Student flies last T-37 training mission

by John Ingle, 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs

SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- A familiar noise was missing from the 80th Flying Training Wing's aircraft parking ramp at about 2:30 p.m. June 17, one that has been prevalent in the Air Force's pilot training mission for 50 years -- the high-pitched screech of the T-37B Tweet.

The final student training mission began at 1 p.m., marking the last time an Air Force pilot will begin their career in the introductory jet.

Second Lt. Trevor Kernes, 89th Flying Training Squadron student pilot, said he was honored to be part of the historical event.

"Anyone of these guys deserves it," the future Ohio National Guardsman said. "To be chosen out of some of the best in the world is an honor. I'm humbled."

Lieutenant Kernes, a former forward air traffic controller who served in Afghanistan after 9/11 and was part of the initial push into Iraq in 2003, said the Tweet was fun to fly and a good training platform.

"I'm sorry for the T-6A (Texan II) student pilots," he said, "because they didn't get to fly the T-37."

Since 1959, more than 78,000 Air Force pilots have flown the venerable Tweet. The T-37 began its extraordinary flight into history in 1956 when it became an active aircraft in the U.S. Air Force inventory becoming operational in 1959.

The 80th FTW is the last organization in the Air Force to use the airframe.

Col. David Petersen, 80th FTW commander, said the durable aircraft lived up to expectations and then some.

"It's been a great trainer for 50 years," he said. "Right up to the end, it's been a good aircraft."

Lt. Col. Doug Antcliff, 19th Air Force standards and evaluation pilot, flew the Tweet for the last 11 years. He said the aircraft is the same today as it was in 1991 when he was a student pilot, however, it doesn't make it any easier to see an "old friend" retire.

"There is nothing new of that airplane," he said of the aircraft's technology. "But, I'm sad to see it go because it is a true workhorse."

The Tweet officially retires from active service July 31. The 80th FTW began training student pilots Aug. 29, 2008, in the Tweet's replacement the Texan II.

Kidd, Preble Return Home from Deployment

Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88) man the rails as the ship transits San Diego Bay after returning from a scheduled five-month deployment. Preble is part of the USS John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group and operated in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Damien Horvath/Released)

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Arleigh-Burke destroyers USS Kidd (DDG 100) and USS Preble (DDG 88) returned home to Naval Station San Diego from a five-month deployment with Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 3 June 16.

During the five-month deployment under the command of Commander, Destroyer Squadron 21, led by Capt. Kerry S. Gilpin, Kidd and Preble operated in 3rd and 7th Fleet's Area of Responsibility.

Their mission throughout the deployment was to directly support the U.S. maritime strategy by focusing on joint and international partnerships across a range of operations through forward presence, deterrence, freedom of the world's sea lanes, maritime security and humanitarian assistance/ disaster response.

Exercise Northern Edge 2009 kicks into high gear

by Marine Staff Sgt. Andrew W. Miller, Northern Edge Joint Information Bureau

Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska (AFNS) -- Exercise Northern Edge 2009 officially kicked off June 15 at various locations throughout Alaska.

Participants from all branches of the military are training together in order to hone their tactics, techniques and procedures associated with defensive counter-air, close-air support, air interdiction of marine targets and personnel recovery missions.

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni is supporting the evolution at Eielson Air Force Base with various components of personnel including Marines and sailors with Marine Aircraft Group 12 headquarters, Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224, Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 , Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12, and augmentees from Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron such as the Provost Marshal's Office and Public Affairs. Additional Marines are also supporting from Marine Air Control Squadron 4 out of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. Also from Futenma, Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 is operating at Elmendorf Air Force Base. In all, approximately 290 Marines and sailors from III Marine Expeditionary Force are participating.

"Northern Edge is MAG-12's best opportunity to get together with the Navy and Air Force to practice advanced tactics in missions that are similar to what we would have to do here in the Pacific area of operations," said Lt. Col. James Walker, MAG-12 operations officer. "We work with large forces here, 50 to 60 aircraft at a time, and that's not something we get to do on a daily basis. So, this is a good opportunity for MAG-12 to train in a tactical environment."

Although the event is headquartered out of Elmendorf Air Force Base, activities are taking place across the massive training grounds of Alaska in order to prepare joint forces to respond to crises in the Asian Pacific region.

According to Air Force Lt. Gen. Dana Atkins, commanding general of Alaskan Command and 11th Air Force, being able to train here is valuable because there are more than more than 65,000 square miles of available training space over land, and 120,000 when including the Gulf of Alaska. This space includes Alaska's Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, Gulf of Alaska restricted air space, and an in-transit corridor connecting military training air space and live-fire training ranges.

"Northern Edge is the premier exercise conducted within the Pacific Command's area of responsibility," said General Atkins. "It lets our joint warfighters learn about each other."

Learning about each other, and the way the varying services operate is very important according to Air Force Maj. Lyle Dawley, Northern Edge exercise control team chief.

"Communication can be a big challenge," he said. "We don't always speak the same language whether we are on the ground or in the air."

That is something he said he hopes service members can learn from and take away from this exercise considering there are almost 5,000 service members participating in the exercise aboard ships in the Gulf of Alaska and approximately 2,000 who are here from other bases and stations across the United States, Japan and Korea.

Exercise Northern Edge is an 11-day exercise and is scheduled to conclude here June 26.

Officials announce location for Global Strike command

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The Air Force announced Barksdale Air Force Base, La. as the permanent location of Air Force Global Strike Command headquarters June 18. The new major command will focus on the nuclear and global strike mission.

Barksdale was previously identified as the Air Force's preferred alternative for purposes of the environmental analysis process that is now complete. AFGSC will be activated on August 7.

"The environmental assessment, which included a 30-day public comment period, resulted in a finding of 'No Significant Impact' which allows for the SECAF to take the additional steps of making a final basing decision and formally standing up AFGSC," said Kathleen Ferguson, deputy assistant secretary for Installations.

"The standup of this new command will provide clear lines of authority and responsibility dedicated to the nuclear and conventional global strike mission, a key component of strategic deterrence," said Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz, designated commander for AFGSC.

HYDRA '09 prepares Airmen for real world emergencies

by Staff Sgt. Jessica Switzer, Defense Media Activity - San Antonio

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) -- Members of the 615th Contingency Response Wing and 15 other units from around the United States joined together to participate in HYDRA '09.

The joint exercise is the 615th CRW's most comprehensive training event, organized to allow Airmen to hone their skills and enhance command, control and joint interoperability using realistic scenarios.

"This humanitarian exercise gives us the ability to practice in a realistic environment," said Master Sgt. Craig Brown, 571st Contingency Response Group first sergeant. "We are able to test our command and control, and enhance our ability to accept airflow and off load cargo using real world scenarios. "

The exercise has grown from a 615th CRW-only event in 2007 to a training event that has about 750 participants from 16 different units, some from the Army and Marine Corps.

"We're working jointly with all different services of the military at different times of the day," said Senior Airman Jason Aglubat, 571st Global Mobility Squadron aerial port journeyman. "Every day brings different challenges and learning opportunities."

The 11-day exercise began June 12 and trains participants on a variety of operations that would be required in the event of an emergency.

"It gives us a real sense of what we would actually be doing if a humanitarian need rose somewhere in the world," Sergeant Brown said.

The scenario for HYDRA '09 was a magnitude 6.0 earthquake in a fictional allied country. The devastation from the quake extended up to 100 miles out from the epicenter. This scenario allowed the exercise to spread over three locations to provide maximum training opportunities. A part of the exercise, called Global Medic, focused on treating and moving victims of the earthquake.

"Participating in this exercise has allowed me to learn a lot of things that a classroom environment just can't offer," said Army Private 1st Class Arlett Diaz, a nutritionist with the Mobile Aeromedical Staging Facility at the exercise site. "I've learned how to administer flight transportation so that patients can receive the medical attention they need when they get to a hospital."

The training received during the exercise is invaluable to participants.

"This training keeps me up to date with the advances in my field," Private Diaz said. "It also makes me a better team member because I know I am able to help in other areas of the MASF as well."

In addition to training on aerial port operations, participants also were involved in helicopter sling-load training, simulated medical evacuation, several air drops of both personnel and equipment, low level and landing zone aircrew training.

"This exercise does a lot of things for us," said Staff Sgt. Melinda Santiago, 615th CRW air transportation craftsman. "In addition to learning how to interact with other services, we're also training to respond to a natural disaster and get relief supplies in and anyone who is injured out."

All of this training helps support the 615th CRW's mission of employing rapidly deployable, cross functional teams to quickly open forward air bases in an expeditionary environment.

Essex Embarks 31st MEU, Prepares for Talisman Saber

USS Essex (LHD 2), USS Denver (LPD 9) and USS Tortuga (LSD 46) wait pierside at White Beach Naval Facility in Okinawa, Japan while the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit loads gear and personnel before deploying for Talisman Sabre 2009. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Denver Applehans/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew Ebarb

OKINAWA, Japan (NNS) -- The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) completed on loading more than 1,400 Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) June 15 in preparation for exercise Talisman Saber 2009 (TS09).

TS09 is a bilateral command post and field training exercise designed to maintain a high level of interoperability between U.S. and Australian forces. The exercise also supports increased flexibility and readiness for maintaining regional security.

"As always, we're looking forward to having the 31st MEU on board again," said Capt. Brent Canady, Essex' commanding officer. "We've had an excellent operational record with them in the past, and we look forward to continuing that success."

The 31st MEU consists of ground, command, air and combat support elements that allow the Essex Amphibious Ready Group to conduct amphibious operations from the sea and project power ashore.

Essex' combat cargo department moved approximately 90 vehicles and 250 pieces of MEU cargo. Additionally, they helped move elements of the battalion landing team, the ground combat element, aviation combat element and combat logistics battalion. The arsenal includes CH-53E Sea Stallion, CH-46E Sea Hawk, AH-1W Super Cobra and UH-1N Huey helicopters, as well as AV-8B Harrier jet aircrafts.

"We're looking forward to the experience of working with the Australian military," said Gunnery Sgt. Jorge Jerez, well deck combat cargo assistant. "We have put a lot of work into getting the equipment on board and making sure that it's ready for the upcoming Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) evaluation."

AQIS is the Australian government agency responsible for enforcing Australian quarantine laws. Essex will coordinate with AQIS to ensure the safety of Essex' crew, Australian exercise participants and Australian citizens.

"Working with the Australian's offers something new for us," said Pfc. Marcus Clark, from Spokane, Wash. "This isn't something we get to do every day, and I think the experience will allow us to learn from one another and grow."

Essex is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed U.S. amphibious ready group and serves as the flagship for CTF 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force commander. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with a detachment in Sasebo, Japan.

Joint Exercise Northern Edge Ensures Maritime Security

Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Kelsey Gifford, from Augusta, Ga., communicates with hangar deck control while hangar bay personnel transfer a F/A-18C Hornet from the "Death Rattlers" of Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 323 to the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 are participating in Northern Edge 2009, a joint exercise which focuses on detecting and tracking units at sea, in the air and on land. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Abbate/ Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steve Owsley

GULF OF ALASKA (NNS) -- John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group assets consisting of USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 and USS Antietam (CG 54) arrived in the Gulf of Alaska June 15 for exercise Northern Edge 2009.

The exercise provides real-world proficiency in detection and tracking of units at sea, in the air and on land and response to multiple crises.

Approximately 9,000 U.S. active-duty and Reserve component Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines and more than 200 aircraft will take part in Northern Edge June 15-26.

"Northern Edge is one of the biggest joint exercises that we do in this country, and it's a great opportunity for John C. Stennis to go up there and participate," said Stennis Commanding Officer Capt. Joseph Kuzmick. "There's a lot of room and lots of places to fly that make this a very robust exercise. It's exciting for me to take this team up there and see how we do."

According to Kuzmick, Northern Edge is an Air Force-run exercise, but the workload is split evenly between Air Force and Navy assets.

"We're going to play the chief asset of the naval component commander," said Kuzmick. "We'll be operating as an aircraft carrier in the exercise scenario, and we'll be applying our air power to the problem."

Northern Edge is designed to be an air-centric exercise to train units in joint air operations tactics and command and control in a cost-effective and low-risk environment. Every branch of the military is scheduled to have aircraft involved in the exercise.

"It's incredibly important that if we are going to fight together that we train together," said Kuzmick. "We need to learn each other's languages, each other's tactics, techniques and procedures so that we can operate relatively seamlessly as a very effective tool."

Northern Edge operations will be conducted within the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, which includes more than 60,000 square miles of air space and the Gulf of Alaska, which encompasses 50,000 square miles of air space.

Joint service participation utilizes U.S. maritime and air forces, focusing on common threats to ensure maritime security.

Operations Specialist 1st Class Lee Tran, from Portland, Oregon, monitors links in the tactical flag command center aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). A link is a high frequency, narrow band transmitter used for communicating with outside forces. Stennis is participating in Northern Edge 2009, a joint exercise that focuses on detecting and tracking objects at sea, in the air and on land. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Josue L. Escobosa/ Released)

Mystery of the Missing Sunspots, Solved?

If you are a radio monitor and interested in where the sunspots have gone, check out the link below on our sister blog the BTown Monitoring Post. One of the most interesting stories about sunspots and Cycle 24 I have seen to date.

http://monitor-post.blogspot.com/2009/06/mystery-of-missing-sunspots-solved.html

NORAD and USNORTHCOM exercise starts tomorrow

PETERSON AFB, Colo. – North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command are planning to conduct a combined exercise June 18 - 24 that will incorporate several military exercises with a National Guard exercise. These linked exercises are referred to as ARDENT SENTRY 09. Events will take place in multiple venues across the country including Iowa, Kansas, Oregon, Wyoming, and off the East and West Coasts.

The exercise will allow several Department of Defense organizations and some federal and state partners to implement plans and respond to a variety of notional events. Historically, exercises like these have helped both DoD and other agencies review their processes and procedures and focus their future training efforts on closing gaps and identifying areas that need additional attention.

Major AS 09 venues include:

■ NORAD’s AMALGAM DART exercise involving air defense activities at Camp Rilea, Oregon;

■ The National Guard’s VIGILANT GUARD exercise focused on civil support with major activities in Des Moines, Iowa and Topeka, Kansas; and,

■ A Nuclear Weapons Incident exercise (NUWAIX) with a U.S. Air Force response near Cheyenne, Wyoming;

The activities in the vicinity of Camp Rilea will involve the deployment of an Army National Guard ground-based air defense system that will be integrated with Air Force airborne systems (AWACS and fighters) and a Navy Aegis Destroyer

Loyal Arrow

It's the largest military exercise of its kind for host-nation Sweden.

VP-8 "Fighting Tigers" Return from Deployment

By Lt. j.g. Donald Lauderdale, Patrol Squadron 8 Public Affairs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- A new chapter in the 66-year history of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8 began June 10 when the squadron's last P-3C aircraft arrived at its new home base at Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville from the Middle East.

The crew included VP-8 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Sean Liedman. They were welcomed by Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing (CPRW) 11 Capt. Kyle Cozad, CPRW 5 Capt. Jim Hoke and NAS Jacksonville Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby Jr. at a special ceremony held at their new home in Hangar 511.

"On this last deployment, you set the bar. You made a difference. You went to some of the world's most dangerous places and supported our warfighters," said Hoke. "As we saw with the Maersk Alabama situation, when there were things that had to be done in theater, the Tigers were the first to be called. Today is kind of bittersweet for me because this is the beginning of the end of CPRW Five and squadrons at NAS Brunswick. This is the fifth time VP-8 has moved during the span of their history, and each time you have set the standards, and I have no doubt you will do that here. Thank you for your service, thanks for what you did with Wing Five and thanks for what you did for your country during the past six months."

"In addition to thanking VP-8, I'd like to thank the folks who have made this happen," said Cozad. "This is a historic move and for the past two and a half years, we have all looked forward to making this move a reality. I especially want to thank the families for helping with this move and welcome home the Tigers. You are home!"

VP-8 deployed in December 2008 from their former homeport at NAS Brunswick, Maine. During their six-month deployment to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, the squadron flew in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and coalition counterpiracy operations in the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin.

"Thank you for welcoming VP-8 to our new homeport at NAS Jacksonville," Liedman told the crowd from the podium. "Today is historic, because as VP-8 closes out 38 years of service at NAS Brunswick, we open a new chapter at NAS Jacksonville. I can't think of a better way to put a bookmark between those two chapters than to do it in conjunction with returning from our highly successful deployment to the Middle East and Africa."

VP-8 generated an impressive 97 percent mission completion rate during the deployment despite the challenges of operating from the expeditionary environments of Qatar and Djibouti. Aircrews from VP-8 were the first Department of Defense asset to come to the aid of the motor vessel Maersk Alabama and provided round-the-clock surveillance until the rescue of the ship's captain, Richard Phillips.

VP-8 will be followed by VP-10 and VP-26 as they depart NAS Brunswick on deployment before relocating to NAS Jacksonville. With the return from deployment of VP-8's last aircraft, members of the Fighting Tigers say they look forward to opening a new chapter in their storied squadron history.

Multimission Ship Departs Pearl Harbor for WESTPAC Deployment

Family members of Sailors assigned to the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Crommelin (FFG 37) watch as the ship departs Pearl Harbor for the Mid-Pacific Surface Combatant Operational Employment program and to participate in the annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class N. Brett Morton/Released)

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- More than 200 Sailors aboard the guided-missile frigate USS Crommelin (FFG 37) departed Naval Station Pearl Harbor for a scheduled six-month deployment to the Western Pacific June 15.

While on deployment, Crommelin will support the Mid-Pacific Surface Combatant Operational Employment program and participate in the annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training Exercise to expand and increase maritime security through shared training with six Southeast Asian nations.

Crommelin will also work with the U.S. Coast Guard to monitor and deter illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the Central and Western Pacific. The partnership is designed to protect the fragile ecosystems of Oceania along with enforcing maritime laws.

Cmdr. Kevin Parker, Crommelin's commanding officer, was very optimistic about the deployment, noting that the crew was extremely prepared for the tasks ahead.

"The crew is more than ready to fulfill their duties and responsibilities," said Parker. "We are looking forward to providing a forward presence throughout Southeast Asia along with conducting training exercises with foreign navies."

Even while Crommelin Sailors were sad to say goodbye to their families, they were ready for the challenges that may lie ahead.

"It is always difficult to leave my family for an extended period of time, but that is the nature of my job," said Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Kevin Pressren, assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 37 embarked on Crommelin.

"This is something I'm used to since this is my third deployment, but it's never easy to say goodbye."

Friends and family waved farewell from the pier as they watched their Sailors aboard Crommelin depart Pearl Harbor in route to the Pacific Ocean.

"I'm sad to see my husband leave, but I know that this is his job, and I can't wait until he gets back," said the wife of a Crommelin Sailor.

"It's not the greatest thing to see him leave, but it is something that I'm used to, and I just look forward to having him back home," added another wife of a Crommelin Sailor.

USS Crommelin is a versatile, multimission warship, able to execute a variety of operations. Originally designed to escort and protect convoys, underway replenishment groups, amphibious landing groups, and carrier battle groups, her multiple warfare systems, combined with her quick reaction and high speed capability, make her a valuable asset in today's multi-threat environment.

CTF 152 Concludes Exercise Goalkeeper

ARABIAN GULF (NNS) -- Combined Task Force (CTF) 152 recently concluded an eight-day, multilateral exercise in the Arabian Gulf, aimed at improving capabilities of coalition partners to counter smuggling operations.

Exercise Goalkeeper 2009, led by Capt. Mark Sedlacek, commander, Combined Task Group 152.1, provided coalition forces with best practices exercises and enhanced visit board search and seizure (VBSS) training opportunities for maritime security operations (MSO).

"In addition to familiarizing all forces with MSO, Goalkeeper emphasized the tactics and procedures required for covertly locating and tracking a vessel of interest," said Sedlacek. "This exercise also provided an opportunity for regional coalition naval forces to work together in the maritime environment and help improve coordination and communication."

During the exercise, joint training in operational procedures and boarding techniques for VBSS was conducted with U.S. naval and Coast Guard forces, Royal Navy Sailors and Marines as well as the Royal Bahrain Navy and Coast Guard.

Coalition units that participated in the exercise included RBNS Al-Muharraq (FPBBH 51), RBNS Al-Fadhel (TNCBH 22), USCGC Maui (WPB-1304), HMS Richmond (F239), staff members from Destroyer Squadron 28 and a variety of other small craft used in the counter-smuggling scenario.

Additionally, regional observers embarked aboard Richmond and were able to expand their knowledge through information exchanges and by observing the two distinct phases of Goalkeeper.

"We enjoyed the opportunity to train and work with our international partners in the Gulf Region," said Lt. Matt Rooney, USCG Maui's commanding officer. "The Royal Bahrain Naval Forces boarding teams showed remarkable knowledge in their boarding technique and procedures throughout the exercise."

First Lieutenant Essa S. Saqer, of the Royal Bahrain Navy was also appreciative of the joint training conducted with the U.S. Coast Guard.

"This exercise made significant contributions toward helping us better train to secure our territorial waters from future threats," he said.

Commanded by Rear Adm. Kurt Tidd, CTF 152 is an international task force that conducts MSO inside the Persian Gulf and complements the security activities of Gulf Cooperation Council nations.

MSO help develop security in the maritime environment and complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations. From security arises stability that results in global economic prosperity. These operations seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment to transport personnel and weapons or serve as a venue for attack.

Russian Navy deploys for Exercise FRUKUS-2009

Following extract taken from the Russian Ministry of Defence website, date of extract 10 June 2009. Translated by "Old Crow."

Large AS ship of the Northern Fleet, Severomorsk has departed to participate in Exercise FRUKUS-2009.

Today, the Large Anti Submarine Ship of the Northern Fleet, Severomorsk left the fleet's main naval base and has put to sea. She set sail for the shores of France in order to participate in the multinational maritime exercises "FRUKUS-2009", which will take place during the period 22-26 June.

FRUKUS is an annual event involving the maritime forces of France, Great Britain, the United States and Russia. The current training will take place in the North-East Atlantic in the approaches to the French naval base of Brest. The scenario for the exercise will be directed against Piracy in the coastal area. The main mission of the exercise will be to develop and formulate joint activities within the context of multinational operational formation.

In addition to the Russian warship, the French destroyer "Tourville", the USN destroyer "Klakring"(sic), the RN destroyer "Duke of York" and NATO naval aviation assets will take part.

Russian Military to Conduct Exercise

Following extract taken from the front page of the Russian military journal Red Star dated 16 June 2009. Translated by "Old Crow."

Strategic-Operations training "Caucasus 2009" will take place in the North Caucasus Military District during the period 29 June to 6 July 2009. This is in accordance with the schedule for training / exercising by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. This event will be under the overall direction of the Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation First Deputy Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation, General of Army Nikolaj Makarov and will involve units of the North Caucasus MD).

One of the Nation's oldest Army units deploys to Iraq.

One of the Nation's oldest Army units left for a year-long deployment June 13 to Iraq.

New Jersey Troops Return

The last group of Soldiers with New Jersey's 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team is safely home from Iraq.

Airmen execute Project Liberty

The first MC-12 Liberty aircraft in-theater taxies out of an aircraft hangar for its first combat sortie June 10 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. The Air Force's new manned intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform, the MC-12 is designed to directly support ground forces with real-time ISR capability. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Tiffany Trojca)

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq (AFNS) -- Eighteen months ago officials created a plan to bolster the Air Force's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission by adding a new platform to the ISR inventory. Now the Airmen assigned to the 362nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron Detachment 1 here at Camp Liberty, Iraq, are charged with the task of standing up the new ISR mission using the newly configured C-12 Huron turboprop planes, designated MC-12W, as ISR platforms.

The program, called Project Liberty, involves Airmen operating the MC-12W aircraft out of Joint Base Balad, Iraq, and more Airmen serving as ground-based crew, gathering and analyzing the intelligence collected from here. The first combat sortie, flown June 9, was a complete success according to all parties involved.

In a recent interview, Maj. Gen. Blair E. Hansen, the A2 director of ISR capabilities and Air Force lead for the task force said, "this fight demands decisive information, surgical ISR, tailored to the level of the fight. This capability will give field commanders more important and timely knowledge to make critical decisions. To be effective in counterinsurgency requires micro information fast, to both kill or capture terrorists as well as to protect our joint and coalition force and the civilian population."

More than 20 trained professionals, all deployed form Langley AFB, Va., work day and night behind the scenes to gather and analyze all the data and imagery the aircraft collects, to provide forward deployed ground forces with the near real-time information to make key battlefield decisions.

"The purpose of Project Liberty is to provide intelligence directly to the warfighter," said Capt. Jeffrey Johnston, 362nd ERS Det. 1 commander. "We are providing daily support to the theater."

Captain Johnston said, the new ISR mission isn't exactly a new capability, but what is new is the concept of the platform and the fact that they are standing up new capabilities to the fight.

"It has been a tremendous amount of work, but we have the absolute best people to pave the way for this growing mission," said Captain Johnston.

According to the detachment's superintendent, standing up a new mission like this isn't ever easy, but said thanks to the hard work of his Airmen the gap has been bridged smoothly.

"There is a reason this team was handpicked to come here," said Master Sgt. Kyle LaLand, who is a native of Queens, N.Y. "I really think we are making a big difference for the guys fighting on the ground."

Airmen take over C-21 maintenance mission

by Senior Airman Brok McCarthy, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- For the first time in the history of the U.S. Central Command, the C-21s, the military version of the Learjet 35A, are being maintained by Airmen rather than contractors.

The 119th Aircraft Maintenance Unit stood up May 30 after 25 Airmen deployed here for 60 days from the North Dakota Air National Guard Base in Fargo, N.D.

"Air Mobility Command pilots have been flying the C-21 in the area of responsibility for at least the past 10 years, and our guard unit was partially mobilized to support the air tasking order," said Capt. Grant Larson, 119th AMU officer in charge. "Since our pilots were tasked to fly and support the ATO with guard aircraft, the decision was made to bring blue-suit maintenance as well."

The unit's noncommissioned officer in charge said their goal isn't to outshine the contractors who were taking care of the C-21, but to make sure they can meet any ATO that comes down.

"Hopefully, the 119th AMU taking over maintenance on the C-21 will be transparent," said Chief Master Sgt. Doug Faldet. "The contractors kept jets ready to fly at any time, and our goal is to do the same thing. Whenever someone needs to use one of our jets, they won't have to worry if it is ready to go or not."

The guard units at Fargo and at Bradley Air National Guard Base, Conn., were assigned the C-21 aircraft as a "bridge mission," helping the maintenance unit transition from maintaining fighters to maintaining cargo aircraft.

"In March of 2006, the North Dakota Air National Guard set a safety record by reaching 70,000 hours of accident-free flying in the F-16 aircraft," Captain Larson said. "The C-21 bridge mission will help us prepare for our follow on mission in the C-27 (Spartan) Joint Cargo Aircraft. Maintaining C-21 aircraft for an Expeditionary Airlift Squadron in the AOR will give us invaluable experience for when we get [the C-27], since we will probably be deployed quite a bit."

One of the biggest challenges the AMU has faced in the past two years is the fact that civilian contractors don't use technical orders like those used by maintenance Airmen.

"The customized maintenance manual that was built for the C-21 isn't written for a military setting," Chief Faldet said. "There are a lot of things that would normally be in a TO that the [manual] left out. Instead of giving step by step-by-step instructions, it will just say 'take this off.'"

Airmen also don't have the benefit of going through a detailed technical training program like with other airframes. Prior to working on the C-21, maintenance personnel are sent through a general introduction course and then a course on the jet's autopilot, both of which are two weeks long.

"It's been a lot of hands-on, scratch your head work, trying to figure things out," Chief Faldet said. "Just gaining system knowledge has been the hardest thing for us. The contractor who does maintenance has one airframe and power plant mechanic at each site to provide technical assistance, but he may or may not have run into a specific problem before."

In the short time since the unit stood up, it has already dealt with several major maintenance issues. But, Chief Faldet said the Airmen were able to fix them in good time.

German Navy Provides Vital Support to BALTOPS

The German Navy auxiliary repair ship FGS Elbe (A511) comes alongside the German Navy fast attack craft FGS Nerz (P 6124) during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS). This is the 37th iteration of BALTOPS and is intended to improve interoperability with partner nations by conducting realistic training at sea with the 12 participating nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christian T. Martinez/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christian T. Martinez, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa/Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

FGS ELBE, At Sea (NNS) -- German auxiliary repair ship FGS Elbe (A 511) provides support to more than 40 allied ships participating in Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) exercise.

"This is why you join the Navy, to work in an allied environment," said German Cmdr. Senior Grade Stephen Haisch, commander of Fast Attack Squadron 7. "It's important to train with other nations because we have a lot to teach each other."

Elbe's mission is to support smaller units by providing everything from ammo and fuel to spare parts and technical assistance. Elbe is also armed with a forward supply specialist unit specifically designed for maintenance on engines and weapons systems at sea.

Although Elbe is equipped with the tools that it needs to support its ships, the crew has had a major overhaul and is in the midst of integrating all new personnel. Elbe's mission will not only help support partner nations, but it will give the new crew a chance to participate in crucial training throughout the duration of BALTOPS.

"We receive the training benefit, but we also get to show our capabilities to the other units, especially other nations' navies," said German Lt. Alexander Wiegleb, duty officer for the command task unit stationed aboard Elbe. "Altogether, it's a great honor for German units to be involved in this multinational maneuver."

BALTOPS is comprised of forces from 12 countries and is the largest multinational naval exercise this year in the Baltic Sea. The exercise aims to improve maritime security in the Baltic Sea through increased interoperability and cooperation among regional allies.