Navy prepares computers for DST Change Issues

Here is the information on how the US Navy will handle DST issues for Windows and Outlook Express users. Are you ready for the new DST changes on your PC?

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Beginning this year, Daylight Saving Time (DST) will start earlier and run longer than it used to, giving us a total of one more month of DST than in previous years. For most of the United States, DST will begin on the second Sunday in March and will run until the first Sunday of November. The new dates were set in the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

While this new change will provide us with more usable hours of daylight and could possibly help us to conserve more energy, it could also lead to some technological glitches. That's because computers, cell phones and PDAs with internal clocks are programmed to automatically make the necessary changes on the dates in April and October when DST used to start and end.

“Like most computers, NMCI desktops and laptops are running Windows operating systems, which are programmed for the old daylight-saving time,” said Marie Greening, NMCI program manager. “To fix this, the NMCI enterprise will distribute a patch to the Windows operating system and Microsoft Outlook to ensure the time zone settings for the NMCI computer’s system clock and Outlook calendar are correct.”

The patch will be distributed via a Radia push in a phased approach between Feb. 26 and March 5. As a reminder, NMCI users do not have to leave their computer on at night to receive this patch. In addition to the patch, NMCI will distribute the Outlook Time Zone Update Tool. This tool only needs to be run if users operate their calendar from an Outlook personal folder (.pst) or for users with a Science & Technology or Thin Client seat. For more detailed information, read the full NMCI User Alert at www.homeport.navy.mil.

While this patch is designed to ensure that the computer’s system clock is correct, it is a good practice during the extended daylight-saving time period (between March 11 and April 1) to include the time zone in the subject line of all meeting requests. This will help ensure that all participants whether on the NMCI network or not, have the correct start time for meetings during this extended period only.

Cell phones, BlackBerries, PDAs (Personal digital assistants) and other handheld devices do not need a patch. Service providers will directly, and automatically, update the devices to ensure the correct date and time are displayed.

Please note that some NMCI sites do not recognize daylight-saving time. Hawaii, Arizona and Japan will not be affected.

LCACs Part of Blue-Greens

For Josh and the SoCalMilcom gang:

Three Landing Craft Air Cushions (LCAC) prepare to enter the well deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46) after conducting LCAC maintenance turns. Tortuga and the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ESXARG) are currently conducting blue-greens as the first phase of their spring patrol. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Brandon Myrick)

BHR’s ACE Conducts FAC-A Training

By MCSN Mark Patterson II and MC2 Dustin Mapson, USS Bonhomme Richard Public Affairs

USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Bonhomme Richard’s (LHD 6) (BHR) Air Combat Element (ACE) conducted Forward Air Command Airborne (FAC-A) training on San Clemente Island on Feb. 22.

One UH-1 Huey, three AH-1W Super Cobras and four AV-8B Harriers completed multiple strikes on various targets located at the Shore Bombardment Area (SHOBA) on San Clemente Island during the training evolution.

“One of the major missions of the AH-1s and UH-1s is to provide close air support as an airborne extension of the terminal air control party on the ground,” explained Maj. Roger A. Hardy, the AV-8B weapons and tactics instructor. “They do this via a forward air controller (FAC).”

According to Capt. Travis L. Patterson, the AH-1W weapons and tactics instructor, a FAC is typically a person positioned forward on the ground who controls aviation assets and target strikes, whereas a FAC-A does virtually the same job from the air.

“If for some reason the FAC on the ground is unable to see the target, or is on the move, he can pass control to a FAC-A,” said Patterson, “Once control is passed and before a FAC-A can attack, they must first have approval from the FAC on the ground.”

According to Patterson, a FAC-A supports ground commanders by pin-pointing enemy locations and either taking them out completely or marking the target for further air support from accompanying Harriers.

“Targets can be marked a few ways,” said Patterson. “A visual mark like smoke, guns or rockets can be used, but the preferred way that we do it is by using a laser.”

“We have sensors on board harriers that can pick up the laser energy,” said Hardy, “Once the target is picked up, we can then tie it to the weapon system and drop the bomb.”

“FAC-As provide great flexibility for the ground commanders to be able to provide fire anywhere in his battle space while minimizing collateral damage,” added Hardy. “We need a very detailed understanding of what is going on and the FAC-As provide that integration, that link between the ground forces and the shooting platforms. The idea is we are going to put a 500- to 1000-pound bomb or a Hellfire missile very close to where friendly forces are operating because they need that kind of firepower right up close to them.”

According to Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class (AW/FMF) Derrick Smith, putting a mission like this together is almost like preparing a meal at a fine restaurant.

“We look at the munitions being dropped as the final plated version of the meal,” said Smith. “But before that meal came out, a lot of specialized work went into preparing that meal. Aviation Ordnanceman are kind of like prep cooks on the line. You never see the work they do, but if your food doesn’t come out right, you know something went wrong.”

Smith said these types of missions require a collective effort.

“Our role is making sure the weapon is properly made and ready for delivery when mission requirements call for it,” said Smith. “If the end result of the mission is a successful strike, then we know that the entire team, from the ordnanceman up to the pilots, did their job correctly.”

Hardy added the FAC and FAC-A combine to offer forward armed reconnaissance that is fully adaptable to the situation on the ground.

This training evolution not only allowed the pilots of BHR’s ACE to practice their proficiency on the range, but gave them a look at what may be to come.

“This is what’s going on in Operation Iraqi Freedom,” said Hardy, “We are training for that mission setting.”

BHR and its embarked Marine Corps elements are currently underway as part of Expeditionary Strike Group 5’s participation in Composite Training Unit Exercise in preparation for an upcoming deployment.

Fair Winds and Following Seas to USS Ogden

Tugboats guide the transport dock ship USS Ogden (LPD 5) into its homeport at Naval Station San Diego. Ogden, part of Expeditionary Strike Group Three (ESG-3), returned to San Diego after successfully completing a sixth month deployment in support of the global war terrorism and maritime security operations (MSO). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Damien E. Horvath

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Patrick M. Kearney, Fleet Public Affairs Center Pacific

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The San Diego-based Austin-class amphibious transport dock USS Ogden (LDP 5) was decommissioned during a ceremony Feb. 21 at Naval Base San Diego.

Speakers for the decommissioning ceremony included Cmdr. James Hruska, Ogden’s current commanding officer and Capt. Pete Morford, Commodore of Afloat Training Group Pacific. Guest speaker John Patterson, deputy mayor of Ogden, Utah declared February 21, 2007 as USS Ogden Day.

“USS Ogden is a great representative of our city,” said Patterson. “It was an honor to be a part of today’s ceremony.”

Ogden’s keel was laid down February 4, 1963 by the New York Naval Shipyard. She was launched June 27, 1964 and received her commission at New York City June 19, 1965.

Information Technician 3rd Class Nathaniel Rees, a resident of Ogden, Utah, served on the Ogden as part of its final crew.

“Being on board was a really good experience,” said Rees. “Seeing a lot of the old crew members coming back for the ceremony was very exciting.”

While under the command of Cmdr. James Hruska, Ogden deployed for the last time February 14, 2006, as part of Expeditionary Strike Group 3. While deployed, Ogden performed maritime security operations in the Persian Gulf as well as provided training to the Iraqi navy.

Ogden’s inactivation began shortly after their return from deployment.

AF Reserve wing at Scott receives first C-40 aircraft

Airmen in the Air Force Reserve Command's 932nd Airlift Wing received the first new C-40C transport (right) during a special ceremony Feb. 26 at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. The plane on the left is a C-9C, also flown by 932nd aircrews. Both planes are used for the distinguished visitor mission. The wing currently has three C-9C planes and will receive two more C-40Cs later in 2007. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Mr. Marv Lynchard)

by Tech. Sgt. Chris Stagner
375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

2/27/2007 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AFNEWS) -- The Air Force Reserve Command's 932nd Airlift Wing here welcomed a new aircraft into its inventory Feb. 26 with the arrival of its first of three C-40Cs.

The wing, the only Air Force Reserve unit in the state of Illinois with a flying mission, will use the aircraft to augment its mission of transporting distinguished visitors. Before Feb. 26, the 932nd AW performed the transcontinental DV transport mission with C-9C aircraft.

"The mission of the C-40 is important to the Air Force and the nation," said Lt. Gen. John Bradley, Air Force Reserve Command commander. "Its ability to fly missions of 10 or more hours brings a new capability to flying long-distance missions."

The long-distance flights aren't the only bonus of the aircraft, according to the general.

"This aircraft has a phenomenal capability and is a dream to fly," he said. "It [will be] a great treat for the pilots who fly it and the (maintenance Airmen) who will keep it in top shape."

The new aircraft is a milestone for the 932nd AW, but its arrival at Scott AFB was an important day for everyone, according to Col. Al Hunt, 375th AW commander, the base's active-duty host unit.

The colonel said it took leadership and Airmen at all levels to make this day a reality for the 932nd AW and the joint total force.

"A lot of folks talk the talk, but [Joint Total Force] Scott makes it happen everyday," said Colonel Hunt. "This is just another example of how that (joint total force) partnership will continue."

Col. Maryanne Miller, 932nd AW commander, concurred with Colonel Hunt's assessment.

"This was a total effort by the 932nd and the 375th crews from the beginning," she said. "Being fully integrated in the DV mission has been and will continue to be the most effective way to provide full support to the customer."

From 1969 to 2003, Airmen in the 932nd and 375th worked side-by-side performing aeromedical evacuation missions aboard the now retired C-9A Nightingale. When the 932nd changed its mission to DV airlift in 2003 with three new C-9C aircraft, the close relationship between the two wings was put on hold.

With the C-40C, Air Force Reserve and active-duty crews once again will work together performing the same mission and revitalizing what has always been a close relationship, said Colonel Miller.

The 375th AW will have an active associate unit working with the 932nd. This means some of the flight attendants, pilots and crew members on the 932nd AW's aircraft will be active-duty Airmen from the 375th Operations Group.

Together, Airmen from the two wings will support the mission of transporting such dignitaries as the first lady, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, senators, congressmen and other high-ranking government and military officials.

Though there are 16 total C-40 aircraft in the government inventory, the aircraft delivered to Scott has a few upgrades to accommodate the DV mission compared to other C-40s , according a Boeing official.

Unlike the other C-40s, the aircraft delivered here has the upgraded avionics rewired to handle classified communications, and auxiliary fuel tanks which allow nonstop flight to Hickam AFB, Hawaii, or Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

According to Colonel Miller, Feb. 26 marked the beginning of a great new era not only for Scott AFB but for the U.S. Air Force as well.

Proposed Legislation - CAP Air Support for Border Security

From the CAP website - to parents: "CAP is the volunteer, non-profit auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. Its three missions are to develop its cadets, educate Americans on the importance of aviation and space, and perform live-saving humanitarian missions."

Now do you want your children and grandchildren chasing Coyotes and Drug Smugglers along the US-Mexico Border? Counter-Narco missions, government classified missions? If a republican congressman from Pennsylvania Charles Dent has he way, your loved ones will be at risk flying border support missions along the US-Mexico Border (see below).

When will this insanity with the CAP and other civilian volunteer groups end? This is suppose to be an volunteer educational program for young people, not a government sponsored militia outfit. Guess you can now understand why their frequencies are FOUO and some of their programs such as Archer are classified.

This is just another example of the government run amok after 9/11 with the formation of the Department of Homeland Security. CAP, MARS, SHARES, NTCN, NCC, and many more failed communications programs that are conducting mission outside their original charter, redundant or do nothing, and suck up valuable HF spectrum. Guess it is time for another Monitoring Times editorial.

Larry


Congressman Dent introduces legislation to provide air support for border security

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent (PA-15), a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, today announced the introduction of his bill, the “Civil Air Patrol Homeland Security Support Act of 2007,” to bolster efforts at securing America’s borders. Congressman Dent made the announcement at Queen City Municipal Airport in Allentown, surrounded by volunteer pilots and cadets of the Civil Air Patrol.

“This bill will authorize the Department of Homeland Security to enlist Civil Air Patrol (CAP) assets to help in the fight to keep our borders secure,” Congressman Dent said. “This bill emerged in part from what I learned on a Congressional delegation trip to the U.S.-Mexico border at Laredo, Texas.”

Congressman Dent’s legislation authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to utilize CAP assets in two important kinds of homeland security missions. First, they can be deployed to protect against illegal entry, as well as against “trafficking in goods, currency, people, and other substances.” Second, they can also be utilized in response to an act of terrorism or natural disaster by assisting in damage assessment, search and rescue, evacuations, and the transportation of essential materials.

“While at Laredo I was disturbed and surprised to learn that the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) does not have access to enough aviation assets to help them counter the influx of illegal aliens migrating across the Rio Grande,” Congressman Dent said. “This legislation would help CBP increase its aerial surveillance capabilities at the border by enlisting the aid of the Civil Air Patrol.

“Our local CAP officials have informed me that they are eager to participate in America’s homeland security mission. The cost of flying and maintaining CAP aircraft is relatively inexpensive, the pilots are experienced, and the need for their assistance is great.”

CAP is the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force. Congressman Dent said CAP has authorized a “Concept of Operations,” which provides the mechanism for CAP assets to be used for missions not specifically directed by the Secretary of Defense. Congressman Dent’s bill would formalize that arrangement between the Air Force and the Department of Homeland Security.

“I believe that by bringing CAP into the homeland security equation, this legislation will help in our fight against illegal immigration and will become an integral part of our nation’s strategy to maintain border security.”

Congressman Dent, who serves as Ranking Member (minority chairman) of the Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response, intends to submit the legislation immediately upon Congress’ return to legislative business on 27 February.

Danish Air Force HF Net

Here is the latest information I have on the Danish Air Force HF ALE net. Looking for any updates of addresses or frequencies.

Frequencies: 6717.0 9035.0 11217.0 kHz

ALE Addresses:
FOTAB Thule AB, GRL
STANORD Nord Kap Prins Knud, DNK

More Fengyun 1C Debris Cataloged - 856 Pieces Now

And the number one debris producing explosion in space is ... Fengyun 1C!

As of this morning there are 856 pieces associated with the ASAT test conducted last month by the Chinese. Debris catalogued since the test ranges from Intl designator 1999-025E/SSC #29716 to 1999-025ALV/30579.

Here are the top space explosion debris events:

Rank / SSN / Int Designator / Pieces
4 / 27721 / 1965-082UT / 474
3 / 27596 / 1986-019VN / 493
2 / 29036 / 1994-029AET / 714
1 / 30579 / 1999-025ALV / 856

What a mess the Chinese have made in polar orbit. Of course, this story quickly made a news cycle of two and the public and our government have moved on after a small fuss up. Basically they have let the Cinese off the hook again. But this is a hit that keeps on hitting (or potentially will at some point).

March MT Express Now Available

MT Express subscribers - the March issue with our exclusive air show guide is now available. I want to thank all of you who contributed frequencies and information to this year's guide, our 8th annual edition. I think it is the best we have put together so far. And I would like to ask that any of my readers of this blog, please send along your frequency reports for any air show that you attend in 2007. Even if we already have the frequencies you hear on our list, please send them along anyway. I use these reports to verify information we have in our guide.

Of course stay tuned to this blog for updates, schedules and frequency changes as the season moves on.

Fort Huachuca Requesting New UHF TRS

On 21 Dec 2006, Fort Huachuca, Arizona, made a solicitation request for a new six channel Motorola P25 trunk radio system that will support operations on their Electronic Proving Ground (EPG). Based on the system specs this will probably be another 406-420 MHz TRS like the existing system on the base. The current mixed mode TRS at the Huachuca operates on the following frequencies: 406.3625c 406.7750c 407.5625 407.8875c 408.1000 408.4250c 408.7625 409.1250 409.3250 409.3500 409.6375.

Reports from the area are requested and always appreciated.

New DC Area EDACS Trunk System Uncovered

One of the radio hobby's most knowledgeable scanner monitors, Alan Henney reported overnight (2/21) on the Scan-DC newsgroup that he has found a new three channel EDACS trunk system in the Washington DC area. Alan theorizes that his new discovery is a US Navy trunk system and it has been on the air for the past year or so. He noted in his Sacn-DC post that unlike the Naval District Washington (NDW) EDACS system that operates in the 138-150.8 MHz frequency range, this new system is all digital.

Frequencies:
138.2375 LCN01
138.6125 LCN02
138.7125 LCN03

All three frequencies are dedicated trunk system frequencies under the new narrow band 138-150.8 MHz band plan that DoD is transitioning to. If you have any additional information on this system, please drop me some email at larryvanhorn @ monitoringtimes.com.

Stennis Carrier Strike Group Arrives in 5th Fleet

By Lt. Nathan Christensen, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet

USS JOHN C. STENNIS, At Sea (NNS) -- The USS John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSSG) entered the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO) Feb.19 to conduct Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in regional waters, as well as to provide support for ground forces operating in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Led by Rear Adm. Kevin Quinn, Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 3, the strike group includes the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON)21, the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54), guided-missile destroyers USS O’Kane (DDG 77) and USS Preble (DDG 88), and the fast combat-support ship USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10). More than 6,500 Sailors and Marines are assigned to JCSSG.

“The USS John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group is here to help foster stability and security in the region,” said Quinn. “We look forward to working with our coalition partners to provide support for ground forces operating in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as conducting maritime security operations that help provide a safe environment for shipping within the region. We are ready, we are sustainable, we are flexible and we provide significant capabilities that contribute to regional peace and security.”

MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. These operations deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

U.S. 5th Fleet’s AOO encompasses 2.5 million square miles of water and includes the Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman and parts of the Indian Ocean.

Spacecoast Logs

Here is a few active frequencies logged by an anonymous contributor on the Florida Spacecoast.

120.700 Daytona International Airport Tower
265.775 Probable VFA-106 air-air
289.400 Key West NAS Approach
303.950 Eglin AFB 33rd FW F-15C 4x air-air at Daytona for NASCAR event fly by
319.000 Miami Center - Vero Beach
348.700 Miami Center - Melbourne
357.000 Unid air-air
380.300 Miami Center - Ft Myers
387.000 Daytona International Airport Approach

If you have something to share with our blog readers you can pass it along by contacting me at larryvanhorn @ monitoringtimes.com. You can remain anonymous on the material posted to the blog, but I will not use any submission from anonymous contributors.

More Super Bowl XLI Frequencies Reported

Richard Shah checks in with some additional milair frequency information from Super Bowl XLI.
Pitman was the last group of Combat Air Patrol aircraft after half-time, but the first group was originally CAESAR 51, They originated from Eglin and was the first on scene before half-time. He came up on the JAX ARTCC (Panama City, RCAG) on 346.350 MHz in the early evening advising ATC that he was "Air support for Dolphin Stadium TFR." They came down the west coast of Florida using:

327.300 JAX ARTCC-H @FL270

307.200 JAX ARTCC-Tallahassee -H

380.300 MIA ARTCC-Pahokee-H

285.500 MIA ARTCC-Avon Park where they went diagonally from the Florida west to east coast.

307.100 MIA ARTCC-Pahokee-L where they started to descend

291.600 MIA ARTCC-Pahokee-L where they asked for a discrete squawk code for CAESAR 55/56. Setup was done on this freq before switching to their CAP freq. CAESAR was told that the control point was at Homestead VOR radial 010 60 DME.

255.4 FSS St Petersburg was used by CEASAR for weather info at the stadium.

260.9 Combat Air Patrol frequency, aircraft would switch to 320.600 MHz for refueling

320.6 "Tankers XX" was CAP designated tankers. I heard "Tanker 11" being called by CAESAR

260.9 PITMAN took over during the half-time period. CAESAR called "BIGFOOT"(???-LVH) (Huntress) and asked for New Orleans weather for the return flight. Skipped over some of the freqs above on the way back. At this time it was dark and ARTCC consolidates many of their sectors. Again they refueled on 320.600 MHz. This was the "boom freq" because I heard the operator asked about the receiver's model designation "C" or "D," and he was giving istructions to the boom. CAESAR said he was a "C" model. MacDill AFB was the source of some tankers because "Lightening OPS" on 311.000 MHz was active with tankers giving takeoff/arrival info heading to Miami. OKIE 42 (AWACS) from MacDill also was on scene.

Thanks for the report Richard. I am sure my MT Milcom blog readers will find it useful. If you have something to share with our blog readers you can pass it along by contacting me at larryvanhorn @ monitoringtimes.com. You can remain anonymous on the material posted to the blog, but I will not use any submission from anonymous contributors.

First F-22 Raptors arrive at Kadena

The first two F-22 Raptors arrived at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Feb. 16 for their first overseas deployment. The remaining aircraft will follow in the coming days.

A software issue affecting the F-22's navigation system was discovered while the aircraft were en route to Kadena Feb. 10, which delayed the arrival for almost a week. F-22 engineers and maintainers rapidly updated the software and, after successful testing, the aircraft departed Hickam.

The Air Force is deploying 12 F-22 Raptors and more than 250 members from the 27th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Va., to Kadena as part of a regularly-scheduled U.S. Pacific Command rotation of aircraft to the Pacific.

2007 US Navy Aerial Event Support Sked, Pt 1

February - July (Partial) 2007 Event Support
Below are the eligible Naval Aviation Events current scheduled (as of 2/14/2007). Due to inclement weather and other unforeseen problems, events may be *Cancelled* or rescheduled. These events listed below are eligible for Naval Aviation Support. HOWEVER that "does not guarantee" that Naval Aircraft will be present at the event. The ability of units to participate will depend on operational and training requirements at the time of the event. Blue=Blue Angels, Green=Leap Frogs

February
17-18 Whitehorse YT / Yukon Sourdough Redezvous Air Display / Static Displays & Fly-In
18 Daytona Intl Speedway FL / NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Daytona / Flyover
24 Jerabek Park, San Diego CA / Scripps Ranch Little League Opening Day
24 California Speedway, Fontana CA / NASCAR Stater Brothers 300 / Flyover
24 Univ of South Florida, Tampa FL / NROTC Field Meet / Static Display & Flyover
25 California Speedway, Fontana CA / NASCAR Auto Club 500 / Flyover
25 Fredericks TX / Grand Opening of the Adm Nimitz Museum / Flyover

March
03 Vero Beach Municipal Airport FL / Vero Beach Aviation Day / Static Display & Fly-In
10 Auburn-Opelika Airport AL / 4th Annual Heros Take Flight / Static Display & Flyover
10 NAF El Centro CA / NAF El Centro Annual Air Show / Air Show
10-11 Brownsville IAP TX / Air Fiesta 2007 / Flyover & Static Display-TACDEMOS Requested
16-18 Space Coast Regional Airport FL / TICO Warbird Air Show 2007 / Air Show
17 Atlanta Motor Speeedway, Hampton GA / NASCAR Nicorette 300 / Flyover
17-18 Davis-Monthan AFB AZ / Aerospace & Arizona Days 2007 / Air Show
17-18 Columbus MAP GA / Thunder in the Valley Airshow / Air Show
18 Atlanta Motor Speedway, Hampton GA / NASCAR Atlanta 500 / Flyover
19-20 Travis Field, Savannah GA / Aviation Awareness Day 2007 / Static Display & Fly-In
23-24 Van Voorhis Airfield, Fallon NV / NAS Fallon Air Show 2007 / Air Show
23-26 Luke AFB AZ / Luke AFB 2007 Air Show / Air Show
24 Tyndall AFB FL / Gulf Coast Salute 2007 / Air Show
24 Homestead-Miami Speedway FL / Satelite Radio Indy 300 / Flyover
24-25 Charlotte County Airport FL / Florida Intl Air Show / Air Show
24-25 Vero Beach MAP FL / 2007 Vero Beach Wings N' Wheels / Air Show
30-31 Riverside MAP CA / Riverside Airport Air Show 2007 / Air Show
31 Raytheon, El Segundo CA / West Coast Natl JROTC Drill Comp / Flyover & Static Display [Leap Frogs Requested]
31 NAS Point Mugu CA / NAS Point Mugu Air Show / Air Show
31 MacDill AFB FL / MacDill Airfest 2007 / Air Show
31 Slidell MAP LA / 2007 Slidell Open House & Air Show / Static Display & Fly-In

April
01 NAS Point Mugu CA / NAS Point Mugu Air Show / Air Show
01 MacDill AFB FL / MacDill Airfest 2007 / Air Show
01-02 Riverside MAP CA / Riverside Airport Air Show 2007 / Air Show
02 Angel Stadium of Anaheim CA / Angels Baseball Opening Night / Flyover
02 US Cellular Field, Chicago IL / Chicago White Sox Opening Day / Flyover
02 Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia PA / Phillies Opening Day [Leap Frogs Requested]
03 Buckeye MAP AZ / 2007 Air Fair & Airport Open House / Static Display & Flyover
03 AT&T Park, San Francisco CA / 2007 Baseball Season Opening Day (San Francisco Giants) / Flyover
06-08 NAS Meridian MS / Wings Over Meridian / Air Show
07 PETCO Park, San Diego CA / San Diego Padres Military Opening Night
07 Slidell MAP LA / 2007 Slidell Open House & Air Show / Air Show
07-08 Eglin AFB FL / 2007 Eglin AFB Open House & Air Show / Air Show
09 McAfee Coliseum, Oakland CA / Oakland A's Major League Baseball Opening Night (Oakland A's) / Flyover
09 Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles CA / Los Angeles Dodgers 2007 Opening Day Pre-Game Celebration
09 Shea Stadium, Flushing NY / 2007 Mets Opening Day / Flyover
12 San Jose MAP CA / San Jose Gaints Opening Day / Flyover
13-15 NAS Corpus Christi TX / 2007 South Texas Shootout / Air Show
14-15 Gainsville RAP FL / Heart of Florida Air Show / Air Show
15 Shoreline Drive, Long Beach CA [Waterfront] / Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach / Flyover
17 Mallory Square, Key West FL / 2007 World Sailfish Championship — Flyover
17-23 Lakeland Linder RAP FL / Sun 'n Fun Fly-In, Inc. / Flyover & Static Display-TACDEMOS Requested
21 Ohio Rivier, Louisville KY [Waterfront] / Thunder Over Louisville / Air Show
21 Charleston AFB SC / Charleston Air Expo 2007 / Air Show
21-22 Wilimgton IAP NC / Coastal Carolina Air Show / Air Show
21-22 MCAS Beaufort SC / 2007 Lowcountry Blues Festival / Air Show
27-29 NAS Lemoore, CA /2007 Central Valley Lemoore Air Show / Air Show
27-29 AeroPuerto Rafael Hernandez, Aguadilla PR / Puerto Rico Air Extravaganza / Flyover
28 Skagit County Airport, Burlington WA / Skagit Tulip Fly-In Air Show / Air Show
28-29 Vidalia RAP GA / Vidalia Onion Festival Air Show / Air Show
28-29 Galveston IAP TX / 17th Annual Spirit of Flight Air Show / Air Show
29 Patrick AFB FL / Patrick AFB Air & Space Expo 2007 / Air Show
29 Kansas Speedway, Kansas City KS / Kansas Lottery Indy 300 / Flyover

May
04 Langley AFB VA / Air Power over Hampton Roads / Air Show
04-05 Spaceport in Sheboygan, Shebogan WI / Rockets for Schools / Flyover
04-06 MCAS Cherry Point NC / MCAS Cherry Point 2007 Open House & Air Show / Air Show
04-06 Draughton-Miller Central Texas Regional, Temple TX / Central Texas Air Show / Air Show
05 Decatur Airport (KLUD) TX / Decatur MAP Open House — Flyover & Static Display
05-06 Oceanfront, Fort Lauderdale FL / Fort Lauderdale Air & Sea Show / Air Show
05-06 Offutt AFB NE / Offutt AFB Open House & Air Show / Air Show
09-10 Billings Logan Airport, Billings MT / Laurel Aviation & Technology Awareness Week & Air Show / Air Show
12 Seymour Johnson AFB NC / Wings Over Wayne Air Show 2007 / Air Show
12 Dyess AFB TX / Big County Appreciation Day / Air Show
12 128ARW Gen Mitchell IAP WI / 2007 Milwaukee Armed Forces Week Military Display / Static Display
12-13 McGuire AFB NJ / McGuire/Ft Dix/Lakehurst Joint Base Open House 2007 / Air Show
18-19 Hilton Field, Fort Jackson SC / 2007 Celebrate Freedom Festival / Air Show
18-20 Torrance Blvd, Torrance CA /Armed Forces Day Parade / Air Show
18-22 Andrews AFB MD / DOD Joint Service Open House / Air Show
19 Hart High School, Newhall CA / Special Olympics Santa Clarita / Flyover
19 Noel Field Area, Ft Bliss TX / 2007 Armed Forces Day Open House / Air Show
19-20 Ft. Myers Beach FL / Ft. Myers Beach Air Show / Air Show
19-20 Barksdale AFB LA / Defenders of Liberty Open House & Air Show / Air Show
19-20 Central Nebraska RAP NE / Armed Forces Weekend / Static Display & Flyover
19-20 Silver Springs Airport MAP / Lyon County Fly In & Air Fest / Air Show
19-20 NAS JRB Willow Grove PA / Philadelphia Area 'Air Fest 2007' Air Show / Air Show
19-20 La Crosse MAP WI / Deke Slayton Airfest 10th Anniversary / Air Show
22-25 USNA Memorial Stadium, Annapolis MD / USNA Commissioning Week / Flyover [Blue Angels 23rd only]
25 Whitewater/Fairgrounds, Fayetteville GA / Memorial Day Weekend Celebration / Flyover
25-27 Watsonville MAP CA / Watsonville Fly-In & Air Show / Air Show
26 Ameriquest Field, Arlington TX / Texas Rangers Baseball Game / Flyover
26-27 Cancun International Airport Mexico / Alextremo Air Show Cancun 2007 / Static Display
26-27 Columbia Regional Airport MO / Memorial Day Weekend Salute to Veterans Celebration / Flyover & Static Display-TACDEMOS Requested
26-27 Millville Airport, Millville NJ / 2007 Wheels & Wings Air Show & Car Show / Air Show
26-27 Florence Regional Airport, Florence SC / May Fly Air Show / Air Show
27 US Cellular Field, Chicago IL / Chicago White Sox Memorial Day Event / Flyover
27-28 Jones Beach State Park, Wantagh NY / New York Air Show at Jones Beach State Park / Air Show
28 The American Village, Montevallo AL / 3rd Annual "Blue Star Salute" to our Nation's Active Military / Flyover
28 27501 S. Western Ave., Rancho Palos CA / Green Hills Memorial Park 22nd Annual Memorial Day Observance / Flyover

June
01-02 Mcready Field (MCE) CA / 50th Annual Merced West Coast Antique Fly-In / Flyover & Static Display-TACDEMOS Requested
01-02 Southport Airport, Portage La Praire MB / Manitoba Air Show / Air Show
01-03 Davenport MAP IA / Quad City Air Show 'Festival in the Sky' / Air Show
02 Carson City Airport NV / Carson City Airport Open House / TACDEMOS Requested
02 Myrtle Beach SC / Sun Fun Festival Air Show / Air Show
02-03 Travis AFB CA / Travis Air Expo / Air Show
02-03 Greater Rockford Airport IL / 3rd Annual Rockford Air Show / Air Show
02-03 Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport TN / The Great Tennessee Air Show / Air Show
02-03 Danville RAP VA / Southside Sky-Fest / Air Show
02-03 Manitowoc County Airport WI / Thunder on the Lakeshore / Air Show
03 Kennedy Park Waterfront NJ / 2007 Atlantic County Day at the Bay Festival & Air Show / Flyover
05 Corry Station, Pensacola FL / Corry Station Battle of Midway Commemoration / Flyover
08-10 Southern Wisconsin RAP WI / Southern Wisconsin Air Fest / Air Show
09 Sharp County RAP (KCVK) AR / Air Show, Openhouse & Fly-In / Flyover & Static Display-TACDEMOS Requsted
09-10 Fayetteville MAP AR / Airfest 2007 / Air Show
09-10 Mather Field, Sacramento CA / The California Capital Show / Air Show
09-10 Oklahoma River Okie City OK / Oklahoma Riverfest 2007 / [Leap Frogs Requested]
09-10 Tinker AFB OK / Star Spangled Salute / Air Show
10 Aalborg Air Base (EKYT) Denmark / Royal Danish Air Force Air Show / Air Show
15-16 Volkel AB Netherlands / Royal Netherlands Air Force Open Days / Flyover & Static Display-TACDEMOS Requested
15-17 Delaware County Airport IN / 2007 Muncie Summer Heat Air Festival / Air Show
16-17 San Carlos Airport CA / Vertical Challenge / Air Show
16-17 Carp Airport ON / Air Show Ottawa / Flyover & Static Display-TACDEMOS Requested
16-17 Hector IAP ND / Fargo Air Show 2007 / Air Show
16-17 Akron Fulton Airport OH / Aero Expo 2007 Defenders of Freedom Air Show / Air Show
16-17 911AW Pittsburgh IAP, Coraoplis PA / Wings Over Pittsburgh 2007 / Air Show
16-23 Scott AFB IL / Scott AFB Open House / Air Show
22-24 Sawyer IAP MI / Sawyer Experience Air Show / Flyover & Static Display-TACDEMOS Requested
22 Ameriquest Field, Arlington TX / Texas Rangers Baseball Game vs. Houston Astros / Flyover
23 Lake in the Hills Airport IL / Lake in the Hills Air Expo 2007 / Flyover & Static Display [Leap Frogs Requested]
23-24 Ramona Airport CA / Ramona Air Show / Air Show
23-24 St. Thomas Airport, London ON / Wings & Wheels SouthWestern Ontario / Air Show
23-24 Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport IL / Springfield Air Rendezvous / Air Show
23-24 Quonset State Airport RI / Rhode Island National Guard Open House & Air Show / Air Show [and Leap Frogs]
29-30 Yuba County Airport CA / Golden West EAA Regional Fly-In & Air Show / Air Show
29-30 Ohio River - Downtown, Evansville IN / 2007 Evansville Freedom Festival / Air Show
30 Goshen MAP IN / Goshen Freedom Festival / Air Show
30 Strother Field KS / Strother Field Day / Air Show
30 Binghamton Airport NY / 2007 Binghamton Air Show / Air Show
30 W.K. Kellogg Airport MI / Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show / Air Show
6/30 Joplin RAP MO / Joplin Airfest 2007 / Flyover & Static Display-TACDEMOS Requested

July
01 Yuba County Airport CA / Golden West EAA Regional Fly-In & Air Show / Air Show
01 W.K. Kellogg Airport MI / Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show / Air Show
01 Joplin RAP MO / Joplin Airfest 2007 / Flyover & Static Display-TACDEMOS Requested
01-04 Ohio River - Downtown, Evansville IN / 2007 Evansville Freedom Festival / Air Show

F-22s make mark at Red Flag

by Tech. Sgt. Russell Wicke
Air Combat Command Public Affairs

2/15/2007 - NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFNEWS) -- The F-22 Raptor flew in its first Red Flag exercise that started Feb. 3 here, showcasing its stealth, super cruise and other advantages absent in legacy fighters.

Pilots from the 94th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Va., are flying F-22s against Red Flag aggressors, with pilots from the Royal Australian Air Force of Australia, and the Royal Air Force of England.

The 94th FS deployed 14 Raptors and 197 Airmen to participate in the Red Flag exercise. Including the F-22s, more than 200 aircraft are participating. Among the foreign aircraft involved are the RAF's GR-4 Tornados and RAAF's F-111 Aardvark. In addition, the F-22s are flying with the B-2 Spirit, F-117 Nighthawk, F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon and more.

The F-22 pilots are experiencing tremendous success flying against the aircraft representing the enemy -- most of which are F-16s and F-15s, said Lt. Col. Dirk Smith, the 94th FS commander. The aggressor forces represent the most lethal threat friendly forces would ever face.

"The training provided by the Red Flag adversaries is like no other on earth," Colonel Smith said. "Our pilots are experiencing a tremendous learning curve."

The F-22's debut at the prominent Red Flag exercise is a significant milestone for the jet, Colonel Smith said. Red Flag is an advanced, realistic combat training exercise designed for fighter pilots, conducted over the Nellis Range Complex which measures 60 by 100 nautical miles. The exercise was established in 1975 because aerial-combat statistics suggested a pilot's survival and success increased significantly after the first 10 sorties. In Red Flag exercises, the Blue Forces represent friendly forces, while Red Forces simulate the enemy.

In addition to aerial combat, Blue Forces also train in various tactics to engage ground targets such as mock airfields, convoys, and other ground defensive positions. However, exercises at Red Flag often provide other unique training opportunities. Training with the B-2 and F-117 is "unprecedented" because the F-22 enhances the lethality of other Air Force aircraft, Colonel Smith said. The same principles apply with Air Force pilots who are practicing engagement with U.S. allies.

Because the United States usually doesn't engage in combat without coalition forces, Colonel Smith said training with the RAF and RAAF at Red Flag provided valuable experience for all involved.

"This exercise is a great chance for us to learn what (sister and coalition forces) can do, and for them to learn what we're capable of," he said. The addition of RAF and RAAF players makes the training more diverse and valuable for all pilots involved. The main idea is not just about the F-22, but how it enhances the overall Air Force package.

But the overall expected result for the F-22s' involvement at Red Flag is to foster and maintain an "unfair advantage" over the enemies of the United States, said Maj. Jack Miller, a Langley AFB spokesman. "Our joint forces don't want a fair fight, we want every fight we enter to be patently unfair -- to the other guy."

Despite the F-22s' "unfair advantage," Colonel Smith said flying against the Red Force aggressors of the 414th Combat Training Squadron is not an easy task. Aggressor pilots are made up of F-16 and F-15 pilots specially trained to replicate tactics and techniques of potential adversaries according to the 414th CTS/Red Flag fact sheet.

"These scenarios are not made to be easy," Colonel Smith said. "These (Red Forces) pilots are well trained and good at their job."

In addition, Red Forces aren't limited to aggressor pilots. There is no shortage of ground threats at Red Flag. These include electronically simulated surface-to-air missiles, anti-aircraft artillery, and communications jamming, according to 414th CTS officials.

Northrop Grumman Integrates Antennas On Flight Payload

From Hilary courtesy of MT editor Rachel Baughn.

Northrop Grumman Integrates Phased Array Antennas On Advanced EHF Flight Payload

The uplink and downlink phased array antennas developed by Northrop Grumman Corporation for its first advanced extremely high frequency (EHF) military satellite communications payload have been integrated onto the first flight structure, and their performance has been verified alongside other essential payload components. Delivery of the payload to Lockheed Martin, the prime contractor for the Advanced EHF program, remains on track.

Using phased array antennas, advanced microelectronics, extremely high data rate (XDR) waveforms and efficient protocols, Advanced EHF will deliver an increase in capacity and connectivity over the legacy Milstar system.

"The performance verification of our phased array antennas on the flight structure is a key achievement in the integration and test of the first Advanced EHF flight payload," said Gabe Watson, vice president of the Advanced EHF payload program for Northrop Grumman's Space Technology sector. "Successful development and production of the AEHF phased array antennas are essential to our ability to deliver higher capacity, highly secure communications to the U.S. military."

The phased array antennas Northrop Grumman has developed for Advanced EHF are directly applicable to the next-generation transformational satellite communications system (TSAT), which will ultimately replace the Milstar and Advanced EHF programs. The company is teamed with Lockheed Martin in the competition to build TSAT, and this accomplishment also represents a reduction in risk and cost to the TSAT program, Watson noted.

More than 40 separate tests were run on the Advanced EHF payload's three phased array antennas, consisting of one uplink antenna and two downlink antennas, as they were integrated successfully into the payload. These were part of the 231 tests of the Advanced EHF Flight 1 payload test suite.

The antennas also completed an additional series of tests which verify the operation of each individual antenna element. The phased array antennas will be the first of their kind to operate at 20 GHz and 40 GHz in space.

Test results verified that the performance of all three antennas exceed gain and coverage requirements and that they successfully interfaced with all applicable components in the payload, including critical digital processing and the RF subsystems.

HF ALE Milcom Frequencies 2-15-2007

Here are a few HF Milcom frequencies reported in the last 24 hours on the various HF newsgroups.

3192.0 Russian Navy RMP-Kaliningrad CW
4451.0 US Army 3-227 AVN ALE/USB
5075.0 Algerian Mil ALE/USB
5135.0 US Army 2-135 AVN ALE/USB
5179.5 Polish Mil ALE/USB
5220.0 Polish Mil ALE/USB
5236.0 Algeria Ministry of Interior/MIL ALE/USB
5260.0 Uzbekistan Army ALE/USB
5270.5 Uzbekistan Army ALE/USB
5555.0 Algerian Mil ALE/USB
5762.0 Hu8ngarian Mil ALE/USB
6486.0 US Army 3-25th AVN, Camp Speicher/Tikrit (Iraq) ALE/USB
6715.0 Spanish Air Force USB
6721.0 NATO AWACS USB
6753.0 Russian Mil RFFN-Net CW
6775.5 Polish Mil ALE/USB
6860.0 Unknown Possible Military ALE/USB
6906.0 US Army 1-108 AVN ALE/USB
6921.0 Israeli Air Force ALE/USB
6985.0 US Army COOP Net ALE/USB
7003.0 US Army (T01147) ALE/USB
7455.0 Unknown Possible Military ALE/USB
7705.0 Algeria Ministry of Interior/MIL ALE/USB
7785.0 Algeria Ministry of Interior/MIL ALE/USB
7813.0 Morocco Mil ALE/USB
7890.0 Unknown Possible Military ALE/USB
7938.0 Unknown Possible Military ALE/USB
7965.0 Unknown Possible Military ALE/USB
8060.0 Unknown Possible Military ALE/USB
8062.0 Singapore Navy ALE/USB
8130.0 Unknown Possible Military ALE/USB
8521.0 US Army ALE/USB
8521.0 Israeli Air Force ALE/USB
8714.0 US Army (TC1111/TC2135) ALE/USB
8875.0 Morocco Mil ALE/USB
10380.0 Unknown Possible Military ALE/USB
10536.0 CanForce CFH-Halifax RTTY/FAX
11047.6 US Army (TC1111) ALE/USB
11130.0 Morocco Mil ALE/USB
11155.0 Russian Navy RIT-Northern HQ Fleet Severomorsk CW
12160.0 Morocco Mil ALE/USB
14550.0 Morocco Mil ALE/USB
16333.0 Brazilian Mil ALE/USB
16345.0 Brazilian Mil ALE/USB

3277 kHz Exercise Update

Due to very heavy adjacent channel QRM it was quite difficult to monitor the 3277 kHz that I reported on last evening on this blog and UDXF. So we didn't hear some of the other english accents that were operating on this net. According to our overseas reporter, "judging from the accents and from the "scholastic" english of some of the operators, this is probably an interforce exercise, including Italians and Germans."

Callsigns heard were: U0G 5CW O0G 1NI UKF UKG

Our reporter notes, "many received messages included the words "Information Unit Alfa-Delta-Alfa."