USS Boxer ARG Underway for COMPTUEX

A Sea Sparrow (RIM-7P) missile is launched from the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) during a missile firing exercise. Boxer is underway off the coast of Southern California conducting a composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX). COMPTUEX is a scenario-driven exercise aimed at integrating the ships of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group through a series of live training events. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Kenan O'Connor/Released)

Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group to Deploy

The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HST CSG) is scheduled to deploy July 22 for an eight- to nine-month deployment in support of 5th and 6th Fleet operations.

In preparation for deployment, HST CSG has completed a series of complex training events and achieved all required operational certifications, ensuring all units are ready for contingency operations overseas.

"The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is ready to deploy," said Rear Adm. Kevin Sweeney, commander, HST CSG. "I am extremely proud of the men and women who are assigned to HST CSG. We've worked very hard over the last several months to maintain our combat readiness following the delay of our deployment in February due to sequestration."

HST CSG consists of approximately 6,000 Sailors and Marines, including coalition sailors. Deploying units include Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CCSG) 10; USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), USS Gettysburg (CG 64), USS Mason (DDG 87), USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and 1st Combined Destroyer Squadron, a combined U.K. and U.S. staff.

Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 is also embarked on board Harry S. Truman with its associated squadrons - Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32 "Swordsmen," VFA-37 "Ragin' Bulls," and VFA-105 "Gunslingers;" Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312 "Checkerboards;" Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 126 "Seahawks;" Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130 "Zappers;" Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7 "Dusty Dogs;" and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74 "Swamp Foxes."

HST CSG will operate with allied and partner maritime forces, focusing on maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. 

Mode-S/ADS Milcom Intercepts 18 July 2013 - Btown NC

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

00000A Various   ---  2013-07-18 23:26:38 Various Various ---
ADFCEC 94-0141   ---  2013-07-18 22:17:02 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS
ADFCF3 94-0148   ---  2013-07-18 22:05:14 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS
AE0606 80-0332   CROME 31 2013-07-18 22:01:14 C-130H United States GA ANG | 165AW | 158AS [KSAV]
AF14EC ------   ---  2013-07-18 21:59:49 ------ United States ---
AE02CA 89-9106   ROGUE 01 2013-07-18 21:28:36 C-130H United States AFRC | 910AW | 757AS [KYNG]
AE016F 84-0077   SPAR476 2013-07-18 21:15:08 C-21A United States USAF | 375AW | 457AS [KADW]
ADFCF4 95-0040   ---  2013-07-18 20:15:18 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS
AE11FA 02-0203   BOXE41 2013-07-18 20:13:00 C-40C United States DC ANG | 113Wg | 201AS [KADW]
AE118A 02-1863   R1863 2013-07-18 19:34:23 C-37A United States US Army
AE066F 62-3580   BACKY77 2013-07-18 19:28:58 KC-135R United States AFRC | 916ARW | 77ARS [KGSB]
ADFE87 92-0552   PUMA71 2013-07-18 18:26:28 C-130H United States USAF | 19AW [KLRF]
AE11DD 76-1606   SNTRY60H 2013-07-18 18:25:25 E-3B United States USAF | 552ACW [KTIK]
AE0474 57-2599   BACKY41 2013-07-18 18:25:24 KC-135R United States AFRC | 916ARW | 77ARS [KGSB]
AE10D0 165514   ---  2013-07-18 17:53:46 T-39G United States USN | TW-6 | VT-86 [KNPA]
AE08F9 84-24376   2316 2013-07-18 17:46:33 C-12R United States OSACOM/PAT
AE4E0C 10-5728   ---  2013-07-18 16:41:45 C-130J United States ---
ADFEB6 75-0125 ANTEP 12 2013-07-18 16:29:16 E-4B United States USAF | 55WG | 1ACCS [KOFF]
AE119A 03-3117   RULER24 2013-07-18 16:12:35 C-17A United States MS ANG | 172AW | 183AS [KJAN]
AE08F9 84-24376   2316 2013-07-18 15:06:13 C-12R United States OSACOM/PAT
AE0474 57-2599   BACKY41 2013-07-18 14:42:10 KC-135R United States AFRC | 916ARW | 77ARS [KGSB]
ADFE84 92-0549   PUMA72 2013-07-18 14:35:17 C-130H United States USAF | 19AW | 50AS [KLRF]
AE4EB2 168428   ---  2013-07-18 13:09:42 P-8A United States VP-30

West Coast Monitors - USS Ronald Reagan Underway for CARQUALS

An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the Flying Eagles of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA)122 approaches the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan is underway conducting carrier qualifications. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Charles D. Gaddis IV/Released)

USS Houston Departs for Western Pacific Deployment

Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Houston (SSN 713) departs Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for a regularly scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific. (U.S Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Steven Khor/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Steven Khor, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Houston (SSN 713) departed Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam July 15 for a scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific region.

Houston's Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Paul Davis, said the submarine and her crew are ready to deploy to the 7th Fleet area of operations where they will focus on maritime security operations and theater security cooperation in order to promote conditions for regional stability.

"Although she is one of the older submarines in the fleet, she is fully modernized, benefitted from quality maintenance while at Pearl Harbor, and is fully ready to conduct sustained operations at sea," said Davis.

Davis said of the 139 Sailors who will be deploying, 59 of the Sailors will be on their first deployment.

Davis said the goal is to ensure safe operation while providing a highly effective asset to the 7th Fleet commander. At the same time, the crew wants to take advantage of the operational time underway to improve both their team skills and individual qualifications as well as visit some ports to engage with the regional partners.

Davis added that being from Guam and relocating to Hawaii in 2012, the crew is excited and is looking forward to the challenges of deployment and sustained underway operations.

For Culinary Specialist Seaman Randon Booth, a first deployment brings much emotion.

"I'm excited. I'm looking forward to learning my rate, I want to get better at what I'm doing, as well as seeing some places I've never seen before," said Booth.

Houston is the fourth United States Navy vessel named in honor of the city of Houston, Texas. She is Los Angeles-class submarine that is 360 feet long and displaces 6,900 tons. She can be fitted with Mk-48 torpedoes and Tomahawk missiles.

First B-52 departs to depot for communications upgrade

Tech. Sgt. Michael Zeigler and Staff Sgt. Aaron McCullum prepare to launch a B-52H Stratofortress July 16, 2013 on Barksdale Air Force Base, La. The B-52 was sent to Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., to receive the first Combat Network Communications Technology upgrade. The change will allow aircrew to receive real-time intelligence updates. Zeigler is assigned to the 96th Aircraft Maintenance Unit and McCullum is assigned to the 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Micaiah Anthony)

by Tech. Sgt. Mike Andriacco,  2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. (AFNS) -- The first B-52H Stratofortress departed Barksdale Air Force Base, La., July 16 is enroute to the depot at Tinker AFB, Okla., for the Combat Network Communications Technology, or CONECT, upgrade.

The CONECT upgrade will allow B-52 crews to receive and send real-time digital information such as updated intelligence, mapping or targeting information while the aircraft is in flight.

"The CONECT modification will replace the evolutionary data link, and become a permanent part of the aircraft," said Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Buxton, the 2nd Maintenance Group superintendent. "CONECT gives us the digital infrastructure that will be instrumental in future modifications to the B-52 aircraft."

The CONECT upgrades include software and hardware such as new servers, modems, radios, data-links, receivers and digital workstations for the crew and will change the current appearance of the B-52 avionics system.

"It's going to look considerably different," Buxton said. "There will be six new monitors in the aircraft which will give us increased functionality. We'll be able to tie in more systems to those monitors."

The new displays will exhibit a multifunction, colored moving map at each crew position. This ensures all data is available to each crew member at all times.

"While we are traversing the world to get from point A to point B, we are actually receiving information regarding the battlefield in a real-time, immediate situation," said Maj. Maxwell Dipietro, the 20th Bomb Squadron director of operations. "We will arrive to the battlefield with all the information we need to prosecute targets."

A lot of effort went into the development of the new system and making sure that once newly installed in an aircraft, getting familiar with it would not be a lengthy process or a detriment to the mission.

"The great thing about this equipment is that a lot of it is based on the foundation of the equipment we currently have in the evolutionary data link," Dipietro said. "So a lot of the training will be similar."

This means that minimal training will be required to bring aircrews up to speed on the new equipment.

"There will be some indoctrination to the new equipment, but basically, our guys won't skip a beat as far as incorporating this and utilizing this equipment," Dipietro said.

Two Amphibious Assault Ships 'Parked Off of Egypt'

The amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) and the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) sail in formation during a simulated straits transit. San Antonio and Kearsarge are participating in a Composite Training Unit Exercise off the East Coast of the United States in preparation for an upcoming deployment this spring. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Abraham Essenmacher)

By Stars and Stripes| by Megan McCloskey

WASHINGTON -- As political unrest continues in post-coup Egypt, two amphibious assault ships have moved to the coast there, the commandant of the Marine Corps said Thursday.

The USS Kearsarge and the USS San Antonio “moved up into the Red Sea and parked off of Egypt,” a couple of nights ago, “because we don’t know what’s going to happen,” Gen. James Amos said.

Read the rest of this copyrighted article at http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/07/12/two-amphibious-assault-ships-parked-off-of-egypt.html?ESRC=navy-a.nl

Mode-S/ADS Milcom Intercepts 17 July 2013 - Btown NC

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

00000A Various   ---  2013-07-17 23:53:52 Various Various ---
AE1493 96-0043   PEACH88 2013-07-17 23:24:46 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB]  0000  27000   
AE11F0 82-0007   SNTRY50H 2013-07-17 23:10:12 E-3C United States USAF | 552ACW [KTIK]
AE11F0 82-0007   SNTRY50H 2013-07-17 21:14:27 E-3C United States USAF | 552ACW [KTIK]
AE4AF0 08-3175   E83175 2013-07-17 21:02:52 C-130J United States USAF | 317AG [KDYS]
AE0471 57-1451   SODA52 2013-07-17 20:14:45 KC-135R United States TN ANG | 134ARW | 151ARS [KTYS]
ADFE87 92-0552   PUMA71 2013-07-17 20:07:01 C-130H United States USAF | 19AW [KLRF]
AE10D5 165519   ---  2013-07-17 20:05:37 T-39G United States USN | TW-6 | VT-86 [KNPA]
AE07F7 97-0045   POLO87 2013-07-17 19:43:41 C-17A United States NY ANG | 105AW | 137AS [KSWF]  0000  17800   
AE11D2 71-1407   ---  2013-07-17 18:54:38 E-3B United States USAF | 552ACW [KTIK]
AE0471 57-1451   SODA52 2013-07-17 18:19:11 KC-135R United States TN ANG | 134ARW | 151ARS [KTYS]
AE10D5 165519   ---  2013-07-17 18:18:09 T-39G United States USN | TW-6 | VT-86 [KNPA]
AE0423 59-1505   SODA81 2013-07-17 17:48:59 KC-135R United States TN ANG | 134ARW | 151ARS [KTYS]
AE07F7 97-0045   POLO87 2013-07-17 17:29:51 C-17A United States NY ANG | 105AW | 137AS [KSWF]  0000  17800   
ADFCF4 95-0040   ---  2013-07-17 17:22:51 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS
AE0144 58-0060   STEEL64 2013-07-17 16:33:26 KC-135T United States PA ANG | 171ARW [KPIT]
AE07EC 96-0002   GRITS35 2013-07-17 16:31:02 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]
AE10D3 165517   ---  2013-07-17 16:00:35 T-39G United States USN | TW-6 | VT-86 [KNPA]
AE0144 58-0060   STEEL64 2013-07-17 15:58:59 KC-135T United States PA ANG | 171ARW [KPIT]
AE4AFB 08-5686   RCH154T 2013-07-17 15:30:52 C-130J United States USAF | 317AG [KDYS]
AE1466 06-6168   BOE168 2013-07-17 15:28:07 C-17A United States USAF | 436AW | 3AS [KDOV]
AE03F8 84-0154   ---  2013-07-17 15:09:43 C-12U United States LA ARNG | OSACOM Det38 [KHDC]
AE10D3 165517   ---  2013-07-17 14:39:04 T-39G United States USN | TW-6 | VT-86 [KNPA]
AE0176 84-0127   SPAR508 2013-07-17 14:31:12 C-21A United States USAF | 375AW | 457AS [KADW]
 00000A Various   ---  2013-07-17 14:26:02 Various Various ---
ADFE84 92-0549   PUMA72 2013-07-17 12:49:32 C-130H United States USAF | 19AW | 50AS [KLRF]
AE1286 69-5819   SHADO92 2013-07-17 04:41:46 MC-130p United States USAF | 1SOW | 9SOS [KHRT]
AE12B4 65-0993   SHADO91 2013-07-17 04:41:43 MC-130P United States USAF | 58SOW | 550SOS [KIKR]
ADFED3 85-1265   PAT1265 2013-07-17 02:19:08 C-12U United States VA ARNG | OSACOM VA RFC [KDAA]

Mode-S/ADS Milcom Intercepts 16 July 2013 - Btown NC

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

ADFD6C 90-00527   ---  2013-07-16 23:59:24 C-26D United States ---
AE11D7 75-0557   ---  2013-07-16 23:25:34 E-3B United States USAF | 552ACW [KTIK]
AE1198 03-3115   E33115 2013-07-16 23:18:19 C-17A United States MS ANG | 172AW | 183AS [KJAN]
AE02E1 81-0626   COBB 26 2013-07-16 23:11:12 C-130H United States AFRC | 94AW | 700AS [KMGE]
AE4EBA 168436   ---  2013-07-16 23:01:25 P-8A United States ---
AE4EB6 168432   ---  2013-07-16 22:57:36 P-8A United States VP-30
ADFCF6 95-0042   ---  2013-07-16 21:32:21 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS
AE11D7 75-0557   ---  2013-07-16 21:03:29 E-3B United States USAF | 552ACW [KTIK]
ADFED6 85-1268   ---  2013-07-16 20:52:49 C-12U United States US ARMY | OSACOM VA RFC [KDAA]
AE10CB 165509   ---  2013-07-16 20:36:46 T-39G United States USN | TW-6 | VT-86 [KNPA]  0000  12675   
ADFD6C 90-00527   ---  2013-07-16 20:03:22 C-26D United States ---
AF14EC ------   ---  2013-07-16 20:02:50 ------ United States ---
AE0405 97-1944   R1944 2013-07-16 19:54:55 C-37A United States US Army | OSACOM PATD [KADW]  ---  41000   
ADFE2F 2114   ---  2013-07-16 19:43:36 HU-25D United States USCG | CGAS Miami [KOPF]
AE120A 93-0697   ---  2013-07-16 19:24:43 RC-12N United States USARMY
AE04BA 58-0055   RCH1107 2013-07-16 18:37:56 KC-135T United States USAF | 92ARW [KSKA]
ADFED3 85-1265   PAT1265 2013-07-16 18:25:35 C-12U United States VA ARNG | OSACOM VA RFC [KDAA]
AE10CB 165509   ---  2013-07-16 18:19:58 T-39G United States USN | TW-6 | VT-86 [KNPA]  0000  12675   
AE10D5 165519   ---  2013-07-16 18:12:23 T-39G United States USN | TW-6 | VT-86 [KNPA]
AE07D0 89-1192   GRITS35 2013-07-16 16:59:13 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]  3011  26000   
AE0423 59-1505   SODA82 2013-07-16 16:49:13 KC-135R United States TN ANG | 134ARW | 151ARS [KTYS]
ADFCFD 95-0049   ---  2013-07-16 16:46:17 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS
ADFE2F 2114   ---  2013-07-16 16:32:25 HU-25D United States USCG | CGAS Miami [KOPF]
AE0423 59-1505   SODA82 2013-07-16 16:03:15 KC-135R United States TN ANG | 134ARW | 151ARS [KTYS]
AE0687 60-0349   LUCKY77 2013-07-16 16:01:30 KC-135R United States AFRC | 916ARW | 77ARS [KGSB]  0000  36000   
AE093D 01-0301   ---  2013-07-16 15:52:53 UC-35a1 United States US Army | OSACOM PATD [KADW]
AE4EB9 168xxx   ---  2013-07-16 15:49:34 P-8A United States ---
AE0405 97-1944   R1944 2013-07-16 15:23:49 C-37A United States US Army | OSACOM PATD [KADW]  ---  41000   
AE11FA 02-0203   BOXR141 2013-07-16 15:09:09 C-40C United States DC ANG | 113Wg | 201AS [KADW]  0000  34000   
ADFDC4 93-1457   EPIC88 2013-07-16 15:01:58 C-130H United States NC ANG | 145AW | 156AS [KCLT]
AE4E18 ------   ---  2013-07-16 15:00:51 HC-130J United States ---
AE0443 00-9001   ---  2013-07-16 15:00:05 C-32B United States NJ ANG | 108WG | 150SOS [KWRI]  ---  35975   
AE1211 03-0726   ---  2013-07-16 14:28:55 UC-35C United States USARC | 2-228 AVN
AE120A 93-0697   ---  2013-07-16 12:57:20 RC-12N United States USARMY
ADFE84 92-0549   PUMA 73 2013-07-16 02:19:52 C-130H United States USAF | 19AW | 50AS [KLRF]
ADFF8A 68-8148   ---  2013-07-16 02:19:52 T-38C United States 50thFTS
AE1BEF 07-4636   PUMA72 2013-07-16 01:54:12 C-130J-30 United States USAF | 19AW [KLRF]  0000  30025   
AE1531 06-4633   PUMA70 2013-07-16 01:48:00 C-130J-30 United States USAF | 19AW [KLRF]  0000  23975   
AE015B 58-0104   HAPPY63 2013-07-16 01:41:36 KC-135R United States IL ANG | 126ARW | 108ARS [KBLV]
ADFCFD 95-0049   ---  2013-07-16 01:28:22 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS
ADFC6B 90-0408   ---  2013-07-16 01:24:33 T-1A United States USAF | 71FTW | 32FTS [KEND]
AE03FD 84-0144   ---  2013-07-16 00:44:33 C-12C United States USN | TPS [KNHK]
AE07D6 92-3292   LIFTR51 2013-07-16 00:02:59 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]

CVN 77 Completes Another Historic Underway

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Samantha Thorpe, USS George H.W. Bush Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) returned to its homeport of Norfolk after a successful completion of yet another historic underway, July 16.

During the underway, the X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System demonstrator (UCAS-D) made its first carrier-based arrested landing on board the ship's flight deck.

"I am extremely pleased about how this underway went," said Capt. Andrew J. Loiselle, CVN 77's commanding officer. "This ship met all objectives and did everything asked of them and the distinguished visitors for the UCAS-D were handled with unbelievable precision."

This monumental event happened just two months after the UCAS-D's successful carrier-based catapult and touch-and-go operations on board CVN 77's flight deck.

"Seeing the UCAS-D accomplish all these historic things was exciting and a key stepping stone to our military's future," said Religious Programs Specialist 3rd Class Tyler Williams. "It was pretty cool to be on the ship during this and part of our nation's history."

Also during the weeklong underway, the ship completed three general quarters drills, including one chemical, biological, radiological attack drill and Sailors were given the opportunity to take part in the American Diversity Heritage Observance Committee (ADHOC) celebration of Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage month.

"I think it is important for us to understand a little bit about where everyone comes from and a little bit about their background," said Lt. Lisseth Calvio, the ship's ADHOC chair. "I think being able to learn about that can really help us to become a better and stronger crew."

USS George H.W. Bush is in port conducting training operations in preparation for the upcoming Tailored Ship's Training Availability/Final Evaluation Phase.

CAP Supports U.S. Air Force Firefighting Role

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Civil Air Patrol is providing communications support to Air Force National Guard and Reserve units when they are engaged in fighting forest fires in the western U.S.

The Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System, or MAFFS, Program provides emergency capability to supplement existing commercial tanker support on wildland fires. When all other air tankers are activated but further assistance is needed, the U.S. Forest Service can request help from the Air Force's MAFFS units. MAFFS Guard and Reserve C-130s drop water and special slurry on forest fires across the western states. Their activity is controlled by the Air Expeditionary Group in Boise, Idaho.

Recently CAP used HF radio communications to directly connect, for the first time, the Air Expeditionary Group with one of its C-130s flying near Phoenix, a distance of close to 700 miles.
“In the demanding work of flying against forest fires, safety is vital, and that means dependable communications,” said Malcolm Kyser, CAP’s chief of communications. “Not only did the Air Expeditionary Group use CAP’s HF system to communicate directly with MAFFS 9 in this test, but several CAP radio operators assisted and were standing by on the frequency to provide relay services, if needed.”

In addition to the C-130, the Air Expeditionary Group conducted radio checks with CAP stations in Arizona, Idaho and Washington. Additional CAP stations in Oregon, Colorado and Wyoming reported good readable signals and were prepared to relay message traffic.

“This is a great opportunity for CAP’s highly trained HF radio operators to provide critical communications support to deployed Air Force units on actual missions,” said John Desmarais, CAP director of operations. “First Air Force and even the Pentagon are well aware of these MAFFS fire fighting missions, and CAP is now able to provide a meaningful contribution to the safety and effectiveness of their sorties.”

The CAP Communications Program consists of radio stations manned by trained operators across the country, available on short notice to support the missions of CAP and of its partner agencies. In particular, CAP communications systems provide point-to-point, air-to-ground and ground mobile radios that allow mission completion even when the commercial communications infrastructure is unavailable or overstressed.

Blue Angels Announce 2014 Team Members

The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, take off as slot pilot Capt. Brandon Cordill shifts into position during a pilot proficiency flight. While the Blue Angels' 2013 air show season has been canceled due to sequestration, the pilots fly proficiency flights to maintain their qualifications in the F/A-18 Hornets. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kathryn E. Macdonald/Released)

Blog Ed Note: Hope this means they will perform next year and we can  get past these devastating budget cuts.

PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, announced the officers selected for the 2014 team July 12.

The squadron selected an administrative officer and a public affairs officer to join a pre-selected C-130 pilot and a maintenance officer on the 2014 team.

Many highly-qualified Navy and Marine Corps officers submit applications to join the Blue Angels each year. The Blue Angels select finalists to interview at the Blue Angels' home base at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., during the week of the Pensacola Beach Air Show. The team makes selections at the conclusion of the interview week.

The newly-selected 2014 team members include:

Administrative Officer:

Navy Lt. j.g. Phillip Harper, 33, from Chicago, is currently assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 195 (VFA-195), at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan. He is a 2011 graduate of Hawaii Pacific University, Honolulu.

Public Affairs Officer:

Navy Lt. j.g. Amber Lynn Daniel, 32, from Ramona, Calif., is currently assigned to the Navy Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Washington, D.C. She is a 2004 graduate of Southern Oregon University, Ashland, Ore.

Pre-selected to join the 2014 team were:

C-130 Pilot:

Marine Capt. Dusty Cook, 32, of East Bernard, Texas, is currently assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 (VMGR-252) at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, N.C. He is a 2003 graduate of Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.

Maintenance Officer:

Navy Lt. Cmdr. Declan Hartney, 43, of Limerick, Ireland, is currently assigned to Naval Special Warfare Support Activity 1 (NSWSA-1) at Naval Amphibious Base (NAB) Coronado, Calif.

Expected to return for the 2014 season are:

F/A-18 Demonstration Pilots:

Navy Cmdr. Tom Frosch, 43, of Clinton Township, Mich.

Navy Lt. Cmdr. John Hiltz, 33, of Fort Mitchell, Ky.

Navy Lt. Cmdr. Nate Barton, 33, of Hummelstown, Pa.

Marine Capt. Brandon Cordill, 33, of Hemet, Calif.

Navy Lt. Cmdr. David Tickle, 32, of Birmingham, Ala.

Navy Lt. Mark Tedrow, 31, of Charleroi, Penn.

Narrator

Navy Lt. Ryan Chamberlain, 28, of Bloomington, Ill.

Events Coordination Officer:

Navy Lt. Cmdr. Michael Cheng, 39, of San Francisco.

C-130 Pilots:

Marine Capt. A.J. Harrell, 32, of Frederick, Md.

Marine Capt. Mike Van Wyk, 31, of Orland Park, Ill.

Flight Surgeon:

Navy Lt. Cmdr. Mark DeBuse, 39, of Longmont, Colo.

Supply Officer:

Navy Lt. Scott Adams, 29, of Omaha, Neb.

The mission of the Blue Angels is to enhance Navy recruiting and credibly represent Navy and Marine Corps aviation to the United States and its Armed Forces to America and other countries as international ambassadors of good will.

Since its inception in 1946, the Blue Angels have performed for more than 484 million fans.

Unmanned drone crashes at Tyndall

 TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) -- An unmanned QF-4 drone, assigned here to the 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group, crashed on the drone runway during take-off at 8:25 a.m., July 17, 2013. No personnel were injured during the incident.

Base and local police officials have closed the highway near the crash site as a precautionary measure due to fires resulting from the crash and a small self-destruct charge carried on board the drone. The status of this device is unknown, however it is powered by a short-life battery that will be fully depleted in 24 hours.

The charge is used to destroy the drone if it leaves its pre-approved flight plan.

More details will be released as they become available.

(Courtesy of 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs)

Combat Air Forces to resume flying

Two F-22 Raptors fly over Wake Island as part of a rapid deployment June 21, 2013. Twenty-nine members from the Air National Guard and active-duty Air Force from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, teamed up to perform the deployment, conducted a site-survey for future contingency operations and performed emergency response training with local contractors. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Connie Reed

JOINT BASE LANGELY-EUSTIS, Va. (AFNS) -- Combat Air Forces, or CAF, units from multiple commands began flying again today after many stopped flying in April of this year due to sequestration.

The restored flying hour program represents $208 million of the $1.8 billion reprogramming allocation authorized by Congress. The money reinstates critical training and test operations for the CAF fleet across the Air Force for the remainder of fiscal 2013. This impacts not just Air Combat Command units, but also CAF units assigned to United States Air Forces Europe and Pacific Air Forces.

For ACC, the restored flying hours will be allocated to combat aircraft and crews across the command's operational and test units, including the Air Warfare Center's Weapons School, Aggressors and the Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team.

While the return to the sky means a return to crucial training and development for pilots, navigators, flight crews, mission crews and maintainers, the leader of the Air Force's CAF fleet cautions that this is the beginning of the process, not the end.

"Since April we've been in a precipitous decline with regard to combat readiness," said Gen. Mike Hostage, the commander of ACC. "Returning to flying is an important first step, but what we have ahead of us is a measured climb to recovery."

"Our country counts on the U.S. Air Force to be there when needed -- in hours or days, not weeks or months," Hostage said. "A fire department doesn't have time to 'spin up' when a fire breaks out, and we don't know where or when the next crisis will break out that will require an immediate Air Force response."

The restoration of flying hours only addresses the next 2 1/2 months of flying up until Oct. 1.

"This decision gets us through the next several months, but not the next several years," Hostage said. "While this paints a clearer picture for the remainder of (fiscal 2013), important questions remain about (fiscal 2014) and beyond. Budget uncertainly makes it difficult to determine whether we'll be able to sustain a fully combat-ready force."

Additionally, the restoration comes at a cost to future capability, including reduced investment in the recapitalization and modernization of the combat fleet, he said.

"We are using investment dollars to pay current operational bills, and that approach is not without risk to our long-term effectiveness," Hostage said. "We can't mortgage our future. America relies on the combat airpower we provide, and we need to be able to continue to deliver it."

Mode-S/ADS Milcom Intercepts 15 July 2013 - Btown NC

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

AF14EC ------   ---  2013-07-15 23:03:04 ------ United States ---
ADFCFD 95-0049   ---  2013-07-15 22:41:21 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS
AE1BEF 07-4636   PUMA72 2013-07-15 21:44:38 C-130J-30 United States USAF | 19AW [KLRF]  0000  30025   
ADFCE8 94-0137   ---  2013-07-15 21:10:14 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS
ADFCF3 94-0148   ---  2013-07-15 21:00:45 T-1A United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS
AE04AC 99-0103   ---  2013-07-15 20:51:00 UC-35a1 United States USARC | B/2-228 AVN (TA) [KMGE]
ADFE84 92-0549   PUMA 73 2013-07-15 20:44:59 C-130H United States USAF | 19AW | 50AS [KLRF]
AF14EC ------   ---  2013-07-15 20:06:03 ------ United States ---
AE1531 06-4633   PUMA70 2013-07-15 20:04:46 C-130J-30 United States USAF | 19AW [KLRF]  0000  23975   
AE143A 166715   ---  2013-07-15 19:50:07 UC-35D United States USMC | VMR-1 [KNKT]
AE1531 06-4633   PUMA70 2013-07-15 19:44:38 C-130J-30 United States USAF | 19AW [KLRF]  0000  23975   
AE10D5 165519   ---  2013-07-15 18:00:31 T-39G United States USN | TW-6 | VT-86 [KNPA]
AE4EB6 168432   ---  2013-07-15 17:26:30 P-8A United States VP-30
AE2FA2 08-8190   RCH404 2013-07-15 16:35:32 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]
AE05E4 88-4402   PAKR22 2013-07-15 16:05:07 C-130H United States AFRC | 440AW | 95AS [KPOB]
AE015B 58-0104   HAPPY61 2013-07-15 15:59:41 KC-135R United States IL ANG | 126ARW | 108ARS [KBLV]
AE4EB6 168432   ---  2013-07-15 15:42:00 P-8A United States VP-30
AF14EC ------   ---  2013-07-15 15:13:16 ------ United States ---
AE0110 94-1570   BOXER07 2013-07-15 14:36:15 C-38A United States DC ANG | 113Wg | 201AS [KADW]
AF14EC ------   ---  2013-07-15 13:31:27 ------ United States ---
924924 163591   GOTO FMS 2013-07-15 00:14:27 kc-130 United Kingdom ---

Breeze 2013 Wraps Up In the Black Sea

BURGAS, Bulgaria (NNS) -- A P-3C maritime patrol aircraft and aircrew assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 47 concluded their participation in the Bulgarian naval exercise Breeze 2013, July 16.

The annual Black Sea naval exercise involved units from the Bulgarian, Turkish, Italian and Greek navies, a U.S. Navy patrol airplane and ships from the Standing NATO Maritime Group 2.

"This visit and our combined training demonstrates that Bulgaria and the U.S. are committed to building our ability to operate together to maintain regional stability and maritime security," said Lt. Cmdr. Tim Ewing, U.S. Navy exercise officer in charge.

The exercise focused on air operations, maritime patrol, and search and rescue operations with the multinational participants, while participating in crisis response and counter-piracy scenarios.

The Bulgarian-led naval exercise also focused on enhancing the operational and tactical interoperability at sea between the Bulgarian naval units and regional partners in the Black Sea.

U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts a full range of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation missions in concert with coalition, joint, interagency, and other parties in order to advance security and stability in Europe and Africa.

Mobile Communications Satellite Scheduled to Launch July 19

Navy All Hands Video at http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18656

Transcript:

THE SECOND SATELLITE IN THE NAVY'S NEW MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK IS SET TO LAUNCH INTO ORBIT JULY 19TH.

THE MOBILE USER OBJECTIVE SYSTEM OR MUOS SATELLITE, IS A SYSTEM THAT USES COMMERCIAL 3-G CELL PHONE TECHNOLOGY TO PROVIDE COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES TO MOBILE MILITARY TROOPS.THE ASSISTANT PROGRAM MANAGER, COMMANDER MATT BOHLIN, EXPLAINS THE TIMELINE OF THE PROGRAM.

"SO MUOS 2 SORT OF REPRESENTS THE PENTULTIMATE MOMENT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MUOS PROGRAM, IN THE SENSE THAT, NOT ONLY ARE WE LAUNCHING THE SECOND SATELLITE, BUT THE GROUND SYSTEM, THE NETWORKING SOFTWARE, AND THE WAVEFORM, ARE ALL BEING DELIVERED WITHIN THE NEXT COUPLE OF MONTHS. SO WITH MUOS 2 ON ORBIT THIS FALL, WE WILL BE TESTING THE FULL MUOS SYSTEM WITH ALL OF THE NEW CAPABILITIES THAT IT BRINGS, THEN THAT WILL BE DELIVERED TO THE WARFIGHTER NEXT SUMMER."

MUOS WORKS LIKE A CELL TOWER TO SERVE SHIPS, SUBMARINES, AIRCRAFT AND LAND TERMINALS THAT THE MILITARY USES TO COMMUNICATE.

ONCE THE SYSTEM IS COMPLETE IN 20-17, IT WILL PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR MOBILE MILITARY COMMUNICATIONS LIKE NEVER BEFORE AND USERS WILL BENEFIT FROM THE SYSTEM IN MANY WAYS.

"OVER THE CURRENT UHF LEGACY SYSTEM, THE USERS GOING TO NOTICE MORE BANDWIDTH THAT'S ACCESSIBLE ON DEMAND AS OPPOSED TO PRE-PLANNING THE CHANNELS, BETTER VOICE QUALITY, SIMULATANEOUS VOICE AND DATA, BETTER CONNECTIVITY IN REMOTE REGIONS, WHILE THEY'RE ON THE MOVE IN URBAN ENVIORNMENTS, IN THE WEATHER... SO IT SHOULD BE A GREAT REVOLUTIONARY LEAP FOR UHF SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS FOR THE DOD."

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MUOS SATELLITE PROGRAM VISIT PUBLIC.NAVY.MIL/SPAWAR.

FROM THE DEFENSE MEDIA ACTIVITY, I'M PETTY OFFICER ANDREW JOHNSON

US Pacific Fleet Master Chief visits TACAMO Sailors

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chris Delano

TINKER AFB, Okla. (NNS) -- U.S. Pacific Fleet Master Chief (AW/SW) Marco Ramirez, visited Tinker Base, July 12, to talk with TACAMO (Take Charge And Move Out) Sailors stationed with Strategic Communications Wing 1.

During his visit, Ramirez toured workspaces and met with Sailors from several commands, including Strategic Communications Wing 1 and Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadrons (VQ) 3, 4 and 7.

"I need Sailors that lead people, priority one is warfighter readiness, which to me, means being ready and able to execute," said Ramirez during a meeting with the First Class Petty Officers. "This means that everyone in your work center is current on their required qualifications and actively pursuing other qualifications such as their warfare qualification, rating requirements and personal development."

Other topics discussed included the future of manning requirements, upcoming changes to CMS, and the effects of sequestration and concluded with a brief question-and-answer session on the newly revised Career Waypoint Program.

"I appreciated having a subject matter expert take the time to clarify the future program processes that impact my Sailors," said Master-at-Arms 1st Class (AW) Michael Hance. "This information allows me, as a leader, to help my Sailors make informed decisions about the opportunities available specifically to them and their career goals."
"You're an awesome team," said Ramirez. "I'm so proud of each and every one of you, and I hope that each of you make chief."

Ramirez's visit ended with a tour of Moore, Okla., which took a devastating hit from a tornado during two weeks of severe weather that began May 20.

"I think the Sailors here are doing a tremendous job," said Ramirez. "Their tremendous focus and resilience in face of the recent challenges is inspiring. I think they're carrying out the mission and have proven that they're ready to do whatever the nation calls upon them to do."

Task Force 124 also known as TACAMO is located in the heartland of America at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., and is responsible to Commander Naval Air Forces for manning, training and equipping the Navy squadrons responsible for Nuclear Command and Control Communications to the nation's nuclear triad mission.

GWCSG Kicks Off Talisman Saber 13

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At Sea (NNS) -- U.S. and Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Sailors from the George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GWCSG) began their portion of Talisman Saber 2013 off the northeast coast of Australia, July 15.

Exercise Talisman Saber 2013 is a biennial training activity aimed at improving Australian and U.S. combat readiness and interoperability.

"Talisman Saber 2013 demonstrates the U.S. and Australian commitment to enhancing security, peace and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region," said Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery, the commander of GWCSG. "Our alliance with Australia is solidly grounded in our shared values and common security concerns and approaches. We coordinate closely with our Australian partners to promote security throughout the region."

Over the next two weeks the GWCSG will participate in various events with their RAN partners including air-defense warfare, anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, visit, board, search and seizure, air-to-air training, and close-air support to amphibious forces.

"This exercise provides effective and intense training to ensure our forces are capable, interoperable, and deployable on short notice" said Montgomery. "It increases the ability of all participants to plan, coordinate and execute complex operations."

Participants from the GWCSG include Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) with embarked Carrier Air Wing 5, embarked Commander Destroyer Squadron 15, Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54), Arleigh-burke class guided-missile destroyers USS Lassen (DDG 82), USS Preble (DDG 88), USS Momsen (DDG 92), USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93), and the RAN guided-missile frigate HMAS Sydney (FFG 03).

USAF Thunderbirds to resume limited training flights

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Temporary funding for flying hours has been restored, allowing the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron to resume training flights again through the end of fiscal year 2013.

The team will not resume aerial demonstrations previously scheduled for the 2013 calendar year.

Gen. Mike Hostage, Air Combat Command commander, announced July 15 the temporary restoration of flying hours that will be allocated to combat aircraft and crews across the command's operational and test units, including the Thunderbirds. Due to sequestration, the team cancelled participation in air shows and stopped flying in April.

While the return to the skies means a return to crucial training and development for Thunderbirds pilots and maintainers, the leader of the Combat Air Forces' fleet cautions that this is the beginning of the process, not the end.

"Since April, we've been in a precipitous decline with regard to combat readiness," Hostage said. "Returning to flying is an important first step, but what we have ahead of us is a measured climb to recovery."

The restoration of flying hours only addresses the next two and half months of flying up until Oct. 1. Lt.Col. Greg Moseley, commander and leader of the Thunderbirds, clarifies that the return to flying does not mean the team has been cleared to resume performing demonstrations. The team will resume training flights with the anticipation that it may be able to resume a limited number of aerial demonstrations next calendar year.

"We have a long road ahead of us and will take it one day at a time," Moseley said. "This is the first step in safely returning the squadron to a mission-ready status."

In an effort to maximize training while anticipating limited 2014 funding, ACC has also announced an extension of the tour length for officers currently serving with the Thunderbirds.
Moseley says the decision was difficult but necessary.

"It takes a significant amount of training to get our pilots qualified to safely execute with the team," Moseley said. "Faced with limited funding in the future, we have to take every opportunity to ensure we put on a safe demonstration. Capitalizing on the experience we currently have is the right thing to do from a safety perspective, and it's the right thing to do from a fiscal perspective."

The 12 officer positions on the team are two-year tours of duty. By design, the position openings are staggered, allowing the squadron to maintain continuity of experience and leadership. This year, Thunderbirds 1,3, 6 and 8 were hired. The Thunderbirds announced the selection of these new officers in April. The decision to keep the current team rescinds this hiring announcement; the officers currently serving on the team will serve a third year.

Thunderbirds fans in the Las Vegas area should see the red, white and blue jets take to the sky in the next few days.