E-9A crews survey gulf, track missiles

by Staff Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III, Defense Media Activity-San Antonio

Aircrew members with King Aerospace perform pre-flight checks on an E-9A Aug. 26 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. The E-9A provides support to the air-to-air weapons system evaluations as a surveillance platform. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Bennie J. Davis)

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) -- Tyndall Air Force Base aircrews flying the twin-turbo-propped E-9A help ensure the Gulf of Mexico waters are clear of boats and aircraft for live-fire missile launches during Air Force exercises.

The E-9A is used as an airborne surveillance/telemetry data relay aircraft and its aircrews evaluate the total air-to-air capabilities of Air Force fighter aircraft and weapons.

"The (E-9A) is a modified DeHavilland Dash 8 civilian aircraft, modified with a sea surveillance radar and a telemetry antenna to go out and collect data on fired missiles," said Capt. Justin Allen, an E-9 pilot.

There are only two E-9As in the Air Force arsenal. Though small in number, the E-9A mission is anything but small, providing support for air-to-air weapons system evaluation, development and operational testing since 1988 at Tyndall AFB.

"It's awesome being a small part of a big moving machine that impacts the tactics and procedures fighters use on a daily basis," Captain Allen said.

In the first hour of a mission, the E-9A climbs to 5,500 feet scanning the ocean's surface for boat traffic. The E-9A doesn't direct traffic, it only tracks it, pinpointing and marking positions using sea surveillance radar capable of tracking 20 vessels within a 25 nautical mile radius. Latitude and longitude of each boat tracked is then transmitted by HF radio signals to the range safety officer on the ground who can see all the positions and establish a "shoot box" far enough away for exercise missions to take place.

"I help establish the battlefield in a sense," said George Mitchell, a sea surveillance radar operator aboard the E-9A.

Once the battlefield is established, the E-9A will climb to 18,000 feet keeping the right side of the aircraft pointing to the action to perform telemetry data collection.

"When we say telemetry, we say a digital data stream of one and zeros coming off of the item, in this case a missile. This information is broken up into words, blocks and bits of info that when added up can equal or represent velocity, altitude angle of movement," said Steve Reith of King Aerospace who operate and maintain the E-9As.

A large telemetry antenna created by Georgia Tech University in 1986 runs along the right side of the E-9A aircraft. The antenna is nearly 30 feet long with a cone range of 120 degrees and can collect data from five different targets. On average, the E-9A collects data about 30 miles away from its target, but the aircraft can be up to 130 miles away from a target to collect Navy Tomahawk missile data.

As a missile approaches its target, it sends off RF radio signals, that data is received, recorded and transmitted to the ground by the E-9A in real time. Due to the curvature of the earth, the E-9A aircrew act like middlemen relaying information to missile data analysts. Telemetry data such as the parameters of missile to drone closeness, the missile's reaction to countermeasures and percentage of kill are down linked. This information is then used by members of the 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group to write or re-write procedures on how to employ Air Force fighters better against simulated foreign aircraft.

"These missile tests we conduct are very important," said Don Anderson of King Aerospace. "It's important to test the same missiles we use in the field so we can find problems in test phases before they occur in combat."

The E-9A can be used for a myriad of operations such as research and development armament tests at Eglin AFB, Fla., Navy Harm and Tomahawk weapons evaluation, Army Patriot Missile tests and even search and rescue efforts with the Coast Guard.

E-9As are maintained and operated by King Aerospace, a privately owned company that also provides aircraft for heads of state and royalty around the world.

"We do everything on the aircraft besides providing the pilots," said Steve Reith. "There are very high standards here, it's not just a contract. King Aerospace feels a since of pride that we are helping America and that's from the owner on down."

A few years ago during a presidential visit to Tyndall AFB, maintainers from Marine One visited the King Aerospace facilities and commented that the E-9S was as well kept as Marine One or Air Force One respectively.

"We put a lot of pride into the E-9 and not just the skin, the whole aircraft is crisp and clean," Mr. Reith said.

Over the next two years, the E-9As are scheduled to undergo a series of digital and hardware upgrades to their sea surveillance and telemetry capabilities. The sea surveillance radar will be enhanced greatly to track 200 contacts with the ability to identify each contact as well as automatically update contact positions during a mission. The telemetry radar capacity will be doubled to track 10 missiles or targets at a time.

The E-9As are assigned to the 82nd Aerial Target Squadron located at Tyndall AFB. The squadron is a subordinate unit of the 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group and reports to the 53rd Wing at Eglin AFB.

Nuke and Bomber Forces may Reorganize

DoD Buzzby Colin Clark on Military.com

Defense Secretary Robert Gates and senior Air Force leaders are expected to announce early next week that all the service's nuclear missile and bomber forces will be centralized in a single numbered air force major command led by a still-to-be named three star general. The tentative new name for the major command is Global Strike Command.

Read the rest of the copyrighted story at
http://www.military.com/news/article/nuke-and-bomber-forces-may-reorganize.html

USS Kearsarge Reaches Mid-deployment of Continuing Promise Mission

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Emmitt J. Hawks, Continuing Promise 2008 Public Affairs

USS KEARSARGE (NNS) -- USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), reached the mid-point of its deployment supporting the humanitarian/civic assistance (HCA) mission Continuing Promise (CP) 2008 while in the Dominican Republic.

Kearsarge's mission during CP 08 is to conduct joint civil-military operations including humanitarian and civic assistance, as well as veterinary, medical, dental and civil engineering support to six partner nations and to send a strong message of compassion, support and commitment to Central and South America and the Caribbean.

Departing Norfolk, Va., Aug. 6, the ship has since completed HCA missions in Nicaragua and Colombia and is currently conducting HCA operations in the Dominican Republic.

"This has been an excellent deployment so far," said CP 08 Mission Commander, Capt. Fernandez "Frank" Ponds. "We've been able to assist and partner with many of our friends in region. It has been a great display of friendship and cooperation, and we'll continue to foster those valuable relationships in the countries to come."

One month into the HCA mission, Kearsarge was called upon to assist with humanitarian assistance/disaster relief (HADR) operations in Haiti after the country was struck by four tropical storm systems in less than a month.

Kearsarge's capabilities include rapid movement of personnel and cargo by helicopter and landing craft, making it an ideal platform to support humanitarian relief missions on short notice.

"The Haiti disaster relief effort really demonstrated the incredible and unique capabilities of the USS Kearsarge, and its ability to provide heavy-lift support." said Maj. Thomas DeFazio, officer in charge of CP 08 engineers.

Marine and Navy helicopters embarked aboard Kearsarge flew more than 100 missions, and landing craft units transported more than 30 loads of supplies. These operations led to the timely delivery of more than 3.3 million pounds of food, water and other relief supplies.

Crew members from the embarked Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28, Detachment 5 and Marine Heavy Helicopter (HMH) Squadron 464 are proud of the support they have been able to offer the CP 2008 mission and especially to the citizens of Haiti during such a devastating time.

"During this endeavor, we have best been utilized for our ability to provide medevac, [very important personnel] transport and small landing zone (LZ) access," said Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Marsh Weber, search and rescue chief of HSC-28, Det. 5.

Weber said the detachment's single most memorable and challenging moment during the disaster relief efforts was when the "Voodoo Knights" of HSC-28 were called upon to deliver food and water to an isolated Haitian orphanage that had no vehicle access and no landing zone.

"Due to the nimble nature of the MH-60S and the skill-set derived through search and rescue training, our crews were the only CP asset able to hover low over the scene and hoist down the essential items to the hurricane victims," said Weber. "We all felt proud that we could help some of the most critically challenged when their situation looked grim."

Weber said his team, like the rest of the CP 08 team, looks forward to the rest of the mission and is ready to face any oncoming challenges, both planned and unplanned.

"I could not have been more proud of the Kearsarge crew and all of the embarked units," said Commanding Officer Capt. Walter Towns. "No one hesitated to answer the call when one of our neighbors needed assistance."

Kearsarge departed Haiti Sept. 26 heading toward the Dominican Republic to continue its HCA mission.
To date, the Continuing Promise 2008 medical and dental team of more than 150 military medical professionals and non-governmental organizations, have worked alongside partner nation officials to treat more than 30,000 primary care patients, dispense more than 57,000 prescriptions, provide veterinary care to nearly 4,000 animals and conduct more than 100,000 medical, dental and optometric services.

Additionally, medical personnel performed more than 70 surgeries on board the ship during the mission. One of the more recent surgeries involved two 8-year-old twin boys who received eye surgery to correct strabismus, a condition where the eyes do not properly align with one another.

"The boys have been dealing with this problem since they were born," said Joselyn Altagracia Carmarena Vargas, the twins' mother. "This blessing has been a long time coming, and our family is very grateful for everything that is being done for us."

For most of the doctors on the Continuing Promise team, the smiles, hugs and handshakes have made this mission worthwhile.

"It gives me great satisfaction to be able to have helped these boys in a way no one else could," said Cmdr. Brian Alexander, an ophthalmologist embarked aboard Kearsarge for the CP 08 mission. "The smiles on the faces of the twins and their mother were one of the biggest rewards I could have received."

Navy Seabees attached to Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit (CBMU) 202 and civil engineers from the Air Force's 5th Civil Engineer Squadron's Prime Base Emergency Engineer Force, both embarked aboard Kearsarge, have completed 15 construction and renovation projects during the mission and expect to complete at least seven more in the remaining countries.

"The projects thus far have been very successful," said DeFazio. "There have been many highlights, to include the renovations at the Municipal Park in Puerto Cabezas [Nicaragua] where kids swarmed the playground at the closing ceremony to the construction of a modified seahut into an L-shaped school at Los Alpes [Colombia] which was dedicated as Escuela Kearsarge."

When Kearsarge departs the Dominican Republic, they will move forward with the Continuing Promise mission to Trinidad and Tobago.

Kearsarge's mission exemplifies the United States Maritime Strategy which emphasizes deploying forces to build confidence and trust among nations through collective maritime security efforts that focus on common threats and mutual interest.

USS Kearsarge is under the operational control of U.S. 4th Fleet. U.S. 4th Fleet's mission is to direct United States naval forces operating in the Caribbean and Central and South American regions and interact with partner nation navies to shape maritime environment.

The Continuing Promise Caribbean Phase is the second of two HCA deployments to the Southern Command area of focus for 2008. The first Continuing Promise deployment was conducted by USS Boxer (LHD 4) in the Pacific.

Embarked units and organizations aboard Kearsarge for CP include Commander, Amphibious Squadron 8, Fleet Surgical Team 4; U.S. Public Health Service; Navy Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 202; Air Force Civil Engineering Squadron 5's Prime Base Engineer Emergency Force; contingents of medical personnel from the armed forces of the Canada, The Netherlands, France and Brazil; Navy Assault Craft Unit 2; Naval Beach Group 2; nongovernmental organizations International Aide, Operation Smile and Project Hope; U.S. Navy Maritime Civil Affairs Squadron 2; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28; and Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 464.

CNO Speaks at DDG 108 Christening

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Rebekah Blowers, Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs

BATH, Maine (NNS) -- The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) spoke at the christening ceremony for the Arleigh-Burke class destroyer, USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) on Oct. 18.

Adm. Gary Roughead, CNO, highlighted that this ship is named after the man who is known as the father of Aegis, a highly advanced integrated combat system that is used on all U.S. Navy Arleigh-Burke class destroyers and Ticonderoga class cruisers. Roughead was the first officer to have commanded both classes of Aegis-capable ships.

"Admiral Meyer delivered a great leap in defense technology, one that has given us the flexibility to adjust to emerging threats over several decades, and as we have seen recently, it will be able to adjust to emerging threats for decades to come," Roughead said. "To me the fact that one officer had the vision, the drive, and the passion to ensure that the Navy has the best fleet in the world, is exactly the point when it comes to naming this ship."

Roughead also said he couldn't be more pleased to have Anna Mae Meyer, Adm. Meyer's wife, as the ship's sponsor. He said she has been an equal and a partner in Wayne's endeavors.

"She's worked with the engineers; she's worked with the military; she's worked with our civil servants to help bring the AEGIS weapons program to life. Her energy, her drive and her intellect will be the spirit of this ship," Roughead said.

CNO said that like Adm. Meyer, every Sailor has the unique opportunity to make incredible contributions to fields that will benefit the Navy. He also thanked the Bath Iron Works shipbuilders for all the hard work, innovation and dedication they put in to making the ship complete.

"You are going to provide, as this ship is christened and launched, a capability and the capacity we need to protect our interests; to provide the security that is vital to our prosperity; to prevent conflict; and when necessary, and as has always been the case in the United States Navy, to win in war," the CNO said.

Two new T-Bird freqs uncovered in ATL last weekend

I have two high priority emails sitting on my desktop this morning indicating that the T-Birds frequency usage is on the move - again!

This have been a real interesting year for monitoring this team and they have surely been full of surprises.

Anyway, here are the two news ones.

148.125 Diamond formation AM mode
225.175 Solos AM mode

I am working right now to compile the interesting season we have seen and all the different freqs they have used. Will some sort of stability finally set in for this group or will this become the norm in years to come? Only time will tell for sure.

If you were at ATL this weekend we want to hear about your report. Info is still a bit sketchy from down there.

Enemy Engagements Decrease for Marines in Afghanistan

By Navy Seaman William Selby, Special to American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON - As the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment continues to enhance security in Afghanistan, Marines there are experiencing decreased enemy engagements, the battalion's commander said yesterday.

"We've killed or captured a lot of the [Taliban's] leadership," U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Richard Hall, commander of Task Force 2D Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, told bloggers during a teleconference.

Other possible reasons Hall cited for fewer engagements include the recent Muslim holiday of Ramadan, the beginning of winter in Afghanistan and the enhanced efforts of the Afghan National Police.

"We've now trained over 800 Afghan National Police and have placed them in various districts," he said.

Most people think that training and mentoring are not critical parts of counterinsurgency operations, when in fact, they are a subset, Hall said.

"The first thing is the force comes in here and establishes themselves and initiates the security piece, then what we had to do is we had to concurrently do the training and mentoring" of the police, he said.

In addition to training, the Marines have initiated several other long- and short-term projects under strategies they call "focused district development" and "in-district reform."

The Marines have enhanced the Afghan economy, opened mosques, built schools, and are hoping to build a road, although that may not happen soon, Hall said.

"We're hoping to build a road here, probably not on our watch, but certainly on our replacements' watch," Hall said. The 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines will be replaced by the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment in the near future.

Hall said that while he is constantly seeing improvement in his districts, there are still several challenges, specifically in recruiting for the Afghan police.

"We really need to recruit from districts in which we are going to replace those [police]," Hall added. "They get a good education, they come back, and there's an immediate change in the district when they go out there. All our guys that mentor them when they're back out in their districts have noted the significant improvements that are made."

As the Marine units prepare to rotate, a top priority is ensuring that the Afghan recruitment is done right.

"I think we got it right now," said Hall. "The next evolutions [in reform and development of districts] are going to be much more successful, and so it will be the way of the future in emplacing these [police] in the districts, which becomes a foundation for governance at the district level."

To set the stage for the incoming Marine unit, Hall said his Marines would prepare training on lessons learned.

"We want to give them the proper introduction to the history, teach them the techniques and procedures that will keep them alive," Hall said. "And we owe that to our brothers."

In order to be successful, the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines have to continue to do what the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines have done - focus on the Afghan people, Hall said.

"We have focused on the enduring effort, those things that will last, those operations which create a foundation for the future, like building schools, educating people, building roads, providing jobs, and aiding commerce," he said.

Coast Guard Ice Breaker

The 2009 Department of Homeland Security budget calls for 30.3 million dollars to be spent on the U.S. Coast Guard's ice breaking fleet.

GW Wraps Up First Port Visit as Forward-Deployed Unit

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Carlos Gomez, USS George Washington Public Affairs

BUSAN, South Korea (NNS) -- USS George Washington (CVN 73) (GW), the Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, wrapped up its first port visit Oct. 10, in Busan, South Korea, where Sailors participated in this year's International Fleet Review.

This was the carrier's first official port call as part of the forward deployed naval forces.

George Washington along with USS Cowpens (CG 63), USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) and USS McCampbell (DDG 85) were in Busan to participate in the International Fleet Review commemorating the Republic of Korea's armed forces' 60th anniversary. In addition to the fleet review, chiefs of navies and action officers from 24 countries participated in the Western Pacific Naval Symposium '08.

GW Sailors hosted a reception Oct. 8 aboard the ship for nearly 600 guests. The ship also conducted public tours Oct. 8-9 and hosted more than 500 visitors.

While in port, GW Sailors volunteered for a number of community outreach projects at local schools and orphanages. Along with members of Australian and Thai navies, they held a wreath-laying service at the local United Nations Memorial Cemetery. They also experienced the local culture through a number of trips and tours.

The George Washington Carrier Strike Group is currently at sea training in the Pacific Ocean.

New UH-1Y Huey Takes Flight During Boxer ESG Exercise

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Daniel Barker, USS Boxer Public Affairs

USS BOXER, At Sea (NNS) -- Marine Medium Helicopter (HMM) Squadron 163 (Reinforced), embarked aboard USS Boxer (LHD 4), is among the first squadrons to operate the new Bell UH-1Y "Huey" helicopter, which was tested as part of the Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group (BOXESG) integration exercise Oct. 7-16.

The most modern tactical utility helicopter available, the Huey is the latest version of one of the Marine Corps' most durable and versatile helicopters, with many improvements on the previous UH-1N.

"This 'Yankee' version of the classic UH-1 'November' is making the Huey applicable to today's war," said Marine Capt. Tara Russell, an HMM 163 (Rein.) "Evil Eyes" pilot. "Everything has been improved, from the lift capability and flying time to situational awareness systems like a glass cockpit with a moving map display."

Boxer is the first ship to have the new helicopter aboard as part of its rotary wing aircraft augmentation for deployment. With a new composite four bladed rotor system, two powerful T700-GE 401C engines and decreased maintenance requirements, it provides BOXESG a more advanced ability to provide humanitarian aid or to take the fight to the enemy wherever needed.

"With the resources to carry both personnel and a full arsenal of weapons we have an expanded capability to support groups on the ground and participate in a greater range of missions," said Marine Capt. Brian Hensarling, an "Evil Eyes" pilot.

Upgraded features also include increased survivability from enemy attack with a laser warning receiver, radar warning receiver, "smart" countermeasure dispenser and a missile warning device.

Improved safety systems include energy-absorbing landing gear, self sealing fuel systems and a fuel vapor inerting system.

"The upgrades that are among the most beneficial for the crew and passengers are the energy attenuating seats that reduce the effects of G-forces in the event of a crash," said Russell. "Before this, the passengers just had to sit on the deck."

The new Huey also features greater operational flexibility due to 50 percent increased range, faster maximum speed, a stronger airframe design, advanced electronic warfare self protection and 125 percent greater payload than the previous UH-1N.

The BOXESG is scheduled for more training exercises this fall prior to a deployment scheduled for early next year.

BOXESG is comprised of Amphibious Squadron 5, the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Boxer, USS New Orleans (LPD 18), USS Comstock (LSD 45), USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93), USCGC Boutwell (WHEC 719), USS Milius (DDG 69), USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 21, Naval Beach Group 1, Assault Craft Unit 5, Assault Craft Unit 1, Beach Master Unit 1 and Fleet Surgical Team 5.

The 13th MEU is comprised of HMM 163 (Rein.), Combat Logistics Battalion 13 and Battalion Landing Team 1/1.

Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group Completes First Stage of Work Ups

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeff Hopkins, USS Boxer Public Affairs

An AV-8B Harrier II jet assigned to Fixed Wing Marine Attack Squadron 214 lands aboard the flight deck of USS Boxer (LHD 4) off the coast of Southern California. Boxer is on a training exercise preparing for a Western-Pacific deployment scheduled for early next year. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel Barker/Released)

The ships and units of Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group (BOXESG) completed their Expeditionary Strike Group Integration (ESGINT) exercise off the coast of Southern California Oct. 16.

ESGINT was the first of three pre-deployment exercises for the strike group in preparation for a deployment scheduled for early next year. The exercise focused on strengthening the cooperation between the ships of BOXESG and the Marines of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

"This was the crawl stage in our preparations for deployment," said Capt. Peter K. Dallman, BOXESG commander. "Our goal was to work [towards] certification at our next at-sea period which is our Composite Training Unit Exercise, a period in which the Navy side of our group is graded on a series of capabilities and then certified as ready to deploy."

Throughout ESGINT, Boxer Sailors and more than 900 Marines from the 13th MEU worked side-by-side through training exercises ranging from the launch and recovery of aircraft and a simulated beach assault to emergency response damage control exercises and mass casualty drills.

The exercise also provided the opportunity to test Boxer's coordination and defense systems via a strait transit exercise, during which Boxer coordinated with other BOXESG ships to steam in formation simulating transiting through a narrow body of water such as the Strait of Hormuz.

ESGINT was not without its difficulties, Dallman said. Integration through training was one of the biggest challenges during the exercise.

"The greatest challenge to BOXESG during this period was that it's the first time we've come together to operate in a composite warfare command construct," Dallman said. "And we are trying to defend ourselves at sea from air, surface, and sub-surface attack while simultaneously learning the intricacies of executing the Navy/Marine Corps team's missions."

According to Col. David W. Coffman, commanding officer for the 13th MEU, ESGINT was one of the first steps toward streamlining the joint capabilities of Boxer Sailors and 13th MEU Marines for the upcoming deployment.

"This exercise was the first step for Boxer Sailors and 13th MEU Marines to get to know each other and work together," said Coffman. "We have a range of missions that we have to be able to execute coming off amphibious shipping, so for the next three months, as we do these at-sea periods, we'll be preparing and then certified to go to sea aboard the BOXESG as a sea-based Marine Air/Ground Task Force (MAGTF) and deliver mission capability to combatant commanders."

Coffman highlighted the unique dimensions the 13th MEU brings to ESGINT.

"When we speak of the blue/green team, it's the embodiment of the naval character of the Marine Corps. You aren't a Marine if you can't get aboard ship, work with its Sailors, and then leave the ship for your mission.

"Marine aviation and ground assets linked together under the control of the common commander provide unique capability to the mission," Coffman said. "Our MAGTF combines air, ground, and logistic capability all linked and working on a common coordinated mission."

"The Navy/Marine Corps team provides forward-deployed expeditionary forces that are the most ready when the nation is least ready," Coffman said.

Coffman added that in addition to testing and improving the capability of shipboard and 13th MEU operational systems, the ESGINT mission also mentally prepared the Marines for deployment by exposing them to the culture of life at sea.

"For many of our Marines, this was their first time aboard a Navy ship," said Coffman. "We're just taking the first steps toward making seagoing Marines out of them. Many of the Marines serving don't get the opportunity and privilege to serve aboard amphibious ships and get back to the Navy/Marine Corps business we made famous during World War II and since."

Command sergeant major for the 13th MEU, Command Sgt. Maj. Enrique X. Hines, echoed Coffman's assessment, and noted the exercise encourages teamwork and respect between Marines and Sailors.

"ESGINT prepares Marines for deployment by integrating the Sailors and Marines," said Hines. "We gain a definite respect for one another. Some Sailors have no idea what Marines do when they leave the ship, and Marines get an appreciation of what it takes to run a vessel of this size. And what I think the Marines will walk away with is a definite sense of respect for our Navy brothers, and vice versa."

Dallman said the exercise was a prime example of the capabilities of the Navy/Marine Corps team, and that through the cooperation of BOXESG and the 13th MEU, the strike group will be fully ready for deployment in the new year.

"The Navy and Marine Corps team is an enormously capable and powerful tool that's manifested in BOXESG and the 13th MEU working together at sea to then go influence events ashore in a combined effort," said Dallman. "Across the board, [the strike group] has incredible capabilities, and we've tested many of them during this exercise. By the time we deploy, we'll certainly be ready to accomplish our mission together."

BOXESG is scheduled for more training exercises this fall prior to a deployment scheduled for early next year.

BOXESG is comprised of Amphibious Squadron 5, the 13th MEU, Boxer, USS New Orleans (LPD 18), USS Comstock (LSD 45), USS Chung Hoon (DDG 93), USCGC Boutwell (WHEC 719), USS Milius (DDG 69), USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 21, Naval Beach Group 1, Assault Craft Unit 5, Assault Craft Unit 1, Beach Master Unit 1, Fleet Surgical Team 5.

The 13th MEU is comprised of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (Reinforced), Combat Logistics Battalion 13 and Battalion Landing Team 1/1.

An MH-53 Sea Dragon helicopter conducts night flight operations aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4). Boxer is on a training exercise preparing for a Western Pacific deployment scheduled for early next year. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jon Rasmussen/Released)

Skies clear as Hawgsmoke 2008 gets into full swing

Blog Editor Note: For my readers in the mid-west, the frequencies for Hawg Smoke 2008 at posted at the end of the article below.

by Master Sgt. Bill Huntington, 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

An A-10 Thunderbolt II from the Michigan Air National Guard's 110th Fighter Wing, takes off from the Salina, Kan., airport Oct. 15 for an orientation flight over the nearby Smoky Hill bombing and gunnery range. Thirty A-10s from Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units across the country have converged on Salina for Hawgsmoke 2008, which will pit active-duty, Reserve and Guard pilots from 14 squadrons against each other in a bienniel bomb and gunnery competition. The competition will last through Oct. 18. (U.S. Air Force photo/Maj. David Kurle)

SALINA, Kan. (AFNS) -- With the arrival of the last group of A-10 Thunderbolt IIs late in the afternoon, Hawgsmoke 2008 got into full swing Oct. 15 as pilots flew out to the Kansas Air National Guard's Smoky Hill bomb and gunnery range nearby for range familiarization flights.

Clearing skies signaled the end of nearly two days of rain at the central Kansas location, as maintenance crews received the new arrivals while launching and recovering the local flights participating in the Air Force's biennial A-10 bombing and tactical gunnery competition.

As soon as the pilots stepped from the jets they were greeted by the supervisor of flying and transported to Hawgsmoke headquarters for an array of in-processing steps designed to make their arrival orderly, convenient and brief.

After storing their flight gear at the life support section, the pilots met with representatives from maintenance debriefing, supervisor of flying, maintenance operations control, command post, personnel support for contingency operations also known as PERSCO, and lodging.

During the maintenance debriefing, officials gleaned the data provided by the incoming pilots regarding maintenance issues and passed problems along to the maintainers who focused on getting the jets ready to fly again. Most aircraft were back in the air after only a brief time on the ground.

"[For Hawgsmoke], debrief has been combined with (the maintenance operations center)," said Senior Airman Kimberly Byers, 442nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron maintenance debriefer. "We've been getting [the pilot's] information about the incoming jets and now we are working on the sorties for the actual competition."

For having such a large influx of aircraft and crews in a very short time, things went well for Airman Byers. Her only challenge was learning the nuances of how each unit handled the data differently.

Ensuring the mission identifiers were closed out as the aircraft arrived was the first order of business for the command-post controllers at the next stop for each team. There activities were going as planned.

"Things have been pretty much been going by the book today," said Staff Sgt. Adrian Walker, 442nd Fighter Wing command-post controller. "I think we're doing very well."

PERSCO representatives checked in all new arrivals to maintain the personnel accountability of not only the pilots, but also maintenance and support personnel.

At the final stop a lodging representative made sure each pilot had comfortable living quarters during the competition.

The whole process was well orchestrated and, as a result, the pilots could focus on getting oriented to the new surroundings.

Pilots from 14 active-duty, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard squadrons are participating in Hawgsmoke 2008 and will share flight time in 30 A-10s supplied by Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units.

As the first full day of Hawgsmoke 2008 ended, an A-10 "missing- man" formation flew over the "Hog" pilots gathered at the edge of the Salina Airport flight line for a memorial service, which commemorated all A-10 pilots who have perished over the years since the aircraft first flew.

Milcom Monitoring Post Frequency Guide

Hawg Smoke Manual Frequencies

MOA DISCRETE FREQS:
Bison 369.900

KANSAS CITY ARTCC FREQS:
Hutchinson (Bison) 337.400/118.800
Topeka (Ft Riley) 343.700/123.800
Emporia 270.250/127.725

MISCELLANEOUS FREQS:
FM Guard 40.500
Forbes Tower 255.900/120.800
McConnell Tower 295.700/126.200
MCI Tower 267.900/118.100

Hawg Smoke Preset Frequencies
CH AGENCY FRONT AFT
1 SOF (Ground HAWG) 227.800 138.125
2 Salina Ground 397.900 121.900
3 Salina Tower 257.700 119.300
4 Kansas City Center 363.200 134.900
5 Smoky Hill Range (BSA) 316.900 125.925
6 Smoky Hill Range (MOA/Mav tgt ops) 353.900
7 Salina ATIS 120.150
8 Flight Service 255.400 122.400
MID Radio Preset Frequencies 1-15 are the same as FRONT 1-15

CH Hawgsmoke A-10 Intraflights (MID Radio) MID
16 A-10 Intraflight 1 228.575
17 A-10 Intraflight 2 229.175
18 A-10 Intraflight 3 235.125
19 A-10 Intraflight 4 238.575
20 A-10 Intraflight 5 245.250

CH Hawgsmoke A-10 Intraflights (AFT Radio) AFT
15 A-10 Intraflight 1 138.400
16 A-10 Intraflight 2 149.525
17 A-10 Intraflight 3 149.100
18 A-10 Intraflight 4 139.800
19 A-10 Intraflight 5 139.625
20 A-10 Intraflight 5 149.250

California Guard Conducts Predator Maintenance Training

Air Force Master Sgt. Fred Roberts, left, an instructor assigned to the Field Training Detachment, 163rd Maintenance Group, California Air National Guard, uses a Single Base Station maintenance interface station to check an MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle while Air Force Staff Sgt. Alex Bush, back, a crew chief assigned with the 163rd Reconnaissance Wing, visually inspects the MQ-1 at March Air Reserve Base, Calif., Oct. 15, 2008. Members of the detachment train active duty, Reserve and Air National Guard personnel on Predator maintenance operations. U.S. Air Force photo by Val Gempis.

MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, Calif. - As the unmanned aerial system mission continues to grow in the Air National Guard, the 163rd Maintenance Group is stepping up its training program to ensure the availability of enough highly skilled people to support these systems.

Initially operating under the 372nd Training Squadron's Detachment 13 assigned to Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., the unit spent its infancy getting its staff trained and completing its state-of-the-art facilities, while also providing limited training here and augmenting the active-duty schoolhouse.

Now, the unit no longer operates under Nellis' training umbrella, but as a stand-alone training facility, Detachment 26, assigned under Air Education and Training Command.

The training operation here has grown and has transformed into a one-stop shop for active-duty and Guard units seeking Predator maintenance training.

What began in April with an introductory course has since expanded to include specialized courses such as ground control station and communications maintenance, Rotax engine maintenance, tactical aircraft maintenance and avionics.

The unit also has provided training to more than 150 maintainers from active-duty units, as well as airmen from Guard units across the United States also involved in the Predator mission.

Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Ron Egan, chief of Detachment 26, said the unit's growth has been a boon, not only for the maintenance group, but also for the Predator mission and the Air Force as a whole.

"By providing instruction across the spectrum of Predator maintenance, and continuing to expand to meet the mission's training needs, we are bridging the gap providing the kinds of capabilities that were once only available at active-duty training locations," Egan said. "That has made us an important part of the UAS mission, and has certainly made this an exciting time to be involved with the Predator."

In fact, Air Force Master Sgt. Michael Adams, a Predator communications instructor who spent two years teaching at Nellis before the detachment stood up here, said the unit has nearly a dozen instructors and owns all of its own equipment, detached and separated from the 163rd Reconnaissance Wing's operational Predator mission, allowing training to be provided regardless of operational demands elsewhere.

"Having instructors and equipment available to teach the courses here is great for us and for the students," Adams said. "We can provide the training students need when they need it, and we can tailor our instruction to meet their needs. The impact is huge, because it allows the students to see and understand how processes work a step at a time and prepares them to apply the skills they'll need in an operational environment as soon as they get there."

The unit soon will be able to take its training to a new level, as the 163rd opens a flying training unit and begins flying the Predator locally at Southern California Logistics Airport, formerly George Air Force Base, near Victorville, about 40 miles from March.

"When the wing starts its flying training mission, that will open up a lot of doors for us," Adams said. "We'll be able to provide hands-on training and let the students interact with flying aircraft so they can learn and practice what they will be doing in a realistic environment."

On the horizon, Egan said, plans are in the works to expand the unit's training capabilities. In fact, plans include offering a KU-band satellite communications class, as well as adding maintenance courses for the Predator's big brother, the MQ-9 Reaper. The unit may even provide training for Department of Homeland Security personnel.

"It's really a shot in the arm for the Predator program," Egan said. "Everyone is happy that we're up and running, and we've received a lot of positive feedback on our operations."

Rushmore Completes ASW Tests on Nanoose Range

Sailors on the stern gate of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) await the arrival of a small craft during an early morning passenger transfer. Rushmore is supporting anti-submarine warfare training at the Nanoose firing range. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Damien Horvath/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Damien E. Horvath, Fleet Public Affairs Center Pacific

USS RUSHMORE, British Columbia (NNS) -- USS Rushmore (LSD 47) completed 10 days of intense torpedo firing exercises and developmental surface ship torpedo defense experimentation at the Canadian Forces Maritime Experimental and Test Ranges (CFMETR) on Oct. 10.

CFMETR, commonly referred to as the Nanoose Firing Range, presented an opportunity for Rushmore Sailors, in conjunction with representatives and from the Program Executive Officer, Submarine's (PEO SUB) Undersea Defensive Warfare Systems Office, Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC), Office of Naval Research (ONR), and research teams from John Hopkins and Penn State Universities, to actively test both new and developing technologies, as well as maintain and sharpen skills on current weapons and defense systems.

Rushmore entered the 56 square-mile Nanoose Range to serve as the main test platform for sea trials and to provide existing personnel, communication capabilities, and technological support to conduct a series of coordinated exercises with temporarily-installed test equipment and research teams located on the flight deck, and the Range Operations Center (ROC) located on Winchelsea Island overlooking the range.

"The ROC serves as the epicenter, or main hub for all of the data collected from the exercises being conducted on the range," said Range Officer, Canadian Armed Forces, Lt. Ralph Burgess. "In this particular series of exercises, we receive all the unrefined numbers, be it from Rushmore or any other smaller boats or aircraft contributing to operations, and store it both electronically and sometimes in hard copies for further analysis by the appropriate individuals or research teams."

During range testing, Rushmore acted as a target ship in a simulated hostile environment, receiving numerous incoming threats from various types of torpedoes ranging from one-at-a-time to multiple shot evolutions. The ship and the research teams aboard then deployed existing torpedo countermeasure technology like the SLQ-25C (NIXIE) as well some developing surface ship torpedo defense technologies like prototype anti-torpedo torpedoes fired from the flight deck of Rushmore.

Many different components must work in unison to ensure safe and successful exercises. A multitude of aircraft and smaller vessels play an integral part in range operations including the CP-140 Aurora Maritime Surveillance aircraft and the Canadian Armed Forces CH-124 Sea King.

After a particular exercise is complete, it is the responsibility of Navy divers to recover the buoyant test torpedoes. Working from Torpedo Weapons Retriever (TWR) small boats, the diver harnesses the floating torpedo, and the TWR crew uses a winch to pull it from the water and secure it to specially designed rollers for transportation to shore or one of the range's two 187-foot Yard Tender Torpedo (YTT) boats that have on-board underwater torpedo launch systems that fire the majority of the test torpedoes.

"I have had the pleasure of working with some of the finest Sailors the Navy has to offer on my TWR," said TWR small craft operator Mike Allen. "There have been some very testing times out here, unpredictable weather and sometimes unpredictable range schedules, but everyone does their part to accomplish the desired end result."

In addition to recovery by TWR, the range also possesses the capability to recover test torpedoes by helicopter and various underwater retrieval methods.

"Rushmore crew has done well in demonstrating the ship's capabilities to conduct anti-submarine warfare testing and to support the scientists and engineers," said Rushmore Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Calvin Slocumb.

"The opportunities I have had to command Rushmore on deployment, participate in the Great White Fleet, and now to support future developments to improve amphibious ships' survivability against a subsurface threat underscores the importance of training the crew and maintaining a warship ready for tasking. It's an honor to serve on the ship selected to take part in this important operation."

Canadian Forces have operated a torpedo test range on the west coast of Canada since 1954, but in 1965 under an international agreement between Canada and the United States the Nanoose Range was officially established. Since then, Nanoose Range has played host to a wide variety of American and allied forces surface ships and submarines conducting high-tech and fast-paced exercises and experimentation for practical application in today's ever-changing global maritime environment.

A-10s ready as Hawgsmoke 2008 begins

Blog Editor Note: For my readers in the mid-west, the frequencies for Hawg Smoke 2008 at posted at the end of the article below.

by Master Sgt. Bill Huntington, 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

A crew chief from the 442nd Fighter Wing marshals in the first A-10 Thunderbolt II to arrive at Salina Airport; Kan., for the Air Force's Hawgsmoke 2008; a biennial A-10 bombing and tactical gunnery competition. The event, hosted by Airmen from the 442nd FW's 303rd Fighter Squadron, tests A-10 pilots in flight leadership, target acquisition, weapons delivery. The 442nd FW is an Air Force Reserve Command unit based at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Bill Huntington)

SALINA, Kan. (AFNS) -- Two A-10 Thunderbolt IIs broke through the overcast skies of central Kansas Oct. 15 and crossed over the center point of the Salina Airport's north-south runway officially kicking off Hawgsmoke 2008, the Air Force's biennial A-10 bombing and tactical gunnery competition.

The moment also marked the end of two years of exhaustive preparation for the Airmen in the 442nd Fighter Wing's 303rd Fighter Squadron, the event's host and an Air Force Reserve Command unit from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo.

The 303rd FS Airmen earned the right to host the contest by winning Hawgsmoke 2006, held at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., that year, which pitted the 303rd's pilots against pilots from 16 other Air National Guard, Air Force and Air Force Reserve A-10 units from around the world.

Hawgsmoke tests A-10 pilots in flight leadership, target acquisition, weapons delivery and support and the amount of preparation and coordination to host the event is daunting.

"There is a lot more that goes into Hawgsmoke than the general public and most of the participants realize," said Maj. Les Bradfield, 442nd Operations Support Flight. "It's much more than just coordinating between an airport and a range."

Since the event is not being held on an Air Force base many of the organic support elements regularly used by A-10 units at a government-owned facility, and sometimes taken for granted, needed to created or cultivated.

Fortunately for the Hawgsmoke-hosting team, they struck gold with the facility at the Salina airport. The facility has a supportive administration and close proximity to the Kansas Air National Guard's Smoky Hill bomb and gunnery range where most of the competition happens. The airport, formerly Schilling AFB, is just a few miles from Smoky Hill and the airfield has a large amount of available open ramp space, which makes it ideal for parking and servicing the visiting A-10s.

"They are not used to this many aircraft coming in and staying for this long," Major Bradfield said. "We've been greasing the wheels, letting them know that we are coming, what rules we operate by and making sure they can facilitate that."

That preparation, airport and Salina community officials, along with great support from sponsors and the community at large have made the event possible.

One late wrinkle in the preparation was the announcement by Air Force officials of a time-compliance technical order, or TCTO, that required immediate inspection and repair of wing cracks approximately 130 A-10s throughout the Air Force. Maintainers in the 442nd FW were required to inspect 11 of the unit's 27 A-10s.

The order caused units to re-evaluate their ability to participate and caused some to cancel. Other wing's with available A-10s, including the 442nd, stepped forward to provide aircraft for those who couldn't use their own jets.

Even though there were enough teams and aircraft to compete, the TCTO hampered some units in their ability to bring maintenance personnel to support Hawgsmoke 2008 as they worked at their home stations to inspect and repair A-10s. Still, the maintainers were able to meet the challenge.

"Everybody is [affected]," said Chief Master Sgt. Greg Wetzel, 442nd Maintenance Squadron. "Getting the rest of their fleet up to speed became a higher priority [but] we have enough people here to take care of everything. It's not really an issue."

Having the first two jets cross the airfield's center point is a source of excitement and relief for Whiteman's Citizen Airmen. It means that while the preparation has paid off and the competition is underway, there is still work to do as more aircraft arrive.

"We've only just begun," Major Bradfield said. "Having the 'iron' on the ground means the all of the work of the last two years, not only for the local community but for our own people, is starting to pay off."

Hawg Smoke Manual Frequencies

MOA DISCRETE FREQS:
Bison 369.900

KANSAS CITY ARTCC FREQS:
Hutchinson (Bison) 337.400/118.800
Topeka (Ft Riley) 343.700/123.800
Emporia 270.250/127.725

MISCELLANEOUS FREQS:
FM Guard 40.500
Forbes Tower 255.900/120.800
McConnell Tower 295.700/126.200
MCI Tower 267.900/118.100

Hawg Smoke Preset Frequencies
CH AGENCY FRONT AFT
1 SOF (Ground HAWG) 227.800 138.125
2 Salina Ground 397.900 121.900
3 Salina Tower 257.700 119.300
4 Kansas City Center 363.200 134.900
5 Smoky Hill Range (BSA) 316.900 125.925
6 Smoky Hill Range (MOA/Mav tgt ops)
353.900
7 Salina ATIS 120.150
8 Flight Service 255.400 122.400

MID Radio Preset Frequencies 1-15 are the same as FRONT 1-15

CH Hawgsmoke A-10 Intraflights (MID Radio) MID
16 A-10 Intraflight 1 228.575
17 A-10 Intraflight 2 229.175
18 A-10 Intraflight 3 235.125
19 A-10 Intraflight 4 238.575
20 A-10 Intraflight 5 245.250

CH Hawgsmoke A-10 Intraflights (AFT Radio) AFT
15 A-10 Intraflight 1 138.400
16 A-10 Intraflight 2 149.525
17 A-10 Intraflight 3 149.100
18 A-10 Intraflight 4 139.800
19 A-10 Intraflight 5 139.625
20 A-10 Intraflight 5 149.250

Maryland Troops Deploy

Maryland troops from the 1398th Support Brigade Reserve Squadron are heading to Iraq and Afghanistan.

USS Abraham Lincoln Returns Home After Successful Deployment to 5th, 7th Fleets

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brandon C. Wilson and Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Geoffrey Lewis

EVERETT, Wash. (NNS) -- USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) returns to its homeport of Everett, Wash., Oct. 12 after a successful seven-month deployment supporting Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and maritime security and coalition operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR).

While supporting OEF and OIF from the Persian Gulf and North Arabian Sea, Lincoln and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 flew approximately 7,100 sorties -- including 2,307 combat sorties, providing more than 22,000 flight hours -- and dropped 255,963 pounds of ordnance.

"We traveled over 60,000 miles, 2.3 times around the world," said USS Abraham Lincoln's (CVN 72) Commanding Officer Capt. Patrick Hall. "We flew over 7,000 sorties -- 26,000 hours total -- and supported Sailors, soldiers, airmen and Marines on the ground in both Afghanistan and Iraq."

Hall said that with all the miles traveled and missions flown, Lincoln's crew always had safety in mind.

"The good thing is that all the Sailors who left on deployment with us are coming back off deployment," he said.

Lincoln also re-enlisted more than 180 Sailors, collectively equaling more than 700 years of new service to the Navy. Other individual achievements include 749 Sailors completing 20 different college classes.

Along with five months of combat operations, Lincoln hosted Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen and dignitaries and military officials from Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, France, Bahrain and Pakistan. Lincoln's embarked distinguished visitors totaled more than 230 from 20 different countries.

During deployment, Lincoln conducted two burials at sea for 40 veterans and family members.

After successfully completing operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR where Sailors enjoyed port visits in the Persian Gulf region, Lincoln sailed to the U.S. 7th Fleet AOR and participated in 16 community relations projects with 400 volunteers, contributing more than 2,000 hours to communities in Singapore and Thailand.

The total distance steamed during deployment was 58,370 miles, or approximately 2.3 times around the world. Electrical power generated during deployment totaled 52,000 megawatt hours, enough to power the entire downtown Seattle network for roughly two weeks. Fresh water produced totaled 58,240 gallons, enough to support more than 1 million showers for crew personnel.

With the deployment completed, Lincoln and its crew will enjoy some time off before heading out to sea again for an upcoming sustainment period.

Hall said the returning Sailors have earned some well-deserved time off from the 214 days at sea.

"It's tremendous coming home to all the friends and families, they're all so excited and looking forward to going home and relaxing" he said.

Airmen to support presidential inauguration

by Lt. Col. Jay Delancy, Armed Forces Inaugural Committee

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- More than 85 Airmen from 30 different Air Force bases formed the 320th Air Expeditionary Wing in September to support the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee in Washington.

The 320th AEW members will combine with members from the other military services to provide ceremonial support to the presidential inauguration Jan. 20

Led by Maj. Gen. Ralph J. Jodice II, the Air Force District of Washington commander, the 320th AEW will have almost 200 Airmen on the ground in support of inaugural events. Other Airmen supporting the inauguration will be Air Force Honor Guard members, Air Force Band Airmen, military assistants, drivers and contingency support members.

On Inauguration Day, the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee will include more than 740 Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Coast Guard members. In addition, thousands of other servicemembers will join the celebration by either marching in the parade or participating in an honor cordon along the two-mile parade route from the Capitol to the White House.

"This is an air and space expeditionary force deployment for Airmen assigned to AFIC," General Jodice said. "They will receive credit for this deployment just as they would for a deployment overseas."

AFIC was established in the 1950s to serve as the Department of Defense liaison to the Presidential Inaugural Committee and the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. It's a joint service committee charged with coordinating all military ceremonial participation in the inauguration, including musical units, marching bands, color guards, salute batteries and honor cordons.

"The armed forces participation in the presidential inauguration is a centuries-old tradition," he said. "We use it to celebrate our democracy, honor our new commander in chief and recognize civilian control of the military."

Milcom Blog Log - 10/12/2008 - Btown NC

Monitored the USAF MARS Region 1 1S1 Morning Net at 1300 10/12/2008 on their net primary (RC) of 7630.5 kHz (USB). AFA1NF was net control. Also did continuity checks on their RB secondary frequency of 4593.5 kHz (USB). Some discussion about the new reorganization of the USAF MARS that is being implemented to conform to the FEMA region model (like the Navy and Army MARS have already done).

Also monitored the Sunday USAF MARS TDN (Transcon Digital Net) at 1435 using MFSK16 on their TPG designated frequency of 7680.6 kHz.

Here is a map that shows the new alignment of Regions and Areas for the USAF MARS organization. The reorganization is scheduled to be completed by 1 January 2009.



Regions

Region I (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT)
Region II (NY, NJ)
Region III (DE, MD, DC, PA, VA, WV)
Region IV (KY, TN, NC, SC, MS, AL, FL, GA, PR)
Region V (OH, IL, IN, MI, MN, WI)
Region VI (AR, LA, NM, OK, TX)
Region VII (IA, KS, MS, NE)
Region VIII (CO, MT, ND, SD, WY, UT)
Region IX (AZ, CA, NV, HI, Guam)
Region X (AK, ID, OR, WA)

Areas
Area North East (NE) comprised of Regions I, II, III
Area South East (SE) comprised of Region IV.
Area North Central (NC) comprised of Regions V, VII
Area South Central (SC) comprised of Region VI
Area North West (NW) comprised of Regions VIII, X
Area South West (SW) comprised of Region IX

Looking Glass/ TACAMO turns 10

The E-6B aircraft, pictured on the Offutt tarmac, with the addition of an Airborne Launch Control System took over the Looking Glass U.S. Strategic Command Airborne Command Post mission of the USAF.

TACAMO is a U.S. military term meaning "Take Charge and Move Out". TACAMO refers to a system of survivable communications links designed to be used in nuclear war to maintain communications between the decision makers (the National Command Authority) and the triad of strategic nuclear weapon delivery systems. Its primary mission is to receive, verify and retransmit Emergency Action Messages to US strategic forces.

Looking Glass (or Operation Looking Glass) is the code name for an airborne command center currently operated by the U.S. Navy. It provides command and control of U.S. nuclear forces in the event that ground-based command centers are destroyed or rendered inoperable. The Looking Glass was initiated by the U.S. Air Force's Strategic Air Command in 1961.

When TACAMO assumed responsibility for the Looking Glass mission 10 years ago, they took the roll of giving the President and the Secretary of Defense direct command and control capability for America's strategic forces of ballistic nuclear missile submarines, intercontinental nuclear missiles and strategic bombers.

You can read the rest of Jon Burleson's copyrighted article at:
http://thebase68113.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20161755&BRD=2799&PAG=461&dept_id=589862&rfi=6

And we have a large sample of the tactical callsigns that the TACAMO/Looking Glass mission aircraft use in our new book from Teak Publishing -- International Callsign Handbook available now from Teak Publishing and our dealers.

U.S. Northern Command gains dedicated response force

Editor Blog Note: For my HF ALE friends, here is a new challenge for us to monitor.

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- For the first time in its existence, U.S. Northern Command is gaining a dedicated force to respond to potential chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosive (CBRNE) incidents in the homeland.

"We are now building the first of three CBRNE Consequence Management Response Forces," said USNORTHCOM Commander Gen. Gene Renuart. "On the first of October, we’ll have an organized force, a trained force, an equipped force, a force that has adequate command and control and is on quick response – 48 hours – to head off to a large-scale nuclear, chemical, biological event that might require Department of Defense support."

The CBRNE Consequence Management Response Force, or CCMRF, is a team of about 4,700 joint personnel that would deploy as the Department of Defense’s initial response force for a CBRNE incident. Its capabilities include search and rescue, decontamination, medical, aviation, communications and logistical support.

Each CCMRF will be composed of three functional task forces – Task Force Operations, Task Force Medical and Task Force Aviation – that have their own individual operational focus and set of mission skills. Depending on the different mission requirements and the incident commander’s priorities, Task Force Operations, Task Force Medical and Task Force Aviation units would have varying roles and responsibilities based upon the type of catastrophe and the size of the geographical area. In USNORTHCOM’s first CCMRF, the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team, assigned at Fort Stewart, Ga., will form the core unit of Task Force Operations.

Although CCMRFs are a joint force comprised of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines, the first CCMRF will fall under the operational control of USNORTHCOM’s Joint Force Land Component Command, U.S. Army North, located in San Antonio, Texas. Joint Task Force Civil Support, USNORTHCOM’s subordinate command in Fort Monroe, Va., would serve as the operational headquarters and work closely with state and local officials and first responders.

“U.S. Army North has done an outstanding job anticipating the needs of our federal, state and local partners, and training the CCMRF to be prepared to respond when called upon,” said Army Col. Michael Boatner, USNORTHCOM future operations division chief.

“We’re excited about obtaining a ready and capable team that we can quickly activate and deploy as part of a federal response package when responding in the aftermath of catastrophic events,” Boatner said. “This response force will not be called upon to help with law enforcement, civil disturbance or crowd control, but will be used to support lead agencies involved in saving lives, relieving suffering and meeting the needs of communities affected by weapons of mass destruction attacks, accidents or even natural disasters.”

USNORTHCOM is the joint combatant command formed in the wake of the Sept.11, 2001, terrorist attacks to provide homeland defense and defense support of civil authorities.