64th Air Refueling Squadron Activated at Pease Air National Guard Base

157th Air Refueling Wing -- An Activation and Assumption of Command Ceremony took place at Pease Air National Guard Base Oct. 2. This ceremony officially recognized the 64th Air Refueling Squadron and its new commander, Lt. Col. Christopher Leist.

This is a "very momentous day for the Air National Guard and the Air Force," said 157th Air Refueling Wing Commander Col. Richard Martell.

The 64th ARS is a part of the 22nd Operations Group of McConnell Air Force Base but is operationally assigned to the 157th Air Refueling Wing. The partnership was formed as part of the Active Associate concept where Active Duty Airmen are assigned to an Air National Guard unit and work hand-in-hand with Guardsmen.

"This ceremony is unique because we not only activate a new flying squadron but we also assign a new commander," said Col. Steven Greco, Director of Operations and emcee for the ceremony.

"This is a day to celebrate the beginnings of a new way to capitalize on America and New Hampshire's investment in both the Active Duty Air Force and the Air National Guard," said Leist. "The next greatest generation is standing before you in formation today."

Col. Billy Langford, 22d Operations Group Commander, said this association will bring together the proud tradition of three renowned units "and set the course for a hugely successful partnership for years to come."

After the activation order was read, the 64th ARS guidon was unfurled and raised. Langford passed the guidon to Leist as a symbol of Leist's assumption of command of the 64th ARS. And with the words, "I assume command," Leist officially assumed authority and responsibility of command of the 64th ARS. Leist was presented with the United States Air Force Commander's Badge and also received his first salute from the 64th ARS.

"When the call came to nominate a squadron commander for the 64th, for me there was no deliberation necessary," said Langford. "I knew I had the perfect fit in Lt. Col. Leist."

Navy Conducting Amphib Ops on the Pacific Ocean

Sailors aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46) tend to a Marine Corps CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter during flight operations. Nearby, the amphibious transport dock USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) is conducting landing craft, air cushion (LCAC) operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Geronimo Aquino)

USS McClusky Deploys in Support of Counter Illicit-trafficking

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The guided-missile frigate, USS McClusky (FFG 41) will depart San Diego for an independent deployment to the 4th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) in the Eastern Pacific Ocean Oct. 5.

McClusky will deploy in support of counter illicit-trafficking (CIT) efforts. A crew of about 30 officers and 210 enlisted Sailors will conduct integrated operations with Joint Interagency Task Force South, based in Key West, Fla., and Coast Guard District 11, based in Alameda, Calif.

Commanded by Cmdr. Mark A. Lakamp, McClusky will deploy with HSL 45 Detachment 3, who will provide aerial support with a SH-60B helicopter and a Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment who will conduct boardings and law enforcement operations.

"Our crew is well trained and ready to take on the CIT mission as well as support the 4th Fleet commander's theater security cooperation (TSC) strategy," said Lakamp.

McClusky is credited with more than 20 drug seizures since it began deployments to the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean in 2000. On its most recent surge deployment in the summer of 2008, McClusky disrupted more than eight tons of cocaine bound for the United States.

USS McClusky falls under the command of Destroyer Squadron 1 (DESRON1) led by Capt. Eric C. Young and is one of six Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigates in DESRON 1. McClusky will relieve two DESRON 1 ships, the USS Gary (FFG 51) and USS Jarrett (FFG 33). Gary and the Jarrett are currently underway supporting CIT efforts in the 4th Fleet AOR.

McClusky helps provide deterrence, promote peace and security, preserve freedom of the sea and humanitarian/disaster response within 3rd Fleet's 50 million square mile area of responsibility in the Eastern Pacific as well as supporting the Navy's Maritime Strategy when forward deployed.

Fourth Fleet Achieves Pre-Accreditation During PANAMAX 09

A multi-national naval force, including the San Antonio class-amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), USS Doyle (FFG 39), USCGC Mohawk (WMEC 913), the Colombian navy frigate ARC Independiente, the Dutch navy auxiliary ship HMNLS Amsterdam, and the Uruguayan navy frigate General Artigas, underway in formation as part of Fuerzas Aliadas PANAMAX 2009. FA PANAMAX is an annual multi-national training exercise tailored to the defense of the Panama Canal. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gary B. Granger Jr./Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Holly Boynton, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. Fourth Fleet Public Affairs

MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- U.S. 4th Fleet achieved a major milestone during PANAMAX 09 Sept. 11-22 upon receiving their Maritime Operations Center (MOC) pre-accreditation at the end of the exercise.

During the annual PANAMAX exercise, U.S. 4th Fleet used its role as Coalition Forces Maritime Component Commander (CFMCC) to test their MOC procedures, bringing them to an equal playing field with other MOCs in the Navy.

MOCs are an operational construct designed to provide fleets with the flexibility and control needed to execute missions at the operational level of war, from personnel, to intelligence, to logistics and communication.

During several exercise scenarios, including riverine operations, use of Unmanned Aerial Systems, and a hijacking/piracy event, during PANAMAX 09, 4th Fleet put their MOC to the test. A team of observers from U.S. Fleet Forces Command and the Naval War College followed the staff's activities during the exercise, viewing the various departments' roles in working groups, cells, and boards, and during battle rhythm briefings. Fourth Fleet was able to test interoperability, integrating many foreign military partner nation representatives, as well as U.S. Army, Air Force and Marine Corps servicemembers and a strong reserve augmentation.

Rear Adm. David Anderson, Vice Commander U.S. Fleet Forces, commended Rear Adm. Victor Guillory, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet on his staff's performance during the exercise and pre-accredited 4th Fleet's MOC.

"It was apparent you took (pre-accreditation) very seriously and seeing how the staff cooperated, it was obviously a priority to you and your team," said Anderson.

The ability to work effectively within the joint environment is a necessity within the fleet today. The MOC construct enables increased maritime capabilities in the joint arena.

"Moving our MOC to the next level continues to be my top priority," said Guillory. "I want to mature 4th fleet staff activities, behavior, and products. For other MOCs and higher headquarters, we are ready for additional responsibilities that come with being a numbered fleet staff."

Fourth Fleet is the numbered fleet assigned to U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (NAVSO), exercising operational control of assigned forces. Fourth Fleet conducts the full spectrum of maritime security operations (MSO) in support of U.S. objectives and security cooperation activities that promote coalition building and deter aggression.

As the Navy component command of U.S. Southern Command, NAVSO's mission is to direct U.S. Naval forces operating in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions and interact with partner nation navies within the maritime environment. Operations include counter-illicit trafficking, theater security cooperation, military-to-military interaction and bilateral and multinational training.

A multi-national naval force, including the San Antonio class-amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), USS Doyle (FFG 39), USCGC Mohawk (WMEC 913), the Colombian navy frigate ARC Independiente, the Dutch navy auxiliary ship HMNLS Amsterdam, and the Uruguayan navy frigate General Artigas, underway in formation as part of Fuerzas Aliadas PANAMAX 2009. FA PANAMAX is an annual multi-national training exercise tailored to the defense of the Panama Canal. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gary B. Granger Jr./Released)

New post-Soviet force begins military exercises

By PETER LEONARD, Associated Press Writer

Associated Press article vai BreitBart

ALMATY, Kazakhstan (AP) - Thousands of troops from Russia and four other ex-Soviet nations began military exercises in southern Kazakhstan on Friday, the first of its kind for the newly formed NATO-style rapid-reaction force.

More than 7,000 troops gathered at the Matybulak training grounds for the maneuvers, which are expected to last two weeks, the Kazakh Defense Ministry said in a statement on its Web site.
You can read the full story at
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D9B2UBOG0&show_article=1

Milcom Blog Logs - September 2009 - Mid Atlantic

Ron, a member of the MMP team, passed along the following frequencies monitored in September from his Mid Atlantic monitoring post. Thanks Ron for sharing your frequency list with my readers.

AAF Army Air Field
AFB Air Force Base
ArNG Army National Guard
ARTCC Air Route Traffic Control Center
RCAG Remote Communications Air/Ground

--118.125 FACSFAC, Virginia Capes "Giant Killer" W386
--118.400 Andrews AFB Tower
--118.950 Potomac TRACON
--119.300 Potomac TRACON
--119.850 Potomac TRACON
--120.050 NAS Patuxent River Approach/Departure
--121.000 NAS Patuxent River Approach/Departure
--121.300 Martin State Airport Tower
--121.500 VHF guard
--123.175 Northrop-Grumman Test Facility, Baltimore
--123.225 Northrop-Grumman Test Facility, Baltimore
--123.400 FAA Operations Reagan National & Atlantic City International Airport-also alternate freq for Northrop-Grumman Test Facility, Baltimore
--123.700 NAS Patuxent River tower
--125.900 Dover AFB Arrival
--126.150 Phillips AAF Aberdeen MD
--126.200 Weide AAF Aberdeen MD
--126.300 Davison AAF Tower
--126.350 Dover AFB Tower
--126.550 Potomac TRACON
--127.950 NAS Patuxent River Approach/Departure
--132.425 Dover AFB Approach/Departure
--133.900 Washington ARTCC Calvert
--134.100 Dover AFB and McGuire Command Post
--134.350 Washington Helo Control (DCA)
--135.025 NAS Patuxent River Approach/Departure

--138.000 134FS VT ANG F-16 Air-Air (AM mode)
--138.200 Atlantic City International Airport 119FS NJ ANG (AM mode)
--138.425 Atlantic City International Airport 119FS NJ ANG (AM mode)
--139.000 Martin State Airport 104FS MD ANG A-A (AM mode)
--139.150 Andrews AFB 121FS DC ANG (AM mode)
--139.300 Andrews AFB Pilot to Dispatcher (AM mode)
--139.400 Davidson AAF Operations (AM mode)
--139.700 NORAD Eastern Air Defense Sector Huntress (AM mode)
--139.900 121st FS DC ANG ADW Ops
--141.550 Andrews AFB Griffin Command Post (AM mode)
--143.150 Andrews AFB 121FS DC ANG (AM mode)
--143.600 Andrews AFB 121FS DC ANG (AM mode)

--227.125 Washington ARTCC Hagerstown RCAG
--228.450 LFI A-A
--228.450 Langley AFB 1FW Air-Air
--228.900 NORAD Eastern Air Defense Sector Huntress & Guard Dog CAP secondary
--229.400 Weide AAF Ops (Maryland Army National Guard)
--229.600 Phillips AAF Ops (Maryland Army National Guard)
--233.550 Willow Grove NAS/JRB Pennsylvania ANG Air-Air
--236.825 Washington ARTCC Snow Hill RCAG
--237.200 Bollen Range, Ft Indiantown GAP PA
--238.100 FACSFAC, Virginia Capes "Giant Killer" W386
--238.900 Aerial Refueling Anchor AR-636 primary
--239.050 New York ARTCC Joliet RCAG Lancaster sector
--239.800 McGuire AFB/Langley AFB Metro
--243.000 UHF guard
--249.800 FACSFAC, Virginia Capes "Giant Killer" W386
--250.300 NAS Patuxent River Approach/Departure
--250.700 NAS Patuxent River VX-23 Operations
--254.200 GK discrete.
--254.300 Washington ARTCC Ship Bottom RCAG Coyle sector
--255.000 Giantkiller W107
--255.400 Leesburg Radio
--256.500 NAS Patuxent River Area Advisory Control Bay Watch
--257.700 Washington ARTCC Whaleyville RCAG Salisbury sector
--257.875 Dover AFB Approach/Departure
--260.900 NORAD Guard Dog CAP
--261.000 Atlantic City International Airport 119FS NJ ANG Devil Operations
--262.025 Langley AFB Air-Air
--264.150 NAS Patuxent River NTPS Operations
--266.500 Aerial Refueling Anchor AR 777 primary
--268.800 NAS Chambers VA Operations
--270.275 Potomac TRACON
--270.800 NAS Patuxent River Area Advisory Control Bay Watch
--273.525 Harrisburg approach/departure
--273.950 MCB/MCAF Quantico HMX-1 discrete
--276.675 LFI A-A
--279.575 Potomac TRACON fly by controller
--281.400 Washington ARTCC Patuxent River RCAG Calvert sector
--281.450 Washington ARTCC Atlantic City RCAG (changed from Sea Isle)
--281.525 Harrisburg Approach/Departure
--281.800 NAS Patuxent River Approach/Departure
--282.200 Washington ARTCC Bucks Elbow RCAG Casanova sector (now on 282.250-LVH)
--285.400 Washington ARTCC Sea Isle RCAG Casino sector
--290.425 Washington ARTCC Green Bay RCAG Franklin sector
--292.200 Andrews AFB 89AW/1HS Air-Air
--292.300 FACSFAC, Virginia Capes "Giant Killer" W386 common
--297.200 Martin State Airport Tower
--306.200 New York ARTCC Philipsburg RCAG
--310.550 NAS Patuxent River Echo Control
--311.000 Lighthouse Control- CP Seymour-Johnson AFB NC
--312.300 FACSFAC, Virginia Capes "Giant Killer" W386 common (LFI 36 prime)
--314.000 NAS Patuxent River Approach/Departure
--317.425 Potomac Tracon Departure
--320.450 Echo Control NAS Patuxent River MD
--322.400 ZNY Middletown RGAG
--322.550 Washington ARTCC Linden RCAG Linden sector
--327.000 Washington ARTCC Falls Church RCAG Brooke sector
--327.225 FACSFAC, Virginia Capes "Giant Killer" W-107 discrete
--328.400 Andrews AFB VR-53 Operations
--335.500 Potomac TRACON
--335.600 New York ARTCC Modena RCAG
--341.750 AR 20 primary
--342.000 Dover AFB Metro
--347.200 Martin State Airport MD ANG Raven Ops
--348.000 NAS Patuxent River Approach/Departure
--348.725 Potomac TRACON
--349.000 Andrews AFB Tower
--349.400 Dover AFB Command Post
--349.500 NAS Chambers VA CP
--350.250 Washington ARTCC Guard Dog CAP
--351.200 Andrews AFB 459ARW/756ARS Command Post "Liberator"
--351.900 Washington ARTCC Green Bay RCAG Gordonsville sector
--354.150 Washington ARTCC Smyrna RCAG Kenton sector
--354.800 NAS Patuxent River Area Advisory Control Bay Watch
--355.300 MCAF Quantico Base Ops
--355.800 Bay Watch NAS Patuxent River MD
--357.100 Langley AFB 1FW/71FS Operations
--360.150 NORAD Eastern Air Defense Sector (DC NORAD Guard Dog CAP) Langley AFB A-A
--360.700 Washington ARTCC Baltimore RCAG Swann sector
--360.850 Washington ARTCC Falls Church RCAG Irons sector
--363.000 Washington ARTCC Millville RCAG Woodstowne sector
--365.700 NAS Patuxent River test discrete
--372.200 Andrews AFB Dispatch
--375.700 Coronet 31 C2
--376.200 Langley Dispatch.
--378.100 Andrews AFB Griffin Command Post
--384.100 Martin State Airport 135th Command Post Crab Ops
--389.100 GK discrete
--395.100 Harrisburg International Airport 193rd SOG PA ANG Baton Ops

It's official: 33rd Fighter Wing is the F-35 training unit

And here is a story from the NewsHerald.com website in Panama City:

EGLIN AFB — The 33rd officially shed its “fighter” wing status Thursday morning as it transitioned to the first F-35 training unit. The former operational F-15 Air Combat Command unit is now a training unit under the Air Education and Training Command’s 19th Air Force.

The wing will continue the legacy of the 33rd, maintaining the “fighter wing” moniker and the “Nomad” name.

Get the rest of the copyrighted story online at
http://www.newsherald.com/news/photo-77962-fighter-33rd.html

Milcom Blog Logs - September 2009 - Central Florida

Jack, a member of the MMP team, has passed along his Milcom blog log freqs monitored during the month of July from his central Florida location. Thanks Jack.

"Thing's were wild during the month of September. We had an ATLANTIC STRIKE exercise at Avon Park Range and a JTFEX exercise at Pinecastle Range. These are the call sign's monitored by myself and other monitor's. Big thank you to the monitor's to my South! The following call sign's were used during these exercise's."

WARHAWK(ASOC??)
RAVEN A-10C 77FS
THUNDER B--1B 34BS
GAMBLER F-16CM 77FS
RAID KC-135 319ARW
CHILL B-52H 5BW
AVENGER B-52H 2BW?
POKER F-16CM 77FS
TURBO KC-135 22ARW
DEFIANT F-16CM 77FS

JTAC'S
ADVANCE SANDHOG BRUTAL HORSEMEN BLACKJACK DESTORYER HARDLUCK SLAYER BLACKFOOT GHOST
COWBOY SMASHER LIGHTING GRIFFIN

JTFEX
DART (PHOENIX AIR GROUP) COUGAR ?? SENTRY-51 ZAPPER EA-6B VAQ-130 CHECK
RAGIN VICIOUS GYPSY HUSKY

Frequency's monitored:
138.1500 UNKNOWN USER/FUNCTION
139.0000 A/G/A UNKNOWN USER
139.2500 UNKNOWN USER/FUNCTION
139.2750 USED BEFORE BY MOODY A-10'S
139.6000 A/G/A UNKNOWN USER
140.3750 77FS INTERFLIGHT
140.7000 UNKNOWN USER/FUNCTIONS
141.3000 NASA VARIETY NET
141.8250 UNKNOWN USER/FUNCTION
143.7000 USED BEFORE BY MOODY A-10'S
150.3000 USCG??
225.1500 J-STARS
225.1750 B-1B THUNDER***
225.3250 77FS
225.3500 R-2910 PINECASTLE RANGE
225.6750 VMFA-115 MCAS BEAUFORT SC
225.8750 AWACS
226.4250 ATLANTIC STRIKE??***
227.1000 JTFEX??
228.4000 R-3007 TOWNSEND RANGE GA
228.5750 ATLANTIC STRIKE??***
229.1750 UNKNOWN USER/FUNCTION
229.3500 ATLANTIC STRIKE??
230.1500 ATLANTIC STRIKE??***
230.2250 JTFEX??
231.6000 JTFEX??
233.2000 ARMY
233.3750 JTFEX??
233.7500 J-STARS
234.2250 JTFEX??
234.8000 159FS/125FW
234.9500 UNKNOWN USER/FUNCTION
235.0500 USAF UNKNOWN USER/FUNCTION
235.1500 USAF UNKNOWN USER/FUNCTION
235.4000 NASA INTERFLIGHT
235.8500 DART MARITIME CONTROL**
236.0750 GRAND BAY RANGE MOODY AFB GA
237.0250 TYNDALL AFB UNKNOWN USER/FUNCTION
237.2000 ARMY
237.7000 ATLANTIC STRIKE??
238.3500 JTAC AVON PARK RANGE "RED-3"
238.8000 AF OPS NAS KET WEST
239.0000 ORLANDO EXEC TOWER
239.2500 FAA
239.3000 JTFEX "CHECK" INTERFLIGHT??
239.3500 JTFEX??
239.5000 ARMY
239.5500 JTFEX??
239.9000 AR-620
240.1000 DZ OPS MACDILL AFB
240.3000 J-STARS
240.4250 VMFA-112 INTERFLIGHT
240.4750 JTFEX??
240.6000 USCG
242.1500 310AS MACDILL AFB INTERFLIGHT??
242.2000 ARMY
242.2500 JTAC ATLANTIC STRIKE
242.4250 JTFEX??
245.2000 ARMY
245.2500 ATLANTIC STRIKE***
245.6500 VFA-31 TAC
245.7000 ARMY
249.5500 UNKNOWN USER/FUNCTION
251.1500 JAX IAP A/D
251.2000 UNKNOWN USER/FUNCTION
251.2500 159FS/125FW
252.1000 AF RESERVE
252.1250 ATLANTIC STRIKE***??
252.8000 PATRICK AFB 920RQW??
252.9250 HAVEQUICK
253.7000 159FS/125FW
254.3250 KZJX
256.1500 UNKNOWN USER/FUNCTION
256.5000 NAVY
256.7500 UNKNOWN USER/FUNCTION
256.8750 KZMA
256.8750 KZJX
256.9000 KZJX
257.5000 "HYDRA CONTRON" GCI OPS
257.7000 KZMA
257.7500 KZJX
257.7750 NAS WHITING FIELD
257.9000 FAA
257.9750 BREWTON FLD RADIO NAS WHITING FLD
258.7500 UNKNOWN USER/FUNCTION
258.9250 UNKNOWN USER/FUNCTION
260.8000 NORAD
263.0500 KZJX
263.4500 MOODY AFB GA METRO
264.2000 NAS JAX VP-16 EAGLE BASE
264.6500 BOEING OPS
265.9000 FACSFAC JAX "SEALORD"
267.5000 FACSFAC JAX "SEALORD"
267.8500 HAVEQUICK
268.5000 NAVY
269.2500 KZJX
269.3250 JAX IAP A/D
269.4000 TAMPA IAP TOWER
269.5000 FAA
270.5000 NAVY
271.8000 95FS INTERFLIGHT
271.9500 HAVEQUICK
273.2750 JTFEX??
273.3750 ATLANTIC STRIKE***
273.5000 PATRICK AFB ATIS
273.5250 KZJX
273.5500 KZJX
273.8500 UNKNOWN USER/FUNCTION
274.5000 VMFA-115 INTERFLIGHT MCAS BEAUFORT SC
275.2000 GRUMMAN FLIGHT TEST
275.5000 NAVY
275.6500 NAS MAPORT FL
275.7500 NAS MAYPORT FL
275.8000 HURLBURT FLD GROUND CONTROL??
276.0250 UNKNOWN USER/FUNCTION
276.3250 JTFEX??
276.4000 NAS JAX GCA
276.6000 AVON PARK RANGE
277.2000 UNKNOWN USER/FUNCTION
277.4000 KZJX
277.8000 FLEET COMMON
278.4000 NORAD
279.0500 JTFEX??
279.6000 TAMPA IAP A/D
279.7500 HAVEQUICK
281.5000 KZMA
282.2000 KZJX
282.3000 KZJX
282.4250 CUSTOMS
283.7000 BUCCNEER OPS MACDILL AFB
284.0000 KSC TOWER
284.1500 J-STARS
284.5000 FACSFAC JAX "SEALORD"
284.7000 ORLANDO IAP A/D
285.5000 KZMA
285.6500 KZJX
288.3000 KZJX
288.4000 NORAD
289.0500 AWACS
289.2000 R-2910 PINECASTLE RANGE
290.0000 ATLANTIC STRIKE??
290.3000 TAMPA IAP A/D
290.3500 KZJX
290.4000 KZJX
290.9500 JTFEX??
292.2000 R-2901 AVON PARL RANGE
292.8750 JTFEX??
293.2250 KZMA
293.6000 NORAD
294.5250 ATLANTIC STRIKE***
298.5000 NORAD
298.6500 HAVEQUICK
299.5000 NAVY
303.0000 EXERCISE/TRAINING
303.1000 EGLIN AFB??
303.2750 HAVEQUICK
303.6000 SOUTH WHITING FIELD HT-8 FDO
306.0000 NAS JAX VP-30 OPS
306.9000 KZMA
307.2000 KZJX
307.2500 KZJX
307.3000 KZMA
308.0750 ATLANTIC STRIKE***
308.4000 JAX IAP A/D
308.7500 AWACS
310.2000 NAS JAX BASE OPS
311.0000 6AMW"LIGHTING OPS" MACDILL AFB
311.5000 FACSFAC JAX GCI OPS "BRISTOL"
314.2000 159FS/125FW
314.4500 HAVEQUICK
316.2250 ATLANTIC STRIKE***
316.3000 NORAD
316.5250 JTFEX??
317.4000 KZJX
317.5250 KZJX
317.6000 KZJX
317.6000 KZMA
318.6000 FACSFAC JAX "SEALORD"
319.0000 KZMA
320.5000 FACSFAC JAX GCI "BRISTOL"
320.8000 NORAD
321.0000 PATRICK AFB 920RQW
322.4000 JAX IAP A/D
322.4250 KZJX
322.4750 KZJX
323.0500 KZJX
323.6250 JTFEX??
324.8000 NAVY
327.1000 KZJX
327.5750 JTFEX??
335.5000 KZMA
335.6000 JAX IAP A/D
338.2500 JAX IAP A/D
341.7000 ORLANDO IAP CD
341.7500 AWACS
343.0000 159FS/125FW
343.5000 NAS JAX METRO
346.3000 KZJX
348.7000 KZMA
349.0000 KZMA
349.4000 USAF ALCC
350.0250 CUSTOMS
351.8000 JAX IAP A/D
352.0000 KZJX
352.0250 JTFEX??
353.5750 TAMPA IAP A/D
353.6000 KZMA
357.0000 EXERCISE/TRAINING
358.8500 NORAD
360.7000 KZJX
360.8000 KZJX
363.0000 KZJX
364.1000 AWACS
364.2000 NORAD AICC
371.0000 EGLIN AFB??
371.9500 KZTL
377.0500 JAX IAP A/D
377.1000 KZMA
380.3000 KZMA
381.5000 DAYTONA IAP A/D
387.0000 DAYTONA IAP A/D
392.2000 EGLIN AFB??

"I am going out on a limb and say this "freqs marked *** are new USAF tactical exercise freqs". I have had these programmed for over 2 years and this is the first time used during a major USAF exercise. The "DART"** A/C was broadcasting description,course and speed of ship's in the exercise area. JTFEX freqs marked ?? are freqs that I have monitored carrier activity in the past."

Jack in Deltona, FL

Face of Defense: Soldier Draws From Seven Deployments

By Army Sgt. Brandon T. Metroka
Special to American Forces Press Service

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq, Oct. 7, 2009 - For Army Sgt. William Altman, an operations noncommissioned officer with the 28th Combat Aviation Brigade, doing his job with excellence is the motivation that carries him through his daily shift.

"I just enjoy doing a good job," said Altman, an 18-year veteran with seven deployments under his belt. "Keeping the commander updated on the goings-on in our sector is pretty important, and is the objective."

Along with more than 20 other soldiers working various shifts and taskings, Altman is responsible for manning the brigade's tactical operations center, which requires vigilant manning 24 per day, seven days per week. For Altman, the brigade's blue force tracker and fires sergeant, continuity is often the greatest challenge.

"While we might work shifts, any issues must be resolved or worked to completion," Altman said. "Otherwise, we're creating a sort of 'butterfly effect' for the next shift."

Altman is no stranger to working in current operations. With his multiple deployments, Altman brings a trove of experience to a fairly reactive job often misunderstood by other soldiers.

"Other sections might work a normal work day and be closed for certain periods," Altman said. "Here, the lights never go out. Operations are continuous."

Fighting complacency and mid-deployment doldrums is essential to proficiency, he said. All soldiers, from the battle captain, who is the quarterback of the section, to the radio telephone operator who functions as the primary medium for passing and receiving information, must be cognizant of the big picture at all times. Soldiers must be prepared for the unexpected, including indirect fire attacks, small-arms fire attacks on aircraft and diverting air support for soldiers on the ground.

"We manage to handle high-stress events well, mostly because we all know our roles," Altman said. "Even when days are fairly quiet, we have to fight boredom by trying to stay proficient on our equipment."

Although the tempo occasionally slows, there is never a shortage of work for the soldiers. Altman and the staff keep busy by organizing various document binders, from fragmentary orders to Red Cross messages, maintaining the daily log, making changes to personnel flight manifestos, and keeping track of scheduled flights.

Soldiers also are trained on state-of-the-art electronic systems like the Blue Force Tracker, which uses global-positioning technology to view the location of aircraft and vehicles during missions. In addition, soldiers have more traditional methods of communication and battle-tracking tools at their disposal, to include instant messaging, phone lines and FM and high-frequency radios. Numerous maps and overlays line the walls of the operations center for reference and as an alternative method of tracking the location of aircraft.

"If technology fails, we still must be knowledgeable enough to be able to accomplish our mission," Altman said. "Pencils and paper, charts and darts; our jobs don't stop just because the technology stops working."

(Army Sgt. Brandon T. Metroka serves with the 28th Combat Aviation Brigade.)

Polar icebreaker returns from Arctic

The Seattle Times online website (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009985331_polar02.html) is reporting the following story.

The Coast Guard icebreaker Healy has returned to Seattle after completing a summer scientific mission that included mapping parts of the Arctic Ocean seafloor along with a Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker.

The 420-foot Healy, home-ported in Seattle, arrived at Pier 36 midday Thursday, a Coast Guard spokesman said. It now will go into dry dock for maintenance.

The Healy, commissioned in 2000, is the largest of the three Coast Guard polar icebreakers. The cutter's primary mission is scientific support in the Arctic. It also can handle other missions, such as search and rescue, ship escorts, environmental protection and enforcement of laws and treaties in the polar regions.

Milcom Blog Logs - October 2, 2009 - Australia

Our friend and a MMP reporter from down under, Eddy Waters in South Australia, checks in with a couple of HF logs including a possible Indonesia earthquake related freq. Thanks Eddy for sharing with my MMP readers.

6768.5 Unknown Indonesian location. Messages re- update of various areas situation re the recent earthquake. In indonesian language, but could understand names of places, Banda Aceh, Padang, Matan, Medang etc. CW. Went off the air at 0930 UTC. First time heard. (EW).

8050.0 Fort Bragg North Carolina. Ale address DKB. Mil-Std 141A. 1055 UTC.

New Missile Plan Serves Same Objectives, Officials Say

By John J. Kruzel, American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON - The adoption of a new U.S. missile defense approach does not represent a departure from earlier objectives nor was it influenced by U.S.-Russian relations, top Defense Department officials said today.

Like the old system that would have placed missile defense equipment in Poland and the Czech Republic, the proposal announced last month places priority on protecting the United States, American troops abroad and NATO allies on the European continent, Marine Corps Gen. James E. Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told lawmakers.

"Our recommendations are not a departure from the objectives," he told the House Armed Services Committee, referring to what he called the three-layered approach.

As opposed to earlier plans to build ground-based components in Eastern Europe, defense officials have said a new sea-based approach is better suited to intelligence on Iranian threats and would provide protection sooner.

Some have interpreted this move away from the plan to place advanced radars in the Czech Republic and 10 ground-based interceptors in Poland as intended to gain political favor with Moscow, which vocally opposed the ground-based approach. But in her remarks to the committee today, Michele Flournoy, undersecretary of defense for policy, emphasized that the decision to alter the missile defense system's architecture was aimed at better securing American interests.

"We certainly welcome Russian interest in the new approach, as well as potential Russian cooperation in sharing data from their radars. But this is not about Russia," she said. "It never has been about Russia. Regardless of the Russian reaction, we will continue to do whatever it takes to ensure our security and those of our partners and allies."

In December 2006, when intelligence suggested the development of Iran's intercontinental ballistic missile was the foremost threat to the United States and its allies, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates recommended to then-President George W. Bush that the United States adopt the ground-based approach.

But with current intelligence reports suggesting Iran is moving faster to develop its shorter-range missiles, Gates has said the new architecture better protects the United States and its European allies.

"The original program that I recommended would have had no capability against short- and medium-range missiles until probably 2018," Gates said at a Pentagon news conference last month. "What the new system provides is some capability beginning in 2011 that will grow steadily each year in terms of its sophistication and its coverage of Europe. The next phase would begin in 2015."

Gates -- a former CIA director -- said the new arrangement is preferable even if U.S. intelligence assessments that indicate Iran is more focused on developing short and mid-range missiles over long-range capabilities prove incorrect.

Flournoy amplified that position at today's hearing, saying the previous configuration was based on threat information and technology that is now outdated.

"Circumstances have changed since then," she told lawmakers. "First, the intelligence picture has evolved. And second, we have made major strides in missile defense technologies and capabilities in just the last few years. We are now in a position to put in place a far more effective missile defense system more rapidly than just a few years ago."

An additional drawback to the previous plan was that ground-based interceptors designed to deal with no more than five enemy missiles at once were prone to being overwhelmed by a larger salvo fired simultaneously, Army Lt. Gen. Patrick J. O'Reilly, director of the Missile Defense Agency, told lawmakers.

"The previously proposed European defense architecture was insufficient to protect NATO and our forward-based forces, and provide redundant coverage of the United States homeland," he said.

President Barack Obama's announcement of the new program last month puts the United States on track for a four-phase missile defense program with the ultimate goal being a robust, interconnected, multinational system.

Deploying the Navy's ships equipped with the Aegis weapons system to the region by 2011 drives the new plan's initial phase. Their Standard Missile 3 interceptor has passed several tests in the past two years, and forward-position Army radar systems will support them.

This will give the military a smaller range of detection and protection, but is enough initially to protect U.S. troops and allies against Iran's shorter-range missiles, officials said.

Hawaii National Guard, FEMA Teams to Assist American Samoa

By Gerry J. Gilmore, American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON - In response to Federal Emergency Management Agency requests, National Guard assets from Hawaii continue to provide air-cargo operations and other support to tsunami victims on American Samoa, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman told reporters here today.

Support requested by American Samoa authorities includes power-generation equipment, medical supplies, food, water and shelter-support, including bedding and blankets, Whitman said.

"We'll continue to do that for some time," Whitman told reporters, noting nearly 100 Hawaii National Guard personnel are involved in airlift and humanitarian-relief operations for American Samoa.

An 8.4 magnitude earthquake struck near the Samoa Islands region Sept. 29, causing devastating 15-to-20-foot-high waves to cascade inland across the South Pacific archipelago, including the eastern side of American Samoa, a U.S. possession.

FEMA, which maintains well-stocked warehouses in Guam and Honolulu, is deploying resources to American Samoa, including water and meals, to support 70,000 survivors over the coming week.

Two C-17 Globemaster III cargo planes departed Hawaii today en route to American Samoa with FEMA members, food and water, and mortuary-affairs assets aboard, Whitman said. Another C-17 is slated to leave Hawaii for American Samoa later today, he added, carrying more equipment and supplies.

The first of four C-17 relief flights to American Samoa left Hawaii yesterday afternoon, Whitman said, carrying medical, search-and-rescue, and communications personnel, as well as supplies and equipment.

Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell yesterday outlined some of the infrastructure for the effort.

"We are providing Travis Air Force Base in California, Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii [and] Andersen Air Force Base in Guam as base support installations," he said. "These are basically staging areas for operations to provide aid and assistance to those in American Samoa. We're going to be providing medical triage, [hazardous materials] response, mass-casualty care and strategic airlift. That's what the focus at the outset will be of our assistance."

The Navy yesterday dispatched the frigate USS Ingraham to assist humanitarian-relief efforts in American Samoa. The Ingraham was in the region when the tsunami struck.

U.S. military personnel also are assisting relief efforts in the Philippines, which has experienced massive flooding.

Denver ARG Conducts Amphibious Integration Training

Sailors assigned to the amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) embark Marines from 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) during combat rubber raid craft exercises. Harpers Ferry is part of the Denver Amphibious Ready Group and is conducting Amphibious Integration Training with the 31st MEU off the coast of Okinawa, Japan in preparation for Fall Patrol. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua J. Wahl/Released)

Ramage Departs for Joint Warrior

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

USS RAMAGE, At Sea (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61), led by Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 24, departed Naval Station Norfolk Sept. 23 and is in transit to participate in Exercise Joint Warrior 2009 (EJW09).

EJW09 is a multiwarfare exercise designed to improve interoperability between allied navies and prepare participating crews to conduct combined operations during deployments.

The exercise, which is scheduled Oct. 3-16, promotes Commander, 2nd Fleet's three focus areas: conducting safe and effective fleet operations to achieve missions, providing ready maritime forces for global assignment and teaming with allies and partners in execution of the maritime strategy.

Ramage will be working alongside the Royal Navy's HMS Illustrious's (R 06) strike group, acting as the air defense commander. The crew's mission in the scenario will be to defend friendly forces against air and missile attacks, as well as to perform maritime security operations and various warfare missions, such as defense against small boat attacks, air defense, anti-submarine warfare and boarding operations.

"Ramage's crew is looking forward to the outstanding training and once-in-a-lifetime, post-exercise liberty opportunities," said Ramage's Commanding Officer Cmdr. Peter Galluch. "The ship will get realistic training with great U.S. and allied forces that will prepare us for our upcoming deployment."

Ramage has prepared for this exercise since returning from deployment in April 2009. Since her return, the ship spent nine weeks in the shipyards, followed by a rigorous training cycle to ensure all equipment and personnel are mission-ready.

DESRON 24 Commodore, Capt. John Kersh, visited Ramage Sept. 25 to thank the crew for all their hard work.

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your great work in making this ship so very ready to get underway for Joint Warrior [EJW09]," Kersh said. "You have all had a tough schedule, and I am very proud of you! Thank you for delivering a warship ready for tasking."

EJW09 is held twice a year and serves as a deployment certification for U.S. ships.

Nations participating in EJW09 include Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States.

USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) conducts joint exercises with French Navy.

The USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) recently conducted joint exercises with the French Navy.
To view a video report click here http://www.navy.mil/swf/mmu/mmplyr.asp?id=13215

Coast Guard hoists crewman from U.S. Navy submarine - video

ASTORIA, Ore. – The Coast Guard medically evacuated a crewmember from a U.S. Navy submarine off the coast of Washington on Tuesday.
The Navy contacted the Coast Guard at 5:50 p.m. to request assistance in transferring a crewmember to a hospital from the submarine.

Coast Guard Air Station Astoria, Ore., launched an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew to assist. The rescue helicopter arrived on scene at 7:12 p.m. and hoisted the crewmember by basket from the sail of the submarine.

The crewmember was transferred to Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, Ore.

The first video was shot by the helicopter crew while the second is from the helicopter hoist camera.

U.S. Coast Guard video by Air Station Astoria

Milcom Blog Logs - Sep 28-30 2009 - Mid Atlantic

Our old friend and MMP reporter Ron checks in again with some more great HF blog logs from his Mid Atlantic listening post. Thanks Ron for sharing. All times are UTC and frequencies in kHz.

28 Sep

08094.0 Unid: 1820 CW w/5-ltr groups. Prob Cuban DGI. (RP-MD)

10242.0 N05 (USCG HC-144A #2305 ATC Mobile AL): 2000 USB/ALE calling LNT (CamsLant Chesapeake VA)--in voice Casa 05 calling CamsLant.(RP-MD)

08266.0 O/M (Spanish): 2105 USB w/O/M (Spanish).(RP-MD)

08125.0 O/M (Brazilian Portuguese): 2107 USB w/O/M (Brazilian Portuguese).(RP-MD)

08350.0 Unid: 2120 CW w/5-ltr groups. Prob Cuban DGI.(RP-MD)

08141.0 O/M (Italian): 2144 USB w/O/M (Italian). Prob maritime link.(RP-MD)

08392.0 O/M (Brazilian Portuguese): 2302 USB w/O/M (weak-unreadable). (RP-MD)

29 Sep

08376.7 Unid: 2125 ARQ. Looks like Egyptian diplomatic ARQ but poor signal. (RP-MD)

08345.0 RFH77 (Russian Navy warship): 2230 CW working w/RIW (HQs Russian Navy, Moscow) & RIT (Russian Navy Northern Fleet HQs). (RP-MD)

08343.0 O/M (Spanish): 2252 USB w/Y/L & O/M (Spanish). Poss maritime link. (RP-MD)

08337.6 Shark 03 (USCGC Matagorda, WPB-1303, Mimai FL): 2259 USB w/Tiger 24 (USCG MH-60J # 6024, CGAS Clearwater FL), Shark 03 gives position as 20nms from benchmark Echo on heading of 261 degrees. Shark 03 advises Shark 24 that UHF comms are on 354.0 and VHF comms are on marine channel 83A. Shark 03 advises 24 that the flight deck is currently not manned and that 24 should orbit for awhile. (RP-MD)

08404.0 O/M (Spanish): 2329 LSB w/O/M (Spanish). (RP-MD).

08285.5 O/M (Spanish): 2335 USB w/O/M (Spanish). Caught at sign off. (RP-MD).

30 Sep

08350.0 Unid: 2140 CW w/5-ltr groups. Poss Cuban DGI. (RP-MD)

08902.5 O/M (Spanish): 2351 USB w/O/M (Spanish). (RP-MD).

08858.0 Y/L (Spanish): 2353 LSB w/O/M (Spanish). Poss out-of-band maritime link. (RP-MD)

08989.0 O/M (Spanish): 2355 USB w/O/M (Spanish). (RP-MD).

NORAD Fighters Escort Troubled Aircraft

By Donna Miles, American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON - Two F-16 fighter jets intercepted a civilian aircraft this morning near Muncie, Ind., at the North American Aerospace Defense Command's direction and escorted it and its unconscious pilot until they crashed, NORAD officials reported.

NORAD scrambled the Air National Guard F-16s at about 9:30 a.m. Mountain time to intercept a Mooney, single-engine aircraft when it failed to respond to radio calls. The F-16 pilots reported the civilian pilot appeared to be unresponsive. They escorted the aircraft until it crashed at about 10:40 a.m. Mountain time in a rural area of Randolph County, Ind., Air Force Capt. Sharbe Clark, a NORAD spokesman said.

The civilian aircraft was not believed to be part of any terrorist activity, Clark said. It left Grand Rapids, Mich., on a post-maintenance flight and had been in contact with ground air traffic controllers before the communication lines stopped.

The F-16s escorted the aircraft, trying to re-establish communications with the pilot and monitoring its erratic flight as it continued to lose altitude, Clark said.

First responders and local law enforcement responded to the scene. No information is yet available about the fate of the pilot, and no injuries have been reported on the ground, according to Rachel Meyer of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.

Meyer called military interceptions an important element of homeland security.

Military interceptions typically are conducted to get the identified aircraft to re-establish communications with the local Federal Aviation Administration air traffic controllers and to direct them to land safely.

However, in cases like today's, the escorts monitor the aircraft's location and altitude and alert anyone in the area to help control the situation, Meyer said.

Hawaii Guard Deploys for Tsunami Relief

By Air Force Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke, Special to American Forces Press Service

ARLINGTON, Va. - About 90 Hawaii National Guard members are on their way to American Samoa today to help in the recovery efforts on the Pacific island, National Guard officials announced.

An 8.4 magnitude earthquake struck the Samoa Islands region yesterday, causing a destructive tsunami with 15-to-20-foot waves striking the east side of American Samoa.

Flood levels were exceeded about one mile into the island. Local reports said 24 people were killed on American Samoa, and that buildings were damaged. The only hospital on the island, LBJ Tropical Hospital, reportedly has exceeded its maximum capacity.

Federal Emergency Management Agency officials asked the Hawaii National Guard to provide personnel from its civil support team, as well as its enhanced chemical and biological response force package, a command and control element and a mortuary affairs team.

"This support package was requested, put together and deployed in less than 24 hours," said Jack Harrison, director of communications and public affairs for the National Guard Bureau. "We do this every day. On average, more than a dozen governors every day will call on their National Guard to respond to contingencies that range from severe emergencies, like this, to white-powder scares."

These Guard members are expected to perform search and rescue missions, medical triage and treatment, command and control, and hazardous materials modeling support to the unified command team, he added.

Harrison said the deploying Guard members will be self-sustaining for 96 hours so they don't burden the American Samoa infrastructure.

The Tafuna International Airport initially was closed due to debris on the runways. However, a runway is now open, which will allow military flights to bring in the personnel and equipment from Hawaii.

Two C-17 Globemaster III transport jets from the 154th Wing, a reserve associate unit based in Hawaii, are scheduled to fly to the island today.

"The state of Hawaii is assisting Gov. [Togiola] Tulafono in the recovery effort, including medical assistance, communications support and engineers," Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle said in a statement yesterday.

In 2006, CH-47 Chinook helicopters from the Hawaii National Guard airlifted supplies from Oahu to isolated residents on Maui after a magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck the Hawaiian Islands in October.