#Warfighting: Washington, Stennis Carrier Strike Groups Operate in Andaman Sea

The Nimitz-class aircraft carriers USS George Washington (CVN 73) and USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) are underway together in formation. Ships and aircraft of the George Washington and John C. Stennis carrier strike groups are conducting exercises to increase interoperability, readiness, and the capability to respond quickly to various potential crises in the region, ranging from combat operations to humanitarian assistance. The U.S. Navy is constantly deployed to preserve peace, protect commerce, and deter aggression through forward presence. Join the conversation on social media using #warfighting. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jennifer A. Villalovos/Released)

ANDAMAN SEA (NNS) -- The USS George Washington and USS John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Groups (CSGs) steamed together in the Andaman Sea Oct. 12, conducting integrated flight operations while also practicing surface and anti-submarine drills.

Located in the northeast edge of the Indian Ocean, the Andaman Sea narrows to form the Strait of Malacca, one of the most important shipping lanes in the world. Both CSGs have been conducting forward presence operations and port visits in the vital Asia-Pacific region for the past three weeks, but having two aircraft carriers operating together in the Andaman Sea is an unusual opportunity.

"The U.S. Navy routinely conducts dual-aircraft carrier operations in international waters when and where opportunities exist; however, I believe this is the first time it has been done in the Andaman Sea," said Capt. Greg Fenton, USS George Washington's (CVN 73) commanding officer. "These operations are vital in improving interoperability and readiness to respond across the full range of military operations from humanitarian assistance to combat missions."

The two CSGs conducted similar dual-carrier operations in late September near Guam following exercise Valiant Shield.

"Integrated operations are essential to our ability to effectively respond to any threat or crisis in the region," said Rear Adm. Chuck Gaouette, commander of the Stennis CSG. "As the Asia-Pacific region continues to grow in importance, we must ensure we are capable of operating in a complex environment in order to continue to promote peace, cooperation and stability here."

Consisting of more than 10,000 Sailors, 120 aircraft, four escort ships and a supply replenishment ship, both CSGs patrolled the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations over the last few weeks before conducting highly successful port visits.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) anchored in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia Sept. 30 for a four-day port visit during which Sailors conducted numerous professional exchanges with the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) while also performing community service projects. Stennis then transited the Strait of Malacca and conducted a port visit in Phuket, Thailand. Sailors worked with the Royal Thai Navy, conducted community service events, and took some time to enjoy the local culture and cuisine.

After recently patrolling in the South China Sea, USS George Washington conducted a port visit to Port Klang, Malaysia Oct. 7. Sailors continued advancing partnerships with the RMN by practicing Explosive Ordnance Disposal team training, conducting a medical subject matter exchange, and visiting the RMN's world class National Hydrographic Center in Port Klang.
Both aircraft carriers departed from their respective port visits in preparation for operating together in the Andaman Sea Oct. 12, the day before the U.S. Navy's 237th birthday.

"It seems appropriate that we have two of our 11 aircraft carriers working side-by-side as we celebrate the Navy's birthday," said Cmdr. Shawn Mangrum, Carrier Air Wing 5 operations officer aboard the USS George Washington. "Working with another carrier air wing increases sortie generation and provides a more robust simulated threat environment and more realistic training."

The George Washington CSG is led by Rear Adm. J. R. Haley and consists of his Carrier Strike Group 5 staff, Destroyer Squadron 15, Carrier Air Wing 5, the flagship aircraft carrier USS George Washington, the guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85) and the frigate USS Vandegrift (FFG 48).

The John C. Stennis CSG is led by Rear Adm. Gaouette and consists of his Carrier Strike Group 3 staff, Destroyer Squadron 21, Carrier Air Wing 9, the flagship aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis, guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) and guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60). The group is also joined by the fast combat support ship USNS Bridge (T-AOE-10).

Capital Shield Exercise preps D.C. National Guard for Inauguration

D.C. National Guard members recently participated in training with other agencies to help protect the nation’s capital. (Photo by Sgt. Jesse Searls, D.C. National Guard)

By Sgt. Jesse Searls, District of Columbia National Guard

The District of Columbia National Guard participated in the 2012 Capital Shield Exercise, a training event which emphasizes unity of effort for district and federal agencies operating in the District of Columbia in preparation for events such as the upcoming inauguration.

The D.C. Army National Guard’s 33rd CST, together with the Massachusetts National Guard’s 1st CST, set up their equipment for a section of the training conducted in Southeast Washington.
The western campus of St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, which opened in 1855 as the “Government Hospital for the Insane,” is situated in southeast D.C., south and across the Anacostia River from the D.C. National Guard Armory. The rich and storied history of the institution is palpable as the National Guard members conducted a training scenario based on a possible chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear threat.

The mission of the D.C.ARNG’s 33rd CST is one of paramount importance: made up of 22 highly trained hazmat technicians, it is capable of responding to various untold levels of natural or man-made disasters that could threaten the public safety in the District of Columbia. Training exercises like Capital Shield prepare the soldiers to work with and assist several agencies and departments.
The 33rd works closely with the D.C. Fire Department, Metropolitan Police Department, D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, D.C. Department of Health, and the FBI in a combined effort to protect the public in the event of a weapons of mass destruction attack on our nation’s capital.

Among the training area is a vast array of shuttered, three-story brick buildings. The campus covers more than 100 acres. It’s closed to the public with fencing and gate guards and is confusing to drive around with its tight, twisting roads, adding up to an excellent environment for precise and professional training to take place.

During Capital Shield Exercise at S The 33rd Civil Support Team, District of Columbia National Guard, participates in the 2012 Capital Shield Exercise. (Photo by Sgt. Jesse Searls, D.C. National Guard)t. Elizabeth’s, Sgt. Tanisha Mercado, having just finished an exercise in a heavy, air-tight chemical suit with its own oxygen container, talked about the training that day.

“Staff Sgt. Jason McGuire and I were tasked with performing surveying and recon around a trailer.” Mercado said, as she pointed to a large conex container sitting conspicuously among the historic buildings of St Elizabeth’s. “We took a grab sample, which is when the entire package, container, envelope, or in this case, a propane tank is taken into the lab. Our grab sample turned out to be an improvised dispersal device.”

The 33rd CST has completed two large-scale exercises this year in anticipation of the 2013 Presidential Inauguration to be held Monday, Jan. 21.

I’m proud of the hard work they put in every day,” said 33rd CST’s First Sergeant and senior non-commissioned officer, 1st Sgt. Charles Mick. “We’re ready for anything.”

UAVs autonomously refuel in flight during DARPA demo

Two modified RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicles successfully demonstrated technology that allows unmanned vehicles to be automatically refueled in-flight, an important step in conducting surveillance and combat duties, said the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency on Oct. 5.

Currently global military aviation relies on a key enabler – aerial refueling. Fighters, bombers, reconnaissance and transport aircraft use “flying gas stations” to go the extra mile, it said. Increasingly, it said UAVs are conducting combat and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations, but the aircraft aren’t designed to be refueled in flight.

DARPA said it teamed up with NASA in 2007 to show high-performance aircraft can easily perform automated refueling from conventional tankers, but many unmanned aircraft can’t match the speed, altitude and performance of the current tanker fleet. The 2007 demonstration also required a pilot on board to set conditions and monitor safety during autonomous refueling operations, it said.

On Oct 5, DARPA’s two-year Autonomous High-Altitude Refueling (AHR) program, which concluded Sep. 30, explored the ability to safely conduct fully autonomous refueling of UAVs in challenging high-altitude flight conditions. During its final test flight, two modified Global Hawk aircraft flew in close formation, 100 feet or less between refueling probe and receiver drogue, for the majority of a 2.5-hour engagement at 44,800 feet, said the agency.

The manuever demonstrated for the first time that High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) class aircraft can safely and autonomously operate under in-flight refueling conditions, it said. The flight was the ninth test and the first time the aircraft flew close enough to measure the full aerodynamic and control interactions, it added. Flight data was analyzed over the past few months and fed back into simulations to verify system safety and performance through contact and fuel transfer–including the effects of turns and gusts up to 20 knots, it said.

According to the agency, since HALE aircraft are designed for endurance at the expense of control authority, the program started with the expectation that only one of six attempts would achieve positive contact (17 percent). The final analysis, however, showed 60 percetn of the attempts would achieve contact, it said. Multiple autonomous breakaway contingencies were successfully triggered well in advance of potentially hazardous conditions, it said. Fuel systems were also fully integrated and ground tested, demonstrating a novel “reverse-flow” approach with the tanker in trail, said DARPA, opening up valuable trade space for future developers to choose between various fixed and modular implementations of proven probe and drogue hardware.

“The goal of this demonstration was to create the expectation that future HALE aircraft will be refueled in flight,” said Jim McCormick, DARPA Program Manager. “Such designs should be more affordable to own and operate across a range of mission profiles than systems built to satisfy the most stressing case without refueling. The lessons from AHR certainly extend beyond the HALE flight regime, and insights into non-traditional tanker concepts may offer further operational advantages.”

'Silent Sentry' gives deployed Airmen upper hand in space superiority

by Senior Airman Bryan Swink, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- With the advancement of technology, satellite communication has been a key factor in maintaining space superiority throughout the entire area of responsibility.

Airmen assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron operate the Rapid Attack Identification Detection Reporting System, which monitors and protects the U.S. military's SATCOM links. This mission is called Operation Silent Sentry.

Using RAIDRS, the team conducts defensive counter-space operations in support of theater campaigns and combatant commanders. They monitor high priority SATCOM signals, detect electromagnetic interference on those signals and geolocate the source of that interference as well as other signals of interest.

"It's like a game of chess we are playing with the enemy," said Tech. Sgt. Josh Swicegood, 379th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron Silent Sentry operator. "They attempt to run interference and we counteract by creating a work around. We continuously update our TTPs (Tactics, Techniques and Procedures) to best support our assets in the field."

Jamming occurs when a legitimate signal is overpowered by another signal. This can be intentional (hostile) or accidental due to misconfigured equipment.

Fortunately, RAIDRS detects the jamming signal. When the enemy uses a SATCOM jammer, the jamming signal acts somewhat like a flashlight beam hitting a wall. The main portion of the jamming signal will hit the intended satellite, while a small portion of the signal also hits nearby satellites; similar to the way a beam of light would illuminate across a wall.

RAIDRS exploits these characteristics by measuring the time it takes the signal to travel the two different distances as it is relayed through the satellites. It also measures the observed difference in frequency between the two signals due to the Doppler Effect. Using this data, the Airmen then conduct a series of complex calculations to predict where the jammer is located. They relay the information forward to ensure appropriate countermeasures are taken.

The team monitors hundreds of different signals 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Their unique capability is not only utilized by the Air Force, but also by numerous joint agencies in the AOR to support the United States efforts to combat the enemy throughout the world.

Operation Silent Sentry began as a proof of concept experiment in 2004, which led to a 120-day deployed demonstration in 2005. The program was so successful, U.S. Central Command retained the capability indefinitely.

"This is the Air Force Space Command's only defensive space control asset," said Lt. Col. Blake Tibbetts, 379th EOSS Silent Sentry commander. "Prior to Silent Sentry, our nation's SATCOM was completely vulnerable to jamming that went unresolved. Our ability to geolocate sources of interference means the warfighter can find and resolve the source of the jamming, and the mission can go on. Under the Fly, Fight, Win banner, you don't know where to fly, what to fight or who won unless it's communicated correctly - we make that happen."

379th Air Expeditionary Wing Silent Sentry Airmen are composed of active-duty and reserve personnel from the 16th Space Control Squadron and 380th Space Control Squadron, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.

"This team is a great group of dedicated Airmen," said Capt. Chad Gilbert, 379th EOSS Silent Sentry crew commander. "They truly are technical experts and do an incredible job. Many of the circumstances they face over here, they have never experienced stateside in training, but they learn quickly and adapt to the situation."

The next installment to Operation Silent Sentry is RAIDRS Block 10. It is expected to be operational in 2013. The Block 10 system allows for the remote control of RAIDRS sensors located worldwide from a central operating location within the United States.

#Warfighting: USS George Washington Conducts Replenishment At Sea

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class William Pittman, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At Sea (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) conducted a replenishment-at-sea (RAS) with the Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3), Oct. 5.

George Washington received more than 200 pallets of supplies during the RAS, allowing the flagship of the George Washington Carrier Strike Group to continue its mission of providing a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its partners and allies in the Asia-Pacific region.

"The ability to replenish our supplies while at sea allows us to keep an at sea forward presence," said Cmdr. Sean Egge, George Washington's supply officer. "We can sustain underway operations for an extended period of time because of this capability."
George Washington also offloaded several pallets, including supplies designated for the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate USS Vandegrift (FFG 48), which has been independently steaming in the 7th Fleet area of operations.

Helicopters attached to the 'Chargers' of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 14 delivered pallets of supplies from Alan Shepard to George Washington via vertical replenishment.

"We have a system, where nearby ships can send a message to all U.S. forces close by asking for a particular material," said Egge. "We had the needed supplies and we were the closest ship, so we gave it to Vandegrift."

Ships and aircraft of the George Washington and John C. Stennis carrier strike groups are currently exercising to hone their collective interoperability, readiness, and the capability to respond quickly to potential crises in the region, ranging from combat operations to humanitarian assistance missions. As two of the Navy's 11 global force carrier strike groups, the strike groups are further ensuring security, stability and peace in the vital Asia-Pacific region.

Gettysburg VBSS Team Conducts Training during Exercise Joint Warrior

By Lt. Amber Lewis, Destroyer Squadron 26 Public Affairs

Sailors from the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64) move toward a small vessel during a visit, board, search and seizure training event during Exercise Joint Warrior. Joint Warrior is designed and led by the joint tactical exercise planning staff in the United Kingdom and is intended to improve interoperability between allied navies and prepare participants for a role in a joint maritime environment during deployments. Join the conversation on social media using #warfighting. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Amber Lewis/Released)

 

USS GETTYSBURG, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Gettysburg (CG 64) Sailors participated in visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) team training as part of Exercise Joint Warrior off the coast of Scotland, Oct. 2.

As part of the training, a small vessel approached the area where Gettysburg was patrolling and acted as a suspected pirate vessel. Gettysburg queried the vessel according to exercise instructions. When the small vessel did not reply properly, the VBSS team prepared to board it.

The VBSS team officers reported to the Gettysburg bridge to get amplifying information about the vessel, and how it was behaving while the other members of the VBSS team dressed out for the boarding. The VBSS team then reported to the fantail to launch a rigid hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) to transport them to the suspected vessel.

"I look at it kind of like a football game, when we are in the locker room just prepping, thinking about the plays you are going to make, what the other team is going to do, how you are going to counter that to bring your team back home safe." said Lt. j.g. Christian Mack, a member of the VBSS team on board Gettysburg.

Once on board the small vessel, the VBSS team's job is to conduct a search and determine if it is operating within international law. If they find the vessel is a suspected pirate ship or participating in illegal operations, the team will move to take control of the ship. Team members are trained in engineering and bridge standing procedures so they can maneuver the vessel if needed.

VBSS teams participate in similar training at least once a quarter, either at sea or ashore.

"Being at sea, doing it underway is the best training," said VBSS team member Lt. j.g. Michael Burris.

#Warfighting: Navy to Commission Guided-Missile Destroyer Michael Murphy

The guided-missile destroyer Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Michael Murphy (DDG 112) makes its way through New York Harbor in preparation for its commissioning Oct. 6. The new destroyer honors the late Lt. (SEAL) Michael P. Murphy, a New York native, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in combat as leader of a four-man reconnaissance team in Afghanistan. Murphy was the first person to be awarded the Medal of Honor for actions in Afghanistan, and the first member of the U.S. Navy to receive the award since the Vietnam War. #murph (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Erik Swanson/Released)

 

NEW YORK (NNS) -- The Navy will commission the newest guided-missile destroyer, Michael Murphy (DDG 112), Oct. 6, during a 10 a.m. EDT ceremony at Pier 88 in Manhattan, N.Y.

The newest destroyer honors Navy SEAL (Sea, Air, Land) Lt. Michael P. Murphy, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan June 28, 2005.

Murphy led a four-man team tasked with finding a key Taliban leader in the mountainous terrain near Asadabad, Afghanistan, when they came under fire from a much larger enemy force with superior tactical position.

Mortally wounded while exposing himself to enemy fire, Murphy knowingly left his position of cover to get a clear signal in order to communicate with his headquarters. While being shot at repeatedly, Murphy calmly provided his unit's location and requested immediate support for his element. He returned to his cover position to continue the fight until finally succumbing to wounds.

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Maureen Murphy will serve as sponsor of the ship named for her late son. The ceremony will be highlighted by a time-honored Navy tradition when she gives the first order to "man our ship and bring her to life!"

"This ship honors the courage, service and sacrifice of Lt. Michael Murphy, his Red Wings brothers, fellow SEALs, special operators and service members around the world who answer the call of duty every day," said Mabus. "It is absolutely fitting that the USS Michael Murphy bears a SEAL trident on her crest because, much like Michael and every Navy SEAL who has earned the honor of wearing the trident, this ship is designed to counter threats from above and below the surface of the oceans, in the air and on land."

Designated DDG 112, Michael Murphy is the 62nd Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, capable of conducting operations from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection. Michael Murphy is capable of fighting air, surface and subsurface battles simultaneously and will contain a myriad of offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime warfare.

"USS Michael Murphy, the most flexible, lethal and multi-mission capable ship of its kind, represents the backbone of our surface combatant fleet," said Adm. Jonathan Greenert, chief of naval operations. "It is one of the best destroyers in the world. This ship will operate forward around the globe, assuring allies, projecting power and defending our nation. And, like its namesake Lt. Michael Murphy, this ship will serve to protect, influence and win in an era of uncertainty."

Cmdr. Thomas E. Shultz, a native of El Cajon, Calif., is the commanding officer of the ship and will lead the crew of 279 officers and enlisted personnel. The 9,200-ton Michael Murphy was built by General Dynamics Bath Iron Works. The ship is 509 feet in length, has a waterline beam of 59 feet, and has a navigational draft of 31 feet. Four gas turbine engines will power the ship to speeds in excess of 30 knots.

The commissioning ceremony will be live at www.livestream.com/usnavy and you can join the conversation on Twitter with the hash tag #MURPH. 

Future USNS Cesar Chavez Completes Integrated Acceptance Trial

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Following four days of intensive testing and trials, the future USNS Cesar Chavez (T-AKE 14) completed Integrated Acceptance Trial Sept. 28, departing from and returning to the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego.

T-AKE 14 is the 14th and final Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo/ammunition ship to be presented to the Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey.

Because of the maturity of the class, the Navy holds only one round of trials on each ship of this class prior to delivery, instead of separate builder's and acceptance trials. This single integrated trial requires less time, fuel and manpower than the conventional multiple trial method. Completion of the acceptance trial is the final major milestone prior to delivery to the Navy.

"Completing trials for the final ship in the Lewis and Clark class is a major milestone in this very impressive shipbuilding program," said Frank McCarthey, the Auxiliary Ships, Small Boats and Craft program manager for the Navy's Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. "This ship trial again demonstrates the maturity of this class, the many lessons learned incorporated, and significant production efficiencies NASSCO has achieved across the class."

The T-AKE program is based on a low risk, commercial-oriented acquisition strategy that has yielded multiple efficiencies. The last five ships of the class have delivered on cost and ahead of schedule, with USNS Cesar Chavez to deliver to the Navy later this year.

T-AKEs are operating in Military Sealift Command's Combat Logistics Force, helping the Navy maintain a worldwide forward presence by delivering ammunition, food, fuel, and other supplies to U.S. and allied ships at sea.

As one of the Defense Department's largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships, special mission and support ships, and special warfare craft. Currently, the majority of shipbuilding programs managed by PEO Ships are benefiting from serial production efficiencies, which are critical to delivering ships on cost and schedule. 

#Warfighting: Navy's Second Joint High Speed Vessel Launched

MOBILE, Ala. (NNS) -- The future USNS Choctaw County (JHSV 2) launched Oct. 1, in Mobile, Ala., marking a key milestone in the ship's construction process.

JHSV 2 is a versatile, non-combatant, transport ship that will be used for fast intra-theater transportation of troops, military vehicles, and equipment. Austal USA built the ship, and it is the second of a 10-ship program.

"As only the second ship of the Spearhead class, JHSV 2's launch represents an important early success for the entire program," said Capt. Henry Stevens, strategic and theater sealift program manager. "Choctaw County is already building on lessons learned from JHSV 1 and is more complete than her predecessor at launch."

JHSVs are designed to commercial standards, with limited modifications for military use. These vessels can transport 600 short tons 1,200 nautical miles at an average speed of 35 knots and can operate in shallow-draft ports and waterways, providing U.S. forces added mobility and flexibility. The ships also have an aviation flight deck to support day and night air vehicle launch and recovery operations. JHSVs have berthing space for up to 146 personnel and airline-style seating for up to 312.

Choctaw County is named for three U.S. counties, located in Mississippi, Alabama and Oklahoma, which share the same name. Upon delivery to the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command (MSC), JHSV 2 will be designated as a U.S. naval ship and will have a core crew of 21 civilian mariners who will operate and navigate the ship. The first four ships, including Choctaw County, will be crewed by federally-employed civil service mariners. The remaining six will be crewed by civilian contract mariners working for private shipping companies under contract to MSC. Military mission personnel will embark, as required, by the mission sponsors.

As one of the Defense Department's largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships, special mission and support ships, and special warfare craft. Delivering high-quality war fighting assets - while balancing affordability and capability - is key to supporting the nation's maritime strategy.

October is #Warfighting month focusing on Navy Warfighters, a fast and flexible force deployed worldwide to preserve peace, protect commerce, and deter aggression on, above, and below the sea.

#Warfighting: Underwood Resumes Operation Martillo in Caribbean

By Lt. Stephanie Homick, Southern Seas 2012 Public Affairs

USS UNDERWOOD, At Sea (NNS) -- The Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate USS Underwood (FFG 36) resumes patrols to support Operation Martillo in the Caribbean Oct. 1 after participating in the annual multinational exercise UNITAS 2012.

Underwood conducted counter-transnational organized crime (C-TOC) operations supporting Operation Martillo in August, and then diverted to participate in UNITAS in September.

The frigate returned to the western and southern Caribbean Sea to continue C-TOC operations until the ship completes its Southern Seas deployment to U.S. 4th Fleet and returns to homeport of Mayport, Fla., in November.

"Operation Martillo is an important mission for us because it is an opportunity to prevent illegal drugs from reaching the shores of the United States," said Cmdr. Michael Brasseur, executive officer of Underwood. "Our mission is to patrol an area of the Caribbean Sea and to deter and prevent drug traffickers from bringing their products to the U.S."

Operation Martillo (Spanish for 'hammer') is a U.S., European, and Western Hemisphere partner nation effort targeting illicit trafficking routes in coastal waters along the Central American isthmus. Led by Joint Interagency Task Force South (JITAF-S), a component of SOUTHCOM, Martillo is a component of the U.S. government's coordinated interagency regional security strategy in support of the White House strategy to combat transnational organized crime and the U.S. Central America Regional Security Initiative.

Fourteen countries are participating in the operation: Canada, Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, France, Guatemala, Honduras, the Netherlands, Nicaragua, Panama, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States.

"This time around we will have the Colombian frigate ARC Antioquia (FM 53) and the British Royal Navy destroyer HMS Dauntless (D-33) assisting us in patrolling our designated area," added Brasseur. "These extra assets will increase our chances of success for this mission."

This month's support of Operation Martillo will be the last part of Underwood's final deployment before she is decommissioned in March 2013.

"I think that we will be much more successful this time because we have learned lessons from our first go-around with Operation Martillo and we will use those lessons learned to execute better," said Brasseur. "I have a good feeling that we will make a difference and have a big impact on drug trafficking in the region."

JIATF South is a multiservice, multiagency national task force which conducts counter-illicit trafficking operations and intelligence fusion to detect, monitor, and handoff suspected illicit trafficking targets to law enforcement activities; promotes security cooperation and coordinates country team and partner nation initiatives in order to defeat the flow of illicit traffic.

October is #Warfighting month focusing on Navy Warfighters, a fast and flexible force deployed worldwide to preserve peace, protect commerce, and deter aggression on, above, and below the sea.

Operation Deep Freeze main season begins

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (AFNS) -- The U.S. military recently kicked off the 2012-2013 season of Operation Deep Freeze, the Department of Defense's support of the U.S. Antarctic Program and the National Science Foundation.

The operation began with C-17 Globemaster III operations Sept. 29 and will continue with LC-130 Hercules operations beginning Oct. 18.

Operation Deep Freeze involves U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army and Coast Guard forces providing operational and logistical support of the NSF's scientific research activities in Antarctica.

This support is provided by the Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica, led by Pacific Air Forces at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. JTF-SFA coordinates strategic inter-theater airlift, tactical deep field support, aeromedical evacuation support, search and rescue response, sealift, seaport access, bulk fuel supply, port cargo handling and transportation requirements.

Christchurch International Airport, New Zealand, is the staging point for deployments to McMurdo Station, Antarctica, a key research and operations facility for the USAP.

Operation Deep Freeze is unlike any other U.S. military operation, according to officials. It is one of the military's most difficult peacetime missions due to the harsh Antarctic environment. The U.S. military is uniquely equipped and trained to operate in such an austere environment and has therefore provided support to the USAP since 1955.

Active duty, National Guard and Reserve personnel from the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army and Coast Guard work together as part of the joint task force. This team continues the tradition of U.S. military support to the USAP and demonstrates the United States' commitment to a stable Pacific region, officials said.

Airlift for Operation Deep Freeze involves active duty and Reserve C-17 support from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.; LC-130 support from the New York Air National Guard; sealift support from the U.S. Coast Guard and Military Sealift Command; engineering and aviation services from U.S. Navy Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command; and cargo handling from the U.S. Navy.

Air Force launching secretive X-37B space plane in October

 

Leonard David is reporting at Space.com that the U.S. military's hush-hush robotic X-37B space plane is slated to blast off again this month according to Air Force officials. The mission will test the robotic spacecraft's reusability and may eventually land on the Florida runway once used for NASA space shuttles.

The X-37B space plane 's next mission — called Orbital Test Vehicle-3, or OTV-3, because it is the program's third-ever spaceflight — is scheduled to launch aboard an Atlas 5 rocket from Florida's Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) sometime this month.

And what is even more interesting is the Russians may be watching this launch up from just offshore.

According to a post to a Sep 29 post to the UDXF newsgroup by RHutch on the following CW intercept was heard on 8345 kHz:

08345 RIW DE RJQ84 : 0332z CW 577 20 29 0400 577 = FOR RJH74 RJH45 = 29001 99290 70803 41598 61402 10280 40150 51??? 77036 84243 22200 00260 20000 30000 40000 88000 80000 29017 = + RJQ84 290912

I make it about 30 miles east of Cape Canaveral. My furthest west so far!Also sent previous day's 1800z obs at 0352z RH
RJQ84 is a Russian ship that Russian naval monitoring expert Trond Jacobsen in Norway says is attached to the Russian Navy Northern Fleet. This vessel has been frequently heard with hydrometeo observations on various HF CW frequencies. In February 2010 she was part of a Russian military task force with RMDZ and RFK77.

So is RJQ84 in position to monitor the OTV-3 X-37B/Atlas launch this month?

Exercise Joint Warrior Begins Off the Coast of Scotland

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Foster Bamford, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

USS GETTYSBURG, At Sea (NNS) -- Joint Warrior, a two-week exercise, designed and led by the Joint Tactical Exercise Planning Staff (JTEPS) in the United Kingdom, is the largest military exercise in Europe and began off the coast of Scotland, Oct. 1.

"The exercise is designed to test the skill, knowledge and equipment of the participants in a range of different environments," said Capt. Paul Titterton, director of JTEPS. "By training in this fashion, we are able to prepare for a whole range of potential and ultimately realistic tactical scenarios, from out-and-out warfare to rescuing fishermen captured by pirates."

Three United States Navy ships are taking part in the exercise, led by Commander Destroyer Squadron (COMDESRON) 26. They are guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64), guided missile destroyer USS Mitscher (DDG 57) and fleet replenishment oiler USNS Leroy Grumman (TAO 195). Joining the ships is Detachment 2 from the Grandmasters of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 46 and U.S. maritime support reconnaissance patrol aircraft from Experimental Evaluation Test Squadron (VX) 1, Patrol Squadron (VP) 9 and VP 10.

"For us, it's kind of a special treat to be one of the ships that gets to go out there and do this exercise with our coalition partners," said Capt. Bob Hein, Commanding Officer of Gettysburg. "Most likely, these same folks that we are training with, I'm going to see out there in eight months doing operations."

Joint Warrior is designed to improve interoperability and help integrate coalition forces and prepare them for possible joint exercises in a real-world environment.

"Allied and Coalition operations are the standard when units deploy," said Capt. Nelson Castro, commander of COMDESRON 26. "This exercise provides a venue for our Sailors to practice and learn NATO operating procedures."

Joint Warrior involves sea, ground and air assets from participating allied and NATO forces and aims to foster a spirit of teamwork between nations.

There are land, air and sea units participating from the US and eight other countries, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Holland, Belgium, Estonia, Norway and Sweden.

Milcom Blog Logs Sep 2012 - Deltona, Florida

 

Logs courtesy of our friend Jack NeSmith in Deltona. Jack wrote, "This month I have shortened Navy Air Ops to "NAO." Being September is the last month of the old FY things usually slow down. This wasn't true this year as my logs will show. We spent 5 days near Eglin AFB also, the F-35's are a sight to see in formation. I logged 15 freqs while around the Tyndall AFB area,these were F-22's."

120.9500 A/G/A FACSFAC JAX
133.9500 A/G/A FACSFAC JAX
135.9250 A/G/A FACSFAC JAX
138.1250 A/G/A HOMESTEAD ARB 93FS
138.1500 AIR-AIR REFUELING
138.2500 A/G/A HOMESTEAD ARB 93FS
139.7500 A/G/A UNKNOWN USER/FUNCTION
140.2000 AIR-AIR MOODY AFB 23FW
140.2750 A/G/A HURLBURT FLD
140.4250 A/G/A HOMESTEAD ARB 93FS
142.2500 A/G/A UNKNOWN USER
142.3000 A/G/A HOMESTEAD ARB 93FS
143.1500 AIR-AIR MOODY AFB 23FW
143.4500 UNKNOWN USER/FUNCTION
143.8000 A/G/A HOMESTEAD ARB 93FS
148.7500 A/G/A HOMESTEAD ARB 93FS
148.7625 LMR P-25 CAMP BLANDING
149.6500 A/G/A UNKNOWN
150.5000 A/G/A UNKNOWN
225.1500 A/G/A HAVEQUICK
225.3500 A/G/A PINECASTLE RNG
225.8000 A/G/A NAO
227.0750 A/G/A W-470
228.9000 A/G/A NORAD 1AF/AFNORTH
229.0500 A/G/A EGLIN AFB
229.1500 A/G/A NAO
229.9250 A/G/A NAO
230.1250 A/G/A NAO
233.0000 A/G/A EGLIN AFB ARMY RANGER TNG
233.0250 A/G/A TYNDALL AFB 325FW
233.4750 AIR-AIR MOODY AFB 23FW
233.6500 A/G/A UNKNOWN USER
234.8000 A/G/A 159FS/125FW
235.1000 AIR-AIR REFUELING
237.1500 A/G/A NORAD 1AF/AFNORTH
239.0000 ATC ORLANDO EXEC TOWER
239.9500 A/G/A UNKNOWN USER
240.1000 A/G/A AVON PARK RNG
240.6000 A/G/A USCG
241.8750 A/G/A EGLIN AFB
245.7000 ARMY UNKNOWN USER/FUNCTION
250.3000 AIR-AIR VMFA-223
251.2500 A/G/A 159FS/125FW
251.2500 A/G/A HURLBURT FLD CMD POST
251.6000 A/G/A NAO
253.1000 A/G/A PINECASTLE RNG
253.7000 A/G/A 159FS/125FW
254.3250 ATC ZJX
255.4000 ATC FSS
255.9000 ATC TYNDALL AFB A/D
256.7500 AIR-AIR TYNDALL AFB 43FS
256.8750 ATC ZJX
257.3000 A/G/A EGLIN AFB
257.5000 A/G/A GCI “HYDRA”
257.7000 ATC ZMA
257.8000 ATC FAA TOWER
258.3750 AIR-AIR EGLIN AFB
258.9000 A/G/A NAO
259.2000 A/G/A EGLIN AFB
260.9000 A/G/A NORAD TAC-2 1AF/AFNORTH
261.0000 A/G/A TYNDALL AFB
261.2500 A/G/A PINECASTLE RNG
261.4000 A/G/A TYNDALL AFB 325FW
263.0500 ATC JACKSONVILLE IAP A/D
263.0750 A/G/A NAO
263.1500 ATC TYNDALL AFB A/D
263.5000 AIR-AIR CNATRA CQ
264.2000 A/G/A NAO
264.6250 A/G/A AVON PARK RNG
264.6500 A/G/A CECIL FLD
264.7000 A/G/A EGLIN AFB FLT TEST
266.5000 AIR-AIR REFUELING TYNDALL AREA
267.5000 A/G/A FACSFAC JAX
269.1000 ATC TAMPA IAP A/D
269.1250 A/G/A ROSE HILL MOA
269.1500 ATC EGLIN AFB “IFE” APPROACH CONTROL
269.2500 ATC ZJX
269.6000 ATC ZJX
270.8000 ATC NAS PENSACOLA A/D
271.0750 A/G/A NAO
271.4000 A/G/A NAO
273.5000 ATC EGLIN AFB ATIS
273.5500 ATC ZJX
273.6000 ATC SARASOTA TOWER
275.6500 AIR-AIR MOODY AFB 23FW
276.0000 A/G/A EGLIN AFB RANGE CONTROL
277.4500 AIR-AIR UNKNOWN USER CAP AAR??
278.4500 ATC EGLIN AFB GCA DISCRETE
278.8000 ATC NAS PENSACOLA A/D
281.4500 ATC EGLIN AFB A/D
284.1000 AIR-AIR EGLIN AFB
284.2750 A/G/A NAO
284.5000 A/G/A FACSFAC JAX
285.0000 A/G/A TSU “FIDDLE”
285.1250 A/G/A NAO
285.4500 ATC ZMA
285.7500 A/G/A NAO
285.9000 CLEAR VOICE COMMS/WDEBAND FREQ
288.9000 AIR-AIR TYNDALL AFB 43FS
289.0500 A/G/A HAVEQUICK
289.2000 A/G/A PINECASTLE RNG
289.2750 AIR-AIR VMFA-533
289.8000 AIR-AIR AF-1
289.9500 A/G/A EGLIN AFB
290.4250 ATC HURLBURT FLD TOWER
290.5000 ATC EGLIN AFB ARRIVAL PRIMARY
290.6750 AIR-AIR TYNDALL AAFB 43FS
290.9000 A/G/A EGLIN AFB WATER MSN COMMON
292.1000 A/G/A MACDILL AFB 6ARW
292.2000 A/G/A AVON PARK RNG
293.2250 ATC ZMA
293.4000 UNKNOWN USER
293.5250 A/G/A J-STRARS
293.5500 A/G/A HAVEQUICK
293.6000 A/G/A NORAD 1AF/AFNORTH
298.4000 A/G/A EGLIN AFB FLT TEST
298.5000 AIR-AIR TYNDALL AFB 325FW
298.9000 ATC NAS PENSACOLA A/D
299.2500 A/G/A EGLIN AFB
299.3000 AIR-AIR VMFA-533
299.5000 A/G/A NAO
300.4000 A/G/A WIDEBAND
301.0000 A/G/A NAO
301.5500 A/G/A J-STARS
301.9500 UNKNOWN
303.0000 A/G/A NAO
303.0000 AIR-AIR UNKNOWN USER CAP AAR??
303.2750 A/G/A HAVEQUICK
305.5000 AIR-AIR REFUELING
305.6000 A/G/A EGLIN AFB 40/85TES
306.0000 A/G/A NAS JAX VP-30
307.1750 ATC TAMPA IAP A/D
307.2000 ATC ZJX
307.3000 ATC ZMA
308.7500 A/G/A HAVEQUICK
308.9000 A/G/A W-155
310.2000 A/G/A NAS JAX BASE OPS
310.8250 A/G/A MOODY AFB 23FW
311.2000 A/G/A W-155
313.5000 AIR-AIR TYNDALL AFB 93FS/325FW
314.0500 A/G/A W-470A
314.2000 A/G/A 159FS/125FW
314.4500 A/G/A HAVEQUICK
314.8500 A/G/A UNKNOWN USER
315.4000 AIR-AIR NAS PENSACOLA VT-86
316.9000 A/G/A EGLIN AFB LAND MSN COMMON
317.4500 ATC TYNDALL AFB A/D
317.6000 ATC ZJX
318.5000 A/G/A NAS MAYPORT
318.6000 A/G/A NAO
320.3000 A/G/A NAO
321.0000 A/G/A CMD POST
322.4000 ATC JACKSONVILLE IAP A/D
323.0500 ATC ZJX
323.2500 ATC FAA UNKNOWN USER
323.8000 A/G/A EGLIN AFB
324.0000 A/G/A NORAD 1AF/AFNORTH
326.1750 A/G/A NAO
326.6250 A/G/A W-151/COMPASS LAKE MOA
327.0000 ATC FAA UNKNOWN USER
327.1000 ATC ZJX
333.3000 Air-AIR COMMS on a ILS FREQ
335.5500 ATC ZJX
335.8000 ATC EGLIN AFB GROUND CONTROL
336.3250 A/G/A NAO
338.3500 ATC TYNDALL AFB A/D
338.9500 A/G/A WIDEBAND “TACAMO”
339.5000 A/G/A NAO
340.2000 ATC NAS JAX TOWER
341.9250 A/G/A NAO
342.9000 A/G/A NAO
343.0000 A/G/A 159FS/125FW
343.4000 A/G/A NAO
343.5000 A/G/A NAS JAX METRO
346.4000 ATC ZJX
348.0000 AIR-AIR CNATRA TAC-5
351.8000 ATC JACKSONVILLE IAP A/D
351.9000 ATC ORLANDO IAP A/D
352.0000 ATC ZJX
352.1000 A/G/A TYNDALL AFB 325FW
353.6500 ATC EGLIN AFB TOWER
357.0000 A/G/A UNKNOWN USER
357.5000 A/G/A TYNDALL AFB 325FW
360.6000 ATC EGLIN AFB A/D
360.8250 ATC TYNDALL AFB A/D
360.9000 A/G/A NAO
361.3000 A/G/A NAS JAX VR-58
361.4000 TYNDALL AFB 325FW
364.2000 A/G/A NORAD 1AF/AFNORTH
366.6000 A/G/A NAOC “WEEK-48”
374.3000 A/G/A NAO
376.9000 A/G/A FACSFAC JAX DISCRETE
377.0500 ATC JACKSONVILLE IAP A/D
377.2000 ATC EGLIN AFB A/D
378.1000 A/G/A UNKNOWN USER
379.9000 ATC ST AUGUSTINE A/D
379.9500 ATC DAYTONA IAP A/D
385.3000 A/G/A FACSFAC JAX DISCRETE

Nimitz Sets Sail for COMPTUEX

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Phillip Ladouceur, USS Nimitz Public Affairs

EVERETT, Wash. (NNS) -- The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) got underway Sept. 29 to participate in a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) with components of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11.

Prior to departure, Nimitz spent six weeks in its homeport of Everett, Wash. for its carrier in-port availability. During that time, Nimitz took on large quantities of supplies and performed necessary maintenance.

COMPTUEX puts CSG 11 into a training scenario that loosely replicates real world conditions that will build the strike group's warfare skills while also maintaining unit proficiencies. Every Sailor aboard Nimitz will play an important role in the evolutions.

After successful completion of COMPTUEX, CSG 11 will move on to a Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX), which is the strike group's final exam prior to being certified for overseas deployment.

"COMPTUEX/JTFEX caps an extremely busy period for the ship and its crew. Every Sailor aboard has worked very hard this year, and this underway will showcase just how ready each and every member of this outstanding strike group is to conduct our nation's business," said Rear Adm. Pete Gumataotao, commander of CSG 11. "I couldn't be more proud of the efforts of all CSG 11 Sailors and their families to prepare for this evolution."

COMPTUEX involves exercises that simulate surface and sub-surface threats, mines, small boat attacks and transiting straits in hostile waters.

Assessors from Commander, Strike Force Training Forces Pacific (CSFTP) will observe and evaluate CSG 11's performance and mentor strike group staff and leaders.
Carrier Strike Group 11 includes Nimitz, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, guided-missile destroyers USS Higgins (DDG 76), USS Shoup (DDG 86), USS Stockdale (DDG 106), USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110), and guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59).

Mode-S/ADS Milcom Intercepts 29-30 Sep 2012 - Btown NC

Here is another round of Mode-S/ADS-B intercepts logged from here on the radio ranch in WNC. All dates/times are UTC.

AE2935 78-23140 ---  2012-09-30 23:37:31 C-12 United States ---   
AE114D 165987 ---  2012-09-30 23:05:37 T-6A United States USN | TW-6 [KNPA] 1146  24025  
A067C0 N125RD RYN7517 2012-09-30 22:34:31 Boeing 763-383ER United States Ryan Intl Airlines 3276  41000  
AE0195 84-0135 SPAR958 2012-09-30 20:27:41 C-21A United States USAF | 375AW | 458AS [KBLV]   
AE047A 58-0073 BLUE22 2012-09-30 00:43:37 KC-135R United States AL ANG | 117ARW | 106ARS [KBHM]   
AE0489 63-8007 BLUE12 2012-09-30 00:15:52 KC-135R United States AL ANG | 117ARW | 106ARS [KBHM]   

ADFE87 92-0552 EVAC2055 2012-09-29 22:36:12 C-130H United States USAF | 19AW [KLRF]   
AE0330 74-2070 GLEAN34 2012-09-29 21:43:48 C-130H United States USAF | 19AW [KLRF]   
AE087E 01-0028 SPAR28 2012-09-29 19:59:36 C-37A United States USAF | 6AMW | 310AS [KMCF] ---  45000  
3F8518 1024 GAF829 2012-09-29 15:58:37 A-310-304MRTT Germany FBSBMVg 1752  30525  

Mode-S/ADS Milcom Intercepts 28 Sep 2012 - Btown NC

Here is another round of Mode-S/ADS-B intercepts logged from here on the radio ranch in WNC. All dates/times are UTC.

AE07FA 97-0048 RHINO50 2012-09-28 21:45:43 C-17A United States AFRC | 445AW | 89AS [KFFO]   
ADFEE1 87-0161 PAT0161 2012-09-28 21:29:31 C-12U United States AL ARNG | OSACOM DET-5   
478117 955 ---  2012-09-28 21:09:43 C-130H Norway 335skv   
AE1199 03-3116 RCH192 2012-09-28 20:40:29 C-17A United States MS ANG | 172AW | 183AS [KJAN]   
AA90A0 N780BA GTI TI44 2012-09-28 20:31:07 B-747-409 United States Evergreen International 2111  37000  
AA90A0 N780BA GTI4431 2012-09-28 20:31:07 B-747-409 United States Evergreen International 2111  37000  
AA90A0 N780BA GTI4TI44 2012-09-28 20:31:07 B-747-409 United States Evergreen International 2111  37000  
478117 955 ---  2012-09-28 20:03:33 C-130H Norway 335skv   
33FFEB MM62185 ---  2012-09-28 19:46:11 C-130J Italy AMI | 46 BA 2624  27000  
AE04F9 99-0404 ---  2012-09-28 19:44:54 C-37A United States USAF | 89AW | 99AS [KADW]   
AE0587 87-0042 ---  2012-09-28 18:59:56 C-5B United States USAF | 60AMW [KSUU]   
A067C0 N125RD ---  2012-09-28 18:42:27 Boeing 763-383ER United States Ryan Intl Airlines   
AE0811 00-0175 BOE75 2012-09-28 18:09:05 C-17A United States USAF | 62AW [KTCM]   
A9A74E N721AL ---  2012-09-28 18:03:01 DHC-8-402 United States US DOJ | FBI HQ [KHEF]   
AD4036 N953EF HOUND91 2012-09-28 17:47:25 D328 United States USAF | 27SOW | 524SOS [KCVS] 5637  30025  
ADFEE1 87-0161 PAT0161 2012-09-28 17:35:25 C-12U United States AL ARNG | OSACOM DET-5  
AE04B2 57-1453 DIXIE53 2012-09-28 15:50:58 KC-135R United States AL ANG | 117ARW | 106ARS [KBHM] 7201  0  
AE0489 63-8007 DIXIE52 2012-09-28 15:50:56 KC-135R United States AL ANG | 117ARW | 106ARS [KBHM] 7200  0  
AE0686 60-0328 DIXIE51 2012-09-28 15:49:45 KC-135R United States USAF | 22ARW [KIAB] 7206  0  
AE1492 96-0042 ??? PEACH92 2012-09-28 14:50:32 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB] 1135  0  
AE10D2 165516 ---  2012-09-28 14:39:05 T-39G United States USN | TW-6 | VT-86 [KNPA]   
AE1492 96-0042 ??? PEACH92 2012-09-28 13:27:37 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB] 1135  0  
AE055B 84-0060 RCH340 2012-09-28 11:43:27 C-5B United States USAF | 60AMW | 21AS [KSUU] 0556  34000  
AE1242 04-4137 RCH785 2012-09-28 06:43:52 C-17A United States USAF | 305AMW | 6AS [KWRI] 1544  37000  
AE138C 04-3144 GLEAN37 2012-09-28 04:57:30 C-130J-30 United States USAF | 19AW | 48AS [KLRF]   
AE138C 04-3144 GLEAN37 2012-09-28 04:35:01 C-130J-30 United States USAF | 19AW | 48AS [KLRF]   
AE087E 01-0028 SPAR35 2012-09-28 02:58:47 C-37A United States USAF | 6AMW | 310AS [KMCF] ---  41000  
AD9E3D N977GA QHGF9623 2012-09-28 02:19:27 GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE G-V United States US DOJ | FBI HQ [KHEF] 1670  40925  
AE0189 84-0095 SPAR868 2012-09-28 01:06:02 C-21A United States USAF | 375AW | 457AS [KADW]   

JFHQ-NCR will conduct exercise Capital Shield 2013 (CS13) in October

JFHQ-NCR will conduct exercise Capital Shield 2013 (CS13), from 9-12 OCT 2012 to validate JFHQ-NCR OPLAN 3600 (Emergency Preparedness in the NCR) and consequence management plans in support of 2013 Presidential Inauguration.

Purpose

Validate JFHQ-NCR/MDW, Service Components, National Guard, JTF CAPMED, and Interagency Partners consequence management for the 2013 Presidential Inauguration through a FTX and CPX focusing on Presidential Inauguration, and Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) scenarios.

Objectives
Validate consequence management plans to support 2013 Presidential Inauguration. Validate updated OPLAN 3600 Emergency Preparedness in the NCR. Execute Incident Command System (ICS). Execute interagency interoperability, coordination, and situational awareness within the NCR.

End State
JFHQ-NCR/MDW is prepared to conduct consequence management for the 2013 Presidential Inauguration and Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) for other possible contingency operations.

Source: http://www.mdw.army.mil/capitalshield/schedule.htm

The Players:

Russian Air Force to take part in USAF training exercises (Red Flag 13-1)

Russian SU30 Aircraft will participate in Red Flag Ops next month at Nellis AFB, NV

by Ilya Kramnik (Voice of Russia)

Moscow - Despite a cooling off in relations between Russia and NATO countries, neither party has refused taking part in joint military programs. One such program is the regular aerial combat training exercise of the US Air Force and its allies, called "Red Flag". The next exercise is scheduled for October 2012.

US Military command came up with the idea of conducting Red Flag exercises during the Vietnam War, when the USAF and naval aviation primarily used heavy multi-functional bombers such as the F-4 Phantom-II and F-105 Thunderchief.

These bombers demonstrated their inability to engage in close combat with Vietnam's light MIG aircraft. The reason for such failings was the strong reliance placed on powerful radars and medium-range missiles on the new American fighters. However, in practice the engagements very often did not go the way the pre-war theoretical schemes designed them to and the ratio of losses did not benefit the American side.

The situation had to be corrected - especially since at the same time in the other part of Asia above the sands of Levant, pilots of the Israeli Air Force on French and American aircraft showed wonderful results in aerial combat missions against Arabs who had far more powerful aircraft compared to Vietnam and who had gone through the same Soviet school.

The US Air Force then ordered a study known as Project Red Baron II, which showed that a pilot's chances of survival in combat dramatically increased after he had completed 10 combat missions. As a result, Red Flag, since starting in 1976, had the goal of offering every pilot and weapon systems officer (WSO) the opportunity to fly 10 realistically simulated combat missions in a safe training environment to give them more experience in real combat situations.

Today the Red Flag exercise is an advanced aerial combat exercise conducted in several cycles during the year. Besides Red Flag and Red Flag-Alaska, which mainly focus on fighter aerial combat, there are other cycles as well. For instance, the Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment (JEFX) - a large scale exercise for the headquarters of the US Air Force and its allies.

There is also Jaded Thunder, which is a series of combat training exercises in the course of which pilots from the US Air Force, Naval, and Marine aviation learn to detect and identify ground targets, including those camouflaged as civilians or civilian objects in a congested urban area.

Finally, there is MAFEX - Mobility Air Forces Exercises. These involve training transport aviation, where pilots learn how to interact using various communications and target detection devices as well as in the situation of a radio-electronic war.

In spring of 2012 it became known that the Russian Air Force is to participate in the Red Flag training exercise in the fall of 2012 together with Americans. From 8 until 19 of October, Red Flag Air Combat Exercise 13-1 will be held at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada (the exercises are numbered in accordance with the fiscal years, and exercise in the fall will be number one in the 2013 fiscal year).

Like India, who participated in the Red Flag several years earlier using its Russian-made SU-30 MKI, Russia will get a chance this year to test its aircraft in realistic combat maneuvers with USAF aircraft.

This chance is very important, since up until now the only Russian aircraft of the fourth generation which fought in a real combat situation against western aircraft has been the MIG -29, but the possibility of deploying it in the conditions of very specific wars of 1991 and 1999 was limited.

Under such circumstances, the chance to test modernized Russian aircraft such as the SU -27 SM, SU-30M2, MIG -29SM and other strike aircraft - despite simulations, they are still against real western aircraft and pilots - is too attractive to be miss out on.

There is a political question, however: "Who are we friends against?" The answer is very simple: against nobody. Russia and the United States have been successfully talking the same language in the military sphere for a long time. Here, more problems unite the two countries than separate them. At the same time, the existing contradictions can be solved over a short period of time. However, as one could tell, that does not prevent us from continuing to study each other.
http://rpdefense.over-blog.com/article-russian-air-force-to-take-part-in-usaf-training-exercises-107809338.html

Space shuttle arrives home for one last 'endeavor'

An F-35 Lightning II flies over Space Shuttle Endeavour Sept. 20, 2012. The space shuttle landed at Edwards after completing the fourth leg of its ferry flight to the California Science Center in Los Angeles. (Courtesy photo by Matthew Short/Lockheed Martin)

by Laura Mowry, Edwards Air Force Base Public Affairs

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) -- For the Edwards community who has been actively involved in NASA's Space Shuttle program since flight testing began in the 1970's, it was a bittersweet day when Space Shuttle Endeavour arrived one last time Sept. 20, piggy-backed on NASA's Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft.

When the SCA departed the following morning to deliver Space Shuttle Endeavour to the California Science Center in Los Angeles, Calif., it was an appropriate ending to an epic chapter in American and aviation history that happens to be very personal for so many at Edwards.

While Team Edwards gathered around the base to watch the historic arrival and takeoff, unaccompanied Airmen living in the dorms and family members of deployed spouses had the rare opportunity to get up close to the SCA and Space Shuttle Endeavour.

"I enjoyed being a part of something bigger than me, to look up at something that was actually in space and realize the countless hours and effort that went into putting that in motion. That's what really moved me," said Airman Michael Day, 412th Communications Squadron. "It was cool to see such an iconic piece of history."

For the young Airman, the opportunity to see Space Shuttle Endeavour up close reminded Day of how he was inspired as a child watching the space shuttle with his family.

"I remember growing up and watching various shuttle take offs and landings with my grandma and wanting to do that. She always told me to do my best and I can be whatever it is I wanted to be; even an astronaut," said Day.

Just as Airman Day continues to be captivated by the shuttle program, people from all over the world have marveled at the country's space program from 1981 to 2011.

While the world looked on in amazement, the Edwards community continued working with NASA to flight test the space shuttle and subsequently functioned as a critical support system when Edwards was picked as the primary alternate landing site.

Programs throughout the 1960's and 1970's such as the North American X-15, Northrop HL-10, X-24A and X-24B, tested hypersonic flight; lifting body designs and aerodynamic characteristics; manned atmospheric re-entry and the ability to land a piloted aircraft with no power on a conventional runway.

The first major milestone for the shuttle program at Edwards occurred Aug. 12, 1977 when the Space Shuttle Enterprise successfully launched from the back of the Boeing 747 SCA and landed on Rogers Dry Lake. After four more tests, Edwards personnel had successfully demonstrated the reliability of the shuttle for routine approach and landings.

"Testing was done at Edwards that proved the concept that a space shuttle orbiter could return to Earth, manned and land on a conventional runway," said Dr. Joseph Mason, Air Force Test Center chief historian. "That testing was done at Edwards and it was largely done in cooperation between NASA and the Air Force".

According to Dr. Mason, the first four missions flown by the orbiter were flight test missions with landings at Edwards. Although the Enterprise was the first full-scale shuttle, it never went into orbit.

It landed on the dry lakebed and then the runway. After that, the first four or so shuttle missions with Columbia were essentially flight test missions for the program and it demonstrated the systems would work.

April 14, 1981, the Space Shuttle Columbia successfully completed its first orbital mission and touched down on Rogers Dry Lake. It was the first time in history that an orbital vehicle returned to Earth on wings.

One of the early test missions was flown by Joe Engle, who had flown earlier missions in the X-15, earning his astronaut wings for reaching altitudes in excess of 50 miles.

When flight test concluded, Edwards then stepped up to function as an alternate landing site. When the program finally wrapped up in 2011, 54 shuttle landings occurred at Edwards.

"Joe Engle flew one of those early test missions of the shuttle to Edwards, flying it manually. After the concept had been demonstrated, most landings occurred at Kennedy Space Center and Edwards then served as an alternate location when the weather was bad," said Mason.

"Not only were the shuttles assembled in the Antelope Valley at Air Force Plant 42 by Rockwell Collins, Edwards was significant in terms of test and development, proving the shuttle's capability. We were key to both development and operations," he continued.

As Space Shuttle Endeavour passed over the latest Air Force programs, such as the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, it offered the community time to reflect on their achievements and instrumental role in the program, but more than that, it provided an opportunity to look towards the future.

"I think it's significant that personnel at NASA and Edwards who were a key part of this program can see this shuttle on the way to its final resting place," said Mason.

It may have been bittersweet for the Edwards community to watch the shuttle depart the base for one last time Sept. 21, but it's only a matter of time before the testing begins on the next generation of the nation's space program. It's a time for ingenuity and creativity to create a new program that meets today's challenges.

"This was such a great experience to see the Space Shuttle Endeavour, but I am really excited to see the innovation of the next generation as we continue moving forward and into the future," said Day.

Mode-S/ADS Milcom Intercepts 27 Sep 2012 - Btown NC

Here is another round of Mode-S/ADS-B intercepts logged from here on the radio ranch in WNC. All dates/times are UTC.

AE4EB2 168428 LL428 2012-09-27 23:46:53 P-8A United States VP-30 7264  27000  
AE152C 166378 VV105 2012-09-27 23:33:18 C-37B United States USN | VR-1 [KADW] 0562  43000  
AE4EB2 168428 LL428 2012-09-27 21:40:36 P-8A United States VP-30  
AE29FC 168205 ---  2012-09-27 21:11:58 UC-12W United States USMC | VMGR-252 [KNKT] 1200  5375  
AE0413 164386 GOTO FMS 2012-09-27 21:00:58 E-6B United States USN | VQ-4 [KTIK] ---  26000  
AE0563 85-0006 RCH473 2012-09-27 21:00:31 C-5B United States AFRC | 439AW | 337AS [KCEF]   
AE08F9 84-24376 3472 2012-09-27 20:16:02 C-12R United States OSACOM/PAT 2536  26000  
ADFD04 95-0056 ---  2012-09-27 20:15:32 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS   
AE13CE 04-6205 ---  2012-09-27 20:13:11 T-6A United States USAF | 71FTW [KEND]   
ADFCF5 95-0041 ---  2012-09-27 19:35:10 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS   
AB146A 10-0261 ---  2012-09-27 19:35:08 C-12U United States ---   
ADFDB8 93-1038 RAVEN 22 2012-09-27 19:27:12 C-130H United States USAF | 19AW [KLRF]   
ADFD04 95-0056 ---  2012-09-27 19:08:59 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS   
AE1494 97-0100 PEACH99 2012-09-27 19:04:29 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB]   
A2172E N23380 ---  2012-09-27 18:55:22 JRC-12G United States US Army | AFTD DET [KHSV]   
83AEFC 84-24378 24378 2012-09-27 17:48:49 C-12U United States USARC | C/2-228 AVN (TA) [KFBG] 1612  24950  
AA17AF N75 ---  2012-09-27 17:45:14 King Air 300 United States ---   
AE0110 94-1570 BOXR819 2012-09-27 17:40:51 C-38A United States DC ANG | 113Wg | 201AS [KADW]   
AE1BEF 07-4636 JILL82 2012-09-27 17:39:15 C-130J-30 United States USAF | 19AW [KLRF]   
ADFD04 95-0056 ---  2012-09-27 16:27:42 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS  
AB146A 10-0261 ---  2012-09-27 16:21:12 C-12U United States ---  
ADFCB7 93-0631 ---  2012-09-27 15:30:44 T-1A United States USAF | 479FTG | 451FTS [KNPA]   
AE1494 97-0100 PEACH99 2012-09-27 14:35:39 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB]  
AE10CE 165512 ---  2012-09-27 14:34:41 T-39G United States USN | TW-6 | VT-86 [KNPA]   
A2172E N23380 ---  2012-09-27 14:26:14 JRC-12G United States US Army | AFTD DET [KHSV]  
83AEFC 84-24378 24378 2012-09-27 13:47:26 C-12U United States USARC | C/2-228 AVN (TA) [KFBG]  
83AEFC 84-24378 24378 2012-09-27 13:22:46 C-12U United States USARC | C/2-228 AVN (TA) [KFBG]  
ADFECB 84-0485 PATSW00 2012-09-27 13:12:30 C-12T-3 United States KY ARNG | OSACOM DET-11 [KFFT]   
A4F2EE N418MC GTI8672 2012-09-27 01:34:04 B747-47UF United States AtlasAir 3310  35975  
AE010F 94-1569 BOXR063 2012-09-27 00:55:29 C-38A United States DC ANG | 113Wg | 201AS [KADW]   

Mode-S/ADS-B Milcom Intercepts 27 Sep 2012 - Deltona, FL

The following Mode-S intercepts are courtesy of our SE US Mode-S network member and Milcom monitor Jack NeSmith in Deltona, FL. Thanks Jack.

AE0433 02-5001 --- 2012-09-27 23:25:13 C-32B United States USAF | 486FLTS [KVPS] Deltona FL, US --- ---
AE04D9 165831 CNV4981 2012-09-27 22:57:22 C-40A United States USNR | VR-59 [KNFW] Deltona FL, US --- ---
AE08F9 84-24376 3472 2012-09-27 22:56:40 C-12R United States OSACOM/PAT Deltona FL, US --- ---
AE01BB 84-0102 SWIFT73 2012-09-27 22:40:15 C-21A United States USAF | 375AW
| 311AS [KCOS] Deltona FL, US --- ---
A202D4 N229E --- 2012-09-27 22:30:21 206H United States DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Deltona FL, US --- ---
AE148B 92-3290 --- 2012-09-27 22:08:33 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB] Deltona FL, US --- ---
AE1F36 07-72039 N72039 2012-09-27 21:40:36 UH-72A United States US Army | Deltona FL, US --- ---
AE08F9 84-24376 3472 2012-09-27 21:40:18 C-12R United States OSACOM/PAT Deltona FL, US --- ---
A202D4 N229E --- 2012-09-27 21:31:16 206H United States DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Deltona FL, US --- ---
ADFE1A 1714 --- 2012-09-27 21:21:13 HC-130H United States USCG | CGAS Sacramento [KMCC] Deltona FL, US --- ---
A202D4 N229E N229E 2012-09-27 21:16:24 206H United States DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Deltona FL, US --- ---
AE2F99 168067 --- 2012-09-27 21:12:50 KC-130J United States USMC | VMGR-352
[KNKX] Deltona FL, US --- ---
ACAA6B N915NA --- 2012-09-27 21:04:29 T-38N United States NASA Johnson [KEFD] Deltona FL, US 0000 15800
AE1F3C 08-72045 --- 2012-09-27 20:44:49 UH-72A United States 2-151Aviation/FL-ArNG Deltona FL, US --- ---
A2191E N234U N234U 2012-09-27 20:36:57 206H United States US DOJ | DEA Deltona FL, US 0000 3375
A0B1CF N144CS --- 2012-09-27 20:10:53 P3B United States UNITED STATES CUSTOMS SERVICE Deltona FL, US 0000 19000
AE1489 90-0175 CANOE03 2012-09-27 20:08:57 E-8C United States Northrop Grumman Deltona FL, US 0000 21000
AE1479 166767 VM767 2012-09-27 20:03:50 UC-35D United States MAW-4 Deltona FL, US 1546 29375
AE0332 74-2131 RCH434T 2012-09-27 20:02:08 C-130H United States USAF |  19AW
| 50AS [KLRF] Deltona FL, US 0000 22000
AE057F 87-0034 --- 2012-09-27 19:46:13 C-5B United States USAF | 60AMW [KSUU] Deltona FL, US --- ---
AE10EC 2006 C2006 2012-09-27 19:25:20 HC-130J United States USCG | CGAS Elizabeth City [KECG] Deltona FL, US 1313 26000
AE10EC 2006 C2006 2012-09-27 19:13:18 HC-130J United States USCG | CGAS Elizabeth City [KECG] Deltona FL, US 1313 26000
AE01C1 165151 --- 2012-09-27 19:10:23 C-20G United States USNR | VR-48 [KADW] Deltona FL, US --- ---
AE1479 166767 VM767 2012-09-27 18:56:50 UC-35D United States MAW-4 Deltona FL, US --- ---
AE0253 98-1355 --- 2012-09-27 18:54:45 C-130J United States USAF | 314AW 48AS [KLRF] Deltona FL, US --- ---
AE0253 98-1355 --- 2012-09-27 18:43:27 C-130J United States USAF | 314AW | 48AS [KLRF] Deltona FL, US --- ---
AE05D2 82-0059 RCH385T 2012-09-27 18:41:15 C-130H United States AK ANG | 176WG | 144AS [PANC] Deltona FL, US --- ---
AE1479 166767 VM767 2012-09-27 18:38:24 UC-35D United States MAW-4 Deltona FL, US --- ---
AE10C8 160053 --- 2012-09-27 18:37:43 T-39G United States USN | TW-6 | VT-86 [KNPA] Deltona FL, US --- ---
AE05D2 82-0059 RCH385T 2012-09-27 18:20:52 C-130H United States AK ANG | 176WG | 144AS [PANC] Deltona FL, US --- ---
AE04BA 58-0055 RCH973 2012-09-27 18:03:15 KC-135T United States USAF |  92ARW
[KSKA] Deltona FL, US 0000 27000
AE29FD 166694 --- 2012-09-27 17:43:57 C-40A United States USNR | VR-59 [KNFW] Deltona FL, US 3201 38000
AE29FD 166694 CNV4683 2012-09-27 17:22:57 C-40A United States USNR | VR-59 [KNFW] Deltona FL, US 3201 38000
AE07AB 60-0331 --- 2012-09-27 17:10:38 KC-135R United States USAF | 6AMW 927ARW Deltona FL, US --- ---
AE0332 74-2131 RCH434T 2012-09-27 17:10:35 C-130H United States USAF | 19AW | 50AS [KLRF] Deltona FL, US --- ---
AE07AB 60-0331 --- 2012-09-27 16:58:26 KC-135R United States USAF | 6AMW  | 927ARW Deltona FL, US --- ---
AE05B2 64-14838 --- 2012-09-27 16:58:15 KC-135R United States USAF | 6AMW 91ARS [KMCF] Deltona FL, US --- ---
AE0332 74-2131 RCH434T 2012-09-27 16:52:57 C-130H United States USAF | 19AW | 50AS [KLRF] Deltona FL, US --- ---
AE055F 85-0002 --- 2012-09-27 16:39:15 C-5M United States USAF | 436AW | 9AS [KDOV] Deltona FL, US 0724 15800
ADFE06 1502 --- 2012-09-27 16:12:58 HC-130H United States USCG | CGAS Elizabeth City [KECG] Deltona FL, US --- ---
AE1D26 ------ PELCN18 2012-09-27 15:44:45 P-3C United States --- Deltona FL, US 4343 6650
AE04BA 58-0055 RCH973 2012-09-27 15:44:33 KC-135T United States USAF | 92ARW [KSKA] Deltona FL, US --- ---
AE07AB 60-0331 --- 2012-09-27 15:41:06 KC-135R United States USAF | 6AMW | 927ARW Deltona FL, US --- ---
AE05B2 64-14838 --- 2012-09-27 15:40:51 KC-135R United States USAF | 6AMW | 91ARS [KMCF] Deltona FL, US --- ---
AE05D2 82-0059 RCH385T 2012-09-27 15:38:16 C-130H United States AK ANG | 176WG | 144AS [PANC] Deltona FL, US --- ---
AE02E8 84-0205 COBB 29 2012-09-27 15:26:29 C-130H United States AFRC | 94AW | 700AS [KMGE] Deltona FL, US --- ---
AE07AB 60-0331 PIRAT42 2012-09-27 15:21:07 KC-135R United States USAF | 6AMW  927ARW Deltona FL, US --- ---
AE05B2 64-14838 PIRAT41 2012-09-27 15:20:58 KC-135R United States USAF | 6AMW | 91ARS [KMCF] Deltona FL, US --- ---
AE05D2 82-0059 RCH385T 2012-09-27 15:18:28 C-130H United States AK ANG | 176WG | 144AS [PANC] Deltona FL, US --- ---
AE1F53 08-72068 --- 2012-09-27 15:17:09 UH-72A United States PR-NG Deltona FL, US --- ---
AE10C8 160053 --- 2012-09-27 14:48:21 T-39G United States USN | TW-6 | VT-86 [KNPA] Deltona FL, US --- ---
AE1D26 ------ PELCN18 2012-09-27 14:40:21 P-3C United States --- Deltona FL, US 4343 6650
AE0405 97-1944 --- 2012-09-27 14:35:22 C-37A United States US Army | OSACOM PATD [KADW] Deltona FL, US --- ---
AE0239 63-7977 BOLT43 2012-09-27 14:34:35 KC-135R United States USAF | 6AMW | 927ARW Deltona FL, US 0000 34000
AE0405 97-1944 R1944 2012-09-27 14:23:34 C-37A United States US Army | OSACOM PATD [KADW] Deltona FL, US --- ---
000008 (98-0132) --- 2012-09-27 14:16:55 F-15 United States USAFE | 48FW [EGUL] Deltona FL, US 0000 0
AE0405 97-1944 R1944 2012-09-27 13:56:16 C-37A United States US Army | OSACOM PATD [KADW] Deltona FL, US --- ---
AE0405 97-1944 R1944 2012-09-27 13:44:22 C-37A United States US Army | OSACOM PATD [KADW] Deltona FL, US --- ---
ADFED1 85-1263 --- 2012-09-27 13:23:20 C-12U United States OSACOMDet.56PR-ArNG [TJIG] Deltona FL, US 0765 4375
ADFEDE 86-0088 PAT377A 2012-09-27 13:14:09 C-12F United States FL ARNG | OSACOM DET-8 [KSGJ] Deltona FL, US 3064 25950
AE4EB4 168430 --- 2012-09-27 13:03:38 P-8A United States --- Deltona FL, US --- ---
ADFEDE 86-0088 PAT377A 2012-09-27 12:55:57 C-12F United States FL ARNG | OSACOM DET-8 [KSGJ] Deltona FL, US 3064 25950
A2191E N234U N234U 2012-09-27 12:08:12 206H United States US DOJ | DEA Deltona FL, US --- ---
AE4EB2 168428 --- 2012-09-27 11:55:19 P-8A United States VP-30 Deltona FL, US --- ---
AE055F 85-0002 RCH506 2012-09-27 11:45:21 C-5M United States USAF | 436AW | 9AS [KDOV] Deltona FL, US --- ---
AE055F 85-0002 RCH506 2012-09-27 11:33:49 C-5M United States USAF | 436AW | 9AS [KDOV] Deltona FL, US --- ---

Navy Task Force Arrives in Scotland for Joint Warrior

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Foster Bamford, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

FASLANE, Scotland (NNS) -- Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26, guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64), guided-missile destroyer USS Mitscher (DDG 57) and Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) 46 Detachment 2 pulled into the port of Faslane, Scotland for a port visit, Sept. 26.

Gettysburg, Mitscher and fleet replenishment ship USNS Leroy Grumman (TAO 195) are in the area to take part in Exercise Joint Warrior.

Test Squadron 1, Patrol Squadron (VP) 9 and VP 10 will arrive later this week and also play a role in the exercise, which begins Oct. 1.

Joint Warrior is a coalition exercise designed and led by the joint tactical exercise planning staff in the United Kingdom. Joint Warrior is the United Kingdom's advanced certification course and is on par with a U.S. Joint Task Force Exercise, which certifies U.S. ships for deployment.

"Before any kind of major operation or deployment, we want to make sure that the ships are fully capable and the crew is ready to go," said Capt. Bob Hein, Gettysburg's commanding officer. "That's kind of what we're doing in this training event."

Exercise Joint Warrior is intended to improve interoperability between allied navies and prepare them for possible joint exercises in the real world. Maritime support reconnaissance patrol aircraft from Experimental Evaluation Joint Warrior gives coalition forces a chance to find out what each country's navy is capable of and how they can work with each other.

The exercise also gives the ships the rare opportunity to practice in a real-world training environment.

"Many of the allied units involved in Joint Warrior exercises will be the same units our ships will see on deployment." said Capt. Nelson Castro, commander, DESRON 26. "This familiarity allows for the development of trust."

Mode-S/ADS Milcom Intercepts 26 Sep 2012 - Btown NC

Here is another round of Mode-S/ADS-B intercepts logged from here on the radio ranch in WNC. All dates/times are UTC.

AAAAAA various ---  2012-09-26 22:23:23 various various ---   
A5FF5B N486EV EIA1381 2012-09-26 22:23:06 B747-212B United States Evergreen International 2342  36025  
AE0428 62-3511 SLUFF31 2012-09-26 22:02:09 KC-135R United States OH ANG | 121ARW [KLCK]   
AE0428 62-3511 SLUFF31 2012-09-26 21:58:04 KC-135R United States OH ANG | 121ARW [KLCK]   
AE130C 166513 OTIS38 2012-09-26 21:08:31 KC-130J United States USMC | VMGR-252 [KNKT] 2053  23000  
0D060C ------ ---  2012-09-26 20:57:57 ------ Mexico --- 7016  40000  
ADFCED 94-0142 ---  2012-09-26 20:00:41 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS   
ADFCD1 94-0114 ---  2012-09-26 19:46:42 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS   
AE0181 84-0139 YANKEE 2012-09-26 19:22:18 C-21A United States CT ANG | 103FW | 118FS [KBDL]   
A570EF N45N ---  2012-09-26 19:07:49 BEECH 200T US DYNAMIC AVIATION   
ADFC65 90-0404 ---  2012-09-26 18:40:30 T-1A United States USAF | 12FTW | 99FTS [KRND]   
ADFE2B ------ ---  2012-09-26 18:28:42 HU-25D United States --- 2073  27000  
ADFD0D 95-0065 ---  2012-09-26 18:27:29 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS   
AE4EE9 ------ ---  2012-09-26 18:23:22 ------ United States ---   
ADFCF6 95-0042 ---  2012-09-26 17:41:51 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS   
AAAAAA various N3096T 2012-09-26 16:45:34 various various ---  
AE01DD 79-1712 DUCE05 2012-09-26 16:44:20 KC-10A United States USAF | 305AMW [KWRI]   
AE152C 166378 ---  2012-09-26 15:53:20 C-37B United States USN | VR-1 [KADW]   
AE1363 163045 ---  2012-09-26 15:33:22 EA-6B United States USNAVY   
AE1191 03-0016 ---  2012-09-26 15:11:30 UC-35B United States USARC | B/2-228 AVN (TA) [KMGE]   
43C208 ZZ178 RR6733 2012-09-26 15:07:41 C-17A United Kingdom RAF | 99SQ   
ADFCB7 93-0631 ---  2012-09-26 14:50:51 T-1A United States USAF | 479FTG | 451FTS [KNPA]   
ADFC9D 92-0348 ---  2012-09-26 14:20:21 T-1A United States USAF | 479FTG | 451FTS [KNPA]   
00000A Various ---  2012-09-26 12:30:35 Various Various ---   
A6E3A8 N543GA ---  2012-09-26 02:34:33 C90A United States ---   
AE0272 64-14840 SLUF31 2012-09-26 00:16:58 KC-135R United States OH ANG | 121ARW [KLCK] 4010  33000  

Basing of first U.S. Space Fence facility announced

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFNS) -- The Air Force will base a Space Fence radar site on Kwajalein Island in the Republic of the Marshall Islands with initial operations capability planned for fiscal 2017.

The Fence will provide a critical Space Surveillance Network capability needed to give warfighters the ability to maintain a full and accurate orbital catalog, ensure orbital safety and perform conjunction assessments.

Air Force Space Command will award a contract to build the radar, which will be capable of detecting, tracking, identifying and characterizing space objects in low and medium earth orbits. Construction is expected to begin September 2013 and is planned to take 48 months to complete construction and testing.

Until the final design is determined, it is unknown exactly how many personnel will be required to construct the radar site. After construction is complete and the radar is operational, approximately 10 to 15 contractor personnel are projected for the long-term work force at Kwajalein to maintain the Space Fence radar. A support agreement will be established between Air Force Space Command and the U.S. Army Kwajalein Atoll/Reagan Test Site for site support and facilities maintenance. Contractor operations and maintenance support for the radar site will fall under the responsibility of the 21st Space Wing here.

The Space Fence is a radar system operating in the S-Band frequency range to perform uncued detection, tracking, and accurate measurement of orbiting objects in low earth - primary -- and medium earth - secondary -- orbital regimes.

The Space Fence will provide precise positional data on orbiting objects and will be the most accurate radar in the Space Surveillance Network. Space Fence data will be fed to the Joint Space Operations Center at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. Data from the Space Fence radar will be integrated with other Space Surveillance Network data to provide a comprehensive space situational awareness and integrated space picture.

The Space Fence will provide enhanced space surveillance capabilities to detect and track orbiting objects such as commercial and military satellites and space debris. The Fence will have greater sensitivity, allowing it to detect, track and measure an object the size of a softball orbiting more than 1,200 miles in space. Because it is an uncued tracking system, it will provide evidence of satellite break-ups, collisions or unexpected maneuvers of satellites.

Mode-S/ADS Milcom Intercepts 25 Sep 2012 - Btown NC

Here is another round of Mode-S/ADS-B intercepts logged from here on the radio ranch in WNC. All dates/times are UTC.

AE010F 94-1569 BOXR063 2012-09-25 22:26:16 C-38A United States DC ANG | 113Wg | 201AS [KADW] 2301  38975  
AE0272 64-14840 SLUF31 2012-09-25 21:43:24 KC-135R United States OH ANG | 121ARW [KLCK]  
AE119D 03-3120 RCH440 2012-09-25 21:08:35 C-17A United States USAF | 62AW [KTCM]   
ADFCAC 92-0363 ---  2012-09-25 20:31:21 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS   
A8597B N637TW CMB500 2012-09-25 20:15:55 Boeing 767-33AER United States Ryan Intl Airlines ---  35975  
AE1238 03-3127 RCH366 2012-09-25 20:12:14 C-17A United States USAF | 305AMW | 6AS [KWRI]   
AE144F 05-5145 ---  2012-09-25 19:59:46 C-17A United States AFRC | 452AMW | 729AS [KRIV]   
ADFCA2 92-0353 ---  2012-09-25 19:51:04 T-1A United States USAF | 479FTG | 451FTS [KNPA]   
ADFC89 91-0101 ---  2012-09-25 19:47:26 T-1A United States USAF | 479FTG | 451FTS [KNPA]   
ADFED6 85-1268 ---  2012-09-25 19:18:34 C-12U United States US ARMY | OSACOM VA RFC [KDAA]   
ADFDB8 93-1038 RAVEN 22 2012-09-25 18:20:17 C-130H United States USAF | 19AW [KLRF]   
AE1238 03-3127 RCH366 2012-09-25 17:40:39 C-17A United States USAF | 305AMW | 6AS [KWRI]  
AE10D2 165516 ---  2012-09-25 17:39:02 T-39G United States USN | TW-6 | VT-86 [KNPA] 2626  24975  
AE0672 63-8014 BACKY03 2012-09-25 17:32:56 KC-135R United States AFRC | 916ARW | 77ARS [KGSB]   
A6E3A8 N543GA ---  2012-09-25 17:32:07 C90A United States ---  
AE1BEF 07-4636 GLEAN35 2012-09-25 16:54:35 C-130J-30 United States USAF | 19AW [KLRF] 3127  0  
AE0672 63-8014 BACKY03 2012-09-25 16:49:21 KC-135R United States AFRC | 916ARW | 77ARS [KGSB]   
AE0413 164386 GOTO FMS 2012-09-25 16:47:17 E-6B United States USN | VQ-4 [KTIK] 5632  27000  
A5A043 N4614N ---  2012-09-25 16:34:36 550 United States US Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement   
AE1462 06-6164 ---  2012-09-25 16:27:12 C-17A United States USAF | 60AMW | 21AS [KSUU]   
ADFD00 95-0052 ---  2012-09-25 16:21:35 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS   
AE4B03 ------ FIXER55 2012-09-25 15:43:08 C-130J United States ---   
AE04AC 99-0103 ---  2012-09-25 15:41:14 UC-35a1 United States USARC | B/2-228 AVN (TA) [KMGE]
ADFFC6 64-13297 ---  2012-09-25 15:41:13 T-38A United States USAF | 9RW | 1RS [KBAB]
AE0330 74-2070 GLEAN34 2012-09-25 15:41:09 C-130H United States USAF | 19AW [KLRF]
AE1211 03-0726 ---  2012-09-25 15:35:47 UC-35C United States USARC | 2-228 AVN
A6D6D9 N54PA N54PA 2012-09-25 04:36:24 Lear 36 United States PHOENINXAIR 3657  38725  
AE1492 96-0042 ??? KOMODO4 2012-09-25 01:36:03 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB] 5250  0  
AE1492 96-0042 ??? KOMODO4 2012-09-25 00:21:53 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB] 5250  0  

Mode-S/ADS Milcom Intercepts 24 Sep 2012 - Btown NC

Here is another round of Mode-S/ADS-B intercepts logged from here on the radio ranch in WNC. All dates/times are UTC.

AE06D9 163561 00000000 2012-09-24 21:57:08 UC-12F United States USMC | VMR DET MIRAMAR [KNKX] 1510  27000  
477FF3 03 ---  2012-09-24 21:53:24 C-17A Hungary NATO   
AE01BD 84-0131 SPAR865 2012-09-24 21:17:29 C-21A United States USAF | 375AW | 457AS [KADW]   
AE2935 78-23140 ---  2012-09-24 21:07:04 C-12 United States ---   
AE1175 02-1103 RCH649 2012-09-24 21:02:57 C-17A United States USAF | 62AW [KTCM]   
AE49C4 09-9208 RCH9208 2012-09-24 20:37:10 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]   
AE03FB 84-0143 ---  2012-09-24 19:37:03 C-12U United States USARMY   
AE07EC 96-0002 RCH896 2012-09-24 19:05:24 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]   
AE151A 166377 ---  2012-09-24 18:51:04 C-37B United States USN | VR-1 [KADW]   
AE11D2 71-1407 SNTRY40H 2012-09-24 18:41:16 E-3B United States USAF | 552ACW [KTIK]   
AE06E4 163836 ---  2012-09-24 17:59:28 UC-12F United States USNAVY   
AE04AC 99-0103 ---  2012-09-24 17:40:46 UC-35a1 United States USARC | B/2-228 AVN (TA) [KMGE]   
AAEC74 10-0256 ---  2012-09-24 17:24:37 C-12V1 United States US Army | B/6-52 AVN (TA) DET-1 [KFTK]   
AE1211 03-0726 ---  2012-09-24 17:24:21 UC-35C United States USARC | 2-228 AVN   
AE010F 94-1569 BOXR063 2012-09-24 17:19:36 C-38A United States DC ANG | 113Wg | 201AS [KADW]   
ADFC65 90-0404 ---  2012-09-24 16:48:41 T-1A United States USAF | 12FTW | 99FTS [KRND]   
AE01BD 84-0131 SPAR865 2012-09-24 16:25:44 C-21A United States USAF | 375AW | 457AS [KADW]  
AE06D9 163561 00000000 2012-09-24 16:24:47 UC-12F United States USMC | VMR DET MIRAMAR [KNKX]  
AE03FB 84-0143 00000000 2012-09-24 15:56:03 C-12U United States USARMY  
AE148B 92-3290 ---  2012-09-24 15:53:21 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB]   
ADFCF8 95-0044 ---  2012-09-24 15:51:31 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS   
ADFE2B ------ ---  2012-09-24 15:01:39 HU-25D United States ---   
A6FAA1 N549PA ---  2012-09-24 14:55:25 LEARJET 35 United States Phoenix Air Group (EMS) [KVPC] 3541  35225  
AE10CD 165511 ---  2012-09-24 14:48:40 T-39G United States USN | TW-6 | VT-86 [KNPA]   
AE049B 61-0313 ---  2012-09-24 14:42:33 KC-135R United States AFRC | 916ARW | 77ARS [KGSB]   
A9A74E N721AL ---  2012-09-24 14:23:38 DHC-8-402 United States US DOJ | FBI HQ [KHEF]   
AE4EB4 168430 ---  2012-09-24 14:21:08 P-8A United States ---   
AE4EB4 168430 ---  2012-09-24 12:53:01 P-8A United States ---  
AE04AD 99-0104 ---  2012-09-24 11:14:45 UC-35a1 United States USARC | A/2-228 AVN (TA) [KWRI ]   
AE138C 04-3144 GLEAN37 2012-09-24 10:53:44 C-130J-30 United States USAF | 19AW | 48AS [KLRF] 1522  25000  
AE07E0 94-0066 RCH134 2012-09-24 04:38:04 C-17A United States USAF | 62AW [KTCM] 7230  37000  
AE20C8 07-7187 RCH270 2012-09-24 00:51:48 C-17a United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]   
AE1196 03-3113 ---  2012-09-24 00:27:23 C-17A United States MS ANG | 172AW | 183AS [KJAN]   
AE1196 03-3113 E33113 2012-09-24 00:05:32 C-17A United States MS ANG | 172AW | 183AS [KJAN]   

Lancers, Falcons share South Dakota skies

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the South Dakota Air National Guard’s 175th Fighter Squadron thunders skyward at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Sept. 18, 2012. The 114th Fighter Wing’s F-16s shared the flightline with Ellsworth’s resident B-1 bombers Sept. 17 to 21. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Hrair H. Palyan/Released)

by Airman 1st Class Hrair H. Palyan, 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. (AFNS) -- The skies above Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., are routinely filled with B-1 bombers, but during Sept. 17 to 21, base bombers shared the airspace and ramp area with several South Dakota Air National Guard F-16s during a Guard training exercise.

The 114th Fighter Wing Fighting Lobos headquartered in Sioux Falls, S.D., came to Ellsworth for their 2012 Live Drop exercise.

"We're not allowed to use live ammunition for training purposes around Sioux Falls because we share airspace with a civilian airport," said Master Sgt. Shawn Greer, 114th Logistics Readiness Squadron first sergeant. "Ellsworth was instrumental in allowing us to utilize their resources for our fighters to complete their annual requirements."

Prior to touching down at Ellsworth with more than 90 Airmen and six F-16 Fighting Falcons, Capt. Steve Schultz, 175th Fighter Squadron F-16 pilot, said he visited Ellsworth in July to complete a site survey and ensure the base was capable of accommodating the group during the exercise.

"Luckily for us, the 37th Bomb Squadron is deployed to Southwest Asia," Schultz said, who previously participated in the Air National Guard's 2007 Live Drop exercise at Ellsworth. "We were able to land on Monday and immediately set up our operations for the week."

Schultz said he flew with four other F-16s to the Utah Test and Training Range Sept. 18, and successfully conducted long-range strike missions. He noted that at the completion of the exercise, aircrews were able to validate F-16 tactics, techniques and procedures used during long-range strike missions.

"It was great training for our new pilots," Schultz said. "We met our goal in hitting times over targets as precisely as possible. Things get a lot more serious when you fly with live ammunition, but because we practiced how we play, we were able to persevere."

With the culmination of the exercise, South Dakota Airmen from both sides of the state united to accomplish a true feat of total force.

Greer added that he appreciates how Ellsworth Airmen stepped up to ensure F-16 aircrews and support personnel had everything they needed to accomplish their mission.

"We came together as an Air Force team, not individual units or squadrons," Greer said. "I'm thankful for all the professionalism Ellsworth Airmen demonstrated."

Mode-S/ADS Milcom Intercepts 19/23 Sep 2012 - Btown NC

Here is another round of Mode-S/ADS-B intercepts logged from here on the radio ranch in WNC. All dates/times are UTC.

AE49C4 09-9208 RCH9208 2012-09-23 23:19:43 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS] 1055  29500  
AE2EDC 166095 ---  2012-09-23 21:27:21 T-6B United States ---   
AE173B 06-3841 ---  2012-09-23 19:44:51 T-6A United States USAF 7241  19975  
AE014C 63-8025 EXPO82 2012-09-23 19:40:51 KC-135R United States USAF | 22ARW [KIAB] 1035  37000  
AE089B 00-3574 ---  2012-09-23 19:25:15 T-6A United States USAF 3522  20050  
AE0154 63-8045 ---  2012-09-23 19:18:58 KC-135R United States USAF | 6AMW | 927ARW 6241  37000  
ADFCF5 95-0041 ---  2012-09-23 18:10:29 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS   
A6D6D9 N54PA ---  2012-09-23 16:10:12 Lear 36 United States PHOENINXAIR   
ADFD0C 95-0064 ---  2012-09-23 15:31:04 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS   

AE148E 94-0284 PHENOM6 2012-09-19 03:32:54 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB]   
AE12B4 65-0993 CHAIN92 2012-09-19 03:27:27 MC-130P United States USAF | 58SOW | 550SOS [KIKR] 1200  6400  
AE1294 89-0283 TALON15 2012-09-19 03:27:23 MC-130h United States USAF | 1SOW | 15SOS [KHRT] 1200  5800  
AE12B4 65-0993 CHAIN92 2012-09-19 03:06:41 MC-130P United States USAF | 58SOW | 550SOS [KIKR] 1200  6400  
AE1294 89-0283 TALON15 2012-09-19 03:05:43 MC-130h United States USAF | 1SOW | 15SOS [KHRT] 1200  5800  
AE1294 89-0283 TALON15 2012-09-19 02:28:41 MC-130h United States USAF | 1SOW | 15SOS [KHRT] 1200  5800  
AE1199 03-3116 RCH670 2012-09-19 00:09:07 C-17A United States MS ANG | 172AW | 183AS [KJAN]