Sealift Command (MSC) rescue and salvage ship USNS Grasp (T-ARS 51). During the three-month deployment, Grasp's embarked U.S. Navy divers provided joint and bilateral training to partner nation coast guard and maritime police forces in Antigua, Barbados, Dominican Republic, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Currently, 4th Fleet is conducting the Southern Cone phase of SPS 2009, involving the dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51). The deployment is designed to maintain a consistent at-sea presence in the region with minimal footprint ashore, continue to strengthen regional interoperability by improving partner nation operational capabilities and skills and build new partnerships by engaging countries not involved during previous SPS deployments.

Fuerzas Aliadas (FA) PANAMAX is an annual partnership-building exercise during which 4th Fleet serves as the maritime force commander. Each year, regional forces participate in one of the world's largest multinational training exercises focused on defending the Panama Canal, one of the most strategically and economically important waterways in the world.

In spring 2009, 4th Fleet hosted maritime forces from 11 countries for the annual multinational maritime exercise UNITAS, which took place in Mayport and off the Coast of Florida. "UNITAS Gold" marked the 50th iteration of the exercise, yet it was the first time the event had ever taken place in the U.S.

"The many accomplishments of 4th Fleet's first year are a result of the naval assets that operated in the region working together with regional partners to enhance maritime security throughout our area of focus," said Guillory. "I look forward to building upon these successes and furthering our partnering efforts as 4th Fleet goes forward into its second year."

F-22 Versus F-35 by Sec Def

Defense Secretary Robert Gates says the increased production of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters will have a positive impact on jobs in the aerospace industry over the next several years.

Milcom Blog Logs - 21 July 2009 - Mid Atlantic

Ron, a member of the MMP team, has passed along his Milcom blog log freqs monitored on 21 July from his his Mid Atlantic area in April 2009. Thanks Ron.

ACY-Atlantic City NJ
ADW- Andrews AFB MD
BW- Bay Watch-NAS PAX Area Advisory Control
DAA- Davison AAF, Ft Belvoir VA
DCA- Reagan National Airport/CGAS Washington, Wash DC
DOV- Dover AFB DE
GK- Giantkiller (FACSFAC, Virginia Capes)
LFI- Langley AFB VA
MTN-Martin State Airport, Baltimore
NGTF-Northrop-Grumman Test Facility, Baltimore
NXX- Willow Grove JRB PA
PAX-NAS Patuxent River MD
PTC- Potomac Area TRACON
WRI-McGuire AFB NJ
ZBW-Boston ARTCC
ZDC- Washington ARTCC
ZNY- New York ARTCC

1. VHF/UHF: ((Times are EDT))

0735- Reach ??30 (first part missed)-w/DOV CP (349.4) w/inbound msg.
0800- 7A326 (UC-12, Base Flt PAX)-depart PAX (121.0)
0848- Venus 42 (VC-37A # 97-0402, 99th AS ADW)- check in w/ZDC Calvert (133.9)
0853- 7A326- check in w/ZDC Calvert (133.9)
1015- Tester 15 (T-38C # 61-4586, NTPS PAX)-w/BW (270.8) w/speed run of Mach 1.03 at FL310.
1111- Tester 959 (T-6A Texan II # 165959, NTPS PAX)-w/BW (354.8)
1156- N360TL (Britten-Islander, NGTF)-w/Northrop Base (123.225)--RTB Baltimore in the early 1300 hour.
1228- Slam 11 flt (F-22s, 149th FS VA ANG LFI)-in AAR w/Mash 61 (KC-135R 434th ARW, AFRC Grissom ARB, IN) in W386G (238.9). Later in ACM training on GK discrete freq
(238.175)
1246- Rocky flt (F-22s, LFI)-AAR in AR636 (238.9)--at 1310 clear out of W386 (249.8) RTB LFI.
1305- Crab 57 (C-130J # 98-1357, 135th AS MD ANG MTN) w/Crab Ops (384.1) w/departure msg.
1340- Reach 9005-w/DOV approach (132.425).
1346- Ugly flt (A-10s, 103th FS PA ANG NXX)-working on the Bollen Range (237.2) using discrete freqs (233.55 & 238.85)--also w/ANG Ops (141.8)
1410- Score 55 (sounds like P3, VX-20 PAX)-check in w/ZDC Cape Charles (132.55).
1420- UAV-1 & UAV-2 (unid)- working on 123.4 w/station using callsign Command--chat makes ref to voice comms and video downlinks.
1431- Salty Dog 102 (F-18E, VX-23, PAX) & Salty Dog 123 (F-18D # 164040, VX-23 PAX)-w/BW (354.8)
1444- Flyer 1 flt (2 X A-10s, 103th FS PA ANG NXX)-w/ZNY Lancaster (239.05).
1447- Dog 11 & 12 (unid, PAX)-in ACM target tracking system test on PAX test discrete (365.7)
1450- Salty Dog 400 (NF-18C #163476, VX-23 PAX) & Salty Dog 403 (F-18C #163987, VX-23 PAX)- w/BW (355.8). These may be the Dog 11 & 12 working on 365.7.
1500- PAT 1250 (prob C-12)-w/Leesburg Radio (255.4) reporting departure from Clarksburg WVA enroute to DAA.
1519- Baton 51 (EC-130J, 193rd SOG, PA ANG Harrisburg PA)-w/Baton Ops (395.1) w/inbound msg.
1525- Blackjack 1 (HH-65C, CGAS Washington)-w/Huntress (139.7)
1525- Salty Dog 321 (F-18D #162419, VX-23 PAX)-w/BW (270.8) for vertical maneuvering test.
1536- Tester 08 (T-38C, NTPS PAX)-w/BW (354.8)
1546- Titus 52 (C-13T, VR-53, ADW)-w/ZDC Calvert (133.9) for engine test flt.
1551- N168W (T-39 Sabreliner, NGTF)-w/Northrop Base (123.225)
1555- Colt 1 (A-10C, 104th FS MD ANG MTN)-w/Raven Ops (347.2) w/departure msg. Returned to MTN at 1650.
1700- N164W (BAC-1-11, NGTF)-check in w/ZDC Calvert (133.9)

2. HF: ((Times UTC, Freqs KHz))

09025.0 240067 (C-17 Aircraft # 94-0067, 437th AW, Charleston AFB SC): 1505 USB/ALE calling OFF (Offutt AFB NE). Noted again at 2030 calling OFF.

09025.0 OFF: 1545 USB/ALE calling MCK (unid--poss garble for MCC-McClellan AFB CA).

09025.0 JNR (Salinas Puerto Rico): 1620 USB/ALE w/719 (USCG HC-130H #1719, CGAS Clearwater FL) w/request for pp.

09025.0 170027 (C-5 #87-0027 9th AS/436th AMW Dover AFB DE): 1702 USB/ALE calling CRO (Croughton UK).

09025.0 OFF: 1752 USB/ALE calling 571456 (KC-135R # 57-1456, 77th ARS – AFRC,Seymour Johnson AFB, NC).

09025.0 591502 (KC-135R #59-1502,319th ARW,Grand Forks AFB, ND): 1845 USB/ALE calling ADW (Andrews AFB MD) & OFF.

09025.0 538013 (KC-135R # 63-8013, 121st ARW - OH ANG Rickenbacker AFB, OH): 2050 USB/ALE sounding.

09025.0 MOBD34 (unid): 2200 USB/ALE sounding.

Thanks for sharing with my readers Ron.

RAAF Accepts First Block II Super Hornet

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) accepted its first F/A-18F Super Hornet during a roll-out ceremony at Boeing's manufacturing facility in St. Louis July 8. First flight was on 20 July 2009 at St Louis, MO. The RAAF serial number is A44-201. Looking closely at the "First flight" hi-res shot, it wears US Navy serial #167957.

The government of Australia is the first foreign military sales customer flying the F/A-18F

Thanks to Shawn Levy for passing this along and the photo above. See his photos at http://www.artwanted.com/artist.cfm?ArtID=19450

And here is the complete story from the NNS:

ST. LOUIS (NNS) -- The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) accepted its first F/A-18F Super Hornet during a roll-out ceremony at Boeing's manufacturing facility in St. Louis July 8.

Twenty-four F/A-18F aircraft, built on a common U.S. Navy configuration, are scheduled to be delivered to the RAAF within the next three years.

The RAAF's Super Hornet was unveiled to an audience of several hundred attendees, including representatives from the Australian government, U.S. government and industry partners responsible for building the F/A-18F aircraft.

"The unique partnership we have enjoyed with the Royal Australian Air Force for many years has enabled us to deliver this aircraft on time with the capability it requires," said Capt. Mark Darrah, F/A-18 and EA-18G program manager.

The F/A-18F Super Hornet Block II aircraft is a multi-role strike fighter performing a variety of missions, including precision day and night strike, fighter escort, close-air support, aerial refueling and suppression of enemy air defense.

RAAF Super Hornets will also feature the APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. Tracking twice as many targets as the radar it replaces, the AESA features active electronic beam steering, which allows for the nearly instantaneous repositioning of the radar beam.

"The outstanding performance of the APG-79 systems in the fleet continues to exceed expectations," said Darrah. "Boeing and Raytheon have provided the warfighter with a cutting-edge radar that is demonstrating phenomenal performance and reliability in the fleet today. The RAAF will now enjoy that superb capability."

The AESA radar also allots for more time for persistent target observation and information sharing before critical decisions are made. This results in increased aircraft effectiveness and aircrew survivability. The AESA provides the platforms with increased range and resolution, allows the tracking of more targets than current systems in use and features high-resolution SAR maps at long ranges.

"We are grateful for your support and proud to deliver this new, twenty-first century capability to the Royal Australian Air Force and the people of Australia. Today truly marks the beginning of a new generation of airpower for Australia," said Bob Gower, vice president F/A-18 programs, Boeing.

Twelve of the F/A-18F aircraft on order will be wired on the production line for future upgrade as electronic attack EA-18G aircraft.

The government of Australia is the first foreign military sales customer flying the F/A-18F aircraft, procured under a U.S. Navy multi-year II contract.

"The roll-out of Australia's first Block II Super Hornet is a very proud moment for the Royal Australian Air Force and me personally," said Air Marshal Mark Binkskin, chief of RAAF. "I can assure you that the men and women of number one squadron are eager to get their hands on the Rhino. It is a great leap forward for Australia, and the beginning of our future air combat capability."

The first RAAF Super Hornet is scheduled for delivery to the Navy for flight testing in the coming weeks, and the first in-country delivery is slated for spring 2010.

"The partnership between the Royal Australian Air Force, the U.S. Navy and Boeing is remarkable," said Rear Adm. David Philman, U.S. Navy Air Warfare director. "Together, we are taking this aircraft to places in the world where mission success is essential."

USS Chung-Hoon Returns Home from 6-Month Western Pacific Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert Stirrup, Commander, Navy Region Hawai’i Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- More than 300 Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) came home to a crowded pier of friends and family at Naval Station Pearl Harbor July 20 following a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific.

The ship departed Pearl Harbor Jan. 20 as a part of the Boxer (LHD4) Amphibious Ready Group. While deployed, Chung-Hoon participated in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2009, under the command of Commander, Destroyer Squadron 31.

Cmdr. Michael McCartney, commanding officer of Chung-Hoon, reflected on the tremendous success of the deployment.

"We completed every tasking that was assigned to us, and overall we performed very well while on deployment," said McCartney. "We had the opportunity to be involved in a number of different missions while still making port visits in various countries."

Friends and families were very excited to see their Sailors return home as they lined the pier.

"It's really great to see my husband come back home today," said the wife of a Chung-Hoon Sailor. "I've been looking forward to this since the day he left."

"It has been a long six months, and I'm just really happy to see him returning home," added another wife of a Chung-Hoon Sailor.

Sailors said they were thrilled to be home as they walked off the ship and in to the arms of their loved ones.

"I was very anxious to come back, it just feels great to be home," said Operations Specialist 2nd Class Jacob Cajundo. "It's really great to see all of my friends and family here today."

CARAT is an annual series of bilateral exercises held in the Southeast Asia region. The individual exercise phases generally focus on training and interaction with participating nations' sea services. The purpose of the exercise series is to improve military readiness and interoperability with each CARAT partner in a variety of mission areas of mutual benefit.

Guided missile destroyers provide multimission offensive and defensive capabilities and can operate independently or as part of carrier battle groups, surface action groups, amphibious ready groups and underway replenishment groups.

NORAD exercise planned for Washington, D.C. tonight

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – The North American Aerospace Defense Command and its geographical component, the Continental United States NORAD Region (CONR), will conduct a one-day exercise, Falcon Virgo 09-10, July 22 in the National Capital Region, Washington, D.C.

The exercise comprises a series of training flights held in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Capital Region Command Center, the Joint Air Defense Operations Center, the Continental U.S. NORAD Region, Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Coast Guard and CONR’s Western Air Defense Sector.

Exercise Falcon Virgo is designed to hone NORAD’s intercept and identification operations, as well as procedural tests of the NCR Visual Warning System. Civil Air Patrol aircraft and Coast Guard HH-65 Dolphin helicopters will participate in the exercise. Residents in the area can expect flights to occur during the late night and early morning hours beginning Wednesday at midnight and continuing through the scheduled exercise hours.

In the event of inclement weather, the exercise will push to the next day.

These exercises are carefully planned and closely controlled to ensure NORAD’s rapid response capability. NORAD has conducted exercise flights of this nature throughout the U.S. and Canada since the start of Operation Noble Eagle, the command’s response to the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

As the Continental United States geographical component of the bi-national command NORAD, CONR provides airspace surveillance and control, and directs air sovereignty activities for the CONUS region. CONR and its assigned Air Force and Army assets throughout the country ensure air safety and security against potential air threats.

Since Sept. 11, 2001, NORAD fighters have responded to more than 2,100 possible air threats in the United States and have flown more than 51,000 sorties with the support of Airborne Warning and Control System and air-to-air-refueling aircraft.

French Navy Conducts Ike Flight Ops

A French Dassault Rafale fighter aircraft conducts touch and go landings aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) during a coalition training exercise. The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is operating in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility after a scheduled five month deployment in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and maritime security operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Rafael Figueroa Medina/Released)

Air Mobility Rodeo begins at McChord

MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE: More than 2,500 servicemembers from around the Air Force and the globe gathered here July 19 to officially kick off the 2009 Air Mobility Rodeo, which runs through July 24.

The Rodeo, sponsored by Air Mobility Command, is a week-long mobility readiness competition that brings teams from AMC bases together to compete in a variety of judged events. The competition focuses on improving worldwide air mobility forces' professional core abilities and features more than 40 aircraft participating in airdrops, aerial refueling and other aerial events.

On hand to kick off the competition were Gen. Arthur Lichte, AMC commander; Maj. Gen. Brooks Bash, AMC director of operations and this year's Rodeo commander; and Doug Richardson, mayor of the surrounding city of Lakewood.

"The local community recognizes and values your service and we are proud to be the host community for this event," the mayor said. "The competitions will be remarkable to witness."

This year's competitions include an aerial port loading and offloading of an aircraft with engines running, a security force's obstacle course, a timed aeromedical evacuation configuration challenge and a timed aircraft egress.

In all, there are more than 50 competitions, each of which is designed to showcase the abilities of mobility Airmen around the Air Force. But the Rodeo isn't just about competition. The event is also a way for Airmen to share ideas and learn from each other.

"Rodeo showcases AMC's best of the best and allows us to train and learn through spirited competition," General Bash said. "Not only does this competition train mobility forces for the fight, it provides a forum for Airmen and our international partners to share the best of tactics and techniques."

This year, more 100 teams are expected to compete, including ones from the Air Force Reserve, the Air National Guard and the allied nations of Belgium, Germany, Great Britain, Spain, Malaysia, Israel, the Republic of Korea and Turkey.

"The involvement of our partner nations elevates the Rodeo to a world-class competition," General Lichte said. "It's really a total force effort on display."

And while the teams are here to compete against each other, in the general's eyes, each one is already a winner.

"There may be 16 trophies up for grabs, but we all will win by making things better together," he said. "And that's what the Rodeo is all about."

Keel Laid for Latest Addition to Multimission-Capable Amphibious Fleet

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- A keel laying ceremony for Pre-Commissioning Unit America (LHA 6) was held July 17 at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding's Ingalls shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss.

The keel was authenticated by ship's sponsor Lynne Pace, the wife of retired Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Peter Pace, who confirmed that the keel was truly and fairly laid.

The America Class will replace the aging Tarawa Class and will increase the aviation capacity of future big deck amphibious ships in order to maximize the Navy's investment in future aircraft. LHA 6 will use the same gas turbine propulsion plant, zonal electrical distribution and electric auxiliary systems designed and built for the just-delivered USS Makin Island (LHD 8), replacing the maintenance intensive steam turbines of earlier ships. This unique auxiliary propulsion system (APS) was designed for fuel efficiency. Instead of using main propulsion engines to power the ship's shaft, the APS uses two induction-type auxiliary propulsion motors powered from the ship's electrical grid.

"The future USS America represents a balanced solution to achieve an affordable and capable ship that meets the fleet's needs," said Capt. Jeff Riedel, amphibious ships program manager within the Navy's Program Executive Office, Ships. "She's built without a well deck and includes changes to increase her aviation support capabilities, but because we're reusing the proven auxiliary propulsion system we designed for LHD 8, we're avoiding the kind of design and development costs we would normally see with a new ship class."

By providing a sustainable amphibious ship development program, the America class, or LHA replacement, ensures the nation's amphibious fleet remains the centerpiece of expeditionary warfare in support of the Navy and Marine Corps well into the 21st century.

The LHA Replacement Program is the next step in the incremental development of the "Big Deck Amphib." The class is being designed to accommodate the Marine Corps' future aviation combat element, including F-35B Joint Strike Fighter and MV-22 Osprey with additional aviation maintenance capability and increased fuel capacities, while also providing additional cargo stowage capacities and enabling a broader, more flexible command and control capability.

Amphibious warships are designed to support the Marine Corps tenets of operational maneuver from the sea. They must be able to sail in harm's way and provide a rapid buildup of combat power ashore in the face of opposition. Because of their inherent capabilities, these ships have been and will continue to be called upon to also support humanitarian and other contingency missions on short notice.

PEO Ships is responsible for the development and acquisition of U.S. Navy surface ships and is currently managing the design and construction of a wide range of ship classes and small boats and craft. These platforms range from major warships such as frontline surface combatants and amphibious assault ships to air-cushioned landing craft, oceanographic research ships and special warfare craft. PEO Ships has delivered 32 major warships and hundreds of small boats and craft from more than 30 shipyards and boat builders across the United States.

VMFA-224 is on their way back to the States

One of our mil monitoring friends Taka Okamura in Tokyo has posted this interesting bit of information (Mac, one of our blog followers, this one is for you):

"VMFA-224's F-18D left MCAS Iwakuni,Japan at 17th and 18th July for return to USA.
They turn over Iwakuni deployment to VMFA-533.

Sorry, I don't know their flight callsign this time... But They usually fly for trans pacific flight way Iwakuni -> Wake Island -> Hawaii ->Miramar -> Beaufort.
So, I think they will reach to their Home base mid next week."

Have a good monitor!

Taka Okamura
Tokyo, Japan

Navy's ANDE-2 Launched Aboard Endeavour Downlink on 2 Meters

Blog Editor's Note: Want a shot at monitoring an orbiting spacecraft? Hams, Scanner Enthusiast and other radio hobbyist have a chance to monitor these two Navy satellites on their amateur band downlinks at 145.825 MHz. See AMSAT notice at the end of this post.

By Donna McKinney, Naval Research Laboratory Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Naval Research Laboratory's (NRL) satellite suite, the Atmospheric Neutral Density Experiment 2 (ANDE-2), launched aboard NASA's Space Shuttle Endeavour July 15.

The ANDE-2 satellite suite consists of two nearly perfectly spherical micro-satellites with instrumentation to perform two interrelated mission objectives. The first objective is to monitor the total atmospheric density along the orbit for improved orbit determination of resident space objects. The second objective is to provide a test object for both radar and optical U.S. Space Surveillance Network sensors.

ANDE-2 is a low-cost mission designed to study the atmosphere of the Earth from low-Earth orbit by monitoring total atmospheric density between 300 and 400 kilometer altitude. ANDE-2 data will be used to improve methods for the precision orbit determination of space objects and to calibrate the Space Fence, a radar space surveillance system belonging to the Air Force 20th Space Control Squadron, a principal resource for tracking low-Earth orbiting space satellites.

Because of ANDE-2's particular design requirements, a new deployment technique was developed by the Air Force Space Test Program and tested with the ANDE Risk Reduction (ANDERR) flight in December 2006. The primary ANDERR mission objective, a test of the Shuttle deployment mechanism, was successful.

The ANDE project was conceived and developed at NRL, by Andrew Nicholas of NRL's Space Science Division. The mission consists of two microsatellites with the same size but different masses sent into orbit at the same time: the lighter satellite, known as Pollux, and the heavier satellite, Castor.

The Castor spacecraft carries active instruments: a miniature wind and temperature spectrometer to measure atmospheric composition, cross-track winds and neutral temperature; a Global Positioning Sensor; a thermal monitoring system to monitor the temperature of the satellite; an electrostatic analyzer to monitor plasma density spacecraft charging.

Each satellite contains a small lightweight payload designed to determine the spin rate and orientation of the satellite from on-orbit measurements and from ground-based observations. The two microsatellites will slowly separate into lead-trail orbit to provide researchers an opportunity to study small-scale, spatial and temporal variations in drag associated with geomagnetic activity.

Both satellites will be fitted with an array of 30 retro reflectors and will be observed by the U.S. Space Surveillance Network and domestic and international satellite laser ranging sites. The variation in observed position will be used to determine in-track total density. Scientists will determine its position in relation to the passive satellite to compute total density and validate drag coefficient models. In addition, instrumentation on board Castor will measure density and composition.

A joint effort between the Space Science Division and the Naval Center for Space Technology to routinely process and analyze the ANDERR data has led to improved orbit determination and prediction using an atmospheric model correction method. The ANDE data provide a valuable tool for correcting deficiencies in atmospheric models and have led to advancements in miniature sensor technology. These advancements are pivotal for multi-point in-situ space weather sensing. The DoD Space Test Program will provide launch services for the ANDE-2 mission.

Experiment/Payload Description

Research Summary

Atmospheric Neutral Density Experiment - 2 (ANDE-2) objectives are to measure atmospheric density and composition in low Earth orbit (LEO) and to better characterize the parameters used to calculate a satellite's drag coefficient.

This experiment consists of two microsatellites, called ANDE Active (AA) spacecraft (Castor) and the ANDE Passive (AP) spacecraft (Pollux), that are launched from the Space Shuttle cargo bay.

These spherical satellites are 19 inches in diameter and will be tracked by the Satellite Laser Ranging systems and the Space Surveillance Network.

Description

The main objective of Atmospheric Neutral Density Experiment - 2 (ANDE-2) is to measure the total atmospheric density between 100 and 400 km. The density data that is gathered will be used to improve orbit determination calculations of the orbits of resident space objects.

ANDE-2 consists of two spherical micro satellites. These satellites are launched from the Space Shuttle cargo bay into a circular orbit just below the International Space Station altitude.

Both satellites will be tracked by the Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) system and the U.S. Space Surveillance Network (SSN). These satellites have the same dimensions, but have different masses. Because of the difference in mass, the satellites will drift apart over time. Observing the satellites' position will provide a study on spatial and temporal variations in atmospheric drag associated with geomagnetic activity.

Operational Requirements

ANDE-2 uses two spherical microsatellites which are launched from the Space Shuttle cargo bay. Both satellites are 19 inch diameter spheres, have a mass of 50 and 25 kg, and are constructed of aluminum. The surface of both spheres contains an embedded array of sensors including 30 retro reflectors, six laser diodes for tracking, and six photovoltaic cells for determining orientation and spin rate. Both spheres also have thermal monitor systems. The ANDE spacecraft are located inside the Internal Cargo Unit (ICU). The ICU is made of three aluminum sections. Each section is separated by a light band separation system. Once ejected from the cargo bay, the ICU will separate and deploy the ANDE spheres at a safe distance from the shuttle.

Operational Protocols

ANDE will be launched from the Space Shuttle cargo bay. The two microsatellites will be contained inside the ICU canister. Once the ICU canister is a safe distance from the Space Shuttle, two micro satellites will be released at an altitude of approximately 350 km.

And from AMSAT

AMSAT News Service Bulletin 193.06
From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
July 12, 2009
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-193.06

Castor and Pollox, two satellites in the Atmospheric Neutral Density Experiment (ANDE) program are ready to fly with the launch of STS-127 from Kennedy Space Center. The ANDE mission consists of two spherical spacecraft fitted with retro-reflectors for satellite laser ranging (SLR). The constant and well-determined cross section and surface properties of the ANDE spacecraft provide an ideal set of objects for monitoring atmospheric drag and the calibration of space surveillance network (SSN) assets both radar and optical.

Castor
Castor is a 19 inch diameter aluminum sphere with a mass of 63 kg. It is as near perfect sphere as possible given the constraints of cost and manufacturability. The sphere is split in half with e delrin disc. The hemispheres are also the satellite antenna. For power, the satellite has 112 19AH lithium primary cells. This provides about 7000 watt-hours of power which has to last for the one year mission.

The satellite has several different types of sensors. There are two main sensors, a Neutral particle wind and temperature spectrometer and an ion mass spectrometer.

A group of college students designed and built a MEMS sensor payload to test some commercial gyroscopes and a magnetometer. There are also six light sensors and six temperature sensors mounted in the satellite hemispheres.

Pollox
The Pollux satellite was originally to be a passive satellite with retroreflectors for laser ranging. It has been turned into a high school student project involving several schools in the Fairfax County, Virginia area.

The satellite is powered by twenty-eight 19AH Lithium-ion cells configured to provide 14 volts. The battery configuration uses the spare ANDE satellite hardware.

The electronics is based on cubesat hardware developed at the Naval Research Laboratory and Stensat Group LLC.

The communications board contains the transmitter and receiver. The transmitter operates at 2 meters and can put out up to 1 watt of signal. Power level is adjustable. The transmitter can operate at 1200 baud AFSK and 9600 baud FSK. The transmitter uses the AX.25 protocol. An experimental FX.25 protocol will be tested that adds forward error correction capability to the AX.25 protocol and still allows typical TNCs to decode the packets.

Both satellites will transmit on 145.825 MHz. Additional details about the telemetry format, as well as the FX.25 and GMSK experiments can be found at https://goby.nrl.navy.mil/ANDE/Main.html

Crew of New Multimission Destroyer Honors Namesake in Mast Stepping Ceremony

Image submitted on occasion of the Department of Navy announcement that the Navy's newest Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer will be named USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109), honoring the late Cpl. Jason L. Dunham, the first Marine awarded the Medal of Honor for Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Donald C. Winter, made the announcement in Dunham’s hometown of Scio, N.Y. U.S. Navy illustration (RELEASED)

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The crew of Pre-Commissioning Unit Jason Dunham (DDG 109) conducted a mast stepping ceremony July 11 at Bath Iron Works Shipyard in Bath, Maine.

Mast stepping, or the process of putting coins in the mast of a newly constructed ship, is a tradition dating back to the ancient Greek civilization. The U.S. Navy continues the ritual to this day, and the coins now symbolize aspects of the ship's heritage and remain forever welded in the masts of today's warships.

The ship's prospective commanding officer, Cmdr. Scott Sciretta, led the ceremony and included Dan and Deb Dunham, the parents of Jason Dunham; Marine Maj. Trent A. Gibson, Dunham's former company commander; and more than 100 members of the ship's pre-commissioning crew.

"This ship represents the man who laid down his life for his fellow Marines. Remember that selfless devotion to duty as you work and live on this ship," said Gibson.

On April 14, 2004, Dunham's squad was conducting a reconnaissance mission in Karabilah, Iraq, when his battalion commander's convoy was ambushed. When Dunham approached to provide fire support, an Iraqi insurgent leapt out of a vehicle and attacked Dunham. As he wrestled the insurgent to the ground, he noticed that the enemy fighter had a grenade in his hand. Dunham immediately alerted his fellow Marines, and when the enemy dropped the live grenade, Dunham covered it with his Kevlar helmet and threw himself on top to smother the blast. In an ultimately selfless act of courage, in which he was mortally wounded, he saved the lives of two fellow Marines.

Dunham was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

"[When] I received a call from my detailer telling me I was being offered to take command of USS Jason Dunham, I had heard the story behind the man but didn't know the details," said Sciretta. "When I looked it up and saw the significance of the name, I told him I'd do it. And as soon as I told my wife about Jason's story and the ship, she immediately said, 'When do we start packing?'"

The ceremony ended when Sciretta, Gibson and the Dunhams placed a small package containing items such as the last letter Cpl. Dunham wrote home, a set of his dog tags, his Purple Heart and the guidon for his company into a small metal box inside of the warship's mast. Aided by a master welder, the group welded the box closed, permanently sealing the items in the mast of the ship. In addition, Dunham's dress blue uniform will be displayed in a case on the destroyer's wardroom for the crew to see.

In the spirit of its namesake, USS Jason Dunham will continue protecting America's liberty by providing a dynamic multi-mission platform to lead the Navy into the future. Utilizing a gas-turbine propulsion system, the ship can operate independently or as part of carrier strike groups, surface action groups, amphibious ready groups and underway replenishment groups. With the combination of the Aegis combat system, the vertical launching system, an advanced anti-submarine warfare system, advanced anti-aircraft missiles and Tomahawk cruise missiles, the Arleigh Burke class continues the revolution at sea.

The ship is slated to be christened August 1 and commissioned in 2010.

LCS 1 Completes Structural Test Firing

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- USS Freedom (LCS 1) successfully completed structural test firing (STF) exercises off the coast of Virginia June 25; the STF exercise was held to test the ship's weapon systems to ensure they operate as installed and integrated with the hull structure.

During the week of tests, Freedom fired two Rolling Airframe Missile test rounds, 70 MK 110 57mm gun rounds, 24 chaff rounds and more than 1,000 50-calibre and smaller rounds.

"The successful completion of these live fire events proves the design, construction and integration of these weapon systems on LCS 1," said Capt. Jim Murdoch, LCS program manager with the Navy's Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. "The fit and function of these systems meets our expectations."

In addition to the ship's crew, the tests were conducted by engineers from Naval Sea Systems Command's Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Port Hueneme's Louisville detachment as well as NSWC Dahlgren.

LCS is a new breed of U.S. Navy warship with versatile warfighting capabilities, capable of open-ocean operation but optimized for littoral, or coastal, missions. Operational experience and analyses indicate that potential adversaries will employ asymmetric means to deny U.S. and allied forces access into critical coastal regions, such as strategic chokepoints and vital economic sea lanes. LCS is specifically designed to defeat such "anti-access" threats, which include fast surface craft, quiet diesel submarines and various types of mines.

LCS 1 began its second industrial post-delivery availability July 8 at Colonna's Shipyard in Norfolk. This availability is a planned event in Freedom's post-delivery period to provide for the correction of problems discovered during test and trials events conducted so far. The post delivery test and trials period is intended to fully examine the ship's installed systems' performance and allow the ship's crew to become familiar with and exercise the ship's systems.

PEO Ships is responsible for the development and acquisition of U.S. Navy surface ships and is currently managing the design and construction of a wide range of ship classes and small boats and craft. These platforms range from major warships such as frontline surface combatants and amphibious assault ships to air-cushioned landing craft, oceanographic research ships and special warfare craft. PEO Ships has delivered 32 major warships and hundreds of small boats and craft from more than 30 shipyards and boat builders across the United States.

National Guard Air Defense Element Gets Name Change

Back on April 3, 2007, I reported that NEADS was now EADS, but the name/acronym had not changed officially. See http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com/2007/04/eads-its-official-now.html. Finally as of Wednesday it is official, the old NEADS is now called EADS. So now my story is complete.

If you want the absolute latest NORAD freqs and background, you need to get a copy of my June 2009 Monitoring Times Milcom column. This column has the first list of CONUS/WADS/EADS/CANR/ANR frequencies since all of the consolidations and frequency changes that have been made in the 225-400 MHz milair band. You can order a single electronic copy of this issue (MTExpress) by contacting Grove Enterprises. More information is available on the Grove website.

Sector Renamed to Reflect Expanded East Coast Mission

ROME, NY (07/15/2009)-- In an official order from the Department of the Air Force, the New York Air National Guard's Northeast Air Defense Sector was renamed the Eastern Air Defense Sector today.

In November 2006, the Sector assumed responsibility for providing air sovereignty over the entire east coast of the U.S., which includes more than one million square miles of air space.

"We are extremely grateful to be officially renamed the Eastern Air Defense Sector because it truly reflects our area of responsibility," said Col. John Bartholf, EADS commander. "Ensuring the air sovereignty of the eastern coast of the nation is something that everyone here works tremendously hard to accomplish."

There are now two air defense sectors in the Continental United States, or CONUS. The Western Air Defense Sector provides air sovereignty over air space west of the Mississippi.

For the federal air defense mission, both sectors report to First U.S. Air Force at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla.

EADS is a joint, bi-national organization currently manned by New York Air National Guardsmen, Active Duty U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army and Coast Guard; Canadian Forces, federal civil servants and civilian contractor personnel.

The unit employs approximately 400 personnel.The overall unit mission at EADS is to provide air sovereignty and execute counter-air operations over the eastern United States in support of North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command Homeland Defense Missions.

12-nation Heavy Airlift Wing takes flight with first C-17

SAC 01 takes off beginning its 5,300-nautical-mile maiden flight July 14 from Long Beach, Calif., to Papa Air Base, Hungary. The aircraft is the first of three C-17 Globemaster IIIs to be acquired by the 12-nation Strategic Airlift Capability Program. The Hungarian air base is home to the SAC Program's multinational, operational-level unit, the Heavy Airlift Wing, which will officially be activated July 27. (Courtesy photo)

by Maj. Cristin Marposon, U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFNS) -- Twelve nations saw their dreams of strategic airlift come true as the multinational Heavy Airlift Wing they've built from scratch in less than a year received the "keys" to its first C-17 Globemaster III July 14 in Long Beach, Calif.

During a ceremony at Boeing's final assembly facility, Col. John Zazworsky who commands the HAW in a multinational capacity, officially received the first of three C-17s to be acquired by the Strategic Airlift Capability Program's consortium.

The consortium includes NATO member nations Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovenia and the United States, as well as Partnership for Peace nations Finland and Sweden.

"This is an unprecedented milestone for these 12 nations," Colonel Zazworsky said. "They've shared a common need for strategic airlift, yet they've each faced the financial obstacle of independently acquiring a heavy airlifter. Now, they collectively own an amazing machine that will serve them well.

"Since September 2008 when the consortium's memorandum of understanding went into effect, we've tirelessly worked to build from scratch what's essentially a multinational air force -- without a real template of any kind," the colonel said. "Our timeline has been aggressive, but we're prepared to safely fly SAC 01."

While some of the 11 European nations participating in the program own tactical airlifters, including the C-130, SAC 01, as the first C-17 is known, represents the first strategic airlift asset for all 11 nations. And given each nation's commitment to support NATO's International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, the HAW's eventual C-17 fleet of three will make transporting troops and supplies to Afghanistan more efficient and economical.

Colonel Zazworsky knows this fact well, having flown the C-17 himself for years and having commanded C-17 units both stateside and in expeditionary roles in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"SAC 01 is going to be a huge enabler for all the nations involved," he explained. "And that's really what it's all about -- building capacity through partnership."

At the hands of HAW pilots from Norway, Sweden and the U.S., SAC 01 departed Long Beach for Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., shortly after the delivery ceremony, beginning its 5,300-nautical-mile maiden flight home to Pápa Air Base, Hungary, the HAW's home base.

But to make the most of the miles, HAW loadmasters, also from Norway, Sweden and the U.S., will load SAC 01 at Charleston AFB with specialized heavy equipment, like cargo loading vehicles and forklifts, which will enable the HAW to carry out logistics support functions at Pápa AB.

"I feel fortunate to be on the first trip with the airplane," said Royal Norwegian Air Force Capt. Havard Brorby, a HAW loadmaster who trained at the C-17 Aircrew Training Center at Altus AFB, Okla., this spring. "My country would never be able to have an aircraft like this, but now it's possible."

According to Colonel Zazworsky, SAC 01 will begin operational missions in support of the nations' requirements by the end of the month, just days after the wing's official activation ceremony July 27. Many of those missions will be flown to meet the nations' commitments to ISAF.

With the second and third C-17s rounding out the HAW fleet of heavy airlifters in September and October, respectively, the HAW anticipates flying roughly 630 hours before the end of 2009, and scheduling more than 3,100 flying hours in 2010.

The nations' varying investments in the SAC Program dictate their proportionate share of the flying hours as well as their proportionate contribution of personnel. For instance, the U.S. has provided roughly 30 percent of the funding, will use 30 percent of the annual flying hours and has committed 41 Airmen, or roughly 30 percent of the HAW's 131 total positions.

The HAW itself is a small wing by many nations' standards, but other entities will augment the overall mission. Some 70 Boeing contractors will provide material management and depot maintenance support for the HAW's C-17s. A NATO agency of roughly three dozen individuals will handle acquisition, logistics support and financial matters. And finally, the Hungarian air force, as host at Pápa AB, will manage the airfield, air traffic control operations and base infrastructure support.

USAFE officials stand up air ground operations wing

by Capt. Megan A. Schafer, 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFNS) -- The stand up of U.S. Air Forces in Europe's first wing solely dedicated to supporting battlefield Airmen took place during a July 16 ceremony at Ramstein Air Base.

The 435th Air Ground Operations Wing takes over the mission previously performed by two 86th Airlift Wing units here -- the Contingency Response Group and the Air and Space Communications Group -- along with the 4th Air Support Operations Group out of Heidelberg, Germany.

"This is a historic day for Ramstein and for USAFE," said Col. Tom Gould, who took command of the 435th AGOW during the ceremony. "This wing's new capability is certainly one of a kind, from calling in airstrikes to opening bases, the capabilities this wing brings to the European and African theater is tremendous."

The wing consolidates the tactical air control party and battlefield weather specialties of the 4th ASOG, the contingency communications support of the ACOMG, and the expeditionary support to assess, prepare and operate airfields for air expeditionary forces of the CRG. Both of the groups from the 86th AW will now perform their mission under the 435th AGOW.

"The 435th AGOW provides these specialized Airmen with a single command and control structure," Colonel Gould said. "By consolidating these units under one wing, we will be able to standardize our organizational processes and streamline how we train, equip and employ our battlefield Airmen."

As part of the reorganization ceremony, the 435th Air Base Wing was redesignated as the AGOW. The 431st Air Base Group was also officially inactivated during an earlier ceremony. The remaining mission areas of the 435th ABW will merge with the 86th Airlift Wing.

"Realigning our mission under one wing meets the Air Force chief of staff's intent of structuring units by mission," said Brig. Gen. William J. Bender, the 86th Airlift Wing commander. "Our dual-wing team worked extremely well together -- even garnering a dual 'Excellent' rating during our recent Unit Compliance Inspection. We look forward to continuing that great cohesion as we combine our efforts under one wing."

Lt. Gen. Philip J. Breedlove, the 3rd Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony, and remarked on the changes as being a positive step for not only the wings and USAFE, but the Air Force.

"There is nothing wrong with change if it's in the right direction. This reorganization and stand up represents another step in streamlining our operations," the general said. He also challenged Colonel Gould to "find the balance between preserving the proud heritage of this wing and embracing the changes necessary to move forward into today's fight."

The 435th AGOW is the second of its kind in the Air Force. The 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing resides at Moody Air Force Base, Ga.

Bataan Conducts Amphibious Operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet

Amphibious assault vehicles from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU) approach the well deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) during an amphibious training exercise. Bataan is serving as the flagship for the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group conducting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. The 22nd MEU is serving as the theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Tony Sisti/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Jeremy L. Grisham

USS BATAAN, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines aboard multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) recently conducted full-scale amphibious operations training, which allowed the crew to maintain proficiency and readiness on four different types of crafts.

Bataan opened its well deck to the sea, allowed up to seven feet of water to enter the specialized compartment and launched and received landing craft air-cushions (LCAC), landing craft utility, amphibious assault vehicles and lighter amphibious resupply cargo craft from the dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) and amphibious transport dock ship USS Ponce (LPD 15).

For Bataan's engineering and deck departments, launching and recovering LCACs is routine, but working with the other craft is a bit more uncommon, so when the chance came to sharpen their skills, the crew was eager and ready for the challenge.

Deck department Sailors stationed at well-deck control, the craft access ramp and the along the parallel "wing walls" of the well deck brought aboard each craft, unloaded their cargo and then launched them back out to the sea.

"As far as proficiency, that's our job. We need to be ready for anything," said Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Eric Peterson from Hoisington, Kan., leading petty officer for deck's 2nd division. "Overall, you're only as strong as your weakest link."

Each amphibious craft presents unique challenges for the engineering team responsible for keeping the well deck flooded at the proper level, or "ballasting." Whether the requirement was six inches of water or seven feet, the operators and equipment were ready to execute.

"It really is assault and repair divisions that work diligently to maintain all ballasting equipment at peak performance," said Chief Damage Controlman (SW) James Welch, a native of Fresno, Calif., and one of Bataan's ballasting control officers. "When the time comes to do the job, we don't have any doubts about how the equipment will perform."

Bataan is serving as the flagship for the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, conducting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations.

Navy and Army Name First Three Joint High Speed Vessels

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and Secretary of the Army Pete Geren today announced the names of the first three Joint High Speed Vessels as Fortitude (JHSV 1), Vigilant (JHSV 2) and Spearhead (JHSV 3).

A cooperative effort between the Navy and the Army, JHSVs will be used for fast intra-theater transportation of troops, vehicles and equipment. The program highlights a Department of Defense acquisition objective of leveraging the expertise of one military branch to assist another. The Army is procuring Fortitude and Spearhead, while the Navy is procuring Vigilant, and each service will be responsible for operating and maintaining its ships following delivery.

JHSVs will be capable of transporting 700 short tons 1,200 nautical miles at an average speed of 35 knots, and can operate in shallow-draft ports and waterways, interfacing with roll-on/roll-off discharge facilities, and on/off-loading a combat-loaded Abrams Main Battle Tank (M1A2). Other joint requirements include an aviation flight deck to support day and night air vehicle launch and recovery operations. JHSVs will have airline style seating for 312 embarked forces and fixed berthing for 104 more.

Joint military combatant commanders will have the flexibility to use JHSVs in a variety of roles to include supporting overseas contingency operations, special operations forces, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and emerging joint sea basing concepts.

Constructed by Austal USA in Mobile, Ala., the detail, design and construction contract covers 10 ships, five for the Army and five for the Navy. Long lead time material options for the first three ships have already been exercised. Construction on the first JHSV will begin following a successful Production Readiness Review (PRR), currently scheduled for fall 2009. The JHSV PRR will be a review of design maturity, availability of materials and components, and the shipbuilder's readiness to successfully start fabrication.

Space Shuttle Launch Attempt Logs

Here is what was monitored on Monday during the last launch attempt of STS-127. They are gassing up again this morning and another launch attempt will occur this evening with a liftoff set for 6:03:10 p.p. EDT.

Frequencies monitored:
46.6500 CCAFS (JTF AIR, JOLLY)
118.6250 / 239.0500 CCAFS - Skid Strip Tower
121.5000 / 243.0000 Guard (CAPE TOWER with CG 2128 / airspace violation calls)
121.7500 KSC - NASA Ground
123.1000 Coast Guard Air (RELAY 1 - CLEARANCE 1 air-air)
126.6500 KSC - Weather
128.5500 / 284.0000 KSC - NASA Tower
133.4750 Miami Center - Melbourne (passed by CAPE CONTROL as contact for HURRICANE)
133.7500 Patrick AFB - Tower
133.8000 / 264.8000 CCAFS - Cape Control
134.0500 Orlando App (passed by CAPE CONTROL)
138.4500 am / 349.6000 CCAFS - DoD CAPE (JTF AIR; VARIETY)
141.3000 am / 294.6000 CCAFS - VARIETY 1 (VARIETY; CAPE LEADER)
156.8000 Coast Guard Ch-16
157.0500 Coast Guard Ch-21A DOLPHIN air-air
157.0750 Coast Guard Ch-81A Range Control
157.1500 Coast Guard Ch-23A Station Port Canaveral
157.1750 Coast Guard Aux Ch-83 Bairs Cove
165.3125 Coast Guard CG-121 (P25) Station Port Canaveral
235.4000 NASA air-air
255.5000 Patrick AFB 920th RQW RESCUE OPS (JOLLY air-air)
260.9000 HUNTRESS
269.3000 Miami Center - Melbourne
282.8000 CCAFS (JTF AIR)
311.0000 Patrick AFB 920th RQW (KING-JOLLY AR boom)
321.0000 Patrick AFB 920th RQW KING OPS
343.7000 Miami Center - Melbourne
360.1500 Langley AFB 1st FW HARASS air-air
411.4500 KSC - Direct 7

Callsigns:
CAPE CONTROL - CCAFS MRU (ground unit)
CAPE LEADER (ground unit)
CLEARANCE 1 (CG 2128)
COAST GUARD 2128 (HU-25D, CGAS Miami)
COAST GUARD 6565 (MH-65C, CGAS Savannah; is one of the DOLPHIN helos)
DOLPHIN 1-2 (MH-65C)
FORWARD OBSERVER AIR
GASMAN 02 (KC-135R, 106th ARS)
HARASS 33-34 (F-15C, 71st FS)
HARASS 35-36 (F-15C, 71st FS)
HOUSTON VOICE (ground unit)
JTF AIR (ground unit; mentions of Satcom problems; monitoring BFT's, Blue Force Trackers)
JOLLY 1 (HH-60G, tail 233)
JOLLY 2 (HH-60G, tail 358)
JOLLY 3 (HH-60G, tail 231)
JOLLY 4 (HH-60G, tail 232)
KING 1
KING 2
KING 3 (KC-130J, BH 6472)
NASA 912 (T-38N)
NASA 923 (T-38N)
NASA 945 (G-2; weather flight)
NASA 955 (T-38N; weather flight)
PARRISH 1 (ground unit)
RELAY 1 (Cherokee, N615FT)
SEARCH 1 (UH-1H, N416NA)
SEARCH 2 (UH-1H, N419NA)
SEARCH 3 (UH-1H) (passed N418NA yesterday)
TEFLON 08 (KC-135R, 108th ARS)
TEFLON 09 (KC-135T, 171st ARW)
VARIETY 1 (ground unit)
WARSHIP 28 (mentioned by JOLLY 3)
WEATHER COORDINATOR (ground unit)

CAP Points:
APOLLO CAP
ATLAS CAP (AR track)
POLARIS CAP (alternate AR track)