Wyoming Guard supports Utah during major earthquake exercise

By Army National Guard Capt. Tim Lockwood, Wyoming National Guard

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Members of the Wyoming National Guard supported their neighbors in Utah recently as they helped them train and prepare for potential natural disasters, specifically those that could affect the Salt Lake City area.

The Guard members are spending three days participating in Utah Shakeout, a large scale, multi-agency disaster exercise in Utah.

Local, state and federal agencies simulated a magnitude 7.0 earthquake hitting the Wasatch Valley area April 19, which included the metropolitan Salt Lake City area. A disaster of that magnitude has the potential to leave nearly 86,000 people displaced if it were to actually occur.

"This exercise for us is about the state of Wyoming helping out its neighbors to the west," said Army Maj. Gen. Luke Reiner, adjutant general of the Wyoming National Guard. "We know that Salt Lake City sits on a significant fault and we're told it's only a matter of time until it goes – not if, but when."

Organizations, schools and individuals across Utah simulated everything from setting up shelters to taking cover during the earthquake. As part of the exercise, Wyoming's Joint Task Force Cowboy, the T71 Joint Incident Site Communications Capability, and 84th Civil Support Team, all deployed in an effort to support exercise operations.

Task Force Cowboy and the JISCC are based at Camp Williams, Utah for the exercise and have been providing support for emergency operations of civilian authorities and Utah National Guard members by helping with the processing and tasking of additional military units that are flowing into the area.

"A devastating earthquake in this area is a real possibility," said Col. Shelley Campbell, the commander of JTF Cowboy. "This training exercise is providing our Guard members valuable insight into assisting a large scale, multi-agency disaster exercise.

"We need to be prepared to respond and support our neighbors in their time of need," she said. "We are here to help civilian authorities practice in saving lives and mitigating damage."

The JTF and JISCC are performing joint reception staging and onward integration, functions. That means the task force is welcoming units from others states such as Idaho and Colorado as they arrive. The JTF then provides situational and priority information briefings to each force package before providing them their assignments for assisting local authorities.

"This is good training for our Joint Task Force, which we know we will be utilizing in the event of a disaster in Wyoming or neighboring states," Reiner said. "They are doing great. They are receiving a lot of good training and there is a lot of communication going on up and down the line, which is absolutely key."

Reiner added the key to a synchronized response is common understanding of the situation.

"There is focus on maintaining a common operating picture, which means every civilian, every emergency responder, every Soldier and Airman should see and know the same information as everyone else," he said.

The 84th CST is providing a different type of assistance to the communities of Utah affected by the simulated quake. They are supporting areas southeast of Salt Lake City with search and rescue efforts and the identification and mitigation of hazardous materials.

In addition, personnel with the Wyoming Joint Force Headquarters Joint Operations Center have been supporting the exercise from Cheyenne. They provide the support necessary for the deployed Wyoming Guard members in the areas of personnel tracking, logistics and information.

According to exercise organizers, the main goal of the Utah Shakeout is to get residents prepared for major earthquakes and help government agencies, private organizations and emergency personnel coordinate how to handle a disaster recovery.

Mode-S/ADS-B Intercepts 20 Apr 2012 - Btown

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

AE0538 69-0018 --- 2012-04-20 23:51:03 C-5A United States TN ANG | 164AW | 155AS [KMEM]
AE0571 86-0020 --- 2012-04-20 23:31:36 C-5B United States USAF | 436AW | 9AS [KDOV]
AE0197 84-0137 JOSA818 2012-04-20 22:24:18 C-21A United States USAF | 375AW | 457AS [KADW]
AE1479 166767 --- 2012-04-20 19:58:20 UC-35D United States MAW-4
AE074E 163836 --- 2012-04-20 19:14:33 UC-12M United States USN | Oceana
AE04B2 57-1453 BLUE82 2012-04-20 19:00:04 KC-135R United States AL ANG | 117ARW | 106ARS [KBHM]
AE10D3 165517 --- 2012-04-20 18:14:34 T-39G United States USN | TW-6 | VT-86 [KNPA] 7266 17675
AE015F 58-0119 SODA81 2012-04-20 16:46:25 KC-135R United States TN ANG | 134ARW | 151ARS [KTYS]
ADFC66 90-0404 --- 2012-04-20 16:35:44 T-1A United States USAF | 479FTG | 451FTS [KNPA]
AE0386 59-1468 STEEL62 2012-04-20 16:34:08 KC-135R United States PA ANG | 171ARW [KPIT]
E47EF6 N637TW RYN7637 2012-04-20 16:02:46 Boeing 767-33AER United States Ryan Intl Airlines --- 32975
AE0386 59-1468 STEEL62 2012-04-20 15:49:46 KC-135R United States PA ANG | 171ARW [KPIT]
AE10C4 158844 ! --- 2012-04-20 14:37:51 T-39G United States USN | TW-6 | VT-86 [KNPA]
AE074E 163836 --- 2012-04-20 13:57:17 UC-12M United States USN | Oceana
AE015F 58-0119 SODA81 2012-04-20 13:44:10 KC-135R United States TN ANG | 134ARW | 151ARS [KTYS]
AE1496 97-0201 --- 2012-04-20 12:47:26 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB]
AE093C 00-1053 --- 2012-04-20 00:12:02 UC-35a1 United States US Army | OSACOM PATD [KADW]
AE02E7 84-0204 COBB04 2012-04-20 00:08:03 C-130H United States AFRC | 94AW | 700AS [KMGE]

Iwo Jima ARG, 24th MEU Complete African Lion

Three landing craft air cushion (LCAC) assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 4 operate in the coastal waters of Agadir, Morocco while deployed with the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7). The Iwo Jima Amphibious Readiness Group is deployed and participating in Exercise African Lion 2012, a bilateral exercise between U.S. and Moroccan forces, in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Heather W. Hines/Released)

By Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Jamica Johnson, Amphibious Squadron 8 Public Affairs

USS IWO JIMA, At Sea (NNS) -- The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU)in conjunction with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (ARG completed joint and bilateral exercise CJCS Exercise African Lion 2012, April 17.

The exercise between the Kingdom of Morocco and the U.S. military services served as integrated field training for the ARG/MEU team, prior to arriving at their operational station for deployment 2012.

"This exercise gave us a chance to do a couple of things," said Col. Frank Donovan, 24th MEU commanding officer. "We set sail on deployment across the Atlantic, straight into a large scale exercise where we were able to hone our abilities of ship-to-shore, ship-to-objective maneuvering, air and surface operations with the blue-green team, doing bi-lateral operations with the Moroccans, in turn, developing partners and allied relationships. It was a great way to start a deployment."

The Joint Task Force (JTF), led by Marine Forces Africa (MARFORAF), were designated as JTF-MOROCCO and a Task Force (TF) led by 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division were designated as TF-African Lion, giving the exercise great historical and operational importance, being one of the first times an ARG/MEU team has been carried out as an all land based operation.

"This year's exercise was unique in two ways," said Lt. Cmdr. Mike Fabrizio, PHIBRON 8's operations officer. "First, Morocco was one of the first countries to acknowledge American independence when initially becoming a country, so we have had long historical ties with them. The importance of the IWO ARG /24 MEU team's participation in African Lion is that, in previous years, the exercise participants were all land based. This was the first year when a sea based MEU, operating from an ARG at sea, participated in the exercise."

The preparation for the large scale bi-national exercise was concurrent with the ARG/MEU team's work up cycle for deployment. It took various levels of planning and acute attention to detail. Some planners from PHIBRON 8 and 24th MEU met with planning teams in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility as early as Aug. 2011.

"It took a lot of rapid planning and planning adjustments to be able to take advantage of opportunities to operate in a very foreign environment," said Donovan. "To prove that the skill-set we have does work and at the end we were able to meet, train with and establish a relationship with our partners, the armed forces of Morocco was an amazing opportunity."

In order to accomplish missions of the 24th MEU, USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) and USS New York (LPD 21)executed a combined total of 38 ship-to-shore movements. This included 24 landing craft air cushion (LCAC's) movements and 14 amphibious assault vehicle (AAV's) landings in order to transport the Marines and their equipment. Also, 51 vehicles were moved ashore aboard the LCACs for the Marines to accomplish their mission in the exercise.

Along with the sense of achievement and accomplishment in the air, is the weighted and despondent feeling in the hearts of many on board.

"I think the ARG/MEU team did a great job. It was a great balance of what we trained for," said Donovan. "We were able to pick up where we left off in our pre-deployment training and continue on. The tough part is, obviously, we had a crash during the exercise and you can't go without always thinking about the families and condolences, thoughts and prayers that we need to continue for them back home."

"I do not think you can overstate how important our relationship with Morocco is to our national security," said Capt. Mark H. Scovill, commander of Iwo Jima ARG. "This is a key ally, and we need to prove we are inter-operable with them, especially in view of their strategic location."

The Straits of Gibraltar, separating the Kingdom of Morocco and Spain, is 7.7 nautical miles wide and thousands of merchant and U.S. Navy ships pass through annually. This location is of the utmost strategic importance in the region for the freedom, safety and security of world-wide merchant shipping and U.S. Navy ships transiting.


The ARG/MEU team set aside time during the operation to honor and grieve their fallen brothers-in-arms, assuring each other that although the mission would go on, their memory would be celebrated and not forgotten.

"Losing men makes it very hard to think about how dangerous this job is," said Donovan. "It also provides us an opportunity to step back and say, are we focused and diligent enough, while doing my job on the daily basis to ensure the best chance for success and safety during the mission? It shows how every single day we must show incredible levels of courage, honor strength and skill, in every task."

By the conclusion of African Lion, more than 87 bi-lateral training events and demonstrations had been achieved with the Royal Moroccan and U.S. military. In total, more than 345 flight hours had been logged. For both surface and air movements, more than 70 people had been transported with more than 600 items, totaling more than 45,000 pounds between the shore and ships, including food and parts for aircraft, ships and vehicles.

"This was a great way to warm up before a long deployment. It was very successful and very rewarding in a lot of cases," said Donovan.

The Iwo Jima ARG with the embarked 24th MEU is currently deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

Mode-S/ADS-B Intercepts 19 Apr 2012 - Btown

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

AE1235 03-3124 VOLT14 2012-04-19 23:58:07 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]
AE149A 02-9111 KOMODO4 2012-04-19 23:13:22 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB]
AE0418 164406 GOTO FMS 2012-04-19 23:10:31 E-6B United States USN | VQ-3 [KTIK] --- 26000
AAEAFD N802TJ --- 2012-04-19 22:03:40 Boeing 737-4B7 United States Swift Air
AE07CD 89-1189 RCH896 2012-04-19 21:05:29 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]
AE02E4 81-0629 COBB29 2012-04-19 20:27:31 C-130H United States AFRC | 94AW | 700AS [KMGE]
ADFCF4 95-0040 --- 2012-04-19 20:04:27 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS
ADFC66 90-0404 --- 2012-04-19 20:02:54 T-1A United States USAF | 479FTG | 451FTS [KNPA]
C2B5CB 130617 --- 2012-04-19 19:11:34 CC-130J-30 Canada CFC | 8WG [CYTR]
C2B5CB 130617 LAC5690 2012-04-19 18:14:04 CC-130J-30 Canada CFC | 8WG [CYTR]
AE0800 98-0054 GRITS31 2012-04-19 16:54:16 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]
AE0663 60-0364 INDY81 2012-04-19 16:46:47 KC-135R United States AFRC | 434ARW [KGUS] 3167 27000
AE0663 60-0364 INDY81 2012-04-19 16:02:23 KC-135R United States AFRC | 434ARW [KGUS] 3167 27000
ADFC8E 92-0333 --- 2012-04-19 15:37:05 T-1A United States USAF | 12FTW | 99FTS [KRND]
AE0663 60-0364 INDY81 2012-04-19 15:30:47 KC-135R United States AFRC | 434ARW [KGUS] 3167 27000
ADFED0 85-1262 --- 2012-04-19 14:46:55 C-12U United States USARMY (OSACOM Det25 TNArNG)
ADFED0 85-1262 PAT255 2012-04-19 14:46:55 C-12U United States USARMY (OSACOM Det25 TNArNG)
A570F0 N45NA --- 2012-04-19 13:24:03 DC-9-33F United States US DOE | NNSA
AE2FA2 08-8190 IMPAC89 2012-04-19 08:29:07 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS] 0000 25000

DOD Identifies Unit for Upcoming Afghanistan Rotation

The Department of Defense announced today one Army brigade combat team to deploy as part of the upcoming rotation of forces operating in Afghanistan. The scheduled early Winter 2012 rotation involves nearly 3,900 soldiers from the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

Maryland Army Guard unveils newest helicopter in its arsenal

The first of four UH-72A Lakota helicopters - that will be part of the Maryland Army National Guard's fleet used for civil support, search and rescue and homeland security missions - takes off at Camp Fretterd, Maryland with senior members of the Maryland National Guard aboard for the inaugural flight April 18, 2012. The flight was crewed by Army Lt. Col. Michael Whelan, commander for the Maryland Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment, Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Renonzo Belcher, a Lakota pilot and a Baltimore police flight officer and Army Staff Sgt. Joseph Beale, who was the flights crew chief. (Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. John Orrell)(Released)

By Air National Guard National Guard Tech. Sgt. John Orrell, National Guard Bureau

CAMP FRETTERD, Md. - The Maryland Army National Guard unveiled Wednesday its first of four UH-72A Lakota helicopters – which will replace the older OH-58A Kiowa as their premier aircraft for civil support, search and rescue and homeland security missions.

Currently the Maryland Army Guard has six personnel being trained on the new light utility helicopter and its mission equipment package.

According to Guard officials the Lakota brings to the table many improvements over the Kiowa, to include:

•Nose mounted center line payload with infrared and electro-optical sensors and laser painter – which will allow for more accurate search and rescue by using heat signatures;

•Moving map and touch-screen displays;

•Video management system;

•Digital video recorder and data downlink system – which will allow the pilots to insert addresses, latitude and longitude points, and military grid coordinates to find the exact location of contact within 50 feet;

•Additional avionics and communications equipment – to include radios that will allow the Guard members to communicate with law enforcement, emergency medical services and rescue services;

•A 30 million candlepower searchlight and an external hoist to allow the Lakota to move up to 600 pounds of equipment.

Compared to the Kiowa, which is a single-engine helicopter, the Lakota has twin-engines, that during hurricane season will allow Maryland Guard pilots to fly and take off in winds up to 50 knots – about 60 miles-per-hour. A feature that was not available on the Kiowa.

“It’s a state-of-the-art aircraft for … state-of-the-art pilots,” said Army Maj. Gen. James Adkins, the adjutant general for the Maryland National Guard.

The Lakota is also a more cost efficient tool. According to Maryland Guard officials, the Lakota can be maintained and operated at half the cost of the UH-60 Black hawk.

With all of the upgrades the Lakota brings to the Maryland Army Guard fleet, Adkins feels this will position them to be even more efficient for multiple missions.

“Not only does it help Maryland by replacing older aircraft, but it supports the governor … in emergencies … and it supports the federal government as well,” he said.
“Two of these aircraft will be going to the southwest border at the beginning of June to support U.S. Customs down there,” Adkins said. “We’ll use it in state emergencies whether we need to go out and look for lost individuals, or do analysis of the impact of a hurricane.”

Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Renonzo Belcher, a Lakota pilot and a Baltimore police flight officer, was one of the pilots for Wednesday’s flight. He feels that even though the Kiowa was a useful tool for the Maryland Guard, he is looking forward to the capabilities the Lakota will bring to the fleet.

“The old [helicopter] was good, but this one has a lot more capabilities,” he said. “[The Lakota has] a lot more radios, a little bit more power so that we can also conduct hoist missions [and] carry a lot more people and we’re able to stay up in the air lot longer – versus the older plane where two hours of flight-time was feasible the new Lakota can offer us three to three-and-a-half hours.”
The flight was manned by Army Lt. Col. Michael Whelan, commander of the Maryland Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment, Belcher and Army Staff Sgt. Joseph Beale, who was the flight’s crew chief.

Wyoming Air Guard unit conducts annual MAFFS training

Airmen assigned to the 153rd Airlift Wing, Wyoming Air National Guard, prepare to load a U.S. Forest Service Modualar Airborne Firefighting System II onto a Wyoming Air Guard C-130 Hercules, April 13, 2012. The annual training maintains currency and upgrade qualifications for pilots, aircrew and ground crews in preparation for the fire season. (Air National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Rusty Ridley)

By Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Natalie Stanley, Wyoming National Guard

Airmen assigned to the 153rd Airlift Wing, Wyoming Air National Guard, prepare to load a U.S. Forest Service Modualar Airborne Firefighting System II onto a Wyoming Air Guard C-130 Hercules, April 13, 2012. The annual training maintains currency and upgrade qualifications for pilots, aircrew and ground crews in preparation for the fire season. (Air National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Rusty Ridley)
download hi-res photo

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (4/18/12) – Select C-130 Hercules cargo plane crews with the Wyoming Air National Guard's 153rd Airlift Wing began preparing for their mission to fight fires from the air with a new training regiment centered on practicing in the skies above Wyoming.

The Airmen are conducting their annual Modular Airborne Firefighting System II training with the U.S. Forest Service at the Wyoming Air National Guard Base here, and also at the Camp Guernsey Joint Training Center in Guernsey, Wyo., this week.

During their training, the Wyoming Air Guard crews are working closely with the U.S. Forest Service, who owns the MAFFS units, to accomplish their mission.

This type of training in the past required all four MAFFS units from across the country – three Air National Guard units and one Air Force Reserve unit – to meet in one spot. However, this year's training is new and more efficient, with the forest service coming out to Cheyenne in order to train the Wyoming Airmen.

"We have forest service liaisons here every time we operate MAFFS, helping us out, getting us what we need to get the mission done," said Air Force Capt. Tim Ray, a C-130 aircraft commander. “And of course we try to help them as best we can, too."

The MAFFS system was established in the 1970s and uses Air National Guard aircraft to release fire retardant and water from tanks onboard the aircraft.

The MAFFS II system was implemented in 2011 and has several improvements over the old system including a more efficient spray pattern; a new trigger system and more dispersal options; an air compressor to assist in reloading water and retardant; and the aircraft are now able to fly with the back end closed, keeping them pressurized and able to fly higher and operate more fuel efficiently.

"It's a great asset to the forest service for firefighting capabilities, bringing in the aerial assets," Ray said. "A lot of the civilian tankers right now are down for various maintenance reasons, so they rely on MAFFS as a backup firefighting force."

The training will encompass upgrade qualifications and include recurring and new training for the various crew positions.

MAFFS planes, accompanied by forest service lead planes, also flew from the Wyoming Air Guard base to Camp Guernsey to drop water loads.

"MAFFS is the most challenging training that we do," Ray said, "you really have to keep your skills sharp and your training current to make sure that you’re staying safe while fighting the fires."

Mode-S/ADS-B Intercepts 18 Apr 2012 - Btown

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

0AC09E ------ --- 2012-04-18 23:53:55 --------- Colombia ---
AE1196 03-3113 RCH699 2012-04-18 23:41:40 C-17A United States MS ANG | 172AW | 183AS [KJAN]
AE02E4 81-0629 COBB29 2012-04-18 23:08:12 C-130H United States AFRC | 94AW | 700AS [KMGE]
A7A899 N593AN 00000000 2012-04-18 22:35:16 DC-9-83 (MD-83) US JPATS
ADFED0 85-1262 PAT255 2012-04-18 22:18:43 C-12U United States USARMY (OSACOM Det25 TNArNG)
AE04D1 63-7984 DIXIE36 2012-04-18 20:27:15 KC-135R United States AL ANG | 117ARW | 106ARS [KBHM]
000001 ------ --- 2012-04-18 18:03:45 Various ------ --- 0000 11800
AE11D8 75-0558 --- 2012-04-18 17:49:05 E-3B United States USAF | 552ACW [KTIK]
AE07D7 92-3293 GRITS35 2012-04-18 16:41:24 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS] 0742 26000
ADFCD8 94-0121 --- 2012-04-18 16:38:15 T-1A United States USAF | 12FTW | 99FTS [KRND]
AE149A 02-9111 PEACH99 2012-04-18 16:32:12 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB] 5172 14900
AE0504 60-0345 JEEP31 2012-04-18 16:31:54 KC-135T United States MI ANG | 127WG | 171ARS [KMTC]
AE07A6 59-1474 JEEP32 2012-04-18 16:20:49 KC-135R United States MI ANG | 127WG | 171ARS [KMTC]
AE07A6 59-1474 JEEP32 2012-04-18 15:47:40 KC-135R United States MI ANG | 127WG | 171ARS [KMTC]
AE0504 60-0345 JEEP31 2012-04-18 15:47:36 KC-135T United States MI ANG | 127WG | 171ARS [KMTC]
AE149A 02-9111 PEACH99 2012-04-18 15:28:24 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB] 5172 14900
AE016F 84-0077 SPAR287 2012-04-18 15:01:46 C-21A United States USAF | 375AW | 457AS [KADW]
AE06E4 NAS Chambers --- 2012-04-18 13:38:54 UC-12F United States USNAVY
A725D7 N56PA --- 2012-04-18 09:19:40 Lear 36A United States Phoenix Air Group [KVPC] 0000 24050
AE1295 84-0476 TALON 12 2012-04-18 04:44:26 MC-130h United States USAF | 1SOW | 15SOS [KHRT]
A7A899 N593AN 00000000 2012-04-18 03:42:29 DC-9-83 (MD-83) US JPATS
A1ECBD N223GA N223GA 2012-04-18 01:30:23 GLF5 United States US DOJ | FBI HQ [KHEF]

National Guard at southwest border shifting from ‘boots on the ground to boots in the air’

The National Guard support mission known as Operation Phalanx, which initially deployed as many as 1,200 personnel to fixed ground sites along the U.S.-Mexican border, is now shifting to more of an airborne role, using rotary and fixed wing aircraft to conduct aerial detection and monitoring missions.

As two senior CBP officials told a House Homeland Security subcommittee hearing on April 17, Operation Phalanx is “essentially moving from boots on the ground to boots in the air.”

“The strategic transition to aerial support adds mobile, advanced detection and monitoring capability to the Border Patrol’s internal air and ground border security operations, helping to mitigate operational landscapes along the border, providing an additional deterrence factor; providing a faster response time; and providing flexible and adaptive capabilities in lieu of fixed sites,” said prepared testimony delivered by Ronald Vitiello, deputy chief of the office of border patrol, and Martin Vaughan, executive director of the office of air and marine southwest border operations

While acknowledging that “operating environments” differ from sector to sector, Vitiello and Vaughan provided the subcommittee with an example of how the National Guard can be more helpful operating in the air than on the ground. “An aerial platform provides a much greater field of vision for places like south Texas where a winding river and thick brush make it difficult to see from a static location on the ground,” they noted.

The ongoing transition in the role played by National Guard personnel will include about 200 troops who will provide mobile aerial detection and monitoring across all four southwest border states, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. “These individuals are supporting law enforcement interdiction operations against illicit trafficking in people, drugs, weapons, and money,” said the CBP officials.

In another example of the U.S. Defense Department cooperating with DHS along the southwest border, Customs and Border Protection is currently evaluating a war-fighting technology known as the Vehicle and Dismount Exploitation Radar, or VaDER, on unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) deployed by CBP’s office of air and marine. VaDER can monitor vehicle and personnel movement over large areas, regardless of current atmospheric conditions, the testimony continues. “Airborne testing on the UAS began earlier this year,” said Vitiello and Vaughan, “and we are encouraged by the results.”

Also, the U.S. Army is helping CBP’s office of air and marine to acquire new UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and converting 16 aging UH-60 Alpha model Black Hawks to the more recent Lima models.

“The new and converted Black Hawks offer greater speed and endurance, greater lift capacity, more sophisticated onboard data processing, a four-axis autopilot, altitude hold and an audible altitude alert,” they explained.

DESRON 26, US Ships Begin Joint Warrior 12-1

Blog Editor Note: Reported frequencies for Exercise Joint Warrior 12-1 include (USB): 3101.0 3277.0 3303.0 4092.0 4138.0 4141.0 4278.0 4433.0 4484.0 4581.0 4620.0 4706.0 4731.0 4744.5 4760.0 4833.0 5291.0 5310.0 5436.0 5725.0 6607.0 6690.0 6697.0 6775.0 7520.0 and Link 11 freqs: 4760.0 5471.0

By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Michael W. Martin Destroyer Squadron 26 Public Affairs

FASLANE, Scotland (NNS) -- Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26, the Norfolk-based guided-missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98), and the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Leroy Grumman (T-AO 195) are participating in a multinational exercise off the coast of Scotland.

Exercise Joint Warrior 12-1, which runs April 14 through April 27, is the largest concentration of coalition assets in one integrated training event addressing the full spectrum of maritime and joint warfare mission areas. It is intended to improve interoperability between allied navies and prepare participants for a possible role in a joint maritime environment during deployments. Joint Warrior is the United Kingdom's advanced certification course and is on par with a U.S. Joint Task Force Exercise, which certifies U.S. ships for deployment.

"Interoperability is not just the ability of networks and information systems to exchange data automatically. The cornerstone of interoperability is for our US Sailors, with our international partners, to establish a common language with proven tactics, techniques and procedures during exercises like Joint Warrior that enables future coalition and joint missions from the sea ensuring the stability of the maritime commons that maintain freedom of the seas," said Capt. Nelson Castro, commander, DESRON 26.

Nations participating in the exercise include Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, United Kingdom and the United States.

Commanded by Cmdr. Luis Sanchez Jr., Forrest Sherman and crew completed the Royal Navy's flag officer sea training March 26 - April 5.

Future USS Mississippi Successfully Passes Sea Trials, On Track for Summer Commissioning

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- Pre-Commissioning Unit Mississippi (SSN 782), the nation's newest and most advanced nuclear-powered attack submarine, arrived April 17 at General Dynamics Electric Boat following its successful completion of Alpha and Bravo sea trials.

Testing evolutions completed during Alpha sea trials included diving to test depth, conducting an emergency surfacing, and testing the submarine's propulsion plant and were designed to evaluate the ship's seaworthiness and operational performance.

"With each Virginia-class submarine delivery, we continue to raise the performance and quality even further above an already high bar. Our first look at Mississippi's performance underway shows that she has continued that trend," said Virginia Class Program Manager Rear Adm. (sel.) Michael Jabaley, who rode the ship during Alpha trials.

Bravo trials consisted of testing Virginia's acoustic performance and combat systems.

The ninth ship of the Virginia-class, Mississippi is on track to deliver up to one year early of its contract delivery date. All Virginia-class submarines currently under construction are scheduled to deliver earlier than their original contract delivery dates.

Mississippi is commanded by Neptune, N.J., native Capt. John McGrath, who shared the experience of seeing his crew successfully operating his ship at sea for the first time.

"It was an exhilarating experience to finally see the crew operate the ship at sea. The sea trials schedule was extremely challenging and required us to drive the ship at its operational limits. I was very happy with the ship's performance, but I was even happier with how our Sailors executed their duties throughout the underway," said McGrath.

Mississippi's sponsor Allison Stiller christened the ninth Virginia-class submarine during a ceremony at General Dynamics Electric Boat, Dec. 3. Mississippi will be commissioned in Pascagoula, Miss. June 2.

Construction on the submarine began in February 2007. Virginia-class submarines are built under a unique teaming arrangement between General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries - Newport News.

Virginia-class submarines are designed to dominate the world's littoral and deep waters while conducting Anti-submarine; anti-surface ship; strike; special operation forces; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare missions. Their inherent stealth, endurance, firepower, and sensor suite directly enable them to support five of the six Maritime Strategy Core Capabilities - sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence.

Mode-S/ADS-B Intercepts 17 Apr 2012 - Btown

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

A97B00 N71PG --- 2012-04-17 22:18:48 Lear 36A United States Phoenix Air Group (EMS) [KVPC]
A6EBC5 N545PA --- 2012-04-17 22:00:36 Lear 36A United States PHOENINXAIR
A6F333 N547PA --- 2012-04-17 21:55:25 Lear 36A United States PHOENINXAIR
A725D7 N56PA --- 2012-04-17 21:54:04 Lear 36A United States Phoenix Air Group [KVPC]
AE0360 58-0094 ZAGS86 2012-04-17 21:41:13 KC-135T United States USAF | 92ARW [KSKA]
AE066C 62-3562 ZAGS88 2012-04-17 21:34:42 KC-135R United States USAF | 92ARW [KSKA] 0000 41000
AE0663 60-0364 INDY82 2012-04-17 20:03:19 KC-135R United States AFRC | 434ARW [KGUS]
C2B5CB 130617 LMAC5690 2012-04-17 18:24:30 CC-130J-30 Canada CFC | 8WG [CYTR]
AE0663 60-0364 INDY82 2012-04-17 18:07:34 KC-135R United States AFRC | 434ARW [KGUS]
C2B5CB 130617 LMAC5690 2012-04-17 18:00:57 CC-130J-30 Canada CFC | 8WG [CYTR]
AE0672 63-8014 RCH3014 2012-04-17 17:19:57 KC-135R United States AFRC | 916ARW | 77ARS [KGSB]
AE04E6 59-1516 SODA50 2012-04-17 16:46:31 KC-135R United States TN ANG | 134ARW | 151ARS [KTYS]
AA90A0 N780BA GTI 3543 2012-04-17 16:44:57 B-747-409 United States Evergreen International --- 38000
AA90A0 N780BA GTI TI43 2012-04-17 16:44:57 B-747-409 United States Evergreen International --- 38000
AA90A0 N780BA GTI4356 2012-04-17 16:44:57 B-747-409 United States Evergreen International --- 38000
AA90A0 N780BA GTI4TI43 2012-04-17 16:44:57 B-747-409 United States Evergreen International --- 38000
A77AE7 N581PC --- 2012-04-17 16:25:13 PC-12/45 United States USAF | 1SOW [KHRT]
ADFC65 90-0403 --- 2012-04-17 15:13:57 T-1A United States USAF | 12FTW | 99FTS [KRND]
AE149A 02-9111 PEACH99 2012-04-17 14:50:25 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB] 0000 27000
A6D6D9 N54PA --- 2012-04-17 10:26:35 Lear 36 United States PHOENINXAIR
AE0418 164406 GOTO FMS 2012-04-17 01:37:41 E-6B United States USN | VQ-3 [KTIK] --- 34000
AE068B 62-3510 --- 2012-04-17 01:36:25 KC-135R United States AFRC | 434ARW | 72ARS [KGUS]
AE016D 84-0075 PACER54 2012-04-17 01:18:13 C-21A United States USAF | 375AW | 457AS [KADW]
AE0800 98-0054 RCH8054 2012-04-17 00:19:01 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]
AE02E1 81-0626 COBB 26 2012-04-17 00:01:17 C-130H United States AFRC | 94AW | 700AS [KMGE]

Space Shuttle Discovery Arrives in DC

Pluto 95 (NASA 905) arrives in Washington DC with the Space Shuttle Discovery. Photo courtesy of CBS News

Navy Installations Prepare for Hurricane Season

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF) and Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) are conducting a hurricane preparedness exercise, HURREX/Citadel Gale 12, April 16 through 27.

The purpose of this annual exercise is to prepare the Navy to respond to weather threats to U.S. coastal regions, and to maintain its ability to deploy naval forces even under the most adverse weather conditions.

HURREX/Citadel Gale 12 will involve two simulated storm systems developing and intensifying to hurricane strength, threatening the Caribbean Islands, East Coast and Gulf Coast regions.

All Navy commands with personnel in these regions will participate, to include reviewing and exercising heavy weather instructions and procedures and accounting for Sailors and Navy families in the affected regions through the Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System (NFAAS).

There is no U.S. Navy ship movement associated with HURREX/Citadel Gale 12.

Future USS Somerset Launched

AVONDALE, La. (NNS) -- The future USS Somerset (LPD 25) launched April 14 from Huntington Ingalls Industries' (HII) Avondale Shipyard, marking a key milestone in the ship's construction process.

LPD 25 is the ninth ship of the San Antonio class, and is named in honor of the courage of the passengers of United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed near Shanksville in Somerset County, Pa., on 9/11.

Over the weeks following the Flight 93 crash, recovery personnel retrieved more than 95 percent of the airplane's wreckage from the crash site. An American flag was hoisted on the top of a power shovel or "dragline" on a hill dominating the area. The dragline had been used in coal stripping at one time, and the equipment with the flag became a symbol of the effort.

In the summer of 2008, steel from the dragline's bucket was melted down and cast into LPD 25's bow stem. Somerset is the final of three ships named to honor heroes of the September 11th attacks, joining the USS New York (LPD 21) and USS Arlington (LPD 24), respectively. LPD 25 is the fifth U.S. Navy ship named Somerset.

"As the ninth ship of the San Antonio class, LPD 25's launch represents an important success for the entire program," said Jay Stefany, LPD 17 program manager for the Navy's Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. "The Navy and the shipbuilder have incorporated many lessons learned and driven efficiencies into the production, resulting in the most complete ship at launch to date for the LPD 17 class. I look forward to HII delivering this critical capability to the Navy."

These versatile ships incorporate both a flight deck to accommodate CH-46 helicopters and MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, and a well deck that can launch and recover landing craft and amphibious vehicles. The San Antonio class' increased vehicle space and substantial cargo carrying capacity make it a key element of twenty-first century Amphibious Ready Groups, Expeditionary Strike Groups, and Joint Task Forces.

In addition to performing their primary mission, Somerset's sister ships have supported anti-piracy operations and provided humanitarian assistance and foreign disaster relief operations in Haiti after the earthquake.

Six ships from the San Antonio class have been delivered to the Navy, including USS San Antonio (LPD 17), USS New Orleans (LPD 18), USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), USS Green Bay (LPD 20), USS New York (LPD 21) and USS San Diego (LPD 22). LPD 22 recently transited from the shipyard to the homeport in San Diego. The commissioning ceremony for San Diego is scheduled for May 19, in San Diego. Early construction activities are underway for LPD 26 in Pascagoula, Miss., and material for LPD 27 is on order.

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

NASA Aircraft/Shuttle Discovery Northbound

NASA 905 with the Space Shuttle Discovery and NASA 923 are northbound, should be over SC/NC by now air-to-air is confirmed on 235.400 MHz (AM).

Navy Names Zumwalt Class Destroyer USS Lyndon B. Johnson

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced today the next Zumwalt-class destroyer will be named the USS Lyndon B. Johnson.

The selection of Lyndon B. Johnson, designated DDG 1002, continues the Navy tradition of naming ships after presidents and honors the nation's 36th president.

The USS Lyndon B. Johnson is the 34th ship named by the Navy after a U.S. president.

"I am pleased to honor President Johnson with the naming of this ship," Mabus said. "His dedication to a life of public service included bravely stepping forward to fight for his country during our entry into World War II."

A Texas congressman, Johnson was the first member of Congress to enlist in the military following the start of World War II. After his naval service, Johnson was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1948, where he served as both minority and majority leader before being elected vice president Nov. 8, 1960.

Following President Kennedy's assassination Nov. 22 1963, Johnson succeeded to the presidency, finished the remaining term, and was reelected for a full term as president, by the greatest percentage of total popular vote (61 percent) ever attained by a presidential candidate.

Johnson's time as president was marked by the passage of programs that greatly influenced and impacted education, healthcare and civil rights for generations to come. He signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 into law, enacting comprehensive provisions protecting the right to vote and guarding against racial discrimination. His work on civil rights continued with the passage of the Voting Rights Act, which guaranteed voting rights for all people, regardless of race.

Johnson signed legislation establishing Medicare, which allowed millions of elderly Americans access to cheaper medical services. He also launched the Head Start Program, which provided preschool children from low-income families with classes, medical care, and other services.

As a naval officer, Johnson requested a combat assignment after the attack on Pearl Harbor and served in the Pacific theater during World War II. After returning from active duty service, Johnson reported back to Navy leaders and Congress on what he believed were deplorable conditions for the warfighters, and continued to fight for better standards for all military members.

USS Lyndon B. Johnson will be the third Zumwalt-class (DDG 1000) destroyer. Construction began on the ship at General Dynamics-Bath Iron Works April 4 and is expected to deliver to the Navy in fiscal 2018. The multimission DDG 1000 class destroyers are designed for sustained operations in the littorals and land attack and will provide independent forward presence and deterrence, support special operations forces, and operate as an integral part of joint and combined expeditionary forces. This warship integrates numerous critical technologies, systems, and principles into a complete warfighting system. Zumwalt ships will be 600 feet in length, have a beam of 80.7 feet, displace approximately 15,000 tons, and capable of making 30 knots speed. Each ship will have a crew size of 148 officers and Sailors.

Mode-S/ADS-B Intercepts 15 Apr 2012 - Btown

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

AE055F 85-0002 --- 2012-04-15 21:45:04 C-5M United States USAF | 436AW | 9AS [KDOV]
ADFC66 90-0404 --- 2012-04-15 19:33:30 T-1A United States USAF | 479FTG | 451FTS [KNPA] 0000 40925
AE1407 05-3784 --- 2012-04-15 19:12:14 T-6a United States USAF | 71FTW [KEND] 0000 25275
AE13C9 04-3755 --- 2012-04-15 19:10:41 T-6A United States USAF | 71FTW [KEND]
AE1E4E 07-3878 --- 2012-04-15 19:03:57 T-6A United States usaf | 14FTW | 41FTS [KCBM]
AE0233 87-0121 TEAM35 2012-04-15 18:23:15 KC-10A United States USAF | 305AMW [KWRI]
AE0629 62-3526 RCH2526 2012-04-15 18:16:42 KC-135R United States NE ANG | 155ARW | 173ARS [KLNK]
AE0602 80-0323 DAWG 04 2012-04-15 17:52:49 C-130H United States GA ANG | 165AW | 158AS [KSAV] 0000 24900
AE08A7 00-3586 --- 2012-04-15 17:43:14 T-6A United States USAF | 14FTW | 41FTS [KCBM]
AE0154 63-8045 BLUE92 2012-04-15 17:19:43 KC-135R United States USAF | 6AMW | 927ARW 0000 33000
AE068B 62-3510 INDY52 2012-04-15 16:56:48 KC-135R United States AFRC | 434ARW | 72ARS [KGUS]
AE1140 165974 --- 2012-04-15 16:10:04 T-6A United States USN | TW-6 [KNPA]
AE2239 62-1857 ALLIED 1 2012-04-15 15:55:58 C-130E United States USAF | 1SOW | 6SOS [KHRT]
AE114D 165987 --- 2012-04-15 15:45:07 T-6A United States USN | TW-6 [KNPA]
AE07EA 95-0107 --- 2012-04-15 15:44:59 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]
AE04E6 59-1516 SODA74 2012-04-15 15:20:44 KC-135R United States TN ANG | 134ARW | 151ARS [KTYS]
AE1409 05-3786 --- 2012-04-15 15:01:26 T-6a United States USAF | 71FTW [KEND] 0000 4850
AE0418 164406 GOTO FMS 2012-04-15 14:38:01 E-6B United States USN | VQ-3 [KTIK] --- 26000
AAEC74 10-0256 --- 2012-04-15 13:44:20 C-12V1 United States US Army | B/6-52 AVN (TA) DET-1 [KFTK]
ADFEE3 159114 RS818 2012-04-15 00:36:01 C-9B United States USNR | VR-46 [KNFW ] 2062 35025

Mode-S/ADS-B Intercepts 13-14 Apr 2012 - Bowling Green KY

The following Mode-S intercepts are courtesy of our SE US Mode-S network member and Milcom monitor DavidP in Bowling Green, KY. Thanks David.

Mode S Log from Bowling Green, Kentucky, US 2012-04-13
Military Hex Codes only

3B76A5 -------- 231 FA20 --- --- 2012-04-13 14:38:03.539
A31A9F -------- N3 C560 FAA --- 2012-04-13 14:04:39.759
A62778 GTI603 N496MC B744 AtlasAir --- 2012-04-13 21:00:32.900
A7CB35 -------- N601CN LJ60 --- --- 2012-04-13 15:29:50.802
AA59AE RBY601 N766VA B762 Vision Airlines --- 2012-04-13 12:21:19.367
AA90A0 GTI4TI44 N780BA B744 Evergreen International --- 2012-04-13 17:03:14.756
AAE32D N800PL N800PL H25B COUSHATTA TRIBE OF LOUISIANA (ELTON LA) --- 2012-04-13 14:15:07.807
AAEC74 -------- 10-0256 BE20 US Army | B/6-52 AVN (TA) DET-1 [KFTK] --- 2012-04-13 09:13:56.300
ADFE53 -------- 94-0324 BE20 USARMY --- 2012-04-13 18:28:13.150
ADFE67 DERBY 20 91-1236 C130 KY ANG | 123AW | 165AS [KSDF] --- 2012-04-13 11:32:49.103
ADFEE3 RS114 159114 DC93 USNR | VR-46 [KNFW ] --- 2012-04-13 11:51:35.317
AE0159 DECEE52 57-1512 K35R AFRC | 459ARW | 756ARS [KADW] --- 2012-04-13 10:35:41.396
AE0168 -------- 86-0203 GLF3 USAF | 89AW | 99AS [KADW] --- 2012-04-13 08:03:36.140
AE0174 -------- 84-0119 LJ35 USAF | 375AW | 458AS [KBLV] --- 2012-04-13 19:31:45.785
AE0179 JOSA327 84-0140/84-0134 LJ35 USAF | 375AW | 458AS [KBLV] --- 2012-04-13 10:06:28.350
AE0181 YANKEE 84-0139 LJ35 CT ANG | 103FW | 118FS [KBDL] --- 2012-04-13 09:31:52.259
AE0184 BATTL 26 84-0090 LJ35 MI ANG | 110FW | 172AS [KBTL] --- 2012-04-13 12:42:50.280
AE02E7 COBB04 84-0204 C130 AFRC | 94AW | 700AS [KMGE] --- 2012-04-13 13:25:12.563
AE031E RAVEN 78 74-2072 C130 USAF | 317AG [KDYS] --- 2012-04-13 02:27:12.668
AE0363 -------- 60-0341 K35R OH ANG | 121ARW [KLCK] --- 2012-04-13 13:01:58.376
AE041D SLUFF92 57-1486 K35R AZ ANG | 161ARW | 197ARS [KPHX] --- 2012-04-13 11:11:32.933
AE0422 RCH9499 59-1499 K35R TN ANG | 134ARW | 151ARS [KTYS] --- 2012-04-13 09:02:48.228
AE0446 -------- 99-6143 B752 USAF | 486FLTS [KVPS] --- 2012-04-13 12:49:38.180
AE0485 INDY51 62-3521 K35R AFRC | 434ARW | 72ARS [KGUS] --- 2012-04-13 15:18:47.198
AE049C SODA81 59-1517 K35R TN ANG | 134ARW | 151ARS [KTYS] --- 2012-04-13 08:55:38.475
AE04E9 MASH81 61-0272 K35R AFRC | 434ARW | 72ARS [KGUS] --- 2012-04-13 09:45:03.036
AE0530 -------- 69-0010 C5 TN ANG | 164AW | 155AS [KMEM] --- 2012-04-13 15:00:16.182
AE056A -------- 86-0013 C5 USAF | 436AW | 9AS [KDOV] --- 2012-04-13 04:00:20.942
AE0591 DECEE51 58-0075 K35R AFRC | 459ARW | 756ARS [KADW] --- 2012-04-13 10:19:48.016
AE059F -------- 61-0294 K35R AFRC | 916ARW | 77ARS [KGSB] --- 2012-04-13 11:23:50.190
AE05A5 ROCCO79 62-3508 K35R NJ ANG | 108W | 141ARS [KWRI] --- 2012-04-13 10:08:20.803
AE05E2 FUZZY81 87-9287 C130 AFRC | 914AW | 328AS [KIAG] --- 2012-04-13 11:48:09.403
AE06D1 -------- 161511 BE20 McGuire --- 2012-04-13 11:38:04.740
AE08BD -------- 165968 TEX2 USN | TW-6 [KNPA] --- 2012-04-13 14:54:55.996
AE093C -------- 00-1053 C560 US Army | OSACOM PATD [KADW] --- 2012-04-13 09:01:24.474
AE093D -------- 01-0301 C560 US Army | OSACOM PATD [KADW] --- 2012-04-13 17:48:56.172
AE1145 -------- 165979 TEX2 USN | TW-6 [KNPA] --- 2012-04-13 09:01:21.379
AE1146 -------- 165980 TEX2 USN | TW-6 [KNPA] --- 2012-04-13 15:41:29.089
AE114B -------- 165985 TEX2 USN | TW-6 [KNPA] --- 2012-04-13 14:39:18.839
AE1197 RCH264 03-3114 C17 MS ANG | 172AW | 183AS [KJAN] --- 2012-04-13 15:56:24.634
AE119A RULER43 03-3117 C17 MS ANG | 172AW | 183AS [KJAN] --- 2012-04-13 11:55:26.420
AE11DD SNTRY60H 76-1606 E3TF USAF | 552ACW [KTIK] --- 2012-04-13 10:58:47.203
AE1211 -------- 03-0726 C560 USARC | 2-228 AVN --- 2012-04-13 11:34:52.773
AE144B RCH862 05-5141 C17 AFRC | 452AMW | 729AS [KRIV] --- 2012-04-13 20:33:37.024
AE144E E55144 05-5144 C17 AFRC | 452AMW | 729AS [KRIV] --- 2012-04-13 18:17:00.398
AE1492 PEACH88 96-0042 ??? B703 GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB] --- 2012-04-13 10:13:19.325
AE189C SPAR24 05-0932 B737 AFRC | 932AW | 73AS [KBLV] --- 2012-04-13 05:42:13.122
AE1E6C -------- 166014 TEX2 --- --- 2012-04-13 14:32:42.249
AE1EB8 -------- 166051 TEX2 USN | taw-5 | VT-6 --- 2012-04-13 14:37:12.796
AE20C3 RCH7182 07-7182 C17 USAF | 437AW [KCHS] --- 2012-04-13 13:21:40.306
AE29FD CNV2576 166694 B737 USNR | VR-59 [KNFW] --- 2012-04-13 16:46:17.846
AE4A81 -------- 09-0525 GLF5 USAF | 89AW | 99AS [KADW] --- 2012-04-13 16:22:43.568

Mode S Log from Bowling Green, Kentucky, US 2012-04-14
Military Hex Codes only

0C204E -------- HP-1A E135 --- --- 2012-04-14 14:15:05.623
33FE77 -------- MM62228 B767T AMI | 14 Wing --- 2012-04-14 15:47:33.722
3B76A5 -------- 231 FA20 --- --- 2012-04-14 17:40:17.426
AA59AE RBY602 N766VA B762 Vision Airlines --- 2012-04-14 13:03:17.523
AAEAFD -------- N802TJ B734 Swift Air --- 2012-04-14 11:32:02.265
ADFD76 -------- 91-0506 SW4 CO ARNG | OSACOM DET-33 [KBKF] --- 2012-04-14 13:30:39.083
ADFE62 DERBY 81 91-1231 C130 KY ANG | 123AW | 165AS [KSDF] --- 2012-04-14 13:30:14.934
ADFE76 -------- 92-1451 C130 IL ANG | 182AW | 169AS [KPIA] --- 2012-04-14 14:47:15.765
ADFE95 -------- 95-0096 BE20 USARMY --- 2012-04-14 13:14:18.078
ADFEAC MOVER30 83-0081 DC10 USAF | 305AMW [KWRI] --- 2012-04-14 13:08:55.858
ADFEE3 RS818 159114 DC93 USNR | VR-46 [KNFW ] --- 2012-04-14 19:30:04.590
ADFEEF JT0524 160051 DC93 USNR | VR-52 [KWRI] --- 2012-04-14 12:14:10.011
AE0179 -------- 84-0140/84-0134 LJ35 USAF | 375AW | 458AS [KBLV] --- 2012-04-14 19:15:46.981
AE0248 -------- 96-8154 C30J PA ANG | 193SOW | 193SOS [KMDT] --- 2012-04-14 17:13:33.420
AE0252 BATON92 97-1931 C30J PA ANG | 193SOW | 193SOS [KMDT] --- 2012-04-14 11:39:37.214
AE02E7 COBB04 84-0204 C130 AFRC | 94AW | 700AS [KMGE] --- 2012-04-14 15:09:58.706
AE032F RCH 562T 74-2066 C130 USAF | 19AW [KLRF] --- 2012-04-14 19:48:16.137
AE03DC -------- 165352 C130 USMCR | VMGR-452 [KSWF] --- 2012-04-14 13:15:14.145
AE049C SODA60 59-1517 K35R TN ANG | 134ARW | 151ARS [KTYS] --- 2012-04-14 11:37:29.060
AE04D1 DIXIE27 63-7984 K35R AL ANG | 117ARW | 106ARS [KBHM] --- 2012-04-14 13:32:03.625
AE05A5 ROCCO79 62-3508 K35R NJ ANG | 108W | 141ARS [KWRI] --- 2012-04-14 19:27:28.874
AE0656 -------- 58-0102 K35R AFRC | 507ARW | 465ARS [KTIK] --- 2012-04-14 22:25:00.504
AE10B5 RCH260 01-0186 C17 USAF | 62AW [KTCM] --- 2012-04-14 14:23:49.530
AE10C1 -------- 01 GLF5 USCG | CGAS Washington [KDCA] --- 2012-04-14 19:57:20.990
AE1122 -------- 02-3646 TEX2 USAF --- 2012-04-14 15:06:14.444
AE112E -------- 02-3658 TEX2 USAF --- 2012-04-14 17:29:08.002
AE13C4 -------- 04-3750 TEX2 USAF | 71FTW [KEND] --- 2012-04-14 20:50:18.727
AE1410 -------- 05-3793 TEX2 USAF | 71FTW [KEND] --- 2012-04-14 20:54:02.629
AE1461 RCH344 06-6163 C17 USAF | 60AMW | 21AS [KSUU] --- 2012-04-14 20:11:22.482
AE29FD CNV4524 166694 B737 USNR | VR-59 [KNFW] --- 2012-04-14 16:35:49.643
AE2FA8 THUG99 08-8196 C17 USAF | 62AW [KTCM] --- 2012-04-14 15:06:56.698
AE49C8 RCH1012 09-9212 C17 USAF | 62AW [KTCM] --- 2012-04-14 11:58:47.065

Navy Names Five New Submarines

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced today the next five Virginia-class attack submarines will be named the USS Illinois, the USS Washington, the USS Colorado, the USS Indiana, and the USS South Dakota.

Mabus named the Virginia-class submarines to honor the great contributions and support these states have given the military through the years.

"Each of these five states serves as home to military bases that support our national defense and provides men and women who volunteer to serve their country," Mabus said. "I look forward to these submarines joining the fleet and representing these great states around the world."

None of the five states has had a ship named for it for more than 49 years. The most recent to serve was the battleship the USS Indiana, which was decommissioned in October 1963.

The selection of Illinois, designated SSN 786, is the second ship to bear the state name and is home to the Navy's one and only Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes where every enlisted sailor begins his or her service.

The selection of Washington, designated SSN 787, is the third ship to bear the state name and the state's Puget Sound area, where the Navy's third-largest fleet concentration is located.

The selection of Colorado, designated SSN 788, is the third ship to bear the state name. The second ship was a battleship that stood as the lead ship of her class and took part in the Tarawa invasion.

The selection of Indiana, designated SSN 789, is the third ship to bear the state name and is the home to the Naval Surface Warfare Center, the Navy's premier engineering, acquisition and sustainment organization which supports our maritime warriors.

The selection of South Dakota, designated SSN 790, is the third ship to bear the state name. The second ship was a battleship that also stood as the lead ship of her class and fought extensively in the Pacific theater during World War II.

"Prior ships carrying the names of these five states stood as defenders of freedom on the water. Now these states will represent the latest and greatest technology ever assembled to submerge below the surface and project power forward," Mabus said.

These next-generation attack submarines will provide the Navy with the capabilities required to maintain the nation's undersea supremacy well into the 21st century. They will have enhanced stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities, and special warfare enhancements that will enable them to meet the Navy's multi-mission requirements.

These submarines will have the capability to attack targets ashore with highly accurate Tomahawk cruise missiles and conduct covert long-term surveillance of land areas, littoral waters or other sea-based forces. Other missions include anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare; mine delivery and minefield mapping. They are also designed for special forces delivery and support.

Each Virginia-class submarine is 7,800-tons and 377 feet in length, has a beam of 34 feet, and can operate at more than 25 knots submerged. It is designed with a reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship, reducing lifecycle costs while increasing underway time. The five submarines will be built by Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding in Newport News, Va., in partnership with General Dynamics/Electric Boat Corp.