Saturday, June 19, 2010

New Release of MultiPSK (4.18) Now Available

Multipsk is my absolute favorite digital decoder for the computer soundcard and the author, Patrick, F6CTE, just keeps making it better. This morning he has just announced the release of a new verson of MultiPSK (v4.18). His announcement is present below in its entirety

Hello to all Ham and SWL,

The new release of MultiPSK (4.18) is on my Web site (http://f6cte.free.fr/). It is not yet on Earl's and Terry's WEB sites.

The main modifications of MULTIPSK 4.18 are the following:

1) Decoding of the NWR SAME mode

NWR (National Weather Radio) SAME (Specific Area Message Encoding) is simply a method of identifying the local area to which an alert message applies. It utilizes a digital data stream that contains the alert message with information about the type of event expected, its timing, duration, and location. The NWR SAME system is used in USA and Canada, in VHF (162.400, 162.425, 162.450, 162.475, 162.500, 162.525, 162.550 MHz).

To listen NWR SAME messages: the NWS tests the NWR and SAME alerting technology weekly. These tests normally occur on Wednesday between 10 AM and Noon with some variations to accomodate local requirements.

This mode is available for licencied copies, only (otherwise, the decoding is stopped after 5 minutes). See specifications further on.

2) Transmission/reception of ARQ FAE QSP (indirect) mails through a "mails Server"

Differences between a direct mail and a QSP mail (indirect). A mail is direct if you can transmit it directly to the final addressee: A -->B.

If you can't transmit the mail directly because the final addressee can't be directly reached due to the link conditions, the mail can be forwarded by the connected station, which acts as a "mails Server": A-->C (mails Server)-->B.

For this, you must use a QSP mail.

A paper based on snapshots presents this new system:

http://f6cte.free.fr/QSP_mails_forwarding_easy_with_Multipsk_in_ALE_and_ALE400.doc

3) New macros:

- permits to ask to the other Ham or to the SWL monitoring your QSO to send you a reception report by e-mail. Your address must be specified in the "WEB ADDRESS" of your personal data ("Personal" button). It will be transmitted the following command "RPRT@LENemail addressCRC" which is the report demand. If correctly decoded, a reception report will be transmitted to the e-mail address that you specified, through Internet.

Examples of use of this macro

1) The main objective is to ask the other Ham with whom you are in QSO to send you a reception report by e-mail.

2) But it can be also done by a SWL monitoring your QSO.

3) This macro can be used in conjuction with a Multipsk beacon which mode can be controlled by a RS ID. For example, you can switch the beacon in BPSK31 and asks the beacon for a reception report. Afterwards, the beacon can be switched in Olivia by a new RS ID and a new reception report can be asked...

Note: this macro can be used for all digital modes (except JT65), CW included.

A paper based on snapshots presents this new system:

http://f6cte.free.fr/How_to_use_thehttp://f6cte.free.fr/How_to_use_the_«RPRT@»_email_reception_report_with_Multipsk.doc
The source code (in Pascal/Delphi and in English) to code/decode this command is available for the coding/decoding software developpers, by making the demand to F6CTE by e-mail.

- permits to send a Tune (non modulated carrier) with the command: . For example: (5% of power at 4000 Hz for 1 sec)

This function can be used for transmission tests or, perhaps, to create his/her personal "jingle" (short musical sequence).

- 's' gives the Signal to Noise ratio (in dB) obtained about 4 seconds before the switching to transmission.

- 'quality' for PSK modes only, gives the signal quality from 1/5 to 5/5 obtained about 4 seconds before the switching to transmission.

4) Improvements

Addition of a filter possibility in the SELCAL mode. Addition of 6 new memories of frequency and mode in the Transceiver window, for a total of 10 memories.

Some improvements for contesters: addition of a manual control of the QSO number, proposition of standard HF QRGs for the "Freq MHz" field, possibility to double the size of the "QSO->log" or "DXKeeper" buttons (in the "Logbook" window).

Note about translation of Multipsk.exe and Clock .exe: the 4.17 version of Multipsk/Clock has been completly translated to Spanish by Joachin (EA4ZB), from French. The translation file is on my Web site (http://f6cte.free.fr/Translation_files.htm).

NWR SAME (VHF)

The NWR (National Weather Radio) SAME (Specific Area Message Encoding) is a digital system for transmission in USA and Canada, in VHF, of warning messages. There are, in fact, other agencies that NWS (National Weather Service) which use the SAME system. There are also many other messages that warning or watch messages.

Description :

Baud rate: 580.83.
Modulation : Logic 0 at 1562.5 Hz and logic 1 at 2083.3 Hz
Reception mode: FM
Character set : ASCII characters (8 bits)
Shape of pulse : rectangular
Bandwidth : about 1 KHz
Demodulation : non coherent
Bit synchronization : automatic using the signal
Character synchronization : automatic using predefined strings of characters (« ZCZC » and « NNNN »)
Lowest S/N: +4 dB

Each NWR/SAME message contains:

* 3 same digital messages containing (on a coded form) the event, the concerned areas, duration and broadcast station (for example: ZCZC-WXR-TOW-039173-039051-139069+0030-1591829-KCLE/NWS-). These messages are decoded by Multipsk.
* possibly a 1050 Hz warning alarm tone for 8 to 10 seconds,
* possibly a verbal spoken oral text of message,
* 3 digital messages « NNNN » for end of message.

If you don't already have MultiPSK, it is a most have program in any radio hobbyist shack. No self respecting Milcom monitors computer should be without this program. And the registered version opens up a whole new world of radio listening and worth every penny of the very inexpensive registration fee. If you pick up Patrick's program, be sure to tell him that The Milcom MP sent you.

Friday, June 18, 2010

German COMSATBw-1/2 UHF Milsats Update

Nils from Germany on the Hearsat newsgroup has posted the following update on the German COMSATBw Milsat UHF transponders.

ComSatBW-2 at 13.2°E:

"At 13:15 UTC all five transponders were lowered down by 12.5-kHz. Interestingly first the uplink seperately, followed by changing of the transponder downlink-frequency. Therefore now active transponders are:"

244.275 MHz (244.2875 MHz before)
249.400 MHz (249.4125 MHz before)
250.900 MHz (250.9100 MHz before)
255.775 MHz (255.7875 MHz before)
259.425 MHz (259.4375 MHz before)

ComSatBW-1 at 63°E:

Nils also posted, "Just rescanned ComsatBW-1 at 63°E and found one new transponder at 253.750, which is probably the replacement of 251.775. 253.750 also carriers an Asian WFM radio station in the transponder. Therefore active transponders from 63°E should be currently:"

243.625 MHz (replaced 244.275 MHz)
253.750 MHz (replaced 251.775 MHz)
254.775 MHz (replaced 248.750 MHz)
255.450 MHz (replaced 255.500 MHz)
259.250 MHz (replaced 259.425 MHz)

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Milcom Blog Logs - 16 Jun 2010 - Brasstown

Yesterday I again had the CAP qrg loadout operational and logged the following CAP ALE Addresses on the frequencies and times indicated (mode USB, all times UTC):

[13:09:15][FRQ 03204000][SND][ ][TIS][043MERCAP ][AL0] BER 29 SN 09

[18:35:37][FRQ 04477000][SND][ ][TIS][043MERCAP ][AL0] BER 28 SN 30
[15:44:56][FRQ 04477000][SND][ ][TIS][201SERCAP ][AL0] BER 27 SN 06
[15:03:43][FRQ 04477000][SND][ ][TIS][0112GACAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 25
[14:48:05][FRQ 04477000][SND][ ][TIS][043MERCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 30
[14:43:01][FRQ 04477000][SND][ ][TIS][0011ARCAP ][AL0] BER 23 SN 04
[14:33:46][FRQ 04477000][SND][ ][TIS][0004MS ][AL0] BER 26 SN 06
[12:03:41][FRQ 04477000][SND][ ][TIS][100SWRCAP ][AL0] BER 27 SN 07
[10:09:54][FRQ 04477000][SND][ ][TIS][100SWRCAP ][AL0] BER 27 SN 07

[21:21:49][FRQ 05006000][SND][ ][TIS][202SERCAP ][AL0] BER 23 SN 07
[20:33:26][FRQ 05006000][SND][ ][TIS][043MERCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 30
[16:55:03][FRQ 05006000][SND][ ][TIS][0148KYCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 21
[14:56:48][FRQ 05006000][SND][ ][TIS][0112GACAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 24
[13:33:15][FRQ 05006000][SND][ ][TIS][0004WI ][AL0] BER 15 SN 04
[12:58:22][FRQ 05006000][SND][ ][TIS][043MERCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 11
[12:38:59][FRQ 05006000][SND][ ][TIS][0011ARCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 09
[12:16:02][FRQ 05006000][SND][ ][TIS][0004NYCAP ][AL0] BER 26 SN 07
[12:07:26][FRQ 05006000][SND][ ][TIS][100SWRCAP ][AL0] BER 27 SN 07
[10:42:32][FRQ 05006000][SND][ ][TIS][0004WICAP ][AL0] BER 25 SN 06
[10:13:20][FRQ 05006000][SND][ ][TIS][100SWRCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 09

[13:00:34][FRQ 06773000][SND][ ][TIS][043MERCAP ][AL0] BER 25 SN 06

[20:36:56][FRQ 06806000][SND][ ][TIS][0148KYCAP ][AL0] BER 28 SN 30
[15:09:13][FRQ 06806000][SND][ ][TIS][0112GA ][AL0] BER 27 SN 07
[14:20:03][FRQ 06806000][TO ][0004WVCAP ][TIS][0004WICAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 10
[13:58:52][FRQ 06806000][SND][ ][TIS][100SWRCAP ][AL0] BER 26 SN 05
[12:56:31][FRQ 06806000][TO ][AVS ][TIS][0004WVCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 10

[20:49:11][FRQ 07602000][SND][ ][TIS][0011ARCAP ][AL0] BER 29 SN 18
[20:45:24][FRQ 07602000][SND][ ][TIS][0112GACAP ][AL0] BER 28 SN 07
[20:31:33][FRQ 07602000][SND][ ][TIS][043MERCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 24
[19:57:31][FRQ 07602000][SND][ ][TIS][202SERCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 08
[17:46:54][FRQ 07602000][SND][ ][TIS][100SWRCAP ][AL0] BER 29 SN 06
[17:01:39][FRQ 07602000][SND][ ][TIS][0011ARCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 26
[14:32:09][FRQ 07602000][SND][ ][TIS][0004NYCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 11
[14:23:06][FRQ 07602000][TO ][043MERCAP ][TWS][0004WVCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 26
[14:22:37][FRQ 07602000][TO ][043MERCAP ][TIS][0004WVCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 09
[14:22:29][FRQ 07602000][TO ][043MERCAP ][TIS][0004WVCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 09 [AMD]11 ROUTINE CHECK IN
[14:21:55][FRQ 07602000][TO ][043MERCAP ][TIS][0004WVCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 10
[13:26:37][FRQ 07602000][SND][ ][TIS][0004WVCAP ][AL0] BER 29 SN 08
[12:05:36][FRQ 07602000][SND][ ][TIS][100SWR ][AL0] BER 29 SN 05
[10:44:37][FRQ 07602000][SND][ ][TIS][0004NYCAP ][AL0] BER 29 SN 05
[15:02:04][FRQ 07602000][SND][ ][TIS][0112GACAP ][AL0] BER 26 SN 07

[20:17:47][FRQ 08012000][SND][ ][TIS][0004MSCAP ][AL0] BER 29 SN 07
[18:21:17][FRQ 08012000][TO ][101NCRCAP ][TIS][0004WVCAP ][AL0] BER 29 SN 07
[16:02:47][FRQ 08012000][SND][ ][TIS][0360FLCAP ][AL0] BER 21 SN 05
[16:00:50][FRQ 08012000][SND][ ][TIS][0010PACAP ][AL0] BER 29 SN 08
[15:53:39][FRQ 08012000][SND][ ][TIS][100SWRCAP ][AL0] BER 27 SN 07
[12:58:39][FRQ 08012000][SND][ ][TIS][0040IACAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 10
[10:25:34][FRQ 08012000][SND][ ][TIS][0004NYCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 07
[12:17:59][FRQ 08012000][SND][ ][TIS][0004MSCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 10

[17:53:40][FRQ 09047000][SND][ ][TIS][0010PACAP ][AL0] BER 29 SN 06
[14:35:49][FRQ 09047000][SND][ ][TIS][0100NDCAP ][AL0] BER 29 SN 07
[14:15:13][FRQ 09047000][TO ][0004WICAP 0004WVCAP ][TIS][0004WICAP ][AL0] BER 22 SN 04
[14:06:07][FRQ 09047000][SND][ ][TIS][0010PACAP ][AL0] BER 27 SN 04
[14:04:21][FRQ 09047000][SND][ ][TIS][100SWRCAP ][AL0] BER 28 SN 04
[12:33:36][FRQ 09047000][SND][ ][TIS][101NCRCAP ][AL0] BER 29 SN 07

[20:37:04][FRQ 10162000][SND][ ][TIS][0040IA ][AL0] BER 22 SN 04
[19:57:44][FRQ 10162000][SND][ ][TIS][0010PACAP ][AL0] BER 22 SN 04
[15:55:31][FRQ 10162000][SND][ ][TIS][100SWR ][AL0] BER 18 SN 05

[18:12:52][FRQ 11402000][TO ][0314MICAP ][TIS][0004WVCAP ][AL0] BER 28 SN 06
[14:28:39][FRQ 11402000][SND][ ][TIS][101NCRCAP ][AL0] BER 19 SN 03
[13:35:10][FRQ 11402000][SND][ ][TIS][0004WI ][AL0] BER 27 SN 04

[21:03:28][FRQ 12081000][SND][ ][TIS][0011DCCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 08
[20:53:02][FRQ 12081000][SND][ ][TIS][0004WICAP ][AL0] BER 18 SN 04
[20:19:41][FRQ 12081000][SND][ ][TIS][0004MSCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 07
[14:02:35][FRQ 12081000][SND][ ][TIS][100SWRCAP ][AL0] BER 25 SN 04
[13:02:34][FRQ 12081000][SND][ ][TIS][0040IACAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 05

[21:23:50][FRQ 13415000][SND][ ][TIS][0011DC ][AL0] BER 28 SN 07
[21:01:43][FRQ 13415000][SND][ ][TIS][100SWRCAP ][AL0] BER 28 SN 04
[20:49:29][FRQ 13415000][SND][ ][TIS][201SER ][AL0] BER 26 SN 04
[18:44:19][FRQ 13415000][SND][ ][TIS][0040IACAP ][AL0] BER 28 SN 04

[19:52:20][FRQ 14357000][SND][ ][TIS][0010PACAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 06
[15:57:18][FRQ 14357000][SND][ ][TIS][100SWRCAP ][AL0] BER 29 SN 04
[15:50:21][FRQ 14357000][SND][ ][TIS][201SER ][AL0] BER 27 SN 06

[19:45:24][FRQ 15602000][SND][ ][TIS][100SWRCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 08
[17:11:45][FRQ 15602000][SND][ ][TIS][0011DCCAP ][AL0] BER 25 SN 04
[15:11:09][FRQ 15602000][SND][ ][TIS][0004WICAP ][AL0] BER 24 SN 04
[14:39:43][FRQ 15602000][SND][ ][TIS][0004MSCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 05

[18:46:12][FRQ 17412000][SND][ ][TIS][0040IACAP ][AL0] BER 24 SN 04
[16:15:01][FRQ 17412000][SND][ ][TIS][0010PACAP ][AL0] BER 26 SN 05
[14:26:58][FRQ 17412000][SND][ ][TIS][0004NY ][AL0] BER 28 SN 04

[20:51:24][FRQ 19814000][SND][ ][TIS][0148KYCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 06
[20:47:31][FRQ 19814000][SND][ ][TIS][0040IACAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 06
[17:54:05][FRQ 19814000][SND][ ][TIS][0010PACAP ][AL0] BER 28 SN 06
[16:25:43][FRQ 19814000][SND][ ][TIS][101NCRCAP ][AL0] BER 20 SN 04
[15:59:03][FRQ 19814000][SND][ ][TIS][100SWRCAP ][AL0] BER 28 SN 06

Milcom Blog Logs - 16 Jun 2010 - Kentucky

Our good friend Jack Metcalfe in Kentucky has checked in again with more action from the Fed/Mil HF airwaves and the following intercepts.

4857.5 Unid US Military or US Government stations in comms concerning "recycling the satellite phone." One station with a much better signal than the other: 1432 USB Voice (16/JUNE/2010)

6712.0 LOG ROLL, Airborne Command Post requesting RF-17 from QUICK PLANE & will meet them on the GEP orderwire: 1518 USB Voice (16/JUNE/2010)

7842.0 CLR25COMMEX1, USMC Combat Logistics Regiment 25, Camp Lejeune, NC & COMMCOCOMMEX1, USMC: 1507 USB ALE & Data mode (16/JUNE/2010) COMMEX10 & COMMCOCOMMEX1, USMC: 1609 USB ALE (16/JUNE/2010) CLCGREECOMMEX1, USMC & CLR25COMMEX1, USMC Combat Logistics Regiment 25, Camp Lejeune, NC: 2023 USB ALE (16/JUNE/2010)

14455.0 KHA959, NASA, Wallops Island Flight Facility, VA calling KHA908, NASA, Mountain View, CA. KHA946, NASA, New Orleans, LA also in the net. Very strong signals from KHA959: 1628 - 1635 USB Voice (16/JUNE/2010)

14650.0 TEXAS20SRGIN, USN 20th Seabee Readiness Group & HEBREW20SRGIN, USN 20th Seabee Readiness Group: 1629 USB ALE. Stations active in USB ALE on:
4883.0 6939.5 7945.5 9871.5 11504.5 14650.0 kHz (16/JUNE/2010)

Mystery Canadian HF ALE Net

Time for our friends up north to have a mystery ALE network to work on. If you would like to have some of ours, I will be happy to share a few.

As posted to this website yesterday, Jack monitored a new Canadian HF ALE net on 9295.0 and 12115.0 kHz (ALE/USB) with the following stations:

EDMONTOEXLONGW Edmonton AB, Canada
OTTAWAEXLONGW Ottawa, PQ, Canada
STJOHNSEXLONGW St. Johns, NF, Canada
YELLOWKEXLONGW Yellowknife, NWT, Canada

So who do you folks up north think we have here. One guess is a CanForce net. I'm not convinced. Email me at the address above if you have any ideas.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Flash News: DoD Contract Aircraft Getting New International Callsign

Effective July 1, 2010, civil registered aircraft conducting contract missions for the US Department of Defense will no longer use ICAO code RCH or the REACH callsign. DoD contract aircraft will instead use ICAO code CMB and a voice callsign of CAMBER. Thanks to Tony Hyatt on the Farnborough group and Jack NeSmith for forwarding this information to the Milcom Monitoring Post.

Milcom Blog Logs - 15 Jun 2010 - Brasstown

For my monitor friends who are watching for the nationwide CAP exercise mentioned previously on this blog http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com/2010/06/cap-to-conduct-nationwide-exercise-soon.html. ALE intercepts were from 15 Jun 2010, times are UTC and rig was an Icom IC-706 MK11G and an 80 mtr G5RV.

[20:36:31][FRQ 04477000][SND][ ][TIS][043MERCAP ][AL0] BER 23 SN 06
[21:04:05][FRQ 06773000][SND][ ][TIS][043MERCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 09
[17:59:00][FRQ 06773000][SND][ ][TIS][0204SCCAP ][AL0] BER 26 SN 04
[21:05:50][FRQ 06806000][SND][ ][TIS][043MERCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 09
[21:28:05][FRQ 07602000][SND][ ][TIS][0004NYCAP ][AL0] BER 24 SN 05
[20:51:58][FRQ 07602000][SND][ ][TIS][0314MICAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 08
[20:21:21][FRQ 07602000][SND][ ][TIS][0004WICAP ][AL0] BER 20 SN 05
[20:36:45][FRQ 08012000][SND][ ][TIS][0004MSCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 10
[21:45:27][FRQ 09047000][SND][ ][TIS][0004WICAP ][AL0] BER 28 SN 08
[19:41:21][FRQ 09047000][SND][ ][TIS][0041CTCAP ][AL0] BER 23 SN 06
[18:02:29][FRQ 09047000][SND][ ][TIS][202SERCAP ][AL0] BER 25 SN 05
[17:52:11][FRQ 09047000][SND][ ][TIS][0011ARCAP ][AL0] BER 28 SN 06
[21:41:46][FRQ 10162000][SND][ ][TIS][0011ARCAP ][AL0] BER 29 SN 07
[17:54:02][FRQ 10162000][SND][ ][TIS][0011ARCAP ][AL0] BER 22 SN 04
[20:55:29][FRQ 11402000][SND][ ][TIS][0314MICAP ][AL0] BER 29 SN 08
[19:33:21][FRQ 17412000][SND][ ][TIS][101NCRCAP ][AL0] BER 27 SN 04
[20:59:05][FRQ 19814000][SND][ ][TIS][0314MICAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 08
[19:05:16][FRQ 19814000][SND][ ][TIS][0314MICAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 07

Milcom Blog Logs: Baltops 2010 Intercepts

Wolfgang nr Munich, Germany, passed along the following Baltops 2010 Exercise logs via the UDXF. Thanks Wolfgang for sharing your observations with the rest of us.

05173.0 SWG: USS Stephen W. Groves FFG29 USA 0732 usb clg SIM for rc, pd check , then clg MTW for same check 2010-06-16.

05173.0 MTW: USS Mount Whitney LCC20 USA 0725 usb called by SIM rc, out 2010-06-16

05173.0 SIM: USS Simpson FFG56 USA 0725 usb clg MTW for rc, out 2010-06-16

05173.0 BAY: FGS Bayern F217 (DRAJ) GER 1945 usb qso with GIANT, rdo chk, out 2010-06-15

05173.0 GIANT: USS Mount Whitney LCC 20 USA 1945 usb clg any unit, raising BAY, rc, out 2010-06-15

06777.2 DRFP: FGS Herten M1099 D 0937 usb/stanag4285/75L qso dhj59 2010-06-13

Milcom Blog Logs - 3-15 Jun 2010 - Kentucky

Our good friend Jack Metcalfe in Kentucky has been monitoring the Fed/Mil HF airwaves and checks in with the following intercepts.

4521.5 BNR & FOX, US Army or NG: 0025 USB ALE (09/JUNE/2010)
BNR & HQ1, US Army or NG: 1206 USB ALE (11/JUNE/2010)

5211.0 37HHC37BCT & 126CAV37BCT, US Army or NG: 2104 USB ALE (12/JUNE/2010)

5778.5 BNR & FOX, US Army or NG: 0031 USB ALE (09/JUNE/2010)

7361.5 R581, helo & TOCFMH, US Military Tactical Operations Center ground station: 2244 USB ALE (12/JUNE/2010)

7535.0 Unid USN ship calling SESEF NORFOLK: 1447 USB Voice & ANDVT (15/JUNE/2010)

7571.0 Link 11: 1445 USB (15/JUNE/2010)

7718.5 R22962 & FLTOPS, US Army or NG: 1707 USB ALE here & on 8058.5 & 9121.0 (03/JUNE/2010)

8048.5 BNR & HQ1, US Army or NG: 0013 USB ALE (13/JUNE/2010)

8095.0 DEFAULT, possibly US Army station: 0011 USB ALE (13/JUNE/2010)

8291.0 Unid US Station with "1, 2, 3 Test - 3, 2, 1 Test Out": 1556 USB Voice (11/JUNE/2010)

9081.5 1 calling 2: 1933 USB ALE (12/JUNE/2010)
37HHC37BCT & 126CAV37BCT, US Army or NG: 2144 USB ALE (12/JUNE/2010)
OPSFMH, US Military ground station & R626, helo here & on 6911.5 & 7361.5: 0024 (13/JUNE/2010)

9106.0 KFW652, Unid US Government station, WV: 2054 USB ALE (12/JUNE/2010)

9295.0 OTTAWAEXLONGW, STJOHNSEXLONGW & YELLOWKEXLONGW, Canadian Forces?: 1157 - 1735 USB ALE (11/JUNE/2010)

10538.6 Coast Guard SECTOR KEY WEST calling SWORDFISH 14 on "High Fox in the red" & asking how long they can stay in the area: 1509 USB Voice (15/JUNE/2010)

10711.0 LINK 11 on SESEF frequency: 1452 DSB (15/JUNE/2010)

10821.0 MUIOPS, Muir Army Airfield, Fort Indiantown Gap, PA calling helo R074: 1844 USB ALE (08/JUNE/2010)

11217.0 PXJNNN, USN/USMC MARS & KGD34, SHARES, Arlington, VA: 1329 USB ALE & AMD "// A00 ENROUTE" (11/JUNE/2010)

11631.5 BNR & HQ1 US Army or NG: 2351 USB ALE (12/JUNE/2010)
BNLOG & HQ1 US Army or NG: 0004 USB ALE. Also active on 8048.5 USB ALE (13/JUNE/2010)

14653.0 N2Y, New York NG calling HQ3: 1650 USB ALE (11/JUNE/2010)

16090.0 JES & BGD, unid stations: 1451 USB ALE & ANDVT (15/JUNE/2010)

German COMSATBw UHF Milsat Update

Ronald Rensen in the Netherlands on the Hearsat newsgroup posted up the following UHF transponder updates this morning for the ComsatBW-1/2 military communications
satellites:

Active transponders (all 38 kHz) on UHF from ComsatBW-1 (63°E) currently are :

243.6250 MHz
254.7750 MHz
259.2500 MHz

Active transponders (all 38 kHz) on UHF from ComsatBW-2 (13.2°E) currently are :

244.2750 MHz
249.4000 MHz
250.9000 MHz
255.7750 MHz
259.4250 MHz

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

WADS to Participate in Live Exercise June 15-17

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - The Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, along with its Alaskan and Canadian counterparts, will participate in Exercise Amalgam Dart Tuesday through Thursday off the coasts of northwestern U.S., western Canada and Alaska.

The exercise is designed to hone NORAD, CONR, Alaskan and Canadian NORAD Region's intercept and identification operations. These exercises are carefully planned and closely controlled to ensure a rapid response capability.

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. CANR and ANR control airspace in Canada and Alaska respectively.

U.S. Air Force C-21 jets will take on the role as tracks of interest. They will fly during daylight hours at altitudes above 15,000 feet off the Alaskan, British Columbian, Washington and Oregon Coasts.

For the CONR piece of the exercise, the Western Air Defense Sector, based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., will scramble Air Force fighters and direct them to intercept the C-21s. The fighters will be F-15 Eagles from the Air National Guard's 142nd Fighter Wing in Portland, Ore., and 120th FW in Great Falls, Mont. An E-3 Sentry from the 552nd Air Control Wing at Tinker AFB, Okla., will provide airborne warning and control. KC-135 Stratotankers from the 92nd Air Refueling Wing at Fairchild AFB, Wash., will provide aerial refueling to the E-3.

ANR and CANR will scramble fighters as the TOIs move into their respective airspace areas.

NORAD and CONR have 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.

Since Sept. 11, 2001, CONR has responded to more than 2,600 possible air threats in the United States and has flown more than 56,400 sorties with the support of Airborne Warning and Control System and air-to-air-refueling aircraft.

Tanker operation fuels half of U.S. Central Command's air assets



by Staff Sgt. Kelly White, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- In some form or fashion, every Airman deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility feels the effects of round-the-clock air operations, but perhaps none are more in tune with it than those working at the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron in Southwest Asia.

"Right now, there are more than 30 airplanes and almost 50 crews performing aerial refueling missions for (Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom)," said Lt. Col. Michael Frymire, the 340th EARS commander. "Obviously, we're 24/7/365, and all that we accomplish, with what little we have, keeps things here very interesting."

While there are other tankers in theater supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, the 340th EARS KC-135 Stratotankers are the sole providers of air refueling over Iraq and providers of 45-50 percent of refueling over Afghanistan.

"Using my own paradigm from other flying squadrons, the amount of infrastructure we have here, based on the size of the operation, it's pretty amazing we're able to sustain it," Colonel Frymire said.

"We have an interesting dynamic," he said. "We're total force -- completely 'rainbowed' between active-duty, guard and Reserve members. There aren't too many flying organizations that do that."

Because of this dynamic, the squadron experiences frequent member turnover.

"There are about 15 different units here at any given time, and we have weekly deployment and redeployment -- crews coming in, crews going out -- and we do that continuously," the colonel said.

"A lot of times it gets absolutely crazy over here," Colonel Frymire said, "and most of our folks work seven days a week. I try not to kill them with 12-hour shifts, but there's a definite burn-out factor. It's tough on them, because things never stabilize."

The 340th Aircraft Maintenance Unit Airmen are also working to make the mission happen.

"Our AMU is amazing," Colonel Frymire said. "We can't get off the ground without their support."

Capt. Clarence Lovejoy, the 340th EARS assistant director of operations, one of the many behind-the-scenes Airmen whose dedication and expertise helps make refueling happen throughout the area of responsibility, tackles the daily task of flight scheduling.

After deciphering air tasking orders from the Combined Air Operations Center and extracting the points most pertinent to the aircrews, he builds their daily flight plans and tracks every flight hour for the nearly 50 crews.

"We keep up a pretty good pace," Captain Lovejoy said. "We do a lot of planning, but it's basically the crews that handle the workload. They're flying long sorties.

"Our crews often will push their monthly flying hour limits, so we have to sit them down for a few days," he explained. "And on top of flying hours, we have to keep them on a circadian rhythm, which is probably the biggest challenge."

Another challenge is fitting the right crew with the right aircraft, Colonel Frymire said.

"Not every crew here can fly every configuration of the airplane," he said. "Our jets are subtly different. The (multi-point refueling system) pods on the sides require special aircrew certifications.

"Our alert requirement every day is typically an MPRS tail, because we can do either boom or drogue, which means we can refuel the Navy or the Air Force," he said.

Daily and alert missions aren't all the squadron flies.

"We support (Combined Forces Air Component Command), CAOC and (Combined Joint Special Operations Air Component), so we do several special ops missions every day, as well," the colonel said.

Regardless of the type of mission the 340th EARS flies, there's one thing they all have in common: refueling other aircraft in the sky above the AOR. This responsibility rests on the one enlisted aircrew member on board -- the boom operator.

From a prone position in the tail area of the KC-135, the boom operator views the receiving aircraft, positions the boom apparatus to connect with the receiver, and provides it with the fuel needed to complete its mission.

"This is some of the best flying," said Tech Sgt. Jeff Stoermer, a 340th EARS boom operator. "In 60 days here, we do what it takes a year to do at home station."

In addition to operating the boom, his position entails several other responsibilities.

"I'm the third set of eyes, after the pilot and co-pilot," Sergeant Stoermer said. "I also do loadmaster and flight engineer functions, kind of a jack-of-all-trades on board the aircraft."

Colonel Frymire said he's most impressed with how all of the Airmen in his squadron perform so well at a mission that is ever-increasing in its demand on them.

"The volume of work all these folks do is just unbelievable," he said. "We've been here doing this refueling mission for awhile, and we make small changes and continuous process improvements over time.

"But at the end of the day, it's just people working hard, focusing on the mission and getting it done -- that, and lots of coffee."

Monday, June 14, 2010

UHF Milsat Frequency Update

Nils on the Hearsat newsgroup posted up the following UHF transponder updates this morning for the ComsatBW-1 and Skynet 5B military communications satellites:

Active transponders (all 38 kHz) on UHF from ComsatBW-1 (63°E) currently are :

243.625 MHz (replaced 244.275)
251.775 MHz
254.775 MHz (replaced 248.750)
255.450 MHz (replaced 255.500)
259.250 MHz (replaced 259.425)

These changes are probably in preperation of activating ComSatBW-2's transponders on UHF.

Skynet 5B's (53°E) current 38 kHz transponders have been observed as follows:

247.830 MHz
250.180 MHz (now 38 kHz)
254.830 MHz
257.900 MHz
262.500 MHz

Thanks Nils for sharing your observations with the rest of the milsat monitoring community.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Milcom Blog Logs - HF Jun 8-10, 2010 - Mid Atlantic

Our regular MMP reporter Ron P in the Mid Atlantic checks in again with his latest installment of military and government HF logs. All times UTC and Frequencies in kHz.

8 Jun:

08500.0 T8R1 (HQs Venezuelan Navy): 2322 LSB/ALE calling 7P4S (poss Training ship "Simon Bolivar", BE-11).

08157.0 Unid: 2335 STANAG 4285.

04593.5 AFA3WZ (USAF MARS): 2344 USB w/various stations in NE2S1 net.

9 Jun:

09106.0 KTQ316 (poss Environmental Protection Agency): 1500 USB/ALE sounding.

09106.0 ARC51 (American Red Cross): 1530 USB/ALE sounding.

08500.0 6QA8 (poss Venezuelan Navy frigate): 2300 LSB/ALE calling T5L1 (Commander, Frigate Squadron).

10 Jun:

08500.0 7P4S (poss Training Ship "Simon Bolivar", BE-11): 0100 LSB/ALE calling T8R1 (HQs Venezuelan Navy). Also on 08280.0 LSB.

11451.0 CHPNSC140 (AT&T, Chapin SC): 1600 USB/ALE calling MDTNNJ (AT&T, Middletown NJ).

11451.0 CHPNSC140 (AT&T, Chapin SC): 2000 USB/ALE calling PHNXAZ212 (AT&T, Phoenix AZ).

Milcom Blog Logs - 12 Jun 2010 - USASA MidWest Collection Site

Time for another exclusive HF blog log report from the radio ranch at the USASA MidWest Collection Site.

3370.5 HF-USB
0111Z - AFD6RD NCS for the Air Force Region 6 MARS 6M3 net

3388.0 HF-USB
0125Z - Link-11 data transmission

4007.0 HF-USB
0032Z - NNN0BVA NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Missouri MARS 7H1B net: NNN0THC / NNN0QGR / NNN0HBY
0103Z - NNN0KRX NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Illinois MARS 5I1B net: NNN0REN / NNN0AQP

4011.0 HF-USB
1303Z - Navy/MC Region 7 MARS 7X3C net: NNN0AVT

4013.5 HF-USB
0012Z - NNN0BDW NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Kentucky MARS 4K2B net: NNN0BTG

4020.9 HF-USB
1202Z - AAA6AR NCS for the Army Region 6 MARS AAA6RD/A net: AAM6AR / AAR6HB
1308Z - AAR6LN NCS for the Army Region 6 MARS AAA6RD/A net: AAR6LE / AAM6TX

4035.9 HF-USB
0008Z - Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/IA net: AAM7TIA
0105Z - AAM7AMO NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/B net
1200Z - AAA7KS NCS for the Army Region 7 Kansas MARS AAA7RD/KS net: AAA7RD / AAT7CN / AAR7MS
1306Z - AAM7RT NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/D net: AAM7EMO

4038.5 HF-USB
0108Z - Navy/MC Region 4 Tennessee MARS 4H2B net: NNN0AOC
0200Z - Navy/MC Region 4 Alabama MARS 4A2B net: NNN0QAA / NNN0SWS

4470.5 HF-USB
0203Z - Navy/MC Region 8 North / South Dakota MARS 8S1B net: NNN0AXK

4506.0 HF-USB
0030Z - Red-Cloud-335 NCS for the North Central Region Nebraska "Red-Cloud" CAP net: Red-Cloud-144 / Iowa-CAP-04 / Red-Cloud-194 / Red-Cloud-124 / Red-Cloud-618

4517.0 HF-USB
0016Z - AFA5ML NCS for the Air Force North Central Area Region MARS NCECM1 net: AFA5PB
0102Z - AFN7NC NCS for the Air Force North Central Area MARS NCM1 net: AFA5ML / AFE7DM
1259Z - AFF5MN NCS for the Air Force North Central Area Region 5 Minnesota MARS 5MNS1 net: AFA5BP

4601.0 HF-USB
1331Z - Rocky Mountain Region CAP net: Aspen-Gold-##

4772.0 HF-USB
0124Z - Link-11 data transmission

5171.0 HF-USB
0123Z - Link-11 data transmission

5898.0 HF-USB
0807Z - YL in 5F Spanish numbers msg tfc

7260.5 HF-LSB
1411Z - W0S (Tom -retired Navy) special events station Commemorating 149 years of the Stars & Stripes Newspaper @ the Stars & Stripes Museum in Bloomfield, MO works W0LFZ & W5BSX 06/11/2010 | Jun http://www.qsl.net/w8njh/specialevent.html

7302.0 HF-USB
1302Z - AFD6RD NCS for the Air Force Region 6 MARS 6ADS1 net
1401Z - AFA6CF NCS for the Air Force Region 6 MARS 6M4 net: AFA6WD / AFA6CN / AFA6QR / AFA6FY / AFA6FD-T

7457.0 HF-USB
1317Z - Air Force Region 4 MARS 4S2 net: AFA4WJ / AFA4TS / AFA4ZV / AFA4JZ

8992.0 HF-USB
0121Z - McClellan (HF-GCS) provide radio check to Reach-2105
0132Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM CQAZFT

9025.0 HF-USB
[08:10:12][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 18 SN 07
[08:10:53][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][MCC ][AL0] BER 16 SN 06
[09:40:20][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 13 SN 05
[11:10:28][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 17 SN 06
[11:35:56][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 11 SN 06

10242.0 HF-USB
[06:44:34][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][NAS ][AL0] BER 18 SN 06
NAS - USCGC ESCANABA (WMEC 907)
[21:06:15][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][719 ][AL0] BER 12 SN 04

11175.0 HF-USB
0010Z - Mushmelon (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) w/ "standing by for tfc" statement
0039Z - McClellan (HF-GCS) provide radio check to Blue-93
0040Z - McClellan (HF-GCS) provide radio check to Reach-249
0044Z - McClellan (HF-GCS) provide second radio check to Reach-249
0051Z - ________ (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) w/ "standing by for tfc" statement
0147Z - McClellan (HF-GCS) provide radio check to ___-##
0231Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) provide radio checks to Reach-666
1225Z - Aircraft-186 calz Any Station for HF radio check; Aircraft-059; Andrews (HF-GCS) & Offutt (HF-GCS) respond
1703Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) more to follow stand-by precede 28 character EAM U7ADZW
2332Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass SKYKING, do not answer: TYE; time: 32; authentication: AY

11226.0 HF-USB
[02:09:38][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 16 SN 06
[02:18:04][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 13 SN 07
[02:37:41][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][HIK ][AL0] BER 19 SN 06
[04:09:43][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ICZ ][AL0] BER 19 SN 06
[23:16:36][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][MCC ][AL0] BER 19 SN 06

11282.0 HF-USB
0140Z - San Francisco Radio w/ Alaska 67 rqsted FL 370 http://flightaware.com/live/flight/ASA67
0141Z - San Francisco Radio w/ American 28 destination San Francisco Intl
http://flightaware.com/live/flight/AAL28
0144Z - San Francisco Radio w/ Air Canada 047 cleared to FL 360
http://flightaware.com/live/flight/ACA47

11494.0 HF-USB
[17:08:16][CHN 01][TO ][J23 J82 ][TIS][LNT ][AL0] BER 16 SN 06
[17:08:24][CHN 01][TO ][J23 ][TIS][LNT ][AL0] BER 20 SN 05
[17:08:38][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][K15 ][AL0] BER 18 SN 06

13312.0 HF-USB
[20:41:44][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][YWL ][AL0] BER 14 SN 05
YWL - USCGC THETIS (WMEC 910)

15043.0 HF-USB
[18:49:03][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 18 SN 05

15867.0 HF-USB
[17:49:19][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][D49 ][AL0] BER 21 SN 06
D49 - CBP P-3 AEW&C #N149CS/BuNo 154581, Corpus Christi AMB, TX

18003.0 HF-USB
[18:57:31][CHN 01][TO ][OFF ][TWS][RSC ][AL0] BER 12 SN 05
OFF - Offutt HF-GCS, NE
RSC - Rockwell SCOPE Command Facility, Dallas TX

20890.0 HF-USB
[19:39:07][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][I43 ][AL0] BER 15 SN 06
I43 - CBP BEECH 65-A90 #N43SA, Miami AMB

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Milcom Blog Logs - 11 Jun 2010 - USASA MidWest Collection Site

Time for another exclusive HF blog log report from the radio ranch at the USASA MidWest Collection Site.

3390.0 HF-USB
0101Z - Navy/MC Region 4 MARS 4X9B net: NNN0SYF / NNN0ICX

3963.0 HF-LSB
2247Z - Missouri TFC net

4005.0 HF-USB
0032Z - Link-11 data transmission

4007.0 HF-USB
0032Z - NNN0THC NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Missouri MARS 7H1B net: NNN0SVW pass 1 msg MT-63 / NNN0QGR
0105Z - Navy/MC Region 5 Illinois MARS 5I1B net: NNN0SVC
2333Z - Navy/MC Region 5 Minnesota MARS 5G1B net: NNN0BQH

4008.5 HF-USB
0100Z - NNN0ELL NCS for the Navy/MC Region 6 South Texas MARS 6S1B net

4011.0 HF-USB
2303Z - Navy/MC Region 6 Arkansas MARS 6A1B net: NNN0WKH / NNN0ACC

4013.5 HF-USB
0006Z - Navy/MC Region 4 Kentucky MARS 4K2B net: NNN0BTG

4020.9 HF-USB
0003Z - AAR6CX NCS for the Army Region 6 MARS AAA6RD/A net
1205Z - AAR6HB NCS for the Army Region 6 MARS AAA6RD/A net: AAM6OK

4035.9 HF-USB
0004Z - Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/IA net: AAR7AT
0107Z - AAM7AKS NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/B net: AAR7FB
0201Z - AAM7EMO NCS for the Army Region 7 Missouri MARS AAA7RD/MO net: AAA7RD / AAM7AKS / AAR7FB / AAV7BC / AAR7AO / AAM7MO / AAR7DZ
1203Z - Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/C net: AAR7FA / AAM7TIA / AAA7RD
1304Z - Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/D net: AAM7AKS

4038.5 HF-USB
0204Z - Navy/MC Region 4 Alabama MARS 4A2B net: NNN0IIE

4470.5 HF-USB
0200Z - NNN0XFB NCS for the Navy/MC Region 8 North / South Dakota MARS 8S1B net

4500.0 HF-USB
0010Z - Air Force Region 4 MARS 4S1 net: AFF4MS / AFA4SW / AFF4VN / AFA4UF

4506.0 HF-USB
0103Z - Iowa-CAP-04 NCS for a North Central Region CAP net

4517.0 HF-USB
0009Z - Air Force North Central Area Region MARS NCTGM1 net: AFA5DD-T
0102Z - Air Force North Central Area MARS NCM1 net: AFN7NC
1301Z - AFA7HZ NCS for the Air Force North Central Area MARS NCM3 net: AFA7BU / AFA5RF / AFA7MR

4604.0 HF-USB
2330Z - Great Lakes Region Illinois "Red_Fox" CAP net: Red-Fox-24 / Red-Fox-79 / Red-Fox-82 / Red-Fox-93 / Red-Fox-98

4627.0 HF-USB
0030Z - Wild-Wood-46 NCS for the Southwest Region Arkansas "Wild-Wood" CAP net
1200Z - Wild-Wood-46 NCS for the Southwest Region Arkansas "Wild-Wood" CAP net: Wild-Wood-07 / Wild-Wood-11 / Wild-Wood-40 / Wild-Wood-45 / Wild-Wood-60 / Wild-Wood-4204 / Wild-Wood-95 / Wild-Wood-9704 / Wild-Wood-707 / Wild-Wood-1504 / Goldenrod-595 / Mockingbird-08

4630.0 HF-USB
0002Z - Southwest Region Texas CAP net

4724.0 HF-USB
0742Z - Ambrosia (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) w/ "standing by for tfc" statement

4772.0 HF-USB
0743Z - Link-11 data transmission

5883.0 HF-AM
0729Z - YL in 5F Spanish numbers msg tfc

6835.0 HF-USB
0746Z - Link-11 data transmission

7302.0 HF-USB
1308Z - AFF6RM NCS for the Air Force Region 6 MARS 6M1 net

7457.0 HF-USB
1306Z - Air Force Region 4 MARS 4S2 net: AFA4JI / AFA4ZX

8992.0 HF-USB
0041Z - Ambrosia (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) pass two 28 character EAMs: CQXWMQ & CQIPNW & 32 character EAM 2DGTB5 separated by "more to follow, stand-by" then Ambrosia "standing by for tfc (x 2) then Ambrosia, out
0109Z - Fletcher (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) "standing by for tfc" (x 2) then signed down
0120Z - Fletcher (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) pass three 28 character EAMs: CQYGO5; CQXWMQ & CQIPNW separated by "more to follow, stand-by" then Fletcher "standing by for tfc (x 2) then Fletcher, out
0127Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) overrides last transmission of Fletcher to pass 28 character EAM CQZU23 to All Stations
0130Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats three 28 character EAMs: CQYGO5; CQXWMQ & CQIPNW separated by "more to follow, stand-by"
0145Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 22 character EAM CQIF6O to All Stations

9025.0 HF-USB
[05:06:32][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 18 SN 06
[05:10:42][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 19 SN 06
[05:49:38][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][MCC ][AL0] BER 12 SN 04
[06:05:57][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][PLA ][AL0] BER 16 SN 06
[06:36:49][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 15 SN 05
[07:19:51][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][MCC ][AL0] BER 15 SN 05
[08:06:54][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 7 SN 04
[08:58:17][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][MCC ][AL0] BER 20 SN 06
[10:28:25][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][MCC ][AL0] BER 13 SN 05
[11:07:23][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 16 SN 06
[11:11:28][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 16 SN 06

9121.5 HF-USB
0745Z - Link-11 data transmission

10162.0 HF-USB
[14:34:14][CHN 01][SND][ ][TIS][100SWR ][AL0] BER 12 SN 06

10895.0 HF-USB
1703Z - Link-11 data transmission

11175.0 HF-USB
0310Z - Ambrosia (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) passes 22 character EAM CQCQGZ; 28 character EAM CQYGO5 & 28 character EAM CQXWMQ separated by "more to follow, stand-by" then the "standing by for tfc" statement
0320Z - Twister (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) pass 22 character EAM CQCQGZ then the "standing by for tfc" statement
0400Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 22 character EAM CQCQGZ
0410Z - Ambrosia (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) repeats 22 character EAM CQCQGZ followed by the "standing by for tfc" statement
0420Z - Twister (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) repeats 22 character EAM CQCQGZ followed by the "standing by for tfc" statement
0440Z - Ambrosia (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) repeats 22 character EAM CQCQGZ followed by the "standing by for tfc" statement
0450Z - Twister (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) repeats 22 character EAM CQCQGZ followed by the "standing by for tfc" statement
0500Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 22 character EAM CQCQGZ
0146Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass ## character EAM
0750Z - Twister (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) repeats 22 character EAM CQCQGZ followed by the "standing by for tfc" statement
1501Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) "more to follow, stand-by" precede 28 character EAM CQAHGV
1708Z - McClellan (HF-GCS) respond to Postcard MAINSAIL call; mentions Blackeye & Ambrosia (USSTRATCOM ABNCP)
1711Z - Ambrosia (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) responds to station calling on 11175 (no joy noted)
1804Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) calz Ambrosia (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) (no joy)
2210Z - Ambrosia (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) standing by for tfc
2250Z - _______ (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) standing by for tfc
2310Z - Ambrosia (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) standing by for tfc
2311Z - Jet Blue 692 rqst selcal check fm Andrews http://flightaware.com/live/flight/JBU692
2338Z - Yankee-91 w/ McClelland (HF-GCS) for pp to Yankee SDO to have PPR @ DB Flight Center @ at Waukegan Regional Airport cancelled
2340Z - Ambrosia (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) standing by for tfc
2350Z - Reach-1822 w/ Andrews (HF-GCS) for radio check
2350Z - ____ant (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) standing by for tfc

11226.0 HF-USB
[03:32:14][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 19 SN 06
[22:18:11][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][180 ][AL0] BER 16 SN 07
[22:21:33][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][MCC ][AL0] BER 22 SN 07
[22:27:14][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][277173 ][AL0] BER 13 SN 05

11494.0 HF-USB
[20:14:37][CHN 01][TO ][LNT ][TIS][719 ][AL0] BER 20 SN 07

13200.0 HF-USB
0209Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 28 character EAM CQIPNW

Friday, June 11, 2010

Milcom Blog Logs - 10 Jun 2010 - USASA MidWest Collection Site

Time for another exclusive HF blog log report from the radio ranch at the USASA MidWest Collection Site.

4005.0 HF-USB
1054Z - Link-11 data transmission (NO QRM)

4007.0 HF-USB
2234Z - NNN0POY NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Iowa MARS 7D3B net: NNN0TUL
2333Z - NNN0BQH NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Minnesota MARS 5G1B net

4020.9 HF-USB
1103Z - AAA6LA NCS for the Army Region 6 MARS AAA6RD/A net: AAR6JC / AAM6OK / AAR6QZ

4026.9 HF-USB
1105Z - AAV4WR NCS for the Army Region 4 MARS AAA4RD/B net: AAM4SC / AAR4VB

4506.0 HF-USB
2301Z - MO-CAP-09 NCS for the North Central Region Missouri "MO-CAP" CAP net: MO-CAP-309 / Yellow-Brick-59 w/ no tfc
2335Z - Yellow-Brick-56 NCS for the North Central Region Kansas "Yellow-Brick" CAP net: Yellow-Brick-12 / Yellow-Brick-14 / Yellow-Brick-59 w/ no tfc / Yellow-Brick-174

4517.0 HF-USB
1100Z - AFA5ML NCS for the Air Force North Central Area MARS NCM2 net: AFF7KS / AFA7KJ

4604.0 HF-USB
2303Z - Great Lakes Region Indiana "Red_Fire" CAP net involved in roll-call

4772.0 HF-USB
0453Z - Link-11 data transmission

5171.0 HF-USB
0454Z - Link-11 data transmission

9025.0 HF-USB
[02:46:01][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][180221 ][AL0] BER 17 SN 07
[03:27:36][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][MCC ][AL0] BER 7 SN 04
[03:29:17][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 15 SN 06
[03:32:05][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 16 SN 07
[04:11:21][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][HIK ][AL0] BER 13 SN 05
[05:43:01][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][PLA ][AL0] BER 19 SN 06
[05:43:02][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][PLA ][AL0] BER 16 SN 06
[06:29:37][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 16 SN 05
[06:29:39][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 19 SN 05
[07:32:23][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][825764 ][AL0] BER 11 SN 05
[07:41:32][CHN 01][TO ][ADW ][TIS][825764 ][AL0] BER 13 SN 06
[07:59:47][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 18 SN 05
[08:41:46][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][HIK ][AL0] BER 6 SN 05
[09:34:49][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][AED ][AL0] BER 13 SN 05
[12:19:13][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][180224 ][AL0] BER 12 SN 03
[12:30:24][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 11 SN 05
[12:33:17][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 16 SN 06

9121.5 HF-USB
0508Z - Link-11 data transmission

10162.0 HF-USB
[18:11:32][CHN 01][SND][ ][TIS][0011AR ][AL0] BER 17 SN 06 0011AR - Civil Air Patrol, Arkansas
[18:29:43][CHN 01][SND][ ][TIS][AVS ][AL0] BER 11 SN 05 AVS - Avenging Spirit
[19:28:18][CHN 01][SND][ ][TIS][100SWRCAP ][AL0] BER 14 SN 05
[19:28:28][CHN 01][SND][ ][TIS][100SWR ][AL0] BER 12 SN 05
0100SWRCAP - U.S. Civil Air Patrol - SW Regional HQ
100SWR - U.S. Civil Air Patrol - SW Regional HQ
[20:09:34][CHN 01][SND][ ][TIS][AVS ][AL0] BER 12 SN 04

13200.0 HF-USB
1733Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass two 32 character EAMs: 2DGTB5 & 2D4242, separated by "more to follow, stand-by" statement
2001Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM CQIPNW followed by repeat of two 32 character EAMs: 2DGTB5 & 2D4242; all three separated by "more to follow, stand-by" statement

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Thursday War Frequency

From Michel and our friend Graham Tanner on UDXF:

05206.0 KK, KI w CONTROL / exercices NATO ? 0619 USB eng ( german & uk accent ) d/x 10jun10 Michel

It is a 'Thursday War' frequency. Every Thursday the Royal Navy and other NATO naval forces have a large exercise in 'La Manche' between Brittany/Normandy and Cornwall/Devon. As would be expected, all the vessels use codes rather than their ship-names, but you can usually work out the nationality of the ship from the accent on the radio.

Graham Tanner

CAP To Conduct a Nationwide Exercise Soon

According to a post on Mike Marek's Facebook page, the CAP will be conducting a nationwide communications exercise sometime between now and the 4th of July.

According to Marek: "Some time in the next few weeks, before July 4th, we will be conducting a national communications exercise. Of course, we will not announce the exact date ahead of time, but I am writing to advise you of the general scenario, so you can prepare. I told the region DCS-COMMs about this some time back, so hopefully many of you already know the general outline.

"The national elements of this exercise are driven by the need to ramp up our use of HF-ALE. Regions and Wing should lay their own plans for how you pursue the exercise internally, as long as you do not use commercial telecommunications systems.

"The exercise will begin with an e-mail. Wings will be asked to report readiness to deploy across wing boundaries, reporting specific bits of information. For example, number of air crews, ground teams, aircraft and ground team vehicles available to deploy to another wing, or something along those lines.

"After collecting the information (without using the commercial infrastructure) wings will use radio to deliver the information to one of the two formal National Command Net (NCN) stations in their region, using formal traffic. The National Command Net stations will deliver the messages to AVS during the day and/or to a special National Headquarters station during evening hours. Messages will be received during certain pre-announced hours for a certain number of days. We will not announce in advance the geographic location of this special "evening hours" station.

"Wings should be prepared to operate HF-ALE, either from a regular existing station, or from a temporary RDP station. Only formally-appointed NCN stations should sound on the NCN frequencies, designated Net 1 in the standard frequency load of CAP's HF radios.

"This structure obviously leaves a lot of discretion to the regions and wings as to how you internally distribute the request for information and receive it back. I encourage you to include as many of your members as possible using HF, VHF, and even ISR radios."

So to my regular HF monitoring team, time to gear up on the CAP HF nets and watch for some activity in the near future.

Milcom Air Show Field Report - Spain

Mr. J. Martin in Spain passes along the following air show updates.

"Here are some notes for a future edition of the great MT Air Show Guide."

Italy Frecce Tricolori , ground support team uses 440.450 (FM), in addition to MT2010 confirmed freqs.

Spain Patrulla Aguila now sometimes uses 241.950 instead of 252.500.

Spain Patrulla Aspa (helicopter demo team) uses 119.000.

A bib Milcom blog thank you Mr. Martin and if you have an update from an airshow that you attend, please pass it along to the email address in the masthead. We rely on these field report to compile the next edition of the MT Air Show Guide which will appear in the March 2011 edition of Monitoring Times. You can download the current edition online at http://monitoringtimes.com/MT_Air_Show_Guide_2010.pdf.

Wednesday, June 09, 2010

BALTOPS 2010 Kicks Off

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Jenniffer Rivera, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East Detachment Europe

USS MOUNT WHITNEY, At Sea (NNS) -- Maritime forces from 12 countries began participating in a multinational naval exercise in the Baltic Sea June 7-19.

The Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) exercise is an annual event aimed at improving interoperability and cooperation among regional allies.

"The United States has sponsored BALTOPS for the past 37 years because of the unique opportunity it offers," said Rear Adm. Michelle Howard, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2. "It allows us to operate collectively with our regional partners and enhance maritime security in the Baltic Sea."

During the exercise Sailors will work side-by-side with other personnel from partner nations, both on land and at sea, and will become familiar with countries' military operating procedures and practices.

"BALTOPS has traditionally been a maritime exercise with operations conducted solely at sea, but this year's exercise has added two additional pieces," said British Navy Rear Adm. Ian Corder, deputy commander, Combined Joint Task Forces BALTOPS. "We will be conducting an offload in Latvia and an amphibious exercise in Estonia. While the maritime piece remains the primary activity of BALTOPS, these other two pillars provide diversity of operations not previously experienced in this exercise."

The goal is to work together to improve each country's ability to counter threats to maritime safety and security and conduct other operations such as peacekeeping or humanitarian responses.

Nations participating in this 38th anniversary of BALTOPS include Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Sweden and the United States.

"We recognize the commitment of nations in providing these forces, and we are grateful for their contributions," said Corder. "Accordingly, we have a challenging and relevant exercise planned, with portions of the training dedicated to counter-piracy and maritime interdictions operations, two areas in which many navies currently focus much of their time and energy."

The events scheduled for range from traditional activities to emerging missions. Some of the traditional activities include mine clearance operations, anti-submarine warfare and surface-to-air defense, while the newer operations include counterpiracy, small-boat attack and other maritime security tasks.

Reservists talk to Congress about aerial spray mission

by Col. Bob Thompson, Office of Air Force Reserve

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Six reservists fresh from the fight to save the Gulf of Mexico coast from one of the worst oil spills in U.S. history briefed congressional members and staffers here June 7 and 8.

As part of the military's only fixed-wing aerial spray team, the Airmen flew specially configured C-130 Hercules aircraft 100 feet above the water and sprayed an oil dispersant to break the oil slick into smaller droplets. Then, the detergent-like dispersant pushed the droplets down to the microorganisms that eat the oil.

"On April 28 at 10:30 p.m., we got the call," said Maj. Drew Tancer, a pilot and the operations officer who led the first-responders from Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio. "Fourteen to 15 hours later, we were on scene."

Major Tancer led a team of about 60 reservists and two C-130 aircraft from the 910th Airlift Wing. Working in careful coordination with the Coast Guard, Environmental Protection Agency and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, the Reserve aerial spray team covered more than 30,000 acres with oil dispersant in the six weeks they were engaged.

The congressional staffers listened to the reservists' brief, and then asked questions about the oil dispersant and the aerial spraying equipment.

"An oil dispersant is used to mitigate the environmental disaster," said Maj. Mark Breidenbaugh, an entomologist from the 910th AW. "It is like a detergent soap that breaks the oil up and moves it under the water so it stays in the water column. This speeds up the natural process that breaks down the oil."

From May 1 until the reservists left Mississippi on June 4, they flew 92 missions and sprayed nearly 150,000 gallons of oil dispersant on the Gulf of Mexico's spill area.

"It comes down to do you want to fight it on the beach or fight it on the water?" said Col. Fritz Linsenmeyer, the 910th AW commander. "The products we use are pre-approved by the EPA and Coast Guard. And, although this spray is like a soap, you wouldn't put it in the water unless you had to. We want to do anything we can to protect the coast as much as possible from this disaster."

For nearly two decades, members of the 910th AW have participated in oil-spill cleanup exercises with the Coast Guard in the Gulf of Mexico and off the coasts of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Aerial spray is a unique mission conducted by members of the Air Force Reserve, and the Youngstown Airmen have developed close partnerships with other first-responders and insight into disaster response operations.

"After providing the first response, our military aerial spray operators have now returned to home station," Colonel Linsenmeyer said. "This is normal for these situations."

Rear Adm. Mary Landry, the federal on-scene coordinator for the oil spill response, signed a memo releasing the Air Force Reserve planes and people from the spray mission.

Under a transition plan, civilian planes are taking over the delivery of oil dispersant in the gulf waters.

"The military gets things started and now civilian contractors are flying the continuing operations," Colonel Linsenmeyer said. "But, if we're needed to go back, our team is ready at a moment's notice."

"We're proud of what we have contributed to our nation and our communities," Major Breidenbaugh said.

Airmen participate in Unified Engagement 2010

by Capt. Tony Wickman, U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs

TALLINN, Estonia (AFNS) -- U.S. Air Forces in Europe officials joined representatives from seven other countries here to participate in Unified Engagement 2010, which started June 7 and continues through June 11.

The Unified Engagement seminar is the fourth Building Partnership Seminar USAFE officials have conducted with European partners as a transformation war game to explore future combined warfighting concepts and capabilities.

The U.S. delegation led by Gen. Roger A. Brady, the USAFE commander, is working with counterparts from Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden to strengthen relationships, and improve interoperability and future cooperation.

"These meetings have been good for us and our allies and have proven productive and valuable," General Brady said. "These sessions serve as effective discussions and are opportunities to share ideas, and for military professionals, particularly air forces, to share their perspectives."

General Brady said the relationships established and the work accomplished at the seminar will allow everyone to come together quickly in crisis and effectively face the challenge.

"Because of training seminars like Unified Engagement, the U.S. Air Force and our partners worldwide are better prepared for future operational challenges," the general said. "Estonia is a great NATO partner and they are graciously hosting this meeting."

The seminar was an important opportunity to talk about operational endeavors, military advice and skills, said Brig. Gen. Valeri Saar, the Estonian air force commander, and the event co-host along with Maj. Gen. Jack Egginton, the USAFE Director of Air and Space Operations.

"The purpose of the meeting will address what role Estonia's air force should have, how to keep security in our region and how to be good neighbors," General Saar said. "We will also look at new issues such as cyber security and energy, and the threats to them."

An example of working closely with allies for interoperability and future missions is the training between U.S. aircraft and Estonian joint terminal attack controllers.

"We brought in a couple of F-15E Strike Eagles from (Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England) to Estonia to train with Estonian JTACs who are on their way to Afghanistan," General Egginton said. "They are training and using the same procedures as used in Afghanistan that will ultimately protect the Afghan people and NATO troops on the ground."

During the Unified Engagement seminar, participants act in the role of a multinational military staff, and consider possible requirements and concepts for operating together to meet potential future challenges. The participants look through the spectrum of operations from peace enforcement and humanitarian relief situations to cooperative security and stability operations.

Tuesday, June 08, 2010

CBRNE rapid response teams to be deployed nationwide

“The thing we all worry about is a terrorist with a weapon of mass destruction,” Navy Admiral James Winnefeld Jr., the commander of U.S. Northern and North American Aerospace Defense Commands, told American Forces Press Service. “And, increasingly, we worry about terrorists who are realizing that they don’t need a big boom to make a difference.”

That is why the Pentagon has announced that Ohio and Washington are the first two states to have been selected to host the new National Guard homeland response forces (HRF).

Called for in the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review, the HRF is designed to work in collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), at the behest of an affected state’s governor, to provide rapid response to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or high-explosive (CBRNE) attacks. The Department of Defense (DoD) plans to establish 10 HRFs, one for each of the 10 FEMA regions across the U.S.

Each HRF will consist of 570 guardsmen that will be able to respond to a CBRNE threat on the ground within six to 12 hours. The team will have 45 medical personnel, 50 search and extraction personnel, 75 decontamination personnel, as well as a 200-member security team and another 200 individuals who will execute command-and-control. When not deployed, the teams will focus on planning, training and exercising at the regional level.

“We would like to see [the HRF] play a very important role at the regional level in terms of helping develop and build regional plans and working with the state emergency managers,” said Christine Wormuth, principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for homeland defense and security affairs, at the National Guard Bureau's Domestic Operations Workshop on March 24. "We'd like to see the HRFs, that command and control element inside of the HRFs, really build that connective tissue at the regional level."

DoD hopes to have the first two offices open by the end of the year, with an additional office opening each year over the next eight years.

But there are still aspects of the program that need to be worked out, Wormuth noted. “Do the HRFs have to be focused only on CBRNE events or could they be used for major natural disasters like a major earthquake in California?” she asked. “And if they are going to be available for some natural disasters, how are we going to ensure that they are used prudently?”

But both Wormuth and Winnefeld have faith that the program will succeed.

Northcom has a “good, cooperative effort [with] the National Guard Bureau,” Winnefeld said. “That cooperation is growing tighter every day in terms of making sure we know the roles are standardized, and that the command and control is clean.

“I am optimistic,” Winnefeld continued.

“It’s a team effort,” Wormuth added.

http://www.gsnmagazine.com/article/20844/cbrne_rapid_response_teams_be_deployed_nationwide

Monday, June 07, 2010

Milcom Blog Logs - May 2010 - Central Florida

Here are some blog logs for the month of May from our friend down in Florida - Jack NeSmith.

May was a very busy month in central Florida. Avon Park Range was very busy with F-18's using the "RUSTIC" callsign from VMFA-314. A-10's joined the exercise. Air refueling freqs were almost none stop for the exercise. The freqs I ID'd as AR were used during this exercise.The freqs I have ID'd as "TACTICAL" were used during the exercise at Avon Park Rng. Jack-Deltona, Florida

138.1500 ACTIVE
138.2500 93FS HOMESTEAD ARB
139.0250 ACTIVE
139.7000 A-10 MOODY AFB GA
140.4000 ACTIVE
140.5000 ACTIVE
141.3000 AIR REFUELING
142.3000 PTD
142.5250 ACTIVE
142.7500 ACTIVE
143.1500 ACTIVE
143.6000 ACTIVE
143.7500 A-10 MOODY AFB GA
148.5625 ACTIVE
148.7625 CP. BLANDING RNG CONTROL P-25
149.7500 ACTIVE
150.3000 USCG
150.5000 USCG
225.0500 ACTIVE
225.1750 ACTIVE
225.3500 R-2910 PINECASTLE RNG
225.7250 J-STARS
225.8750 AWACS
226.4250 TACTICAL
227.0000 ACTIVE
227.0750 W-470A
227.4000 KZJX
227.6750 TACTICAL
228.5750 TACTICAL
228.9000 NORAD
229.0750 OPERATIONS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
230.1500 TACTICAL
232.8500 ACTIVE
233.2000 ARMY
233.3250 ACTIVE
233.5000 ACTIVE
234.8000 159FS/125FW
235.0500 HAVEQUICK
235.1000 AIR REFUELING
236.0000 SAR TRAINING
236.8500 ACTIVE
237.2000 ARMY
237.7000 LANTCOM
238.1000 NAVY
238.7250 ACTIVE
239.2500 KZMA
239.5500 TACTICAL
239.9500 AWACS
240.3000 J-STARS
241.3250 ACTIVE
241.4000 ACTIVE
244.4000 OPERATIONS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
245.2500 TACTICAL
245.5500 ACTIVE
246.1500 ACTIVE
246.7500 ACTIVE
246.8000 NAS JAX ??
250.3000 VMFA-224 MCAS BEAUFORT SC
251.1500 JAX IAP A/D
251.2000 ACTIVE
251.2500 159FS/125FW
251.6000 NAVY
251.9000 SAR TRAINING R-2901 AVON PARK RNG
252.1000 HOMESTEAD ARB
252.8000 920RQW PATRICK AFB
253.7000 159FS/125FW
254.0250 ACTIVE
254.1250 ACTIVE
254.2000 NORAD
254.3250 KZJX
254.7000 ACTIVE
255.4000 FSS
255.5000 920RQW PATRICK AFB
255.8000 ACTIVE
256.8750 KZJX
256.9000 KZJX
257.8000 DAYTONA IAP TOWER
258.2500 ACTIVE
258.9250 VFA-82
259.9000 ACTIVE
260.9000 NORAD
262.0000 ACTIVE
262.7500 ACTIVE
262.9000 NADEP NAS JAX ??
263.1000 KZMA
263.4500 METRO MOODY AFB GA
264.2000 NAS JAX VP-8&16 BASE
264.5000 ACTIVE
264.6250 R-2901 AVON PARK RNG
264.6500 BOEING OPS
264.6750 ACTIVE
265.7500 ACTIVE
265.8000 ACTIVE
266.5000 ACTIVE
266.6000 ACTIVE
267.5000 FACSFAC JAX "SEALORD"
267.8500 NORAD
268.8750 OPERATIONS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
269.2500 KZJX
269.3000 KZMA
269.3250 JAX IAP A/D
269.3750 PATRICK AFB TOWER
269.4750 ST AUGUSTINE TOWER
269.6000 KZJX
270.0250 ACTIVE
270.5000 NAVY
270.9500 NORTHCOM
271.5750 ACTIVE
273.3750 TACTICAL
273.5000 PATRICK AFB ATIS
273.5500 KZJX
273.8000 ACTIVE
275.0000 NORTHCOM
276.4000 NAS JAX GCA
276.6000 AVON PARK RNG
277.2000 ACTIVE
277.4000 KZJX
277.8000 FLEET COMMON
278.4000 NORAD
279.2500 ACTIVE
279.6000 TAMPA IAP A/D
281.4250 PATRICK AFB A/D
281.5000 KZMA
282.2000 KZJX
282.7250 ACTIVE
283.2500 AIR FORCE
283.4000 VMFA-122 MCAS BEAUFORT SC
283.7000 MACDILL AFB "BUCANEER OPS" DEPLOYED A/C
283.8500 OPERATIONS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
284.0000 KSC TOWER
284.1500 J-STARS
284.2500 BLUE ANGELS
284.5000 FACSFAC JAX "SEALORD" 284.7000
285.5000 KZMA
285.6500 KZJX
285.7250 R-2901 AVON PARK RNG
287.3000 ACTIVE
287.4500 ACTIVE
287.7000 ACTIVE
288.4000 NORAD
290.3000 TAMPA IAP A/D
290.4000 KZJX
291.7000 KZJX
292.1250 MCAS BEAUFORT SC A/D
293.2250 KZMA
293.6000 NORAD
294.5250 TACTICAL
294.6000 OPERATIONS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
297.3000 ACTIVE
299.2000 FAA
299.5000 NAS NORTH WHITING AREA-3 COMMON
300.1250 ACTIVE
300.2000 ACTIVE
300.7250 ACTIVE
300.7500 ACTIVE
301.0000 MCAS BEAUFORT SC S.TACT RNG 4X "WARLOCK"
301.1250 ACTIVE
301.5500 ACTIVE
301.7500 ACTIVE
303.0000 OPERATIONS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
303.2750 HAVEQUICK
305.9000 NAVY
306.0000 NAS JAX VP-30
307.0000 ORLANDO IAP A/D
307.1000 KZMA
307.2000 KZJX
307.2500 KZJX
307.3250 FAA
308.0750 TACTICAL
308.7500 AWACS
310.2000 NAS JAX BASE OPS
311.0000 MACDILL AFB 6ARW CMD POST"LIGHTING OPS"
311.5000 FACSFAC JAX GCI "BRISTOL"
314.2000 159FS/125FW
314.4250 TACTICAL
314.4500 HAVEQUICK
316.2250 TACTICAL
317.5250 KZJX
317.6000 KZMA
317.6000 KZJX
318.6000 NAVY
320.3000 ACTIVE
320.5000 FACSFAC JAX GCI "BRISTOL"
321.0000 920RQW CMD POST PATRICK AFB
322.4000 JAX IAP A/D
322.4750 KZJX
323.0500 KZJX
324.6000 AIR REFUELING
327.1000 KZJX
327.6000 AIR REFUELING
335.5500 KZJX
335.6000 JAX IAP A/D
335.8750 VFA-83
336.4000 NAS JAX GROUND CONTROL
339.7000 FACSFAC JAX "SEALORD"
340.2000 NAS JAX TOWER
342.6000 NAVY
343.0000 159FS/125FW
343.2500 AIR REFUELING
343.7000 KZMA
345.0000 USCG
346.2500 KZJX
346.3500 KZJX
348.7000 KZMA
349.0000 KZMA
349.4000 USAF CMD POST
349.5500 TACTICAL
351.8000 JAX IAP A/D
351.9500 DAYTONA IAP A/D
352.0000 KZJX
353.5000 KZJX
353.5750 TAMPA IAP A/D
357.0000 OPERATIONS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
360.7000 KZJX
363.3000 NAVY
364.2000 NORAD AICC
369.0250 OPERATIONS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
369.3250 TACTICAL
372.1750 USAF
372.2000 PTD
376.9000 FACSFAC JAX "SEALORD"
377.0500 JAX IAP A/D
379.1000 KZJX
379.2500 KZMA
379.9000 JAX IAP A/D
379.9500 DAYTONA IAP A/D
380.3000 KZMA
381.3750 ARMY
381.6000 KZMA
381.6500 SANFORD-ORLANDO IAP TOWER
385.5000 DAYTONA IAP A/D
387.0000 DAYTONA IAP A/D
388.2000 TYNDALL AFB A/D
395.1500 J-STARS

Global Hawk takes northern route, improves efficiency

by Randy Roughton, Defense Media Activity - San Antonio

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) -- Staff Sgt. Ryan Conversi's eyes
remain focused on a pair of industrial-strength laptop computers as the time
approaches for the next launch of an RQ-4 Global Hawk on the Beale Air Force
Base flightline.

One of the computers is a vehicle test controller and the other contains
Sergeant Conversi's technical orders. Both help the 12th Aircraft
Maintenance Unit crew chief communicate with the operator as he prepares for
the Global Hawk's next journey over Canada on the way to a forward operating
location in Southwest Asia.

Since April, when the 12th Reconnaissance Squadron's Global Hawks began
flying the northern route, maintainers have noticed an ability to get the
aircraft serviced and back into the forward operation location more
efficiently. The aircraft previously flew from Beale AFB to Naval Air
Station Patuxent River, Md., before continuing the route to Southwest Asia.
The aircraft must return to Beale AFB for critical routine maintenance, so
the new route decreases the time required to transport aircraft between the
two locations.

"We're constantly swapping aircraft out for maintenance to provide the
forward operators with fresh aircraft," said Capt. Gary Toroni, the 12th
Operations Support Squadron flight commander. "The ability to fly through
Canada also affords us the opportunity to not only have the aircraft out
there in a short time period, but also bring them back so we can do service
and maintenance and be able to get them forward-deployed."

The 12th AMU is the first of its kind to provide maintenance and generation
capabilities for the remotely piloted aircraft. Sergeant Conversi and Staff
Sgt. William Murray, a 12th AMU avionics specialist, have both noticed a
decrease in manpower needed for maintenance in the first month the Global
Hawk has flown the new route. The aircraft usually can be prepped within
three hours after landing on the Beale AFB flightline.

"As far as flying over Canada to the (area of responsibility) goes, it just
reduces our timetable for getting the jets transferred over there," said
Master Sgt. Edwin Sims, the 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron production
superintendent. "It's basically more efficient. Otherwise, we have to go to
a staging point in between and have people set up there before the aircraft
even gets there. Now, we prep it to go here and it flies all the way. Now
all we have to worry about are the jets coming back, so it cuts down on our
maintenance."

The Global Hawk's first flight on the northern route to Southwest Asia in
April marked its first over Canada on a non-training mission. The new route
has increased the Global Hawk's efficiency by about 50 percent, Captain
Toroni said.

"Efficiency relates to effectiveness, so if we're able to get the aircraft
operating without the variable of sending it to the East Coast before we
forward deploy it, we've got manpower back here to do other missions,
whether they are for Haiti relief or continental United States missions," he
said.

The Global Hawks are assigned to the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing from Beale
AFB and provide a broad spectrum of intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance collection capability to support joint combatant forces in
real-time peacetime, contingency and wartime operations.

Friday, June 04, 2010

Ronald Reagan Begins Flight Deck Certification

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Torrey W. Lee, USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs

USS RONALD REAGAN, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 Sailors departed Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI) in San Diego June 2 to get underway to conduct carrier flight deck certification.

The first CVW 14 aircraft to land on Ronald Reagan's flight deck were the "Black Knights" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 4.

Other embarked squadrons include the "Blue Diamonds" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 146, the "Argonauts" of VFA 147, the "Black Knights" of VFA 154, the "Black Eagles" of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113 and the "Providers" of Fleet Logistics Squadron (VRC) 30. The squadrons' arrival marked the first flight operation since Ronald Reagan returned to NASNI following its 2009 deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

"It's good to walk before you run," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class Daniel Estrada, a member of Ronald Reagan's flight deck crew. "We haven't had any aircraft on board since the October (2009) time frame. In order to get through flight deck certifications, we have to get back into the swing of things. This certification allows us to get back to the basics and get our minds set right for sea."

As part of the ship's final assessment for carrier qualifications, flight deck certifications are required for the ship to deploy. Evaluators from Naval Air Forces Pacific came aboard to review and evaluate the ship's ability to perform flight operations safely. The review includes tests on the arresting gear systems used for aircraft recovery as well as catapult systems that launch aircraft.

The certification will include a full evaluation of both the arresting gear, catapults and flight deck personnel. Ronald Reagan's air department Sailors will be assessed on their ability to maintain a fully operational flight deck and respond to simulated mishaps.

Experience is the key to success, said Lt. David Martinez, Ronald Reagan's flight deck officer. The challenge for Ronald Reagan is to successfully incorporate more than 250 new Sailors into the air department who were not aboard the last time aircraft were launched from the ship's flight deck.

"We're always prepared for success; we're true professionals," said Lt. David Martinez. "We have a core group of seasoned veterans. We've added more experience to our team; even our new guys came from USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and USS Kitty Hawk (CVN 63). So we think our team is even stronger."

Upon completion of the certification, Ronald Reagan and other 3rd Fleet ships will participate in the International Canadian Fleet Review commemorating the 100th birthday of the Canadian Navy in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

USS Jacksonville Departs for Western Pacific Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ronald Gutridge, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Los Angeles-class submarine USS Jacksonville (SSN 699) departed Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for a scheduled deployment to the western Pacific region June 2.

"This will be the first western pacific deployment for the USS Jacksonville and a majority of the crew," said Cmdr. Tyler L. Meador, Jacksonville commanding officer.

"The crew has worked extremely hard to prepare for this deployment and ready this warship for sea. It represents an opportunity to display the skills they have developed to accomplish missions critical to the regional commander and for the national security of the United States."

Jacksonville is the 12th Los Angeles-class submarine and first ship to bear the name of the Florida city.

373 TRS readies international aircrew for flight

by 2nd Lt. Susan Carlson, Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs

JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. (AFNS) -- Twelve Royal Australian Air Force aircraftsmen deployed to Joint Base Charleston to train with Airmen here for three months.

Airmen from JB Charleston and JB Lewis-McChord, Washington, train foreign nationals from countries that are either buying the C-17 Globemaster III or have some future endeavor working on or with the aircraft, said Tech. Sgt. Bryan Doughty, a training instructor with the 373rd Training Squadron, Det. 5.

U.S. officials require this training for aircrew members from any country purchasing C-17s.

In the case of the Australians, a number of aircrew are sent by the Royal Australian Air Force a few times a year and are trained to work on every system in the C-17, Sergeant Doughty said.

Unlike aircraft maintenance Airmen in the Air Force, the RAAF aircraftsmen must be able to work on every part of the aircraft except the electrical system.

"This is very, very good training, but we are trying to come to grips with a little bit of it, only because unlike the USAF, we don't specialize in particular systems," said Sgt. Glenn King, one of the Australian aircrew members deployed to JB Charleston. "We do it all. Anything that isn't electrical, we look after it."

Before their journey to the U.S., the Australians were given a short pre-training familiarization package in their country. The brief pre-training covers the basics of aircraft maintenance and safety, whereas the greater part of actual hands-on training is done here at JB Charleson and at JB McChord, Sergeant King said.

"We have some training areas up and running in Australia, but (the majority are) here," said Sgt. Craig Fenton, another Australian aircrew member. "The indoor training facility is a much safer environment. You don't have to worry about anyone standing around the plane."

For some of the aircraftsmen, the C-17 is the first aircraft they have worked on, while others, such as Sergeant King and Sergeant Fenton, have been in the RAAF for a number of years working on older airframes. However, when attending this course, they all start at ground zero.

The current class of students is just beginning its fourth week of training, and will be returning home July 23. Upon their return, most will be going back to their respective teams, working on the four C-17s the Australian military owns. These aircraft were purchased by the Australian government approximately four years ago, and are a part of the global C-17 scheme used for airlift in support of joint operations, Sergeant King said.

Before this purchase, the Royal Australian Air Force used C-130 Hercules and DCH-4 Caribous, which have since been retired after 45 years of active-duty service, Sergeant King said.

B-52s head to Guam for continuous bomber presence rotation

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton, 5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFNS) -- Six B-52H Stratofortresses and nearly 350 Airmen here left June 1 for Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to start a six-month deployment.

The 5th Bomb Wing's role in U.S. Pacific Command's continuous bomber presence mission "is vital to national security," said Col. Charles Patnaude, the 5th Operations Group commander. "Our mission is to deter and assure."

Colonel Patnaude said Minot's Airmen will be there to deter and dissuade potential regional aggressors and to assure U.S. allies of the commitment to the Pacific region.

"This is a great mission for Minot's B-52s because it enables us to demonstrate our broad range of capabilities," he said.

The 5th BW's two B-52 squadrons, the 23rd and 69th Bomb Squadrons, will share the six-month deployment. The 23rd BS will serve the first half of the deployment.

The mission to the island had Airmen's spirits high and eager to get underway.

"I know many of them are excited about this deployment," Colonel Patnaude said. "The training environment is fantastic and basing out of Andersen (AFB) will offer up great opportunities. Our personnel will get to interact with folks from other weapon systems and other services."

Colonel Patnaude said PACOM's continuous bomber presence mission has been ongoing since March 2004 when 5th BW officials first established the operation.

"B-52s, B-1 (Lancers) and B-2 (Spirits) have each taken turns as a continuous sentinel for the Pacific theater," he added. "The 5th BW has been to Guam several times since 2004 and I suspect will continue deploying there until Pacific Command no longer needs us."

PACOM officials said they routinely evaluate the command's readiness and reposition forces as needed to ensure they maintain both the operational and support capabilities necessary to meet the obligations of national defense.

Officials added the bombers serve in a continuous role that is not tied to any specific events in the Pacific.

Maybe the mission of this deployment is significant to send a message to a rogue neighbor in the Pacific neigborhood - North Korea - LVH.

Thursday, June 03, 2010

UNITAS 51 Atlantic Phase Comes to a Close

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Michael J. Scott, CTG 40.0 Public Affairs

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (NNS) -- Rear Adm. Vic Guillory, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet thanked the Argentine navy for introducing another generation of officers and enlisted personnel to Unitas 51 as the Atlantic phase of the exercise came to a close May 26 at the Armada de la Republica Argentina headquarters in Buenos Aires.

Unitas, which is Latin for unity, develops and sustains relationships that improve the interoperability between maritime forces to achieve common goals. Starting in 1959, it is the U.S. Navy's longest-running annual multilateral exercise. Its enduring nature demonstrates the shared values of the Western hemisphere and the nations' commitment to countering regional challenges. The relationships that are formed during the course of the exercises are enduring and allow the maritime forces to grow together.

The Atlantic phase of Unitas 51 was hosted by Argentina and included participants from the U.S., Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and observers from Canada, Germany, Colombia, Uruguay, and South Africa. This year's exercise was unique in that Unitas included Argentina's Navy Day celebration and the bicentennial of their independence.

Unitas normally lasts about two weeks during which partner nations participate in a variety of professional and personnel exchanges, sporting and social events, and an at-sea phase where units train in a variety of maritime mission areas simulating real word circumstances. Both the in port and at-sea phases of the exercise contribute to and enhance relationships among the partner nations.

"This year built upon the great successes of Unitas Gold [Unitas Gold was the 50th iteration conducted last year]," said Capt. Brian Nickerson, commander, Task Group 40.0 and Destroyer Squadron (COMDESRON) 40. "The relationships that endure, the goodwill that is fostered, and the chance for the naval forces of the Americas – both South and North – to work alongside one another makes this one of the most unique exercises that the U.S. Navy conducts."

For the United States, those fortunate units that participated in Unitas 51 Atlantic phase were Commander, Destroyer Squadron (COMDESRON) 40, USS Klakring (FFG 42) with Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 42 Det. 10, USCGC Spencer (WMEC 905), USS Memphis (SSN 69), and VP-8. Argentina contributed ARA Sarandi (D 13), ARA Robinson (P 45), ARA Patagonia (B-1), ARA Teniente Olivieri (A-2), ARA Suboficial Castillo (A-6), and ARA Salta (S-31) while Brazil sent BNS Constituicao (F-42) and BNS Tikuna (S-34). For Mexico, this year's Unitas presented them the first opportunity for their ship, ARM Baja California (PO 162) to participate.

Besides building cooperation at sea, Sailors got the opportunity to reach across cultures. USS Klakring Sailor Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Andrew Ryland said he really loves the game of soccer, but playing in these kinds of games has given him a new perspective.

"I understand why this game is loved by so many people in the world," said Ryland. "It has a magical quality of bringing everyone together."

Sailors were also treated to an asado -- a traditional Argentine barbecue by their hosts. During the meal, teams intermingled and share stories about their careers and the game.

"We are very honored and pleased to have the U.S. Navy and the other navies visit our ship," said ARA Sarandi's (D 13) acting master chief, Operations Specialist Senior Chief Guillermo Lencina. "It is very important for our navies and sailors to develop closer relationships. If we didn't have these opportunities, we couldn't learn from or about each other."

Relationships are also enhanced by ship exchange programs that allow sailors from different nations to live and interact with each other. Not only do the participants gain an understanding of how another navy conducts its daily operations, but the experience cultivates lifetime friendships and relationships.

"All navies in the Americas do similar jobs," said Sarandi's Commanding Officer Carlos Maria Allievi. "What's most important is meeting the people and getting to know one another. Unitas provides the vehicle for that to happen."

Brazilian helicopter maintenance supervisor Sgt. Jermed Martins of BNS Constituicao (F-42) echoed this sentiment.

"Not only do our ships look the same, but a sailor is a sailor in every navy," said Martins. "We all mirror each other."

At the closing ceremonies, Rear Adm. Pablo Vignolles, commander of the multinational force, talked about the will of countries.

"Our countries came with a will to work together; a will to make friends," said Vignolles. "Two weeks ago, those aboard the ships had never met before."

Klakring, assigned to Task Group 40.0, is on a six-month deployment to South America and the Caribbean as part of Southern Seas 2010 (SS10). Southern Seas is an annual U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM)-directed operation implemented by U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (COMUSNAVSO) and executed by Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 40 as Commander, Task Group 40.0. Southern Seas focuses on conducting a variety of exercises and multinational exchanges to enhance interoperability, increase regional stability, and build and maintain regional relationships with partner nations. SS10 includes the guided-missile frigate, USS Klakring (FFG 42), HSL-42 Det. 10, and DESRON 40 serving as the command element.

USS Chung-Hoon Deploys to Western Pacific

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Paul Honnick, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Hawaii

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) departed Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for an independent deployment to the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility in the western Pacific June 1.

During its four-and-a-half month deployment, Chung-Hoon will perform maritime interdiction operations and provide support for anti-insurgency operations in the Sulu Sea. The ship and its crew will also be working with the forward deployed naval forces conducting freedom of navigation operations.

Additionally, the Hawaii-based warship will participate in the annual Cooperative Afloat Readiness and Training exercise with the Republic of Singapore Navy for the second consecutive year.

"We've got a fantastic crew. We've got 283 Sailors onboard and each one of them is fully trained and ready to do the mission and they're excited to go," said Cmdr. Scott Erb, commanding officer of Chung-Hoon.

Erb that from the time the ship returned from its last deployment in July 2009, the crew has been training hard for the next one.

"Since then we've had a selective restrictive availability, a maintenance availability to help make our ship a better ship materially, we've done quite a bit of training for the crew and we've had the big INSURV inspection this spring which helped prep us both materially and for training," said Erb.

Erb feels his crew is ready for the challenges ahead.

"I am very proud of the crew and the hard work they've put in since we came back from our last deployment." said Erb. "Their professionalism and commitment to [doing] business means we will be ready to accomplish any missions we receive."

Chung-Hoon has embarked Light Helicopter Squadron 37's Detachment 4 as its air department. They will provide aerial support with a SH-60B helicopter.

Guided-missile destroyers are multimission anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare surface combatants. They operate independently for support of carrier and expeditionary strike groups and surface strike groups

USS Columbus Returns to Pearl Harbor

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ronald Gutridge, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Los Angeles-class fast-attack nuclear powered submarine USS Columbus (SSN 762) returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam May 28, following a six-month deployment to the western Pacific region.

"This was an incredibly successful deployment with every mission accomplished superbly." said Cmdr. Dave Minyard, commanding officer, Columbus. "The crew's performance was outstanding and they executed exactly as trained."

"This deployment was challenging from beginning to end," said Lt. Cmdr. Robert Hill, executive officer, Columbus. "I am extremely proud of the professionalism the crew demonstrated while conducting missions."

Columbus is the 51st Los Angeles-class submarine and the 12th improved version of this class, which includes a vertical launch system for Tomahawk cruise missiles and an improved hull design for under-ice operations. The ship completed a post shipyard availability in June 1994 in Groton, Conn. after initial construction and shakedown operations. In September 1994, the ship conducted an interfleet transfer to Pearl Harbor and joined the U.S. Pacific Fleet Submarine Force.

USS Bonhomme Richard Commences Dawn Blitz 2010

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Duke Richardson, USS Bonhomme Richard Public Affairs

USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At Sea (NNS) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) departed San Diego June 1 to participate in Exercise Dawn Blitz 2010.

Bonhomme Richard joins other San Diego-based sea commands, as well as Marine Corps units from the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force in the weeklong exercise which will sharpen the troops' ability to plan and conduct an amphibious assault.

Approximately 4,500 Sailors and Marines are participating in the exercise which will highlight the blue/green partnership, as well as hone skills needed to maintain operational readiness and core competencies.

"Bonhomme Richard is serving as a command and control platform and flagship for Expeditionary Strike Group Three and the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force," said Lt. John Naumanuf, Bonhomme Richard's assistant operations officer. "The exercise is designed to plan, execute and evaluate a Marine expeditionary brigade-level amphibious landing. [The benefit of doing an exercise such as Dawn Blitz] is to sustain our already high level of amphibious experience and readiness in a higher OPTEMPO environment."

Utilizing helicopters and jet aircraft, amphibious assault vehicles, hovercraft, and weapons such as field artillery cannons, the troops will stage an amphibious assault operation demonstrating its ability to move units ashore and carry out mission objectives. Together, the Navy and Marine Corps team will show its expeditionary capability to project and sustain combat power ashore in the face of armed opposition.

Dawn Blitz 2010 highlights the Navy and Marine Corps' dedication to remain trained and ready to respond to the nation's call.

Wednesday, June 02, 2010

USS Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group Enters 7th Fleet



By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Foster Bamford, USS Peleliu Public Affairs

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group (PEL ARG) entered the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Operations May 30 as part of its regularly scheduled Western Pacific deployment.

PEL ARG arrived in 7th Fleet with the ability to accomplish a variety of missions outlined in the nation's maritime strategy, including combat missions, humanitarian assistance and promoting peace and stability in the region.

The ready group consists of three ships – amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5), amphibious transport dock ship USS Dubuque (LPD 8) and amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52), and is led Capt. Dale Fuller, Amphibious Squadron 3 commodore.

"Our Navy, Marine Corps team can offer a full range of operational capabilities," said Fuller. "We are fully ready to meet any tasking required by 7th Fleet."

The ready group's more than 3,000 personnel include nearly 1,800 Sailors and 1,400 embarked Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), led by Col. Roy Osborn.

"The Peleliu and our embarked Marine Expeditionary Unit are fully integrated, fully certified and are fully capable of carrying out the [nation's] maritime strategy," said Capt. David Schnell, Peleliu commanding officer. "We are looking forward to transiting through 7th Fleet and to operating in 7th Fleet, to demonstrate those capabilities both operationally as well as in exercises with other countries and other U.S. forces in the region."

Other elements of the PEL ARG include the command element, Commander, Amphibious Squadron 3; Fleet Surgical Team 1; Tactical Air Control Squadron 11; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23, Detachment Five; Assault Craft Unit 1, Detachment F; Assault Craft Unit 5, Detachment B and Beachmaster Unit 1, Detachment D.

The 7th Fleet Area of Operations includes more than 52 million square miles of the Pacific Ocean, running from the International Date Line to the eastern coast of Africa, and from the Antarctic to the Kuril Islands, northeast of Japan. It contains more than half of the world's population.

PEL ARG is on a regularly scheduled western Pacific deployment. While in 7th Fleet, PEL ARG reports to Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, Rear Adm. Richard Landolt, who is headquartered in Okinawa, Japan.

Airmen upgrade GPS constellation

by Scott Prater, 50th Space Wing Public Affairs

SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Airmen from the 2nd Space Operations Squadron and from the 19th SOPS took control of the Air Force's newest GPS satellite following its launch into orbit May 28 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.

The GPS IIF SV-1 satellite represents a substantial upgrade for the GPS constellation. Thanks to improvements with the cesium-based atomic clocks used for timing, the satellite is expected to provide more accurate navigation signals than those of its predecessors.

The new IIF satellite also will broadcast two new signals: a jam resistant military code signal and a third civil signal known as the L5.

This latest addition is part of an ongoing modernization effort for the GPS constellation by Air Force officials.

"We're continuously replacing satellites in the constellation to ensure GPS remains the world's gold standard for position, timing and navigation," said Lt. Col. Mike Manor, the 2nd SOPS director of operations. "The GPS constellation is made up of 24 slots in space surrounding the earth where we place our satellites. This slot scheme and satellite placement ensures GPS users receive the most accurate navigation data at any time, at any place around the entire globe."

With the addition of the IIF SV-1, the GPS constellation now consists of 31 operational satellites. The idea is to keep newer satellites covering the primary slots. As the older satellites age, Air Force operators will move them out of the constellation and replace those primary slots with new vehicles.

"In a way, it's a constant transition as we continue to field newer and more capable vehicles," Colonel Manor said.

That constant transition into newer, more technologically advanced satellites has allowed the GPS wing, 2nd SOPS and 19th SOPS Airmen to exceed the required accuracy performance for GPS.

"We are exceeding the required sub-6 meters at 98 percent accuracy standard," Colonel Manor said. "We advertise that we are sub-3 meters on average, which is the most accurate GPS signal in the history of the program, so we're crushing the sub-6 meter requirement for our global users."

It's important to note the system's improving performance because military and civilian users worldwide have come to rely heavily on GPS.

Not since the invention of the radio has a free utility affected so many people on such a wide and varied scale. GPS service initially was designed and used for military purposes, but its civilian uses and popularity have brought the Air Force into an increasingly public arena.

GPS satellites provide combat capability for military applications, as well as ground vehicle and aircraft navigation aids. Civilians also use GPS as timing and navigation aids, plus they rely on GPS for power-grid management, banking, stock market transactions and cell-phone service.

Airmen in the GPS Operations Center receive 75 to 100 requests each week for various levels of support. Their primary mission is to support military users, providing them with information to take full advantage of the modernized utility of the GPS signal.

"Any time a civil user of GPS reports a loss of GPS signal, we provide a current status of the GPS constellation and provide additional information to help them determine the cause of their outage," said 1st Lt. Caitlyn Diffley, a 2nd SOPS payload systems operator. "The vast majority of the time, I'd say 99 percent, the outage is related to some issue with the receiver unit, such as software glitches or installation issues."

Colonel Manor said in this most recent case, the issue involved a decryption problem with a specific vendor, which affected a specific military-use receiver.

The most recent launch of the new IIF satellite represents the first of 12 IIF satellites scheduled for launch in the next few years.

After a 3 to 4 month checkout of the new satellite, the vehicle will enter the operational constellation and begin broadcasting its navigation signal to users. The next IIF launch is anticipated for November.

Tuesday, June 01, 2010

USS New Mexico Arrives at New Homeport in Groton, Conn

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- Virginia-class attack submarine USS New Mexico (SSN 779) made her way up the Thames River June 1 and arrived at her new homeport, Naval Submarine Base New London.

New Mexico joins Submarine Squadron 4 to further train and test the crew.

The submarine made the transition from a shipyard project to a fully operational, combat-ready vessel when she officially joined the fleet on March 27 during a commissioning ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk.

New Mexico is named in recognition of the people of the "Land of Enchantment." The battleship New Mexico (BB-40) (1918-1946), the only other ship named after the 47th state, earned six battle stars for World War II service, which included providing shore bombardment support for landings in the Gilbert and Marshall Islands, Guam, Tinian, Saipan, the Philippines, and Okinawa.

Northrop Grumman Corporation delivered the sixth submarine of the Virginia class to the U.S. Navy in December, four months ahead of schedule. New Mexico's 70-month construction period represents the shortest overall construction time to date of any Virginia-class submarine.

New Mexico is built to excel in anti-submarine warfare; anti-ship warfare; strike warfare; special operations; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; battle group support; and mine warfare missions. By doing so, New Mexico will directly enable five of the six Navy Maritime Strategy Core Capabilities - sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence.

The 7,800-ton New Mexico was built under a unique teaming arrangement between Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding and General Dynamics Electric Boat. She is 377-feet long, has a 34-foot beam, and will be able to dive to depths of greater than 800 feet and operate at speeds in excess of 25 knots submerged. New Mexico is designed with a reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship - reducing life-cycle costs while increasing underway time.

The keel for New Mexico was authenticated April 12, 2008, and the ship was christened Dec. 13, 2008. New Mexico is the most modern and sophisticated attack submarine in the world, providing undersea supremacy well into the 21st century.