U.S. and Brazilian Navies Work Together During Joint Warrior

USS COLE, At Sea (NNS) -- Ships led by Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 24 are working alongside the Brazilian Navy during Exercise Joint Warrior 09-2 Oct. 3-16.

Joint Warrior, designed and led by the United Kingdom's Joint Tactical Exercise Planning Staff, is a multi-warfare exercise designed to improve interoperability between allied navies and prepares participating crews to conduct combined operations during deployments.

The exercise promotes Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet's three focus areas: conducting safe and effective fleet operations to achieve mission, providing ready maritime forces for global assignment, and teaming with allies and partners in execution of the maritime strategy.

Brazilian frigate BNS Defensora (F 41) is conducting combined operations with the guided-missile frigate USS John L. Hall (FFG 32), and the guided-missile destroyers USS Cole (DDG 67) and Ramage (DDG 61). This collaboration is an excellent opportunity for both Brazilian and U.S. Sailors.

"Commander, U.S. Second Fleet has three focus areas; the third focus area is enhancing our relationship with allies and partners," said Capt. John Kersh, DESRON 24 commodore. "We very aggressively sought out ways to work with other navies, such as Brazil, to enhance our relationships with these allies and partners."
Defensora reacted to scenario-driven exercises, such as small boat attacks, boarding operations, air defense and anti-submarine warfare.

Defensora also brings unique assets to the exercise, such as an AH-11A Super Lynx Mk21A and combat divers. Both were recently used to assist Cole's visit, board, search and seizure team during a counter-piracy exercise.

"The performance of the boarding team from Defensora was spectacular," said Kersh. "The Brazilian combat divers demonstrated great airmanship when they landed on the 'pirated' vessel."

"It was wonderful to see our friends come alongside of us to do a combined operation with our ship," said Cole's Commanding Officer Cmdr. Edward Devinney. "This relationship is a great step forward and I hope in the future we can continue to work with them."

Defensora's Commanding Officer Cmdr. Antonio Capistrano said that Joint Warrior has proven to be a great way for the Brazilian Navy to integrate with and learn from U.S. ships.

"Most of my crew has never worked with U.S. ships," Capistrano said. "For us, we are learning a lot by integrating like this. I think this is an opportunity to come together, to make friends, and to build trust. We are learning a lot in this new environment; it is an honor to be here and it is a great opportunity to work together."

Bataan ARG/22MEU Participate in Bright Star 2009

USS BATAAN, At Sea (NNS) -- Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) began participation in an Egyptian and U.S. Central Command-sponsored exercise near Alexandria, Egypt Oct. 10.

Exercise Bright Star is a major, joint/coalition training exercise that encompasses naval surface and amphibious operations, command and control training, aviation operations, combined arms training and several other multilateral training events Oct. 10-20. The exercise is designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships and improve readiness and interoperability between U.S., Egyptian and coalition forces.

Bataan Amphibious Ready Group is scheduled to participate in a number of coalition events throughout the naval exercise portion of Bright Star.

"Exercise Bright Star will provide the ARG/MEU another important opportunity to reinforce positive relationships and gain experience in operating with coalition counterparts," said Col. Gareth F. Brandl, commanding officer of the 22nd MEU. "Since May, the MEU has participated in five bilateral training events with countries in Europe and the Middle East. Bright Star is will be another chance for us to showcase the naval character, amphibious expertise and flexibility of the Navy and the Marine Corps."

For the first time, the MV-22B Osprey will appear at Bright Star. The aircraft from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced) are scheduled to provide assault support lift. Today, the aircraft were part of an amphibious assault demonstration.

Bright Star, the longest running exercise in the United States Central Command's Area of Operations, was established in 1981 as a result of the Camp David Peace Accords. Highlights of this year's exercise will include a naval exercise, a multinational amphibious assault demonstration, a multinational paratrooper jump involving 600 Soldiers and a combined arms live-fire exercise.

"The presence of Bataan Amphibious Ready Group will provide a fitting backdrop for the events of Bright Star as the U.S. continues to show its commitment and resolve for regional security and cooperation with our partner nations," said Capt. Jack Sotherland, commanding officer of Amphibious Squadron 2. "Having U.S. and coalition units train together will enhance future interoperability, develop better understanding between both land and maritime forces, and most importantly, strengthen bonds between nations."

The Bataan ARG, led by Sotherland, is composed of the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), the amphibious transport dock USS Ponce (LPD 15), the amphibious dock-landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22, Fleet Surgical Team 6, Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 2, ACU 4 and Beachmaster Unit 2.

The 22nd MEU, led by Brandl, is a scalable, multi-purpose force of more than 2,200 Marines and Sailors. The unit is composed of its Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment (commanded by Lt. Col. Robert C. Fulford); Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced) (commanded by Lt. Col. Paul P. Ryan); Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 22 (commanded by Lt. Col. Gary F. Keim); and its Command Element.

Bonhomme Richard ARG/11th MEU Arrives in Timor-Leste for MAREX-09

Sailors man the rails as the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) arrives at Naval Station Pearl Harbor for a scheduled port call.

BONHOMME RICHARD, At sea (NNS) -- USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), the flagship of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), arrived in Savu Sea to conduct a multilateral exercise in cooperation with the government of Timor-Leste Oct. 14.

During Marine Exercise 2009 (MAREX 09), ARG Sailors and embarked Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are scheduled to participate in Theater Security Cooperation programs and training ashore with the Timor-Leste and Australian militaries.

"We're excited to work with our Timor-Leste and Australian partners," said Commodore Capt. Rodney Clark, the ARG commander. "The ARG/MEU team hopes to build upon a strong relationship with this new country and make a difference in the community."

Bonhomme Richard displaces 40,500 tons and features a 2.2 acre flight deck that will enable medical and dental personnel to travel ashore and assist local healthcare workers in providing care to local residents.

"The scope of the medical, dental and preventative medicine services the Navy harnesses afloat is an awesome capability not only for our own Marines and Sailors, but to those unfortunate few or many that may have suffered hardship," said Commander, Amphibious Task Force Surgeon Cmdr. Steven Gabele.

In addition to offering medical and dental assistance, ARG/MEU personnel will partner with local government and education officials to repair the roof of a secondary school as well as construct desks and chalk boards.

Bonhomme Richard Sailors and Marines have also volunteered to participate in local sporting events and visit children in orphanages in the country's capital city.

"It's a great thing. These projects not only meet needs [in Timor-Leste] but also meet the desires of Sailors and Marines to help people," said Cmdr. John Shimotsu, Bonhomme Richard's senior chaplain and community service coordinator. "One of the last things people remember is our ability to make a positive difference in the communities that we visit."

The ARG's other two ships, USS Cleveland (LPD 7) and USS Rushmore (LSD 47), are participating in the other portion of MAREX-09 in neighboring Indonesia.

The ARG also consists of the command element, commander, Amphibious Squadron 7; the ready group's flagship, USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6); Tactical Air Control Squadron 12, Detachment 1; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23, Detachment 3; Assault Craft Unit 1, Detachment B; Assault Craft Unit 5, Detachment F; Beachmaster Unit 1, Detachment B; and Fleet Surgical Team 9.

The Bonhomme Richard ARG is transiting the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations and reports to Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, Rear Adm. Richard Landolt, who is headquartered in Okinawa, Japan.

Exercise Falcon Dart Being Conducted Along the East Coast - Update

Blog Editor's Note: A complete list of up-to-date NORAD frequencies (not the old stuff floating on the net) was published in the June 2009 Milcom column in Monitoring Times magazine. If you don't subscribe to MT you are missing a lot. And if you are reading this post you can get a year of MT electronically - MTXpress - for only US$19.95 worldwide. That is a great bargain and MT hasn't been at that price in years. This e-zine eliminates all the hassles of slow or non-postal delivery, torn print issues, and the higher cost of print magazines. You get a monthly electronic Adobe pdf file in full color, that is completely searchable and that can be printed. And it is also easy to store and read. You can get more details or order MTXpress at http://www.grove-ent.com/page81.html.

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, FLA -- The Continental United States NORAD Region, a geographical component of the North American Aerospace Defense Command, will conduct a three-day homeland defense exercise, Falcon Dart, beginning Oct. 14 along the eastern seaboard and in New England.

This exercise is designed to train CONRs intercept and identification operations and will involve fighters out of Barnes Air National Guard Base, Mass., Jacksonville ANG, Fla., Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., and aircraft from other federal agencies.

Residents may hear aircraft noise and see aircraft flying at various times throughout the day.

Air Force B-52 Stratofortresses will simulate tracks of interest during the first day of the exercise. The Eastern Air Defense Sector, based in Rome, N.Y., will direct Air Force F-15 Eagles to intercept the B-52s along the eastern seaboard.

F-15s from the Florida Air National Guards 125th Fighter Wing based in Jacksonville and the Massachusetts Air National Guards 104th FW based at Barnes ANGB will be launched to intercept the B-52s.

On days two and three of the exercise, Air Force C-21s (military version of the Lear Jet 35A business jet) and Civil Air Patrol fixed-wing aircraft will simulate tracks of interest in the Ashland, N. H., area. F-15s from Barnes ANGB, along with fixed and rotary-wing aircraft from U.S. Customs and Border Protection will be launched to intercept the TOIs.

CONR, along with its Eastern and Western Air Defense Sectors, provides airspace surveillance and control and directs all air sovereignty activities over the continental United States.

NORAD has conducted exercise flights of this nature throughout the U.S. and Canada since the start of Operation Noble Eagle, the commands 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 forces throughout the country ensure air safety and security against potential air threats.

Since Sept. 11, 2001, CONR fighters have responded to more than 2,300 possible air threats in the United States and have flown more than 54,000 sorties with the support of Airborne Warning and Control System and air-to-air-refueling aircraft

USS Freedom to Deploy Early

The littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) conducts flight deck certification with an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Sea Knights of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan Laird/Released)

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy announced Oct. 13 the decision to deploy the USS Freedom (LCS 1) in early 2010 to the Southern Command and Pacific Command areas ahead of her originally scheduled 2012 maiden deployment.

According to Navy leaders, littoral combat ships (LCS) are needed now to close urgent warfighting gaps.

"Deploying LCS now is a big step forward in getting this ship where it needs to be – operating in the increasingly important littoral regions," said Adm. Gary Roughead, chief of naval operations. "We must deliver this critical capability to the warfighter now."

The Freedom will have an immediate impact on fleet readiness and global reach as an asset with unique combat capabilities and the ability to meet littoral tasking not previously seen in the modern cruiser or destroyer fleet.

"The Navy plans to build a considerable number of littoral combat ships which will form the backbone of our future fleet," said Adm J. C. Harvey, Jr., commander, U.S. Fleet Forces, charged with executing the early deployment. "The sooner we integrate them into our fleet, the sooner we can incorporate them in the order of battle. This deployment offers a golden opportunity to learn by doing. Employing the USS Freedom in theater two years ahead of a normal timeline allows us to incorporate lessons that can only be learned in a deployment setting more quickly and effectively in the LCS fleet integration process."

In evaluating options for deploying the Freedom earlier than originally scheduled, the Navy took into consideration several key factors including combat systems testing, shakedown of the ship systems and overseas sustainment with a new concept of operations and crew training. To facilitate the early deployment, the Navy adjusted the Freedom testing schedule, prioritized testing events needed for deployment and deferred others not required for the missions envisioned during this deployment. The Freedom recently completed Industrial Post Delivery Availability 2, which also supported an early deployment.

USS Simpson (FFG 56) returns from deployment.

Click here for the complete story.

Thousands Line the Levees, Salute PCU New York

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (AW/SW) Shawn D. Graham, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans Public Affairs

NEW ORLEANS (NNS) -- Thousands of residents from around the New Orleans area began lining up along the banks of the Mississippi River before daybreak to bid the Pre-Commissioning Unit New York farewell as it departed from the Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding in Avondale, La., Oct. 13.

Lola Lass, President of The Greater New Orleans Executives Association (GNOEA), said her group suggested the send-off celebration to allow the community one final opportunity to salute the ship, its crew and the men and women who spent more than five years building it.

"The "Line the Levees" event showcased the hard work, love and dedication that went into building this ship," said Lass. "It allows citizens of New Orleans to pay homage to the victims, families and first responders of 9/11."



The 684-foot amphibious transport dock ship contains about 7.5 tons of steel from the World Trade Center, felled during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. It received two 21-gun salutes, as it passed Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans (NAS JRB) and Naval Support Activity New Orleans (NSA).

The ship's motto is "Strength forged through sacrifice. Never Forget."

Capt. Bill Snyder, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans (NAS JRB) commanding officer, said that the ship's transit was symbolic.

"I'm thrilled to have witnessed history," said Snyder. "There has been overwhelming support for the US Navy in this area. I'm thrilled that so many people took time out of their days to participate in this event."

Snyder also thanked parish leaders and volunteers who participated in the event, citing the long hours spent preparing for the ship's transit down the river.

"Plaquemines Parish officials have been dynamic in their support," said Snyder. "Granting us access to the site and the security support from their sheriff's department was key in preparing for such a large event."

Master-at-Arms 1st Class (SW) Derrick Tyler, assigned to NAS JRB's security department, said he was impressed by the immense turnout and support throughout the area.

"When you see hundreds of every day citizens waving flags and holding up signs, it can be very powerful," said Tyler. "You are used to that seeing ships return or go on a deployment, but when I saw this one leaving it felt different. America wants to this ship to do amazing things."



New York will be commissioned Nov. 7 in New York. The New York is the fifth amphibious transport dock of the San Antonio class. The ship was named New York after the state and her motto is "Strength Forged through Sacrifice. Never Forget."

U.S. Military Airlift Capability Key Following Indonesian Earthquake

A relief agency worker photographs children from Hula Banda village as they use ShelterBoxes for cover from the prop blast of a CH-53E Sea Stallion helicopter assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 265. Each ShelterBox contains materials to sustain a family of 10 for several weeks. Amphibious Force U.S. 7th Fleet is coordinating U.S. military assistance to victims of the recent earthquakes in West Sumatra, at the request of the Indonesian government. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Greg Johnson/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Greg Johnson, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet Public Affairs

PADANG, Indonesia (NNS) -- Getting more than 60 tons of urgently needed supplies to some of the most remote mountain villages in Southeast Asia has been a tremendous challenge for relief agencies responding to the earthquakes that rocked Sumatra Sept. 30.

The solution: CH-53E Sea Stallion helicopters assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 265. During a mission Oct. 12, Marines, Sailors and Soldiers delivered 45 "ShelterBoxes," donated by the ShelterBox organization. The ShelterBoxes, which each contain a tent, blankets, kitchenware, tools, a water purification kit can sustain a family for several weeks.

Rear Adm. Richard Landolt, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, flew on one of the missions to oversee the complex process of landing helicopters under difficult conditions.

"That was the first remote mission I've had the opportunity to be on since we've started, and I have to say, that was some very impressive flying," said Landolt. "They got in and out of a tight spot and made it look easy."

Pilots landed the helicopter on a peak nestled in the mountains of Western Sumatra, where villagers had drawn a white "H" on the ground. Service members and ShelterBox volunteers were greeted with smiling faces.

"I am so happy to see the helicopters coming here now," said Atin Nasution, a village resident. "Many people lost their homes during the earthquake, so I believe the supplies they brought here today will help many people."

The ShelterBox organization has relied predominantly on the U.S. and Australian militaries to transport the units.

"It's been invaluable having the U.S. military involved," said Becky Maynard, a ShelterBox program manager. "It would have taken four days for us to determine who needed help and who didn't, but with the U.S. military, we cut it down to just one day."

Amphibious Force 7th Fleet is coordinating U.S. military assistance to victims of the recent earthquakes in West Sumatra, at the request of the Indonesian government.

Milcom Blog Logs - Sep-Oct, 2009 - Kentucky

Our good friend and MMP monitor Jack Metcalfe passes along the following logs from his Stanford, Kentucky QTH. Thanks Jack.

4775.5 INDOPS, Indiana National Guard: 1928 USB ALE with IN NG Helo R23704. Also heard on 2816.0 & 2540.0 later that evening. (07/OCT/2009)

4777.0 HAM, Virginia National Guard at Hampton: 0109 USB ALE (11/OCT/2009)

5195.0 Texas DOT stations in Monday Net. Some confusion over Columbus Day & who was operating, but heard El Paso, San Antonio & Wichita Falls among others: 1334 USB Voice (12/OCT/2009)

5217.0 AAM4FL, US Army MARS with SHARES Example Message Format: 1327 USB OLIVIA 16 tones 1 kHz bandwidth (12/OCT/2009)

5236.5 TO1185, US Army or National Guard here and on 4611.5, 4886.5 and 6985.0: 2134 USB ALE (07/OCT/2009)

5351.5 966 & OPS832, US Army or National Guard stations: 1512 USB ALE & Voice (13/OCT/2009)

5790.0 Unid US based stations with weather conditions. Possible MARS or SHARES stations: 1419 CW (13/OCT/2009)

6780.6 OPMHQ1, unid station on a NTCN (National Telecommunications Coordinating Network) frequency: 1757 USB ALE (07/OCT/2009)

7510.0 SELF, TEST1 & TEST2, US Army Continuity of Operations stations: 1858 - 1923 USB ALE, Voice, AMD Text & 75 baud encrypted data (13/OCT/2009)

7540.0 AFA4DB, USAF MARS station: 1425 MFSK16 (12/OCT/2009)

7535.0 US Navy vessel FREEDOM CROSSROADS calling NORFOLK SESEF: 1900 USB Voice (02/OCT/2009)

7633.5 AFA9PF USAF MARS Net: 1919 USB Voice (23/SEPT/2009)

7901.5 Unid station with 5 letter groups: 1916 CW (23/SEPT/2009)

9007.0 TRENTON MILITARY with weather for unid aircraft: 1736 USB Voice (12/OCT/2009)

9120.0 PIPE STEM & WOOD CHOP or WOOD SHOP in the clear & secure: 1817 USB Voice (13/OCT/2009)

9260.0 Unid station with 5 letter groups? Very weak signal: 1814 CW (12/OCT/2009)

10588.0 WGY916, FEMA MERS Unit, Denton, TX & WGY 908, FEMA, Denver, CO: 1650 USB Voice & 75 baud data from memory & keyboard to keyboard (13/OCT/2009)

10670.5 L28 & JCP3, US Army or NG stations: 1945 USB ALE. Same stations on 5851.5 USB ALE a few minutes later. (07/OCT/2009)

11205.0 SMASHER calling SKYWATCH: 2012 USB Voice (13/OCT/2009)

11789.5 Unid stations Asian language. Nice frequency range to hide in: 1816 USB Voice (02/OCT/2009)

Joint Warrior 09 HF frequencies

Gerry in Northern Ireland has posted the following to the UDXF newsgroup:

Joint Warrior frequencies used today: 4447.0 4484.0 4760.0 4872.0 5095.0 6697.0 kHz
The fire mission was on 3323.0 kHz

Status of US Navy/Marine Corps MARS

There has been a lot of conjecture about the current status of the US Navy/Marine Corps MARS program based on previous statements regarding their future after October 1, 2009, and the defunding by their parent command (see my story on this blog posted May 22 at http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com/2009/05/nnwc-proposes-to-disestablish-navy-mc.html).

Here is the latest based on a message sent to the membership posted to the service website at http://www.navymars.org/

DE NNN0ASA 064
R 011300Z OCT 2009
FM CHNAVMARCORMARS WILLIAMSBURG VA
TO ALNAVMARCORMARS
INFO ZEN/CHIEF ARMY MARS FT HUACHUCA AZ
ZEN/CHIEF AIR FORCE MARS SCOTT AFB IL
BT
UNCLAS
SUBJ: CHNAVMARCORMARS BCST 05-09 - AREA DIRECTORS
A. NTP 8(D) DRAFT, CHAPTER 2

1. PER DIRECTION FROM COMMANDER, NAVAL NETWORK WARFARE COMMAND, THE AREA DIRECTOR BILLETS WERE DELETED AND THE AREA DIRECTOR'S STATIONS (NAV1, NAV3, NAV4 AND NAV5) WERE DEACTIVATED AS OF 30 SEP 2009.

2. EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, THE CURRENT DEPUTY DIRECTORS WILL ASSUME THE CALL SIGN OF THE AREA DIRECTOR AS FOLLOWS:

NNN0ASE AZ - PACIFIC AREA (NNN0FUL AZ)
NNN0ASF NEK - SOUTH AREA (NNN0AVT NEK)
NNN0ASG MI - CENTRRAL AREA (NNN0EPY MI)
NNN0ASI PA - NORTHEAST AREA (NNN0FBK PA)

3. A NEW VERSION OF NTP 8 WILL NOT BE READY FOR A WHILE. THEREFORE, IN ADDITION TO THE DUTIES OF THE CURRENTLY DEFINED DEPUTY DIRECTOR, THE VOLUNTEER AREA DIRECTORS NAMED ABOVE WILL BE ASKED TO FULFILL THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF PARAGRAPH 222 OF REF A: B., D., E., F., H. AND K.

4. IN PARAGRAPH 223 OF REF A, CHANGE THE DESCRIPTION FOR THE ONE TO READ:
QUOTE ONE: ASSISTANT DIRECTOR UNQUOTE

THE DUTIES OF THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR WILL BE TO ASSUME THE DUTIES OF THE AREA DIRECTOR AS DEFINED IN PARAGRAPH 3 ABOVE WHEN THE VOLUNTEER AREA DIRECTOR IS NOT ABLE TO FULFILL HIS/HER DUTIES. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT ASSISTANT AREA DIRECTORS BE APPOINTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO ENSURE CONTINUITY.

5. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL AREA MEMBERSHIP RECORDS ARE NOW HELD AT NAVMARCORMARS HQ. STATE DIRECTORS SHOULD CORRESPOND DIRECTLY TO AND FROM NNN0ASA VA ON MEMBERSHIP MATTERS, KEEPING THEIR AREA-THIRTEEN INFORMED SO THE AREA ROSTERS CAN BE MAINTAINED. 2093/1S AND OTHER MEMBERSHIP RECORDS/LETTERS CAN BE SENT TO NNN0ASA BY THE FOLLOWING
MEANS:

A. SCANNED AND SENT BY E-MAIL TO NNN0ASA(AT)NAVYMARS.ORG AS A PDF ATTACHMNENT. TO MINIMIZE FILE SIZE DOCUMENTS SHOULD BE SCANNED IN BLACK AND WHITE WITH A MINIMUM RESOLUTION OF 300 DOTS PER INCH. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ADOBE ACROBAT, THERE IS A FREEWARE PROBRAM AVAILABLE THAT WILL ALLOW YOU TO PRINT ANY SCANNED OR WORD PROCESSING DOCUMENT TO A PDF FILE. THE PROGRAM IS CALLED 'PDFCREATOR' AND CAN BE FOUND BY A GOOGLE SEARCH FOR THE NAME.

B. FAX TO HQ ON (757) 887-4971

C. MAIL THE PREFERRED METHOD IS SCANNED AND SENT AS A PDF FILE AS IT IS FASTER.

6. KEEP A COPY OF THIS BROADCAST WITH NTP 8(D) DRAFT UNTIL SUCH TIME AS A NEW NTP 8 IS ISSUED.

7. MARS: TOGETHER WE CAN ACHIEVE ANYTHING.
BT
NNNN

In an earlier message the Chief of USN/MC MARS wrote:

DE NNN0ASA 065
R 091100Z OCT 2009
FM NNN0ASA VA
TO NNN0ALL
BT
UNCLAS
SUBJ: CHNAVMARCORMARS INFO BCST 37-09
1. DEPUTY CHIEF NAVMARCORMARS: ON TUESDAY, 13 OCT 09, LT BILLY COONS WILL DETACH AS DEPUTY CHIEF, NAVMARCORMARS. LT COONS IS TRANSFERRING TO NAVAL AIR STATION JOINT RESERVE BASE WILLOW GROVE PA WHERE HE WILL BE ASSIGNED AS THE ELECTRONICS MATERIAL OFFICER. LT COONS HAS MANAGED TO KEEP ME STRAIGHT SINCE JANUARY 2008 AND WILL BE SORELY MISSED. WE CERTAINLY WISH HIM THE TRADITIONAL 'FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS.'
THIS COMPLETES THE UNMANNING OF ALL THE MILITARY BILLETS ASSIGNED TO NAVMARCORMARS. WE HAVE OUR WORK CUT OUT FOR US.

The Navy MARS service continues to function, but without any paid players running it. Only time will tell the final outcome in this continuing saga of the Navy/Marine Corps MARS service.

Blue Ridge Arrives in Cairns

CAIRNS, Australia (NNS) -- USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and the embarked U.S. 7th Fleet staff arrived in Cairns, Australia for a scheduled port visit as part of the ship's fall deployment to further positive relations with regional partners Oct. 12.

The amphibious command ship crew and embarked staff will have the opportunity to enjoy an area of Australia known for its beautiful landscapes and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef.

"The crew is full of anticipation about the Cairns visit," said Capt. Thom W. Burke, Blue Ridge commanding officer. "We just finished a week-long visit to Sydney, which was a sensational port visit. Now we are anxious to get out and see more of Australia, especially this beautiful city and its surroundings."

While in Cairns, the 7th Fleet flagship will take in the sights during the numerous scheduled tours, participate in community outreach projects, and welcome local Cairns residents for guided tours of the ship, all in the spirit of friendship and camaraderie.

"The U.S. and Australia have a proud, longstanding history of working together," Burke said. "Visiting Cairns is an outstanding opportunity for Blue Ridge to experience this breathtaking place."

Blue Ridge departed its forward-deployed home of Yokosuka, Japan, Sept. 2 and visited Guam Sept. 12-14, New Caledonia Sept. 23-26, and Sydney Sept. 29 to Oct. 6.

Blue Ridge serves under commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7/Task Force 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force. Blue Ridge is the flagship for commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.

Aerial Refueling Frequency Update in the November MT Milcom column

We are a little under two weeks away from the release of the electronic November issue of Monitoring Times magazine -- MTXpress. If you are a MTXpress or print MT subscriber and milcom monitor, you are in for a very special treat in the November issue.

For the first time since 2003 in our November 2009 monthly Milcom column and also as a special download for MTXpress readers, we present our latest and greatest, and completely updated aerial refueling frequency list for North America.

The list in the November print edition will "not" be as comprehensive as the electronic version that will only be available to MTXpress subscribers during the month of November "only."

If you want the latest aerial refueling frequencies then jump on the MTXpress bandwagon and subscribe today.

You can learn more about subscribing to MTXpress by clicking here

Task Force Keystone Supports Joint Special Forces Training

Four Black Hawk helicopters from the Pennsylvania National Guard's Company B, 1st Battalion, 150th Aviation Regiment, prepare to land during a joint special operations forces training exercise Oct. 2 in Iraq.

28th Combat Aviation Brigade
Story by Sgt. Matthew Jones

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq – Members of Company B, 1st Battalion, 150th Aviation Regiment, assisted U.S. and Iraqi special operations forces in a joint training exercise Oct. 2.

This was the third in a series of three exercises involving the aviators from Task Force Keystone.

The training mission started as a real mission would, with a thorough briefing. The aviators and crew reviewed the landing zone, the aircraft's landing direction, a timeline, landing formation, maps, routes and contingency plans.

First Lt. Thomas Kivlen, platoon leader in Co. B from Plainsboro, N.J., stressed the importance of the training.

"The stuff we are doing here directly relates to what those Soldiers may have to do in the future," said Kivlen. "This will directly help prepare for future missions and assaults."

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Danielle Wolak of Reading, Pa., one of several pilots who participated in the training mission, said the training was especially gratifying for her.

"I was here in 2003 when everything was starting and now I'm here near the very end," said Wolak, a Pennsylvania National Guard Soldier. "It's nice to know that we're helping them take back their country and we're training them for what they're going to need to do when we're gone."

Warrant Officer Kyle Braun, a Pennsylvania National Guard member who actually calls Indianapolis home, echoed his fellow pilot's sentiments.

"For future operations, they can do this on their own," said Braun, referring to the Iraqi forces. "When we leave, they should be able to do their own air assaults and support their own operations."

The pilots agreed the transition process is already well underway. According to Wolak, her unit has operated with ISF.

"We do everything hand-in-hand with the Iraqis," said Wolak. "Everything is in coordination with [Iraqi army and Iraqi police], so they know what is going on," she said.

"Today's goal was to go out and get the Iraqi special [operations] forces trained and return safely," Wolak concluded. "And we completed that goal."

The CAPFLIGHT callsign is no more

From the above the capitol... blog:

Posted by Maj Paul Cianciolo on 11 October 2009 filed in Aircraft Operations, Emergency Services, Radio Communications

"The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the FAA have changed Civil Air Patrol’s aircraft callsign to “CAP” instead of “CPF or CAP Flight.” The new callsign should be used in air/ground communications and when filing flight plans. All Civil Air Patrol personnel should discontinue the use of “CAP Flight” immediately and use “CAP” only.

"The pronunciation of the new “CAP” callsign is exactly how it sounds — as in “baseball cap.” It should be used along with the appropriate wing aircraft number, i.e., “CAP 2561.” This new callsign should also be included in the remarks section of all FAA flight plans."

So aircraft in Civil Air Patrol effective immediately will no longer use "CAPFLIGHT" as a callsign. Instead they will use CAP (pronounced as in baseball cap) followed by a number. This is per a policy letter from CAP National Headquarters dated 11 October 2009.

You can read the CAP NHQ letter at
http://www.ohwg.cap.gov/CAP%20Call%20Sign%20Ltr.pdf

Civil Air Patrol pilots to fly ‘Surrogate Predators’

A Predator sensor ball is mounted underneath the left wing of this Civil Air Patrol Cessna 182, turning the aircraft into a ‘Surrogate Predator’ suitable for pre-deployment training for Army and Marine forces. (Photo by Lon Carlson, L-3 Communications)

Modified Cessnas will be used to help train deploying Army, Marine forces

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. – With the conversion of a Civil Air Patrol plane into a “Surrogate Predator,” the U.S. Air Force is relying on its auxiliary in a most imaginative way.

“We’re using a manned aircraft to simulate an unmanned aircraft,” said CAP-U.S. Air Force Commander Col. Bill Ward, explaining that a sophisticated “Predator ball” placed under the left wing of a Cessna 182 belonging to CAP will give the plane the capability of mimicking the Air Force’s MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper, unmanned aircraft that provide real-time data to U.S. warfighters.

The Air Force will use the Surrogate Predator to fill a critical training gap in support of Army and Marine forces as they prepare for deployment. “Due to the Air Force maximum surge effort to provide more MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper support to ground units in CENTCOM, there are no Predator or Reaper forces available to support predeployment exercises such as Green Flag, which focuses on air-to-ground operations,” said Maj. Matt Martin, chief of the Predator / Reaper Ops Branch of Air Combat Command at Langley Air Force Base, Va. “The Surrogate Predator is the solution.”

Air Combat Command (ACC), with the support of Joint Forces Command, secured $2.5 million for the Surrogate Predator Program, once it was determined that CAP could provide the needed training with its dedicated patriotic citizen volunteers at a fraction of the cost of the private contractor currently providing the training.

“We’ve seen nothing but enthusiasm and a willingness to help from the Civil Air Patrol, which is why we chose them to do this mission,” said Martin.

With the Predator ball in place, the CAP plane-turned-Surrogate Predator has the capability of locking onto a target and tracking it, said Ward, adding that the ultimate goal is to broadcast streaming video. “This will give our soldiers and Marines a real-time view of what is going on,” he said.

Beginning this month, ACC will provide mission training to selected CAP crews at Fort Polk, La. “ACC experts will train the CAP crews on how to do the mission using the same tactics, techniques and procedures that Predator crews use on combat missions,” said Martin.

“Basically, we will imitate being a Predator,” said Capt. David Lewis, the Louisiana CAP project officer and one of six CAP pilots initially chosen for the program, who described the joint exercises like Green Flag as “the next big thing for CAP in homeland security and the defense of our country.”

Lewis and the other CAP pilots have prior military experience, which is a requirement for the program. The pilots and their aircrews – a cadre of 18 CAP volunteers in all – will be needed, in the program’s initial stages. Many more CAP volunteers will be involved as the program expands in the coming months. The ACC mission training will qualify them to provide air interdiction, close air support and intelligence / surveillance / reconnaissance support to ground forces. After a formal certification, these crews will be able to fly realistic Surrogate Predator missions. ACC will closely monitor the program and will use Air Force operators with real-world Predator or Reaper experience to assist.

“This initial cadre will then train the dozens of crews that will be needed to sustain our regular Green Flag support,” said Martin. A second airplane is already being modified to expand the Surrogate Predator Program. Once complete, CAP will be able to provide coverage for both Green Flag East exercises from Fort Polk, La., and Green Flag West exercises from the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif., close to where the second Surrogate Predator will be stationed in Las Vegas, Nev.

Green Flag exercises typically involve 11 days of flying, eight hours per day, at least 10 times per year, and “hunterkiller scenarios,” in which the Surrogate Predator starts by surveying targets and providing full-motion video to the brigade combat team. “Once a target is identified by the ground commander as hostile,” Martin said, “the Surrogate Predator will dynamically re-task into the strike role and coordinate with a forward air control to simulate the delivery of precision ordnance onto a target.”

Lewis foresees the potential of the Surrogate Predator for other CAP missions, like search and rescue and emergency services following hurricanes. “In the event of a natural disaster, the aircraft will certainly be made available to NORTHCOM for civil response purposes,” said Martin. “However, due to the expense of the aircraft and the need to keep them available to support joint exercises, we don’t anticipate using them to train for standard CAP missions.”

“Everyone involved is excited,” said Col. John Varljen, vice commander of CAP’s Southwest Region, which includes Louisiana Wing. CAP takes possession of the first Surrogate Predator this weekend. “This is an important mission, a real-world mission,” said Varljen. “It is our contribution to the war effort.”

Homeland security missions are nothing new to CAP, which has played a role in protecting America since its beginning days patrolling the Atlantic Coast for enemy aircraft and chasing German submarines during World War II. With its fleet of 550 aircraft, as well as numerous ground assets, and a force 58,000-strong, CAP is considered a force multiplier at a very attractive cost.

“The Civil Air Patrol is grateful for this new opportunity to aid in the defense of America,” said CAP National Commander Maj. Gen. Amy Courter. “Our members are true patriots, who volunteer to serve and professionally execute their duties with excellence every day. They truly go above and beyond the call of duty in service to this great nation.”

Ward predicts the Surrogate Predator Program will be “a real success story” for Civil Air Patrol. “I think it’s going to highlight CAP more than it already is to the Department of Defense,” he said.

Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is a nonprofit organization with 58,000 members nationwide. CAP performs 90 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and was credited by the AFRCC with saving 91 lives in fiscal year 2008. Its volunteers also perform homeland security, disaster relief and counter-drug missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. The members play a leading role in aerospace education and serve as mentors to the more than 23,000 young people currently participating in CAP cadet programs. CAP has been performing missions for America for more than 67 years.

Mullen Praises 'Powerful Legacy' During Ship Commissioning

By Samantha L. Quigley, American Forces Press Service

PHILADELPHIA (NNS) -- The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff praised the man for whom USS Wayne E. Meyer guided-missile destroyer was named during the ship's commissioning into the U.S. Pacific Fleet here Oct. 10.

"I can think of no finer name for a warship than USS Wayne E. Meyer," Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said during the 58th Arleigh Burke-class destroyer's commissioning here today. "For it is the name of the chief visionary of the Navy's surface fleet."

The ship's motto is "One Powerful Legacy," and the late retired Rear Adm. Wayne E. Meyer can be said to have left exactly that in the Navy. Meyer is described as "the father of Aegis," for his role in leading the development of the Aegis Weapons System now used aboard 100 Navy ships.

Meyer abhorred mediocrity as much as he cared for the Navy, and he attended the commissioning of every ship using the Aegis platform in since that of USS Bunker Hill in 1986, Mullen said.

"It is sad, but almost fitting, in a way, that the first commissioning muster Wayne Meyer misses is that of his namesake," he added.

Meyer was 83 when he passed away Sept. 1, 2009.

Originally conceived as a match for the Soviet blue-water navy, Aegis ships have become invaluable for uses beyond deterring Cold War foes.

It was an Aegis ship that recently patrolled at the ready off the coast of North Korea. Another supplied humanitarian aid to the citizens of the former Soviet republic of Georgia during military strife last year, and Aegis ships will continue to provide air defense for expeditionary and carrier strike groups around the world, Mullen said.

"Admiral Wayne Meyer's brainchild has become an enduring staple of our fleet because the system has been able to evolve, to flex to our defense needs as they change over time," Mullen said. "Underpinned by solid systems engineering, … its enduring capabilities are speed agility and adaptability."

The U.S. shares the Aegis weapons system with the Japanese, Spanish, Norwegian, South Korean and Australian navies.

Mullen said he sees this as immense progress to what he used to call the "1,000-ship Navy." This is "a global maritime coalition of good neighbors who use the sea to unite instead of divide," he said.

"Because confronting and overcoming the challenges we face today -- whether piracy, narco-trafficking, weapons of mass destruction or terrorism -- will take all of us: all hands, all services, and all partner nations," the admiral said.

The Aegis ships surely have their virtues, but their true worth always will be in their crews, Mullen said.

"The way that Aegis ships have been conceived, built, tested, and deployed is as much a testament to an engineer's mastery of technology as it is to our Sailor's versatility," he said. "The Aegis ships are made to see, control, and defend. Aegis sailors are made to multitask."

Stopping short of offering the Meyer's crew career advice, Mullen chose to share a anecdote from his own career.

"Let me just say that every time we'd meet, Admiral Meyer was fond of telling me that my career peaked, as a captain, the day I left command of [USS] Yorktown," He said. "Now, Yorktown is down the Delaware a bit, in the process of being scrapped.

"[Wayne Meyer's] career, however, is still going strong as we commission this ship today," he added. "Each and every one of you in Meyer's crew has the great honor of getting the chance to live up that name. May you discover and employ the leadership, determination, ingenuity, and perhaps the stubbornness that goes along with it."

Navy Adm. Gary Roughead, chief of naval operations, also attended the commissioning. He reinforced the importance this crew would have as the USS Wayne E. Meyer's first.

"You will man the most capable warship in the world," Roughead said. "You will sail under the name Wayne E. Meyer. No naval officer in recent history has distinguished himself as a visionary, as an innovator, and as a leader, as did Wayne Meyer.

"Even though he only left us a short time ago, his spirit will live on in this ship and in the spirit of the officers and sailors who will serve for generations to come," Roughead added.

Meyer's wife, Anna Mae, is the ship's sponsor and a Philadelphia native. She christened her husband's namesake from Bath Ironworks Shipyard in Bath, Maine, on Oct. 18, 2008.

Navy Cmdr. Nick A. Sarap will command the ship, which will call San Diego home. It carries a crew of 370, and measures in at 509-feet, 5-inches in length. It carries the 100th Aegis weapons system built and delivered by Lockheed Martin.

The ship incorporates a helicopter hangar facility into the original design and can carry two SH-60B/R Light Airborne Multipurpose System MK III helicopters. Guided-missile destroyers operate independently and in conjunction with carrier battle groups, surface action groups, amphibious groups and replenishment groups.

Crew members render honors during the commissioning ceremony of the Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) at Penn's Landing in Philadelphia. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tiffini Jones Vanderwyst/Released)

Japanese Self Defense Force (自衛隊) HF Net

I had an email query from a HF Milcom monitor over the weekend asking me about the Japanese language comms on 6727.0 kHz USB. They believed it might be military in nature.

That is a very good catch and it is a Japanese military net. In fact, this net has been around 1973. It is a frequency used by the Japanese Self Defense Force (自衛隊, Jieitai), Air Traffic Control Squadron 1. This unit is located at the Ayase City, Kanagawa Prefecture and controls SDF and MSDF aircraft offshore of the islands to Hawaii and south to the equator. Shore station operators are primary YL (female) ops and use the callsign "Atsugioshanikku." Primary traffic is weather information and position reporting. And now you know the rest of the story.

While I am on the subject of the Japanese Self Defense Forces, I have been doing some extra searching around and here are some JSDF Air Defense group callsigns that I have dug up. I could use so help filling in the holes in the list below and the frequencies used by these units so feel free to contact me at the email address in the masthead.

Northern Air Defense Control Group
HEAD WORK Northern Air Defense Control Group - Misawa, Aomori Prefecture, DC 北部防空管制群 (青森県三沢ＤＣ）
KEY HOLE 18 Warning Group - Wakkanai, Hokkaido SS 第１８警戒群（北海道稚内ＳＳ）
DIVER 26 Warning Group - Nemuro, Hokkaido SS 第２６警戒群（北海道根室ＳＳ）
HARNESS 28 Warning Group - Abashiri, Hokkaido SS 第２８警戒群（北海道網走ＳＳ）
LAMINATE 29 Warning Group - Okushiri Hokkaido SS 第２９警戒群（北海道奥尻ＳＳ）
NAME PLATE 33 Warning Group - Akita Prefectural Kamo SS 第３３警戒群（秋田県加茂ＳＳ）
BACK GROUND 36 Warning Group - Erimo Hokkaido SS 第３６警戒群（北海道えりもＳＳ）
ZIP GUN 37 Warning Group - Yamada, Iwate 第３７警戒群（岩手県山田ＳＳ）
JACK KNIFE 42 Warning Group - Ominato Aomori 第４２警戒群（青森県大湊ＳＳ）
QUICK SAND 45 Warning Group - Toubetsu Hokkaido 第４５警戒群（北海道当別ＳＳ）

Central Air Defense Control Group
OFF SIDE Central Air Defense Control Group - Iruma, Saitama, DC 中部防空管制群（埼玉県入間ＤＣ）
TEA BAG 1 Group (Vigilance) (MIE笠取山SS ) 第１警戒群（三重県笠取山ＳＳ）
GOOD MAN 5 Warning Group - Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture 第５警戒群（和歌山県串本ＳＳ）
YARD ARM 22 Warning - Omaezaki, Shizuoka 第２２警戒群（静岡県御前崎ＳＳ）
MASCOT 23 Warning Group - Wajima, Ishikawa SS 第２３警戒群（石川県輪島ＳＳ）
CATS EYE 27 Warning - 大滝根山Fukushima 第２７警戒群（福島県大滝根山ＳＳ）
EAST WOOD 35 Warning - via Kensington Kyoto Qi SS 第３５警戒群（京都府経ケ崎ＳＳ）
FREE STONE 44 Warning - Okayama Mine棄県1000 SS 第４４警戒群（千棄県峯岡山ＳＳ）
ABLE GATE 46 Warning - Sado new渇県SS 第４６警戒群（新渇県佐渡ＳＳ）

Western Air Defense Control Group
DIALECT Western Air Defense Control Group (Kasuga, Fukuoka Prefecture, DC) 西部防空管制群（福岡県春日ＤＣ）
PIPE ORGAN 7 Group (Caution) - Shimane Prefecture Mt SS 第７警戒群（島根県高尾山ＳＳ）
I-BEAM 9 Group (Guard) - Island, Kagoshima Shimokoshiki SS 第９警戒群（鹿児島下甑島ＳＳ）
SHORT STOP 13 Warning Group - Hatakeyama Takashi Miyazaki 第１３警戒群（宮崎県高畑山ＳＳ)
UNIPED 15 Warning Group - Fukue Island, Nagasaki Prefecture, SS 第１５警戒群（長崎県福江島ＳＳ）
VENTURE 17 Warning Group - Mishima, Yamaguchi Prefecture 第１７警戒群（山口県見島ＳＳ）
RACKET 19 Warning Group - Awashima Sea Nagasaki 第１９警戒群（長崎県海粟島ＳＳ）
WATCH MAN Warning Group - Mountain Sefuri Saga SS 第４３警戒群（佐賀県背振山ＳＳ）

Southwest Air Defense Control Group
ROAD RICK Southwest Air Defense Control Group - Naha, Okinawa DC 南西防空管制群（沖縄県那覇ＤＣ）
PYRAMID FURUSHIMA 53 Warning Group - Okinawa Prefecture Government SS )第５３警戒群（沖縄県官古島ＳＳ
HARRIER 54 Warning Group - Island in Okinawa SS 第５４警戒群（沖縄県久米島ＳＳ）
READ MIT 55 Warning Group - Okinoerabu Island, Okinawa Prefecture, SS 第５５警戒群（沖縄県沖永良部島ＳＳ
ZEPPELIN 56 Warning Group - Mt Yoza Okinawa 第５６警戒群（沖縄県与座岳ＳＳ）

USAF Thunderbirds Far East Tour Schedule - Update

For my readers in the Far East, the USAF Thunderbirds are conducting an extensive airshow tour in the Far East. Here is an updated complete schedule of all the stops that they have made or will make shortly, including the last two airshow dates of the year here in the United States.

Sep 26 Townsville, Australia
Sep 30 Andersen AFB, Guam
Oct 3 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Oct 10 Bangkok, Thailand
Oct 15 Chitose, Japan
Oct 17 Hamamatsu, Japan
Oct 18 Misawa AB, Japan
Oct 21 Osan AB, Korea
Oct 23-25 Seoul AB, Korea

And the last two shows of the year

Nov 7-8 Homestead ARB, Florida
Nov 14-14 Nellis AFB, Nevada

Exercise Juniper Cobra 2009 -- Oct 12-16, 2009

Several US Navy ships just landed in Haifa to conduct a massive wargame with Israel. The Israeli and American militaries are conducting an exercise simulating a multi-front conflict with Iran, Syria, Hezbollah and Hamas. The exercise, codenamed ‘Juniper Cobra 2009,’ is the largest joint US-Israeli drill in history.

Juniper Cobra 2009 will reportedly include (on the American side) the Aegis missile defense system and THAAD (Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense). On the Israeli side, it will include the Arrow 2 ballistic missile defense system and other undisclosed elements.

Juniper Cobra 2009 will be the largest exercise yet between the IDF and the US Military's European Command (EUCOM) and the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA). Ballistic missile defense will be a central focus of the upcoming exercise.

As part of the upcoming exercise, it is reported that the US is expected to permanently station additional US radar systems in Israel, to serve as an early warning network for potential Iranian missile launches. The US is reportedly also seeking to station additional radar sites in Turkey, after the Obama Administration announced that it had cancelled plans to station missile defense radars and missiles in the Czech Republic and Poland. The exercise is expected to take place this coming October, and will involve units from Israel's air force and the US Navy.

News of the wargame was leaked to the pan-Arab daily al-Sharq al-Awsat by Israeli sources.



For my monitor friends who monitor Mossad numbers transmissions (E10), you may have an opportunity to hear some interesting traffic over the next few days. More on these number stations can be found on Simon Mason's website at http://www.simonmason.karoo.net/page69.html.

Here is the latest frequency info on E10 transmissions courtesy of the Enigma 2000 Sep 2009 Newsletter.

Frequencies in use (USB/kHz) + Callsigns

2515 PCD
2743 ULX
2844 YHF
3150 PCD
3270 ULX
3415 ART
3840 YHF
4165 ART
4270 PCD/ULX
4560 PCD/THF/YHF
4880 ULX
5170 PCD
5435 ART/YHF
5453 ART
5820 THF/YHF
6370 YHF
6428 ABC/HNC
6498 PCD
6840 EZI
6986 ART
7690 EZI
7760 ULX
7918 YHF
8805 PCD
9130 EZI
9202 YHF
10648 ULX/YHF
11565 EZI
13533 EZI
17410 EZI
19715 EZI

Peleliu Conducts Sea Trials After Completing Maintenance Period

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (EXW) Andrew J. Dunlap, USS Peleliu Public Affairs

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- For the first time in more than eight months, USS Peleliu (LHA 5) went to sea Oct. 6, after a Dock Planned Maintenance Availability (DPMA) period to conduct Sea Trials off the coast of San Diego.

Peleliu spent more than $72 million during DPMA installing a Gig-E local area network and associated computers, doing hull preservation, adding a new Rigid-Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) and davit plus refurbishing shafts, propellers and rudders.

"The props and shafts were taken off to be cleaned, balanced and polished. This reduces wear and tear on the ship and improves mobility," said Lt. Curtis Beers, Peleliu's main propulsion assistant. "This 29-year-old ship can now operate like it's brand new."

Both rudders were overhauled to eliminate the ship's vibration at full throttle. The shafts, rudders and propellers were tested early during the four-day trial as Peleliu glided atop the Pacific at flank speed.

Peleliu's improved mobility was essential while she steamed parallel to USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200), receiving more than one million gallons of fuel during a four-hour underway replenishment.

"Prior to the maintenance on the steering assembly we would not have been able to execute such a task," said Beers.

With the fuel tanks full, berthings packed and Sailors finding their sea legs again, Peleliu was tested inside and out.

Outside of the ship, a new davit and 11-meter RHIB replaced older equipment to increase Peleliu's mission capabilities.

"It's a big upgrade. We're the first ship to have this model of davit," said Ensign James Dudley, 1st division officer. "The boat is a lot faster than our old boat and easier to maneuver."

Dudley said the RHIB will make any small-boat evolution more efficient, and will be used for force protection, man overboard and inserting search and rescue swimmers.

After eight months in port, Peleliu added many new Sailors not familiar with underway life.

"Everyone insisted I would get sick, but I haven't been sick yet. It's definitely different though." said Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Adam Fogle. "Swaying back and forth while walking around takes some getting used to."

Sea Trials concluded an eight-month, multi-million dollar DPMA period for the Iron Nickel and crew, which is now ready to begin her initial stages of pre-deployment training.

Grand Forks Air Force Base has new backup communication mission

To my regular readers: In a story I first broke back on November 21, 2008, on this blog (see http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com/2008/11/breaking-news-grand-forks-afb-to-get-hf.html), it looks like Grand Forks is now officially operational, so time to keep a sharp eye on the primary HFGCS freqs for their appearance. I did report back on 24 Apr 2009 a brief appearance of Grand Forks on the HF-GCS (see http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com/2009/04/hf-gcs-grand-forks-is-now-on-air.html). So which HF milcom enthusiast will be the first to report them OTA now that they are operational? Are they a part of the JCS HFGCS Scope Command HF ALE network? If so what is their new ALE address?

Complete frequencies for these two HFGCS networks can be found here on the MMP blog at Joint Chiefs of Staff HFGCS Network and click here for the HFGCS Scope Command HF ALE Network.

Article from AirForce Times by Dave Kolpack via The Associated Press

GRAND FORKS, N.D. — If the communication system fails at Andrews Air Force Base near the nation’s capitol, airmen in North Dakota will be ready to take over.

The Grand Forks Air Force Base launched a new mission Thursday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for what looks like a big classroom with 25 computer work stations.

Officials say it is much more.

Read the rest of the story at http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2009/10/ap_airforce_319th_communications_standup_100809/

Mullen Praises 'Powerful Legacy' During Ship Commissioning

By Samantha L. Quigley, American Forces Press Service

PHILADELPHIA - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff praised the man for whom USS Wayne E. Meyer guided-missile destroyer was named during the ship's commissioning into the U.S. Pacific Fleet here today.

"I can think of no finer name for a warship than USS Wayne E. Meyer," Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said during the 58th Arleigh Burke-class destroyer's commissioning here today. "For it is the name of the chief visionary of the Navy's surface fleet."

The ship's motto is "One Powerful Legacy," and the late retired Rear Adm. Wayne E. Meyer can be said to have left exactly that in the Navy. Meyer is described as "the father of Aegis," for his role in leading the development of the Aegis Weapons System now used aboard 100 Navy ships.

Meyer abhorred mediocrity as much as he cared for the Navy, and he attended the commissioning of every ship using the Aegis platform in since that of USS Bunker Hill in 1986, Mullen said.

"It is sad, but almost fitting, in a way, that the first commissioning muster Wayne Meyer misses is that of his namesake," he added.

Meyer was 83 when he passed away Sept. 1, 2009.

Originally conceived as a match for the Soviet blue-water navy, Aegis ships have become invaluable for uses beyond deterring Cold War foes.

It was an Aegis ship that recently patrolled at the ready off the coast of North Korea. Another supplied humanitarian aid to the citizens of the former Soviet republic of Georgia during military strife last year, and Aegis ships will continue to provide air defense for expeditionary and carrier strike groups around the world, Mullen said.

"Admiral Wayne Meyer's brainchild has become an enduring staple of our fleet because the system has been able to evolve, to flex to our defense needs as they change over time," Mullen said. "Underpinned by solid systems engineering, ... its enduring capabilities are speed agility and adaptability."

The U.S. shares the Aegis weapons system with the Japanese, Spanish, Norwegian, South Korean and Australian navies.

Mullen said he sees this as immense progress to what he used to call the "1,000-ship navy." This is "a global maritime coalition of good neighbors who use the sea to unite instead of divide," he said.

"Because confronting and overcoming the challenges we face today -- whether piracy, narco-trafficking, weapons of mass destruction or terrorism -- will take all of us: all hands, all services, and all partner nations," the admiral said.

The Aegis ships surely have their virtues, but their true worth always will be in their crews, Mullen said.

"The way that Aegis ships have been conceived, built, tested, and deployed is as much a testament to an engineer's mastery of technology as it is to our sailor's versatility," he said. "The Aegis ships are made to see, control, and defend. Aegis sailors are made to multitask."

Stopping short of offering the Meyer's crew career advice, Mullen chose to share a anecdote from his own career.

"Let me just say that every time we'd meet, Admiral Meyer was fond of telling me that my career peaked, as a captain, the day I left command of [USS] Yorktown," He said. "Now, Yorktown is down the Delaware a bit, in the process of being scrapped.

"[Wayne Meyer's] career, however, is still going strong as we commission this ship today," he added. "Each and every one of you in Meyer's crew has the great honor of getting the chance to live up that name. May you discover and employ the leadership, determination, ingenuity, and perhaps the stubbornness that goes along with it."

Navy Adm. Gary Roughead, chief of naval operations, also attended the commissioning. He reinforced the importance this crew would have as the USS Wayne E. Meyer's first.

"You will man the most capable warship in the world," Roughead said. "You will sail under the name Wayne E. Meyer. No naval officer in recent history has distinguished himself as a visionary, as an innovator, and as a leader, as did Wayne Meyer.

"Even though he only left us a short time ago, his spirit will live on in this ship and in the spirit of the officers and sailors who will serve for generations to come," Roughead added.

Meyer's wife, Anna Mae, is the ship's sponsor and a Philadelphia native. She christened her husband's namesake from Bath Ironworks Shipyard in Bath, Maine, on Oct. 18, 2008.

Navy Cmdr. Nick A. Sarap will command the ship, which will call San Diego home. It carries a crew of 370, and measures in at 509-feet, 5-inches in length. It carries the 100th Aegis weapons system built and delivered by Lockheed Martin.

The ship incorporates a helicopter hangar facility into the original design and can carry two SH-60B/R Light Airborne Multipurpose System MK III helicopters. Guided-missile destroyers operate independently and in conjunction with carrier battle groups, surface action groups, amphibious groups and replenishment groups.

Navy Names Ship After Civil Rights Activist Medgar Evers

The Navy announced today the newest Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo/ammunition ship (T-AKE) would be named USNS Medgar Evers. The announcement was made by Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus during a Jackson State University speaking engagement in Mississippi.

Continuing the Lewis and Clark-class tradition of honoring legendary pioneers and explorers, the Navy's newest underway replenishment ship recognizes civil rights activist Medgar Evers (1925-1963) who forever changed race relations in America. At a time when our country was wrestling to end segregation and racial injustice, Evers led efforts to secure the right to vote for all African Americans and to integrate public facilities, schools, and restaurants. On June 12, 1963, the Mississippi native was assassinated in the driveway of his home. Evers’ death prompted President John F. Kennedy to ask the Congress for a comprehensive civil rights bill.

Designated T-AKE 13, Medgar Evers will be the 13th ship of the class, and is being built by General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego. As a combat logistics force ship, Medgar Evers will help the Navy maintain a worldwide forward presence by delivering ammunition, food, fuel, and other dry cargo to U.S. and allied ships at sea.

As part of Military Sealift Command's Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force, Medgar Evers will be designated as a United States Naval Ship (USNS) and will be crewed by 124 civil service mariners and 11 Navy sailors. The ship is designed to operate independently for extended periods at sea, can carry a helicopter, is 689 feet in length, has an overall beam of 106 feet, has a navigational draft of 30 feet, displaces approximately 42,000 tons, and is capable of reaching a speed of 20 knots using a single-shaft, diesel-electric propulsion system.

USS Nimitz CSG Operating in the 5th Fleet AOR

An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Tophatters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14 launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John Philip Wagner Jr./Released)

USS Hawes Returns From Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Santos Huante, Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Norfolk

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The Norfolk-based guided-missile frigate USS Hawes (FFG 53) returned to its homeport of Naval Station Norfolk, Va., Oct. 7 following a six-month deployment.

Hawes had been deployed to the Carribbean and Western Atlantic in support of Operation Carib Venture. This homecoming marks the completion of Hawes' first counter narcotics deployment to the U.S. Southern Command area of operations.

While in the 4th Fleet area of operations, Hawes performed detection, interdiction and support operations resulting in the seizure of 200 barrels of cocaine.

"We are in our backyard stopping drugs from coming into our streets, so you feel the importance of what we are doing as a mission," said Cmdr. Kristin Jacobsen, commanding officer.

Jacobsen said morale on board was high throughout the deployment due to the importance of the ship's mission.

"We are stopping the financing of a lot of terrorism," Jacobsen said and continues, "we are doing something important that's tangible, stopping specifically [narcotics] from coming into the U.S."

Hawes also participated in several multinational exercises with naval forces from Great Britain, Canada, Netherlands, France, Trinidad and Tobago (Coast Guard), Barbados and Colombia.

Carr Sailors Return Home from Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John Suits, Navy Public Affairs Support Element-East

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Carr (FFG 52) returned to Naval Station Norfolk, Va., Oct. 7, after a six-month deployment in support of counter-narcotics trafficking and theater security cooperation objectives in the 4th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR).

Friends and family members braved the cold and windy climate holding up signs and banners to welcome their Sailors back home after a lengthy deployment.

"I've never seen an event like this before," said Carolyn Hill, a native of Dallas and mother of Lt. j.g. Scott Hill, who is assigned to engineering department aboard Carr. "I'm proud of his service and the fact that he carries on a tradition of service like his dad, who was a CT [Cryptologic Technician] for the Navy."

Carr Sailors got a chance to visit six different ports, including Peru, Costa Rica, Curacao, Columbia, Panama, Aruba and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Carr and her Sailors were instrumental in the prevention of smuggling of over $40 million in drugs and deterred illegal activities during their deployment.

"The great thing about our Navy is we always prepare our ships and Sailors well," said Cmdr. Eric Ver Hage, Carr's commanding officer. "We went on deployment ready to go, accomplished the mission with class and got everybody home safe and sound."

For some Sailors aboard Carr this marked their first deployment and felt proud about the contributions they made.

"It's good to be home," said Information Systems Technician Seaman (SW) Wayne Faltin, from Lyndenhurst, N.Y. "Words can't explain how I feel because this was a good cruise. This was my first deployment and there was a lot of excitement, anxiety and work done to accomplish the mission."

Carr Sailors take time off to celebrate their homecoming, new beginnings approach for the crew as they prepare for another deployment.

"Today, the cycle starts anew," said Ver Hage. "We begin a new phase in the ship's life, welcome new Sailors coming aboard [for the first time] and deploy 16 months from now."

Joint Warrior 09-2 Commences

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Katrina Parker, Destroyer Squadron 24 Public Affairs

ABOARD USS COLE, At Sea (NNS) -- Ships led by Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 24 arrived off the coast of Scotland Oct. 5 to participate in the multinational exercise Joint Warrior 2009.

The guided missile frigate USS John L. Hall (FFG 32), and guided missile destroyers USS Ramage (DDG 61) and USS Cole (DDG 67), are participating in the NATO exercise, which is run by the Royal Navy's Joint Tactical Exercise Planning Staff (JTEPS). The U.S. ships are working alongside navies from the United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil, Denmark and Turkey.

Joint Warrior is a United Kingdom led, multinational and multiwarfare exercise designed to improve interoperability between allied navies, and prepares participating crews to conduct combined operations during deployment.

The exercise promotes Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet's three focus areas: conducting safe and effective fleet operations to achieve mission, providing ready maritime forces for global assignment and teaming with allies and partners in execution of the maritime strategy.

"This is a rare opportunity," said DESRON 24 Commodore Capt. John Kersh. "We are all using this exercise as an opportunity to build relationships with other navies. The strength of our Navy is the ability to operate with a variety of other navies and platforms at the same time."

Joint Warrior is a unique opportunity for U.S. and British ships to work together with allied partners while providing each other with key services and logistical support. The Royal Navy's Commander Carrier Strike Group Commodore Simon Ancona said that he feels confident this exercise will encourage original thought and integration, which will help Sailors react to unscripted real world events in the future. He also said working alongside U.S. forces has tremendous advantages.

"Train as you mean to fight." Ancona said. "I think it is long acknowledged that in the sort of scenarios we are looking at, it is almost a certainty that we will be fighting alongside the United States. In terms of what it brings to this training, American units alongside not only bring a certain bulk that fleshes out the exercise for us, but also, we fully expect to be working alongside the U.S. wherever we will be, and therefore it makes perfect sense to train with them."

The participating ships have been divided into units that represent fictional regions that are having territory disputes. Scenarios include small boat attacks, boarding operations, air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and ship maneuverability tasks. Between 20 and 30 naval participants, including aviation, surface, and subsurface units, are participating.

Brazil's Defensora Commanding Officer Cmdr. Antonio Capistrano De Freitas Filho said this is a very unique experience for the ship and he and his crew are looking forward to getting the most training they can out of this exercise.

"It is amazing for us from Defonsora to be chosen to participate in this operation," Filho said. "It is unique for us to operate in Europe with different navies and we are looking forward to learning and training to bring back to our country. For the first time, we are operating alongside a Danish Navy ship and a Turkish Navy ship. It is quite new for us, we are looking forward to learning a lot and showing that we are professionals and that we have something to offer to our friend navies."

USS Cole's Commanding Officer Cmdr. Edward Devinney said Joint Warrior provides a realistic and complex training environment that not only tests the crews, but is a great way for friendly navies to connect and learn from each other.

"Joint Warrior is an important exercise because it promotes the 1,000 ship Navy," Devinney said. "With our different nations operating together, it is a great benefit to the U.S. and to them. We can all learn from each other and learn how to integrate together. This is easier said than done, and this war game will really help everyone prepare for possible future situations."

Joint Warrior serves as a certifying event for ships that will deploy with coalition forces in the future.

Hall, Ramage, and Cole, are working alongside the Royal Navy's HMS Illustrious (R 06), Northumberland (F 238), Portland (F 79), Bangor (M 109), Penzance (M 106), and Shoreham (M 112); the Canadian ships HMCS Halifax (FFH 330), Montreal (FFH 336), Athabaskan (DDH 282), and Preserver (AOR 510); the Royal Danish Navy's HDMS Absalon (L 16); the Brazilian Navy's BNS Defensora (F 41); and the Turkish Navy's TCG Orucreis (F 245).

VAQ-132 Becomes First Operational Growler Squadron Safe for Flight

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

OAK HARBOR, Wash. (NNS) -- The "Scorpions" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 132 held a flyover and a ceremony marking them as the first operational EA-18G Growler squadron to be designated
"Safe for Flight" on Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island, Oct. 2.

The event marked the culmination of a seven-month training phase for VAQ-132 under the tutelage of VAQ-129, the fleet replacement squadron, as they transitioned from the EA-6B Prowler to the Growler.

"[This] was only possible due to years of dedicated effort by a list of people too numerous to thank here," said Cmdr. Scott Bunnay, VAQ-132 commanding officer.
"From the creative minds in [NAS] Patuxent River, to a dedicated line of requirement officers in the Pentagon, to the tireless plane captains in my line shack, a formidable team coalesced to bring the next generation of electronic attack to the Fleet."

Bunnay was proud of the accomplishments of his air and maintenance crews and confident in the squadron's capability.

"To all Scorpions; I feel honored to be surrounded by such a dedicated group of professional Sailors. You have proven that we will carry on VAQ-132's tradition of excellence," said Bunnay. "We will be ready when called to protect the security of our country by deploying as a highly capable and combat-ready squadron."

Navy to Commission Guided Missile Destroyer Wayne E. Meyer

Sailors prepare to present colors during the christening ceremony for the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108). The newest destroyer honors retired Rear Adm. Wayne E. Meyer, "The Father of Aegis," who led the development of the Aegis combat system. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tiffini M. Jones/Released)

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy will commission the newest Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer, Wayne E. Meyer, during a 1 p.m. EDT ceremony Oct. 10 at Penn's Landing, Philadelphia.

Designated DDG 108, the new destroyer honors the late Navy rear admiral who led the development of Aegis, the first fully integrated combat system built to defend against air, surface and subsurface threats. Meyer was regarded as the father of the Navy's Aegis Weapons System.

Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Adm. Gary Roughead, chief of naval operations and the first officer to have commanded both an Aegis cruiser and destroyer, will also deliver remarks. Anna Mae Meyer will serve as sponsor of the ship named for her late husband. The ceremony will be highlighted by a time-honored Navy tradition when she gives the first order to "man our ship and bring her to life!"

Wayne E. Meyer is the 58th of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and carries the 100th Aegis Combat System built. The ship will be able to conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection. Wayne E. Meyer will be capable of fighting air, surface and subsurface battles simultaneously and contains a myriad of offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime warfare in keeping with "A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower," the maritime strategy that postures the sea services to apply maritime power to protect U.S. vital interests in an increasingly interconnected and uncertain world.

Cmdr. Nick A. Sarap Jr., born in Richmond, Va., and raised in Zanesville, Ohio, will become the first commanding officer of the ship and lead the crew of 276 officers and enlisted personnel. The 9,200-ton Wayne E. Meyer was built by Bath Iron Works, a General Dynamics company. The ship is 509 feet in length, has a waterline beam of 59 feet and a navigational draft of 31 feet. Four gas turbine engines will power the ship to speeds in excess of 30 knots.

Officials unveil Joint Base Andrews Naval Air Facility Washington

Col. Steven M. Shepro, 316th Wing/Joint Base Andrews commander, and Navy Capt. Timothy Fox, Naval Air Facility Washington commanding officer, unveil the Joint Team Andrews logo during a Joint Base ceremony held at Hangar 3, Oct. 1, 2009. The event signified the unification of Andrews Air Force Base and Naval Air Facility Washington, and renamed the installation as Joint Base Andrews Naval Air Facility Washington. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Bobby Jones)

Blog editor note: It is no longer Andrews AFB or NAF Washington. Andrews will now carry the same sort of designator as McGuire now does (Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst). Some now you folks in DC have a mouthful to say "Joint Base Andrews Naval Air Facility Washington."

by Capt. Robert Sperling, 316th Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. (AFNS) -- Andrews Air Force Base was renamed as Joint Base Andrews Naval Air Facility Washington Oct. 1 during a ceremony here in Hangar 1.

The Joint Team Andrews logo was also unveiled at the event, which took place against a backdrop of military hardware representing all aspects of the newly created team.

"Vince Lombardi described teamwork as individual dedication to a group effort," said Navy Capt. Timothy Fox, Naval Air Facility Washington commanding officer. "That is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work, and that is what makes a joint base work."
"Andrews is no stranger to change," said Maj. Gen. Ralph Jodice, Air Force District of Washington commander. "The names have changed, but the commitment to service has remained the same. We are the gateway to the nation's capital, and we are 'all in' here at Andrews."

Since its creation, Andrews has evolved from a Civil War encampment to an Army air field to an Air Force base. The base has been and continues to be a cornerstone military establishment in the National Capital Region.

"The Navy and the Air Force have been cooperating for a long time," said Navy Capt. Catherine Hanft, South Potomac Naval Support Activity command officer. "During the first retaliatory strike against Japan following the attack on Pearl Harbor, a group of Army Air Corps aviators took off in their B-25 bombers from the deck of the U.S.S. Hornet. Since then we have continued to work cooperatively."

"We are better today now that we are a joint team," said Col. Steven Shepro, 316th Wing/Joint Base Andrews commander. "This is how we are excelling in combat - we are an integrated force and that is how we are excelling here."

Joint Base Andrews is one of two installations in the continental United States to take part in the Base Realignment and Closure proceedings. The other is Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey.

Airmen provide intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance

Airmen quickly remove the final pins from a U-2 before a flight Oct. 4, 2009. The sortie was Capt. Peter J. Gryn's first combat mission. The U-2 is the primary source of high-altitude intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. Captain Gryn is deployed from Beale Air Force Base, Calif. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski)

by Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski, U.S. Air Force Central combat camera team

SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- Leaders at every level need battlefield information, and because of Airmen with the 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron ... now they know.

With their RQ-4 Global Hawk and U-2 aircraft, the Airmen excel at providing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance for everyone from combatant commanders to troops on the ground.

According to Lt. Col. Kirt Stallings, the squadron commander, their mission is as much a tactical one as it is strategic. The pilots provide leaders with the knowledge they need to make more informed decisions about operations. But the pilots also communicate with joint terminal attack controllers embedded with Army and Marine units, as well as coalition partners.

"When a pilot is overhead, they can talk directly to troops so if guys on the ground need to know what's beyond that next ridge, we can let them know," said Colonel Stallings, a Houston native. "If a JTAC on the ground needs air support, a U-2 pilot can let them know what assets are available for that as well."

Both the U-2 and Global Hawk, deployed from Beale Air Force Base, Calif., have a plethora of sensors, but each aircraft is used in different ways. The U-2 flies above 70,000 feet so it's able to record both signals and still imagery intelligence over a larger area. But because the Global Hawk doesn't have an onboard pilot, it can stay overhead longer than the typical ten hour U-2 sorties.

"Global Hawks and U-2s complement each other," Colonel Stallings explained. "For example, if a U-2 pilot finds four different hot spots that need monitoring, they can reach out to other assets, like Global Hawks, to provide ISR needs. A U-2 is more capable, but a Global Hawk can remain on station after a U-2 has to turn back."

The Global Hawk pilots in theater are responsible for the takeoff and landing; operators back at Beale actually give it commands during most of its mission. Keeping the bulk of Global Hawk operations stateside means a smaller footprint at their deployed location, Maj. Scott Zeller said.

"Having some RQ-4 pilots in theater is a safety net to make sure launches and recoveries go smoothly," said Major Zeller, a Denver native. "Once the aircraft is in the air, we hand-off operations to the pilots back at Beale and they can fly it for the next 20 hours from there."

Unmanned aerial systems provide "an amazing capability" for coalition forces, Major Zeller said. Those capabilities will only get better in the future. The squadron is currently preparing for the newest version of the aircraft, which boasts a larger wingspan and upgraded sensors.

"The Global Hawk is the future of the high-altitude ISR mission," said New Jersey native Maj. Andrew McVicker, the 99th ERS director of operations. "But in the interim, nothing compares to what the U-2 can do. The most impressive thing about our community is that we've been flying the U-2 for more than 50 years and it's just as important today as ever -- it's the stalwart of the battlefield.

"Either way, ISR keeps commanders in the know," Major McVicker said, "and knowing is half the battle."