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AF News
Commission on AF structure to meet
The National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force will hold its first public hearing Tuesday, June 4th, 2013 in the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C.
President Obama and the chairmen and ranking members of both Armed Services Committees recently appointed eight members to serve on the Commission. The 2013 National Defense Authorization Act directed the establishment of this commission.
The Honorable Dennis M. McCarthy, Marine Corps Lieutenant General, (Ret) is the Commission's chairman and the Honorable Erin Conaton is the vice chair. The other Commission members are: F. Whitten Peters; Les Brownlee; Air Force General, (Ret) Raymond Johns, Jr.; Lieutenant General, Air National Guard (Ret) Harry M. "Bud" Wyatt, III, Dr. Janine Davidson; and Dr. Margaret Harrell.
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President Obama and the chairmen and ranking members of both Armed Services Committees recently appointed eight members to serve on the Commission. The 2013 National Defense Authorization Act directed the establishment of this commission.
The Honorable Dennis M. McCarthy, Marine Corps Lieutenant General, (Ret) is the Commission's chairman and the Honorable Erin Conaton is the vice chair. The other Commission members are: F. Whitten Peters; Les Brownlee; Air Force General, (Ret) Raymond Johns, Jr.; Lieutenant General, Air National Guard (Ret) Harry M. "Bud" Wyatt, III, Dr. Janine Davidson; and Dr. Margaret Harrell.
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SecAF: Sequestration hits AF readiness, modernization
Sequestration has hit the Air Force particularly hard, impacting its force structure, readiness and modernization, senior Air Force leaders said here today.
Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley and Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, the chief of staff, said Congress must provide a solid budget number so the Air Force can ground its planning in reality.
The Air Force understands it must do its part to work through the debt and deficit reduction problem, Welsh said.
"We just want to get to the bottom line or the new top-line budget ... and get on with preparing our Air Force to remain the best in the world," he said.
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Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley and Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, the chief of staff, said Congress must provide a solid budget number so the Air Force can ground its planning in reality.
The Air Force understands it must do its part to work through the debt and deficit reduction problem, Welsh said.
"We just want to get to the bottom line or the new top-line budget ... and get on with preparing our Air Force to remain the best in the world," he said.
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Arlington ceremony honors fallen service women
The Congressional Caucus on Women's Issues and senior women enlisted military members gathered at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial here May 22 for the 16th annual recognition ceremony.
An acknowledgement and wreath laying ceremony is held every year near Memorial Day to honor fallen servicewomen.
The wreath, provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs, was placed in front of the pool at the memorial. After the wreath was placed, members of the caucus and the honorees placed a long-stemmed rose in honor of the fallen around the memorial's pool.
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An acknowledgement and wreath laying ceremony is held every year near Memorial Day to honor fallen servicewomen.
The wreath, provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs, was placed in front of the pool at the memorial. After the wreath was placed, members of the caucus and the honorees placed a long-stemmed rose in honor of the fallen around the memorial's pool.
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Rescue Group Airmen pull hiker from Arizona mountain range
Airmen from the 943rd Rescue Group here set out in a HH-60G Pave Hawk for a training mission May 22, when they were notified that a hiker was unconscious from a fall and needed help .
The aircrew flew back to base, offloaded their weapons, fueled up, and picked up a Guardian Angel team, special operators trained in trauma medicine and high-angle rescue -- and then went to the hiker's aid.
Earlier in the evening, operators with the Arizona Department of Safety attempted to do a long-line rescue with their helicopter, but could not make it up the canyon as darkness was setting in. Wearing night vision goggles, the Airmen of the 943rd RQG hoisted the 17-year-old hiker to safety around 11 p.m.
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The aircrew flew back to base, offloaded their weapons, fueled up, and picked up a Guardian Angel team, special operators trained in trauma medicine and high-angle rescue -- and then went to the hiker's aid.
Earlier in the evening, operators with the Arizona Department of Safety attempted to do a long-line rescue with their helicopter, but could not make it up the canyon as darkness was setting in. Wearing night vision goggles, the Airmen of the 943rd RQG hoisted the 17-year-old hiker to safety around 11 p.m.
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AF provides special counsel to sexual assault survivors
Often, when survivors of sexual assault are "put on the witness stand, they can feel like they're being attacked," said Capt. Dustin Kouba, a special victims counsel attorney. "I feel like I'm almost defending them ... I'm like their big brother."
The Air Force is taking the lead on providing special counsel to survivors of sexual assault, spearheading a pilot program for the Department of Defense.
The goal of the Special Victims' Counsel (SVC) is to ensure the best possible care for our Airmen, who report they are the victims of sexual assault, by providing independent legal representation through an assigned Air Force attorney. Within 48 hours of the victim requesting the SVC, the SVC will contact the victim and remains their SVC throughout the entire legal process.
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The Air Force is taking the lead on providing special counsel to survivors of sexual assault, spearheading a pilot program for the Department of Defense.
The goal of the Special Victims' Counsel (SVC) is to ensure the best possible care for our Airmen, who report they are the victims of sexual assault, by providing independent legal representation through an assigned Air Force attorney. Within 48 hours of the victim requesting the SVC, the SVC will contact the victim and remains their SVC throughout the entire legal process.
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Afghan air force improves casualty evacuation capability
While the Afghan air force continues to take the lead and ownership of combat operations, they have also rapidly risen to the challenge of improving casualty evacuation, or CASEVAC, procedures by using both the Mi-17 helicopter and Cessna 208 aircraft.
Between December 2012 and April 2013, CASEVAC patient movement increased by 34 percent with the transportation of 192 patients. Also, with the newly formed concept of operations and emphasis on command and control, response time has been reduced from 72-hours to an average of just three hours.
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Between December 2012 and April 2013, CASEVAC patient movement increased by 34 percent with the transportation of 192 patients. Also, with the newly formed concept of operations and emphasis on command and control, response time has been reduced from 72-hours to an average of just three hours.
more...
F-35 ITF works toward night, weather certification
The F-35 Integrated Test Force is wrapping up a series of night flights, which are testing the aircraft's capability when flying in instrument meteorological conditions.
It is a necessary step in delivering a core competency to the warfighter - the ability to fly the jet safely when there are no external visibility references for the pilot.
"This will increase the combat capability eventually. But, in the interim, it will increase the training capacity. The capability to fly at night and in the weather is one of the core competencies that must be delivered to the warfighter," said Lt. Col. Peter Vitt, F-35 ITF director of operations. "This is about safety, specification compliance and predicting operational utility; it's our job to find out how well the system works, how well our pilots interact with the displays and how the navigational system works."
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It is a necessary step in delivering a core competency to the warfighter - the ability to fly the jet safely when there are no external visibility references for the pilot.
"This will increase the combat capability eventually. But, in the interim, it will increase the training capacity. The capability to fly at night and in the weather is one of the core competencies that must be delivered to the warfighter," said Lt. Col. Peter Vitt, F-35 ITF director of operations. "This is about safety, specification compliance and predicting operational utility; it's our job to find out how well the system works, how well our pilots interact with the displays and how the navigational system works."
more...
Commissaries plan for Mondays furlough
When furloughs are implemented, most military commissaries will close one day a week on Mondays, the Defense Commissary Agency's top official said. The closures will be for up to 11 days between July 8 and Sept. 30.
"We know that any disruption in commissary operations will impact our patrons. "Also, we understand the tremendous burden this places on our employees, who, when furloughed, will lose 20 percent of their pay," said Joseph H. Jeu, DeCA's director and CEO.
"We determined that Monday closures would present the least pain for our patrons, employees and industry partners," Jeu added.
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"We know that any disruption in commissary operations will impact our patrons. "Also, we understand the tremendous burden this places on our employees, who, when furloughed, will lose 20 percent of their pay," said Joseph H. Jeu, DeCA's director and CEO.
"We determined that Monday closures would present the least pain for our patrons, employees and industry partners," Jeu added.
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AF leaders remind force to be safe this summer
With Memorial Day kicking off this year's Critical Days of Summer Safety campaign, Air Force senior leaders have asked Airmen to be as intense about safety as they are about accomplishing the mission.
Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Mark Welsh, and the Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody issued a memo to the force, May 20.
"Your dedication to Excellence in All We Do means doing everything -- from our mission to summer recreation activities -- the right way," the memo states. "By definition, doing things the right way means the safe way."
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Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Mark Welsh, and the Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody issued a memo to the force, May 20.
"Your dedication to Excellence in All We Do means doing everything -- from our mission to summer recreation activities -- the right way," the memo states. "By definition, doing things the right way means the safe way."
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DOD firefighter certification program turns 20
It has shaped Department of Defense firefighters for two decades. This May, the DOD Fire and Emergency Services Certification Program that ensures military and civilian firefighters are properly trained, certified and qualified marks its 20th anniversary.
The Air Force Civil Engineer Center here manages the F&ESCP, the largest program of its kind, including 63 accredited in-residence and distance learning courses. Since it began, the F&ESCP has issued more than 570,000 certificates to more than 160,000 firefighters and federal emergency responders.
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The Air Force Civil Engineer Center here manages the F&ESCP, the largest program of its kind, including 63 accredited in-residence and distance learning courses. Since it began, the F&ESCP has issued more than 570,000 certificates to more than 160,000 firefighters and federal emergency responders.
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Director details furlough plans for DOD schools
Students, teachers and parents of the Defense Department's schools can be confident that despite the department's upcoming civilian furloughs, the school year will start on time, the Department of Defense Education Activity's director said May 22.
DODEA operates schools overseas and at some U.S. locations for the children of military families.
In an interview at the school system's headquarters at the Mark Center here, Marilee Fitzgerald told the Pentagon Channel and American Forces Press Service that while her workforce will be affected by the coming furloughs, leaders are working together to ensure the least possible impact on students.
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DODEA operates schools overseas and at some U.S. locations for the children of military families.
In an interview at the school system's headquarters at the Mark Center here, Marilee Fitzgerald told the Pentagon Channel and American Forces Press Service that while her workforce will be affected by the coming furloughs, leaders are working together to ensure the least possible impact on students.
more...
New under secretary visits Joint Base San Antonio
Eric Fanning visited with Airmen at Joint Base San Antonio May 16 and 17 during his first base trip as the under secretary of the Air Force.
His two-day visit to JBSA included stops at Randolph, Lackland and Fort Sam Houston, where he met with Airmen and got an overview of the military operations taking place in San Antonio.
"What a great way to begin my career in the Air Force by witnessing firsthand the very training environment that brings young men and women into the ranks as Airmen," Fanning said. He also thanked Airmen for their daily contributions to the Air Force mission. "Your role in providing critical training, professional education and vital medical care is crucial to the success of our Air Force."
Fanning began his visit with a meeting with Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr., commander of Air Education and Training Command, who gave him an overview of the many things going on in JBSA. While on JBSA-Randolph, he was also briefed on pilot instructor training at the 559th Flying Training Squadron and got a close-up view of a T-38 Talon, a two-seat, twin-engine supersonic jet trainer.
At JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, the newly appointed under secretary visited with Air Force wounded warriors, where he heard some of the Airmen's personal stories.
Fanning had breakfast with Airmen at JBSA-Lackland May 17 before attending a Basic Military Training graduation parade where he served as the reviewing official.
He addressed the graduates briefly before administering the oath of enlistment and reflected on the major accomplishment the Airmen have achieved over the past eight weeks.
"You are joining the best Air Force the world has ever known and we have no doubt you will make it better." Fanning said. "Commit to treating each other and yourself with respect and dignity, serve with integrity and you will accomplish more than you can imagine."
After the graduation parade, Fanning paid a visit to the 341st Training Squadron, where he received an overview of the Military Working Dog program. The squadron provides trained military working dogs used in patrol, drug and explosive detection, and specialized mission functions for the Department of Defense and other government agencies.
Fanning, escorted by Maj. Gen. Suzanne Vaurtrinot, 24th Air Force commander, toured the 24th Air Force headquarters facility and operations center where he was briefed on the Air Force's cyber mission. A subordinate unit to Air Force Space Command headquartered at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., the 24th Air Force mission is to extend, operate and defend the Air Force portion of the Department of Defense network and provide full spectrum capabilities for the Joint warfighter in, through and from cyberspace.
Fanning concluded his trip with a visit to the 323rd Training Squadron where he met with trainees and toured a newly constructed Airman Training Complex. more...
F-35 ITF works toward night, weather certification
The F-35 Integrated Test Force is wrapping up a series of night flights, which are testing the aircraft's capability when flying in instrument meteorological conditions.
It is a necessary step in delivering a core competency to the warfighter - the ability to fly the jet safely when there are no external visibility references for the pilot.
"This will increase the combat capability eventually. But, in the interim, it will increase the training capacity. The capability to fly at night and in the weather is one of the core competencies that must be delivered to the warfighter," said Lt. Col. Peter Vitt, F-35 ITF director of operations. "This is about safety, specification, compliance and predicting operational utility; it's our job to find out how well the system works, how well our pilots interact with the displays and how the navigational system works."
more...
It is a necessary step in delivering a core competency to the warfighter - the ability to fly the jet safely when there are no external visibility references for the pilot.
"This will increase the combat capability eventually. But, in the interim, it will increase the training capacity. The capability to fly at night and in the weather is one of the core competencies that must be delivered to the warfighter," said Lt. Col. Peter Vitt, F-35 ITF director of operations. "This is about safety, specification, compliance and predicting operational utility; it's our job to find out how well the system works, how well our pilots interact with the displays and how the navigational system works."
more...
Hagel emphasizes summer safety in message to Department
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel urged service members, civilian employees and their families May 23 to enjoy the upcoming summer, but to do so safely.
In a message to all Defense Department activities, Hagel emphasized the need to make good decisions during a time of year that resulted in more than 80 percent of the Department's noncombat deaths in 2012.
Here is the text of the secretary's message:
The summer months are often a high point of our year as we take a well-deserved vacation and spend time with family and friends. The summer allows for an opportunity to relax and refresh. However, many of the activities we pursue during our vacation time put us at risk for accidents that have potentially serious consequences.
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In a message to all Defense Department activities, Hagel emphasized the need to make good decisions during a time of year that resulted in more than 80 percent of the Department's noncombat deaths in 2012.
Here is the text of the secretary's message:
The summer months are often a high point of our year as we take a well-deserved vacation and spend time with family and friends. The summer allows for an opportunity to relax and refresh. However, many of the activities we pursue during our vacation time put us at risk for accidents that have potentially serious consequences.
more...
Minuteman III test launch a success
An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile was launched during an operational test at 6:27 a.m. (PST) May 22, from Vandenberg AFB, Calif.
Col. Brent McArthur, the 30th Space Wing's vice commander, was the launch decision authority.
The launch team, under the direction of the 576th Flight Test Squadron, included crew members from the 91st Missile Wing, Minot AFB, N.D. Maintenance and operations task force members from the 91st Missile Wing have also conducted operational tasks in support of the launch.
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Col. Brent McArthur, the 30th Space Wing's vice commander, was the launch decision authority.
The launch team, under the direction of the 576th Flight Test Squadron, included crew members from the 91st Missile Wing, Minot AFB, N.D. Maintenance and operations task force members from the 91st Missile Wing have also conducted operational tasks in support of the launch.
more...
Air Force leaders send Memorial Day message
Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III send the following Memorial Day message to Airmen of the U.S. Air Force and their families:
Memorial Day provides an opportunity to reflect upon the sacrifices of our nation's uniformed service members, particularly the more than one million Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who gave their "last full measure of devotion" to preserve the freedoms we cherish. Many of us can envision a specific individual -- a relative, friend, or coworker -- who has paid the ultimate price in defense of America. Take a moment -- right now -- and think of that person and their family ... thank them for giving their all.
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Memorial Day provides an opportunity to reflect upon the sacrifices of our nation's uniformed service members, particularly the more than one million Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who gave their "last full measure of devotion" to preserve the freedoms we cherish. Many of us can envision a specific individual -- a relative, friend, or coworker -- who has paid the ultimate price in defense of America. Take a moment -- right now -- and think of that person and their family ... thank them for giving their all.
more...
KC-46A training, operational bases, alternatives selected
Air Force officials announced today Altus Air Force Base, Okla., as the preferred alternative for the KC-46A formal training unit (FTU).
McConnell AFB, Kan., was selected as the preferred alternative for the first active duty led KC-46A main operating base (MOB 1) and Fairchild AFB, Wash., and Grand Forks AFB, N.D., are the reasonable alternatives.
The preferred alternative for the first Air National Guard KC-46A main operating base (MOB 2) is Pease Air Guard Station, N.H., and Forbes AGS, Kan.; Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J; Pittsburgh IAP AGS, Pa., and Rickenbacker AGS, Ohio, are reasonable alternatives.
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McConnell AFB, Kan., was selected as the preferred alternative for the first active duty led KC-46A main operating base (MOB 1) and Fairchild AFB, Wash., and Grand Forks AFB, N.D., are the reasonable alternatives.
The preferred alternative for the first Air National Guard KC-46A main operating base (MOB 2) is Pease Air Guard Station, N.H., and Forbes AGS, Kan.; Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J; Pittsburgh IAP AGS, Pa., and Rickenbacker AGS, Ohio, are reasonable alternatives.
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AF 7 Summits team scales Everest
A group of Airmen with the Air Force Seven Summits team reached the highest point of the world, Mount Everest (29,035 ft.) just after 5 a.m. local time May 19.
The success marks the first time a team of military members from any nation has reached the highest point on all seven continents: Mount Elbrus Europe; Mount Kilimanjaro Africa; Mount Aconcagua South America; Mount McKinley North America; Mount Vinson Antarctica; Mount Kosciuszko Australia and Mount Everest Asia.
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The success marks the first time a team of military members from any nation has reached the highest point on all seven continents: Mount Elbrus Europe; Mount Kilimanjaro Africa; Mount Aconcagua South America; Mount McKinley North America; Mount Vinson Antarctica; Mount Kosciuszko Australia and Mount Everest Asia.
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Tinker AFB aircraft return to Oklahoma after diverting to Arizona
Six Air Force E-3 Sentries and two Navy E-6B Mercuries returned to Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., May 21 after diverting here in advance of severe weather in Oklahoma.
The E-6Bs and one E-3 arrived May 17, while the other five E-3s arrived May 20 with less than eight hours notice. The inclement weather that caused the aircraft to divert included a tornado that touched down, destroying Moore, Okla., a small town located about 3 miles south of Tinker AFB.
The 964th Airborne Air Control Squadron deputy officer made the decision for the aircraft to divert here due to inclement weather, said Airman 1st Class Barbie Kramer, a 355th Operations Support Squadron airfield operations coordinator. Davis-Monthan AFB was chosen over other bases due to its location and 24/7 operations with a ramp space to support the heavy aircraft.
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The E-6Bs and one E-3 arrived May 17, while the other five E-3s arrived May 20 with less than eight hours notice. The inclement weather that caused the aircraft to divert included a tornado that touched down, destroying Moore, Okla., a small town located about 3 miles south of Tinker AFB.
The 964th Airborne Air Control Squadron deputy officer made the decision for the aircraft to divert here due to inclement weather, said Airman 1st Class Barbie Kramer, a 355th Operations Support Squadron airfield operations coordinator. Davis-Monthan AFB was chosen over other bases due to its location and 24/7 operations with a ramp space to support the heavy aircraft.
more...