USS Cole, USS Hall, USS Ramage Depart for Joint Warrior 09

The guided missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) transits the Atlantic Ocean while participating in Exercise Joint Warrior 09-2. Exercise Joint Warrior 09-2 is a multi-national warfare exercise designed to improve interoperability between allied navies. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Bookwalter/Released)

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

ABOARD USS COLE, At Sea (NNS) -- The guided missile frigate USS John L. Hall (FFG 32), and guided missile destroyers USS Ramage (DDG 61) and USS Cole (DDG 67), led by Commander, Destroyer Squadron 24, departed Naval Station Norfolk Sept. 23 to participate in Exercise Joint Warrior 2009.

Joint Warrior is a multi-warfare exercise designed to improve interoperability between allied navies and prepare participating crews to conduct combined operations during deployments.

The exercise, which is scheduled to commence Oct. 5 - 23, promotes Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet's three focus areas: conducting safe and effective fleet operations to achieve mission, providing ready maritime forces for global assignment, and teaming with allies and partners in execution of the maritime strategy.

Hall, Ramage, and Cole, along with ships from the Royal Navy, Canadian Forces, the Royal Danish Navy, the Brazilian Navy, and the Turkish Navy will be participating. The Royal Navy's HMS Illustrious (R 06), Northumberland (F 238), Portland (F 79), Bangor (M 109), Penzance (M 106), and Shoreham (M 112); the Canadian Force's ship HMCS Halifax (FFH 330), Montreal (FFH 336), Athabaskan (DDH 282), and Preserver (AOR 510); the Royal Danish Navy's HDMS Absalon (L 16); the Brazilian Navy's BNS Defensora (F 41); and the Turkish Navy's TCG Orucreis (F 245), will be divided into separate groups to represent fictional forces. Scenarios will include small boat attacks, exercise air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and boarding operations. Ships will be required to respond appropriately in order to accomplish their mission.

"The ships are going to operate in a multi-warfare, multi-platform coalition environment with a variety of other nations," said Capt. John Kersh, commander, Destroyer Squadron 24. "This is a pretty rare opportunity; the Royal Navy puts together this very high-end training, and we are using this exercise as an opportunity to build relationships with other navies. The strength of our Navy is the ability to operate with a variety of other navies and platforms all at the same time."

Sailors on board Cole will be able to operate alongside NATO partners to improve interoperability, as well as enjoy liberty in Scotland, Finland and Estonia.

"I want the crew to enjoy some relaxation; most people join the Navy to go see places and this is a great opportunity," said Cole's Command Master Chief (SW) Steve Timmons. "Also, this is phenomenal training and nothing beats working with NATO countries. They bring so much to the table."

The exercise will take place off the coast of Scotland with a coastline Sailors don't typically see operating off of the East Coast of the United States.

"We will be conducting this exercise in a historic Royal Navy training area," Kersh said. "It is sparsely populated, hilly, rocky, and with deep water so the ships can operate safely."

Joint Warrior serves as a deployment certification for U.S. ships, as well as offers Sailors the opportunity to execute maritime strategy with allied partners. The training scenarios will be realistic and challenging in order to enhance U.S. capabilities for maritime security.

"Hats off to the three ships for getting underway for Joint Warrior," said Kersh. "The crews have really worked hard to get their ships ready; they have worked through all the materiel issues, training requirements, and certifications. Joint Warrior will be a valuable exercise and a positive experience for our crews."

Brigadier General Observes Helo Operations Aboard NAS Pensacola

Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Sellars, commander of the Massachusetts Army National Guard observes five UH-60 Mike-variant helicopters from the Massachusetts National Guard conduct flight-deck landing qualifications aboard the Helicopter Landing Trainer (HLT IX-514) Baylander as part of a training evolution prior to their overseas deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mike O'Connor/Released)

By Mike O’Connor, Naval Air Station Pensacola

PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- Commander, Massachusetts Army National Guard visited NAS Pensacola's (NASP) Helicopter Landing Trainer (HLT IX 514) Baylander to observe flight operations Sept. 17.

Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Sellars was able to visit the trainer's fully Navy-certified flight deck, which is modeled after a frigate's flight deck.

Baylander, which is unique in its mission, provides flight-deck landing qualifications as a helicopter landing trainer. The training ship was laid down as a militarized version of a commercial coastal lighter, built for carrying cargo. It was utilized by the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and was converted to a helicopter landing trainer in 1986.

Sellars watched as five UH-60 Air National Guard helicopters carried out shipboard landing qualifications prior to a deployment overseas.

After a series of successful touch-and-go landings in windy, rainy weather, Brig. Gen. Sellars' UH-60 Air National Guard helicopters landed on the trainer.

The general then met with Capt. Bob Yost, Baylander's master, and Lt. Michael Frost, NASP Port Operations officer, for a tour of the ship.

"This has been a tremendous experience," Sellars said while on board the Baylander. "The fact that we're able to do joint operations between the Army and the U.S. Navy. The folks at Pensacola and the HLT have just been fantastic hosts; they have always placed the needs of the Soldiers that are training above the needs of any other requirement. It's a great opportunity for my people to train in a skill that will be required once they mobilize and get into theater that I cannot replicate at home."

Every Tuesday, the Baylander lands helicopters from three local squadrons, Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 8, HSL 18 and HSL 28. More recently, Metson Marine Services, which operates the Navy-owned ship, has been providing inter-service training support to the FBI, DEA and Homeland Security, according to Frost.

"When they're not using [the Baylander], it's up for lease, basically. So various organizations, such as the Coast Guard, Army, Air Force and National Guard make use of it as part of their training curriculum," Frost said. "For the HLT, it's very routine. We get about 560 landings a month. Only the customer changes."

NASP's Baylander also recently provided flight deck landing qualification training for the Connecticut National Guard.

The Baylander, which logged its 100,000th safe landing in 2006, has since increased that number to more than 113,000 safe landings.

T-AKE 12 Construction Commences

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Construction began on the future USNS William McLean (T-AKE 12) Sept. 22 at the General Dynamics-NASSCO shipyard in San Diego.

The official start of fabrication is traditionally marked by a 'Start Fab' ceremony that signifies the commencement of full-scale production of a ship's physical structure.

"Five years ago, we started construction on the first ship of the T-AKE class," said Frank McCarthey, program manager for Support Ships, Boats and Craft in the Navy's Program Executive Office, Ships (PEO Ships). "Since then, we've delivered eight ships, seven of which are already key fleet assets. The Navy/NASSCO team has been aggressive in looking for cost and schedule reductions, and that has really contributed to the success of the T-AKE program."

As this class has entered serial production, NASSCO has increased learning and production efficiencies to make substantial reductions in labor hours on the program.

T-AKE class ships are dry cargo and ammunition replenishment vessels that are replacing Military Sealift Command's aging fleet of single-mission ammunition ships and combat stores ships. T-AKE 12 will help the Navy maintain a worldwide forward presence by delivering ammunition, food, fuel, and other dry cargo to the United States and allied ships at sea. The ship is designed to operate independently for extended periods at sea, and can carry and support two helicopters to conduct vertical replenishment.

Continuing the Lewis and Clark-class tradition of honoring legendary pioneers and explorers, T-AKE 12 honors William Burdette McLean (1914-1976). McLean conceived and developed the heat-seeking Sidewinder air-to-air missile while serving as a physicist for the Navy at the Naval Ordnance Test Station in China Lake, Calif. T-AKE 12 is the first Navy ship named after McLean.

PEO Ships is currently managing the design and construction of 21 major surface ships and a wide range of small boats and craft. Since its creation in November 2002, PEO Ships has delivered 35 major warships and hundreds of small boats and craft from more than 20 shipyards and boat builders across the United States. PEO Ships is committed to affordable and efficient shipbuilding and is focused on the necessity of getting ships into serial production, which is leading to significant cost and schedule reductions across the shipbuilding portfolio.

From 3rd Fleet to 6th Fleet, USS Higgins Provides Seamless Performance

The guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76) steams into position for a replenishment at sea with the Military Sealift Command combat stores ship USNS Niagara Falls (T-AFS 3). Higgins is deployed with the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, operating as part of the U.S. 7th Fleet in the western Pacific and Indian oceans. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman John Wagner (Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) David Holmes, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa/Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- San Diego-based destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76) is currently deployed in the 6th Fleet area of operations and is a real-world application of the collaborative approach by fleet commanders for supporting global mission requirements.

U.S. Fleet Forces and U.S. Pacific Fleet utilize standardized practices, certifications and Navy resources to most effectively meet combatant commander requirements and address global contingencies wherever they may arise.

"USS Higgins' current operations are a perfect example of our 'One Fleet' approach to meeting global requirements," said Adm. J. C. Harvey, Jr., commander, U.S. Fleet Forces. "Our common training standards and common operating principles mean that we can fully integrate any ship to support our missions, regardless of homeport. We will see more of this in our future, particularly in Navy ballistic missile defense (BMD) operations."

Higgins reported on station in the Mediterranean Sea, Sept. 1, following completion of a normal Western transit, which included consecutive operations in the 3rd, 7th, and 5th Fleets. The ship is currently participating in the multinational exercise Jackal Stone 2009 with nine other partner nations. Jackal Stone promotes cooperation and interoperability between special operations forces.

"Having recently served on the Naval Surface Forces staff, I know how closely the Atlantic and Pacific type commander organizations in Norfolk and San Diego work to build and maintain one standard of naval capability across the entire fleet," said Higgins' commanding officer Cmdr. Carl Meuser. "That close cooperation has translated for us into a smooth transition from 3rd Fleet to 7th Fleet, to 5th Fleet to 6th Fleet. We train to the same standard and to the same mission areas as a ship from Norfolk."

With this uniform approach, a Pacific Fleet ship, for example, has the ability to transit into an area of operation traditionally supported by Atlantic Fleet ships and seamlessly perform across the full range of military operations.

With a complement of more than 270 Sailors and multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities, Higgins is a ready force providing regional security. Throughout this deployment, the Aegis destroyer and crew will conduct various engagements to develop enduring international military partnerships while representing Navy BMD for the United States and its allies.

Bombers complete long-range exercise with Australia

by Staff Sgt. Jennifer Redente, 36th Wing Public Affairs

A B-52 Stratofortress from the 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron taxis down the runway at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to participate in a Green Lightning exercise Sept. 21, 2009. The B-52 flew to an Australian training range where the aircrew coordinated a simulated strike with Australian joint terminal attack controllers. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Courtney Witt)

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (AFNS) -- Three B-52 Stratofortresses stationed here completed 13-hour flights to an Australian training range Sept. 21 and 22 as part of Exercise Green Lightning

In addition to training for long-duration flights, aircrews from the 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron teamed with Australian joint terminal air controllers to conduct close-air-support training.

First Lt. Jason Duhon, 96th EBS B-52 Stratofortress electronic warfare officer, said the crews flew to the Australian range and the JTACs directed the pilots in bombing practice targets. He said the exercise provided an opportunity to train others on the capabilities of the B-52.

"Any training we can participate in [with those] outside of the Air Force is good," he said. "It helps us as a community to interact with other forces and also helps with those we work with, so they can be trained on how we operate. There are a lot of forces out there, which aren't really familiar with working with B-52s, even though we have a long history."

Green Lightning exercises and similar missions are a part of the U.S. Pacific Command's Continuous Bomber Presence in the Asia-Pacific region. They provide a variety of training scenarios for aircrews flying the missions.

"Green Lightning was my longest sortie," Lieutenant Duhon said. "It helps familiarize you with being in the aircraft. It gave me a chance to monitor other crew components. By doing so, it made me a better aviator in my opinion. I get to listen and learn while we accomplish the mission."

The lieutenant said his first long-duration flight was valuable.

"It was definitely a long sortie, but it was worth it in the end," he said. "I learned how other coalition forces operate, and I learned a good deal about crew coordination on a long sortie."

First Lt. Christopher Gregory, 96th EBS B-52 Stratofortress co-pilot, agreed that participating in the Green Lightning mission provided important training.

"As a new co-pilot, a lot of the training sorties we get back home are shorter training missions," Lieutenant Gregory said. "Out here, we are able to tailor them differently to get a variety of training we need for different sorties and different instructors."

Lieutenant Gregory said he enjoys supporting the Continuous Bomber Presence by flying missions like Green Lightning.

"I enjoy the opportunity to get a training mission that is different than the standard training mission," he said. "By flying these missions, we are able to fly locations outside the local area and work with other units."

Prior to a flying mission, a mission planning cell compiles the information required for pilots to complete the mission.

"My part as the mission planning cell team chief was to provide the aircrew flying the mission a safe, flyable plan, and to also provide them with the mission materials required to execute that plan," said Capt. Paul Goossen, 96th EBS B-52 Stratofortress instructor pilot. "It took about two days to prepare the briefing."

The mission planning cell develops the plan by thinking through the flight and providing potential solutions to contingencies that could arise during the mission.

"When you are planning a mission to an unfamiliar place, the mission planning cell has to be the expert on the rules and regulations associated with the area of operation," Captain Goossen said. "You have to know how you are going to get that crew into the airspace, operate legally and safely within that airspace, and then get them back home over a long distance."

This was the third time Captain Goossen participated in a Green Lightning exercise, but it was his first as a mission planner.

"I feel a great deal of personal job satisfaction knowing that I have helped the Pacific Air Forces commander with his goals in demonstrating support for our coalition allies, as well as deterring potential adversaries in the area," he said.

The 96th EBS will redeploy to Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Sept. 26 and its sister unit, the 20th EBS, will continue the Continuous Bomber Presence mission.

Air Force officials begin search for new aerial tanker

by Master Sgt. Russell Petcoff, Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Senior Department of Defense and Air Force officials announced the rollout of the KC-X Acquisition Program at a Pentagon briefing Sept. 24. Air Force leaders are seeking a replacement for the KC-135 Stratotanker that has been a stalwart of the tanker fleet for more than 53 years.

Today, the department is announcing its acquisition strategy for a replacement aerial refueling tanker fleet for the aging KC-135 and KC-10 fleet, said William J. Lynn, deputy secretary of defense. He termed the search to be a "best value" competition, not one based solely on cost.

"We tried to play this straight down the middle," Mr. Lynn said.

Michael Donley, secretary of the Air Force, and Ashton B. Carter, undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, also took part in the hour-long briefing.

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates returned the KC-X program to the Air Force during an address he gave at the 2009 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition at the National Harbor Convention Center, Oxon Hill, Md., Sept. 16.

"I don't need to belabor the importance of getting this done soon and done right," Secretary Gates said. "I have confidence that the KC-X selection authority is in good hands with the service's leadership team of Secretary Donley and (Air Force Chief of Staff) General (Norton) Schwartz."

Secretary Donley said the KC-135 first joined the service's inventory in August 1956, with the youngest one dating to 1964. The ever-accumulating age of the tanker fleet is driving this effort, he said.

"We need to move on with this recapitalization," Secretary Donley said. Air Force officials hope to announce a KC-X decision in the summer of 2010.

Currently, there are 415 KC-135s in the Air Force inventory. The KC-X program calls for 179 new tankers over 15 years, according to Secretary Donley.

The first production KC-X delivery is planned for 2015, Secretary Donley said, with a planned initial operating capability of 2017.

"As we integrate the KC-X into the fleet, we will begin evaluating our future tanker needs and begin work on the second phase, KC-Y," Secretary Donley said. A third phase is called KC-Z.

KC-X must be a highly capable and go-to-war-on-day-1-ready aircraft for the warfighter, Secretary Donley said.

"We expect the KC-X to be far more capable than the KC-135," Secretary Donley said.

The KC-X has several mandatory requirements, according to Secretary Donley. It must have:

· a permanent centerline drogue to refuel receptacle and probe-equipped aircraft;

· a receiver receptacle to allow it to refuel from KC-135s, KC-10s or another KC-Xs;

· an integrated Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures system, which the current tankers do not have; and

· improved communications; navigation and air traffic capabilities to allow it global airspace access.

Mr. Carter said the source selection strategy will be objective to ensure contractors bidding on KC-X know what it takes to win. He said it'll also be transparent so when a winner is chosen everyone can understand why that bidder won.

Mr. Carter said the RFP favors "no one but the warfighter and taxpayer."

Milcom Blog Logs - Sep 16-23 2009 - Mid Atlantic

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

16 Sep

08502.0 US Coast Guard: 2320 USB w/automated wx broadcast. (RP-MD)

08764.0 US Coast Guard: 2325 USB w/automated wx broadcast.(RP-MD)

05550.0 New York (MWARA CAR-A): 2345 USB w/various acft. (RP-MD)

08900.0 O/M (Spanish): 2358 USB w/O/M (Spanish). (RP-MD)

17 Sep

09462.0 FC8FEM006 (Communications Manager, FEMA Region 8 Denver CO): 1800 USB/ALE sounding. (RP-MD)

10202.0 119CDCS05 (unid Center for Disease Control entity): 1700 USB/ALE sounding.(RP-MD)

08888.8 O/M (EE-Southern US accent): 2352 USB w/O/M (EE-Southern US accent). Prob Gulf of Mexico shrimp fishermen.(RP-MD)

21 Sep

08147.0 Unid: 2125 CW w/5-ltr groups. Prob Cuban DGI.(RP-MD)

08211.0 O/M (EE-British accent): 2303 USB w/O/M (EE). Caught at sign off--no calls noted. Sounded military.(RP-MD)

08218.0 O/M (Spanish): 2320 USB w/unheard station.(RP-MD)

08344.0 RFH77K (Russian Navy): 2325 CW calling in the blind.(RP-MD)

08378.0 Unid: 2345 AMTOR/ARQ. Poss Egyptian Embassy.(RP-MD)

22 Sep

10194.0 FC8FEM (Communications Manager, FEMA Region 8, Denver CO): 1600 USB/ALE calling FM1FEM (FEMA Region 1, Danvers MA).(RP-MD)

08050.0 CLS (US Army SOC:Fort Campbell, KY): 1900 USB/ALE sounding.(RP-MD)

08097.0 Unid: 1907 CW w/5-ltr groups. Msg ends with TDDRA repeated five times.L/C at my QTH--prob Cuban DGI. Carrier drifts badly.(RP-MD)

08340.0 1C3Z (Venezuelan Frigate "General Soublette", F-24): 2200 LSB/ALE to T8R1 (HQs, Venezuelan Navy) w/DTM msgs from "F-24" to CGA. (RP-MD)

08134.0 Unid: 2258 CW w/5-ltr groups. Prob Cuban DGI.(RP-MD)

08141.0 O/M (Spanish): 2304 USB w/O/M (Spanish).(RP-MD)

08344.0 RFH77K (Russian Navy): 2310 CW calling poss EIG77. (RP-MD)

Ron, Utility Monitoring from Maryland, USA
Icom R75 45-ft EF-SWL

USS Stennis Conducting CQ Ops in the SoCal Opareas

An EA-6B Prowler assigned to the Eagles of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 prepares to launch from the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is underway conducting fleet replacement squadron carrier qualifications off the coast of Southern California. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Walter M. Wayman/Released)

USCG Sea Fox Commissioned at Keyport

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Scott Dagendesh, Navy Public Affairs Support Element Det., Northwest

KEYPORT, Wash. (NNS) -- Northwest region military personnel and guests celebrated the commissioning of the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Sea Fox (WPB 87374) at the Naval Base Kitsap, Keyport pier Sept. 18.

Rear Adm. Gary Blore, commander, 13th Coast Guard District, presided over the commissioning ceremony. Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Charles Bowen provided the keynote speech accompanied by his wife, Janet, the ship's official sponsor.

By tradition, the sponsor is a civilian woman with close ties to the service. She is invited to bestow good luck and divine protection over the ship and all that sail aboard. The sponsor also gives part of her own personality to the ship and becomes a permanent member of the crew.

Sea Fox, an 87-foot coastal patrol boat, has a crew of 10 and will be commanded Chief Warrant Officer Michael Lemay. The cutter is one of the new Marine Protector classes being constructed by Bollinger Ship Yards in Lockport, La.

"It is both a humbling experience and an honor for me to stand before you on behalf of the crew," said Lemay. "The pride of ownership, devotion to duty and craftsmanship this crew has put into this cutter is obvious."

The commissioning was the second for Naval Base Kitsap in its five-plus years of existence. Both ships have been Coast Guard cutters.

"This is my first command straight from boot camp," said Sea Fox crew member Fireman Robert Cox. "It's going to be a lasting memory being a part of this ship's first crew."

Sea Fox will be joining the Coast Guard cutter Sea Devil and be assigned to the Coast Guard Maritime Force Protection Unit at NBK Bangor to provide security to the Navy's submarine fleet as they transit to and from homeport.

The Coast Guard's newest cutter is named after the U.S. submarine Sea Fox, a diesel-electric submarine of the Baleao-class, decommissioned Dec. 14, 1970.

Troops Train for Deployment at Camp Atterbury

In just about a week, 1300 soldiers from 35 different states will be deploying to Kosovo for a peacekeeping mission.

Bainbridge Returns Home to a Heroes' Welcome

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Santos Huante, Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Norfolk

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) returned home to Naval Station Norfolk, Va., Sept. 21 after a seven-month deployment supporting the Eisenhower Strike Group in the 5th and 6th Fleet area of operations.

Bainbridge's 300 Sailors patrolled the trade corridor in the Gulf of Aden combating and preventing piracy.

Bainbridge was conducting surveillance April 8, on the northern Somali coast when the American container ship MV Maresk Alabama was seized by Somali pirates and the ship's master, Capt. Richard Phillips, taken hostage.

"We just happened to be at the right place at the right time," said Cmdr. Frank Castellano, Bainbridge commanding officer.

Castellano and his crew responded, coordinating hostage negotiations and embarking special operations forces.

"[The Navy] follows the rules of engagement and when we received word that his life was in jeopardy, I gave the order," said Castellano.

The stand-off ended April 12 with the rescue of Phillips, one pirate captured, and three pirates killed.

"[The crew] was enthusiastic, relieved and there was jubilation upon receiving Capt. Phillips," said Castellano.

Bainbridge also escorted the American vessel Liberty Sun, protecting it from a pirate attack, and prevented attacks on merchant vessels in the Gulf of Aden when two suspect pirate vessels were intercepted.

Airmen ensure communications capability for joint, coalition success

by Tech. Sgt. Michael Voss, 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Tech. Sgt. Tim Daniel performs a preventative maintenance inspection of a radio tower Sept. 18, 2009, at Royal Air Force Barford, England. Sergeant Daniel is a member of the 1st Communications Maintenance Squadron cable and antenna theater maintenance team from Kapaun Air Station, Germany. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Michael Voss)

ROYAL AIR FORCE CROUGHTON, England (AFNS) -- A team of five Airmen from the 1st Communications Maintenance Squadron from Kapaun Air Station, Germany, have been traveling throughout England since Aug. 24 performing annual preventative maintenance inspections on antenna systems belonging to Royal Air Force Base Croughton and RAF Barford.

The Airmen are part of the 1st CMXS cable and antenna theater maintenance team are maintaining 30 antenna systems at these locations that provide the capability for ground-to-air communication between base members and aircraft in the air.

RAF Barford, once used by the Royal Air Force in the 1930s to test jet engines and was a bomber-staging base during World War II used for filming the classic movie "Twelve O'Clock High" now makes up the communications link for not only the Air Force but also many NATO partners.

"Basically when a flight crosses the Atlantic Ocean into Europe, they need communication points along the way," said Tech. Sgt. Scott Dunbar, the cable and antenna theater maintenance team chief.

The team, part of a 24-person shop belonging to the 1st CMXS, uses tools and technical orders brought from their home station along with support equipment from other bases such as vehicles like a low profile line-truck to tighten and repair tower guy-wires. They also do corrosion control checks, system testing and function checks during their site visits.

Last year, U.S. Air Forces in Europe officials centralized all Airmen in the 2E6 career field in Germany, making the cable and antenna theater maintenance team more important than ever because they're in high demand. Each member of the team is hand-picked to fill the special-duty assignment. With a 24-hour emergency response time, the Airmen know being on the road a lot to maintain the more than 600 antennas throughout Europe has become the norm.

"Being on the team can be challenging, we deploy a lot maintaining these systems, sometimes more than 180 days a year, but these systems are vital to communications of not only aircraft transiting the Atlantic, but also (officials from) U.S. Strategic Command, AWACs, (E-8C) Joint Stars, the president, and even the search and rescue capabilities of NASA," Sergeant Dunbar said.

The simple location of these systems causes some unique challenges as well.

"The weather here especially causes some of the challenges we face, from causing the systems to lose reception to causing adverse working conditions," said Staff Sgt. Sean Lavely, a cable and antenna theater maintenance team member. "Sometimes the wind makes it a little dicey being up there on the tower."

But as Sergeant Dunbar explained, there are safety precautions built into the career field that prevent any unnecessary risk, such as not working on towers when winds are observed higher than 25 knots. This sometimes can cause the work to maintain and fix these systems tedious, often having to be rescheduled until the weather subsides.

"We've been here for nearly a month," said Staff Sgt. Carlos Salinas, cable and antenna theater maintenance team member. "We have performed either inspections or some kind of maintenance on 14 towers so far."

Although having to be on temporary duty to perform most of their job responsibilities can be tough, the capability these Airmen provide to the Air Force and its partners is invaluable.

"Without the cable and antenna theater maintenance team and this location, we would lose a significant portion of the high frequency coverage for Europe and the Atlantic crossing," said Staff Sgt. Chet Warren, a 422nd Communications Squadron ground radio member from RAF Croughton. "Any friendly country in the United Nations can use our radios, which means these guys maintain antenna systems that support not only the Air Force but also much of the world's communications."

The 1st CMXS is part of the 435th Air and Space Communications Group, one of the three groups that make up the new 435th Air and Ground Operations Wing headquartered at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

Forward Operating Location Manta closes

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (AFNS) -- American military officials here donated almost $1 million worth of equipment, food and supplies to local establishments as operations at Forward Operating Location Manta, Ecuador, came to an end Sept. 18.

The closing marks the end of a 10-year lease agreement between the United States and Ecuador.

Located at the Ecuadorian Air Force Base Eloy Alfaro, FOL Manta has been a well-defined part of a multinational partnership to stop illegal narcotic trafficking over the eastern Pacific Ocean. Missions flown by the 487th EOS included aerial detection, monitoring, tracking and control of narcotic activities. The partnership forged between the United States and Ecuador will continue even after the lease expires.

PANAMAX 09 Completed Successfully

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Holly Boynton, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet Public Affairs

MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- After over a week of nearly constant activity and simulated battle operations, the maritime combined multinational staff supporting PANAMAX 09 completed the exercise and said farewell to the U.S. staff at U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet Sept. 21.

PANAMAX is an annual exercise sponsored by U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) and designed to integrate a multinational task force in defense of the Panama Canal. The exercise scenario provides opportunities for countries to expand their training, giving them realistic practice in planning and executing combat operations, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance.

PANAMAX 09 included a multinational combined/joint task force of military units and personnel from 20 participating nations and observers from 11 nations. Thirty ships, 12 aircraft, and 4,500 people will coordinate efforts on both the Pacific and Atlantic sides of the Panama Canal.

A large staff of U.S. and foreign military members operated at the NAVSO/4th Fleet headquarters, and provided overall support to the exercise. Rear Adm. Victor Guillory, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet, served as Commander, Combined Forces Maritime Component Command, and directed all maritime assets during PANAMAX 09.

"The defense of the Panama Canal is critically important to the world," said Guillory. "In participating in exercises like this, we have a greater understanding of its value."

The nearly 100 U.S. and partner nation military members departed Mayport with a better understanding of each other's operations and will share their knowledge with their host countries. The exercise successfully integrated the large multinational staff to effectively provide security and stability to the Panama Canal and the region overall.

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

Milcom Blog Logs - 20 Sep 2009 - Russian Military

Our good friend Trond J. over in Norway has posted some interesting Russian military logs to the UDXF newsgroup. Thanks Trond for sharing your observations with the rest of us.

03327.0 P: Ch. mrkr for Russian navy Baltic fleet (poss loc St. Petersburg ??)1856 F1B/F1A fsk morse 200 Hz shift cont id "P" (14/SEP/2009)

04079.0 RMP: Russian navy Baltic Fleet Kaliningrad 1704 A1A ongoing wfcast for Baltic Sea and "Gendanskij zaliw" (15/SEP/2009)

04180.0 ?PUQ/(ChPUQ): Russian tactical net 1654 opchat exchanging prosigns "zfp" etc later encrypted morse and 5lg's (15/SEP/2009)

06809.0 V: Russian ch mrkr, "officially" believed to be located in Khiva UZB, but ???? 2030 A1A cont id "V" (10/SEP/2009)

06827.0 ---: Russian naval 1732 F1B T600 aka Bee 36-50/200 regular short msgs, idle inbetween (14/SEP/2009)

06899.0 Basis: Russian navy coordination net (ncs)0934 clg/wkg "Alpha" exchanging data for encrypted voice link setting (?)(12/SEP/2009)

06899.0 ---: poss "Wolfram" (presumed shore station) 1740 YL clg/wkg "Barkat" (12/SEP/2009)

06916.0 ---: Russian naval 0833 F1B T600 aka bee 36-50/200 end of bcast (20/SEP/2009)

06924.0 ---: Russian voice comms, 0835 USB very weak, at times terrible audio (or severe background noises/ (full carrier double sideband ??). At least 3 players, one id as "agat" or sounds like. Second id could be "sulis" or sounds like. Some counting, "two" and "four" in Russian heard. Off at 0840 (20/SEP/2009)

06968.0 FONO: Russian tactical net 0854 A1A morse clg/wkg SQQO. Opchat exchanging data regarding a fsk 75 bd link they are using (or setting up) "...zxj zkn qyt9 k" Later SQQO called by JJAS (sqqo de jjas qcm qyt6) and L9OD who is using fast morse app 36wpm. At 0921 "sqqo de fono zyc zkj zlg qyt9 k" then players fading off (20/SEP/2009)

08345.0 RKW95: Russian naval unit / warship 1411 A1A passing telegram to RJH71 "94t 29 2t 18tt 94t = sml for rjh71 =" (20/SEP/2009)

11155.0 RIT: Russian Navy Northern Fleet 1146-1237 A1A morse RIT having readability checks w/RJI63, RLA88, RKW95, RJQ84, RFF78 (20/SEP/2009)

11156.0 RIW: Russian navy HQ Moscow 1249 A1A cont string of "vvv vvv vvv" then 1255 "rfh77 de riw" zzt zzt 13449/13449 k" (20/SEP/2009)

12464.0 RMGB: Russian warship 1212 A1A passing telegram to unid recipient; ".....=2t121 99282.....ar = rmgb k" high QRM (20/SEP/2009)

12590.0 ---: Russian naval 1115 F1B T600 aka Bee 36-50/200 regular bcasts app every 5th min, at 1127 sudden break in middle of bcast, after 3min station again on air with N0N and resuming data bcasts at 1130 (11/SEP/2009)

13449.0 RIW: Russian navy HQ Moscow 1259 tuning up with pure carrier, at 1303 rfh77 de riw zzd ? k" long string of "vvv vvv vvv" later passing ecryption key using slow morse. RFH77 also heard but very weak rpt data and confirming to RIW (20/SEP/2009)

20268.0 ---: Russian high command 0928 F1B T600 aka Bee 36-50/250 strategic data bcast, at 1002 F1B / F1A fsk morse strat. 5fg msg to recipient RDL; "rdl 253t7 864t4 k" // 00018.1 (11/SEP/2009)

Milcom Blog Logs - September 2009 - Australia

Our friend and a MMP reporter from down under, Eddy Waters in South Australia, checks in with the following HF logs. Thanks Eddy for sharing with my MMP readers.

"Lots of Stanag 4285, but most of them encrypted or idling. French military stanag on 16957.70, and 16557.00. (FUJ) from noumea has disappeared in the last couple of days. Both of these frequencies used to send test messages RY SG etc." All using USB.

12957.6 Stanag 4285 600 long encrypted messages. NATO? 0635 UTC.
13917.2 Stanag 4285 600 long encrypted messages. NATO? 1358 UTC.
14403.6 Stanag 4285 idling only. NATO? 1350 UTC.
14631.0 Stanag 4285 idle only. NATO? 0743 UTC.
14723.7 Stanag 4285 idle only. NATO? 0713 UTC.
14757.0 ALE Singapore navy CN3 calling 70. 70 replies to CN3. 0730 UTC.
15000.0 ALE Singapore navy CN3 calling 206. 206 replies to CN3. 0730 UTC.
15858.0 MIL-STD 110A. Idling only no traffic. Australian Military. 0620 UTC.
16107.7 Stanag 4285. 600 long encrypted messages. NATO? 0635 UTC.
16112.0 Baudot 50/250 all encrypted text. RJE56? Russia. 0655 UTC.
16513.0 Stanag 4285. 600 long encrypted messages. NATO? 0735 UTC.
16615.0 Stanag 4285. 600 long encrypted messages. NATO? 0735 UTC.
16876.9 British Military Guam. 1953/300 4 ch signal. All text encrypted. 0622 UTC.
17060.7 Stanag 4285. 600 long encrypted messages. Australia military. 0723 UTC.
17088.0 BEE 50180 sending messages with KKKK between each message. 0659 UTC.
17201.7 Stanag 4285. idle only. NATO? 0635 UTC.
17237.7 Stanag 4285. idle only. NATO? 0713 UTC.
17400.0 Stanag 4285. 600 long encrypted messages. Australia military. 0723 UTC.
18528.0 Coquelet 8. MFA Algeirs. diplomatic messages in french. 0810 UTC.
18581.5 MIL-STD 110A. Idling only no traffic. Australian Military. 0858 UTC.

California Capital 2009 Airshow Report

MMP reporter Claude "b52hbuff" Cartee checks in with a report from the California Capital Airshow at Mather AFB in Sacramento last weekend. The marquee act was the USAF Thunderbirds. Thanks for sharing your observations with our MMP readers Claude.

If you have attended an airshow this year and used your scanner to enjoy the action, I could use your field monitor report. It will go into our folder to help me prepare for the 11th edition of our annual airshow monitors guide that will appear in the March 2010 issue of Monitoring Times magazine. Of course, we can post your report here on MMP or you can remain completely anonymous, the choice is yours.

Even though the season is starting to wind down there are still some good shows out there to attend and monitor. Before you go be sure to download our 2009 Airshow guide from the Monitoring Times website. It is free and will help you get that scanner ready to tune into the action.

Now Claude's report from Sacramento.

Airshow
119.150 Airboss
123.150 Discrete

Demos
127.300 Patriots Jet Team http://www.patriotsjetteam.com/
376.025 F-22 (Hope and Change Demo)

Thunderbirds
141.075 Diamond
235.250 Solos

216.725 PA Audio
216.975 PA Audio

413.275 Thunderbird Maintenence / "MOC" (Maint Operations Center) / Public Affairs (DCS 431)

Kearsarge Departs Dry Dock

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Phil Beaufort, USS Kearsarge Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) moved from Number 8 Dry Dock to her new berth pier-side at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) in Portsmouth, Va., Sept. 11.

Kearsarge has been in dry dock since January 2009, conducting a 10-month Depot Planned Maintenance Availability (DPMA) will remain at NNSY for a two more months of work prior to returning to Naval Station Norfolk.

"Getting the ship out of dry dock and floating again is a major milestone," said Lt. Cmdr. Michael E. Reed, Kearsarge navigator. "The crew is ready to leave the shipyard and do what they do best: go to sea."

While most of the major repairs and upgrades are completed or installed, the crew still has a lot of work to do before they can get underway and start training for their next deployment.

"Even before we moved out of dry dock we had to flood the dock half way, without floating the ship, and spent two days testing a number of engineering systems," said Kearsarge Senior Sailor of the Year, Machinist's Mate 1st Class Michael Newcom. "If any of the new systems we've installed required rework, or we had leaks, we would have drained the dock without having to spend a day setting the ship back on blocks. Thankfully, we didn't have to do that."

Even though many of the crew had never seen this evolution before, Craig Bailey, NNSY Dock Master, said the crew of Kearsarge took the move in stride.

"I've worked at this shipyard for 33 years, so this isn't my first evolution," said Bailey. "We're very lucky that some of the crew has been through this before, but even the Sailors who've never seen this were willing to work with us and learn from our experience."

Reed pointed out that while it may seem very simple to let water into the dry dock and bring the ship up, there are many preparatory steps that go into the evolution to ensure the safety of the crew and preservation of the ship.

"Most people don't realize how much work goes into bring a ship out of dry dock," said Reed. "If the ship wasn't balanced correctly while we were flooding the dock, the ship could have listed in either direction and crushed the hull on the blocks. But everyone pulled together and safely and successfully floated the ship."

Over the next several months the crew will continue to test systems and prepare the ship for operational service at sea.

Ronald Reagan CSG Operating in 5th Fleet

An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Eagles of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115 launches from the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan has been deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility for approximately 10 weeks. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Oliver Cole/Released)

GULF OF OMAN (NNS) -- The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG) relieved the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group as Commander, Task Force 50 and launched its first sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan Sept. 18.

Aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 departed the decks of the strike group's flagship, the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) en route to Afghanistan in support of U.S. and coalition ground forces. Nimitz, like Reagan, will provide 30 percent of all coalition close air support in Afghanistan.

"The Nimitz – Carrier Air Wing 11 team is ready to deliver," said Capt. Paul O. Monger, Nimitz's commanding officer. "The Ronald Reagan Strike Group excelled across the spectrum of operations in the region. Now it's our turn. Our crew and air wing are poised to carry the fight to the enemy."

According to Rear Adm. John W. Miller, strike group commander, the group's more than 6,000 Sailors are eager to carry out their mission.

"The Nimitz Strike Group is looking forward to joining 5th Fleet operations, working closely with coalition forces to help bring security and stability to the people of Afghanistan," Miller said. "We also expect to enhance, through operations and training, cooperative relationships with our regional partners who are key to the maritime strategy."

The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group had operated in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations since early July.

"From infrastructure protection in the North Arabian Gulf, air combat operations over Afghanistan, to counter-piracy operations off Somalia and the Horn of Africa, our Sailors performed with distinction," said Rear Adm. Scott Hebner, commander, Ronald Reagan Strike Group. "I'm proud of every command and Sailor in the strike group. Their performance across the board has been impressive!"

Ronald Reagan's embarked air wing, CVW 14, flew more than 1,600 sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Ships of the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group were also vital in counter piracy operations off of Somalia and the Horn of Africa and Maritime Security Operations to include protecting vital Iraqi infrastructure in the North Arabian Gulf.

Nimitz CSG, commanded by Rear Adm. John W. Miller, is comprised of USS Nimitz (CVN 68), embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW 11), embarked Destroyer Squadron 23, and Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65).

Ships assigned to DESRON 23 include destroyers USS Pinckney (DDG 91), USS Sampson (DDG 102) and frigate USS Rentz (FFG 46).

Squadrons from CVW 11 include Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41, VFA 14, VFA 97, VFA 86, Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 6, Electronic Attack Squadron 135, the Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30 and Carrier Airborne Command and Control Squadron 117.

Helicopter detachments include Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 37, HSL 43, HSL 45, HSL 49 and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23. Also accompanying the Nimitz CSG are Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11 and the USNS Bridge (T-AOE-10).

The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is on a routine deployment to the region. Operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations are focused on reassuring regional partners of the United States' commitment to security, which promotes stability and global prosperity.

Ragin Bulls Operating off of Truman during JTF

An F/A-18 Super Hornet assigned to the Raging Bulls of Fighter Attack Squadron (VFA) 37 lands on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Harry S. Truman is underway participating in Joint Task Force Exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daron Street/Released)